Storiesonline.net
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                                 Tycoon
                             by Raven Soule

Copyright© 2009 by Raven Soule


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Description: A lottery win leads to a new life, women, assassination attempts and slaves. Suddenly I am living in 'interesting times'.

Codes: MF Mf FF Ff cons slave inc mother sis dau span lght harem oral anal mastrb exhib voy slow
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Chapter 1

Day 1

I'm sitting on the train going to London. This is the first day when I will not have a 'place of work' to go to. The 'why' of that is simple, it's the result of an £89M lottery win. Yes that's right — eighty nine million, seven hundred and sixty two thousand, six hundred and twenty two pounds and forty two pence. And in the UK you can claim it anonymously, it's all tax free.

And so I handed in my resignation and went home and told my wife. Err ... No. I went home and told my wife I had been offered another job. A job that involved a lot of international travel, some of which I would be taking her on, but also involved long hours. Twelve hours a day for four days and then four days off. And the pay is three times what I am getting now.

The bit about the pay pleased her. Why didn't I tell her about the win? Well, if I had told her, she would have spent, given away or have been conned out of the lot within five years. My wife is worse than useless with money. She spends like a drunken sailor on payday and believes every sob story and con that she hears. So, I will provide her with money to spend, travel to the places she wants to go and expensive, shiny beads and trinkets for presents.

And, finally, if we were together all of the time I would leave her within a month, I would have too. The other choice would be to kill her, or myself. But one of us would have to go. She is too dependent, or wants to be, tries to be, dependant on whoever she is with at the time.

So it's Day 1 and I'm 'off to work' at my 'new place'. Except that I haven't yet got a new place and I am not sure where to look for a new place. Ah well, it will be something for me to do.

Note to self — change season ticket to first class with all of the bits & pieces.

Note to self — buy a notebook so that I can write down all of these notes to self.

London Saint Pancras International station never looked so lovely. It is a fabulous place, a magnificent building and has just gone through a major, though sensitive and sensible, refurbishment to accept the Eurostar train services. I had never had time to have a look round before, so today I did. I had a coffee on the upper concourse and looked at the 'Champagne Bar'. Billed as the longest in Europe, it is a fairly small BAR with a long seating area. Personally I think they're cheating.

Getting bored, I moved out of the station and, just across the Euston Road, I saw a wonderful sign, 'Fully Serviced Offices to let'. I crossed the road and entered. At the reception desk I asked about letting an office. The receptionist was helpful and called down one of their admin / sales people straight away.

Two hours later and I now have an office and a company phone number. The phone is serviced by the receptionist as if she were my company's own receptionist. I asked how she did that and, once explained, it was simple and quite obvious. The office letting company has a series of phone numbers (one of which is now 'mine') which all enter their exchange. The name of the company whose number has been called is displayed to the operator together with a script for that company. I called my new number from my mobile and she showed me the resulting display. Asking me a set of questions from a help sheet on her desk, she changed a few things to suit me and my company, entering my name and the company name obviously, and then I went for lunch. After all, I have put in nearly three hours of hard graft and we tycoons need to recharge our batteries.

Out of the office and turn right. I had seen some cheap cafes down here when I was crossing the road from the station but before I got into one, I saw something else I wanted, Gray's Inn Road. Gray's Inn Road is home to hundreds of solicitors (the legal kind not the other kind although there are also loads of those in the area.) It took me ten minutes and a hundred yards of walking before I found what I really wanted, an obviously new, 'I'm a Solicitor' sign.

Walking in, I introduced myself and asked to see 'The Man'. The man was actually a young lady named Sasha, fresh out of university and with enough 'Daddy's Money' to launch her legal career with a practice in Gray's Inn Road.

I sat and told Sasha what I wanted, a company to be legally established, and she told me I could either buy one 'off the shelf' or I could create a new one. An off the shelf model was cheap and quick. So I got one. But I had to have the existing name of the company. I could be 'Shield Brooke Investment Associates' (which I now was), Trading as Insert the company name I really wanted here. So I also asked her to start work on setting up a new company, one just for me. This took ninety minutes and I was now very hungry. A nearby pub offered food so I partook of a very nice Shepherd's pie.

Lunch over, it was back to the office for some planning.

The rest of the day was taken up in planning what I wanted to do next. There were a number of points I had to get sorted out.

My money.

What am I going to DO?

How am I going to do it?

Where am I going to do it?

These four simple headings expanded into five closely written A4 pages of notes. The first thing I decided was to get some help. A temp from an agency would do to start with. I could sort out something more permanent later.

Day 2

The train again, I had hoped to get to the station early so I could change my ticket. But I like my bed too much to get up especially early. The six-forty two is early enough.

Today I picked up a coffee from Costa on the way to my office. It feels so good to say that, 'on the way to my office'.

Item one on my 'to do' list was get a temp. One of the things in the desk drawer was a local business directory. A quick glance through and I noticed a national temp agency listed, its address was just down the street. I called and asked for a temp. I wanted someone flexible for both hours and tasks, had to be reliable and a self starter. They said that they had the ideal person actually in the office and would send her straight over. That was at quarter to nine.

It was quarter to twelve when she walked in. She sat, without an invitation, and started her speech immediately.

"I don't make tea or coffee and I don't do shopping. I don't take stuff to the dry cleaners, nor pick it up either. I don't take post to the post office and I don't do cleaning."

As she drew a breath I interrupted. "And you don't work here."

The look of shock on her face was wonderful. Just who did this idiot think she was?

"Don't you know who I AM?" she demanded as if I was a simpleton.

"No," I said coldly, "and I don't much care who you think that you are."

"You HAVE to take me. My Daddy will make you."

"Well, Miss," it took the greatest amount of patience to maintain my calm, "you know where I work, just tell your Daddy to come here and see me."

I stared at her for over a minute. It was obvious that she had never been treated like this before. I wondered how her other employers had put up with her.

"Now please get out before I have security remove you."

"But ... But..." she stammered.

"NOW!" I slammed my hand down on the desk. The loud bang startled her but got her moving.

Sobbing, she left.

I phoned the agency so as to have my say before she returned and told her version of the affair. They were very surprised that I said she had turned up only ten minutes before as she really had been in their office when I called, and she had left straight away to come to me. Their office was within a hundred yards of mine.

After dealing with the 'Princess' I decided that I needed a bit more protection. After all I was a man and would be alone in an office with a female. It would be my word against hers should any type of allegation be made. I called reception and asked if I could speak to someone from security.

Apparently what I wanted wasn't all that unusual in this type of short-let offices. He showed me the cameras and microphones which were already fitted into the walls and ceilings and he also showed me that each was unconnected before he connected them. He then showed me the website on which I could view and listen to the recordings. The recordings were on a digital device so I could watch what was currently happening and pause or rewind the video as I needed to.

I called the agency again and asked for another temp, they said they would send someone round.

Within ten minutes Julie arrived.

I explained to Julie that I didn't really know yet what I wanted her to do, what her responsibilities would be. I wanted her to be flexible, have a little give and take. She agreed and hung up her coat.

Julie would make tea.

Day 5

What she would not do was turn up on time or stay until the end. Her hours were nine to five with an hour for lunch. She turned up between ten and eleven and left by four. When she handed me her timesheet it was made out for the full day, not the times that she had actually worked. I refused to sign, telling her that she hadn't worked those hours so I wouldn't pay her for them. She laughed at me.

"If you think that you can use the swipe card system to check the times I arrived and left then you don't know the law," she said. She had obviously pulled this one before.

I logged onto the security website and pulled up yesterday's video of the outer office and her desk. I turned the monitor toward her and then fast forwarded the video, the time clearly visible on the screen.

"I can use this though. And, for your information, I do know the relevant laws, which are the DPA and the RIPA. So come on, take me to court." This time I was the one who laughed.

Ten minutes later she left, without submitting another timesheet.

The agency called and asked about her timesheet. They said that she told them that she had worked the full hours and that I wasn't paying her as she had refused to sleep with me. They were quite surprised when I laughed.

"Bring it on." I said, still laughing.

I called Sasha and asked for an appointment on Monday morning.

My appointment with Sasha was fun. She came round to my office and had a quick look round prior to seeing the evidence against Julie. Sasha grinned in a most predatory way.

"I'm going to win my first case against a major company with this one. Daddy will be pleased."

I didn't ask who 'Daddy' was and she didn't say.

I spent the rest of the week alone, researching.

Day 11

I have just tried the agency and they won't send me anyone as I am suing them and they seem to take a dim view of being sued for timesheet fraud. Wonder why.

I went round to another agency, a local one. I had seen their office on my way to the pub for lunch. It was a dingy, single room affair and, right from the start, I just didn't like the manager, but I did need help. I was spending far too much time doing the little things, printing letters and getting them posted, opening the morning mail, things that I shouldn't be wasting my time on. Almost with regret I signed the forms and left a deposit. Then he spoke to one of the girls sat on a bench at the back of the room. She stood and came to me. As she passed him he swatted her backside and leered at me.

"You be good girl now. Do what told, eh." Again he leered.

I was quite shocked. I wasn't a militant socialist or anything like that. I believed that people have to look after themselves. I also knew that some people couldn't do this for a number of reasons. This woman, no she was just a young girl, this girl was most likely being exploited and she may need some help.

I took her straight round to Sasha's and I went back to my office while Sasha explained the girl's rights to her. After an hour Sasha and the girl came into the office.

Sasha spoke with me in my office while the girl waited in the middle office.

"She won't make a complaint against him. I think he has some kind of hold over her."

We left my office and I saw the girl sat trembling in a chair, her coat still on and eyes down cast.

I said goodbye to Sasha and to my surprise she kissed my cheek.

"Be good to her," she looked down at the girl, "she really needs someone to look after her." And she left.

"Well, Miss, would you come with me."

She sprang to her feet and followed closely as I returned to my office. She stood in front of my desk ignoring the chair there, even when I told her to sit.

"I can't keep calling you Miss, Miss. So what can I call you? What's your name?"

"Name Karolina. You call what want."

"Karolina." I said trying to get the hardness of the 'k' and the ending 'a' right. "That is a nice name." I stopped using contractions as I knew some people learning English didn't 'hear' the contraction, just the main word and it encouraged them to lose the smaller words.

She stood about five foot three inches, slim (actually going on skinny), short, dark, curly hair and a pleasant roundish race.

And she was everything I wanted in a temp. She came in on time and stayed until we finished. And when I said 'we' I meant 'we'. Every day at five o'clock I would tell her to leave and she would say, "Boss need. I stay."

And yes, I did need her, she was a godsend.

At the end of the week she gave me her timesheet and I changed it to show the hours she had actually worked and signed it. I also gave her an envelope with £200 in it and a note saying, 'Have a nice dinner on me.'

Day 16

And if you are trying to work out the day numbering I am counting working days. So this is Monday of the fourth week that I have been 'working for myself'.

Karolina brought in a surprise.

"Sir."

"I am not Sir, Karolina. Please call me Paul."

"Yes Sir." I could 'hear' the capitals.

"Sir." I gave in as I so often did with her. "You make big bigger mistake with letter."

She handed me the envelope that I had given her on Friday evening.

"Oh what mistake?" I looked at her puzzled.

"You give pay five week. You not need give pay. Tadeusz give me pay £40 for week like he said. You not need give pay."

WHAT THE FUCK!

I had paid over £1200 for her help last week and she had received £40, FORTY QUID!

"Karolina, I gave you that money to say thank you for working so hard and for being so very helpful to me. That money is yours; you do not need to tell Tadeusz about that money."

"But if I not tell Tadeusz then he not do tax and tax people put in prison and ra ... and hurt me. I must tell Tadeusz."

"Karolina, do you trust me?"

"Oh yes, you not boss like Jennifer say. You good man. me trust."

"Well then, Karolina, sit down on that chair and wait for a little while.

Who did I call? Sasha of course.

Within minutes she came round and kicked me out of my office so they could talk.

Sasha came out and sat beside me.

"How much do you want to do for her? And it may well be her family as well as her."

"A lot, I like her. Karolina has come to mean a lot to me. She is brilliant as an assistant and we work well together."

"Are you fucking her?"

"NO!"

"A little grope here and there maybe."

"No, nothing like that at all. I haven't touched her or anything."

"Ummm ... That's what she said. I can't believe it but that's what both of you say. So, as unbelievable as it seems, I guess it might be true." She smiled, a big smile.

"Now this is going to cost a LOT!" Sasha looked at me meaningfully. "Thousands."

I took my cheque book out of my pocket and wrote a cheque for £20,000.

"That will do to start but this is going to cost a lot more than this."

I took that cheque from her hand and tore it up. I wrote out another cheque for £100,000. I was determined to help Karolina and I could afford to. I had no hesitation about this. I WAS GOING TO HELP HER!

"Thanks." she said as she tore up the cheque. "I just wanted to make sure."

Then Sasha told me some things about Karolina's situation. How her mother had been brought to England by Tadeusz, to work for him in his temping agency. How they had been cheated again and again. How Karolina was being paid £1 per hour for the temping she was doing. And how she was expected to 'do more'. I didn't understand what 'do more' meant. Sasha just looked at me as though I was a child, a particularly slow child.

"Now, if you want to really help her, can you get her out of London for a few days?"

"Of course I can. She has a passport of course."

"No. She has an Identity Card and so does her mother, but their passports are being 'looked after' by Tadeusz."

"Oh! No problem," I said and Sasha went back into my office.

Thirty minutes later they both came out.

"You'll have to tell her yourself what you want her to do." Sasha said.

"Karolina! Go and get your mother. Bring her here. Now!"

Karolina bobbed down and then scurried out.

Sasha looked a little surprised.

"You might have what it takes," she said. "Now, for the rest of her problems, I'm going to ask Daddy to help."

"Daddy?" I said.

"Oh yes, Daddy!"

Sasha gave me a Mona Lisa smile, and then to my surprise, kissed me on my lips, her tongue darting into my mouth for a quick test. I was, of course, too surprised to explore her mouth.

"Get them out of London quickly please. And keep them away for at least two days."

"Of course."

"And Paul..."

"Yes?"

"Karolina needs a good fucking."

"Uh?"

"Give it to her once or twice." She laughed. "You never know you might even like it."

Still laughing, she left, leaving me with more questions than I had answers for.



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Chapter 2


I got back to work for a while.

I had just finished arranging for a large sum of cash for me to be waiting at a bank in Ayrshire when there was a knock on my door.

"Come in," was my automatic reply.

Karolina almost pulled in a woman who was obviously her mother. She was what Karolina would be in fifteen, no not even that, twelve years. She had obviously had her first baby young.

"Sir,"

"Paul,"

"Yes Sir. Sir is mother, Joasia."

Joasia was, perhaps, an inch smaller than her daughter but identical in every other way. Slim, almost skinny, small breasted with short, dark, curly hair. They looked more like sisters than mother and daughter.

I stood and held out my hand. Karolina spoke quickly to her mother who then reached out her own hand to mine and we shook.

She leaned to Karolina and said something in Polish. Probably calling me an idiot I thought.

Then the fire alarm went off. I held onto Karolina's hand as she wanted to leave the building as everyone should.

I waited until the clock said twenty past and then pulled them out into the hall.

We went down the stairs, six flights, to the lower basement garage. I led them to a small Fiat Punto parked in a dimly lit corner and they got in the back, I got in the front and waited. Three minutes later my diversion arrived, three high powered cars with a man and two women inside each. They roared out of the garage and I waited. Ten minutes later the lights in the garage went out and I calmly drove to the exit.

There was no one outside when we left the garage. I drove, calmly and always within the speed limit, out to the M1.

Two hours later we were in Leicester. After a torturous route through the back streets, through which only a helicopter could have tracked us, we pulled into one of the Leicester General Hospital's car parks.

I got out and led my two ladies through the hospital to a side exit. On the way we were given a large colourful umbrella.

At the side exit we waited with three other groups, all holding similar umbrellas, until the hospital tannoy system called out, "Dr Hogg, Ward six please. Dr Hogg, Ward six."

I opened the umbrella and gave it to Karolina, then pulled both of them close into me.

Under the cover of the umbrella I guided them to a flashy high powered Jaguar in the nearby car park. We got in and dropped the umbrella and I drove off.

As we drove up the A6 I told them that three other cars had left the hospital at the same time, two of them Fiat Puntos. The Fiats were heading back to London. We should be in the clear now.

I stopped at Cockermouth. I thought that the name itself was worth a visit. Cockermouth is a small town in the hills of Cumbria. Well worth a visit but try to be a little more awake than we were when we booked in. I had booked two rooms, a twin and a single. I thought that a twin and the next door double were fine though. We were led to our rooms and, after a quick shower, I went to bed. Of course I had not checked that the adjoining door was bolted.

I had been asleep for an hour or so when I heard the voices. Someone was urging someone else to do something, there was silence for a moment and then my bed rocked a little as Karolina got in.

"Sorry Sir," she was almost crying. "Momma make sleep here."

"Don't worry, Little Bird," I said. I had never called her that, but that is what she reminded me of, a helpless, fluttering little bird. Small and weak, intelligent but needing looking after for a while until she grew up a bit more.

We went to sleep on our own sides of the bed. We woke together, cuddling each other. I had a small firm breast in my hand, its hard nipple pressing into my palm.

I also had a small hand curled around my cock.

I woke and lay for a while just enjoying the feeling of her body against mine, her breast in my hand and her hand around my cock.

Only ninety minutes later we were on the road again. I would like to say that Karolina and I had spent most of that time having hot sweaty sex. But we hadn't. We had both got up and she had scurried back to the other room, I watched the naked buttocks disappear and sighed. She really did look good nude.

I drove us slowly north as the two ladies spoke quietly. I am sure that Joasia was calling both of us idiots for not taking advantage of the situation last night. I think she thought that I was the bigger fool.

After a slow drive through the countryside we stopped at the Dobroyd Castle Hotel. Again we booked into two adjoining rooms. Joasia got a little surprise when she tried to tell Karolina to go into my room though.

"No!"

They both looked at me a little shocked.

"Karolina you sleep in there." I pointed to the further room.

"Joasia, you sleep in here," I pointed to the closer room, "with me."

"Tak" Was all she said.

I followed her into the room, went into the bathroom and started the shower running. Coming back into the bedroom I saw her standing by the bed.

"I am going to have a shower before we have dinner," I told her and I undressed. I didn't force my undressing onto her, nor did I hide it. I just undressed and walked naked into the bathroom. The shower was at one end of the bath. A clear glazed screen helped keep the shower spray in the bath. I stood in the bath, under the spray, letting the warmth of the water ease away some of the stress from the last few days.

I had been relaxing under the spray for about a minute before I felt a hand on my shoulder, another on my waist and she gently pulled me back away from the water.

"Close eyes please," she said and I did. Her hands left my body and then she started washing my hair. I am much taller than she so she was reaching up quite a way and this made her stand very close to me. I realised that when I felt her nipples brushing against my back. Then she reached a little higher and her breasts were pressing against me.

"You enjoy?"

I pressed back against her and felt her push back in response.

"Yes I am enjoying this. It is a great kindness you are doing for me."

"Woman do for man. Not bother." Through the suds I smiled.

She washed all the way down my back, using her hands not a wash cloth. Her fingers alternately pressed hard and soft. When she reached my buttocks she slipped her soapy hand along the crack all the way to my balls.

"Open legs please."

I did, now she slid both hands alternately back to front. Each time she cupped my balls. She pressed her fingers along the root of my rigid cock. Then I felt her rest against my back. One hand between my legs the other curled around me to hold me close. Her chest hot against me and her nipples like little solid pebbles digging into my back and side. Then I felt a finger press against my ass. The soapy digit soon eased its way inside me and she thrust forward and back.

"Man like do woman, yes?"

"Oh yes!" I answered with a gasp. I gasped as she pulled her finger out of me and then turned me to face her.

"I do front now." she said with a smile.

I looked down at her naked body as she rubbed the bar of soap in her hands. She put the soap down and started washing my chest.

"OK touch me."

My cock was already bashing her stomach. I lifted my hands to her face and tilted it up to me. I kissed her and she readily accepted my tongue. As we kissed she ran her hands along the length of my cock. Then she started pulling and tugging. Getting closer to cumming I broke the kiss. When I did she started to drop to her knees. The very thought of her hot mouth on me sent me over the edge and as she leaned toward my cock I came.

A string of pearly cum stretched across her face. Some had shot straight into her mouth and she looked up and showed it to me, a small pool of cum on her tongue. Then she swallowed it. She had wanted me to know that she really had swallowed it.

I lifted her to her feet and kissed her again. Trapping some of my cum between our cheeks as we kissed. She broke away in horror.

"No ... no, man not like own ... own..." she searched for the word in English.

"Semen, it is called semen but most people call it cum."

"Man not like own cum in mouth."

"You took it in your mouth," I said (I thought quite reasonably.)

"Ha! Woman do this things. Man not do this things. Not man things." As we were talking she had been rinsing me off. Now soap free I got out of the bath and then lifted her out. I placed her on the sink unit between the two sinks. Pressing her shoulders back I laid her down as much as she was able to. I then grasped her ankles and lifted and spread her legs very, very wide. She was opened out in front of me, her opened legs pulling her puffy outer lips open.

"Now you fuck me yes?"

"Now I fuck you no." I answered.

I knelt before her and spread her hair away from her slit. With my tongue I gently stroked along the length of her sex and then returned the whole length from her rosebud ass to her clit.

"This is a man thing." I said.

Her gasp of surprise and pleasure spurred me to greater efforts. I concentrated on her clit and slit and only moments later she had her fingers entwined in my hair and was pulling me onto her sex.

Her climax was a wonder to behold. As she was approaching her peak her hands shot above her head and she spread her legs even wider. Her whole body went rigid and she gave a thin high wail. Tendons and ligaments stretched her skin in arms and legs. And she flushed down below her breasts. She panted and gasped as I gently stroked her, bringing her back from her peak.

I spent five minutes with her before I thought it was safe to leave her. She stood on shaky legs and looked in the mirror. Her chest was still flushed, her nipples crinkled and hard. Her face was still cum streaked with cum drying in her hair.

"Oh look. What you done. Go now let wash you cum from face."

She pushed me towards the door. Before she pushed me through though she kissed me. Running her hand gently over my cock and balls.

"Thank you. You good man. I want see you good fuck me."

Before she finally pushed me out I grabbed a towel and then left.

I heard her muttering to herself in Polish as she got back into the shower.

I dried and dressed. Then I found her bag and picked out what I wanted her to wear. I took a small suitcase lock from my bag and locked her case.

Soon enough she came out of the bathroom still drying herself. She saw the skirt, blouse and shoes I had laid out for her and then laughed.

"Like man forget bra and pant."

She went to her case and saw the lock.

"Oh. Not forget. Joasia not wear bra and pant."

"No I did not forget the bra and panties." I took the towel from her and she stood without shame, naked in front of me, nipples hardening as I watched.

"And tomorrow, before we leave, you will shave this," I tugged on her pubic hair.

"Shave what to look like?"

"Shave to look like baby."

"Oh." she said and glanced down at her soon to be gone pubes. "Shave all?"

"Yes, shave all. And Karolina needs to shave all as well."

"Ah easy. You boss, boss tell Karolina shave." She smiled at that.

She dressed in her blouse and skirt, and slipped on her shoes.

We knocked on the adjoining door and Karolina entered.

"Come on let us eat."

I led them to the lift, Joasia by my side and Karolina following. As we walked down the corridor I slipped my hand under Joasia's skirt and caressed her bum cheeks. We heard Karolina gasp but Joasia said nothing.

We had a very good meal. Even by London standards this was good. I had a local trout and the ladies had the lamb. I will say it again, it was very good.

As we sat relaxing, me with a Southern Comfort, Joasia with a Napoleon Cognac and Karolina with a white wine. Joasia leant toward Karolina and pointed at me.

"Beast," she said in English wanting me to know what she was saying.

"Not let wear bra or pant. Panty..." she looked at me for confirmation of the pronunciation.

"Panties." I said trying to enunciate clearly.

"No panties," she corrected. "Beast want peek my tits and..." she looked at me again.

"Pussy is a good word to use."

"He want peek tits and pussy."

"Yes I do. Look at your blouse and see the buttons all done up. I can not peek at your tits with your blouse shut."

The blood drained from her face and her hand shot up to cover her mouth.

"Sir..." she began as tears started to fall from her eyes.

"Stop!" I had to command. I didn't want to have to explain a sobbing woman to the dining room staff.

Joasia quietened, looking fearfully at me.

Now I took a step out into the unknown.

"Joasia," I gave her a rolled up napkin. Hold this in your hands.

She did, each hand holding half of the cloth.

"That is the way I want you to hold the napkin," I said. "Now hold it like that behind your back."

Her eyes widened a little but she complied. I looked and agreed that she was holding it correctly.

"Now Joasia. You must not let go of the napkin. If you let go of it even for a moment I will punish you."

She nodded, when I mentioned punishing her, her breathing increased and her nipples pushed hard against her blouse. She nodded in reply.

"Karolina, you will take Joasia to the toilets," I pointed to where the Ladies were, "and you will unbutton her blouse until you think that I will be able to peek at her tits and get a nice look at them, And so she will be able to sit in here," I indicated the dining room, "and in the bar. We are going in there to have a drink in a little while."

Karolina gulped and nodded, so did Joasia.

"And Karolina, if Joasia lets go of the napkin you must tell me."

"Joasia, if you need to do anything else in the toilets, Karolina will have to help you."

They both nodded again, rose and left for the toilets.

I waited with barely concealed impatience for their return. When they did return it was worth the wait.

Joasia's blouse was unbuttoned two buttons below her nipples and Karolina had obviously flattened the lapels to let me have a good peek at Joasia's tits. They sat down again. Karolina took a sip of her drink. Joasia couldn't touch her drink as I hadn't released her hands yet.

"Karolina, will you lift Joasia's drink to her lips please. She can not take a drink herself."

I waited until Joasia had taken a sip of her drink and settled a little. She moved around on her chair as though she was trying to give me a good view of her cleavage and tits. They were small tits but nice and firm with only a little droop.

Then I looked at Karolina and noticed that her bra was missing and all of the buttons on her polo shirt were undone. Dark circles showed where her nipples were and I am sure if ... no, when I checked, her panties would also be in her handbag.

"Karolina, did you take off your bra?" I asked.

"Yes Sir."

"Call me Paul."

"Yes Sir." This time from both of them.

"And Karolina did you take off your panties? I will check you know."

"Yes Sir. Sir check when like," she said smiling.

"I would like to check now."

"OK"

She rose and came round to my side, the side away from the rest of the dining room, and leant down to kiss me.

I ran my hand up her leg to her inner thigh and then on to the hot wet junction. Her pussy was dripping wet and she didn't mind me sliding two fingers deep inside her just to complete my 'check' of her underwear.

"Karolina, tomorrow before we leave," at this Joasia perked up a little and her nipples went rock hard, "I want you to shave your pubic hair."

"Which hair?" she asked a little puzzled.

"Come here again." She did.

I raised my hand between her legs again and tugged on her sparse pubic hair.

"This hair," I said. "Shave all of it."

"Oh! OK." She looked at Joasia. "I not shave there before. May need help."

"I would like to see that." I said thinking of the two of them naked and shaving each other.

"See! Beast want see tits and pussy," said Joasia.

Karolina, sitting with her back to the rest of the room, just lifted her polo shirt.

"Here me tits," she said smiling.

Then she went round to stand behind Joasia. Waiting until she thought no one was watching Karolina pulled down Joasia's blouse exposing her to my avid gaze.

"And here Momma tits."

"Sit down Karolina."

"Yes Sir."

"Call me Paul."

"Yes Sir." Again from the both of them.

We left the dining room and went to the lounge bar. The barman nearly dropped a bottle of wine when Joasia turned toward him, showing him her bared tits, but he recovered well and was then the epitome of discretion. As we left the bar looking for suitable seats he called over to a waitress / barmaid and whispered something to her.

"If you would like to follow me?" she asked ... told ... ordered.

She led us to a secluded corner and seated my girls in high-backed wing chairs that faced a small table, not the rest of the room. I sat myself in one of the two remaining wing chairs. I had my back to the wall and was facing my ladies and the room. This was ideal.

The barmaid pointed to a small button on the wall with a grill above it.

"Please use this should you need anything, Sir. I will be your barmaid this evening, my name is Christine." She smiled to each of us and left.

"Thank you, Christine," I said as she departed. She turned and gave a quick bow.

"Now my ladies..." I started.

"Not lady," Joasia interrupted, "just ... just..."

This time I couldn't help her I didn't know what she wanted to say.

"Just owned thing. Person I not is ... thing. Thing what sold man to man. Do what told. Beat when not obey."

"A slave."

"Tak!"

"Do you want to be a slave?" I asked her.

"Slave not worry food, not worry sleep place," she replied.

I looked at Karolina who just nodded.

I thought for a long, long time.

"Do you like being slaves?"

"Slave not worry," said Joasia.

"Slave just do what told," said Karolina.

And now the £64,000 question. Did I want slaves? These two were fun to be with and I could see that people would like to have the absolute power that owning a slave implied.

But...

But I looked at the other side of this. If they were my slaves then I would be responsible for them. TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE.

This was more than just the fun of telling them to show me their tits or shave off their pubes. This was life and death type responsibility.

I took a sip of my drink as they looked at me, I was sure they knew what was going through my mind.

Then I remembered what Sasha had said, "but this is going to cost a lot more than this." I don't think she knew just how much more this was going to cost me.

"Ladies," I said. I had nearly said 'My ladies'. And if I had, well, that would have been that, I knew.

"Ladies, are you slaves?" I asked.

"Oh yes," said Karolina.

"Tak," said Joasia.

And now the really hard question.

"Are you MY slaves." I asked and then waited attentively for their answer.

The two of them sat silently for a few moments, then they spoke a little in Polish. I recognised Tadeusz's name a couple of times.

Finally Joasia looked at me.

"What do Tadeusz?"

I pondered for a few minutes how to put this in the best way.

"Sahsa will get her father to ... talk ... to Tadeusz. Tadeusz will not be a problem any more."

I thought for a few more moments.

"When Sahsa's father 'talk'" I put extra emphasis on the 'talk', "then Tadeusz listen. Tadeusz will listen hard or Tadeusz will not listen to anything ever again."

"Oh. Sasha do that for us?" Joasia asked with a little trepidation.

"Sasha will do that and she is doing that now. I am helping Sasha do that."

They spoke together again and Karolina cupped her mothers cheek.

They looked at me.

"We free people now."

With relief I answered. "Yes you are free now."

Another conference.

"Good," said Joasia.

I almost cheered.

This story was edited by MisterE. Any remaining mistakes are ALL mine.



-------

Chapter 3


"We belong you."

WHAT THE FUCK! They had just been given their freedom.

Then Joasia looked at me and her large dark eyes melted me.

"I slave from baby. I not know what do live like free. You look after slave Joasia and Joasia be good slave for boss."

I was gob smacked.

"But not good ... gooder slave." said Joasia and laughed out loud.

"I follow Momma. You good boss. Not like Jennifer Boss."

I had heard Karolina mention Jennifer's bosses before.

"What did Jennifer say about her bosses?" I asked.

"Jennifer say boss think temp like office machine."

"Oh?" I was puzzled.

"Yes office machine boss screw on desk and does all work." Then she laughed. And after puzzling through her syntax I laughed too.

"Karolina are you my slave?" I asked.

"I Karolina, is slave of Paul." See! She did know my name!

"Joasia are you my slave?"

"Joasia slave of Paul. Now when Sir gonna fuck slave Joasia."

She turned to Karolina.

"He not fuck yet. But careful his tongue. Ohhh his tongue."

Karolina seemed to consider this carefully, though she seemed quite interested.

"Now slaves," and they both sat up straighter and pushed their breasts forward, "I am not peeking at tits or pussies."

Karolina smiled and lifted her polo shirt to bare her nice young tits. Joasia seemed quite upset that she couldn't do the same as she was still clutching the napkin behind her back.

I leaned forward and ran a hand over Joasia's breasts. Nipping her left nipple between my fingers I said, "I want to see these treasures as well, my precious. I know what to do." Joasia brightened immediately.

I pressed the small button on the wall and ordered another round of drinks for the three of us then asked for a pair of scissors.

Christine brought the drinks over, she noticed Karolina's bared breasts while she passed out the drinks but never mentioned them. She then handed me a very small a pair of scissors.

"I'm afraid these won't do," I told her. "I have to cut some cloth."

She looked round again and, taking in Karolina's naked tits and Joasia's hands which had not let go of the napkin for some time now, she nodded.

"You want to cut some cloth," she pushed Joasia forward, "like this blouse?"

"Yes." I answered.

"No problem." Christine smiled and left.

"Now, my slaves, are you going to call me Paul?" I asked with a grin.

"Yes Sir," said Karolina.

"Always obey master, Sir." said Joasia.

Umm ... I'm beginning to wonder who actually the master in our relationship is.

Christine returned with a large pair of scissors.

"I think that these will do," she said, and reached for the front bottom of Joasia's blouse.

"No!" I exclaimed. "If I wanted the front opened I could have just undone the buttons."

Both Christian and Joasia looked at her front and saw the truth of that. Then they turned to me.

"Joasia, stand up." She did. "Turn round." She did. "Now, Christine, please cut up the centre of the back of her blouse."

Christine made the requested cut and the cloth parted to reveal Joasia's naked back.

"Now, Christine, take hold of the front of her blouse, lift it over her head and pull it down her back." Christine did so and within moments Joasia's blouse was behind her, completely baring her delightful tits to my gaze.

Joasia sat back down, proudly displaying her tits to me. Christine leant over and ran her hand over Joasia's left breast.

Christine seemed to catch her breath and then looked at me.

"Why didn't I just have the blouse unbuttoned? That's easy. Now my slave is out in public wearing a blouse that she knows is destroyed and that every one is able to see her bared body. And she can't just shrug the blouse fronts together to cover herself."

We looked at Joasia as she sat in her chair pushing her naked tits at me.

"Joasia, do you need to go to the toilet yet?" I asked.

Joasia started to open her mouth to reply when she realised where she would have to go, and that she would have to go there with bared breasts. She turned and looked toward the ladies toilet door, and the people she would have to pass to get there.

"Sir want me do toilet?" she asked with a little trepidation.

I realised that she would walk through the bar if I asked, quiet as it was now and fully dressed, or even if the bar was packed full and she was totally naked.

"Not yet, Joasia, not yet." I said emphasizing the 'yet'.

"Will there be anything else I can do for you, Sir." Christine asked. She licked her lips and seemed hesitant.

"Christine, I would love to have you do more for me. But I am fearful of the hotels rules." I rose and leaned forward to give her a quick kiss on her cheek. She however turned her head and we met lips to lips.

"If you need anything else, Sir, just call." She smiled, turned, ran her hand over Joasia's naked breasts again, then left.

We finished our drinks, Joasia being assisted by Karolina, and went back upstairs. While there was no one else in the bar now, I could see that Joasia was looking a little nervous though she still proudly displayed her naked chest and breasts. At the lifts we said a quick 'Good night' to Christine. I hoped that she had some nice memories to warm her dreams.

On reaching our rooms I called Karolina into the room I was sharing with her mother. I told Joasia she could let go of the napkin. As she eased her aching arms and shoulders her ruined blouse fell to the floor.

I was quite distracted by her breasts and stood running a hand over them, watching intently as her nipples rose, fat and stiff, and the areola crinkled. She stood impassive, watching me but not making a sound or movement to distract me.

I liked her breasts, they were small, a B cup I thought, but firm and seemed very sensitive. The skin was tanned, without the mark of a bathing suit, and flawless. Very tiny hairs ringed the areola, too small to grasp. The nipples and areola were dark, dark brown, almost black. The areola crinkled easily and the nipples were long and plump, almost begging for a mouth to take charge of them and suck and bite.

After what felt like only a couple of minutes of my play with these luscious tits I looked up and saw her watching me and waiting patiently.

"Thank you." I said.

"It nice," she replied, "man thing look woman body, play with tits."

"Yes, it is a man thing to look at a woman's body. And I think you have a beautiful body."

I looked around for Karolina and saw that she too was waiting patiently. She though had removed her polo shirt and was now dressed, or undressed if you wish, like her mother.

"Go and shower, my ladies. I want to think for a while."

They each kissed me then dropped their skirts and, now naked, went into the bathroom, shortly after I heard the shower start running. I too undressed and then lay on the bed wondering what we would do now. We had been away for the two days that Sasha had asked for but I didn't want this little holiday to end. Round and round my thoughts went with no real understanding or decision. One minor decision was made though, we would stay here for a few more days.

I lifted the phone and called reception, a few minutes later we were booked in for a full week, though we would have to change rooms tomorrow. That was an annoyance, albeit a minor one. I heard the hair drier start and I thought that the shower might be free so I too went into the bathroom. Joasia was in the shower and Karolina was drying her hair. As I passed Karolina I slid my hand over her bum cheeks and down along the length of the crack, feeling the wonderful wetness at the front.

I got in the shower with Joasia and it was my turn to wash her. So I did, from head to toe and every little bit in between. Some of the bits two or three times, just to make sure, you understand. Then Joasia washed me again but I stopped her from washing certain parts a little too well and spoiling any later entertainment.

Finally dried, we went to bed. Joasia laid me on my back and knelt beside me. We kissed and she lifted my hands to her breasts.

"Play man game?" she asked though our kisses.

I played 'man games' with her breasts again.

Karolina knelt between my legs and then stretched out on her stomach, her lips brushing the hairs on my balls, her hot breath bathing my balls and cock. She nuzzled into them and it was my turn to gasp as she opened her mouth and took one of my balls into her fiery cavern. Joasia look to see why I had broken our kiss and moved down to join her daughter. Joasia took the head of my cock in her mouth and sucked it like a lollypop. I stood no chance of maintaining my pace with the two of them working on me together and I came. I barely had time to warn Joasia that I was cumming but she ignored my warning and slid her tongue over my cock head a little faster. I bathed her tongue with my cum and felt her swallow as it entered her mouth. Karolina released my captive ball and rolled onto her back, her head resting on my thigh.

"Kiss me Momma."

Joasia lent over her and dropped a little of my cum into Karolina's mouth. Then they kissed long and deep. Watching them kiss, my shrinking cock reversed its progress and got harder than I had ever experienced before.

They broke their kiss and looked at me.

"Me first!" giggled Karolina. "I saw first, I get cock first."

And Joasia helped her settle onto my rigid cock. Within a few strokes I felt a splash on my thighs and she went stiff in her orgasm. Tremors ran through her, her hot pussy grasping and sucking on my deeply embedded cock. Then she leant forward and we kissed again.

"Want you fuck me all time work for you. Now you do. Thank you."

I kissed her again.

"Thank you, Little Bird."

Joasia helped me to one side and then she climbed on to take her daughters place. I could hardly feel any difference between the two hot, hungry pussies. Joasia rocked back and forth as I kneaded her small hard breasts and tugged on their spiky nipples. We came together, bathed in sweat and encouraged by a horny daughter.

"You good bed. Got good tongue. What more woman want."

"Thank you, dearest Joasia." And I kissed her again.

I was happy that I had been able to make the two of them happy and I had felt the proof of their pleasure splash against my cock and balls both times.

Karolina got us wash cloths and wiped my cock and Joasia's pussy. Then we settled down together and slept.

The morning came gently. I woke looking at Karolinas breasts, my lips almost brushing one nipple. I was pinning her on her back but she didn't seem to object as she had a half smile on her lips as she slept.

Joasia, behind me, kissed the back of my neck and slid her hand between my bum cheeks.

As much as I would have liked to repeat last nights performance I needed to pee. Joasia got up with me and followed me into the bathroom. As I stood in front of the toilet she stood beside me and took control of my cock. Pulling the foreskin back she aimed for the bowl and directed my morning stream with a girlish delight, moving the stream around the bowl and, once, trying to see how high it would go.

"When the snow comes I will let you write your name in the snow."

"You do!" she exclaimed.

"Yes I will. Now I need that bit back if I am going to get a shower." I said looking down at my still captive cock.

I didn't get my cock back but she did lead me to the shower by it and held on while she got the shower running. We got into the shower with her giggling at the awkwardness caused by her grip on my cock.

"Now let go or Paul spank Joasia."

She actually thought about it for a moment or two. Looking into my eyes to get any clue as to what type of punishment she would get.

"Spank!" I said lifting my right hand.

"Sorry." She said as she released me.

She still got a single smack on her backside though, it was more sound than pain, though I was sure it stung a little.

She looked me in the eye.

"Sir right to spank bad girl. Girl need know Sir loves girl, want girl be good."

I washed her, having a great time while doing so and then she and I washed Karolina, who had come in rubbing her eyes as I was just rinsing Joasia's legs. Karolina saw the palm print on her mother's backside and looked at her.

"Momma!"

They spoke in polish for a moment until I said,

"Speak in English or Paul spank!"

"Not speak English good." Karolina started.

"Then I will help you learn English. Or I can start spanking."

Joasia spoke up quickly.

"I say Joasia not really bad girl, want know Sir like Joasia little."

"I say Momma bad girl make Sir spank Momma."

"But what if I want to spank your mother?" I asked her while washing Karolina's very nice tits.

"That what Sir want. Not what Momma make Sir do." She looked at Joasia and then back to me. "Sir want spank Sir girl then Sir spank. Is what Sir can do, is Sir..." she hesitated searching for the right word. "Is Sir legal."

"Is it my right, a thing I can legally do, to spank my girls."

"Oh yes!" Karolina was a stickler for slave owners rights.

"Yes, Sir right spank girl." And so, it seemed was her mother.

They both agreed, nodding in emphasis.

"Not just spank," Joasia started.

"Spank for little bad," Karolina continued.

"Beat with stick." They looked at each other.

"Big stick," said Karolina with a little fear in her eyes.

"Make do thing girl not want, but girl do."

"Or spank girl on arse, leave hand, all see bad girl." She looked down at my palm print on her mother's bum cheek.

"I wanted to spank Joasia and I want to give you my mark Karolina."

She brightened into a huge grin.

"Want girl bend?" she asked me.

But I just came to her side and laid a single smack on her bum cheek. Again it was more sound than fury but I think that I had done it a little harder then I had her mother. We waited for the palm print to show and it showed proud and red.

She kissed me.

"Thank you Sir."

"Paul." I said.

"Yes Sir."

We had fun washing each other but I had to get out as I was turning into a prune. But before I left, I tugged on their pubes, "Done forget ladies. You need to shave this morning."

"Yes Sir," came from both of them.

I dried myself in the main bedroom. I didn't think I could watch them shave each other without raping one, or both, of them. Though rape might have been a little difficult as I was sure that they both would have helped too much for rape to actually have occurred.

I called room service and ordered breakfast for us all, a 'Full English' with a selection of cereals and hot & cold milk. The unknown man I spoke to said that Christine would bring it up soon.

I sat and relaxed for a while, continuing my ruminations from last night.



-------

Chapter 4

There was a knock on the door and Karolina, naked as the day she was born, went to answer it. She opened the door and let Christine in with our breakfast. Christine wheeled in a trolley and setup a folding table to hold the food and another for us to eat at. As she worked she obviously looked at my two ladies standing naked beside me.

Looking at their denuded pubic regions she asked, "Have you two just shaved?"

"Yes."

"Tak."

"Have you put anything on your skin?"

"What put on skin?" Joasia asked.

"Oh God!" Christine exclaimed. "MEN! You know nothing!" And she left quickly.

I started the girls on their breakfast. Soon enough I was aware of both girls squirming in their seats. Then Christine opened our door with her pass key. Out of breath, she rushed into the room and held out a tube to the girls."Here put some of this on where you shaved."

They looked at her in surprise and then at me for permission. I nodded and Karolina took the tube, removed the top, squeezed some cream onto her finger and applied it to Joasia's now reddened pussy.

Joasia took the tube from her and returned the favour.

Christine turned to me. "Don't you use anything to prevent razor burn after you shave?"

"Err ... No, never."

"Well, you shave every day. This is the first time they have shaved. It would have hurt like hell in a while." She stood there shaking her head. I then realised the potential of what I had asked them to do and almost broke down. I hadn't wanted them to suffer. I knew that women did shave their pubic hair, but hadn't thought about razor burn or anything like that as I had never had to endure it.

A small hand lifted my chin as I sat.

"Sir not know razor burn?" Joasia's eyes showed her recent tears.

"No, I didn't know that you could be hurt like this." How on earth could I have been so stupid!

"It hurt little bit," she smiled at me, "but not hurt like see Sir hurt. That hurt morest. Razor burn hurt pussy little hurt better soon. Sir hurt make girl," and she motioned toward Karolina and herself, "hurt inside. Hurt heart, maybe break heart. Sir not want girl hurt, is incident."

"Accident." I corrected, you see I can be a nit picking bastard even when my Ladies are in pain. Good aren't I?

"Yes accident. Not fault. Now Sir kiss better."

I leant forward and our lips met in a deep kiss. When we broke apart she smiled.

"Kiss where Joasia hurt." Now her smile widened as she pushed her pussy toward me.

I kissed the proffered razor burn, and her wet slit, and her protruding clit. And then repeated the kiss on Karolina, then of course I had to kiss her on the lips just to be fair to the two of them.

We returned to our breakfast plates but Christine wouldn't have us eat that food as it had gone cold. She looked at the time and then phoned reception.

"This is Ms Boyle, I will be taking Lord Paul and his party to the Peal Tower now. Arrange for a breakfast trolley for 4 to be waiting for us, and have Justine and Kelly transferred to the tower suite while his Lordship is in residence." She hung up the phone.

"Lord?"

"Yeah, it'll help kick the staff into life if they think that you're an aristocrat. Lord does nicely don't you think."

"Um ... I think I'll like being a Lord." I thought for a moment, "You're not a waitress are you?"

"No," she laughed, "my uncle owns the place and I'm learning the hotel business from him." She sat facing me and leaned her elbows on the table. "One thing I have been trying to get my uncle to understand is that there is a difference between our usual clients and the very rich or super rich. They demand a very different level of service."

"I wouldn't say that I was very rich."

"You might not say so, but within thirty minutes of your arrival my uncle gets a phone call telling him that if you're happy during your stay then he'll get the planning permission that he's been after for two years. And if you're unhappy the health inspectors will visit and shut the kitchens down. Now that call was from Mr Dempsey himself, personally! Well, that means that you are very rich and you have seriously powerful friends."

She paused and considered for a moment.

"You act differently as well. Last night you calmly had me strip one of your girls half naked, today I delivered a trolley to your room and the door was opened by the other girl who was completely naked," she waved at my two Ladies. "And then you almost break down when you realise that you could have hurt them. Your priorities are ... are ... different."

She let that last bit sink in.

"Oh yes, Paul, you act very differently from normal people. I've seen how the very rich act. And you're acting just like the others I've seen in Dubai. They have so much that they want different things for their pleasure. What do you dream of, or fantasize about, when you already have a top model in your bed with your dick in her mouth? Two models? Three?

"You do what you want because you can. You could take your girls through the hotel naked and that wouldn't bother any of you. The little people would whinge, moan and complain. But their complaints would mostly be jealousy. Why couldn't they have two naked girls? Why isn't their man powerful enough to attract another woman or two? And you would probably just look at your girls and think, 'I like the way their nipples crinkle'. Wouldn't you?"

Absentmindedly I nodded in agreement, the image of my ladies hardened nipples clear in my mind. The obvious physical effect happening in my crotch.

"Ms Christine," said Joasia, "Sir like see pussy and tits. Likes hard nipples and wet pussy. We give hard tits and wet pussy." She looked down at her chest, "Only got little tits though." She seemed very disappointed.

"And another thing, when I came in I noticed that Karolina has a palm print on her backside."

Karolina sat up straighter, grinning and nodding.

"Why does she have that?"

Karolina spoke before I could.

"Sir spank cos Sir wanted spank me," she said with pride in her voice. She turned and pointed at Joasia. "Spank her bad girl."

We all looked at Joasia whose head was down.

"What did you do that was bad, Joasia?" Christine asked.

"Not let go of cock. Not want let go. Like Sir cock."

Christine looked at me again.

"And you think that you've got the same type of problems that everyone else has, eh?"

"Well since you put it like that, maybe not. But I do have problems."

"And that's what I want this hotel to be good at, solving rich peoples problems. I started with Justine and Kelly. I met them in Dubai where they were working in the same seven star hotel I was at. They understand what a girl has to do for the super rich. They have no doubts or hesitation about their service. They were trying to catch a rich husband or become a rich man's mistress but they forgot what country they were in. I rescued them from a rich young prick who didn't like being turned down. They know what I'm trying to and they're right behind me. They might even get their rich husband yet," she finished with a laugh.

"So I set the right ambience; the staff will be efficient and very helpful, the female staff will do what they want to for the client, but they will all look good anyway, and the clients will find that their problems ... go away."

"What will the 'female staff' do for the clients?"

She thought for a moment. "They'll do what they want to do. If they think that sleeping with the client is what they want to do then they will. If they don't want to sleep with a client I will back them all the way and throw the client out if I have too." She looked me in the eye. "Setting the right ambience doesn't mean procuring for the clients."

"Not even for the super rich?" I asked.

She paused for a moment. "No," she replied, "that's part of the concierge's job. And I have my eye on two candidates for that post."

She led us through the hotel, me dressed in a gown and the girls in their skin, to the Peal Tower. While she didn't lead us through the main reception rooms, she didn't take us through the staff corridors either. We only met one person on the way, an elderly man who looked at the naked girls, cleaned his glasses and then looked again.

The Peal Tower is the most impressive part of the hotel complex. It is a thirteenth century fortified tower converted into a single suite. A stone built circular stairway took us up to a large, well appointed lounge. The views from the windows were fabulous. At the windows you could see the thickness of the walls, I was sure they were at least six foot thick. The carpets and soft furnishings were the height of luxury too.

Christine led us up another circular stairway to the main bedroom. The huge bed would have dominated any lesser room but here it fitted nicely, even seeming a little small. There was lots of free space around the room. The main surprises though were the walls. The walls of one half of the huge room were filled with wardrobes with mirrored doors. The other half however was completely different. The walls were the original bare stone with instruments of medieval torture hanging everywhere. The pride of place being a full sized set of stocks, free standing away from the wall.

"You'd be surprised how much of this gets used by the guests here," Christine told us, gesturing at the wall. "That especially," she pointed at the stocks.

She led us along this wall and pointed out the various items, lifting one or two down for closer inspection. As our tour through the torture devices progressed, Christine and I both became aware of the increasingly powerful smell of horny woman.

As I passed the stocks I looked closely at it and tested its rigidity. It felt very strong, easily capable of restraining a normal person, man or woman.

"Sir love this. Play with tits while fuck girl or get suck. Big tits best," said Karolina, then looked down with sadness at her own small B cup breasts.

Christine then showed us the stocks final surprise. She lifted a section of the flooring and we saw the foot stocks. They were adjustable and could be set anywhere between close together and very, very wide.

"I don't think that your ladies are sufficiently well endowed to properly demonstrate the stocks to you. And I don't think that I should get in them as I'm the only one here that knows how to open them. So, let's wait for Justine to get here, I'm sure that if you ask her nicely she'll be your victim for a while."

Seeing the sad looks on my ladies faces at Christine's comments on their breast size, I pulled them to me and gave each a big kiss while fondling the objects of their disappointment.

"I like your breasts just the way they are," I told them and they perked up a little. And the girls cheered up a bit too.

Christine then went to one end of the mirrored section and opened those doors into the most sybaritic bathroom I have ever seen. The bath was large enough for four - six if they were friendly. The shower area had jets and nozzles all around a slightly sloping floor area which was itself about the size of my bathroom at home. The sink area too was large and very well appointed with gold taps and metal fittings, large containers of luxury soaps and creams adorned each station.

Christine led us back into the bedroom where two young women, dressed in the hotel's staff uniform, were putting our clothes away.

"Justine," said Christine, gesturing to the stocks.

Justine laughed.

I came forward, remembering Christine's comment about 'if I asked nicely.'

"Justine, I would like a demonstration of the stocks but, as you can see, my ladies are not suitably built to show off this device's attributes to the best. I really would be grateful if you would consent to be the 'victim' for us."

Justine looked at me and broke into a wide smile.

"Yes sir, I'd be happy to." As she said this she was undressing in front of us. Quickly she kicked off her shoes then removed her dress, bra and panties. Now naked she let us look at her. Kelly the other young woman watched her friend undress without comment or disapproval.

Justine did have breasts sufficiently large to demonstrate the stocks properly. She must have been a DD or E. Her breasts dropped but held their delightful 'woman' shape. This young girl had an 'hourglass' figure, curved and shapely, the classic sexual female. She too shaved, leaving only a thin landing strip to delight the eye.

Christine led her to the stocks and quickly secured her in it. She moved me to the front of the device, in front of Justine's head, undid the cord on my gown and opened it. She slipped the gown off my shoulders, leaving me naked with Justine's hair tickling my stomach. She adjusted my position until my cock lined up with the maid's mouth. Then she did something to the stocks and its top rose, bringing Justine's head to just the right height for me to slip my cock between her slightly parted lips. Light pressure from Christine's hand on my lower back urged me forward. Justine opened her mouth, sucked me inside then kept sucking and bobbing her head as much as she was able to, restrained as she was.

Christine took my hand and moved it to Justine's hanging breast. I reached round with my other arm to grasp both breasts and play with them as their owner sucked on my rampant cock.

Too soon, Christine pulled me back away from Justine's hot mouth.

"We've got to demonstrate the other end now," she reminded me with a smile.

We went round to Justine's 'other end'. Christine moved the captive's feet into the foot stocks and secured them. She moved me into position again, with my cock standing above Justine's backside.

Again, Christine adjusted the device, the foot stocks raised until my cock was below Justine's pussy. Then she spread the foot restrains, opening Justine's legs. This of course caused Justine's pussy to drop down until it was lined up directly in front of my hard-on. Karolina, standing beside me, aimed my cock for the wet pussy and guided me in. I thrust gently a few times and then remembered the wonderful breasts that I was missing. I lay on Justine's hips as I again grasped her tits and then thrust into her again and again.

In time, I remembered that this was not one of my ladies and probably would not like me cumming inside her without a condom. I withdrew from her, panting.

"Justine, thank you doing this for me, for us."

"Awww ... I was beginning to enjoy that," she replied.

Now Christine handed me a remote control and showed me how to use it to adjust the stocks. She raised and lowered the main beam, then, to my surprise held Justine's head still while she raised and lowered her hands. Then the foot stocks were also manoeuvred opening and closing raising and lowering. The final control was a red button, top centre on the control.

"This one you must always remember," Christine told me seriously. Then she pushed the button and all of the blocks and bars restraining Justine sprang open, some flying off to fall on the floor a few feet away from the stocks. Justine stood and came over to me. "It does that automatically if someone's been in there for two hours," Christine added.

"I wouldn't have minded if you'd cum in me," said Justine, looking into my eyes. "I like you." Then she kissed me and I responded. We let our tongues probe and explore for a while then broke apart. "Get one of those two in there," she said, stroking my cock, "and deal with this."

I did. I moved Joasia into position and started securing her. The top beam was in three sections, not the usual single bar coming down onto a bottom bar. This meant that I could lock one wrist in without worrying about getting the other wrist and head in at the same time. An electronic lock secured each part of the device individually. I soon had Joasia secured and used the controls to position her correctly. Karolina urged me on as I thrust in and out of Joasia's hot wet pussy. Christine and Justine watched us without comment.

Very near my climax I moved to the front of the stocks and moved Joasia's mouth to accept my cock. She sucked with a passion but I had another destination for my cum this morning.

"Karolina, come here." I positioned Karolina on her knees so that her mouth was inches in front of Joasia's eyes. Then I let Karolina suck me to climax as Joasia watched.

Joasia begged for me to cum in her. Mouth or cunt it didn't matter she just wanted me to cum inside her.

"Ohhh ... That's just mean."

"Oh my. Remind me never to upset you."

Karolina, of course, well brought up as she was, didn't speak with her mouth full.

I came in Karolina's mouth, going rigid as I pumped spurt after spurt of spunk into her mouth, each drop swallowed immediately.

Karolina showed her empty mouth to her mother.

"Be good girl not punished," she told her mother.

Joasia just dropped her head and in a small voice said, "Tak."



-------

Chapter 5


I released Joasia from the stocks and she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me fervently.

"This excite much big. Do soon again yes?"

"Do again soon, yes."

We sat for a coffee. Neither Christine nor Kelly seemed the least put out by the rest of us being naked.

Joasia and Karolina wouldn't sit at the table though, they moved their chairs away and both sat facing me with their legs parted.

"Don't you let your servants sit at the same table as you Lord Paul?" Kelly asked in surprise. Christine also seemed a little puzzled by their seating.

"Sir like look at tits and pussy. We give Sir tits and pussy look at." Karolina said, a little forcefully.

She looked at me.

"Sorry Sir. Not like people think you bad master. You best master. Look after girls proper. Sir punish bad girl spank." Then she turned to her mother. "I bad girl now Momma."

"Well, if Lord Paul likes to look at naked tits and pussies I'd better let him get a good look at mine as well." And Justine too moved away from the table and sat legs open, arms by her side.

We spoke quietly for a while. Christine detailed Kelly and Justine's duties and we sorted out our eating arrangements and food likes and dislikes. Occasionally Justine would reach for her coffee. This seemed to be a complicated manoeuvre involving standing, with feet more than shoulder width apart, then leaning forward from the waist and stretching forward with one hand, always the one furthest from me, while the other arm was tucked behind her. This of course gave me a magnificent view of her large breasts as they swung beneath her. They moved gently and captivated my attention each time.

Finally, as she placed her cup back on the table I reached forward and cupped one of her warm soft breasts in my hand. I gently massaged the globe for a moment, feeling the nipple growing, becoming trapped between two fingers. She remained in position for a long while as I played with her breast. Suddenly I realised that she was maintaining what must be an uncomfortable position just for me. I released her.

"Thank you." I said looking directly into her eye. "You have lovely breasts."

"Thank you." She replied with a smile.

We talked for a few more minutes until Christine's mobile phone rang and she had to leave to sort out a booking error.

"And this is one of the reasons that this place needs a really good concierge."

She kissed me and left.

I asked Justine about using office facilities and was led to the ground floor where a fully equipped office was available. This was just another part of the Peal Tower suite. She showed me a desk drawer in which there were a series of hard disk caddies. I hadn't seen these for a long time. They had been popular when people wanted multiple operating systems (OS), but hard disk drives were not really big enough for the space requirements of two systems. Each caddy was labelled with the OS and programs installed.

I picked out two, the first Windows XP Pro with MS Office 2003 & MS SQL client tools, the second Debian Lenny with KDE and Open Office. I slid the windows cartridge into the PC under the desk and switched it on.

"Any chance of getting another PC set up?" I asked Justine. She hesitated for a momentthen lifted the desk phone and called Christine. Justine explained my request and then the frown on her face lifted and she smiled.

"Our IT techie will be with you in a few minutes." she said and then left to go back upstairs and finish putting away our clothes.

A few minutes later she returned with my ladies and showed them the office. Karolina was incensed!

"You start work not tell me. I you temp. I look after office with you. You not want no more?"

She was almost in tears. Joasia was shocked at her daughter's outburst.

"Yes you are my temp. And I want you to be my permanent assistant. I do want you working with me because we work very well together. I came down to make some calls and try to set up an office where we can work. I have already asked if I can have a second PC for you."

"I your temp?" she asked with hope and relief.

"You are my permanent Personal Assistant, my PA."

"I permie?"

"Yes you are a permanent employee."

"What PA."

"A PA is some one who does the things that I need. A PA does lots of things, it is a very responsible position. My PA must work very closely with me and come with me when I travel abroad."

"Mean you fuck me?"

"Would you like me to?"

In answer she lay across the desk and offered me her dripping pussy.

"Fuck PA now!"

I'm not sure, but I don't think that this was a request.

"I be office machine you."

So I fucked her. And it was wonderful, for a while.

Kelly entered the office, of those who had been upstairs she was still the only one wearing clothes. But she brought a young woman who was pulling a trolley on which there was a PC together with keyboard, monitor, mouse and a collection of cables and leads.

Kelly didn't bat an eyelid at the three naked people in the room, two of them fucking. However the other woman did. As she entered the room she muttered something to herself, I think I recognised the language as Polish.

Karolina nearly ripped my dick off as she spun round to face this new woman.

Both she and Joasia exploded!

Karolina stormed around the desk (oblivious to the possible damage she might have done to delicate parts of my anatomy), and Joasia sprang across from the window she had been looking out of.

Joasia reached her first, she was still shouting as she slapped the woman across the face with enough force to knock her off her feet. The woman struggled to her feet and drew back her hand to give Joasia a full round house punch but her wrist was grabbed by Karolina who turned her and gave her another slap. This one nearly lifted the woman off her feet and definitely put her down on the floor.

Now the woman saw that she had assailants on both sides and she wisely decided to stay on the floor and curl up into a ball. She shouted something else. I don't think it was very nice as Joasia drew back her foot to kick and Karolina reached down with hands shaped into claws.

"STOP!" I commanded. I didn't shout, you don't need to shout when you've practiced on a parade ground. But there was plenty of volume and a huge amount of 'obey me' as well. They stopped; all of them.

The woman on the floor started to move away, Joasia and Karolina turned toward her.

"BE STILL NOW! DO NOT MOVE!"

I went into 'Pissed Off SNCO' mode. Face a blank mask, body rigid and upright, I didn't need a uniform to let everyone in the room know that I was the boss.

I walked over to the prone woman and offered her my hand. Before I assisted her to her feet I glanced at Karolina and Joasia, They both looked at me in shock, then each took a step away from the woman. A single step but it was a step away.

I helped her to her feet and then to a chair. She watched me every moment as I sat her down and looked at her face for signs of injury. She let me examine her and watched me closely as I pulled up a chair and faced her.

"When you came in this room I think that you said something that upset my ladies. What did you say?"

She blushed deeply red and dropped her head. She spoke but it was too quiet for me to hear.

"Would you like me to ask my ladies what you said?"

"I said that you are a worthless piece of dog shit to be raping a working girl, and some other thing."

I looked at my ladies who both nodded.

"I don't believe that my ladies think I'm a worthless piece of dog shit," I told her. "But I do think that if you want to come into my rooms again then you need to go with them and sort a few things out." I paused for a second and continued, "Now, you three will go upstairs and talk about what the problem is. There will be no fighting until after the lounge phone rings in twenty minutes. Understand?"

They each nodded.

I picked up the office phone and called reception, putting the call onto loudspeaker so that all could hear.

"Hello, reception," the voice on the phone said.

"I would like you to call the Peal Tower lounge in twenty minutes please."

Christine entered while I was speaking.

"Err ... Why sir?"

Christine went white with anger.

"BECAUSE A PEAL TOWER RESIDENT ASKED YOU TOO, THAT'S WHY!"

There was no reply, just the sound of the other phone hanging up.

"If he doesn't call let me know. Someone's gonna lose their job today!" And she left the room.

I think she might have been a little miffed.

I looked at my ladies and the woman and they too scurried quickly away.

I turned to Kelly and Justine (who had entered just behind Christine.)

"I have to ... sort out ... my ... lipsticks!" Justine left almost at a run.

"I've got to sort out her lipsticks too!" And Kelly left just as fast.

I waited until the door had closed properly, then I chuckled. I hadn't had people running around like that since Deadalus' parade ground.

It's nice to know you don't lose the touch.

Did I mention how nice Justine looked when she ran, naked that is. Ummmmmmm ... tits.

Alone in the office, I sat at the desk and started my work. The first thing was contacting Sasha. I knew that she would know where we were but there was no need not to take precautions.

It took me fifteen minutes to get everything setup. Tor first, then connecting to a foreign server, then Skype. I called Sasha's Skype number and she answered almost immediately.

"Hi Paul, how are you? Looking after the girls, I hope."

"Yes I'm fine. Just called to see how things are going."

"Going well, Daddy sent some of his people to speak with Tadeusz yesterday. I don't think he's a really bad person, he gave up your girls without any bother and he doesn't seem to have much external support. He only seems to have the one temp agency. He buys girls in from another Pole and, on the whole, treats them better than most. He fucks a few but leaves most of them alone. He's more interested in the money from temping than the girls themselves and he's too scared of the bigger boys to get into prostitution."

"You knew that they were slaves?"

"Oh yes. Karolina told me that the first time I saw her."

"And you didn't tell me?"

She laughed out loud.

"Course not. It was privileged information."

"Bullshit!"

"Course it's bullshit. Paul, on a serious note, I've been watching your ... other interests."

"Oh?"

"Yes, nothing has happened yet, but it's on the home front."

"Oh..."

"Yes, I have heard Janice talking to her sister and she said that if you get confirmed in post she is going to leave you while you're earning over £100K. She'll get more maintenance then."

"Oh. Well I can't say that I'm actually surprised or disappointed. Can you keep an eye on things please?"

"Course I will. See you." And she hung up.

I sat in front of the computer making notes, getting lost in the minutiae of the things I had to do and organise. A knock on the door broke my concentration. I looked up.

"Come."

The door opened a little and Karolina, Joasia and the woman all tried to get in without opening the door any more that necessary. Actually they seemed to want to get in without the door opening at all, or that's what it looked like.

I turned from the computer.

"Hello ladies."

A low mumble from each answered me. The girls looked at each other whispering urgently. Finally the woman, the hotel's IT techie, stepped forward.

"Sir I would like to apologise to you and your girls for the very insulting things that I said when I first saw you ... with ... Karolina."

I sat back and looked at her, she returned my gaze unflinching.

"Of course I accept your apology." I stood and held out my hand. She looked at it and turned to Joasia and Karolina. There was another whispered conference.v

"No. I cannot, I am shamed." I saw a tear appear in one eye.

"I am not, I did not take insult. Can I offer you my hand to ease your shame?"

She did shake my hand and when she was closer I saw that her eyes were red from crying. I looked at the others and they too had been crying. I held out my arms to them and both came running to me, sobbing openly now, wetting my chest with their tears. IT techie stood alone looking longingly at our hug. I opened my arms and she joined us and hugged and cried with my girls.

It must have been a strange sight, we three, my girls and I, naked, hugging with the fully clothed woman. Soon enough I started to make sense of what my girls were saying, how they were both 'bad girls' and deserved whatever punishment I wanted to give them. They shouldn't have hit Ela and were sorry, but she had said some of the 'baddest' things about me. They could not let such insults go unanswered.

I gave each of them a quick swat on their bum cheek, even the cloth covered one, and pulled back from the hug.

"Joasia, please arrange for something light for us to eat, and drinks. I would like a cup of tea, get the others what they would like."

"Ela," I said questioningly and the IT techie nodded

"Yes, my name is Ela."

"Ela, I want the new PC setup on a desk over there," I pointed and looked at her to make sure that she understood what and where. "The PC is to have two of these OS cartridges, Windows XP Pro and Debian Lenny with KDE and Open Office, OK?"

"Yes Sir." She hesitated and looked at the three of us.

"Errr ... Do I have to..." she stood there fiddling with the top button of her blouse.

I understood what she meant.

"Good grief no. You only undress if you want to." I answered putting emphasis on the 'want'.

Oddly, she didn't seem as relieved as I thought she might. But she did start work on the desk and PC straight away.

"Karolina, I need you to do some research for me." Karolina's eye lit up. She loved doing research. She had been apprehensive at first but found she had a knack for finding the most obscure and often valuable pieces of information.

We got to our work. Soon I had a cup of tea in my hand and an egg sandwich on a plate beside my keyboard. Karolina was working away on her computer, her face a mask of pure concentration. Joasia was organising the office, moving things to where we could get at them more easily and work more efficiently with the available facilities.

Ela had quietly and efficiently finished her task and left. I sat thinking about Ela while I ate my sandwich.

"Joasia, ask Christine if she can spare me a few minutes please." I returned to my work.

A few minutes passed before Joasia interrupted me.

"Sir, Christine here." And she was, standing behind Joasia looking faintly amused. I stood.

"Christine, thank you for sparing me your time."

"It's no trouble. I like what you've done with the office, and Joasia is some office manager. Do you think I could hire her from you?"

"I don't know. Why don't you ask her when you have the chance to get her alone and away from my influence." I smiled.

"Alone maybe, but not away from your influence I'm sure."

"Hiring away is what I want to talk about though. I want to hire Ela away from you."

"Oh please do! She's a great technician and knows all about the IT stuff but she's an absolute disaster if she's put in front of the public. When she came in here and the trouble started I thought that we were going to lose you because of her. If you can get her to go with you, well, that will solve a problem for me too."

"OK, I'll ask her when you're not here so she can have a chance to tell me what a lousy boss you are." I smiled but Christine laughed out loud.

"OK, let me send over her personnel folder so you can have a quick look at her background and such. She's a great technician as I said and a hard worker. But for God's sake, "she said with a wry grin, "don't let her near people you're trying to impress."

"What happened to you then?"

"The technicians swapped shifts without me knowing. I thought Jonathan was on today. He's not as good as Ela but he's a world class arse licker." This time we both laughed.

Christine left, without a kiss this time and I was oddly disappointed.

I got back to work and was only disturbed when Joasia placed a slim buff coloured folder beside the pile of papers I was generating. I looked up to thank her and saw she was dressed in a light summer dress. She looked very nice in it, even though I thought she would look even better out of it, I complimented her on the dress.

"Thank Sir. Feel better like this." And she lifted the dress over her head, slowly, letting me enjoy each part of her body being revealed.

"I like looking at you like that better as well." I said.

"That OK, like you look. Now you need get dress. You need look Boss talk Ela."

"OK, let me have a look through this first."

"Good, you read I get tea you drink."



-------

Chapter 6


I read Ela's personnel docket. Her CV was good, brief but good. A first in Computer Science, then a brief break, August to January, enough for the first term of a Masters, I thought, and then into employment. Woefully unsuitable first job and then Dobroyd Castle. No references from either her university or the first job. However her notes were just as Christine said. Technically brilliant, terrific worker but crap with people she thought were stupid.

I re-read the whole thing. I had the feeling that there was a lot missing from this description of Ela's working life. When she saw Karolina and me together, she was incensed for Karolina's sake. I think that she had potential to grow but needed a more formal, nurturing environment than she had found so far. Perhaps she would be good for Joasia and Karolina as well.

Ready to get dressed now I called to Joasia. She lifted her phone and spoke for a moment. Within seconds the office door opened and Kelly stepped in. I took a second look. Gone was the hotel uniform and in its place was a summer dress very similar to the one Joasia had been wearing. She was carrying a set of my clothes, the creases in the trousers and shirt were sharper than I had ever managed and I wasn't sure that those incredibly shiny shoes were actually mine.

It is incredibly strange being dressed by another person for the first time since I started wearing long trousers. The briefs were OK, but there was no way that she was going to get me 'dressed' properly. She put her hand in my briefs to point my cock in the right direction and my cock insisted on pointing upward. She looked up at me with a frown on her face, a sort of 'you're doing this on purpose aren't you' frown.

Then she shrugged her shoulders, slipped her arms out of her dress which promptly dropped down to her waist revealing a very nice set of C cup breasts, pulled down my briefs and she sucked me into her mouth. Her technique was as good as her enthusiasm and I came after only a couple of minutes. She swallowed eagerly, and then cleaned my wet cock with her tongue. Now that I was soft she pulled up my briefs again and settled me in comfortably to the left.

As she stood to pick up my shirt, her dress fell to the floor where she left it. I am certain that she was trying to get me hard again. As she put my shirt on, from the front, she rubbed her nipples over my chest, placed my hands on her breasts while doing up the cuff buttons, and picked up my shoes by bending, straight legged, from the waist while facing away from me. Her legs were, of course parted to allow me the best view of her pussy and arse, which I, also of course, stroked completely from back to front. When she rose and faced me again there was a broad smile on her face. And she kissed me, with tongue. Picking up the clothes stand, which she brought my clothes down on, she started leaving, remembered her dress, returned picked her dress up, smiled at me and then left.

"Joasia, could you ask Christine if I can speak to Ela please?"

"Ela outside. Wait all time you play Kelly. Pissing panties now."

I looked at Joasia but she just smiled at me, so I smiled back.

"Please could you ask Ela to come in?" She nodded and started toward the door. "And clean up any puddles she might have left." Shocked she turned, saw my smile and laughed. Then she went to ask Ela to come in.

Ela entered hands clasped in front of her. She came over to stand in front of my desk.

"Please sit down Ela." I indicated a comfortable chair. "Joasia, Karolina, please go up to the lounge, I will call you when we have finished."

They left.

Ela sat wringing her hands, eyes watering.

"You can sack me now," she said nearly sobbing.

I couldn't help myself.

"WHAT!"

"You're going to sack me for Christine, so she doesn't have to. That's OK. I know I don't handle the guests," she almost spat that word, "well. I know what Christine is trying to do with the hotel and that I won't fit in. Jonathan is OK, he'll suck up to the arseholes. I'll go now." She stood and started walking to the door sobbing.

"Stop!"

She turned and looked at me through tear blinded eyes.

"Please sit down and," I paused to add emphasis to my words, "shut up."

To my surprise she did.

"Ela, I am looking to employ a computer technician."

Now she did look surprised.

"I have been looking at your details," I indicated her personnel folder, "I also like the way you work."

"What?"

"Why did you leave your Masters course?" This was a guess but I thought it was a good one.

"I bet that my course professor told you I cheated on the end of module exam. I didn't cheat. I told him I wouldn't sleep with him and I told him I'd tell the university authorities that he tried to make me. So he said I cheated and they believed him."

Actually I wasn't surprised.

"Why did you quit your first job?" Another guess but again I felt that I was right.

"You know I quit? You believe me?" There was anger and venom in her voice now. "They said that I would never work with computers again but it was their fault. They knew that they were open to attack but they wouldn't do anything about it. I told them again and again but they wouldn't do anything about their security. So when it did happen and they started getting sued they blamed me. And they got away with it."

Again I wasn't surprised.

"I want you to work for me, but there are some conditions."

Her shoulders slumped before I could say anymore.

"Yes," she said defeated, "I will have sex with you."

"That's very nice, but it isn't one of the conditions."

Her head snapped up.

"It isn't?"

"Errr ... no."

"Now I really have fucked up haven't I?" She rose to leave, so emotionally drained and battered that she was now beyond tears.

"Sit your arse down here and for fuck sake listen to me!"

She returned to her seat and sat a lot faster than she got up to leave. Head up and eyes opened wide, she looked at me. Surprised, shocked, terrified I don't know, but she sat and listened.

I smiled.

"That's better ... I want to hire you as my computer technician."

She said nothing, just nodded.

"You will have to go back to university and do your Masters Degree." Her eyes widened.

"The professor said that no university would ever accept me again."

"We'll find one that will accept you, and one with a good reputation." Her eyes widened even further when she understood the 'we' in that sentence.

She gulped and looked down for a moment.

"Yes, I will do it." She looked to one side, "I will find the money somehow, but I will do it." Now she had determination, steel, in her voice.

"I'm sorry," I said, puzzled.

"I will go back to university. I will find the money somehow. I can work at a fast food place to make up some of the fees."

"No, I don't think that you understand me. I will pay the university fees, and pay for all of the books and equipment that you need. I want you to get educated because you will be more valuable to me then. And I don't think you'll have the time to work in a fast food joint, I expect you to be travelling with me, or for me, for quite a bit of your time."

She gulped again.

"What do I have to do?" She was a little more wary now.

"Well firstly you do not have to have sex with me."

She nodded.

"Really I cannot say right now what I need you to do. I'm just starting up a business. I don't know what I'll be doing exactly. I know that I'll be dealing in property but the precise details still have to be worked out. You will look after all of the technical things that I need, if you can't do it then you'll buy in the skills that are needed, either permanent staff or a contractor. You'll do whatever you can see that I, we, need doing." I paused, thinking for a moment. "I also want you to help Joasia and Karolina. Their English needs improving and they need to be taught how to live as free people, Joasia especially."

She looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded.

"You will need to move down to London, or at least within commuting distance of London."

"That's no problem. I'm a city girl at heart."

"Are there any questions?"

She looked a little uncomfortable.

"What's the pay?"

I mentioned a figure three times what she was currently earning.

Her eyes widened even further.

"You're joking."

"No, that was a serious offer. Isn't it enough?"

"IT'S ENOUGH!" she screamed, almost afraid of seeing this chance slip away from her.

"Oh, OK. You work for me now, I'll sort everything out with Christine."

"You mean now? Right now?"

"Yes, right now. So, if you wouldn't mind, go upstairs to the lounge and tell Joasia that I need her down here for a few minutes to help sort out your details with Christine. Then we'll join you and Karolina upstairs. This would be a good time for you to get Karolina to tell you a little about me, what she knows anyway." I smiled at her and she left.

Joasia entered a couple of minutes later. Christine arrived almost before the door closed and together we sorted out transferring Ela into my employment. I also got Joasia to start looking for a good university for Ela to continue her education.

"Paul, I can't thank you enough for what you're doing for Ela. She's a great worker and wonderful person, but she shouldn't work in a hotel."

"Well I like the looks of her." I said.

Joasia muttered something quietly, I didn't hear what she said but Christine apparently did.

"Do you think Paul will like that?" Christine asked her.

"He man, he like."

Christine turned to me. "Joasia reminded me that you like looking at naked ladies."

"Um, maybe I should have a word with Joasia about giving my secrets away."

"Huh. You man, man like look tits and pussy," said Joasia, shaking her head.

"Did you know she's supposed to be my slave?" I asked Christine

"Sure it's not the other way round?"

Sometimes I wasn't sure.

This time when she left I did get a kiss, with tongue. Christine was a good kisser.

"Perhaps I'll show you next time," was her parting comment.

Joasia and I went back upstairs to the lounge. Karolina and Ela were talking quietly. They seemed to be getting along well though I didn't have many doubts about that from the way they had supported each other earlier.

I went on up to the bedroom, I was worn out and wanted a little peace and quiet for a while. In the bedroom there was a large towel, a bath-sheet laid out on the bed.

"Please let me get you ready for your massage," said Justine.

She undressed me a lot quicker than I would have thought possible, and I lay face down on the towel and closed my eyes. I heard a soft rustle and then the bed moved slightly as she got on to kneel beside me. I felt the warmth of her legs on both sides of mine. Make that kneel above me. Then she settled her weight down. Make that sit on me, I thought for a moment, cataloguing the sensations coming from that area, then I mentally added 'naked'.

Soft hands coated with warm oil gently eased my aches and stresses away. She continued down my back and legs. A gentle tap half woke me.

"Turn over please, Sir."

I turned over and lay on my back. Now I could see that she was indeed naked. Again she straddled me this time moving my cock a little to get it comfortable for both of us. I shut my eyes as she poured the warm oil directly from the bottle onto my chest. Her hands caressed my skin from neck to toes and every bit in between. She didn't miss my cock but she didn't bring me to climax either. I lay and was pampered.

If a warm oil massage is relaxing, a warm bath with a woman who likes skin on skin contact is invigorating. It was in the bath that she 'found' my cock and thought that she might try to hide it from me as she liked it so much. She was sitting on the most obvious hiding place and with a quick squirming twist it was hidden deep inside her. She rode me gently as we kissed and I played with her breasts and clit. I think that she came twice before I gave her my cum deep within her.

She dried me and pushed me out of the bathroom, naked, so she could dry herself and redo her makeup. Kelly was waiting for me in the bedroom. She looked at me, doing her best impression of 'mother looking at naughty boy'.

"I'm not going to have problems with that again am I?"

'That' was my now limp cock.

I looked down to the area that she was looking at.

"I don't think so."

"Oh good, let's get you dressed then."

Apparently getting me dressed involved her taking her dress off. As I watched that dress slowly reveal her lithe naked body, I thought that maybe we would have problems with 'that' and quite soon too.

We did.

It was her putting on my shirt that did it. Her tits rubbing against my chest and her little rounded tummy pressing against my hardening cock, those were the things that pushed me over the top. I led her over to the bed and had her kneel on the edge of the mattress. I took her from behind, thrusting into her as she pushed back onto me. I played with her tits, pulling and twisting her nipples. And I brought my hand up beneath her to play with her engorged clit. This time I do know that she came before I did. Only once but it seemed a good one for her, hot girl cum hit my thighs anyway.

When I finished thrusting in her we lay down on the bed. Then I noticed that Justine was waiting behind us with a bowl of water and wash cloths. She washed both of us and earned two kisses, one from each of us.

Of course the shirt that Kelly had put on me was now crumpled, or so she said anyway. So she had to take that one off and put another freshly pressed one on, again from the front. But I was beyond her charms now. Twice in such a short time was unbelievable, three times almost impossible. However I did still enjoy her tits and tummy rubbing against me.

And the kiss at the end was as good as anything that preceded it.

We returned to the Lounge and sat with Justine, Joasia and Karolina and joined in their conversation. While we were all dressed there was a definite aroma of freshly fucked woman, and woman wanting to be fucked, in the air.

"Good God, it smells like a whorehouse in here."

We all turned to see Ela at the door.

She came in still sniffing the air.

"Ela, how know whorehouse smell?" Joasia asked seemingly innocently.

Ela immediately blushed and stammered and stuttered as she tried to come up with a reasonable explanation. Quickly she gave up and sat down with a thump. With her head down and shoulders slumped she looked totally defeated.

"My mother used to work in one." She admitted one of her most closely guarded secrets and now felt ashamed.

"So my mother," said Joasia thoughtfully, "they bad then days. Russian soldier, dirty pig but paid money. We eat."

Ela, looked up shocked that she wasn't the only one in this small group whose mother had taken such a path to feed her children.

"Mother put me slave when baby so me live." Joasia continued almost in a world of her own. "Russian soldier think funny getting suck from child this years." She held up three fingers. "Try make whore when me start bleed. Lay let fuck not move. Get beat and beat. Then Russians go. Whorehouse boss sell me." She looked at Karolina, looking through the years to the time when she became a mother and first held her baby. Her expression softened.

"Karolina come then. So sell again to Tadeusz. Then this man."

Ela was in tears. She came over to Joasia and hugged her.

"You right. Whorehouse smell here." She smiled at Ela and to Ela's surprise kissed her. Kissed her on her lips.

"Like it for Sir. Move LOTS!"

She turned Ela's head toward me.

"That man care me. ME! Care what slave want. What slave like. What slave feel. Feel hurt when slave hurt. Me look after Sir till die. Good man. Best ever know."

Ela seemed overwhelmed with the emotions in this revelation. She stood, turning as if to bolt for the door, but Joasia held onto her.

"Not go little girl. Stay get hug from all. Be warm in all arms. All want be love friend you."

Ela stayed and got a hug from all of us. When it came to my turn I stood and waited, letting Ela come to me. She came to me and I held her in my arms as she cried for a while.

"Why are you all doing this for me?" she asked.

"If you stay with us for a while you'll learn why. But there are two reasons, we like you is one, we can is the other."

"I don't like my body."

"Pardon?"

"It's why I don't like to get undressed. I don't like my body."

"Can I look at you?" I felt her stiffen and then nod, jerkily.

She moved back from me and her shaking hands rose up to her blouse top button. Before she could undo it I caught her hands.

"I meant with your clothes on."

"Oh ... OH!" and she visibly relaxed.

We all looked at her. Though she was shy and afraid she let us look at her.

She actually looked quite good. 5' 3" or so, light build not slim, medium breasts, a little high set but nothing unusual. Her light brown hair was up in a small bun, it looked clean and well cared for. I couldn't see any reason for her to be ashamed of her body.

"I actually think that you look very nice," I said. "I don't think that you've got much to worry about really."

She stood for a long minute obviously thinking, then she came to me and lifted my hand under her blouse, up to her side, then I felt it, an extra nipple.

"Oh an extra nipple, when I was young I had a girlfriend who had an extra nipple. It was very sensitive. She liked getting three of her girlfriends to suck on her nipples all at the same time and she could cum from that alone."

Ela looked at me in surprise.

"You've seen something like this before?"

"Oh yes. She didn't mind people seeing it. I have heard that some people have up to six nipples. I've never seen that myself though."

"But it doesn't disgust you?"

"Hell no. Like I said I used to suck on it with two of her girlfriends. She had a great time."

"Will you take my blouse off?"

"No."

"No! Why not? I thought that you didn't mind my disfigurement."

"Firstly, you're not disfigured, you just have an extra nipple, that's all. So what?" I paused to let her think about that for a moment.

Then I went over to her.

"But mainly because this is a gift that is yours to give. I will not take it from you. I want you to give it to someone who you believe is worthy of your gift."

"Thank you, I will." She turned and sat next to Joasia. And they spoke quietly.

While we had been talking Kelly and Justine had laid a table for dinner. When they saw that we were ready Kelly spoke on the phone and Justine brought us to the table.

Dinner was smoked salmon with sautéed potatoes and green vegetables. It was wonderful.

We sat and relaxed for a while after dinner. Kelly and Justine had left us, taking the dinner things with them. We all got a kiss goodnight, even Ela.

The ladies watched a movie and I just sat on the large sofa thinking about the things I wanted to do tomorrow. Ela came over and sat beside me, then turned and half lay with her head on my lap so she could watch the movie a little better. I lay my hand on her side feeling the warmth of her body. A couple of minutes later she took hold of my hand and guided it across her front, into her opened blouse and onto a bared breast. She settled my hand in place and continued to watch the movie.

The movie ended and we went to bed. To my surprise Ela didn't re-button her blouse as she stood and followed us into the bedroom. We undressed and got into the bed naked. Ela stood for a moment alone.

"I want to give this gift to you and Joasia." And she too undressed and got into bed beside Joasia.

We cuddled and slept.



-------

Chapter 7


It is a truism that you can have secrets and privacy or servants but not both. I was woken by a warm mouth on my cock, which is a delightful way to be woken. I opened my eyes to see Joasia's head bobbing up and down as she pleasured me. However at the other side of the room, getting clothes ready for the day were Kelly and another girl. The other girl was staring open mouthed at the four of us in our bed.

Kelly spoke sharply to the girl and she got on with her tasks.

By now Karolina and Ela were awake and watching us too. Ela moved over to lay with her head on my shoulder and stroked my chest while Joasia sucked. I was too close to my climax to bother about trivialities such as this small audience and soon came in Joasia's hot wet mouth. All awake now we got up and went to the bathroom. Karolina and Joasia had no trouble going to the toilet with the rest of us there but Ela did. I was pleased to see that no one commented about this. I, of course, was beaten to the toilet by the ladies, but had a cunning plan. I started the shower running and got in. Moments later I was relieved.v

"Look he piss in shower," Karolina said to the others.

"He man what expect?" was Joasia's reply.

Karolina got in with me and we started washing each other.

"Be care he not still want piss. Piss on you."

Karolina stopped washing and looked down at the possible source of warm yellow shower water. Then she shrugged her shoulders.

"He man, will piss when want," and she continued her washing. I did notice that she stood a little closer to me than I would have expected if she was trying to avoid being pissed on.

Ela joined us and Karolina and I had the delightful task of washing her. She was still a little shy and her hands and arms tended to try to cover parts that we wanted to see and were actually washing but we all had fun, especially when Joasia entered as well and three of us were washing Ela. Then the two girls held Ela's wrists above her head and washed with one hand each, while I gave her my full attention with two hands. I was pleased to see Ela stop struggling quite so hard. She could have just walked out of the shower at any time but I think her struggles were for her own peace of mind. I did see her cum at least once though.

We tried to dry each other but this was not working out very well. So Joasia and Ela paired off as did Karolina and me. Our drying proceeded much faster then.

The new girl was waiting for us when we left the bathroom she had gowns ready but no one took one. She led us down to the Lounge where a breakfast buffet was laid out. As we entered the Lounge I saw Kelly give the other girl a 'told you' look and I smiled at her.

"Good morning Kelly. Did you sleep well?" As I kissed her she pressed herself against me and I felt all of the wonderful bits that had teased and excited me with yesterday, all firm and wanton again today.

The rest of the week passed in a very similar fashion. Joasia spent some time each day working with Christine and really enjoyed her work. Ela fitted in splendidly. Karolina was at work in our office from eight-thirty until two o'clock every day when she made me leave and do something else. We went for walks and drives in the area and generally relaxed. It was a great time.

During my time at Dobroyd Castle I decided that I was going into three separate businesses.

The first was pure property. I was going to buy and own property for my own use and benefit.

Secondly, I was going to buy property to rent out. I would have tenants.

Thirdly, I would buy property to renovate. Once renovated these properties would be sold or rented as seemed appropriate at the time.

The third stream caused me some concerns. There was a lot of money to be made in renovations. But to do the renovations I required some renovators. Actually I required a few teams of renovators and some managers / controllers.

I have decided on initially getting one Quality Surveyor to be the controller. He or she (I'll use he or she randomly in the future as the masculine embrace the feminine and sometimes the feminine like to embrace the masculine and both like to hug the other. And they all fuck like bunnies anyway.) will oversee the renovations carried out by a group or team of self employed builders. These teams, one manager should be able to look after three or four teams, will work for a percentage of the profits from selling the renovated property. I knew two or three self employed builders and had often heard them say that they would like to work like this. I thought it would make me money. The figures Karolina and I researched had shown that a profit margin of around 48% to 62.5% was reasonable. A renovation should take a maximum of three months, so four per year for each team. Overheads were calculated at 4% max and the team should expect 35% as their share. That left 9% to 23.5% for me. So £150K should earn me between £54K to £141K per year. Banks were offering 0.5% and shares were falling all the time.

One thing that must be remembered is that I was in the business of wealth preservation, rather than wealth creation. I already had a lot of money. If I left this in the bank that bank could go bust and I'd lose all but £50K, the maximum that was guaranteed for each account.

If I split it over a number of accounts, small enough to be within government guarantee limits then I would have two other problems. Firstly the number of accounts, eighteen hundred at £50K each would be a problem in itself. Secondly I would not have 'leverage' over my bank if the money was split like that. I needed a way where the bank held a sizeable amount of my money while being protected from the bank itself. I thought that one bank holding mortgages and another bank holding cash would be the best of both worlds.

Now I had some other things to do. Firstly I had to tell my small group what I was planning so they would know how to help me. Secondly we had to celebrate. I had been working on this for nearly five weeks now. I thought that we deserved a celebration on the completion of this first phase. We would have a party!

A party is easy to organise. You say...

"Joasia we are having a party here next Saturday, will you to arrange it please?"

And...

"Kelly we're having a party here next Saturday I would like you to ensure that everyone including, you, Justine and Christine, have the proper posh frocks to wear."

See, it's simple. I don't know what all the fuss is about.

Christine spoke with me a little later that day.

"Paul, your party, can I join in with you and make it a bit of a special affair? I can put in a hundred K."

I don't think that I was listening properly.

"No problem, tell you what, how about an open party till, say ten o'clock and make it private after that. I'll put in five hundred." Sis hundred quid should be a good party I thought.

Christine was gobsmacked

"Five hundred!" she exclaimed.

"Oh, don't you think that'll be enough?"

"It'll be enough!" she said as she nodded, very fast.

"Think you can get some music in that as well?" I asked.

She nodded again. I gave her a kiss, during which she seemed oddly distracted. I went back to work. As she left I heard her talking on her mobile.

"Ginny the budget's gone through the roof. See if you can get me the 'Screaming Monkeys' for the night. I know they're touring in the area. They can spare one night can't they? Anyway they owe me."

That's when I realised that I had just paid for a very important lesson. When talking about money listen carefully and read the small print. However I didn't begrudge the price of this lesson.

The rest of the morning was chaotic. Everyone seemed to be racing round like headless chickens. I was getting a little miffed toward lunchtime, and I think my ladies noticed this during lunch. The afternoon was much better. Karolina stayed with me all of the time and helped me considerably. I can't say that I saw any of the others though.

I saw Christine again later that evening, strangely she seemed harassed or something. I asked if anything was wrong but she just said that everything was absolutely fine. She asked if we could rearrange the party times a little, say the open bit from seven to eleven and private from eleven-thirty onward. It was no problem for me and I said so.

"Err ... The private part of the party, would you like some err ... entertainment?"

"Oh, just ask my ladies what they would think appropriate for a private party. That'll do me." I said. Then she had to kiss and run.

I noticed that a dress maker appeared and spent quite some time up in the private rooms. (Private to me and my party that is, and a huge number of maids and housekeepers [all female thankfully, I didn't actually want to wake up to a bloke watching me being sucked awake.] who seemed to need to come and go throughout the day and night.) Sometimes I would come into the lounge while the dress maker was there, she and whoever she was working with (on) would scream and run upstairs. These were the same women who would eat their dinner naked with me only an hour or so later.

Women! Who can understand them?

I was trapped by the women on the Thursday afternoon.

"Sir need you posh suit." I looked up to see Joasia with a strange man waiting in front of my desk.

"Oh."

"Yes. Sir, him need measure."

"I am quite busy now, Joasia." I could see that she was squirming in distress at this situation.

"Oy! You! Get your fucking kit off! NOW!"

I stood and started unbuttoning my shirt without a thought going through my mind.

Ela had entered the room and saw Joasia's predicament. She came over to me and helped Joasia finish undressing me.

"Fuck! I enjoyed that," Ela grinned at us. "There are some advantages to being antisocial." She grinned, her grin almost as wide as mine.

Naked I endured being measured by the tailor. I was measured from top to toe and all of the bits in between. It was a good job that the two girls were there otherwise that tailor would have got a damn good smacking from some of the places he stuck that bloody tape.

A couple of other things had happened that week. On the Tuesday I had a letter couriered down to Sasha for onward posting. It was a letter from 'my manager' saying that due to my 'impressive performance' during the last month, my probationary period was being waived and I was now a permanent employee of Insert the company name I really wanted here. On Thursday my wife had instructed solicitors to begin divorce proceedings. On Friday she had moved out of our marital home and moved in with her widowed sister in Hampshire.

Thursday and Friday, Karolina and Joasia swapped being my assistant without any warning. I would look up and the other would be there. This can get a little confusing if you're trying to concentrate.

Saturday morning I got up late. Kelly was in the bedroom seemingly waiting for me to wake.

"Good morning Kelly."

"Good morning Paul."

I stood and went into the bathroom. Dropping her dress on a chair, Kelly followed me. She started the shower while I pissed.

As I got into the shower Kelly stepped in with me and grabbed hold of my cock.

"Karolina told me to be careful of this during your morning shower. She said you had pissed on her a couple of times."

"The way you're pulling on it I don't think that you need to worry about being pissed on, not yet anyway."

She washed me thoroughly, taking care to keep me hard. I helped maintain my erection by playing with her tits and pussy whenever an opportunity presented itself. When it was my turn to wash her, she returned the favour, caressing and kissing me whenever and wherever she could. We finished in a sixty nine on the shower floor with the water still cascading over us. She soaked my face with her cum moments after I gave her a mouthful of mine. We then kissed, letting the flavours intermingle in our mouths.

In the lounge, I breakfasted alone, not even one pair of tits to look at. Poor me.

I found Karolina in the office at her computer. Standing behind her chair I looked at the screen. She was working on some spreadsheets that I wanted. While I did want this information it was not that urgent, and today was Saturday. So I eased her head backwards a little so I could get her in a good position to kiss. And while we kissed I let my hand slide down beneath her top and found, and fondled, a nice warm breast.

I switched the computer off and pulled her back into the lounge. Sitting down on a large sofa I pulled her onto my lap. She cuddled into me for a moment then leant forward and took her top off. As she snuggled back into me she brought my hand up to her naked breast.

"Play man toy."

So I did.

And they are lovely man toys.

"Do you mind me treating you like this?" I asked thoughtfully.

"What mean 'like this'"

"Well I just pushed my hand into your clothes and grabbed you. I pull you into my lap to kiss you and run my hands over you. I haven't asked you if you want to kiss, or if you want to undress and let me touch you."

"Ah. Sir mix up. Sir ask free woman 'I touch you tits', free woman slap Sir."

She looked at me, eye to eye, making sure that I understood what she meant.

"Sir not have ask Karolina, Joasia can touch tits. Joasia Karolina is Sir thing. Do with when Sir want, not girl want."

"Look easy show."

She lifted the phone and called Joasia who soon entered the Lounge. Karolina, back in my lap now, looked over at her.

"Girl, Sir want fuck. Strip, down on floor legs open."

With a wide smile Joasia quickly dropped her clothes to the floor and then lay on her back with her legs wide open and seductively slide her fingers along the length of her slit as she looked at me.

"Girl. Sir don't fuck now. Go back."

Disappointed Joasia got up. As she was reaching for her clothes Karolina spoke again.

"Leave clothe."

Joasia stood and walked toward the door. As she went she looked at me over her shoulder and waggled her ass at me, smiling as she did.

"See. Sir tell owned girl do this, do that, open legs, suck cock. Girl do. Good girl like do. Joasia Karolina good for to boss."

She kissed me and pushed my hand between her opened legs.

"Not worry, Sir want grab tits, Sir grab. Sir want arse lick. Tell girl. Girl lick good."

For the rest of the morning we sat. I played with my warm and cuddly toy. My toy cuddled and kissed and played back.



-------

Chapter 8


Kelly came in and laid a table for our lunch. Soon all of our party arrived and sat at the table. Joasia was still naked.

Justine served lunch and we ate.

"I look after boss now." Joasia said to the room in general, and Karolina in particular I'm sure.

She came round to me and held out her hand for mine. I took hold and she guided me back into the living room.

"What do now after lunch?"

"Afternoon," I corrected. "We are going to be up late tonight because of the party, so I think that I would like to have a couple of hours sleep. Would you come to bed with me?"

"Is what girl for, bed man."

I let Joasia lead on the way up the stairs. I wanted to watch her naked backside as she swayed her war up. About halfway up I took hold of her waist and stopped her. Leaning forward I gently nipped her left bottom cheek with my teeth. She looked round at me but allowed me to continue. I nipped the other cheek while sliding my hand up her inner thigh to the moist heat at the junction. She opened her legs as my fingers roamed through the hot wet folds of her sex. I pushed forward on her back while pulling back a little on my fingers deep inside her. She bent forward and rested on her arms on a higher step. Now she was opened before me and my lower height placed my mouth just at the right height to lick and nibble at her. I licked a long swipe from her clit to anus and felt her twitch with delight. I focused on her clit for a while, teasing it, nipping it with my teeth and sucking on it hard. More and more wetness soaked my face and dripped onto my shirt from the moaning squirming woman I was making my love with. I licked her slit again and again then fucked her with my extended tongue. Back to her clit while also thrusting two fingers deep into her vagina. I wet my fingers then pressed my middle finger against her anus and gently probed. Her ass opened up to my finger and I entered her warm depths to the first joint. I pushed again and my finger sank completely into her. I chewed on her clit while fucking her ass, one finger to begin with and then another. I felt her tense, small waves of tension rolling through her. Her sphincter clamped down on my invading fingers tightly and then she came. I continued sucking on her clit though I held my fingers still. As each wave of her climax rolled through I teased her clit again and again. She came again, then for a third time before she cried out.

"Stop. Please stop. Boss kill me."

I climbed up a couple of steps and turned her limp body over. She leant against me.

"Girl should make man cum, not man make girl cum."

I helped her to her feet and she leant on me as we climbed the last few steps. Christine was standing on the landing. She appeared to have been watching us for a while because I was getting the 'naughty boy' look again.

"We usually ask the guests to confine that sort of behaviour to their rooms."

"Boss do Joasia that wherever boss want."

"Um..." Christine turned, "now that the stairs are clear, I" and it was a very meaningful 'I' "have work to do."

I lay Joasia on the bed, got a warm damp wash cloth and cleaned her. Then I undressed and we got under the covers and spooned together. I had a breast in one hand and a nicely soaked pussy in the other. And, together, we went to sleep.

A voice from the doorway woke me.

"Sir, Sir!"

A middle-aged woman was standing in the doorway holding a hotel robe.

"I've come to take you to the health centre, Sir."

"Oh?"

She stood still looking at me.

"Why?"

"Well, I'm sure that I don't know that, Sir. I just have to take you to the health centre, so if you'll put this on and follow me, Sir."

"No."

She was shocked at that. That I had actually dared to refuse her orders seemed to be unthinkable.

"But you must, Sir!"

"Why?"

"And I've told you that I don't know why, Sir. The management of the hotel do not tell the likes of you and me why they want things done. But you need to come with me or Ms Boyle will be very cross and she has a lot on today."

"Are either Kelly or Justine available?"

"They are helping Ms Boyle with some very important things today. A very important guest is holding an event here tonight and the entire hotel is being disturbed. And I need to get you to the health centre as quickly as I can, so come on! Put this on!" Again she held up the robe.

She seemed to be very sure of our position in the natural order of things and that was very firmly toward the bottom of the pile.

I got out of bed and walked over, not to her, to the phone. As soon as she saw my nudity she squealed and hid behind the door all the while waving the robe about as though it might be an amulet to ward off sexual deviants. Am I a sexual deviant, I didn't know. I'll have to ask my two slaves, they'll know.

I phoned Christine's mobile.

"Boyle!"

She sounded a little harassed.

"Hi Christine."

"What are you doing, you're supposed to be getting a massage now?"

"Oh! Is that why they want me in the health centre?"

"Oh God! Who did they send?"

"I don't know her name. Middle-aged, brown hair, bit dumpy..."

"Oh fuck me..."

"Yes please!"

"Shut it you! Hand the fucking phone to her."

I walked over the door. The robe didn't scare me away so maybe I wasn't a sexual deviant. I took the robe and handed her the phone. While I was on the phone there was a very short conversation which mainly consisted of the woman saying yes and no in appropriate places.

She came into the room, handed the phone back to me then curtsied. I had never seen anyone curtsy before, not for real. And never to me!

"My Lord, if you would be so kind as to follow me please."

Oh, so some of us weren't actually down at the bottom of the heap after all, though I was sure that she always would be. Her own self image would keep her there.

"Please," I motioned for her to lead the way and gave my best 'keep the peasants in their place' smile. I'll have to work on a few of my 'Lord' to 'peasant' smiles, I'm sure I'm going to need them. I'm really not used to this 'Lord of the Shire' thing.

She led me through the hotel to the basement health centre, by a 'PRIVATE' sign and into a room already setup for a massage.

"Please relax here for a moment, my Lord. Someone will be here momentarily."

I sat in the chair and waited. After a short wait a white coated masseuse arrived.

"If you would slip off your robe and lay on the table please, Sir."

I stood, hesitated for a moment.

"You're not going to scream and run away are you?"

She looked puzzled for a moment then she must have realized who had prompted that question.

"No Sir." She smiled.

I lay on the table and was massaged.

About two or three minutes into my massage I heard a commotion outside, and Karolina's voice.

Immediately I stood up and opened the door. Not caring about my nudity. I went to where 'that woman' was trying to prevent Karolina getting to me.

"Lord Paul does not want to be disturbed just now."

"I need see him. You tell Lord Karolina need see."

Then she saw me.

"No need he here."

I was furious, almost spitting feathers. I turned the woman round, uncaring about her dignity.

"Karolina is my Personal Assistant. She is to be allowed to see me at any time, whatever I am doing, do you understand?"

She nodded.

"But you were undressed Sir..."

"I don't care if I'm fucking the entire Luton Girl's School Choir and am just about to make the lead soprano hit her high C! Karolina is to be allowed to see me! Do you understand?"

"Yes, my Lord." She quailed before my wrath.

Never been posh enough to have a wrath before, always had to make do with being pissed off.

Karolina followed me back into the massage room where, wisely, the masseuse made no comment on her presence even when I was laying face up on the table.

"What do you need Karolina?"

"Make sure boss is do what need do. Need place go for get ready."

"Make sure that that damn woman isn't taking me then."

"OK damn woman gone."

"Give me a kiss."

And she kissed me. It must have been a little bit of a surprise for the masseuse because she kissed my cock, taking it deep into her mouth before kissing my lips.

I heard Karolina speaking to the woman when she went outside, and she sounded PISSED OFF!

The massage continued. She was good, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready for anything.

The masseuse pressed a call button on the wall and a woman entered. She must have been waiting just outside the door.

"If you will come with me please, my Lord."

"Of course."

"Goodbye, my Lord," said the masseuse.

"Thank you for such a pleasurable massage. Goodbye."

"Here you are, my Lord. My name is Gail, I'm the health centre manager, if you need anything please call me on two, double-seven, four."

Gail had led me to a small shower room where another woman waited for us. Naked. That's the type of woman I like.

"Thank you."

"Please sit, my Lord." The naked woman indicated a chair.

I sat and she sprayed me with hot water from a shower nozzle. She took a small pot and lathered a shaving brush. She spread the soap on my neck and chin then gave me the best, closest, shave I have ever had. She then led me to the shower and rinsed me off. While she didn't mind me touching her, and had at times placed my hands on her breasts or pussy to get them out of her way, she didn't seem interested in anything more than touch. So I enjoyed what she let me have and let her do her job. And we were both happy.

Massaged and shaved I was led back to the Peal Tower. I assumed that I was supposed to be capable of showering myself now that the difficult tasks had been completed. But no, that wasn't the case. The girl waiting for me in the shower was young and quite good looking, but very nervous. In the end I sent her out of the shower and washed myself.

She, the girl from the shower, was waiting for me in the bedroom, my new suit waiting on a press beside her. Wrapped in a towel she actually looked sexier than she had naked. Perhaps the nervousness had suppressed her natural sexiness. I wonder why she had waited there if she was so nervous about the possible consequences. Whatever she had been like in the shower she was calm and steady dressing me.

Calmly she eased on my boxers without any of the problems that Kelly seemed to be plagued with, and she put my socks on without the open legged squatting that Kelly seemed to find absolutely necessary for that task.

She didn't seem to notice the towel coming loose, and I was a cad by not telling her. It was very interesting to watch the end of that towel ease its way out of the securing roll. I also watched her chest above the towel, the rise above her breasts and the beginnings of her cleavage.

Unlike Kelly and Justine she turned me round and helped me into my shirt from behind. I turned back to face her for two reasons, I wanted to see the towel drop and I didn't think she could do the buttons up from behind me. However the towel was now only seconds away from falling. She lifted her arms to do up the top button and it fell. I, being a man, looked at the nude body revealed before me. It was quite nice actually. Wide eyed she stared at me for a moment then continued doing up shirt buttons.

When she went to get my tie, she almost tripped over the fallen towel. I caught her arm and steadied her.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The most either of us had spoken since I had found her in my shower.

She looped the bow tie around my neck.

"I can't believe I'm doing this."

"Doing what?"

"Standing here with nothing on, dressing you, that's what."

I held her wrists and moved them away from the tie, then fetched a bath robe. I helped her into it as she had helped me into my shirt earlier. Moving round to her front I closed the robe and secured it with the belt.

"There, how's that? Better?"

"Thanks."

I looked at her, her eyes were watering.

She looked at me and I smiled to her.

"You really are nice."

She stepped back a couple of paces and undid the belt then slipped the robe off. Turning, she lay the robe on a close by chair and returned to me.

"Gerry, one of the housekeepers here, said I was going to get arse raped doing this. Ms Boyle told me that if I showed any skin you would look at it, because you liked looking and I was letting you look. If I was naked you would look at all of me. But she also said that you wouldn't touch me if I didn't want you to."

She stepped back and, holding her arms above her head, she turned around slowly.

"Now you know that you can look. You can touch too if you like."

"Thanks you," I cupped her cheek. "You have given me a great gift."

Now completely dressed including bow tie. The time was five minutes to seven, the party was supposed to start at seven o'clock. And I had been told to wait here. While I had not been threatened with physical harm if I did get there early I knew that it would upset those who had worked so hard organising this event. So I waited.



-------

Chapter 9


The lift door opened and Joasia stepped out followed by Karolina. They both looked stunning. Joasia wore a long white dress that flowed from her right shoulder down to the floor, her left shoulder was bare. Hugging her figure, the dress showed that she had a very nice figure to hug. It didn't show any lines or shadows from underwear though. From the little spikes poking through the light fabric I could see that she definitely wasn't wearing a bra. Her hair was done up in a complex style that seemed to give her height and poise. Where Joasia was in white Karolina was in black. Her dress was a mirror image of Joasia's her right shoulder was bared. Her nipples dented her dress too.

I stepped forward and kissed each. They looked up eyes shining.

"Sir like?" Karolina asked.

"Yes I like your dresses very much. But most of all I like you two. I think that both of you look magnificent."

Their smiles lit their faces another three or four hundred watts.

I turned and offered each an arm Karolina to my right, Joasia to my left. Strangely they swapped round. I must have looked a little puzzled as I looked down to Karolina.

"Now can see tits."

She just leaned and twisted slightly and the top of her dress opened, I got a glimpse of her breasts. I looked at Joasia who did the same move and flashed at me the same way.

We walked down the stairs and followed a set of rope barriers into a medium sized hall. Tables were setup and a small number of people were already here. Christine came over to greet us. She too was dressed to kill in a pale cream dress with a golden cord which was wrapped around her neck, down between her full breasts and round her waist, tied at her side, the golden cord emphasising her breasts. We kissed and hugged for a moment.

"I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me with this party. I've got everyone who really is anyone locally here. And Mr Dempsey is here too." Her eyes gleamed with that news. "Now forgive me for a moment." She left us and went to an older man. I could see the family resemblance in the two. Christine hooked her arm in his and led him over to us.

"Uncle Terry, I would like you to meet Lord Paul. Lord Paul, I present my Uncle, Mr Terrence Boyle, the owner of Dobroyd Castle Hotel."

I held out my hand and he took it.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Boyle, I am enjoying my stay here tremendously."

"Honoured to meet you my Lord, Christine has told us so much about you."

We chatted for a couple of minutes, Joasia and Karolina standing impassively to my sides and a little behind me. At some unseen signal, by me any way, he left just as Christine was bringing another man over to us.

Karolina leaned slightly forward, "Mr. Dempsey," she whispered, "Sasha's father."

And so the formalities were observed.

As each guest was brought forward either Joasia or Karolina would whisper their name and any special information I needed.

One very nice thing happened, Sasha arrived. She looked hot and tired but she came and kissed me. She had driven up from London that afternoon just for this party. We hugged. I know it was just a week since we had parted in London but so much had happened in those seven days that it seemed like a lifetime. She left saying she would return when she had had a shower and changed into something suitable.

We stood around eating little dead things on toast and drinking bubbly yellow stuff. Well I didn't drink that. Once the introductions had finished Joasia and Karolina relaxed their guard a little. Thus I was able to slip away to the bar. I sat on a barstool and ordered a John Smiths smooth. A young guy next to me stuck out his hand and we shook.

"Name's Thrash."

"Bet your Mum loved that. Mine's Paul."

He laughed. "She didn't like it at all. But Gerald doesn't quite cut it for a rock singer."

"Yeah I can see that'd be a handicap. Can't imagine the MC announcing 'Here's Gerald Shufflebotham with his latest number one hit; LET'S FUCK IN THE STREET!'." We both smiled thoughtfully. "Doesn't really work does it?"

"Missing a certain something," he agreed.

I ordered another drink for both of us. We were both drinking the Smooth, that's why he struck up the conversation. We spoke quietly for a few more minutes then, as I was ordering another round of drinks, he turned around.

"You know five really sexy birds?"

The image of my ladies, Sasha, Christine, Kelly and Justine sprang into my mind. I smiled to myself.

"Yes I do. The most beautiful, caring and thoughtful people you could ever wish to meet. I have absolutely no idea why they seem to like me so much, I'm not nearly good enough for any one of them let alone all of them."

"Nice ladies, eh?"

"Oh the best, the very best. Are you with the group?"

"Er ... you could say that."

"Great, when we go back in I'll introduce them to you."

"I don't think we actually have to go back in."

"Oh?"

"No. They're standing right behind us, I think they're a little miffed."

I turned. Standing in a line, shoulder to shoulder, were Joasia, Karolina, Christine, Kelly and Sasha.

"Hello my darlings," I said as I rose from the stool. "I'd like you to meet Gera..."

"Thrash," he whispered.

"Sorry," I whispered in return. " ... Thrash. He does something with the group."

Sasha burst out laughing. In moments Kelly and Christine joined her.

"You have no fucking idea who he is have you?" Sasha gasped through her laughter.

"Course I do, he's with the group and they call him Thrash," I said with as much dignity as I could muster. After all apart from him being called Thrash, real name Gerald, I had absolutely no idea who he was.

Christine stepped forward.

"Why are you out here?"

"I wanted a drink."

"But there's a lot to drink in the hall."

"That yellow shi ... stuff."

Christine crossed her arms. I had read somewhere that this was the equivalent of def-con 5 in male / female relationships and sensible males would usually start looking for a nuclear bomb shelter, or start digging one with their bare hands.

"That yellow ... stuff is Moet and costs £35 a bottle."

"Boss not want yellow shit."

We all looked at Joasia.

"Boss want beer. Man thing."

With that Karolina and Joasia moved to my side.

"Boss OK?" Joasia asked.

"Yes thank you Joasia. I would like you to meet Thrash. He's with the group."

Joasia held out a hand, she and Thrash shook.

I introduced Karolina and he shook her hand slightly bemused.

Christine came up to me then.

"Christine this is Thrash, Thrash, Christine."

They too shook hands; each had a strange grin on their faces though. I would have to ask Christine about that later.

I introduced Sasha and Kelly. Sasha shook hands but Kelly opted for a kiss, on the lips, with tongue.

"Thrash, get your arse in here. We're on as soon as the VIPs get back."

We all turned to see a member of the group at the bar door beckoning to our new friend.

"Gotta go, tune up and stuff." He looked at the girls, "Any requests?"

"Dear Lady."

"Rita."

Kelly and Sasha spoke almost as one.

"OK. See what I can do. Gotta go." He smiled and waved as he left.

"Nice bloke. Wonder if he has any pull with the group for your requests."

Christine, Kelly and Sasha looked at me as though I was an idiot, but I was getting used to that from them so I ignored the looks. We too returned to the hall. As I left I looked longingly at the three quarters of a pint still on the bar.

As we entered the hall a waitress led us to our seats. Mine was front and centre with Christine to my right. Joasia and Karolina were immediately behind me, one to the left the other to the right. If I turned my head either way I would see one of them. Christine and I spoke while the group got ready. Thrash was tuning up a guitar for somebody. It must have been the lead singer because the rest of the group were tuning their own instruments.

A waitress approached, it was the girl from the shower, and placed a small table beside me with an ice bucket on it.

"You should try this Sir. It's very smooth." The emphasis on the last word made me look into the bucket. There was a pint of Smooth hidden in there.

"Thank you very much," and I smiled at her.

A few moments later the lights dimmed and Thrash stepped forward.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We are THE SCREAMING MONKEYS!"

Immediately the drummer started into a pounding beat. The first session was very good. I didn't know who The Screaming Monkeys were and my usual sources of information were busy. The girl from the shower came in to change the ice bucket by my chair. I stopped her.

"I'm sorry but I don't know you name and I don't like to keep calling people 'Miss' or 'Mate'. I'm Paul."

She gave a little curtsy. I wish people would stop doing that.

"My name's June my Lord and Ms Boyle made sure I knew who you are, Sir."

"Born in June?"

"No, my Lord, March."

A quick bit of mental arithmetic gave me a possible answer. She must have seen the realisation in my eyes.

"Yes, my Lord, conceived in June."

"Any sisters?" I couldn't help myself. It was like watching a train wreck.

She closed her eyes dropping her head a little. "Yes, my Lord, two."

"Oh God no, not..."

"Yes, my Lord, April is the youngest, May is the middle and I'm the eldest. And we really got the piss taken out of us at school."

"I am so sorry..." I started but was unable to continue while I tried to keep a straight face.

"Ummm..." She gave me one of those woman looks, slight frown, lips closed but up on one side, the sort of look that says - you're not in the shit yet sunshine but you're sooooo close.

"I

think I'll ask Miss Karolina what I should do with you." She looked to my side, I looked too and Karolina was standing to one side just behind me.

"He man, not make better. Not worry." They both laughed at this I think I was being subtly insulted, but by Karolina? Naaaa.

I scowled at them both. Karolina just gave me her bright happy smile. June seemed worried for a moment until she saw me stick my tongue out at Karolina then she too smiled brightly. So I stuck my tongue out at her too. I can be fair.

"Anyway, June, who are The Screaming Monkeys?"

I got another 'he is an idiot' look.

"They're a really top group. They started playing here about two years ago Ms Boyle gave them a few gigs and they just took off. They've had two number one hits now and they're about to release their first album."

"Do you like them?"

"Oh yes, my Lord, they're great! I've got both singles on CD and I'm waiting for the album. They're fabulous."

"Have you been able to see the show?"

"Oh no, my Lord! Waiting staff aren't allowed to stand around in the event rooms."

"Come on then, I'll see if I can introduce you."

I took her arm and we started walking toward the side rooms which were being used as break rooms for the group. On the way I tuned to Karolina and asked her to see if she could do something about getting June in to watch the next half of the performance.

There were two guards by the break room doors but they just parted and let us in.

"Thrash, I've got a fan of yours who wasn't able to see the first part of the show."

He looked at her then looked a little more closely.

"I remember you. You used to come to the gigs here when we first started. You were the third person to buy one of our tee shirts."

"Oh God! How could you remember that?"

"Dead easy. Anyway are you enjoying the gig?"

"I'm waiting staff, we can't stay in the event hall while you're on."

"Oh bugger. Hey! Jamie, you got any of the new polo shirts?"

Someone, I assume it was Jamie, came over with a pack of ten very good quality polo shirts. He looked at me and I pointed at June.

"Hey! It's front row girl." And he hugged her.

June was almost crying she was so excited.

"You'd take a small I think." June nodded barely able to speak. He hurried away and came back with a different pack of polo shirts. "Would you like one?" he asked me.

"This is her treat, make it special for her. I can buy one later."

Her opened the pack and took out a permanent marker and with bold strokes he signed his name on the front of each shirt. One by one the other three members of the group came and signed the shirts as well.

Then with a flourish he presented them to June.

"To our first and most loyal fan."

June didn't know what to do. She turned and looked at me, tears streaming down her face. She tried to speak but was totally unable to.

I shook hands with Jamie and Thrash then led June back into the hall. Entering the hall, I saw a waitress taking empty glasses away and called her over.

"Can you take these up to my room when you're free please?" I indicated the polo shirts.

Her eyes opened wide when she saw that they were signed.

"Yes, my Lord."

Within moments she was back accompanied by a guard. She took all but one of the tee shirts away, June hugging the last to her breast.

Karolina came over and led us back to my chair. A smaller chair had been placed beside mine and behind the table my drink was on. The inference was quite clear. Dirty old man Lord Paul wanted a young girl to grope while the group was on and June was my victim. I wondered if it would make the papers.

June stood in a dither for a moment then handed her tee shirt to me.

"Would you look after this for me please?"

"It would be a pleasure June my dear."

She grabbed the ice bucket from the small table and left toward the bar. Presently she returned with a slightly larger bucket hiding two pints of smooth.

June sat beside me holding her polo shirt. When the group came back on hers were easily the loudest cheers. Christine looked around me and spotted her then looked at me with an 'I'll have words with you later!' look. I just smiled back at her until she too smiled and playfully slapped my arm.

I enjoyed the show, occasionally I took a drink from my illicit pints. Then a warm hand grasped mind and eased it down to feel a bare knee. The bare knee gave way to an equally bare thigh and then a hot wet pussy, which was also bare. I looked down at June she was looking up at me smiling widely and her eyes moist with her happiness. 'Thank you.' She mouthed at me. I kissed my index finger and held it toward her. She leant forward so I moved it toward her lips. Instead of kissing my finger she sucked it into her mouth. Her eyes looking directly into mine she bobbed her head onto my finger, only, for her, it wasn't my finger she was sucking so eagerly on. She sucked for a few moments then with great reluctance released my finger. I kissed it again. This time she blushed.

Then, to Sasha's delight, Thrash started singing 'Rita', the group's first number one hit. He sang it to her and only her, and the whole room knew that he was serenading her. Many thought that he was going to get lucky tonight. At the end of that song he got a standing ovation. Thrash really was a rock genius. He could build emotions in you that you didn't even know existed. I looked back. Kelly was jumping with joy for Sasha, and then the long introduction into 'Dear Lady' started. Kelly remained standing throughout the whole song, crying unashamedly as the sad ballad told its story of love and betrayal.

The applause was rapturous and lasted for five minutes.

"For our last song tonight a track from our new album, 'Little Boy'. I'm sure that I heard a few sniggers from my ladies and Christine. I can't imagine why they thought that was funny. We sat again as the drummer began a complex beat, with bass weaving in and out of time. Then the lead guitar and vocals began.

I felt a warm hand on mine again and my hand was taken back to a warm wet place between Junes legs.

All too soon the song stopped and we applauded them until they left the stage.

We stood talking, now that the group had finished June was allowed to stay in the hall. This she did, hovering close to me and making sure that there was always a half pint of Smooth located close to me.

I spent my time making small talk to the local luminaries and had a happy ten minutes with Sasha and her father. Then it was eleven o'clock and the lights started slowly dimming. The locals left first, I left then too, back to my room and to rest my feet for a few minutes. June followed Karolina and Joasia to our room.



-------

Chapter 10


June and Joasia spoke quietly for a couple of minutes and then Joasia brought out a clothes press holding another set of clothes for me.

June undressed me and then knelt in front of me. She leant forward and gently lifted my cock into her mouth with her tongue. She grasped my hands and brought them to the sides of her head, pressing them there. Pulling away for a moment she looked into my eyes.

"Fuck my mouth. I want you to, please fuck my mouth."

Then she sucked me into her hot mouth again.

I held her head and slowly thrust in and out. June accepted my cock into her mouth and then her throat. She let me bury myself deep in her throat without any gagging. Her tongue was constantly in motion and when I was embedded deep enough to be pressing her nose against my abdomen she would reach out with her tongue to try to lick my balls. I slowly built up my pace and rhythm and I came while deep in her throat. Straining I held my position and pumped again and again into her throat. At last I pulled back and she breathed deeply again.

"Thank you," I said as I helped her to her feet and then kissed her. At first she tried to turn her head away but quickly turned back to me and opened herself to my advances.

She dressed me quickly but without rushing. But I was a little surprised at what she dressed me in. Just light sandals and a long, long, shirt. The shirt was the most surprising. Dropping to mid thigh it was spilt up both sides to my waist. It had buttons all the way down the front but it was only buttoned to just above my cock. I walked towards the wall mirror and saw how my cock would peek out with every step. I knew that an erection would have no problems in displaying itself.

I looked at June again.

"It's what they said you are to wear." she said and I could see tears pricking her eyes as she worried about my reaction to being dressed like this.

"If this is what they want, this is what they get." I opened my arms and she came into them and we hugged. I kissed her again. She dropped her arms by her sides and relaxed, more like surrendered her body into mine.

We finished our kiss and I noticed my ladies behind me watching us. I turned and was totally gobsmacked by what they were now wearing. Compared to them I was overdressed. Joasia had on, if you could call it that, a strip of white material about two feet wide and maybe eight foot long. In the centre a crude hole had been ripped for her head. It hung down front and back. There were no closures, fastenings belts or anything. As she moved it too would move showing her nakedness beneath. Karolina was better dressed, but only in the sense that better meant that she had a belt. She did have another problem though. The ripped neck in her covering (there was absolutely no way anyone could call it a dress) was too large and it kept slipping off her shoulders. When it did it totally exposed her breast on that side. They both held their hands out, and they each had a leather collar resting on their hands.

Karolina looked at me with more dignity that I could have mustered dressed similarly.

"Please my Master, Collar your slave."

I took the collar from her and placed it round her neck. It fit tightly she would know that she was wearing this every second that it was on.

Joasia presented me with her collar.

"Please my Master, Collar your slave."

With the proper pronunciation and grammar I knew that both had practised this sentence until they got it perfect. This seemed to be a ritual so I would have to be careful what I said and did. It was obviously important to both of them. June stood by my side without saying a word.

I took Joasia's collar and placed it on her neck. This fit a little tighter than Karolina's and I was sure that I would have the fitting checked when we returned to London.

June kissed me, "Have a good time."

"Aren't you coming too?"

"I haven't been asked and anyway I've nothing to wear."

"Wear like me," Joasia suggested.

She thought about it for a moment looking at the very little that Joasia was wearing.

"Ok."

Joasia left and returned with a plain white sheet and a pair of scissors. Looking at June she measured off a width of the sheet and nicked one end with the scissors. Then she ripped the sheet lengthways.

"Need nude you."

June undressed, folding her clothes and placing them neatly on the sofa. Laying the strip of cloth over Junes shoulder Joasia roughly measured the centre of the strip and made a crude cut which she opened out by ripping again. Then she placed the 'slave garment' over June's head and stepped back. Taking the small strip left, Joasia twisted it into a crude belt which she loosely tied round June's waist.

"That do." Joasia pronounced. Then June stood by my ladies and I looked at them. Even with June's garment being much shorter than the others, there was so much to look at that no-one would notice the difference. With the belt June would be covered a little more than the other two, but only by a minor degree.

"Now, my ladies, perhaps you will tell me what sort of 'entertainment' we are having tonight." I tried to be stern but failed miserably.

Joasia answered, "Boss master of slaves now. Need learn how..." she had a quick conference with Karolina, "how enjoy slave biggest."

I thought for a moment as to how I was going to 'enjoy slave biggest'. I knew that I was enjoying my two ladies so much already.

"Ummm..." Again I gave them a stern look. This one failed too.

I moved toward the door to go back downstairs.

"Hold boss hand. You friend not slave." Karolina whispered, perhaps a little too loud.

June thought for a moment.

"I'd like to be your friend but tonight I'm his servant. I'll walk with you."

I walked back down to the hall with my three followers. The seating had been rearranged, with the chairs replaced by three chaise lounges. These were in a semicircle around a cleared area in the centre of the room. They were quite widely spaced with cushions and pillows surrounding each one. We were the first to arrive and I led my group to the centre of the room.

"June, see if you can get me a drink please."

She leant towards me and whispered, "Don't ask, just tell." She kissed my cheek and ran to a door. I watch the delightful sight of her bum flashing me as her 'dress' swung side to side.

Hearing a noise to my side I turned. Christine was approaching. She looked fabulously sexy. While her dress was loosely the same as Joasia's it had a lot more cloth and was pleated to provide warmth and covering for her. The golden cord she had been wearing earlier in the evening was wrapped around her chest just below her breasts, lifting her breasts and holding the cloth tight onto them. However with every step she took, the forward swing of her leg pushed the cloth to the side showing naked skin from ankle to chest.

In her right hand Christine held a long thin English style crooked cane. In the other a leash, which was attached to a ring embedded in the clitoral hood of the naked girl walking behind her. It was Justine. Naked but decorated with gold chains. A very heavy, long, gold chain ran from nipple ring to nipple ring, its weight dragging both breasts downward. It swung with every step, dragging the tormented breasts with it. She was blindfolded and her arms seem to have been secured behind her back. Small covers over her ears completed her coverings.

"I see you've found a new toy, Lord Paul," Christine said as she watched June run back to me with my drink.

To my surprise June knelt by my side holding my drink at a convenient height for me to reach.

"Not too badly trained though."

"Umm ... I just need to train them to tell me more about what's happening." I scowled down at June, who just looked up at me smiling widely.

A warm hand on my shoulder made me turn. It was Sasha, she too was dressed for some serious sex play, wearing a very small bolero jacket which mostly covered her nipples (provided she didn't move, or even breath deeply) and exposed most of the rest of her breasts. Her skirt comprised of four short two inch wide strips of soft leather hanging from a gold chain. She kissed me and slipped her hand into my shirt to grip my cock for a moment. I returned the favour by slipping my hand between her legs and along her wet slit.

Sasha was accompanied by a young girl I hadn't seen before, though she looked a lot like Sasha herself.

"My sister Nina. She's a bit of a slut."

She might be a bit of a slut but tonight she was a bound slut. Leather straps and cuffs bound her arms to her sides and lifted her small breasts. A metal 'O' gag kept her mouth open and prevented her from closing her lips. Judging from the amount of drool running down her chin and neck she had been wearing it for some time.

Sasha saw me looking at the 'O' ring gag.

"I thought about using a ball gag to keep her quiet, but I wanted her tongue to be available so it's the O ring tonight."

"Oh of course you need her tongue free." I replied seriously.

Sasha just laughed and slapped my arm. "You tit."

I cupped the luscious globes under her bolero jacket, "no, these tits, me pillock."

"And speaking of tits," Christine interrupted. "I need Lord Paul to do something for me."

"Of course Christine anything."

"Yes, I think that you would try to do anything for one of your friends. But this is a little easier. Please undo this knot," she pointed to the gold cord around her chest.

It was a simple slip knot and when I pulled the release end, the remaining cord fell to the floor.

"I said that I'd show you sometime," and she slipped from her dress to stand naked.

Sasha and I looked at her appreciatively. Christine had a fine body and firm breasts. The even pale gold of her tanned skin was only broken by the paler lines left by small bikini briefs. She trimmed her pubic hair leaving a thin V pointing toward her vagina where the gleam of a clit ring could be seen. Sasha had no hesitation in running her hands over Christine's' breasts and between her legs. She pulled on the ring with interest.

Christine handed us each a small ball ended bar, "would you put these in for me?"

I took one and looked at her ear.

"It doesn't go there," she laughed.

I looked at her nipple.

"It helps if you suck on them a little first."

Well, it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it. Sasha and I sucked on a nipple each. Christine put her hand on the backs of our heads and pulled us onto her breasts.

"Oh God! That's so good."

But she released us. I looked carefully at the now engorged nipple and saw the hole at its base. I unscrewed one end ball off the bar, threaded the bar through the nipple and replaced the ball. It was the first time I had ever inserted someone's nipple jewellery.

"I'm getting the slut's nipples pierced. I might get her clit hood done as well."

"UH!" Sasha's sister exclaimed.

"What does she think about that?" I asked.

"Fuck knows. I haven't asked her. She's just my little sex slut. I do what I want with her."

The sex slut nodded.

A gong sounded.

Christine put her dress on. No belt this time though.

"Lord Paul Would you take the centre seat, Lady Sasha if you would take the seat on the left. I shall have the seat on the right."

We sat. Or rather we arranged ourselves on the backless couches. June came and knelt on a cushion by my head, raising the drink that she still held so I would be able to take it more easily. Joasia knelt behind the couch and Karoline knelt to the front and rested her head in my lap. I put a hand on her head and slowly stroked her hair.

A warm hand started stoking my inner thigh from behind. I looked down, Joasia smiled up at me and continued her stroking.

The lights dimmed and a spotlight trained on the side of the small stage. A typical female impersonator stepped into the lit circle. A large feathered head piece reached to the ceiling. His gown glittered from the sequins sewn into it. The gown was split to mid thigh and showed the very high heels he (?) was wearing.

He walked to the centre front of the stage and stood with arms thrown wide.

Then slowly toppled backward onto the floor. Two female stage hands ran out and helped him to his feet, swearing all the time.

Eventually he stood there steadying himself on the two stage hands.

"Fucked if I know how Danny La Rue did it. No wonder he's dead." And he pushed the head piece off releasing a swath of blonde hair down to her waist.

"Get rid of the fucking shoes too." And the stage hands bent and removed her shoes.

"Now, ladies and gentleman, to entertain you tonight we are privileged to have the lead soprano from the Luton Girl's School choir singing a selection of arias from the more popular operas."

We then heard a girl's voice, off stage, rising through the scales to a high C.

"Well we now know where his Lordship is," we all laughed, "and what he's doing."

We laughed louder.

"Good grief, it's fucking hot in here. I'd heard that the management were too mean to turn the heating on so I wore my thermal vest."

Sasha and I laughed, Christine threw a plastic glass at me.

The MC went to the side of the stage, "Give me a hand with this," and she turned her back. A hand appeared and undid her gown's zip.

She returned to the centre front of the stage and shrugged out of her gown, leaving her naked except for stockings and a waist cinchier. Her full breasts and completely shaven pussy showed that she was most definitely a she after all.

She then gave a very funny fifteen minutes of stand up comedy which made my sides ache.

"We have a fun set of entertainment for you tonight starting with a gymnastic display and then a fashion show. I must ask that you remain in your seats during the gymnastic display but the girls welcome you to come and have a closer look at any of the fashions that they are going to show you tonight."

The lights went out and we could see in the gloom that the stage cleared.

The lights came on again, this time showing an empty stage, and then a single young girl came onto the stage. Dressed in a flowing red and orange costume she began an intricate display of agility and gymnastic ability. Jumping, tumbling and rolling across the stage, she was mesmerising us with her skill and grace.

Then a second girl appeared and mirrored the first. This time though whenever the second girl got close to the first she snatched at the first's costume, removing part of it each time.

Then a third girl joined the other two and the third girl snatched at the second girl's costume as the second girl snatched at the first girl's costume. All the while they continued with the gymnastics.

Quickly now the first girl was stripped, leaving her naked except for a leather body harness which emphasised her breasts and pussy without concealing anything. And another girl joined and then another and another until there were ten girls on stage. Then the first girl started stripping the last girl.

Very soon they were all naked but for their body harnesses. When they were all naked they lined up and took a bow. The line up showed that they were all very young their chests showing small budding breasts, all pussies were totally hair free. They bowed again then raced off.

As the MC walked onto the stage a loud 'crack' made us all jump. We turned to look at Christine and saw her cane lying across Justine's bum. Justine's head was buried between Christine's legs obviously giving her mistress pleasure. Christine saw us all looking at her. "Teeth," she said in way of explanation.

We looked again at Justine and could easily see a red welt showing across her bum.

"Ladies and gentleman, the young ladies of the gymnastic display team need a short rest at this point so we'll have a fifteen minute break." She looked at Justine, "And deal with any staff problems which might have cropped up." She arched an eyebrow as she said this and Sasha and I laughed. Justine got another stoke with the cane.

I got up and June followed me.

"June get me another drink, but first take that thing off."

June's eyes widened then she smiled.

"Yes Sir." And she removed the belt and lifted her 'slave dress' over her head dropping both at her feet. Naked she ran toward the bar to get my drink. Of course I watched her pert bum as she ran. Lovely.

Karolina and Joasia came to my side next.

"Joasia go and ask Christine if I can borrow her cane. And ask nicely."

"She got cane not gonna piss her off."

"Karolina, my precious," I undid her belt and lifted her slave garment over her head, dropping it to the floor by June's. "That's better." I took this opportunity to run my fingertips over her pert breasts and nipples.

Joasia ran back with Christine's cane in her hands. She knelt in front of me and bowed her head. "Christine cane Sir." I took it and half turned Karolina. Laying the cane against her buttocks I looked at her. She stared straight ahead. With a flick that started at my shoulder and travelled all the way to my wrist I gave Karolina a single stroke. The crack of it landing was louder than that from Justine's punishment, and Karolina jumped forward with a yelp.

I turned her a little and saw that there was a red welt rising on her pale skin. I ran my hand over it and she shuddered slightly.

"No more for you, Karolina."

"Thank Sir. Hurt like fuck!"

"It is a cane, Karolina; it is supposed to hurt very badly."

"Yes Sir. Did."

"Joasia!" and I pointed to the spot where Karolina had stood moments before. With no hesitation she took her place and waited patiently. Again I laid the cane against her buttocks and prepared myself. Another wind up that came from the chest and all the way down the arm, the cane only pulled back about three inches but the flex along its length was visible. As the cane flicked back it struck Joasia's backside transferring all of its energy to her bare skin. She too jumped and yelped, a hand going back to her abused bum.

Quickly though she took her place again and said. "Is one, thank Sir."

I ran my hand over her bum cheeks and already I could feel the raising skin. "No more for you, Joasia."

"Thank Sir." And she kissed me. "Sir enjoy using slave?"

"Yes I did."

And then I noticed that June was standing in position.

"You don't have to do this, June."

"I, too, am yours tonight. Am I not worth a single stroke of your cane?"

"You're worth much more than I can tell you, dear girl. And I also tell you that a stroke of the cane is not a little thing to receive."

"Then perhaps my slave sisters will hold my arms during the stroke and comfort me after it."

They came and held onto her arms, holding her steady.

"Is quick without warn. That good thing."

I lay the cane against June's backside and repeated my stroke. The loud crack was immediately followed by. "SHIT!"

"Oh fuck! Ohfuckohfuck."

Joasia and Karolina held June up and cuddled her. Joasia whispered in her ear and June straightened with difficulty.

"That was ... one. Thank ... thank you ... Sir." She stammered out.

"Take her back to our couch and comfort her for a while." I instructed my girls and they half carried her away. I watched them walk back to the couch, single matching stripes across each backside.

I turned to the others who had been close enough to watch Joasia's and June's strokes quite closely.

"That's a nice cane Christine. It's a little too whippy for me but not too bad at all." I gave it back to her.

"I wonder if they think it's too whippy?" she said with a chuckle. Sasha was taking practice strokes with the cane as we spoke, Nina watching her a little apprehensively.

"You're safe at the moment, little slut. You know Daddy said that I can't beat you until your birthday. Then just you lay back and enjoy the thrashing you're going to get." And Sasha grinned evilly at her young sister.

We talked idly for a few more minutes until the gong sounded again, then we returned to our couches. Joasia returned to her position at the rear, perhaps the cane had reminded her that she was supposed to be pleasuring me, I don't know but when I lay down this time I felt hot breath on my buttocks and then a warm wet tongue slide along the crease of my arse, curl round under me and reach for my ass. There it bathed my ring piece, round and round, pressing in every so often. Of course after only a moment of this I was as hard as a rock. I eased Karolina into position and she sucked me into her mouth and just held me in her warmth. I reached toward June, as she knelt holding my drink, and caught a bare breast and teased its nipple. June looked at me and thrust her breasts at me urging me to go on. I continued to tease her breasts and occasionally dipped my fingers down to her vagina to bathe in her hot, swampy folds.

I looked over at Christine and Sasha and both had a head between their legs bobbing and squirming on their hot sex. I am sure that I would not be the only one to cum soon.

The MC came out again and looked at her audience then turned and called to back stage.

"Don't bother with anything too difficult. They'll be happy if you just go out there and wave naked tits at them." Three girls did just that, they ran out naked and one went to each of us and shook their naked bodies in our faces, making sure to get their nipples into our mouths as they did so. Then, laughing, they ran back backstage.

The lights dimmed again and a single spot focussed on the centre stage. An odd looking piece of equipment had been placed there while we were distracted by the girls a few moments ago.

Then the lights came up again and a single girl stepped out from the side. She was dressed in a floaty, bright yellow and red dress. Straight legged she high stepped around the stage until she reached the thing in the centre. Then she stood astride it and held her arms outstretched to her sides. And she waited.

Two girls dressed in black body suits came running out and raced around the stage coming closer and closer to the first. When they reached her they grabbed at her dress from each side and ripped it from her body leaving her completely naked, not even a body harness this time.

They threw the ripped halves of her dress to the side and grabbed hold of her. Tipping her upside down, they placed her on the strange equipment, its purpose now becoming clear. It was designed to hold a person upside down, supporting the shoulders and upper back, but leaving everything else free and clear. Then the two assistants grabbed her legs and pulled them straight out to the sides. As we were seeing 'upside-down' girl from her front there was not an inch of her vagina we could not see, her breasts and stomach were also plainly open to us. Then the girl on the left produced a large dildo and thrust it into 'upside-down' girl's cunt. She thrust it in and out a few times then, leaving the dildo deeply embedded in the inverted cunt, she took a bow. And 'upside-down' girl shot the dildo out, sending it up to the ceiling.

This was repeated two or three times by the black clad girls, but no matter how hard they pushed their dildos into her the naked girl shot them out almost to the ceiling.

Then we heard the sound of music, a military march and the sounds of marching feet. A line of girls dressed in army style uniforms came marching onto the stage. They saw the naked girl and rushed to her. Like all 'soldiers' presented with a naked girl they started groping and kissing her. Fingers going into her opened pussy and round her defenceless tits. Then one of the soldiers produced a small white ball, a ping pong ball I am sure, and placed it on her opened inner lips. Then another soldier pressed it down into the girl's cunt. Seconds later the ball shot out and up to the ceiling. This time however one of the soldiers caught the ball in her mouth to great applause from the other soldiers.

A second ball was inserted and shot upward. This time however the soldier failed to catch the ball and all of the other soldiers laughed at her. She had to take her jacket off showing us she was not wearing anything underneath it.

This continued for a few minutes, some balls being caught some missed. For every missed ball an item of clothing was removed. The pace of the ball placement and catch attempts increased until it was almost frenetic. I do not know how the girl was firing the balls so high and so fast. She must have a cunt of steel. All too soon the inevitable happened and all of the soldiers were naked. They helped the girl off the body stand and lined up. We applauded loudly for the few of us there and the girls marched round to each of us and bowed to us individually. It is quite something to have a line of naked smiling girls lined up waiting to bow to you.

The MC came out again and announced a thirty minute break, the time required for the stage to be removed and the couches rearranged for the fashion show. She also reminded us that we were welcome to come and inspect the models and clothes much more closely if we so wished.

I got up and took my drink from June. I handed this to Karolina and then grabbed June by her hair and threw her over the arm of the couch. She landed on her back, legs opened and head down. I grabbed her legs and opened them wider. When she realised what was happening she stretched her legs even wider.

"Oh yes, please fuck me! Fuck me now!"

I thrust into her wet, wet, channel sinking in to my root straight away. I was ready to come within seconds but not nearly as ready as she was. As I reached bottom on my second stroke her cunt walls grabbed me and she started to moan louder and louder. Her cunt muscles tried to drag the cum out of me but the pressure that was around my cock held back my climax for a few seconds. June was still gasping and cumming when I managed to pull out of her and release my cock from the tremendous pressure that had gripped it. Then I came, shooting my sperm all the way up her body. From her cunt to face, thick lines of my cum coated her. We rested for a few seconds trying to catch our breaths. Then I helped her up from the couch arm. She leant forward and kissed me. I tried to hug her but she stepped back.

"Please, my Lord, let me wear your cum so I can show the other slaves and make them jealous. Please, my Lord." She looked so desperate to do this that I relented and let her, she stood tall and proud by my side as I went to join Christine and Sasha.

Sasha looked at her and smiled.

"Been a good girl for your master have you girl?"

"Oh yes Mistress. My Lord has had his pleasure in me and has been gracious enough to let me display his pleasure." She smiled as though she had just won the lottery. I am sure that I didn't smile that wide when I did win.

"Little slut, this girl has been bathed in man cum and is smiling. So why do you moan when I spray your clothes with a little girl cum when we're out?"

Nina was in no position to answer this accusation as she was being forced to the floor to service her Mistress again before she could get a word out. I watched as Sasha forced her sister's mouth against her cunt again.

"We thought that it would be quite a job to get you used to being a slave master." Christine said from behind me.

I turned and smiled at her.

"I read huge amounts of porn."

"Yes but they never get it right, it's all tits and cunt with the blokes having ten inch pricks and the tiny slave girls being able to swallow his whole length. They don't mention her throwing up on his prick afterwards do they?"

"No I can't remember many stories mentioning that." I laughed.

"I think June wants to become one of your slaves."

"What on earth for?"

"You had her so hot she was panting for release, and when you waggled your puny dick inside her a couple of times she came like a fountain. And then to spray all over her like that; well, look how proud she is. Yes, I think she'll be leaving with you as well."

"What mean puny?" Karolina asked.

Christine whispered in her ear for a moment. Initially Karolina's eyes flashed her anger, then she relaxed and soon they giggled like schoolgirls sharing secrets.

Karolina came back and knelt in front of me. She lifted my shirt up and ducked underneath. She gave my flaccid cock a quick kiss on the end and licked its length. Standing up again she turned to Christine.

"Sir cock nice. Fit me cunt well."

"I know your master's cock is nice. But I can't see it."

Karolina unbuttoned my shirt and slipped it from my shoulders.

"Don't you think that you should have asked if you could strip me before you actually did?"

Karolina blushed for a moment. "Yes proper ask before. You punish bad girl when want."

"June, bring me the cane and stand ready for punishment." June looked at me wide eyed then ran to get the cane and brought it to me. She held it in both hands, offering it to me.

"Do you know why I am doing this, June?"

"Yes my Lord, because you want to."

"That's right, because I want to. Now turn and close your eyes, I want them closed tight until I say that you can open them. Do you understand?"

"Yes Sir, I understand. I'm not to open my eyes until you tell me I can." She was panting now and her nipples and areole were fully engorged.

"Open your legs, hands clasped behind your neck." She moved as instructed. Christine and I both bent to look at her pussy. The lips were swollen and spread wide open, girl juice dripping from her inner lips. I stood beside her and silently put Karolina in position facing away from June, their buttocks only inches apart. I lay the cane against June's backside and with a flick of the wrist I laid another stripe across Karolina's backside, parallel to the first but an inch above it.

At Karolina's gasp of pain and the sound of the cane June jumped and gave a little yelp. A small amount of urine shot out of her and pooled between her feet. Christine, Joasia and I looked at June and the pool she was standing in.

"Someone's going to clean that up," said Christine, always the hotel manager.

"She will, won't you June?"

June stood panting, shoulders heaving with the stress of the slow build up and instant release, "Yes Sir, I'll clean it." She still had her eyes closed.

"You can open your eyes now, June."

"Thank you, Sir. Shall I get a mop now?"

"No June, you're learning what a slave's life is like." I ran my finger around her lips and into her mouth, touching her tongue. "Use these." She gulped as she understood my meaning. Then without any show of reluctance she got onto her hands and knees and started to suck and lick up the pool of her piss. Only twice did I have to remind her that her knees were supposed to be kept wide open, and each time she dutifully opened them wide. We stood around her, commenting on her physical attributes, the curve of her buttocks and how wide her pussy lips had opened, the deep pink colour of the entrance to her cunt, and the deeper red just visible inside.

"You seem to be enjoying licking that up would you like some more?" Christine asked.

"I would be pleased to have whatever my Master wishes me to receive." June answered her.

Sasha gestured to Nina, now released from her 'O' gag, who got down on the floor and moved to start sucking June.

"When she's finished at that end you need her to clean up here as well."

We all looked at the floor between June's knees and there was a growing wet spot right below her dripping pussy.

Nina quickly latched onto June's open pussy and sucked and licked.

"SHE IS SOPPING WET!" Nina exclaimed with a grin.

Soon June began squirming and moaning, her moans becoming louder as she approached her climax. Nina twisted around and lay on her back and we lifted June up to kneel on Nina's face. In a much better position now, Nina attacked June's clit. June was in a quandary, her muscles wanted to tense and lift her up but if she went up then she went away from the mouth and tongue attacking her cunt, and she desperately wanted to cum. Suddenly June's eye shot wide open and her mouth went in to an O of surprise, and she came, and came and came.

I took a look at June's backside and, sure enough, Nina had two fingers deep in her arse.

Sasha and I helped June to the side of the room and lay her down out of the way. She could rest here and we would be available when she needed us. Then we went over to Christine and the girls. Christine surprised me by putting her arm around me and cuddling into my side. As I was naked and her dress didn't have sides this felt very nice.

She looked up to me and reached for a kiss which I was happy to oblige her with.

"Take this thing off me please."

"Gladly," I lifted her dress over her head and gave it to Joasia who was standing behind us.

Christine, naked now, melted back into my side and I wrapped my arm around her too.



-------

Chapter 11


The gong was sounded again and we went to our couches. These had been rearranged to surround a central walkway which would serve as the catwalk. Christine joined me on my couch and lay spooned against me, making sure that my tumescent cock was lined up with her wet slit. She pulled my top arm over her and placed my hand on her breast.

The MC came out again.

"Ladies and gentleman, there is just one more event for your entertainment tonight and then you can go to bed. Though I don't know what you lot would do in bed that you haven't already done down here."

Polite laughter greeted this joke.

"If you want you can come up with me and find out," Sasha called back. We all laughed more at this.

"Now please welcome the young ladies of the gymnastic team as they give us a fashion show."

We clapped politely and then with more enthusiasm as the first girl walked out to show us a bra. And that was all she was wearing. Another girl came out wearing a similar bra. One went to Sasha the other came to Christine and me.

I am not actually very that interested in bras. I am very interested in what they contain, but not the bra itself. I let Christine 'oh' and 'ah' over it. I just looked at the model. As she was modelling a bra she had tits but they were small, not much more than an A cup. Her pussy was fully shaved and I could see that her outer lips were puffy and pulling the inner lips open. A glisten of moisture was also visible. She saw where I was looking and put her right foot onto the couch to open the view for me.

"Are you looking at this little girl's cunt?" Christine asked.

"Of course I am. How often do you think I get the chance to look at naked little girls without them or their parents calling the police?"

"Oh, is she wet, she looks it?"

I raised my hand and the girl rubbed her slit along my finger, giggling all the time.

"Yes she's very wet."

"Are you going to take her to bed?"

"No, I'm going to take you to bed and we're going to sleep for a while and then wake up and make love with each other."

Christine reached round and kissed me, her tongue probing deep into my mouth.

"Yes, we will."

The girl walked away and another took her place. This bra was just a platform for the wearer's tits, it concealed nothing at all. Again I concentrated on the bare pussy in front of me. She wasn't as turned on as the last girl. Now don't get me wrong. I will never turn down the chance to look at a naked girl. But a naked girl, who is turned on is a much more interesting sight.

I started to kiss Christine's shoulders and arms and tease her nipples more. This gave me the result I half expected, a slap on the arm.

"Justine! Karolina!" they both came running to us. "This beast needs some tits to play with while I look at the clothes they're showing us."

"Oh goodie someone to play with my tits," said Justine.

"You got gooder man toys. He not want mine."

I grabbed Karolina and kissed her. As I leant back I thrust forward with my hips and Christine pressed back with hers.

"Oh I liked that," she said.

I played with Karolina's tits for a little while and then played with Justine's. They took turns bringing their breasts into position for me to fondle and lick and nibble.

This girl left us more quickly than the last girl had and another appeared. This girl was wearing a split bra. The usual full cup was split to show the nipple and areole.

"Do women really wear those things?" I asked Christine.

"Not for long," she replied. "They're bloody uncomfortable, the stitching rubs something awful."

"Girl, run around the room three times then come back here," said Christine. Surprised at the strange request the girl hesitated for a moment until a hissed word from off stage got her running.

Both models ran round the room three times and towards the end of the second circuit it was obvious that both models were uncomfortable in their bras.

The model returned to us and stood with some obvious discomfort.

"Give me that bra." Christine ordered. The model took it off with relief.

We looked at her breasts both areole showed rubbing where the edges of the slits had been.

"See the stitching does that."

I couldn't understand the problem.

"So why have stitching?" I asked. I thought it was a reasonable question.

"Because they have to join the individual pieces of the cup together you tit."

I reached around her and held her warm tits in my hands while repeating the words I had used with Sasha, "No; these tits, me pillock. I meant why do they have to have stitching just there at all?" I took the bra from her and showed her how, by folding a double sized piece of material, you could get the same shape without the uncomfortable stitches.

Christine looked at the bra and then at me, then the bra again.

"Justine! Get me a camera and pad and pencil. I want an email going off to a patent lawyer within an hour." She jumped up from the couch. "You," she pointed at the model, "bring me the first girl that came to us, the one that modelled the half cup." The model nodded and raced away.

Seeing the excitement Sasha came over. Christine quickly explained my idea to her

Justine came running back carrying the pencil and pad but no camera.

"I know office camera, will get." And Joasia ran away to the office.

The two models came back running this time, spurred on by all the excitement from our group. The first model that we saw was still replacing the bra that she had worn. Christine saw them and took the first model by her shoulder.

"And another thing," I continued. Christine and Sasha looked at me expectantly. "Why are the bra cups always the same distance apart? I mean, look at all these girls, they all wear about the same bra size but their tits aren't the same distance apart."

Christine went to the edge of the stage where a number of worried females waited. Within moments all of the girls were coming out, some undressing as they came out.

Christine lined then up and we walked down the line of girls. It was obvious that they were all about the same size but their breasts were spaced quite different distances apart. I walked along the line and placed my hand flat on each girl's chest, my fingers lying between their breasts. Some girls had a two finger gap, most three fingers; one girl's breasts were six fingers apart.

"Now if you have a strip in between the cups like this," and I made a quick sketch, "then you could alter the bra for the individual wearer."

They were both looking at me as though I'd just grown a second head or something.

"Oh. If it's a crap idea..."

"NO!"

"Oh God, no!" they exclaimed together.

"How did you come up with these ideas?" Sasha asked.

My ever loyal Joasia replied for me, "Look lots tits."

Both Christine and Sasha laughed at that.

Then Christine got back down to business. Grabbing hold of the first girl who had modelled for us she said, "I want you to go with him," and Christine pointed at me, "and Karolina," who was also pointed out, "and take him to bed and keep him occupied until you've all slept yourselves awake."

The model looked at me and nodded, "Yes Mistress."

Christine looked her in the eyes. "And make sure he fucks you at least twice."

The model smiled, "Yes Mistress."

"My Lord I need to borrow Joasia for a while. I promise I'll return her unharmed." Then she kissed me. "You've done your bit now go to bed with these nice young girls and let Sasha and I do ours."

I can take a hint, I held hands with Karolina and the model and we walked up to my bedroom.

"What's your name?" I asked the model.

"Melissa, Sir."

"My name is Paul, not Sir." I tried a glare at Karolina, it didn't work.

"Yes, Sir" they both replied grinning.

We had a shower together and there Karolina and I made a wonderful discovery. Melissa had very, very sensitive breasts, her nipples even more so. Of course we teased and stroked these mercilessly until she was almost unable to stand. Her chest was a deep red from the blood rushing in. I am sure that she had had three or four mini cums in the shower alone. Drying her was another delight, the roughness of the towel inflaming her further.

"Pat them dry, please just pat them." she pleaded when we began to dry her chest. But two towels, one on each side, were dragged over and around her sensitive flesh.

"Are you going to fuck me now?" she asked, almost pleaded.

"Sir fuck you good girl."

I picked her up and she snuggled into me as I carried her to the bed. I threw her into the air and she squealed as she dropped onto the bed, arms and legs akimbo. I grabbed hold of her ankles and spread them apart. She laughed and spread her knees wider than I thought was possible. I lay on the bed and pressed my mouth on her wide open pussy thrusting my tongue deep inside her. I pulled back and examined her folds. I was surprised to see she had almost no clitoral hood, though her clit itself was quite prominent. I looked up at Karolina who was kneeling beside Melissa's head.

"You play with her tits, bite them and twist them a bit. I am sure she will like that."

Covering her tits, Melissa moaned, "Not more." She looked at Karolina in desperation.

"Boss say bite you tits, twist you tits, you get tits bite and twist," and she lifted Melissa's arms above her head. "Leave arms stay." Melissa nodded, "do good girl let you suck." And Karolina patted her own pussy. "Give me good cum."

I pushed two fingers into the trapped girl's hot cunt and quickly found the roughness of her g- spot. I started tapping this area as Karolina bit down on a nipple and savagely twisted the other. Melissa screamed and lifted her hips high. So high she thrust her clit into my waiting mouth herself. I sucked on this tasty morsel and then bit it gently, all the while tapping on her g-spot.

Suddenly she collapsed onto the bed. She had fainted with the sensory overload.

Karolina looked down at her. "Little girl big cum!" she smiled, "We get London you give me cum as that."

"We will try to my dearest, we will try to."

Karolina and I lay spooned together waiting for Melissa to wake. Soon she did and we pulled her between us to be cuddled from both sides.

"I have to get you to fuck me, Mistress Christine said." She was almost unconscious yet she still tried to get up. She slid down my body until she got to my cock which she took into her mouth. She didn't even complete one quick suck before she was asleep.

I looked down at her and grinned. Karolina sat up and looked as well.

"I give suck not sleep."

I kissed her. "Let us both sleep for a while and then we will see who will do what and to whom." We lay Melissa beside us and, spooned together, we slept.

The bed rocking woke me a little later as Christine and Joasia got into bed. They both seemed happy and that eased my mind and I went back to sleep.

I woke up much later needing a pee. With difficulty I got out of bed and to the bathroom without waking anyone else. I used the toilet and washed my cock, checking under the foreskin to ensure that my ladies would find me clean and fresh.

Returning to the bed I looked to see where I could get in without waking any of my ladies. There was space next to Christine so I eased myself in there. Christine, feeling the warmth from my body against her back turned over to face me and half climbed on top of me. She seemed quite happy half lying on me with a leg hooked over both of mine that I left her there and I too slept.

I was woken again by soft kisses on my chin. Opening my eyes I saw Christine kissing me.

"You've got whiskers and they prickle."

"If I didn't have whiskers then I'd be Sasha and I'd throw you onto your back and rape you."

She thought about this for a few moments.

"It might not be rape."

I frowned at her.

"Do you mind that I'm bi?"

"No." I kissed her, this turned into a two or three minute exercise. "Do you mind that I'm not?" I asked.

"Course not, you tit," she laughed. Then she grabbed my nipples, "And these are tits and you're a pillock." This time we both laughed.

I ran my hands over her back and down to her buttocks, letting my fingers dip into the crack and slide down over her rosebud arse toward her slit. We kissed and she ran her hands over me. My cock grew and, with the position she was in, pressed against her slit. She reached back and guided me into her hot depths. My cock felt as though it was sinking into hot velvet. She raised herself until she was straddling me and then started to raise and lower herself onto my hardness. Her hands were grasping my nipples as mine were grasping the hanging fruits of her chest. I lifted up and took a nipple into my mouth as she continued riding me. I bit down on the plump morsel between my teeth and she gasped and came soaking my balls and upper legs with her girl cum. I pulled her down to me and managed to turn her over and lay on her with her legs raised to my sides. I started a low rhythm powering into her. I wrapped my arms around her and took control of her body, she could move her arms and legs but I had pulled her torso into mine and was powering my hard cock into her flesh. Again and again I thrust into her, she threw her head back and her moans increased in volume and pitch. I grabbed her jaw and fiercely kissed her, driving my tongue between her teeth and deep into her mouth. She surrendered her body to me and came. Her climax mounted higher and higher. Her moans turned into squeals which then became screams. She grabbed hold of me with arms and legs, locking us together completely, her head came down to my shoulder and her teeth sank into the flesh there. I / we screamed with the agony and pleasure as we came. I thrust again and again into her as I shot my cum into her again and again.

We lay still clinging onto each other as we caught our breath and just luxuriated in the feelings we had just experienced. I tried to roll to the side to take my weight from her but she stopped me.

"No let me feel your weight on me. I like feeling you pressing down on me."

I relaxed and let her take my weight.

Slowly my cock shrank and slipped from her. We both spoke our disappointment at this. She lowered her legs, moaning a little at the stiffness in her joints. Then she moaned again.

"I'm leaking. I hate this bit."

"I'll get a wet cloth." I moved to get up but Justine was already there with a bowl of warm water and a wash cloth. Justine washed Christine down and Joasia washed me. We then lay and cuddled for a while.

"I'm not in love with you," said Christine. "You know that don't you."

"I know. I love you but I'm not 'in love' with you."

She kissed me. "That's what I feel. Not in love with you. But you have a big place in my heart."

"Let's leave it like that then. I want you to be a special friend."

"I'd like that too."

We got up and showered. Justine and Joasia dried us down and told us that breakfast was ready. We checked the time and were surprised that it was nearly eight o'clock Sunday evening. After a light snack we all lounged for a while. No one dressed we didn't see any need for covering ourselves after the last week and especially yesterdays entertainment.

Melissa had already left and I was disappointed that I couldn't say goodbye to her. June had reappeared and was spending a lot of time with Joasia and Karolina. Justine obviously belonged to Christine the same way that my two girls belonged to me. The ownership was more in Justine's mind than Christine's.

Soon enough Christine stood and took my hand and then led me to bed. We cuddled together, warm bodies on either side of us, other hands stroking our bodies. Then after kissing, we slept.

I woke very early and knew I would be unable to go back to sleep. So after giving Christine a gentle kiss, I rose and went down into the office. I had been working for about ninety minutes when Karolina came in.

"Boss should you woke me help you."

"But you were asleep and I did not want to wake you."

Karolina knelt on the floor facing me, her slave pose.

"Be PA help you is ... big ... meaning to me. Make biggest happy inside." Her depth of emotion and need to express herself was clearly inhibiting her reasonably clear language skills. I took her hands in mine.

"I know being my PA is important to you. It is very important to me as well. But my PA must be awake and ready for lots of hard work, she must have her brain working as well as it can or she will make mistakes and we will lose lots of money. So I need my rest and you need your rest. And I must tell you when you are to have a short sleep, and you must tell me when I must have a short sleep."

She seemed to think about this for a long while.

"Boss, can me ask something for self?"

"Of course you can."

"Can I have raise in pay?"

"How much would you like?"

"One pounds and fifty pences an hour?"

If I had not known what she had been earning from Tadeusz then I might have laughed out loud. But I kept a straight face. This was important to her. She was trying to improve herself and the first step was getting more money to have some measure of security.

"Karolina, you are a PA now. You do not get paid by the hour you get a salary. I need to know how much you want as your salary."

She looked at me a little suspiciously.

"Salary is ... veracity?"

"Yes it is true. Go and research salaries and then work out what you want. When you have the figures then come back to me."

She nodded and then went to her computer. I got on with some work of my own. Occasionally I heard exclamations of disbelief from the other side of the room. Once I was sure I heard a Polish swear word or two. But then there was silence for a while.

I looked up and saw her back on her knees beside me again.

"Yes Karolina."

"Sir I would like salary three thousands pounds of the annum."

"Ummm..." I wrote the figure down. One pound fifty pence an hour for a forty hour week or sixty pound a week was actually a smidgen under three thousand and seventy five pounds a year. She had rounded this down, possibly in an attempt to get this, to her, massive pay rise. "And what do you think I should be paying your mother?"

"Is Momma salary?"

"Yes, yes Joasia should get a salary as well."

"Then Momma get two thousand and five hundreds of pounds of the annum."

That was good, she was giving Joasia a pay rise as well.

"Ummm..." I pretended to think for a while. Then I made another note on my pad.

"Karolina I have already changed your salary and it is now sixty thousand pounds a year." I looked at her expecting some kind of comment but her eyes had just rolled back in her head and she fainted.

I lifted her up and sat her on my chair with her head between her knees. And soon with, or despite, my help she recovered.

"Sir not good make joke like this."

"It is not a joke Karolina. You are my PA you are worth a lot to me. I must pay you what you are worth to me. If I don't pay you properly someone like Christine will come and hire you away from me."

"Sir three thousand is proper for..."

"No! It is sixty thousand pounds a year."

"But what me do such rich."

"You will do what you want to do with it."

"Sir help me?"

"If you want my help, but why don't you ask Ela for her help. Ela knows what to do with her money."

"Ela salary?"

"Yes Ela gets a salary. She does not get quite as much as you do but Ela does get a lot of money."

"OK ask Ela what to do."

Joasia came in to the office then.

"Mistress Christine tell come breakfast now Sir."

"No she didn't," Ela laughed as she came in the door. "She said tell that damn boyfriend of mine to get his arse up here and he'd better be naked."

"Well ... Yes ... Am sure meant what me say."

I kissed Joasia, "And I am sure she meant that too."

Ela just laughed again. "At least you're naked though."

I actually had to look down as I had grown so used to wandering about naked and half clothed I didn't give my clothing any thought any more.

"There is that."

Joasia took one hand, Ela the other, and they pulled me upstairs to the lounge with Karolina following us.

Just before we got to the door they both stopped me. Joasia turned and dropped to her knees.

"Christine did say something about you having an erection." Ela said seeming quite embarrassed.

I looked quizzically at Ela as Joasia took my cock into her mouth.

"OK, so after the naked bit she actually said 'and make sure he's got a stonking hard-on cos I'm gagging for it.'"

Joasia pulled off me, "Did say Boss." Then she returned to ensure that I had 'a stonking hard-on'.

When the required level of stonking was achieved they again took hold of my hands, I'm sure that Christine has said something about that as well, and Joasia opened the door to let us in.

Christine jumped straight into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist.

"Do me NOW!" she wasn't quite playing hard to get. An unseen hand guided my cock into Christine's cunt and she started bouncing immediately.

I spotted a convenient couch and walked over with Christine trying to outdo the battery bunny because she could go and go and go...

I couldn't lay her down as she was clinging on tighter than a limpet. I lay down with Christine under me would be a closer description.

"Fuck me!"

I actually thought that I was fucking her. But I'm just a mere man what do I know?

Her cries and moans got louder and then, throwing her arms above her head she came. I wasn't anywhere close to completion. Having other things on my mind, like, ummm ... how shall I breathe? And I wonder what the breaking strains of my ribs are?

My chest freed I could now not only breathe, but also start taking more of an active part in this love making. So lowering my lips to a nipple I sucked on her and teased her with my teeth, all the while maintaining a slow steady rhythm driving my cock deep inside her, feeling her cervix almost every time I thrust forward. She came again and her cunt muscles spasming around my cock brought me to my climax.

We rested for a few moments then Christine pushed me off her.

"Get off me you brute! Do you think I've got nothing to do all day but open my legs for you? I have to work hard day and night to support you, you ... you sex fiend!" Then she started walking toward the bathroom.

"Oh woe, woe and thrice woe! Discarded, tossed to one side like nothing. Unwanted, unloved am I. Sob ... sob ... sob." My act should have earned me an Oscar.

Without looking round Christine called out, "Hands up if you want to fuck Lord Paul."

All of the girls, including Ela, put their hand up.

"There, take your pick." And she turned and looked at the expectant girls with their hands raised and laughed.



-------

Chapter 12


Sitting at my desk I read through June's personnel folder again. Basically she was lucky to have been able to get the job she did have. She didn't have any higher education and only managed two GCSE's, Sociology and History, from secondary school. The two references she had were from fast food places and they were just employment history rather than a record of her achievements. She was twenty-two and had no true prospects.

I looked up at Christine who sat opposite me.

"What do you," and I emphasised the 'you', "think of her?"

"She's an arsehole."

"And her work?"

"If I ever get any work out of the slag I'll let you know."

"Is she honest, money and such?"

"Provided it's nailed down and has an armed guard she's fairly honest-ish."

"Personal hygiene, cleanliness?"

"Stand upwind and if you have to kiss her use someone else's mouth."

By now Ela was almost ready to rip Christine's head off. How dare she say such things about her friend. Just as she started to come over to us, Joasia caught hold of her arm and whispered in her ear. Ela looked at Joasia for a moment and then Joasia nodded.

"Have one of your women taken their top off again? I told them all about that, they know how distracted you get by naked tits." Christine looked round but all of my girls were busy working and fully dressed.

I noticed that my IM had a message coming in so while Christine was distracted I opened the IM window.

Joasia — "Told Ela you and Mistress Christine tell story lies. Both love June. June need belong you."

Joasia — "Need you buy Ela sense of humour."

Christine's mobile phone rang then which she answered. After a brief conversation she muttered, "Oh fuck me."

Well, no further invitation was needed and as she rose from her chair I too got up and held out my hand to her. She must have been distracted because she took it and, seconds later, was on her back on my desk with her panties pulled to one side.

As I pushed into her I sighed, "Anything you ask my precious."

Raising herself onto her elbows she glared at me ferociously then collapsed back onto the desk. "Said it again didn't I?"

I was too busy to answer, pulling her dress down off her shoulders. I freed her breasts and got busy sucking and nibbling on them. And my mummy had always told me never to speak with my mouth full. I did nod though, with delightful secondary consequences. Christine seemed to like it as well.

Very soon she was panting and moaning, she clutched the desk and wrapped her legs around me.

In the background Christine's mobile rang again but we ignored it, having other things on our minds.

Christine and I rushed to our climaxes and came together, we kissed and hugged for a few moments.

"Gerroff me you sex mad bastard! My God! I've now got to go and see my Uncle dripping your cum all over the place."

Joasia came up, "Uncle call again. Tell him you screwing, will be cum soon."

Christine clapped her hands over her face.

Karolina started washing Christine down and clearing any worries that she might have about dripping.

Joasia and I helped Christine to her feet while Karolina was still straightening her panties.

Christine looked daggers at me then threw her arms around me and kissed me. "I do love you, you know but you are a tit."

Before I could say a word every female in the room clasped her hands to her breasts and chanted in unison, "These are tits," and then, all pointing at me, "and you're a pillock."

Christine left the room laughing. "Oh God what am I going to tell my Uncle."

As the door closed behind Christine, Joasia came to me, "Boss, not tell Christine uncle that what just said. Told him customer had hard problem," and she glanced down at my crotch, "only Christine could deal." The rest of the room burst into laughter.

"Oh shit! Karolina call Christine now. We need to tell her before she gets to her uncles' office." Karolina pressed a speed dial button and Christine's phone started ringing, from its position on my desk.

"Call her uncle's secretary, Sue." I called, but Karolina was already dialling. Then she looked up at me, "Christine with uncle." And she hung up the phone.

We all looked at each other for a couple of minutes. "Well, it's done now," I said. "We will see what she says when she returns." They nodded and then burst into laughter again at the thought of what her uncle would say.

I sat at my desk and looked over June's personnel file again. Something about June drew me to her. She seemed to fit in with us perfectly. I knew she and Joasia had had long talks and she always seemed to want to please far more than a normal maid would, even more than Justine or Kelly.

"Joasia," I called but she was already standing by my side. "Do you think that you can get June's manager here so I could have a word with her?"

"Name Mrs. Hubbart, wait outside." And she left a sealed envelope on my desk. It had 'Mrs. Hubbart' written on the front in Christine's handwriting.

Joasia brought a middle aged woman to the chair in front of my desk. "Mrs. Hubbart, Boss."

I rose and offered her my hand and we shook.

"Mrs. Hubbart," I started with a smile, "I would like to ask you some questions about June Whiting."

"Oh, my Lord, I'm afraid that without Ms. Boyle's express permission I cannot answer any questions about any member of the staff."

I handed over the letter from Christine which she opened and read.

"My Lord, Ms. Boyle has given me specific instructions as to the questions I can answer about Miss Whiting."

"Well, Mrs. Hubbart, is June a good worker?"

"Oh, is she a worker? I thought she just came to drink tea and disturb the working staff."

Ah, it's going to be like that is it. It seems that Christine has gotten her revenge for the message to her uncle. And she got it in first. Damn!

"Is she honest?"

"Of course, my Lord, she's never stolen anything that she couldn't fit into her transit van. And the hotel has managed to buy back most of the linen she was responsible for."

I glanced over at Ela, she was staring open mouthed at Mrs Hubbart, shocked at these outrageous lies she was telling about June.

"Has she taken her holiday entitlement yet?"

"Oh yes, my Lord, and she's been very kind to the rest of the staff and taken all their holidays as well."

"How does she handle the little embarrassments that occur when she has to go into a guest's room?"

"Well, my Lord, she ran away screaming rape when a gentleman guest had two of his shirt buttons undone. But, as he was eighty-three years old and a bishop, we thought she might have over-reacted a little. Then there was the time she threw a female guest out of the hotel for walking around wearing just her panties, June called her a pox ridden slut and a hotel trawling whore." Mrs. Hubbart shook her head. "There was nearly some trouble over that incident as the girl was only five and her mother said she wasn't allowed out of the room on her own."

"Does she require much supervision?"

"I'm not sure that two ex-SAS men with shotguns and bullwhips could be called supervision, my Lord."

Now Ela was having trouble fitting the things she was hearing to the June that she knew and loved.

I stood and held out my hand again, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Hubbart, you have been very helpful."

She shook my hand, "Oh dear, I tried not to be," she smiled. "Is the interview over now?"

"Yes, and thank you again."

"Good, You take June, my Lord. Take her and give her the chances she'd never get here. She's too easily taken advantage of is June. The other girls put on her something terrible, and they're no better than they should be. You take her and let her show you what she can be. I'll wager that she'll give some of the harpies here a shock she will."

Ela was now stunned by the sudden change in Mrs. Hubbarts views on June. She just sat staring, wide eyed and open mouthed at this woman who couldn't seem to make up her mind whether she liked June or not.

Mrs. Hubbart went over to Ela and hugged her. "I was so glad to hear that you got a job with his Lordship, Ela dearest. You weren't right here. You need to get back to university and do that PDF thing that you wanted. You're too good for a hotel, even one as posh as this. Jonathan will be OK, he'll make mistakes all over the place, but he's a great arse licker."

They hugged once more then Mrs. Hubbart left, I was still standing behind my desk as I watched her leave.

Joasia called to me, "Boss, here need you."

She had arranged a low table and three chairs in a corner of the room. A small mat had been placed on the floor beside one of the chairs.

"June here see you," and she showed me which chair I was to sit at. Surprisingly it wasn't the one next to the mat.

I sat and waited. When Joasia brought June up to me I stood and smiled. "Master this Freewoman June Whiting." Joasia showed June to the chair beside the mat.

I took note of the 'freewoman', June was to be treated like a lady. "Joasia, some refreshments for my guest please." Joasia left to get them.

"Please sit, Freewoman." I gestured to her chair.

"Thank you, my Lord." She sat demurely, knees tight together and ankles crossed to one side.

Karolina came and knelt beside me on my right, the English tea-time setting was jarred by her nakedness. She squirmed closer and rubbed her cheek against my hand. This was her request that I petted her so I slid my hand down and found a warm breast. Karolina almost purred with the attention.

Joasia brought tea and small pastries which she set on the table. She too was now naked and took up her position on my left. Without conscious thought I started stroking her hair.

I knew what they were doing, they were telling June that if she wanted to join them as one of my slaves then this is what she too would be expected to do; get naked and let her master fondle her in any way he wished, in front of any company as well.

June took a sip of her tea and smiled her thanks to Joasia. "My Lord, I wish to ask what might become a personal question."

"Oh please do. I will try to answer provided that it doesn't comprise any one of my friends." I answered.

"My Lord, how does one become a slave?"

"Well..." I paused unsure of the answer, "I think you could say I got these two precious darlings by force. Their previous owner didn't want to take on the forces arranged against him."

"Was there any other way that you could have obtained these delightful girls?"

I thought for a few moments, covering my hesitation by taking a sip of my tea. "I suppose I could have purchased them." I conceded.

"And how much would an untrained slave be worth, my Lord?"

I turned to Joasia, I was sure that she would know. Joasia looked up at me, "Twenty thousand dollar US," she informed me.

June nodded. "And if the untrained slave was not resentful of her enslavement and wanted to please her new master?"

I looked down at Joasia again. Joasia thought for a moment, "Thirty five or forty thousand dollar US."

Again June nodded. "I have a slave I wish to sell, though I fear that the price might be considered terribly high."

"Oh, and is this slave pretty?"

"I fear not, my Lord. Her face is rather plain with a nose that is too long and teeth that really need straightening. She is rather small breasted though her legs are long and slim. Her personal hygiene is good and she tries to keep herself fit. She has not had the benefit of a good education though she has been trying to improve herself through night school classes. Not with a great success though, I'm afraid."

I thought for a moment. I considered that June's assessment of her physical attractiveness to be much lower than my opinion of her. While she wasn't a classical beauty, she had an inner life that was released whenever she smiled. This gave her a radiance and character that I was growing fond of, and more so each time I saw her.

"You know I would have to examine this slave prior to discussing terms for her?" I said.

"But of course, my Lord. I would expect nothing less," said June.

"In that case perhaps you would like to fetch your slave and I shall examine her here." I gestured to the table. "Karolina, go with Freewoman Whiting and make sure her slave hurries to her mistress' biding."

June and Karolina got up and left the office. I knew that the lobby was still part of our suite and thus private so I just waited for June's slave to appear.

Two or three minutes passed while I waited. Joasia cleared the table and put down two strips of tape very wide apart on the table top.

The door opened and Karolina's voice could be clearly heard, "Move on. Master want see you lazy arse. Move fastest. [SLAP] Get more smack lazy bastard." June (or, rather, her slave) came running into the room and stopped just the other side of the table.

Joasia took hold of one elbow, "Up on tables feet over sticky tape." June carefully got up on the table and positioned her feet outside the strips of tape. She then stood up and relaxed. I looked up at her. As she was standing on the table her eye-line was above my head and she looked straight ahead. She was just as I remembered her; nipples hard and breathing fast. I slipped my hand between her wide spread legs, yes she was quite wet.

"When were you last fucked, girl?" I asked.

"About six weeks ago, master."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"No, master. He entered me before I was ready and came before I was really wet."

"Have you had a woman lick you here?" I asked still rubbing her wet slit.

"No master."

"Have you licked a woman's cunt?"

"No master."

I pulled my hand away and walked round her. I smiled when I saw the hand print on her backside. Karolina hadn't been playing when she smacked June's arse.

I ran my hand over June's bum, firm and neat, a nice tight bum. June had obviously had some success with her keep-fit.

"You may go now. Your mistress and I need to discuss your price." I told her.

Karolina helped her down and then chivvied her through the door.

"What do you think, Joasia."

"June born slave, boss. Need belong you. She be good you slave." And that was the decision made. I would pay the price for June.

Christine entered the room and sat beside me, "What's happening?"

"June has just let me examine a slave she wants to sell."

"June!" Christine exclaimed, "but she hasn't got a slave..." then realisation struck her. "Are you going to buy her?"

I smiled at her, "Yes Christine. I think that she'll flourish better with me and my girls than here where she's taken advantage of and doesn't know how to protect herself. Don't worry we'll all look after her, though she might not think it at times."

Joasia brought another tray of tea and stickies and I poured tea for the three of us. June and Karolina came back in and June resumed her place opposite me.

"Well, my Lord, was my slave suitable for your team?"

I thought for a moment, "Freewoman Whiting, your slave has some serious gaps in her sexual experience that my staff would have to overcome."

I turned to Joasia, "Not worry boss, got me 'n' Karolina for suck. Can give Sasha too."

Turning back to June, "My staff have reviewed the staffing roster and have found a number of openings your slave can fill."

Christine unsuccessfully tried to stifle a laugh.

June smiled. "That will be most acceptable, my Lord."

"May I ask when you last used this girl sexually?"

"Umm ... Last night and then again this morning, but she was totally absorbed with thinking about you, my Lord, and it was most unsatisfactory."

"What is the price you were thinking of for this girl, Freewoman Whiting?"

"Ah, this is the thing I believe will be too high for even you my Lord." June dropped her head, "It is a set of promises my Lord. Six promises that my slave hopes that you will honour."

"This is indeed a high price. A promise is easy to make and might be very difficult to keep through no fault of the one making the promise."

"The promises that I ask in payment should be easy to keep, my Lord, as they are not time dependant. They can be kept before or after the event and they are promises of the heart rather than those of physical things."

"Now I am interested in hearing your price, Freewoman Whiting."

"The first promise is that you will respect and love this girl as much as you do all of your other girls."

I nodded. That would not be difficult, "This is an acceptable promise and one I would be glad to make."

"The second is that this girl is your slave and your slave alone. You will be her only owner. If you should predecease her then she asks that she be freed and, if possible, given a small pension to live out her life on. If you find that you cannot keep her as a slave for whatever reason you shall make love to her. Reassure her that you love her, and then kill her."

June bowed her head. "And that is why I fear that this will be a price too high for you to bear." She looked up at me, tears filled her eyes, "My slave cannot bear the thought of living without you and she is uncertain of her own ability to give herself relief should she be abandoned."

Christine took hold of my hand and squeezed tightly. I think that she was wanting reassurance and support as well as trying to give me the same. It was Joasia who spoke first, "Master good man, will do proper thing while heart break. Part him die too. Be rested master not abandon slave."

June nodded and dried her eyes. "The next promise should be easier, you shall use this slave, both her skills and her body, to your advantage."

Barely trusting myself to speak I nodded.

"You shall chastise this slave in two circumstances only, firstly when she is punished for wrong doing, secondly when she is chastised for your pleasure."

I smiled at the thought of this promise and I could see that June herself, or maybe just her body, was also considering the possibilities inherent here. Her nipples had hardened and were visible even through her support bra.

"Should this slave bear you children you shall discuss with this slave what shall be done with the children before making your decision. This slave does not demand that you do as she wishes, she asks only that you listen to her desires for her children. Should you decide to keep the children then this slave would request that they join her and be enslaved to you."

June thought for a moment and then swallowed as if she had just made an important decision. "My slave understands that her master might wish to have this slave and her child or children perform sexual acts together for her masters' entertainment. My slave agrees in advance to any such request and will raise any children kept within your household to understand that they too must do your bidding."

June blushed at the thought of that and I felt Christine's hand become very hot and sweaty as she too considered the implications in June's words.

"My slave's last request is that you promise to help her be the best person she can be, to help her get educated to her potential and to encourage her to keep fit and healthy. My slave wishes this to be better able to serve you in your business and your pleasure."

I sat back and thought about June's requests. I had no immediate problems with any part of the required promises. I was, of course, worried about what she wanted me to do if I wasn't able to keep her with me, but husbands and wives have lived on the streets together. Surely there would always be some way out. But I knew that I loved enough to let a loved one go, whether to another lover or to end their life, and then stand tall and take the consequences. I would do that for one that I loved.

"Karolina please type up two copies of June's promises and I will sign them now." I turned to Christine, "Freewoman, please would you witness our signatures on these promises?"

Christine looked a little shocked. "I will," she said quietly.

"Freewoman Ela," I called, "would you witness our signatures too?"

"Yes boss." Ela replied solemnly.

We sat in silence for a few moments, only the sound of Karolina's typing disturbed us.

"It seems a little dangerous to have some of these promises on signed contracts." June commented.

"Not worry, paper word mean nothing if not in girl heart 'n' master heart too. Slave belong you 'n' me master not need paper." Joasia reassured her.

"We can shred the copies as soon as they're signed too." I pointed to the office shredder.

"Got new slave come. She like eat shred paper to breakfast. Eat own words too."

"My staff tell me they have secure methods of disposal for the shredded paper too."

"Do they have ways of helping a slave learn too?" June enquired.

"Get mark of A, master fuck; get B, girls fuck; get C none. Get low, get cane." Joasia stated.

"My staff assure me that they have documented incentive schemes for just this situation."

"Do they know what if anything is planned for my slave?"

"Gonna drag to master bed 'n' fuck three hole!" Joasia seemed quite pleased at this prospect.

"They tell me that an induction scheme involving the very highest management is in place to see the new arrival through these first few worrisome hours." I answered June.

"I can see that you have gone to a lot of trouble looking after your slaves, my Lord. I am sure my slave will be happy with you."

"Get master head between legs, girl squeal with cum. Master tongue tickle belly from inside."

I looked down a Joasia but she just looked at me with an 'it does' expression on her face.

"My staff tell me that some of the entertainment has been especially well received."

June took a sip of tea, the last drink she would have as a freewoman. Again we sat quietly for a few moments.

Christine leaned forward, "June, are you sure, really sure, you want to do this?"

June looked at her and thought for a moment, "Ms Boyle, I have lived with Joasia, Karolina and Ela for a short while and talked to them and watched them doing their daily tasks. They are happy, so happy. Lord Paul looks after them all the time. You may think that they are always doing things for him, they do nothing he couldn't do himself. The things he does for them, they would find difficult to do. He looks out for them, looks after them, cares for them and loves them. I've never had that, I'd like that too." She looked round at my ladies, "do you know what he calls them? They are his ladies, not slaves, ladies. When were you last treated like a lady, Ms Boyle?" June took another sip of tea. "I expect to be stripped naked and made to perform some sex act as soon as those contracts are signed. But, you know, it won't be done maliciously. They want to love me, they want me to love them. Ms Boyle, take one of these ladies to bed, none of them would refuse you, and in the morning tell me if you have ever had a lover who took such good care of you during your love making. I believe I belong with this family. I look forward to becoming a part of this family and helping it grow. I am sure it will help me grow too."

Christine sat back and nodded, "Perhaps I will June, perhaps I will."

Karolina knelt beside me and placed two sheets of paper on the table. The contracts were finished. I gave one copy to June and read the other myself. The contract said just what June had requested, down to the last point. I was always amazed at Karolina's secretarial skills, she could remember, verbatim, an hour long meeting with six participants and correctly quote everything said. She could paraphrase the English perfectly while writing or quoting someone else's words, but her spoken English, while understandable, was quite variable in its vocabulary and grammar.

June and I swapped contracts and we read them again. Both were accurate copies of the same document. As the purchaser I signed both copies first, June signed below my signature and then Ela and Christine witnessed our signatures.

I stood and kissed June, "Just one thing before you bring your slave in, Freewoman June." We went to the shredder and each fed our copy of the contract into its slim slot. With two rapid whirrs the shredder did its job and reduced the contracts to thin strips. Joasia took all of the strips out of the bin and mixed them together in a large bowl.

"New slave breakfast. Will enjoy much. Say yum yum, ask more." Joasia smiled wickedly.

"Now, Freewoman June, there is only one thing left to do. Your slave must ask me to collar her."

June and Joasia left the room again. They stayed out a little longer this time, but the door opened and Joasia and June, naked again, came into the office. June carried a leather collar on her upturned palms.

Kneeling in front of me, June looked up at her very soon to be master, "Master please collar your slave."

"Are you sure you want this, girl?" I asked, not unkindly.

"I am sure, Master. I want you to place this symbol of my enslavement around my neck and buckle it tight. Let me feel your collar around my neck as much as I feel the one around my heart."

I picked up the collar and wrapped it around her long slim neck. This wide collar would look narrow when she wore her hair up high. I buckled the collar tight. It fit snugly without interfering with her breathing. Slave June looked up at me with a wide smile on her face. I watched as a tear fell to the ground.

"You cry my slave?" I asked.

"Happiness master."

"Your former mistress said that the last time you pleasured her you were distracted thinking of me. Is that right slave?"

"Yes it is, Master. I could not bring her to satisfaction because I kept thinking of you, Master."

"Well, my slave, I want you to think of me while you show us how you bring yourself to satisfaction. Lie on your back on this table, bring your legs up high and use your fingers, slave. We want to watch you come."

Ela, Christine and I arranged our chairs on one side of the table and June carefully lay on her back. She lifted her knees to her chest, spreading them as wide as she could. We could immediately see that she was already dripping wet even before her fingers touched her vagina.

June masturbated as we watched interestedly. "Look," Christine commented, "the position she's in prevents her from using her other hand round the back to stimulate her arse."

"I didn't know that nipples could be pulled out that far without the girl screaming." I said when June tugged viscously on a tit.

Too soon though her moans became cries and then high squeals and finally a low grunt as her whole body spasmed and she stiffened into her orgasm. Red faced, red chested and eyes tight shut, she jerked and groaned through her climax.

"That looked like a good one," said Christine.

"Boss, when I take her to bed she's going to show me how to cum like that," Ela stated, looking at me.

I smiled. "Then you can show me what you look like when you do cum like that."

"OK, good enough for me." Ela and I shook hands.

June was groggily trying to get back onto her knees when Joasia and Karolina helped her. Each smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss.

"Hello new sister," Joasia greeted her.

"Welcome sister," Karolina echoed her mothers greeting.

I looked at my three slaves kneeling, waiting for me, looking at me expectantly. I smiled down at them. "My ladies, I love you all."

Their smiles could have warmed an ice field.

"Joasia please will you take our new member up to the main rooms. June please see if you can use you experience working in this hotel to help get us a better service." Christine stuck her tongue out at me as I watch Joasia and June walk away.





-------

Chapter 13


Joasia took June upstairs together with the shredded remains of her contract. I turned to Christine.

"Why didn't you call me?" Christine had gone beyond miffed and was now officially 'peeved'.

[Author's Note — Descriptions of British alert states can be found at http://www.arrse.co.uk/Jokes/jid=2841/cid=1/sortby=time/ad=desc.html]

"Karolina, call Christine's mobile please."

Karolina hit a speed dial number while Christine started rummaging in her handbag. Christine's mobile phone rang from its place on my desk.

"Oh," she said sheepishly. "And I told my uncle I was late because I was screwing with you." She buried her face in her hands with embarrassment; she was getting a lot of that lately. "That's when he told me the message Joasia had really sent. Do you want to know how long he laughed for? He hasn't laughed like that for years, since before Auntie May got ill." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "It did him good. It really did him good." She jumped up and, throwing her arms around me, kissed me deeply. "What the fuck does it matter, eh? So he laughed. But he was a whole lot more cheerful when I left than I have ever seen him. Oh, I've got to call Sue."

Karolina was already dialling Sue, Terry's secretary. Christine picked up the phone on my desk when Karolina nodded to her.

Sometimes hearing only one side of a phone conversation can be quite amusing.

"Sue..." Christine started.

"Yes, Sue, it was very funny ... Now Sue..."

"Susan ... I'm not sure it was that funny ... Anyway what would my uncle say about you laughing at me like this?"

"Oh ... He's standing beside you. I'll have a word with him later."

"Yes I do know whose side you're on, usually the left hand side, except when your sister visits and then she has the left hand side and you take the right with uncle in the middle. Don't forget who gets the beds made in this place."

"Sorry. Sorry. Sorry. I was being really bitchy then and you didn't deserve it. Please accept my heartfelt apologies. I am so sorry. Look, I want to talk with you about Uncle Terry."

"No I haven't either."

"That was Joasia one of Lord Paul's girls."

"Yes he's just stolen June Whiting."

"I suppose I could throw him out, tell him we need the room for a paying guest, that sort of thing." She grinned at me, then placed her hand on my chest and stroked me gently.

"Are you accusing meeee of sleeping with a guest? Oh I am so shocked. When have I ever..."

"Well yes, there was him."

"I was a little drunk then and, anyway, she brought me back in the morning."

"Oh yeeeaaahhh. But who wouldn't have fucked him. I know you wanted to."

"Yes, yes! You've made your point and we do fuck. He's not too shabby actually."

"Running my hand over his chest."

"No! You've got enough on your hands looking after Uncle Terry."

I was getting a little bored now so I started unbuttoning Christine's dress. These buttons were little and fiddly so I started to bite them off. This was much more fun, especially the ones between her breasts. Having opened her dress enough I slid it off her shoulders, this involved Christine having to change hands with the phone.

"He's taking my dress off."

"Oh, come on, that was a daft question. He's a bloke! Why do you think he's taking my bloody frock off. Silly cow!"

Removing her bra involved another change of hands. Christine just said, "My bra," and continued with her side of their woman talk which, as everyone knows, is, on the whole, semantically null. Removing her bra revealed ... Man Toys! With which I played. They are very entertaining. I could see that Christine was also getting in on the act, slightly flushed and breathing heavily.

I kissed my way down her stomach, stopping at her bellybutton for a bit of, not exactly navel gazing, more like navel exploration, with my tongue.

Downward again and panties! I eased her narrow briefs down and unveiled her vagina. Immediately I spotted the gleam of her clit jewellery, this was a bar and when we did it earlier her climax had been on a hair trigger. I wonder how she would react to some licking. So I tried licking, and nipping and sucking.

Christine leant back against my desk and opened her legs, raising her knees a little to tilt back her hips and give me better access. I pressed my lips against her vagina and sucked. Hard! Christine gasped and dropped the phone. I felt hands in my hair and my head was suddenly clamped to her vagina. That's when I sucked and licked and nibbled and flicked my tongue over her clit and sucked her inner lips into my mouth and tried to play the trumpet with them.

Christine came, squirting her cum (and a little urine) into my mouth. She was leaning over me still holding my head as she panted and gasped her orgasm out.

"Y ... You bas ... You bastard. You actually did me while I was on the phone. God! Couldn't you even let me hang up?"

She picked the phone up and held it to her ear. Then pulled it away and looked at it in shock.

"They're doing it now!." She listened again and smiled, "Sounds like Uncle Terry is good."

She looked at me. "You're just a bloody sex maniac, and infectious!"

I kissed her which she returned with interest, and then waved me away. "I want to listen to this," and she turned away from me.

I went to Karolina's desk. She and Ela were still working, though Ela did have a big, cheese eating, grin on her face.

"Karolina, get me Sasha please."

Karolina hit a speed dial button and within a minute Sasha was on the line.

"Sasha, Hi."

"Hello Paul, I've got some good news for you. I've bought you a title. A real one. You are now the Lord of Symington."

"Symington!" I laughed, "Where the fuck is that?"

It was Sasha's turn to laugh. "Fuck knows, but you are now a real Lord. Now, what can I do for you?"

"I need some searches and conveyancing done."

"I'll have to hand them on, I don't do conveyancing."

"Maybe not, but you are my, and my company's solicitor so all soliciting goes through you."

"You know you can be locked away forever for saying that," she laughed. "So what's the address?"

"Two addresses and they are both hotels."

"Christine convinced you to get into the hotel business then."

It was my turn to laugh, "No, these are two gold-standard investments that Karolina found for me. OK, the first is The Coralline on the Pentonville Road. And the second is The Crynos on The Angel." Suddenly there was silence on the other end of the phone.

"Sasha? Are you OK?"

"What was the name of the second place?"

"The Crynos. C — R — Y — N — O — S. On The Angel."

"And Karolina found this for you?" Sasha asked quietly.

"Yeah, internet and a few phone calls. She even called Tadeusz and spoke with him about it."

"And you think that you can get this place?"

"Well I don't want to go into the details over the phone, but yes I do. And for a good price too. One point two million."

"What!"

"Is that too much?"

"Look, I'll get someone fast but discrete on to this and I'm coming back up there. We need to talk face to face."

"See you so..." but she had hung up.

The conversation with Sasha had puzzled me but there was nothing I could do about that ... Well, yes, there was one thing I could do. "Karolina, Sasha was surprised at our interest in The Crynos. See if you can find out anything will you."

Karolina bent toward her PC. She had become a genius in finding information for me. She had found out the problems with The Coralline, and then an indiscrete word from a friend during a phone call had led to The Crynos.

Karolina's fingers flew over her keyboard and when she waited for the internet to reveal its secrets to her, she lifted her phone and started dialling.

I turned away.

"Busy Ela?" I inquired.

"Gonna be here ages yet, Boss. These installs can be a bit tricky. Don't wait up for me."

I kissed her, and she kissed back quite enthusiastically. Then I kissed Karolina, whose heart wasn't really in it, and went upstairs. Maybe I would find someone up there who could find some time for me.

The first thing that I found when I came into the lounge was June ripping into two of the hotel staff for their standard of work.

"The toilets haven't been cleaned properly, nor has the shower enclosure." She pointed at one of the women who visibly shrank in the face of her anger. This wasn't anger; this was wrath, the real thing.

"And you," she prodded the other woman in the chest hard enough to rock her backwards, "have been using the same cloth in every room you've cleaned."

"But Mrs Jackson never..." she protested. To no avail.

"Mrs Jackson is an idiot who couldn't find her arse with both hands and a map!" June was now nose to nose with the unfortunate who had tried to defend herself. "Do you want me to call the public health department and have this whole place shut down just because you're a lazy bastard?"

Lazy Bastard never moved a muscle or made a sound.

"WELL!"

"I'm gonna call the union," said a very small voice from Lazy Bastard.

This seemed to please June.

"GOOD!" She took a breath. I was enjoying this. Good cabaret is hard to find. "BECAUSE WHEN THEY DISCOVER WHAT A WALKING HEALTH HAZARD YOU ARE THEY'LL DROP YOU LIKE A HOT BRICK AND YOU'LL BE LEFT TO PAY MY DAMAGES YOURSELF!"

Ummmm. I think June is peeved.

"I don't have to take this."

"You do if you want to keep working here."

"What if I don't want to work here?" replied Lazy Bastard.

June gave her the nose to nose treatment again. "Then leave your uniform with the housekeeper and go home. But you come to work in your uniform, don't you, even though you signed the staff hand book like the rest of us. And what does it say in the handbook? 'Hotel uniform is not to be worn outside of the hotel grounds'. And that is a dismissal offence. So are you going to start complaining?

Lazy Bastard dropped her head in shame and defeat and said "no."

June turned to the other woman. "How about you? Are you going to fit in with my orders?" Other woman hesitated just one second too long. "OUT!" June ordered.

"But ... but ... I was..." she got no further, June grabbed her by her arm and marched her to the stairs.

Lazy Bastard and I could hear them going downstairs.

"Sir..." Lazy Bastard took a step towards me.

"If you are thinking about asking me to intercede on your behalf I will warn you that I would have sacked you on the spot and taken your uniform. If that meant that you had to walk home naked then so be it. You knew the rules and you broke them."

I glared at her. This one worked, too well, a small puddle appeared between her legs.

"Now, did you have something you wanted to ask me?"

"N ... no, my Lord."

"Then I suggest that you get on with your work and do it to the standard that my staff requires."

"Yes, my Lord."

Then I heard something that made my blood run cold.

"Hiiyaa Junie baby! Wow nice arse." The sound of a slap. "Tits aren't too bad either. I'm gonna have some of you before I finish." Another slap.

I was bouncing down the stairs now and turned into the lobby to see a large man holding June by her wrist and a breast. He was attempting to kiss her but she was dodging him. Just as I reached him June struck. Her knee powered into his crotch just as the heavy water jug I was holding crashed down onto his head. He collapsed to the floor.

Joasia, who had been right behind me down the stairs, continued her run and kicked him as though she was going to convert a try from the centre line at Twickenham; she caught him full in the stomach knocking him over to the wall.

Karolina and Ela came out of the office to see what the noise was about, Karolina still speaking into a cordless phone.

Within seconds Christine and her uncle came in. They saw the man on the floor and Christine almost blew up on the spot.

"What the fuck is HE doing in here?" She looked at me, "everyone knows that the Tower is off limits to male staff while you're here." She glared down at the man who was now starting to moan and cry in his pain. "Especially him!"

He, the man, climbed groggily to his feet. "I'm gonna report you lot to the police! Attacking me like that, I ain't done nothing.

"You were going to rape her." I told him, "I wouldn't call that nothing."

"Prove it!" he spat at me.

'Oh, ' I thought to myself, 'one of them.'

"Can't can you! Ha-ha. I'm going to sue the lot of you. I'll get a solicitor and sue for compensation, I will. I'll get loads of compo from this, I will!"

We had all remained quiet. Even June who was now being hugged by Ela.

"Karolina, get a doctor here as soon as you can." She hurried to start calling. "Tell him to bring a camera. Joasia, I want everyone in this room to make written statements right now. Everyone. We all stay here until we have written them and they've been copied on our office copier."

Suddenly everyone started grinning. The lobby and office had video cameras with sound recording. We would all make our statements under the watchful gaze of the cameras. Then no one could accuse us of colluding on our version of the incident. The cameras would also have caught the assault on June. Quite quickly things got organised.

Then more problems arrived. The outer lobby door opened and a tall thin woman with a sour expression ushered in two men.

"These are police detectives who have arrived to investigate the assault against Mr. James," she said. Two detectives entered the room.

"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, you may go now." Christine replied. She was still smiling which must have taken a lot of self control. The smaller of the two policemen closed the door behind Mrs. Jackson.

"We've been informed that an assault took place here a few minutes ago," the smaller said.

"Who are you?" Christine asked.

"I'm the one asking the fucking questions. So if you'll just shut your trap and wait I'll get round to you soon darling. OK!"

It was obvious that we in the room were already considered the guilty parties by these two fine members of the local constabulary.

"Why is that tart naked? Eh?"

"These rooms are currently her home. She is allowed to be naked in her own home is she not?" I asked.

"And who the fuck are you, fancy gob?"

"So far you haven't shown any identification as to your credentials, so perhaps you can tell me..."

He took two steps and sprayed my face with CS gas. I remember nothing after that until I woke up naked in a police cell. I was handcuffed.

The Judas hole rattled, slammed shut and then the door opened. Small one came in holding a cup.

"CS is nasty," he said with a grin, "dries you up a bit as well. Here have a drink. Oh no, don't throw your drink at me!" and he poured the contents of the cup down his front. Laughing, he went out of the cell.

I heard nothing more until the door opened and Sasha stood there with a uniformed officer with braid on his hat.

"And why the hell is another of my clients naked and handcuffed in his cell. Is he a terrorist too?" She bent over me. "How are you Paul?"

I could only croak, "Water..." Though the state of my face obviously showed my state and distress.

"My God! He's been sprayed with CS gas and hasn't had any medical attention yet. They haven't even rinsed it out of his eyes and throat!" She took a small camera out of her bag and started taking snaps of me.

"You can't take..." the uniformed officer started.

"After the catalogue of abuses that your officers have perpetrated here, my photographing the evidence is a triviality." Sasha stared at him. "WELL! Aren't you going to get him some water and medical aid?"

He scurried away and returned with a cup of water. I watched him carefully but he wisely just gave it to Sasha. She held the cup to my lips "Rinse and spit the first couple of sips." I did and my mouth eased a lot. I took a very small drink next.

"What time is it?"

"It's just gone five o'clock." Sasha looked at me with concern.

"But, it was past four when everything started." I really was confused and disorientated, things were a little blurry and there was this ringing, why didn't they stop the ringing. "I think I'll just get a little sleep now, so tired ... Just a little sleep ... Be better then..." SLAP! "What..." SLAP! SLAP! "Why? I just ... just..."

"PPPPPPAAAAAUUUUULLLLL!!!!!"



-------

Chapter 14

I woke feeling weak. Opening my eyes I saw Karolina sitting in the chair beside my bed. She was asleep and I was glad that she was there. I slept again.

Opened my eyes again, it's dark. I looked toward the chair, Ela was watching me.

"Hi Boss."

Why was she crying? Ela doesn't cry. Ela's hard, has had to be. Nails. That's Ela; Nails. Wants Pdf, I was ... was ... not was ... I am ... that's the word 'am', I am going to make her get one. Ela Pdf. Sounds good.

I woke a little more this time though I feel weak. I looked to my right, looking for a chair that should be there. There was a strange man sat there. He looked at me and pressed the nurse call button. He never said a word to me.

A nurse came into the room and was all bright and cheery around me.

"What's going on? Why am I in here?"

"Oh I'm sure the doctor will tell you that sir."

She took her readings and breezed out as cheerfully as she'd come in, ignoring the irrelevance that was me, the patient.

"Where are my ladies?" I asked him in the chair. I was actually really, really upset that he was sat there rather than one of them. If he'd been sat on the other side then the next few things might not have happened.

"Not allowed in. I'm here to protect you."

What a dickhead.

I laid back and my breathing settled down into a slow rhythm, as I was removing the pipes and tubes from my arms. I left the ECG contacts in but made sure my heartbeat remained at a steady sixty-five.

Dickhead was a complete dickhead. I was standing behind him before he even knew I was out of bed.

I wrapped the plastic tubing from one of my drips around his neck and was strangling him before he knew he was in trouble. I lifted his weapon, a .38 revolver - piece of police shit - and had the barrel grinding into the gap between his collar bone and neck while he struggled to breathe. He suddenly became still.

"Now sunshine, where are my ladies?"

"One of them is outside. They've been taking it in turns, there's always one of them outside."

"GET YOUR ARSE IN HERE!"

The door opened. Ela walked in quite calmly. "Hi Boss. Who's the arsehole?"

"Fucked if I know." I pushed him away from me.

"I need my gun bac..." he stopped speaking as it's quite off putting having a gun, even one as shit as this police revolver, thrust into your mouth and then hear the ominous sound of the safety catch clicking off.

"What does it break at? 'Cos I've got about four pounds on the trigger right now." There was a distinct smell of shit right then. Well, as they say, 'adrenaline is brown and comes in Y-fronts'. "My mob always used to say, 'if you can't keep hold of your weapon then you never get it back'."

"Understand?" he nodded very, very, gently.

"Good, now give me your mobile phone." He took it out of his pocket very carefully. "Thank you, put it on the floor." He did so. "Good, now go and stand outside. I'll let you know if I need you."

He left quickly.

After the door closed behind him Ela leapt towards me. "BBBooosss!" tears streaming down her face. We hugged for a long, long, time.

"What's going on Ela?"

"Don't know too much Boss, but you've been poisoned. It happened at the police station, the cup that the bloody Chief Constable gave you was full of a neuro-toxin. You really are lucky to be alive. The doc who came to the police station had just come back from six years work with the WHO and had been researching that toxin before his funding had been cut. Boss you are one lucky fucker."

The door opened and a doctor type came in. I stood beside the bed with my left my left hand on the pillow.

"What are you doing out of bed!"

"What am I doing in bed?"

That stopped him dead.

"You've been ill."

I walked over to him and stood nose to nose, "I've not been ill you cunt, I've fucking well been poisoned. If you can't tell the difference then fuck off and send me a real doc."

He coughed and spluttered for a while, then "You've got a revolver. That's against hospital rules. You'll have to give it to me."

"You can search me if you like. If you find a gun you can have it."

So he did search me, and the bed and the room, and the nurses who did the actual searching. During all of this searching I just lay on my bed and thought of my ladies, and Ela between whose buttocks the revolver was resting when she was kicked out of the room.

"So where is it?"

"Don't ask me, Doc. Ask the idiot who lost it. Maybe he didn't even bring it into work. Had any one seen this gun before he said he lost it?" The doctor paled. I don't think they had considered that option. That SO19 twit was in for a VERY hard time.

"Right everyone, all non-medical staff are to leave the room," he called, trying to stamp his authority on the situation again.

"Ela you stay." She came to my side.

"You aren't medical staff, you must leave," the doc said to Ela.

"She stays!" I said, trying to be final about this.

"I'M THE DOCTOR AROUND HERE!"

That's when I grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall.

"And I used to be the patient. But I'm not an arrogant bastard like you, so I am signing myself..."

The door opened again and Sasha, Christine and Karolina came in. Sasha took one look at the situation and guessed what had been going on.

"Paul, put the doctor down."

I did so. OK, OK, after a long, long, time thinking about it, I put him down.

"Doctor, I am Lord Paul's solicitor. Now leave us before I start thinking of things to sue you for."

He shot out of the door like a frightened rabbit.

Sasha looked around the room and suddenly only my ladies were there.

Then the crying started again. We cuddled and hugged and cried and kissed and cried again.

I got back into bed as I was truly tired now and did not feel well at all.

"Where are Joasia and June?" I asked. They all went really quiet. Christine came and held my hand.

"Paul darling, you weren't the only one who was poisoned. Joasia and June, Oh my darling, they didn't make it."

I could hardly speak. How could they take Joasia and June from me? How could those bastards think that my ladies lives meant so little that they snuffed them out with so little thought? Oh Joasia, Oh June my darlings, my loves, how will we go on without you, how will I go on without you? I started crying and couldn't stop. A brief sting in my arm, hardly felt, preceded my sleeping again.

I woke again. I looked toward 'the chair'. Karolina was watching me. She smiled at me and my heart lifted. Karolina cupped my cheek with her hand while she made a call on her mobile phone.

A man came in, an RN officer, a commander. My old Chief. Chief, an officer? A Commander? I wanted to hear about this.

He came to me, cap under his arm, and held out his hand. "Hi Paul, you really look like shit."

"Hi Aggie," his surname was Weston — because of that he suffered from the nickname of Aggie for the whole of his naval service. And he was possibly the most intelligent person I had ever met, in or out of the service. "Who'd you steal the suit from?" I asked.

"You've been upsetting people."

"If you're here I must have really pissed them off."

"Something about a missing piece-of-shit."

"Don't know what they're talking about. Been sick and shit." I smiled at him.

Aggie pulled a glock twenty from his jacket pocket and gave it to me, then gave me two full magazines. "Get rid of the piece-of-shit. They're dangerous," he smiled. "Where's CinC Nag Home?" he asked.

And so I told Aggie how I had come to be here. The whole story including how Janice left me when I started earning enough to keep her in the manner she'd decided was comfortable enough for her. Aggie was like a father to me, I wouldn't, couldn't, have left anything out of my story. Karolina sat by my side holding my hand throughout my tale.

"That's what I'd heard." Aggie said. He seemed slightly distracted.

"Paul," he hesitated which was most unlike him. As I have said he's the smartest person I have ever met. He's not hesitant, never has been, until today that is. "I know that you've just suffered a great loss, and I want you to know that I really feel your loss." He bowed his head. "But I have a problem that I think you can help me with." He looked at me and I saw the honesty in his eyes. "I want you to take an officer into your family for a while, six months or so. It's a she. She's a brilliant technical officer but she's ... she's ... she's an idiot. She'll get someone killed if she doesn't learn. She's good at the theoretical side of security, but fucks up every time it's for real. I want you to..." he hesitated again. I knew what he wanted. He wanted me to get her out of the service. " ... to train her up for a while."

I thought about this for more than a few moments. Karolina and Ela watched me closely and, after looking at each other they both nodded to me.

"Where is she?" I asked.

"She's here. She's been acting as my ADC." Oh God! I thought, even the lowest of the low know that Commanders don't have an ADC. This was just a job to get her out of the way and protect the matelots.

"We'll give it a go, sir."

"We?" he asked surprised.

"Yes Aggie, we. Two of my family have just been murdered and we're still in a little bit of shock. But we'll take your girl from you."

Aggie and I spoke for an hour or so then he left, without the weapon he had so obviously been sent to get.

"My ladies, I'm tired. I need a little sleep."

"Sorry Boss, you've got the navy chick to sort out first," Ela reminded me.

"OK, send her in."

Karolina opened the door and Sub-lieutenant Sandra 'Elastic' Bands came into the room.

"Hello, I'm Paul Winters." I started.

"Good afternoon, Sir." Elastic replied. "I have been detailed to look after your security." She had obviously noticed the Glock on my bed.

"Oh good, I'm sure we'll all..." Then there was the ominous click of a revolver's safety catch being released.

She was quite good, spinning round to face the perceived threat and drawing her issue Glock.

Karolina held her hand up showing her the small MP3 player in her hand.

I pressed the barrel of the thirty-eight into Elastic's side, the side away from her weapon. She did the sensible thing and gave the glock to Karolina. Then when her right hand came down she used that as a distraction and knocked my 'weapon' away with her left elbow. The look on her face told the whole story, the weight didn't feel right. Then the CLACK of a hammer falling onto an empty chamber behind her head told Elastic that she'd been had. Well and truly had. If this had been real, her brains, such as they were, would be splattered all over the opposite wall now.

She fell to the floor and started crying, we had broken her totally. She sobbed and sobbed. Karolina wrapped her arms around her and hugged her, whispering sounds that might comfort the wounded woman.

Ela and I also hugged her. Elastic had been so wound up in her training for her chosen profession that she had almost forgotten who she herself was. And after years of stress, with each fuck-up adding more stress, the idea of her imminent death smashed the woman that she used to be. We would all work on building a new Sandra 'Elastic' Bands.

We let her cry until she relaxed into a faint.

I had to get back into my bed then; otherwise I'd have been unconscious on the floor as well. I was soon asleep.

I woke, it was dark again, and looked to my right, to 'the chair'. Elastic was sat there looking at me.

"Ela will be here in a minute," she said.

And Ela was. She held my hand and kissed my cheek. I tried to get a proper kiss but just didn't have the strength. "Hi Boss," I heard as I slipped into sleep again.

When I woke this time I saw Sasha. She was arguing with Elastic, obviously I had no idea what they were arguing about. "Tell her to get in here," I said. Oh that was so funny, so, so funny. New warmth pressed itself against my stomach.

I woke again and nuzzled into hair. I like pressing into my woman's hair.

The pressure of a nipple pressing into my palm occupied my thoughts for a long while. I could feel the warmth and bulk of the breast, but it was the hardness of the nipple pressing into my palm that occupied my mind there and then.

"Good morning Lord Paul." The cheery face that filled my vision was not the one that I wanted to see.

I struggled into wakefulness again. I had something in my arms I didn't want to let go of. I looked down and saw Ela in my arms. She looked up at me and in her irrepressible humour said, "Hi Boss."

I kissed her, and she returned the kiss. It was then I noticed that she was naked. I ran my hands over her body, such as I could reach and she just snuggled into me and enjoyed the attention.

The voice which had woken me spoke again. "I see that you are beginning to feel well again, my Lord."

I looked up and a homely, whiskered face looked down at me. "Had a problem or two with you, my Lord, but you are over the worst now." H smiled at me. "Now if you could possibly put your wife down for a moment."

"I'm not his wife. God, I should be so lucky," Ela said laughing as she got out of my bed.

Karolina came and stood beside me, holding my hand as the consultant examined me.

"Who are you my dear?" asked a woman in the consultant's team.

"Me Karolina, Slave of Lord Paul."

A woman started to protest when the consultant placed a hand on her arm. "Doctor Haines, what you consider to be natural and inalienable rights only exist in the western world, and only rarely then." He smiled at her and removed her hand from Karolina's arm.

"Are you his slave, my dear?"

"Tak," she said while proudly throwing back her head so that everyone could see her collar.

"My God! Does this bastard make you wear a collar?" a different doctor asked.

Ela stepped in front of the speaker, looking him in the eye. "No, sometimes he allows her to wear it. I put it on her yesterday because her master, who she loves, lay dying in that bed, and her mother and her slave-sister had just been murdered. So Karolina begged me to let her have the feeling of security that being collared gives her, and I love her enough to put it on for her."

"Boss Doc Master," the consultant looked at Karolina, "not let him be doctor my Master." Karolina hesitated for a moment. "Him ... wrong, bad wrong."

Karolina looked round the room until she spotted my guard. "Lastic," Elastic stepped up beside me, "look after Boss. Not trust him, him wrong."

The doctor in question was incensed. "Well, it's a good job that we don't have to listen to you then isn't it."

The consultant turned towards him, a half smile never leaving his face. "Oh, should we not consider the views of the patients' family?"

The doctor laughed, "Not when they're as stupid as these people are!"

He continued laughing right up to the point when Elastic showed the consultant, and the gobby doctor, a small wallet, "You are not to have anything to do with the care or treatment of this patient 'doctor'." And it was amazing how much pure contempt she managed to put into the last word.

The consultant shook his head ruefully. "Doctor Ambrose, perhaps your talents could be better used in a different sphere, I do understand that McDonalds are advertising for staff." And with those few words Doctor Ambrose's medical career ended. The other junior doctors in the team, having witnessed the fragility of a medical career, watched with pale faces as Elastic escorted Doctor Ambrose out of my room.

"Now may I examine my patient please, my dear?" the consultant asked Karolina.

"Look him well, need better. Me lose all but Master 'n' Ela."

"I am doing my very best, my dear," and he looked at her over his half-moon glasses, smiling reassuringly. "And I am very good."

He examined me and looked up the results of various tests that I had been subjected to. He listened to my heart very carefully and re-ran an ECG.

He turned to Karolina. "Well, my dear, your master is now actually getting better and he will recover almost fully."

Karolina and Ela broke down in tears at this news, and so did I.

The team of doctors left us while we hugged. I hadn't even thanked him.

Karolina hugged me tightly. "Need you Boss. Got no one else now. Only got you 'n' Ela." She looked up at me, tears streaming down her face. "Why them do it Boss? Why kill Momma? Momma not hurt them."

"Money, Karolina," Sasha and Justine had entered the room. "It was all about money, lots and lots of money, millions of pounds."

Sasha and Justine hugged and kissed us while Elastic stood by the door looking on.

"OK, here are a few of the highlights. The Chief Constable and someone else, who we haven't identified yet, ran a smuggling operation, people, drugs, the lot. He also took a cut in the local prostitution and child porn rings." Sasha looked at Karolina and Ela, "I've got copies of the hard drives from all of their computers for you two to have a look at."

Ela nodded, "Give them to me. I'll set them up for Karolina to have a look at. She's fucking freaky when it comes to finding things on a computer." Ela smiled. Embarrassed, Karolina bowed her head, but she did have a little smile on her lips.

Sasha nodded, "They're on their way to London. Paul, they're going to have to be autopsied, there's nothing I can do about that. Now, I suggest that I get you lot back home as well. We haven't cleaned up enough around here for you to be safe." Sasha looked at me, then, "Paul, the police took all of your computers, cameras, mobile phones, everything. They had them for a day before we got in to see you. I've had to freeze all of your accounts to safeguard them. There have already been five attempts to transfer monies out, and your bank and credit cards have been used all over the country. The bank is taking that hit though as they were asked to cancel your cards and didn't. Not only that but their antifraud systems couldn't catch one card being used in three places within a minute, each transaction taking place over two hundred miles from the other."

I must have look very shocked because Sasha put her hand on mine. "I'm looking after things, Paul, and it'll just take a day or so to get things sorted out, new accounts and cards. And now some good news, the local authority will be paying for replacing your computer hardware, phones and things." Sasha looked at Ela, "I had suggested that they return your existing things but Ela ... Ela didn't think that would be such a good idea." Sasha said diplomatically.

I could imagine Ela's real comments, she doesn't mince her words does Ela. She calls a spade a spade, or a fucking shovel, depends on her mood.

Sasha smiled as she looked at Ela. "And they, the local authority, have setup an interest free bridging loan for the purchase of the two hotels you want in London, and another interest free loan of one million pounds for company and personal expenses until your own monies are available again."

I was a little puzzled over the LA's generosity toward us. "Why?"

Sasha smiled, her solicitor's smile, the one that makes werewolves slink away with their tails between their legs. "Because Daddy and I convinced them that a little generosity now would save them a shit load of damages and political suicide later. They couldn't do enough for you, and I mean that literally."

Sasha opened her briefcase, the slim 'I'm a dead posh solicitor' one, and pulled out some papers and her pen. "I need your signature on these, just here, here, here and on the bottom of every one of these."

I signed each one after giving it a quick read. Sasha could have robbed me into bankruptcy already without my knowledge, but she had been fair and honest and had always looked after my interests.

With the last of my signatures I had completed the purchase of the Crynos which had got Sasha on her way up here in the first place, and most likely saved my life. "Sasha, why were you so concerned about me buying the Crynos?"

Sasha laughed. "Because Daddy had been after that place for months and was just about to put in an offer when you beat him to it. He was furious, absolutely furious." She saw that I was concerned about this and took hold of my arm. "He's not mad at you. You beat him fair and square, but he is very pissed off with his acquisitions manager who knew about the Crynos for three months before he did anything about it. Daddy thought that I'd told you about the place, but I sent him some of the stuff Karolina had gathered and that convinced him that it was a coincidence. Though he did ask me to see if Karolina is available, Daddy's got an opening for a new acquisitions manager."

I felt Karolina's hand grip mine tightly and get very sweaty; I think she was frightened that I would send her away. I turned and hugged her. "Karolina, my darling, I am never going to let you go, you are mine forever."

"Thank Boss," as she said that, I felt a tear land on my shoulder.

Christine came into the room then waving a pack of papers and a green plastic bag. "Well it seems that they're throwing you out. The ward staff nurse said it was probably because you wouldn't give them their gun back. What gun? Paul, what've you been doing?"

I looked as innocent as possible.

"Ha, now I know that you stole a gun." Then she turned to Justine, "How'd he manage to steal a gun anyway, and in a hospital of all places?"

Justine laughed. "You better believe it. I'll tell you the whole story later."

I got out of bed and dressed. Justine didn't help me this time. I didn't have anything to take from the hospital, I had arrived naked. My girls had made sure that I had anything I needed and they took unneeded things away too.

"You're coming back to London with me," Sasha told me. "It's not safe for you here."

"What about Joasia and June."

Sasha's face clouded, "They're already down in London waiting for you all."

Christine hugged me. "You look after yourself, Paul. I want you in my life for a long time yet." She looked at me with tears in her eyes. "Keep Kelly for as long as you need her."

I looked round, "Kelly? Where is she?"

Christine looked at the others who all looked at little sheepish. "Hasn't anyone told him?" she shook her head. "Kelly went down to London yesterday to get the Crynos ready for you. She's a very good hotel manager, so you keep her as long as you need to, OK?"

"I will, my precious," I kissed her. "Come down to see us soon won't you."

Christine laughed. "Of course I will, life's never boring around you, Paul. I look forward to coming down as soon as I can get away."

Christine and Justine kissed Karolina and Ela, shook hands with Elastic, and we left the hospital.



-------

Chapter 15

Sasha drove us to London in a nondescript, seven seat MPV. At the Crynos she pulled into the entrance to the underground car parking and waited for the gate to be raised, but nothing happened.

Elastic got out and looked around. "OK, everyone into the hotel, NOW!"

So we got out and walked quickly but calmly into the hotel, where Kelly was arguing with a tall thin man. Kelly spotted me and then stepped back and looked at her watch.

The tall man came over to me, "Mr Winters, I must protest. That girl," he gestured toward Kelly, "is demanding that I give her my keys."

"And you are?" I asked quietly.

"I am Ernest Hemmings, the head concierge." He drew himself up to his full five foot seven when he said that. It was obviously very important to him. Unfortunately his self-importance was one of the things that had been wrong with the Crynos and what had driven it into bankruptcy.

"Well, Mr. Hemmings, you know I am the new owner so you can give them to me." I smiled at him. He smiled back (obviously the new owner was going to put this young upstart in her place) and handed me a set of keys. "Are these all of the hotel's keys in your charge, Mr. Hemmings?" He thought for a moment, then went behind the desk and fetched a set of longer, older keys out of a drawer.

"The night safe keys," he smiled.

"Well, Mr. Hemmings, you have disobeyed orders from my managing director, you've ignored repeated calls from the garage entrance phone and safe keys in your charge have been left unsecure, which means that the night safe will have to be changed. Any one of these could be viewed as dismissal offences; all three together demand your instant dismissal. Mr Hemmings, your salary and papers will be in the post. Good day, sir."

Loudly Kelly said, "Four and a half minutes Mr. Hemmings, you owe me twenty pounds. Don't worry though; I'll have it deducted from your final salary."

I turned away to go to the lifts. There was a sudden screech from behind me, and then a crash as Ernest Hemmings was brought to the floor.

I turned back. Elastic had one knee in the middle of his back and a police special piece-of-shit gouging into his neck. "You have just attacked my principal, and I have no sense of humour, a gun and a headache. Now, are you going to get up and go home or are you going to make me fill out loads of paperwork?"

We heard a quiet, "Go home," from the floor.

Elastic helped him up (one handedly lifting him from the floor and dropping him onto his feet can be called helping, can't it?) and brushed some dust off his coat. Perhaps having a gun in her hand at the time sort of spoiled the effect, but it looked good. Then she looked at me, "He tripped and fell down Sir, no paperwork at all."

"Oh good, see him to the door please, Lieutenant." Elastic grinned at being called a lieutenant. At times she thought she'd never make it. I smiled as she walked away with the ex-head concierge.

"Ms Hanson," I called to Kelly, making sure that those who heard me heard that I was being respectful to her. "Please arrange for me to speak with all of the staff. Would two briefings, one tomorrow morning at the seven o'clock handover, the other at the three pm handover be convenient for you? Anyone who doesn't attend will have to explain their reasons to you in writing if they want any chance of keeping their jobs."

I walked away with my small group, Kelly following to show us to our rooms. The Crynos was built to impress, and impress it did, though the builders miscalculated the growth of importance of Islington. It had wide corridors with high ceilings, decorative plasterwork adorned the ceilings and the inner panels had been decorated with paintings

"Boss, Karolina, I've got something to show you, and you aren't going to believe it." Kelly intrigued us all. Kelly took hold of Karolina's hand, "Karolina this is going to be a bit of a shock. But we are all here for you."

Naturally Karolina began to get a little nervous at this warning and she reached out for my hand. I took it, brought it to my lips and kissed it. "I am with you too, dearest Karolina."

Still holding hands, Kelly led us into a grand room, large windows overlooked the road, a chandelier hung in the centre of the ceiling and we looked at a huge fireplace which dominated one end of the room.

We all looked at Kelly a little puzzled. While this was a magnificent room, we couldn't see anything shocking about it. Then we heard Sasha gasp. She was looking behind us.

At the other end of the room was a huge painting, a nude figure was emerging from a pool. It was Joasia. I swear it was Joasia. Karolina quietly gasped "Momma!"

We all walked over to the painting. This was an old painting, nineteenth century, but it was Joasia there was no doubting that. We all stared in disbelief. The dark curly hair, wetted and clinging to her scalp, her rounded face and the half smile, perhaps a secret she shared with the artist? Her head held high and proud atop a long slender neck. That neck waiting for her collar, seeming more naked than her undressed body without it. Her slender body, so unlike the more usual larger, more rubenesque models of the time. Her arms held loosely by her side she faced us, comfortable in her nudity, the pose and attitude so reminiscent of Joasia herself.

Time and pollution had darkened the pigments and I knew that when originally painted this picture would have been bright and vibrant. "I want this restored, and properly too." I looked at Karolina. "I would like you to get someone to restore this so we can see it as it is meant to be seen. It will be ours; yours, Ela's and mine."

Karolina looked at me with tears in her eyes, "Yes boss, thank, thank..." I quieted her with a kiss.

With a last look at the painting we left that room. Kelly led us up another flight of stairs and into a suite of rooms. A cold buffet was waiting for us. I sat Karolina down, "What would you like to eat my dear?" I wasn't really prepared for her reaction.

"WHAT! Boss not get me food! Me slave, sit arse down, give me do my job." She gave me a tremendous scowl and stomped off to the buffet. I did what I was told and 'sat arse down.' Soon Karolina came back carrying a heavily loaded plate, and she was naked.

She placed the plate in front of me and knelt beside me, her arms behind her back. I knew what she wanted now. She was my slave and would eat those things that I gave her, from my fingers. Ela watched us closely, but Elastic was fascinated.

"Karolina..." Elastic started.

I interrupted, "She won't answer you, she's attending to me, her master, and will only answer me." Karolina looked up at me with a wide smile on her face. Being fed like this was normal, something that she was used to and took comfort in. I'll comfort her as much as I'm able, for as long as she need comforting. And I can see that she is doing the same for me. I looked across at Ela and wondered how we could help her.

Ela noticed my gaze. "Worried about me, aren't you boss?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

Sasha, who had sat beside me, stood up. "Come and sit next to Paul, you'll both feel better for it."

Ela came and sat next to me, then leant on my shoulder. "Thanks Sasha, thanks Boss."

I continued to feed Karolina and myself, after two bites I noticed that Ela wasn't eating; she had left her food by the other chair. So I started to feed Ela as well.

"Can't I have it from your fingers as well?" she asked.

"No, you're a freewoman and so you're fed with a fork or spoon, only slaves are fed by hand."

Ela shrugged, "OK, boss."

I fed both until the plate was empty; Karolina then took it back to the buffet.

Kelly came back from doing rounds of the hotel. "I've locked access to these two floors so if you want to have another look at the painting you don't need to worry about anyone being around."

I looked at Karolina. "Would you like to go down?" I asked.

"Shower first then see Momma." She stood and led the way as we went looking for the bathroom. A hand took mine from behind me, Ela smiled at me and I returned the smile.

Karolina led us through a large bedroom and into an opulent bathroom. A large claw foot bathtub took pride of place in the centre of the room, the shower head was above the bath.

"Karolina you get in first and we will wash you." I helped her into the, quite high, bath while Ela started the water. I soaped Karolina's chest and breasts while Ela washed her hair. I felt good running my hands over her slim body and small firm breasts, but these feelings reminded me of Joasia. I felt a tear fall as I soaped Karolina's stomach; then her hands cupped my head.

"Kiss me boss, kiss man toys and think of fun with Momma and me." She leant back a little to let water rinse down her chest, a quick rinse and she leant forward for me to take a nipple into my mouth. Her nipples were plump, engorged and the areola hard and crinkled. She held my head and pressed me to her breast trying to force the whole breast into my mouth. I sucked on the whole teat and nipped her nipple forcefully. Suddenly we were at each other like wild animals, she tearing my clothes off and I desperate to kiss and lick every part of her body. Ela was there too. Pulling on my clothes and sucking and fondling Karolina. Once we met as we both went for the same tit, and we kissed, sucking the other's tongue into our mouths as though our lives depended on it.

I got Karolina down on the floor and myself naked enough to start fucking her. One thrust embedded my dick completely inside her hot vagina. Ela finished stripping me as I slowly fucked Karolina. Slow long thrusts gave way to short sharp jabs and Karolina wrapped her legs around me. Ela kissed us both and sucked on Karolina's tits. When she could, Ela pressed a hand between us and rubbed on Karolina's clit while I thrust into her.

Then I felt Karolina's breathing speed up and she gripped me tightly with her legs, her cunt spasmed as she came, crying out into my ear with her passion. "Love me Boss! Love me good."

I had not reached my climax so I pulled out of Karolina and almost threw Ela onto her back. Her eyes opened wide with surprise but her legs opened too and I slipped between them and pressed my cock against her wet slit. Beyond thought now, I pressed forward into her tight, tight cunt. She gasped and dug her fingernails into my back as I drove through her hymen ripping her virginity away.

"Do me, now! Do me please!" She kissed me, thrusting her tongue deep into my mouth. "Fuck me hard and make me yours."

As I pulled back she threw her head back and let out a long drawn out moan, rising in pitch and volume until I stopped and hesitated.

"Do it! I want this. Do it now!"

I thrust into her again, her torn hymen providing most of our lubrication. She opened her legs wide and brought her knees up to her sides. I lifted my arms outside her legs to trap them beneath me and get even deeper access to her body. Karolina couldn't easily kiss her now, nor did she have any access to Ela's tits, so she started licking me. I thrust again and again trying to hold back my orgasm to give Ela her first pleasure. But Karolina's tongue swiping around my ass, then pressing against it trying to gain entrance, pushed me over the edge. I came and came, shuddering and twitching in my climax. Ela wrapped her arms around me and held me tight. I gasped and panted trying to recover my breath.

Karolina eased me to the side. "Hold little girl legs up. Slave need clean up. Slave work never finish."

I held Ela's legs hard up against her body and Karolina dipped her mouth to Ela's slit. She licked from ass to clit and back again and then placed her mouth over Ela's cunt and sucked. Karolina kept alternating between licking and sucking as she pulled all of my cum out of Ela's ragged cunt.

Watching the two naked girls together caused my cock to rise again. Karolina saw this and raised her head. "Let Ela suck, you watch girlie, girlie get suck too." Then bent to her 'cleaning'.

Ela turned her head and opened her mouth. I slid my cock in an inch or so and Ela sucked on me with more experience that she'd shown while fucking. I did as Karolina had told me, again, and watched the 'girlie girlie' while Ela sucked on me. Ela's breathing had grown ragged as Karolina had sucked on her and I watched her approach her climax, her chest flushing and muscles tensing. I pulled back from her as she started grunting and thrusting her hips into Karolina's face. Karolina just kept her mouth locked onto Ela's cunt sucking and licking. Then Ela came, with a long drawn out moan she locked and shivered through her climax, Karolina drank all that Ela's cunt fed her.

As she relaxed Ela turned to me and I cuddled her, stroking her from her hair to her buttocks. "Thanks Karolina, thanks boss. That was more than I ever hope for, for my first time."

Karolina came crawling up my legs; hand over hand until she could slide her mouth onto my still rigid cock. She rested her arms on my thighs as she bobbed up and down on my rock hard cock. Ela lay in my arms watching with interest and running her hand over my stomach. After the physical and visual stimulation I had experienced I came again and again. Karolina sucked all of the cum out of me and held me in her mouth until I had shrunk.

She lifted her head and I leaned down for a kiss. Like her mother had before, Karolina turned her head away from me. One handed I turned her back, "Karolina I kiss my ladies even if they have a mouthful of my cum." And I kissed her, deeply.

Moments later I had a satisfied woman in each arm and we lay cuddling each other and kissing. And yes, the girls kissed each other as easily as they both kissed me.

Ela noticed that Karolina was getting very tired, "got to get Karolina showered and into bed boss."

The shower was still running so I tested the water and got into the bath. Ela helped Karolina to get in with me, and then she got in on the other side of Karolina. We washed Karolina again, each washing and kissing each part that we came to. Then Karolina and I washed Ela, and Ela has much more sensitive nipples than Karolina. And she has three of them. Then they washed me.

They both washed my hair and feeling two young, happy, females pressing their naked bodies against mine was wonderful. Four hands roaming over my body felt great but didn't make me rise again. They both did, for some unexplained reason, need to check that my penis and foreskin were clean, together, at the same time. I didn't think that my average sized cock could cope with four hands at the same time, but it did.

Finally, having exhausted excuses for remaining in the shower, and all of the hot water, we got out and helped each other to get dry. This 'help' actually delayed us, but was far more fun.

"See Momma now," asked Karolina from her position on her knees.

"Yes, we will go and see Momma now," I answered. Karolina jumped up and stood behind me. Ela took my hand and, looking over her shoulder, smiled at Karolina.

I led the way back downstairs into the grand room with the painting. We stood and stared at it, dazzled by the likeness to Joasia and amazed by the eroticism of this naked woman stepping out of the water.

"Master call Momma out water, fuck master." Karolina's words made us jump. We could see what she meant. This slave woman had just been called from her bathing to service her master (mistress?) She knew that she was going to be used for her owner's pleasure and was happy in her position in life.

Ela saw a sofa by the side of the room, "help me move this." We did. We placed it in front of the painting and sat. Ela lay on my lap again and pulled my hand onto her breast, Karolina knelt by my knees, pressing her bared breasts into my leg.

"Who's the painting of?" Elastic made us all jump when she spoke

Karolina looked up, "me Momma."

"Your mother!" Elastic exclaimed.

"Yes, you never saw Joasia, but it's her. It really is."

Elastic sat on the arm of the sofa, but Ela moved up to sit on my lap, one arm around my neck and knees bent and ankles crossed. It was a position that I could imagine Karolina using, allowing me full access to her body. Ela then took my free hand and placed it between her legs, pressing my fingers into her sex.

Elastic gasped. "Do you usually grope these women in public, Mr. Winters?"

Before I could say a word Ela snapped back, "This is a private room and is being used by our family. You saw me put his hand where I wanted it. I am taking comfort from him and he is taking nothing from me."

"Oh, sorry," Elastic said in a small voice.

"Should say sorry boss, him you make accuse." Karolina told her in a much more conversational tone of voice.

"Mr. Winters..."

"Paul." I said.

"Yes Sir," from both Ela and Karolina, now giggling.

Elastic looked at the girls who were looking at her with anticipation.

"Yes Sir." Elastic joined in. The girls smiled at her.

"Sir, I'm sorry I caused offense to you and your ladies."

"Thank you. On behalf of my ladies and I; I accept, I can't shake hands just at the moment." Elastic looked down at the only hand available to shake hers and saw that Ela was keeping it tight against her, now obviously wet, pussy.

"No, I guess you can't," she said then leant forward offering her lips for a kiss. I kissed her and felt her tongue flicker across my lips, just a taste, or was it a tease?

"Umm..." Elastic squirmed a bit on the sofa, then got up and adjusted her skirt.

"Easy move without clothe." Karolina told her. Elastic paled a little at the thought.

"But he'll..." she stammered a little.

"He look? Course he look. He man, man thing look naked woman. He not touch till give OK." Karolina reassured her.

Elastic looked at Ela who had laid her head back on the arm of the sofa. Ela nodded. "You're safe, especially after the two of us drained him on the bathroom floor twenty minutes ago."

Elastic's eyebrows shot up, "Both of you? Together?"

"Oh yes," said Ela in a very satisfied tone of voice.

"Oh." Elastic seemed almost shocked. "Do you like that, you know, the three of you ... together."

"Three together lots. Always like together." Karolina said, I think that she was teasing Elastic a little.

"Nooo ... Do you like having sex together." Elastic was blushing a deep red now. I don't know how she would fit in with our lifestyle.

Karolina nodded, "It good with man and good with woman. Need love make real good. Me love Boss, love Ela. Will screw Ela alone she want."

Ela reached over and ran her hand over Karolina's shoulder. "You are welcome in my bed anytime you want, dearest." Karolina kissed her hand.

Elastic stared at the three of us, desperately trying to fit us into her world picture. While she was a naval officer and had graduated from Dartmouth Royal Naval College, I think that she'd had quite a sheltered life and now being subjected to the reality of our freer, more liberal lifestyle, was something of a shock to her.

Karolina looked up "Lastic, why you call 'Lastic?"

Elastic laughed, "Because my surname is Bands." As Karolina still looked puzzled Elastic rummaged in her pocket for a moment and produced an elastic band. She held it up for Karolina to see, "like this."

"That rubber band also?" Karolina asked.

"Yes, in English it is a rubber band and an elastic band."

"Why name you this?" Karolina was still puzzled.

"Because it is traditional in the Navy to give people nick names, mine is Elastic. It's better than some I've heard, but not as good as some others."

Karolina looked up at me, "What your name nick boss?"

I smiled at her mistake. "Snowy or Frosty."

She nodded. "Because winter."

"That is right, my precious." I couldn't reach her though she did cuddle into my knee, pressing her firm breasts against my leg. In my crotch the inevitable happened and Ela's eyes opened.

"Karolina, whatever you just did, do it again." Ela was watching me closely.

"Me stick tits in leg." And she did it again and rubbed them up and down as well.

Ela squirmed on my growing erection, reaching down to give a little guidance. Then as I popped into her vagina she smiled and let out a low moan.

Elastic looked at Karolina, still rubbing my legs with her tits, then Ela and I. "Are you doing what I think you're doing?" she asked incredulously.

"I don't know what you think we're doing, but he has the tip of his dick in me and it's growing. Oh God it's growing."

Karolina turned Ela round so she was facing away from me, then lifted Ela's legs to rest outside mine. I lifted my hips a little and felt my dick hit her cervix. Ela started rocking back and forth, her motion enough to scrape my dick over her G spot each time. I reached forward and cupped her tits with my hands.

Glancing to my side I saw Elastic staring at us gobsmacked. She couldn't believe that we would just start screwing right in front of her. Karolina grabbed my head and twisted it toward her for a kiss. Our tongues played for a while exploring the deeper recesses of our partner's mouths. Then we broke apart. Karolina's eyes were dilated, she was panting with her own need.

"Come round to the front and lick Ela's clit, suck my balls when you can."

"Oh yessss..." Karolina kissed me again, "Thank you boss."

Seconds later I felt her hot breath on my balls and her mouth wrapped around one and she sucked. It popped into her mouth and I felt her tongue run round me, all the while she sucked.

"Lick Ela," I cried. I was far too close to cumming and wanted Ela to enjoy her second sexual experience. Karolina, still sucking, pulled her mouth away from me dragging the captive testicle with her, then it popped free, I almost came on the spot. Then I felt Ela stiffen as Karolina attacked her clit. For the second time Ela was lifted to her climax by Karolina's tongue. I wasn't upset by this. I knew that Ela would get a vaginal orgasm soon, the very fact that she wanted sex with me, with us, was the best thing. I also knew that I would be sending Karolina into Ela's bed 'alone' soon. They deserved time together, to bond and heal together. Ela's climax took me over the edge too. Her cunt muscles grabbing at my cock was too much for me and I spurted a small amount of my juice into her. All too quickly I shrank and dropped out of her warmth. Karolina took my place and sucked and licked my cum from Ela again.

Satisfied again we lay back just where we were.

Karolina looked across at Elastic, "Lastic get you kit off, get bit hugs 'n' cuddles."

Elastic was in such shock that she started getting undressed. Taking her jacket off she looked for somewhere to hang it.

"Give me," Karolina said as she stood up.

Karolina took Elastic's jacket then held out her hand for her blouse. She hung them on the back of a chair. "Turn, me do bra." Karolina didn't give Elastic a chance; she had her bra off in seconds.

"Need skirt now, not get creased. Turn." Elastic turned and Karolina unzipped her skirt and pulled it down. "Oh no. Not wear these tight! Need leg covered use stocking!" Karolina was scandalised by Elastic's tights. Karolina pulled down Elastic's tights taking her panties with them.

"Now go get hug 'n' cuddle. All need hug 'n' cuddle or become bitchy-git."

Elastic came toward Ela and I, Ela opened her arms and Elastic hugged her. Ela twisted Elastic around and put her down onto the sofa besides us. I opened my arms and Elastic came into them. She hugged me, wrapping her arms around both Ela and I.

"Oh God why am I doing this?" Elastic started to panic about her undressed state.

"Tea and stickies!" cried a voice from the door. Kelly came into the room carrying a tray of the aforementioned refreshments. And she too was naked, and so was Sasha who followed her into the room and closed the door behind her.

We all sat on the sofa, Elastic sat on my lap, Ela moving to sit between Sasha and Kelly while Karolina stayed kneeling by my legs. We nibbled on the refreshments and drank our drinks, looking at the painting and discussing various aspects of it.

"She's getting out to be fucked!" We all looked at Elastic but she ignored us. She got up and moved closer to the painting. "Look at her labia," we all moved closer and saw what Elastic meant. The model's labia were engorged and spread. "Look, look there," Elastic pointed, "that's her lubrication running down her leg. It must be. Look here, that's water running off her, it's totally different, look!"

Elastic was in a world of her own as she pointed out the various indications of the models' sexual arousal. "Look at her arms, they're not relaxed, she's desperately keeping them by her sides. Look at her eyes, the focus, she's concentrating on someone, the one who she'll fuck. And she is going to fuck, there's no getting away from that. It's almost as if she had no choice but to submit, she wants to submit like a ... a..." Elastic was stumped.

"Slave." Karolina said quietly.

"Yes. Yes she's a slave. Oh my God, look at her. She's going to be fucked by her master, and she wants it!" Elastic turned to us, "Who did you say it is."

"Momma," Karolina said proudly.



-------

Chapter 16


Day 100

Today we're going to see Joasia and June, their bodies have finally been released. It took Sasha a long time to get the police to admit that they no longer required the bodies, and that they hadn't needed them for the last six weeks. We are going to sue.

Sasha drove us to the funeral home where a dark-suited man, with an incongruously ruddy face showed us into a room with two coffins.

Karolina gasped and then cried when she saw her mother. Joasia was dressed in a quite sombre grey suit; a paler grey high necked blouse completed her ensemble. I held Karolina as I examined Joasia, her clothes were totally inappropriate for our Joasia; they were thirty years too old for her. June was dressed in a cheerful summer dress more suited to a teenager. While these clothes were a reasonable fit and fair quality they were wrong for the people they clothed.

"Momma be slave all life. Wanted die you slave. Proud be good girl to Master. This not Momma way dress."

"Then my dearest," I hugged Karolina, "we will get her ready ourselves." I turned to Sasha, "Could you get the funeral director back in here please, Sasha?" She nodded and left.

The ruddy faced man returned and I asked him, "Who provided these clothes please?"

"Why, we did of course, the deceased did not have any clothing when they were delivered here."

"Did they have anything on them at all?" I had a horrible feeling I knew what he was going to say.

"Well, yes ... They were both wearing an ... unusual item." He was obviously uncertain how he should describe their collars.

"They were wearing thick leather collars."

"Well, yes."

"Where are they?"

He went to a concealed cupboard and took out the two collars. Both had been cut to take them off their wearer.

Sasha stepped up now, "Mr. Bowles, do you remember the instructions that you received when you accepted these ladies into your care?"

"Oh yes, it was quite simple we didn't have to do anything until you arrived and then we would take instructions from you."

"Yes, Mr. Bowles," Sasha was quiet and totally pissed off now, "those were my instructions. Now tell me why you have disregarded them so blatantly."

"But we couldn't just leave them naked!"

"Mr. Bowles you and your company have desecrated the bodies of my clients' loved ones. I shall be issuing a writ for damages. Now my clients are going to return their loved ones to the state that they were originally in."

Mr. Bowles spluttered ineffectually for a few moments and then fled. Sasha turned to us and nodded, "You can start now."

Karolina, Ela and I started with Joasia while Elastic stood by the door, looking a little green. With difficulty we took her jacket off. We'd just started unbuttoning her blouse when an elderly man entered the room.

"I have come to apologise on behalf of Bowles and Son for this inexcusable intrusion on your grief. My name is David Bowles and I am the majority owner of this company. He produced a large pair of seamstress' scissors, "It is much easier to cut the clothing off. Please let me help. I do have a little experience in these things you know." And he smiled a kindly helpful smile.

"I would like to warn you though that autopsies do leave your loved ones looking quite shocking. If you would like I can prepare your ladies while you wait in the chapel of rest."

Karolina shook her head, "No, me see badder in Poland, I do Mamma 'n' June. Thank for help." Elastic though, almost ran out of the room.

Karolina took the scissors from Mr. Bowles and quickly cut Joasia's clothing up the outside of each sleeve. She lifted her mother's arms above her head then cut from the skirt's hem to the armpit finishing with a quick cut to separate the front and back at the sleeve.

Karolina then lifted off the front of Joasia's clothing. The smell and the huge Y shaped incision looked horrific, I gagged at the smell and sight but I knew Karolina needed me by her side. I lifted Joasia's body while Karolina pulled the remaining clothing away.

Mr. Bowles had brought a basin of hot water and we washed Joasia down. She needed shaving though and Mr. Bowles gave us a disposable razor and shaving cream. With quick sure strokes Karolina removed the major body hair from Joasia's armpits and pubic region. We wiped and dried her again and then Sasha passed Karolina a collar she had taken from her briefcase.

Karolina took the collar without comment but I started to ask "How..."

Sasha just shook her head, "Sometimes you just know that they're going to ignore your orders." I nodded, that was just too true.

Karolina knelt before me, "Momma not can ask so me ask. Please my Master, collar your slave." And she handed me the collar.

I took the collar and wrapped it round Joasia's neck then buckled it tight, so she would always know that she wore the symbol of her servitude, and then placed a padlock through the next buckle hole thus preventing the collar from being removed. Finally I placed another thinner strap around Joasia's left wrist and attached the padlock key to that.

"Joasia, you have given me the gift of your servitude, I give you the means to open your collar if you should ever want to." I know it was a stupid meaningless gesture to a corpse, but it meant a lot to me. I had another slim strap for June.

Karolina and I copied our actions with June, Karolina cut the clothing then I lifted June's body while Karolina removed the remnants of the dress. We washed, shaved and dried June's body and then Karolina repeated her request.

Kneeling Karolina asked, "June not can ask so me ask. Please my Master, collar your slave." And she handed me the second collar.

I placed the collar around June's neck, buckled it tight and locked it in place with the padlock. I slipped the thin strap around June's left wrist and attached the padlock key to it. Again I said my piece, "June, you have given me the gift of your servitude, I give you the means to open your collar if you should ever want to."

Meaningless, possibly even trite but, as I have already said, it meant a lot to me.

I kissed June, holding her for the last time, feeling this body which would never again express its joy and happiness, would never again hug or be hugged. Tears ran freely as I turned to Joasia. Poor Joasia, why had this been done to you, hasn't your life been difficult enough already? I kissed and hugged her. There was nothing else I could do for her now.

We left Sasha at the funeral home and I flagged a taxi down to take us back to the Crynos. Sasha was going to make the initial arrangements for a burial or cremation early next week. Currently a cremation, which was Joasia's preference, was prevented by an injunction. The police didn't want any possible 'evidence' to be destroyed by cremation. Sasha had arranged an appeal against this injunction which will be heard tomorrow.

I got into my office and almost fell into my chair. I rested for a minute or two, doing nothing but thinking about my four girls, the two that were gone and the two that were left. How could I know, I mean really KNOW that they wanted to stay with me? I had caused the death of two out of four, which are pretty poor odds for the survivors. So why would they want to stay with me.

There was a knock on the door; that was extremely unusual as I now had a small team of people who prevented me from being disturbed by trivia, and those who could get to my door usually had my permission to come in without knocking. "Come in" I called.

Karolina, naked, crawled in and Ela followed her. Karolina came and knelt by my side, knees wide, her arms tight behind her back and head thrown as far back as she could. This was her total slave pose. One she used rarely but always when she wanted to show that she was a total slave to me. Ela stood across the desk from me, ignoring the chair she was stood by. This too was unusual; Ela seemed to be showing her respect for me as well.

"What can I do for you ladies?"

"My Master, how this slave thank Master for do Momma 'n' June. Master already have this girl body. Master already have this girl heart. Got nothing give Master, Master got all this girl. Only got me say thank you." Tears were running freely down her cheeks.

I opened a desk drawer and pulled out a large envelope with 'Karolina' written in large marker pen letters. I pulled out a plastic bag and showed its contents to Karolina. They were a collar, a large padlock with one of its keys sawn in half, and a slim strap. "Karolina my darling, if you should die before me then I have your collar, padlock and this strap, already waiting for you." I held her hands, "But dearest Karolina I beg that you don't leave me. I don't know what I would do without you."

Karolina was actually indignant, "I you slave, I not go no where. Yours 'til you die, me die!" I leant forward and cupped her cheek, I kissed her, my tears mingling with hers. "I love you dearest Karolina."

She looked up at me, "not love slave, like slave, love freewoman."

"Well I love you, would you like to be a freewoman?"

"NO!" Karolina glared at me, "This girl is slave you. Want be slave you always; not know how be freewoman. Happy be slave if me slave you."

"Then can I love my slave?"

"This girl is you girl, love if want. This girl just want Master be happy this girl."

"I am very happy with my girl."

Karolina smiled at me and went back into her 'total slave' position. I knew that there was more to come.

"Uhm..." Ela cleared her throat. I looked at her. "Boss, Karolina has been talking to me and the others." I raised my eyebrows at this. "Yes Boss, she's been talking to all of us. And ... err ... we all agree."

I was truly puzzled by now. "Errr ... Boss, Karolina wants to buy something for you."

"Of course she can." I interrupted, Karolina had often brought things for me and she never seemed concerned about the purchase until now.

"Err ... Boss, I don't think that you're gonna like this one."

Now I was curious. "Oh..."

"Boss ... I don't think you're gonna like it, but I think that you need this, I really do."

I looked at Ela and she held my gaze without flinching.

"How much?" I asked.

"Your word to start with, up to a hundred K possibly."

I stared at Ela thinking about whatever could I need, that I wouldn't want.

"Boss if you really don't like this then you can spank me, but only if you keep ... it."

"Ummm..." I thought for a minute, "Karolina,"

"Master?"

"Go and get your gift. I give my word for up to one hundred thousand pounds." She gave me her biggest smile. "But if I really cannot stand this, then you get ten strokes on each bare arse cheek." I threatened Ela.

She thought for a moment and then nodded, "OK Boss."

Karolina looked at Ela who nodded and then she jumped up and kissed me. "Master need this, is promise."

They both left the room almost running. I smiled at the 'little girl' exuberance as they went.

I sat alone for nearly an hour, spending this time thinking about Karolina and Ela, before I had my next visitor.

Kelly came in with a sheaf of paperwork for us to go through. This took nearly two hours. As Kelly was gathering the piles of paper to implement our decisions I stopped her. "Kelly, how is Ela getting on?"

Kelly looked at me strangely. She sat down again and composed her thoughts. "You know that if she was walking by the lake," (a local beauty spot, ) "and her hat was blown into the water, she would ask you to walk across to get it. Because she's convinced that you can walk on water."

I sat up straight. "What!"

"Oh yes. Well you know 'big Joe' the porter we fired a couple of weeks ago?"

I nodded, "Yes..."

"Ela had heard him slagging you off. The first two times she warned him about his attitude. The third time she knocked him out with a single punch." Kelly looked at me to ensure that I understood the importance of this, "If she spends the night with you she lets everyone know about it. If you two make love then she's walking on air for the next two days. That girl will do anything for you, and yes I know what they're doing and no I don't want ten strokes on each arse cheek." Kelly smiled, "You know she's proud of that, she's proud that you trust her judgement so much."

"Oh I do, she's proved herself time and time again. She's wonderful."

"And she and Karolina are probably waiting outside right now, and I bet you twenty quid that Ela is as naked as Karolina." Kelly smiled; we had all grown to be wary of betting with Kelly she was right too often. I'm sure she has a phone line to God and was fixing the results.

Kelly knew what I was thinking and laughed as she held out her hand to seal the bet. We shook, "Fool," was all she said.

Kelly left and within seconds of the door closing there was a knock on it.

"Come in." I called.

Karolina crawled in, naked as she had been previously and then Ela walked in, also naked. I took a twenty pound note out of my wallet and laid it on the table. Ela looked at the note, "Oh Boss, you haven't been betting with Kelly have you? Not again!" Dropping my head I nodded. "Well you and me both, Boss. I just lost too."

"Pity we haven't got a set of stocks like the Peal Tower."

Ela thought for a moment, "You want a set Boss, put them in the small room off the bedroom, turn that into a 'play room'." Her laugher was filthy.

I laughed too, "I'll think about it ... and Ela."

"Yes Boss."

"Find out how much they would cost." We both grinned widely at that.

I turned to Karolina who was waiting patiently for me. "My slave do you wish to talk with your Master?" I was looking down at her and I couldn't help but see the effect that my words had on her. Her thighs started showing the signs of excess lubricating fluid and a small wet patch grew beneath her cunt.

"I have a gift for my Master"

"You may show me your gift." Karolina leapt to her feet and raced to the door. Opening the door she reached out and pulled into the room a young woman.

The woman looked at me. She was dressed in a summer dress and low heeled shoes. The dress and shoes complimented her. She was about five foot seven inch and slim build, small breasts and a narrow waist flaring out to womanly hips. Looking more closely I noticed scars on her neck and wrists. I stood and went to her, I held out my hand to her left wrist, "May I?" I asked.

"You are my owner now and you may do as you wish," and she held up her hand for me to examine.

I took her hand and examined her wrist carefully. The scars were quite old and had obviously been caused by metal cuffs. I released her hand. "Yes Master, I have been a slave for a long time, since before my children were born."

At that my head snapped up and I saw Karolina with two young girls, much younger than her. I could see that this woman was the mother of these girls.

Karolina lined up the girls with their mother and I looked at them. Did I really need the work and aggravation that new slaves would cause? All three were standing impassively looking forward. They seemed to have neither expectation nor hope. I thought back to my depression earlier, I too felt hopelessness and despair. Perhaps we could help each other.

I stood directly in front of the mother, "What's your name and how old are you?"

"My name is whatever you decide to call me. I am twenty-seven years old."

I smiled at her, "I want to call you the name that you like to be known by. I think that a girl who is happy with her master will try to please him in ways that a fearful girl would never think about. So, what name do you call yourself when you go to sleep or dream?"

She was now very nervous, small drops of sweat appeared on her brow. I expect that she thought this was some kind of trap, an excuse to punish her. Hesitantly she started to say "She..."

"Name Joanna likes called Jo." Karolina interrupted. "Karen next 'n' Julia. Karen sometime called Kazz she not likes it. Julia hate Jules, Ju."

All three new slaves paled, they were shocked that a slave would interrupt her master when he was questioning another slave. They probably thought that this was the next part of whatever trap I was setting for them.

I looked at her "Thank you Karolina." She smiled at me.

Jo's shoulders sagged and her whole posture collapsed in on itself. She seemed resigned to accepting that I would 'catch her out' doing something 'wrong' and she would have to accept the punishment I gave her.

I gently lifted her head up so I could look at her properly. "Don't worry, if you accept me as your master then I need to ask a few questions and then look at you. None of you will be harmed or punished for answering truthfully. OK?"

Jo nodded.

"I think we'd better get that bit over and done with first, don't you?" I smiled at her again.

Karolina gave each of the three a collar, "Know what do. Door there, Boss there, choice is you."

Karen was the first to decide. She slowly walked across to me and knelt. "Please Master, collar your slave."

I took the collar from her upturned palms and buckled it around her neck. This fit a little loosely but the next buckle hole was too tight. I would get that fixed as soon as I could.

I gestured for her to kneel beside Karolina.

Julia knelt before me next, she too recited the same phrase, "Please my Master collar your slave." I buckled on her collar and it fit a little better than Karen's, then sent her to kneel beside her sister.

Jo was last but she seemed willing to kneel and she too recited the phrase. "Please my Master collar your slave." The emphasis she placed on the word master made me realise that she had decided to submit herself to me long before her daughters had. As I buckled her collar I asked her, "Jo, why didn't you come to me first? You had already made your mind up, so why wait?"

"There was a chance that the girl who submitted last would be punished..."

"And they are still your children and you are still trying to protect them."

"Yes Master. Did I do wrong?"

"No you didn't do anything wrong, nothing at all. It is never wrong to protect your children. I hope that you remember that. Please stand up now, I wish to look at you."

As she stood her hands when up to unzip her dress but I stopped her, "Clothed first, undress when I tell you to."

"Yes Master." She stood in a relaxed posture with her arms held loosely by her sides, feet a few inches apart. She mainly looked forward but would look at me if she could do so without turning her head too much.

I looked closely at Jo, she had a homely face spotted with a few freckles, very short brunette hair and a slim body with small breasts. Her knee length dress was belted around her narrow waist and the flare of the skirt concealed her legs. The dress's high neckline concealed her breasts and cleavage.

From her right hand side she had a good posture, head held erect, and no obvious slouch. Her small breasts didn't give her much of a silhouette. I ran my hand over her right breast, no sign of a nipple yet. Her backside was neat; pert is probably a better word. I ran a hand over her right buttock, it was a little soft and some exercise was needed to tone her muscles.

From the rear Jo was a sight than any man would like to walk behind. Her slim body was nicely proportioned and I was sure that it would sway seductively when she walked. I would like to see her walk a little when she was naked.

"Take your belt off, Jo." She moved quickly to obey. "Give it to Karolina." Jo handed her belt over. With the belt removed I was able to undo her dress zip completely, the hook and eye at the top kept the dress from slipping off her shoulders.

The left hand side was, as expected as pleasing as the right though her unzipped dress now concealed a lot of her figure. I ran my hand over her left breast, not because I expected to find any difference from the right. I just like running my hands over breasts.

Returning to her front I looked at her impassive face. I wondered if she would become as responsive as Karolina or even Ela to my attentions. Either would have hard nipples and a wet pussy by now.

"You may undress now, everything off please." I requested.



-------

Chapter 17

Jo unhooked the top of her dress and shrugged it off her shoulders to reveal matching pale yellow bra and panties. She threw her dress into the closest corner of the room. Unhooking her bra she leant forward slightly and slipped it off freeing her breasts. Leaning forward she pushed her panties down her straight legs and stepped out of them. She stood upright again and tossed her underwear into the corner with her dress.

There was one thing I disliked immediately, her tangled mat of pubic hair. This completely obscured her slit. Now call me a pervert if you like, but I do like the look of a woman's 'front bottom'. The curves and cleavage of the female slit turn me on. I dislike any body hair below the neck; this might be strange as I really like very long hair on a woman. And none of my ladies have more than shoulder length hair.

I felt a body very close to my side. "She need flymo boss," Karolina stated just what I was thinking. I smiled at her and Jo looked down at her untrimmed rug.

"Put your hands behind your neck please, Jo." I ordered.

She raised her arms and placed them behind her head. Karolina and I looked at the miniature jungle under each armpit. "Jeez boss, bitch gotta be French." Karolina looked shocked at the amount of body hair. Then I noticed tears running down Jo's face.

"What's wrong, Jo?"

"I ... I've f ... f ... failed you my M ... Ma ... Master. I've only been your girl for a few minutes and I've failed you already." Jo was distraught in her own sense of failure.

I stroked her cheek and looked her in the eye. "Jo, you haven't failed me at all. You didn't know my preferences before you came here. You can please me by shaving. If you don't shave now, after knowing my desires for my girls, then you will have failed me."

She leant into my hand, nuzzling her cheek into my palm. "Sorry Master, I can do better, please let me do better. I can do lots of things, Master, let me show you. I can please you with all three holes, Master. I can, Master, I can lick cunt good too, Master." I held her to me as she started to panic. I hugged her and crooned soothing sounds into her ear. Her babbling quietened and she relaxed in my arms.

"Karolina, take Jo and bathe her. She is to have a strong sleeping pill and then put into my bed." Karolina took hold of Jo's arm and eased her away from me and out of the room. I turned to Karen and Julia, "Now, what I am to do with you two?"

Karen looked down at her feet then up at me, "Master, can we say goodbye to Mother?"

I was puzzled by this request. "What do you mean, 'say goodbye'?" I asked.

Julia looked at me with tears running down her face. "Well, you are going to put Mum down, aren't you?" She said this with such conviction and honesty that I blanched.

"ELA!" She was at my side immediately.

"Boss?"

"Ela, take these two girls to their mother." I looked at her to make sure she understood exactly what I wanted. "They are to stay with her all the time. They are to be told about everything that is done to or given to their mother and they are to be allow to sleep with her as well. NO-ONE is allowed into my bedroom while they are sleeping! No-one! I'll sleep in one of the guest rooms tonight. We'll sort this out in the morning."

"OK boss, understand, the girls stay with Mum all the time and have everything explained. They sleep safe. I'll tell Elastic, she'll need to know." Ela hurried the girls away and I almost collapsed into my chair. I wondered what on Earth had caused Jo to panic so much. I pulled out a notepad and started making notes about the questions I wanted to ask Karolina and Ela tomorrow morning.

Still writing I felt a hand on my shoulder, looking up I saw Kelly at my side. "Boss, I think that you ought to see this."

"Oh?" Kelly held out her hand to me. Hand in hand she led me into the room we had been using for TV and movies. The screen was down and a DVD had been paused at its title 'Naughty Erica'. We sat and Kelly started the DVD. The first scene was Jo hanging by her wrists from the ceiling. Her arms were spread wide apart and she was standing on a stool. She was naked and facing the camera. A woman came into view and attached a very long leg spreader to one of Jo's ankles, she pushed that leg out to the side and attached the other end to the single leg Jo was supported by. She ran her hands up Jo's legs and played with her pussy for a little while and we watched as she thrust her fingers deep into Jo's cunt. Then she pulled the stool from under Jo leaving her fully hanging from her wide spread wrists. The woman picked up a whip and started whipping Jo's defenceless body.

I wondered how Jo could have taken such a beating without being badly scarred.

Kelly left soon into the film, "This is too sick for me, Boss."

Finally the movie ended. Jo hung seemingly unconscious from her wrists, her entire body covered with welts and bruises. Well at least now I knew what type of person her previous owner had been. If he took delight in causing that much pain and suffering to a valuable slave, I could easily imagine him 'putting down' a slave that annoyed him.

Well, I thought, maybe I'll have some answers in the morning.

Dinner was a quiet affair. There was only Kelly and Elastic with me tonight. Conversation was sparse as we were all occupied with our own thoughts.

I watched as the two maids, originally part of the Crynos housekeeping staff, cleared the dirty crockery. Karolina had chosen their uniforms with me in mind. Tight sleeveless top with very low neck both front and back, and a short, loose 'A line' skirt. As they bent to get to the plates I was given a good display of their bra-less breasts, and if they turned at anything more than a sedate rate their skirts flared up to show their panty-less nether-regions. One of the girls, not working tonight, had 'accidentally' managed to get a top that was too big and when she worked it always fell off one shoulder or the other, exposing a full breast.

Karolina had told me that all four of the waitresses who worked in the private dining room would allow me to touch them, or even undress for me if I ask them too. But, so far, I had not put this to the test. I nearly did tonight as a tall girl stood right next to me and reached across the table for a plate she should have picked up from the other side. Her body heat and the proximity to her naked legs almost made me slide my hand up her thigh to see what little gems she had concealed under that short skirt.

But I wanted more than just a quick fumble with one of the staff. I wanted, no needed, some tender loving from a friend tonight. While both Kelly and Elastic had shared my bed (Elastic was by far the most inhibited of the girls who had done so) they were not Karolina or Ela.

Karolina would have noticed how I felt hours ago and would have ... would have loved me. But she was helping someone else now and I would have to wait.

Kelly game to me and held out her hand, "Come on, Boss, let's go to bed."

Elastic took my other hand and we went to Kelly's bedroom. Kelly and I kissed. At first it was our usual whole body contact kiss but then Elastic surprised me by undressing Kelly while we kissed.

Elastic then undressed me as well. Kelly turned her back to me and started rubbing against me, frequently holding my hands against her breasts and between her legs. Elastic stood watching us, waiting for something. The (very) tiny part of my brain that wasn't enjoying the naked woman in my arms, and under my fingertips, wondered what she was waiting for.

"Elastic," at Kelly's word Elastic's head came up to look her in the eye, "go and start the shower, make sure it's nice and warm, then get in." Elastic nodded and left us to go into the bathroom.

"You didn't really see it did you?" Kelly asked.

"See what?" I didn't really know what she was talking about.

"How Elastic responds to orders."

"Oh." I still wasn't really sure what Kelly meant.

"Oh yes. She's not as inhibited as most of us think. I cracked her wide open about two weeks ago." Kelly brought both of my hands down to nestle in her swampy sex, "I was going absolutely mad for a shag. I had just started rubbing this..." and she ran my hands over her clit, the 'this' in question, " ... when she walked in. I couldn't take another interruption so I just shouted at her."

"And just what did you shout at her?" This was getting interesting now.

"Get you fucking gear off and come and give me a cum!" Kelly laughed as she remembered the occasion.

"And what did Elastic do?"

"Have a guess."

"Ran away screaming?" I guessed.

"No. She stripped off, got on her knees and sucked me until I came twice. I had to tell her to stop sucking." Kelly turned to face me, a wicked grin on her face. "Do you know what she's doing right now?"

"Err ... Naked in the shower waiting for you."

"Bet she's not."

I thought about this for a moment and remembered Kelly's reputation for winning bets. But what else could Elastic be doing, I thought. I remembered Kelly's instructions to her, 'Go and start the shower, make sure it's nice and warm, then get in.' Elastic had to be in the shower. "Twenty pounds," I said, a little uncertainly. We shook.

"Sucker!" said Kelly with a laugh and pulled me by my cock into the bathroom where Elastic was indeed in the shower, but not naked as I had thought. She was still fully clothed and she stood letting the warm water cascade over her face and down her dress as though it was the most natural thing in the world

"You can pay me later." Kelly said.

Kelly moved over to Elastic and turned her to face me. She then stood behind Elastic and slipped her hands under Elastic's arms to reach forward and cup her breasts. As Kelly started to rub and pinch Elastic's nipples, Elastic leaned back, turning her head and the two girls kissed, a deep, deep kiss. I watched as their tongues explored the other's mouth and was sucked into their partner's hot mouth. Elastic submissively surrendered herself to Kelly's assault. By this time I was hard enough to drill holes in diamonds. And I am sure that Kelly knew I would be. I was sure that this display was purely to excite me.

"I've got a present for you, Paul," Kelly said as she thrust both hands under Elastic's blouse and continued tormenting her braless breasts. "Elastic's never been done in her bum. And tonight she's yours."

Elastic's eye's opened wide hearing this but she made no effort to get away or tell us to stop.

"Elastic, strip for me, I want you naked for Paul to fuck your arse." Kelly's fingers never stopped their torment of Elastic as she gave her orders.

With fumbling fingers Elastic undid the buttons on her blouse and took it off. This was made more difficult as Kelly wouldn't release her breasts and kept stroking and pinching Elastic's captive nipples. I stood still watching this performance.

As Elastic leaned forward to push down her skirt and knickers Kelly kept hold of her nipples pulling on them as she thrust her hips against Elastic's bum in a parody of fucking. "You like me doing this, don't you, Elastic?" By pulling down on Elastic's nipples Kelly kept her victim bent over as she pretend fucked her. "But usually I'm wearing a strap-on, aren't I?"

"Yes, Kelly Normally a strap-on, yes." Elastic was panting now. Kelly obviously knew more about Elastic than anyone else here did.

"Paul, on the shelf over there is a large bottle of lubricant. You can use that if you want, or you can just dry fuck her, I don't mind."

Kelly hissed that last part into Elastic's ear and she reacted, her face almost pleading, "Please use the lube, I'll be good for you, I promise. Please use the lube."

I got the bottle but before I could spread any onto my dick Kelly stopped me. "Give it to her, she's the one that wants it. I'm sure that you won't mind a dry fuck. Let her lube you up."

I gave the bottle to Elastic and she squirted a huge glob onto her hand and stroked my cock with it. Elastic carried on stroking me but Kelly put a stop to that. Twisting Elastic's nipples harshly she reminded her captive, "That's going up your arse! He's not being wanked off tonight."

Kelly spun Elastic around and pushed her arms back behind her. "Hold her arms, it'll be easier to pull her down onto your dick then."

I held Elastic's arms just above her elbows and pulled her to me. Kelly came round to the side and guided me to Elastic's rosebud arse. I pushed, gently at first and them more firmly and suddenly the head of my cock popped into her arse. The pressure was far higher than I had ever expected and I wondered if I would be able to come with this tight ring around the base of my dick.

Kelly moved back round to stand in front of Elastic and grabbed Elastic's nipples again and pulled her forward, bringing Elastic's head down to Kelly's nipples. "Suck me, suck me good and hard!" Kelly ordered. As Elastic sucked on Kelly, Kelly tormented Elastics nipples again. I was just pausing to allow Elastic's sphincter to relax a little. As Elastic got more turned on from Kelly's tormenting, her sphincter relaxed a little and I slipped in a little more. One more thrust from me and I was buried to the root in her arse. Elastic grunted a little as I sank in but she still continued to suck on Kelly's nipple.

Now I saw the reason for holding her where I did. I pushed Elastic away, then pulled her back, fucking her arse buy pushing and pulling on her arms. Kelly pulled Elastic away from her breast and stood her up almost upright. Elastic threw her head back to rest on my neck. I leant forward a little and bit her neck leaving teeth marks on her skin.

Kelly looked at the marks on Elastic's neck and laughed, "Karolina is going to be sooooo jealous of that. You're gonna have to bite her too." Then she laughed louder. "Bite Ela first, that'll really get Karolina going."

Kelly moved forward and pressed her hands against Elastic's breasts and her mouth against Elastic's mouth. They kissed as I restrained Elastic, pulling her arms back and together behind her back. The sight of the two girls kissing, and the hot, hot depths of Elastic's arse made me cum too soon. I pumped and pumped into her. I needn't have worried about my ability to cum in her arse. I was more concerned about blowing her spine out of the top of her neck.

Panting, I leaned forward on Elastic's back. Kelly broke their kiss, "You know that men usually want to have a piss after cumming! Shall I ask him to piss up your arse? That'll fill you up and clean you out, I bet."

Elastic looked at Kelly, "Nooooo," she gasped, a barely aspirated plea. But suddenly it was too late. I started pissing and pissing. I pressed hard to force my water deep inside her while pulling down on her arms to clamp her to my cock.

Elastic's face must have told Kelly what was happening. "He's doing it, isn't he. He's pissing in you. Men can piss two or three pints, you know. Well, enough to fill up your bowels." Kelly laughed and then kissed the moaning Elastic as I filled her bowels.

I don't think that I pushed three pints into her but it couldn't have been far off. We had had wine at dinner and I hadn't been to the toilet since. I pulled out of Elastic's abused arse and pulled her too me again. Kelly rubbed Elastic's abdomen and spoke gently to her, "Keep it in, keep all of it in. If you let any of it out in the shower I'll make you lick it up."

Elastic seemed to believe that Kelly would make her lick up my piss and anything else that came out of her arse, so she clamped down on her sphincter. Kelly and I walked her to the toilet and sat her down. With only a moment's delay Elastic's arse exploded and she pushed out everything that I had shot up her and everything that had already been in there anyway. Kelly and I held her and comforted her as her abused arse emptied.

Finally we thought that Elastic had finished dumping and Kelly looked at my cock. "Elastic!" Kelly spoke in such a shocked voice that I was surprised. "How could you leave Paul's cock in that state? It's got cum and piss and shit all over it! Clean it up immediately!" Elastic turned to look for a wash cloth but Kelly stopped her. With an imperious command Kelly ordered, "No. Use your mouth!"

Elastic looked up but Kelly seemed adamant. She just stared down at Elastic daring Elastic to defy her order.

Elastic turned to me and opened her mouth, with no sign of reluctance or distaste Elastic sucked my cock into her mouth and sucked me clean. As I was limp at the time she sucked me in completely, but a few swishes of her tongue and my cock started growing. Kelly pulled me back a little from Elastic's mouth, "Ready for another go are you, Paul? How about we get into bed and fuck her properly?"

I was happy with this idea and, after giving my cock a rinse in the sink, Kelly and I went to Kelly's bed while Elastic brushed her teeth and used mouthwash.

Kelly and I were lying on the bed when Elastic came in. I was running my hands over Kelly's warm willing body and she was stroking my now hard cock. Elastic waited at the end of the bed until Kelly noticed her.

"Come here, girl!" Kelly growled. Elastic crawled up the bed to Kelly who threw her onto her back and kissed her again. Elastic relaxed and allowed Kelly to do what she would to her. Having already discussed this with Kelly I got off the bed and pulled Elastic's legs until her vagina was available to me at the edge of the bed. I pushed gently into Elastic's warm tight cunt and signed when I hit her cervix, my balls resting neatly against her arse.

Kelly broke her kiss and knelt above Elastic's face. "You're going to suck me now and make me cum, I really want this cum!" Kelly dropped down and Elastic's tongue flashed out and started her licking and sucking on Kelly's clit and cunt.

I reached forward and grabbed Kelly's nipples. I grabbed and twisted her nipples and pulled her toward me. We kissed as I continued to abuse her breasts, pulling and twisting her nipples without mercy. When Kelly started panting I increased the ferocity of my attack on her tits. Kelly, in the middle of a kiss cried out and pulled her tongue from my mouth. I held her head and thrust my tongue deep into her mouth. As she came I kept her mouth locked to mine and raped her mouth with my tongue.

I thrust twice more and Elastic's cunt grabbed my cock as she came. This started my orgasm and I squirted a feeble few spurts into her cunt.

I collapsed onto the bed and Kelly fell beside me. Elastic lay underneath us and we came down from our climaxes.

We settled down to sleep I lay next to Elastic with Kelly on the other side. As a I settled down with a hand holding Elastic's breast I felt Kelly's hand settle over mine and hold me.



-------

Chapter 18


I woke very early and went for a pee. Returning to the bed I realised that I was too awake to go back to sleep and Elastic was now curled around Kelly, tucked under her arm and using Kelly's shoulder as a pillow. I went round to their side of the bed and kissed both girls, on their lips and on their exposed breasts. I really liked that bit. Then I went to my office.

I finished reading and checking a contract Sasha had emailed me. This was for a housing estate renovation in a northern city. I would put in ten million pounds and the city would give me an interest free loan of one hundred million pounds and the two hundred and forty five houses that needed renovating. The city councillors were convinced that they had got a bargain with this contract, and in truth they had. However the contract had clauses that made the change costs wicked. And I knew that, because they thought that I was such an easy touch, there were already four changes being discussed in council. The hundred million pounds would be invested immediately and return a minimum of six percent p.a. while the councillors spent another three or four months talking about the changes they thought necessary and the state of the housing stock fell below that defined in the contract, which would lead to even more changes and charges. Karolina and I had calculated that I would recoup my ten million pounds within the first six months, the interest from the invested one hundred million would pay off that loan within fifteen years (and I would still have the principal) and then I would have an income from the properties of over one hundred and twenty thousand pounds per month, plus the value of the properties themselves at approximately fifty five million pounds.

I was in a really happy mood when I finished my reading and I sent an email to Sasha saying I was happy for the contract to be sent to the council for signing.

I was finishing off some notes for our Midlands renovation teams when a knock at my office door disturbed me. "Come in." I called.

A waitress from the private dining room was at the door. This was the waitress with the over large top, I smiled to myself. "Yes, my dear?"

"Ms Hanson sent me to call you to breakfast, my Lord." As she spoke the right hand side of her top fell down, exposing her right breast.

"Yes, thank you ... I'm so sorry, I've forgotten your name?"

"Janet, my Lord." And she gave a curtsy which made her exposed tit bounce quite nicely.

"Ummm ... you seem to be having some problems with your uniform top. Perhaps you'd better give it to me so I can get Ms. Kajak to look at it for you." I held out my hand expectantly.

This surprised the woman as, while she seemed happy to flash her tits at us, I don't think she actually expected to be told to take her top off. But she did take it off and both breasts were as nice as the singles we had become used to seeing.

She led me into the dining room with a slight blush on her face. Kelly and Elastic were there already eating, and, to my surprise Sasha entered just after me.

The waitress was just returning to the kitchen when I called after her. "Janet, I think that you'd better give me the skirt as well. We may as well check all of your uniform at the same time, eh?" I smiled at her as she nervously came over and took off her skirt and gave it to me. "Thank you, Janet. I'll see that Ms. Kajak gets on to this as soon as she can. And I'll have my usual breakfast please, Janet," I told the blushing naked waitress and I let her return to the kitchen. I enjoyed watching her walk away from me. Mind you I enjoy watching naked females at any time.

"Paul, you are bloody awful!" Sasha slapped my arm. "Poor girl didn't know what to do. 'May as well check all of your uniform', you sod." She laughed and Kelly and Elastic joined in. I merely shrugged my shoulders, perhaps I was a sod.

Karolina came in and sat next to me. She looked at the pile of clothes I had put onto the table. "Problem Boss?"

"They didn't fit Janet so I decided that it would be better to check all of her uniform to make sure we got it right this time." Janet came in, still blushing, carrying my breakfast. The other waitress on this shift came in after her with a cooked breakfast for Elastic.

"Best be sure Boss." Karolina agreed. "Clare!" she called and the clothed waitress looked at her with a sudden understanding. "Got problem with uniform. Need yours to check. Give now." Karolina held out her hand as I had done in my office.

Clare gave Elastic her meal and came over to stand between Karolina and I. She dropped her skirt and then lifted her top over her head. She gave the clothes to Karolina.

"Boss need you check uniform not hurt Clare. Look close, look good." Clare turned to me and I ran my hands over the tops of her breasts and then around her hips. Clare's skin was nice, smooth and unblemished. "Turn round please, Clare." I requested. She turned her back to me and I ran my hands over her hips and down her buttocks.

"No problems here, Karolina."

"Good Boss. Did check Janet?"

"No I did not, Karolina. That was most remiss of me."

"Better check Boss." Karolina was quite sure about that.

"Clare," I looked up at her.

"My Lord."

"Could you ask Janet to come out please?"

"Gladly, my Lord." She smiled at me then walked rapidly into the kitchen.

Janet walked out and came to my side. "Janet, did Clare tell you that we need to check that your uniform hasn't done you any harm?"

Janet guessed immediately what the 'checking' was actually for. She didn't seem to be too upset buy our game and actually joined in with us.

"Perhaps you need to move your chair back a little, Sir, make sure you can reach properly," Janet suggested.

I moved my chair away from the table a little and Janet straddled my legs. I started running my hands over her chest and breasts to make sure she was alright. As I was naked too it didn't take too long for me to feel the first drip of her girl juices on my leg.

I ran my hand over my leg, "Ummm ... I think we may have a problem here."

"What could that be, my Lord?" Janet asked.

"Well," I said as I lifted my fingers to the source of the droplets, "you seem to have a leak here."

There was an explosive burst of laughter from the other side of the table and I looked up to see Sasha covering her mouth. I looked back to Janet, my fingers still gently stroking the area of concern.

"Perhaps we'd better find something to plug it with." I suggested.

"Oh yes, my Lord, that sounds like a good idea." I gripped her hips and lowered her onto my up thrusting cock.

"He's going to fuck her at the breakfast table!" Elastic was actually shocked.

"Elastic," I called, distracted by the warmth and pressure enveloping my hardness.

"Err ... Yes boss," answered a suddenly worried Elastic.

"Take your clothes off please. All of them."

"Yes Boss." Was her quiet reply.

Janet continued rocking on my lap while I continued 'checking' her breasts. Sometimes I even checked them with my lips and mouth. With Janet's enthusiastic bouncing we were soon both ready to come. Now I started worrying her nipples much harder and rubbing and pinching her clit as well. Janet came before I did and the splatter of her girl cum on my legs took me over the edge. I gladly pumped my seed into her and then rested my head against her warm breasts.

"Th ... That might have solved the problem, my Lord," she told me, almost directly into my ear as she was leaning on me as much as I was leaning on her.

"Thank you, Janet, that was wonderful." I told her.

Janet eased herself upright and then gave a gasp. "I really am leaking now," she said with a laugh and started walking to the kitchen with my cum running down her legs.

"Janet, you'd better come back at lunchtime. We may need to check again. You might start leaking from the rear."

"Oh God, I hope so," she laughed, then scooped a little of the dripping cum onto her fingers. She lifted this to her mouth and with exaggerated licks cleaned her fingers. "Umm ... That's good. Can I have some more, my Lord?"

Clare came out of the kitchen with another breakfast for me. She stood close when she placed the plate on the table. This time I did stroke her inner thigh, all the way up to the junction at the top. My thumb pressed lightly against her rosebud while my fingers played with her clit.

I'm sure that Karolina didn't do it on purpose but when her mouth dropped down on my cock she surprised me. And I jumped. And my thumb was pushed upward, about a whole thumb length upward, straight into Clare's arse. Clare jumped too. Then she bent forward and leant on the table. "Ooohhhhh..."

I continued to masturbate Clare while resting my free hand on Karolina's head as she cleaned my cock. Karolina pulled back before I started to get another hard-on though. I looked up at Clare and saw she had closed her eyes and was enjoying the experience.

"He's still at it!" Elastic stared wide eyed and open mouthed at me.

I looked across at Elastic, her naked breasts peeped at me over her breakfast plate. I didn't say anything but let my fingers keep rubbing and tugging at Clare's clit while my thumb pushed and pulled at her sphincter and bent and flexed inside her.

Clare must have been playing with herself while Janet and I were fucking as she came very quickly. Her knees bent putting almost all of her weight on my hand between her legs. "Oh thank you, my Lord," she thanked me breathlessly. Then turned and kissed me, her tongue exploring my mouth and she opened to let mine into her mouth. She broke the kiss and lifted my hand to her mouth. She used her mouth to clean the fingers that had played with her clit and then she sucked my thumb clean too.

A little unsteadily Clare went to the kitchen, "You're going to need another breakfast my lord."

I looked across at Elastic. "Elastic, darling, how long have you been with us?" I asked her.

"About four months now, Boss." She was very downcast realising that she had done something wrong but not what.

"And you're still surprised at what happens here?"

"But Boss, people don't make love in the morning!" She was totally shocked that we could break this inviolable rule.

"Oh don't they? Do they use food in sex play?" I gestured around the table.

Elastic laughed, "Of course not boss. How on Earth would they do that?" She looked at the other girls at the table expecting instinctive support from them about the laughable idea of using food during making love. Her laughter slowly died as she saw Kelly slowly, obscenely, pushing a sausage in and out of her mouth. Sasha had taken her top off and was sat topless with egg yolk and tomato sauce smeared over her breasts. Sasha was lifting her tits toward Elastic and licking her lips in a most suggestive way.

Elastic looked back at me. She just didn't understand the concept. It was so far out of her previous experience that she couldn't accept this as being true. What had her parents taught her, anything or absolutely nothing?

I rang the bell for service and both Clare and Janet appeared. "We require a cleanup, ladies," I gestured to Sasha. The two waitresses pulled Sasha's chair back a little and then dropped to their knees. They licked a breast clean each, stopping every now and then to share a kiss with Sasha or their partner. Sasha's reaction to this licking and nibbling was obvious and she slumped down in her chair and started masturbating. Clare was the first to notice.

"Look, Jan, she's frigging herself. Can't have that can we?" Clare turned and pushed Sasha's knees apart then lowered her mouth to Sasha's clit. We all could hear the slurping sounds coming from between Sasha's legs. Janet now licked and bit at both of Sasha's breasts tormenting both nipples equally. And then we watched as Sasha came into Clare's mouth.

Sasha leaned back gasping, "I've got to come here for breakfast more often." She looked at the two girls attending her. "Thank you, Janet" and she clutched Janet's head and kissed her, mouth on mouth and with lots of tongue. She turned to the other side. Clare was already leaning toward her, "Thank you, Clare." This kiss was no less passionate than the first.

We all watched as Janet and Clare went back into the kitchen. Then all eyes swivelled back to me. "Elastic, my precious, the next time that you interrupt my sex play at breakfast I'll have the kitchen staff fry some saveloys and then I'll push one up inside your cunt. Then I'll let anyone at the table eat it out of you. Then you'll learn about food in sex play."

Elastic looked like a blow up doll. Her eyes wide open and mouth a perfect circle.

"Oh yes!" Kelly exclaimed. "Count me in on that." Elastic stared at her.

"Elastic please let me know when you're going to do it I really do want to be here for that." Sasha begged.

"Boss let this girl play too?" Karolina asked hopefully.

"Of course you can Karolina. Just take her to bed whenever you want too."

"No Boss. Want sausage from 'Lastic cunt." Karolina almost drooled.

"OK, Karolina, you can play as well."

"Thank Boss," and she leaned across and kissed me fervently.

"Boss!" Elastic cried almost panicking; we looked at her as she tried to find some way out of this terrible punishment. "Sasha bites!" she said finally.

"Oh, not too badly," Sasha defended herself. "I haven't drawn blood."

"You did!" Elastic exclaimed.

"Oh, OK, maybe a couple of times. But you didn't need stitches!"

Elastic looked at me in desperation, "Bbbboooossss!"

"Elastic, come here." My tone of voice brooked no argument. Elastic came to my side. I positioned her straddling my legs and held up a sausage I had taken from my plate. Elastic's eyes went so wide I feared damage to them. She could see that it would fit inside her without problem. It was much smaller than an average penis. I slid the sausage between her legs and back and forth along her slit before turning it upright and sliding it almost all the way inside her cunt.

Elastic looked down between her legs looking for this foreign invader now occupying her cunt.

"Karolina."

"Boss?"

"This one is yours."

"Thank Boss." Karolina almost jumped out of her chair and pushed Elastic straight back onto the table. Elastic's body sent crockery and condiments flying as she landed on her back. Karolina kept Elastic's legs wide open and then dived in to get her prize.

I watched Elastic's face as Karolina attacked her cunt. The expressions flying across her face were amazing. She was surprised, shocked, delighted, turned on, turned off, excited, desperate, amazed and a hundred other expressions which darted across her face as Karolina ate her and the sausage.

Karolina looked up at me with disappointment on her face, "Got all boss." And she got up.

Elastic lay still, panting and looking round at us all. Finally she looked at me. "Boss," she looked a little sheepish, "got any more sausages?"

I held up both that I had rescued from the devastation that was our breakfasts. Sasha and Kelly were at my sides now and I gave them one each. Kelly was first. She went between Elastic's legs until her stomach rubbed against Elastic's engorged clit. She leant over and dipped her sausage into Elastic's mouth. "This is the last time you'll suck this. I'm going to eat it all out of you, one nibble at a time, until you're screaming for me to bite your clit instead."

I was watching Kelly prepare to push the meaty invader into Elastic's cunt when a bleeping sound caught my attention. Karolina's watch alarm was sounding. She looked up at me disappointment writ large on her face. "Need you Boss," said Karolina, as she came to my side. We both gave Elastic, Kelly and Sasha one last glance and then left the dining room.

Karolina led me to Joasia's room (as we had named the room where we found her painting). We entered and I saw that this had been setup for me to enslave my three new ladies. There was a large comfortable chair with a kneeling pad at its side. A low table stood in front of the chair and three more kneeling pads had been placed in front of three high backed chair. Jo, Karen and Julia sat on the three chairs, their collars in their hands.

Karolina led me to the large chair and I sat down. Karolina stood facing the girls, "Girl decide time now. Door there," she gestured to the door leading to the stairs, "Master there." She gestured to me. "Choose now." Then she knelt at my side.

The three girls stood and walked calmly to the exit door and left.

I was about to say something but Karolina interrupted me. "Not worry Boss. Took collar, be back soon."

We sat quietly, I stroked Karolina's hair and naked back, she leant into my hand when possible but otherwise knelt at my side and enjoyed my attentions.

It felt like a long time before the girls came back in, big smiles on their faces and traces of ice cream too, I noticed. They each had their collar in hand and they went back to their chairs and stood in front of them. They looked each other over; Julia noticed a line of ice cream by Karen's lips and licked it off for her. Jo straightened her daughter's blouses and skirts. Then they lined up again.

They came to me in the order they had yesterday. Karen came first, she knelt in front of me with her collar resting across her palms, "Please, my Master, collar your slave." I took her collar and wrapped it round her neck. Buckling it I saw that it fitted her perfectly, tight, but not choking. I cupped her cheek and she leaned into my hand, looking up at me with a smile.

Julia came to me next. She knelt as had her sister and repeated the same words. "Please, my Master, collar your slave." I took her collar and buckled it round her slim neck. I wasn't surprised to find it, too, fit perfectly. She smiled at me and I cupped her cheek, I smiled back at her.

Now Jo came to kneel before me. As she knelt I saw her smile, she was relaxed and didn't fear the outcome of her enslavement.

She looked up at me and held up her hands, her collar resting on her up-turned palms. Smiling at me she, too, spoke the words, "Please, my Master, collar your slave."

I buckled her collar around her neck. It, too, fit as well as the others did. I held out my hand to her and helped her stand up. "I would like to examine you now." I said.

"But you are my Master. You may do with me what you wish."

I gestured to the table and she stood on it with her legs shoulder-width apart, arms held loosely at her side and head held high. She was wearing the same dress as yesterday but without the belt. As she was higher this time I slid my hand up her inner leg from thigh to the junction. I rubbed my hand along her panty-less vagina and felt her juices run over me. Feeling her excitement I ran my other hand over her breast and felt her hardened nipple.

Dropping both hands away from her I moved to her side and inspected her from that angle. I had liked the shape of her bum before and I ran a hand over it again. I thought that her bum was nice but needed some muscle tone to push it from a six to an eight. I moved behind her and lifted her dress up to look at her naked bum. I dropped her dress without touching her. I would spend some time with a naked Jo later. As I had before I unzipped her dress but this time I also unhooked the top hook and eye.

Moving to her left-hand side I ran my hand over her breast. It, too, felt nice.

This time though, while I rubbed her breast I took hold of her dress and pulled it forward, pulling it off her shoulders. I let go off her dress and it fell to the floor revealing Jo's naked body.

She had, or had been, shaved. I ran my hand down her abdomen and slipped a finger into the top of her very well defined slit. I felt her inner lips and clitoral hood, the hardness of her clit pressing against my finger. I looked up at Jo's face. Eyes closed now her breathing was fast and shallow. "Do you like this Jo?" I asked her as I continued to slide my finger over her clit.

"Oh yes, my Master. I do like that."

I dropped my hand away from her, "I'll continue this another time."

I turned to Karolina, "Did you use a flymo?"

She looked up at me, "Need empty bin twice Boss." She told me with an expressionless face.

"Clasp your hands behind your neck, Jo. Elbows back as far as you can." She did as I ordered. Her breasts were pulled into her chest and elongated toward her shoulders, and her pale nipples pulled into ovals. Her nipples were hard and areola crinkled up. I ran my thumb over one nipple and watched it spring back upright.

I turned to Karolina again, "What is Jo going to do for us, Karolina?"

She looked up, "She housekeeper Boss. Not June but good." My face clouded as I thought about June. She had been a super housekeeper, as though she was born to it.

"You can get down now, Jo. Go to your pad please." Jo stepped down and I watched her body as she walked to her pad and knelt down. All the time her hands remained clasped behind her neck. She was a sexy thing. I definitely would have to take her to bed soon.

Julia came and stood on the table next. She is the oldest of the daughters, aged fifteen according to her passport. Though she was very slim and had almost no breasts. I stood in front of her and inspected her closely.

"Open your mouth, Julia." I put a finger into her open mouth and she immediately licked it, her tongue following my finger around her mouth.

I turned to Karolina as Julia continued sucking on my finger. "Have these girls seen a doctor recently?"

"Got doc yesterday. She talk Jo about smallness. Not understand many word. Remember some."

"Jo," I asked and she looked at me attentively, "what did the doctor say?"

"We're all fit and healthy, though she has taken a series of blood and urine samples for various tests. Karen and Julia aren't as well developed as they should be due to infantile malnutrition. They both started puberty within the last six months and both have had three period bleeds. They should reach their full growth over the next eighteen months to two years, though they probably won't develop as fully as average English girls. We shouldn't have any problems with pregnancy."

"Did the doc recommend any form of contraception?"

"She advised that the girls go on the mini-pill in six months time when their periods have had a chance to settle. I am currently taking the pill though I can stop if you wish."

"And what do we do with these two girls in the meanwhile?"

Jo looked surprised, "do what you want to them. If they get pregnant, they get pregnant and we'll see how fat their little bellies grow. Then you can suck the milk out of their tits when the babies are born. Have you fucked a pregnant woman, Master? We're usually less inhibited than ever when we're fat with a baby."

"Thank you Jo." I turned back to Julia who was still sucking on my finger, eyes closed and giving me her whole attention.

I pulled my finger away from Julia, she tried to chase after it but I placed my other hand on her chest, between her tits and pushed her back. Julia looked disappointed that I had taken her toy away. I looked at my sopping finger. Julia, seeing my finger dripping her saliva onto the floor, took off her blouse and used it to dry me.

I looked at this skinny, leggy girl. For a fifteen year old she had the body I would have expected of a thirteen year old. Her mind though was definitely older. Whereas Jo had stood still with her arms at her sides, Julia was pinching and rubbing her nipples. Occasionally a hand would press her skirt between her legs and she'd rub her slit. She looked me directly in the eyes. This little minx would be a handful in bed.

I decided to get Julia nude as soon as possible. I'm not sure how far off cumming she was. "You may get undressed now Julia." I told her.

She pushed her skirt down, keeping her legs straight and showing the inherent flexibility of a pubescent girl. She kicked her skirt into a corner of the room and stood open legged waiting for me to examine her. She might have only had three periods but her cunt knew precisely what it was for and wanted to start doing it RIGHT NOW. Her outer lips were engorged and open, pulling the inner lips open too. Her lubricating juices flowed copiously as only very young girls can. I think that if I gave her the choice she would have screwed us all right there and then.

I slid my hand between her coltish legs and rubbed her slit with the edge of my hand, making sure to catch her clit.

"Clasp your hands behind you neck Julia." I ordered her. With a final pinch and twist on her nipples she complied.

"You may cum if you wish." Julia looked down at my hand between her legs and started to rub herself along my fingers. She did all of the work, I held my hand still and watched as Julia thrust back and forth, masturbating herself on my fingers. I watched as her nipples hardened and poked forward, as her chest started to redden with her orgasmic flush and the cunt sliding along my fingers grew slipperier. She dripped more and more of her juices over my hand as she increased the speed along my fingers. Her legs were trembling now with the strain of being bent at this angle for so long and the unusual muscle movements. Julia was a loud girl, her moans and cries were free and uninhibited, she didn't mind anyone knowing she was fucking and was about to cum.

And then she did cum, with a high pitched drawn out wail she sprayed her girl cum over my hand. Her movements were jagged and irregular now. Karolina and Jo stood either side of her holding on to her raised arms preventing her from falling off the table. With a final forward and back stroke she finished her climax and gasped her pleasure to us all, grunting and moaning unintelligible sounds as she shuddered through the 'little death'.

"Take her to her chair, I don't think she's ready for a kneeling pad yet." I told Karolina.

"Boss she not fall from pad."

"OK." I said, and Karolina and Jo helped Julia to her pad.

Karen stepped onto the table and I could see that she was squirming and very uncomfortable.

"Master may I take my blouse off?"

"You may undress now, Karen," I replied.

Karen almost ripped her blouse off and I saw her problem immediately. She had very sensitive nipples just like Melissa. Watching her sister masturbate, together with the rubbing of her blouse had been almost torture to her.

When she kicked her skirt in to the corner with her sisters I saw the lines of girl juice running down her legs.

"How many times have you cum Karen?"

"Don't know, Master. Lost count." She panted.

I looked at Karen. She had the leggy coltish form of a twelve year old. She was actually fourteen. Her budding breasts were engorged and red raw from rubbing against her blouse. Her chest was flushed red and she was panting in the aftermath of a number of orgasms.

I decided that I would examine Karen later.

"Karolina, what job does Karen have?" I asked.

"Both girl you body slave. Look after you all time."





-------

Chapter 19


I looked at Karolina unbelieving. "Both of these girls are my body slaves? And they will be with me all of the time?"

Karolina looked distraught, "Sorry Boss, still looking for 'nother girl. Got eye on one now. May be OK."

"Karolina, do I need two or three body slaves?" I asked reasonably.

Karolina looked shocked, "NO BOSS!" I was glad about that. "You bigger Boss, need you five, six body slaves," she said in all seriousness.

She looked at Karen, "Boss, Karen not right body slave. Tits wrong. Feel too much. Not right for girl, not right for Boss." Karolina thought for a few moments, "Might be good torture slave. Pins in tits listen scream." Karolina obviously thought that this was a possible career choice for Karen. I wonder how good Karolina would be as a school careers advisor.

Karolina shook her head, "Now need more girl."

"Maybe you should see if they are right before you get them, Karolina," I suggested.

She brightened then, "Sure, old master give try to buy."

I was now sure that that suggestion was a major mistake.

I left the 'Joasia' room in a bit of a mood. Julia following at my heels didn't actually help although she was a very sexy girl.

I ended up in my office with Julia knelt next to me.

I was in turmoil. Body slaves no less. What was I going to do with body slaves, and TEN of them? I was angry, fuming. I wanted to strike out at someone.

I was angry and I was ... I don't know what I was. I don't know what I wanted. I don't know what Karolina was trying to do for me. I just don't know!

I looked at Julia kneeling by my side, "You go tell Karolina I want her here right now. And I want some soft rope, a ball gag and some candles." Julia got up as I thought about my orders to her, "And a lighter that works!"

Julia ran out of the room. I wasn't sure whether it was to do my bidding or just to get away from me. I sat and brooded. What was I going to do with Karolina, the architect of my troubles?

Within moments Karolina and Julia ran back into my office, both were carrying bags which they dropped to the side of my desk. I stepped to Karolina and ripped her dress off, throwing the remains into a corner. She stood, not erect and proud now but ready for what I would do to her.

I looked in one of the bags and saw a large roll of gaffer tape (duct tape to you left-pondians). Putting her arms behind her back, left hand to right elbow and right hand to left elbow, I wound the tape tightly around her forearms from elbow to elbow.

Still caught in my anger I picked her up and dropped her bodily on her back on my desk. Her grunt of pain as she landed on the hard surface, with her arms secured underneath her, shocked me out of my fugue.

I sat in my chair and wrapped my arms around her as best I could, then lay my head on her breasts. "I'm sorry Karolina. I should not take my anger and frustrations out on you."

"Not be sorry Boss. Me you girl. Do to what want, me like." She tried to kiss the top of my head but couldn't reach.

I got up and helped her to stand. Putting an arm around her waist I led her to my bedroom. I lowered her onto the bed far more gently than I had onto my desk. I looked down at her naked body laid out helpless before me.

I lay on the bed with my head by her feet, these had caught my attention and I now was running my hands over her left foot. She had hairy toes. Six hairs on the big toe, then three on the next, two on the next two toes and poor little piggy had none, as the rhyme goes. I sucked her big toe into my mouth and bit it. I don't know why, it just seemed like a good idea at the time.

Lifting my head I looked along Karolina's body to see what she thought of me biting her. Her eyes closed she lay passively on her back as I had positioned her. She didn't seem to be suffering discomfort from her arms still taped together behind her back. I did notice a little glint of moisture on her pussy lips.

Looking round I saw Julia kneeling by the side of the bed watching me, she smiled when she saw me looking at her. I returned her smile.

Back to Karolina's foot, I sucked the next toe into my mouth and washed it with my tongue. I bit it too, just so as it wouldn't get lonely. The middle toe was more difficult to separate but I managed to get it in my mouth and it too was washed and bitten as was the forth toe. I looked at the toes together and saw that the first four all had little teeth marks I separated the little toe and, after a good tongue washing gave it its wounds too.

I kissed along her foot to the ankle and then took hold of her right foot. I had to move a little to get good access but moving also gave me a better view up between her opened legs. I noticed that there was a definite evidence of girl juice on her inner lips and the outer lips were beginning to engorge.

The toes on Karolina's right foot were also hairy, the big toe having seven hairs, the next two toes four, the forth toe two with little piggy going without again.

I sucked and bit each toe in turn until they all matched the left foot, being wet and wearing tooth marks. I then kissed all the way along her foot to the right ankle.

With a little help from Julia I rolled Karolina onto her front then returned to her ankles. I couldn't resist running my hand all the way down her body from neck to ankle. As my hand passed over her bum she parted her legs, possibly in the hope that I would drop in and stroke pussy for a minute or two.

Now I knelt on Karolina's left hand side and lifted her foot up to my mouth. I kissed and nibbled and licked all along her calf. I stopped before I got to her knee though. I lowered her left foot and lifted the right one. Kissing and nibbling the right calf was as nice as doing the left and I soon reached her knee.

I lowered her left leg and then pulled the two together. Now I lightly licked the backs of her knees. I had to hold her legs together to prevent her knees parting while I kissed them. As I moved from left to right knee I saw that Julia was holding Karolina's ankles together. I smiled my thanks to her. Licking and biting the backs of Karolina's knees was fun because of the effects that it produced. Karolina was panting and moaning now, and I hadn't even reached her thighs yet.

I continued my kissing and licking along the backs of Karolina's thighs. Now I also started stroking and pinching as well as my mouth action. As I moved to Karolina's inner thigh Julia parted Karolina's legs to give me better access. Julia continued to hold Karolina's legs wide apart for me.

My mouth and fingers travelled up Karolina's left thigh, tormenting and exciting in turn. I moved all the way to the crease at the junction of her thigh and bum cheek. With a single stroke I licked the whole length of that cease.

Karolina was now panting and moaning, pressing her head into the mattress and squirming her upper body around to rub her nipples on the smooth silk of the bed coverings.

Julia moved to the side as I moved to lie between Karolina's legs and start on Karolina's right leg. I kissed Julia's cheek and ran my hand quickly over her breasts as she moved out of my way. Julia smiled and blew a kiss to me.

Again I worked my way along Karolina's leg up to the crease at the top of her thigh. This I licked in a single stroke too. Then, as I lay on my stomach between her wide open thighs, I pressed my thumbs into Karolina's bum crack and opened her cheeks as wide as I could. There before me, tempting my mouth and tongue was her little rosebud arse. I blew directly onto this dark entry and felt Karolina shudder and her moans increased in volume.

I dipped my head down and licked around her arse, then pressed my tongue against her rear entry and pressed. Her sphincter gave only moderate resistance before opening and allowing my tongue entry into the forbidden depth within. Ignoring the very bitter taste I wiggled the tip of my tongue inside Karolina's arse. Now she almost shrieked and nearly raised her upper body off the mattress before collapsing back onto the bed.

I smiled at her reaction and pulled away from her, pulling my tongue from her warm depths. I would remember her liking of a rimming and do it again soon. The taste was not a turn off, more like a payment to give my partner such pleasure.

Julia and I flipped Karolina back over and I looked down between Karolina's reopened legs at her sopping cunt.

I leaned forward to lay on my stomach again and nuzzled into her cunt. I licked along her reddened outer lips and opened her inner lips with my thumbs, exposing her hardened clit. With the gentleness of a butterfly sipping nectar from a flower I placed feather light touches with my tongue directly onto her engorged clitoris. Time and time again my butterfly tongue dipped into her honey pot vagina. Within just a couple of minutes she sprayed my mouth with her girl cum, it tasted wonderful. I continued my licking though. Karolina squirmed beneath me as I so gently licked her clit.

"Fuck me Boss. Now please, now."

I ignored her pleas and continued my gentle feather light ravishing. Her motions got more desperate, wilder until they suddenly dropped to almost nothing, only her legs moving side to side. I looked up and smiled as Julia was leaning over Karolina and pressing down on her hips preventing her from moving her cunt very much at all.

Karolina was in an almost constant orgasm now and my feather light touch degenerated into something more akin to a bulldog licking porridge out of a bucket. Karolina though seemed to appreciate the difference and her squeals rose in volume and pitch until I was sure that they could only be heard by certain breeds of dog. Then, in the middle of a massive squirt of girl juice, she collapsed and fainted.

I quickly moved up to lie beside her as she lay unconscious. I slipped an arm under her neck and lifted her head to me. I kissed her cheek and we lay cheek to cheek for some minutes until she returned to me.

I kissed her gently but she was having none of that, she attacked my lips with passion.

"God Boss, now know what 'Lissa felt." She kissed me again and then smiled up at me, "Do again huh Boss?"

I laughed out loud as I flipped her over and spanked her bum leaving several red hand prints.

"You will go to dinner showing your bum tonight and when they ask you will tell them you are a bad girl."

"OK Boss," came a muffled reply.

I lay down alongside Karolina and, although it was barely midday, cuddling my Karolina, I fell asleep.

When I woke a cover had been draped across us. I looked across at Julia and she smiled at me. I held my finger to my lips to silence her and I slipped out of bed.

Julia followed me down to my office and knelt beside my desk. I sat in my chair and stared at her, she returned my gaze unflinchingly.

"Julia, what are your duties?" I asked her. Julia seemed surprised.

"Master I am your body slave. I look after you. I do everything I can to ensure that you are comfortable and happy. I look after your clothing and footwear. I make sure that there is always something for you to eat and drink. I look after you when..." she looked up at me apprehensively, " ... when you might have drunk a little too much." Now she dropped her head, obviously expecting me to be angry at this 'slur' on my honour.

"How will you do this on your own?" I asked her.

"I don't know, my Master. I will try, Master, please forgive this girl when she makes a mistake." Tears were running down her cheeks now.

"Julia, you are body slave number one, my first body slave. I expect you to keep that position because you seem to want to please me." I cupped her cheek as she knelt beside me, "You will talk to Karolina and discuss what your duties will be until we get some more body slaves." I looked sternly at her. "You cannot do everything all the time. So we must decide what you will do and when you will do it."

Julia kissed my hand and sucked my thumb into her mouth. Eyes closed she fellated my thumb for two or three minutes until I pulled it from her mouth.

Julia opened her eyes and looked at me with a new delight in her expression.

"Go and get Ela, I want a desk and all the bits and pieces in here for you."

Julia got up and ran to the door. She looked wonderful as I watched at her naked body running away from me.

I switched on my PC and started work again.

The door crashed open making me jump. I saved my work and then looked up. Ela was standing in the door with Julia, struggling, on her shoulder. Rather incongruously Ela was wearing a very old and tatty dressing gown with a rabbit above her right breast.

Ela seemed more short tempered than usual, "Boss, didn't you tell Julia I shouldn't be woken up when I've a long shift planned. I had a sign on my door."

I looked at Julia's bum, it was a pretty sight from the angle I saw it. I had a very good view between her legs. I would have to look a little closer sometime.

Julia looked round Ela's side just then, "Master, all slaves must obey the body slave, especially when the Master sends for them."

Ah. That was the problem.

"Julia, please meet freewoman Ela. Ela works for me and you will be wise to listen to her and, maybe, keep out of her way until you know her better."

Julia paled at my words, I wonder just what she had said to Ela when she woke her.

Ela dumped Julia back onto her feet and looked at me, "Going back to bed, Boss."

"Sure, Ela, come and see me when you can please."

"Will do, Boss."

"And, Ela, a little blue bunny?" Ela looked down and saw, probably for the first time, which dressing gown she was wearing.

"Latest fashion, Boss." She smiled and left, though I was sure that I saw a hint of a blush on her face before the door shut.

I looked back at Julia who was looking a little pale and frightened. "Did she hit you?"

"Oh no, Master. Though she does swear a lot."

I smiled at the thought of Ela being woken and what she might say to the person who woke her. "She does swear a lot doesn't she."

I thought about Ela for a minute. "Julia, bring Karolina to me."

Again I had the delightful sight of her naked bum as she ran away from me.

Julia brought Karolina into the office still bound and I unwrapped her arms while we discussed my idea. Karolina liked it but Julia didn't seem so keen.

"But, Master, she'll start swearing again."

"Yes!"

"She will."

Karolina and I voiced our agreements together.

I put my arms around Julia and swatted her bum.

"Owww." She rubbed her little backside.

I enjoyed it so much I did it again.

"OWWW!" Now there was a tear in her eye. "Master have I done wrong?"

"No, I just wanted to smack your pretty bum that's all."

She seemed a little unsure about this, "Have a word with Karolina before dinner. She'll explain it better than I can."

"Yes, Master."

I walked into the dining room, Julia, of course, following me, and took my place at the table. Julia knelt by the side of my chair. Kelly closed her laptop and slid it into her bag. Elastic sat looking apprehensive, wondering what new shocks dinner would bring. Jo and Karen sat at the other end of the table also looking apprehensive, though for much different reasons. Clare and Janet were on duty so they were in and out of the kitchen getting things ready for our meal. As we had not given them any uniforms yet they were naked. This didn't seem to bother them very much though.

Karolina entered wearing a high cut bolero jacket and low heeled shoes. The red marks on her backside were quite visible. Elastic saw them first and her gasp of surprise made the others look, first at her and then at Karolina's bottom. The more experienced women could see that the markings weren't serious and would fade in a couple of days. Elastic was shocked by the severity of the beating Karolina had endured.

Elastic couldn't hold her questions in any longer, "What happened?" she demanded.

"Oh, me bad girl. Got spank."

"Did it hurt?"

Which most of us thought was a particularly stupid question even for Elastic.

"Course hurt! It punish for bad girl."

Kelly spoke then, possibly to save Elastic from making any more fuck ups. "What had you done, Karolina?"

"Me greedy. Boss fuck me, me cum so biggest to unconscious. Me ask do again."

Kelly leaned forward, "So he," Kelly pointed at me, "fucked you and you came so much you fainted." Karolina nodded. "And you asked when you could do it again," Karolina nodded, "and this ... this BRUTE savage..."

"BOSS NOT BRUTE!" Karolina was up on her feet. "Boss kind master, love me. Me love Boss." She was furious. "You say apologise Boss."

Kelly immediately stood and faced me. "My Lord, I have impugned your honour and insulted your person, I humbly apologise for my crass behaviour." Then she turned to Karolina, "Karolina I am sorry for upsetting you. I should not have done that. You did not deserve it."

I too rose, "Thank you, Kelly, I accept your apology." I turned to Karolina.

"Sorry Master, me baddest girl now. I go wait for cane."

"No Karolina, I have a much worse punishment in mind." I looked at Kelly, "Kelly I am lending you Karolina until breakfast tomorrow." Kelly looked a little surprised I turned to Karolina, "Karolina attend to your mistress." Karolina walked round to Kelly and knelt by her side.

Dinner was served. I noticed that Kelly's plate had extra large portions just as mine did. I wonder if Kelly knew what they were for.

Within moments I knew that Kelly didn't know she was supposed to feed her slave. She talked to Karolina, reassuring her that she (Kelly) wouldn't punish her (Karolina), while she actually was punishing her by not feeding her.

I fed Julia who also watched Karolina go hungry.

After dinner I went back to work for a while taking Jo and Karen with me. I wondered how Karolina would get on with her temporary mistress.



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Chapter 20


I was unable to sleep properly because I was worried about Karolina. Looking at the clock for the umpteenth time I saw it was a little past five o'clock. I got up and went to the kitchen.

I left a note asking for a pot of coffee when they came in but, and I underlined this three times, no food. I must not eat until I had seen Karolina because I wasn't sure if she would get any breakfast either. Kelly often skipped breakfast for the extra half-hour in bed and having Karolina with her would encourage Kelly to stay in bed.

I started my PC and got to work.

A knock on the door disturbed me just after six o'clock. "Come in," I called. The door opened and one of the 'other' team of waitresses came in carrying a pot of coffee and four cups. I looked at the cups with a little distaste. I preferred mugs for tea and coffee but my girls were trying to educate me, or should that be civilise me. I will have to ask one of then when I remember it.

"I'm sorry, I don't know your name," I said as she put the tray down on a side table and, as if by magic, produced a mug.

"I'm Kate, my Lord, and my partner on this shift is Sally, Sandra really but she prefers Sally." Kate shook her head at the vagaries of people.

"Now I'd better get into my uniform I supposed." I looked at her, she was wearing the black top and skirt that Karolina had decided would be the uniform for the family's staff. Then she took her top off and handed it to me. She had larger breasts than most in the household, DD I thought. Her skirt came next and she handed that to me as well.

I looked at her naked body as she brought me my mug of coffee. She looked quite nice. A few pounds she didn't need, but far less excess than I carry, trimmed pubis and clean armpits. She also had longer hair than the others and had it under a net cap.

Placing my mug down she turned back to the tray, "Oh dear me, I poured a cup of coffee as well. I'll leave it here, Sir, perhaps Miss Karolina would like to clear it up a little later. I do understand she might like something to drink after the four bottles of wine that were sent up last night. I do hope that the ladies had a good time, my Lord."

The waiting staff knew that Karolina hadn't been fed at dinner last night and then Kelly had got them two bottles of wine each. Karolina wasn't a drinker by any means and on an empty stomach as well.

Still her ordeal would be over soon.

I sipped appreciatively at my coffee. "Thank you, Kate. Just leave that cup there. Either I'll have it or Karolina can clear it up later." We smiled at each other conspiratorially then she left. She paused at the door, "Shall I send Sally down to get into her new uniform, my Lord?" she asked.

I looked up and smiled. "I think that would be a good idea," I answered.

I only got a little more done before there was another knock on the door. "Come in."

The door opened and a younger waitress came in. "I'm Sally, my Lord. I've come to exchange my uniform. She put something on the tray and then took her top off. I was actually surprised at how pointy her breasts were. She saw were I was looking and laughed, "My man used to say that he could get more of my tits into his mouth than any other woman he'd known."

"And where is 'your man' now?" I asked. Sally's face clouded over.

"Gulf War 2, 'friendly fire' they called it. Blue on Blue the lads in his regiment used to say. American pilot got lost and saw some tanks, so he shot them up and my Gerry died in the big sandpit." I got up and held her for a while.

"Falklands was my war," I said. She nodded, we both knew that phrase, 'my war'. Husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, friends and enemies, war chewed them up. Sometimes they came home in boxes, sometimes they didn't come home at all.

We held each other for what seemed a long time and she kissed my shoulder. It was then I remembered that I was naked and Sally nearly so, as we were hugging whole body to whole body. This wasn't a sexual thing it was comfort for both of us.

She slipped off her skirt and gave it to me. She was clean shaven, pubis and armpits. She, too, was a little overweight but not overly so. She could still be proud of her figure and with a little exercise turn it into the 'killer body' that the glossies always raved about.

Then she looked at the tray and obviously went into a speech she had rehearsed on her way to my office. "I brought you some biscuits, my Lord, I forgot that you said no food until you called for breakfast. Perhaps I'll leave them here and your young lady can clean them up later." I smiled and nodded to the tray, "put them on the tray by the cup of coffee, so she will see that they need clearing up." She did so and smiled back at me as she went to the door.

"And, Sally," she looked back a little puzzled, "if you need anything any help with the MoD or time off, let me know; I'll see what I can do to help."

She turned and ran over to me and clasped me in a tight hug, "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you."

"Paul." I said.

Smiling widely she said, "Yes Sir," and then left.

I was sure she'd been waiting to say that. It was too pat, too rehearsed. I'm going to have to have a word or two with my ladies.

I worked on until, just before nine o'clock, Kelly came in on her way to her office.

"I skipped breakfast today, such a large dinner last night I didn't feel like eating so soon." She kissed me, which I, of course, returned with a smile. I wondered how long it would be before she realised how she'd treated, or should I say mistreated, Karolina.

Karolina looked poorly. Her usually pale complexion was now almost grey, dark lines under her eyes showed that she'd had little sleep, and I was sure that when I examined her I'd see signs of too much alcohol as well.

Kelly turned to Karolina, "Karolina, I return you to your Master." Then she kissed me again and left for her work.

Karolina knelt by my side and looked up at me, "Master, me next time bad, use cane. It not get badder all night." She swayed on her knees.

"Did you get any sleep at all?" I asked her. She looked uncertain about answering so I lifted her onto my lap and cuddled her. "Karolina, I am your master you must answer all of my questions even when you don't want too." That eased her mind considerably, she wouldn't get into trouble for answering my questions, she must answer, I had just ordered it.

"No sleep. Kelly say kneel here, not release when she sleep."

"Well there is some cleaning I need you to do. But you can not take the waste out of this room." I saw Karolina's shoulders drop when I told her this and then I moved her over to the coffee tray.

She looked at the tray and saw the cup of cold coffee and the biscuits, "Need clean up, not take stuff away."

I was back at my PC by then, I looked up at her and nodded, "That's right." As Karolina started to drink the coffee I picked up the phone and ordered my late breakfast. I needed a big one after all I'd been up since five o'clock and hadn't eaten yet.

I glanced over at Karolina and she was finishing the last of the biscuits.

She came back and knelt beside me again. I noticed a biscuit crumb on her breast and, with my hand under her breast, lifted it to my mouth to lick the crumb off. Karolina held my head. "You besttest boss for me." And I felt a tear fall on my head. I looked up and kissed her.

We hugged for a long time. Then the phone rang and Karolina answered it.

"You breakfast ready."

"Come on then." I held out my hand and led her into the dining room. Sally was ready for us, as I sat a loaded plate came out of the kitchen and was placed in front of me. We ate. I fed Karolina slowly and she accepted every morsel I gave her. Sally and Kate made sure that 'I' had enough to eat and drink and, when they saw that Karolina was being properly fed and watered, they went back into the kitchen much happier.

"Karolina I am taking you to bed, I missed you last night and I want your body now." This was, of course, a reasonable and acceptable excuse for taking her to bed at quarter to ten in the morning.

"Of course Boss. Like fuck you." She smiled her willingness at me.

We slowly walked back to my bedroom and found Jo, Karen and Julia there. Julia cried out and ran to me. "Master, you were gone when I woke and I didn't know where you were. She hugged me tightly to her, her tears running down my chest. I lifted her chin and looked into her tear filled eyes, "Get into bed Julia, I'll join you in a moment." She smiled and hopped into bed.

I turned to Karolina, "Get in, I will be there in a moment." She too got into my bed. I then turned to Jo, "Jo, I want you to see Kelly about getting a doctor to have a look at Karen's breasts. They are too sensitive and I want to make sure that there is nothing wrong with her."

"Yes Master," Jo replied and then she and Karen left to find Kelly.

I turned to the bed, to be greeted with a very pretty sight. Both girls were propped up on their elbows and four hard nipples pointed my way. The sheet covered them from the waist down but I could clearly see the lines of their opened legs waiting for me. I knelt on the bed and 'walked' up between them. Julia reached out for my cock first and pulled it toward her mouth. Karolina cupped my balls as Julia drew me deep into her hot mouth.

"Karolina, kneel here I want to take you from behind." Julia continued sucking and licking me while Karolina got into position, then Julia guided me into Karolina's hot tight cunt. I sank deep inside Karolina and luxuriated in the sensations her internal muscles could produce. I lay down on her back and reached under to her breasts which I grasped tightly. She moaned loudly and arched her back, but I continued my assault on her. While I was distracted, tormenting Karolina's tits, Julia had moved behind me and now parted my bum cheeks and tried to drill her tongue into my arse. This caused me to lift up and thrust even harder into Karolina.

"Ohh ... Do gain!"

Julia must have heard because she did 'do gain' and this time my arse opened for her and I felt her tongue enter me. I, of course, was trying to push my cock into Karolina's throat from the bottom by now and Karolina loved this. I increased the pressure of my grip on her breasts and pulled myself back down. Karolina's head came up and she let out a high pitched yelp, and came. Her cunt clamped on me and squeezed. I couldn't have moved forward or back if I wanted to.

Karolina collapsed forward onto the bed. Just as she dropped her cunt relaxed for a moment and I pulled out with a gush of girl cum spraying me. I reached behind me and grabbed Julia by her hair. I pulled her out of my arse (which was a feat of self control because I loved those sensations) and pulled her round me. I threw her across Karolina's prostrate body and flipped her over to lay face up. Her legs parted naturally and I lay between them and sank into her waiting cunt. Julia was tighter than Karolina but no less willing. Her hips thrust up to meet mine and she twisted and gyrated to press me all around the inside of her cunt. I looked down and saw Karolina smiling up at me as I used her body as a fucking shelf for Julia. All too soon I came. Julia had a mini cum when she felt me shoot into her. At least I think she did, I don't like the idea of women faking orgasm's to please her partner. If I haven't satisfied my lady then I either continue or make damn sure that I do next time. I will have to have a word with Karolina and get her to tell my girls, 'no faking'.

Julia and I lay coupled for a minute or so until I shrank and dropped out. Then Karolina squirmed out from underneath and twisted round to get her mouth to Julia's cunt. "Give me." Karolina told her and Julia spread her legs to allow better access and when Karolina's mouth clamped onto her opening Julia pushed and thrust to move my cum into Karolina's waiting mouth.

While I enjoyed watching the two girls together I was too tired to get aroused again. I lay beside them and stroked both until they finished. Julia came and cleaned me with her mouth and then we lay cuddling and Karolina and I slept.

We woke together mid-afternoon. Julia was awake and watching us from a chair. She had a pot of coffee waiting for us and quietly poured us each a cup. I pulled Karolina to me and we hugged for a few minutes, just enjoying the feeling of the other's body pressed against our own. We all showered together. Two of us hand washing the third in a round robin. It is very nice being washed by two naked girls, very nice. Drying each other was also fun.

For once I dressed in my favourite, tee-shirt and jeans. Karolina slipped on one of her summer dresses. We hadn't been shopping for Julia yet so she had the choice of naked or a make-do, Karolina's clothes being far too big for her. Karolina went to the wardrobe and picked out one of my tee-shirts. Julia slipped it on and looked OK. Karolina then nicked the front of the neck with a pair of scissors and ripped the tee-shirt open down to Julia's breasts.

"There. Now he got look at tits." Then she showed Julia how her dress opened at the neck and how the large arm holes allowed for flashed of tits whenever she moved.

"Does Master like looking at breasts then?" Julia asked rather naively.

"He man. Man like see woman no clothes. Like see inside top, up skirt." Karolina replied laughing.

Holding hands with both girls I led them down to the office.

"Julia find freewoman Ela and ask her to set up a desk for you in this office. It probably will only need to be a small desk but we'll see what happens later." Looking nervous Julia left to find Ela. I called after her, "if Ela is asleep, don't wake her."

"No Master, I won't wake her." Julia seemed a lot easier now.

Karolina and I got down to work. Karolina was still searching the hard disk copies that Sasha had obtained for us. She had already made some good discoveries that the police forensic examiner had missed (Karolina had called him a stupid wanker) and now she was investigating something that she had spoken to Sasha about. Sasha had then asked me not to ask Karolina anything about what she was doing. Karolina would tell me in due course.

After my success with the city council I was putting together bids for ten similar contracts using the first contract as a template. I was getting good feedback from the councils themselves although my competitors were trying to have me disqualified as I didn't have a track record for this type of refurbishments. Sasha had enquired as to where in the tender document a track record was required, and sent details of one hundred and forty individual refurbishments carried out by my teams.

The councils liked the terms of the contract and I liked the fact that the council members liked the sound of their own voices and would, if left to their own devices, talk their councils into bankruptcy dithering over unnecessary details. My profit was in their delays and changes they would demand as absolutely necessary.

We worked until we became hungry and then went looking for food. On the way out Julia looked at the wall clock (none of us were wearing a watch, ) "Master, it's quarter past three."

Distracted I replied, "Oh, not too late then. We should find someone in the kitchen."

"No Master. It's quarter past three in the morning."

"Oh. Don't worry, we'll find something in the kitchen."

We went through the dining room on our way to the kitchen and, to our surprise, found a note on the kitchen door.

'DON'T RAID MY KITCHEN! Call 2747 and I'll come and make you whatever you want. Signed - Debbie.'

I went into the kitchen and called as requested, a sleepy voice answered, "Be there in two minutes, my Lord," and she hung up the phone.

I looked at the handset. "I think that was Debbie. She says she'll be here in two minutes."

We left the kitchen (it might be dangerous to stay in there, from the tone of her note Debbie sounds a bit possessive about her kitchen) and sat at the table. It was me who noticed that there was a coffee machine all ready to go, with a sign pointing to the on switch. A small fridge next to the filter machine held milk and fresh juice. Within a minute fresh coffee was dripping into the jug and Julia had a glass of OJ.

Before the two minutes was up a small woman in a thin dressing gown came in, "What can I get for you, my Lord?" she asked.

"Err, what's available?"

"Well, my Lord..."

"Please call me Paul."

"Yes Sir." All three females replied. I'm beginning to suspect a conspiracy.

"Well, Sir, would you like a full dinner, or a breakfast. I could do a lunch too. It depends on what you would like, Sir."

I looked at the girls. "What would you like?" I asked them, knowing the answer already.

"I'll have what you give me, Master." Julia stated as though any other answer was impossible.

"Me have what you tell Boss." Karolina also couldn't see the need for her to make that sort of decision.

This was one thing that Kelly never considered when she accepted Karolina as her slave; all of the decisions that the master or mistress makes for their charges every hour of every day. Otherwise the slave might get sick, or even die.

"Do you have any fish suitable for steaming?"

"Yes, Sir. We have rainbow trout or salmon. The trout is particularly good and I have some new potatoes and peas that will complement the fish perfectly."

"That sounds good. Is the trout whole or filleted?"

"Whole fish, Sir. Would you like me to debone it when I serve, Sir?"

"Yes please, that would be kind. Oh and my ladies are being punished by having to eat from their own plates. So please bring three full services in please."

She smiled at me and nodded, "Three plates it is, Sir. They must have been wicked bad to suffer such a deprivation if I may say so, Sir. I would have thought that Miss Karolina would have learned her lesson after her last punishment."

I thought about what she was saying. "Debbie, perhaps you're right. One plate please and they'll just have to suffer being fed. I'll have to think of some other way to chastise them."

"That might be best, Sir. Stroke or two on their backsides might be better, get it over and done with quick like."

"I think that's an excellent idea. I'll make sure I get to it next time I'm in my room where the cane is."

"I can go and get it if you like, my Lord." A new voice offered. We all looked round and Sally stood by the door in her dressing gown.

"No Sally, I don't think that's necessary. I don't want to put you to the trouble and my ladies can wait."

"My Lord, beg your forgiveness but if you are to punish your ladies is it not better to do it immediately so as not to cause them more distress by waiting and thinking on the punishment?" Sally asked

Her reasoning was, to my mind, faultless. The fact that I had been trying to delay the punishment so that I could forget about it had been forgotten. "Karolina and Julia can get it while we wait for our meal to be prepared." Karolina stood and took hold of Julia's hand and they left.

"Did Debbie call you, too, Sally?" I asked. She froze for a moment and then turned to me.

"No, my Lord. I was in bed with Debbie when you called. The phone woke us both." She looked worried.

"Are you two in a relationship? You don't need to answer that by the way, just tell me it's too personal whatever the answer would have been and I'll forget it."

"No my Lord..."

"Call me Paul."

"Yes, Sir." This was echoed from the kitchen.

"No, Sir," she continued, smiling. "Debbie and I are in a relationship and I was sleeping with her because I love her."

Debbie's voice came out of the kitchen, "Love you too." Sally smiled.

"I'm glad for you both," I said. Before Sally could leave I added, "And I meant what I said earlier. If you need any help, for anything, just ask me. OK?" Sally nodded. She seemed to be hesitating about something but I could see that it seemed to be important to her.

"My Lord," she looked at the kitchen apprehensively, "Debbie really wants to go on one of these cordon bleu courses. She's a great cook but she says she wants to be a great chef. And to do that she needs to be taught properly about food and stuff. I can't understand all of the technical things but I know she's been saving for years to get the money to do this. She's nearly there, but this is the thing I would ask you to do for me." She hung her head as if in shame.

I lifted her chin and looked into her tear soaked eyes. "You should be proud when you're supporting your partner. It is an honourable thing to do. Tell Debbie to come and see me after lunch tomorrow. I should have caught up on my sleep by then. If I'm asleep she is to talk to Kelly about this. Now don't forget, understand?" Sally nodded.

Then Karolina and Julia returned with my cane.



-------

Chapter 21

Karolina knelt and held out the cane on the palms of her hands. I took the cane, "Who wants to be first?"

"First is me." Karolina stated. She took her dress off and bent over the dining table.

I lined up the cane and gave her the first stroke. Karolina looked up at me, "Boss tired. Give cane Julia, sit watch girl cane girl."

Julia held out her hand for the cane and before I could actually give it to her, she took it from me. Julia moved me to a point out of her way where I would get a good view. Then, drawing her arm back, she prepared for her stroke.

CRACK!

Karolina threw her head back and gasped, but she didn't cry out or move. Julia drew her arm back again and gave her second stroke.

CRACK!

This one landed just below the first. Karolina prepared herself for the next but I interrupted. "Two is enough."

Karolina stood up stiffly, Julia took off her tee-shirt and lay down over the table. Karolina shrugged her shoulders and flexed the cane a couple of times, then gave her first stroke.

CRACK!

This landed straight across both buttocks with an even stripe on both sides. It seemed to be about the same power as Julia's strokes as well.

CRACK!

"That is enough now. You have both suffered enough."

Julia got up and she and Karolina kissed, A deep, deep kiss, pressing body to body and tongue to tongue. Breaking the kiss they turned to me. "Punishment has been given Master," Julia stated.

"Punish give Boss," Karolina added.

"Thank you. You may prepare for my meal." I said my meal because that is what they were supposed to be getting, the crumbs from my meal. That my plate was filled with enough to satisfy all three of us was ignored. It was still my meal. They knelt by my chair, side by side, touching from shoulder to hip, hip to knee and knee to ankle. As I looked at them they turned to each other and kissed again. This time Karolina brought her hand up and fondled Julia's breast, pulling and twisting on her nipple. Reaching down I took Julia's other breast in my hand and fondled it. Her nipple was already fat and springy. It took little teasing to harden it completely.

We were still playing when Sally brought the plate in. She was in her 'uniform' (naked) and smiled when she saw Julia and Karolina kissing.

"No bad feelings there then, my Lord." She placed the plate, "Please be careful, my Lord, the plate is hot and it is a special thick plate, too. It will keep your food warm even if you get distracted." She glanced at the two girls and I knew what form of distraction she meant.

I looked at her legs and nearly brought my hand up to stroke them, but hesitated.

"I know that you get ... intimate ... with the waiting staff, my Lord, and I said to Ms Hanson as I'll say to you, I don't mind some fun and games but I have my partner and we love each other very much. So touch if you wish, my Lord, and you'll find me wet enough for whatever you want."

I slid my hand up her inner thigh to her slit and did indeed find that she was wet. "Go to Debbie, perhaps she can find a use for a willing girl with a wet pussy."

Sally smiled knowingly, "Oh I'm sure she can, my Lord, I'm sure she can." As she walked back into the kitchen I'm sure she gave her hips and extra bit of sway just for me.

The trout was excellent. It had been boned and the fillets lay together waiting for a fork. The thick back of the fish was ideal for feeding my girls; tender enough to separate with a fork, solid enough to hold its shape while I placed it into a waiting mouth.

Sometimes butter from the fish or vegetables dripped onto chest or breast but there always seemed to be a willing mouth available to clean up these little spills.

We ate our fill and I pushed the plate away. Debbie had judged the amount of food almost perfectly, there were just scraps left on the plate and we were satisfied.

Both girls then cleaned my butter soaked hand. It is quite an erotic feeling to have two girls sucking your fingers clean at the same time. Especially when they are trying to convince you that it isn't your finger they're sucking.

"Slip on your dresses, my darlings, I have a little more work to do and then we'll go to bed."

They seem disappointed at having to get dressed again but did as I asked. I looked into the kitchen to thank Debbie and Sally for our meal but they were ... otherwise occupied. Debbie did find a use for Sally's wet cunt, she licked it all up.

Then we returned to work.

I finished my work by nine o'clock and emailed Sasha a whole series of requests. One request was for conveyancing for another forty houses, my renovations teams were a great success and were now self funding with an available fund of just over seventeen million pounds.

My initial investment of twelve million for the renovation teams had been paid back and every penny now was pure profit. The teams themselves were the best part of the whole system. There was a core set of members who joined and left teams as their work, home schedules and commitments dictated. They would work for the whole duration of a renovation, usually three months, have two weeks or a month off and then join the next team to start.

The team members looked after themselves. Anyone who tried to be workshy or malingered would be thrown off the team very quickly. Though one man, whose wife was diagnosed with terminal cancer, was sent home that day and his monies were made up from the profits of all of the teams.

I should point out that initially all of the workers were Polish. That was Joasia's idea. However the teams themselves brought in a number of other individuals, women as well as men, whose skills they recognised as being top of the trade. This group made a good living and I was proud to have started it.

There were problems with the tendering for the second round of council refurbishments. I had hired private detectives and now had solid proof of corruption in all ten councils. A number of councillors would be going to jail this winter. I wasn't absolutely sure I could get the actual villains though. The international construction company executives kept at arm's length from the actual illegal work. They were quite willing to sacrifice a few lower level managers who did the actual deed. But these managers would be going to jail too and that pleased me. So one of my emails was a request for Sasha to get started on the legal processes necessary to jail these bastards for their corruption.

Julia was suffering by now as she hadn't slept as much as Karolina and I yesterday.

"Shall we have something to eat before bed?" I asked my two ladies.

Julia just shook her head, but Karolina nodded. "Not egg 'n' bang 'n' bacon," she pleaded. I called the kitchen and Debbie answered.

"Debbie, could I have a plate of cold cuts, some bread, butter and a little salad stuff in my room in ten minutes please?"

"Of course, my Lord, ten minutes." She hung up. Perhaps I should have said fifteen minutes.

Julia led Karolina and I back to my room and she went straight into the shower. A few minutes later she emerged, slightly damp but beyond caring about that. She crawled on top of the bed and collapsed. She was asleep in an untidy heap before we could say a word.

"Little girl bit worn out. Me cover." Karolina laughed, and she spread a sheet over the sleeping girl. Then she looked at me. "Not worry, boss play little girl later. See bits work proper." And she laughed again.

I grabbed the cheeky little minx and threw her across my knee. I was just ripping her dress off when Kate brought in our food. Ignoring Kate, who probably would have quite a good view, I gave Karolina's bare bottom a few good smacks. Then I pushed her off my knee onto the floor.

"There! See, I am a cruel master and spank bad girls." Feigning terror Karolina started crawling away, the tattered remains of her dress clinging to her here and there.

"Oh biggest terrify Master. Spare this girl. Not smack naked bum no more." We were both desperately trying not to laugh by now but Kate broke us up. She walked over to the prostrate Karolina and looked down at her.

"Ms Karolina, you are not protecting yourself properly," Kate bent down and ripped the final scraps of Karolina's dress away, leaving her naked on her back on the floor. "There! Now he can see your tits he'll be much better behaved."

Taking the shredded dress, Kate left us. And Karolina and I broke down laughing. I helped her to her feet and then made a sandwich each. We sat by the small table and fed each other. I finished her sandwich and she finished mine.

We really were tired now so we had a quick shower where we washed each other without the fun stuff, well not too much of the fun stuff anyway, dried ourselves, and then we went to bed. I don't think that we were much drier than Julia. But we cuddled together and were asleep before ten o'clock.

Joasia And June's Funerals

Today we bury Joasia and June. Two wonderful women who wanted so much to give, and found evil men who callously took their lives.

Alone in the Joasia room, I was dressing myself. Today I really didn't want someone else to do what June and Joasia had done for me. My ladies came in.

All dressed in mourning black they came, entering in their order of status. Karolina as my favourite came first, Julia came next, Jo and then Karen followed. And then to my surprise Ela came in, and Sasha, Christine, Justine and Kelly. And then the Crynos private staff came in and lined the walls.

Karolina stood impassive in front of me until everyone was there. When the door finally closed Jill, the office manager, came and placed a kneeling stool in front of me. She gave a curtsy and moved back to the wall.

Karolina was the first as was her right. She knelt and held her collar, "Please, my Master, collar your slave." I took her collar and, as I had so many times before, buckled it around her neck. As I helped her up I kissed her hand, she was pleased with the intimacy, but displeased that after collaring her I had not treated her as my slave. I turned her and swatted her bottom hard enough for her to smile back at me. Her master would do what he wanted without regard for the sensibilities of his slaves. And they had better realise that or punishments would be in order.

Slowly and with proper ceremony I collared the rest of my slaves. Jo needed a swat on her bum to be reminded who was boss, but she was the only other one.

Then came my biggest shock. Sasha came and knelt on the stool and held up a thin brown leather wrist strap. "Please, my friend, place this on my wrist in memory of our friends." She held up her right hand and I buckled the strap around her wrist. My tears dropped onto the strap and her skin as I did so. Christine came next and she too knelt and said the same phrase. On and on they came and requested that I place a leather strap around their wrists. Then one person deviated from the script, as I buckled the strap on this young woman who I couldn't really see properly through my tear filled eyes she said, "I've had my birthday, can I have a smack on my bum too?"

I wiped my eyes clear, "NINA! I haven't seen you since the party, dearest." We hugged tightly, I could see those waiting wore smiles rather than frowns at our reunion. While still holding her tightly to me I lifted her skirt and felt her bottom. She wore suspenders and stocking but no panties, this might have been a funeral, but she was still Nina. I gave her bare bottom a sharp smack. And she purred in my neck.

"Damn, I could have had one of those," said one of my ladies. I looked at them. Sasha would have owned up if she had said it in the hope of actually getting the smack. No, I think it was Christine who was looking really innocent.

We took the stairs down to the ground floor lobby, this was unusual as the bottom two floors of the Crynos were still being run as a hotel, albeit a much more exclusive hotel than it had been before I purchased it.

With Karolina on my arm I entered the lobby. I could see the police officers there trying to look inconspicuous, but I continued to walk to the exit.

And older police officer stood as I grew level with him and turned to me. "Mr Paul Whiting, I have a war..." that was as far as he got. Kleig lights flashed into life and microphones were thrust under his nose. He looked round in shock as he recognised the news service camera's pointing at him, BBC, ITV, SKY NEWS and CNN being most prominent.

The journalists were all shouting questions at the same time. The more junior officers he brought with him in case of trouble decided that this situation was wwwaaayyy above their pay grade and retired to a corner of the room where they could support their boss if he called for them.

A tall, distinguished and urbane grey haired man strolled in front of the stunned policeman and took the warrant from his hand. He opened it and sighed.

"Oh dear, Superintendant Graham, there is no one here by the name of Mr. Paul Whiting."

"But he's just there!" The Superintendant screamed, pointing at me.

The grey hair man just shrugged. "No, I am afraid that that person is my client and his name is most certainly not Mr. Paul Whiting. Now, it seems that the date on this warrant is also incorrect, the fourteenth being a Tuesday this month, not a Wednesday as stated here. Oh dear you seem to have left off the reason for the arrest as well. My dear Superintendant, this isn't a warrant, it is just a fabrication. I shall personally take it to Judge Bearing whose signature is on it and report this fraud as soon as he returns from his holiday in Mallorca," and he slipped the document into his brief case.

Gerald Hawkins had cost a bomb, but with his advice and contacts we had been able to ambush the expected police trap and do so in front of internationally respected news cameras. This was all Sasha's idea. I hadn't expected any trouble on the day of the funerals.

Karolina gripped my arm just a little tighter and we walked past the police contingent and out to our limousines.

We slowly entered the Chapel. This was a non-denominational room without a lectern or pulpit where those with no recognisable religion could have a civil service to celebrate their lives before cremation. We still weren't allowed to cremate Joasia as she wished, but June hadn't expressed any wish and so we had bought a plot in a private cemetery for her. We also bought another alongside it for Joasia until we could carry out her desire and cremate her.

Mr. Bowles, senior, stood and welcomed everyone on Joasia and June's behalf. "We have come to celebrate the lives of two young women who were cruelly taken from us well before their natural time." He paused and looked around.

"There are a number of people who wish to say a few words, to tell you about Joasia or June and how they affected lives, and how the memories of these two women enrich our lives still."

The service went on and on. People got up and spoke, I listened without hearing them. I just remembered that because of my actions Joasia and June were murdered. I pictured them as they left the office following June's enslavement. The two of them naked and holding hands as they climbed the stairs.

Karolina placed her hand on my arm and I looked up. Everyone was looking at me. It must be my turn to speak. I stood and slowly walked to the front. Turning I saw a host of friends and friendly faces looking at me. I looked at Karolina and spoke to her.

"I don't know how to tell you how much Joasia and June mean to me, it's beyond words. Joasia is a special person with a huge capacity for love despite her hard life. June stands on the brink of adulthood looking over a future that is both exciting and terrifying. They share a special friendship and everyone who meets them cannot help but feel their life and vitality."

I paused, barely able to continue. "They would whisper together like sisters sharing secrets, laugh out loud at a joke only they shared, and hug whenever they met." I ran my hand over each coffin. "Cruel people did this to you and I do not know why. Initially we thought that this was due to money and corruption high in the police service and local government. But now we're not so sure. Whatever the true reason, two innocent people were in the way of powerful men and so they were killed."

I stopped, I have never felt so totally inadequate to any task as I do now. It would take a Shakespeare or Wordsworth to do my ladies justice, not someone like me.

"Find men killed momma 'n' June Boss. Find them and we give justice," Karolina's voice, quiet though it was, resounded clearly throughout the room.

"Yes, my dearest. Together we shall find them and together we shall give them justice. And then we will place a stone at their feet saying 'A beautiful lady murdered by these scum' and we shall name them, one by one."

Now I felt a fire in my belly, I had a purpose that I could hold onto, something I could actually do. I knew that the police themselves would never admit to finding the killers because we knew that the Chief Constable of Cumbria had actually handed out the poisoned water. Now we would find the rest and visit justice on them.

As I walked back to my seat Christine stood and started clapping. Sasha and Nina joined her, then Ela and Elastic, then the whole room were on their feet clapping.

Karolina held out her hand to me and smiled. I too smiled as I sat beside her again, still holding her hand.

No one else stood to give a eulogy so we sat quietly with our thoughts and memories. Mr Bowles started the procession out to the graveyard and, with tear filled eyes we watched our friends and lovers be placed into the ground.



-------

Chapter 22


The drive back to the Crynos was not the subdued affair I had expected. There was an expectation in the air that you could feel. No one was surprised when we were stopped by the police for 'speeding'. Our drivers were polite and respectful and every second of the incident was filmed by three cameras on each car. We were made to get out and our cars were searched because the police 'had reason to believe that we were carrying drugs'. And, lo and behold, drugs were found in the boot of each car.

We were bundled into a series of police transit vans, handcuffed, as the dangerous criminals that we were, naturally. We were led into a high security police station and led to the booking suite. Surprisingly Elastic stepped up to be booked first. She stood in front of the desk sergeant and waited.

The sergeant looked over the crowd littering up his nice, tidy, booking suite and sighed. He looked at the Constable standing next to Elastic. "Charge?"

"Possession of class A drugs with intent to supply," he replied.

Turning to Elastic, in a bored voice he asked, "Name?"

"Lieutenant Sandra Bands, Royal Navy," Elastic spoke clearly and in supreme control of herself.

"Do you have any identification Lefttenant." The bored sergeant couldn't even be bothered to pronounce her rank correctly.

Elastic showed him her driver's license. And so it went. One by one we were processed, I was last. I have been standing for nearly four hours now. And finally the new desk sergeant called me up to the desk. My stiffness and slowness in moving earned me a blow to the back of my legs and I just collapsed. Seeing a number of pairs of legs gathering around me I decided that my best course of action was to lay still. This earned me screams to get up and get to the desk, but I just closed my eyes and waited. A kick hit my left arm (I was still handcuffed with the nonflexible hand restraints) and left me with a very sharp pain in my left forearm. I think my arm might be broken.

Rough feet pushed me onto my belly and nudged my legs apart and then pain exploded between my legs...

White. All this white. Hurt like fuck so not dead yet. Hospital. I'm in hospital again. What have they done to me this time?

I tried to look to my left that was where the chair was last time. There was just a plain white, well dirty white wall. To my left was another dirty white wall. I couldn't look down at all. My arms were strapped down and I couldn't move my legs very much either. My left arm hurt like hell and I could hardly move my fingers. My balls felt like a couple of beach balls between my legs. I was cold, the thin blanket covering me provided no warmth at all.

A woman came in with a meal tray, she placed it on the bed table and lowered the table so I could see the food. With my hands tied down I couldn't get to this food and she left with a huge smile on her face.

I lay and watched my food as it went cold and then the same woman came back in and picked up the tray. "We shouldn't be feeding people like you," then she spat in my face. She took the tray away smiling still.

I stared at the ceiling. I had nothing else to do. I don't know how long before the door opened and two nurses came in, One obviously much junior to the other.

"Your pain meds." She held up a syringe and filled it from an ampoule.

"You have to be very careful with morphine, and ensure that no air bubbles remain in the syringe." She held the syringe up and pressed the plunger expelling the tiny air bubble that had been in there. She continued pressing until very nearly all of the morphine was gone too. Then she came round to my left hand side.

"My arm, its broken." I croaked.

"Broken you say, surely not. The police would have noticed something like that when they brought you in, pervert." And she sat on it.

I screamed, I think I wet myself but the all encompassing pain from my arm drove everything else out of my mind. I screamed and screamed...

A hand stroking my face woke me. My tongue was thick and painful. I hurt everywhere. The gentle stroke felt like knives being dragged across my skin. I cried out in agony. A wet cloth was placed against my lips and I tried to suck some moisture out of it. It helped my mouth a little.

I looked up at the face above me but couldn't focus. I still can't move though I don't know if I'm still tied down.

I think this is it. I don't think that I'm going to get out of this one. Some sleep would be a good idea, better that way, doesn't hurt so much now, they say that it doesn't hurt towards the end. Wonder how they know. Goodbye Karolina my love. I do love you, you know. Sleep time now...

-------

I still hurt though my left arm is just numb. So I didn't die. Not yet anyway. I feel a bit better. I catalogued my body, tongue not sticking to my mouth any more. Toes wiggle OK no pain there. Legs move, oh shit that hurts. Fuckers kicked me while I was on the floor. I opened my eyes and saw Joasia and knew that I was dead.

If I'm dead why the fuck do I hurt so much?

Karolina leaned over me and I could focus on her face. Not trusting myself to speak I smiled. She smiled too, "Hi Boss. You give plenty worry for time. Three; four day. Get better now doc say."

"I'm sorry, my dearest. I don't want to worry you."

"Boss not become silly prick." She laughed and placed her hand on my arm. It felt so good to touch her again.

"We've got to get these bastards, Karolina. We've got to, they'll kill us next time." I said.

"Doing it Boss. Just not ask. This girl ask let have secret."

I reached up, and realised I could move at least one arm, and cupped her cheek. "Of course you can, my dearest Karolina."

Karolina looked up, "Boss Sasha got need sign you papers. Biggest important boss, veracity."

Karolina stood up and left, I heard the door open and close though I couldn't lift my head to look over there. I looked at the painting of Joasia instead. It was beautiful.

Sasha pulled up a chair and turned the bed table so I could easily reach it with my right hand.

"Paul, I am so sorry but these need signing right now, they cannot wait." She placed the papers one at a time on the bed table and I signed. I was probably signing all my cash and women away but I trusted Sasha. So I signed all of the papers and then, before she got to the door, I was asleep again.

I woke in the dark. The room had a gentle illumination from the light over the painting. The first figure I saw was Joasia. Julia stood and came to me. "Hi, Master, how are you feeling? I can get the nurse if you like."

I wondered what the nurse thought about my ladies walking round naked in the sick room. "I'm Ok at the moment. I would like a little to drink though."

She lifted a small glass with a bendy straw. "Only a little they said. Just a few sips at a time, otherwise I get in trouble."

"I don't want to get you into trouble, my precious. If you need telling off I want to do it." I smiled at her.

"Will you spank my bare bottom as well?" she teased.

"Of course I will, that's my favourite part of the telling off." I stroked her cheek.

A newspaper landed on my bed. "I shall be leaving at the end of my shift. I don't nurse perverts."

"Julia, get Elastic NOW!" Julia pressed a button on the headboard of my bed and all of the lights came on and alarms rang everywhere.

The door burst open and Elastic knelt by the door frame her Glock in hand covering the room. Seeing no immediate danger, she entered the room and checked the windows and alcoves.

The nurse who had started all of this was cowering on the floor covering her head with her hands.

"Elastic, this nurse says she doesn't look after perverts."

"WHAT!" Elastic picked her up by the back of her uniform.

"Well, I do hope that you've got proof that he's a pervert because you know that this room is under constant video surveillance and you will have been videoed insulting your employer. And he is going to sue you for defamation. So, do you have proof?"

"Yes!" she screamed. "Look at this!" and she held up a tabloid newspaper. The front page showed a picture of me with the headline 'CHILD RAPIST ESCAPES'.

"You stupid fool," Sasha said. "This is going to cost you your career." Sasha paused, "Elastic, get her out of here now. Lord Paul isn't safe with her in the building."

Elastic picked her up one handed and carried her out of the room. Elastic returned a little later. "Dumped her on the street, Boss. No paperwork."

I tried to keep up with the conversation that followed but I kept drifting in out of sleep and the pain is getting worst as my previous pain medications wear off. Sasha saw this, "Ladies, our boss needs his rest and he's late for his morphine. I suggest that we take this down to the office and get the doctor back to give him some morphine."

They started to leave the room but Julia came back to me. "My place is here, Master." I managed to smile at her though I really didn't feel like it. I really did feel bad.

Julia tried her best to comfort me but there wasn't very much she could do. She held me and talked softly telling me about what had happened to her and the other women. I didn't take any of this in. The sound of her voice was comforting though, so maybe she helped more than I think.

The doctor came and examined me. Tutting as he saw the pain and distress I was in. He prepared a syringe, "I've put a little something in here to help you sleep. Should last about eight or ten hours. I want you to get a lot of sleep over the next few days." He turned to Julia, "And you haven't left here in all the time I've been attending him. I have something for you too, so come on hop in. I know you sleep together. The way you look at him gives it away to anyone with half a brain cell." Julia climbed into bed and snuggled against me. Gently he injected me with the morphine and sleeping draft combination. I saw him inject Julia but was asleep before he removed the needle.

I woke with Julia in my arm. With the cast on my left arm I couldn't get comfortable while wrapping both arms around her, and I thought that the cast would scratch and irritate her skin as well. So I just ran my right arm up and down her back and enjoyed the feeling of her breasts pressing into my chest.

I noticed that I had an erection, I knew I wanted the toilet but this was the first time since I was kicked that I had woken with a hard on. Julia stirred and her hand dropped from my chest down to my hard cock. Her fingers wrapped round me and she snuggled into me with a gentle sigh.

She slowly wanked me for a moment or two then opened her eyes. "Let's get you to the toilet and then, if you're still interested, I'll take care of this."

Julia got out of bed and then pulled the covers completely off me. Holding my right arm she helped me sit up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. It was painful to sit up and I expected more pain when I tried to walk. But I stood and slowly walked to a corner of the room where partitions had been erected and a small bathroom installed. I didn't want to sit and then get up again so I held onto Julia while she readied and aimed me for pissing. She, too, played with the stream, walking it around the bowl and making it splash in the water.

"Is that fun?" I asked her.

"Oh yes," she said and I could see her enjoyment in the gleam in her eyes.

My stream finished and she looked disappointed. She turned my cock upward and looked down the end. "If I did have any more then you would get an awful shock looking down there."

Julia gave me the 'you're spoiling my fun' look, then dropped her head and took my cock into her mouth. "Must make sure you're clean," she said as she smiled up at me.

Julia helped me back to my bed and I gratefully lay back down. A moment later I heard the splashing as she pissed. "Next time, can I help you do that?" I called to her.

"Oh yes. That'd be fun." She came back to me, holding a few sheets of toilet paper, "You can dry me if you want." I took the paper and gently wiped her slit from back to front, folded the paper and repeated. Julia took the used paper from me, "That was nice," she kissed my nose, "but next time I want diiiiirrrtttyyy!" And laughing she went to flush the paper.

While she was in the bathroom a nurse entered the main room and came to my bed. Before either she or I could say anything Julia came out of the bathroom. The nurse looked very surprised at seeing a naked young girl in a man's sick room.

"You are you?" The surprised nurse asked.

"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU!" Julia screamed and ran to my side. The nurse may not have been aware that Julia had her hand on a silent alarm and currently people were running to defend us.

"I'm the new..." The door crashed open and Elastic's arm, Glock in hand, appeared from behind the door jamb. Seeing no immediate danger, she came into the room, still covering the nurse.

"Need me to do a pile of paperwork, Boss?" Elastic asked.

"No paperwork, Elastic, not yet anyway."

The nurse turned back to me, "I am your new nurse. I arrived with Dr. Ross a few minutes ago..."

"And you didn't stay where you were bloody well told to stay." The doctor I saw last night (was it last night? the curtains were drawn so it could have been any time of day or night) or rather, before I went to sleep, came in.

"I am so sorry, your Lordship. Sometimes nursing staff think that their profession and training give them the right to ignore orders given to them for their own safety." He turned to the nurse again. "If you wish to remain in my employ you will carry out my orders to the letter. And that includes waiting where you are told to wait." The doctor was furious.

Ignoring Elastic, who was still casually covering the nurse with her gun, though not ignoring her so much as to walk between Elastic and her target, Dr. Ross came over and started to examine me. While he poked and prodded he continued talking to the nurse, "Lord Paul here," he nodded to me, "has had three quite serious attempts on his life, one of which killed two women who worked with him. So you can understand that the people here are a little nervous of strangers."

The nurse was shocked, "Have you gone to the police?" she gasped.

Dr. Ross looked at her in resignation, "It is the police who are trying to kill him."

The doctor finished examining me and pulled a small sample bottle out of his case. He tossed it to Julia, "I want a semen sample please."

The nurse was horrified, "She can't do that!"

"Are you afraid that her sperm will contaminate the sample?" the doctor asked in a light tone.

"But she's a girl." The nurse protested.

"Got me there," said Julia looking down at her naked body.

"But she can't, it's not right." One last stand against the forces of corruption.

"My dear Nurse Morgan, I can assure you that females of our species have been coaxing semen from males for thousands of years and it hasn't done anyone any harm yet." He fixed her with a piercing gaze. "Now I think that you and I need to have a long talk if you are to remain here, especially as the lady with the gun is getting quite irate at your prudish behaviour."

"Oh that, that's just a toy to try to frighten me." Nurse Morgan smiled.

The doctor and Elastic did not. "Let me assure you madam that this is a Glock twenty, the standard service issue small arm for diplomatic protection squads. I am an expert shot and I have plenty of time to do the paperwork after I shoot you." Elastic's voice was flat and emotionless. She had been holding the gun steady for nearly twenty minutes now without a single noticeable tremor.

The doctor grabbed hold of the nurse's arm and dragged her out of the room as fast as he could.

I looked at Julia who was tapping the sample jar against her teeth. "How shall I do this?" she asked with an evil grin on her face. "Perhaps I should get everyone in here so they can all watch and make sure I'm doing it right."

"No," Elastic said, "he wouldn't mind them watching and they'd all want a go and leave you with nothing. If I were you I'd be doing it right now just in case the others get to hear of this."

"Just dive in?" Julia asked. Elastic nodded and then the door started to open and Julia was face down on the bed with my cock growing in her mouth as she tongued me furiously.

Ela came in, "I heard that a semen sample was wanted." Julia's fingers sank into my hips. I think it's going to take surgery to get her off me.

"She's not gonna let go is she," said Ela as she saw Julia's knuckles whiten as her grip tightened.

"Not a chance. Try tomorrow morning."

Ela went to a nearby table and wrote on a post-it note and stuck it to the headboard of my bed. Julia looked up, read the note and relaxed a little. I just relaxed into the wet, warm feelings surrounding my hard cock. Julia relaxed enough to give me a sensual blow-job. Wanking, sucking, licking and powerful suction with lots and lots of tongue, this had me ready to cum in just a couple of minutes.

Elastic leant on the headboard and held my hand, watching Julia's actions carefully. I'm surprised she didn't take notes. I came into Julia's mouth trying to stop myself from thrusting up with my hips. I pumped and pumped into her, it had been days since I had last cum and I was used to doing so three or four times a day now.

Elastic handed the sample jar to Julia who straddled my chest and made me watch as she dribbled my sperm from her mouth into the jar, all the time she alternately massaged her breasts and finger-fucked herself vigorously.

When her mouth was empty she gave the pot back to Elastic who screwed the lid on tightly. Elastic then went over and wrote out her own post-it note which she stuck below Ela's. I looked up at Julia, "What do the notes say?" I asked.

Julia smiled as she read, "Tuesday — Karolina, Wednesday — Ela, Thursday — Elastic."

She rubbed her slit against my belly, smearing her girl juice over my skin. "You haven't checked that all my 'little girl bits' work yet. And you know that Karolina wants to know that they do." She leant down and we kissed.

"Uhmm..." The doctor cleared his throat and we looked up. "If you can get that sample some time today and give it to Nurse Morgan please?" He smiled at us.

Julia sat up straighter on my belly and twisted round to point at the sample jar, "It's over there. Sorry but I forgot for a second that I was supposed to spit."

The doctor worked that one out and laughed while the nurse just looked at the sample jar in horror, "You had it in your mouth?"

"Oh yeeeaaaahhh." Julia said in the most sexually charged tone of voice I have ever heard. And then she licked her lips.

As Nurse Morgan was staring at the sample jar, the door opened and Sally came in, unusually she was fully dressed. "Excuse me, she said and hurried to my bed. She looked at the notes on the headboard and wrote her own note on a pad she had brought with her, then stuck it to the headboard.

As she turned to leave I stopped her, "Don't I get a kiss anymore." I asked.

Sally almost dived on me. "Oh, Boss, we've been so worried." She stood up and took off her top as Julia moved off my belly to lay beside me. Sally lay across my chest, pressing her bare breasts into my skin. "When we first heard about the arrests we couldn't believe that those evil bastards would do such a thing, Boss. Not at the funerals, that's just inhumane." I felt her tears hit my chest.

I cuddled her with my only good arm and pressed my cheek to hers. "I'm back now, precious Sally, I'm safe now, and because you and Debbie will feed me, I'll get strong again. I'm going after them Sally, I'll need your help, but together we'll get them and make them pay for Joasia and June. I'm not going to stop until I've got them Sally."

Sally looked at me through her tear filled eye, "Didn't ever think anything else, Boss. This isn't the big sandy and we can win this one proper."

She stood and looked down at me, a wide smile on her tear streaked face, "Got to go, Boss, supposed to be working and my boss is a proper slave driver."

Some one behind her laughed and said, "Mine too."

I looked and to my surprise, shock and delight saw a queue of my ladies all with a post-it note. They were naked except the last two and they were undressing as I watched.

"What are you all doing?" Nurse Morgan cried out.

Kelly looked at her in astonishment, "We're here to put our names down to take a semen sample from him." She said as though she was talking to a child. "And my hands aren't going to touch his cock. He can have any hole he wants." And she smiled in anticipation.

The nurse looked at Debbie just in front of Kelly, Debbie nodded. "Me too, I want to give him something to remember, and with all of you really pretty girls around I'm gonna have to work extra hard."

Kelly put her arms around Debbie, "How about we do two days and go twos up on him?"

Debbie looked at her, "Do you mean that?"

"Oh yes," Kelly replied, "he'll remember that, won't he." Kelly and Debbie hugged and then kissed.

"But WHY?" Nurse Morgan cried out. "Why are you all doing this for a paedophile?"

Sally was just passing her at the time and got the first blow in. Sally's arms were hardened from carrying heavy loads for years and she put all of her anger, rage and frustration into her blow. Nurse Morgan lifted off the ground and flew a couple of feet backwards while everyone else in the room heard Sally's wrist break with the power of the blow.

Nurse Morgan crashed onto her back on the floor and lay stunned. Sally stood over her, both hands clenched into fists, ready to finish her adversary, "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU CALL HIM?"

The nurse just whimpered and clutched her jaw.

I scrambled to my feet, Julia thrusting herself under my 'bad' shoulder to support me. I went and stood beside the nurse and held out my good hand to help her up.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked in a small voice.

"He's saving your life you bloody fool. Take his hand and let him help you up." Dr. Ross hissed at her. Nurse Morgan took my hand and I helped her up. "You have two choices now, leave immediately, or apologise to everyone here. If you decide to stay then I am sure that you will be made to strip naked like they do. It's your choice."

"I'll stay," she said.

"Why?" I demanded.

She dropped her head, "Because I'm about to lose my flat and be made homeless. Then I lose my job and everything." She looked at me. "I need this job. When I took it I didn't care if you killed and ate babies," she paused, shrugged her shoulders and looked around. "I just can't understand why they," she gestured to the ring of women surrounding her, "would be so keen to do this for you. Why do they treat you like this?"

"You'll find out, now get your kit off, slag." Sally stood in front of her like an avenging angel.

Nurse Morgan slowly undressed, she had no illusions that she wouldn't be naked in a few moments, she just tried to delay it for as long as she could.

"If she's not naked in thirty seconds throw the stupid bitch out!" Sally yelled.

The nurse finished undressing in time. She stood trying to cover her pubis with her hands.

"Stand up straight you fool, hands at your sides do you think we've never seen a vagina before?"

The nurse looked at me, "But..."

Sally grabbed her arm, "Look at the queue of women waiting to suck the cum out of him. Do you think your cunt is special or something?"

The nurse shook her head, "No," she replied in a subdued squeak. She dropped her hands to her sides.

"Good. Now go to the headboard and stick the girls' queue notes up. You're going to make sure everything runs properly. It'll help you to remember their names as well."

Then Sally collapsed.



-------

Chapter 23

To give Nurse Morgan her due, she was the first one down on the floor helping Sally. She and the doctor took her over to a chair and sat her down.

"Kelly," the doctor called, "do we still have the portable x-ray machine here?"

"Yes, Dr. Ross, I'll get it for you." Kelly replied.

"Kelly, give me your queue ticket. I'll put it up for you," said Debbie.

"Yes, and get my kiss from him as well I bet." Kelly said with a laugh.

Kelly left and I looked over at Sally in concern. Sally saw me watching and, with difficulty and in pain, she stood and came over to me. Julia got out of her way and Sally stood by my bed.

"Been a bad girl, Boss. Thumped the nurse." Tears flowed freely as she stood waiting for the pronouncement of her punishment.

"And the stupid nurse deserved it." I looked behind her Nurse Morgan was trying to defend Sally.

Sally turned, "Look, I'm trying to get a smacked bottom here, how about giving me a break eh?"

Nurse Morgan was shocked. "You want a spanking?"

Sally looked back at me, "The way he does it, oh yyyeeeaaahhh."

Dr. Ross interrupted then, "Sally I need you to come with me. I have to x-ray that wrist. And you Nurse Morgan would do well to ponder the question of why so many women freely want to provide sexual favours for someone that that paper," his tone of voice spoke eloquently about what he thought of the paper in question, "has said is a paedophile." He left taking Sally with him.

Julia pulled Nurse Morgan up to the headboard where the post-it notes were collecting. "Take the notes from them, read the name and say 'thank you... ' whoever." Julia looked at her, "By the way what is your name?"

"Nurse Morgan."

"No, your proper name," Julia laughed.

"Emiline."

"OK, Em, here's the next one."

Em took the note and read it, "Thank you, Kelly." Both Julia and Debbie laughed.

"I'm Debbie. Kelly had to go with Dr. Ross and Sally. Kelly was in the queue in front of me and I said I'd put her queue ticket in."

"Thank you, Debbie," Em sighed, "I'm never going to get the hang of this. There are so many of you."

"Don't worry," said Julie, "you know Debbie, the cook, always a good one to get friendly with. Me, I'm the Master's body slave."

"You don't mean that surely?" asked Em.

"Mean what?" asked Julia puzzled.

"That you're a slave." Em said with a smile.

"Oh yes, and so's my sister Karen and my Mum, Jo. And don't cross Karolina. She's a slave too but she's the Master's favourite. She's nice, but don't say anything against the Master when she's around. If she'd been here when you pissed off Sally then Karolina would have had a go. I think we'd still be mopping blood of the floor if that happened. You've met Elastic..."

"Elastic?" Em interrupted.

"Yes, some navy thing, sometimes she calls our Master 'Frosty'. Anyway, Elastic was the girl with the gun. If you'd pissed her off we'd be washing the walls, too. That gun is real and she really knows how to use it. Elastic is some kind of military protection and security type. I don't understand it myself but I know Master is impressed with her. He got her a promotion."

Em seemed to be a little worried hearing this so I held out my hand to her and she grasped it tightly. I was about to speak when Julia whispered something in Em's ear.

"Hello Em, I hope that we can get to know you better. I'm Paul, you can call me Paul."

Every one of them, all of the women still in the queue said, "Yes Sir." Followed by a timid "Yes Sir," from Em. Julia smiled at her, I glared at all of them.

"Julia!"

"Yes, Master," as she knelt on my bed.

"I can see spankings coming soon." I tried to growl.

"Oh yyeeaahh," Julia purred as she leant forward and let her hanging nipples brush gently across my chest.

"Em, I need to get back to the kitchens. I've got to bring his Lordship's breakfast up."

Em took the proffered post-it note, "Thank you, Clare."

I kissed Clare, "Hello, my precious. I haven't seen you for so long." I ran a hand over her smooth bum, my fingers slipping into the warm moist crack and finding a hot wet slit for me to play with for a moment.

"Don't you ever stop groping these women?" demanded Em.

"Hey, don't stop him. There's lots of us and only one of him. We want all we can get. And here's my ticket, I'm Jo by the way."

"Thank you, Jo." Em managed to say as Jo was taking Clare's place on my chest.

"Hi, Master. We were worried about you, Master, please be careful or next time they're going to get you."

"I know Jo. I didn't think that they'd try when we were coming back from the funerals."

"Get them, Master. Get them for all of us." Jo looked determined that we should visit justice and vengeance on the perpetrators of this hideous crime.

I kissed her again. "With your help, with all of us working to get them, we will. And if the law won't deal with them then we will. I promise you Jo, Joasia and June will have justice."

"That's good enough for me, Master." She dropped her head and we shared a kiss.

"Boss, breakfast you Julia."

I turned and saw Karolina, tears came to my eyes. When Jo had got off the bed Karolina placed the tray she was holding on the bed table and clasped me in a tight hug. I felt tears on my shoulder as she hugged me close.

I lifted her up and looked carefully at her, she looked terrible. Her skin was really pale and now lifeless, thick dark rings dropped below her eyes and her hair hung greasy and limp. She trembled as she lay in my arms, her whole body was taut.

I held her to me and squeezed her tight. I felt her relax. I kissed her forehead and murmured gently in her ear. Second later she was asleep. I waved every one away except Julia, she slowly fed me the single poached egg that was my breakfast and then I snuggled down with Karolina resting on my good arm and I joined her in sleep.

Later I woke because the bed was moving. Ela and Elastic were lifting Karolina, who was still fast asleep, out of the bed to place her on another bed beside ours. Then Em turned me on my side and I felt liquid move around the bed below me. Em touched a towel to my back and it felt like knives ripping my skin apart.

Elastic and Ela came back. Elastic saw that I was awake, "Boss, don't try to move. You've got huge open sores that were caused by the hospital leaving you to piss and shit yourself. Karolina wet the bed and it's burned through the cream we put on you. The doc's coming and he'll give you something for the pain."

Together, under the guidance of Em, they picked me up and placed me on a clean dry mattress. There wasn't a sheet and I realised why when Em sprayed me with warm water. This too hurt but I remembered that Karolina was asleep and tried to tough it out. In the end I was whimpering like a little girl.

"It OK Boss, Ela teach you swear if want." Karolina took my hand and I cried from the pain.

A sharp sting in my arm made me look up. Dr. Ross was smiling down at me, "This is going to help with the pain. I want to have a look at your back and bum but I expect to just reapply the cream and then give you another sleeping draught and some morphine for the pain. I shall also be leaving some Oramorph with Nurse Morgan so she can deal with this type of thing without waiting for me."

Dr. Ross helped me to stand and looked at my back. "I understand that you were in physical restraints for five days without any food and only two litres of saline delivered intravenously. During that time you were allowed to pass urine and faeces without being cleaned in any way. Unfortunately Karolina also wet herself this evening and that has triggered an adverse reaction from your previous burns." He looked at me, "Oh yes these are burns, chemical burns to be precise, and will hurt a lot for some time. We had been hoping that you would be over the worst of this before you realised the full extent of your injuries from that hospital."

Em gently applied a cream to my back and then they moved my bed to just behind me and I sat down. Em and Elastic helped me lay on my front and placed a framework over my back and bum. A light sheet was placed over the frame to keep draughts off me.

Karolina was distraught that she had caused me this pain and set back to my healing, "Elastic, bring Karolina's bed over here so we can be together." I said while Karolina held my hand.

"This girl bad girl, piss bed."

"I pissed the bed too. That's how I got like this."

"Me not tie down. Hurt Boss baddest."

"Then I shall have to think of a suitable punishment for you." I smiled at her.

Karolina smiled through her tears. "Can give girl Kelly gain."

"As I won't be able to make love with you for a while, perhaps I'll let you show me how you love yourself. I think that would be nice to watch."

"Can watch that anytime. Say girl frig self. Me frig good." Karolina was serious, I smiled at her. How do you tease a woman who is willing to do anything for you?

"Perhaps I should give you to Sasha." I suggested.

"That funny." Karolina smiled, "Sasha tease 'Lastic, 'Lastic not know." She chuckled, "'Lastic just need stand up Sasha, then be OK." What I could see and Karolina couldn't, was that Elastic was leaning over Karolina listening to this. And she wasn't actually impressed.

"Why haven't you told Elastic this?" I asked, stirring just a little.

"'Lastic not ask. Beside it funny, 'Sasha bite, Boss!'" she did a creditable imitation of Elastic's wail.

"Wuuuurrkle!" and she disappeared down the bed. Seconds later there were the sounds of someone getting a reasonable spanking.

Karolina, hair mussed up, a rub mark on her cheek and a slightly sour expression got back into bed and lay facing me. I was desperately trying not to laugh.

"'Lastic spank me bare bum Boss."

"Did she? I wonder why."

"Said me not tell about Sasha."

"Oh?"

"Boss not tell 'Lastic listen."

"No I didn't did I."

"No Boss not." Then Karolina's bed moved as Elastic got in behind her and cuddled up. I watched as her hands moved up Karolina's chest to cup and fondle her breasts and then Karolina turned her head and they kissed.

They didn't make love then but I went back to sleep watching then cuddle and fondle. A gentler love making than the hot and sweaty kind that leads to orgasm.

-------

I stood and let Dr. Ross examine me. My back felt much better than a week ago and I was able to walk two miles on the treadmill with ease. He poked and prodded as all doctors do, grunted and 'ummed' and 'ahhed'. Then, being unable to find any reason to keep me confined to the sick room, despite looking really hard, he pronounced me well. This now meant that I could have company in my bed again.

It also meant that Em was leaving. There were mixed feelings about this, Em just rubbed some people up wrong. She was an excellent nurse and the money she'd earned while working here would pay of a lot of her mortgage. But ... there was something just 'not right' about Em.

Jill brought in an instrument of torture, a daily diary. She thought that this damn thing was going to rule my life. I think she has a bit of a surprise coming. According to the FDD (fucking daily diary) Sasha has an appointment just after lunch for two hours. Now I was thinking about going to bed with Karolina and Julia. I need to find out if Julia's girl bits work properly. So the options are spend two hours talking business with Sasha or going to bed with two sexy girls. Ummmm that's a hard one.

How about going to bed with three sexy girls? That sounds better, and Sasha gets her two hours that she's booked. Suits me.

Unfortunately it didn't suite Karolina, and Julia wouldn't go against Karolina unless I specifically ordered her too. Bugger!

I went to my office and found that someone had been in here cleaning. Then I realised it must have been Karolina, no one else would have dared clean my office.

I sat and Jill came in with a pot of coffee and some cups. "Jill, I prefer tea and in a mug please," I said.

"Of course, my Lord."

"Call me Paul."

"Yes, Sir."

"Have you females been practicing that 'yes sir' thing?"

"I'm sure I couldn't say, my Lord." Jill replied as she left the room and stopped any further questioning.

Sasha came in with her smart slim 'I'm a dead posh solicitor' briefcase and a wheeled overnight case. "Are you staying?" I asked.

"Yes but my stuff is already here. I keep some stuff here all the time now." She smiled. "I'm glad to see you up and about Paul, You had us all very worried. My staff have been working overtime trying to sort your affairs out."

"Your staff? Do tell."

"Well, I have so much work from you that I've taken on six more solicitors and ten legal clerks. I've had to take over the whole building as well. I wanted you to be the first one to see this." And she lifted out a heavy brass door plate; it simply said "Dempsey".

I held this and could see that Sasha was a little concerned about my opinion of it. "I think that this is absolute class. I can see this being put up in Lincoln's Inn Fields soon."

I smiled and went round to her. "Oh, Sasha, I am so proud of you." I hugged her and we kissed.

"Now, Paul, I'm afraid we've got a lot of work to get through. First your divorce. Your soon to be ex wife was told about your lottery win and wants her share. I suggest that we offer her ten million and a set of original DNA test reports." Sasha paused and I paled slightly.

"Which ones aren't mine?" I asked.

"Only Katie is yours." Sasha waited for my reaction. Terry and Karen, I had brought up believing that I was their natural father. As Katie, the youngest, was in her mid-twenties there wouldn't be any problems over child support or anything like that. This was about me paying maintenance for a wife who had deserted me as soon as she thought I was earning enough to keep her comfortable.

"I have an idea, have you got an appointment booked with her solicitors soon?"

Sasha nodded, "Tomorrow."

"Cancel it, tell them you're waiting on a DNA retest and you should have the results back, oh say, beginning of next week. Let them chew on that and tell Janet the good news."

"Oh I like it, especially a retest, that really twists the knife." Sasha chuckled.

"Now for some good news. The renovation teams have started their own company and you have fifty-one percent equity." She handed me a cheque, twenty-two million pounds. Not too shabby I thought. "That's last month's dividend. They're giving the share dividend monthly this year as most of the workers need a monthly income. However, from next April they are going on to a six monthly cycle which will allow them to use the held capital for expansion."

She looked up at me. "Do I need this money right now or can it wait until, say, April?"

Sasha sniggered. "Paul, taking into account all that you have spent since we first met, and allowing for your wife to receive one hundred million, you would still have nearly two hundred million pounds free and clear, and that doesn't count nearly five hundred million pounds worth of ex-council housing stock."

"So the renovations teams,"

"City & Country Renovations Ltd." Sasha interrupted.

I smiled, "So, City & Country Renovations Ltd can hold on to my dividends until April and that'll give them some expansion capital."

Sasha smiled and pulled a thick pack of contracts from her wheelie bag. "I thought that you'd say that. Sign here, here, here, by the X's on this page and on the bottom of all of the rest of the pages."

I smiled and looked at the contracts, they were already signed 'on behalf of City & Country Renovations Ltd'. "Any problem getting them to sign?" I asked.

"No, they called an old friend of yours and signed immediately."

"Oh, who was that?" I asked.

"Tadeusz." She said with a smile.

"Now the council renovations. Four of the ten councils have signed and I expect the other six to sign as soon as they realise that I'll drop my investigations into their corruption when they sign." I wasn't happy about that but trusted Sasha so I let it slide. "I know what you're thinking, that these bastards shouldn't get away with their corruption. Well I agree with you and I do understand that a small, not-for-profit company is already looking into their affairs. But they do it very, very quietly." I felt a bit better for that, but it still gripped my shit that they might get away with this.

"I have also been approached by thirteen more councils and four London boroughs who seem to be keen to take up similar offers for you to renovate and look after their housing stock."

"Now, a new company I set up on your behalf. 'Annabel Investigations' is a not-for-profit company whose stated purpose is to clean up local politics by looking for corruption in local officials." Sasha smiled and so did I. We'll get the bastards.

"Another new company 'Junes Lingerie Designs' is a design house using your ideas for underwear designs. JLD had licensed your ideas to forty Chinese manufacturers. Each license cost an initial payment of quarter of a million pounds sterling, and a royalty of one tenth of a penny for each item of clothing which uses your ideas. Estimated royalties for the next financial year is based on the low estimate of forty-five billion items. That is forty-five million pounds." Sasha looked at me, "Forty five million just because you like looking at tits." She shook her head. "Jeez, only you could have had the luck to pull that off."

"Next?" I said to get Sasha away from my fixation with the female figure (especially tits!)

"Kelly may have been exceeding her authority, but as she's made things work so far I let this go until I could speak to you."

"Oh, has Kelly been a naughty girl? Do I spank her bare botty?"

"Yes, you need to spank her bare botty, and Karolina's and Julia's and Sally's and..."

"What for?"

"Oh nothing, I just want to watch. I'll bring Nina if you like." Sasha licked her lips in anticipation.

I gave her one of 'those' looks.

"Damn." She shook her head. "Perhaps I should get Daddy to invite you and a couple or three of your women up to the country for one of his weekends." She looked thoughtful for a moment, "Anyway, back to Kelly, even if I can't watch you spank her naked sweating bottom, watching her taut flesh turn red from the merciless blows you rain down on the helpless girl..."

"Sasha!" I interrupted.

"Oh OK, back to work, slave driver. Now I know why Karolina loves you so much. Right Kelly, with her reddened bum, OK I'll behave." We laughed.

"Kelly has been managing the Crynos and the Coralline. Well she turned the Coralline round and made a profit in the first three months. Now she has bought another hotel, this one just off the south bank. Centrally placed and at a good price. And Daddy didn't even hear about this one."

"Who found it for her?" I asked.

Sasha just gave me the standard female 'silly boy' look, "Karolina?" I said.

"Karolina," agreed Sasha.

"And how is the new place?" I asked.

"Like I said making a profit. But Kelly's position is a little ambiguous legally. She's just a manager..."

"I called her my managing director when I got shut of that snotty concierge." I reminded Sasha.

"Thanks. That's OK then, she's a company officer and can legally make that sort of decision and purchase."

"How about we setup another company to look after our hotel businesses and put her in charge of it."

Sasha rooted round in the wheelie bag again and pulled out another thick contract. "What post should she hold?" She asked looking at me.

"CEO and Managing Director should do." I replied.

Sasha pushed the contract in front of me, "Sign here, here and here."

"Not at the bottom of each page?" I teased.

Sasha looked shocked, "Not on this form of contract, do you want to invalidate it?"

I leant forward and stroked her cheek, "I'm sorry, precious. I was just teasing."

"Humph!"

So I stuck my tongue out at her.

"Now, if we can get back to business." She glared at me. Unfortunately I laughed. This was a mistake.

Sasha jumped across the desk and landed sitting on me. She started tickling me and I started tickling her; as she was fully dressed and I was naked, I was at a disadvantage. Having a woman sat astride my thighs and squirming, especially as I had only been allowed a single cum a day for the last week, caused the obvious reaction. My cock grew and found naked skin above it. Somewhere around there was its target. And Sasha helped it, reaching down she rubbed me along her wet slit and then pressed me into her entrance. Sasha sank down on me and sighed, "Oh, I've been waiting for this." She gently rocked herself on my thighs, occasionally going deep, sometimes shallow. I opened her blouse and played with her small firm tits as she fucked herself on my so willing cock.

We kissed and made slow, slow love. Sasha grasped me tight and bit my shoulder as she came. Her cunt muscles drew my cum out of me. Satiated we sat cuddling and kissing, running our hands over the other. Sasha looked at me, "I missed you so much," and she kissed me. Then she got up and, shedding her few remaining clothes, sat back in her chair and said, "Last thing," and she looked at me all business again. Ah well, time to pretend to be a grown up again.

"The two nurses and care assistants who were supposed to look after you in the hospital, one of them is American and due to fly back in a few days. What do you want done with them? The American was the worst and it is doubtfully that we could get her extradited from the US to face deliberate neglect charges."

I thought for quite a while, while Sasha looked at me. Finally I picked up the phone and dialled, "Karolina, I need you in the office now!" and hung up.

Karolina came in before Sasha had a chance to ask what I wanted her for.

"Karolina, have you seen a movie called 'The Net'. It starred Sandra Bullock."

Karolina looked at Sasha and back to me. "No Boss, not see."

"Well, Karolina, find it and buy it and watch it. Then when you have watched it Sasha will have some names for you."

"OK Boss. Get block busters now."

With a final kiss Sasha left to go back to her offices.

As Sasha left Jill entered my office.

"My Lord, I have a question." She looked at the seat that Sasha had been sitting on and must have seen the semen that had dripped out of her onto the seat. Nevertheless she sat down on the seat without a visible sign of discomfort.

"Oh and what might that be Jill."

"Why haven't you had your way with me yet?"

"Oh! Err ... Oh."



-------

Chapter 24


"Jill, I hope that you will have noticed that I don't 'have my way' with any of my sexual partners. I really do try to make love with them rather than have my way."

"Yes, I have noticed that you are unusually considerate, however you do ... take control ... of some of your ladies, and just fuck them."

"Is that what you like, Jill?"

"Err ... what do you mean?"

"Do you like someone to take control of you?"

She looked a little unsure now.

"Do you like being told what to do, Jill?"

Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times.

"Answer me, Jill, now."

"Yes, Sir."

"Yes what, Jill?"

"Yes I do like being told what to do. It frees me from responsibility. I don't have to worry about right or wrong or appropriate or anything. I'd have been told what to do."

"And what would you do if I told you to, Jill?"

"Anything, Sir, anything. That's how I got into my trouble. I did what he told me to and it was wrong. But I did it and he denied that he had been there."

"And what did you do, Jill?"

"I stole some money from my employer."

"And have you stolen anything else?"

"Oh no, my Lord, and I haven't stolen from you." She looked downhearted. "I'll go and clear my desk now, my Lord."

"Why?" I asked.

"Surely you're not going to want to keep me in a position of trust now that you know I am a thief."

"Yes, I want to keep you here as you're good at your job. And don't call me Shirley." The old ones are the best.

Jill looked puzzled, "That's a joke," I said, now she just looked a little confused.

"Oh," she said, "that's the sort of thing you use instead of a sense of humour."

Ummm ... This girl has been speaking to Kelly too much.

"Why don't you go and ask a few of the girls if I have ever 'just fucked' them. And then we can talk about why I haven't 'had my way' with you."

Jill stood and started walking to the door. "Jill, you have a semen stain on the back of your skirt. Perhaps you should give it to me." She stopped dead in her tracks, hesitated for only a second then reached behind to unbutton and unzip her skirt. Bending forward from her waist she eased her skirt over her hips and to the floor and stepped out of it. I had a wonderful view of her nice bum as she did so. And I thought I noticed something else too.

"Here is my skirt, my Lord," she said as she handed me the folded garment.

"Thank you. Turn around I think I noticed something when you were bent over." Jill turned and I ran my hand over her knickers. "Better bend over again just to make sure," I ordered her. She bent over and, with legs still straight, placed her hands palm down on the floor. Now I had a perfect view of her knickers and the hot woman they contained. Again I ran my hand over the silky material, making sure that I pressed my finger tips into her little rosebud and long wet slit. I felt the tip of her clit protruding above its protective hood and teased that for a few seconds.

"I thought so, these are wet too, you'd better leave then with me and I'll get them cleaned for you. I can't imagine how the stains came to be on that chair." And I pulled her knickers down to her ankles. Now I could see her slit very well and I found it to be almost hidden by a little jungle. I stroked her slit for a couple of minutes but felt my ardour dropping. I really do prefer a shaven pussy.

I released her, "You can get up now." She stood again and turned toward me. She stood with parted legs, both hands straightening her hair, bare from the waist down. Her mound wasn't as wild as Jo's was when she first came, but it was au natural.

"Don't worry about these, Jill, I'll get them cleaned and return them as soon as I can."

"Thank you, my Lord. You do try to look after your staff." She smiled at this, then turned and left the room. I really do like looking at a naked woman as she walks, the sway of her hips and the circular movement of her buttocks. Now I think I need a hot woman or a cold shower. I think I know which would be easiest to get in this place. Ah well, it's a hard life, but some one's got to live it.

Just as I was laid back ruminating on my pleasant life there was a timid knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened just enough to allow two girls to enter. I recognised them as part of the cleaning staff for the private areas.

"Please come in and take a seat, err not that one, it has a wet patch." I pulled two comfortable chairs over to my desk as they watched wide-eyed.

"Now what can I do for you ladies?"

The one on my right looked round her for the 'ladies'.

"I have a problem, my Lord. And Mrs. Bakewell said that if you couldn't help me then no one could." The one on the left said, wringing her hands.

"Well, first of all perhaps you would tell me your names." I said.

"Cathy, my Lord, and my lo ... my friend is Jane," said the problem child.

"Well, Cathy, what is your problem and how can I help?"

I looked at the two, obviously frightened, girls sitting in front of me. Their body language screamed out LOVERS to me. The way they sat leaning towards each other and the way their hands unconsciously kept moving toward the other for support and comfort. These two were bed mates, possibly life mates.

"I'm pregnant, my Lord."

"And what is the problem with that?"

"Well, my Lord, I don't know what to do." Cathy had tears running down her cheeks.

Ummm ... I stood and took the two girls over to the informal area of the office, and sat them on the sofa. "Jane, Cathy needs a cuddle. I think that you could do with one too. Why don't you two just hold each other for a moment while I get us some refreshments?" They held each other and I phoned Debbie, "Debbie tea and stickies for three in my office please."

"T and S for three, five minutes, my Lord," she acknowledged.

"We don't want to get sacked, my Lord, we like working for you." Jane was as frightened as Cathy.

"Why would you lose your jobs?" I asked, quite puzzled.

"One of the girls says you'd sack us both if'en I was pregnant and I am." She held out a half destroyed pregnancy test strip. By now it would be almost impossible to identify its brand let alone the results of a test.

"Well, Cathy, the first thing that we do is get you to a doctor and have a full test done. That will take a few days though so we'll accept the results of your test for now." I looked at the two girls, both were hanging onto my every word.

"Now what are your options and what do you want to do?"

"My Lord, I don't know what to do. Me 'n' Jane have been talking for hours and we've missed half a shift and we still don't know what we can do."

"Well, let me sort out one thing right away." As I was about to get up Debbie came in pushing a trolley holding our refreshments. "Oh good. Tea and stickies. Cathy would you pour please I have a quick call to make. Debbie, how is Sally's arm?"

"She has a cast on it now and is getting upset at not being able to do anything. But it doesn't hurt anymore."

"Thank you, Debbie, tell Sally I'm thinking of her please." I smiled as she left the room. "Now Mrs. Bakewell," I looked up her number on a sheet of paper taped next to the phone and dialled her extension. It rang twice and then answered.

"Bakewell."

"Good afternoon Mrs Bakewell, This is Paul, I'm calling about Cathy and Jane. They are with me and are to be booked in as having done their full shifts today. They are also to be given two days compassionate holiday. That should sort out the rest of the week. OK?"

"Who is this and what's this about Cathy and June? I've been looking for them."

"I am Paul..."

"Yes of course you are and you're having tea with two of my cleaners in your office I suppose?" I looked at the cups on the table.

"Err, yes actually."

"Stop messing me about and tell those girls I want them back here at the rush or they really will be seeing his lordship, and the real one at that!" And the phone went dead.

I looked at the phone for a minute thinking. I dialled Kelly's number. She picked it up on the first ring. "Hello, my Lord."

"I'm glad that you believe I'm me," I said, "Mrs. Bakewell didn't." Kelly laughed.

"Kelly will you please get her to your office, Cathy and Jane are here with me," I looked at the cups again, "having a cup of tea in my office while we talk over some things. They are to be booked in as having done a full shift today and be given two days compassionate holiday. That's this week sorted out, we'll worry about next week on Monday."

"OK, Boss, done shifts and two days CL. What about Mrs. Bakewell?"

I sighed. "Kelly my managers must know who I am when I call them." I thought for a moment, "Invite her for dinner with us tonight, if she can't make that I can give her an hour tomorrow morning, better check that with Jill and the FDD."

"OK, Boss, I'll get it sorted." We hung up.

"Right that's two problems sorted. You are fine for your shifts for today and you have time to think about what you want to do."

Cathy looked up at me white faced. "I want to keep the baby." She admitted.

"OK, that part was easy, now where do you need help?"

"I don't know anything about having a baby." Cathy confessed.

"Cathy, you are the one with the physical equipment to bear and raise a child, not me." And I smiled at her.

She looked puzzled so I pointed at her chest and crotch. Seconds later the penny dropped and her hands flew to her breasts and crotch. "Oh, I'm so sorry, my Lord. We forgot," and saying that she jumped up and stripped her work dress off. Jane was equally naked in an equal time.

Since Karolina changed the working clothes from buttoned dresses to zipped ones I think I have noticed that some of the girls seem to have practiced taking them off. I swear that some of the girls can strip naked in two seconds or less.

"Why did you do that?" I asked quite puzzled. Don't get me wrong I like looking at naked girls, I really like looking at naked girls, and their being pregnant doesn't interfere with their beauty at all. I just wonder why they thought they had to get naked for me.

"One of the girls said..."

I interrupted, "was this the same one who said you were going to be sacked?"

"Oh no, my Sir. I can't rightly remember who said it, but it wasn't Jerry."

"So what did this girl say then?"

"She said that every girl what comes in here has to take all her clothes off for you, everyone and everything."

"Ah, and did you see Jill leaving here without her skirt and panties?"

"Oh yes, my Sir. That's how we knew it was true."

Right, how do I get out of this one.

"But she was still wearing her blouse."

"Oh yes, Lord Sir, but she's senior management so she must have a dispensation."

"Err ... why don't you just call me Paul, it'd be much easier."

"Yes Sir," they said in unison.

They had practiced that, I'm sure of it. It's a conspiracy. Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in-for-me.

"Cathy, Jane, undressing is a game I play with some of the women who come in here. None of them have to get undressed and they are free to leave whenever they want."

They both looked a little unsure.

"But you do like looking at undressed girls don't you?"

"Oh yes I like looking, and if you show any skin I will look. However I will only touch when you have given your permission."

"How do I do that?" asked Jane.

"You just say it. If you don't want to allow me to do something then say so. And don't forget you can say 'no' at any time. If you say 'no' I will respect that. I have enough women willing to share my bed and do whatever I want with them that I don't have to force an unwilling woman."

Jane stood up and turned round showing me her naked body, "You can touch me if you want. I'm not very experienced at sex but I'm willing to learn."

Cathy sat with tears dropping from her eyes. "Why are you so upset Cathy?" I asked.

"You won't want me now I'm spoilt."

"What has spoilt you?"

"Well I'm preggers, aint I."

"And do you think that I wouldn't want a pregnant woman in my bed?"

"But it's not yours!"

I leant forward and held her hands, "No, it's yours." She looked at me then comprehension spread through her.

"Could I come into your bed?" Cathy asked shyly.

"The real question, Cathy, is do you want to get into my bed. Knowing that I would make love with you and that there would be at least one other person in there as well?"

Cathy was wide-eyed now, her nipples ridged with her excitement and anticipation. "Who would be in bed with us?"

"Don't you want Jane holding your hand the first time? Don't you want to hold her hand when I first make love with her?"

"Oh yesss..." Cathy hissed. Jane nodded, their hands clasped so tightly that their knuckles showed white.

"So you now need to go and talk about what help you need to keep the baby. And tomorrow you need to see a good doctor, ask Jill about that, she knows our health plan and will make an appointment for you. Now what's your room's phone number so I can contact you if I need to."

"Mine's three two one seven, Sir," said Cathy

Jane added, "And mine's fifty one-twelve, Sir."

The numbers showed that the rooms weren't even on the same floor. "Don't you want to share a room?" I asked.

"The double rooms are all big ones, too posh for the likes of us, we're only cleaners." Jane said scandalised.

"Jane, you and Cathy are people. If you want to share a room then go and see Kelly, Ms Hanson, and ask her for a large, make that a large double, no, a two bedroom suite. You're going to need the room with the baby and I don't see why you should move twice. If you like I'll have a word with Ms Hanson for you." Both Cathy and Jane nodded at my suggestion.

I dialled Kelly's number again and, as usual, she answered on the first ring. "Room fifty two-thirteen, it's a suite with two large bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom, a sitting room, main bathroom and a small kitchen," said Kelly before I could say a word.

"And their stuff?" I asked, hoping to catch her out.

"Being moved as we speak." I could hear the smugness in her voice. But I knew this time she had a right to be smug.

"That's great Kelly. How much did you win from this one?"

"Fifty this time, Sasha was the victim."

"How do you always know it's me when I call?"

"Oh, that's simple, I have two phones, only you have the number to this one." And she was laughing as she hung up.

I turned to the girls, "Your things are being moved to room five two one three."

"But that's one of the big suites! We can't afford anything that posh," Cathy almost squealed.

"I didn't think you paid for your rooms here? Am I wrong?" They looked confused.

I picked up the phone again and called Kelly. "Kelly, do the staff pay anything for their room or food?"

"Course not, Boss, you were very specific on that one. Who said they did?"

"These girls thought that they paid for their rooms. Can I ask you to investigate?"

"Fucking right, Boss. Don't worry I'll get to the bottom of this. Can you ask them to come straight over to see me?"

"I will, Kelly. Love you." I replied.

"Love you too, Boss." And she hung up.

I turned to the girls, "Ms Hanson would like to see you when we have finished." I noticed their apprehension at going to see Ms Hanson, "Don't worry, I want you to speak with Ms Hanson and answer all of her questions. If you answer fully and truthfully then you will be safe, even if you have been a little naughty. I want to make sure that no one is taking advantage of my staff. I value all of my staff, I agreed to employ all off you, I read your personnel files and CV's before you signed your employment contracts with me."

I looked them in the eyes and they seemed a little more relaxed.

"Now, do you know what you have to do over the next couple of days?"

Both nodded, Cathy held her hand up, "If we need some more help can we come back to you?"

I smiled, "Of course you can. And you can even keep your clothes on next time if you want."

They looked at each other, "If you don't mind, Sir Lord," said Jane, "we'd feel more in our place if we took them off." And Cathy nodded.

Ah well. I suppose I'll be forced to look at their naked bodies, their long slender thighs and taught trim stomachs rising above their smooth pubic mounds, their firm young breasts high on their chests, their tight firm bottoms, whenever they're in my office.

Bugger, I think that I really do need that cold shower now.

I stood up and led them to the door. Jill was waiting so, as Cathy and Jane left, Jill entered. She walked over to my desk and, sighing, I went there too.

I sat down in my chair and leant my elbows on my desk.

Jill placed a small stack of yellow post-it notes on my desks. "I asked seventeen women if they had been fucked by you. All seventeen said no, you only ever made love to your bed partner."

I smiled. Then looked down at the pile of post-its. Pointing to them I raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"There are thirteen volunteers for a good fucking when you have..." We were interrupted by the door opening and Jane scurrying in with two more post-it notes. These she added to the pile.

"We've just heard there's a chance of getting fucked, we wanted to join the queue." Then she almost ran out of the room.

Jill looked at me again, raised an eyebrow and continued, "As I was saying, there are," she paused meaningfully, "fifteen volunteers for a good fucking when you can find time. Three ladies were indisposed due to the time of the month and one who said that she just wanted to die. I think she was having a bad period and I have called the doctor for her."

I waited for Jill to present her conclusions.

"And I have come to the conclusion that it is I who is doing something wrong, or not doing something right if my objective is to make love with you," Jill said somewhat downheartedly.

"So what are you going to do now?" I asked.

"I am going to ask for advice from some of the more experienced of your ladies," she smiled when she said this.

"And is there anything that I can do?" I asked.

"Well my immediate answer," her eyes flickered to the couch, "would be to say lay me on the couch and make love with me." Her tongue flicked across her lips wetting them.

"Unfortunately, I have made a promise to Julia to take her to bed this evening and make sure all of her girl bits work. I cannot break that promise." I was sad that I had to disappoint Jill. She's a very nice woman, and once she got to know you she shows that she is intelligent, friendly, a rapier wit with an ability to laugh at herself, she's good at her job and manages the office nearly as well as Joasia did. All round I would like to take Jill to my bed, or the couch or the floor or anywhere.

"Thank you, my Lord," she said as she got up. I stood too. She walked round the desk to me and leaned forward to kiss me, her tongue easing its way into my mouth. As I raised my arms to hold her she guided one hand to her breast and the other to her naked bum. I stroked her bum, my fingers disappearing into the crack and finding a wet slit hidden within, while my other hand fondled her breast, its nipple plump and hard pressing into my palm.

Breaking the kiss Jill closed her eyes and tilted her head back. She almost purred as I continued fondling her. I leant forward and kissed her exposed throat, nipping the skin with my teeth.

"Ummmmpppp," she grunted as a mini orgasm swept through her. She looked at me, "I'd better go before there's nothing left for Julia." She walked to the door with an extra sway to her hips.

I looked at the clock and then the pile of work sitting there that I still had to get through today. With a sigh I sat down and pulled the next folder to me.



-------

Chapter 25




It only seemed like five minutes had passed before Julia came in carrying a clothes stand with trousers and a polo shirt for me to wear at dinner.

I looked at my in tray, it had less stuff in it than the out tray but not by much. Feeling tired, I stood and let Julia dress me. If I hadn't invited Mrs. Bakewell to dinner then I'm sure I would have worked on and just had a sandwich, or rather Debbie would have delivered a sandwich that I would have had a single bite out of before I forgot about it due to this mountain of work.

Dinner wasn't the relaxed easy time that it usually was. Mrs. Bakewell, trying to impress, had dressed up in her best. When I entered she asked me to get her a glass of wine and objected to the way I served it to her. "I have been invited here by Lord Paul himself, you know, and he will hear of this," she told me in a high pitched whining voice.

"I'm sure I shall," I agreed as I sat at the head of the table, the look of shock and horror on her face was a delight to behold. Julia came and knelt beside me in her favourite place. Karolina wasn't at dinner she was still working on her project, something that she and Ela seemed to be doing more and more of lately.

"Is that girl naked?" Mrs. Bakewell asked.

I looked at Julia, she sure was! "Julia, stand up, arms high." Julia stood up and held her arms up high. Now everyone at the table could easily see her nudity. "Turn round." Julia slowly turned to allow us to look at her front and back. When she faced me again I said, "Kneel," and she resumed her place by my side. "Yes, she is definitely naked." I said.

"But why?" Mrs. Bakewell continued.

"Because I haven't allowed her any clothes for the last couple of weeks." I looked at Mrs. Bakewell. I really should have seen her in my office, I thought. "She is my slave and is happy as she is." Julia smiled up at me and nodded then rubbed her cheek against my leg, a sure sign of her happiness.

"But surely she should be dressed for dinner." Mrs. Bakewell insisted.

"Well, usually most of us are naked for dinner," I gestured to the rest of the people at the table, "it is only because we have you as a guest that we are dressed ourselves."

Perhaps I should have thought about the dining room staff when I was having this conversation because Mrs Bakewell dropped her wine glass when Katie came out of the kitchen carrying the soup tureen, and completely naked. The two equally nude waitresses that rushed to mop up the spillage and lay a new table cloth over that section of the table only shocked her more.

Kelly had had enough by then, she stood, "Mrs. Bakewell, please come with me. Katie, please ask Debbie to serve our dinners in the breakfast room." And Kelly led her from the room.

Sasha looked at the door, "I never thought you would employ someone like that."

"Tonight was the first time I've met her. I looked over her CV and work record and she's good at keeping the place clean and the beds made. Kelly interviewed her though."

We heard Kelly's raised voice through the door, though we couldn't actually hear the individual words it was obvious that she was not happy.

"I think that Kelly's reading Mrs. Bakewell her horrorscope." I said. Sasha caught the pronunciation.

"Her 'horrorscope'?" Sasha queried.

"Yeah," as I handed Julia a few green beans, "it's like a horoscope, only all bad." I smiled at her and she laughed. For a few moments more we listened to Kelly still explaining the facts of life to Mrs. Bakewell.

We ate our meals in quiet. I fed Julia and she cuddled close to my leg while she chewed her food. Some gravy dripped onto her breast and no one complained when she stood to allow me to lick her soiled breast clean, and suck a little on its nipple of course.

I did not fancy the dessert and as Julia eats from my plate she didn't have any either. "I'm sorry ladies, but I am going to go to bed early tonight. I wish you all a pleasant evening and good night with a good night's sleep." I said as I stood to leave the table.

I went to the Joasia room first and held Julia in front of me cuddling her while I looked at the painting.

Julia turned to face me, she held my head and kissed me. "Master, I can never replace Joasia and I'm not going to try. I know you still love her, I hope that you will come to love me like that too." She dropped her head, "I think that I love you. I know that you don't love me in the way I love you and I wouldn't expect you too. I know how much you love Karolina and I admire her tremendously. She does love you, you know. She won't admit it because she's a good slave girl, but she really does love you. I wish I was as good a slave as she is."

"Do you want to be owned by me, by anyone? Do you really want to be a slave?" I asked her.

She thought for a minute, "When we left you and went for the ice cream we were free. Free for nearly half an hour. It frightened us, all of us. We didn't know who would look after us or tell us what to do. We didn't have anyone we could depend on. We have been brought up to depend on our Master. You look after us, feed us," she smiled and ran fingertips over the slightly red line where the hot gravy had spilt, "and you love us. You love all of us. And you are really tired and you still want to take me to bed and make love to me as though I were a freewoman. When you could just tell me to sleep in the corner and give you peace." She looked me in the eye, "Please, my Master, let us sleep for a little while to give you rest. Then we can have a shower and you can show me what it is like to make love."

I kissed her nose, which she twitched, so I kissed it again and smiled. "Let's sleep until midnight and then I'll try and make you wake the others with your squeals." Julia blushed at this thought. She could walk naked among her friends but the thought that they might hear her climax cries embarrassed her.

We went to bed and I held her spooned to my chest, she took the arm she was using as her pillow and placed its hand on her breast, my other hand she placed on her hot, wet slit, trapping it there with her tightly closed legs. My semi-hard cock nuzzled into her arse crack, warm and looking forward to being buried deep inside this young girl.

The alarm woke me at twelve. We were still spooned together and my moving to switch off the alarm woke Julia too. She stretched arms, thrust above her head, and arched her slim body. I pushed the duvet down and looked at her body as she stretched, I ran my hand over her elongated breast, its mass almost pulled completely into her chest, its dark nipple pulled into a long oval.

I took this compressed nipple into my mouth and sucked hard on it, pulling it into my mouth to be trapped between my tongue and the rough roof of my mouth. Julia gasped at the feelings that this caused but she still held herself outstretched for me.

I ran my hand down her extended body, feeling the individual bones of her ribs and then the tightness of her stomach. Her mound seemed to press into my fingers and the start of her slit grabbed at me. Still sucking on her teat I dipped a finger into her vagina, gathering her slick oils to coat her opening sex.

"Take me, Master. Take me like a master should take a slave. Take me for you pleasure, my Master, and make me your girl." I looked up at her but she had her eyes closed, a sheen of sweat glistened on her top lip and forehead. I pressed two fingers into her and she tilted her head back and gasped. She parted her legs and I climbed between her thighs. I rubbed the head of my cock along her slit getting it slick with her copious juices, then pressed against her tight entrance. It took a bit of pressure to force my cock's head in to her tight tunnel but it popped in and she gasped again, Her legs swung over mine and hooked behind my thighs, this opened her a little more and I slowly sank deep, deep into her, to feel my cock head hit her cervix.

Julia was now panting; she had a tight grip on the bars of the headboard and was submitting herself to me totally. Lifting up on my arms I started to saw in and out, to pound into her deep and hard. I watched as her tits bounced with each thrust. She turned her head to the side and bit the skin of her arm, she squirmed under the relentless pounding into her cunt. Then she stiffened and gave a thin keening wail. Her back arched and her hips lifted my weight of the bed. I thrust into her harder and faster as she remained rigid in her orgasm. Her lungs ran out of air and her keening stopped but she remained supporting me high above the bed. The muscles in her cunt still rippled along my cock, trying to milk my seed from me, but I wasn't ready yet. She relaxed back onto the bed and her cunt loosened a little. She gasped in breath and looked at me, blinking as her sweat stung her eyes.

"Thank you, my Master. This girl is..." she got no further as I flipped her onto her stomach and then parted her legs wide. "Ohhh..." she gasped. I dipped my fingers into the girl juices running from her cunt and used these to lubricate her arse. "Ohhh..." She realised where I was going next and I could feel her sphincter relax and allow my fingers entry. I pressed my cock against her tight rosebud and she pressed back against me. With a pop I pressed into her. The feelings were similar to her cunt, hot and tight, but the slickness was missing and she dragged against my skin as I thrust forward. She threw her head back as I pressed my full length into her. Feeling the root of my cock press against her and my balls hit the wetness of her slit I paused for a moment to allow us both to get accustomed to these feelings.

I rested my weight on her back and she sighed, "Oh, Master, this feels so good. To feel you pressing me down with your prick deep in my arse is so good." She lifted herself up onto her elbows and I slipped my hands under her to grasp and tug on her tits. Her head came back and turned toward me and we kissed. She was ferocious in her ardour, sucking my tongue deep into her mouth and pressing her tongue into mine.

I started fucking her arse, slow long strokes that almost pulled me out of her and then thrust her up the bed a little on the return. She thrust back against me meeting my strokes with her own. Her panting became moans and then louder cries of ecstasy. With one hand I tormented a breast groping and pulling on it, grasping its flesh and squeezing tight, pulling the nipple as far as I could from her body and she cried louder and louder. I thrust my other hand beneath her and found her slit. I found the hard nubbin that was her clit, hard and extended from its hood now. I gathered more of her juices and coated her nubbin with this slickness, then started to nip and stroke this with my slippery fingers.

With a loud cry she came, extending herself full length on the bed, arms and legs stretched out fully, muscles taught and ligaments tightly visible. She gasped and panted for a few moments and then relaxed onto the bed again.

"My Master is good to this girl. My Master has one hole left to test." She said. I still had not cum yet and knew that I would not last long in her mouth.

"Then let us get clean and we'll test the last hole." I said.

I lifted off her, reluctantly pulling from her hot tight tunnel, and lay beside her. Julia lay alongside me and leaned forward to kiss me. Her tongue flickered into my mouth, teasing me. She gentle held my cock and stroked the slimy skin. Then she bent down and took me into her mouth. Her tongue glided over my rigid cock and I gasped, my body on fire with the feelings she was generating in me.

I tried to pull her off but she just looked at me. "This is what a slave does, Master. It isn't new for me." She smiled and her head dipped once more and the fire started again. I knew I wouldn't last most than a few seconds in her hot cauldron with its fiery tongue swiping round and round. She pulled up so only the head was being held by her lips, she sank down again taking me further and further into her throat. I felt a sudden squeeze and then a tightness that moved up my cock as she buried her nose into my pubic hair.

Her fingers played around my balls, pulling and scratching them. She teased my arse and pressed in a couple of times and then, when I felt my cum start to boil over, she gently squeezed them and thrust her middle finger all the way into my arse. I held her head onto my cock as I shot string after string of cum straight down her throat.

She released my balls and gently pulled out of my arse, sawing in and out a couple of times to force a few more drops of cum from me. I released her head and she pulled back, easing me out of her throat. She cleaned my shrinking cock with her tongue and held it's now flaccid length in her warm mouth for a few moments.

"You never ask us to do things for you. Don't you like them?" she asked.

"What sort of things?" I knew that all of my girls did a lot for me and I was grateful for everything that they did.

"Some men like a girl to just hold their penis in their mouth, keep it warm, not to make them cum, just pleasure them. Some men, and women, like to use their slaves as toilets, they piss in them and the girl or boy has to keep up with the flow or get punished. I think women like this pissing into their slaves more because it is so difficult for the slave to cope with her flow."

She thought for a few moments, licking the underside of my cock as she did so. "Most men like to watch two or three girls fuck each other, some women like that as well, but most of them prefer to watch two or three boys together."

She looked up at me, "Karolina was right about Karen, she's expecting to be called and used as a pain slave. She knows her tits are too sensitive and she's expecting to be whipped or have the needles or a cane. She's especially worried about being caned on her tits, that'd really hurt her."

She tilted her head, "Why haven't you handcuffed me since you've had me? Men like some bondage and I would be totally at your mercy."

I pulled her up to me, "Aren't you totally at my mercy now? If I tell you to suck me, won't you get down there and suck? If I want to watch you, Karen and your Mother indulge in a little sweaty incest won't you run and get them, bring them here naked and start fucking them?"

"Yes to all of that, but ropes or handcuffs are visible, real reminders of our bondage, they stay on when we sleep and you can just use your girls however you like, whenever you want. You can feel the hardness of the cuffs digging into your belly as you fuck us from behind, knowing that you are taking us for your pleasure and your pleasure alone."

I grabbed her hair and roughly pulled her to me, mouth to mouth and thrust my tongue into her. She relaxed into me, a dreamy expression of total submission on her face, her whole body pressed against mine.

I pulled her away from me and threw her onto the bed. She dropped like a ragdoll, "Come on little slave, I want a shower with a little girl child to wash me." I tried to sound hard and masterful, but I bet I sounded more silly than stern.

"Yes, my Master, this girl is happy to pleasure you." And she smiled at me, a full natural smile which lit her face.

We got up and saw that Karolina was sitting in a chair and had obviously been watching us. She came to Julia and kissed her full on the lips, they traded tongues for a moment, "Tonight little girl let master watch girl girl how slave do." Karolina said.

They both smiled at each other then looked at me, "Our Master will like that." Julia said still smiling.

We showered together, I shampooed her hair, conditioned it and then washed her delightful body. As she held her arms high for me to get at her sides and front she looked up, "You know if there were a couple of chains hanging from the ceiling you could hang me by my wrists and then I would be all stretched out for you again. I think you liked seeing me like that, arms pulled up high and my tits pressed flat. You could put some rings into the sides here and tie my ankles to the walls, or my knees that would spread me wide wouldn't it." She looked up at me with a girlish smile on her face as if she had been discussing a party or new frock rather than bondage equipment to restrain her helpless for me.

I looked down at her, "You can have twenty thousand pounds to have some fitted..." she jumped up in delight, " ... but only if you can get it done without disturbing me." Julia was still jumping up and down on the spot which was doing wonderful things to her tits, at least I thought so.

"Oh yes, Master, thank you, thank you."

"But," I held up a hand to calm her slightly (even though that would stop the gyrations her tits were currently making), "if I'm disturbed you will be bound and I'll get Jo to show me what she knows about using a short whip." Now she looked a little worried.

"I'll do my best, my Master. If I disturb you I shall accept my whipping."

I kissed her and she wrapped herself around me, rubbing her slick sex against my hardening cock.

"Let's get dry and back to bed," I suggested.

"Of course, my Master." Julia agreed.

Nearly dry, we went back into the bedroom and saw Karolina laying face up on the bed. She was naked, uncovered and fast asleep. I leaned over and kissed her on her lips but she didn't stir. Julia kissed her too, but she fondled a breast as well. Karolina remained asleep. Julia and I went to the other side of the bed and I lay down on my back, "Ride me, Julia."

She smiled at me, "With pleasure, my Master."

She straddled my thighs and wrapped her hands around my cock and started slowly masturbating me. "Do you have any handcuffs?" I asked.

"Oh yes, my Master." And she jumped off me and ran to her drawer. She returned with a set of steel handcuffs which she gave me.

"Do you have keys for these?" I asked as I snapped them around her left wrist.

"No, my Master, Karolina keeps all of the keys for the handcuffs and other restraints."

I turned her round and snapped the other wrist into the cuffs and she was now restrained with her hands behind her back.

"Now, my slave, come and ride me, make me cum inside you." I lay back and waited. Julia straddled my hips this time and knee-walked up to my stomach, making sure that she rubbed her wet slit along my cock. When her hands got into position she teased my prick with her fingers and masturbated me again until I started to grow under her teasing fingers. She moved backwards until my erect cock pressed against her arse. Looking into my eyes she rotated her hips rubbing the head of my cock against her rosebud. When it was in position she pressed down and the head popped into her tight arse again. Closing her eyes she rocked back and forth as she teased my cock head with her arse. With a sigh she raised and let me escape. Then she leant forward and started to get me positioned for entry into her wet cunt. I felt her slit run over my cock wetting it's head and opening her lips ready to receive me.

Julia settled back and I sank deep into her vagina. We both felt me hit her cervix and she sighed, "This feels so good, my Master. I feel filled and complete with you inside me." I reached up and grasped her breasts. She moaned and pressed her tits into my hands. I tormented her tits as she kept rocking and bouncing on me. Soon she gasped and squealed as she came. Her cunt grasped at me as she rode, turning her rhythmic movement into a jerky parody. Quickly she settled down again and I too rose to my climax. She pressed her tits hard into my hands and I squeezed and pulled at them, pulling her tit flesh and hardened nipples. Julia started keening again, her voice raising in pitch and volume as she approached her climax. I felt her cunt gripping me, sending shockwaves of pleasure shooting though my body. Suddenly I exploded, My hands tightening wickedly on her breasts and sending Julia into her climax too.

I pulled her down and twisted so that I lay on top of her. Grabbing a couple of pillows I stuffed them under her bum. Then I relaxed and let my weight rest on her. Julia kissed my neck and rubbed herself against the side of my head. "This girl thanks her Master for giving her the gift of pleasure this evening." I turned and kissed her. I was sleepy now and wanted to get clean and then get some sleep before I got up to the pile of work waiting for me. I rolled off Julia towards the centre of the bed and then was surprised when a set of warm lips closed around my cock. Karolina cleaned me and then we pulled the duvet up to cover us.

"Stay on pillows little girl. Master want this." I looked at Julia and she nodded to Karolina and smiled at me.

I fell asleep and slept deeply and undisturbed by dreams.



-------

Chapter 26



I woke in the dark. Knowing that I had been sleeping between Karolina and Julia I was careful about moving. I eased my way out of the top of the bed and quietly left the room. I got to the office without meeting anyone and saw why when I saw the time. Three thirty in the morning. Well, I was awake and I had a load of work to do so I sat down and picked up the next pack off the in tray.

A short while later Julia came in and knelt beside my chair. Absentmindedly I stroked her hair as I read a particularly complex council housing proposal, Cornwall County Council request for tender 774-12. This was total rubbish I thought, someone is trying to lay traps for me. I reached down for Julia but she was curled up asleep on the floor. I looked round and saw the couch; I knew there was a blanket in the cupboard besides the couch. I got this and covered my naked slave then I got back to work.

An email caught my eye.

-------

Sir,

Until recently I was a senior planning officer for the Cumbrian County Council (CCC). I was a better planning officer than anyone else in the CCC, including the Chief Planning Officer himself. However, I am also a woman and this small fact has killed any chance that I may have had in getting any of the opportunities normally available to civil service grade six planning officers. I have been sacked due to 'failing' an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (eCRB) check. Unsubstantiated accusations against me have led to my failing this check though I never come into contact with children or vulnerable adults. No one else in the department has had to be eCRB checked.

This may sound like a message from a bitter woman but it isn't. I have given all I could to the CCC and now, for reasons I do not know, they are throwing me to the wolves.

I am offering you ten years experience in council planning and a host of knowledge about the councillors and their peccadilloes. I would like to meet you so I can convince you that I would be an asset to your organisation.

Yours Sincerely

Amanda Blakestone

-------

She attached a set of documents to support her application. Some of this information I knew, a lot I didn't. As far as I could tell, it was all true.

I returned her email and told her to come here and ask for Julia. I also emailed Jill and Kelly to be on the lookout for a woman turning up at reception asking for 'Julia'.

Then something triggered a memory, a link between two people I had been looking for. I couldn't bring this to mind immediately but I knew my subconscious had made the link.

I picked up the next pack, it concerned a council housing association in Cumbria. Now something was scratching at the back of my mind. I leaned back and let my thoughts roam. I glanced down at Julia and it came to me. The blanket I covered her with reminded me of the blankets in the Cumbrian hospital, the blankets that the police had provided. This housing association was a fairly new one, only fifteen years old. Yet it had grown rapidly, seemingly getting planning permission where no one else could, and now an email from an ex-planning officer who was complaining of corruption. One of her documents had named a Chief Planning officer, I looked through the attachments again, there he was Michael Morrison, and there was a photo. I expanded the photo to full screen and examined his face. I was sure I had seen this face before.

I did an internet search on 'Michael Morrison' and a number of links were returned. I looked at the newspaper links first. I struck gold on the third link. Michael was standing next to his mother and sisters, at his mother's wedding to my old friend the Cumbrian Chief Constable. I recognised his elder sister as well. She was the CEO of the housing association I had been looking at.

Well, call me cynical if you wish, and I know that this isn't proof, but a corrupt Top Cop (well he did try to kill me, that's proof enough for me), who's step-son is the county council's chief planning officer and who's step-daughter is CEO of a housing association which always gets the planning permission it wants and never gets its building sites raided by the Immigration and Borders Agency looking for illegal immigrants. Does that sound OK to you? (Come on own up, who said yes?)

I wrote up my thoughts and emailed all of the links and documents to Karolina and Ela. They would hunt down the proof if it was to be found.

I returned to the housing proposals and looked carefully at the Cumbrian one. I wanted to screw this housing association into bankruptcy if I could. After an hours work I sent an email to Sasha asking for a modified contract to be drawn up for these people and I really needed it to look as though it was a boilerplate contract.

Julia started stirring and I watched her as she squirmed into a more comfortable position. Her movements had pushed the blanket down to her waist and I now had the delightful sight of this young girl lying naked on her back, arms handcuffed behind her, one long slender leg peeking from under its cover, her chest rhythmically rising with her breathing and her small breasts rising and falling. She slept on peacefully not knowing the pleasure the sight of her brought me.

Sally knocked on the door and rather than call out and disturb Julia I went to the door and opened it.

"Good morning, my Lord, I have brought you your tea." She wheeled a trolley in set with a tea service and a mug!

I held my finger to my lips, "Shhh." Quietly I closed the door. Sally saw Julia sleeping on the floor and looked at her.

"She looks beautiful like that doesn't she?" Sally remarked.

I came over and stood beside her, my hand slipping under her dress and cupping a bum cheek. "Yes, she does." I looked at Sally, "but I believe all women who have learnt to relax and accept their own bodies, to be beautiful. You can't help but look good when you feel good about yourself."

Sally turned to me, "You are good to us, my Lord." And she kissed me. "Breakfast in an hour, my Lord." And she left.

I started examining another proposal, this was fairly standard and I was happy to go ahead with it under the normal contract conditions, well my normal contact conditions anyway.

A light knock on the door disturbed me for the second time. I had just finished this proposal and placed the pack on the out tray to go across to Sasha's offices. I looked down at Julia who lay on her back with only one leg and part of her pubis covered by the blanket now. I went to the door and let Katie in. Putting a finger to my lips I shhh'd Katie. She nodded to me and went to look over Julia.

"She looks so sweet like that," Said Katie, "it's a pity I have to wake her for breakfast."

"I'll do it," I told her and knelt down beside the sleeping girl. I gently rubbed her temple and right cheek and she leaned into my hand. "Julia, time to get up now," slowly her eyes opened. "Good morning Julia."

"Good morning, Master, what time is it?"

"Breakfast time," replied Katie.

"Oh." Julia stretched out, uncovering herself completely. Katie and I watched in fascination as she squirmed for a minute and then awkwardly got up. Still tired, she leant against me as we walked to the breakfast room.

I sat and Julia knelt beside me. Katie fetched my breakfast plate loaded with enough for the two of us. I started feeding Julia some cereal.

"Tell me, Boss, did you manage to kill the strange creature in your room last night?" Kelly looked along the table at me in a semi-interested way.

"Must have been a fucking big thing 'cos it was squealing for fucking hours." Ela added.

I looked down at Julia and saw her blush creeping down her chest. "Julia, get me some toast, two slices." I ordered. She got up, glanced at the four slices in front of me, and walked slowly to the kitchen door. All the girls at the table watched her carefully looking for any sign of our activities last night, or any sign of her embarrassment about their comments this morning. As Julia walked back carrying the toast Ela noticed her breasts. "Fuck me, Julia, looks like some big beast has bitten your tits." Ela stopped Julia and examined her breasts, carefully noting the bruising I had caused. "Good job you managed to kill the beast, Boss. Must have taken some doing." Ela turned to Julia, "And you putting yourself in danger like that."

"Please, freewoman Ela, let me go, I'm going to drop my master's toast." Ela reached behind her and took the plate. "Elastic, give this to boss will ya?" Elastic passed me the plate.

"Maybe it was some pervy bastard who broke in and locked her up in those so he could fuck her while his pet attacked, Boss." Elastic suggested. The girls nodded thoughtfully, this seemed to be a likely explanation.

"Oh, you poor girl attacked like that, are you sore?" Jill asked.

Without thinking Julia covered her arse with both hands.

"He didn't do you in the arse did he? The absolute swine!"

Julia looked up, "Everywhere," she said.

Elastic looked at her almost in shock. "Everywhere?" she queried, pointing to her mouth as well.

"Oh yes. Everywhere!" this time though Julia sounded pleased.

"And he locked you up as well?" Elastic added. This was when they noticed that Julia's nipples were fully engorged.

"Oh yes!" sighed Julia.

I beckoned her over to me, "My girl needs her food ladies, she had a hard night last night and needs to build up her strength in case she ... gets attacked ... again," and I resumed feeding her. She looked up at me with a smile on her face.

I walked back to my office and found Karolina waiting for me.

"Good morning, Karolina, have you had breakfast yet?"

"Not had yet boss bin busy," she replied.

I picked up the phone and called Debbie. "Kitchen!" Debbie answered.

"Debbie, I want a large breakfast in my office now."

"On its way boss." And she hung up.

I sat down in my chair. "Need you read this boss." She handed me a thick folder.

I started reading and was only slightly disturbed when Debbie placed a large full English breakfast in front of me. I gestured to Karolina and she knelt beside me. I fed her while I read. The scale of the problem we faced was monstrous. At least eighteen Chief Constables and the County Councils that they worked for were involved. The range of their corruptions was staggering. The usual prostitution and drugs, then slavery (well I could understand that) protection rackets, care homes, waste disposal, toxic waste disposal, owned magistrates and judges, mobile food vendors, civil parking control, skimming council imposed fines, planning discrepancies, and bribery at every level. Against each item on the list was an estimation of the amount of money involved by county and totally. The amounts were beyond comprehension. Initially I thought that millions of pounds were involved; I was so, so wrong. The total by county was over two billion pounds a year; the grand total was nearly forty-five billion pounds per year. No wonder they were prepared to kill me and anyone else that they suspected of being in the way of their illegal enterprises.

I looked down at Karolina, she was enjoying the privilege of being fed by her masters hand, from her masters own plate, again. I looked at her carefully and saw the bags under her eyes and the dryness of her skin.

"Julia, go and get Ela! I don't care if she's asleep and I don't care if she swears. Bring her here now." Julia got up and ran to the door, opened it and was away.

"Karolina, my precious, please will you stand up and let me examine you."

"Me you slave boss. Not ask, just tell." She smiled at me and the tiredness in that smile hurt me.

"Stand up, my slave, and strip."

She stood and started undressing, "That better boss." Stripped naked she stood and let me examine her. She was exhausted. Her muscle tone was gone and I found traces of faeces around her anus. She was too tired to look after herself properly. I wondered what I would find when Ela arrived.

The door opened and Julia led an irritated Ela in.

"Ela, strip!" My tone of voice didn't give her any option. Slowly Ela undressed and stood next to Karolina. I looked at her eyes and noted the obvious bags there despite the makeup used to try to conceal them. Her muscle tone was crap too. Both of these girls had worked themselves into the ground getting the data to make this report. Now they needed to relax and when they started again they needed looking after.

"You two are going to bed now. You are both confined to Ela's room for forty-eight hours, all meals will be delivered night, or day, whenever you ask for them. I want you both to put on at least three pounds by then. Karolina you will check your weight this morning and in two days time. You will tell me the results then. Ela you will let Karolina check your weight too."

I looked at them, now that they no longer had to pretend to be fit and well their shoulders sagged and they both looked relieved to have been found out.

"Karolina, before you go to Ela's room, please give me the key to Julia's handcuffs." She nodded and hurried off to retrieve the key. Ela sat down tiredly.

"We got that dossier put together though didn't we boss?"

I knelt in front of her. "Oh you two did some wonderful work, Ela, but the cost for you has been so high. I wonder how long it will take you to recover." I put my hand on her shoulder, "You must pace yourself properly from now on. If you don't look after yourself then I will lose you and I've lost too much already." Ela nodded slowly.

"Sorry boss, think we got our priorities a little wrong."

Karolina returned with the key to Julia's handcuffs and was about to open them, "Karolina, I wanted the key, I wasn't going to unlock her," and I smiled.

"Here key, Boss. What do it?"

I thought for a moment, "It's a pity she doesn't have a nipple ring, it would look nice hanging from her tit." I looked at Karolina's breasts too, "I think I'll get you all pierced. Maybe get some body jewellery and chains and stuff. I'll have to have a good close look at you all to see what might be best for each of you."

Ela interrupted, "How about a gold necklace until you can get her tits done boss? I have a couple in my room, Karolina knows where they are." Again Karolina hurried off.

"Thank you for this, Ela." She smiled at me.

"That's OK, Boss, I want to see how Julia looks with the key shining between her tits and her arms bound behind her." We both imagined that picture for a moment.

"Err ... Boss, do you have a spare pair of handcuffs I can borrow for a few days?" She grinned at me.

I smiled back, "Got some games you're thinking of playing?" I asked.

"Ohh yeeeaaahhh," she replied.

Karolina returned with the necklace and I threaded it through the ring of the handcuff's key and hung it around Julia's neck.

She looked sexier than we had imagined.

"Karolina, please would you get me another pair of handcuffs and their key and another of Ela's necklaces."

A very tired Karolina hurried away again. I think she was too tired to think about what I was going to do with these things.

I sat beside Ela and cuddled her while we waited for Karolina. She almost fell asleep but perked up when the door opened again. I took the things from Karolina and threaded the necklace through the key's ring. "Turn round Karolina," when she did I fastened the necklace around her neck. She looked at the key dangling between her breasts uncomprehendingly for a moment until she saw Julia looking at her. "Oh..." she said.

I took hold of her left arm and snapped one cuff on, then bringing this behind her I took hold of her right arm and brought that behind her too. With a click, click, click from the ratchet her right arm was secured too. I pulled her to my chest and reached around to grasp her breasts, "You be very good to Ela, won't you, my slave."

"Course! Do master proud this girl." She leant her head back and we kissed as I continued to fondle her breasts.

"Go on then, you two. Ela, look after yourself and enjoy Karolina over the next few days."

"Oh, I'm gonna, Boss. I'll do me best to make her enjoy me too." They left, Karolina respectfully following two steps behind Ela.

I settled down again and worked through another pack. I was happy with this one too and emailed Sasha to draw up our standard contract for this county council. I looked at the in tray, it's pile was smaller now and I was glad of that.

Sasha came in and sat opposite me.

"I'm sorry, Sasha, I've nearly finished these. Should be done by lunch time though."

Sasha looked confused. She stood and looked through my out tray. "What the fuck!"

She then inspected the in tray, "You've done all of these since yesterday?"

"Of course." I must have looked puzzled.

"But, why?" she gestured to the documents, "These aren't due back to us for nearly a month."

"Your bloke who delivered them said that they had to be picked up today. I was expecting him any moment."

She looked at me, "Tall, skinny guy, bit ginger on top?"

"That's him." I agreed.

She took out her mobile phone and pressed a speed dial. "Nigel, I'm at the Crynos, yes in his office. Stuart dropped off a months worth of work yesterday and said it had to be ready for collection today." She grimaced and snatched the phone away from her ear. "Yeah, that was my reaction. Well, tell Stuart, from me directly, he's to get his arse over here now and pick up all of the completed packs and he PERSONALLY is to process them and get the relevant contracts made up. They are all to be delivered back here by nine a.m. tomorrow. And you can tell him that I don't give a fuck if he has to work all night, or any other fucking excuse, if he wants his job he'll bloody well do it."

She ended the call and slipped the phone back into her handbag. "You look like shit Paul."

I waved to the completed work, "I've been up most of the night. Had some personnel problems as well."

Sasha shook her head, "Bet yours are a damn site easier to solve than mine."

I shrugged, "Some are, some aren't"

My desk phone rang, "Paul," I answered.

"Front desk here, my Lord, I have a person here asking for Karolina."

"What's his name?"

"Tadeusz, my Lord."

"Put him on then. And when he's finished count the numbers on the dial."

"Yeeessss, my Lord."

"Dat you, Mr. Lord, Sir."

"Good morning Tadeusz, how are you."

"Got 'livery for you Karolina."

"And what are you delivering Tadeusz?" Though I was sure I could guess.

"Some sample, Lord Sir. Four girl, two woman look after girl for next fortnight weeks."

"Go to the small desk at the back of the reception lobby. Don't try to be nice to the girl there she kills people. She will take the samples and deliver them to me."

There were some odd noises on the phone then Tadeusz spoke, "Dat scary bitch, Lord Boss."

"And she means it Tadeusz, just let her have the samples and leave. Karolina will get back to you."

"Sure, Boss Lord."

I hung up the phone and looked at Sasha, "I'm going to be busy for a while. Do you want to stay and watch?"

"Might be more interesting than what I had planned."

First I called Elastic, "Elastic here, boss."

"Elastic some girls are coming up. Can you get your girl to hold them for fifteen minutes and then deliver them to the Joasia room?"

I heard Elastic speak, obviously to the security guard who was with the 'samples'.

"No problem, boss. They'll be there in fifteen minutes."

I dialled Kelly's number, "Yes boss."

"Kelly, please get the Joasia room ready for a viewing as soon as possible."

"Doing it now boss, saw them on the CCTV."

"Two chairs please, Kelly, Sasha's here."

"OK boss, two chairs."

"Thanks Kelly."

She hung up, obviously having better things to do than just chat to me.

"Well Sasha, we have about fifteen, twenty minutes to wait. Would you like a coffee or tea?"

"Coffee would go down a treat just now thanks."

I called Debbie, "Tea and coffee on its way, my Lord." And there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." I called. Katie pushed a trolley in with tea and coffee services and biscuits too.

Sasha looked at the trolley and Katie as she poured a coffee for her. She turned to me, "She's not a slave so how do you get this level of service from them?"

I looked at Katie, "I really don't know," I said.

Katie gave Sasha her coffee and then me my mug of tea.

"Thank you, Katie. By the way, how's Sally? I haven't seen her for a while."

Katie smiled, "You saw her yesterday, my Lord, and she's doing fine. She said to say thank you for the flowers."

We chatted for a while sipping our drinks then I saw that it was time to go down to the Joasia room.

Sasha followed me as I entered the room. The new group stood toward the back of the room except one girl who tried to dominate the middle of the room. Elastic and two of her girls were also in the room.

"Hello," I said as I entered, "my name's Paul..."

"Where the fuck have you been? Don't you know that I am to be presented to his Lordship personally? And you have kept me waiting for nearly half an hour!"



-------

Chapter 27



I heard Sasha's intake of breath behind me but I smiled at the girl, "I'm so sorry, mistress. His Lordship's business makes many demands on me and my time."

"Well you'd better get a move on otherwise I shall mention this tardiness to his Lordship and I'm sure he won't be pleased."

"Oh yes, mistress, his lordship is renowned for his displeasure at inappropriate behaviour," I said and bobbed down then scurried to my chair.

Sasha followed my lead, bobbing down to the princess and then copying my scurry to her chair. She sat and whispered to me, "You're a total cunt, Paul. She's gonna shit herself silly when she finds out who you really are."

I turned to her but as the girl was now quite close to us I just continued the deception, "Oh yes, freewoman Sasha. That is so true."

Pretending to sort out my notes, I looked the girls over. The princess was made up and had obviously had her hair done this morning. I could actually smell the colourings the saloon had used. Her nails, both fingers and toes, were painted. She was actually, conventionally, the best looking of the four, and by far the best dressed. I could see that the woman on the right was her mother from the obvious pride she took in her daughter.

Number two was good looking but a little plump. She wore a skirt and white blouse which showed that she was braless.

Number three was basically the same as number two, pretty, well dressed, obviously not in the same class as number one, but OK, low cut top and tight jeans.

Number four was the odd one out. She wasn't anywhere near as good looking as any of her compatriots, she was ill-dressed in an over large tee shirt and too-small jeans, I looked down and was distressed at seeing her wearing worn out sandals. Her hair was ill-kempt though it looked clean. The thing really stood out though was her hair; it was a deep reddy-brown. Burnt Umber was the closest I could come to naming it. If her hair was cared for properly it would truly be her crowning glory. However there was one thing that stood out a mile, she was the only one who smiled at me. She reminded me of Cinderella, the dowdy kitchen servant who was the real gem.

I beckoned her forward first.

"What are you doing, you stupid old man? His Lordship is waiting to see me! We only brought her to carry our bags. I don't know why they let her in." With a sniff, princess dismissed the bag carrier.

"Oh, I am sorry, mistress, but his Lordship does like things done properly and I see this girl's description first on my list." I held up my folder in evidence of this 'fact'.

"Oh, get on with it then and do hurry up. I'm sure his Lordship is impatient to meet me." And with that she flounced off to her mother.

I beckoned her again and with a shy smile she came to me.

"What is your name girl?" I asked.

"Ella, Sir"

"Well, Ella, we already have an Ela here so I shall call you Umber, is that agreeable to you?"

"Of course, Master. You can call me whatever you wish."

"Very well, Umber, please get undressed and stand on the table. Your feet must be outside of the tape lines mind."

Umber stripped quickly and just threw her clothes into a corner. She stood on the table making sure that her feet were outside the tape lines. She looked down at me and smiled, "I'm ready, Master."

I looked at her and saw that she was ready; her nipples were hard, aureole taught and crinkled. She was white skinned as most redheads are, her small breasts rode high on her chest and her hips were easing out to become a true woman's hourglass shape. I walked round her and admired her apple shaped bum immediately. Sasha walked with me, "My God, she's got an arse to die for." She looked at me, "Just think about sliding your cock between those arse cheeks." She shuddered for a second.

I leant toward her, "Just think of parting those arse cheeks and sliding your tongue along that crack."

Sasha gasped and held my arm for a moment. "I think I've just come!" she said. We smiled at each other.

Returning to her front again, I slipped my hand between her legs, she was wet, really wet. I easily slipped three fingers into her and she smiled down at me. "This girl is all yours, Master."

"Are you going to call his Lordship or not? I was promised that he would inspect me personally. Do you understand?" Princess stood behind Umber glaring at me.

I lifted the phone and made a call, "Debbie here."

"I wonder if you could tell me when his Lordship will be free to come down to the Picture room?"

"Boss, what are you on about?"

"Oh is he? Thank you, Mistress."

"OK, boss, keep taking the tablets."

I turned to princess, "His Lordship is fulfilling obligations imposed upon him by others at the moment. He does not know when he will be finished."

"WHAT!" Hands on hips now, she was furious. "Mother, what the fuck are we doing here with these fucking cretins?"

She started stamping up and down the room.

She glanced at Umber who was smiling at me, "What the fuck are you so happy about puppy? If they keep you here they won't let you keep your doggy master." She turned away in disgust, "Stupid cunt!"

While she was stamping about, I gestured to Umber to get down. I pointed her to the side of my chair, "Kneel down there Umber. I will see about your collar in a few minutes."

I gestured to the other two girls, "Come here, one of you, let's get this over with."

One of the girls started to move but princess butted in, "Where the fuck do you think you're going. You stay right there. You don't have to follow his orders, only his masters." The girl hesitated but stayed put.

I turned to princess' mother, "I understand that you were sent to look after these girls and keep them from getting into trouble." Unsure, she looked across at the princess then nodded, "Please will you instruct one of these three girls to remove her clothing and stand on this inspection platform."

"I..." she looked at princess who was now having a go at the one girl who had not yet disobeyed me. "I can't. We were promised that we would meet your master and he would inspect the girls personally." She looked at the princess again, "Seeing his Lordship means so much to these girls."

"I really must insist that you instruct one of these girls to do as I have instructed. The consequences could be most severe."

"No. We will wait for his Lordship." Princess' mother answered.

I sighed. "Elastic, taser the princess." All of the girls looked at me in shock. But their shock was greater when a taser was fired into princess and she dropped to the floor, twitching as the current flowed through her. "Thank you, Elastic. Now have your girls strip her and secure her in that corner." The security girls cut princess' clothes off her and wrapped plastic cuff around her wrists and ankles. These were then joined together immobilising her completely.

I went to the phone and placed another call. "Kelly, please send Julia in with a collar. She is to instruct a girl on the collar ceremony."

I gestured the single girl who was not in deep shit to one side of the room, "Now, would you like to get onto the inspection platform?" I asked. She nodded, undressed and climbed onto the table. I looked at her and was happy with what I saw, a young girl, slim, long legs leading to a pubic mound with sparse hair, tiny inner lips protruding from her sex. Slim taught stomach rising to budding breasts. A long neck led up to a long, thin, unsmiling face. Black hair topped of the package. I walked round her. He long back was smooth and evenly tanned, a pert tight bum completed the picture. She was 'nice' but, to me, not in the same league as Umber.

"You may get down now. Please go and stand in that corner." I pointed to the corner closest to my chair.

Julia entered and I pointed to Umber. Julia went to her and they spoke for a few moments, then Umber took the collar from Julia's bound hands.

I went to my chair and sat down. Umber came and knelt in front of me, I stood. "Please master..."

"You can't do this, only the master can collar a slave. You'll get five hundred lashes for this!" Princess' mother yelled.

I turned to her, "And what makes you think that I am not the master?"

"But you said your name was Paul."

"And so it is, Paul Winters, Lord of Symington, Master of the slaves in this establishment."

"But you lied to us," she protested.

Sasha exploded, "He told the truth all the time. He tried to treat you all with kindness and dignity and you almost spat in his face." She went over to princess' mother and stood nose to nose. "He is a good master and fair, which means that he'll now report your behaviour to your owner."

"And do you think our Master will believe him as opposed to people he's known for years?"

"Oh yes, I do."

Leaving Sasha to enjoy herself I gestured to Umber, "If you wish to, you may carry on."

Umber nodded, smiling up at me, in a firm confident voice she said, "Please master, collar your slave."

I took the collar from her and buckled it around her neck. "I accept your service, my girl."

She wrapped her arms round my legs. "Thank you, Master."

I turned to Julia, "Julia, take Umber to my room. Get her food and drinks or whatever she wants. I will be there when I can. You may go to bed if you wish."

Julia looked at me, "Do we have to sleep master?"

"Of course not, if you two want to get to know each other better then do so."

"Thanks, Master." With a grin Julia led Umber away.

I turned to Elastic and waited as she watched Julia and Umber leave the room. "Elastic."

She turned to me, "Bit of a fuckup here, eh boss?"

"A bit," I agreed. "I would like these four to be held in a secure room. It might be for a couple of days though."

"No problem, boss."

I pointed at the princess, "She is to be secured by her wrists. She can have a pint of water every four hours," I looked at Elastic to emphasise the point. "And I mean every four hours, one energy bar at eight o'clock in the morning only." I thought for a minute, "I don't want your girls having a go at this girl. They are not to speak to her unless it's necessary, and she's to be blindfolded all the time."

"My girls'll behave, boss. We try to act professionally."

I smiled at her, "I know you do and you and your girls are fucking good at what you do too."

"Thanks, boss. I'll let my girls know you said that. It'll please them."

I sighed as Sasha and I watched as the two women and two girls were taken away. I gestured to the last girl, and she came hurrying to me. "Yes, Master."

"Come with me, girl." I turned to Sasha, "I'm sorry, Sasha, I hoped that we would have some time together today."

She cupped my cheek with her hand, "Maybe your personnel problems are worse than mine," she grinned at me. "Go on, you've some calls to make. And I bet that their current owner is not going to be a happy bunny." Sasha kissed me and then left.

"Come, girl." I said and led her to my office. In the office I pointed to the left of my chair and she knelt down. I picked up the phone; but had second thoughts about keeping the girl with me; it was going to be another long night. I called Karen and had her take the dark haired girl to the slaves quarters.

-------

I sat in the chair behind a plain table. These had been setup in the Joasia room, the Picture was behind me and I faced the four females to give them their judgements. The Count, their owner, had been most specific in what their punishments were going to be. We had spoken for nearly four hours sorting out this problem. And now it was time for the girls to hear their fates.

I looked at them then turned to look at my girls kneeling in a line to my side. Sasha and Kelly sat behind me, I think that they wanted to give me support, they didn't know what I had to do but they did know I didn't like it.

I pointed to the girl I now knew as Emerald, "Come forward, Emerald." She walked steadily to stand in front of the table. "You have a choice, you may request to enter my service, or you may state that you wish to remain a chattel of Count Misnik."

She thought for a few moments, "I wish to remain a chattel belonging to my Master, the Count."

I sighed, "So be it. Go and stand over there." I pointed to the far corner on my right.

I then called the princess, "Ruby, you have the same choi..."

"I will never belong to a pleb like you! I remain under the protection of my Master, Count Misnik."

I hadn't really expected much else. "Go and join Emerald then."

Skylark was next, she had been silent all through the incident. "Skylark, you too have this choice, Enter my service or remain the Count's chattel." She looked round at the other three and turned back to me. "I request that you allow me to enter your service." I smiled and nodded. "Go and kneel with my slaves, you may request your collar in a few minutes."

I turned to princess' mother, Amile, but before I could say a word she turned and joined her daughter and Emerald.

Karolina and Skylark stood and came to kneel in front of the table. I rose and walked round the table too.

Skylark looked up and me and asked, "Please, Master, collar your slave." I took the collar from her opened palms and buckled it round her throat.

"Your name is now Susan. I accept your service, Susan." She smiled up at me then she and Karolina went back to their places.

I sat again and now I had the worse part of this ordeal to complete.

"Susan, come and hear your punishment for your transgressions."

Slowly she rose and walked back to where she had happily knelt moments before. She dropped to her knees and waited.

"Susan, you disobeyed a Master and you insulted him in his own house. This is punishable by death. You shall receive one hundred strokes of the cane. Forty strokes shall be given on your back between your knees and collar bone. Forty strokes shall be given on your front between your knees and collar bone. Twenty strokes shall be given directly to your breasts."

She looked up at me, tears streaming from her eyes and her hands covering her small breasts.

"Return to your place, Susan."

As she slowly walked back princess called out, "See what you get for trusting a commoner cunt like him!"

I picked up an envelope from the table, "Emerald, you refused an instruction from one who would be your master, and you shamed your owner." I opened the envelope and read the contents to her, "Emerald, you lose your name, slave one. You shall be brought to my home and, in the presence of my slaves, you shall be impaled. Your body shall be thrown to the pigs for their enjoyment. You should know that your behaviour has disgraced you and shamed me."

I looked at her and she was shaking her head in disbelief.

"You're lying, you filthy cunt! You're just trying to make us say we want to stay with you. You're a lying bastard!" Ruby was beside herself in her fury.

I gestured to Karolina and she went and opened the door. Ela came in and placed a large screen flat TV on the table. I moved my chair so the TV and I shared the table, my slaves moving along to give me the room. Ela plugged the TV in and switched it on. It was a direct connection to the Count.

As soon as she saw her master Ruby went wild with joy. "Master, Master, I knew you wouldn't abandon us. I knew you'd free us from this stupid old man." She spat at me. "Thank you master, I knew you wouldn't abandon us. He's been telling all sorts of lies, Master, he even said that you had sentenced Emerald to be impaled." She paused for a second, her master's impassive face warning her that something was terribly wrong.

"Master..." the Count interrupted her.

"Silence you fool! Haven't you shamed me enough? I have been watching every second of your time at Lord Symington's and you have truly disgraced yourself and shamed me."

He paused and I knew he could see the shock on her face. "Slave two, who was once known as Ruby, you shall be taken to Loch Dunne. There, as a spectacle for my guests and a warning for my slaves, you shall be skinned alive and drowned in a vat of salted water."

We watched as she stood, trying to comprehend the enormity of her punishment, urine trickling slowly down her legs. Then she collapsed sobbing, "Master, Master, I love you, Master. Please, no Master..."

"Symington, please have that slave taken away!" I gestured and two of Elastics girls dragged slave two from the room.

The Count continued, "Slave three, who used to be known as Amile, you too shall be taken to Loch Dunne. You shall be released from the castle onto the moors. You shall be naked and have no tools or weapons. One hour after you are released, my guests and I shall release my hounds and we shall hunt you. Your living body shall be the hounds reward when they catch you."

Slave three was just muttering, "Not the dogs! Oh God, not the dogs. Please let me kill myself. Oh not the do..." she collapsed.

Again I gestured and slave three was dragged out of the room. I walked round to the front of the table and stared at him. He knew what I wanted, and at last he gave in. "Slave one," She looked up at him, her face a mask of despair, "I am going to allow Lord Symington to put his question to you again. Think carefully how you answer him."

I turned to slave one, "You have a choice, you can enter my service, or remain a chattel of your master. Choose now."

She looked at me blankly, "You, you..." I whipped round to Karolina but she had beaten me to it. She was kneeling in front of slave one with a collar in her hand whispering urgently to her. Slave turned to me, swaying on her feet almost at the point of collapse, she held her hands up to look at the thing Karolina had put there, "Collar..." she said. I snatched it off her hands and wrapped and buckled it as fast as I dared.

Then I turned to the Count. "You're a sentimental fool, Symington," he said.

"Maybe so, but I don't have armed guards watching me when I sleep with my slaves." I smiled at him, he didn't know I knew that little fact.

"Hrump..." He leaned forward and the screen went blank.

I turned to the kneeling girls, "We will finish this punishment session now."

I turned to slave one, "Slave one your name is now Lynne." She nodded though I'm not totally sure that she knew what she was nodding about.

"Lynne," I pronounced her punishment, "the Count sentenced both you and Susan to the same punishment, impalement. I have to give you both the same punishment, one hundred strokes with the cane. Forty on your back," she nodded, I could see that she knew what was coming, "forty on your front..."

"And twenty on my tits. Yes, Master, I can survive that. Thank you, Master." She held out her hands and let Karolina tie her wrists.

-------

Lynne and Susan were suspended by their wrists from the ceiling, their legs tied spread wide. I would need all of the skin area I could get if these girls were to survive this punishment without permanent scarring. I would be caning the girls, it was my right and I knew that I would tire quickly, thus the later blows wouldn't be as severe as the first sets.

I started with Susan, five strokes to the back of her thighs, she managed these without crying out. Five strokes now to Lynne on the same place. She too coped without crying out.

I had planned to do ten strokes on the backs of their thighs, ten on the inner thighs, ten on their buttocks and ten on their upper back. I wanted to avoid their lower backs due to the ease of kidney damage.

The fronts would be basically the same ten on the front thighs, ten on the outer thighs, sixteen below the breasts and four above their breasts. Then the final twenty strokes on their breasts; these I couldn't avoid.

I was tiring quickly now but the Count couldn't complain, it was my right to punish my slaves myself if I so wished.

-------

Sweat dripping from me, I prepared for the final forty strokes, twenty each for Lynne and Susan, all on their tits. Not wanting any rest I started on Lynne. She had been howling for nearly twenty minutes now and her throat was raw, Susan had been screaming for longer and was now almost voiceless, but I knew that the first stroke on her breasts would have her screaming again. It did.

The last two strokes were as painful for me as Susan, my sight was swimming and I had a terrible pounding in my ears. As soon as the last stroke had landed Karolina snatched the cane out of my hand and laid me down. Doctor Ross leaned over me and started his examination.

"You really need to be in hospital old chap," he said.



-------

Chapter 28

"You put in hos'tal he dead in two day. Care after him here." Karolina was most insistent on this.

He looked at her, "Of course my dear. Wouldn't do anything else."

Then another familiar face appeared, "Hi Em, how are you?"

"A lot better than you, boss." She said with a smile.

Having rested for a short while I felt better. I knew what was wrong with me, it's called coronary heart disease. Narrowing of the heart's arteries which reduces the amount of blood your heart can get and the amount of oxygen the muscle gets. So some of the heart dies, and if you're lucky, you don't. I knew I had a minor blockage that the doctor's in Leicester had said was as dangerous to treat as leave alone. So they left it alone (that was cheaper for the NHS anyway). And now it had just bit me in the arse. Bugger.

"How are the girls?" I asked.

Dr. Ross looked at me sternly, "Just what the fuck do you think you were doing whipping these girls into that condition?"

"Boss save life two silly-cunt." Karolina said. "Need save you life boss."

Dr. Ross looked at her with his calm smile. "He's not going to die just yet. It looks like he's strained his heart and now needs rest." He smiled at Karolina, "We'll know more when we get the results of some tests. Now let's have a look at these ladies."

I rested while Dr. Ross dealt with Susan and Lynne. Em helped her boss.

-------

For once Dr. Ross was wrong, I hadn't strained my heart. The tests showed that I had not had an MI either, but had definitely strained the muscles in my chest. This was good in two ways; my heart had got a little stronger in the ten years since I had a series of small MIs, and I had been unable to seriously hurt Lynne and Susan.

Dr. Ross filled them with pain killers and anti-inflamitaries, Em helped them with an antiseptic and anaesthetic cream. The cream really helped them.

Em wanted to speak to me though.

"My Lord," she started.

"Call me Paul," I interrupted.

"Not this time, my Lord. I have a confession. I wasn't honest with you when we last met." I waited for her to tell her story in her own time. "I needed money then, but not for my mortgage, although I was behind on that. I still am," she laughed, and then her smile disappeared. "I needed to supply my younger sister with drugs." She looked at me, waiting for my disapproval. I knew that there was more to come so I just smiled at her and let her take her time. "She was trying to come off the drugs but her dealer said that the less she bought the more it cost. And she was spending nearly five hundred pounds a day on two wraps of H, heroin." She looked up at me but I just nodded. "While I was with you she got her daily supply from a new dealer. He was inexperienced. I think he'd stolen some stuff he was transporting and was trying to set up for himself. He didn't know that he was supposed to cut the pack he had. He sold my sister two wraps of pure H. She died the instant she injected. He died later that evening, a shotgun to his head."

She seemed to age twenty years as she told me her story. I held out my arms and she came into them and I held her. Soon her head rested on my chest and I rested my cheek on her hair. I couldn't hear her crying, but I felt her tears wet my shirt and chest.

Soon she composed herself and pushed away from me. She wiped the tears from her face and looked at me. "I would like to speak to your ladies please."

I nodded, then called "Karolina!"

"It done Boss," she called back.

Em looked at me, "Just like that?" she asked.

I nodded, "Karolina said it's done. So it's done. Speak to any of my girls that you wish. By now they all know you want to talk to them."

She looked at me in disbelief. "I have learnt that you can have servants or secrets. And slaves are worse gossips than servants."

"Heard that Boss," called Karolina.

"Did you hear the bit where I said you were due for a spanking?" I asked in a conversational tone.

"Not hear that Boss," she replied "Want do now?" she asked removing her skirt...

I waited for a minute and turned back to Em. "Is that what you wanted, Em?" She nodded while sniffing back tears that still threatened.

I knew that I would find out what Em wanted soon enough.

-------

I looked at the piles on the table. There was one for each of my slaves. Kelly and Sasha, who stood by me now, agreed with what I was doing, thought it was a good idea. I didn't know. How could I know what was for the best?

All of my girls had been given specific orders, orders not requests. I expected them to be waiting outside the double doors now, wondering what was going on, what was their master doing. With a sigh I covered the table with a cloth to conceal the piles.

I nodded to Jill and she opened the doors and my girls slowly came in. They were all dressed in street clothes complete with a coat more suited to a little colder weather than we were currently having. They each carried their collar.

Jill lined them up and I stood and looked at them Jo, Karen, Julia, Umber, Susan, Lynne and Karolina. Of them all only Karolina looked calm, the others were quite concerned.

"My ladies, we have all seen the consequences for a slave of making a mistake, the horrible punishments that can come from doing nothing," I gestured to Lynne, "I need to give you this choice." Sasha and I lifted the cover off the table exposing the piles of documents and money.

"You each will have the choice of being freed or remaining in servitude to me." I gestured to the table. "Here are your passports, driving licenses, all the documents you will need for life as a freewoman. There is also one hundred thousand pounds for each of you. Please think about this and let me know what you wish..."

Umber surprised me by walking up to the table and lifting up a pack of cash. She riffled it through her fingers, then turned to the others, "It's real too." She dropped the cash and started undressing. "This girl belongs to you, Master." She left her clothes in a pile on the floor and went back to her place in the line. There she knelt down in her proper slave position.

Julia came next, "Only place that feels like home is here. You are my Master, why should I leave you." She too undressed and returned to kneel in line.

Susan and Lynne stiffly followed, "I speak for us both, our Master," said Lynne. "You saved our lives when we didn't even know we were in danger. You have done more for us than any other person. Even when you were punishing us you were helping us and hurting yourself." She looked at Susan and then continued, "We are happy to continue as your slaves, to submit ourselves to whatsoever you wish to do to us." They undressed and added their clothes to the growing pile. They returned to the line and knelt, helping each other and accepting help from their sister-slaves because of the stiffness from their punishments.

Jo and Karen came forward holding hands. Karen spoke, "We have found only love and acceptance here. We belong to you and hope to do so for the rest of our lives." They undressed and returned to kneel in the line.

Last of all, as was proper in her position as the head of the slaves, Karolina came forward. "Not be silly-cunt Boss. Break this girl heart leave you." And then quietly, so only I could hear, "Break Boss heart not have this girl too." We smiled at each other as she undressed, "That better, tits move now," she said as she dropped her bra onto the pile of clothing.

She returned and I looked over at my girls kneeling in line.

Hardly able to speak I croaked out, "Thank you..." I was too choked up to say any more. I had been certain that at least one of them would leave.

Karolina stood, "Julia, Umber attend you Master. Jo, Karen, Susan take pile of shit put for to clean. Lynne take junk from table to Master office." She stopped Lynne and looked her in the eye, "Not steal Master babies of jelly understand?" Lynne had a terrible weakness for jelly-babies, almost as great as mine.

Lynne looked a little sheepish, "Master said I can have one every day."

Karolina nodded, "When master there see not black one."

Lynne nodded, "When the Master is there." She sighed.

Julia and Umber knelt either side of me, subtly trying to keep contact with my legs. They kept looking round (to ensure they always knew what was happening) and up (to ensure they knew when I wanted something.)

I went over to Kelly and Sasha, Kelly was giving Sasha some money. "How much?" I asked.

Sasha smiled, "The full pot, nearly six hundred quid." I was surprised, six hundred pounds on a bet was a lot, even for Kelly and Sasha.

"Was that for none of the girls leaving?"

They both laughed, "Oh God no, no one would take a bet that any of your girls would leave." Kelly explained, "This was a sweepstake on how many words you'd be able to say when they all told you they were staying. Sasha nailed it at two."

Sasha shrugged her shoulders, "You'd make yourself say 'thank you' but then not know what to say after that. It's part of who you are."

Karolina, now finished organising the others came and knelt by Umber. I reached out to her and she stood and came into my arms. Suddenly my world was a lot better place and I was comforted.

-------

Dr. Ross sat across the coffee table from me. Jill had delivered tea and stickies for us and all of the girls had been sent from the room.

"Morgan wants to join you; she wants to be one of your girls."

"Why?" I sipped my tea while he thought. "I mean, it's a pretty big step for a nurse isn't it."

"She's lost and thinks that you'll give her direction again." He paused for a moment, "She lived for her sister, since she lost her, well..."

We sat for a moment quiet in our own thoughts.

"She was nearly a doctor you know."

"No, tell me more."

"Oh yes, brilliant student, easily the best I've ever had. Bit opinionated, but that's not really a bad thing in a doctor. Just about to start her residency when her parents died, murdered in a bungled burglary, two youths went down for four years each. Her sister saw it all, broke her." He shook his head and I saw a tear fall. "That's why Jane turned to drugs. Emiline tried to help her but it took the death of a friend to make Jane want to break the habit. She was doing well too. They both were. Emiline was getting over the guilt of not being there to help her parents and Jane was coming to terms with what she'd witnessed." He took a sip of his tea and we thought about the trauma that their family had been through.

"And now Jane's gone too, and when Emiline was away again. I think she wants to be part of a large family group so that there's always someone there, always someone to look after her and for Emiline to look after."

I pondered the things he'd told me for a while. "What's your name?" I asked.

He laughed, "Ross," he replied.

"I thought that you were Doctor Ross."

He sighed, "I am, actually I'm Dr. Ross McCracken. Ross is my first name. I found that the little ones found McCracken a little frightening."

"The little ones?"

"At Great Ormond Street. I'm a consultant there, that's where I met Emiline." He sighed and his eyes unfocused as he looked across the years. "She could get a frightened child to relax and open up to her in seconds, they loved her and she blossomed in the children's wards. We lost some. At GOSH we take the worst cases from the whole country, we lose a lot of them. She would cry her heart out, well we all do for the first few and then most of us get hardened and we say to ourselves that we did what we could," a tear dropped. "And that's true enough, but we say that to kid ourselves so we can get up and go back on the ward again. Emiline didn't, she examined every detail of the case, what we did, what we didn't do. She made some remarkable progress, till..."

"Something stronger?" I asked.

He nodded. "Whisky would be good."

I phoned Kelly and got two bottles of twenty-five year old Talisker sent up from the bar with a bucket of ice and two litre bottles of Scottish spring water.

"She lost everything that day. She was like the child I never had and she was so broken when they died." He picked up the whisky I had poured for him and drank it straight back, I doubt if he even tasted it.

He picked up the bottle and half filled his glass and mine. "Slàinte Mhòr!" and we drank. And then we drank again, and again.

I noticed Kelly and Karolina come in and they lay Ross on the floor on his side. Umber and Julia looked at me. "Boss need lay down sleep now," Karolina told me and they helped me to the floor. I don't think I was as drunk as Ross as I managed to lay on the floor without hanging on.

-------

A squirrel has died in my mouth.

And my teeth itch.

Somebody has sandpapered my eyes.

Em and a woman I didn't know came in, "Oh Ross," she said with affection, "it's about time."

I thought Ross looked better than me. At least he was alive.

Em picked up an empty bottle, "Talisker, at least they used some good stuff."

"Aye," strange woman agreed. "Well then, Ross, what were you doing last night?"

"Boss 'n' Dr. Ross talk old friends they want help." Karolina interrupted with a meaningful glance at Em.

Strange woman looked at me, "So you're the Lord Paul that Ross is always talking about."

I wanted to nod my head, but I was afraid that it'd fall off. "Yes..." I managed to croak.

She looked at me as though she was examining a laboratory specimen. "I'm glad he's found a friend at last." She looked at Ross, "I'm Helen, Ross' wife." She held out her hand. I tried to reach out and shake it but missed.

"Sorry," I mumbled, "Still little bit drunk."

"Pissed out of your skull more like," she laughed.

Oh ... I wish she wouldn't do that, it hurt my brain.

Ross was trying to get up and saw that he had been completely undressed. Helen looked at him, "I know that you didn't undress yourself so who did?" Ross looked confused, He was sure that he'd been wearing something yesterday.

"I did." Umber answered.

Helen looked at the young naked girl, then took in the naked bit again, and then the young bit. Then she considered the young and naked bits together. "Did you?"

"Oh yes, we couldn't leave them lying in their clothes."

"And who is we?"

"Karolina, Kelly, Julia and I."

Helen looked round and noticed that only Kelly seemed to have remembered to get dressed this morning.

"Do you usually walk round naked?"

"Yes."

Helen considered this for a few moments, "Did he," and she gestured to Ross as the 'he' in question, "make any inappropriate advances?"

"Oh nothing inappropriate at all," Umber looked at Ross fondly, "he just tried to be a little dirty that's all. It was fun."

"Did he?" said Helen, arching her brow.

"Yes, but men like looking at young girls especially when they don't have any clothes on."

"Do they?" and now Umber was the recipient of an arched eyebrow look.

"Oh yes," Umber answered seriously. "It must be some..."

"Umber," Karolina interrupted, "mistress Helen is take the piss."

Umber blushed all the way down to her navel. "Sorry," she said with a shrug. That shrug had secondary effects all the way down Umber's chest.

Ross, who had been watching Umber quite closely, suddenly sat down again.

Helen went over to her husband and checked that he was alright, "Ross, darling, in a week or two, when you've recovered, I'm going to remind you of that little girl, that sexy naked little girl." Ross' eyes crossed.

Helen looked at Umber again, "What is your name again?"

"Umber, Mistress Helen." Umber replied.

"That's an unusual name, is it foreign?"

"I don't know, my master gave it to me as my old name was too close to one of the girls already here. So he called me Umber. He said I reminded him of Cinderella."

"And you used to be called Ella?"

"Yes, Mistress." Umber said with a smile.

Helen looked at her for a long minute and then turned to me, "For that alone, you, sir, are going to fry in hell."

Helen turned to Kelly, "Kelly, it seems that these girls can undress my husband, perhaps we should leave them to see if they can dress him again. I have to call the hospital, there's no way he'll be fit for work today." Laughing Kelly and Helen left the room.

Sometime around mid-afternoon I started to believe I would live, though it was the next day before I felt normal again.

All of my girls were attentive and helpful, they asked Sasha not to laugh so loud at my 'little problem' and Debbie was told to put the pots and pans down quietly.

-------

Authors note - Slàinte Mhòr, pronounced "Slangie var." Galic for 'Great Life' or 'Great Health.' Sometimes translated as 'let's get pissed'.



-------

Chapter 29


Sasha looked inordinately pleased with herself. She nearly sat opposite me across my desk. I say nearly because she was squirming and getting up, walking round, sitting down again and repeating. She was pleased about something and was desperate to tell her news but determined to wait until noon before she told me.

Due to the fact that I was to be the only one to hear this news, or the first one anyway, I assumed that it was about her law practice.

With an annoying bleep her watch alarm went off, signalling noon.

Sasha reached down and opened her thin briefcase. She took out a large, heavy package and laid it on my desk. "Open that."

I picked it up, it was very heavy. I undid the tape holding the package together (red tape obviously) and opened it. Inside was a huge brass plate, I turned it over.

DEMPSEY

4 Lincoln's Inn Fields

I jumped up and we hugged. "Well done, Sasha. What have you got?"

She was so excited she almost couldn't speak. "The whole building!"

We hugged again then I took her over to the couch and sat her on my lap. She curled up and nuzzled into me. I felt her tears of joy run down my neck.

"So, what have you got then?"

"AIG had six buildings in Lincoln's Inn Fields," you could hear that she relished saying that name. "When they collapsed they gave up the leases on those properties. I got one, number four, the whole building!" She sat up and looked at me, "I want you to come and see it. We'll sort it out somehow but I want you to be one of the first to see it."

I kissed her and she grabbed hold of my head and clamped her mouth to mine. Seconds later we were fucking frenetically. She came and then I came and then she came again. Satiated for the moment we lay down on the couch, Umber came and washed the mess from our bodies. I kissed Sasha again and held her tight to me.

"I've got so much business because people know I look after you that I've had to take on a lot more staff. I've even had some QC's asking to buy in as partners. She looked thoughtful for a moment, there's one QC I might consider..."

"If you have a partner then it's not yours anymore."

She looked shocked. "Why didn't I think of that? All I've ever wanted was my practice in Lincoln's Inn Fields..."

I interrupted, "Say that again."

She grinned hugely. "Lincoln's Inn Fields." She shuddered, "It nearly makes me wet to say that."

I checked, she was wet, I hoped that I had something to do with that though.

"Let's have a party," I suggested.

"Oh God yes! A party, one of your parties. I'll get Daddy and Nina to come."

"Have you told anyone else about number four..." I paused.

"Lincoln's Inn Fields," she continued with a laugh. "No, not yet. I wanted you to know first. You have done so much for me..."

"Nearly as much as you have done for me," I said as I kissed her. "How about announcing that at the party?"

"OH YES! That would be fantastic!" Her eyes glowed with anticipation as she imagined herself announcing to the gathered people that she now had an office in Lincoln's Inn Fields. For a solicitors practice this was the mark that they had 'arrived', only the very best of the very best had offices in Lincoln's Inn Fields.

"There is one person I need to tell, though." I said.

Sasha turned, "Umber go and get Karolina. We need her here, now!" Umber ran to the door and disappeared. Sasha and I kissed and cuddled, she took my hand and placed it on her breast; and I took hers and guided it to my erection. We enjoyed each others bodies for a long while.

Sasha noticed them first, Karolina and Umber kneeling beside the couch.

"Karolina," I said, "Sasha has something to celebrate and we want to hold a party." I watched as Karolina's eyes lit up with the idea of a party and then dimmed as she remembered Joasia and June at the last party.

"Need hold it Joasia room Boss."

"Tell Elastic we're holding a party, we want it in the Joasia room and the rooms on that end of the building. She can get everything moved out of those rooms and seal the whole wing off." I thought for a minute. "Karolina use my computer, see what the Screaming Monkeys are doing over the next couple of weeks."

Karolina busied herself and quickly returned. "Finish Japan Wednesday, nine day free, start Oslo Saturday."

I held my hand up in the air, "Wallet!" I cried and Umber ran away and returned with it in seconds. I hadn't seen this for ages, I never carried it, I knew that someone did but it hadn't been me for ages. I opened it and took out a business card, It said 'Gerald' and a mobile phone number. "Phone!" Umber placed a cordless phone in my raised hand and I dialled Gerald's number.

"Hi," he answered.

"How's Kobi?" I asked.

He laughed "Whole place is fucking weird Paul."

"I want you to do a gig for me."

"When?"

"This Saturday. My people will sort out the logistics."

"Front row girl needs to be there, I've got a surprise for her."

"Gerald, I don't know how to tell you this, she was murdered. Just after the gig you did at Dobroyd."

"Oh no! Hey, fellas, Front row girl's been murdered!" There was a general muttering in the background. "We'll do it for her."

"Thanks Gerald."

"Paul, you can do me a favour too."

"Name it."

"Our lawyers have been screwing us over, so we need a real good one to sue them. I heard that you knew the boss lady at Dempsey. Can you see if they'll take on the case?"

I looked at Sasha who nodded.

"Gerald, send me the phone number of your contact guy and I'll pass it on to them. I'm sure they'll do it for you."

"Thanks Paul, that alone will pay for the gig. And Paul..."

"Yes, I'll make sure that there's plenty of smooth available."

"Good enough for me. Bye Paul."

"Bye Gerald. See you later this week."

Next I called Christine, "Ms Boyle's office."

"This is Paul, can you put me through to Christine Please."

"Christine who sir?"

"Christine Boyle, your boss, that Christine."

"Ms Boyle doesn't take unsolicited calls sir. I can make an appointment for you to call her in about a week or so."

"You're new aren't you," I sighed. "Never mind, you've succeeded in stopping me from disturbing Ms Boyle. Bye." I hung up. I next called the Dobroyd reception.

"Dobroyd Castle Hotel, how may I help?"

'I'd like to speak to Justine please."

"Certainly sir, who may I say is calling?"

"It's Paul, Lord Symington."

"Putting you through, my Lord."

"Paul! It's so good to hear from you. I take it that you've already spoken to Christine." I smiled at her voice.

"Justine, my precious, it's good to speak to you too, and no, I haven't been able to get past her new secretary. Can you help."

"Course I will Paul, just give me a minute." She hung up.

A minute later my phone rang. "Hi Christine."

"Hi Paul, I'm sorry that you couldn't speak to me. I'll tell that girl about the white list again, she's a bit thick, good looking and tits to die for, but she is so thick."

"No problem, Christine. I want to invite you and Justine to a party."

"One of yours?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes, one of mine and I'll be letting Karolina organise the second half entertainment again."

"When?"

"This Saturday, start at seven p.m."

"I'll be down, I'll bring Justine as well. We'll come down on Friday and stay over till the Monday, make a long weekend of it. I do look forward to seeing everyone again. How's Kelly getting on in the new job?"

"She's CEO of our company now. She's got four hotels and is looking at two more. Conrad Hilton had better watch out." I laughed, Christine started laughing and hung up.

"Karolina," I held my hand out to her, "if we stop living then the bastards that killed Joasia will have won. This is special for Sasha."

Sasha looked at Karolina, "I've got my offices in Lincoln's Inn Fields." She was almost jumping up and down in her excitement.

Karolina looked at Sasha and smiled, "IS GOOD! Is better best, me heart burst glad for Mistress Sasha."

"Thank you, Karolina," Sasha turned to me, "And thank you too." We kissed again, then Sasha kissed Karolina, they kissed equally as passionately as Sasha and I did.

-------

I was working on a new project I was interested in, park and ride schemes, when Elastic and Umber brought a man into my office. I recognised him immediately, the fucking tailor with his fucking tape.

I think I may have growled.

Elastic stood in front of me, "Do I need to get Ela boss?"

Umber smiled, "He's only going to measure you Master, he's just done Jo, Karen and me."

With ill grace I undressed, I may have growled a couple of times then too.

I was measured again. This time I saw Umber's eyes open wide at some of the measurements he took. Still it was soon over and Elastic started helping him to pack up his tape and notebook.

"You were warned that everything on this floor is videoed weren't you?" Elastic asked casually.

"Errr ... Yes." He admitted.

"Oh good, so you'll be able to explain and account for every measurement you've just taken then."

His bag fell to the floor.

Elastic smiled, "Of course you could always give my boss a very nice suit, with a very nice discount and then he might tell me that I have other things to investigate." Elastic smiled at him, the sort of smile that velociraptors used to give small furry things just before their jaws closed.

He squeaked, just like their prey did, but his wasn't cut off quite so abruptly.

Umber looked at me sheepishly, "He's a bit of a perv isn't he, Master?"

I glared at her.

"How about you giving me some of that pervy stuff?" she suggested. On the ... err ... whole ... that seemed a very good idea to me. So I grabbed that young (very) willing girl and started doing very dirty things to her. She seemed to enjoy all of them and even had a few suggestions of her own, naughty girl.

-------

I waited by the door with Gerry, Elastic's number three girl. Elastic and her whole team, except Gerry of course, were about to stage a mass move out of the Crynos. That was a diversion of course. A couple would leave the rear of the building during that diversion and probably get picked up straight away and taken to the local Police station. Both sides of the hotel would be filmed of course and the film released to the major news networks live.

Gerry and I would leave when the TV chaos was at its height. I was dressed as an executive and Gerry looked like one of the working girls that frequented this area. This would enable us to shy away from the police without anyone really noticing.

The plan worked perfectly. Gerry and I calmly walked out of the hotel, me with my head down and Gerry calmly beside me chewing gum, I hailed a taxi, "Holborn Underground please." The cabbie flicked the meter on and we were away.

I paid the cabbie while Gerry was walking down a side street and into a bar. When I arrived at the same bar Gerry had already changed. So a mid to upper level executive with his PA walked out of the bar and round the corner into Lincoln's Inn Fields. The door to number four opened as we approached and we entered.

"Hi Sasha," we kissed. Number four had a frontage of just over twenty metres. But it went back about sixty metres. It consisted of eight stories, two basements and six above ground. The rooms were large and airy, large windows let in light and the high ceilings gave a feeling of space and luxury.

Sasha led us to the top floor and front office. This was obviously going to be hers. Larger than the rest, full width of the building and it overlooked the field. Gerry and I admired the view for a moment and then when I turned back Sasha was naked and looking at me in a most predatory way.

Gerry started moving to the door quietly singing, "Boss is gonna get ra-aped. Boss is gonna get ra-aped!"

"Oy, Gerry," I yelled, "I thought you were supposed to protect me!"

"Oh, come on, Boss, this is Sasha, and I've only got a pistol. Don't you know that Sasha bites!" To prove the point Sasha growled at me.

"Come here my pretty pretty." She said. I think Sasha watched the repeat of Barbarella on the TV last Saturday.

Sasha grabbed my lapels and dragged me down for a kiss. I hope Gerry has a book to read, I may be some time. With deviousness, physical strength, misdirection and a whole lot of licking I managed to keep my clothes on for about ten minutes. Then, as Gerry said, 'Boss got raped', though I was a willing participant so 'fucked silly' might be a better description.

-------

We lay naked on the carpet cuddling. Occasionally Sasha would kiss me or suck on my nipple, I would suck on hers. She was relaxed now and we enjoyed holding each other.

Sasha looked up at me, "I don't take enough time to relax like this."

"Neither do I," I admitted.

"What? With all of your girls around, you don't stop and enjoy them?"

"Not nearly often enough. Karolina is working so hard on her project that I've had to tell Lynne to look after her. Lynne has to get Karolina and Ela, they're always working together those two, she has to get them their meals. Tell them that she'll phone me if they work over twelve hours a day for two consecutive days; Karolina said Lynne's a nag."

I thought for a moment, "Jo is busy looking after the business floors. I couldn't touch Karen's tits without causing her pain, Susan is training with Elastic all of the time." I paused to think for a moment, "Could be an idea to call Susan to my bed one night, she should be really fit by now."

"Yeah, she'd suck you in and spit your bones out." She poked me in my stomach, "You should start training as well."

I pushed her onto her back, "And what was wrong with the three cum's I gave you just now?"

She looked into my eyes, "Four would have been nice," and smiled.

I kissed her while I slipped my hand between her legs. I gave Sasha her fourth and fifth orgasms.

Then we walked round the building. As there was only Gerry in there, apart from ourselves, we didn't get dressed for the tour.

We found Gerry down in the sub-basement. She was walking round a set of rooms looking puzzled.

"What's wrong, Gerry?" I asked.

Gerry looked at me thoughtfully for a moment. "Boss, I want to show you something." She led us along the corridor that ran the length of the sub-basement. From the very end office she picked up a long tape measure. Back in the corridor she pointed to the wall at the turn in the corridor. "How far away is that wall?" she asked us.

We both looked carefully, "Thirty feet." I said.

"Twenty-five feet," Sasha estimated.

"It's thirty-two feet, four and a half inches from here," and Gerry placed a piece of paper down on the floor.

"Measure it," said Gerry, "you won't believe me if you don't."

We measured the distance and Gerry was precisely right.

"It's this thing I can do. I know distances. When I walk through a building I know where I am all the time. I don't get lost, not ever." She looked at us, trying to judge whether we believed her or not.

"OK, come here," she took us to the middle of the sub-basement. She pointed to a scuff mark on the floor and then towards the doors to the rooms either side of us. "The door on that side is thirty-nine feet away, and the door that side is forty-five feet away. And notice that both of the doors are around a corner from here." She led us to the door up the corridor and into that room. "Notice anything?"

Sasha and I looked round; it was just a large empty room. "No," I said. Sasha shook her head.

Gerry took us down the corridor to the next door, we went in, "Notice anything in here?"

We looked round in puzzlement, "It looks just the same as the other room," said Sasha.

"And it is. And that's the problem."

Gerry got the tape and measured from the door to the centre wall, thirty-nine feet. She took us back to the other room and measured from that door to the centre wall, thirty-eight feet.

"So," said Gerry, "thirty-nine plus forty-five equals..." she waited for us mathematical geniuses to give her the answer.

Sasha looked at her, "Look Gerry, I can count to twenty, if he's around I can reach forty-one, now treat us like thickies and give us the answers."

Gerry sighed, "Eighty-four feet. Now how much is thirty-nine and thirty-eight?" Gerry sighed again when we didn't answer, "Seventy-seven feet. And that is a difference of seven feet. That wall's seven feet thick, and there's no corresponding structural wall above this one. I checked."

Sasha's eye's narrowed for a moment. She grasped my hand and led me up to her office, Gerry followed behind us. "Get dressed, you're leaving now." I got dressed and Gerry and I hurried out of the front door. We left the field heading past the Old Curiosity Shop toward the London School of Economics. Gerry hailed a taxi and we went back to the Crynos.

-------

Jill was in my office waiting for me when I returned.

"Jane and Cathy would like to see you just now, is that is OK? Karolina would like two minutes first thing tomorrow and then Ela wants to give you a presentation tomorrow morning, that's likely to last all morning."

It was the FDD! I growled but she stood her ground and waited for my childish tantrum to end. It ended when I noticed that Jill was naked from the waist down. Come to think of it, I couldn't remember her wearing anything below her waist since we had our last chat, the one about her wanting to be screwed. She smiled when she noticed where I was looking.

"OK, Jill, send Jane and Cathy in." Jill nodded and walked slowly to the door. Though walk doesn't do justice to the swaying of her hips and the rolling of her bum, she was a delight to watch.

The two girls came in and undressed as soon as they got through the door.

"What can I do for you, ladies?"

Jane was still a bit nervous about being called a lady. That wasn't what most people called her. Neither girl was very intelligent, but they coped with their jobs well and seemed to know when to ask for help.

"We have decided what we would like to do, we can see some problems and we think that you might be able to help us."

"So, Cathy, what have you two decided?"

Cathy looked lovingly at Jane and they held hands, "We are going to keep my baby. I would like to work while I can and then I..." she paused and looked at Jane, "we would like it if I could remain living here with Jane." They both looked at me apprehensively.

I made a note on my pad, "I don't see why you shouldn't stay with your partner while you have your child. Has anyone said differently?"

They looked uncertain, "We didn't know, Sir," replied Jane.

"Ummm ... Just take it as a yes and if anyone says anything about this ask them to see me."

"Thank you, my Sir," Cathy seemed very relieved.

"Now the next problem?"

"We're having difficulty getting time off together to do shopping for Cathy's maternity wear and the baby's things." Jane looked worried, "And Cathy needs to apply for her maternity grant so we can afford to buy some of the big things."

"Don't worry about the grant, you won't need it. This is going to be the first baby born to our little group and I'm certain it will be spoiled rotten before and after birth. If you can't get out to do your shopping then have the stores representatives come here..."

Jane burst out, "Oh Lord, Sir, they won't do that for the likes of us, my Sir."

Cathy shook her head at the impossibility of two cleaners having goods brought to them for their approval and selection.

"They will for my staff, and anyone on my staff can use my name to do this. It saves time, time that I can be bullying you into doing more work, or getting undressed." Both girls proudly lifted their chests to better display their naked breasts. "Ask Jill to arrange these visits for you, she knows what to say." They both nodded but I could see that they were a little reluctant to try getting someone in, just in case they were humiliated with a refusal.

I phoned Jill and called her into the office.

"Jill a few things for you today, I want Cathy here taken off cleaning and given other work which doesn't involve the chemicals that she's currently working with. She is to have the same shifts as Jane so they can get more time together. They need some assistance getting people in for maternity wear, baby things and the usual things associated with a new born baby. I'd like you to sort that out for them please."

"Of course I will, Boss." She seemed annoyed that I possibly thought that she wouldn't do this for the girls.

"I knew you would, but the girls were a little unsure."

Jill smiled at them, "Come and see me this afternoon and we'll sort out a few demonstrations for you. You can't start shopping without seeing what's available." The girls nodded.

"I will take care of those bill's, Jill."

"Of course, Boss." Jill thought for a moment, "Cathy can work with me for a while. We'll see how she gets on with a bit of admin and odd jobbing." Cathy shyly smiled at her.

"Anything else Cathy, Jane?"

Cathy looked down at the floor, "I would like to have a camera. Jane wants to take photos of me as my baby grows." She looked up red with her blush, "She said that she'd make love with me every time she took a photo."

Jill and I smiled at the thought of this.

"Elastic will have one, top of the range but a point and click. It will be ideal for them," Jill suggested. "I'll call her and ask her to send one of her girls over with it for Jane."

"Thank you, Ma'am." Jane and Cathy said almost in unison.

"I'm Jill, and he's Boss, OK?"

Both girls went wide eyed at the thought of being so disrespectful as to call her Jill and me boss.

"I am trying to build a family here, a family which looks after all of its members, a family where everyone respects everyone else." I paused for a moment, "You say that you're only cleaners, but keeping this place clean is going to be very important for your baby isn't it?" They both nodded. "So you can see that we all have our parts to play." They nodded, not really believing me but not wanting to contradict me.

As I looked at Jill, Cathy and Jane a thought struck me, "How difficult is it for you to get to a hairdresser?"

They looked at each other and, seemingly by popular vote, Jill answered, "It's very difficult at the moment, especially with the Cumbrian police parked everywhere. The Met try to move them on and we've had Met superintendants work out of our lobby to cut down on the harassment, but they keep coming back."

"Jill, get together with Kelly and get a good hairdresser here at least twice a week, more often if you think it necessary. Maybe Kelly can use one in her other hotels."

Jill came round to me and kissed me, thoroughly and deeply, "Thank you, Boss." I felt a tear hit my cheek as she moved away. Cathy kissed me next, "Thank you. Can I really call you Boss, REALLY?"

I hugged her tight, "Yes you can, I would like you to call me Paul..."

Her eyes almost popped out, "Oh no! I couldn't do that, Lord Sir."

"OK then, Boss will be OK," I said and she kissed me again.

Jane kissed me. "Ms Hanson said that you'd surprise us with what you would do for us. I don't think she knows the half of it." She looked at Cathy then turned to me, "Please will you take her to bed. She's had a bad time with the only boy she's ever had. Everyone I've spoken to said you'd be a kind and gentle lover for her. She needs that. Please take her to bed." Now a steady drip of tears hit my cheek.

A new voice answered her, "He has to rest for a few days. We will call you Wednesday or Thursday next week to confirm that you and Cathy will share our Master's bed that night." We looked up and Umber was there. Umber must have seen the concern on Jane's face. She leaned forward and held her hand, "I am his body slave, I have to look after my Master and he has been doing too much lately, I need him to get some rest, neither I nor any of his slaves will be having sex with our Master until Julia and I say he is rested again."

"Thank you, Cathy and me will wait for you to call." Jane was happy with Umber's explanation.

Jill, Cathy and Jane left the room, Umber looked down at me, "you need your bed master."

"Yes I do." I agreed. Umber took my hand and walked me to my bedroom and bed. After easing my clothes off she laid me down on the bed and covered me with a duvet, seconds later a cold draft on my back was followed by the warmth of a naked body pressing against me.

"Sleep now, Master," said Julia.

My last thought before sleep was how happy Sasha was with her new offices.



-------

Chapter 30


Julia woke me and refused to have sex with me. Not even a quickie. In a way I was glad, the rest last night showed me just how tired I had become. Umber looked like a mother hen clucking after her brood. I didn't even think of laughing, it's humbling to have people care for you enough to worry this much about you.

There was a table setup in my bedroom and Grace wheeled in a breakfast trolley for the three of us.

We ate slowly enjoying our food. Umber and Julia knelt either side of me and, despite my offers for them to sit and feed themselves; I fed them with my fingers.

"My Master, this is a privilege for your slaves. To be fed by her Masters hand is a high honour. It is something we," Julia gestured toward Umber, "delight in. To know that our Master thinks enough of us to feed us from his own plate. These girls are honoured, my Master."

So I fed them and I took joy in it as well. I did want to thank these girls for all that they did for me. Night and day, there was always one of them awake and ready to serve me.

Julia showered with me, washing me and allowing me to wash her. Again there was no sex, although a bit of over enthusiastic washing from Julia made me paint her belly white with my cum.

Back in the bedroom Umber waited with a shirt, tie and suit for me to wear. "Ela is very nervous about this morning. She has something big on and needs your permission for whatever it is. Karolina is fine though. You're seeing Karolina first, she said it would only take a minute. Ela has been setting up the Joasia room for hours though. She has asked for all morning with you and even asked Sasha to be there."

"Is Sasha here now?"

"Yes, Boss. I asked her not to come into the bedroom as you needed your rest. Sasha said that's OK."

Dressed, in a suit for the first time in years, Julia walked with me to the Joasia room. Julia wouldn't come in but a chair and books had been placed by the door for her.

The first change I noticed were the two large comfortable chairs placed facing a white screen. A multimedia projector was setup behind the chairs and a small table with a laptop and a pile of documents were beside a lectern. Ela was going all out on her presentation. Sasha was there and came to me when she heard the door close. She looked at me with some concern.

"I can see what Julia means, you are tired, exhausted more like. When was the last time you took a day off, even a weekend?"

I thought for a minute, what day is it?" I asked seriously. I didn't even know what day it was.

Sasha looked at me and her expression softened, "It's Tuesday, and you've plenty of time to rest before Christine and Justine arrive on Friday. Providing that you do REST." And she poked me in the chest.

The door opening and Ela and Karolina entering reminded us of why we were there so we sat in the chairs and waited for Karolina.

"Just quick thing Boss. Me need fifty million of pounds sterling..." Ela gasped out loud but Karolina finished, "Need spend this over next year."

I thought for only a couple of seconds, Karolina wanted this money for her project. I knew that Sasha approved of whatever it was that she was doing, and I trusted them both. I turned to Sasha, "Sasha can you ensure that Karolina has access to that, no make it seventy-five million, see that Karolina has access to that money and provide her with anything that she needs. Is that OK, Karolina?"

"This girl thank Boss."

Ela stood there dumbstruck.

"Right Ela, if Karolina can ask for fifty million in a minute, your request must be a cracker." I smiled.

Ela just sat down stunned, "I ... but ... we..."

Sasha went over to Ela and comforted her for a moment. Then she looked through one of the documents on the table. She smiled.

"Ela was going to ask for the same thing. Karolina knows you a lot better though." She gathered up all of the documents and gave them to Karolina, "Here, these are to be burnt now, straight away." Karolina left with her burden.

Ela looked at me puzzled. "I said yes because I trust you, both of you," she nodded. "So you go and get some rest. I bet you've been up all night getting all of this ready." Ela nodded again. I opened my arms and she came to me for a hug.

-------

Julia took me for a walk round the roof. We only managed two circuits before I had to stop. I had been working too long and too hard. Julia, being gentle with me, took me back to my room. Umber and Julia undressed me then Jo gave me a massage. I fell asleep before she finished.

Jo was cuddled up to me when I woke. She gave me a gentle kiss and pulled me out of the bed. There was a tray of fruit and some veggie sticks waiting for us to snack on, fruit juice and water were available but no tea or coffee.

I sat, Jo knelt beside me and I fed her too. We didn't eat much, just a little to calm our appetites. Jo and I showered and she washed me then I washed her. I wasn't worrying about time or anything that needed to be done. There would be time for that later, when I was rested. It was Jo's turn to walk me round the roof. I managed three circuits this time and didn't feel too bad when we finished. Jo gave me a kiss as a reward for the extra circuit. She then took me back to bed.

Karen was sitting on the bed waiting for me, we got in and she snuggled up to my back and held onto me tightly. She was still with me when I woke. My movement woke her too and we had a snack, warm porridge this time. Again the tray only had fruit juices and water to drink. I fed Karen for the first time. The porridge made us both messy but she wouldn't let me lick the spills from her body. So I washed her most carefully when we showered. Karen gave me a massage, I think she's been taking lessons from her mother, she's good. Then we went up to the roof again.

I was a little surprised at the dark, I don't know why. I expected it to be breakfast time because of the porridge. But this looks like the middle of the night.

During the walk I stopped Karen and kissed her. Her eyes lit up. She pulled my head down for another kiss.

"Dr. Ross said when you just took your pleasure from us you would be feeling nearly well. We could let you have some good times then, but only if we did the work." She laughed at that. She pushed me back to a bench at the side of the roof and sat me down. Moments later her scalding hot mouth enveloped the head of my cock. She slowly gave me my pleasure and drank her fill of my seed. I didn't feel nearly so wiped out afterward as I had been recently. I lifted Karen to her feet and kissed her. Initially she hesitated but opened her mouth and accepted my questing tongue eagerly.

"I'm sorry," she said when we broke apart, "but most..."

I placed a finger on her lips, "I know. But if you can take it in your mouth then surely I can kiss you?"

"Whenever you want to, my Master, I look forward to each time." I kissed her again.

We continued our walk. I don't know how many times we went round, but now walking wasn't a problem. I had enough energy to walk for hours. Now I had to start getting fitter so that this wouldn't happen again. And I had to start taking my own advice about the hours I worked.

We returned to my bedroom and Susan took over.

"Are you all checking up on me?" I asked with a laugh.

"Yes, Master," Susan replied seriously, "we were all worried about you. We need you fit and well, Master." I saw a tear fall. I hugged her and felt my chest grow wet with her tears.

"I am going to look after myself, and I have all of you to see that I do. You've been training with Elastic and her girls, how about you starting to get me fit." I could see her hesitate, "I'll try to be a good boss and not shout too much." Now I could feel her trembling. "No, I think it might be better if Elastic trains me. She can shout back at me." I smiled at Susan. She had started to relax a little.

I was concerned about her reaction when I had asked about her running some training classes though. There was obviously a real reason why she was so scared of having to tell me what to do. I would have to think about who I could ask.

I walked down to my office for something to do rather than with any intention to do any work. Sasha was in there, in my chair. She looked up at me, "No wonder you're exhausted if this is the amount of work you get through every day."

I looked at the pile, "It's smaller than usual," I said. Sasha grimaced.

"I need you to sign this," she pushed a sheet of paper at me; it was a power of attorney, valid for one week only. I signed and Sasha smiled.

She looked shattered. "Why don't you leave this until tomorrow?" I suggested.

She slumped on the chair, "This is the stuff that I left from yesterday. I don't know how you managed."

"I obviously didn't. Otherwise I wouldn't be letting you do this." I sat down. Seeing Sasha in such a state depressed me.

I went round to her and hugged her, she started crying, "I wanted to help you and I can't do it, it's all too much."

I kissed her and hugged her again, "When did you last eat?"

She looked at her watch, "Yesterday morning." She sniffed back her tears.

I picked up the phone and dialled, "Debbie, I need a small meal for Sasha in the main dining room. Light stuff, she hasn't eaten since early yesterday."

"Is Ms Sasha still here? She said that she was just going to tidy up a bit of your work and then she'd be away."

"Yes, Debbie. She found out how much work I really do get through." Debbie laughed.

"Ready in ten minutes, Boss."

"Thanks, Debbie."

"It's a pleasure, Boss." We both hung up.

I held out my hand, Sasha took it and we walked hand in hand to the dining room. Debbie had laid out two place settings, for Sasha and I. We sat, Susan kneeling beside me, and Debbie brought in poached eggs on toast, two for Sasha and four for me.

We ate, I fed Susan as I enjoyed the eggs. Sasha devoured the food within moments, she looked around for more, and eyed my plate but then stopped as she saw that I was feeding Susan and she knew I wouldn't allow my slave to go hungry while I fed myself.

Debbie brought out some fruit slices which Sasha attacked. Soon though she was full and I took her hand again. We walked to my bed and I undressed her and put her in. Susan undressed me, and then I joined a sleeping Sasha. I moved to her and in her sleep she spooned against me. With a warm breast in my hand I, too, slept.

I woke before Sasha and managed to get out of bed without waking her. Lynne and Justine were sat together reading. I went over to them and kissed Justine. She returned my kiss and pressed her tongue deep into my mouth. Lynne smiled at us.

"I see that you've added to your harem, my Lord."

I picked her up, turned her over my knee and stopped. If I spanked her here, her cries would wake Sasha and she needed her sleep. So I picked her up again and carried her out to the Joasia room. Along the way I started undressing her. Justine was squealing and squirming the whole time.

I must say that the Harrods sales people who were demonstrating prams to Cathy and Jane didn't blink an eye when a naked man carrying a half naked woman, who he was trying to get fully naked, burst into the room. I'm sure this sort of thing happened to them all the time. Cathy and Jane were good too, apart from stripping naked the instant they saw me that is.

I took her to Karolina and Ela's office next, it was closer than the others.

Karolina looked up from her work, "Hi Boss, Hi Justine, not see long time. You good?"

"Help me! He's going to beat me." Justine cried piteously.

"Hi Justine. Is Christine with you?" Ela asked conversationally.

"Oh woe is me, fallen prey to this monster." Justine wailed.

"Have good time, Boss. Justine, look after Boss he bin ill. Not gooder yet"

I felt Justine's hands on my buttocks as she raised herself to try and look at Karolina. "What's wrong with him?" she asked.

"Boss worked himself into exhaustion. He ain't better yet." Ela answered. "Boss, if Julia or Umber see you carrying a naked girl around, you just know they're gonna start crying."

That was true. They wouldn't tell me off, they would just get upset that I wasn't looking after myself and start crying. It was a far more effective way of keeping me under control.

With a quick twisting flip Justine suddenly appeared standing in front of me. With both hands she grabbed hold of my head and pulled me down for a passionate kiss. A kiss that showed she was wholly female and glad that I was male. She grabbed my hand, "Now you'll just have to drag your helpless captive away and do unspeakable thinks to her poor innocent body." Cocking her head to one side she looked at me, "You are going to do unspeakable things to my poor innocent body, aren't you?" she demanded.

"Oh yes."

"Good, let's find somewhere a bit quieter then." We kissed again and I grasped her bum and pulled her into me.

"I know just the place," I said.

My office was quiet, so I pulled Justine over to the couch and across my knee. Holding her down with my left hand I landed six sharp swats on each cheek, and then slid my finger tips down her arse crack. She opened her legs as wide as she could to give me room and relaxed onto my lap. I let my index finger toy with her puckered ass while the other fingers pressed into her sopping wet vagina. Then I pressed forward and all fingers dipped into her.

Justine arched her back, "Aaaahhhhh..." she gasped. I steadied her with one hand while pumping in and out with the other. Her squirming on my lap was moving her towards the edge but a small pair of hands eased her back. "Thank you, Umber," I said.

"You do that girl good, Master. Make her know she's been fucked by the best Master there ever was."

"Why don't you sit there," I gestured towards Justine's head, "you can play with her tits and tell her that yourself."

Umber thought that this was a smashing idea and was soon head to head with Justine, her hands disappearing under Justine's body and she was whispering in Justine's ear. I continued my assault on Justine's cunt and ass driving my fingers in as deep as I could.

"Flip her over, Master. Give her a good fucking."

I agreed with Umber and thought that this was a good idea. Umber pulled and I pushed Justine off my lap. We held her down on the couch while I grabbed her feet, then we flipped her over. Umber immediately grabbed hold of Justine's large breasts while I spread her legs. Justine's wet vagina was my target. My tongue and teeth quickly found the engorged clit and licked and nipped at it. Umber was sucking on Justine's nipples, first one then the other. She also attacked her mouth as well, kissing her deeply and both forcing her tongue into Justine's mouth and sucking Justine's tongue into hers.

Justine was also having her own fun, whenever Umber's breasts came within reach she sucked greedily on them, nipping at Umber's hard nipples and pulling as much of the tit flesh into her mouth as possible. We all knew when Justine came, her cries were like music to our ears and we doubled our efforts to bring our victim to a crashing orgasm.

Justine soaked my face as she squirted her orgasm at me. She stretched her limbs out straight, allowing Umber and I full access to her body. I moved up and pressed the head of my hard cock against her entrance. Pushing forward I ploughed full length into her. Her legs wrapped round me and pulled me tight against her. I took a nipple into my mouth while I watched Umber suck on the other. Nipping the erect nipple between my teeth, I pulled away and saw that Umber was copying me, pulling on the nipple between her lips, too. We almost lifted Justine off the couch by her nipples, no less. Justine, though, spread her arms out wide and let us torment and torture her body. Soon her pants and moans turned to cries again and I felt her cunt spasm around my cock. I stroked harder and faster as she came and felt my upper legs soaked by another squirt of girl cum.

I came, too, shooting my seed deep into her cunt, my dick on fire from the heat in Justine's cunt. I came and came, then sagged down into her waiting arms. I kissed Justine and then reached up to grab Umber and kiss her too.

Umber moved down to my side, "How about you getting off and I'll clean you both up?" She looked willing, no, eager to do this so I lifted off Justine. As soon as my cock was clear Umber's hot mouth locked onto it and she sucked me in. Licking and sucking on and around my shrinking cock, Umber cleaned me from cock tip to anus. She then sank to her knees and lowered her head between Justine's legs. She licked up my semen that had already seeped from Justine's open cunt and then she locked her lips around Justine's vagina and started licking and sucking. Justine lay back and enjoyed Umber's attentions. Soon she was cumming again. With a loud cry she squirted girl and boy cum into Umber's mouth. Umber drank this down with relish, she sucked harder to get the last few drops of Justine's juice from her.

We lay and cuddled together, Umber lay on top of Justine and I. We kissed and stroked each other but the fire of our ardour had died a little. We wanted comfort and cuddles rather than the fiery heat of passion.

"I'm hungry," I said, well, I was.

Justine hit me on my shoulder.



-------

Chapter 31


We walked back to my bedroom as I wanted to check on Sasha before we ate. Quietly opening the door I looked in. Sasha was still sleeping. She was cuddled in Jo's arms like a baby. I quietly blew a kiss and shut the door.

There was noise coming from the dining room as we approached so we knew that a meal was being served. Umber and I just didn't know which meal.

We entered, I let Justine go first, Umber, of course, would only follow me. I saw Christine towards the head of the table. She jumped up and came to greet me. We hugged and kissed then she pointed to Justine, "Why's my toy naked?" she asked.

"I've been playing with it."

Christine then saw Justine's bottom, "Have you been beating one of my toys?"

"One of them?" I asked.

Christine stepped back, "Yes, one of them. I have three now. Justine, Pippa and Sam." She turned and gestured to her chair where two naked girls knelt waiting for their mistress. "Now have you been beating the big one?" Justine proudly thrust her breasts forward.

"Oh yes. It was fun. Umber helped me."

Christine turned to Umber who was kneeling at my side. "Umber?" she queried.

"Yes, Mistress, my Master already had Ela so I had to change my name."

"To Umber."

"Yes, Mistress," Umber smiled and looked up at me. "When I arrived I was dressed in rags and Master said I reminded him of Cinderella, and he called me Umber because of my hair."

Christine looked at me, quietly she said, "Umber Ella, my God, she hasn't twigged yet?" She smiled and kissed me. "You're a cunt, Paul."

I slipped my hand between her legs, together we recited, "This is a cunt, I'm a pillock," and laughed.

I sat at the head of the table with Umber kneeling beside me. Lynne and Susan who were already eating looked on in envy as I started feeding Umber.

Halfway through my casserole, liver and bacon today, Elastic came in, "Boss, there's a woman in reception is asking for 'Julia', says her name is Blakestone."

"Come to my office." With reluctance I left my casserole and went with Elastic to my office. There Elastic turned on a wall mounted TV and selected one of her security channels. The camera was tracking a stocky woman, though looking gaunt now. Her hair was untidy and her clothes seemed a little threadbare.

"Umber, get me Karolina. I want her here now."

Umber ran out of the room, though she returned almost at once, "Karolina is here, Master." And Karolina entered the office.

"Karolina, I want to know everything you can find out about this woman, name is Amanda Blakestone," I pointed to the TV. "Start from now and work backwards if you can. And check police and hospital records as well."

"Umber, get Julia." Again she ran out of the office.

I noticed that Ms Blakestone was getting a little restless waiting so long so I phoned reception, "Reception, how may I help you?"

"This is Lord Symington, pass a message to Ms Blakestone that Julia is on her way and will be down in a couple of minutes. Ask if she would like tea or coffee and prepare a private dining room for them to have..." I looked round.

"Lunch," whispered Elastic.

" ... Lunch." I continued.

Julia entered and I briefed her on what I wanted her to do. She ran away to get dressed.

Elastic and I watched as Ms Blakestone accepted tea and biscuits, hungrily devouring the later.

"Can we get sound on this?" I asked

"Yes, but it would be better when Julia gets down there. One of my girls will be giving her a wire and we'll be able to isolate them from the background noise. It will be fine in the dining room." Elastic was justifiably pleased with her security systems.

Then the screen jumped and the picture shrank to half screen size. On the right hand side of the screen was a still photograph of the woman we were watching, though obviously taken in better times. She was a few pounds heavier and her hair was shiny and well groomed. Below the picture was a section of rolling text giving details of that woman's life.

"THE FUCKING WITCH!" Elastic was pale, "How on Earth has she broken into my secure video system?" She turned to me, "That girl of yours of really freaky when it comes to computers, Boss. I was told that no one could break in to this video system. Fuck me, the suppliers are gonna have kittens when I show them this."

"Don't show them," I said, Elastic looked surprised, "Let's keep this our little secret shall we?"

"OK, Boss," she reluctantly agreed. "But I tell you, Karolina is scary, she just makes those computers of hers do anything she wants them to, anything at all."

I just smiled at her.

"But you've been told that before haven't you."

I nodded, then pointed at the TV. Julia came into the picture and held out her hand to Ms Blakestone.

She shook the offered hand looking a little unsure about the age of the girl who had come to greet her.

"Good afternoon, Ms Blakestone, my name is Julia. Lord Symington is very busy at the moment," Ms Blakestone's face fell, "and he has asked me to entertain you until he is free." Julia smiled at her. Ms Blakestone seemed a little happier that she wasn't just being fobbed off with an excuse.

"My Lord has asked me to offer you lunch from our private kitchens. Debbie, our Chef here, is rather good." Julia gesture to a half concealed door and Ms Blakestone followed her into the private dining room.

"Do you think he will see me?" she asked, we all could hear the desperation in her voice.

Julia held out her hands and held Ms Blakestone's, "Ms Blakestone," she paused, "may I call you Amanda?"

"Mandy," replied the older woman.

"Mandy, Lord Symington took me off some quite important work to come and reassure you that he is very interested in meeting you. I also know why you are here and a bit about your background. While I am quite young," and Julia smiled depreciatingly, "I do hold a position very close to Lord Symington."

The picture changed to another camera and we saw Debbie enter the room. "Good afternoon Ma'am, Julia, May I enquire as to your preference for lunch?"

Julia gestured to seating by a coffee table and she and Mandy sat down.

"I..." Mandy was a little confused, "I don't know, do you have a menu?"

Debbie smiled, "Ma'am, I run a private kitchen; I discuss with the family what they would like to eat and make suggestions as to the suitability of menu choices and wines. Perhaps Julia could guide you."

Julia turned to Mandy, "Do you like liver and bacon casserole? Debbie was making one this morning and it smelt delicious." Mandy nodded unsure of how to reply.

"Debbie, do you have any of the casserole left?"

"Of course I do, Julia, and plenty too. Shall I send side plates of country vegetables as well?"

"Yes please, Debbie, and I'm sure Mandy would like a glass of wine to accompany the casserole too, I shall have water as usual."

"Of course, Julia." And with a smile Debbie left the room.

Julia and Mandy settled to chat while they waited for their lunch. Suddenly another image was superimposed on the screen just below Mandy's head. It was a voice stress reading, a simple red / amber / green light with the legend 'Voice Stress Level' below it. The light spent most of its time in the amber band.

Debbie came into the office, "Boss, thought you needed to know, she hasn't had a wash for a couple of days, don't think she's eaten too much recently either. She smells, Boss, not too bad just yet, but she does."

"Thanks, Debbie. Don't give her too much for her lunch, if she's not eaten for a couple of days she'll be sick."

"OK, Boss." Debbie went to prepare their lunch.

The phone rang, there was a bit of a commotion in reception, four police officers were threatening the concierge with arrest if he didn't immediately tell them where Amanda Blakestone was. Elastic changed the security channel and we saw him being led out of the hotel by two of the police officers. One noticeable thing was that they weren't wearing their shoulder patches with their numbers on. Still we had their faces on video and we had their car registration.

"Get Julia and Blakestone up here, now!" I ordered.

Elastic pulled out her radio, "Cherub!" she called. She switched back to the dining room and we saw Gerry taking Julia and Mandy out through the rear door.

"Sweep up! Sweep up!" was her next message. I knew that one; it was the command for security to clear all of the corridors of people. We didn't have a public address system, I didn't like them and Elastic had kindly stripped it out of our floors.

Elastic reset the TV to a cable channel and switched it off. She looked round the office and, happy it was clear, gave me a quick hug and kiss then left.

I sat and waited. Soon enough the door opened and Julia escorted Mandy in.

"Boss, this is Mandy, Ms Blakestone."

I held out my hand and we shook, "Good afternoon, Ms Blakestone. I am Paul, Lord Symington. I understand that you've ordered your lunch but not had a chance to have it yet. I took the liberty of asking Debbie to serve you in the Blue room." I smiled at them both. "Enjoy your lunch, Ms Blakestone, and Julia will bring you back here when you've finished. I have cleared my diary for this afternoon so you've no need to rush."

Julia led Mandy away to the small Blue room by the kitchen.

I went to Karolina and Ela's office, "What do you call this place?" I asked them.

They looked a little puzzled, "The office?" Ela suggested. Karolina nodded.

I looked round at all of the wall mounted monitors and stacks of computers, "It looks like a moon mission control room in here."

Ela looked at Karolina and they both smiled.

"What have you found out about Blakestone?" I asked.

"Some bastard give her plenty-shit." Karolina started.

"Boss, someone has been after this woman big time," Ela explained. "Lost her job, can't get another one in local government planning because that's just a big club and everybody knows everyone else and the word has gone out about this chick. She must really have pissed in someone's cornflakes to get this amount of trouble. She can't get benefits and now she's lost her home."

"OK, she's being shit upon, is it deserved?"

"Not way! She am good kid, Boss." Karolina turned and picked up a pile of printouts, "All here Boss, what do and when, no why. She good 'un, Boss, get bring in family."

Ela nodded, "If you can get her, Boss, she'll be an asset. She's fucking good at this planning lark, at least everyone used to say so." Karolina nodded her agreement.

"Where did it all start from?"

"That's the funny thing, Boss, Essex County Council backed up by Essex Police."

"ESSEX!" I looked at them both, "Why the fuck Essex?"

Karolina looked down at the floor as though she'd failed me, "Girl not know master."

I hugged her immediately, Ela wrapped her arms round her too. "My favourite girl has worked wonders with her computers. I am proud of her. I know that she will find out everything that there is to find. If my favourite girl cannot find it, it is not there to be found."

I felt Ela nod in agreement. She looked up at her friend, "Karolina you've taught me more than I ever learned at uni, I doubt that my professor knew as much as you do about these things. You are the best, the very best and you're gonna get the goods on the freaks that ordered everyone to shit on this woman."

"Karolina, you will be working with Mandy, she will be asking you to find out things for her. Will you be happy doing this?"

"Oh yes, Master. Work from Mandy not bother. Mandy OK, she be gived shit, not send it."

"OK, how about we work from the premise that she knows something that someone thinks she shouldn't know. And that someone is trying to shut her up. I don't know if she's aware of what she knows or not. Probably not as we've seen that these people are more than willing to kill." I paused, the girls were looking at me, waiting for more 'gems of wisdom'. Well from me they'd have a long wait.

They started talking to each other and within four words I was lost. Quietly I left the room and returned to my office. Reluctantly I picked up the phone and called my bedroom, Jo answered. "Jo, I need Sasha awake and dressed in my office in an hour."

"You're in luck, Master, she woke about thirty minutes ago, she's had a shower and is having lunch now. Nina has brought a fresh set of clothes over for her too."

"Thanks, Jo. Bring her down to my office in an hour please."

"I will ask her, Master." Jo, of course, wouldn't demand that a freewoman would do as she told her. Jo would always ask, and take the punishment if the freewoman said no.

I sat and thought for a while. 774-12 should be a nice test I thought. I picked the original tender request out of the safe and placed it on my desk.

I phoned Ross, "Doc, I'm in a hurry and I need Em here now."

There was a second's silence on the line then Ross replied, "Does she need a uniform?"

"Only the one under her bra and panties."

"OK, I'll call her now, she should be there in fifteen minutes or so. You realise you may have to keep her?"

"Yeah I do, so get working on a slot for her in your medical school, Ross."

"Already done, Paul. Look after yourself."

"You too, Ross. Give my love to Helen, and thanks for Em."

I sat thinking for a while. If Mandy Blakestone was on the level she'd be a great asset. I couldn't handle the workload anymore and she had a reputation as a brilliant council planning officer. Surely she would know of other planning officers who might like to change jobs. I smiled at that thought, a local government officer giving up a cushy job and golden pension to come and work for private enterprise, the place where people can get fired for making mistakes.

A knock on the office door disturbed me, "Come in!" I called.

Em entered and came to stand in front of my desk, "Dr. Ross said that you needed me."

"Yes, I need you to examine someone and run as many tests on her as you can think of. I want to know everything about her physical condition, substance abuse, alcohol, anything everything. Does she have any diseases, STD's anything."

Em nodded. "About my uniform?"

"Yes, I need you naked for this. It may seem strange but I have my reasons. I just don't have time to go into them just now."

"What do I call you?"

"Well, I'd prefer Paul."

"Yes, Sir." She smiled. I frowned at her. It didn't work.

"How about 'Boss'?" I suggested.

She looked a little uncertain, "I'd prefer, 'Master.'"

"Boss for now, we'll talk about 'master' later, when we both have a little more time. I do need you around for a while though."

"That's fine, mas ... Boss. Helen, Dr. Ross' wife, said she'd look after my flat for me."

I made a note about Em's flat. For what Em would be doing for me over the next few days or weeks, I wanted to get her mortgage paid off.

"Em, please see Kelly and get a room..."

Em was holding up one of our room keys, "She caught me on my way in and assigned me the same room I stayed in when I was here last. At least I know where that one is." And she smiled.

"OK, go to your room and get changed into your ... uniform. And be ready with your nurse's bag to do a complete physical down here."

"Yes, Boss," and she left.

"UMBER!"

"Right here, Master."

I looked down at my side and there she was, kneeling ready for whatever I wanted of her. I stroked her hair and she smiled at me.

"I want you just as you are when Ms Blakestone comes down. I want her to see a naked slave at my side."

Umber just smiled and rubbed her cheek against my thigh.

I looked at the clock, almost time for Sasha to come down, I really needed her here. I reached for the phone but just I my hand touched the receiver the door opened and Sasha walked in.

"Hello, my darling, how are you feeling now?" I rose and hugged and kissed her. She pressed her body into mine and held onto me tightly.

"I never knew just how much work your businesses were until I tried to do it myself. It's no wonder that you exhausted yourself." She rested her head against my chest, "Please don't do that again. I don't have enough friends to lose someone like you." She kissed me again. I thought about Sasha's response but I didn't have time to question it, or her, just now. This I would have to look into later.

"I think that I have the solution here. Ms Blakestone came in this afternoon, and she's been persecuted by the establishment for something. I don't know what yet but I mean to find out."

Sasha kissed me again, "Does she have any sisters, because you're going to need all the help you can get?" Sasha smiled at me as I looked down at this warm and sexy lady in my arms.

"Just sisters?" I asked.

"OK, Paul, how many men are allowed entry into these floors?"

"Errr..."

"Two! You and Dr. Ross, and if we could have found a female doctor with the same credentials, there would only be one."

"Well ... If you put it like that, I do prefer that portion of the human race which has tits." I said as I fondled hers.

"Gerroff me tits! Fuck m ... Bugger m ... Oh my gosh! You men!" and she laughed.

"Let's get ready for Ms Blakestone, she'll be here in a few minutes."

"OK. You're not that bad you know." We kissed again and we both sat to wait for Julia and Ms Blakestone.



-------

Chapter 32


Sasha and I waited for nearly five minutes before a knock on the door made us jump apart. We each let go of the other's hand and straightened our unruffled clothes. It might have been guilty thoughts which made us believe that they needed straightening.

Julia brought Ms. Blakestone into the office and showed her to the chair waiting for her.

"Ms Blakestone," I held out my hand. She took it and we shook. I watched her eyes flicker down to Umber kneeling on the floor watching us, unconcerned about her nudity.

"Please sit down, Ms Blakestone." She sat.

"Julia, why don't you join Umber," and I gestured to the floor. Julia smiled, shrugged out of her dress and knelt down next to Umber. Their smiles showed that they were both pleased to be together again.

"Ms Blakestone..."

She interrupted, "Please call me Mandy.

"Mandy, I would like you to have a look at a request for tender proposal I received." I tapped Umber on her shoulder and pointed towards the document pack on a desk in the other side of the room. Umber jumped up and ran to get the pack. Her lithe toned body distracting Mandy for a few seconds. Umber brought the pack back to me, but I pointed to Mandy. Walking round to her, Umber's sensuous glide had me starting to get hard. I don't know what it was doing to Mandy, but her hands were trembling when she took the pack, and her eyes didn't leave Umber's tiny breasts until Umber turned away. Mandy licked her lips and her eyes dropped.

"You know, don't you?" she asked crestfallen.

"Yes," I lied, "but I want you to tell me yourself."

"I have always been attracted to girls, to young girls. It's not that I don't like men, I just love young girls." She looked up at Sasha and me, tears running down her cheeks. "Councillor Ericson asked if his daughter could stay in the planning office with me while he was in a committee meeting. Of course I said yes, Beth was so like me at her age, more intelligence than knowledge of how to use it. She too liked girls, she liked me, and I grew to like her." Tears were flowing freely now. "We made love, it was beautiful. We were in her home, in her bedroom. She was shy and I showed her the joys of love."

Now Mandy's face hardened, "Then the photos came. Photos of us together, she was actually smiling at the camera. As she put her head between my legs she smiled at the camera." Mandy was white with her rage at this betrayal. "The message was simple, pass certain planning applications or the photos would be released to the papers and the police. I'm certain that this wasn't the first time she'd caught people in her honey trap. There was Mr. Simons, an older planning officer, a bachelor. He made ... strange ... decisions from time to time. Then he committed suicide. There were a couple of accountants in the audit department, they left quite suddenly. And rumours of course, there are always rumours." She looked me in the eye and pulled herself erect.

"I said no." She sagged into her seat, "They didn't want to release the photos, I suppose that they wanted to use Beth again or something, but they ruined me anyway and so here I am now."

Sasha looked at her, "I'll need you to tell me everything, every tiny detail, but later, in a few days time."

"Now the tender request." I prompted.

Mandy looked at the documents for nearly three minutes.

"Can I mark this copy?" she asked.

"Of course," I replied.

"Err ... can I borrow a pen. I no longer have one of my own." This seemed to shame her more than her tale of love and betrayal.

I gestured to Julia and she ran to the desk and took out a desk organiser from the top drawer. It contained pens, pencils and various highlighters and markers. Julia placed the organiser within easy reach of Mandy.

For five minutes Mandy marked various places in the document, muttering to herself all the time, "That's crap," and "Ha! I'll believe that when I see it!" Then she looked up at me, "This from Cornwall?"

"Yes."

"That's Bob Penhaligon's work. Nasty piece of work he is. He's sent this sort of thing out before. Get's a couple of firms working, trying to win the whole contract, that's the point, there's always a clause that they can't fulfil. And they either go bankrupt trying or are sued into bankruptcy for failing to fulfil their contractual obligations. He likes this sort of thing does Bob, nasty spiteful little man."

I looked over the document and noted Mandy's comments. She had referenced clause against counter clause and, while I had known this was a trap, I couldn't have dissected it as thoroughly as Mandy had. I was impressed, very impressed.

"Now I want you to have a physical examination."

"When and where?"

"Here and now. Umber, call nurse Em." Umber ran to the door and seconds later was helping Em wheel in a large trolley of medical kit.

Mandy watched Em enter the room, could not help but notice that she too was naked and gulped.

"Do any of your staff wear clothing, Lord Symington?"

Sasha and I looked at each other, "Debbie!" we both said at the same time.

I looked back at Mandy, "Yes, Debbie does."

"Though she's still trying to get him to take them off her," added Sasha.

Mandy thought for a moment, "Debbie, the chef I met downstairs?"

"Yes that's the one." I answered.

"Ms Blakestone if you will come over here please," requested Em in her nurse's voice.

Mandy looked round the room at me, Sasha, Julia and Umber, "You're going to examine me with all of these people in the room?"

I leaned forward towards her, "Mandy, she's going to give you a full examination, with an internal and body cavity search, with all of us watching." I paused for a second, "Is there anything that you don't want us to find out about?"

"Well, I'm not exactly clean. It's been a few days since I was able to wash."

"After we've finished here I promise that you can spend as long as you like in your bathtub. And your room will have all of the soaps, scrubs, oils, unguents, potions and polishes that you will need, and a new toothbrush."

"Clothes?" she said hopefully. Sasha sniggered.

"OK, maybe no clothes then." Mandy actually smiled. "How about food?"

"When did you last eat, before you came here that is?" I asked.

"Three days ago, I spent the last of my money on an egg sandwich. You have no idea how good that sandwich tasted. Before that ... I can't really remember, it must have been a week or so."

"Well, in that case, Em and Debbie will set you a diet so that your stomach can get used to food again. And one of Elastic's people will set you an exercise program which you will attend and Elastic doesn't allow people to give her half measures in her exercise classes."

"Elastic?" Mandy asked.

Sasha looked at me as she answered, "Lieutenant Bands, Royal Navy, also known as Elastic. Elastic and the boss are both Navy. They think that this sort of thing is funny."

Mandy nodded, understanding the idiosyncrasies of males and the armed forces.

Em cleared her throat, "If you please, Mandy."

Mandy stood, "Where do you want me. Nurse?"

"Call me Em, everyone else does. Over here and take your clothes off."

Mandy undressed, she looked over her shoulder at me, and as I warned her, I was watching. She didn't hesitate but dropped her clothes in a heap beside her.

We could all smell her now. She had lost so much and sunk low enough to accept stripping before a bunch of strangers, one a male, for what she saw as her only chance of working her way out of the hole she had been thrust in.

Mandy was thirty-five years old. She had let herself go since she played hockey at a national level during her university days. Her breasts sagged and her tum held a number of pounds she didn't need. Arms and legs were still slim but had lost their tone. Her skin hung loosely on her, a testimony to the weight she'd lost. She was in poor shape but would benefit from exercise and a good diet. Obviously she hadn't had the opportunity to shave for the last fortnight and this showed in the lengthening pubic hair, with an obvious 'landing strip' which was longer than the rest, and her armpits.

There was one thing that everyone noticed though, the fire in her eyes. This woman was going to get her revenge. If showing her skin and being fiddled around a little in front of an audience was what it took to start on the path of her redemption, she would gladly pay the price. I liked her already.

Em was through, she took an arm full of blood then urine and stool samples (Mandy squatted down and produced the required samples with no show of shame or embarrassment.) Temperatures from her ear and rectum, Em palpitated her stomach and abdomen, gave a thorough breast exam, checking for lumps and discharges, and finally had Mandy kneel on a table and place her shoulders down on the table top. Her vagina and anus were ideally placed for internal exams.

Em lubricated a speculum and gently pressed it into Mandy's vagina. We all heard the intake of air, Mandy's stomach muscles were not toned enough to hold the weight of her internal organs in place while her vagina was opened. Em held the speculum in place while Mandy turned over onto her back and then compressed her abdomen to expel as much of the air as possible.

Em showed us all Mandy's vagina and her cervix. "Here's where your sperm are so desperate to get to, Boss. Want to drop a few million in directly on the spot?"

"Oy," complained Sasha. "If she wants a semen injection from the Boss, she can join the back of the queue."

I looked at Sasha in surprise.

"When was the last time I was in your bed?" she asked.

"Last night." I replied.

"When was the last time I was in your bed getting fucked?!" Sasha elaborated.

"OK, that was a few days ago," I admitted.

"So, she's after me." Sasha looked pleased with her logic.

Mandy looked at me, "Have you got a twelve inch prick or something?"

Sasha answered for me, "No. But he does treat his ladies gently, with kindness and respect, he makes sure we are happy with what he is doing and he makes sure that we enjoy our time in his company. A twelve inch dick will only pound your cervix for a couple of minutes; he fires your whole body and makes you forget time. Believe me, when you've spoken with a couple of the girls here you'll want to try him yourself too."

Mandy nodded, "I'll have a word with them when I'm allowed."

"You're allowed to talk to the staff now. Talk, but nothing else yet. I want to have the results of some of these tests before we think about any closer contact. Umber, pass the word, lookie, talkie, no touchie." I watched as Umber ran to the phone, two minutes later she ran back and knelt by my side again. "Done, Master."

"Mandy, I want you to settle in for a couple of days; then you'll be given an office and a shit load of work."

"Planning work like that ... thing?" asked Mandy.

"Real planning and tender proposals, nothing like that crap." I pointed at the pack on the desk.

"Salary?" she asked.

"You'll find me generous but I expect a lot back." I thought for a moment, "We'll start you at seventy K and review that in three months. How does that sound?"

"The chief planning officer doesn't get seventy K." Mandy replied a little nervous.

"He doesn't work for me," I leant forward a little, "and I'll work your arse off, just ask anyone."

Mandy nodded, "I can live with that. Pension?" She asked hopefully.

"After ten years you qualify for a full final salary pension. This is a lifetime commitment we're asking for, we pay very well, the work is hard and demanding, but we look after our staff until the end." I saw that Mandy was shocked by this.

"Mandy, in the little group we call the family, we have a lot of pressure, two of our family have been murdered. The Cumbrian police are still raiding the place with forged warrants and coppers out of uniform. If you join us then they will target you as well, you can expect your name to be in the daily Herald with the most lurid headlines you could imagine. Do you want to be named a terrorist, or a prostitute, how about a baby snatcher, or (even better) a female paedophile, procuring children for your boyfriend?"

"Ha ha ha ha ... ha..." Mandy noticed that no one else was laughing. "Oh my God, you're not joking."

Elastic touched my shoulder, then whispered in my ear, "Phone call, Boss, you have to take this one."

"Excuse me please, Mandy. Sasha, will you answer any questions Mandy may have? I must take a call. I do apologise for this."

"You go, Boss," Sasha answered, "I'll look after Mandy."

Elastic handed me a mobile phone, "Paul." I said

"Good afternoon, Lord Symington." I recognised the voice, it was the Count.

"Count, what can I do for you?"

"Well Symington, I am glad that you got the Blakestone woman safe, but they haven't found her sister yet. They will soon though, their investigators are stupid but persistent."

I held the phone away from my ear, "Sasha find out where Mandy's sister is and get her in here too."

I returned to the phone, "Thank you, Count. You didn't need to tell me that. I owe you a favour."

"And I want you to return that favour by accepting a gift which is on its way to you. This gift is from a number of Owners. We slave owners, or Owners as we like to call ourselves, have a problem. Our slaves all have children we want to protect. Most of us like some of our girls to have a fat belly, but we don't really want a screaming infant around the place. When we last spoke, you mentioned an idea of starting a crèche in an isolated country where you could raise and train your slave's children. We like that idea but there is a problem, we all have ... shall we call it a history, yes a history between us, such that none trusts the other."

"And you want me to setup my crèche and raise your slaves' children for you."

"Yes, you see it at once. You are new, you haven't ... upset ... some of the more traditional of the Owners. And when you sent Ruby and Amile back for their punishments you pleased the most hidebound of the Owners. They also liked the fact that you punished your two girls yourself and the full hundred strokes each too. They haven't seen that sort of integrity for a long time, well before my time of course. Ha ha ha ha. We would, of course, pay a reasonable fee for this service."

"Count, you know that I have a few issues with the Cumbrian police..."

"Trivialities, you'll crush these fools, we can all see it coming and wait to watch the entertainment with anticipation. What about the crèche?"

"Let me get Sasha to draw up a draft contract..."

"Dempsey! Tell her to leave us our balls! Ha ha ha ha ha."

"No Count, you want your balls, you negotiate for them."

"Well said, Symington, well said. So you'll look into it for us."

"Yes Count, I'll look into it and I'll ask Sasha to have a draft contract to you by the end of next week."

"So long for a contract?"

"Yes, Count. It's a craftsman's job to create a contract which tears your clients balls off, while making them think that they have the better part of the bargain."

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha. I will wait for the draft contract and I won't warn my fellow Owners who's drawing up this evil instrument, they'll have to look after themselves."

"Don't we all have to look after ourselves, Count?"

"True, my friend. I call you friend because you treat me as friend. Symington, Paul, you have honesty and integrity. I admire that in a man. I do not have much of either but I recognise it in others. You also have the devil's own luck, first your lottery, then surviving the poisoning; now getting Blakestone. I'm sorry about June and Joasia. I had a word with Tadeusz. Joasia was a special person; he recognised that and was quite pleased that you took her off him. He's thinking about selling up, selling you his entire string of slaves so he can retire back to his home with his two special girls."

"A reasonable ambition," I said.

"So, you'll take his stable?"

"I'll have to talk to Tadeusz about that. Tadeusz has ... talents ... that are useful."

"He does. We'll watch what happens. A last gift for you, for Dempsey actually, tell her that Stuart is working for the Cumbrians." I knew Sasha would go absolutely mental when she heard that piece of news. Stuart was not long for the legal world I thought.

"Thanks again, Count, I owe you again."

"Call me Alex," he laughed. I could see what was coming but was powerless to prevent it happening.

"You must call me Paul," I waited for it, he didn't disappoint me.

"Yes, Sir..." he broke down in helpless laughter.

"Tell me, Alex, when was the last time your girls joined together to play a joke on you?" That was cruel, below the belt, but I thought he needed to see the way he treated his harem was important, not only to his girls but also to him and his quality of life.

Alex's laughter stopped abruptly and there was silence on the phone. "You think that you know more about keeping slaves better than me?"

"No, Alex, I think that I know a different way of keeping slaves, but making them want to belong to me. It's working so far. A little while ago I tried to release all of my slaves, grant them all their freedom. None of them even considered leaving, not a single one."

"Take one of my girls for a year, she can learn your ways and tell me how you manage your harem. You never know I might even learn something from an upstart." His laughter almost overloaded the phone.

"If you send her to me I'll offer her her freedom. That's the first thing I have done to all of my girls. The longest any of them have been away was thirty minutes. They all asked for their collar in the end."

"And if she did take her freedom?"

"Then I would owe you for one trained slave, slightly whip marked. And while I'm upsetting you, Alex, the slave mothers and baby's, the mother comes with the child and they both stay together for two years minimum."

"Nine months."

"Alex, I'm not negotiating, this is a take it or leave it, one time only offer."

There was a silence for a few moments, a pregnant pause you might say.

"Two years?"

"Minimum."

"OK, I know a number of the old timers will like that." Alex said, I waited.

"OK, Paul. Have Dempsey write it into her contract. Those who like it will think that you're a real Owner, those who don't will curse you. They will all use your crèche because it will be the only one, and they'll all know that, and they'll smile at you regardless of their true feelings."

"And pay my fees, as long as they pay my fees."

"Your gift will arrive in fifteen minutes, Paul, perhaps you'd like to get ready. And you must remember these two numbers, the red one is 1812 and the blue one is 1066. You should be able to remember those two numbers, an Englishman like yourself." Then, abruptly, Alex hung up.

I was puzzled about the colours and numbers but I wrote them down anyway. I turned to Sasha and Mandy.

"Em, please would you be so kind as to take Mandy up to her room? Sasha and I have some work to do."

"OK, Boss," Em replied and then she and Mandy left my office.

"Sasha, that call was from the Count, he told me that your Stuart is working for the Cumbrians."

Sasha laughed, "I know that. There are three of them, Stuart and two clerks. They haven't figured out yet why they're all working in the same department. Took Nigel a while to arrange that but they're isolated from the real work and we're feeding a huge amount of crap up to Cumbria."

"Who told you about them," I saw the gleam in her eye, "Karolina?"

Sasha nodded, "I can't prove it but an anonymous email was sent to Nigel from our own secure network telling him all about Stuart, Blake and Peter. Now you tell me who can break into government spec security and send emails without leaving a single trace of their presence?"

"That sounds like Karolina. Ela and Elastic call her 'The Witch' because of the things she can do with a computer."

Elastic entered then, "Boss, you're needed in the Joasia room, something has arrived for you."



-------

Chapter 33


Elastic followed me to the Joasia room. I knew that there wasn't any perceived danger otherwise Elastic would be hurrying me away in the other direction. I opened the door and entered the room, two very young girls stood in the middle of the room, one dressed in red, the other dressed in blue.

"Master!" They both said together.

Then I noticed that each carried a large briefcase. This was locked to their wrists with a large, thick strap totally covering each wrist. I beckoned to red and she came over and held up her case there was a four digit combination lock on the case and a timer which was now at fifteen minutes and counting down. I entered 1812 as the combination hoping that I'd got this right. The timer stopped and the latches of the case sprang open. I could now see a syringe held in an auto-plunger and that a thin tube ran from it to the girls wrist.

I beckoned blue to me and entered 1066 into the combination on her briefcase. The insides of the case were identical to red's.

"Elastic, do you have an IED disposal officer on your team?"

"The Chief did a stint with them a few years ago, that's the best we've got. She's on her way."

"Everyone else," that was only Jo and two of Elastic's girls, "out of the room and start evacuating this part of the hotel." I ordered. They did as they were told without trying to 'protect' me.

"Get Em here too, I think that we've got a lethal injection setup here as well." I lay both briefcases down on the table and waited I held the girls free hands and talked to them for a couple of moments.

Chiefy entered with a tool box and looked at Red's briefcase. She ummed and ahhed for a few minutes and then quickly and surely disassembled the explosive charge and unlocked Red's wrist strap. There was a thin canula hidden under the strap where it would have been out of the girl's reach until the case was unlocked. Blue waited patiently, though I could feel her hand getting sweaty with the stress of the situation. Chiefy freed her in less time than she took for Red, she too had a canula in her wrist, fed from a power syringe. Em came in and removed the canulas.

"Em, I want to know what's in those syringes. Chief, I want to know everything about those briefcases. That's your only job until you have the answers. You can take them to Poole or Aldershot if you want."

"Oh no, Boss, these little fellas go to Hereford. I know a cute Captain there who is really into IED's like these."

"OK, Chiefy, you can have a couple of nights with your Captain on the company expenses, but I want answers as fast as possible. Get Ela or Karolina to setup a secure email system for you before you go."

"Will do, Boss, and thanks for the time with my boy." She hurried out of the room, taking the briefcases with her. Em left too, wanting Chiefy to extract the syringes so she could get the contents analysed.

Jo and Elastic's girls came back in and we were left with the hard problem; the girls, Red and Blue.

I went and stood in front of the girls and looked at them for a few minutes. They were very young with the slender limbs of early pubescence, slim faces with dark deep set eyes. Neither girl had breasts yet, only puffy bumps showing the locations of their future mounds. Both were very slender, their elbows and knees showing prominently. I was sure that once undressed I would see each individual rib on their chests.

"Well girls, now that we have got the briefcases out of the way why don't you tell me why you are here?"

Red smiled and then looked at Blue, "We are a gift to you from the Owners Association."

Blue nodded, "We are your body slaves."

"Good, bit old to body slave but gooder than got Master."

I turned to Karolina who was standing by the door, "A bit old Karolina?"

"Yes, Master. Body slave start bout eight, end thirteen, fourteen oldest."

I was a little puzzled at the thinking behind this, "Why so young?"

"So body slave think bout look after master, not think bout self or childs. Body slave want please master much then master remember slave when older, think kind bout slave and childs."

Yes, I thought, and the younger girls wouldn't yet be involved in the harem politicking. The body slaves were at the top of the harem hierarchy, only the masters favourite out-ranked them. However, when they rejoined the main harem, they became the lowest of all of the slaves. And any older, higher ranking slave whom a body slave had upset, need only wait for that body slave to rejoin the harem to get her revenge. It was a fiendishly clever way for a master to have dedicated attendants who tried not to upset the other slaves.

"But you are happy for these girls to join my other two body slaves?"

"Course, Master, biggest master like you need lot body slave. Need young girl too. Young girl grow up serving her master. Master like young body in bed to fuck and get suck." She turned to Red. "Girl, you suck master before?"

"I haven't had a real penis in my mouth, we," she gestured to Blue, "are virgins. We have been trained by the women though and we have used dildos in all of our holes. We have learned and practiced many of the arts for bringing joy to a master, and many ways to entertain our master singly and with other girls. Our new Master," and she smiled at me, "will find two willing, though not very experienced girls in his bed."

"See Master, girl want please. Take to bed. See which fuck and give suck best."

Blue knelt in front of me, "Master, the Count told us to tell you that both of us have started our third bleed."

"See master, she gonna get baby soon. Need you young girl not get fat with baby."

There was a slight disturbance at the door as Karen entered, "Why have they still got their clothes on? Is Master going to send them back?"

I looked at Karen and her question seemed innocent enough. It did prompt me to make up my mind though.

"Where is the examination table?" I asked everyone generally. Jo and Karolina carried the low table to its place in front of the Picture. Jo laid out two tape lines wide apart on the table top.

"Red, get on the table I will examine you."

"Oh yes, Master!" she happily climbed onto the table and placed her feet on the outside of the tapes.

"What is your name, girl?"

"If it pleases my Master, my name used to be Alina," she answered nervously.

"Do you like that name, girl?"

"Yes, Master. It is the one I'm used to."

"Then you shall be called Alina."

"Oh thank you, Master." She was almost jumping for joy as she waited to be examined. Such a tiny thing as a name meant so much to her. She acted as though I had given her a great gift instead of just confirming her name.

Alina was beyond skinny she was almost unhealthily thin. "Jo, call Dr. Ross and ask if he can come here now. If he's at home then Helen is invited too. On second thoughts, invite Helen first and ask her to bring Ross with his doctors kit."

"Yes, Master, right away," and she hurried to the phone.

Standing on the low table, Alina was now up to my height. I reached up and ran my fingers over her chest, over the area where her breasts would grow. I felt the puffy mounds that supported her nipples and was surprised to see that her nipples were hard little spikes thrusting from her chest. I rubbed each for a moment or two and she leaned into my caresses.

Sasha's hand reached up and rubbed a nipple too. "This one wants you already. You could bend her over and fuck her now and she'd be a happy little slave girl, wouldn't you, Alina?"

"Oh yes, Mistress! I'd love my new Master to take me in any way he wanted. I have been told all about sucking and fucking and can't wait to have my first real fuck."

I walked round to Alina's back, her bum felt hard and toned but I was worried about the ease of which I felt her ribs.

"Drop your dress, girl."

Alina reached to the neck of her dress and undid a fastening, her dress fell to the table. I was right about her body mass, she was almost anorexic. Looking at her pelvic bone, it stuck out further than any point of her lower abdomen, I knew that young girls are supposed to have a bit of a protruding tum because their livers, already their adult size, force everything else forward in their owners small body.

I slipped my fingers between her legs and felt the wetness already evident, Alina really did want to get her first fuck, and she wouldn't mind an audience when she got it either.

I then noticed that I felt some stubble on her labia, "Do you shave, Alina?"

"Oh yes, Master. I haven't been able to for about a week now because the Owners wanted my teachers to re-do some lessons."

"Which lessons?"

"Fellatio, and anal intercourse mainly but they showed a couple of cunniligus tapes and two whipping tapes too."

"Do you expect to be whipped then?"

"Oh yes, Master. They showed us the tape of you caning two girls, a hundred strokes each!" she was almost breathless at this. "What did they do to displease you, my Master? OH!" Hand up to her mouth and tears flowing, Alina obviously thought that she had made a terrible mistake.

"They disrespected me and shamed their previous master," I answered. "You have done nothing wrong so relax." I looked her in the eye, "I warn you though, I might spank you for my entertainment, and Mistress Sasha," I gestured to Sasha, "she bites!" Sasha gave a low growl in her throat and Alina almost peed herself.

Sasha and I returned to Alina's rear. She had a lovely pert bum. I liked it so much I smacked each cheek. Sasha leaned forward and let Alina feel Sasha's breath on her bum cheek, then smiling at me, Sasha gently bit the girl's bum cheek. Alina yelped and a stream of pee shot from her onto the table. Sasha and I were laughing as the poor child trembled on the table.

"Alina," I called.

"Ye ... yes M ... Ma ... Master."

"You're going to have to clean this mess up you know."

"OH YES!" and she dropped to her knees on the table and started sucking up her urine and licking the table top clean. In only moments she had cleaned the top and was catching the drips on the sides of the table and the few drops which had made the floor. I was surprised at the speed which she did this. She had obviously cleaned up urine before.

She knelt at my feet, her head just touching my shoe. "The table is clean again, my Master. This girl is sorry for her lack of control, my Master."

"Stand up, Alina." She jumped up to her feet and stood rigidly, almost at attention. "Alina, you will learn to relax while serving me. I do not sell or give my slaves away, you will stay with me until you or I die. So relax a little, OK?"

"Of course, my Master." And she remained as rigid as before.

"Julia!"

"Here, Master."

"Take this girl and get her showered and dried. I want her back here in twenty minutes. No playing with girly bits, just a shower, understand?"

"Yes, Master. Shower and back here dry in twenty minutes. No girly fun."

"Go on then." Julia grabbed Alina's hand and pulled her physically out of the room.

"You," I pointed at Blue, "on the table."

Blue was no less obedient than Alina, she almost jumped onto the table. She carefully widened her stance so that her feet were well outside the, now wet, tape lines.

"Are you avoiding a little bit of piss girl?" I asked.

"Oh no, Master. I wanted to spread as wide as I could for you."

"Oh."

She dropped down to her knees and licked both tapes clean. "I'm not afraid of a little piss, Master. Or a lot of piss either."

"Be careful, girl, some people would make you prove that last remark." Sasha's reply frightened the girl.

"What is your name, girl?"

"My last master called me Little Slut, Master."

"Do you have a name you would like to be called?"

"Yes, Master. I would like to be called Varinka, that was my mother's name."

"Of course you can. Varinka is a nice name, it is your name now."

"Thank you, Master." And tears were flowing freely from her eyes.

"Very well, Varinka, I am going to examine you now."

She stood as tall as she could, arms at her side and head held high.

I looked at her chest, Sasha ran her fingers over her nipples before I could.

"She's just like Alina."

She was, spiky nipples thrust out almost directly from her chest. But her ribs were so evident.

"Drop your dress, Varinka."

A quick touch at her throat and her dress pooled around her feet. I gestured to Jo and she removed the dress.

She looked so much like Alina that I doubted it was a coincidence.

Her facial features, dark, deep-set eyes, long thin face with a pointed chin, pale complexion and dark hair, all pointed toward a Russian / Ukrainian ancestry. Their names suggested Russia though.

Her limbs were painfully thin, elbows and knees seemingly pronounced. Her ribs, front and back protruded and her abdomen was shrunken as well. I was actually worried about the health of both of these girls.

Varinka shaved too. Though she had shaved within the last day or so, it was difficult to tell with a girl so young. She, too, was wet with anticipation and I began to wonder if drugs or hypnosis had been used to get these girls so desperate for sex.

As I pondered these things Ross and Helen arrived.

"Oh look, Ross, there's that darling little girl that stripped you naked." Helen said pointing at Umber who stood up proudly and puffed her chest out. "And look she's still naked too, doesn't she have such lovely little titties?"

"Hurrmph!" Ross came over to me to escape his wife's tongue. I just gestured to Varinka. He looked at her and then pulled out his stethoscope.

"Is Emiline still here?"

I nodded and gestured to Karen who ran to get our nurse.

-------

Ross and Em worked on our two new arrivals while Helen, Sasha and I had a coffee. Helen looked at Umber more than once and I noticed her distraction.

"Umber!"

"Yes, my Master."

"Here."

She ran to me and knelt by my side. "Helen, you seem to be distracted by this little morsel, would you like to borrow her while you're here?"

Helen thought hard for a few minutes, "Yes I would. Ross seems to treat all of his young patients as little angels for bearing up under such suffering. It's about time he learnt that these little angels are human too. And some of them would quite willingly screw the arse off him in thanks for what he's done for them. I think that Umber will shake him up more than a little." She laughed, "I hope that you've got some more Talisker ready and waiting."

"She is quite experienced with girls as well," I told her.

"Oh," she said, blushing a little.

I gestured to Umber and she ducked below the table, seconds later Helen sat upright.

"Oh ... OH! ... Ooohhhhhhh." She sagged back into her seat and Sasha and I watched as Umber's tongue worked its magic on Helen's clitoris.

Helen cried out her orgasm as Sasha and I sipped our coffee. Ross looked across at his wife for a moment and looked puzzled as to why his staid wife should be laid back in her chair with her blouse ripped open and her bra pushed above her breasts, which she was frantically pulling on, and crying out her orgasm. And the other two people at the table were just calmly sipping coffee! Perhaps he'd deal with that puzzle later; he had sick children to attend first. Priorities, must know your priorities.

Umber surfaced with a huge grin, and a lot of girl juice on her face. She looked at me and I smiled at her. She smiled back at my approval.

Helen, head back and slumped down in her chair, "It's a pity you haven't got two of those."

"Julia!" and I gestured toward Helen again. Julia smiled and ducked below the table.

Helen was just composing herself when the second attack on her sensibilities came.

"Ohhhhhh mmmyyy GGGGooooddddddd!" she slumped into her chair again. "Oh God, oh God, oh God, Oh, oh, ooooohhhhhh..."

Sasha turned to me, "I think Helen needs to get a bit fitter, only two comes and she's sweating like that."

Helen was sweating, but I knew that Umber and then Julia were a lot to contend with; I know, I sleep with both of them. "Don't forget that when Umber and Julia are in the mood they can wreck a strongman."

"Perhaps we should ask Elastic if any of her girls know of exercises which get you fit enough to fuck properly." Sasha suggested.

Helen was struggling to sit up then. "If she does start those classes let me know, I'll do them even if I have to do them naked." And she pointedly looked at me. Now what have I done?

"Paul, I don't really know how to ask this," she hesitated for a few moments, "could Ross and I stay the night?"

"Of course, Helen. I'll get Kelly to arrange suite for you."

"Err ... Thank you, Paul, but ... err ... Could I ... we ... borrow Umber and the other girl too, please?"

"Of course, Helen, they'll be waiting in your suite for you." I smiled at her and she straightened up and smiled back at me.

"Umber ask Kelly to get a suite ready for Helen and Ross, then you and Julia are to wait in the suite. You two are to attend Helen and Ross until they leave or return you to me."

The little imp smiled at me, "Yes, Master." She smiled at Helen, "It will be a pleasure to serve you, Mistress." Then she ran across to Julia, whispered in her ear and both of them left the room to see Kelly.

Ross and Em came over and sat with us. Ross looked at his wife, obviously wondering why her blouse buttons seemed to be missing.

"Those girls are malnourished but otherwise fit and healthy. Get Debbie to give them a high protein diet until they put on five pounds and then she's to slowly reduce their food intake until their body weight stabilises. Em will look after them and make sure that they build up their body mass properly. I want to see them in six weeks. They should be fine by then." Ross took a sip of his coffee and I thought about his diagnosis.

"I'm sorry to have called you out for nothing, Ross," I apologised.

"I'm sure that Ross wanted to see that gorgeous little girl again, you know the one, she's so good at undressing doctors, and usually nude." Helen took a sip of her coffee while Ross glared at her.

"Hush yoursen, woman." He growled but it was obvious that there was no malice in his voice. However he did look round for Umber. "Paul, it was not for nothing, if those girls just eat as they would want to after being starved for so long then there could have been real trouble for them. Now they know what they have to do, and so does Emiline and now you."

"So what do I do with these girls now?" I asked rhetorically.

"Well you're a healthy male and they're healthy enough females, so take them to bed and see which one's the best fuck!" said Helen, surprising us all.

Ross just looked at the alien creature who'd replaced his normally demure wife and opened and closed his mouth soundlessly.

"Come on, Ross, darling, Paul has been really kind and is putting us up for the night. I feel like bed now, so leave your coffee, I'm sure you can have one in our room. Good night, Paul, we'll see you in the morning." Helen gave me a kiss on my cheek and led her gobsmacked husband away to his doom.

I stood and beckoned Alina and Varinka and led them away to my bedroom, and my doom.

In my bed Christine and Sasha lay, legs entwined, arms hugging and their hair dishevelled. It was obvious that they had enjoyed their love making and now slept satiated.

Jo had thoughtfully put a small cot into my bedroom just in case my body slaves were supplanted as my bed mates, so I put Alina and Varinka in to it and they cuddled up together. I gave them each a kiss and told them not to make any noise. I undressed and slipped into bed beside Christine. She murmured but didn't wake. I spooned against her and took hold of a firm breast. I too slept.

Early in the morning I felt something tickle my lips. I opened my mouth and a tongue slipped in and flicked against the tip of mine. I tried to open my eyes but a hand was holding them closed.

The kiss increased in tempo and passion. My secretive partner kissed with almost wild passion, and I raised my arms to hold this fiery woman. With her free hand she caught my left arm and brought it to her breast. I thought that was a very good idea and gripped the other breast as well. Her nipples drilled into my palms as we kissed.

The obvious reaction occurred at crotch level and as I erected I felt the head of my cock enter a hot wet cavern. A set of lips clamped round me and a slithery tongue wiped over my cock head. My hips jerked up hard but the mouth I was half buried in didn't move an inch, I slide full length into her mouth and felt her nose nuzzle into my pubic hairs. A soft "Ummmmm," came from her, the vibrations from her throat nearly firing my cum immediately.

As I sagged back on to the bed I pulled out of her throat and I felt her take a deep breath. Then she pressed down on me and took all of me again, two, three times she fucked herself in her mouth, my cock a passive but willing and happy tool. Then she pulled from me completely and the air cooled my cock. Ms. Kisser was still working hard and I was enjoying every moment of her attentions. A slight rocking of the bed warned me of a rearrangement but I could see nothing, my eyes still being held shut. Then a hand grasped my cock and held it nearly vertical, a hot slick vagina slid down onto me like a velvet sheath.

Ms. Vagina just rested on my abdomen for a few moments then started rocking back and forth, the motion rubbing her pebble hard clit against my pubic bone. I felt her get wetter, her juices started running down my testicles. Then the rocking changed and she started rocking her upper body back and forth, this lifted and dropped her on my shaft. She only rose a half inch a time but her tight sheath was now grasping and sucking at my embedded cock.

Then I felt a new sensation, a pair of small hands were covering my eyes. Ms. Kisser lifted off me. Another rearrangement on the bed and I felt warmth either side of my cheeks, a drop of oily girl juice landed on my lips. Ms. Kisser lowered her dripping vagina onto my mouth. I reached out with my tongue and found a hot dripping slit directly above me. I searched for, and found, her clit. Not quite in the right place so I moved a little and attacked her, licking and sucking on her engorged clit, licking the juice from her sopping cunt, sucking her lips into my mouth and chewing on the soft flesh.

The two girls leaned together and they stopped moving independently for a few moments. They're kissing, I thought.

With dedicated perseverance and a long tongue I got Ms. Kisser to come, and she came copiously covering my whole face with her spend. Ms. Vagina took a little longer, but she came too. I hadn't come yet. It isn't easy to satisfy two ladies in this position. You can either take your own pleasure and thus ensure that Ms.Vagina finds that she's using a shrunken penis before she has reached her pleasure, or ignore Ms. Kisser and find that Ms. Kisser has total control over your air supply and hypoxia is not your best friend. Or you can decide to pleasure your ladies first and, if necessary, have fun with Ms. Palm and her five daughters. I decided on the later.

Ms. Vagina sagged onto my chest for a few minutes, Ms. Kisser helped her up and both left the room. As soon as the door closed the small hands holding my eyes closed released me.



-------

Chapter 34


I opened my eyes and, when I could focus again, saw Varinka kneeling over me.

"Hello, my precious," I greeted her.

"Good morning, Master," she replied nervously.

I reached up, and grasping her head, drew her to me for a kiss. She responded passionately. Our tongues entwined and searched out the secrets of each others mouths. I lifted her head from mine and, reluctantly, she released me.

I smiled at her and she returned my smile, her whole face lighting up with her delight.

"Did they tell you not to tell me who was doing what to me?"

"Yes Master, they did, they were most insistent that I should keep their secrets."

"And will you tell me?"

"Of course, Master," she looked shocked at the thought that she might keep a secret from me. "I'm your slave, not theirs. Sasha..."

I interrupted her, "If I really want to know, or if I need to know, I'll ask and you will tell me, OK?"

"OK, Master, if you need to know, or if you ask, I'll tell you." She smiled again, partners in a secret. I couldn't have asked for a better thing to bind the two of us together. I'm also sure that she'll tell Alina that she has this secret and that might help Alina bond with me as well. I reached up and pulled her down into a kiss again. She responded like a lifelong lover, passionate and knowing, she felt familiar and yet new, comfortable yet fiery.

"Now one of those ladies, whom you were assisting, left some unfinished business." Varinka looked down my body and saw my throbbing erection. Holding her head, I pulled her down until her hot mouth enveloped my erection. Varinka may not have actually sucked a man before but she was a fast learner. Her head bobbed up and down and she kept her teeth away from all things sensitive. She licked and sucked and very soon she was rewarded with me blasting into her small, hot, wet and very willing mouth. I felt her throat muscles and tongue movements as she swallowed my seed, her tongue already cleaning me. I lifted her and kissed her deeply, my tongue exploring her mouth.

"Thank you, Varinka, that was delightful."

"Master, it felt so good to pleasure you. Thank you for letting me do this. I hope that you'll let me do it again soon."

I got up and went to the bathroom, Alina was waiting for me and she showered with me, making sure that I was clean and then she shaved me. She did this, not expertly, but very well. I will let her shave me again. I then picked up the razor and waved it at her.

"Now it's your turn, Little Girl." I lifted her onto the sink unit and spread her legs. Whoever designed this bathroom certainly knew a thing or two about men and women. He left plenty of room on the sink unit for me to spread Alina's legs wide and have a sink close by as well. I shaved her then licked round the area just to make sure that all of the stubble was gone. Then I spread anti-burn cream all round Alina's little crotch, I wasn't having a repeat performance of Joasia's and Karolina's first shaving attempt.

As I was stepping into my underpants, thoughtfully being held by Varinka for me, Jill entered my bedroom. She was still naked from the waist down, and cleanly shaved I noticed.

"My Lord, please may I take Alina and Varinka, I need them all day I'm afraid, my Lord."

I gestured the two of them toward Jill, "This is Jill, please go with her and do as she tells you."

Both girls ran to Jill's side.

"Yes, Master," said Alina.

"Of course, Master." Varinka replied.

Jill took my new girls away. For the first time I can remember I went to breakfast alone. Breakfast was in a small side room as the main breakfast room, the dining room and the Joasia room were all being prepared for the party tonight.

Christine and Sasha were talking together while Helen and Ross waited for their breakfasts, Julia and Umber kneeling at their sides.

I tilted Christine's head back and kissed her, sliding my hand into her blouse and fondling her breast. Sasha tilted her head back preparing for my approach and I kissed her and groped her breast too.

"Good morning, Ross, Helen," I greeted them.

"Don't I get a kiss too?"

Well, she had watched me kiss two women so I expect that she knows what she's asking for. I went to Helen's side, slide my fingers into her hair and tilted her head back. I kissed her offered mouth sliding my tongue deep into her. I also slid my hand down her chest, under her dress front and into her bra. I held her warm breast and gently squeezed and fondled it. A hard nipple sprang up between two fingers so I nipped it and pulled on this plump little bud. Helen seemed to like it, a lot.

As I played with Helen, Katie placed her breakfast plate in front of her, then gave Ross his. "Why have we got so much?" asked Ross.

"You have enough to feed your slave as well as yourself. By letting her kneel next to you during a meal she hopes that you'll drop a few crumbs from your plate for her."

Ross nodded and then stuck some bacon on his fork and offered this to Umber. Umber remained, mouth closed and looking into his eyes.

I leaned forward, took the bacon off Ross' fork and held it for Umber to take. She took the morsel and licked my fingers. "You have to feed them with your fingers. Only free people are offered food on a fork. She might have thought you were trying to trap her into getting a whipping."

His eyes opened wide at that. "A whipping for taking food off a fork?"

"A whipping for presuming the rights of a free person." I corrected.

Helen seemed to understand a lot quicker than Ross, she fed Julia with her fingers and allowed her slave to clean her fingers every now and then. Julia looked pleased that she was being treated 'properly.'

I sat and my breakfast was delivered almost immediately. Clare placed a large plate in front of me. "Where are your new girls, my Lord?"

"I don't know, Clare, you'd better warn Debbie that there might be two hungry girls asking for food soon."

"I will do, my Lord." And she went back to the kitchen.

There was no way I could eat all that was on my plate so I just took what I wanted and left the rest.

Clare came out to me, "My Lord, we have received instructions for the girls' breakfasts. They will be looked after well, my Lord."

"Thank you, Clare, I feel happier knowing that." Clare smiled at me and returned to the kitchen.

Mandy entered the room looking very unsure of herself. I stood and went to her. I shook her hand and seated her next to Helen.

"I got a bloody good kiss and he groped my tit when he said good morning to me." Helen said rather loudly and pointedly.

"I'm sure that he'll greet me like that in a few days." Mandy replied. I smiled at her for getting us both out of a possibly awkward situation.

Clare greeted Mandy, "Mandy, Debbie is preparing your breakfast now, it'll take a few minutes. Debbie said that she expects you to come here at eleven o'clock for your mid morning break." Mandy nodded.

I finished my breakfast and left. I have ideas running through my mind and I wanted to put a lot of them down on paper before I forgot them.

I spent the morning in my office. I gathered a pile of new tender proposals for Mandy and wrote her a number of emails. The first was a welcome letter. Second was a list of things that I wanted her to look at and the third was a series of notes on how I thought about various projects and circumstances.

I was just lining up a few more London boroughs for plucking when Jill entered, she was standing beside me before I even knew she was in the office.

"My Lord, you are required in the small dining room."

"When?" I asked as I slid my hand up her bare leg.

"You're needed there in twenty minutes my Lord." There was a catch to her voice.

I continued my progress up her leg and found what I had been hoping for, a naked pussy, her wet naked pussy. She parted her legs while my fingers continued their exploration. First one then another and then three fingers sank into the swampy wet hole that was Jill's cunt.

Standing, I pushed the unresisting woman face down onto my desk. I started to unzip my jeans while spreading her legs wider with my foot, Jill lay panting in front of me. I pulled my cock out of my jeans and rubbed the head up and down her slit, wetting it with her secretions. With a single thrust I sank deep into her until I felt a thud. I had hit her cervix while not yet half way into her. Still I withdrew and pressed forward again, slowly fucking her with deeper and deeper strokes until I felt myself hitting her cervix again. I looked down and saw that I was only half way into her.

Ah well, some men had tiny dicks, Jill had a short vagina, I suppose it evens out in the end.

Pressing forward I trapped her against my desk and then lifted off her blouse and undid her bra. Pulling this final piece of clothing from her I looked at the naked woman I was ravishing.

"Turn over!" I commanded, but I didn't withdraw myself from her vagina.

Struggling, Jill turned over and lifted her knees up to her chest, covering her breasts with her hands. I parted her legs and removed her hands from her tits. Thrusting in and out of her I grasped her tits and squeezed them tightly. She gasped and came.

I pressed forward with my cock and rotated it round and round. Suddenly I felt a different tightness around the very head of my cock. I thrust slowly forward and I pushed into this tightness.

"Do you know where my cock is now?" I asked her.

She just shook her head.

"I'm all the way into your womb. If you're fertile now, you're almost certain to get pregnant. Are you on the pill?"

Jill shook her head again. She moaned and kept thrusting herself back against me, as if she were trying to bury me deeper inside her.

I started to rub her clit with my thumb. She very nearly came the moment I touched it.

"I'm going to cum directly into your womb. All of my little wrigglers will be going directly for your helpless egg. All of them will be in there, all running for that lumbering egg, and every one having a chance at getting it. This is almost certain pregnancy, and I'm nearly there.

Jill was squirming under me as I described her fate.

I took her hand and pulled it down to my balls, "you can feel me shoot into you, feel me get you pregnant, just a couple of moments left. Tell me if you want me to pull out." Her free hand grasped my bum and her legs locked around me and held me close to her, they weren't letting me go.

"Do it, come in me, please do it!" she gasped and I did.

I squirted into her. If she was anywhere near the fourteenth day she was pregnant. With a gasp I collapsed onto her naked chest. Her arms wrapped round me and she started kissing me wherever she could.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she murmured into my ear.

We kissed for long, long minutes as we held each other tightly.

"Where did you want me?" I asked.

"Right here," Jill replied with plenty of feeling.

"Where did they want me, the one's who sent you with the message?"

"Oh that," Jill dismissed the message she'd been sent to give. "Oh something about you having an early lunch because of tonight."

I started to get up but she held on tighter with her legs, I tilted her body and gave her a hard smack on her left buttock. Her eyes opened immediately.

"Master spank," I said and she opened her legs releasing me immediately.

"I'm sorry, Master," she said as I was on my way out of the door.

I entered the small dining room and was greeted by Karolina glaring at me.

"Boss fuck Jill?"

"Yes," I said hesitantly.

"Good, Jill need fuck by Master."

"She got that all right," I murmured.

I sat down for my lunch and Umber knelt beside me. I stroked her hair and talked with her for a few minutes while I waited for my lunch.

"Boss, that girl eat lunch ready." Karolina grassed on her sister slave.

I looked down at Umber and she nodded and hung her head in shame.

"Have you eaten yet, Karolina?" I asked.

"Me time eat is later, need look after lunch now."

"Is everybody here for their lunch now?"

"Yes, Boss."

"Then you can come and eat with me can't you."

"Yes, Master," she replied, almost unwilling to relinquish her duties, but happy to obey her master."

Karolina knelt by my side and I had the privilege of feeding her from my fingers again, Umber looked on with a tinge of jealousy in her eyes.

After lunch Umber took me back to my suite and showed me a massage table that had been set up for me. I lay her on the table and played with tiny girl bits until a slight cough behind me made me turn round. The masseuse was here.

"If you will undress and get onto the table please, my Lord."

I nodded and Umber scrambled off the table as I undressed. I lay down on my back and the masseuse looked at me, her face twisted up into one of those 'women' looks, the 'you're doing this deliberately' look.

She grasped me by the base of my erection. "Little girl, you're responsible for this, you can come and sort it out."

Umber ran over to me and sank her head down onto my cock until her lips touched the masseuse's fingers. Umber sucked me and groped my balls, occasionally her fingers found my arse and one pressed inside me. All the time the masseuse held my cock pointing directly upright. I came into Umbers mouth and she swallowed all of my semen, not losing a single drop. As I started to shrink the masseuse looked at her fingers.

"Clean, good! Well done, little girl. Now that you can lay flat on your front please would you turn over, my Lord."

I turned over and enjoyed a wonderful massage. She had already shown that she wasn't penis shy and she oiled me without giving me a 'happy ending.'

"You are finished, my Lord."

I sat up, "Thank you so much that was a wonderful experience, please leave your contact details with my staff and I'll see you again soon."

She smiled at me then leaned forward and kissed me, on the lips, with tongue. And her hand dropped down into my lap and grasped hold of my cock and gave me a few gentle strokes. "I will, my Lord, and I look forward to seeing you again."

She swayed with an extra swing to her hips as she left the room.

Umber looked at me, "That girl wants you to fuck her, Master, but she doesn't really want to fuck you." Umber seemed slightly puzzled by this dichotomy and frowned.

"I know what you mean Umber, they're called gold-diggers, they'll take a man for whatever they can. They'll even marry a man they actually detest and live with him and sleep with him for three or four years, bare him a child if necessary, then divorce and get a huge payout from him, enough to keep her for the rest of her life."

Umber nodded, not quite understanding, "Talk with Kelly or Jill next week, Umber. Helen might be better, I'll see if I can get her round here again soon."

"Yes, Master, I will." She was very thoughtful.

"I have to take you for a shave now, Master." Umber said quietly.

"Take me then, my own girl." She smiled at that, a wide open smile that lit her face. She took hold of my hand and led me all the way to my bathroom. Inside was stood a young oriental woman. Small and slim, she looked no older than Umber or Julia, her pubic hair gave her age away though.

Umber gasped as she saw the woman's hairy condition, "Master, this servant is not ready for you, I beg that you wait outside for a few minutes."

"Do you need Karolina to help you, Umber?" She looked uncertain for a moment then nodded.

"I would appreciate her help, Master."

I left the bathroom. Before I'd closed the door I heard Umber tear into the woman, yelling at her in her high pitched, but surprisingly strong voice. Then there was the sound of a slap, a hard slap.

Umber came to the door, surreptitiously I examined her for slap marks, there were none. "Master the girl who will shave you will be ready in just a moment. If it pleases my Master, I would like to use the phone."

I nodded and gestured to the phone. As Umber passed me I checked her back, bottom and legs for marks, none. I smiled inwardly; she was the hitter not the hittee. Wow! My little scruffy Cinderella child had started to grow while she's been here. I was impressed, and very pleased.

Umber finished on the phone and moments later Sandy came into the room. Sandy was small, how she got into the marines was one of those great unanswered questions. Sandy was blonde, and very, very pretty, and already had two Phd's, one in international relations and the other in pure maths. She was an instructor at Poole, underwater demolition and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were her specialities, though she'd slum it a little and do the physical training when the other staff were sick or on leave. Sandy ran the marathon in two hours, twenty minutes. Then she ran back to encourage 'her girls' as they finished. Sandy was a rising star, she got the assignments that she wanted because she was so bloody good. The very, very top brass were grooming her for important things and they didn't mind if she played for a while on her way. Lieutenant Sandra Bosworth was going places, and one day, I knew, Sandy would be gazettered as a Colonel or General (posthumous), I almost cried for her when I read her personnel file.

Sandy smiled at me and giggled, did I mention that Sandy was a giggler? No? She was.

I heard raised voices in an oriental language, I didn't know which one. Then the oriental woman came storming out, slap marks on face, and she loosed a torrent at me, I stood straight and glared at her. I didn't have a clue what she was saying.

Sandy and Umber came out of the bathroom, Sandy looked at me closely. "You're gonna need a shave before muster, Boss. Come in here and I'll give it a bash. Men do it every day so it can't be that hard."

I looked at her and she giggled, and squirmed. Anyone looking at her would have thought that she was a senior school sweetheart thinking about her first date, rather than a trained commando officer, a commando instructor, and a divorced mother. (Sandy never said anything about her son, other than 'the other cunt in the marriage got him.')

I smiled and said "Lead the way."

Umber took my hand and led me to a sun couch (what the fuck!) in the shower area. She sat me on the sun lounger and lowered the back so I was reclined between thirty and forty five degrees. She then sprayed hot water over my face and chin.

Umber called out, "Mistress Bosworth, my Master is ready now." And she stood beside me waiting.

Sandy entered the bathroom naked, apart from a couple of 'invisible' straps over each shoulder.

I noticed these and gestured for Sandy to turn round. She did.

Two of the biggest fucking holsters I have ever seen hung down her back, from the huge butt end at each shoulder to the long, long barrel ending at the crease of her bum, the biggest fucking personal artillery I have ever seen hung down her back.

"Not frightened by a couple of guns are you, Boss?"

Guns, no; but these things could have been installed in the Maginot line. They were fucking HUGE!

"Not quite 'personal protection' are they Sandy?"

She stepped over me and stood naked, with a shaving brush in one hand and a soap pot in the other (and two artillery pieces on her back, ) "Depends what I need protecting from, Boss." She dropped the brush into the soap pot and reached up to her shoulder, a gun came shooting upwards with the sound of a gas pellet releasing to help it on its way. Sandy's hand and the gun reached the same place at the same time and her fingers closed. The force of the gun being ejected from its holster pushed her hand forward and down. Her hand came down in a natural position to fire less than half a second after she'd reached for her weapon.

Impressed? I very nearly shit myself.

Sandy smiled at her 'toy'. "Look, here's one of the bullets. She ejected a missile casing and gave it to me.

It looked longer than my dick. It was certainly longer than my dick right now, a .22 was longer than my dick right now. It was scared! So was I.

"Point seven-five subsonic unjacketed rounds containing five grams of mercury." She said proudly. I thought that I felt some girl juice fall from her. "I load them myself."

I bet you do Sandy, I thought, you couldn't get any sane armourer to load these fucking things for you.

I looked at the round; from the bottom for three quarters of its, incredible, length was a brass casing containing a bucket full of Du Pont's finest. From then on emerged a dark grey brick. A fully unjacketed round, containing 5 grams of mercury, I looked at the serrated tip of the bullet, this thing would only have to pass within the same postal code to kill you.

"We don't have many woolly rhino in London, Sandy."

"But we do have plenty of cars and lorries."

And a bullet from these cannons would push a V8 engine all the way back through the car it was powering. And if there happened to be a body in the car then the pathologist would need a bucket and sponge.

Sandy reloaded her toy and with a flip of her wrist settled it back in its holster. "Now, Boss, wanna shave or talk about hand guns?"

"Err ... shave?"

Sandy smiled and settled her naked slit down on my shrunken cock. She squirmed round for a moment getting comfortable and leaned forward to start lathering the soap onto my face.

My stupid cock, which seconds ago had been trying to crawl back inside my abdomen, discovered that he had a naked female directly over him and so he started burrowing upwards. Sandy smiled at me again, gave a quick twitch with her hips and my cock was embedded in her cunt.

"Oh, that's nice." And she rocked back and forth for a couple of minutes.

Sandy shaved me with quick sure strokes that belied her stated inexperience. She also gave me a nice fuck and came twice herself.

"Master should shower now." Umber picked up the sun lounger and took it out of the bathroom. I stood in front of the shower and tears started falling. It was in the shower before our last party that I had first met June. I knew her for less than two days before she was murdered.

A hand touched my shoulder and I turned. Karolina stood just behind me; she too was looking at the shower with tears falling from her eyes. We held each other and cried, what had happened to June was wrong, unfair and just plain wrong.

"We not forget Master, not ever."

"No, my precious, we won't. We'll avenge them both."

We showered together, we kissed, but this wasn't the time for sex. Clean and rinsed Karolina stopped the shower and dried me. She pushed me toward the bedroom and, reluctantly, I left her.

Umber dressed me. The tailor had performed wonders; the shirt slipped on and fell into place immediately, left cuff slight larger than the right to accommodate my watch. The sleeves and body were long enough without being too wide in the body. She knotted my red silk tie in a double Windsor, a knot I had never mastered. The suit was the best I have every worn. A dark wool worsted pinstripe with the stripes made up of blues and reds, individual colours disappearing, blending together, when viewed from more than a couple of feet. It felt wonderful.

I was ready for the party and waited to be collected.



-------

Chapter 35


My suite door opened and my girls came in. Karolina in the lead as was her right, Umber Julia, Varinka and Alina next, Jo and Karen next and Susan and Lynne last but certainly not least.

Varinka and Alina were dressed as young girls, long party dresses with high necks, the epitome of pubescent decorum.

Umber, Julia, Karen and Susan were young teens and dressed to emphasis their burgeoning sexuality. Very classily dressed, their dresses showed a little cleavage and hugged their figures a little.

Jo wore an almost backless creation which showed that she was a woman who didn't need to depend on artificial support to maintain her figure.

Lynne wore a white silk sheath, slit from a gold ring at her neck to another just, and only just, above her pubis. The back was the same, a gold ring at her neck and another showing the start of her bum crack at the bottom. The sides were spilt from upper hip down. All of the openings showed only the woman inside the dress.

Karolina wore the dress she had worn to the last party. She looked stunning. I held out my left elbow and she hooked her right arm through it. "Ready?"

"Me ready all time Master." I looked down at the wonderful creature at my side, she looked up at me, sparkling eyes in her happy face. She twisted — just so, and I was rewarded with a show of her braless breasts.

"Shall we go to the party?" I asked my ladies.

Jo stepped to the side, "Master, we follow you. Where you go, we go. We are your slaves, Master. Take us where you want us to be." She smiled at me and returned to stand beside Karen. All of my slaves heard her speech and they all nodded appropriately. I looked at them, then at Karolina and led my girls to our party.

At a function at this level no one ever arrives first. There are always people in the rooms talking and drinking. Always dressed appropriately these people are just decoys. They are the host's staff or hired help, people who fill the room so that the first to arrive doesn't feel uncomfortable. As the guests arrive these people disappear.

I arrived at the party first, Karolina stayed by my side while the other girls left to talk to the decoys.

Soon though a real guest arrived, and it was someone I really wanted to talk to, Aggie.

"Still conning the local yokels then."

"Fuck sake, Aggie, put some nails in yer boots so decent people know when you're around." I held out my hand and we shook.

"You still look like shit. I reckon you should find yourself a woman or two, keep you warm in bed at night." He grinned as he took a sip of his water. He had a stunning lady by his side.

"Excuse me, I know that Aggie won't introduce us as he's afraid I'll steal you away from him. I'm Paul, Lord Symington, and this is Karolina." I held out my hand.

"I'm Wing Commander Angela Weston, Gerald's wife."

"I didn't know Aggie knew any crabs (Note 1), and doesn't Gerald mind you going to parties with matelots?" I asked puzzled.

She sighed, "He," she pointed at Aggie, "is Gerald."

"Fuck me, Aggie," I saw his wife shake her head and start talking to Karolina, "didn't know you had a first name."

I looked at his uniform, "Didn't want to steal the same one twice eh?" I said pointing at the thick gold stripe denoting the rank of Commodore. "Probably a good thing, otherwise they'll find out who's nicking them."

Aggie sighed just like his wife did, I wondered how long they've been married.

Aggie felt the material at my collar, "This didn't come from Harry Bernard! (Note 2) So, you finally paid more than ten quid for a set of threads. Wonders will never cease."

"Don't know how much this cost, Karolina might, but I'm a big businessman now, gotta be smart like the posh people. Make them think I'm one of theirs."

"You're going to be one of 'theirs' soon. There's a Baronetcy in the pipeline for you, you should get the letter when I tell them that you'll accept it."

"So that'll make Janice a Lady then." I asked downhearted.

"Actually no. The judge who hears your divorce case will rule that the title was earned after she applied for the divorce and thus she will not be party to the honour."

"So you know which judge will hear our divorce then?"

"Oh God no. Doesn't matter who hears your case, their instructions are going to be the same, Janice gets ten million and nothing else. Any arguments and the judge will start slicing millions off her maintenance award."

"Why the honour?" I had to ask this.

"Because you really are like them, you've made a shit load of cash and pissed people off." He paused for a moment, "You haven't killed anyone yet, if you do have to start thinning them out a bit, remember to kill a lot of people, then you're a freedom fighter not a simple murderer."

He didn't smile at all when he said that.

"Tell them I'll accept. Is 'Baron on Glastbrook' still available?" I said.

Aggie made a note on a small pad he kept in his pocket. "Anyway on to other things, is Bands still here?"

I pressed a button in my right hand pocket (left hand pocket was for emergencies.) "I think she's around somewhere. Would you like me to get her?

Elastic strolled into view as we spoke. I saw two of her girls wander casually toward us at the same time. One of them was Sandy.

Elastic 'noticed' us and came to chat. "Hello Commodore," she held out her hand. She was in her lieutenants' uniform but we were indoors so she didn't salute.

"You're out of uniform, Commander." Aggie barked. He handed her a letter which she tore open. Her eyes glistened with tears as she read it.

"Thank you, Sir. Thank you so much." She hugged Aggie, which he seemed to like quite a lot. I'm going to have to keep an eye on Aggie, he might be after one of my girls.

Angela stepped forward, "We have a new uniform jacket and cap for you in the lobby. Someone called Gerry is looking after it for us."

Elastic hurried away and returned only moments later dressed in the uniform of a Commander (RN).

"You'll have to come back to Poole, of course," Aggie told her.

Elastic slipped the jacket off her shoulders and held it out to him. "You can have every stitch of the rest of the uniform right here and right now if you want." She stated.

Aggie looked surprised. "What about your sections here?"

"Well some of us might resign our commissions," said Sandy.

"And some of us might go AWOL," added Chiefy.

Aggie looked either side of him at the number of Elastic's team who now surrounded him, all with grim faces, "Of course we could always start sending the trainees here instead," he said, pleasing all of the serving personnel.

Elastic turned to him, "Would you mind helping me with my jacket, Sir?"

Gallantly, Aggie helped Commander Sandra Bands (RN) into her new jacket.

"We're going to have to have a celebration for you Elastic, get your folks down and everything." She just looked at me with tear pricked eyes.

Over the next few minutes all of Elastics team came and congratulated her. Some openly, others just passed and smiled. Elastic knew every one of her girls and knew that they all wished her well.

Aggie shook my hand and moved on. There was someone here he wanted to speak to. As there was most of the political cream of London here I was sure that he'd find lots of people he'd want to talk to.

As Angela approached me she murmured, "Fucking Airy Fairies (Note 3)."

As she passed I muttered, "Fucking crabs." She smiled at me, a full smile which reached her eyes. I would like to know Angela better. I would ask Aggie here again and ask him to bring his wife too.

The lights in the room brightened and a raucous alarm sounded. "Please be aware that the press will be in the room in two minutes. The press will be in the room in two minutes."

I had received requests from the various press organisations to allow their reporters and camera crews unrestricted access into my event as soon as they knew that the Screaming Monkeys were going to attend. I sent back a large contract that they could sign, giving the conditions of entry for the news crews. None of them were returned.

In case the crews arrived early enough I had individual briefing rooms set up with solicitors, thank you Sasha, to verbally brief the reporters on the conditions of entry. Every crew member had to sign as having been briefed on these conditions and having, individually, understood them. Each crew member was fitted with a locator tag similar to those worn by 'tagged' criminals. Those who didn't agree to the tagging were refused entry. Those who argued were thrown out of the building, with various degrees of force.

Two female reporters who thought that they knew where the group's dressing rooms were, stripped naked just before breaking into the security department's rest room, were ejected onto the street naked. They had been warned that the reporters and their crews would be ejected from the premises if any member of the team were found to be 'inappropriately dressed'.

Of the fourteen reporters, and crews — photographers or camera crews, that actually signed the agreements necessary for access, only nine actually achieved entry into the event hall.

I was talking to Harold Dempsey and Councillor Jeffery Thomas, Lord Mayor of the City of London, when a rather obnoxious woman reporter thrust a microphone into my face.

"What's the most significant thing that you've done today, Symington?"

I noticed three other cameras on me as I turned to the group I was talking to.

"Please excuse this rudeness. It seems that some people have not yet learned manners. The reporter reddened slightly at that barb.

I turned to her and smiled politely. "Please could you repeat your question?"

Theatrically she sighed. "If you're too dumb to remember, Symington, I asked you what was the most significant thing you've done today."

"I had not forgotten your question, even though you asked it most rudely, I was trying to give you a contiguous piece to broadcast." Seeing her eyes glaze a little I leaned forward, "Contiguous, it means one after the other, joined up, sequential. So that you'd have something worth broadcasting."

She was almost apoplectic by now, "Well! Have you done anything significant or have you just rested on the labour of your employees?"

"If you have forgotten, it is Saturday today and all of my employees have today and tomorrow off. Except for a few necessary individuals who have contracted to work over the weekend and take different days off in lieu. However today I did do something significant. A friend and I started a life. This life may bring the human race great glory, it might plunge us into destruction and despair. It is a new life with all of the potential of a new person. Who knows what it will bring. But a friend and I, together, knowing what we were doing, lay down together and started a life. And then we kissed." I smiled at her.

She stuttered slightly, so I jumped into the gap. "And what significant thing have you done today? Have you written any articles on the state of humanity? How about commentaries on the issues of concern to us all?" She was overrun by the speed of which I had stolen her interview. "Scratched your parts and farted? No? Fed the cat?" Stupidly she nodded at this.

"So, I have joined with a loved and trusted friend and we have almost certainly started a child, and you have fed your cat. Ummm ... You'll excuse me if you're lacking a bit in this discussion." I patted her shoulder before I turned away from her, effectively ending the interview, "Why don't you go home and see if your cat needs some water?"

Apparently those were the very words her station chief used when he sacked her.

I watched her stagger away and then the lights lowered in warning that all press personnel must leave the building immediately, I excused myself from the people I was with and went to the bar.

This was in a separate room and had a little section roped off from general use. As I looked enviously at this direct access to the bar, a security guard I didn't know smiled at me and opened the rope barrier, "Your seat is free my Lord." I entered and sat at a bar stool.

I wondered what Karolina would think if she caught me like this. As I was musing a barman came over, "What can I get you Sir?"

"John Smiths Smooth please."

"And I'll have one as well and put them on my tab." I turned and met Gerald, sorry, Thrash.

"Hi Paul, long time no see."

I stuck my hand out, "Hi Gera ... Thrash."

We shook.

"Tell you what," he said, "you keep getting the smooth in, and I'll be OK with you calling me Gerald."

We shook again. As we did I looked into the room and saw Karolina smiling at me. I was about to get her here but she disappeared in the crowd.

"Fucking bastard about Front Row Girl,"

"June," I interrupted.

"June," he continued. "She was one of our very first fans. We used to look out for her in the audience, in the front row, and every time she was there. Seeing her bucked us up. And now she's gone, I don't know what to say."

"She had just given herself to me as a slave." I said.

Gerald nodded. "It hit us hard, her death. We all wrote songs," he shrugged, "that's what we do. We're going to release a new album. It's called 'Friends'." He smiled at me, "You may recognise a few people."

"Don't do Karolina, because whatever you think you know about Karolina is most probably wrong."

He smiled, hesitated as though he was going to say something, but took a drink instead. A pleasant moment of companionable silence followed.

"Paul," Gerald looked very uncomfortable, "we met when we were drinking the same beer. You liked me because of who I was, not because I was a rock star. I liked you because you stood up to those five women and introduced me as a friend. You didn't have a fucking clue who I was other than a guy at the bar who you got talking to and liked. Well, I admired that, you liked me because I was me. Not because I was Thrash the lead singer of the Screaming Monkeys, but because I was me."

"Gerald, Thrash, You really are a nice guy, why wouldn't anyone like you?"

He looked at me. "After Sweden we have nearly two months break. Me and the lads were going to use that to write some new songs. Can I come down here and stay a while? I really like talking to you."

I wrote Kelly's phone number on one of my cards. "Call this number, or get your SO to call it. Kelly will arrange the accommodation."

He took the card and shook my hand. Looking up to the door he sighed. "Got to go. Fucking VIP's expect us to be on time."

I laid my hand on his arm, "Gerald, I don't expect anything from you."

He looked straight into my eyes, "I know you don't Paul, that's what makes you so special." And he left to get ready for the show.

-------

"We are THE SCREAMING MONKEYS!"

I looked at the other guests on the front row. Jeffery Thomas, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, was sitting upright, on display rather than enjoying the show. He is a politician after all. Harold Dempsey had been whispering to Sasha and Nina but was now looking at the stage, eyes and mouth wide open. Grinning Sasha elbowed him in the side and he closed his mouth. Most of the others preened themselves at having front row seats for a private Screaming Monkeys show. I had also noticed a number of very angry and jealous stares at Karolina, on my right and Lynne on my left. Also I was the only one who had a small table set up for me holding, of all things a pint of beer! Not even a glass of the Dom Perignon, but beer of all things.

Gerald and the lads were good, beyond good. Gerald was an acknowledged musical genius, he made you feel things. Sometimes things you didn't want to feel. So when he announced that they were going to play some tracks from their new album, all of the audience perked up.

The first track was Front Row Girl. Bright and lively, full of life and potential, the first three verses lifted your spirits with the obvious joy this girl took in life. The last verse was short and ugly. I felt as though I had been lifted into the air and then thrown on to the floor. Front Row Girl's death was stark and ugly. More than a few people were crying at the end of that track. Gerald and the lads were silent while they paused before the next track, as though they too were overwhelmed by what they'd sung.

'Karolina' was next, a bubbly tune, in turn each of the instruments drifted from the main rhythm and burst out into a lively beat of its own. The errant instrument was always gently brought back under control by the lead guitar. The feeling of the song was of a lively girl who was having fun and enjoyed her role in life.

Sasha was next, Jamie sang a strong story that told of a woman winning in a mans world. Sasha was openly crying at her songs end.

Christine's story was of a traveller settling down to look after other travellers, pining for the excitement of new places, but contenting herself with easing the trip for other travellers. She blushed and nodded throughout the song.

He got me completely wrong. I can't see how he thought that I was that good or noble. Good God, if I was half as kind as the bloke he sung about I'd be a fucking saint. Still, everyone's allowed a mistake every now and then. And I thought he'd get Karolina's song wrong.

There was a thirty minute break between sets, I sent Lynne to get me another drink, she hurried away smiling.

Angela came over to me, "You think they got you wrong, don't you?"

"Of course they did, they sang about a fucking ... oops sorry."

"Well, you were a fucking matelot so I should be pleased that you can form a sentence, I'll ignore any swear words that slip out."

"Does Aggie beat you very often?"

"Only at scrabble, and I'm sure he cheats." She looked at Lynne waiting patiently to give me my drink, "Have you beaten her yet?"

"Only once. Had to do that to save her life."

Angela raised her eyebrows, "I'll tell you about it another time. This isn't the time or place." I raised my hand and Karolina came to me immediately. "Karolina, do you have one of my cards for Angela?"

Karolina smiled and produced a card from somewhere in that dress.

"Thank you, Karolina," said Angela, smiling at her.

Angela took a sip of her champagne. "This is good, I've never had Dom Perignon before."

"Boss not like yellow shit." Karolina stated. "Drink beer, man thing Momma said."

"If only you could get Gerald to admit that. Champagne upsets his stomach so. Gerald said that you'd think the song was wrong. He said that they got you spot on."

I grunted at this and she smiled.

"Shall I ask either of these young ladies who seem to be doting on you like a geriatric billionaire?"

"No, they'd only lie and agree with the song." I glared at Karolina, she stuck her tongue out at me. I'm going to have to figure out a way to get some respect from my slaves.

"Ah Commander Bands, Sandra, do you think that Lord Symington's song was correct?"

"No Ma'am," Angela looked at her puzzled. "They had to tone it down to make it believable, they'd be laughed out of the musicians union if they told the whole story."

Angela really did look interested now. She held up my card, "I'll call you, and soon," she said then wandered away.

I looked at the three of them, Karolina, Lynne and Elastic. "Umph, I can see spankings in your futures." They smiled at me!

"When?" asked Elastic, hopefully.

I have gotta get these girls under control! I noticed that Gerald was grinning at me from the stage.

Beckoning to Sasha we joined Thrash on the stage. I went to the microphone, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sorry to interrupt, but I would like to pass you over to Ms Sasha Dempsey who has an announcement."

Sasha looked as though she would like to be jumping up and down. She was so excited.

She came to the microphone, "My Lords, my Lord Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, you may be aware that I own a small law firm on the Grays Inn road." Most of her audience laughed at her description of her law firm. "Well we have found that the broom cupboard just isn't big enough," again a small titter, "I could only get two solicitors in it." Now a proper laugh, "so I have decided to move." A large screen descended behind her and the lights dimmed. "I would like to present to you my new door plate," Filling the screen so everyone could easily see it was a picture of the door plate Sasha had shown me only a few days ago.

DEMPSEY

4 Lincoln's Inn Fields

There was a smatter of polite applause, then those who realised the implications of this move started clapping. Now the applause was thunderous. Some of the audience looked around puzzled. They knew that something big had happened, they just didn't know what.

I looked at Sasha's father, he was thrilled for her. At his side Nina had a beaming smile and was madly applauding her elder sister.

Still clapping I returned to the microphone. Sasha bowed to the audience and moved to the side of the stage.

"A large number of people here know the debts that I owe to Ms Dempsey and her ... little ... law firm." Christine led the laughter. "The firm of Dempsey, has seen a meteoric rise in its fortunes. I attribute this rise to only one person, Ms SASHA DEMPSEY!" Sasha blushed at the applause she received. I thought that this was no more than she deserved.

Sasha and I left the stage, Sasha now had to go round the room and talk with the movers and shakers present. I knew that a huge amount of business would he generated tonight.

Half an hour later Sasha and I had a few minutes together. She opened her handbag and I saw the number of business cards she'd collected, and I saw that she had none of her own left.

"I think that you're going to have to keep the Gray's Inn Road office as well."

She looked at me smiling, a glint in her eye, "I've just been offered number Three as well."

I hugged and kissed her. I knew that she desperately wanted to take this extra property but that it would, initially, be a strain on her cash flow. "If you really do want a silent partner, I really would like to help you."

She looked at me in shock, "I've just got to tell someone 'yes'," she said and then disappeared into the crowd. Two or three minutes later she returned. "We have two offices now partner." She kissed me, though her smile alone was worth the money I'd gladly pay into her 'little law firm'.

The lights dimmed again, time to sit for the second half I suppose.

The second session was better than the first. I can see that when they'd practised the Friends album a little more it was going to be a best seller, or whatever they call it for records now-a-days.

This session ended too soon but we gave them a standing ovation, even the Lord Mayor didn't feel it was beneath his dignity to stand and clap.

We stood and talked for another thirty minutes and then the lights started slowly dimming. I saw Harold Dempsey kiss his daughters and say something which earned him a slap from Nina. Sasha just waggled a finger at him.

Slowly our guests left. Just before eleven o'clock Elastic reported that the building was secure. The second part of our entertainment would start at midnight.

The demurely dressed Susan accompanied me as I went to my suite.

As we entered the bedroom Susan tore off her dress and threw it into a corner. Standing naked apart from her shoes she rubbed her hands over her body, "How the fuck do girls manage to wear that sort of thing all night?"

I stood beside her and rubbed her body too, one hand on her back the other on her front. Enjoying this treat, she leaned against me.

"Thank you, Master, you really are good to me." She looked up at me with tears in her eyes, "You're good to us all. Thank you, my Master."

I kissed her and she lay against me. I pulled her over to the bed, took off my jacket, and we rested together for a few minutes.

-------

Note 1

Crabs

The Royal Air Force uniform is coloured crabfat blue. Naturally, because of this, the other services call the RAF crabfats or crabs. I'm sure it's all said in good humoured fun.

Really sure.

Honest.

Note 2

Harry Bernard

Bernard's Tailors or Harry Bernard's has (or had) the contract to provide the Royal Navy's new recruits with made to measure 'best' uniform suits. They also had the concession to sell civilian wear, including suits at a price that the new entrant into the RN could afford.

I am sure that it is well know that new entrants into any occupation or profession are exceedingly poorly paid.

Note 3

Airy Fairies

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) That gallant crew who operate military aircraft from ships. Now reduced from the glory days of fixed wing aircraft such as the Phantom or Buccaneer, the FAA still operate the RN's most useful armaments in all weathers and for all objectives. The RN's elite.

I might be just a tiny, tiny bit biased here though, having spent twenty years pushing paraffin budgies off the flight deck.



-------

Chapter 36


The door opened and I looked up to see Karolina enter. She was followed by Lynne, Julia and Umber.

Umber and Julia pulled a clothes rack after them.

"Is dress time Boss," Karolina informed me.

I sighed and stood up. Umber and Karolina took only seconds to strip me naked. Then they wrapped a single length of white cloth around me forming a toga. This cloth was edged with purple, a Roman Emperor's robes. Karolina showed me how to bend my left arm to hold the free end of the cloth and stop it coming unravelled.

Each girl in turn stood still while the others stripped her, bare-foot and naked. They applied make-up so each girl looked like an abuse slave. These four were as naked as my other slaves who gathered behind them. They all waited patiently until I led them back into the extended Joasia room.

Christine stood holding a glass of champagne, her three slaves around her. She was also dressed in a toga though hers didn't have the purple edging but it did leave her left breast bare. She had reddened the nipple and it stood out dark and hard, inviting a hand or mouth to caress it.

I reached forward and stroked this tempting breast topping. "You've darkened this."

"Yes, I had them dyed with henna. Didn't take long and lasts for weeks."

I turned and beckoned Umber over to us; she has about the palest nipples, only a shade or two darker than her skin.

"Will you let my girls know how to do this?"

"Of course I will," she smiled at me.

I leaned forward to kiss her and our lips met, she kept my fingers teasing her nipple though.

Sasha entered. She was dressed and made up like an early Egyptian; her eyes dark with kohl, bare breasted, but a gold snake wrapped itself around the base of each breast and then curled up round her neck. Its head reared to strike at her exposed throat, its tail flicked toward her right nipple. Nina walked behind her mistress, naked as all of the other slaves were.

"So what has Karolina arranged for us tonight?" asked Sasha.

"We'll wait and find out," replied Christine. "I'm sure it will be as good as last time."

A voice from the stage area made us turn round. "Emperor Caligula and guests, I beg you take your seats while we welcome your legions back from the cold wet island of Britannia."

It was the same MC from our last party. Dressed like Christine, a short toga with her left breast bared, though the skirt was shorter and the cloth much, much thinner. She gestured to a row of couches and cushions arranged to the side of the room. The right hand couch was flanked by tall thin female figurines with cat heads, this was for Sasha. My couch was edged in purple, Christine's couch was plainer than mine, but looked just as comfortable. These left a large clear area for the performers to use.

The MC waited while we arranged ourselves and our slaves on our couches. "My Emperor, Gracious Queen, Noble Lady, in a few moments we shall welcome our conquering army back home from Britannia. I hear that they have brought back gold and silver, wheat and slaves. Slave girls for your kitchens," she lowered her voice suggestively, "and beds." In the background we could hear the sounds of an approaching hoard.

The MC continued, "Please remain in your seats during the procession. After we have welcomed our heros back there will be a short break and then our girls will attempt," she glared at me for a few moments while all of the girls laughed, "to give you a fashion show. During this show the girls invite you to freely inspect the items on display, and the clothes as well, if that is your choice." We all laughed again.

The sounds of the approaching army got louder and then a stream of young girls in very suggestive Roman Legionnaire's uniforms entered from the left of the stage. Wearily they passed in front of us and left at the right of the stage.

During the parade a bound soldier came into view. I waved my hand and an officer ran to me (tits bouncing nicely). She dropped to a knee and slammed her right fist to left breast, "My Emperor, how may I serve you?"

"What has that soldier done to deserve binding?"

"She stole some water, Sire."

"Find five of your troops who need to pass their water and let this girl drink from their source. If she should spill any then whip her, five strokes, each time she spills."

The officer smiled and ran back to the bound girl. She dragged this girl off to the side where she was out of the way but in our full view, stripped her naked and had her bound on her knees with her wrists tied to her ankles. Now any girl could stand over her presented mouth and use her for a toilet. Soon a soldier did, she lifted her short skirt and pissed into the captives mouth, letting her water stream out as fast as she could. Try as she might, the bound girl couldn't drink all of the rapid stream and some ran down her chin and dropped to her chest. When the soldier had finished and the captive had licked her dry, she picked up a short whip and gave the captive four light strokes across her belly and one across her tits. Light though the strokes were, the captive girl still cried out at each stroke and we could easily see the whip marks on her body.

The captured slaves appeared, naked and roped neck to neck they passed us. Heads down, they walked with slow steps as if trying to delay their appearance in the slave market and their inevitable fates. Each girl bore whip marks and bruises. I saw a couple of girls I recognised including Melissa. I hope that I'd get a chance to deal with this 'slave' personally later.

The procession ended and the final soldier passed by. "We have dancers from Gaul to entertain you now, Sire, Ladies," called the MC.

Seven veiled girls came onto the stage. They danced in an intricate pattern, each in turn came to the front and removed an item of clothing. When they were all bare breasted they started dancing together in twos and threes, stroking and kissing. Sometimes they would all concentrate on one girl, strip her naked and everyone teased her sexually. When they were all naked they dropped to the floor. Two girls would hold the legs of a third open and the others would take turns to lick and bite at her. A girl was lifted upside down with her legs spread wide and two girls licked front and back simultaneously. Three of the girls gave the impression of cumming, loud cries and splashes of girl cum.

Soon after the start of this dance I had pressed Umber's head under my toga and she was licking and sucking on my balls. I beckoned over one of the dancers and pushed her head down onto my cock. Umber and the dancer sucked and licked and in seconds I blasted a shot of steaming hot cum into the dancer's mouth. Grabbing both girls by their hair I pulled them off me and pressed their mouths together in a kiss. Mouths opened and tongues exchanged places. My cum dripped out of Umber's mouth and the dancer licked it up. Cum which had fallen onto the dancer's breasts was licked up by Umber. They both smiled at me and I waved the dancer away. Umber ducked her head back under my toga and she started gently licking and sucking on my cock and balls again.

I looked at Christine, she had four girls servicing her; one on each breast, one at her clit and the forth licking her arse. As I watched she came. She grabbed hold of the two girls between her legs, holding their heads firmly against the parts they were licking. She shuddered again and again through her orgasm. As she squirmed on her couch, the girls at her breasts were having trouble keeping in contact with their mistress.

I looked at Sasha, she sat in her seat with her legs over the arms openly displaying her slit and arse. Her breasts were wet from saliva and the slave kneeling at the front of her chair had wet slime spread over most of her face. Sasha smiled at me, a 'cat that got all of the cream' smile. I smiled back at her.

The MC came out again, "The prize slaves will now be presented."

Two legionnaires escorted a cloaked slave into the centre of the room.

"This is the daughter of one of the Kings of Mercia," the MC informed us. "The barbarians have so many kings I don't know which one sired this whelp." She walked round the bound girl, "Strip her!" she ordered.

The legionnaires grabbed hold of the girl's cloak and ripped it apart leaving her naked. She stood proud and tall displaying herself to us.

"This one is a gift to you from the barbarian kings, mighty Emperor." The MC grabbed the girl's arm and the legionnaires released her from the rope. She brought the slave to me and pushed her to her knees. "Show your subservience to your master, the God, Caligula," MC ordered her. Walking on her knees, the slave came to me and joined Umber under my toga, took my dick into her mouth and gently suckled on me.

I placed my hand on her head and fucked her face for a few strokes. It was too soon after my last orgasm though. I got hard and enjoyed her mouth but I knew I wouldn't cum again for some time.

The MC walked to the centre of the room and clapped her hands. Two new cloaked slaves were bought out, a fiery red head and a dusty blonde. MC grabbed hold of the redhead by her hair and took her to Sasha, "Gracious Queen of the Nile country, this thing is a gift to you from the Clans of the Celtic lands. She was a warrior queen who fought against our legions. She gave herself into slavery to save the lives of the women and children of her tribe." She pushed redhead towards Sasha.

"Show your mistress your body, slave!"

The redhead unclipped her cloak and let it fall to her feet. Her pubic hair was as red as her head. She held her arms high above her head and slowly turned for Sasha's inspection.

"Come here, girl, pleasure me," Sasha purred.

The girl went to her and started to lick and suck on Sasha's breasts, a hand dropping between her mistress' legs to fondle and tease her slit and clit. Sasha let her head drop back and gave herself to the sensations her slave was creating.

The MC grabbed the blonde by her hair and took her to Christine, "Noble Lady, this slave was captured from the Danes. She doesn't speak much of any civilised tongue but she is young and healthy," MC pulled blonde's cloak off. "She doesn't have big tits but she has a long tongue. She can give you a lot of work or much pleasure, as is your wish, Lady."

Christine stood with a hard look on her face, "My husband was tortured and killed by the Danes. They cut him and rubbed salt into his wounds, they did this for three days. And then they gave him to their women. The women pushed an arm's length of raspberry cane up his arse, the thorns facing downward. This wasn't too painful going in, then they pulled it out. The thorns ripped his innards out. They got their younger girl children to suck on him and squat on his face rubbing their tiny cunts on his mouth and nose as he lay dying, and when he got hard they and pushed long, heated, needles through his penis. Before he died they cut his penis off and seared the wound with a red hot iron to seal it and stop him bleeding to death too quickly. They pushed his penis up his arse and stopped him bleeding. I heard that he took twenty days to die. He was tormented every day." We all looked at Christine, she was stony faced and cold to the smiling girl before her.

"You shall live for forty days and suffer every day as my husband did. I shall cut you and rub salt into your skin," she stroked the girl between her legs, "I shall use your body against you, I shall light a candle and hold it under this little bud." The girl was beginning to pant as Christine played with her clit. "I am going to make you hate the day that your breasts pushed out from your body," she fondled the girls breasts pulling on the nipples and teasing her. "I am going to push large hooks through these little things and hang you from them. I will whip you as you dangle from the hooks through your tits." Christine stroked her cheek and the girl leaned into her hand enjoying this intimacy from her. "I am going to destroy your beauty. I'm going to burn your face, cut your ears off and set fire to your hair." Christine walked round the girl, trailing her hand on the girl's skin. She slipped her fingers between the girls tight arse cheeks, "I'm going to spread sugar and preserves of fruit between these firm legs and set fire to it. That fire sticks and burns very hot. Every time you need to piss or shit you will scream with the pain. And I shall make you eat and drink lots and lots."

Christine sat again, "Pippa!" she called. Pippa ran to her side. "Whip this slave, ten strokes, five to each tit."

Pippa, Sasha and I looked at the MC, she just shrugged. "They really are gifts to you. You own them and can do whatsoever you want with them. If you want to torture them to death do so, then just bury her body. Nobody is going to look for her."

I gestured to Julia and she ran to me, "Go get Em now. She's to attend naked." Julia nodded and ran to get our nurse.

Christine gave Pippa a hand signal, we all saw it but didn't know what it meant. Pippa smiled and picked up her whip.

Justine and Sam took hold of the girl's arms and held her sideways to their mistress, Christine put a cigarette into the girls mouth. She lit it and the girl puffed away, pleased to have this reward. Suddenly, with a loud crack, the cigarette exploded, hot pieces of tip and ash fell onto the girl's breasts and chest. We all looked at Pippa who was readying her whip for the first stroke. The girl looked at her with real fear in her eyes.

The girl watched terrified as Pippa drew back her arm and then let the whip fly. The end of the whip curled round a breast with a satisfying crack. The girl jumped but realised it didn't hurt as much as she expected. The next stroke curled round her other tit. This time the girl gave a realistic scream. Christine smiled.

Pippa whipped the girl with consummate skill, using a whip which could have cut the girl's breasts off in a single stroke, she had the girl dancing with small pains and only left a little bruising.

This part of the spectacle over, we returned to our seats. Christine looked smug over the effect her act had on everyone. And she kept her new slave kneeling at the end of her couch so she could play with the tormented tits when she wanted.

The MC came out and gave us fifteen minutes of very funny stand up comedy. And she did this without resorting to crudity, hoping to shock us.

"Noble guests, now we have welcomed our armies back from the wars, we will take a break and then our girls will try to give you a fashion show. The girls invite you to inspect the garments, and themselves, as closely as you wish." She bowed and then left us, going backstage.

I got up and went to Christine, Sasha close behind me.

"You little minx..."

"Cunt, more like," Sasha interrupted.

"Scaring us like that."

Christine laughed, "Was I good?"

Sasha grabbed hold of Christine's bared breast and used that to pull her into a passionate kiss. I watched until they broke apart, their eyes locked together with an unspoken promise. "Don't worry, Paul," Christine said laughing, "Sasha is sharing your bed tonight, I want tomorrow night."

"I am happy whenever either of you ladies grace my bed."

Christine looked at Sasha, "Ain't he a smooth talking bastard."

They started laughing, hugged and kissed each other again.

Finally Christine looked at me, "Why am I only a noble Lady and Sasha is Queen of Egypt?"

This puzzled me too, "Karolina!"

She ran to my side, I really do like watching naked girls run, and walk, and sleep. Actually I just really like watching naked girls.

"Karolina, why is Christine a noble Lady when Sasha is the Queen of Egypt?"

"Mistress Sasha roll five, Mistress Christine roll three."

Both Sasha and Christine spoke at once.

"So that was what it was for!" exclaimed Christine.

"That's why you had me roll a die," said Sasha.

Karolina nodded.

We were served refreshments while we stood and talked. Christine and Sasha had another glass of champagne each, I remained with my beer. There were little dead things on toast to eat too.

All too soon a gong sounded and we were called back to our seats. Sasha held out her hand to me and together we went to my couch.

"Take this thing off me," she asked.

Because she asked so nicely I did as she requested and removed her dress, naked except for her gold snake and slippers she pressed herself against me as we settled onto the couch.

"Let me know if you see any really sexy little girls won't you." She asked.

"Oh I will." I agreed. I reached round her and cupped her breast, "Where's Nina?"

"I told her to wait until we'd settled and then to give you a nice rim job." I felt her body bounce as she chuckled. Then I felt a warm breath and a hotter tongue on my ass.

"Ooohhhhh that's niiiicccceeeee." I thrust forward a little and Sasha pressed back against me.

"Fuck me later, I want to have a look at the clothes now."

A hand touched my shoulder and I looked up. "Sasha told us to bring some man toys for you to play with," said Jo. She and Karolina presented man toys for me to play with. Both sets were very nice.

I fondled Karolina and Sasha giggled, "You're just a big kid."

I slipped both hand round her and gently squeezed her breasts, "If girl's toys were as good as these," I said squeezing a little harder, "then you'd still be a little girl."

"Oh no," she replied slipping a hand between us and grasping my hard cock. "Things like this are BIG girls toys, so we want to grow up faster."

We both laughed at this quite distinct definition of one of the differences between boys and girls.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we give you a fashion show for the discerning." The MC swept her arm toward the left of the stage and two girls came out. They were wearing bras, just bras. Just like last time, Melissa came over to Sasha and I and placed her foot on the couch so I could examine her little cunt a bit better.

"Do you know his Lordship, girl?" Sasha asked.

"Oh yes, Mistress Sasha," she had the good grace to blush, "I fell asleep with his cock in my mouth at his last party."

"Oh, you're that little girl." Sasha smiled at her. "I hope you don't fall asleep to early tonight."

"No, Mistress, Madame made me take a sleep this afternoon."

I reached forward and ran my fingers over her smooth hairless slit. She was already wet and my fingers picked up her oils and scent. I looked up at the bra she wore and saw that it was adjustable, a bit like the thing I sketched out last time. I reached up and touched the bra cup, Melissa bent down to help me. The inside of the cup was perfectly smooth.

"What do you think of this bra, Melissa?" I asked.

"Oh, Sir, the June bras are wonderfully comfortable." She ran her finger tips over the cup. "Are these the designs you showed the mistresses at your last party?"

I nodded, "Yes they are. I'm glad that you like them." Melissa stood again and I noticed that Christine, the MC and a stern looking oriental woman were looking at us, waiting for me more like, I thought.

"You can go now, Melissa, but remember to come back to me soon."

"Oh I will, my Lord, I will," and she ran backstage.

"And girl," Sasha called, "his Lordship and I want you in our bed tonight, understand?"

"Oh yes, Mistress Sasha. I'll be pleased to offer you both my body."

"Good, because we're going to use your body in every way that we want."

The next girl wore a quarter cup bra, it supported her breasts while displaying her nipples proudly. She made a very bad mistake, she tried to catch my eye and get me interested in her in the same way that I was interested in Melissa. In doing so she ignored Sasha. She had asked the girl to turn round three times now but the girl was so intent on me I don't think she even heard Sasha's orders. Sasha did NOT like this. I was actually concentrating on Karolina's tits, rather than the very clumsy attempts that this girl was making in attracting my attention. After being ignored for the third time Sasha had had enough.

Sasha stood up and grabbed the girl by her hair, "LITTLE SLUT!"

Nina came running over to her mistress and lay full length on the floor in front of her. "Your slave attends you, my Mistress."

By now the girl was beginning to realise that she had done something very, very, wrong.

"Little Slut, get me my whip!" Nina sprang to her feet and ran as fast as she could out of the room.

The MC and the oriental woman came over. It was obvious that they had both watched the girl's dereliction and the oriental was shaking with fury.

The oriental came and stood a few feet in front of Sasha and waited until she had noticed her. Then, with great dignity, the oriental woman undressed herself and lay face down on the floor. This drew shocked gasps from her girls. I doubt that they had ever seen their madam debase herself in front of anyone for any reason.

"I am shamed by the behaviour of my slave, Mistress."

"Stand and clothe yourself, my Lady, for this girl alone is at fault. It was she who decided to use what femininity she possessed to try to ensnare a powerful man. She was stupid in her choice of man and she forgot that there are three masters here tonight. I just ask that you let me punish her."

The woman raised herself from the floor and snapped her fingers. Girls from her troop ran out with fresh clothing and dressed her where she stood. When finished they ran back to stand by the backstage entrance.

"Madame, I," I gestured to Sasha and Christine, "we do not know your name." I gestured to Sasha, "This is Sasha Dempsey. She is a mistress, owner of slaves, and is a great friend and bed partner of mine. On my right," I gestured to Christine, "is Christine Boyle. She too is a mistress, owner of slaves, and a great friend and bed partner of mine. I am Lord Symington, master and owner of slaves. I hold myself to be fortunate to count these ladies as my friends. Please call me Paul."

I waited.

Time drew out longer and longer.

A slight twitch appeared in the corner of the oriental woman's mouth, then she said, "Yes Sir," and smiled widely.

All of the other females in the room said, within a heartbeat of her reply, "Yes Sir."

"You're all in this together, aren't you!?"

They all looked at me with totally innocent expressions.

"Yes they are, Lord. And now you must ask yourself why slaves, who can be put to death at your whim. would do such a thing for so long." She stepped toward me and placed a hand on my arm. "The last time we met I watched a girl decide to give herself to you as slave. I have never seen that before." She paused, head down thinking, "Not ever." She looked me in the eyes. "And now you are trying to protect this stupid girl from the consequences of her own actions when she really should just be killed."

We both looked at the girl who, now, realised the seriousness of her situation.

The woman looked at me, "The English version of my name is Paula Li. I will be honoured if you would call me Paula. I shall also be honoured to call you Paul." She smiled at our names.

"Yes Madame," I said.

Paula burst out laughing, shaking so much she had to place a hand on my shoulder for support.

Paula turned to Sasha and the girl, "Mistress Sasha, I beg your forgiveness for the behaviour of this slave. I give her to you and you must do with her what you deem necessary."

Sasha turned and looked at her. "I accept this girl. I shall take my time punishing her." She turned to me, "Dearest Paul, I will not be sharing your bed tonight. I have a slave to discipline."

I smiled at her, "I will try to find someone willing to share my bed. You look after your slaves. We will share my bed another night."

Sasha nodded and dragged the girl away.

Paula looked at me, "If only I was twenty years younger."

I grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her towards me. I held her and kissed her, at first she was stiff and resisting but she very quickly melted into my arms, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me toward her she returned my kiss, her tongue hesitantly entering my mouth while mine explored hers.

"I like you," she gasped when she pulled away. "Now go and play with my little girls and, if you can, think of me as I was nearly sixty years ago. I shall have pleasant dreams tonight too." She smiled at me and left to go backstage. The girls hurried after her, all except the crying girl on the floor beside Sasha.

"Little Slut, take this thing back to my room and tie her ready for me. I will be along when I've finished here." Sasha looked at the girl, "Do you think she'll try to run from you?" Nina shook out the whip she'd retrieved for her mistress, drew back and let fly once. CRACK! The kneeling girl cried out loud and fell to the ground clutching her foot.

"This girl isn't going to run anywhere for a while, Mistress."

Sasha smiled, "Good girl, Little Slut. You'll get a reward for that. Now take her to my room and tie her ready for me. You know how I'll want her." Sasha smiled an evil smile which shook the already frightened girl to the core.

Nina tapped the girl on her shoulder with the whip. The girl jumped up, yelped a little when she tried to put weight onto her injured foot and limped off with Nina.

Sasha turned to me and leaned against me, kissing my throat and stroking my back and bum. "I'm so sorry I can't be with you tonight," she sighed. "I was looking forward to the two of us playing with Melissa. I think that would have been fun for all of us."

"But you must sort out that girl first. The longer you leave her the worse she'll get. If you don't punish her this time, you'll have to kill her next time. Give her what she is expecting and then let her try to make it up to you. You'll enjoy that, so will Nina." I lifted her chin and looked her in her tear filled eyes. "We'll have another chance to play with Melissa, I promise."

Sasha turned and left to go sort out an errant slave. I returned to my couch.

Karolina was waiting for me and she slipped into my arms when I lay on the couch. The next girl came out wearing a waist clincher. She looked OK but I'd lost interest in the show. Seeing my boredom the girl became frightened that she had upset me and would be punished. She ran backstage when the change came.

Melissa came out in a white thong. She looked at me and knelt down. Somehow I found her in my arms rather than Karolina. She brought my hands up to her very sensitive breasts, "You like playing with these don't you, Master?"

I kissed her and pulled on her nipples. She gasped and I felt a wetness flow onto my thigh. "Did you just cum, little girl?" I asked.

Melissa looked up at me, the glazed expression on her face already giving me the answer. "Yes, master, I came. I nearly always cum when my tits are pulled like that."

I smiled at her and she realised what was coming next. She was right. I pinched and pulled her nipples again and watched as her eyes closed, her face scrunched up and her body tensed and shuddered through her orgasm. I felt another burst of wetness on my thigh.

I yawned, I had had enough of the show tonight and I felt tired.

"Karolina, see if mistress Paula will allow me to take Melissa to my bed tonight. Then I want you in my bed too."

I went to Christine and kissed her.

"Don't worry about us, Paul. Go to bed and play with your girls for a while. I'll see you in the morning."

I left the room and went to my suite. I stood under the shower just feeling the water run over me. A hand on my shoulder made me turn, Melissa and Karolina stood together waiting for me.

"Am I going to get my tits tormented again?" Melissa asked I couldn't decide whether she was hopeful or not.

"You get what Boss say and smile for to Boss little girl." Karolina said a little menacingly.

"Oh I will Karolina, I will."

She was hopeful, I thought, she actually likes it.

We helped each other get dried and climbed into bed. I kissed both girls but I really was worn out. I think that we held this party just too soon after my collapse at the beginning of the week. I kissed the girls again then pulled Melissa into my chest, spooning against her. Karolina snuggled up against my back and we slept.



-------

Chapter 37


I awoke with Melissa still in my arms and Karolina snuggled up to my back. This was a very nice way to start the day. I carefully got out of bed and went to the toilet. I checked Alina and Varinka in the cot as I passed. They slept on, Varinka held tightly in Alina's arms.

Opening the door I saw Julia sleeping on the floor across the threshold. As she'd been leaning against the door as she slept this woke her. I continued on to my office, Julia stumbled sleepily after me.

Gerry was waiting for me outside my office. It was no surprise that she knew I was going there, even at this time of morning. Gerry was a security watch chief and she was informed about all movements on the private floors.

"Letter for you, Boss," she handed me a high quality envelope; it was addressed to 'Paul'.

I opened it as I went to my desk; there were two sheets of paper inside.



Dearest Paul,

I want to thank you with all of my heart for the incredible gift that you gave me tonight. I am an old woman and for many years I have put all of my energies into my troop of girls. I cannot remember if it is 30 or 35 years since I had a man share my bed, and it must be over 20 years since I took one of my girls for my pleasure.

Tonight, when you took me in your arms and kissed me, I saw a man look at me as a woman for the first time since, well I cannot remember. I saw you look at me as a woman and with desire. I saw that you would take me to your bed and use me as a woman is supposed to be used by a man, a real man.

You cannot, yet, appreciate the gift you gave me with that look.

Tonight I have taken two of my girls to my bed and, as I write this letter, I look at them as they sleep exhausted. When I have finished this letter and have ensured that you will receive it soon after you wake, I shall rouse these children and teach them that their Madame is still capable of desire and is as capable in her bed as she is on the dance floor. I think it may be a shock for the poor children. I wonder what they will tell the rest of the troop?

I am leaving Melissa with you, she is a gift to you. I know that she liked you the first time you met, I watched her this evening and I know she will be happy with this change. You might wish to let her train with your security team. I think that she will give them a surprise or two.

If you wish, send her back to me occasionally and I will ensure that she keeps up her training and agility.

I must warn you that Melissa has had very small glass beads implanted under her aureole. This makes them extremely sensitive. I believe that she is capable of orgasm just from breast manipulation.

I would like to offer you a chance to visit my winter training home in Morocco. I have never made this offer before, but I feel it is right to make the offer to you. I really do look forward to welcoming you into my home.

Now I have got two girls to wake and make love with. For the first time in a long, long time I am actually wet with desire and looking forward to loving and being loved. I hope that they can keep up with me.

Your very obedient servant,

Paula Li.



The second sheet was instructions to Melissa that she now belonged to me.

I sat back and thought about Paula Li. I would take up her offer to visit her in Morocco. I would like to learn more about this fascinating woman.

I looked down at Julia, she was asleep again. I smiled as I looked at her small naked body beside me. I covered her with a blanket and got on with work.

I made a note that Kelly, Jill and Karolina would have to include Melissa in our, growing, family. I also made a note for Elastic to let Melissa train with the Marines for a week or so.

I worked for nearly three hours, until I felt hungry, Julia was still asleep on the floor beside me. Then I remembered Melissa.

"Julia, JULIA." She woke and jumped up in fright.

"Yes master."

"Go to my suite and get Melissa, bring her here."

"Yes master," and she ran from the room.

I looked at the pile in my 'IN' tray (why doesn't that pile get any smaller?) and picked up the next document wallet. A request for a meeting with the chairman and board of City and County, the building firm I had helped setup.

I agreed to meet them next week and asked for an agenda.

As I placed the document wallet into the 'OUT' tray (why doesn't that ever fill up?) I saw that Julia and Melissa were kneeling in front of me.

"Melissa, I have a letter that you need to read."

She looked a little apprehensive at this. I gave her Paula's letter.

As she read the letter I watched her carefully. She quickly started smiling and when she handed the letter back to me she was grinning widely.

"I belong to you now master?"

"When you have offered me your servitude you will belong to me. Right now you are free. You are a freewoman and may do as you wish."

Melissa looked surprised, then Julia whispered in her ear and she settled down a little.

"What do I do now Master?"

"Julia get the Freewoman a chair." Julia jumped up and quickly brought a chair over to Melissa.

"Freewoman Melissa you may sit for a few moments and then we shall go for our breakfast."

Tentatively Melissa sat on the chair, she didn't look comfortable at all.

"Julia I am going to be busy for a few minutes, why don't you explain the collar ceremony to the Freewoman."

There was a knock on the door, "Come in!" I replied.

Elastic led a young woman in. She walked stiffly but held herself erect. Elastic gave me a letter.

"This woman brought a letter for you, Boss."

I opened the envelope and extracted the single sheet.



Lord Symington,

I have sent this woman to learn your secrets of slave keeping. I ask that you keep her for a year or two and then return her to me.

She has, as you mentioned, been freshly whipped.

Alex



"Julia get Em now."

Julia ran from the room, Melissa looked very worried.

I looked at the woman, she was obviously in pain.

"Do you think it will ease your pain if you undressed?"

She nodded and then slowly started easing her coat off. Melissa and I helped her. The Count was correct, she had been freshly whipped and very badly, there was blood still running from some of the wounds. Em gave a gasp as she entered the room but immediately set about examining the woman.

"She needs to be in my sick room, Boss," Em said, concerned at the state of the woman.

"You," I pointed at the woman, "obey this freewoman's orders as if those orders were mine."

"Of course, Master," she replied and then she and Em headed for the door.

"Em, I want a report on her condition as soon as possible."

She was a little distracted as she answered, "Yes, Mas ... Boss."

"And I'll be in to see her in two hours."

"OK, Boss." Em called as she went out of the door.

Melissa came and knelt beside my chair.

I looked down at her, "Melissa you are a Freewoman until you ask for your collar, you don't have to kneel, you can do what you wish."

She looked you at me, "This is what I wish to do, Master."

"Then we'd better get you a collar as soon as we can."

She smiled up at me, running a hand over her slim neck, "Yes please, Master."

We went to breakfast, Christine and Kelly were there, Sasha was not. Christine was being attended by her slaves.

"Good morning Ladies." I kissed Christine and she pulled my hand down inside her blouse. I held and fondled her breast, its nipple plump and hard. Kissing Kelly was a delight, Her blouse had been done up to her neck but as we kissed Pippa undid the buttons and guided my hand to Kelly's breast. It too was engorged.

I pulled out a chair for Melissa but she knelt beside mine, smiling at me.

I did however move her to the other side, away from Julia.

My breakfast arrived and I started feeding the girls either side of me.

Julia accepted the bacon I offered her, Melissa turned away from a fork holding bacon for her.

"Melissa, freewomen use cutlery. Only slaves eat from their Master's fingers."

"Then please let me ask for my collar. I do not want to be free, it frightens me."

I took pity on the girl. "Julia, go and get a collar." She sprinted away.

Minutes later, all of my girls came into the dining room, Karolina held a collar. Kelly looked interested, "Is this going to be a collar ceremony? I've never seen one."

Karolina took Melissa to the end of the room and they talked quietly for a moment, then Melissa took the collar from Karolina.

Melissa walked over to me and knelt beside me. She looked up into my eyes with a huge grin and a happy expression, "Please, my Master, collar your slave."

I heard a chair scraping and saw Kelly hurrying round to get a good view.

I paused for a moment; though she never took her eyes from mine, Melissa knew why I was delaying the proceedings.

When Kelly was in position I took the collar from Melissa's out stretched palms and buckled it around her neck.

I lifted her chin and kissed her, her mouth sprang open to accept my tongue and she sucked eagerly on it. She surrendered herself to me totally.

"My God, her nipples are rock hard," cried Kelly. Unable to help herself, she slid her hand between Melissa's legs. "And she's soaking wet, dripping," she added, looking at her wet hand.

"Why shouldn't I be excited Mistress Kelly? My Master has collared me in front of my sisters. I have joined a large and powerful family. A lot of people know of, and respect my Master." She looked at me in adoration. "My Master will look after me and help me grow."

Kelly looked at me in amazement, "Is this how they all feel?"

"Why don't you ask them," I suggested. "Only do it one by one in your office. Otherwise they won't want to tell the truth."

I turned to my girls. "If Kelly takes you into her office and asks you questions about how you feel in your servitude, you are to answer her honestly. If you desire your freedom tell Kelly and we will find a way to free you and support you for two or three years." I looked at my girls, all of them. Then I smiled, "Tell Kelly the truth, if I don't know what is wrong, how can I make it right?"

I finished my breakfast, Melissa gladly taking food from my fingers. I relaxed at the table with a mug of tea at my hand. I hadn't done this for, I don't know how long. I just sat back in my chair and relaxed, occasionally taking a sip of my tea, but really doing nothing. Julia and Melissa knelt either side of me and just waited, neither interrupted me or showed any sign of boredom.

Finishing my tea, I looked at the clock, I would have to hurry to get to Em's little sick room on time.

"I'm going to see the Count's girl," I told my attendants. They both stood and Julia opened the door for me.

It wasn't a long walk but I felt refreshed when I opened the door to the sick room. Ross was there and he and Em were obviously discussing their patient.

"Ah, Paul," said Ross and he stood.

"Hello Ross, is it serious enough to bring you in?"

"I'm afraid it is, we may not be able to save this one." He sighed, "It seems as though she doesn't want to live."

"Can I have a word with her?"

Ross looked at Em, she just looked at the floor. "I can't see that it'll do any harm, might even do some good, though I don't see how."

I discussed my ideas with Ross and Em for a while. We called Karolina in and she had a good idea too. With a little preparation everything was ready.

I opened the door to the sick room and went to the chair at the side of her bed. I looked down at the abused woman who lay there. She looked just the same as when she left my office earlier this morning. The one difference was that she was now wearing a collar.

"Hello, I'm Lord Symington, Paul, though I can't get anyone to call me that." Her mouth twitched as though she wanted to smile.

"What's your name?" I asked her.

"My name is whatsoever you decide it will be, Master."

"Oh, well I like to name my slaves after TV and Movie stars. Is that acceptable?"

"Any name is acceptable to me, Master."

"Oh good, You see I've been watching Trumpton recently and I've nearly got the whole fire brigade." She looked up at me, she couldn't help herself.

"Trumpton? The whole fire brigade?"

"Oh yes, I have the Pugh sisters, and Barney McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble are mother and daughter but that's alright, but I'm missing Grub."

"Grub?" She just couldn't understand what was going on.

"Yes, Grub. If you'd be happy with Grub then I'd have the whole fire brigade."

"Of course you can call me Grub, Master." She lay back onto the bed.

"There's one thing I have to do first though."

"Whatever my Master desires," she said in a very depressed tone.

I stood and went to the door, opening it I let some of my girls in.

Karolina was carrying a set of bolt cutters, large ones.

I sat again. "Grub, do you understand what that collar represents?"

"Of course Master, it shows that I am a slave. A chattel who is beholden to my master for my very life."

"Good. I'm glad you understand."

I took the bolt cutters and turned to my girls.

"All of you witness this, I release this girl from her servitude. When I cut her collar she will become a freewoman. When she has been freed I will ask her to tell us her name."

I held the cutters to her collar and Karolina made sure the jaws were positioned correctly. I cut her collar in a single stroke. I gave the bolt cutters back to Karolina and turned back to the person who used to be the slave Grub.

I pulled her collar off and placed it in her hand, then smiled at her.

"What is your name freewoman?" I asked.

She looked at me with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Gail," she said. "Mine name is Gail."

"Hello Gail, I'm Paul."

We shook hands.

Karolina moved the other girls out of the crowded room and I sat beside Gail.

"Why did he whip me?" She looked heartbroken at this betrayal by her former master. "I was his senior housekeeper and he'd never had any cause to punish me, he didn't even do it for his pleasure. He just ordered it done after he told me I was to live with you and learn how you kept your slaves." Her eyes unfocused as she remembered, "He just turned away as they strapped me to the whipping frame. He left the room before they had even struck the first blow."

I lowered my head, "I think it was something that I said when we last spoke." I read Alex's letter to her. "He used you to hurt me."

"So there was a reason for my whipping then?"

"I suppose you could say that, and one that your former master wouldn't tell you as well."

She paused for a few moments, I remained sitting waiting for her, I knew there was more to come.

"Am I really free now?"

"Oh yes. Didn't the Count tell you that the first thing I always do with my slaves is free them? Everyone here with me now has asked for her collar, some more than once." I looked her in the eye.

"But what will you tell the Count?"

"What I told him when we last spoke, the words which caused this," I gestured to her whip marks, "I owe you for one trained slave, slightly whip marked."

"And you would pay for me even though you've just freed me; you haven't even tried me yet."

"Yes I will pay and be glad to. My girls stay with me because they want to. It seems that the Count's girls would prefer to leave him."

"What should I do now?"

"Well, I would like you to stay here and heal first. Then we'll see what we can do to help you. We'll talk about this more later, I can see you're tired now. When you want some company call Em, she's your nurse, and ask for one of the girls to come. Or ask for books or whatever you want. But I want you to heal first, we can sort everything else out later."

She smiled at me, "Thank you Paul, I think I would have preferred to die rather than go on, I have something I never dreamed possible to live for now. I am free."

I left her and went back to my office deep in thought. Gail reinforced my feeling that a slave would only be happy as my slave if they actually wanted to be my slave.

Sasha was waiting in my office. "She's gone," she said and broke down in tears.

"Where's Nina?" I asked her as I held her tight.

"Em and Dr. Ross are looking at her now." She looked at me, "What do I do now Paul?"

"Let's see what the security tapes picked up."

"Paul, I don't have the camera's on in my room. I had a word with Elastic about it and I made her switch them off in my room."

I smiled at her, "That's OK, they would be on in the corridors and lifts.

I picked up the phone and called Elastic, "Elastic I need to see the security tapes from last night."

"Coming right up, Boss."

I broke that call and dialled again. "Oh Ross. It's you I actually wanted to speak to. How is Nina?"

I held Sasha again and let her cry her fright and frustrations out.

Elastic arrived first, "Sorry Elastic, can I ask you to wait until Ross is finished first."

"Course you can, Boss. I'll organise some tea and stickies."

Ross came in and we all sat around the small coffee table.

"Good news first, Nina is basically fine."

Sasha's relief was obvious to both of us.

"Now the not so good news, she's got a possible concussion, though it's her mental state that I'm most concerned about. Nina has had a very, very bad fright. I don't know what happened but that girl really frightened Nina."

"Please, my Master, may I say a few words?"

We all looked across at Melissa who had knelt unobtrusively beside my desk chair all the time.

"Melissa, if you know something that will help us, please speak up."

"Well, my Master, I really need to show you."

I raised my eyebrows at that, "What do you need to show us, Melissa?" I asked.

"I need to speak to Mistress Elastic and I would like your jelly baby jar, Master."

I was sure that Melissa knew how much I craved jelly babies, currently only Lynne was allowed to have any from my personal jar, and then she wasn't allow the black ones. Even Sasha was puzzled by Melissa's request.

"If it helps Nina I'll buy you a bucket full of jelly babies, girl." Said Sasha.

I opened the door, "Elastic!" I yelled. She came round the corner wondering why she'd been called as Dr. Ross hadn't left yet.

"Yes Boss."

"I need you in here."

Elastic came in.

"OK, Melissa."

"Mistress Elastic, please may I use your training room and some of your better unarmed combat people. I have a valuable treasure that needs guarding. I want to steal this to impress my Master." She smiled and held out my Jelly Baby jar.

Elastic laughed out loud, "Melissa, my troops are qualified Marines. They'd eat you alive."

"Please, Mistress Elastic."

"No." Elastic looked at me, "It'd be far too dangerous for her to go on the dojo with my people."

I thought for a moment and remembered Paula's letter. "Elastic, do it."

"Yes, Boss."

Thirty minutes later Melissa positioned Sasha, Nina, Ross and I in one corner of the training room. Elastic and two of her people waited in the centre of the mat for her.

Like a little girl Melissa skipped over to the far side of the mat and placed the jar on the corner of the mat. Then she skipped back to kneel beside me.

"So what do we do, little girl?" called Chiefy

"This is the treasure, you've got to stop me from eating the Jelly babies."

Chiefy burst out laughing, she was laughing so hard she bent over, and Melissa exploded from beside me, over Chiefy's back, opened the jar, hand in and out, closed the jar and laughed at the three stunned Marines.

"I got two, I got two!" She taunted, and then she slowly placed a jelly baby on her tongue and ate it.

Chiefy and the other girl started to move towards Melissa, Elastic hung back.

Smiling at them, Melissa waited and then threw the Jelly baby in the air over their heads.

As they were distracted she shot forward and slid between them, sprang up and somersaulted over Elastic to stand in front of me with her head back and mouth open. The jelly baby landed in her mouth and she happily ate it too.

"Want me to carry on Master?"

"No, stop now. I don't want you to hurt anyone."

Ross looked at Nina, "Nina, if three of these Marines couldn't stop her, then you had absolutely no chance against that girl."

Elastic and her girls looked at her in shock. "Boss, can Melissa train with us for a while, might buck us up a bit?" Elastic asked.

"Elastic, I want to see the tapes of this little display. I'm sure that I wasn't fast enough to catch everything Melissa did."

Elastic looked at Melissa for a long minute, "You and me both boss. And she's gonna wake up a couple of my girls who think that they're the bees knees."

Melissa knelt in front of Nina, "Mistress Nina, we have been training since we were three years old, training for gymnastics and unarmed combat. The wound you gave Janine would have hurt her, but it wouldn't have stopped her doing a full show. Escaping from you and Mistress Sasha would be child's play. She didn't hurt you too badly either, we are trained to protect our master or mistress, and if we have to we can easily kill."

"Yeah, you move like she did too, sort of sudden and then I was on the floor and she was gone." Nina stroked the wounded side of her head as she remembered.

We went back to my office, I trusted Melissa with my jelly babies but would I be able to protect them from her?

There were two DVDs waiting for me with a note. The note said that these had been the contents of the briefcases that Alina and Varinka had brought.

I slipped one into my DVD player and started it. It was only short, less than ten minutes, but I was shaking at the end. With trepidation I started the second.

I actually made it to the waste bin. Not too much of my vomit missed. Melissa rubbed my back as I heaved again and again into the stinking bin.

-------

I waited until late afternoon before I called all of my girls together, I had asked them to bring their collars along too.

"I have been sent DVDs showing the punishments given to Ruby and Amile. They are not pretty, but I think that everyone should be aware of what can happen to a slave.

We would watch them in the Joasia room.

We watched as Ruby was brought out into a circular pit, a large number of very well dressed people leaning over the balustrade watching. She was secured to an open frame, arms out to the side and legs spread very wide. An elderly man went to her and worked on her body with a knife for about a minute. Then four obviously strong men came and placed their hands at her shoulders, front and back. Ruby was weeping gently now, realising that there was no hope for her. On an order the men pulled together and Ruby's skin was peeled off her front and back. Her skin was thrown to some caged dogs who fell on it and started ripping it to shreds. The shrieking Ruby was raised in the frame work and moved over a large vat of water. This we knew would be heavily salted. On a command she was dropped from the frame and landed in the water. We couldn't see her properly as her violent thrashing turned the water into a pink foam. It quickly settled and then we saw Ruby's dead body floating on the surface. The final act was a voice saying, "Throw that scum to the pigs."

The other DVD showed the end of Amile. She was released from the castle, naked as warned, and she started running. She may have got six miles before the hounds were released and the huntsmen rode out. The red jackets made an incongruously jolly site as the hounds searched for, found then followed Amile's scent.

I assumed that it was a UAV that followed Amile herself, she didn't seem to notice it and I think that the Count would have considered a visible marker of her position to be 'cheating'.

We watched for nearly an hour, the split screen showing Amile on one side and the hunters on the other. All too soon we could see hounds in Amile's screen and Amile in the hunters screen. Then a sign appeared on Amile's screen, "PCP released."

With a sickening realisation I knew what that meant. They had remotely triggered the release of PCP, an illegal stimulant into Amile. This wasn't to help her escape, though it did give her an extra burst of speed, the PCP was to make her live longer as the hounds tore her body apart.

Minutes later the first dog got to her and snapped at her ankle. It took two tries but the dog hamstrung her and she fell. Seconds later the rest of the pack arrived and the last we saw of Amile was a white arm reaching skyward. We were all grateful there was no sound track to this video.

The lights went up and Umber came and knelt in front of me, "Please collar your slave my Master, then I will know that I am protected." I buckled her collar on and we kissed, "Thank you my Master, Thank you." She made way for Alina, they were all in line waiting to ask me to renew their servitude and protect them from the terrors that some owners would visit upon them.



-------

Chapter 38

I didn't sleep well, every time I closed my eyes the images of Ruby or Amile would appear. Alina and Julia slept soundly. Their belief in the protection I could give them amazed me. Now who protects me?

I got up and walked around the room for a while. It was no use; I would go and get some work done. At least I would be doing something useful.

Gerry was waiting for me outside my suite door. "Doc says you have to take this, boss."

I looked at the pills. "I don't really like taking sleeping pills."

Gerry just sighed, "Would you like me to get Umber or Julia?" She tilted her head to one side, "I know, how about Melissa. I'll ask Melissa to help you take your tablets."

"Gerry, I thought you were on my side."

"I am, Boss," she held out the pills and a glass of water, "please take these."

I caved in and took my medicine like a good boy, all the while muttering darkly about how a certain person was overdue for a spanking.

Gerry took the glass back, kissed me, which was a true delight, and walked off singing, "I'm gonna get a spanking. Boss is gonna spank me."

Now how do I punish them when they like what I do to them?

Buggered if I know.

I yawned and decided that maybe I'd be better off in bed.

-------

"How much do you need immediately?" I asked Nigel.

Sasha, Nigel and I were in my office discussing my buying into Dempsey, Karolina was 'taking notes, ' she was listening to everything said and she'd type it all up later, every comment and statement from the three of us. Don't ask me how she did it, she just did.

Nigel was unshaven and in jeans and a jumper, he looked as though he'd been working non-stop since Saturday night. Perhaps he had considering the figures that he bought with him.

"Ten million pounds within a week and a further fifteen million by the end of next month. That'll sort out the leases and start the renovations and conversions." He threw his arms in the air, "After that, I just don't know."

I turned to Sasha, "How are my finances?"

Nigel stood, "I'd better leave for this bit."

I looked at him, "Nigel, unless there is some solicitor thing that prevents you from staying, well, I don't mind."

He looked at Sasha, his boss, she gestured to the chair and he sat again.

"Well done, now sit and solicit."

"Do you know that you can get life in prison for saying that?" said Nigel.

Sasha laughed, "That's what I told him."

"So why do you call yourselves solicitors then?" I asked.

"Well," said Nigel, "a fucking lot of solicitors are just whores."

We all laughed, "Have you been reading my diary?" Sasha asked him.

"No," Nigel laughed, "Stuarts!"

This cracked us all up.

"By the way, where is Stuart?" I asked.

"Gdansk." Nigel replied smugly.

"Gdansk! What the fuck is in Gdansk?"

"Well Stuart for one." Sasha and I could hardly stop laughing. "Stuart thinks..."

"No he doesn't!" interrupted Sasha.

Nigel sighed and looked at me, "You see what I have to work with?"

"Do you want to see what I have to work with?" I asked him.

His eyes flickered to Karolina, who he had been studiously ignoring all through the meeting, as she knelt beside me, naked as usual.

"Oh no!" He actually looked at Karolina who thrust her breasts out proudly. "I really don't know how you can get any work done at all. Aren't you tempted to ... you know..."

"My Master keeps all of his slaves happy, Mr. Nigel, Sir," said Umber.

"SHIT! Where did she come from?" cried Nigel.

"I was waiting for my Master by his chair. When I heard him over here I waited until I thought he might need me," Umber answered, as though this was the most natural thing in the world.

I noticed that Nigel was looking at Umber rather than her body. This was a good move in the right direction.

"What do you do for Lord Symington." Nigel asked, desperately trying to keep the conversation on a level he was used to.

"I look after my Masters body. I am a body slave."

"Nigel, don't worry about it," said Sasha. "Just accept that the life Lord Symington leads isn't quite the unbridled debauchery that your wife might imagine."

Nigel's wife was exceptionally prudish and often accused others of debauchery for major crimes such as kissing in public, or holding hands. Well, we all know what holding hands leads to don't we?

Umber settled herself beside me and we continued.

"A quick statement of your accounts, Paul," said Sasha. "We have put one hundred million in escrow for your divorce."

"I've heard that the award will be ten million and nothing else." I interrupted.

Sasha looked at me, "You must have some very powerful friends then, to know what a judge will award even before the judge is listed."

"That's what Aggie said, and he said there's a Baronetcy on its way to me as well."

"That has to be an act of parliament," said Nigel. I just shrugged.

"Anyway, back to the subject," Sasha reminded us.

"One hundred million in escrow for the divorce, Cornwall County Council are currently in default to us for just under twenty-two million. They have just paid three hundred and fifteen million, but are arguing about the penalty payments in the contract. On this contract alone you have one hundred and five million pounds profit." Sasha put that document back in her wheely trolley and picked out another. "County and City, your monthly profits from C&C are being reinvested back into the business and your equity currently stands at sixty-three percent. That equates to approximately four hundred and sixty two million."

Sasha looked at me, "Now the good news, your income from the council housing and profits from the renovations stand at eight hundred and sixty million pounds. That was at close of business at the end of last month. This is the cash in hand amounts and does not include your equity in housing stock or equity share holdings. Those total two billion, three hundred million and change."

"So, I'm not short of a bob or two?" I asked.

"Don't think you'll be signing on this week." Sasha agreed.

Nigel gulped.

I felt like doing the same but restrained myself.

"So I can afford to put, say, a hundred million into Dempsey?"

Sasha and Nigel stared at me for nearly a minute.

"That's about what the whole company is worth," said Sasha.

"That depends on how much you've valued the company's good will at." I looked at Sasha, "Sasha how much business do you think Saturday night will bring in?"

Sasha smiled, "About thirteen million, unless we frighten them into settling early."

"And if they settle early, then your customers are going to tell everyone that you did a damn good job and saved them shit loads of cash. So you'll get even more customers, possibly ten to twenty times as much business than you had from the first round." They both looked thoughtful.

Nigel leaned forward, "I thought about setting up a no-win, no-fee compensation section. There is actually a lot of money in that field."

I could see that Sasha wasn't comfortable with this idea, but she didn't say anything against it.

"What that will do, though, is damage the Dempsey name. It will lower Dempsey's standing in the eyes of its prospective clients. No-win-no-fee is the bottom end of the legal market, Dempsey is going to capture the top end. If you want to go into that then set up a new company and don't use any of you old offices or premises either."

Sasha and Nigel thought about that for a few moments.

"And we can use clean money that hasn't come through our books to set it up with. Paul, how about you put twenty-five million directly into Dempsey? Then we can use the other seventy-five million to set up the no-win, no-fee business." Sasha's eyes glazed for a moment, "And I know just the man to run it. He's a mercenary little cunt but he knows the business. We'll start him off with twenty million and see how he goes. I think that the rest should be invested in reinsurance firms, they're about the only market sector that's not been hit by the credit crunch. We can use those investments as collateral if we need to, or use it as cash reserves for either company. Perhaps we should start another company as a holding company to own those investments and service the other group members as necessary."

I was unsure about that, "Wouldn't it be better to have Dempsey totally independent of any other commercial business. Then no one can say that it has a vested interest in any of its cases."

They both nodded though neither said anything.

"Why don't you use some money to improve Dempsey's legal resources, research, legal library that sort of thing. Make Dempsey so good that the top lawyers and QCs want to work for you rather than be a partner elsewhere." I could see Sasha smiling at that thought. Nigel was stunned.

"I think I might be getting a little out of my league," said Nigel.

Sasha put a hand on his knee, "Nigel, you'll grow into it," she laughed, "I did."

"Brian has suggested improvements to the research department, he thinks that he can improve our service for around four hundred thousand." Sasha informed us.

"Why don't you tell him to redo his figures, give you three estimates, Platinum, Gold and Silver. Make him redo it until you're happy with the platinum version. Then go for that"

"Now that you've got number Three as well, where are you going to have your office?" I asked Sasha.

"I thought I'd use one of the existing second floor offices. I don't need much." She replied.

"Sasha, you are Dempsey. When you invite a prospect to visit you in your office they'll expect to see the very best of the absolutely very best. I think that the top floor front of number Four has the best view of the field. If you extend that one third of the way into number Three then Nigel has his office and you have your 'tremble in the face of your betters' office." I might have been a little forceful saying that but I really believed that Sasha was not doing herself justice.

Nigel looked at her, "I totally agree. A ten or twelve metre office overlooking the field will make even my wife happy. Your office needs to display the power and prestige of Dempsey. I know that my having two thirds of the top floor front of number Three will blow the socks off the visitors I get. That alone is worth two percent off our bills and ten percent on our invoices."

"Who do we get to do the conversion?" Sasha asked.

"Well Brown, Wilkinson and Bradley are the obvious choice for architects," Nigel put in.

"And I know a couple of guys with shovels to do the job. One of them even speaks a little English."

Sasha slapped my arm for that, "What would the C&C chairman say if he heard you saying that?"

"Probably that Adam speaks better French from his time camping near Calais while waiting to get into Britain." I replied.

Sasha slapped my arm again. I'm going to have to get upper arm protection, I keep getting slapped.

"I do have a team ready to do the work though and they are all top rank craftsmen and women. They'll do a really impressive job because it'll be on their personal and company CVs. They did the conversion for Dempsey, what better accolade could a professional or company ask for?"

Sasha smiled, "OK. Nigel, get Brown, Wilkinson and Bradley to put together some ideas. Paul, we'll let your couple of blokes with shovels bodge the place up a bit." Nigel shook his head.

"Anything else?" Sasha asked.

"Yes, I am having a meeting room and two bedrooms, a suite and a twin double, converted for Dempsey's use in all of my hotels. Kelly is happy with the idea, it was she who suggested it so she gets a nice bonus this payday."

"Why?" asked Nigel.

"You are going to get clients who need to keep a low profile. If they are seen entering Dempsey's offices in Lincoln's Inn Fields that could affect their career, personal life or a business deal. You need somewhere secure and bug free where you can meet these people without drawing attention to the meeting. My couple of blokes have taken their shovels round to the Coralline and are bodging a meeting room and two bedrooms. I haven't seen the results myself but Kelly tells me that they are magnificent."

"We'll have a look next week," said Sasha as she made a note in her diary.

"Now I have one last thing," I said. "Umber, Karolina, please wait for me in the Dining room."

Umber stood and left the room without a word. Karolina stood, waited until Umber was out of the room then turned to me. "Master you want provision make to you slaves if die you. This girl want not provision, this girl want follow Master. Master die, this girl honour Master then this girl die. Is me want."

"Oh God! I thought I had problems with Stuart," said Nigel.

"Paul, Nigel and I are going to the dining room for some coffee. Call us when you're ready," said Sasha as she got up. She and Nigel left the room. Karolina knelt by my side.

I lifted her chin so I could see her face.

"Karolina, my angel. I really don't want you to die if I do." I knew what she meant by 'die' too, suicide. I have something that I want to ask you to do for me."

"Me do anything for to Master want."

"This thing you can only do if I am dead and no longer your Master."

She looked stricken at that thought. "This girl not want life not Master."

"And what about my other girls?"

She stared at me open mouthed.

"You are the head girl, I have to ask you if you will look after my girls when I cannot. I need to know that my girls will be safe from people like the Count who would take my girls for his own if they didn't have an owner. I need you to be their owner and protect them. I need you to hide my girls and make sure that those girls who want their freedom are freed properly and that the Owners know that they are freewomen.

"When the girls are settled and safe then you will be free to choose your own path. If you truly believe that the girls are safe then you may join me."

I went to the office safe and took out a document. "I've bought two plots next to June, I thought that you might like to be beside me when..."

Karolina leapt up and hugged me tightly, she was crying too hard to be understandable but I didn't need words to know her feelings about this.

She dropped her arms and sank to the floor, "This girl do Master order Master life or dead. This girl keep Master girls safe till they girls join Master or is proper safe."

She remained looking down, "This girl ask Master give this girl..."

"Of course my precious girl." I walked to the door. I turned to look at her but she was still in the same position, knelt with her head down and shoulders bent.

I closed the door behind me and waited. I heard her wail of distress even through my thick office door. It broke my heart to hear her cry and know that not only did I cause it, but I could do nothing to relieve her hurt either.

I waited for a moment then quietly opened the door, she was still knelt where I had left her but was crying her heart out. I knelt beside her and held her in my arms. She turned to me and held onto me as though her life depended on it. Her tears wet my shirt as she cried.

A long time later she settled down a little. "Master need finish thing for to Mistress Sasha."

I looked at her, "you are more important than my business with Sasha."

She looked shocked, "Master not silly-arse be. Business importanter than silly slave girl."

"You are not a silly slave girl. You are my precious Karolina, my girl who won't let me free her so I can love her as a freewoman."

"Now Master silly-arse. Slave do thing freewoman slap Master ask."

"And if I don't want those things?"

"Might be this girl like do for to Master." And she grinned at me.

"Perhaps my slave girl would like to show me the things that she likes doing to her master tonight."

"This girl obey Master."

We kissed. I knew I'd hurt her, but I think she realised why. She would look after my girls if I died. That was important to me.

I phoned the dining room and Sasha and Nigel returned. Debbie came with them bringing a refreshment trolley.

We sat again, Nigel looked at Karolina. I was pleased to see that he saw the woman rather than her naked body.

"I want to ensure that my girls are safe and protected when I die."

Sasha and Nigel nodded, this was work that they were familiar with.

"I want enough set aside so that they can live out their lives in the type of environment that they've become used to, and enough to enable them to protect themselves against people like the Count."

Nigel looked up, "Who's the Count?"

"I'll tell you later, Nigel," said Sasha.

"I also want the amount that my girls have disguised so that it doesn't attract attention." I paused. "Currently I have asked Karolina to look after my girls if I die."

"Oh..." interrupted Sasha, "that's ... Sorry, ignore me."

Nigel looked puzzled and I knew that Sasha would have a little explaining to do later.

"Anyway whoever leads my girls, they are going to need a lot of money and a secure place to live. This place is alright but it isn't where I want to live, nor is it the place where I want to raise children." I saw Karolina perk up then, she looked at me hopefully.

I smiled down at her, "we'll have to talk about that later."

"Not talk, Master want this girl baby, Master fuck this girl. Me happy be give you baby."

"Later!" I said, Karolina smiled and licked her lips.

"If we're intruding, we could always come back later," said Sasha.

"Sorry," I said, smiling at her.

"Yes, I have three or four places in mind. One's a little north of London, the others are foreign, one in Spain and two in France, though Karolina has suggested a place in Poland that might suit me. But I'm not going to move out until this business with the Cumbrian's is settled."

I knew that it wasn't just the Cumbrian's who were after us, the problem was much wider spread than that.

"When I'm settled then I want my girls to have the option of remaining in my home or selling it and using that money to buy somewhere else, somewhere where they're not known. Until then I want to use the Crynos for that. However, the details will have to be worked out. But I need to know how to set up the money side. I really want the girls to be comfortable for the rest of their lives. What would that be?"

"Hard to say how much you'd need especially with inflation. It might be better for them to have investments, or run the company themselves."

"I'm not sure about that, my girls aren't really the type to successfully run a business, shares too are fraught with problems. They can be tied up in court for years if a smart lawyer decides to defraud them. No I need something where there is no doubt whose money it is, and no way for them to be robbed."

Sasha thought for a while, "I need to speak to an accountant. I have a few ideas but I need some advice on this. How soon do you want this set up?"

"Well, I could be shot tonight." I replied.

"Insurance, buy insurance policies, one for each girl and that girl named as beneficiary. Then retain us to make sure that the girls get their moneys. Any change to be split between the girls. That'll do it quick and dirty until we can sort out a better solution."

"Do it Nigel, I want it done today if possible; and Sasha, please make sure Nigel gets a nice bonus for that suggestion."

"Oh I will, and I'll bill it to you too." They laughed. I would be happy to pay for that idea. It would protect my girls until we could sort things out properly.

"That's everything from me, anything else?"

Nigel stood, he already looked weary but he was happy to sort out the insurance policies for my girls. Sasha had me sign a cheque for ten million as a prepayment for any work involved with my girls receiving their insurance money.

Just as she was packing her wheely trolley Sasha paused, "Karolina, did anything happen to the American nurse who nearly killed Paul?"

"Oh be tragic Mistress Sasha. Poor nurse is prison. She did child porn, take dirty pictures children did she."

"How long did she get?"Nigel asked. He'd heard about my last time in hospital.

"Thirty month, prison computer say thirty year."

"Thirty years!" Nigel exclaimed. "Why thirty years?"

"Master not let this girl death penalty give." She gave me such a dirty look. "Is what bitch reward for to nearly kill me Master."

"Oh," Nigel gulped. I don't think that he realised just how vindictive Karolina could be when someone she cared for was hurt.

I saw Sasha and Nigel out, Em was waiting for me outside my office.

"Looks like your work isn't finished yet Paul," Sasha laughed, then kissed me.

"Em, come in."

"Thank you, Master." She replied.

"Em, I'm not your master, I'm your boss."

"I know, but I'm working on it."

"What can I do for you?"

She placed a document folder on my desk, "Mandy, she's clean. Medically she has no diseases or other problems, physically nothing there that shouldn't be. And Dr. McCracken and I have really looked for implanted, concealed or ingested items. She's ready to join in the fun."

"And her sister?"

"Dead, Boss." Em watched me carefully.

I just closed my eyes, how many people had died already? Three that I knew about, how many others. These people had to be stopped.

"When did it happen?"

"The day Mandy was evicted. Well before we knew about either of them. The Count was wrong, Mandy's sister had been found and dealt with."

"Do you know how she died?"

"Hit and Run. That's all I know."

"Does Mandy know?"

"I told her last week, Boss, she took it bad for a while but then her grief turned to anger. Boss she really wants to get back at the people who did this, any way she can. She'd kill them with her bare hands if she could."

"Can I see her?"

"Sure Boss, she's been asking when she could see you again. She's been working every day since she got here."

I knew that as I'd received a huge pile of analysis and advice from her, all of it very good. It certainly made my job easier.

"I'll see her now if that's convenient."

"I'll send her along, Boss."

"Em, Ross has a place for you as a Junior Houseman."

"I'm a nurse now, Boss," Em smiled at me, "unless my master orders me to go."

I looked at her, her eyes gleamed in anticipation. I knew that she had seen the DVDs of Ruby and Amile's deaths, and she had attended Susan and Lynne after their canings. Ross had warned me that this would most likely happen, but at the time I really needed Em here. Well I was paying for it now.

I opened the office door and called "Karolina!"

Hearing the patter of bare feet I returned to my desk.

"Master?"

"Em is enslaved for one month. She will not be collared. She will then be freed for a minimum of a month. If, after that time, she still wants to be my slave girl she can request her collar."

"Em, you will call Ross and arrange to start your internship at Great Ormond Street."

"Well if that's the best deal I can get..." started Em.

"Em, slaves don't get deals, they get told what to do. This is what you will do if you want to serve me."

Em smiled, "Yes Master, I do wish to serve you. I will call Dr. McCracken as soon as I am released."

"Go and make your call then, girl."

"Yes Master. Thank you Master." She ran out of the office.

I looked at the clock, nearly nine pm. Where had the day gone?

"Karolina, I'll see Mandy now, then I'll have dinner in my suite. Get Umber and Alina here and have Julia and Varinka get my suite ready for dinner. See if Debbie has a nice bottle of red wine she can bring in. Something suitable for a quick guzzle."

Karolina smiled at me, "Me Master not work hard so. See Mandy in morning. Go body girls, play man games. Debbie food 'n' wine bring soon."

She was right, I was tired. Relaxing with one of the girls would be great. I kissed her.

"Have you eaten yet?"

"Yes Master, Lynne nag this girl 'n' Ela eat and not office return morning til."

"She's looking after you like I told her too."

"Is nag too, Master."

"I'm sure she is." I kissed her again and went to my suite.



-------

Chapter 39


Julia opened the door as I approached. Her smile welcomed me into the suite.

She and Alina took my jacket off and unbuttoned my shirt. I sat on the sofa and pulled Alina onto my lap. She settled quickly and I just held her to me, luxuriating in the feeling of her on my lap and leaning against my bared chest.

I feel so tired; I'll just close my eyes for a moment.

-------

I woke and Alina was still in my arms, I kissed her nose. She kissed me back, "Go back to sleep, my Master," she soothed me. I slipped easily back to sleep.

I woke again, Alina was asleep and the lights were off. I had fallen asleep and my girls had let me sleep. They had undressed me and put me to bed too. I looked at the clock, nearly seven o'clock. Am or pm, I didn't know. I would find out later.

I rested for a while, just holding Alina in my arms. In her sleep she pressed herself against me and tried to burrow under my shoulder. One hand snaked between us and gripped hold of my cock.

We cuddled for a long time, until I drifted off to sleep again.

The lights woke me this time. Melissa and Julia were getting clothes ready for me, jeans and a tee-shirt I was pleased to see.

I looked down at Alina, she lay on her back, arms above her head. I was partly laying on her, one leg between hers. A little adjustment and both of my legs were between hers and I was lining up to penetrate her. A slow, hard, push and I was half way into her, she stretched out her arms and opened her legs wide.

"Fuck me, Master. Fuck your girl hard."

I pulled back a little then thrust forward again. This time I sank into my root.

"Oh yesss..." she gasped.

I started thrusting in and out, slamming hard into her and slowly dragging back ready to thrust in again. Each time I hit bottom she grunted. I felt her sheath grow wet and slippery as I slammed again and again. She shuddered and cried out, I felt a splash on my abdomen as she came on me.

Gasping she tried to thrust back onto me as I slammed forward, she looked at me, her eyes half open. "Fuck me, Master, make me come again. Give me a baby Master, so I can teach her how to obey you and open her legs for you. So you can fuck us together..." She cried out again, then again, weakly she pushed back against me. Her chest was red with infused blood, nipples engorged, and erect. I grabbed a nipple and pulled on it hard, twisting it too. She gave a scream and arched her back. I felt a splash and then a trickle of wetness on me as she came and fainted. She collapsed onto the bed, legs spread wide and arms still thrust high above her head.

As she collapsed I came, shooting again and again into her unresponsive body. I strained and pushed to force the very last spermatozoa into her, send it streaking for any egg that might be slowly travelling down her womb.

Rapidly deflating, I pulled from her and hands grasped my hips, turning me round. Melissa's mouth clamped onto my flaccid cock and her sucking, licking mouth cleaned me. Julia and Varinka grabbed hold of Alina's hips lifting her and pushing two pillows under her.

Varinka looked at me, "It's the right time of month for her. Let's hope she catches."

Umber took hold of me and led me to the bathroom, "Let me wash you, my Master."

I happily let her wash me, enjoying every minute of it especially when she came to my arse, cock and balls. She washed these especially well.

Julia and Varinka dried me then they dressed me in the jeans and tee-shirt I'd seen earlier.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Lunchtime in twenty five minutes, Master, it's eleven thirty five am." Umber answered me.

"What day is it?"

"Friday, Master. You slept nearly thirty six hours."

"Bugger! I was supposed to meet Mandy yesterday." I was furious with myself for sleeping so long.

"Mandy knows how hard you've been working, Master, and told us that she's happy to wait until you're ready. She said it would give her time to empty your In Tray a little."

"If she can do that I'll kiss her feet."

"She said she wouldn't mind some of that either, Master." Umber laughed.

"Umber, tell Mandy I'll see her straight after lunch."

"Yes Master," she ran out of the room to do my bidding.

I was early for lunch, Debbie and Sally were pleased to see me and both came over for kisses. I managed to catch Lynne and Jo as they entered the dining room and called them over to me.

"I would like to have lunch with you. We haven't had time to talk for ages."

"We would be pleased to be fed by our Master. And we know that our Master works odd hours and sometimes we don't speak together for a little while. But every time we do meet our Master is pleased to see us and he treats us like favourites." Jo said as she knelt by my side.

Lynne seemed a little subdued. I stroked her hair, "What's wrong, Lynne, my precious?" She looked up at me and smiled but it was almost a rictus grin rather than a smile of joy. I saw a tear appear in one eye. "Lynne, my precious girl, I would like you to go to Kelly and talk with her about what it is you fear. I promise you that no harm will come to you at all. I am not a cruel master, but I realise that you have known cruel men. Go now and talk to Kelly."

Lynne got up and ran to the door. Jo watched her as she left.

"She was afraid that you were setting her up to be punished, possibly even tortured to death," said Jo.

"WHAT!"

Jo just looked at me, "that's what her previous Master used to do if he was bored. He'd call a girl over to him, perhaps feed her a little, then find some excuse to punish her." Jo stopped for a moment, almost unable to go on. "She said that she had to watch four of her friends die. One girl was pregnant, he cut her baby out and threw in on the fire as she watched." Jo was crying freely now, I held her to me and she surrendered into my arms. She looked up at me, "Why was I so lucky to be bought by you, my Master?"

"You were bought to help me get over a deep depression. I had lost two of my girls, Joasia and June."

"Yes Master, the others have told me about them. But they didn't say that you needed help."

"Well I did and Karolina saw that I needed other girls to look after and live for. So she bought me you and your children."

"Then we three are the luckiest girls I know of, my Master. I am honoured that you would think to feed this girl from your own plate, my Master. I know that I am only a low slave, and don't deserve such an honour."

"You are not a low slave! You are one of my girls. If you want you can come to my room and climb into bed with me. I would be honoured by your presence in my bed."

"My Master shouldn't tease this girl so. You are my Master, it is your right to have my body whenever you desire it. You only need gesture and this girl will entertain you in any way you desire."

"I'm not teasing, Why don't you try it one night and come to my bed. She how pleased I am to see you."

Jo looked down, "As my Master wishes."

I lifted her chin, "No, my girl. As my girl wishes." Then I kissed her. She surrendered herself to me, tilting her head and opening her mouth, thrusting her breasts forward in the hope I would take them in my hands.

Sally placed my plate in front of me and I started to eat. I fed Jo carefully, trying to note what she liked and disliked. I couldn't just ask any of my girls what they actually liked; they would say 'whatever you give me.' That didn't work very well. So now I watched carefully and noted how they ate each piece.

It surprises me that some people think that having slaves is easy.

I took Jo with me to my office. I had not been paying enough attention to either her or Lynne, otherwise Lynne would have trusted me enough to take my attentions to her as I meant them rather than a means to trap and punish her. Damn! I've got to get more of a handle on looking after these women.

Mandy was waiting for me when I reached my office, she was naked, and looking a little trimmer than when I had last seen her. She smiled at me and followed Jo into the office. I gestured to a chair and we sat.

"Jo, call Debbie and ask for tea and coffee please."

"My Master shouldn't say please to his slaves." Jo shook her head as the trials that some masters gave their slaves. But she went and quietly phoned for drinks as I had requested.

"Now Mandy, what can I do for you?"

Mandy looked at Jo, now kneeling by my side. "Well, to start with, you can treat me as well as you do these girls who are supposed to be your servants."

"We aren't servants, Mistress Mandy, we are his slaves."

"You really mean slaves as in whips and chains and stuff?" Mandy asked.

"Yes, although he won't do any of the whips and chains bit. We're still trying though."

"But that girl who came into the sick room when I was there, she'd been badly whipped."

"That was not by our Master," she gave me a look as though I was remiss in my masterly duties.

"Some of you would like to be whipped?" Mandy was shocked at this.

"Mistress Mandy, some of us have known no other way to reach our satisfaction except through pain. For people like us we need the pain as you need a loving touch."

Hearing this I knew that I would be having a word with Jo after Mandy and I had finished. I put this on the top of my To Do list. This was important.

"Has anyone treated you badly, Mandy."

"Only Sandy, and only when we're training. It's working though," she ran her hands over her breasts and down her stomach. "I can feel things starting to tighten up, I feel better too. No, my Lord, no one has treated me with anything but the utmost kindness since I arrived."

"Even when you were made to strip naked and be intimately examined in front of us all?"

Mandy thought for a moment, "I didn't really like that, but it taught me a huge and valuable lesson. You want me to come into the centre of your 'little family' as you call it. Clothing is only used occasionally in the 'inner circle.' I have walked around naked since I first met you and no one has made a single comment about my ugly body, especially with all of your gorgeous young girls running round with nothing on." She smiled at that thought. "As the new girl, I expected to be looked down on, but that wasn't so. Everyone has made me welcome and I have found real friends. I look forward to the time when I can show them my feelings physically." She had a far-away look in her eyes, she was obviously thinking of someone in particular.

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

"Yes, my Lord..."

"Please, call me Paul."

They didn't disappoint me, "Yes, sir," they said together.

Mandy smiled and continued, "Yes, my Lord. Gail and I have got quite close over the last few days. I think that she and I could be close."

"I wish you both a happy future, and I caution you about asking Gail about her previous experiences. She didn't have a very good time as you can see by the state she was in when she arrived."

"That might be a wise thing to refrain from for quite a while. If she brings it up though..."

"Then discuss it by all means," I agreed. "Now, how are you finding the work?"

"Simple."

"Oh?" I was puzzled at Mandy saying the work was simple.

"Oh yes. I just walk into the office and there's this huge pile of document folders where my desk was. That's all there is to it. Now I've just got to figure out how to find my desk drawer with my pens and pencils then I can start some of it." She grinned at me.

"Jo, please pour me a mug of tea and see if Mandy will have a drink."

"So what do you think of the stuff that's coming in?"

"Well, my Lord..."

"Call me Boss." I said.

Mandy smiled, "Yes, Boss."

I smiled.

"Well, Boss, most of the stuff is fine, we can go with your standard contract. Some of them are just unreasonable and they won't get any takers, we should wait until the second or third tender rounds for those, or pick up the pieces when the first round contractor goes bust. There are a number that are a little above me, I'm not sure what to do with them, take or ditch. I'll have to bump those up to you to decide. Some though are just like that Cornish tender request, pure crap, even look as though they've been written by Bob too. He's nasty but not very bright."

"What's the value range on the stuff that's OK?"

"From fifty million to seven hundred and fifty million." Mandy replied confidently.

"OK. I'll get Sasha to get you authorised to sign for contracts up to..."

Mandy looked quite pleased at the trust I was putting in her.

"Let's say we start with five hundred million."

Now her face went white, eyes rolled up and she slid off her chair in a dead faint.

I rushed to see to her, putting her in the recovery position as I had received a real mouthful from Em when she'd found out how I had dealt with Karolina fainting. Jo called Em and seconds later she burst through the door with her medical bag and took over her patient.

Mandy started to recover in only a few moments. She was groggy but soon back on her seat, though she was still quite pale.

"She gets three days off, Master." Em stated. "And I want her in my sick room for a couple of hours."

"OK, when you're happy she can take it I want to let her know about your health report."

"OK Boss, I'll bring her back at ten pm. Time for you to have a rest then too."

"OK Em." I smiled at her. Em had been on the wards at Great Ormond Street most of the day and she needed a rest too. I knew Ross would make her course as easy as possible, but there were limits on what he could do.

Gail brought in a wheelchair to take Mandy to the sick room and the three of them left.

"Jo, my darling, I want to talk with you."

"Of course my Master."

"I would like to know what give you pleasure, what brings you to your climax."

"I like pain, my Master." She said in a low quiet voice.

I lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "There is no shame in that, my darling."

I watched as tears started flowing from her eyes. "I know how much you dislike hurting your slaves my Master, I can't ask you to do that which you dislike just to give me a momentary pleasure."

"No I don't like giving anyone pain, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to give you your pleasure."

She looked at me uncertainly.

"Perhaps I shall let Sasha play with you for a while."

Jo's nipples shot out. I reached forward and took one between finger and thumb and squeezed hard. Jo panted and looked up at me.

"Oh, my Master, please do both." She panted harder.

I took the other nipple and squeezed it too. Then I twisted both of them, hard. I was hurting her breasts badly but she stayed kneeling without any movement to free herself.

Then she threw her head back and gave a high, thin wail as she came. I saw a small wet patch appear between her legs. Head fully back she thrust her breasts at me and started panting harder. Another thin, high, drawn-out wail, and she came again. Now her head flopped forward and she groaned.

I released her and she cried out again as the blood rushed back into her nipples. She did nothing to alleviate her pain, just rode through it, enjoying it. Slowly the pain subsided and she relaxed.

"This girl thanks her Master for the wonderful boon her Master has given her. This girl doesn't deserve such a kind Master and she thanks her Master's favourite for buying her."

I kissed her, "This master thanks this girl for offering me her collar." I kissed her again.

I looked at her, she was covered in a sheen of sweat, "Go and shower, send a girl to keep me company."

She smiled widely, "Yes Master." And she ran out of the room.

I sat back in my chair and pondered this afternoons happenings as I sipped my tea. I thought about Mandy, I wanted another one like her, that would really ease my work load. I would ask her tomorrow.

The reactions of Lynne and Susan made me wonder what they had experienced with their previous master. Mandy, too, was a surprise. She had a humourous streak and wasn't afraid to use it. She was more than good at her job, she was an acknowledged expert in the planning field. I could see why 'they' wanted to blackmail her, a planning application with her signature on it would be rubber stamped by any planning committee. I really did need at least one more like her, or maybe she could run a small team. Get the team to do the leg work and Mandy could oversee the process. I would then only deal with the larger, more difficult or unusual contracts. I like that idea. I'll put it to Mandy tomorrow, no not tomorrow, she's got three days off, Em said. And I had made Em our medic so I have to stick by her decisions.

Em was a puzzle. Ross said that she blamed herself for not being there to help her parents when they were burgled and murdered. She was also not there for her sister when she overdosed. I doubt that she realised that, had she been with her parents, she too might have died. And would she have known the purity of the heroin that her sister injected? I doubt that too. She had this guilt and we would try to show her that she'd done more that anyone could have expected supporting her sister through those disastrous events. Now she was finally completing her medical studies. I would have to ask Ross round to see how she's doing. Have to make sure there's some Talisker available.

Unconsciously I dropped my hand to my side, feeling for, and finding, a head, which I stroked. I looked down, it was Karen. She had entered so quietly that I hadn't heard her. I smiled at her and she smiled back at me. I remembered Paula and her warning about Melissa, small glass beads in her aureole. I wondered if Karen had the same thing, she too was far too sensitive.

"Karen, I want you to see Em and ask her to check your breasts for glass beads, small glass beads. They might be under your aureole. Em should know how to find them if they're there."

"Yes, Master."

"Go on then." I sighed. Usually they jumped up and ran when I told them to do something.

"I will wait for one of the other girls to arrive first, Master. They won't be long, I'm here to keep you company. It wouldn't make sense for me to rush away just for me."

"But it would make sense if you rushed away for me, wouldn't it?"

"Oh yes of course, Master."

"Well then, go, now!"

"Yes Master." And she rose and ran to the door. I smiled at her retreating back. Karen was another puzzle. What to do with her. She was young, so inexperienced in most of the jobs that I needed done. She wanted so much to join her sister Julia as one of my body slaves. The sensitivity of her breasts prevented that though. They really caused her a lot of pain.

Varinka settled beside me, making just enough noise so I knew she was there. I reached down and stroked her hair, she leant into my hand, laying her cheek on my thigh.

There was a knock on my door, Varinka ran to answer it.

-------

Kelly sat opposite from me, she was very concerned about something.

"Boss, Lynne is in a terrible state. She is convinced that she's let you down and doesn't know how to get you to forgive her. She is frightened that you'll hold a spectacle and she'll be the star attraction."

We had all seen a video of one of the Counts spectacles, Ruby being skinned alive then drowned in salted water. Lynne knew what her previous master was capable of. How was she to know I wasn't like that?

"So what do we do?" I asked.

"I don't know. That's really up to you, that's why you're the Boss." She smiled at me.

I had an idea. I hoped that Lynne would like it. I couldn't see anything else to try.

"Can you ask Lynne to join me for dinner tonight Kelly, I'll take it from there."

"I hope you can do something, Boss, she's in a hell of a state."

I phoned Debbie, "Debbie, do you have anything that Lynne really likes for dinner?"

Debbie paused for a moment, "I'll do a strawberry mousse for desert. I know she really likes that."

"Thanks Debbie."

"Are you trying to make this a special meal for her?"

"Yes I am, any suggestions?"

"Apart from the obvious, let her be the only one you're feeding, I have a couple. She likes having a starter, pate, I know you're not too keen on pate so I'll disguise some of the salmon paste for you."

"No Debbie, make it all pate and I'll put up with it."

"But you don't like pate!"

"No, but I love Lynne."

"Well, there is that, Boss."

"Anything else you can do?"

"How do you fancy salmon for your main course?"

"With the veggies and stuff that Lynne likes." I reminded her.

"Of course. Now I've got to get busy if I'm gonna get this all ready for dinner. Can you come a little later than usual, Boss?"

"Will do. And thanks, Debbie, this means a lot to me." I heard a sigh as she hung up.

I looked down at my side, Varinka was waiting patiently.

"Varinka, dearest, I want you to go and tell all of my ladies that I want to give Lynne a special treat this evening to show her how much I love her. I want my girls to be happy for Lynne, especially as she is frightened that I might be like her previous master. I want two of my body slaves waiting to shower us, but only one will stay in the suite overnight. Sort out who does what amongst yourselves. The two who are doing the showering better arrange a late dinner, see Sally about that, not Debbie, she'll be too busy."

Varinka ran to tell everyone what I wanted. She hadn't been gone for more than a minute when Julia ran into the room and knelt beside me.

I stroked her hair, she smiled up at me, "Thank you, my Master."

"For what?" I asked.

"For loving me like you do."

"But you're very easy to love."

"You have so much love to give to us, my Master."

"Just wait until you've been a bad girl."

"Then I will deserve my punishment and I know that you'll be hurting inside when you give it to me." She paused for a moment, "And I know that you'll punish me yourself, because you're my Master and you won't leave something that important to anyone else. You really would think that punishing a girl is too important to leave to anyone else."

I placed a finger on her lips, "Quiet girl, you might make me big headed."

She sucked my finger into her mouth and sucked on it hard. Her tongue wrapped around my finger tightly. She closed her eyes and concentrated on sucking my finger as though her life depended on my liking it. I pulled my finger away; she followed for an inch or two but released me when she knew that was what I wanted. She looked up at me, her face a mask of pure lust, her nipples hard and her chest red from her excitement. I couldn't help but smell her scent as it rose from between her legs.

"Not tonight, nor for a few days. I have other girls I must bring into my bed and show them that I love them too." I smiled at her.

"My Master will take me whenever he wants me. This girl will be glad of her Master's attentions."

"And I will be glad to make love with my girl."

She kissed my fingers, "Thank you, my Master."

The door opened and Alina pushed in a clothes stand with a suit, shirt and all the trimmings for me. Alina and Julia dressed me. I watched as my jeans and tee shirt were consigned to the wash basket and I was dressed in silk boxers, silk socks, a stiff cotton Oxford shirt and my suit together with highly polished black oxford brogues. A red and blue striped tie completed my ensemble.

"Time for your dinner with Lynne my Master." Julia said. She smiled at me as Alina and I left to go to the dining room.

I saw Kelly holding Lynne's hand as I came to the dining room door. Lynne looked terrible, red eyes from crying and very, very pale. I wasn't sure that she'd make it through dinner let alone our night together.

"Hello, my precious," I greeted her and kissed her. She tried to meet my kiss but failed badly. I took her hand and led her into the dining room.

I sat in my chair and Lynne knelt beside me. Kate served me my starter, pate and brown bread toast, and I smiled. "Thank you, Kate."

I spread a generous portion of pate onto some toast and held it for Lynne. Her eyes widened as she took the offered morsel and ate it, savouring it all. I fed Lynne most of the pate. I had some toast, but I don't really like pate.

While the dishes were cleared I tried to talk to Lynne. She had slumped down as she knelt beside me, defeat plain on her face. I stroked her hair and smiled at her. "Lynne, Karolina tells me you have been making Ela and her stop for breaks, and even banning them from going into their office until they've slept. That is what I wanted you to do, to look after them and make sure that they are properly fed and rested. I know its not easy at times, and sometimes you have to be very strict with them. But it is for their own good and it is what I want you to do. They should be thanking you for your efforts, thanking you as much as I do."

She looked at me unbelievingly, "Thank you, Lynne." She stared at me, wide-eyed.

Someone dropped a knife onto the floor. The loud clatter surprised us all but so shocked Lynne that she lost control of her bowels, a pool of urine appearing between her legs, growing larger as she looked down in horror. I am sure that she thought that I had set this up and would use this as the excuse to punish her to her death.

I lifted her up out of the mess and sat her on my lap. Sally and Kate appeared with large towels and cleared up the urine while Karolina and Umber appeared with a bowel of warm water, wash-cloth and towels to clean Lynne. We stood her up and I held her steady while the girls washed and dried her legs. Then they turned to me and took my shoes and trousers off. My trousers were, of course wet from Lynne. I too was washed and dried.

I sat back down, as Lynne went to kneel down I took hold of her and brought her onto my lap again. "Sit here, my love." I told her. I tucked her under one shoulder and pulled her tight into me.

Sally placed my plate on the table and I started eating. I fed Lynne on my lap brushing her hair with my lips every now and then.

"Karolina,"

"Yes Boss."

"How long do you think it will take you to finish what you and Ela are doing?"

"Year Boss."

"OK, when you've finished I want Lynne to be given a company credit card so she and some friends can go on a holiday."

"Go where, Boss?"

"I don't know, it's Lynne's holiday, why don't you ask her."

"Where would you like to go, Lynne?" Ela asked.

There was a pause, we had just started looking at each other when Lynne answered, quietly, almost wistfully she said "Somewhere warm, Spain, my parents always took us to Spain. It would be nice to go back again. To lie on the beach and feel the sun on my skin again."

"So arrange a holiday in Spain then. Sort out who you want to take and make the arrangements, I'll pay for it and make sure that you have plenty of spending money."

"But I'll be dead by then won't I."

The whole table went silent.

"NO! No you will not!" She looked up at me in wide-eyed surprise. "I am not the Count. I do not trap my ladies for fun or entertainment. I look after my ladies because they are the ones who look after me. I need you all. We all need each other, if we are to keep our lavish lifestyle."

I held her tight, "We all need each other if any of us want to survive the people who are trying to kill us. You didn't know Joasia or June, neither of them had done any harm to that Chief Constable, yet he poisoned the three of us. If we don't look after each other then we'll be doing his murdering for him. I want us all to stand by Joasia and June's graves and tell them that they have justice, that the men that murdered them are now dead."

I paused for a moment, "Now I want to have a pleasant evening with you, one of my ladies and someone I love.

"Yes, my Master," she replied in a small quiet voice.

I concentrated on feeding Lynne and calming down. I was surprised at my anger. We had to stick together, 'they', the ubiquitous 'they' would win if we didn't.

"Master," said Lynne.

"Yes, my dearest?"

"Your slaves need you." And she pointed to my side, the side that I had turned away from to sit her more comfortably on my lap, the side she was facing.

I looked over my shoulder. All of my girls were there, they were holding out their collars.

"I need to get my collar, my Master," but as Lynne said that Karolina came up and gave Lynne her collar.

Lynne slipped off my lap and took her place in the line up.

One by one they came up and submitted themselves to me again. Lynne's request for me to collar her seemed the most heartfelt of them all.

Em came and knelt in front of me. "You won't let me wear your collar yet, but I ask that you allow me to renew my enslavement to you. After all," she smiled at me, "I already wear your collar round my heart."

Lynne came and knelt beside me. "Sometimes a girl needs the pressure and weight of a collar to remind her to accept whatsoever her master gives her.

Just then I gave her some strawberry mousse. "Thank you, my Master."

She paused for a moment, "You arranged all of this," she gestured to the dining table, "didn't you? You got Debbie to make all my favourites." She looked into my eyes, "Thank you for caring for me, Master.

I kissed her and she returned my kiss.



-------

Chapter 40


Lynne lay with her head on my lap as we watched a movie. I lightly cupped a breast, not really watching the film, just being with Lynne. I glanced at the wall clock; nearly ten pm. Em should be bringing Mandy in soon.

I waited patiently for Mandy. The knock on the door made Lynne jump. "I'll get the door, my Master." And she ran to open the door.

Em brought Mandy in and we sat around the coffee table.

"Mandy, thank you for coming to see me this late on a Friday evening; I wanted to see you today because Em has received the results of the tests she carried out." Mandy looked at Em, a little concern in her expression. "There's nothing to worry about, but I'll let Em give you the details. I just wanted to tell you that you are free to pursue physical interaction with the people here, if you wish to."

Mandy smiled at that, "I think Gail will be pleased."

"So go and tell her."

"Thank you for letting me know, Boss. I'll see you on Monday, that's the earliest that Em will let me return to work, we'll finish off our meeting then."

"I'm looking forward to it Mandy." I smiled at her as she and Em left the room.

I held my hand out to Lynne, "Come to bed with me."

"Yes, my Master." And she smiled at me.

Lynne undressed me and we went for a shower. Umber and Karen were waiting for us. Umber showered me and I watched as Karen showered Lynne. Quite predictably I was fully hard before we were dried.

Varinka was kneeling beside the cot in my bedroom when we entered. I pulled Lynne over to the bed and laid her down.

She lay back and opened her legs. "Take me, my Master. Take me and remind me what a slave girl is for."

"Oh no, not that quickly, I want to play first." I flipped her over onto her stomach and then opened her legs again.

I ran my hands up her legs to her buttocks and then parted her cheeks, exposing her rosebud. "Perhaps I'll take you in here first."

"Take me wherever you want, my Master, this girl is yours." She was almost panting in anticipation already.

Shuffling forward I pushed my forearms under her hips and lifted them high. I had the junction of her legs fully opened to me now and I ran my tongue from the top of her slit to the top of her arse crease. She was already wet and I dragged some of her lubrication over her arse.

I let her support herself in this uncomfortable position as I ate her to her first climax. I kept her ass held high as I tormented her breasts with one hand, her clit with the other and attacked her arse with my tongue. She came again in only a few minutes.

I lowered her hips. As I did so a slim arm reached forward and lubricated Lynne's arse.

"That'll help you both, Master," said Varinka.

Getting positioned, I pressed the head of my cock against her tight arse. I pressed forward pushing into her steaming depths. Lynne relaxed and pressed back against me and I sank into her depths.

"Ohhh..." she panted for a moment, "that feels so good, Master."

I lay my weight on her and reached under for her breasts. Lynne lifted herself up a little and I grasped both breasts. Her nipples were hard and hot, I toyed with them pulling and twisting them mercilessly. She lay still, allowing me as much access as she could. I felt her panting and every groan she made reverberated through my chest.

Pulling back a little I started to fuck her arse. She lifted up and thrust against me, helping me push deeper and harder with each thrust.

Wrapping my arms tightly around her I flipped us over. She struggled to sit up on me, but was soon upright, rocking back and forth, sliding my hard cock deep into her arse.

"Turn round, I want to see your tits." I commanded.

She squirmed round, remaining impaled on me all the time. Finally settling with her legs either side of me and her hands on my chest. She started rocking again and I pulled and pushed as much as I could. I grasped a breast and pulled her to me. I kissed her then wrapped my lips round a nipple. Sucking and chewing on her as she held my head to her breast. I could feel the heat building in her chest as she approached another orgasm and I slipped a hand between us to rub her clit. I felt her hard bud protruding from its protective hood and rubbed alongside it. Then I trapped her protruding clit between my fingers and waited. She cried out as her orgasm hit and I pinched and twisted her clit hard. She froze in place as her muscles locked up hard. She panted and gasped as I continued my assault on her arse.

I pushed her backwards onto the bed, rising up and then lying on top of her, her legs trapped between my arms as I almost folded her in two beneath me. I now had the advantage of my position and weight over her. I could thrust harder and faster into the trapped, helpless girl.

She looked up at me. "Fuck me, Master. Fuck my arse, fuck it harder, Master," she urged me on. She stretched her arms high above her head, grasping the headboard. "Fuck your girl, Master, fuck me and make me scream again."

I reached under her and grabbed hold of her shoulders, tightening my grip on her compressed body. I used my hold to give me more power as I thrust into her again and again.

She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, her moans became cries and then panting screams as she came again, this time I felt a wetness on my belly as she ejaculated her girl juice.

The tightness of her sphincter, and the sight and sounds of the climaxing girl beneath me, brought me to my climax and I shot string after string into her hot slimy arse, grasping and squeezing her punished breasts as I pumped into her.

Breathing hard, I lay holding her tightly; she too was panting from her exertions. She lay still, making no effort to free herself from the awkward position she was in.

Remaining fully buried in her hot and sticky arse, I sat up and looked at Lynne as she lay stretched out. From her arms reaching to the headboard, down along her tightly elongated body, her small breasts almost pulled flat to her chest, the areole pulled out into long ovals and the nipples standing up high and proud. Her already tight stomach pulled in almost like a shallow bowl, only her firm muscles spoiling the concave shape. Her hips rose up high on my thighs, and her wide spread legs on either side of my body. She was covered with a sheen of sweat. I ran my hands from her thighs up her stomach to her breasts and gripped her nipples again, no less tightly this time than before. She cried out, her breasts supersensitive from our lovemaking tormented her, yet she never moved or asked for release from her torments.

I pulled back and slipped out of her. Varinka was quick to place a towel beneath Lynne's hips and then she picked up a wash cloth from a nearby bowl.

"No!" Lynne stopped her, "It is this girl's job to clean her Master." Then she lay between my legs and sucked my slimy cock deep into her mouth and cleaned me. She checked me three times, each time finding some smear or trace that she felt needed to be licked or sucked from me, swallowing every trace of our lovemaking as she took it from my cock. Finally she was satisfied that I was clean and she allowed Varinka to give me a last wipe with her wash cloth.

I lifted her head to kiss her but she turned away from me. "Master, I have the taste of my shit in my mouth, please let me clean my mouth first."

Cupping her face with both hands I brought our lips together. Insistently my tongue forced its way into her mouth and I kissed her. I did taste traces of the bitterness of her shit but it was only traces. I also tasted the sweetness of my girl and that taste was the one I savoured.

I watched as Varinka washed Lynne down, making sure that all traces of our lovemaking were cleaned away. Finally, both washed and dried, we lay in each other's arms, kissed gently then slept.

-------

I woke to the sensation of Lynne's hot mouth sucking me eagerly. I looked down and watched her head bobbing up and down on my cock. She sucked me to my climax and then licked me clean. When she'd finished she looked up at me, "Good morning, Master."

"Good morning to you, my special girl."

"Are you ready for a shower, Master?"

"No, I'm ready for you." And I pushed her onto her back and spread her legs. I licked and nipped around her vagina before licking her from bottom to top. She arched her back, thrusting her slit hard onto my mouth and giving me better access. I fucked her with my tongue for a couple of minutes, tasting the flow of her lubricating fluids. I bit and sucked on her inner lips and slid my tongue between inner and outer lips, then down to her perineum. This I licked and nibbled. She lifted her hips higher then.

"Oh Master, that's so gooood."

I returned to her vagina and thrust my tongue in hard, pressing in as far as I could. She pushed back on me and my tongue found the roughness of her G spot. I licked and tapped on this roughness, each touch sending her higher and higher toward her orgasm. Her hips and stomach were already trembling and I felt the heat rising in her skin as her blood rushed in.

Lynne's juices were flowing freely now, running down my chin as I pressed hard into her. Then I turned my attentions to her clit. Pulling the protective hood back with my fingers I watched as her hard bud popped upright. Gently I rubbed the skin at the sides of this super sensitive bud, while softly blowing on it. Now Lynne started calling out, loud unintelligible noises preceding her orgasm, and I felt her body stiffen. I slid the very tip of my tongue around her clit, avoiding it completely. Then her orgasm hit and as she cried out in her ecstasy I sucked on her clit and scraped it with my teeth. Suddenly her cry stopped and her limp body fell to the bed.

I touched the inner thigh just below her junction and felt a pulse. She had just fainted, sensory overload I think they call it. I was always very pleased when I pleasured my ladies enough for this to happen.

Varinka looked at her in surprise. "Is she OK, Master?" she asked, very concerned for her friend.

"Yes, she's just fainted. Could you get a wash cloth damped with cool water; cool mind, not cold."

She ran off to get the wash cloth and I moved up the bed to lie beside Lynne. Seconds later Varinka gave me a cool damp wash cloth. I wiped Lynne's face and upper chest, avoiding her breasts assiduously.

A few moments later Lynne stirred, her eyes opened and she looked up at me. Her hand came up and cupped my cheek, "What did I do to deserve you, my Master?" She lifted up and we kissed. "Thank you, my Master. I have been stupid not trusting you. All of the other girls told me I was safe but I couldn't believe them." She trembled a little, "This girl is so sorry, my Master."

I watched as a tear ran down the side of her face.

"You have nothing to apologise for," I said softly. "You don't really know me. We haven't spent much time together since you came here. We must rectify that but I really do need you to look after Karolina and Ela. They are doing some very important work and they do tend to forget to look after themselves."

"I, this girl, would be honoured to do this for you, my Master. And this girl might sneak into your bed occasionally from now on."

"And I will be happy to see you here." We kissed again.

"Now, female, man need to eat. Man hungry!"

She almost sprang from the bed, "Come my Master, we'll shower and then get some breakfast."

-------

Freshly showered and dressed I led my girls to our breakfast.

Janet greeted me and showed us to the table. She brought me my morning tea and water for the girls. I looked at the small bowls of water the girls had and voiced my concern, "Janet, my ladies do have a choice of drinks, don't they?"

Janet looked quite surprised, "Oh yes, Boss. Usually Lynne has a fruit infusion and Varinka has black tea. But each of your girls has asked that they only receive water when they accompany you."

I looked at the two of them, both looked up at me looking totally innocent. "Hrumph!" I grumphled.

"Janet, please can I ask you and your colleagues to make sure that the girls are really getting what they want to eat and drink, even when they dine with me?"

"Of course, Boss. We do try to ensure that everyone is having a healthy diet."

"Thank you, Janet."

I ate and fed my girls, they took each morsel, occasionally cleaning my fingers in their mouths. After breakfast I took a mug of tea up to my suite. I ask my girls to take Saturdays and Sundays off or, if they do work over the weekend, then they take two other days off in lieu. I was going to relax for a while then see if there was anything in my office that needed urgent attention.

Karolina and Ela came in, Karolina carrying a few sheets of paper. She knelt beside me holding the paper up at a convenient height for me to take.

I took the papers; they were a printout from an American local newspaper's website. It was a report of the murder of a female child molester in the sick bay of the local female penitentiary. There were no suspects and no clues, the sick bay CCTV having been offline for nearly a year. I didn't recognise her name, but the accompanying photo was all I needed.

"Thank you for letting me know, ladies."

"It's our fault she died, Boss," said Ela.

Karolina looked up and nodded.

Ela looked at the floor. "She wanted to kill you. You didn't see it but when we finally found you, she tried to cut your throat with a scalpel. Elastic stopped her." Ela looked at Karolina, "She deserved this, Boss, and I'm willing to take any punishment you feel right."

Karolina straightened up her posture and held her shoulders back.

"This girl accept punish too Master."

I got up and hugged Ela, I lifted her chin and kissed her. "Thank you for helping to look after me, and thank you for letting me have justice. I would have done the same if I had your skills."

I turned to Karolina, "Stand up my precious girl." She stood and I took her into my arms. "You have made me proud. You are true defenders of your family. The other girls should look at you with new respect for this work you have done."

I held them both, "I am proud of you both."

I didn't know what I felt about her death. While practising as a nurse, and having a duty of care over me, she had deliberately withheld medicines and palliative care. Then, when I was about to be rescued, she tried to murder me with a scalpel. Had I been a member of the rescue team I might have killed her there and then. But my ladies had decided that she needed punishing and had proceeded to punish her. Back home in the USA, she might have thought herself safe from prosecution but computers have a long reach and lots of them have only minimal protection. My girls destroyed her life and got her imprisoned. They let human nature take its own course from there on. I wasn't actually concerned for the dead nurse; I couldn't even remember her name. I was however really concerned for Ela and Karolina. I would watch them carefully over the next few weeks, and ask Em to do the same.

We broke apart. "Why don't you two take a break, go somewhere for a couple of days and relax."

Karolina shook her head, "Not do Master, need here each day do plan. Take long time, need watch over all time."

Ela nodded. "Boss, what we're doing should run quite smoothly but things need to happen without a pattern. We've worked out when things need to be done and we need to be here to stick to the schedule. One of us can leave for a day or so at a time but not both. Just in case something unexpected happens. We need to be here watching our project."

"Well, when your project is finished, you can take time to have a good holiday. Go somewhere warm and relax."

"Master's bed warm. This girl like be there."

"And I like you in my bed too. And I miss Ela in my bed as well. Surely one of you can spend a night with me occasionally."

"This girl sorry, Master. Bin think other stuff not Master needs."

"Boss, we've been keeping really odd hours too. It's better now that you've put Lynne in charge of us. She helps us a lot but we still need to work to other time zones, Boss, and that really screws up our days."

"Well, come if you can, and remember that I love you both."

I thought for a few moments. "What's happened to the hospital auxiliary?"

"Not sure, Boss. She was sacked from the hospital, failed an eCRB (Note 1) check for some reason. Must be a pervy bastard, eh Boss, no other reason to fail a check is there, eh Boss." Ela looked quite serious as she said this.

I growled, I must have growled because they all looked at me. They all know how much I absolutely HATE the CRB / eCRB system.

Ela held out a tablet and a small glass of water (where the FUCK did she keep those?) "Em said I've got to make sure you take this," she said.

"What?"

"I told Em that we might be talking about eCRB checks and she gave me this tablet for you to take now!"

Sometimes it's just not worth arguing with Ela. I took the tablet.

Fucking CRB checks and the cunts that thought up the idea. Cunts!

It took me some time to calm down.

-------

Varinka followed me into my office. Julia and Alina were already there sorting out the post. They ran and knelt by my chair as I sat down. I touched both of them, stroking their hair and cheeks for a moment. Both leaned into my hand to show me that they enjoyed my attentions.

"Anything I should know about?" I asked as I nodded to the pile of post.

Alina jumped up and ran to the pile she was sorting. "This one from Mr. Dempsey. I haven't opened it."

I took the offered letter opener and slit open the envelop.

There was an invitation on thick, heavy-weight card, and an accompanying letter.

The invitation read —



Mr. Harold and Mrs. Cecile Dempsey

Request the pleasure of

Lord Symington

to

An entertainment

Black Tie



R.S.V.P

Details will be given to your staff.

The letter was a little more informative though.



Dearest Paul,

Daddy is being ABSOLUTELY unbearable at the moment. He says that he's managed to book the most amazing entertainment for us (and that's all he will say about whatever it is that he's booked). He's driving us all MAD about it too!

So he's organising a country weekend. Please, please come. I would love for you to see my childhood home. And I have two sisters that you've not met yet! So you must come.

Come down for lunch on Thursday, that'll give Daddy time to show the place off to you. He really wants to meet you again. He says that he didn't really have time to get to know you at the party in London. You know Daddy helped you with Dobroyd because of me but he's seen what you've done with your money and he's really impressed. And it takes a lot to impress Daddy. And, I happen to know that Daddy is not above mentioning that he knows you during his business meetings, and you would be surprised how many doors that has opened for him. It's quite funny really, Daddy started helping you because you're a friend of mine and now you're helping Daddy. And you really are you know. Daddy's business has taken off in the last six months and all because of you.



Oh and bring a few of your slaves, body and normal, to look after you. You'll be surprised, and pleased, at the regime here. :) I know that Elastic will want a few of her girls to look the place over first so they can come down anytime (don't worry I've already warned Elastic and two of her girls are on their way). So there, {pokes tongue out.}



Cecile, my stepmother, can't wait to meet the 'terrible Englishman' who has had such an effect on the family. Amile and Claudette are a little worried because Daddy threatened to chain them (naked of course) in your bed for the weekend. I'm not totally sure he's joking.

Now I have to go, I left Nina upside down on the St Andrews Cross again. Please, please say you'll come! I am so looking forward to you seeing the old place.

Lots and lots of love and kisses

Sasha



Of course I would go. I owed Sasha so much that if she asked me to walk there I would. Now where it is? If the details will be given to my staff I was sure that Karolina would know already, and probably be checking the place out electronically.

I switched on my computer to email Karolina, but when the email program came up I saw that she had beaten me to it. I read through the details. The 'where' was in the Loire Valley, in Northern France, about forty kilometres from Orlean, and close to the Petite Loire. There was a link to Google Maps and I brought up a satellite photo of the chateau. It looked an impressive place; extensive grounds surrounded the main house with woodland to the north and east. I thought that it should have magnificent views over the river valley below. Karolina also asked who would be going as Jo needed to organise the transport.

I thought for a while, Karolina obviously. Umber and Varinka, Jo and Lynne. Not Karen because of her breasts, but Melissa because she was a 'hidden' body guard. Susan would come too because I hadn't spent nearly enough time with her. With me that meant a party of eight plus Elastic and her girls. I saw that Elastic was copied in on the email. If Sasha had already warned her then she would have plenty of time to sort out the protection level she felt necessary.

Now the only problem would be getting me out of the Crynos.

There wasn't anything else in the mail or email so I closed down my computer and wandered up to the roof. The weather was poor, overcast and windy, but it made a change from being indoors all the time.

Varinka stayed with me even though she was naked. I saw that she was getting cold and decided to go in but Julia came out wearing a coat and light green leggings and carrying a coat for me. Varinka ran for the door as soon as she saw Julia.

As I slipped my coat on I looked at Julia, "I thought Karolina didn't like leggings and tights."

She gave me a frown and opened her coat, underneath she was naked except for thigh-high hold-up stockings. I must say she looked very sexy holding her coat open like that. I stepped in for a kiss and she wrapped her coat round both of us. I took the opportunity to slip my fingers between her legs and stroke her vulva. She grew very wet, very quickly. I stepped back and closed her coat.

"Aren't you going to finish me off, Master?"

"Noooo ... I'm going to wait until we're back downstairs and then you can take your coat off and show me how you finish yourself off. I think you'll look very sexy with just those hold-ups on."

She smiled widely, "Of course I will, my Master. It will be nice to perform for you, you don't get us girls to do nearly enough for you. We'd love to do more for you. How about two or three handcuffed girls sucking each other? Last one to come gets punished." She seemed very pleased with this suggestion.

"No punishments for entertainment. I don't mind giving you girls a stroke or two if I want to see striped bums running round but I don't like the idea of a game where the loser is punished."

She smiled up at me, "How about rewards for the first two then?"

"How about a spanking for a cheeky girl?"

"Ohh ... yes please!" and she bent over and leaned on a bench. Then she flipped her coat up onto her back and spread her legs.

I gave her three sharp, hard smacks on each buttock. She managed the first two smacks without a sound but cried out for the last four. Seeing her reddened bottom so invitingly spread out I dropped my trousers and slipped into her hot wet vagina.

"Oh yess ... I hoped that this would happen. Fuck me, Master, fuck me hard."

It only took a couple of minutes for Julia to come, she cried out her orgasm letting the world know that she was reaching her 'little death.' I pulled out of her and turned her round. She saw what I so obviously wanted and dropped her open mouth onto my hard wet cock. She sucked and tongued me for only another minute before my cum splashed against the back of her throat.

She looked up at me, "Thank you for giving me my cum, Master."

"Thank you for sharing your body with me, Julia."

"But I'm your slave Master, so my body is your body by right."

I walked round the roof a little longer. There was something wrong and I wanted it sorted out. I thought and worried at this until I realised what was troubling me, my girls who I would be leaving behind.

"Julia get my phone please."

She pulled a mobile phone out of her coat pocket and gave it to me.

I dialled Jo's number, "Jo, we're all going. Please make the arrangements."

"Thank you Master, they will be pleased. I'll let everyone know." Jo replied. I hung up and gave the phone back to Julia.

Then a thought hit me.

DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! Karolina, how was she going to be able to come if she had to stay here looking after her project? DAMN!

As I was kicking myself for forgetting about Ela and Karolina's project the roof door opened and Ela appeared.

"Came to kiss you bye, Boss. I'm going over to France to setup some computers for Karolina and me to use while we're over there. Karolina will explain, go to run I need to catch a plane."

We kissed and she practically ran through the door. However I was pleased that the girls had managed to work out a way for them to come as well. I'm sure that the break from the Crynos would be welcome for all of us.

-------

Note 1

eCRB

Enhance Criminal Records Bureau check.

For some incredibly stupid reason it has been decided by the Powers That Be that even an accusation, unsupported, unfounded and untrue, can be enough to stop a person working with 'children and vulnerable adults.' It's also taken that if you fail a CRB/eCRB check you must be a perverted paedophile child molester. No other reason for you to fail the check is there eh?

Oh, and our wondrous leaders and MPs are exempt from these checks.

This is from the government that has decided that a drawing of Lisa Simpson giving a blow job is extreme porn (possession of which leads to a gaol sentence and life on the Sex Offenders register) because it's child abuse.

No wonder these bastards need armed police guards.

Cunts.

FUCKING CUNTS!!!

Em says I've gotta lie down now, and take extra blood pressure pills.

(They're still cunts though.)



-------

Chapter 41


Umber, Julia, Varinka and Alina stood in front of me modelling possible collar, wrist and ankle cuffs for our trip to France.

I knew that they made their own restrains and seemed proud to show off their leather working skills. Susan was by far the most skilful and they had decided that only she was skilful enough to make the new items for this trip They had my honour to think of and I would not be let down by my slaves. They themselves would punish anyone who dared to besmirch my character or honour in front of our hosts.

Susan was proudly showing me how the cuffs Alina modelled had concealed clips. These could be used to attach the cuffs to restraint points or the collar or cuffs themselves. Alina was currently lying on her back on a table, with her ankles and wrist cuffs attached to her collar. As Susan described all of the features of her work, she was absentmindedly stroking Alina's slit from top to bottom. Alina was almost at her peak now and I could see that Susan was ready to move on to the items Julia was modelling.

Just as Susan was about to turn to Julia I grasped her neck and pressed her face down between Alina's opened legs.

"You've got her into this state, now finish her off."

I watched as Susan set to work pleasuring her slave-sister and friend. Alina squirmed in her bondage and cried out her climax for all of us to hear.

Susan smiled down at her trapped victim, "Better my darling?"

Still panting Alina looked through her legs at her friend, "Thank you, Susan. Thank you, my Master."

We left her in her bondage and Susan started to show me Julia's collar, explaining all of its features and devices. Even for one so young, Susan was truly a master leatherworker.

I did however have a special request for one of my girls. I had spoken to Jo about this yesterday and she liked my ideas and knew where she could get the work done.

We spent nearly an hour looking at the options for my girls before I decided.

I left Susan releasing the girls and I went to my office. Sasha and Mandy were waiting for me. Debbie had delivered a tray of tea and coffee and they were already discussing Mandy's role in my business.

"Hi, am I late?"

"No Paul, we're a little early." Sasha poured me a mug of tea and we went to my desk.

"Sasha, I want to setup another company to handle the tendering and planning for civic and social housing associations. Mandy will run it and will hire a team to work under her." I looked at Mandy who seemed surprised how fast her career was now going.

"Mandy, I suggest that you look among your previous colleagues and people you worked with in other councils for your recruits. I suggest that you start off with a team of three and see how you get on. We'll adjust your salary to reflect your new position and responsibilities." I looked at Sasha who was making notes on a legal pad. "Shall we say a hundred and fifty thousand plus five percent of the gross profits, Sasha?"

Sasha smiled, "And I have just the offices for her too, the first and second floors of number Three."

Mandy, still a little shocked looked at Sasha. "Number Three?" she queried.

"Our," and Sasha gestured to me, "second building in Lincoln's Inn Fields. Those floors will be perfect for you. The second floor has a nice office overlooking the field for you and the rest has pleasant working conditions for your team. You can even have exclusive use of Number Three's front door, there's a lift which services every floor in the hallway there but I'm sure that we can block off access to the Dempsey floors."

"Sounds good to me," I said. "Any comments, Mandy?"

"You're the boss," she said.

"No Mandy, in this company you're the boss. Go and see the property and see if it will suit you. Remember, I want you to be happy working for me for a long time so make sure that your working environment is right for you."

"Yes Boss," she said, a little bemused.

"Anything else, Mandy?"

"Er ... yes Boss. I think we should go into park and ride schemes. I know it's not in your current core business model, but I think..." She trailed off as I rose and went to a filing cabinet. I pulled out an arm full of document wallets and lay them on the desk.

"I've done a little work on park and rides already. I think that we can take over a number of existing schemes and get maybe two or three hundred more if we get in quick. You may want to start with more than the three people I suggested."

Mandy looked at the pile of documents. "Yes Boss. You weren't kidding about keeping me busy."

Mandy left, she used the drinks trolley to carry the documents.

I sipped at my tea while I waited for the onslaught from Sasha.

"Paul you must come..."

"We are," I interrupted.

" ... and see my home. I want to show you..." she looked at me in surprise. "You are?"

"Yes, Ela is flying out this morning to setup some computer kit so she and Karolina can come too."

"Who's coming?" she asked suspiciously.

"All of us," I said. "Well, me and my girls. I'm not sure if Em can make it as she's just started her internship at Great Ormond Street. Do you want me to bring Debbie along to help with the cooking?"

"ARE YOU JOKING?" Sasha was shocked. "There'd be war. Good grief - two chefs in one kitchen, even our kitchen wouldn't be big enough." She shook her head. "Oh Paul, give her a holiday, or bring her as a guest, but not as a chef." She laughed.

"Right that leaves Sally out as well. Should I bring any staff to help, there will be at least twelve of us?"

"No Paul, if we need any extra help we just call in a few of the local village girls. They and their families are used to our family, we've occupied the house for nearly two hundred years now."

"My, my, you don't look nearly old enough." I said and received a slap on my arm for my trouble.

"No ... Our family have lived there for five generations. We own the local villages, twenty of them at the last count, and the locals are used to supplying us with young girls whenever we need extra staff.

"One thing I would like to ask though," she looked a little sheepish, "can you stay on for my birthday. It will mean that you're there for just over a month, but I know Daddy would love to have you and Cecile is dying to meet you too."

"OK." I agreed.

"I just know that you'll like it there and there's so..." she stopped. She'd been so intent on persuading me, that she hadn't been really listening to me.

"Pardon?"

"OK, we'll stay."

Now she jumped out of her chair and kissed me.

"Oh, thank you so much, Paul." She kissed me again. "I think that you'd better let Jo and Jill know how long you'll be away."

"I'm having a meeting with all of the senior managers at two o'clock this afternoon. We'll be able to thrash out most problems then. Do you want to stay for that meeting."

"I suppose I'd better, and own up that I asked you to stay longer too." She looked a little chagrined at that thought.

I just laughed.

She hit me again.

-------

The meeting was quite unusual, from my point of view anyway.

Sasha and I entered the Joasia room and we were greeted by Jill.

"Hi Jill, where is everyone else?"

"My management team are waiting for me to call them. This meeting is for you to tell me what your plans are and then for you to go and play with a few of your girls while us workers do the dirty work."

"Oh, OK, I can live with that. Sasha, what are the dates."

"Twelfth of this month to the fifteenth of next."

Jill noted the dates on her pad. "Thanks Boss, Thank you, Sasha. You're finished here now. You can go and play."

"I do work hard you know." I said a little upset by the implication that all I did was mess around with my girls.

Jill's expression softened, "I know you do, Boss, and I know just how hard you work but we can sort this out. And I bet you expected this meeting to last for about four hours. Well you've now got that time free. Take Sasha to bed and see if she really does bite. Or go and play with a few of your girls. We'll sort everything out. That's what you pay us to do after all."

I looked at Sasha and slipped my arm round her waist. "Do you bite?"

"You'll have to take me to bed and find out for yourself."

"Oh, that sounds interesting. Come on then, let's go to bed. I'll see if you're one of those girls that do dirty things to boys."

"Grroowwll!" And she bit my chin.

Jill threw a handful of peanuts at us. "Get out of here before you corrupt my managers."

I turned to Sasha, "Shall we do it in here on the table?"

"NO!" Jill cried getting up. "No, no, no! Go to your own bed." And she pushed us out of the room.

"Do you thing she means it?" Sasha asked me, nibbling at my chin.

"Do you want to try going in there and finding out?" I asked her.

"No, I want you to fuck me." She said and then locked her lips to mine.

We leant against the wall and then slid to the floor.

I started tearing her clothes off as she wrenched mine off too.

-------

I sat at my desk facing Jill.

"Right outside the door!"

Jill was miffed.

"You two did it right outside the door."

Yep definitely miffed.

"I have a new manager, she's not met you before. She nearly pissed herself."

If I don't say anything maybe she'll just shout at me for a few minutes and then calm down. It's never worked before but it might this time.

"We could hear you two banging against the wall for nearly half an hour!"

Only half an hour, well we were both in a hurry I suppose.

"Three of my managers started fingering themselves in the meeting!" and she sagged in on herself.

"Me too," she admitted.

"I wish you'd do me like that." I saw a tear drop from her eye.

I opened my arms and she sat on my lap. I hugged her and she lay against me.

"What happened to the new manager?"

"She came like a fucking steam train," Jill sniffed, "then said that she thinks she'll like working here."

I rubbed her back, she grabbed my other hand and slipped it between her legs. She was very, very wet.

I slowly stroked along her vulva and she surrendered her body to me, her arms opened and she laid her head back, thrust her breasts forward and opened then relaxed her legs. She gave me full access to her body.

Alina unbuttoned her blouse while I continued to stroke her sopping vulva. She wasn't wearing a bra, and she hadn't worn skirt or panties since I took them off her ages ago.

Now I brought my hand up to her hard nipples and pulled on one. She gasped and I felt an extra wetness on my leg.

I lifted her and lay her on my desk. She watched me as I parted her legs and dropped my head to taste her nectar. One swipe of my tongue rewarded me with a stream of girl juices and a high pitched cry from Jill. Her cries got louder as I parted her lips and delved deep into her hot vagina. My nose and upper lip bumping against her hard protruding bud almost constantly.

She tensed and shuddered, her legs becoming stiff with the tension of her peak. I ran my hand over her flat, hard stomach and tormented her nipples again. She cried out again, then a high pitched squeal pierced my ears and she collapsed.

I stood and looked at her, I had really done little to her. She had been so worked up that my involvement in her stupendous climax was almost incidental. I gently held her until her eyelids fluttered open and she gazed into my eyes.

"Thank you Boss. Thank you so much." With my help she stood and then she shrugged off her blouse, standing naked beside me. I held her and she pressed herself against me.

"Can I become one of your slaves, Boss?" she looked up at me, "I think I would be a good slave for you. I would like to try anyway. Please can I Boss?"

"Let me think about this, Jill," I thought for a minute, then wrote down a URL, it was a link to a set of videos on our private intranet. I added a username and password. "You have to watch these videos; they are two slaves who crossed their master. It's not pretty but you have to watch all of it." I looked her in the eye, "I might even ask questions about them. Their names were Ruby and Amile.

"Watch those and see what can happen to a slave girl. Then see if you want to ask me again."

Jill picked up the piece of paper and read it. "Yes Boss. I will." She looked at me, "Thanks for not just dismissing me out of hand. That means a lot to me, Boss." Quietly she left.

I sat and stared at her blouse on my desk. I couldn't help but remember June. I think that the similarities between them were putting me off accepting her. But again I asked myself, do I want to be responsible for another person? I couldn't answer that question.

-------

Ross came over just after dinner. It was easy to see he was very upset. We went into my suite and I open a bottle of Talisker. It took him three drinks before he started to open up.

"I lost another one today," he said.

Another child died. Ross was one of the top paediatricians in the country, so everyone sent him the hard ones, the cases that they couldn't cure, those almost certain to die. He saved a lot of kids, so they sent him more. But each one that he couldn't save hurt him inside, and as he had so many kids depending on him he carried on. And now he was the one who needed care.

He had found a release with me, he could drink with me, talk with me, get absolutely falling down drunk with me and there wouldn't be any pictures or newspaper stories. He was just visiting a close friend.

"Tell me about it."

He finished his drink and poured himself another, topping mine up as well. "Girl, six years old, tumour," he waved vaguely in the direction of his head, "brain tumour. Couldn't operate, it was underneath. Tried x-rays and chemo. It just grew and grew. She could talk yesterday morning, she thanked me for helping her." Tears flowed quite freely now. "And last night she went on a respirator and this afternoon she died."

"Why couldn't you operate?"

"The tumour was underneath her brain and it was too big to take out." He smiled at me, "We can't take the brain out yet you know."

"Ross, forgive me if I'm asking stupid questions, but why not operate from below?"

"Too much in the way, major veins and arteries, the windpipe, all sorts of junk in and around the throat."

"No, I didn't mean that. I'm not thinking clearly." I paused for a minute to gather my thoughts. "No, I really meant through the nose, you know the top of the nasal cavity is directly below the brain."

He thought for a few minutes. "That's been tried in Johns Hopkins, years ago. Very, very poor success rate."

"Has it been tried with a laser though? You know stick a needle up into the tumour and then start blasting it with a green laser. Like they did for that enlarged prostrate that was in the papers a few weeks ago."

He looked at me in shock. "Got some paper and a pen or pencil?"

Alina ran to get paper and writing implements for him.

He sat at the small table and drew complex diagrams. "A computer! I need to get on the internet."

He looked at me, "This is going to win me the Nobel Prize for medicine," he said. "You're a fucking genius. A real fucking genius. We'll share it," he looked at me again. "We'll go to Stockholm together and share the prize."

Varinka set up a laptop computer and Ross stumbled his way to it. Moments later he cried out. "I even have a test subject. Look," he pulled me to the screen. An x-ray picture of a child's head was shown. He pointed out the cloudy mass that was killing this child. Then he described how he would insert a large needle through the roof of her nasal cavity to a point just below the tumour itself and then start removing the tumour with the laser.

He looked up at me. "I don't know how I can thank you, how these children and everyone who gets lower stem tumours can thank you." He shook his head. "Few people get the chance to personally change the world, you've done just that. This is a giant leap forward in tumour treatment."

He looked round, "I need to sober up."

"Umber!" I called. She appeared at my side in an instant.

"Yes Master."

"Show Ross to his room and see if he needs any help."

"Oh yes! Master. Dr. Ross If you will come with me please." Umber linked her arm in his, making sure to press a small hard breast into his arm, and lead him out of the suite.

As the door closed my phone rang.

"Paul." I answered.

"Hi Paul, it's Helen. Is Ross there with you?"

"He's here Helen, though he's just gone to bed. He wants to sober up as quickly as he can."

"I rather thought that he went over to you to get drunk."

"Well that was the original idea, but something came up and he's too excited to drink now."

"And has that little girl, Umber, taken him to bed?" she asked with a laugh.

"Who else Helen? I don't think she would let anyone else look after 'her' Dr. Ross."

"Will she be spending the night with him?"

"Unless he kicks her out of the room she will."

"Good. It'll do him good to play with her again. He was like a schoolboy for days after our last visit." She giggled remembering their last visit.

"So what time shall I be over to pick him up?" She asked.

"Come over now if you want. I've a quarter bottle of Talisker to finish. You can help me with it."

"Are you going to try and get me drunk so you can have your wicked way with me?"

"No. I'm sure that you're much more fun in bed when you're sober. I don't like the thought of you alone over there when you could catch a cab and be here in fifteen minutes."

She laughed, "I'll call a cab as soon as I hang up. See you soon."

I smiled as I hung up the phone. It would be nice to see Helen again.

"Helen's coming over." I told my girls. They immediately sprang into action tidying the place up.

"You didn't tidy up like this for me or Ross," I grumbled, "why are you doing it for Helen?"

I got the 'he's an idiot' look. "Because she's a woman and she'll look to see if we have tidied up. You and Dr. Ross would only notice a mess if you tripped over it. And I'm not even sure that you would then." Varinka scolded. The other girls all laughed.

"Hrummpphh." I grumbled.

Julia plumped up the cushions and pressed me back into my seat. "Here's your drink, my Master. You relax and we'll sort things out for Helen."

I sipped at my drink, the smoky flavour burned its way down my throat.

"Julia, put the CD on please. Bo Hansson's Lord of the Rings. Then Tubular Bells."

"Yes Master." She ran to comply. Soon the exciting music inspired by the Lord of the Rings flowed through the room.

I closed my eyes, relaxed into the music and sipped my drink. Someone sat on the sofa next to me. I open my eyes, it was Helen. She leaned over and kissed me, sliding her tongue into my mouth as soon as she could.

"Hi Helen."

"Hello Paul." She looked at the bottle in front of me, "He sank a bit before he stopped didn't he? Or have you drunk it all since he left?"

I smiled at her, "No, it was mainly Ross."

She smiled back and accepted a whisky glass from Varinka.

"What's the music?" she asked a little later.

"Bo Hansson, Music Inspired by the Lord of the Rings. This track is Shadowfax, my favourite."

We listened until the end of the CD. Then Helen stood up and held out her hand to me, "Come, let's go to bed. You can cuddle me. Next time we'll make love."

I took her hand and, with difficulty, stood up. We followed Alina into the bedroom. Helen and Alina undressed me and put me into bed. Soon after, Helen slipped into bed and spooned against my stomach. I put my arm over her and found a plump breast and its nipple. I held onto her and we went to sleep.

-------

Helen was in the shower when I went to the toilet. She opened the door and watched me pee.

"Come on, get in here, it'll do you good."

Bleary eyed and weak I got into the shower with her. She washed me and I tried to wash her but did such a poor job that I was kicked out. She let Varinka in to take over from me washing her.

I was drying myself when Umber came in. "Let me do that, Master," she said with a smile. She took the towel from me and started drying me.

"Where's Ross?" I asked her.

"Dr. Ross got up a long time ago. He woke Debbie for some breakfast and he's gone straight to the hospital. He was tossing and turning all night long. He was really excited about whatever it was that you two were talking about last night."

I smiled. "Yes he was, wasn't he."

I heard cries from the shower, when I looked I saw Helen pressing Varinka's head between her legs.

"Come on, Umber, we'll leave these two to their pleasures."

She smiled at me, "They are enjoying themselves, aren't they Master."

Breakfast was a bit of torture. Helen was in unusually high spirits, laughing and joking with the others. My head, while it didn't actually fall off, felt like it wanted too. Jill was there and even I could see that she had spent a lot of time crying last night.

She came to me before she ate. "Those were awful." She smiled at me, "I'm sure you wouldn't do anything like that."

"Umber, show Jill to the punishment room. Show her how to stand for front and back caning. She is not to be restrained."

"Jill, I am going to give you twenty five strokes of the cane. Eleven on your back, eleven on your front and three on your breasts. You will not be secured. You can step down from the frame at any time. If you do step down you cannot join me as my slave."

I looked at her shocked expression. "Any of my girls could take twenty five strokes without being restrained."

"Y ... yes ... Yes Boss." She stammered.

Umber led her away. I sat down again and had another coffee.

Helen looked at me, "Are you really going to cane her?"

I returned her gaze, "She watched Ruby and Amile die and she doesn't think I'm capable of anything like that. I don't know what I'm capable of, how can she be so sure? I don't know what I might be called upon, or forced to do. How can she? She wanted to give me total power over her life and death, yet she doesn't realise the extent of the power she's giving me. She has to learn or step back and keep control of her own life."

Helen nodded. "Silly girl," she said. Her happy mood was destroyed though.

"Can I come with you?"

"Why?"

She smiled at me. "I'm a doctor too you know. I might be of some small assistance."

"It's not going to be pleasant."

"I know. I used to treat some of the girls from the Melbourne Road who had been whipped by their husbands or fathers." She shuddered in distaste at the memory. "Though the girls who had been whipped by their female relatives were always hurt far worse."

I sipped at my coffee, my hangover completely gone.

"Why are you waiting, I thought it was better to get a caning over and done with."

"I'm giving her a chance to think about what's going to happen and to walk away before I get there. It's going to be far more difficult for her to leave with me in the room," I thought for a moment, "though it will get easier after a couple of strokes."

Helen nodded.

Finishing my coffee, I put the mug on the trolley ready to be taken back into the kitchen. Helen followed me upstairs to the small room I had put the whipping frame in, the punishment room.

Jill was standing in the frame, feet wide apart touching the frame uprights, her hands gripped the top bar raising her up onto her toes. Her head was held high and she looked me in the eyes as I approached.

She was, of course, naked.

I picked up a cane and gave it a couple of practice swings. The tip made an impressive sound as it cut through the air.

"This is your last chance to leave before I start caning you."

"I accept your..."

CRACK!

"Arrrrge!" She started panting and shaking her head. "That was one, Boss," she said.

CRACK!

"UUUnnnnnnnnn..." her gritted teeth barely let any sound out. "That was two, Boss," she said when she was able.

I continued up her back for the full eleven. Each stroke left a mark, in places blood seeped through.

I walked round to her front. I gave the cane I had used to Umber and she replaced it with a fresh one.

Jill looked at me through tear filled eyes. Her mouth opened as she cried.

"Shall I start the front set?" I asked her.

Jill nodded, "Yes Boss."

I started on her inner thighs. She jerked and cried out but didn't move, "That was twelve, Boss."

I worked my way up her front as slowly as I had done her back. The last one on her front I placed above her breasts. I had to remind her about what was coming next.

I gave the cane to Umber, she already had a new one ready to replace it.

"Are you ready for the final three?"

"Yes Boss, I'm ready."

"Where are these strokes going to be placed?"

She lifted her head and looked me in the eye, "These strokes are going on my tits, Boss."

I nodded. "Yes they are."

CRACK!

I placed the first stroke just below her nipples. She cried out and pulled herself up a little. But relaxed and settled back onto her toes again.

"Th ... That was twenty three, Boss."

CRACK!

This stroke I landed above her nipples. I could see she knew where the last stroke was going to go.

"That ... that was twenty four, Boss."

Only now did she look frightened.

I raised the cane and glanced to one side as if distracted. As her eyes flickered away I struck.

CRACK!

As she had feared this last stroke landed on both nipples.

"AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!" Her elbows bent inward as if she was going to clutch at her breasts. But her grip on the top bar held, she just sagged down a little. She panted rapidly for a few moments, though she managed to get control of her breathing again sooner than I expected.

"That was twenty five, Boss," she said and straightened up ready for another stroke.

"Are you expecting more?" I asked her.

"You might have decided that you wanted to give me more, Boss, or that I deserved more."

"I only said twenty five, don't you trust me?"

"Yes Boss. I trust you to do whatsoever is the best for you, your slaves and all of us. If that means that I get caned more then you will have your reasons for caning me. I may not know those reasons, but I trust you to have valid reasons."

I looked at her and thought about what she'd just said. I think she put into words a feeling that I'd been unable to express until that point.

"Remain in that position until Helen has treated you. Then go to Em's sick room and get into bed. I'll send two girls to look after you, who would you like?"

"I would be pleased if you could spare Julia and Alina to watch over me, Boss."

"I'll send Susan too."

"Susan?" she looked surprised. "But she's too busy making..." Her eyes opened wide. "Yes my ... Boss." Through her pain she smiled at me.



-------

Chapter 42


Ross was almost incoherent on the phone, "She's talking! She asked for a drink of water! I shrunk it by twenty percent. Twenty percent in one session! It works, your idea works."

Helen came to my side and took the phone from me. "What is going on dearest?"

They spoke doctor to doctor for nearly quarter of an hour, half way through Helen started looking at me wide eyed with surprise and admiration.

She dropped the phone onto my desk and wrapped her arms round my neck. "You wonderful man. You wonderful, wonderful man. Kiss me."

We kissed, she attacked my mouth with her tongue and then sucked greedily on my tongue when I entered her mouth. She pressed her body into mine pushing hard against my cock.

"You really don't know what a ruckus your idea is going to cause. Lots of doctors won't use this technique, mainly because they didn't think of it, others because they're going to wait for the first patient to die during a procedure. Ross is going to get a lot of stick over this. But I think he's going to get to visit Stockholm too."

I smiled down at her. "I'm glad I was able to help him a bit."

"A BIT! You brought together techniques from three different fields and described how they could be used for this particular tumour. That's not helping a bit, that's knocking every other contender off the list for the Nobel Prize. That's writing your name in the history books. They'll be calling it the Winter-McCraken technique within a year, you wait and see."

Karolina came in just then. Helen turned to her, "Karolina, your Master is a genius. He's thought of a way to cure inoperable brain tumours."

"Me Master good man. Look after he girls bestest." She looked at me. "Does work if tumour under brain?"

"YES!" cried Helen. "He's told us how to cure people who yesterday had a death sentence."

Karolina dropped to her knees. "Me Master, friend wife got tumour under brain. Is die. Can Dr. Ross help?"

"Get her here as soon as you can, fly her, whatever, just get her here as soon as possible. We'll ask Ross if he'll look at her. Bring her doctor and her notes and x-rays if you can."

"They not can pay fly here. Is not rich people," said Karolina.

I lifted her off her knees. "I'll pay for everything, just get them here." I turned her round to face the door then smacked her bottom to get her moving. She ran to the door laughing.

I turned to ask Helen to let Ross know but she was already on the phone.

"Ross, one of Paul's people need you to look at them. She's dying from a tumour. We're hoping that she'll be suitable for your new treatment." She listened for a while, "Probably tomorrow knowing Karolina," Helen told him. She smiled and hung up.

"He can't wait to see her. If she's suitable he'll do the first procedure day after tomorrow."

-------

Iwona and Jerzy arrived just before midnight. Ross was already looking at Iwona's x-rays and discussing her case with her doctor, an elderly silver haired patriarchal looking man.

Ross looked at me. "I'll do her at ten tomorrow morning. I'll treat her as an outpatient. She won't need a general, just a little local, then she'll be able to come back here by, ohh ... two in the afternoon. I think she'll need four of five treatments though. I'll ask Helen to bring her over in the morning." He looked a little uncomfortable. "Is it alright if Helen stays another night?"

I smiled back, "I'd love to have her here again."

Ross nodded absentmindedly and left muttering things about angle of approach and depth of insertion as he left.

Iwona's doctor came over to me, "Sir not pay this man not more. He is..." he searched for a suitable word, "the duck (Note 1). Not proper doctor. Bad man, give hope where is none. Iwona, much ill, not speak three week now. Is ... thing ... growed by brain. Is not treat." His shoulders slumped, "I head doctor in hospital. Not skill treat Iwona. No one skill treat, not in best hospital in anywhere."

Speaking Polish, Jerzy stopped his wife's doctor. I heard 'Karolina' mentioned a number of times. Finally the doctor shrugged his shoulders and acquiesced.

Iwona was wheeled to Em's sick room where she would be given personal care by Em all night. Jerzy followed looking round him, just before the door he stopped. "Is possible speak Karolina?" he asked.

I picked up the phone and called her office. Ela answered, "Hi Ela could Karolina come to the Joasia room please?"

"She's right in the middle of something Boss. Fifteen minutes OK?"

"Fifteen minutes then. Thanks Ela."

"No problem Boss."

We hung up.

"Jerzy, Karolina will be here in about fifteen minutes. If you want I can send her to your room and you can talk more privately there."

"That be OK. Thank you, Lord."

"I'll send her to you then."

Jerzy left, I sat and sipped my tea. Karolina arrived in a little less than the expected fifteen minutes and she looked tired.

"Karolina, Jerzy would like to see you. He and Iwona are in the sick room tonight. Could you go and see him."

She smiled, "Yes Master."

"And then I want you to go straight to bed and sleep!"

"Yes me Master."

Taking my own advice for once I, too, went to bed, though sleep did not come easily.

-------

The wait for news from the hospital was interminable. Iwona and Jerzy had left by taxi just after seven. I had breakfasted with Kelly and Elastic and then went to my office where I messed up a days worth of work before I realised that I wasn't doing myself any good here and left to wander around the place.

On the fourth floor I came across a short corridor guarded by one of Elastic's girls.

"What's this place?" I asked her.

She smiled at me, a strange look in her eyes. "It's your seraglio Boss."

"My what?"

"Seraglio. It's where the Harem slaves live," she explained.

I looked down at the ever present body slave, Alina this time, and asked her, "Do you have a room here?"

She laughed. "No Master. We body slaves share your quarters or sleep in the corridor outside your door. We can sleep here if we want to, but our status would suffer."

"Oh." I said, not really understanding what she meant.

I turned back to the guard, "So it's off limits then."

Now she too laughed. "Not to you, Boss. It's your seraglio." And she opened the small gate across the entrance.

I turned to Alina, "Shall we have a look?"

"As my Master wishes," she replied.

I went down the corridor and opened the door at the end. This led into a large room. It was obvious that internal walls had been removed from a number of rooms to make this huge space. On my left was a large sleeping area, a row of mattresses had been laid side by side to form a long bed. I could see two shapes under the covers, they lay side by side. On my right was a large, well lit, day and activity room. Susan and Lynne got up from their seats and came to me.

"Welcome to your Harem, Master," said Lynne.

They both knelt in front of me. "What can we do for you, our Master?" Lynne asked.

"How about showing me round." I suggested.

"Of course, Master. We would be glad to." They rose and Lynne gestured toward the sleeping area. "This is our bed, Master. Jo and Karen were up most of the night and so are sleeping now. I can wake them if you wish, of course you can join them if you would like."

"No let them sleep. I prefer my ladies to be awake when I am playing with them."

"Master, we don't mind when you play with us. We are happy to serve you," said Susan. "We like serving you."

They showed me their bathroom. Its single shower area was large enough for four or five and it was obvious that they showered together just as they slept together. The one area that was quite large was their makeup table. A long well lit mirror faced a table with space for at least six chairs. Makeup pots and tubs were lined all the way along the wall under the mirror.

"I didn't realise you all wore make up."

"Of course not, Master. If makeup is applied properly it should enhance, not conceal. And your girls know how to use makeup properly. We're not sluts like some slaves."

Lynne led me into the activity area. I went over to a large heavy duty sewing machine. A partially completed collar was in the process of being stitched together. Susan came and explained.

"This is Jo's collar for our trip to France. This is the last collar and I have only two more sets of anklets to complete to finish everything, Master." She pointed to a small table by the wall, "Lynne is helping me by softening and polishing the finished items. That takes the most time to do properly."

"And you're going to make sure that everything is done properly." I teased.

"Of course Master. Your girls are going to show the French how to dress properly."

There was one closed door in the whole room. "What's in there?" I asked.

"That's Karolina's room, Master," Lynne answered.

I must have looked puzzled.

"Karolina is your head girl, Master, she must have her own room to remind us other girls that we must obey her."

I decided not to go into Karolina's room, there might be things there for her project that I wasn't supposed to see.

"Thank you for showing me your home," I said.

"Maybe you'll stay longer next time and let us entertain you," Lynne replied.

"We'd like that. To show you what you mean to us," Susan continued.

I kissed both then Alina and I left.

On the way back to my office Alina's mobile rang. She handed me the phone.

"Paul." I said.

"It worked again, Paul. Twenty five percent reduction in size in thirteen minutes. This is absolutely amazing. Paul, I cannot thank you enough for explaining how to do this."

"Hi Ross," I laughed, "how's Iwona feeling?"

"She's resting at the moment, but her Obs are fine. All moving toward normal ranges, far better than even an hour ago. I'm going to discharge her in half an hour. She'll be back to you within the hour."

"I'll try and let Karolina know. I'm not sure where she is at the moment..."

"She's here Paul, she's been with Iwona all the time."

"OK Ross, I'll see them all later. I bet you're going to be doing a lot of writing now."

"Oh yes. I've already started starting writing up this technique. I just need three more patients and I can publish."

"OK Ross, if you need any help just give me a call."

"Oh yes, I need you to explain how you thought of this technique." He laughed.

"Oh bugger," I said, "I meant secretarial work that sort of thing."

"You don't get out of it that easily, Paul. This is really your idea. I just had the physical skills and the patients who needed the treatment you told me how to perform. You're in this up to your neck. Just get used to being fated and hated."

"Well, I'm used to being hated," I replied. We both laughed.

"Sorry Paul, my theatre sister is waiting for me and she's a'pursing her lips and a'folding her arms." He said in what was possibly the worse put on Irish accent I have ever heard.

"Oh boy, are you in the shit Ross. Do you want me to send Helen over to rescue you?"

"Nooo ... I don't think that's necessary, especially as she's standing next to the theatre sister. Elastic now, I could use her and a few of her girls."

We laughed and I hung up and left him to his fate. It was good to know that Iwona was responding to her treatment though.

I went back to my office. Alina called for some refreshments and I started clearing up the mess I had made earlier.

-------

Iwona walked into the dining room. She was supported by Jerzy and her doctor, but she had walked from the sick room to here. Though a little pale she smiled to us as she walked in. Seeing her standing I could see the damage that her tumour had wreaked on her body. She was very thin and had lost all muscle tone. In places her skin was hanging loosely, her weight loss having been so rapid that her skin hadn't had a chance to keep pace. But the shining light in her eyes showed that, given any type of chance, she was going to cling onto life and fight.

Dinner was a celebration. Em had obviously told Debbie what Iwona could and couldn't eat, but Debbie had made an all-out effort to exceed her own very high standards. Duck a l'orange, boiled baby new potatoes and minted garden peas sounds like a quite ordinary meal, until it's been prepared by an expert. The duck, often greasy or dry, was moist and full of flavour. The accompanying orange sauce surprising as it filled the mouth with its sweet orange flavour without the least bit of sickliness. I cannot remember when I've tasted boiled potatoes that matched these in taste. Their slightly waxy flesh was firm but melted in the mouth. They were neither salted nor buttered but I didn't miss either. Even the peas, often a most pedestrian vegetable, delighted the palate, the fresh mintiness lifting the 'just picked' freshness of the pea up from ordinary to extra-ordinary. Debbie had served a fairly cheap red vin du table with the meal. However the wine matched the duck perfectly. This was a true test of an expert chef, to make an exceptional meal from quite ordinary food.

Debbie would be going to France too, but she, and Sally, would be going to train with a Michelin starred chef for a few weeks. I also wanted to get her an assistant, someone to take over the breakfasts and normal lunches. I wanted Debbie to have some time off, time to relax and time with Sally.

I patted my pockets trying to find a note pad and pen but Alina handed them to me. Where on earth did she get those? It might have been puzzling for a normally dressed girl to produce pad and pen when they didn't have a handbag. But my girls are usually naked, and I know that they don't carry pens, pads, phones, etc around with them everywhere. Believe me, I've checked all of their possible hiding places. Quite often.

"Thank you Alina." I smiled at her.

"It was a pleasure, my Master," she looked pleased that she'd managed to do something for me.

I made notes about Debbie and Sally and gave the notepad back to Alina. I knew she would give it to me when I next asked for it. Or one of the other body slaves would. I would have to watch and try to see how they did the handover.

After the meal Dr. Sobczak came to me and shook my hand. "You good man. I wrong about Karolina doctor. He do thing I never see before. He much skill doctor. He say you..." He searched for the right word, "you think how doctor do this operation. You save Iwona life. Save lot life now. I thank you much."

"Will you be coming back to learn how to do this operation?" I asked him. I was beginning to like this man. He desperately tried to do what he thought, and current medical knowledge said, was the best thing for his patient. He stood up for her and put himself in danger from strangers to try and protect her. Yet when she and her husband told him of their decision he acquiesced and supported them, despite his disagreement with their decision.

"No. I old man. I send young surgeon can learn fast and teach others this. You, Dr. Crackrun do great thing here. Will be hear all over world." He shook my hand again and made way for Jerzy and Iwona.

Iwona, wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. I supported her as she leant against me. She hardly weighed as much as Varinka, the lightest of my girls. She kissed my cheek and then my lips, pushing her tongue deep into my mouth. She pulled back and looked at me. "When this thing gone from me, I get fit proper and come back. I show you how good Polish woman thank man save her life."

"What about your husband?" I asked her.

"Oh, you want him too!" she shrugged her shoulders and looked at him. "Karolina say you not like man sex."

I laughed, "No, won't your husband mind you showing me 'how a good Polish woman thanks a man who saves her life'?"

She blushed from the top of her head all the way down as far as I could see. She dropped her head down onto my chest. "I make mistake. Jerzy much glad to see me be get better. See me walk and talk again. He undress me to you if you want."

The thought of a husband undressing his wife so I could make love with her was a new one for me, but I am rather like a small boy, I like unwrapping my toys myself, that's much more fun.

I kissed her forehead, "Get better first, then we'll see if you need to thank me."

"I know I need thank. You need know that is obligation on good woman. Is debt to pay. Want..." she shook her head frustrated at her inability to find the right words to convey her real meaning, " ... need pay this. Give honour to person do so much for me. Man who give me life back." Tears were streaming down her cheeks now.

"Then I will be glad to accept you back here and to accept any gift that you may wish to give me."

"It be what I need do."

"I look forward to seeing you come back fit and well again." I lifted her chin and kissed her on her opened lips, this time my tongue made a brief visit to her mouth. She sucked me in greedily. As we broke apart I saw the light in her eyes and the smile on her face. This woman was going to be a handful in bed.

Jerzy shook my hand, "I thank you. You gave me work and when Iwona got ill you and my work friend paid me still. Iwona, me we wait for her die. Not long Dr. Sobczak say. Not much pain, just sleep, not wake again." He swallowed, tears running freely from his eyes. "Now I have wife, children have mother again. We thanks you."

"You have children?" I asked in surprise.

Jerzy nodded and pulled out his wallet. He showed me a slightly creased photo of Iwona with two girls and a baby, his family.

"Didn't you want them to come with you?"

"We not rich people. Not wanted burden you with pay for all. We speak on phone and they happy mother get better."

"Karolina!" I called, she came over at a run.

"Karolina please explain to Jerzy that I can easily afford to bring his children over to be with their mother while she's here. They should also bring someone that they trust to look after the kids while they're at the hospital too. Do they have grandparents who could come?"

Karolina and Jerzy spoke for a few minutes, until she tired of his attempts to save me money. Karolina, hands on hips (always a bad sign) lay down the law and told him that they were coming over. I saw the smile on Iwona's face then. She wouldn't go against her husband, but she was really pleased her children were coming to stay.

I had a thought then. What would the kids think about my slaves wandering round in various states of dress, or rather, undress. Karolina spoke with Iwona for a moment. From Iwona's dismissive wave I thought her children would be OK seeing a bit of skin. Karolina then turned to me, "They live all room in single one. Hard is they save mortgage to pay on Jerzy's father farm. Crook hold mortgage and all time debt go up."

"What's his name?" I was really angry about them being taken advantage of, especially while Iwona was so ill. If I could I was going to do something about this.

Karolina smiled when she saw my expression, she turned and spoke to Jerzy and Iwona for a moment, Jerzy looked defeated as he finally answered her question. Iwona hugged her man feeling his humiliation that he'd been unable to protect his family against gangsters stronger and more vicious than he could comprehend.

"Gabrjel Wojciechowski," said Karolina. I wasn't going to even try to pronounce that surname.

"Karolina, see Iwona and Jerzy back to their room, Kelly has room 5227 ready for them, then meet me in my office."

"Yes my Master." She led Jerzy and Iwona out to their new room.

I went to my office. I was ANGRY!

I hate criminals who prey on the ordinary people. I actually wanted Gabrjel's head on a plate. During my career in the Royal Navy I had helped a few people move on to their next life. I thought that I had left that life behind. If necessary I would pick up my tools again and go to war.

Karolina came in and knelt beside me. She had undressed.

I picked up the phone and dialled.

"Misnik."

"Hello Count."

"Paul!" he sounded happy to hear from me.

"How is my girl getting on?"

"I freed her. You cashed the cheque for her two weeks ago."

"So I did, so I did. Can I send another girl?"

"Of course you can. It might help if you don't whip her first. She might want to go back to you then, though I can afford another girl or two."

There was a muttering in the background.

"She'll be over this evening. I call her Amber."

"I'll be waiting for her. Count, there is someone in your old country. He runs an organisation. He's hurting a family under my protection. If I were to take action there would be blood and bodies on the streets. I do not have an organisation there to ... enable me to make these actions discrete."

"Oh yes discretion is very important now-a-days. I see that you have a problem." There was a moment of silence on the line. "I too have a problem."

"Count what are friends for if not to help each other when they have problems? Tell me, I might be able to help."

"Two of my girls have just given birth and the only crèche that I can put them into is so expensive."

"Count this is not a problem, I know the owner of a crèche and I know he will give me a very large discount on two places. Fill in and sign the forms, send the forms with the mothers and children to me and I'll see that they are looked after properly."

"Who is this person who is upsetting your friend?"

"Now Count you know I am just an Englishman with very poor language skills. I will let one of my people tell you his name."

I handed the phone to Karolina.

"Master Count, The person who upset me Master be Gabrjel Wojciechowski." She paused and listened. "Master Count, me Master forbid this girl speak Polish. Want understand this girl."

She listened for another moment then handed the phone back to me.

"I think I know someone who is able to ... talk ... to Wojciechowski. I have ... heard ... of him. He is rumoured to be quite ambitious."

"I realise this. If I had the correct ... skills ... I might go and ask him to leave my people alone. It is unfortunate that I do not."

"I know Paul, a lack of the correct skills is often a drawback. I have read your naval records and understand that you were a very good chef. Though you did spend a lot of time training at Hereford and Poole. By the way what on earth are 'Shit on a Raft, and Babies Heads?"

I laughed, "Pilchards or corned beef on toast and steamed steak or steak and kidney puddings. They were my specialities." Fuck me Aggie was going to SHIT when he heard about this. This was a major breach of security.

"Do not worry about Wojciechowski, my friend, nor should you worry about your records. They have been ... misplaced. I too understand that sometimes skills that you don't have can be useful."

I understood his double talk. He was aware of the type of work I had done, even if he didn't, yet, know all of the details.

"I look forward to seeing your girls, Alex."

There was a pause, "I have been informed that they have already left."

"Then I will see them quite soon."

"An hour or two."

He hung up, I did the same.

"Karolina we're going to have three more women, two are mothers who have recently given birth, the other is a replacement for Gail."

Karolina nodded, "Mother 'n' baby go five floor. Other girl go three floor. I tell Kelly."

"Thank you Karolina. I have another call to make. I don't know how well this one will be received."

"I go me Master."

Deep in thought I waved her goodbye, but she kissed me and I happily returned her kiss.

I picked up the phone and dialled again.

"Weston."

"Aggie, I've just bought a case of the two hundred year old Talisker. Why don't you come on over and we'll open a bottle or two."

"Tonight?"

"Just received it, Aggie. You need to get over here before it's all gone."

There was a pause, "OK Paul. I'll come over."

He hung up, and I followed suit. Aggie was usually very polite and wouldn't hang up without saying goodbye. But he must have been wondering why I asked him over and not Angela too. That was not something I would usually do. I really tried hard to be polite no matter what the provocation.

I phoned again, this time the call was to someone a little closer.

"Kelly."

"Hi Kelly, do we have a bottle of the two hundred year old Talisker available?"

"Let me have a look, Boss. We should have. We got a whole case from the hundred that they released this year. I'll bring one up, Boss."

"Can you make that two please, Kelly."

"Will do, Boss."

Next I phoned the kitchen.

"Kitchen, Sally."

"Hi Sally, can I have finger food for four in twenty minutes and a set of chilled whisky glasses please?"

"Finger food for four in twenty and chilled whisky glasses. On the way Boss."

"And I need the portable John Smiths pump and barrel together with two dozen glasses please."

"And the walkabout smooth with two dozen pint glasses. Dimples or straights?"

"Half and half please."

"OK Boss."

"Thank you, Sally."

She just hung up. She had a reason to hurry, I knew the kitchen would now be buzzing as they made the snacks I ordered and organised the drinks trolley.

-------

I shook hands with Aggie though Angela demanded a kiss.

We made small talk for about two minutes.

"Security!" I called out to the room.

The main lights dimmed for a second.

"Full privacy for the next six zero minutes, call me before releasing."

The lights dimmed twice then there was a series of loud 'CLACK' noises from each door as heavy locks were set.

Aggie looked round, he appeared to be mildly interested, "Bit better than a yale lock and window latches."

"Karolina and Elastic tell me that nothing gets in or out now."

"So what's the panic? I know you didn't get me here to drink scotch no matter how good it is."

"You have a leak in records."

Aggie paled, but Angela went almost white.

"How do you know?"

I replayed the recording of my call with the Count, all of it. When he told me about my naval service Aggie closed his eyes. I knew what would happen, Aggie would pass this on to the head of security and then an investigation would start.

My worry though was personal, what else had been leaked about me? There were one or two organisations, not known for their inherent compassion, who still wanted to see me about some things I had done in the seventies and eighties. The name change seemed to be holding but the false history I had been given was fucked up totally. Chef's training in Poole and Hereford, how stupid could anyone get. If I found out who had fucked up like this I might pay them a nocturnal visit. Just to explain to them that they must be more careful next time, of course.

Aggie and Angela exchanged meaningful glances, I suddenly realised why Angela had reacted so strongly to the news of a leak. She was something to do with security. As a Wing Commander she was probably department head or deputy head. No, I decided, she was head of security. Aggie would only be attracted to an intellectual equal, and hadn't Angela said 'he sometimes beats me at scrabble' the last time we met? Anyone who could beat Aggie at any mind game just had to be brilliant.

I took a CD out of the drawer and handed it to Angela, "That's a recording of the phone call and I've given you some background on Alex Misnik. I don't think that he actually setup the leak. I think he just paid someone for information, and this is part of the information he received."

Aggie laughed. "Same as always Frosty, you could see through a brick given enough time."

Angela went to give the CD to Aggie but he just motioned her away. "Keep it, Precious, he knows what job you have. But don't worry, I trust him."

Angela looked at her husband. There would be words spoken between those two tonight. Angela would find out a lot of things she hadn't known about me and, possibly, why Aggie trusted me.

Angela started gathering her things to go. "Sorry," I said, looking at the wall clock, "another thirty three minutes before they call to see if we've finished."

"We can't get out at all?"

"No, nothing in, nothing out. Check your mobile."

She did, "No signal," she said.

I gestured around the room. "A huge Faraday cage. We can't be bugged or overheard. I wanted somewhere I could talk freely. This is it.

"How about some of the whisky?" I asked.

I poured us all a generous shot of the delicious liquid and we toasted the Queen.

-------

Note 1

'The Duck'; It was some time before I realised he was trying to tell me Dr. Ross was a 'Quack.'



-------

Chapter 43


CLACK!

The door unlocked with the same crack of doom that it locked with. I opened the door, Julia was kneeling outside waiting for us.

"You have some guests, Master," she said. "They have brought something for you to give to the Commanders."

This roused our interest. "Bring them here then, Julia. We'll wait for them."

We returned to the office and I poured another drink for each of us.

Julia led in three women, one was carrying a white chef's hat with the words 'Chef in Training' stitched on it, the other two each carried a very young baby.

The woman carrying the hat came forward and gave it to me. "My Master, Count Misnik, said that you would know what to do with these disks."

I tipped the hat's contents onto the table, three DVDs tumbled out.

"I think that you'd better have a look at these, Aggie. Might be information that'll be helpful to you."

"You think so?" he asked dubiously.

"Alex is trying to keep in my good books. I think he'll be honest, he's had his laugh. It won't cost him any more to let me know what he found out and who told him."

Angela took the DVD's out of their jewel cases and slipped them into her handbag. "We'd better go and take a look at these." She kissed me goodbye, again, and I shook Aggies hand.

"Don't be strangers, we've still got most of the bottle to finish."

Aggie looked back at the bottle on the table longingly. But a swift nudge in his ribs from Angela reminded him that he did need to go now.

They left and I was faced with my three guests.

"Now, ladies, please could you tell me your names?"

The older of the two women with the babies spoke first. "My Master calls me Star, my baby doesn't have a name yet."

"Thank you Star, we'll talk about a name for your baby later." I turned to the next mother.

"Master called me Fourteen, Master. He hasn't told me my babies name yet," she looked at the child in her arms, "but I think she might be twenty six."

I knew that Fourteen would be a problem. She was very institutionalised.

"Tomorrow we will talk about your name and a name for your baby."

She smiled at me, "Yes Master."

"Do either of you have any papers for me?"

Star handed me a folder. I opened it and read the papers through. One was my standard two year contract the other was a three year contract. The longer contract was for Fourteen. I was immediately suspicious. Why 'waste' an expensive debt on a very low grade slave like Fourteen?

I found the two sheets I wanted, picked Star's out and showed it to her. "Star, this is an order from your Master giving you to me for two years, after which you return to Count Misnik."

Resignedly Star nodded. "Yes Master, that's what he told me." Star looked at her companion, "Master, Fourteen doesn't read or write but she does know me and I can read things for her, she'll trust what I say." Then she blanched as she realised her implied criticism of me, that they didn't, or couldn't, trust me.

"Please sit down." I said and they sat in the office chairs rather than the more comfortable sofa I had gestured towards.

"Girl!" I called.

Julia stood up, she was right beside me and I hadn't noticed her. Either I'm going blind or she's getting better at hiding.

"Yes Master."

"Get me Jo and ask Gail if she would please come to my office. Tell her that I have need of her services."

"Yes Master," she replied with a grin and ran to the door.

Star looked up at me, I could see the tears in her eyes. "Am I to be punished Master?"

I knelt by her side and tilted her head so that she looked into my eyes. "I do not punish people for helping their friends; nor do I punish people for simple mistakes. I do punish people who deliberately disobey, or hurt others. I look upon my girls as my ladies and my children. We're a family. A family helps each other, so the whole family is stronger and richer."

The door opened then and Jo came in. She had obviously been pulled straight from her bed to come here.

"Master?" she asked as she came to me.

"Jo, these two mothers and their babies will be staying with us for a while. This is Star, and the brunette was called Fourteen by her Master. I would like you to look after them for a few days. Tell them about your first days with me," I shrugged, "tell them anything that you think they should know."

Jo smiled widely, obviously liking this assignment. "I will be happy to look after them, Master. Do they stay in the seraglio?"

I thought for a few moments. "No, we need a new room, like the seraglio, but about half the size initially. We'll discuss that over the next few days, for the moment use one of the family rooms on the top floor, I think there are a couple free next to Cathy and Jane's room. I think that they might like to help with the babies as well."

"Yes Master, I'll get them settled in." Jo stood up to go.

"Could you wait a few minutes please Jo. I would like Gail to talk to these girls as well."

I turned to Star and Fourteen. "Now, how about you show me your precious new babies?" This both women were pleased to do.

Gail arrived faster than I thought she would. She had taken the time to get dressed and brush her hair, though she hadn't bothered with makeup. I did notice that her dress was miss-buttoned though, a sure sign of her hurrying.

"Freewoman Gail, thank you for attending so quickly..."

I was interrupted then by Fourteen's cry of, "Sunlight! Oh God! Is it really you, Sunlight? Master said you'd been thrown to his dogs."

They hugged. "Ella, Skylark and Emerald are here too," Gail told her friend.

Fourteen dropped her gaze to the floor. "The Master made us watch Ruby and Amile die. It was awful, just awful."

Gail hugged her again then turned to me. "You called for me, Paul?"

I smiled, Gail was enjoying her freedom. "Gail, I know it's late but I would be really grateful if you could accompany Jo and these two ladies. Help them settle in, answer any of their questions and so on. Make sure that they have the things that they need. We'll have to do a lot of making-do tonight but tomorrow we can get things more organised."

Gail smiled at the idea. "Do these girls get the choice?" she asked me.

I knew it had to come up and I knew that they wouldn't be happy with the answer. "I'm afraid not Gail. They are here with us until the crèche gets going and then they'll be moved over to there. Star is with us for two years, Fourteen for three years. Unless the Count gives his permission there's nothing I can do except send them back at the end of their stay."

"And Amber?" she nodded to the third woman, the one who hadn't yet said a word.

"She is your replacement, though I think that I will look after her myself."

Gail laughed then turned to Amber. "Don't be too worried, he's only caned one girl while I've been here and she richly deserved it, stupid cow. I'll see you tomorrow Amber, I've got a job to do."

"Sunlight has a Job?" Amber asked me, a little puzzled.

"No, Sunlight is no more. Gail, who used to be called Sunlight, has a job, and a salary and an apartment of her own with its own locks."

Amber paled at the thought of such impossibilities for a slave. "But how?"

I smiled, "Gail is a freewoman now."

"Oh she made it, she made it," Amber muttered, crying. I stepped toward her and hugged her, trying to comfort her.

"I am sorry, Master. This girl begs forgiveness," said Amber as she tried to dry her still dripping eyes.

"You have done nothing wrong for me to forgive. If you feel you need forgiveness, then I forgive you."

Amber stood in front of me. "What does Master wish of me?" she asked in a flat voice.

"Well, I wish that you'll look at me when we speak, that you'll relax in my company, and that you'll tell me what the Count told you to do when you got here."

"My Master told me that I will belong to you for two years; that I have to learn how you treat your slaves and then discuss your idea's with my Master."

"So, who is your master now that you are here?"

"You are of course Ma ... my Master."

"Oh good, then you'll obey my next instruction?"

"Of course I will, my Master."

I phoned the seraglio, a very sleepy voice answered, "Karen."

"Karen, please tell Susan I need a collar in five minutes in the Joasia room. And she'll have to instruct a new girl in the collar ceremony."

"Collar in five minutes, yes Master." Karen dropped the handset, unfortunately it missed its cradle. I smiled to myself as I hung up.

"Come with me, we'll take you and ask you the question." I led Amber to the Joasia room.

-------

Susan led Amber in, she showed Amber where to stand and then came and knelt beside me. "Amber, you know what the question is now. There is the door, here is your Master. You must now make your choice."

Amber almost bolted for the door. She was through the door and gone within seconds. Susan looked up at me and shrugged her shoulders.

"Don't you wish you'd chosen freedom, Susan?" I asked.

"Sometimes Master, but I know that I'm not able to survive out there alone. If there were three or four of us and someone who had been born free, then I might reconsider, but I know I am safe here," she leaned against my leg and rubbed her cheek against my thigh, "and loved by all of the family. Where am I going to get that out there?"

"If you want to talk to any of the others about setting up outside, I'll free you and employ you while you find your feet."

"Master!" she laughed, "Where am I going to get a job which can allow me to do the things I like best and keeps me so safe as I am here. If I get sick you'll fly me anywhere in the world that I need to go to be cured. If I am terminal you'll ask me to tell you when it gets too much and then you'll let me go to sleep in your arms, without any pain at all. Tell me Master, who is going to look after me like you do?"

I lifted her up from her knees and held her to me, she relaxed against my body. I ran my hands down her bare back, feeling the long muscles tense and relax. I grasped her naked buttocks, sliding my fingers into the crease between them, finding her warm slit, wet and open with her desire.

I lowered her to the floor and looked down at my naked slave. She parted her legs and started fingering her slit. "Come and use your girl, my Master. This girl wants you, this girl is wet!" and she pulled her dripping fingers out of her slit and sucked them dry.

I undressed and lay beside her and we made love. She must have felt my need for gentleness as she didn't rush or force the pace. She held me gently, offering her breasts or vulva as I kissed round her body. She parted her legs and guided me into her warmth, kissing my chest as I slipped into her hot, tight body.

"Fuck me gently tonight, Master, let's take our time and make love."

I pressed into her gently, feeling her sheath resist my entrance; pulling back I felt her resistance to my withdrawal. Each time I nudged her cervix she grunted softly.

She hugged me tighter and tighter, until, with a shudder and cry she threw her head back and her body spasmed as she came. She clung to me, desperately holding on, she bit into my shoulder as she rode through her 'little death'. I came as she was relaxing and she spasmed again, a little cum this time, but no less desired for that.

We lay cuddling for a long while.

"Karen is going to be furious. She asked if she should come with me but I told her to go back to bed," Susan laughed.

"If she's upset when you get back to the seraglio, send her to me, I might find time for her in the morning."

"I might sneak in myself."

I smacked her bum, just once but that was enough.

She giggled, "I'll tell her, Master, of course I will. Karen doesn't get enough loving, Master."

"I know, I haven't heard anything from her doctors yet either. I think I might just prod them a bit, just to get them moving, get some results."

"Please do that Master, she really does suffer from her tits being too sensitive."

"I'll look after her, though I might give you to Sasha for a weekend."

"Does she still bite Master?"

"Not as much as you do." I tried to look at my shoulder but couldn't see properly.

Susan, laughed and then she looked at the wound she'd caused.

"MASTER!" she jumped to her feet and raced to the phone.

"EM! Master needs you now ... yes the Joasia room."

"I don't think it's that bad," I said as I ran my fingers over the bite and saw the blood on them.

"Susan, come here girl," I ordered.

She came to me crying, "I'm so sorry, Master, so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, Master..."

I pulled her to me and kissed her. "I love you Susan." That was not what she expected to hear.

"I hurt you Master."

"When you were in the middle of an orgasm, yes you did. But I don't blame you for this. It could happen anytime someone is making love with a special person."

The door opened then and Em arrived carrying her big green medical bag. Em looked at my shoulder, "You did this?" she asked Susan who just nodded and carried on crying.

Em started cleaning the wound. "Was it good, Susan?"

Again Susan just nodded.

"Well, there's no serious damage, nothing requiring stitches or a tetanus shot. You're not rabid are you, Susan?" Em asked smiling. Still in a panic Susan just shook her head.

"I do have something for you though, Susan," and, delving into her bag, Em pulled out two tablets and a small bottle of water. "Take these now." Susan swallowed them immediately. Moments later she sighed and slumped to the floor. Em checked her over.

"She'll be OK, Master, she was panicking and hyperventilating. She'll have a good night's sleep and feel a lot better in the morning." She looked at me and smiled, "You're fine."

"Thank you Em." I picked Susan up and carried her to my suite and put her into my bed. Umber was the only one I disturbed as I came in. She soon went back to sleep.

-------

I lay feeling Umber's warmth against my back, her pebble hard nipples pressing in either side of my spine. Susan lay using my arm for a pillow; she looked angelic as she slept. I had to get up, hydraulic pressure was forcing me out of bed. I also had work to do, contracts to review, Mandy brought a stack of completed paperwork home with her yesterday. It was my turn to go through them and decide whether to go ahead with the tender or not.

I slipped out of bed, Umber held my hand as we went into the bathroom. Then she held my cock as I pee'd. Why do young girls enjoy that so much?

We showered and then I went to breakfast. I left Umber to look after Susan, when she woke they could have breakfast sent to the suite.

Then I went to my office for a hard days work. Julia was kneeling beside my chair when I arrived.

-------

"MASTER!" cried Julia.

"Um what?" I asked, annoyed that my concentration had been broken.

"You haven't touched your lunch. If you open another folder I'll squat on your desk and piss all over it!"

I looked at Julia. She was annoyed. I could tell.

I looked down at my desk, a sandwich with one bite taken out was on one side. It must have been there some time as the bread was dry and curling. My mug was half full of cold tea which had a skin on top and looked as though it was starting to breed its own civilisation.

"Give me a hand to tidy this lot up," I glared at her, "without peeing all over them."

"Now why would I do a thing like that, my Master?" Julia asked, now all sweetness and light.

"Ummm..." I tried glaring at her again. Nope, didn't work this time either.

Varinka and Umber came in to the office with a clothes press.

"Meeting with the City & Country Renovations Ltd board in thirty minutes Master." Umber said, just as Mandy came in to the office.

Taking no notice of my girls undressing & dressing me, Mandy gave me a briefing on the possible areas of concern for the C&C people. Quickly though, we were ready and my girls disappeared and Mandy brought the C&C board in.

We sat round my desk. I didn't have a room suitable for a boardroom, never having had the need for one. The few times that we had large meetings we squashed up in my office. It did tend to keep the meetings short.

The Chairman went straight to the point, "My Lord, you currently own sixty two point five percent of the company. At your present rate of reinvestment you'll reach seventy percent

in twelve months." He looked at his fellow board members, who nodded in agreement with him. "The main problem here is that your reinvestments are diluting the value of the shares that we, the ordinary workers hold."

"Right, I can stop reinvestments. Do you have enough cash to start a share buy-back?"

"My Lord, we have sufficient capital for all of the proposed projects over the next six months. During that time we can pay you your quarterly profit share. But we need to reduce the amount of shares that you are holding, we'd like to get them back down to your initial investment level of fifty one percent."

"OK, do some work for me, I'll pay in ordinary shares at the daily market rate." The Chairman looked round at his colleagues who all nodded.

"That seems to be a satisfactory solution, my Lord. Do you know what work you require carrying out?"

"Have you started on the two office buildings in Lincoln's Inn Fields yet?" He looked across at a small skinny looking man with huge bushy eyebrows.

Eyebrows thought for a moment, "No, my Lord. We have been approached by Ms Dempsey's people and have agreed to do the work. We are waiting on the plans though."

"With no plans you can't estimate the costs yet. So is there any on-site prep work that you can do which doesn't actually depend on detailed plans."

The Chairman shook his head. "The plans are being drawn up by William Brown himself. He has a team of architects crawling all over both buildings. I wouldn't dare take a team on site, not without your direct order my Lord."

"OK, don't worry about that, they'll be finished soon enough." I looked at the team around the table, "Have any of you worked with Brown before?"

Two of them nodded, eyebrows spoke first, "his plans cut down on the construction time by nearly a third. The plans are very specific and detail step-by-step instructions for the site manager and foremen. Brown usually includes a detailed project plan with his blueprints, and the planning permissions are part of the architects work and bill."

"Last thing," I said, "I'm setting up a new company, City & Country Planning Ltd. Amanda Blakestone here will be taking over the planning functions from me. I will still be the chairman but Amanda will be running things, her way."

The Chairman nodded. "Knew you'd learn soon, my Lord. We haven't stolen too much, but I think we've all worked with Ms Blackheart, sorry, Ms Blakestone and know that she is an expert at what she does, and very particular about details." He stood and bowed to Mandy. "I look forward to working with you again Ms Blakestone."

"You were right the first time, Gregor, Ms Blackheart is back in business and you'd better buck your idea's up because I'm nowhere near as forgiving as his Lordship is."

I smiled at them, "Well, now we're all friends," a number of them, including Mandy laughed at that, "I'll leave you to it and I'll go and do some rich man stuff."

As I stood the Chairman stood too and placed his briefcase on the desk, opening it as he spoke, "My Lord, Jerzy has been keeping us informed of the progress of his poor wife, Iwona. He also let us know of your involvement in a cure for her, and you paying for them to fly over to England for her treatment. We," he gestured to the board members, "and the workers of C&C, would like to give you this plaque in thanks for your kindness and generosity to a workmate of ours who you never knew before you could help him."

He pulled out a large plaque from his briefcase and held it up for me to read -

City and Country

Global Headquarters

Then he turned it round. On the back over two hundred signatures were etched into the bronze.

Then I had an idea. A whole one and I didn't have to rest afterwards either, despite the rumours that Sasha spreads around. Jerzy would need to stay with Iwona for quite some time after she was finished at Great Ormond Street, and I knew that his father's farm needed a lot of work and possibly a lot of machinery as well.

"Jerzy needs help after he takes Iwona back home. He'll need more help to put his father's farm back together after all the time that the gangsters have been robbing from them."

"What do you suggest we do with the gangsters?" asked eyebrows.

"I would suggest using them on the land." I replied.

Puzzled, eyebrows asked, "What, like farm hands?"

"No." I replied, "Like pig shit!"

Sudden realisation rippled through the group, as did wide smiles on all of their faces.

"So I want a team of your builders ready to go over to Poland and take care of the rebuilding. I will pay for this," I turned to Mandy. "Mandy please remind me to get a certified cheque over to C&C's offices first thing tomorrow. We'll start with a hundred thousand pounds. If you need more let me know." They nodded, "I'll let you know when the gangsters have been dealt with and your team can go over then."

Now I was happy. I would really be able to help Jerzy, Iwona and their whole family.

I shook hands with all of the C&C people and left Mandy to get on with her business.

Now I had to see the two mothers and see if they understood the circumstances of their stay with me.

Jo and Gail had taken over two twin bedroom suites and turned them into a large nursery and bedroom for the mothers. Cots were being delivered and assembled when I arrived.

Fourteen saw me and called out, "Our Master is honouring us," then she knelt, all the time she kept her baby suckling at her breast. Star ran over and knelt too. She had been changing her child and now hugged her baby to her chest. The babies nappy was still on the changing mat. Of course the inevitable happened and the baby poo'ed all over Star's arm and dress.

"Ladies!" I called loudly, but not so loudly as to frighten the babies. "When I enter the nursery, please finish looking after your babies first. Then you may attend to me. Is that clear?"

Fourteen looked at Star and then back at me. "Master, these babies are only girl children and not worth anything. Should we still care for them?"

I cupped her cheek in my hand. "And where would you be if your mother had not cared for you?"

Wistfully she replied, "With my mother and her mother, Master." I could see that she thought this was not an unpleasant idea.

"Star, clean your baby and put a nappy on her. And take off that dress before you spread the mess everywhere."

Star stripped first, then she cleaned her baby and put on a disposable nappy. She brought her child over and knelt in front of me then put her baby to her breast.

"Now Fourteen, about your name," Fourteen straightened up, "what name would you like to be called by?"

Her eyes unfocused for a moment, "I am trying hard to get into the single figures, my Master." She smiled to herself, "I sometimes dream of being Three or even Two. I know I'm not good enough for One, especially as I can't read or write." Then she looked at me and her hopes and aspirations diminished back into the scope of her little world. "Perhaps I could be Ten, my Master?" she asked hopefully.

"Don't you want a normal name like Star has?"

Fourteen laughed out loud, "But Master, I'm only an outside worker, not an inside slave. Outside workers don't get names, we'd get confused with real peoples names. How would we know who was in charge, who to obey?" She straightened up proudly, "I started as Thirty Eight, now look, I have reached Fourteen. The higher numbers look up to me and I respect the lower numbers."

"And the highest worker, the top worker is named..."

"One, my Master. The top worker, male or female, is always called One."

"Well, you are the only worker here, so you might have to be called One. It will be a burden on you, maintaining the standards that One has to set, but I think that you're capable of setting high standards and maintaining good discipline."

Her eyes grew wide at that news.

"Well, One, shall we talk about your babies name?"

Gail stopped by to listen to us. "I think Roberta is a good name, Paul," she suggested. "After Roberta Flack or Captain Flack from Trumpton." We looked at each other and shared a smile.

"I think Roberta is a great idea, Gail. Don't you, One?"

"But Master, a numbered slave cannot have a named baby."

"Are you sure about that, One?" I asked. Gail leaned forward to hear her reply too.

"Oh yes, Master, it is never done, never done at all!" She was most emphatic about this.

"Well, the problem is that Gail and I have named your baby Roberta. So we'll just have to name you Sarah. There, now there's no problem, is there?"

"But, Master, you can't!"

"Can't I? Who is the Master in this establishment? Who do you belong to, girl?"

"Why you are my Master, I belong to you Master. But the other Masters won't like it, Master."

"Then the other masters will just have to come and tell me themselves. Are you important enough to make a master come to London just because I named you?"

"OH NO, MASTER!" she hesitated, a little frightened, "But you might be."

I couldn't argue against that, but I had got my way and Fourteen now had a real name and so did her baby. One more to go.

I turned to Star. "Star, I have noticed that the Count names his girls in themes, gems or astronomical things. Do you know what the themes mean?"

"Well Master, the body slaves are all named after princesses; the upstairs slaves, those who the Count might wish to use or have entertain him, are, like me, called after heavenly bodies or, like Sunlight, after bright things. The downstairs slaves are named after cars and the outside slaves are all numbered as Sarah explained."

"So you are an upstairs slave?"

"Yes Master."

"Have you thought about a name for your baby yet?"

"No Master, slaves aren't permitted to name their own babies."

"Ummm ... Would Celeste be a suitable name for your baby?"

"That is a grand name, Master. It may possibly be too grand for this girl, she might have a hard time living up to a name like that. Maybe a smaller name might suit this girl better."

I picked her baby up and looked at the mite. Then a name came to me, Aurora, the baby smiled. Wind or mind reading, I neither know nor care. Aurora's life will take shape after mine has reached an end, of that I was certain.

I dipped my finger is some water and let a drop fall onto the babies head. "I name this girl, Aurora. She will glow like the fires in the sky, she will surprise all who meet her, and she will find true love."

I gave Aurora back to her mother. "Aurora, this is your mother, Star, be good for her."

I turned to Sarah and took her baby from her arms, dipping my fingers in the water again I dripped a single drop onto Roberta's head. "This girl I name, Roberta, she will find happiness but only after a long struggle. She will not have children of her own but many children will call her mother." I returned Roberta to her mother. "Roberta, this is your mother, Sarah, you need to be kind to Sarah for a while because her life has just changed a lot and she's a little frightened."

Roberta smiled at me. Sarah never saw it as the baby was facing the wrong way.

-------

I was glad to get into bed, today had been unusually tiring. I held Umber in my arms and went to sleep.

-------

"Master! Master! Wake up." I opened my eyes to see Karolina standing over me. "Silly cunt girl bin found. She in hospital. Bin bad beat Master."

"Who?" I asked rather stupidly.

"Amber girl did choice have run away when give question. Silly cunt. She hospital beat bad. One we find you."

I wouldn't leave anyone there!



-------

Chapter 44

TYCOON

I sat on what is possibly the most uncomfortable chair in the world. It was a standard NHS visitors chair and had thus been designed to maximise the discomfort of anyone desperate enough to sit on it.

I did have an excuse though; I had been beside Amber's bed for nearly six hours now. Melissa thought about going to sleep under the bed but when she saw the state of the floor she decided to stay awake. She sat on my lap. Gerry had come to the hospital with us but had been replaced by Sandy. And after two hours here Sandy was looking for someone to kill.

A doctor strode into the mini-ward, he was accompanied by two rather large male nurses. I presumed that they were from the psychiatric ward, they looked that sort, eyebrows joined in the middle and knuckles dragging on the floor, that sort.

I smacked Melissa's bum, it was fun so I smacked it again. "Go and help Sandy." I told her as she sleepily moaned at me. Melissa looked over at Sandy, and then the men Sandy was going to 'have a word' with and perked up considerably.

"Oh thanks, Master! Some fun at last." She must have thought I'd arranged this just for her personal entertainment. I went back to watching Amber, the noise might wake her and I wanted her to see a familiar face when she woke.

There was some scuffling noises behind me, then a couple of thuds followed by a squeaking voice telling someone that they couldn't do that.

Amber stirred and tried to move, it was obvious that she was in a great deal of pain. Apparently her OBs were OK, I'd taken pictures of her charts and sent them to Em for her to decode for me, but she was in a bad way. Her right arm, jaw and three ribs were broken. She'd been kicked repeatedly in the face chest and back. Someone had pulled off her panties and was in the process of raping her when a trainee police constable had noticed the group in a back alley. Being a trainee he didn't know better and decided to investigate. I believe that he had saved her life.

Now I had to get her out of here and get her proper care. All anyone in this place had been worried about since we'd arrived were their precious rules and procedures. This particular doctor had been one of the worst.

It was five thirty in the morning and I hadn't seen a nurse since just gone midnight.

Amber opened her eyes, I smiled at her, "Hello Amber. I'm glad to see you awake at last."

She recognised me and wept. "I wanted to be free, that's all. I just wanted to be free."

"OK, I free you. What's your name freewoman?"

"Sandra, why do you care."

"I care because I want to know what to call you. One of my guards is called Sandra."

"Well, now you've got two so live with it."

"I would like to move you out of this hospital and into one where you will get proper care and treatment."

"You're my owner so do what you fucking well want," she turned her head away from me.

"Well, that's where you're wrong. I don't own you, you made your choice and that was to become a freewoman. I would like to help you do that, just as I helped Gail, or as you knew her, Sunlight."

"Of course you would..."

"YES HE FUCKING WELL WOULD!"

Gail was standing behind me. "Listen you stupid prat, he is the one we heard about, the one who gives slaves a choice. He gave you the choice and you ran away. He heard that you'd been hurt and has been sat here for six hours waiting for you to wake up. HE WANTS TO HELP YOU, YOU STUPID CUNT!"

I'm beginning to learn about female emotions, I think Gail might be a little upset. Possibly.

"But I want to be free." Amber whined.

"YOU ARE FREE! HE'S FREED YOU! Now speak to him like a freewoman to a freeman."

"But he's going to kill me."

"FUCK FUCK FUCK!" screamed Gail.

I rested my hand on Gail's arm, "What would you expect the Count to do, Gail?"

She stopped dead and looked at me. "He'd tease her like a cat with a mouse, giving her hope and then snatching it away. He'd hurt her, again and again, then she'd die with everyone watching. She'd die screaming her lungs out." Gail sagged down and then went to Amber. "You poor girl, you poor, poor girl."

Gail turned to me. "Paul, please try and help her, please don't give up on her!"

I leaned forward and gave Gail a kiss on her cheek. "I don't give up on my ladies. Amber was one of my ladies for a short time. I won't give up on her either.

"Gail, I need to move Sandra somewhere safe. This hospital is a total disaster. Can she share your apartment until she's well? Dr. Ross and Em will need access though, I'm sure that you know neither Dr. Ross, Em nor security will give me access to Sandra unless there was a real emergency."

Gail looked at Sandra for a moment, "Will you come to my home? I've made it quite nice. I know that you've got much better taste than me and you might find my decorations tacky or something, but I would like you to stay with me for a while though, just till you get on your feet of course."

Sandra nodded and Gail leant down and kissed her cheek.

I pulled out my phone and started calling.

-------

Ross was beyond angry, he was furious. He looked at the state of the bedding on Sandra's bed and went white lipped with rage.

"Nurse!" he called.

The two nurses who sat talking at the nurse's station ignored him. He went over to them and tried to show them his Great Ormond Street Hospital credentials.

"Can't you see we're busy!?" one of them snapped.

"Oh but I really think you'd be wise to talk to this doctor," said a new voice.

"Sasha!" I cried. "Oh boy do we need you."

The nurses looked up and saw that they were being videoed. "You can't take pictures or videos in here, it's against the law," yelled one.

Sasha almost purred, "Which law? Is that the same law that allows you to run this CCTV monitoring system?" she pointed to the abundant CCTV cameras all around the ward. I noticed that none of the cameras were pointing at the nurse's station.

"Anyway, it's against hospital policy," the other replied.

Sasha gave one of the nurses her card. "I suggest that you get one of the hospital's senior administrators down here to speak with me as fast as you can. You never know, that might even save your career, though I doubt it."

The nurse looked at the card, shrugged and then dropped it into a waste bin.

"Ah well, so be it," Said Sasha as she reached into the bin and carefully extracted her card, then placed it into a small ziplock plastic bag. "Thank you for your fingerprints and DNA," she said to the now worried nurse.

I left Sasha and Ross teaching the two nurses the 'effect' part of cause and effect. I could see that their nursing careers were going to be so ruined that they'd be lucky to be admitted into a hospital, let alone enter as any sort of member of staff.

Gail and I walked round and found a gurney in one of the corridors; it was possibly the one Sandra had been brought up to the ward on.

We took it back to Sandra's bed.

"Sandra, do you want to leave this hospital?" I asked her quite clearly.

"Yes, I do." She replied.

"Sandra please could you say out loud what you want to do."

"I want to leave this hospital as soon as I can."

"OK then, let's go."

Ross saw what we were doing and came over to help. The nurses tried to come too but found that brushing past Sandy didn't work. It was like trying to push a wall to one side. Sandy however found it very easy to sit the nurse down again. The other nurse couldn't understand how the little girl did it. The girl was just holding her wrist, but her whole arm was on fire, the nurse whimpered quietly and sank to her knees. She looked up at the smiling little girl beseechingly, "Please stop it, please."

"Go and sit down until we tell you that you can get up. Next time you lose the arm." Melissa smiled at the now terrified woman.

With Ross's help it didn't take us long to get Sandra onto a gurney and start wheeling her out. Once off the ward no one thought to try and stop us. Melissa held my hand and skipped along as we walked beside Sandra's gurney.

There was an ambulance waiting just outside A&E, Ross recognised the driver so he commandeered the vehicle. Neither driver nor paramedic seemed to mind too much, "Just glad to be driving a patient away from that shit hole," commented the driver.

"Yeah," the medic added, "she might get better now." He turned to Ross, "Doc, not that I'm an expert on these things of course, but I'd replace any casts or bandages as soon as possible and redo all the bloods etc."

"Oh I intend to, Mark, don't you worry," Ross replied. "I just need to get her into a safe, clean environment first."

I think that the medic was surprised, and pleased, that a top consultant like Dr. Ross would remember a mere paramedic.

-------

I parked the beaten up old VW Polo on a side street and shuffled my way to the nearby pub. This was just off Whitechapel Road, only a mile from the heart of the city's financial district. I wasn't too worried about the car being stolen, Sandy and Elastic had worked on it for nearly a week and it was tricked out better than any of James Bond's Aston Martins.

The lights in the bar hurt my eyes (I had taken eye drops to dilate my pupils half an hour ago) and I squinted as I came in. The landlord had seen me before, to him I was just another sad old druggy who came, bought a pint, scored some Brown and left. Usually leaving most of the pint behind, well that was only beer, I had a wrap of Brown in my pocket.

"Money," said the landlord, generosity wasn't one of his faults.

I carefully placed the exact price of a pint onto the bar. He took the money then started pouring the beer. I picked up the glass, noting the overly generous head and went to sit at my usual table. The landlord could see that I was desperate for a fix, I assumed that he hoped I wouldn't shoot up in the toilets, but my assumption wasn't a certainty.

Finally the people I'd been waiting for came in. Harry Sheffield, wannabe crime lord, part time drug dealer, full time thug and total idiot, came in first. He always came in first, he was the Boss and the Boss was first in all things. Harry was togged up in his best suit tonight, he must be going Up West, to the West End. A year ago I would have been impressed with his suit but, having been exposed to really good quality, I could see where the seams pulled and where the jacket didn't quite fit. Still it wouldn't affect the outcome of this evening, not one little bit.

Hardman One and Hardman Two followed him. Both dressed in lounge suits, white shirts and black bow ties, clip on bow ties I saw. One of the hardmen always stayed with Harry, always. I wondered if Bint Two, who came tottering in on ridiculously high heels after the men folk, objected to them watching, probably not from the look of her. She was dressed in essence of Tart. I was glad it was Bint Two tonight. I had a 'feeling' about Bint One. I thought she was an undercover cop. With the way I feel about the police it wouldn't have changed anything, I would just have felt bad for a while after it was all over.

"Mr Sheffield, Sir!" I called. Harry likes being called Mr, I was holding up fifty pounds.

With a sideways glance that would have been hilarious in a comedy film, Harry told Hardman Two to see to me.

Hardman Two gestured towards the back door. He wanted me to walk ahead of him which was fairly sensible, up to a point that is. I walked out and when Hardman Two was silhouetted in the doorway I shot him. He hadn't seen me take the silenced gun out of my jacket pocket because I was in front of him. It did mean a hole in my jacket but I wouldn't be wearing this for much longer and then it would be burnt.

Hardman Two fell with a thud. I saw that he was mortally wounded but not dead yet. I knew the silenced shot wouldn't be heard inside. I dragged him out a little further, poured a little water over my face to simulate a sudden sweat, and raced back inside.

"Help! Help!" I waved frantically to the landlord, he sent his wife to see what I was going on about. He continued wiping a clean glass with a dirty cloth.

As I'd hoped Hardman Two was moaning a little and Mrs Landlord ran to see what was wrong. I shot her in the base of her spine and when she fell on the floor, I shot her again in the back of her head. I shot Hardman Two in the forehead too. He had served his purpose. Just the landlord to go. I poured a bottle of blood over my head and let it run down over my face. Then I lay slumped against the wall and waited. It took three minutes before landlord came out. He saw the three of us laying dead in his yard, in shock he came out for a closer look. I shot him as he bent over his wife. I put another round in the back of his head just to ensure that there were no enemies behind me.

I got up and put a couple of drops of the neutraliser into my eyes. My eyes would be back to normal in five minutes. I would just have to make do until then. A new magazine in my gun and I was ready.

I walked into the bar and started toward Harry Sheffield and his group. Bint Two saw me first, I shot her in the head before she could make a sound. She slumped against Harry's back. He'd turned away from her as he talked to Hardman One. Hardman One saw me and opened his mouth, I put a bullet into it, and another in his forehead when he lay dead on the ground.

"Hello Harry," I said and shot him in his foot.

Harry's screaming was the signal for Melissa to come in, she bought a 'bag of toys' (her words not mine) with her. A number of my girls started a party in the car park, loud screams of joy and a thumping disco overwhelmed any noise I might make. The girls helped themselves to drinks and started an impromptu bar outside. They even moved a till out there and, I'm told, made an absolute bundle. I'll have to pass on that tip on to the landlord, or rather the next landlord.

Harry looked at me, wordlessly crying in his shock and pain. "Harry, I would like some answers from you and I don't mind how I get them."

"Ain't gonna tell you nuffin'!" he whimpered.

I shrugged my shoulders and shot his other foot.

"Harry, you've got lots and lots of non-essential joints and muscle masses for me to shoot you in. Each time I shoot you, you will become more and more crippled. So far you've got nothing that can't be fixed. Next time I do your ankles. They are a fuck site harder to fix."

He just looked at me whimpering.

"Four weeks ago, you and your boys beat up and raped a young woman. I don't believe that this was just an accidental meeting. I think that you were watching my home and followed her when she came out late at night."

I looked at him, I could see he knew what I was talking about.

"I want to know who ordered and paid for your ... services."

I gestured toward Melissa, she waved, "Hi Harreee," she called.

"In two minutes I am going to give you to Melissa. I will only shoot you. She will make you beg for death. You will cry for your Mummy and beg her to kill you. You hurt Melissa's friend. This is personal for her."

Melissa was at the dart board, throwing darts. I doubt that Harry realised that she was throwing three darts into each triple score segment, number by number, going around the board. She turned and waved to him again. "Harreee, do you want to come and play, Harreee?"

Jeez, she was scaring me let alone Harry.

"So Harry, I want to know who was paying you to watch me, and what their instructions were. See that's simple. Just names and what you were paid to do." I looked at Melissa, "I can see you don't believe me about Melissa, well you will in a minute."

Harry's gaze kept flickering between Melissa and me. Sweat pouring off him. He'd stopped clutching his foot now. Shock was starting to set in and soon I might have another dead body on my hands.

"Melissa, want to come and play darling?" I asked.

"Oh thanks, Daddy." She was as excited as a twelve year old girl receiving a pony for her birthday.

She skipped over to us, "Hi Harreee, your tootsies hurting are they, Harreee? I've got just the thing for that, Harreee." Melissa slipped off her dress and stood naked in front of him. "Have a good look Harreee because this is the last time you'll look at any one and feel anything sexual." She opened her toy bag and pulled out a set of latex coveralls, they zipped up the back.

As she was getting in to them she spread her legs wide and gently traced her finger tips along her slit. "Last chance, Harreee, last chance to save your shrivelled little dick, Harreee."

She slipped her coverall on, I did up the zipper. This caused the latex to pull tightly against her hard body. She then pulled on a full face Perspex mask. She looked at Harry with a frown, "Don't you just hate it when the blood goes spurting everywhere," she said.

I moved out of the way and let her get on with it.

Harry screamed again. "Look Harreee, I took your shoes off without undoing the laces. And my Mummy said doing that would hurt me. Why Harreee, that didn't hurt me at all, did it? Shall we see if she lied about anything else, Harreee? Mummy told me never to wrap anything tightly around my fingers, Harreee, 'cos that would stop the blood and my finger would drop off. Do you think she was right, Harreee? Do you?"

With a deft flick of her hips she slammed Harry on his back on top of the table. Two large Marlin spikes crashed through his wrists and into the table leaving his arms spread open wide.

"Hey look, Harreee, my nipples are really hard. But that's not gonna bother you much more is it, Harreee? Never mind, when I get home Daddy said he'd pull my panties down and smack my bare bottom." She giggled like a little girl, then leaned forward to whisper to him, "and then he'd kiss my little bare bottom better again. And my tiny little cunt, he kisses that too. Is that naughty, Harreee? Is my Daddy naughty for kissing my little cunt?" She sliced Harry's trousers open and exposed his genitals.

"Why Harreee, you're waving your naked ... thing, at me." She looked puzzled, "What is that thing, Harreee? It's not big enough to be a cock." She shrugged, "Never mind, Harreee, it's not gonna bother anyone for much longer," she laughed. "Longer, eh Harreee, not that thing, longer!" and laughed louder. She slipped a plastic cable-tie around the base of his balls and pulled it tight. Harry gasped in pain, and stared at her in shock.

A nearly naked little girl was torturing him and he was certain that she would kill him. And she was laughing and making conversation and ... and...

Melissa laughed and tapped his foot. Harry screamed again.

"My Daddy wants you to answer his questions. I don't want you to tell him anything, 'cos if you're quiet I can carry on playing with you, and Daddy doesn't let me play very often, so I'm sure that you're not going to tell Daddy anything. Just so you and me can carry on playing eh?"

Harry looked at me beseechingly.

"Now Harry, who paid and what did they want you to do?" I asked.

"Jerry Squires. He paid, he paid a lot, far more than the going rate. He wanted me to watch for a bloke coming out, he gave us photos and a description. If we could grab any of your women we could have them, it was the bloke he wanted. We had to get him alive too. We got nuffin if he died."

"Have you got one of these photos Harry?"

"In me pocket," he gasped.

I felt in his inside jacket pocket and sure enough there was a poor quality photo of me. It was so bad that it was little wonder that I had been able to talk to Harry for nearly a fortnight without him recognising me.

I knew who Jerry Squires was, he was a local boy gone bad. And he was born and brought up within half a mile of where I now stood. His oldest brother though he was a different matter he was a local boy made good. Malcolm, the eldest of the Squires boys, was the Assistant Chief Constable of Cumbria.

I couldn't do much about Malcolm Squires at the moment, Jerry though he was different. I was going to do something about Jerry. Jerry had just reached the top of my shit list.

I pulled a handful of whisky and vodka bottles off the bar. A quick flick of the wrist knocked the neck of the bottle off and I started pouring the spirits over Harry. Of course he screamed again as the alcohol hit his wounded feet, but I wanted him covered in the stuff. I left Melissa continuing to spread alcohol all over the room while I poured a dozen bottles worth over the bodies outside. I needed to destroy any of my DNA I may have left on the bodies that I had touched or moved. White spirit or bleach would have been better but alcohol would have the secondary benefits in that the fumes might kill Harry and the merest spark could cause an explosion that could bring the whole pub down.

Entering the bar again, I saw Melissa putting something back into her toy bag. She was supposed to have been changing while I finished off outside. I helped her change, grabbing a quick grope of tit and pussy while I 'helped' her. She just smiled and kissed me.

Melissa smiled and waved at Harry, "Byeee Harreee. Be a good boy now, we know that you're not going to be playing rude games with the girlies anymore, are you Harreee!"

We walked out through the car park and walked slowly back to my car.

I took the keys out of my pocket and looked at the key fob. A green LED shone steadily, no one had touched the car since I locked it. I pressed the central locking button and there was a quiet clunk as the car unlocked. I got into the drivers seat and started the engine while Melissa put her toy bag into the boot.

I drove us a quarter mile and stopped a hundred yards from Jerry Squire's house.

We waited for just under an hour before we were sure that Jerry, his mother, two sisters and two younger brothers were in the house.

My mobile buzzed, I had received an SMS message. Sandy and Gerry were on the roof of a nearby tower block and had a clear sight of the back doors of the whole terrace. Both of them were ready to block any attempt at escape from the whole block.

Melissa and I pulled on tight fitting black jumpers and black ski masks. We were ready to make war.

I walked to the front door and slammed small blocks of plastique against the hinge side of the door. I pushed a detonator into each and ran their leads to a small timer and battery pack. This small pack had a Yale key blank which I pushed into the rather cheap lock on the other side of the door, a small arm swung out to touch the door frame.

I rang the door bell and ran past the window and along the street.

Human nature is a funny thing, nobody likes having someone knock on their door and run away, especially when they have a 'rep' in the local community as someone that you just don't piss off.

The door started opening and the timer arm snapped open. The plastique detonated and blew the door to the other wall, crushing the person unfortunate enough to be opening it. Sufficient wood splinters were blown down the narrow hall to disable anyone exposed.

Melissa used an A1L1 SLR to fire a Rifle Grenade (RG) into the right hand front bedroom window. Dropping that weapon on the floor she picked up another SLR and fired a second RG into the left hand bedroom window. These two windows might belong to the same bedroom, but it was most unlikely.

I walked back to what was left of the front door and walked in. A teenage girl was staggering down the stairs, Corrina Squires, she dealt drugs to the local college and sixth form kids. I shot her, a double tap, heart and head, then moved on into the front room. This was a surprise. They had knocked two of the terraced houses into one. A movement in one corner caught my attention. It was a dog, it looked like Jerry's pit bull terrier. I felt more sorrow when I shot the dog than for any of its human masters. A scream made me turn, Old Ma Squires, the matriarch of the family, came racing towards me, a long, and heavy looking chef's knife held point downward in her fist.

Suddenly she threw her head and arms back, staggered one more step and fell to the ground. Melissa stood behind her, her silenced Berretta following Old Ma Squires down. A single round to the head confirmed her death.

Another sweep ensured that the ground floor was clear. I led the way upstairs. The first door on our right was a bathroom. An emaciated girl child was chained naked in the shower, she was shaking with fright. Further evidence of her terror was slowing sliding down her legs and forming a small pile by her left foot.

"Get one of the girls in here with bolt cutters." I ordered Melissa, she just smiled.

"Julia's on her way Master, got something better than bolt cutters too."

I ignored the girl and moved on. The next door on the left was a large bedroom. Jerry, his younger brother Peter and their eldest sister Shauna were laying naked on top of the bed. They were all dead but there was hardly a mark on their bodies. An RG round had exploded in the next room and they had died. It was obvious what they had been doing, especially when I noticed that Shauna seemed to have bitten off Jerry's cock. I smiled to myself; Old Ma Squires had a reputation for keeping things in the family. Her late 'husband', and father of the Squires brood, was her younger brother.

Well that was the Squires family accounted for, now to see if there was anyone else in here. The girl in the shower had been a surprise. I wanted to know who she was and where she came from.

Melissa and I continued checking the upstairs rooms. The second bathroom held a grisly surprise; the bath contained what looked like two dismembered bodies, an adult male and an adult female. It was difficult to say whether all of the bits were there as the dismemberment had been extensive.

In the last room a table lay piled high with money, four large, wheeled suitcases stood by the opposite wall. A smaller suitcase was filled with large bags containing a white crystalline power.

I was in a quandary. If I left the drugs and the police impounded them, then I was certain that they would be back out on the street within a week. I didn't need the money, but taking both the money and the drugs would make this look like a gang war. It would disguise the real reason for this attack, but I wanted Malcolm to know who had wiped out his family.

"Melissa get two girls in here I want to take all of that money and the drugs, I have something to do downstairs."

"Yes Master," she replied.

Quickly I ran downstairs, Alina and Varinka passed me on the stairs going up.

In the front room I removed the dogs collar and fastened it around Old Ma Squires neck. Malcolm would have no difficulty understanding who had perpetrated this deed.

I walked out of the front door, neighbours' were slowly coming out of their houses now. Elastic fired a short burst into the Squires front window and they all disappeared back into safety.

The girls raced into the back of a white Mercedes van pulling the large suitcases behind them.

Melissa, carrying the drugs, and I went back to the Polo. We climbed in, removed our balaclavas and jumpers and I started driving back to the Crynos. All in all a good days work, I thought as I drove steadily through the streets of north east London.



-------

Chapter 45

"Now, Melissa darling," I poured a little more conditioner onto her hair, "what did you do to Harry just before we left?"

She turned and looked sheepish, she dropped to her knees, the shower water cascading over her, and looked up at me, rubbing her cheek against my flaccid cock. I held her head, pulling her lips away from me and making her look up at me. "What did you do to Harry?"

"I infected him with a fungus, Master, in his finger tips and toes."

"And is this fungus easy to cure?"

"Not exactly ... easy ... Master."

"What do you mean not exactly easy? And remember I like spanking little girls' bottoms."

Her eyes sparkled,"Oh pleeaassee Daddeee."

I leant forward and smacked her bum, my wet hand leaving a large red print on her white skin. As I straightened up I realised my mistake, I had let go of her head, she sucked my cock into her mouth and sucked greedily on me. With difficulty I pulled her off.

"Varinka!" I called.

Varinka came running into the bathroom.

"Come and take care of this." I said pointing toward my erection.

Varinka dropped to her knees and, nudging Melissa aside, she licked my cock from base to tip, then dropped her hot mouth over me and sank her head down, swallowing me into her throat.

I pulled Melissa to her feet and kissed her as Varinka sucked on me, all too soon I pumped my seed into Varinka's willing throat. She stood and I pulled her to me for a kiss. Most of my girls were still reluctant to kiss me immediately after taking my semen in their mouths, but they were slowly getting used to my foibles.

I pulled Melissa in front of me, "Now, GIRL! About this fungus."

"Well, you sort of have to cut bits off; that mostly works."

"Cut bits off?" I asked. "And mostly works? That doesn't sound too good."

"Well, when they discover the fungus in his fingers they'll amputate his arms from above his elbow. If it reaches his forearm, then his whole arm will need to come off. Above the elbow and, well," she shrugged, "it will be too late."

"And what does this fungus do?"

"It dissolves the flesh and it's quite painful Master." She chewed her lip a little, a sure sign of her nervousness.

"Oh! OK." And I went back to washing her hair.

"You aren't angry Master?" she asked shyly.

"Me, no. If I'd known you had something like that I'd probably have used it myself."

I pushed her forward under the shower's spray. As she moved her head round, rinsing her hair, I fondled her breasts and pulled and twisted her hard nipples. As she began breathing faster I slipped my hand between her legs, dipping into the slick oily wetness freely flowing from her. I rubbed her clit hood slowly, pressing gently on the sides of her inner lips, tormenting her with pleasure, just not enough to lift her to her peak. She started jerking her hips trying to masturbate herself on my fingers, I just released a little of the pressure from my finger tips and she groaned in frustration.

"Please, my Master, let me cum, please."

I pressed a little harder and centred my finger. I was rubbing directly on her clit now and she was rapidly climbing to her peak. She threw her head back and cried out loud as she came, I felt her body spasm as she came, soaking my hand with her ejaculate.

Melissa lay against me as I used the shower head to rinse her down. She opened her legs and let me aim the water jets up into her vulva. I think she had a little cum as I rinsed her slit.

"Thank you, my Master, you are good to this girl."

"I love my girls, all of you. How could I not be good to you?"

She lay her head against my chest. "It is we who should be concentrating on your pleasure, my Master, not you pleasuring us."

I tilted her head up so I could look into her eyes. "Giving you pleasure pleases me immensely, my precious girl. When I see you cum, when you cry out your climax, that pleases me. I get a huge amount of pleasure knowing that I have lifted you to your orgasm."

She reached up and kissed me, "I love you, my Master."

"I love you too, little girl."

-------

The young girl sat holding Julia's hand. She was frightened.

"Are you going to cut me up like those men cut Mummy and Daddy up?"

I didn't smile, that wouldn't be the right thing just now. "No, I want to keep you safe and well. I am not going to hurt you. No one here will hurt you."

"Can I cry now? The old woman electricked me. That hurt me a lot. She said if I cried she'd electrick me again but for a long time."

"Little one you can cry whenever you want. You can hold out your arms and someone will always be there to hug you. Those bad people may have taken your Mummy and Daddy away from you, but if you want, you can have lots of Mummies here, and I will be your Daddy, if you want me that is."

She hugged me tightly, "Promise you won't let them cut you up too."

I held her tightly and when she let me go I held in front of me, "Little one, my ladies and I made those people dead. They can't hurt me or you or anyone else again."

She thought about this for a moment. "Are the police going to come and get you?"

"I don't think so. We were very careful and we didn't leave the police any clues. The police aren't very cleaver, they try and try and try, they ask people questions and talk to people and sometimes a person talks about the thing that they're interested in. But all of the people who know about what happened are here and the police won't speak to us. And we won't speak to the police. So they aren't going to find out what happened yesterday."

She looked happier with that.

She hadn't told us her name yet. I was hoping she would tell us soon. Ross and Helen were coming over later and they would look her over.

She had been with Julia constantly since being freed from the Squires' house. She'd eaten sparingly, but hadn't had any problems with her food. We were just trying to understand her wants and desires.

"What's your name little one?" I asked. She looked at me passively with her large grey eyes, I hoped she was thinking about answering.

She dropped her head, "The bad woman said I had to have a new name. I couldn't be called my old name any more."

And I can imagine the sort of 'new name' the Squires women would think up for a little girl like this.

"Well, as I beat them, I can say that they were wrong. You can have the name your Mummy and Daddy gave you. I think that you liked that name better than the name the bad woman said you had to have."

She nodded, "I think the name she said I had to be called were very rude words. I didn't really understand them. The bad woman said that she was going to get her brothers warm and then they were all going to come and play with me." She looked up at me, "I think they were going to hurt me like they hurt Mummy before they cut her up."

"I think they were too, little one. So it's a good thing that I made them dead isn't it?"

She nodded, "I'm Shannon. Shannon Bailey." She looked up at me, "did you know that a Bailey is part of a castle, the bit inside the walls but not the castle itself. They used to trial bad people there like in a court."

"Yes, I did know that. Did your Daddy tell you that?"

She nodded, "Why don't those ladies have any clothes on?" she asked, interested but not shocked or upset by Alina and Varinka's nudity.

"My ladies can choose what they want to wear. Sometimes they don't wear anything. That is their choice."

"Oh, are they trying to get you to do the sex thing with them?"

"Yes. Sometimes they tease me like that for hours."

Shannon thought for a few moments, "Why don't you just do sex with them then?"

"Because sometimes I like to tease them too," I replied.

She smiled, "Do you like playing with your ladies."

"Yes I do. What do you like playing?"

"I have a Nintendo DS," she looked sad, "but they poured stuff all over our house and made it go on fire. I don't think my DS will work now."

"Perhaps you'll get another one. How about a nice blue one? Little girls like blue don't they?"

"Noooo!" she said indignantly. "Boys," a word she used with the venom usually reserved for 'infant raping paedophiles', "like blue. Girls like pink." She frowned at me, "Mummy said men were silly because they were just men." And that was me put in my place.

At this mention of her Mum, her composure began to crack. A tear appeared and she held out her arms to me. I picked her up and held her on my lap as she cried for her Mummy and Daddy.

-------

"Five year old female Caucasian, no distinguishing marks or scars, weight twenty three point two Kilo," Ross looked over his glasses at me, "that's three stone nine pounds in old money. Height," he looked at me, "she's fairly fit and fairly healthy that's what you wanted to know wasn't it?"

I smiled, "Yes, that's what I wanted to hear."

Helen was with Shannon now, her speciality was psychiatry; we knew that Shannon would have a rough time over the next few weeks but we all felt that it would be better if she didn't get sucked into the 'system'. A real family would be the best thing, but for a few weeks we could keep someone with her twenty four hours, a day seven days a week. She seemed to like Julia, but had been fixated on me since I held her while she cried.

I showed her to her room. We had cleared a room just down the corridor from my suite for her. She held my hand as I showed her all round the suite. She liked the Jacuzzi bath, but not the shower. Considering where we found her I'm not really surprised.

I then took her down the corridor and showed her my room. I showed her how to press her palm on the touch panel to open the door and showed her round my room.

We had a light supper in her room then I suggested it was time for bed.

She jumped off her chair then paused. She looked at me, "What do I call you?"

"What would you like to call me?"

"Weeelll, you're not my real Daddy, I know that, but can I call you Daddy Paul?"

"I would like that. Do you want me to call you Shannon, or would you like me to call you something else?"

"I don't know. Mummy always called me Princess, unless I was naughty, then she called me Shannon Elizabeth Bailey," she said that in a high pitched imitation of an angry parent. "Daddy called me lots of things; his favourites were 'The Little Money Pit' and 'Satan's evil Granny'."

She looked at me with all the seriousness of a doctor about to give a diagnosis of terminal cancer, "I think he was joking."

"I think he was too, Shannon."

"Well Daddy Paul, will you give me my bath tonight?" she looked hopeful, "please."

I held out my hand. "Come on then."

I took her into the bathroom and undressed her as Julia filled the bath. Julia then surprised me by undressing and stepping into the bath first.

I lifted Shannon in and sat her down opposite Julia. Shannon looked at Julia. "Mummy Julia, why don't you have hair?"

Julia spread her legs and looked down. "Well, my Master likes his girls to be clean shaven down there so I shave the hair away."

"Why do you have a Master? Are you a slave girl like in my books?"

"Well, I am a slave girl, but I don't think that your books tell stories about slave girls like me," Julia said with a laugh.

"Oh, the sex thing," Shannon said disappointedly.

"Yes, the sex thing." Julia agreed.

"In my books a handsome prince always rescues the pretty slave and they get married. Are you waiting for a handsome prince to rescue you?"

Julia washed Shannon's feet as she answered, "My mother, sister and I were sold because our old master had died. We were frightened because we didn't know what was going to happen to us. But a young girl came along and bought us for her Master. She bought us because her Master was very, very sad and this girl thought that if she got some slaves then her Master would worry about the new slaves and he wouldn't worry about himself. And so we met our new Master and he told us we would have to ask him to put our collars on." Julia looked at Shannon who was enthralled by her tale. "You see a girl isn't a proper slave if she doesn't have a collar. That is what shows everyone that the girl is a slave. So this was a very important thing to us."

Shannon nodded her understanding.

"So we asked our new Master to put our collars on and then he examined us." Julia looked Shannon in the eye to make sure she understood, "a good master will examine his slaves regularly. The master is responsible for his slaves; he must make sure that they are looking after themselves properly. Well our master examined us and he saw that Jo, my mother, was very hairy, and as you have seen on me, our Master likes his girls to be clean under her arms and between her legs. So we all thought that our new Master was going to kill Jo and we were all very sad."

Shannon looked at me in wide eyed shock. "Would her new master do that Daddy Paul?"

"Yes, some masters do kill slaves if the slave isn't exactly what they want, or doesn't do what they should do," I answered. Shannon turned back to Julia.

"Karen and I wanted to say goodbye to our mother because we thought she was going away to be killed. But our new Master realised our fears and made sure that we were all kept together and that everything that was done to us was explained to us first."

Shannon interrupted, "Do all masters do that?"

"Oh no. Only very, very special and very, very kind masters do things like that."

Shannon turned round to look at me, I just shrugged, wide eyed she turned back to Julia.

"So we were taken to a big room, like this one, and this is a very posh room for a slave, and we were showered and the Master's girl, the one who bought us for her Master, she shaved us and made sure that her Master would be pleased with us in the morning. And then she put us into our bed. It was a huge comfortable bed with a deep soft mattress and clean white silk sheets, a bed such as we slaves had never slept in before."

Shannon gasped at this unimagined luxury.

"In the morning the Masters girl came to us and told us we would have to ask our new master to put our collars on again. This time we weren't worried but our mother just wanted to try a little freedom. So we were taken into a huge room and there was the Master, sitting in a huge chair just like a throne, and there was his favourite girl kneeling beside him, and there were three more kneeling pads near his chair. And the Master's girl said 'Make your choice, freedom or your collar.' Well, Jo led us to the door and we walked out. And as we went we kept a careful watch on our new Master and his girl and they just watched us walk away."

"They let you go!" Shannon exclaimed.

"Yes they let us go. But we had no money. So Jo stopped a woman in the corridor of the Masters home, and asked her where she could get some money from. And that woman took us to an office and gave Jo a handbag and she filled it with money. It was more money than any of us had ever seen in our lives. And the woman said 'just come back if you need any more.'"

"Wow!" Shannon gasped. She was enthralled by Julia's story. I don't know if she realised that it was actually the truth.

"So we went outside and walked round free as real free people. We didn't know what to do so we went and had an ice cream and talked. But we realised that we really did belong to our new master, and being free was quite frightening if you didn't know what to do or where to go, so we went back and asked our new master to put his collars on us."

"Was your master angry that you left." Shannon asked.

Julia smiled. "No. He was very happy that we came back. My Master loves me. I didn't know it then but he needed us as much as we needed him. I love my Master too now."

"Is that a sex thing?" Shannon asked warily.

Julia smiled. "No. I try to get my Master to let me do sex things for him, but he has lots of girls and he can't please us all, all of the time. We know that we can go to him if we need a hug, or if we really need to be loved. Our Master is very kind to us like that."

Shannon looked at me. "Do you know Julia's Master?"

"Yes." I said.

Julia laughed, "Shannon, your Daddy Paul is my Master."

"Oh," she said. "Daddy Paul, what's it like to own slaves?"

"It is a very big responsibility. Some people think that it is very easy and great fun to have slaves looking after you all the time. But they don't know what slaves are like. Slaves depend on their master for everything. So the master has to provide them with everything.

"I had a girl who came to me, and when she was given the choice she ran away. If she'd waited a little while we would have made sure that she had clothing, money and a place to live, but she just ran away. We found her a little later. She was in hospital and was very poorly. She had been badly hurt by some bad men, so I decided to teach the bad men a lesson and make then stop hurting my girls. That's when we found you."

"So she ran away from you and you still wanted to help her?"

"Yes," said Juia. "My Master did want to help her, he's helping her even now."

"Where is the girl now, the one who was hurt?"

"She's here, her name is Sandra. She's staying with her friend Gail. Gail was given the choice and she chose freedom but she didn't run away. My Master is helping her, she has a job now and has a special friend called Amanda."

"Will I be able to see Sandra?" Shannon asked me.

"Can I ask why you want to see her?"

"Oh it's alright if she's in trouble or something, I don't have to see her." Shannon was quite contrite.

"No little one, Sandra thinks that I may hurt her and is very worried. We need to be careful and make sure we don't frighten her."

"Oh, I see. She's scared you might want to make her dead."

"That's right. So you can see she is very frightened."

Shannon turned to Julia. "Can't you tell her that Daddy Paul won't hurt her?"

Julia shook her head, "Sandra's old Master used to be very nasty to his slaves, sometimes he would promise them lots and lots of good things and then do very bad things to them. And then he would laugh as they were hurt and cried. So Sandra has to see for herself that my Master won't hurt her. It will take time but we're all working together to help her."

Shannon thought for a moment. "I want to say thank you to her." She looked up at Julia, "If she hadn't run away then she wouldn't have been hurt. And then your Master wouldn't have come to stop those bad men and I wouldn't have been rescued. And the bad men would have hurt me and then cut me up and watched me cry like they did to Mummy and Daddy. And then I would have become dead. So you see, I think I'm supposed to say thank you to her. I'm sure Mummy would want me to."

"Yes, you can meet her. I'll tell you where her room is and you can walk there yourself. Or Julia can go with you if you want. I don't think Sandra would like to see me, not just yet anyway."

"Thank you daddy Paul. Can I go in the morning? I might forget otherwise." She sighed, "I forget lots of things. I start to do something but then I see something else, or start playing and then I forget what I was supposed to be doing. Mummy used to tell me off a lot for that."

"And I think we have forgotten that we are supposed to be giving you your bath and getting you into bed."

Shannon, turned and looked at me, a big grin on her face. "Are we Daddy Paul?" she teased.

"Yes we are, you scamp. Now up so I can wash you," I growled. She just laughed at my pitiful attempt to scare her.

Shannon stood up and I soaped her then rinsed her down. I washed her hair while Julia steadied her. A long rinse and then, I lifted her out. Shannon started yawning as I dried her. Then I slipped her into bed, Julia slipped in beside her and cuddled the tired child. I kissed Shannon on her forehead. "Don't forget to kiss Julia, your slave needs a kiss and cuddle as well."

I kissed Julia, sliding my tongue into her mouth while cupping her bare breast with my free hand. As we broke our kiss Shannon said, "There, that's better isn't it. Night-night Daddy Paul." And she was asleep.

-------

Ross, Helen and I sat in my suite, Ross and I each holding a glass of the two hundred year old Talisker, Helen making do with a glass of champagne.

Helen looked very distracted as Ross and I made light conversation. Ross was badgering me about writing up my part in the formulation of the new tumour treatment, the Winter - McCraken procedure, as Ross called it.

Helen looked at Ross, "I want to keep Shannon," she said, a whole tumult of emotions racing through her. She put down her glass, "Ever since I saw her I haven't been able to get my mind off her. I want to be her mother, Ross, I think you want her too." She stared at him defying him to contradict her.

"I do, but we have to ask Paul about this," Ross replied.

"No," I said. "You have to ask Shannon."

They both nodded.

"And it might not be that easy," I looked at them. "You know that she is going to need night and day care for weeks, possibly months. I have the people to do this, you don't. I can keep someone with her, or close by all the time, can you?" Helen shook her head, tears starting to drop down her cheeks.

"So, if she says yes then I think that you'll have to move in here. Then you can be her parents while my girls provide the child care." Helen nodded almost frantically.

"But you'll have to ask her tomorrow."

"We'll do that," said Ross, holding Helen's hand.

"Ross, Helen, don't be surprised if she says no," I warned them.

"Do you think she might?" Helen asked.

I looked at her. "Helen, she's already getting attached to me. She follows Julia round like a puppy. Julia was the one who freed her and brought her here. But she asked me to bath her, she wouldn't even let Julia wash her, I had to. Like I said, I don't know if she'll say yes."

Ross nodded but Helen looked a little worried. "We'll just have to ask her," she said.

I looked at them; they would be good parents, better than I surely. But this was about what Shannon wanted.

"I won't try to influence her," I said.

"Oh Paul!" exclaimed Helen. "We never dreamt that you'd do such a thing. You're our only real friend Paul. We've both come to respect your integrity in the time we've known you. No Paul, we trust that you'll leave the decision entirely in Shannon's little hands." She leaned forward and kissed me, her arms rose round my neck and she melted her body against mine.

"Soon I'm going to take you to bed," she said, and then nipped my earlobe.

"You do know that I spank naughty girls don't you?"

"Oh yeeeaaahhh," she said grinding her pelvis against my growing erection.

"Oh wheesh Hen," said Ross, his Scots accent growing stronger with every sip of the whisky. "Put the man down a'for he bends ye o'er his knee and reddens yer arse."

Helen looked up at me, "Would you spank my bare bottom Paul dearest?"

I lifted her skirt up and pushed her panties down, then gave her two sharp smacks on each cheek. She continued looking into my eyes all the time.

"Oh god. I am sooo wet now."

"Well, take your man to bed and wear him out. I have some warriors to reward tonight. They deserve my best efforts."

She looked disappointed. "Soon," she said, "take me to bed soon."

I kissed her, "I will my precious, I promise."

She smiled and stepped toward Ross. "Come here Ross, I want to do diirrttyy things with your body."

Ross stood up and took Helens hand. He looked at me, "You owe me for this, she's insatiable when she's like this." We all laughed at Ross's predicament, and they left for their bedroom.

I started to move toward my bedroom; Umber, Varinka and Alina sprang up from various parts of the room where they'd been waiting to serve me, and ran ahead to open the doors and start my shower running.

I was tired, it had been a long day for all of us. Sandy was in my bed, I think she had tried waiting for me but had fallen asleep. Showered and dried I slipped in beside her and spooned up to her back. She mumbled in her sleep and settled back against me.

We slept soundly until early morning.

-------

We woke together, Sandy turned and kissed me,. "I want to suck you," she said stroking my cock gently.

"Can I lick you too?"

"No, this is from me to you. This is a reward for you, it's from all of us; I just get to give it to you first."

She pulled me from the bed and dragged, well led me, to the shower. Quickly getting the water to the right temperature, she pulled me under the jets and knelt down. Placing her hands on my hips she looked up at me, caught my cock in her mouth and pushed down hard. I sank deep into her mouth and then her throat. She clasped her arms around my hips locking her head tightly to me as she nuzzled her nose into my pubic hair. I threw my head back and gave myself to the sensations she was generating.

Varinka and Umber joined us. The stood either side of me and started kissing me while running their hands over my body. I hugged them both to me as Sandy continued to suck and lick on my cock. I couldn't take much more excitement and I exploded into Sandy's throat, pumping shot after shot into her. She took every single sperm I had to give. And then she sucked me clean.

It was then that I noticed Shannon watching us intently. "Good morning precious," I said.

"Good morning Daddy Paul. I came to see if you'd bath me, but I suppose a shower will do. I am hungry after all."

As she was standing there naked, as she had been when I put her to bed last night, I just beckoned her into the shower. It was easily large enough for all of us.

"You really do have a lot of girls to do sex with don't you, Daddy Paul," said Shannon.

"Yes, my precious, I do."

The girls just laughed, and Shannon joined in their laughter.

-------

I sat in my office, I couldn't do any work as I was thinking, OK worrying, about what was happening with Shannon. The phone rang and I very nearly shit myself. I picked up the receiver, "Paul."

"Is need you, you suite Boss."

"OK Karolina, I'm on my way." I said and hung up.

When I entered Shannon was sitting on Julia's lap. It looked as though she'd been crying.

"Master, Shannon has something she'd like to say," said Julia.

I knelt down and Shannon wrapped her arms round my shoulders.

"Daddy Paul, I want you to be my Daddy, but I think I need a proper Mummy and Daddy, if you can find me them. Could you be like my special Daddy, like a Granddad, but without having to be old?"

I lifted her up and sat on the sofa with her on my lap.

"I saw at breakfast how you have to look after all of the girls here. I watched your breakfast get cold because you were looking after your girls. The breakfast woman changed your plate three times and I don't think you noticed you were so busy. I do want to be yours but I think that there are too many people in your family. I do want you to be my Granddad though, if you'll have me." She looked into my eyes and I felt tears flow freely from mine.

I kissed her forehead, "I know a lovely husband and wife who would love to have a daughter just like you. They would live here for a few weeks because we need to look after you for a while. But you would be their daughter, if you like them that is."

Shannon looked at me and wiped the tears from my eyes. "Don't cry Granddad, I'll always love you. But you've got too many people to look after already."

I picked her up and carried her to Helen, I stood her up in front of Helen. "Shannon, precious, this is Helen. She has been looking for a daughter for a long time. I thing you might be the girl Helen's been looking for."

Shannon looked at Helen, and then back at me. "I like Helen, she's nice. Her husband is nice too, but I can't remember his name."

"My name is Ross, Shannon," Ross said quietly.

"I'll try and remember, but I do forget things." Shannon said quietly.

Helen held out her hand and Shannon took it and went to her side. She turned to look at me just as Umber nudged me.

"I have a present for you. I managed to get a nice blue Nintendo DSi for you. I know you liked the blue one."

"GRANDDAD!" She stood, hands on hips, looking every inch a pure female. "Girls like PINK!"



-------

Chapter 46


Shannon seemed pleased with her new DSi. It was, of course, pink.

But now I had things to do. I kissed Shannon and Helen goodbye and shook Ross's hand. They were staying with us for a while, how long would depend on Shannon.

The newspapers were full of the story of the gang war in London's East End. A pub had been fire bombed and a family with well know links to the East End crime families had been slaughtered. The police were expecting early arrests.

"Is lot bullshit," said Karolina indignantly. "Police not clue got. All people witness Squires house tell different thing. Even man with wife, stand next side to side. Tell police different thing, like they not want us be caught." She threw the paper onto the coffee table. "Heap a'bullshit, use for arse wipe best thing."

Umber handed me the phone, "Commodore Weston, Master."

"Aggie, what can I do for you?"

"Tell me you were safely tucked up in bed all day yesterday."

"Of course I was. And I have four witnesses who'll swear to it."

"FOUR! God, I'm in the wrong business."

I laughed, "Don't let Angela hear you say that."

"Are you trying to get my husband to keep secrets from me Paul?" asked Angela.

"Who, meeee?" I laughed.

Julia held up a sheet of paper, with 'HAVE VIDEO YOU HERE ALL DAY' written on it.

"Why are you asking Aggie?"

"Haven't you seen the papers this morning?" Aggie asked.

"What the gangland drugs war or the pub firebombing?"

Aggie sighed, "Both, they've got your MO all over them."

"But Aggie," I said innocently, "I was here all day playing with my girls, I've even got the surveillance records to prove it."

"Good boy, I'm glad to hear that you weren't involved." Though his tone of voice said 'well done my son'.

"Listen, I'm going to France at the end of the week, we'll be away for a little over a month. Why don't you come over one evening before then, we'll have dinner and taste that Talisker again."

There was the briefest of pauses as Aggie and Angela silently conferred, "Sorry Paul, we're booked solidly for the next month at least. We'll put you in our diary for a fortnight after you get back. That's the best we can do I'm afraid."

"I'll look forward to it, Aggie. Now you two keep the country safe for us loafing millionaires to laze about in."

"Just a millionaire, Paul?" said Angela, "You want to have a word with your accountant. The Financial Times has been running a series of stories on a secretive billionaire who runs his empire from a north east London hotel."

"Well ten million here, a hundred million there, who can keep track of these things." I laughed.

"Well, you get back to keeping the taxman from your door and we poor workers will get on with keeping the country safe," said Aggie laughing. "Goodbye Paul."

"Goodbye Paul, and do make sure you keep a watertight alibi, you know that they're after you."

"I have a lot of people looking after me now Angela, I need to keep safe for them too. Goodbye."

I disconnected the phone and gave it back to Umber.

"Karolina!" I called.

"Here Boss." I turned, she was behind me waiting with Jo, Susan and Lynne.

I pulled out the mobile I had been using yesterday and gave it to her. "There is a picture on this of Old Ma Squires wearing a collar. I want it sent to Malcolm Squires in Cumbria, with a message, the message is 'they went too far.' The email or whatever must be totally anonymous though. Can you do that?"

The look she gave me should have caused a physical injury. "It piece piss Boss," she said and took the phone from me. I heard her muttering as she walked away "Can me do anonymous. Huh!"

Ela came over to me. "Boss, Karolina knows more about computer science, networking, cryptography and general programming and computer usage than all of my uni Professors put together. She is something special Boss. When this is all over, make her go to uni and take a course or two, they'll be begging her to teach in a month, and I'll take bets on that too. She thought for a moment, "And I'll bet a year's enslavement against a year's paid holiday that they ask her to teach." She stuck her hand out.

Ela was serious. We had managed to get her onto a PhD course at Kings College London, researching 'Virtual Organisations With Regard To National and International Law'. If she thought that Karolina knew more than the computer science faculty at Kings, and Ela wasn't really one to exaggerate someone's abilities, then Karolina was indeed something special. I would encourage her to go to university and take a course or two, just to see what happened.

We shook. "OK," I said, "a full year of enslavement against a full year of paid holiday, and I'll throw in your holiday expenses and spending money too. But they have to ask her to teach within one calendar month of the date of her first lesson or tutorial. Agreed?"

"Agreed," Ela said with a grin.

"Security!" I called,

The phone rang and Umber handed it to me. "Got it on video, Boss," said Elastic. "We're making a transcript now. Hope you lose though."

"Thanks Elastic, I love you too."

"Love you Boss, bye."

Elastic hung up.

I sat thinking about money. I had started off with a lottery win and a desire to keep hold of my money in a world where banks were failing almost daily. My move into construction and renovation had been aimed at preserving my money, not making more. But I had made more, lots more.

Somebody sat beside me and, without thinking I put my arm around their shoulders. My hand dropped onto a warm cloth covered breast and she put her hand on mine to hold me there.

Money didn't now mean the same as it did when I lived from payday to payday. I suspect that I personally spent less on myself now than I did before. I had so much, but my possessions were different now. I don't think I had an MP3 player, I think I had a mobile phone but it was a simple, cheap affair.

The woman beside me turned to lean against my side, she slumped down a little and thus gave me much easier to her chest. I started to fondle the breast under my hand; she kept her hand on mine but did nothing to stop me fondling her.

I, too, got myself more comfortable.

I would be having my regular meeting with Sasha tomorrow. She had been too busy to drop in recently and I missed her. The last time she gave me an update on my wealth, there were too many things going on to give a 'you are worth XYZ pounds' figure. My current liquidity was quite high, the council house schemes has seen to that, we were running over two hundred schemes now, and that's not counting those that Mandy has started since she took over the planning functions. Each of these schemes had given me an interest free loan of one hundred million pounds, I had put in ten million pounds in cash. The loan amount had been placed straight into a high interest account and was earning interest faster than I could count. The renovations were actually being paid for by the rents being paid by the council tenants.

My fingers found an opening in her blouse, I was sure that it had been buttoned when I first slid my hand across her breasts. I just slipped my hand inside and under her bra. My cold hand placed on her warm breast fired her nipple into life and I started to tease this stiff little column of flesh. Her areole hardened and crinkled too. I toyed with her breast and she seemed to enjoy my attentions.

So, I suppose I was worth a couple of billion at least. Then there was my equity in Kelly's hotel chain, she had eight London hotels now. Kelly really had turned those hotels round. She only bought failing businesses and she'd made every one profitable within three months. She'd made them profitable by ruthlessly getting rid of the dead wood and kicking the rest up their arse until they learned that the free ride was over. All of the former senior management were sacked without exception.

The pressure on the back of my hand from her bra was suddenly released, she had undone her bra. I looked down and saw her breasts open to me. I pinched the nipple I was currently fondling and then gently trailed my fingers across to her other breast.

My divorce was due to be heard next week. I know what Aggie had said about Janice's financial settlement; I was still concerned about what the court would give her. My anger at the way Janice filed for divorce and then left, flowed through me.

The woman gasped out loud, her head turned to the side and she raised her chest pressing her breast into my hand. I looked down and saw that I was cruelly pinching her nipple, she wasn't pulling away, or even telling me to be gently. No, she was just riding the pain and pressing her tit harder into my hand.

"I'm sorry I hurt you." I said quietly.

"No, do it again, harder. I nearly came then," Helen replied.

I gripped her nipple and squeezed, she gasped again and then her hips thrust back and forth and she orgasmed. She turned her head to me and leaned up for a kiss. We kissed long and deeply, I noticed that Shannon and Ross stood hand in hand watching us.

"Mummy Helen," said Shannon, "Daddy Ross and I were waiting for you. But," she gave a sigh, "I suppose you were busy letting Granddad do the sex thing."

Ross never said a word; he was having too much trouble trying not to laugh.

"I'm sorry Shannon. Yes I was letting Paul do the sex thing and I liked it very much."

"Oh, OK. Bye-bye Granddad," she said as the three of them left the room.

I returned to my ruminations, Janice would be set for life. I wasn't bothered by that, I was upset that, though I had loved and supported her for years, she dropped me as soon as she thought that she could get a meal ticket for life without me. That hurt, I hadn't really faced this yet, I needed to come to terms with my feelings about the way she ended our marriage.

I sat, head down, feeling sorry for myself; tears filled my eyes but didn't fall, they just blinded me. Why would she live with me for so long if she had so little regard for me?

I felt a head lay on my thigh, arms wrapping round my leg.

My ladies had shown me that not all women were like Janice. I was realistic enough to realise that I had been gifted with the cream of the crop when I picked my ladies. Not all slaves were as good as they were either.

A slight body settled against my chest and pulled my arms around her. Another girls lips gently kissed the back of my neck, the owners breath warming and exciting, inflaming my senses.

If Janice was given ten million pounds she would have it for less than five years, and that was an optimistic estimate. It wouldn't surprise me if she was broke in two or three years. Five years was the outside limit. Then she would be back for more; how would I stop her leaching off me forever? Could I stop her leaching off me forever? Maybe Sasha would know the answer to those questions.

A body settled on my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. She pulled me to her breasts and made gentle sounds, calming me, reassuring me, loving me.

My self pity turned to anger now. I had done my best for Janice; for years I had supported her, working twelve and fourteen hour days while she sat at home and did nothing. Yes, she'd raised our kids. Our kids, well one of them was, I didn't know who fathered the other two. She raised them while I was in the RN, away for weeks, months at a time. The fidelity roles had swapped for us, I had been faithful all the time while I was in the navy, and Janice had been the one to stray.

The ladies gathered around me could sense the difference in me. A hand wiped my eyes and I was able to see Karolina sitting on my lap.

"Is gooder be angry. Sorry for self not like you. Now you want talk Helen, or me get Ela give you smack round ear, tell you not be silly bugger no more."

"How about I kiss you instead?"

"That do better." She parted her lips and welcomed my tongue into her mouth. The arms around my legs loosened and I felt fingers at my jeans, undoing my belt and flies. The one who kissed my neck now started to bite and lick at me. I concentrated on Karolina, slipping my hand up her blouse to cup a braless breast.

Hands slipped between us, unbuttoned Karolina's blouse, then slipped it off her shoulders. The same hands unbuttoned my shirt and the girl behind me pulled it off me.

We were laid side by side on the sofa, me on my side facing Karolina who had been placed on her back. Lynne parted Karolina's legs and kissed her way to Karolina's vulva. She pressed her mouth against Karolina's sex, burying her nose in the wet slit. Karolina arched her body, pressing down on Lynne's mouth trying to get firmer contact between the teasing tongue and her clit. Julia knelt beside us and started sucking on Karolina's free nipple, she licked and nipped at the hard bud while she pressed and pulled at the breasts with both hands.

Jo came to the end of the sofa and she, too, knelt. She pulled Karolina's arms above her head, stretching her slim body, almost flattening Karolina's small breasts into nothingness. Holding Karolina's arms tightly, Jo leant forward and started to kiss her, pushing her tongue into the unresisting mouth below her.

I lay alongside Karolina watching her being worked upon by her three lovers, I was harder than I had ever been. I watched as they brought her almost to her peak and then ease off, bringing her close to her peak again and again. She struggled to get her arms free, to use her own fingers to achieve the release that they were denying her, but Jo's grip was too tight and Karolina wasn't really trying to break free, she didn't have enough energy for that. Her sweat dripped off her as, first, Lynne would ease off her sucking and drag her fingernails down Karolina's wet body, each touch firing newer, richer sensations throughout her exhausted body. Then Jo would pull back and she too would drag her fingernails along Karolina's sides, brushing her breasts but never giving her enough to provide that needed little touch for climax. Julia took her turn releasing the nipple she was sucking and scoring red lines across both breasts as she to tormented her lover.

Finally someone nipped or licked or sucked just a little too firmly and Karolina exploded into her orgasm. Her body arched and stiffened as she twitched and jerked through her orgasm. Lynne received a face full of ejaculate but wiped her eyes and continued sucking the tormented and engorged clit in her mouth.

Julia pulled back from Karolina's nipples, afraid that she might hurt her friend, but she attacked both hard buds with her fingers and thumbs pulling and twisting mercilessly on the trapped flesh.

Jo held and steadied Karolina's head and waited for her to come down from her peak. Karolina's orgasm ended almost as fast as it started. Karolina dropped back down onto the sofa and lay twitching and panting. Jo tilted her head back and kissed her deeply again. Julia, too, started to bite and suck on her nipples again. All to soon Karolina was thrusting her hips down at Lynne, her chest heaving with the effort she was expending trying to hit her peak again. It happened soon this time. I lay my hand on her belly as the muscles rolled and spasmed, I felt the deep waves run through her body.

"Oh My God!" I looked up, Sasha was standing at the door, "I knew there was a reason I liked coming here."

"Hi Sasha," I said. Sasha came over and leant over the back of the sofa, running her hands over my chest and down between my legs. She grasped my erection, "Are you using this or can I borrow it for a while."

I reached up and grabbed her head pulling her down for a kiss As we kissed Karolina cried out as her second orgasm hit. Her three lovers kept on stimulating their victim. Karolina could no longer be considered a fortunate woman being attended by three lovers, she was wrung out, exhausted and still they carried on. Her body had given everything it had in the first climax, the second had drained her and now they were trying for a third one from her.

Jo and Lynne lifted their exhausted friend off the sofa and lay her on the floor. Karolina continued twitching and spasming long after her third orgasm proper ended.

I looked at Julia, "How about holding Sasha for me?" I whispered to her. Julia smiled at me and quickly ran off to get help. I continued to kiss Sasha as she leant over the sofa's back. Suddenly Sasha's arms were pulled out straight and I felt her body drop as her legs were pulled apart.

Sasha looked down at me, lust writ large in her eyes. "What are you going to do to me Paul?" she asked, voice dripping with desire.

"I'm going to take my pleasure from you while my girls hold you for me. I can get someone to bring ropes if you like."

She shook her head, "No, just do me now!" she gasped.

I got up and stood in front of her, my erection hitting her head, I lifted her head and pushed my cock into her open mouth. She sucked on the head and opened her throat when I pushed back against her.

"I think Sasha's got too many clothes on," I said. Karen popped up from the other end of the room and raced to get a large pair of scissors.

I pumped in and out of Sasha's captive mouth as Karen cut Sasha's clothes away, very quickly Sasha was nude. I reached under her and felt her breasts swinging freely as I pushed and pulled in and out. I pulled back and Sasha chased me with her tongue, keeping contact even when only the tip of her tongue could touch me.

I pulled back and walked round to her rear, Varinka and Alina were keeping hold of her ankles and pulling her legs wide apart. I ran the tip of my finger along the length of her slit, getting it coated with her copious oils. Back down I went and my finger slid straight into her vagina. I pushed two and then three fingers into her and she squirmed in her bondage then I pushed my cock deep into her. Three strokes later she came, her orgasm splashing oils and ejaculate on my belly.

"Karen, get under Sasha and keep her tits happy."

"Oh yes master, she'll love that."

I slowed the rate of my thrust as Karen got into position, Then Sasha's head came up and she cried out again. Karen, was doing a good job on her tits.

I increased the tempo of my fucking and reached under to find another set of fingers nipping and pulling mercilessly on Sasha's clit. I looked down and Alina smiled up at me, "You fuck her good, my Master. Let her know she's been fucked by the best."

I pounded into Sasha and she cried out again, and then almost immediately again. She was in an almost constant state of orgasm now and the muscle spasms in her cunt were sucking and pulling on my cock.

Sasha gave a loud cry and her cunt locked down on my cock. I came too, pumping spurt after spurt of my cum into her hot depths. I almost collapsed onto her back and lay for a few moments as I caught my breath.

I walked round to the front and lifted Sasha's head to look her in the eyes. She seemed as exhausted as Karolina.

"Just one more thing to do," I said, raising my softening, slimy cock to her lips. "Clean me."

"Yes master," she gasped and opened her mouth again.

Sasha sucked me clean then licked all around my cock and balls as well as she could, still held captive as she was.

I pulled free and she murmured, "Thank you, master." I lifted her head again and kissed her, pushing my tongue deep into her mouth.

"Girls, take these two to my bed and see that they sleep for a while. We'll have dinner late tonight."

"Yes Master," they all echoed. Varinka and Alina helped Sasha up and escorted her while Julia and Umber took good care of Karolina.

"Finished Granddad?" asked Shannon from a chair at the other side of the room. She had been playing on her DSi.

"Yes, I'm finished for a while, Little One."

Tiredly I walked over to the chair beside her and sat down.

Shannon jumped up and was about to sit on my lay when she saw the wetness still coating me. She slipped her nightie off and dropped her panties, "These were new today and I don't want to get them messy. I can wash my bum if that gets a bit sticky."

I cuddled her, "Yes you can can't you All ready for bed?" I asked.

"Yes Granddad, I've been very busy today and Mummy Helen said that I was to have an early night. So I have to go to bed like your ladies have to," and she laughed.

"Kiss me goodnight Granddad and I'll see you in the morning."

I kissed her. "And you can kiss me too, Paul," said Helen. I kissed her too, with tongue for Helen.

"Mummy Helen, I've got a sticky bum from sitting on Granddad's lap. He's just finished doing sex with two of his ladies."

"I know," sighed Helen, "I saw them going to his bedroom, and then I saw you jump up onto his lap. I suppose I'd better give your bum a quick wash."

"Yes please Mummy Helen. Night-night Granddad."

"Goodnight Shannon, precious. See you in the morning."

"Love you Granddad."

"Love you too, Little One." Helen turned and gave me a strange look as they left the room.

I sat back and reflected on my good fortune, and then I reflected on the people who were trying to destroy my newfound good life. Well I'd struck back once, how about a second time.

-------

I knocked on the door and waited. A young woman answered and I shot her.

I entered the apartment and pulled Malcolm Squires' mistress, sorry his late mistress, further into the hallway. I wasn't worried about anyone seeing me or the CCTV security system. Karolina was looking after that.

I pulled her into her bedroom and stripped her. I took her clothes and laid them out in a trail from the front door to the bathroom. I undressed, slipped on a brunette shoulder length wig and started the shower. I knew Malcolm was on his way because Jo had been following him for nearly a mile. She'd called me after turning off his route when she was sure he was on his way here.

I got into the shower and waited.

"Darling!" Malcolm called as he entered the apartment.

"Oh, you're waiting for me are you?"

The bathroom door opened, condensation swirled about the room obscuring his view of me.

"You sexy girl, you know how much I like showering with you." He pulled the shower curtain open and I shot him.

I shot him in his hip, not a fatal wound, provided he received help fairly quickly, but I didn't intend him to receive any form of help, other than another bullet, or two of course.

He was scrabbling for the mobile phone in his pocket. I let him get it out and took it from him. I carried it through to the bedroom and placed it on the bedside table, on his side. The police service's phone tracking software would be happy with it just there.

I returned to the bathroom and started drying off.

Malcolm had tried to escape but had only managed about twelve inches. He lay on the floor watching me.

"Are you a brave man, Malcolm.?"

"What are you going to do to me?"

"Well, I want some answers, and I happen to know that the people in the downstairs apartment are away at the moment. And that this apartment is very well soundproofed. That's because you and your lady friend like to entertain young boys, and you are rather generously endowed and I understand that your lady friend likes to hear the boys scream when you take them in the arse."

Malcolm paled visibly when I told him that.

"Her PC isn't very secure, even with that firewall and anti-virus software. It only took us ten minutes to get in and find your videos. That one with the boy and the girl, did you have to make her bite his cock off? And then to push a beer bottle inside her and smash it, well, that was too much. Tell me, was it your idea or hers?"

"Her's, she made me do all of these things."

I shot him in his foot. "I know more than you realise, and for every lie or evasion I'll find somewhere to shoot you. Now you can die easy or you can die hard, the choice is yours."

"Fuck yo..."

I pressed down on his injured foot. His scream pierced my ears.

"Malcolm, you must know that I have absolutely no intention of leaving here with you still breathing. If anyone comes through the door I'll just kill them. I am going to kill you. Now how do you want to die, hard or easy; quick and clean or long and dirty. I have all night, you did tell your wife that you would be back about midday tomorrow, didn't you?" He blanched at that, we'd bugged his house too.

I trod on his foot again, and then again, this time I twisted my foot, grinding the edges of the broken bones together. Malcolm screamed again and again.

-------

"So, Malcolm, tell me again why Gerald is trying to kill me."

Gerald was Chief Constable Sir Gerald Huntley, Chief Constable of Cumbria and, as I had proof, a more corrupt individual would be very difficult to find.

"Personal," Malcolm said panting, he was quite near the end now. He had broken quite quickly but I had kept on and on at him to repeat his answers again and again, different questions, different ways, but the answers were always the same. It was personal; Gerald had something personal against me. "He took a phone call and then he started to dig up anything he could on you. And when you came up to Cumbria that was like a gift for him, he could do it on his home tu..."

Then the bastard died on me. Bastard, I hadn't finished with him.

I had things to do then. I went back to the woman and removed her breasts, these went down the kitchen waste disposal. I mutilated her vagina and lay her spread eagled on her bed. I returned to Malcolm and removed his genitals, they too disappeared down the waste disposal. I then broke open their little 'secret' cupboard and scattered CD's, DVD's and photos all over the apartment. I then used blood from both of them to write a message on the bedroom wall, 'A fathers revenge for his boy'.

I removed three small perfume atomisers from my jacket pocket. The perfume had been removed and isopropyl alcohol and DNA added. I could spray these around the apartment and give the scenes of crime officers a DNA rich environment to work in. The only thing was that none of the DNA was mine. Ah well, never mind. I laid my false trails around the bedroom and bathroom, paying particular attention to the waste disposal and the handle of the knife I'd used for the mutilations.

I used the shower to wash down the bathroom, it would seem as though the perpetrators had tried to cover their tracks but not very well. Then I returned to the bedroom to dress. My clothes were copies of Malcolm's, including the same material as his uniform suit. Any fibres found in the bedroom would point straight to Malcolm himself.

I trotted down the stairs and got into my VW Polo and drove steadily to the motorway.

Two miles along the road I drove the Polo onto a pantechnicon removals lorry, Jo's Ford Escort was already in there and strapped down. The Polo fitted in nicely behind it. This was fully covered and could take the cars home without them being seen. I got into the coach that accompanied the lorry and sat with Umber and Alina. Alina took my shoes off and massaged my feet.

Today had been a good day. I had found out an important fact; for Gerald Huntley, this vendetta was personal. I didn't know why yet, but I was one step closer.

Hopefully I had also sown a little fear, uncertainty and doubt into Gerald's mind too.

Yes, today had been a good day. There was just one more thing to do, a confession.

"Er, Umber."

"Yes Master."

"Your name..."

"I like my name Master, it's very unusual."

Ummm, this wasn't going to be as easy as killing a rotten copper. "Well, when I gave you your name..."

"Yes Master."

"And your old name was Ella,"

"But you already had Ela with you Master, it was right that you should change my name."

Bugger, this was getting worse.

"Well, you see, I thought about Cinderella..."

"Yes Master, and I feel like her too. I was rescued from being drowned with the rest of the puppies, and you made me your body slave, Oh Master how can I ever thank you."

"I'm glad that you accepted me as your Master, but Umber, I wasn't being very nice to you, with your name I mean."

"But I like my name, 'Umber', it's very unusual."

"Yes, and it was a joke. Not a very good joke either."

"But Master Umber isn't funny."

"No Umber, but your name is supposed to be like Cinderella, Umber-Ella, umbrella."

"Oh, I knew that Master. Your girls thought it was funny and so did I. But I like my name, it's something you have given me, it is mine and mine alone. Most the other girls are a little jealous, you haven't given them names. Only Susan, Lynne and I have your names, we are very proud of that Master."

"Would you like to change your name, change it to something more normal I mean?"

"Oh no, Master," she dropped her head, "not unless you don't think I deserve to be given a special name."

"I think that you deserve to be given lots of special things, and if you like your name then it is yours for as long as you wish."

I opened my arms and she jumped into my lap, "I love you Umber, I love my special Umber-Ella."

She titled her head up to me, "I love you too, Master. All your girls love you, Master We love you because we know that you love us and try your best to look after us all. Thank you Master."

She snuggled up on my lap, then brought my hand up under her loose blouse and placed it on her breast, "There, Master, play with your man toys," she smiled up at me.

We kissed and I felt good again.



-------

Chapter 47

Sasha and I entered the Joasia room together. She had stayed for a couple of days and we had managed to spend some quality time together. There were a number of people round the table and it looked as if the meeting had already started.

"Ms Dempsey," called a young man, from his manner of dress I took him to be a lawyer or accountant. "We've been discussing some investment opportunities while we waited for you." He got up from his seat and led Sasha to the head of the table. As he seated her he turned to me, he obviously saw my jeans and tee shirt as a measure of who I was. And in his eyes, I wasn't very important at all, probably a guide from the Crynos helping Ms Dempsey. "You, get Ms Dempsey a cup of coffee and hurry up with it, we're about to start a very important meeting as soon as Lord Symington arrives. So chop-chop." He made hurrying gestures with his hands and I turned subserviently away to the small refreshment table.

As the rest of the table's occupants were concentrating on sucking up to Sasha I was able to calm her a little behind their backs. I took her a coffee and got my mug of tea. Young lawyer man viewed my mug with obvious distaste.

"Where shall I sit, Ms Dempsey?" I asked Sasha.

"Why on earth would you be in this meeting!" the young lawyer type cried. "Just get lost will you, we've got important things to discuss.

"Now, Ms Dempsey, I have found this wonderful opportunity for his Lordship to invest in. An investment of say one hundred million will bring back returns of up to eight hundred percent."

"Mr. Blenkindale," said Sasha sweetly, "you did read the briefing document that I sent your company when I hired it to look after Lord Symington's accounts, didn't you?"

He smiled an ingratiating smile that made my skin creep.

"Of course we did..."

"So what is his Lordships prime motivation for his businesses?" she asked, sitting back in her chair.

"Well, to grow his businesses and provide the best return for his shareholders, obviously."

"Well, Mr. Blenkindale, someone in your company may have read my briefing document, but that person was obviously not you. Now do you want me to fire you or are you going to wait for his Lordship?"

"I'm not sure that you can fire me Ms Dempsey, we have a contract with His Lordship. I think I'll wait until he arrives and see what he says about this."

"I think that's my cue to enter." I said from the refreshment table where I had been listening to the discussion.

"Mr. Blenkindale you are fired, your company is fired. Sasha please write to the CEO of whatever outfit is unfortunate enough to employ this clown and tell them why they've lost this contract."

Blenkindale looked at me in fright for a moment but his smile returned, oilier and smarmier than ever.

"Your Lordship, I'm sure that we can sort out this little misunderstanding."

"Please leave now," I said, then took a sip of tea.

The door quietly opened and Elastic and Gerry entered.

"But Your Lordship, surely you can take a joke," he said with a little laugh.

"Ha-ha. Now get out before I have you thrown out."

He stood up to his full height, about two inches above my six foot, "I think you might find that a bit difficult, cunt!" he sneered at me.

Gerry stood in front of him, "Would you come with me please, sir."

"Oh fuck off bitch." He made as if to push her to one side, however no one actually found out his intentions as Gerry put him on the floor and held him there with a very painful arm lock.

The door opened again and three more of Elastic's girls entered, Melissa came to my side. Sasha saw her and smiled.

Elastic's girls picked up Mr. Blenkindale and carried him out of the room.

A young man got up and came to me, "Sir, I apologise for the unforgiveable behaviour of my superior. If you will give me a moment I shall gather our papers and leave."

Now this one I liked. He had the balls to stand up to me and the civility to apologise for a colleague's crass behaviour. I think I might be able to work with him.

"No, you sit down, you've just been promoted to head of my accountancy team." I smiled at him and went to my seat, Sasha moved to the chair next to mine. These little things may seem trivial but are very, very important in the corporate power game. I had just shown I really was the head man and no-one round the table had any doubts about that at all.

I watched as Melissa pulled a chair over and sat just behind me to my left, "Comfy, precious?" I asked. She just nodded.

"Sasha, please inform the accountancy firm that this young man will be the head of the team that deals with my accounts and I expect him to receive the appropriate position and remuneration that such a post requires." Sasha nodded and made a note on her right hand pad. "And make it a contractual point that Mr. Blenkindale does not have anything to do with my account, he is not even to see any of the paper work."

"Got you, Boss," Sasha replied.

"And what is your name, sir?" I asked the young accountant.

"Nigel Williams, my Lord," he replied.

"May I call you Nigel?"

"Of course you may, my Lord."

"OK Sasha, what's first on the agenda?"

She scanned through some papers, though I was sure that she knew the agenda by heart. "A statement of your financial position as of the end of Q2 this year."

"End of June, it's taken some time to prepare this hasn't it?"

Nigel looked worried. "My Lord, your financial affairs aren't something that we can just knock up on the back of an envelope." He smiled, "They're a little bit more complex than mine," he sighed, "which wouldn't even fill the back of a small envelope."

"Very well Nigel, you may proceed."

The door opened before Nigel could start, Elastic entered holding a small detector. "Please could you gentlemen wait a moment before you start discussing anything substantive? There's a bug in this room."

She quickly traced it to the table where Mr. Obnoxious had sat. There was a radio bug attached to the underside of the table. Elastic removed it carefully, preserving any fingerprints or DNA traces that might be on the case. She slipped it into a metal box, then she did one more walk around the room.

"All clear, Boss," said Elastic as she left the room.

"OK Nigel, now you can start," I said.

-------

It had taken two hours for Nigel to run through my financial statement. He obviously knew the material well, I suspected that he had actually organised most of the work himself.

"So how much am I worth then, Nigel?"

"Well at midnight on the 30th of June last, you were worth a total of eight billion, four hundred and twenty three million, three hundred and eighty two thousand two hundred pounds," he looked at me, "and a few pence."

"And today?"

Nigel looked panicked. "Can I start swearing at you and get thrown out?" he asked, I wasn't actually sure if he was joking. He sat up and looked at me, "I don't know, my Lord."

"OK, is there a way to find out the day to day amounts?"

"Only by having far more stringent financial accounting systems than you currently use, my Lord."

"I don't want to do that." I sat and thought for a few moment's. "Anything else Nigel?"

"Not from me, my lord."

"Thank you Nigel. Is it time for a break yet?"

"If you say so, Boss," said Sasha.

"Break time then. Anything to eat round here?" I called and the lights dimmed for a moment.

The others in the room looked up at the lights, their worry plainly evident. I let them worry.

The door opened and Debbie and Sally pushed in trolleys loaded with sandwiches and hot finger food.

-------

The whole day followed the same pattern, meetings with lawyers and accountants, then a break for food when we talked business, my business.

One thing I was glad we accomplished was that we arranged for my girls to take over ownership of a holding company. This company would have one asset, the ownership of another company. This was to limit the apparent financial wealth of the company.

This chain split and rejoined until, eventually, it came to the point where, in the event of my death, a very large group of companies took ownership of everything I owned. Some of the best lawyers in the country had arranged this and they would all be called to testify if my will was challenged. I also quite unequivocally stated, swore and had witnessed my wishes and desires for the disposal of my 'worldly possessions' in the event of my death.

I spent over an hour signing documents and contracts. These were witnessed and co-signed.

And it was over.

Sasha and I retired to bed, neither of us had the energy to do anything more than cuddle. Though cuddling Sasha, naked or clothed, is a wonderful thing. We slept.

-------

I felt soft lips brush my cheek with a feather-light touch, warm, sweet breath caressed my skin. Gentle tender kisses travelled a path down my chin and neck. Gentle hands eased me onto my back and gently caressed my chest. Her tongue flicked over my nipple, its heat almost burning me with its intensity. Her lips touched my skin, surrounding my nipple and then she sucked, hard. Hot lances of ecstasy shot through me, most concentrated in my groin. I was fully hard and erect in a second, my erection hitting her abdomen with a thud. I felt her chuckling through her lips. He tongue touched me again, a slow wipe this time. Her wetness spread all over my hard engorged supersensitive bud. I arched my back, trying to push my chest into her mouth, but she just rose with me, maintaining the same feather-light touch she had started with.

Her hand wrapped around my shaft, "Mmmm..." I felt the reverberations of her murmur run though me front to back, my balls tightened. I felt ready to come there and then. She slowly rubbed my shaft, her touch gentle but insistent. With an audible pop her mouth released my nipple and the sudden in rush of cold air shocked me. Is this what a woman feels when her nipples are sucked? I tried to lift a hand to touch her, caress her, but another hand was on my wrist, not actually holding me down, just there, just giving a little weight, suggesting that I don't move.

Her tongue lay a wet trail across my chest, her hot breath burned my nipple as I waited in breathless anticipation for her mouth to descend again. The very tip of her tongue teased and toyed with me. Sliding round my areole but never touching. The very gentlest touch on the very tip of my extended nipple, hardly felt, but the sensation burning into my soul; all the time her warm, soft hand continued its tender, loving movements on my hard, hard shaft.

I opened my eyes for the first time that morning. Sasha was leaning over me, the long sensual curve of her naked back facing me. Her taut rounded buttocks mere inches away from my hand. Alina knelt beside the bed, gently holding my wrist, not preventing me from moving, more like asking me not to move. Alina saw me looking at her and she smiled at me.

The closeness of Sasha's body, the heat that I could feel burning into my arm and side, and my inability, no, my unwillingness to break Alina's grip and touch Sasha's inviting skin, drove me to the edge. Sasha provided the final push, sharp teeth pressed down on my nipple and she sucked. I cried out, arching my back trying to thrust into her hand, my ejaculation reached my pillow, I watched it land on her shoulder and back and in her hair. I was almost out of breath from the force and intensity of my orgasm.

My wrists were released and Alina and Umber went into the bathroom to prepare for my shower.

Sasha lifted from me, turning to kneel at my side. She looked thoughtful, "How did you know?" she asked, dropping her head until her face was hidden between the twin curtains of her hair.

"Know what?" I asked.

"That I wanted to be dominated." Her small voice came quietly from her hiding place. "I still want you to dominate me."

"I didn't. You've always been strong, determined. You are Sasha, the driving force behind Dempsey, one of the most powerful legal firms in Europe. You are my best friend, my lover."

Her head turned and she brushed her hair back behind her ears, I watched her look at the lines of semen coating her skin.

"I've often wondered what it would be like to wear your semen and walk naked in public, to go to breakfast and let everyone see your semen lined across my naked body, to announce to the world that you had used me for your pleasure." She turned to face me, "I think I understand how June felt now," she looked down again. "It's like a badge of honour. I was good enough to attract you and for you to spend time with me, for you to take your pleasure from me. How many women have displayed that badge?"

"Just June," I answered.

"Poor June," she replied, "she loved you so much. You should have seen the look of pride and defiance in her eyes when she walked among us at the party. She was your girl and you had marked her with your seed. You owned her from the second you let her keep that mark."

She turned back to me and smiled, "Come, we're getting maudlin. Let me escort you to your shower, Master."

I let her pull me to my feet, "I don't want to be your master, Sasha, I want to be your friend and your lover. Perhaps something more will come, but friend and lover will suite me for now."

"Oh Paul, my precious man, you have gone so far beyond friend and lover to me." She cupped my cheek with a gentle palm. "I do what I do so that I'll please you and you'll be proud of me. I would commit any perversion if I merely suspected that viewing it might please you. If you turned me away I feel that would be the end of my life." A tear dropped from her eye, "Paul, I love you."

I kissed her, "I love you too, my dearest. Let's talk about this in France."

She smiled; a wide happy smile that made her eyes light up with an internal fire. "I would like that Paul."

-------

Sasha leant on the sink unit, looking at herself in the large mirror. I came up behind her, and rested my hands on her hips, my cock nestling between the cheeks of her bum.

"Are you going to fuck my arse?" she asked conversationally. "I haven't ever been fucked there before, still a virgin you might say."

I grew erect as she spoke and she tilted her hips, teasing my erection as it forced its way between her legs. She looked down, "I've got a little cock!" she exclaimed, she turned her head toward me, "Looks a bit like yours only not so big."

I grabbed hold of her arms, just above her elbows and forced her down onto the sink.

"Oh my, I'm going to get fucked," she said breathlessly.

I pushed into her vagina and buried myself in to the root. Her copious oils covered me which is what I wanted. Pulling completely out of her I raised my aiming point a little and pressed the large hard head of my cock on her tight rosebud. Slowly I pressed forward and pulled back on her arms. With a pop I penetrated and took her final virginity. She cried out in pain as I entered her.

"Do you want me to stop?" I asked her.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" she shouted.

I pressed forward, dragging back on her arms and she gave a continuous moan as I sank into her until my pubes were mashed against her buttocks.

"Oh god I feel as though you're going to split me in two, I've never felt so full."

I paused for a moment to allow her to get used to the stretching of her anus. Slowly I pulled out a little and eased back in again. Her head dropped and she opened her legs a little more. She was panting and gasping, making unintelligible noises, her arms were limp in my grasp, she surrendered herself to me as I took her arse. My pace picked up and so did the level and pitch of her cries. Her anus had loosened a little now and, while it was very tight, I found fucking her to be more comfortable than when I started. I came, shooting copious amounts of semen into her hot passage. My semen lubricated us more and my final few thrusts were easy.

Sasha stood, panting in my grasp, staring wide eyed into the large mirror. While still embedded deep inside her, I pulled her to me and wrapped my arms around her, running my hands over her still trembling stomach, feeling the film of sweat covering her, chilling her.

"Come, let's get in the shower and warm up."

"No, I have something to do first, then we can get warm."

I pulled away from her, my shrinking cock easing its way from her arse. Sasha turned round and took me in her arms, I wrapped my arms around her and, as she pressed against me for a kiss, my fingers naturally slid down her arse crack and slipped into her still open anus. She moaned into my mouth, pressing her groin against me. Her eyes half opened and she looked at me.

"Don't ever stop being the way you are. You fire me with love and lust, excitement and security." She laid her head on my shoulder and sighed. "Enjoy my body, I hope you enjoy me as much as I enjoy you."

I gently lifted her head and brought her lips to mine. We kissed again and then I noticed the smell from my finger tips. We both turned and looked at my fingers, the slimy brown streaks showing precisely where my fingers had just been.

Sasha took my dirtied fingers in her hands and before I could stop her she licked them clean. She sucked each finger, treating each one as though it was coated in nectar, then she dropped to her knees and sucked my flaccid cock fully into her mouth, her tongue bathing me until all signs of our coupling had been removed. I lifted her and kissed her, pushing my tongue into her mouth to share the bitter musky taste. She opened to me and our tongues entwined.

-------

Breakfast was quiet, later today we would be leaving for France. I was looking forward to the trip. The Crynos would, mostly, close down. A specialist team from Poole were coming here and would be working under Lieutenant Commander Pippa (Tiny) Dyson, Elastic's second in command. They were going to upgrade the physical security systems to full embassy levels. It was being budgeted as an installation training exercise. I was paying the equipment and hardware costs, Aggie was providing the skilled labour and trainees.

I had a job that I wanted to ask Sasha to do. She didn't know anything about a surprise I had managed to keep secret from my ladies. I hope she'd like it though.

"Sasha dearest, would you do something for me please."

She smiled at me and laid her hand on my arm, "Why on Earth do you think you need to ask? Of course I will."

"Can you meet me in my office in a few minute, I have something I must do first."

"Ah ... Shannon."

"Yes, Shannon."

I went up to the next floor and along to Ross and Helen's suite. With trepidation I knocked on the door.

The door eased open and suddenly there was a gleeful little girl in my arms.

"GRANDDAD!"

"Hi my precious."

"Come in Granddad, Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross are here."

I entered their suite.

"Who is at the door Shannon?" Helen called.

"It's Granddad."

Helen came out of the bedroom, obviously straight from bed. She hadn't bothered with nightie or robe either. I held my arms open and Helen came to me for a kiss, she pressed her naked body against me and made sure I knew she was a woman who wanted me as a man.

"You're leaving today aren't you?" said Shannon.

I knelt down in front of her. "Yes precious, we're leaving this afternoon. You and Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross are going to their home this morning."

Shannon looked sad. "I'm going to miss you Granddad."

"And I shall miss you, precious, but I'll be able to talk to you and see you on your computer."

Shannon laughed out loud, tossing her head back in her laughter. "Granddad, don't be silly, I don't have a computer."

"Well you do actually. It's being fitted into your bedroom this morning. And Karolina has played with your new computer so it will be really safe for you."

"HAS SHE?" Shannon cried in surprise. She had spent quite some time with Ela and Karolina when she found out that they had computers, and would let her play with them.

"Yes she has, and she's made sure that your computer has all of the things that you've been learning to use on it too."

"WOW!"

"Yes, so you'll have to email her and say thank you, won't you."

"But how will I be able to get to my email thing?"

"Karolina said there is an icon on your desktop. Click on that and she's fixed everything for you to get to your email."

"I'll email Karolina a big kiss as well as a thank you."

"Well can I have a big kiss as well?"

Shannon wrapped her arms around my neck. "Course you can, Granddad," she gave me a big sloppy wet kiss.

"Come back soon, Granddad."

"Please look after yourself Shannon, dearest."

"I'll try Granddad, but I'm only little, I may forget." She looked sad at this admission of her shortcomings.

"I'm sure Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross will help you, precious."

"Oh they do Granddad. And they don't yell at me like Mummy and Daddy used to either."

I stood up, Helen hugged me and kissed me again.

"Mummy Helen, I think you're enjoying that hug too much, your titties have gone all pointy."

Helen and I both looked down and sure enough her nipples were hard and engorged. "Bugger," Helen said very quietly, "perhaps I shouldn't have explained about sex just yet."

"Around here?" I asked.

"Yeah, you're right. She had to know."

"Yes Shannon, I am enjoying this hug a lot. Your Granddad is a very special man. When you're older you'll realise just how special he is."

"Oh, the sex thing," said Shannon dismissively.

"No Shannon, it's much more than sex. It's how your Granddad treats people and how he looks after them and a lot, lot more," said Ross from the bedroom door.

Ross, at least, had bothered to put a robe on. He came to me and we shook hands, "Thank you, Paul. You've done so much for us I can't begin to thank you."

"Ross, how can I thank you for saving my life?"

He laughed. "But that's what I do, Paul, try to save lives. Sometimes I do..." he looked sad.

"And sometimes the person you save has a chance to do something for you," I interrupted.

He looked at me, "Don't forget, I'm only a call away. And have a good time."

Helen kissed me again. "Go and play with your girls in the French countryside. I hear the Loire Valley is beautiful this time of year."

The new family said goodbye to me and I left their suite. They would be leaving for Helen and Ross' home this morning. We were due to leave shortly after that.

-------

I met Kelly in the corridor as I was on my way to my office.

"I was just coming for you," she said with a smile.

We hugged and then walked, hand in hand to my office.

Sasha was waiting for me. I knew all of my girls were in the seraglio getting ready for the trip.

I opened the safe and took out a slim briefcase. It was very heavy.

I gave it to Sasha. "What the fuck's in here? It feels as though it's full of bricks," she said laughing.

"A few trinkets for my ladies. I want to give them out when we do the collaring ceremony."

"OK," said Sasha, "I suppose you want me to pass you the baubles as they come for their collar."

"I really would be grateful if you did that Sasha," I told her.

"OK, no problem." She smiled at me.

Kelly led us into the Joasia room so I could inspect my ladies and give them their collars. As I entered I looked at the picture. We were leaving the Crynos for over a month and I knew I would miss looking at this picture. Jill had suggested moving it into my suite, but I refused, I wanted Karolina and Ela to be able to come and look at this as easily as I could without them feeling that they were imposing on me. I felt sad that we were going but I knew it would be good for us.

Karolina led my ladies in. All were in their new 'travelling' uniform; a dark grey caped pure wool coat over a lighter grey silk blouse and skirt. The skirt was nearly knee length and the pleated blouse long sleeved with buttons up to the collar, flesh coloured stockings completed their ensemble. The only strange things were their wrist cuffs and anklets. These were highly polished dark brown leather with four metal rings deeply set into the leather. I knew that the leather was very supple too. I wouldn't have allowed my ladies to wear anything that may hurt them. These wristlets and anklets had been individually made for each girl and fitted each one perfectly.

Karolina came forward and said the phrase, "Please, my Master, collar your slave."

I took her collar and put it on the small table beside me, "Please could I have Karolina's new collar, Sasha."

Sasha smiled and opened the case. "Oh my fucking God!" she exclaimed, then fumbled the case lid which dropped shut.

"Are you alright, Sasha?" I asked solicitously.

"Uunnggg!" was all she managed to say while frantically nodding her head.

Sasha opened the case again and, with a trembling hand, passed me Karolina's new collar. I turned and showed it to its new owner.

Karolina gasped, "Master, it too ... too ... Oh Master!"

'It' was a twenty two carat gold specially made collar, with a large marquise cut diamond in the centre. The diamond alone had cost over £40,000. The whole thing was magnificent.

The other girls knew something special was happening but couldn't really see what. All they could really see was Sasha leaning forward to watch me collar their leading girl while clutching a briefcase to her chest.

I eased the collar round Karolina's slim neck, ensuring that the diamond was properly centred, and pushed the two halves of the lock together; there was a solid 'click' as the lock engaged. Karolina lifted her hand to her throat and, with trepidation and unbelief, touched her new collar. She would have no trouble feeling her collar every second she wore it, for this one weighed 17 ounces, over a pound of gold.

"This girl thank Master," she said in a stunned voice.

Karolina stood up, head held high and very, very proud. Sasha gasped as she saw what I had envisioned weeks ago, Karolina's long slim neck with her gold and diamond collar of servitude.

"Oh Karolina, that is absolutely magnificent. Oh my..."

Karolina turned to return to her place and her sister slaves saw the flashing diamond dazzling them from its home in the inch wide gold strip. There was a collective gasp of astonishment and shock. Hands were lifted to neck or mouth as they stared in wonder at their leaders new symbol of authority and enslavement.

"Julia, please come to me." I called.

Dazed, Julia came forward and knelt, she lifted her leather collar. "Please, my Master, collar your slave."

I took her collar and placed it on the table next to Karolina's. As Sasha handed me Julia's new collar, Julia's eyes opened so wide I thought she might actually injure them.

This collar was narrower than Karolina's and had a ruby instead of a diamond. It was lighter too, at only fourteen ounces.

I turned and held it up for Julia to see, "Oh Master. It's magnificent, but it's far too good for a low slave such as me."

"You, my girls, my Ladies may think you are just slaves, owned property, subject to a master's whim and rule. But remember this, you are MY slaves, MY Ladies and I value you above the wives and mistresses of any other owner. You wear these trinkets so that other girls may look at you and know their place. Your individual magnificence raises the value and status of every one of us. When your status is lifted above any other owned girl, my status is lifted above any other owner. We all benefit from a bit of shiny metal and a few rocks."

I placed Julia's collar on her and, proudly, she stood and returned to her place.

"Umber, please come to me."

Umber almost skipped in her excitement. She too knelt, "Please, my Master collar your slave."

I took her collar and made to put it on her, she leaned forward and pressed her neck onto the warm leather.

"You'd be happy with this one wouldn't you?"

"Of course, my Master. When you gave me your collar, you gave me my life. How could I not be thrilled every time you place it round my neck."

I placed her leather collar on the table and Sasha gave me her new one. Again this was slightly narrower than Julia's but had an equal size and quality marquise cut ruby in its centre.

Umber raised her chin for me to collar her and I looked into her sparkling eyes. She was a true delight, so happy and delighted with each new day, if only I had her joie de vivre.

I pressed the ends together and the lock engaged with its, now distinctive, click.

"Thank you, my Master," Umber said very quietly.

"Thank you Umber," I quietly replied.

"Alina, please come to me." I called.

Alina and Varinka were my newest girls and I didn't think they expected new collars just yet. But they were wrong, I took Alina's leather collar and placed it with the others, Sasha gave me the new collar, the same size and style as Umbers, and I fitted it to Umber's neck. Varinka received her new collar too and I noticed that all of my girls now stood taller, displayed greater pride and looked at each other with loving affection, far more than they had when they came in the room.

"Melissa and Susan, come here please."

They came and knelt together.

"These two girls have trained hard and have been certified as personal bodyguards. This will be their new task. Susan, you will guard Sasha, she is precious to me. Please look after her well. Melissa you will be my guard. You two may need to practice while you're wearing these, I would not like the weight to unbalance you." I wasn't joking about that, the extra fourteen ounces might well unbalance these finely tuned athletes.

Sasha passed me Melissa's collar, it was the same width as Julia's, but had a single very large pearl for its decoration. It was also very slightly flexible and could stretch nearly five millimetres. Susan gasped when she saw Melissa wear her new collar for the first time. If I had not spent so long thinking about these gifts I too would be staring and gasping at the incredible beauty of each girl, enhanced by their gold collars.

Susan's collar was a duplicate of Melissa's, now it was Melissa's turn to gasp as I stepped away from fixing Susan's collar. Both girls looked in wonder at their friend's ornament.

When released, Melissa came and stood behind me, Susan shadowed Sasha. These girls took their responsibilities very seriously.

"Karen, come here please."

She ran and knelt in front of me. "Most of you know who designed your uniforms and a lot of the other clothes that we all will be wearing during this trip. For Sasha, it was Karen. Karen, I want you to watch over our clothing. You will buy or design and make whatever we need for day to day and special occasions."

I turned to Sasha, "Perhaps June's Lingerie Designs might have a new head designer."

"I think so too," she agreed, looking at the styling and quality of my Ladies uniforms.

I'd had a lot of problems deciding on Karen's gemstone; in the end it was a unique piece that caught my attention. Her collar had a large teardrop shaped piece of amber, visible in the centre was a 40 million year old insect, trapped and preserved forever in the petrified tree sap.

With a click Karen's collar was fastened.

"Lynne, come here please."

Lynne walked to me with dignity and poise. Gracefully she knelt and held out her hands, her leather collar lying across her upturned palms. "Please, my Master, collar your slave."

I smiled at her and took her leather collar and lay it with the others. "Lynne, my precious, you have done a long, hard, thankless job for me. You have been called names and have been the object of angry tirades. All through this you have maintained your calm, pleasant demeanour and performed your task wonderfully."

I held out my hand to her, "Please stand up Lynne."

I took Lynne's new collar from Sasha and gave it to Lynne. "This is your choice Lynne, my darling."

I stepped back and turned round. I watched Sasha out of the corner of my eye and waited until she looked at me and gave a slight nod.

I turned and saw Lynne on her knees with her new collar lying across her upturned palms. I stepped to her and she looked up at me with a wide smile, "Please, my Master, collar your slave.

I lifted her collar and placed it round her neck, the dark blue sapphire flashing brightly in the room's lights. With a click her collar locked.

"Jo, please come to me."

Jo knelt in front of me. "Please, my Master, collar your slave," she requested.

"Jo, you have been running my household with quiet efficiency, working long hours and with little acknowledgement or reward." I took her leather collar and placed it on the table. "Stand up please, Jo."

She stood and I placed her new collar in her hands. "The choice is yours, Jo, darling."

Again I stepped back and turned round.

Sasha waited for a moment, a little less time than that for Lynne, before she nodded. I turned and saw Jo kneeling, holding her new collar out. "Please, my Master, collar your devoted slave."

With tears in my eyes I took her collar and clasped it around her throat. With a click it locked. Jo reached up and wiped the tears from my eyes. "You need me, my Master, you need me nearly as much as I need you. How could I leave my Master and my family?"

Unable to speak, I took a half step back. Smiling, Jo got up and walked back to her place. The swing of her hips reminded us all that she was a woman and she was ready and waiting for a man.

I looked up at my ladies, all of them standing proudly, waiting for me to give the word and we would go.

A rustle behind me made me turn, Gerry was helping Sasha with her coat. Tiny was looming behind me with mine. Tiny helped me with my coat, "Thanks Tiny."

"No problem Boss, have a good time. You need a hand at any time, give me and my girls a call."

"I will Tiny, look after yourself."

I turned to my Ladies. "Shall we go, Ladies?" They all turned and left a gap for Sasha and I to walk through.

We left on our first whole family trip away from the Crynos, our home.



-------

Chapter 48

Sasha and I sat in the back of a Bentley limousine speeding through the suburbs of London heading north. We were heading for Luton airport where we'd board a private jet. There were

no Cumbrian police around to interfere with us. Malcolm Squires' death, and the discovery of a .50 calibre bullet on a roof top overlooking the Chief Constable's home, had drawn all available police officers back home for some reason. Can't imagine why.

Sasha leaned over to me and whispered in my ear, "How do we get any privacy with Susan and Melissa following us everywhere?"

I answered her in a normal voice. "Sasha darling, privacy is something you lost when you got involved with me. These two girls are the ultimate in discretion. They don't care what you do, or who you do it too. They are just concerned with protecting you, that's all. So, do what you want to do and enjoy yourself. Susan will make sure you come to no harm."

"What if the harm I come to is on the end of your gorgeous dick?"

I kissed her. "Then she'll probably help you get in position. And then, when you get pregnant she'll give you back rubs."

Sasha shuddered, "Say that again, the bit about you getting me pregnant."

I kissed her again and cupped her breast in my hand. "Oh yes, I intend to get you pregnant at least twice, maybe even twins, one sucking on each breast. I like the thought of that."

Sasha sighed and relaxed in my arms. "I'm ready whenever you are, my Master," she said quietly, for my ears only.

We kissed again and then the car was pulling into the airport. We were driven to the private and charter side where the driver pulled up alongside a Boeing 737-400 in a dark green and gold corporate livery.

A young and quite beautiful stewardess opened the door for Sasha and welcomed us aboard our aircraft. My girls arrived moments after we did and I was able to see the stewardess' reactions to them.

They both stared openly at my ladies collars; one stew even put her hand on Jo's arm to turn her slightly for a better look. My ladies ignored their stares and continued to board the aircraft; each one gave me a satisfied smile as they passed my seat.

The 737-400 is often used by European carriers as a medium haul, international, passenger jet. It's a 'narrow body' jet, usually fitted out to carry between one-fifty and one-eighty passengers. This aircraft was fitted out as a luxury corporate executive carrier and had seating for forty. The fittings though were very luxurious. The limitations of its body width meant that most seating was only two abreast with the aisle along the port side of the fuselage.

Sasha and I sat in the centre of the body, over the wing, this position suffered the least from pitch and yaw movements.

Alina came to us, "Master, Mistress, can I be of service to you? Can I get you anything?"

Sasha looked at her, "Yes, please stand up and let me look at that blouse, I've never seen anything like it."

Well, I wasn't surprised at that. Karen had designed and made the blouses, skirts and coats that my ladies wore.

Alina stood proudly and let Sasha examine her. The soft silk of her blouse clung to her skin and outlined every curve and bump. Her breasts seemed almost nude under the clinging fabric. Alina seemed to enjoy Sasha's interest as her nipples popped up and I could almost count the individual crinkles on her areole.

"Please turn round, Alina," Sasha requested.

Alina turned and Sasha gasped, there was almost no back to the blouse. A wide split opened under the shoulder band, widened to its maximum at the mid back and closed just above the skirts waist band.

"These blouses have been made especially for you, Paul," said Sasha.

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

Sasha stood up and turned Alina to face me, then I watched as her hands easily fit under the blouse and came round to cup, and fondle, Alina's breasts. Alina leaned back into Sasha's embrace and turned her head seeking a kiss. She was kissed, deeply and passionately. And she returned the kiss with as much passion and love as she received.

The plane took off very soon after we boarded. I turned down offers of drinks or snacks and stretched out to relax. Sasha left for the toilet. When she returned a few minutes later she was white with anger.

"I've just overheard those catty bitches talking about you and your girls. One of them asked what the girls had done to get those chokers, the idiots called their collars chokers. The other said that they must have spent the last month with your pencil dick down their throats, or their tongues all the way up my cunt." Sasha was fuming. She took out her mobile phone and I listened to the recording she made of the stewardesses comments. They carried on for a few more minutes and were, to my mind totally out of order.

"Send the recording to Nigel and tell him to take the appropriate action with the company. I don't know the boss personally, but you can guarantee that he won't be pleased to hear this recording."

Sasha smiled and made a quick call to her number two Nigel. Nigel was very straight laced and would be fired with righteous indignation when he heard the recording. He would sort it out before we landed.

We were twenty minutes from our destination when the head stew was called to the cockpit. Less than two minutes later she came out red faced with embarrassment. She walked past Sasha and I very quickly and pointedly didn't look at us.

A few moments later we all heard a cry from the rear of the cabin, "Sacked! What the fuck for?" We didn't hear the rest of their conversation but I suspect that neither of them was very pleased about the results of their bitchiness.

Suddenly the younger of the stews was looming over me. "What lies have you been spreading about us, you bastards? Come on why don't you tell us to our faces eh, because we haven't done anything, that's why. You're just jealous because the slags you managed to get aren't anywhere near as good looking as we are. Come on you cunts, if you've got any proof let's see it." She turned to her colleague, "See, they've no proof at all, we haven't done anything. I'm going to sue these cunts for defamation."

"Actually I do have proof of your original misbehaviour, but it's on this phone which is recording you right now. I don't think my phone will play back a recording while it's videoing you."

Stew screeched and made a grab for the phone. Susan let her actually touch the phone and leave her fingerprints and DNA on it before her slim hand covered the woman's wrist and squeezed, just so.

The stew's fingers shot open and she gave a loud high pitched wail as she dropped to her knees with the pain.

"Please back away from my principal; I will continue to hurt you until you move away." Susan's voice was calm and clear, though her eyes showed that she was deadly serious. The stew shuffled away from Sasha and I; Susan guided her along the passageway.

"What's going on here?" said a man with four gold stripes on his epaulettes. I assumed he's the captain.

"This woman assaulted my principal. I am removing her to a safe distance." Susan answered in a calm quiet voice.

"They attacked me, Bob. Help me, please," the stew cried.

I think it might have been Karen that gave the game away. She slipped while she was getting over the backs of the row of seats in front of Sasha and me. She held a video camera as did Jo and Lynne. The Captain swallowed a couple of times, "Can I see one of the videos?"

"Take that woman to the front of the cabin first," I told him. "And she's not to be allowed back past the first row of seats."

"Bob, they're lying, it's all lies, Bob," the stew screamed as Susan took her forward.

"Karen, give your camera to Melissa. Melissa, play the video for the captain, if he tries to take the camera from you break one of his wrists."

"With pleasure, Master." Melissa took the camera, fiddled with the controls for a moment then held it up for the captain to watch. At one point he raised his hand towards the camera but Melissa just tutted at him and he remembered my orders to her.

He went white as he watched the recording. He looked at the stew on the jump seat at the front of the cockpit, "You stupid bitch. You've no idea who you're fucking with, have you. You couldn't even figure out that while you're working on this aircraft, they have hired it, and us, for their personal use for a month." He shook his head, "I told Jenny that MAF himself had called us and ordered your sacking, didn't she tell you that?"

The woman shrank as he castigated her. At no point did he raise his voice, but his tone of voice, dripping with contempt, got his message across.

He turned to Sasha and I. "Please send copies of these videos to our corporate headquarters so they can be added to the personnel records of these former employees. I would like to give you both my most sincere apologies for the attitude and behaviour of these stewardesses while they were employed by my company."

Sasha smiled, "Thank you for your consideration, captain. We shall ensure that copies of all of the videos taken on board are sent to Luton for your HR department's attention."

"Now Madam, my Lord, I have a plane to land." He returned to the cockpit.

The pilot who landed the plane was very, very good. We could feel a gusty crosswind on the approach but the wheels just kissed the runway and the plane eased down. Ten minutes later the co-pilot opened the cabin doors, he refused to allow either stew to assist him as they no longer worked for the company.

Melissa and Susan were first down the stairway and were greeted by Elastic and Gerry. A few words were exchanged, Elastic made a gesture and two of her girls ran up the stairway and into the cockpit. Neither acknowledged Sasha or I but both escorted the ex-stews down the stairway and into one of the nearby buildings.

Melissa came back to me, "OK to disembark, Master."

"Thank you Melissa, come on Sasha, I can't wait to meet your family."

"And I can't wait to see what Daddy's been cooking up this time," she replied with a laugh.

We stood and walked to the cabin exit. The Captain and his co-pilot were there to see us off. "We hope you had a good flight my Lord, your ladies have our mobile numbers for when you need us again. And I'll ensure that we have replacement cabin staff here within two hours." With trepidation he held out his hand.

I smiled as I shook it. "Someone will call you when we need you captain, we'll give you as much notice as possible."

"Thank you my Lord, Madam."

The stairway was covered now, and the coverings extended to include an area for the cars too. Elastic seemed happy with this so I took it on trust that we were safe.

Sasha and I got into the second large Citroen in the line. Melissa and Susan took the first, my ladies got into a mini-bus at the end. I knew that a lot of our luggage was already here, the thing we brought with us would be sent on later. Four of Elastic's girls were staying with our things to safeguard them. Overall though, I neither knew, nor cared about the details of our journey; I had other things to worry about. Thanks to the behaviour of the stewardesses I hadn't had a chance to introduce Sasha to the mile high club. I'm quite sure we were at least that high or more for most of our flight. For that alone I disliked them.

The Loire Valley was indeed beautiful. We drove into the foot hills on the northern edge of the valley and we could see right over the valley to the junction of the Loire and Petite Loire. The landscape wasn't dissimilar to Southern England.

The cars slowed as we drove over a cattle grid and I noticed two men, one either side of the road. One held a shotgun the other a hunting rifle. I also noticed Sasha's smile as we approached them.

"We're on my land now, and my people protect their own," she said.

The men touched their caps when they saw Sasha and she nodded to them, her smile showed more than just acknowledgement of their presence.

"Do you know them?" I asked.

"Gorges taught me to poach. Valerie was our Gamekeeper at the time. He never caught us, not even when Daddy ordered him too. Daddy wasn't happy about that, I had bet him a bare bottom spanking that we wouldn't get caught. Though I think now it was a game they played to amuse a seven year old girl." Her eyes misted a little as she ran through her memories.

I too smiled, watching her reminisce.

We drove slowly through a small village, the people sitting on the pavement seats of the cafe raised their glasses to the car as we passed. Sasha sat upright and waved when a matronly woman hurried out of the cafe wiping her hands on a cloth. "There's Jeanine, she told me about boys and men." She looked at me, "I need to tell her I've found my man and he is a good one."

"And if I start spanking you?"

"Then I'll tell her that he tries to give me what I want, and does give me what I need, when I deserve it." Her smile lifted my heart and filled me with joy. She leaned toward me and I put my arm round her shoulder.

The car turned off the road into a gated estate, a long drive through an avenue of mature trees led to a magnificent chateau.

"My home," Sasha said, looking at me a little apprehensive.

"I expected a beautiful place would be needed to raise such a beautiful lady."

"Hey! Less of the bullshit, what do you think of my home."

"How old is it, three hundred, four hundred years?"

"Three hundred and seventy two years old."

"Couldn't you have got a new one?"

She smacked my arm, then tried to beat me as I drew her into my arms and kissed her. We were still kissing when the car stopped. Sasha noticed first, "They're waiting to open the doors," she said.

"Who are?" I asked, still nibbling her neck and ears.

"Everyone." She answered.

"Everyone?"

"Yep, Daddy, Cecile, Nina, Amile, Claudette, the servants and maids."

"So give me one more kiss to brace me for the shock of meeting all of them."

We kissed again and then Sasha turned to the car door. I noticed that someone had been waiting to open the door. Ah well back to pretending to be a grown up.

Sasha turned and held out her hand to me, "Come on, Paul, pretend you're an adult," she whispered.

We managed three steps before she sniggered, that made me burst out laughing, before we managed two more steps we were both laughing out loud.

I looked at Mrs. Dempsey. She had a raised eyebrow but was smiling, Harold just sighed and shook his head. I shook hands with Mrs. Dempsey.

"I can see you are the correct ... right ... right man for Sasha. I can see that you love each other very much." She pulled me in for a kiss, surprisingly on my lips. "I haven't seen Sasha laugh like that since before she left for the Sorbonne." She stepped back and looked at me, "Go and get out of your suit, you don't look comfortable. And you must call me Cecy, I insist."

I turned to Harold and held out my hand. "Hello again Paul, I'm so glad you could make it. We have a couple of days before the weekend guests arrive. I hope you don't mind but I told a friend of yours that you'd be here and he is flying in next Monday. He's really looking forward to spending some time with you." He looked at his wife, "Now, I don't know how you charmed my wife, she very, very rarely invites people to call her by her pet name. You are indeed honoured."

We were interrupted by a gasp, my ladies has disembarked a few yards away and were walking toward us. They walked two by two, led by Karolina. Melissa and Susan were already standing behind Sasha and I.

The sunlight hit the diamond on Karolina's collar and it blazed, dazzling us for a moment.

"Oh my," Cecile gasped.

Sasha took my hand, "Daddy, Cecy, I would like you to meet Paul's slaves, his ladies."

"Your ladies do you credit, Lord Symington," said Harold. "But what are they wearing?"

"Their collars, Daddy, the symbols of their enslavement. Paul bought them all new collars for their trip here," said Sasha.

Karolina came to me and stood just behind my left side. I held out my hand to her which she took and I pulled her forward.

"Harold, Cecy, this is Karolina, she is very special to me. She leads my ladies."

Cecy came forward and kissed Karolina on each cheek, "I have seen Grande Dames at the opera not dressed as well as you and your team are, Karolina, my dear. If your Master allows," and Karolina relaxed and smiled hearing this acknowledgement of her position, "you must tell me who made your clothes. I have to get some things from him."

She looked at Harold. "When I get the name of this courtier I am going shopping," Cecy looked at Sasha, "Sasha will be coming with me, we will be looking at bridal wear."

With a shrug that was far more French than his English roots, Harold turned to me, "Perhaps we should go inside and let my people go and talk about you." He smiled, then burst out laughing.

We walked together toward the chateau. Cecy, linked her arm in mine, "You've brought laughter into my home, for that alone I love you."

-------

Sasha showed us to the west wing. Two floors had been set aside for our use. Sasha led me into a huge bedroom overlooking the Loire Valley, the view was, like so much of this chateau, magnificent.

Elastic came in and handed me a document wallet, "Security's fine, Boss. The family own everything out to about twenty miles and the villagers are fiercely loyal. They've been warned of the dangers both to you and to them and they're looking forward to seeing some action."

I took the wallet and read through the security briefing inside. It said the same things Elastic had said but in more detail, with diagrams and photos.

"Thanks Elastic," I pulled her in for a kiss and she melted against me.

"When are you going to share our bed again, Elastic?" Sasha asked.

Elastic looked at her with a serious expression on her face, "You still bite, Mrs Boss?" she asked.

"Growwwlllll!"

"Oh good, in that case next week, I have some time off then." Elastic smiled at us both, kissed Sasha and left.

My girls came in and, as usual, Susan was the first to strip. She started rubbing her body to get rid of the unusual feeling of wearing clothes. I started rubbing her too and Sasha joined in.

Umber and Julia started to undress me. Sitting me down they untied my shoes and pulled them and my socks off. It was when Julia and Umber stood up together, silhouetted against the light from the window that I saw it.

"Julia, come here."

Reluctantly she came to me, "I'm sorry Master, I don't know what's doing it, I'm trying to stop it but I can't." She was quiet distressed now. I sat her on my knee and cuddled her.

"Umber get Sasha, I think we have something to celebrate." Umber ran off to get Sasha.

Julia looked at me uncomprehendingly, "Celebrate me getting fat, Master?" she asked, puzzled.

"Oh yes. We need to celebrate you getting fat," I agreed.

Sasha came up to us, "Who's getting fat?" she asked.

"Julia, stand up please."

I turned Julia side on to us and sat Sasha down; she looked at Julia without seeing what I had seen a couple of minutes ago. I ran my hand over Julia's stomach, "I think our Julia is pregnant, she's just beginning to show if I'm not mistaken. We'll have to get you to a doctor to confirm it, of course. I'm really happy about this Julia, you'll be the first mother in our family."

Both Julia and Sasha looked at me, "How can you tell?" Sasha asked.

"It's quiet easy, Julia's breasts are a little bigger and tender," I cupped one breast and Julia winced, "and her bump is growing." I took Sasha's hand and ran it over the slight swelling that was the start of Julia's bump.

"Julia, go and see Em, and let her have a look. Then I want you to think about who you want as your pregnancy coach, it doesn't have to be someone who's already given birth. A good friend is usually much better." Julia just nodded, hanging on to my every word.

"Master," she said in a very small voice, "can I come and talk to you about this." She looked a little lost, as though she was grasping for stability now her world had turned upside down.

I sat down and pulled her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her, "of course you can talk to me about this. And I want you to know that everything is going to be fine. Soon you'll have a beautiful baby in your arms and you'll love it always."

"Thank you, Master, I didn't know what was happening to me, I didn't know."

"Well, we'll have to sort that out won't we? My ladies need to talk to me and to each other so we can all help each other. That's what families do, help each other."

Shyly she tilted her head and kissed my cheek, "I love you, my Master."

"I love you too Julia, my dearest. Now I need you to find Em and let her have a look at you. Then find Gerry and ask her who is running their training now that Tiny isn't with us, the fitter you are the easier labour will be." I hugged her tightly, then kissed her, "Now go and find Em."

Julia ran away looking for Em. I sat thinking about Jill, we'd tried for a baby, but, that time, nothing had happened. Well sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't.

An arm rested on my shoulder, I looked up into Sasha's eyes. "Worried my precious?" she asked.

"Not really, well a little, yes. Julia is young and fit, fitter than most girls who get pregnant, but no pregnancy is without risk." I cupped Sasha's cheek.

"And you're worried about me getting pregnant aren't you?"

She obviously saw the concern in my eyes, "So tell me what I have to do to reduce the risks."

"How about we get Ross and Helen over for a couple of days and they can tell us all, and have a look at Julia as well."

Sasha kissed me, "Let's do that. Email him an invitation; send the plane to pick him up."

"I'll do that as soon as I have an internet conn..."

Ela handed me a laptop, "All set-up with your stuff, Boss. Internet and VPN to the office servers and the office internet connection."

"Errr ... Thanks Ela." I said actually meaning it.

"That's what I like about working for you Boss; you really mean your thank you's."

I saw Karolina standing behind her friend; Ela turned and screamed, "Karolina!" Throwing her arms wide open Ela stepped forward and hugged her friend tightly. They kissed passionately having missed each other over the few days they'd been apart.

Ela stepped back, "Let me look at you, my darling." Ela's eyes ran over her friend and lover, "OH MY GOD!" she cried, "that's fucking gorgeous."

"Me not see yet, Master put on then we leave Crynos."

"Why don't you two go and catch up with your hello's and kisses in your room. Karolina, I'll see you tomorrow morning at breakfast, OK?"

"Thank Master," said Karolina before they left hand in hand.

"Now you," said Sasha, "you've avoided my parents for long enough. UMBER!" Umber came running up, "Get your Master dressed and choose one of you to accompany him," she turned and prodded Melissa in the chest, "And I don't mean you or Susan."

Umber smiled at me as she pulled up my boxers. "My Master has his own Mistress now. I wonder if she'll let him suck her?" then she lifted my flaccid cock into her mouth and sucked.

"Ahhh..." I gasped.

"Umber, is my man ready yet? And don't speak with your mouth full."

"He'll be coming in a couple of minutes, Mistress."

"Good, then get him dressed quickly or my parents will think we've been in bed all the time."

-------

Varinka volunteered to accompany me, she hugged me tightly, "It'll be nice to have my Master to myself for a while," she said, smiling up at me ... I kissed her and then we were dragged out of the room by Sasha.

Sasha took me to a small intimate day room at the back of the house. The large windows overlooked formal gardens and a copse. Harold rose when we entered and gestured to a small sofa, we sat and Varinka knelt by my side.

"Would you care for a drink Paul, Sasha? How about your girl?"

"Daddy, you're not supposed to notice a slave, she will eat and drink from Paul's or my cup and plate. Otherwise just ignore them."

"How many girls do you have Paul?" asked Cecy.

"I have ten, Cecy," I replied.

"And can you still remember what sleep is?" she asked with a smile.

"Darling!" cried Harold in protest.

"It's the rest of his household you should be asking about sleep, Cecy," replied Sasha. "Paul really does make his girls squeal at night and they do seem a little tired in the morning, but oh so happy."

"I'm glad that you look after your girls, and pleasure them, Paul. I know so many men who would just take their own pleasure and give nothing in return."

"Monsieur Paul..." started Claudette, "can I ask your girl something?"

"Of course you can, her name is Varinka."

Claudette and Amile came and knelt by Varinka and they spoke quietly for a while.

"Mère," said Amile.

"English please, Amile," reminded her mother.

"Mother, Varinka can't take her necklace off."

"That's because it isn't a necklace, it is a slave collar. It is a reminder of her enslavement. Only her master can take it off," I said.

"Oh," the two French girls said.

Claudette turned to me, "Can we ask her what it's like to be a slave?"

I thought for a moment, then turned to Cecy, "Cecy, if your daughters ask my girls what it's like to be a slave they will hear intimate details of a slaves life. Please remember that a slave doesn't have modesty as you or I know it," I gestured to Varinka who knelt naked and unembarrassed at my side. "They will answer any question fully and truthfully irrespective of the subject."

Cecy smiled at me, "Paul, I must tell you something too." She looked at Harold who was looking a little uncomfortable, "I met my husband when I went to work for him as his secretary. I was young, intelligent, well educated and fairly good looking." She leant forward to emphasise her point, "Do you know how many young, intelligent, well educated and extremely beautiful girls there are around rich men? Of course you do, and I see that you don't really see them," she gestured to Varinka. "You could have your pick of slaves, why this one, why not an absolute beauty. There are many girls who would give themselves to you for a taste of the good life. But no, you chose girls who have more than beauty.

"I too had to have more, you can see I'm not a great beauty, despite what my husband now says. No, I had to have something else. The something I chose was sex. I like sex very much; I have met many, many girls who 'put up' with men in bed, pah! While they are lying still on their backs I was climbing all over him, I sucked him off on the observation deck of the Eiffel Tower and descended in the lift with a string of cum running down my coat." She held out her hand to Harold, "I would do anything for this man, and I do not mind a little nudity, hah! I don't mind a lot. I think you should see what happens when you come down for breakfast." Harold gave a short laugh.

"Though I expect it will be pretty much the same as in your hotel, Paul," he said.

"Our girls have been brought up seeing people making love, and making love in very many of its varied forms," Cecy continued. "I'm not sure that they are so easily shocked. So let Varinka tell them sordid tales of how you use and abuse her, I'm sure they'll have their own tales to tell too."



-------

Chapter 49


Tired, we went to bed, a small double had been put into an alcove for my body slaves and the four girls settled in there quite comfortably. Sasha spooned against my back and her hand reached round to hold me, cupping my cock gently.

I was sure we hadn't slept for long when noises from outside woke me. Sasha was standing by the window, lit from the bright moonlight. Her long limbs and slim body shone in the soft light. Sasha's long back curved down to her trim firm buttocks, the crack now a darker shadow. Her high firm breasts, nipples extended, caught the light and enticed me with their soft glow.

I quietly came up behind her and rested my chin on her bare shoulder. As I wrapped my arms round my love I saw the swimming pool in the shelter of the house below us. Harold, Cecy, Amile, Nina and Claudette were swimming, and having fun. They were all naked. Cecy pulled herself up onto the poolside and watched her family play. Moments later Claudette swam to her mother, pushed her legs open and pressed her head deep into Cecy's sex. We couldn't see exactly what was happening but the results of Claudette's efforts were quite obvious. Throwing her head back Cecy gave a cry as she shuddered through her orgasm.

"Do you want to go down for a swim?" I asked her.

"No I want to go back to bed and sleep in your arms. We can go swimming tomorrow."

She held my hand and we returned to bed, Sasha snuggled up to my chest and pulled my arms around her, one hand on a breast, the other between her legs.

"Tomorrow you can remind me what a woman does for a man."

"OK," I said, "I've got some shirts that need ironing."

She kicked me.

-------

I woke before Sasha and had the delightful opportunity to lick her awake. Even in her sleep she opened her legs readily for me, her small inner lips peeking from their hiding place between the larger, closed, outer lips. A little licking though and I watched her vulva open up for me, the coral pinks of her vagina glistened in the early morning light. A little more tongue work and her juices flowed. Soon she was squirming and moaning, her hands came down and held my head, positioning me just where she wanted the most stimulation. Her flow increased and I was rewarded with a mouthful of girl cum.

"Beats fucking ironing," said Sasha as she rolled onto her side and went back to sleep.

I got up and went to the back window. There was a slight mist over the fields towards the copse and paddocks. Wisps of mist rose above the pool too.

A matronly woman carrying a yard broom came out to the pool. She looked up at me and waved. I realised that she could see all of me as I hadn't yet dressed. This didn't seem to bother her. She undressed and dived into the pool. I watched her swim a couple of lengths and then she lay on her back and looked up to see if I was still watching. When she saw me there she waved again, a huge smile on her face. She pulled herself out of the pool and started brushing the poolside, her heavy breasts swinging with each brush stroke.

I felt something soft brush my leg and looked down to see Alina kneeling beside me. It had been her cheek she'd brushed gently against my leg.

"Come, I want a shower," I said. Alina jumped up and led me to a huge bathroom. A large claw-foot white enamelled bath sat proudly at one end of the room. Bright copper pipe work led down from the ceiling to a large set of taps and hand spray unit. On the other side of the room was a tiled area of flooring which sloped down to a central drain. There were four shower heads above the tiling; that was the shower area. A large toilet stood beside a similar size bidet, a matching sink stood off to the side. All in all this was a very good example of last century high class plumbing.

We showered, Alina delighting in washing me, sometimes applying the liquid soap to her own body before rubbing herself all over me. "I've got to get you clean, my Master," she said with a smile while pressing her growing breasts to either side of my, already erect, cock.

Remembering Julia's suggestions regarding ropes and tying up little girls, I looked round the room, there were small but sturdy looking anchorages all round the room. Someone had obviously had the same thoughts as Julia.

Finally clean enough for Alina, without actually fucking her on the shower floor, much to her obvious disappointment, I returned to the bedroom. Where I expected my clothes to be laid out was a white robe. I supposed that I was expected to wear this to breakfast and then dress appropriately once the day's activities had been planned.

I slipped the robe on, noting that it was a little short, and went to find breakfast. As I left the West Wing one of Elastic's girls met me, "Let me show you to breakfast, Boss. It's easy to get lost round here." She led me to the poolside where tables had already been set up.

"Going to join me in the pool, Paul?" asked a familiar voice.

"Good morning Nina, how are you today?" I asked slipping off my robe. Nina seemed to have forgotten hers, she was already naked.

Nina dived in with barely a splash, I splashed in with barely a dive. However, I told myself, I was distracted by the sight of Nina's lithe body slipping through the water. I enjoyed watching Nina's sensual progress around the pool, I could swim, and quite well, but Nina had grace and sexuality in her favour.

I surfaced from an underwater sightseeing tour, Nina scissor kicking above me, when I received a face full of splash and wave from a shrieking cannonball. As I spluttered and gasped for breath Claudette surfaced laughing. I grabbed her ankle as she tried to escape and pulled her to me. Suddenly I had a naked giggling girl wrapped around me, kissing me while her arms and legs locked her wriggling body tight against mine and her hips humped against my pelvis.

I felt a hand guide my erection into her tight, hot, tunnel and then saw Cecy beside me. Claudette, humping on my hard cock, lay her head back sighing. Cecy took this opportunity to kiss me, her soft breasts and pebble hard nipples pressing into my side.

"Good morning Paul, I can see I'm going to have to get up earlier if I want you to do that to me."

She bit my ear and swam off, giving me a first class view of her naked buttocks and hair free vulva as she dived underwater.

I struggled to the side of the pool and Sasha greeted me with a kiss. It was now no surprise that she too was nude.

"Are you fucking my youngest sister?" she asked.

Claudette lifted her head from its resting place on my shoulder, "Ooohhh yeeeeaaahhhhh," she gasped.

"Good, I'm sure Amile would like to be thrown down and fucked when you've a few minutes."

Claudette cried out her orgasm and shuddered in my arms. She looked up at me, "Thank you Paul, that was good." We kissed and she squirmed out of my arms, food was on the table and that obviously took precedence over a lover who's just cum.

I sat next to Sasha while she told everyone about my suggestion of her ironing my shirts. The girls laughed, Harold found something very interesting in Le Monde and Cecy industriously spread jam on her croissant and dipped it into her bowl of hot chocolate before devouring it with gusto.

I busied myself feeding Alina some egg and bacon.

"Mère..." said Sasha in the most worried little girl voice I've ever heard from her. "Papa..."

Cecy looked at her errant daughter, "Sasha, it is you who must decide your relationship with your man. If you wish to be the 'dominateur' then be so. If you say he's your master then you must treat him so." Cecy looked Sasha in the eye, "but you cannot pick this and chose that, it must be one or the other, nothing else will work."

Sasha looked at her stepmother for a long minute, then she turned to me, "I'm sorry Paul, I must leave breakfast, I have something I must do." And she walked back inside with her head held high.

"And you girls had better listen to your mother, she is giving very good advice," said Harold, looking at the now subdued girls.

"Oiu Papa," they said in unison.

"English please, girls, remember we have guests," though she was smiling when she said it.

"Yes Mother," they said. I wonder if they practice speaking together.

I continued feeding myself and Alina.

-------

I sat on my sun lounger watching the fun in the pool, Alina knelt beside me, she'd refused my permission to play in the pool, she was 'attending to her Master' and that was important to her. If she even suspected that my drink was getting warm (or cold as appropriate) she'd run to the kitchen and get a new one, then she'd remove the offending mug or glass once I had a replacement within easy reach.

In a few minutes I'd ask Alina to spread some sun cream on me, then I'd spread the cream all over her slim sexy body, those long, long legs, her tight firm bum, mustn't forget her flat stomach and high firm tits ... Perhaps a swim would cool me down a little.

Sasha came out holding a phone, "Commodore Weston's on the phone, he says you owe him an inch of soap."

She stood next to me with a very puzzled expression. I took the phone.

"What have you put in the scran bag this time, Aggie."

It took a few minutes for him to answer he was laughing so much.

"Have you counted your slaves recently?" This caused gales of mirth on his end of the phone.

I ran through all of my girls Karolina, Julia, Umber, Alina, Varinka, Melissa, Jo, Karen, Lynne and Susan. Em and Jill wanted to be mine but I'd managed to avoid enslaving them so far. Who else could there be?

"Everyone's here who should be here, Aggie."

"So you've got so many girls you can even forget one. That's got to be worth at least two inches of soap."

"I'll send the plane over, get her to Luton airport and they'll be waiting for you."

"You know the rules, sailor, soap first." He laughed, "When's the plane coming?"

I turned to Alina, "Phone!" I snapped.

She handed me a mobile. "What's the number for the plane?" I asked her.

"Speed dial seven, Master."

I pressed and held seven, the phone dialled and I recognised the voice of the pilot.

"Rogers." He said.

"I need you to go to Luton and pick up some one for me. But you'll have to wait for me to get some soap to you."

"I can get soap here if you want, my Lord."

"No this has to be a special type of soap, otherwise it won't work."

"Yeeessss, my Lord," he said, unsure of my sanity. "The aircraft will be ready to take off in forty minutes." I might be totally off my trolley, but I could afford to pay him, and that's all that mattered.

"Harold, Cecy, is there a ship's chandlers close by. I need a block of hard ship's soap."

Cecy raised an eyebrow at this example of English eccentricity but Harold thought for a moment. He picked up his phone and dialled. He spoke rapid French for a moment, the only word I caught was 'sauvignon', then, smiling, he hung up. "We have some on its way to the airport. It's a long block, about three by three by thirty centimetre. Will that do?"

"It sounds just right Harold, but I need a five centimetre long block cut off, that's what has to be sent to Luton."

Harold looked bemused but nodded and made another call. His explanations lasted longer this time and Harold started shrugging and waving his hands in a most Gaelic manner. I wish I had one of those phones, the ones which send your arm movements as well as your voice. I haven't been able to find one yet though.

I sat back and waited. To while away the time I rubbed sun cream on Alina and then Amile. They returned the favour together. While it was very nice having two girls rub my sun block on I was concerned about what Aggie had said, I'd lost a girl! Who? Where? When? Impatient I got up and went to my rooms inside. The first thing I saw was Sasha ironing. I went and hugged her, "You don't need to do this, darling," I said.

"Oh dearest Paul, I do. And I know why I have to. So, go and sort out the Commodore, I'll be finished soon and I'll join you."

I called my girls, well those girls I knew I had, together. "Commodore Weston seems to think that he's found a lost slave of mine. Does anyone have any idea who this might be?"

They all looked puzzled; no one had any more idea than I had as to the identity of this stray girl. She was causing consternation and hadn't even arrived yet.

I sat and thought, brooded might be a better word. Sasha came and sat on my lap. She raised my hand to her breast and lay her head against my chest. We just sat.

The four hours for the flights and car journey seem to take forever. Finally it was almost time for the car to arrive from Orleans airport. Sasha and I were waiting at the window. Sasha pointed out where I needed to look to catch the first glimpse of the approaching car in the distance. Finally we spotted the car and went downstairs to meet this wayward girl.

The car stopped and Chiefy stepped out, she stood aside and a young girl started to get out. "MASTER!" she cried.

She was dressed in shapeless military working dress, but her slender shape couldn't be hidden. Her dark hair was pinned up in the RM fashion, fingernails short and unpainted.

Chiefy stood beside her, "Somehow she wandered into our mess deck and sort of stayed. No one knew anything about her, only that she'd just arrived. She's been with us for some time now Boss..."

"DAWN! Dawnstar! Is that really you? We thought you were dead!" a voice from a window interrupted us.

Well someone obviously knew this girl. Perhaps I'd get some answers soon.

"Come on in you two." I held out my hand to Dawnstar and she kissed it as soon as she took hold.

"I've been waiting for you, my Master. I knew there would be a reason you didn't claim me immediately."

I looked at her but couldn't remember her.

Lynne came running up and hugged Dawnstar. Then I remembered! Dawnstar; her name alone should have told me where she was from. She was one of the Count's girls, the second girl who let me examine her just before everything turned to shit. Umber and Susan joined the group hug while my other girls look on bemused.

The last I'd seen of her was when I asked someone to take her to the slaves quarters. Somehow she'd found her way into the Marines mess. And they'd kept her.

Karolina came to my side, "Need girl collar Boss."

"Yes we do, my Precious. Yes we do..." I said.

Sasha held onto my arm, "Can you use one of the leather ones that the other girls had?" she asked. "I brought them with us in the display case."

"We can, they all have new collars now. I think they like them."

"Paul, my darling, you really can be dense at times. All of the girls absolutely love their new collars, they spend ages looking at them in the mirrors." Sasha looked at me and shook her head.

"He is be man. Not make better Mistress."

"I know Karolina, but I love him as he is."

"Then is gooder not try change."

"Yes Karolina, precious, it is gooder not try change." Sasha looked up at me, "I think I'll keep him as he is."

-------

Sasha and I sat at one end of the long gallery. Harold and Cecy sat to my left and Chiefy sat to my right, all ready to watch our collar ceremony. My girls were at the other end of the gallery trying to explain the ceremony to Dawnstar. She however kept looking up at me a huge grin on her face, she was almost dancing.

Finally Karolina felt that she either knew what she would be asking me for and what her real options were, or that we had better let Dawnstar ask for her collar before she wet herself with excitement. I'm really not sure which.

The girls parted and I finally got to see Dawnstar, she was, of course, naked and as she came to me she kept bouncing with unsuppressed joy. At last she knelt in front of me and held out her collar on her opened palms.

Karolina, at her side, looked down at her then nodded to Jo at the side of the room. Jo opened the door. "Girl is now time you choice. There is door, here is master. Choose you."

Dawnstar thrust her hands forward, "Please my Master, collar your slave."

I took her collar and wrapped it round her neck, she lifted her hair so I wouldn't get any trapped, and I buckled the collar tight. "I accept your service; your name is now Alison."

Alison looked up at me eyes and mouth wide open, "Oh, my Master, that was my Grandmothers name. Thank you so much, my Master." She wrapped her arms around my legs and hugged me. I felt my bare legs get wet from her tears.

"Alison, stand up girl so your Master may inspect you," said Sasha in a commanding voice. Alison jumped up and stood with her hands clasped behind her neck.

"Please relax Alison, hands by your sides, we'll tell you if you need to assume any specific posture." I told her.

Jo and Lynne carried in a low table, sturdy enough to take her weight, and with two wide spaced strips of tape across the top.

"Alison is stand on table. Kept feets over tape now." Karolina ordered.

Alison almost jumped up on the table. She carefully spread her legs and ensured she placed her feet well over the tapes.

Alison had developed some muscles while she had lived with the Marines. She looked better than I remembered, though my memory of her wasn't good.

She stood tall and slim, her black hair came down below her shoulders. I would tell her to keep growing it, I like long hair. Her breasts were budding nicely and she showed that her tiny nipples could tell the world that she was excited. She had the start of wide hips and a narrow waist; her pubic mound stood proud and was clean shaven. Her legs were slim but toned, and she had twin streaks of her excitement running down the inside of each thigh.

Sasha reached up and took a nipple between her thumb and forefinger, Alison gasped but leaned into Sasha's grasp. I felt between her legs and there was an explosion of girl juice onto my fingers.

"Karolina, what are we going to do with this girl?" I asked.

"Be body slave you," she said with firm conviction.

I think I'm going to have to set a limit on how many people can come to bed with me at the same time. Five body slaves and a body guard, plus Sasha and her body guard, and me, filled a very, very big bed.

"Is young not get fat belly yet," she looked at me, or rather my crotch, "soon have good man toys play with."

"And look at her tongue, Paul dearest, it's so long! Can you imagine that snaking between your bum cheeks?" asked Sasha. "I can just imagine feeling that tongue pressing into me." She shuddered and clutched onto my arm for support.

Alison looked pleased with our comments. "I lick girls very well, Mistress. And I've practiced with large vibrators in all of my holes, Master. I can be fucked anywhere without tearing.

"Well we might try that out. But I will tell you now, I don't want you to cut your hair. Let it grow long. If you have problems looking after it let me know, OK?"

"Of course, my Master, I'll grow it as long as I can for you," she answered.

"Julia!" I called.

"Here Master," she answered from beside me.

"Take Alison up to our rooms, show her the things she needs to know and answer her questions."

"Alison, Julia leads my body slaves, you will treat her orders as coming directly from me. If you disobey her the punishment will be the same as if you disobeyed me. Julia, explain to Alison the hierarchy in our family please."

"Yes Master." They replied together.

I waved them away and they ran to the door.

Chiefy came over and looked at Karolina's collar. "Fuck me Boss, I heard the buzz about these but they toned it down. That's one serious bit of bling. Bet you didn't get these at Ratners."

I smiled. "No, not Ratners, these actually contain gold."

"Fucking bucket full if this is anything to go by," said Chiefy, feeling Karolina's collar. Karolina looked pleased and proud of the comments she was receiving.

Chiefy turned Karolina so that the sunlight fell onto the diamond in her collar.

"FUCK ME!" Chiefy stepped back and rubbed her eyes. "Jeez, Boss, you could have warned me. That is one fucking serious rock." Chiefy pulled Karolina out of the direct sunlight and looked again. "Oh my God! Boss if I become your slave can I have one of these."

"Sorry Chiefy, firstly Aggie would have my balls..."

"Not while I'm around," muttered Melissa.

"Secondly, that is special, like my Karolina is special."

"Huh, mine would come from Ratners then."

"No Chiefy, yours would also be unique, just like you are."

Chiefy looked at me, "Boss, you really do tempt a girl."

"Chiefy, how long have you got left?" I asked.

"Hanging on by the skin of me teeth and blackmail, Boss."

"Come and work for me, Chiefy. I need people like you and I pay a lot better than Pusser does."

Chiefy looked at me, chewing her lip, she obviously came to a decision and stuck out her hand, "Glad to be on board, Boss."

"Don't you want to know what you'll be doing and what the pay is?"

"Boss, you've always been dead straight with us. You said you needed me, so you've got work I can do and will like doing. You're loyal to your people, that's really fucking rare, Boss. You treat people like they're people, not things; I'd work for you for half my current wage."

"Melissa! Susan!"

"Here Master," said Melissa. I heard Susan running to me, "Here Master."

"Melissa, Susan, meet my new head of security." I said.

"What about Elastic?" Chiefy cried.

"Elastic works for Aggie, you work for me. You'll work with Elastic and learn from her. If she comes on board then she'll be the boss. You won't lose out on it, but she'll be number one."

"Fine by me Boss, now I've just got to tell Centurion."

"How about I have a word with Aggie?"

Chiefy paused and looked at me, "That's what makes you a good boss, Boss. You look after your people."

"Phone!" I called to the room in general. Alina handed me a mobile, Aggie's number was dialled in and just waiting for me to press the connect button.

"Weston." He answered.

"Aggie..." I started, he burst out laughing.

"Remember who she is yet?"

"Yeah, she came just as major shit hit the fan. A girl and her mother died horribly because of it. Yeah Aggie, I forgot her. Thanks for sending her back to me. And thank your people for looking after her for me."

"I didn't know that, Frosty," he was contrite and sympathetic.

"I'll tell you and Angela about it when you come over. It's not pretty. I don't think anyone came out of it looking good."

"Well, I'm glad that you got her back. She seemed thrilled to be going to you."

"She's a bundle of energy isn't she?" I paused, "Aggie, how soon can you release Chiefy? I want to bring her into my organisation."

He paused, he must have been thinking about my request. "Frosty, I was going to torment you and Chiefy, but, well ... I've got her papers here. She's on detached duties to you until the end of the month, her end date will be the thirtieth. I'll sort out her discharge; do I send her papers and doc's to you at the Crynos?"

"Yes please Aggie, We both thank you for your help in this."

"No problem Frosty, now go back to playing with naked girls or whatever it is that you billionaires do for relaxation. I've got a country to protect."

"Well you know what it's like Aggie, it's a shitty job, but someone's got to do it." I replied with a laugh.

"Yeah and I know how hard you fought against it." His laughter echoed as he hung up.

I turned and looked for Chiefy, she was looking at Karen's collar. Wide eyed and open mouthed she stared at the amber.

"Chiefy," she turned toward me, "you're mine now. Your end date is the thirtieth. Aggie's going to sort out your discharge."

"Thanks Boss, I wasn't looking forward to that bit. All the looks an old hand like me gets..." she almost sagged. "You can see it in their eyes, you're past it and that's why they're getting rid of you." I saw a tear form. This was a major change in her life, she had a right to be a little emotional and decidedly un-Chiefy like. I held her and she pressed her head against my chest. I felt my skin get wet from her tears.

-------

Umber came to me as I sat beside Sasha. "You want something, Umber?" I asked.

She looked at the floor while fingering her new collar. "My Master, I would like you to give Alison my new collar, I am more than happy with my old leather collar, or anything." She looked down again, "I think Alison would like this."

Sasha looked puzzled, "Umber, your Master brought this collar especially for you. Don't you like it?"

Umber looked at her with tears running down her cheeks. "My Master gave me my life with my leather collar. This collar is nice, and everyone admires it, but, my Mistress, my leather collar saved my life. I couldn't ever wear it without being grateful for that day. This collar isn't the one that saved me. It doesn't matter to me," she shrugged.

I pulled her into my lap. "You've said many times that I gave you your life with that collar, what do you mean by that? You hadn't done anything wrong, the Count wouldn't have punished you."

"Master, I was a puppy but I couldn't attract a dog to mount me. And the useless puppies were due to be drowned the day after I came to you carrying the other girls' bags. When you collared me I was no longer a puppy, I was a slave again, your slave. You saved me."

There was so much there that I didn't understand. I could see that Sasha was puzzled too. "Umber precious, what do you mean when you say you were a puppy?"

"The count likes to watch girls and boys fucking and getting fucked by dogs. So, when a litter is born the Count would put some boys and girls into the dog pen with the litter. We were then called 'Puppies'. We had to look after the dog puppies and clean up after them, as they grew we had to learn to keep them clean and we had to try to bond with one of the dogs. Of course, all of the girls wanted a male dog and the boys wanted a bitch. Sometimes a dog got attached to a boy and he had to learn to get arse fucked by his dog. Sometimes a girl got a bitch, the Count liked watching them lick each other."

She swallowed and seemed to shrink into herself in her shame. "I couldn't get either a dog or bitch to attach to me. And the useless puppies were due to be drowned." She cried as she sat on my lap.

"But how would that affect you?" asked Sasha.

"Mistress, I was a puppy, I couldn't attract a dog or bitch, and all of the useless puppies were to be drowned. We would all be placed in a large sack and thrown into a water tank." She started sobbing, "I watched it once; we all had to watch at least once. It was horrible, they lasted for hours, crying and screaming. Sometimes a dog would panic and start fighting the human puppies, then the real screams would start, and the blood, so much blood." She lay against me sobbing, unable to speak anymore.

Suddenly I realised something else, "And I gave your collar to Alison didn't I?"

She just nodded.

"Sasha, please call all of my slaves, I want them here in five minutes."

"Master is me do this," said Karolina.

"Yes please Karolina."

I sat and hugged Umber as she cried on my lap.

I was almost in a panic myself. I looked round me, Cecy was watching open mouthed at the chaos around me. "Cecy I need a small private room for a few minutes. It won't be long."

She nodded, "Use that side room," she said pointing to a partially concealed door.

I heard scurrying noises round me as my girls got together, and then everything went silent. I looked up and saw all of my girls kneeling in a semi-circle around me.

"My girls, my loves, I have something to ask of one of you. I gave you a collar; I want to swap that collar for another. I gave something that I shouldn't have given. I hurt someone who I love. I will not order the one to give up her collar, for I know that sometimes a collar is all a slave has, their only possession. However, I ask this in the name of our family. I ask that if you are agreeable to me swapping your collar for one of very little value, then please come into that side room," I pointed and they all nodded, "and I'll do the swap then."

I stood with Umber in my arms and went into the small side room. I stood Umber up and used my key to release her collar. Then we waited.

As I expected Karolina was first to enter, "Thank you my precious, but yours isn't the collar I want."

I led her out of the other door and we waited. A few moments later Alison entered. "My Master, I know that my collar is the one you want, so do the others. This collar means little to me, my Master, it is belonging to you that holds meaning for me. You can have my collar now, and you, Umber, please keep your gold collar, I know our Master wanted you to have that. He will find me a fitting collar and that one will be mine. She laid her hands on Umber's back and kissed her neck. I'm sorry I took your collar my sister."

I unbuckled Alison's collar and buckled it back round Umbers neck. Umber held on to her precious symbol with one white knuckled hand while she hugged Alison with the other.

"Thank you Alison, thank you so much."

"Will you tell me?"Alison asked.

Umber nodded.

"And your name?" continued Alison.

This time Umber managed a weak smile as she nodded again.

"Why don't you two go and tell each other your stories, get to know each other. Come back to me tomorrow morning."

"Yes Master"

"Thank you Master."

They started walking to the door, Alison hugging the still emotional Umber tightly to her, Umber resting her head on her newest friend. As Alison reached to open the door Umber raced back to me and hugged me ferociously, "I love you my Master."

"I love you too, my dearest Umber. Now go and tell Alison and everyone else your story, perhaps they'll understand you a little better knowing that."

Umber leaned up and kissed my cheek, but I turned my head and caught her lips with mine. She opened to me and we let our tongues explore each others mouths for a few moments.

"Go now precious, Alison is waiting for you."

Sasha and I went back into the long gallery. It was almost empty. Chiefy waited for us, we could see her eyes were red from her tears too.

"I knew I'd done the right thing," said Chiefy, "I've finally got a boss who understands the difference between cost and value." She shook her head, "Never thought I'd live to see this day."

"Chiefy," said Sasha, "will you come with us, I'd like to talk with you for a while."

"Lead on Ma'am."

Sasha poked Chiefy in her chest, "My name is Sasha, none of this Ma'am crap. I get enough of that at work."

"Of course..."

Sasha raised an eyebrow.

" ... Sasha." Chiefy grinned.

"So what's your name, Chiefy?" asked Sasha.

"Alison, Alison Buckley," Chiefy answered.

"So what do we call you?" Sasha continued.

"Well the boss has already got one Alison and I can't see that I'd like to have a bad pun for a name," they both looked at me (female expression 73 — 'Don't think you've got away with this sunshine.') then continued chatting together, discounting the male half of the species as women usually do. They continued on toward our rooms, I turned toward the pool and lay down in the waning sunshine.

I had thought this trip was going to be a rest. Ah well, there was always tomorrow.



-------

Chapter 50


Jo came and told me it was time to start getting dressed for dinner.

"Sorry Master but your girls aren't up to much at the moment. They've all had a few shocks today."

"Haven't we all, Jo."

"Yes Master, but we're older and can handle these things better than the younger ones."

"That's true. We've had too many shocks and tragedies in our lives. These are just the latest ones."

I was feeling tired again, I hoped that I'd properly recovered from my exhaustion, but it seems I hadn't.

"Yes Master, and your next tragedy is that you'll have to suffer an old woman showering you today."

"Oh, I think I can handle that. Which bit is old anyway?" I brushed my fingers over a nipple; it plumped up at my touch. "Well I don't think these are old, how about this?" I lifted her short skirt and she parted her legs to allow my fingers access to her vulva. I felt her wetness on my fingers. "This bit isn't old either. I'll have to do a strip-search and have a closer look."

"That'll be nice, Master. You can do it in the shower and I'll try to wash you."

"That'll be fun too," I agreed. And it was fun; warm, wet, soapy, squishy fun.

-------

Umber and Varinka dressed me in another one of the suits made for the party. The blue silk shirt and plain burgundy tie matched the dark blue of the suit perfectly.

Karolina led my ladies in, they were dressed, using the term loosely of course, in slave shifts; thin white cotton panels front and back joined by thin tapes tied in a bow, wide strips of flesh visible at their sides, the panels not even attempting to conceal their charms. The opulence of their jewelled collars contrasting dramatically with the drabness of their clothing. They were, as slaves should be, barefoot.

Sasha was dressed to kill, a long sheath of treated silk, viewed from one angle it was totally transparent, I could see her naked body, a slight move and it became translucent and hid that which it had so generously displayed only moments before. The neckline was low, though that made little difference as her charms were often fully displayed to anyone who cared to look. Her hair was held in a fine gold net, diamonds sparkling in the light. A wide gold anklet hugged her left ankle tightly, a 'D' ring swinging freely. She saw the object of my attention and held her foot still to allow me a better look.

"In case my Master wishes to secure his woman," said Sasha, her eyes bright with her desire.

Sasha and I led the way to dinner.

Harold and Cecy waited in the drawing room, Harold suited similar to myself, Cecy in a black ankle length sheath who's elegant simplicity bespoke its high price. Immediately she moved it was obvious that the only thing she wore under that dress was perfume.

A servant gave Sasha a glass of champagne, another gave me a half pint of John Smiths. I looked over to the bar and recognised the portable pump and keg from the Crynos.

Amile and Claudette entered, both dressed in peasant dresses, the tops off both shoulders and the colourful skirts short and ragged. To fit in with their 'Gypsy girl' theme their hair was artfully unkempt. They were two little runaways from the local Gypsy camp.

Nina was dressed how I half expected her to be; her dress only covered her right breast, the left was covered by a metal cup held in place by her nipple piercing. Her left leg was completely uncovered and, as she moved, her shaved pussy flashed into view. Anklets and wristlets similar to Sasha's glinted on Nina's limbs.

Cecy stared at Sasha's dress and I was worried that Sasha's stepmother might object to such a revealing garment.

"Oh my! Sasha. where did you get that dress?" Cecy looked her step-daughter up and down, awed at the cut and quality of her dress.

Sasha looked questioningly at me. I nodded.

"It was made especially for me," she replied.

Cecy stepped back, "An idiot can see that. Huh! A man could see that," she looked at Harold and I, "if they stopped staring at your body long enough that is." She paused, "Do you think you could introduce me to this couturière?"

Sasha turned, saw Karen looking embarrassed by this praise. "Come Karen, Cecile wishes to meet you."

Shyly Karen left her position by the wall and went to Sasha and knelt by her side.

Harold and I moved to one side, I think we were both of the opinion that women's clothes were quite nice. but it was the contents that we were most interested in. Harold wanted to talk about recycling used oil. He had lots of waste oil and I had lots of oil fired heating systems.

-------

Dinner was great, not up to Debbie's standards but the food was wonderful. The dining room was magnificent, its high ceiling was painted, not with the usual angels and cherubs, but with nymphs and satyrs making love, quite definitely making love. Fucking, one might say, like nymphs and satyrs.

Cecy saw me examining the ceiling, "We quite like these paintings for our intimate dining. For more formal occasions we can change the panels to a rather more staid scene. The artiste painted ten sets of panels. Two for public viewing, the others each getting rather more, shall we say, risqué. Harold likes number seven, the young girls. I think you'll like that one too. And maybe your ladies will pick up a few tips from some of the scenes." She laughed at that thought.

Our servants were local village girls and Cecy had some news for Harold. "Harold, Jeanine is back with us." Cecy turned to Sasha and I to explain, "She waited on us for Harold's birthday nearly three months ago." Cecy took Jeanine's hand, "Come girl, let Harold see."

Jeanine slipped off her dress and stood naked and proud, running her hand over her rounding belly.

Harold looked a little puzzled. I decided to cover for a fellow man. "Congratulations on your pregnancy, Jeanine," I said. Harold gasped and stood. He went to Jeanine and hugged and kissed her. "Come and see me in the morning and we'll get things sorted out then," he told her. Jeanine nodded then reached up and kissed him again.

It seems that the servants in Harold and Cecy's household have the same attitude to clothes as those in mine do. Once it comes off, it stays off. Jeanine remained nude as she served Harold.

"Daddy threatened Claudette and I before your arrival, Monsieur Paul, if we did not behave as ladies he would strip us and chain us in your bed for the entire length of your stay," said Amile. "Don't you think that was mean of him?"

I placed my forkful of fish into my mouth and chewed slowly, getting a few seconds to think. "So I nearly had you two chained naked in my bed, and you decided not to misbehave. What a loss for me. I might have enjoyed your confinement, I'm sure that you both would have been very ... enthusiastic ... in your thanks for food or a potty. That might have been very nice."

Amile looked at me through narrowed eyes. "You would have taken advantage of two innocent girls, Monsieur?"

"If you had disobeyed your father then you wouldn't be innocent would you?"

"But would you have used us for your pleasure?"

"Oh yes, and made you entertain us singly and together in the evenings. I'm sure I will now miss that treat."

Amile smiled, "I don't think you have to miss such entertainment, Monsieur. I'm sure my sister would be as willing as I to accommodate you."

"Paul," said Cecy, "beware. They will try to tempt you into laying them across the dining table and fucking them here and now."

Both younger daughters looked at their mother with expressions of total innocence. I knew then that they were as keen for sex as Nina. Speaking of Nina where is she? I remember her

sitting at the table and receiving her dinner. Then Amile started teasing me, and now Harold looks quite flushed and distracted. Yes, I think that Nina is on her knees under the table.

"I'll look forward to watching you two ... entertain ... us. I'm sure my girls will appreciate your efforts too." I raised my glass to her and she suddenly realised that her mother would ensure she made good her boastful words.

"We will be happy to perform for you and your party, Monsieur. Please excuse me while my sister and I discuss this," said Amile. Claudette, while outwardly calm, seemed unusually tense. The two youngest girls sat speaking very quietly together.

Dinner finished, Harold and I went into his study to discuss business, specifically waste oil. Karolina and Melissa came with me, Sasha led the other girls into a drawing room, they were going to discuss clothes. There was also talk of tape measures. Jeanine brought us refreshments later, she was still naked and Harold and I both admired the view.

We reached a mutually advantageous agreement within two hours. We then went to see what the ladies were doing.

Cecy was standing on a pedestal being measured by Nina. Cecy's dress lay draped over the back of a chair. Karen was looking at her and sketching furiously; Amile and Claudette stood looking over her shoulders in awe at her speed and skill.

Sasha noticed me and ran over, pressed her body to mine and kissed me. Her dress was draped alongside her mothers. Sasha does a very, very nice whole body hug and kiss.

She grabbed hold of my hand. "Come and see these Paul, Karen is a bloody genius!" She led me to a line of A3 sketches stuck along one wall.

The sketches were typical 'fashion design' works. The outline of a female form was there and the basic form and outline a dress. Some works showed a visible nipple, one a displayed vulva. The woman in each though was easy to recognise.

Cecy looked down at me, "Paul, I ask permission for Karen to hold a small fashion show here before you leave." She lifted an arm for Nina, "I have heard," and she frowned at me, "that somehow you 'disrupt' fashion shows." Now I received a smile, "perhaps you would prefer to take a couple of the local girls downstairs to the dungeons and do whatever it is that men do with helpless girls in dungeons."

I looked at Karen, it was obvious that she really wanted to do this. I smiled at her, "Of course she may. I hope that she enjoys herself. Karen, my precious, let me know if there's any way I can help."

Karen jumped up and into my arms in a second, "Thank you, my Master."

I hugged her. "When you've finished with this show I would like you to do some lingerie work for JLD."

She looked at me, eyes wide open, "Me Master, but..."

I placed a finger on her lips, "These women agree with me that your design sense and your skill as a seamstress are more than sufficient for the task. Now go and enjoy yourself before I start smacking this," I patted her luscious bum.

She reached to her shoulder and with one hand ripped her slave dress off. "This girl is ready to gladly receive whatever her Master gives her." She looked up at me her eyes shining bright with anticipation.

I leant forward and kissed her. "Go and play, my precious."

She gave me a small bow, "Yes, my Master," and hurried back to her sketch pad.

I turned to Cecy. "Cecy, do you know of any top class seamstresses who might be available to assist Karen?"

She thought for a few moments. "We do not have anyone with sufficient skill locally. But I have a friend in Paris who is trying to start a business. She isn't a very good designer, her taste is not that which women with the money to afford Haute Couture want, but she has four very, very good machinists. They have kept the business running by doing contract work for the bigger houses. I think I can get them here."

"I would be grateful if you would try, Cecy. This would mean so much to Karen."

She leaned down and kissed me, I could not resist cupping a warm breast in my palm as it hung from her chest.

"You are like my Harold, you take what you want, but you give so much more in return." She waved me away, "Now go over there with Harold and watch us naked females before I have these girls hold you down while I rape you."

I stood for a moment or two considering the options. Cecy laughed, "You're not supposed to think about it. Go!" She turned, "Jeanine, where is your sister? Bring her here then the two of you take this man and show him the Dungeons. Maybe let him play for a while."

Jeanine and a slightly younger version of her looped their arms through mine and turned me away from Cecy. "This way, Sir," said Jeanine as she led me away. Melissa and Jo followed me.

-------

The dungeons were, as you would expect, deep below the cellars. I smiled at Jo's gasp of surprise and excitement when we entered. The dungeon was decorated in Gothic Creepy, dark stone walls with thick pillars and barred cells on either side. Chains hung from the ceiling. Strange pieces of equipment stood in the central corridor.

Jo pressed herself to me, even through the thickness of my jacket I could feel her hard nipples driving into my side and arm. She was panting already and her eyes were dilated.

"See anything you fancy?" I jokingly asked her. Jo's lustful nod got me thinking. We would spend more time down here, Jo and I, but not tonight, later, when we had time to 'play'.

We returned upstairs and I took Jo and Melissa to bed. For the first time I ordered specific sexual entertainment from my slaves. I ordered Jo to lick Melissa to orgasm. I handcuffed Jo's arms behind her and told her I would cane her every minute until Melissa came. Then she (Jo) would have to bring Lynne to orgasm. Every minute she'd receive a stroke from the cane.

Jo started licking Melissa, slowly as I expected.

CRACK!

Jo whimpered a little but didn't seem to increase her efforts on Melissa.

CRACK!

Melissa looked down at Jo between her legs. Jo wasn't putting in as much effort at bringing Melissa to orgasm as she could.

I caned Jo eight times before she exploded into her climax. Melissa, leaning on her elbows, watched as I caned Jo into a mind blowing orgasm which left the poor masochist a trembling wreck. I pulled Jo to me and cuddled her as she shuddered through her climax. She cried and moaned unintelligible words as she pressed her face into my chest.

I held her close and lay on the bed. Jo soon quietened and slept. Melissa pulled the covers over us and I too slept.

I woke early as usual and managed to slip out of bed without waking either Jo or Sasha. Julia, lying naked at the foot of my bed, was shivering. I woke her as gently as I could and draped a blanket over her shoulders. She followed me to my office where I started work. I had a few ideas about fashion and clothing.

I worked for a couple of hours then stood and walked round the room, just pacing and thinking. The curtains were drawn, though I knew that three layers of net curtains were between then and the window. I wandered into the next room and saw an answer to one of my desires, a huge mirror on a wheeled frame. It was the work of moments to align the mirror so I could sit in my chair and watch the sun rise through the next room's windows.

Standing in my room, sipping from a bottle of water, I saw the edge of the sun peek over the hill. Then there was a brighter flash from lower on the hill and a second later the mirror jumped and hole appeared at my chest height.

I dropped to the floor and squirmed to my desk. There I thumped the alarm button. Julia tried to stand up but I forced her back down onto the floor. The door to the next room opened and I saw one of Elastic's girls in full combat armour about to enter.

"STOP!" I yelled. "Sniper on the hill east of here, about three quarters of the way up. Likely to be in a long term hide."

"SIR, YES SIR!" She spoke into her throat mike for a few moments and then knelt with her weapon ready covering the door behind me and the uncovered window.

Now I know why Elastic had been so very insistent that I never allowed myself to stand in front of an uncovered window while we were here.

The door behind me opened and another warrior entered, she carried two combat jackets with Kevlar panels. These would stop small arms fire, but there was something wrong with the hole in the mirror, something that nagged at me about the hole, it was too small.

I grabbed the girl shielding me and turned her round. "You must tell Elastic to pass the word, the bullet hole is too small, understand?"

"Yes Boss." She muttered into her radio and waited. I looked at the mirror again, the hole was less than the size of a .22 round and it had been fired from about 800 yards. No small calibre round would have had the energy to cleanly pass through the mirror like that, not without shattering the whole thing. No a hole that small and neat took velocity and energy, and that needed a heavier round. Not unless...

"Give me your radio," I demanded.

She snatched off the headset and gave it to me, I had to lean close, almost resting on her combat jacket but I got the headset on.

"Elastic, the sniper is using depleted uranium rounds from something like a Barrett fifty. Tell your girls that their body armour won't protect them."

There was a couple of seconds silence on the radio as Elastic digested this information. Then I heard, "Listen up, girls. Boss has really pissed someone off this time, they're using DU ammo. So if you want to ditch the body armour then that's your personal choice. I'm sending out the SkyDog."

The teams reported in, just calling out their numbers from two to thirty. I was glad that they had been warned.

Less than five minutes later I was escorted into a comfortable room in the cellar. Harold, Cecy and their girls, along with all of my girls, were already there, though we doubted that any of them were the targets of this morning's attack.

I sat with Sasha on my lap thinking about what would be happening 'out there'. SkyDog, was a remotely piloted aircraft or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) as our American cousins like to say. It had thermal imagers and chemical sensors better than a dogs nose to sniff out the unmaskable biological by-products of living.

I was concerned about the use of depleted uranium though. That was evidence of a military connection. Police forces never used DU due to fears over residual radiation.

I called Karolina over to me. "Karolina, precious, I'd like you to take some notes."

I waited while Karolina got comfortable and ready for me. She nodded and I started talking. I described the whole morning, my moving the mirror, precisely what I saw and heard when the shot was taken and what I did when I realised what had happened. I added what I could remember of my thoughts and feelings. I left nothing out. I knew all of this would be valuable for Elastic's after action report. I also knew that Aggie and Angela were going to be even more pissed about this than they were about the information leaks. I took nearly two hours before I finished my 'notes'.

I also had another thing I had to sort out. "Julia!" I called.

"Yes my Master," she replied from beside me. Jeez these girls can sneak around quietly.

"You were sleeping at the foot of my bed this morning weren't you?"

"Yes Master. Thank you, my Master, for allowing this girl that privilege," she answered.

"And you were shivering, too." This was a statement not a question.

Julia dropped her head as though she'd been caught out wrong doing. "Yes Master."

"If you decide to sleep at the foot of my bed, then you must ensure that you will be comfortable and warm." I looked at her as sternly as I could.

"Yes Master," she said with a tiny smile.

"Why are you looking constipated?" asked Sasha.

"Hey, woman, this is my stern visage." I protested. "When I glare like this my slaves tremble at my feet."

"Yyyeeeessss," she patted my arm, then snuggled back against my chest. "Play with your man toys, Paul," she suggested in a very 'little girl' voice.

I unbuttoned her blouse and slipped my hand inside to fondle a braless breast.

"Thank you, my Master," she said quietly.

Moments later I felt a warmth against my leg as Julia, kneeling at the front of my chair, laid against me too.

We went back to waiting.

Thinking about Jeanine and her sister got me puzzled. They spoke very good English for small village girls in rural France.

"Sasha," I said giving her nipple a little tweak, "Jeanine and her sister speak very good..."

She laughed, "You'll find most people in the Martinè villages speak good English, though those in the north east do speak with a deep Birmingham accent." Placing her hands over mine, pressing me hard onto her breasts she looked up at me. "My Grandmother started it." Sasha relaxed and moved my right hand down to cup the warmth between her legs. "She wanted an English husband and knew she would have to learn to speak English properly. So she hired four English teachers, graduates from Oxford no less, and tempted them to come and live here and teach all of the villagers English. In four years she was able to practice her English wherever she went in Martinè.

"She then went to London and found her beau. Grandmother and Grandfather kept the English teachers so that their daughter, my mother, would speak English like a native. In her turn my Mother went to London and brought Harold back."

I saw Harold smile at the memories of meeting his darling wonderful French wife. A tear fell, Cecy hugged him and kissed away his tears. "We too decided to keep the English teachers so that our daughter had the choice of where she chose her husband from. And, like her Grandmother and mother, she found her soul mate in London."

"If you will let me, my precious," I said, hugging her to me. "When we marry, I too would like to keep these teachers, so our children will grow up knowing both cultures."

Sasha reached up to me and pulled me down for a kiss, I noticed her eyes glistening with tears. "Of course, my Master. Oh my darling, I can't wait to grow fat with your children." She kissed me again with deep longing.

-------

"Sorry we had to keep you cooped up so long, Boss, Mr., Mrs. Dempsey. We found him very quickly but we wanted him to send his after action signal. We had to call an ambulance and the local police. The Gendarmerie here were very helpful and even called a morgue wagon for us." She nodded to a uniformed man on the other side of the table. "As we feared, we detected two signals; one from our friend in custody, the other from a road which had oversight of his hide. We caught them too," Elastic smiled. "And we've identified the over watch team, they're both inspectors in the Cumbrian Police Service."

Elastic pressed a button on the projector remote control and three photographs were displayed. Two smaller images on the left were from the Crynos, they showed two police officers arguing with a very placid and controlled concierge. It was notable, to me at least, that neither wore their number epaulettes. On the right was a larger picture of a couple standing beside a Citroën, in plain clothes. They were so obviously the same people.

"The shooter?" I asked.

"We haven't identified him yet," answered Elastic.

The Gendarme smiled, "But Paris has, Commander." He seemed to respect Elastic even after the short time he'd known her. "He's a Moroccan, his name is unimportant at the moment; he uses so many I doubt that he can remember his birth name. He's a freelance, good with gun or rifle, and expendable. He's been talking quite freely, his commission for this contract didn't include the extra for keeping quiet. They even wanted him to return the rifle and unused ammunition." The Inspector laughed, "Perhaps your police forces are as short of funds as our own." He shook his head, "He was supposed to meet those two," he pointed to the screen, "at the Gare du Nord, and give them the key to a luggage locker. When they'd checked the rifle and ammunition, they'd give him the second half of his commission. They're not due to meet until the day after tomorrow. We have all of them on firearms offenses, and these carry a longer sentence in France that they do in the UK. Those two are looking at twenty years; the Moroccan is looking at life." He looked serious, "and in France that means natural life."

He sat and Sandy stood up. "The firearm was a Barrett 82A1, standard weapon, not modded or adapted, used little, only to sight the scope in we think. That's not the problem though, Barretts can be bought on the open market almost anywhere. The ammunition, though, that's another thing entirely. We found boxes for a hundred rounds, eleven rounds were missing. Ten rounds would be good for sighting in a scope leaving the one fired at you." She used the remote control to show two pictures, one of the window, the second of the mirror. A ruler was held below each hole. Each hole was only two millimetres in diameter.

"This is a very new round," Sandy gave a sad smile, "that I helped to develop last year. Material, depleted uranium as the boss guessed," she nodded to me, "but here's the kicker. It's a double sabot round. The first sabot is used to mate the round to the weapon, in this case the .50 of the Barrett. The second sabot is a multi stage casing." She brought up another image on the screen. A blown up, cut away diagram of the round and its inner sabot. Using a laser pointer Sandy went through the details. The nose cone, soft material just used for aerodynamics, an inner nose piece, bevelled to cause the round to tumble when it struck a medium density target. This inner piece though was frangible and, if the round struck a high density target, it would disintegrate and allow the flat face of the DU core itself to hit. Thus it would be armour piercing too.

Sandy turned to me, "Boss these rounds were developed for use in war zones where a sniper may not have time to change ammunition for different targets. They're hellaciously effective and, because of the outer sabot, come in a variety of calibres." She looked worried, "Sorry Boss." I stood and held open my arms, Sandy came for a hug unmindful of the others in the room.

"Don't be sorry, Sandy, precious. You did your job and have made our troops a shit-load safer where they're fighting now. You didn't tell these people to use this ammunition; they got it and used it. Now we've got to pass that information on to Commodore and Commander Weston."

We sat down again.

"One final thing," said the Inspector, "when these two realised that they were in trouble they produced their warrant cards and said that they were working through Interpol to arrest a major paedophile ring leader." He pointed at me. "They might have gotten away with this alibi if it were not for their passports being in different names from the warrant cards." He gave a very Gaelic shrug, "Even that might not have caused concern, however they couldn't give me their liaison officer's name, nor their case number, nor the phone number of the responsible Superintendent. Nor did they inform our authorities of their presence in France. So we are treating them as impostures, and adding immigration offences to their list of charges." He smiled again, a wolf's smile this time. "At the moment they are calling for lawyers and demanding their 'rights'. I do not think that they've realised yet that they are not in the UK any more. They will get their lawyers and their rights, such as they are in France. And they will have their day in court. Unfortunately, our courts have a big back-log of work and might not get round to this pair for two years or more."

I stood and looked round the table. "Thank you all for everything that you've done for us today. Without your efforts I doubt that I would still be alive, and I'm sure that more people would have been murdered. Elastic, please will you get all of this information to Commodore Weston as soon as possible?"

"Gerry has already gone, Boss. I took the liberty of using your jet to get her to Luton. A military car will pick her up from there."

"No Elastic, get one of our cars to pick her up. This whole affair has got military involvement and we don't know how deep that goes. Tell the military that her plane will be landing at Gatwick because it's closer to her destination; get them away from Gerry herself."

"Boss, it would be better to divert the plane rather than try and make the reception committee go somewhere else," said Elastic.

"Good thinking Elastic," I agreed.

Elastic pulled her phone from a pocket and went into a corner to do some calling. This had to be done immediately due to the short travelling times.

"Now, finally, I need to have a word with Harold and Cecy," I said. Everyone else said their goodbyes and left the room.

I stood, I couldn't make this sort of apology sitting, "Harold, Cecy, I am so sorry for bring my problems to your home. I'll..."

"NO!" Cecy jumped up sending her chair skittering backwards. "YOU WILL NOT LEAVE!" Cecy was furious, white with rage. "I will not have a guest in my house chased away because of some thugs. We, the people of Martinè, will look after and protect our guests. The next person who enters our land with ill intent will discover that the equipment in our dungeons really does still work."

She came to me and stroked my cheek, "Dearest Paul, you've brought joy, laughter and happiness into my home, we've grown to love you and feel as though you are one of us. You're one of the few people who have been able to control Amile and Claudette, and," she sighed, "I haven't lured you into my bed yet." She pressed herself against me and leant up for a kiss, a passionate kiss which left me in no doubt as to her desire to get me into her bed.

I looked at Sasha, she nodded. "Thank you Cecy, Harold. We'll stay, we enjoy staying here, I love seeing Sasha's home and the places important to her, and besides, I'm growing to love you too."

"Good, so you'll sneak into my bed then," said Cecy breathlessly.

"I might find you in my bed before I have a chance to." I replied.

"Ummm ... I never thought of that. What time do you go to bed?"

I smacked her bum, she just sighed again, lay her head against my chest and ground her crotch into mine.

"Do that again," she sighed.



-------

Chapter 51


It took four of them to dress me this evening. Alina spent over two hours shining my shoes. Varinka and Julia had prepared my suit and shirt. Umber had been responsible for getting me ready, including a haircut.

I usually just had a trimmer cut, grade two all over with a square neck. Umber looked as though I suggested that we go and sexually interfere with the chickens.

No, I'll rephrase that, if I'd suggested interfering with chickens I'm sure that Umber would have smiled and joined me. She might have asked me if I wanted lube, but she'd have volunteered to hold the chicken. No, Umber looked at me as though I suggested that I might present myself as less than she thought that I should. She was concerned only for me, and wanted me to show myself at my best. Nothing less would do.

So I let her trim my hair and give me a shave. Then we showered and I tried to get my own back as I showered her and bent her over and fucked her from behind. She thanked me, then knelt and sucked me clean. I thanked her too.

I knew this evening was important to Harold and Cecy, they had invited a large number of local dignitaries from both the political and business worlds. I also knew that I would be 'on display' too. Some of the people attending tonight would only be here to see me. That thought was a little unnerving. Still, I doubt that they'd be armed, not after passing through Elastic's security cordon anyway.

Sasha entered as Julia finished straightening my tie, she looked gorgeous. Her pale cream dress clung to her slender body and glistened in the room's lights. She turned to let me see the back and I gasped, it was backless, completely backless, the skirt section started just below the top of her bum crack. And there wasn't a 'chicken' strap crossing from shoulder to shoulder to prevent 'accidents' or 'wardrobe malfunctions' as they are so cutely known. I did know that I would be 'helping' Sasha out of that dress later this evening. And then doing as many ddddiiiiirrrrttttyyyy things to her body as I could think of.

Susan followed Sasha, she too was dressed to kill, in Susan's case literally. The colouration of their dresses complimented each other, though I was sure that Susan's little clutch bag contained more than just lipstick and tissues.

Melissa came to join me, she too wore a long evening gown. This in a rich ruby, it was split to her hip on the left and the neck plunged well below her breasts. "No guns tonight Melissa?" I asked lightly.

"Two Master, left inner thigh and right armpit," she replied.

I looked at her again, I'd swear there was nothing there.

"You can check if you like..." she told me, just a little breathlessly. I noticed the gleam in her eyes though.

"Especially the one between your legs?" I asked.

"Oh yes my Master, you need to make sure that one's still there."

I smacked her bum, just lightly, but I enjoyed it.

Sasha looked at me, "When you've finished groping our bodyguards..."

"Master hasn't groped me yet!" Susan interrupted hopefully.

Sasha turned and looked at her, "Well, aren't you going to go and get your groping?"

Susan hurried over to me and turned to present her bum. Of course I fondled the proffered body part; it was up to its usual high standard for bums.

Sasha shook her head. "I thought my family were a bunch of sex maniacs, compared to you lot they're just amateurs."

Karolina entered, she was the epitome of high powered personal assistant, even to the glasses.

"Glasses Karolina?" I asked.

"Do got radio for to 'Lastic control band."

Well, with that dress on it seemed obvious that she couldn't conceal a radio anywhere else. From the way that the shiny blue silk clung to her it was obvious that the dress was the only thing she wore.

"Have you come for a quick groping as well, Karolina?" asked Sasha.

Karolina smiled, "Our Master give the grope? Me here Master." And she pressed against me for a kiss. Naturally I obliged and lifted her dress to check her underwear as well. As I suspected, she wasn't wearing any. She was hot and wet though. I wonder if we actually have to go to this party.

"Yes." Said Sasha.

"Um?" I murmured lifting away from Karolina's welcoming mouth.

"You were wondering if we have to go downstairs. Yes we do." She frowned at me, "You can wait a little while and then me and all of these ladies will get naked and pull you into bed and you can do rude things to anyone you catch."

I smiled at that thought, "Promise?"

Sasha, Susan, Melissa and Karolina all agreed, "Promise."

I held out my hand to Sasha and we went downstairs.

-------

The long ballroom was half full when we entered.

A major-domo announced us as Paul, Baron of Glastbrook, and Ms. Sasha Dempsey.

I was a little surprised at the Baron bit. After Aggie's warning I had been expecting it of course, I didn't know it had actually been announced.

Sasha looked at me, "Don't you ever read the newspapers?"

"Only the business sections," I replied.

"Well you should take more interest in current affairs, Baron." She smiled at me, "How does it feel to be a 'Baron'."

"About the same as 'Lord' did at first. It doesn't seem real."

"Well the Lord thing wasn't real at first." We shared a smile.

A large, stockily built man approached us. "Vivien Montreal," he said and held out his hand. "I know who you are, and, of course the glamorous Ms. Dempsey."

I recognised the name, reading the business pages had done me some good after all. Vivien was the regional director for this region for Citroën. I wondered what he wanted from me.

He gestured to a petite woman standing by herself by the wall, "Veuillez venir les rencontrer mes précieux," he said.

"I would like my wife to meet a real celebrity, but as you can see she is shy. She does not..." he thought for a moment, "mix well."

"May I congratulate you on your command of English. Monsieur." said Sasha, then she turned to me, "Vivien asked his wife to come and meet us."

Then I noticed Vivien's wife's eyes open so wide they almost fell out, and so did Vivien's. I turned and looked behind me. "Hi Gerald ... sorry, sorry Thrash."

Thrash smiled and hugged me. "Paul, congratulations on the Honour thing. I can't believe that they gave one to someone who actually deserved it." He turned and hugged and kissed Sasha.

"Now he," I pointed to Thrash, "is a real celebrity." I told Vivien.

Vivien's wife was now hanging on to his arm, almost white with shock.

Thrash, ever the smooth operator turned to her, lifted her hand and kissed her palm, he gently bit the Mound of Venus, "and who is this gorgeous lady?" he asked.

A second later both he and Vivien were supporting her as she fainted.

Em and Gerry smoothly came to her side and walked her away with Vivien following after.

"Thrash, you don't know how good it is to see you again. I need another friend in this crowd, and I want to introduce you to Sasha's family."

Thrash laughed, "Cecile invited me. I arrived about an hour ago and she kept me hidden from everyone until now. And Sasha, my darling, is he treating you well? If he isn't looking after you properly then let me know and I'll take you away from all of this ... err..." he looked round the opulent, gilt—covered, grand ballroom, "good living and comfort." He paused thoughtfully, "That didn't go down right did it?"

Sasha and I laughed, she hugged him and they kissed. Again.

"Thrash, dearest, if I hadn't met him," she looked fondly at me, "then I would be coming after you." She sighed, "I am so blessed to have met two most wonderful men. Some women don't even find one." She pulled back and looked at him closely, "You've lost weight and your skin looks like crap. Did you know that he," she jerked her thumb vaguely in my direction, "collapsed through exhaustion. It looks as though you're going the same way."

Caught out, Thrash smiled, "You're right. I desperately need a rest, that's why I've come here." He turned to me, "Last time we talked I said I had some time off and would like to spend some time with you, can I stay with you for a while?" He suddenly looked too old and too tired, "I really do need to recharge my batteries."

I understood what he meant by 'stay with me', when we returned to London, he would come with us. "Of course you can, are you expecting any of the others to drop in?"

"Jamie might, the others, no. They're all as worn out as me, we've been doing too much too quickly. Our manager and lawyers really tried to screw us over, Paul. If it hadn't been for Sasha we'd have been burnt out and OD'ing on pills. That's another thing I need to speak to you about, Sasha. I think that those vultures were actually trying to kill us. It would have raised the value of our catalogue hugely, and without the nuisance of living musicians around too."

"We'll talk about that in the morning Gerald. But we're on display now, so shall we mingle and do my parents proud?"

"Not just one star guest but three?" said Gerald

I kissed Sasha and we split up. Glancing round I noticed Susan following closely behind Sasha. Gerald though was unaccompanied. Karolina was just behind me though. I turned to her, "can you contact Elastic on those things?" I asked.

"Girl come for to watch Mr. T'rash," she said.

I looked over and sure enough there was one of Elastic's girls standing next to Gerald.

"Let's go then ladies." I looked round and spotted Vivien again, he was speaking with a small group. I expected that, for him, this was a working evening.

I turned and greeted a couple who approached me.

-------

I sighed as I eased off my shoes. It had been a long evening and I was worn out and my feet hurt. Gerald had lasted about two hours before Sasha managed to convince him to go to bed. I think that it had been a good evening for Cecy and Harold. They had made contact with people that they might not otherwise had had access to. I had given out three of my business cards. I do not know how many I received though. Karolina would know I'm sure.

Sasha and Susan were asleep in our bed, Karolina and Melissa just dropped their dresses to the floor and lay on the small bed. I snuggled up to Sasha and spooned against her back. Within seconds I too was asleep.

-------

I went downstairs and Elastic herself opened the outer doors for me. "All secure Boss. The entire area has been checked and SkyDog is still flying."

"Thank you Elastic."

"Have a good day Boss, I'm off to bed in thirty minutes. I'll see you later."

"Have a good sleep Elastic."

I went out to the pool. I was the first one there, even before the woman who cleaned the pool surround. I dived into the warm water and started slowly swimming lengths. Soon someone else joined me and we swam together, silent but knowing the other was there. I was grateful for this intimacy, this understanding that sometimes company does not need to include talk.

I stopped in the shallow end and she stopped with me.

"Good morning Cecy," I said as she stood brushing her hair out of her eyes.

"Good morning Paul. Are you always up this early?"

I shrugged, "I don't need much sleep, four or five hours usually suites me. I get a lot of work done while it's quiet."

She slowly dropped into the water and suddenly I felt an almost scalding heat envelop my cock. In moments I was erect. Cecy stood up again and hugged me, she lifted herself up and settled herself down on my rampant dick. With only a few twists of her hips I was deeply embedded in her.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist and gently rocked herself up and down on my hardness.

"You are bigger than I expected Paul," she said. I leaned forward and nipped her neck. I placed my hands beneath her bum and supported her weight. A finger or two found their way to her rosebud and pressed inside.

I let Cecy enjoy herself for a few minutes, then lifted her onto the side of the pool. I spread her knees apart and pulled her hips to me. I feasted on her dripping vagina, licking and sucking on her folds and clit. Moments later I was rewarded with a mouthful of her juices as she came. I continued to lick and nip her clit but she pulled my up by my ears.

"I want to be fucked so get out of the pool and fuck me."

Well, even I can get that sort of hint. I lifted myself out of the pool as she arranged a couple of mats. She pointed to the mats, "Down!"

"Woof Woof," I barked at her, dropping to my hands and knees I stuck my nose in her crotch and sniffed and licked at her. When she turned round I did the same to her arse.

"Lie down!" she cried, laughing.

I lay on my back with my arms and legs in the air, doing my best 'dog on his back' impression.

She straddled my chest and brought my hands up to her breasts, pressing against my legs with her bum she settled herself onto my cock again. This time she was totally in control. Cecy, set a moderate pace while I teased her nipples and used a thumb to good effect on her clit.

Twice she stiffened and I felt her muscles ripple as she came. Finally, with her head drooping and sweat replacing the water on her skin, she said, "Come now, Paul. Now!"

I few moments later I had my release. I did my best to flood her vagina with my sperm. Cecy lay on my chest panting. She kissed my shoulder and neck, "Thank you Paul, thank you."

I was running my hands over her back and bum, kissing and biting her shoulder and neck too. "No Cecy, it is I who is thanking you." We hugged and enjoyed the feeling of the other against our skin.

The smell of the coffee roused me. Cecy was looking into my eyes, "You fell asleep!"

I thought for a moment, "So did you."

"Yes," she admitted, "but men always fall asleep afterwards."

"So," I asked her, "if men always fall asleep after making love, why am I in trouble for doing so?"

"Oh I didn't say you were in trouble..."

I spun her sideways and sat up. She was now laid across my lap, her bum in the perfect position for...

"Harold!"

"Yes dear," came a voice from behind a paper.

"Harold, he's going to beat me!"

"Yes dear." He replied turning the page.

"Aren't you going to help?"

"I think he can manage on his own dear."

"HAROLD!"

SMACK

"He's beating me."

SMACK

"And I'm getting turned on by it."

"Oh good dear." He said with the same distracted inflection he'd been using all the time.

Cecy looked up at me, "Anymore?" she asked almost hopefully.

I gave her two more, one on each cheek.

Slowly Cecy stood up. She held out her hand to me, "Come Paul, let's have a shower and wash all of this sweat away."

I took her hand and stood up with her 'help'.

Showering with Cecy was exciting. She was uninhibited and willing. She took delight in her body and wanted her partner to touch, lick, kiss, fondle, bite, and suck, or any combination of those, anywhere. She let me position her where I wanted and never showed any distaste for anything I did. I gave her another orgasm but, though she tried, I couldn't raise another erection. I was already fully satisfied.

Showered and dried, Cecy and I rejoined the breakfast group. Sasha kissed me, "Had fun with Cecy?" she asked.

"He beat me!" Cecy cried.

"I'm sure you deserved it Cecy," Sasha replied.

"Of course I did, but that's no reason for him to actually do it."

I looked at them, "I'll spank," I said, holding up one hand.

Cecy, Sasha, Claudette and Amile, all looked at me and said "Yeeeaaahhhhh."

"Oh Paul, you were doing so well up until just then," said Harold from behind his paper.

Gerald didn't join us for breakfast, knowing Em she will have already examined him and told him that he had to rest, and she would have made sure that enough willing female helpers were available to gently enforce that regime. I knew that all of my girls were willing to use a naked girl to keep me in line. I had no doubt that they would use similar successful techniques on any other male that needed them.

I was enjoying some toast and a very nice strawberry preserve when Lynne came to me with a phone.

"Master, there's someone here saying that the Prime Minister wants to see you tomorrow afternoon at Number Ten." She looked a little worried.

As I finished my mouthful I wondered what would the PM want with me? It was obviously something that I could do for him, rather than the other way round. Well, I was on holiday, "Tell him no, I'm on holiday."

"Lord Winter says 'no' because he's on holiday. Thank you." Lynne said and she hung up.

I continued thinking about that call; you didn't get to be the PM, even if you were a total arsehole, by giving up easily. I expected that there would be one more 'nice' call and then the nasty stuff would start.

"Karolina!"

"She is coming, my Master," said Alison by my side.

"Thank you Alison. How are you settling in with us?"

"I'm getting on very well Master. The other body slaves treat me well and they're showing me what to do and the things that you like," she answered. "Julia sent me out to attend to you this morning."

"Have you had breakfast yet?" I asked.

"Not yet, my Master," she didn't let her eyes flicker to the plate of toast in front of me.

I had her turn a little until she was positioned how I like my girls. Then I spread another slice of toast with that wonderful preserve. I took a bite and then gave Alison some. As we chewed I continued to think about the PM.

"Karolina is here, my Master." Alison interrupted my thoughts.

"Girl is not tell Master when 'nother girl attend. Master think, Master plan, Master see girl when Master ready." Karolina scolded her.

"This girl apologises Master." Alison was almost wetting herself with fright, having made such a mistake as to be reprimanded by the Master's favourite, in front of the Master himself.

"Then learn from this small mistake Alison. We all have to learn." I stroked her hair and she leant into my hand.

"Karolina, please find out what you can about the Prime Minister. I want to know his dirty secrets. Who he's made promises to, who shares his bed, who shares his wife's bed and where his hidden money is. When you find his dirty secrets I want the information ready to be sent out to every newspaper in the UK. When you find the money, and there will be some somewhere, I want you to get ready to take it."

"Take all Master?" she asked.

"I expect that there will be separate accounts with a portion in each. I want you to be able to empty them all at once or one at a time as necessary." I smiled at her, "And I know that you can do this anonymously." She smiled back.

"Start now Boss." Karolina left to set up the destruction of the PM.

I was troubled more by this contact from the PM than the Cumbrian thing. The PM had the resources of the whole government at his disposal. What the Cumbrians were doing was illegal, if the PM wanted something done it could be made legal at the stroke of a pen.

Lynne came out with the phone again, "Master..." she started.

"I'm busy!" I yelled. "I'm supposed to be on fucking holiday and some cunt wants to talk business. Well none of my business is that urgent, tell them to fuck off."

Lynne smiled, she'd guessed that I was playing up for the phone. She lifted the phone, "I'm afraid that Lord Winter is unavailable just now, perhaps you could call again when he returns to London."

She listened for a few moments, "I'll pass on your message but it might be a day or two before I can speak to his lordship."

She winced a little and pulled the phone away from her ear. After a long minute she put the phone to her ear again. "I have noted that extra message, Sir, and I shall ensure that it is passed to the appropriate authorities."

Lynne looked at me, she was enjoying herself immensely. She listened for a moment, holding the phone a good distance from her ear again. There was a loud crash from the phone and Lynne looked at it in surprise. "He hung up." She pressed the disconnect button on her phone.

"Master, who or what is the Cabinet Secretary?" She asked.

"Ah, the Cabinet Secretary is the top man, always a man so far anyway, the top man in the Civil Service. The Civil Service is made up of Civil servants. These are the very rude people who rule our lives. So the Civil Service is actually two lies for the price of one."

"Thank you Master." She paused for a moment, "Master, shall I pass on a copy of this call to OFCOM and the Police? He made a number of quite specific threats against me personally and he used a lot of very bad language."

I thought about this for a while, then an idea struck me. "Could I have my phone please Lynne."

Alison handed me my phone, "Thank you precious," I said. She smiled.

I dialled the Count.

"Count,"

"Paul, have you lost another one of my slaves?"

"No Alex, I know precisely where she is, I freed her though which is why Karolina sent you another cheque."

Alex actually laughed. "So how do I learn how you treat your women then?"

"Be nice to a few of them and then ask if one of them would like to stay with me for a while. You never know it might even work."

"I said you were honest," he paused, "and I should have known not to ask a question when I didn't want to hear the answer. I'll try both. I'll send another girl, and start treating a few of my body slaves well. I'll see what happens. At least you're quick to pay for a new girl. Now Paul, you didn't call me for idle chit-chat, what can I do for you?"

"I need some records putting in the Polish secret service files, a whole history, photos, reports everything. I'm willing to pay half a million pounds for the job."

"What's the name of this poor unfortunate who has roused your ire?"

"Sir Richard Spalding."

"SPALDING! But he's the..."

"Yeah, I know." I interrupted.

There was silence on the other end of the line for nearly two minutes.

"Paul, I must remember never to anger you. I thought that you lacked the killer instinct. I see that I was very much mistaken. Keep your money Paul, you've just given me a very valuable lesson, and I'll look forward to the fun and games in high government when this is discovered. I'll let you know when the job's been completed." He sounded very much subdued when he finished.

I hung up and gave the phone back to Alison. She put it somewhere. My call had fulfilled a number of objectives, Sir Richard's professional live would be destroyed, totally beyond saving. Well he shouldn't have threatened one of my ladies.

Then, hopefully, Alex would start treating his slaves a little better. I had no real reason to want Alex to change, he wasn't harming me directly, but I disagreed with mistreating people for amusement. Alex would also be more wary of me now, I had bared my teeth, and at a powerful public figure too. I did not take prisoners and mercy was a word in some dictionaries, not one of the ones I used though.

Sounds of gentle sobbing disturbed my thoughts, I looked over to see Lynne on her knees, head down and tears flowing steadily from her eyes.

I lifted her chin, "What's the matter my precious?" I was truly puzzled by her tears.

She sniffed and coughed trying to free her throat enough to talk. "This girl doesn't know how to thank her Master for this protection. This girl knows what will happen to that man, this girl is only a low slave and not worth her Masters notice. But this girl's Master looks after his slaves and loves us all." Her chin trembled again and she was unable to speak.

I pulled her onto my lap and hugged her. Lynne trembled in my lap for nearly ten minutes, crying her heart out. I hugged her and kissed her head, I stroked her back and hugged her tight to me. Finally her arm snaked around my neck.

"This girl thanks her Master. This girl thanks every one of the hundred strokes she received to become her Masters girl. This girl..."

"Is loved by her Master and her master wants the best for his girl. Because when the Master's girl is raised about other girls then the Master is raised about other Masters." I reminded her.

She looked up at me, tears in her eyes and awe in her expression. "Thank you Master." She lifted my hand to her breast, "This girl is your toy my Master, play with your toy and be happy."

I squeezed her breast and then lifted her chin, "This girl is my wonderful Lynne. My Lynne who looks after Karolina and Ela for me, Lynne who takes all of their anger and frustration while she does her Master's bidding, my Lynne who is much more important than she realises. This girl is my treasured Lynne whom I love."

We sat cuddling for nearly half an hour before Lynne spoke, "Master, this girl needs to look after Karolina and Ela. They have been working very hard lately."

"Go then Lynne and nag them a little." As she rose I smacked her bum, just a gentle smack but I found it enjoyable.

Lynne stopped and bent over a little. Looking over her shoulder at me she asked, "Does my Master want to play with his girl?"

"Go, you randy girl. Remind me this evening that you need a smacked bum," I laughed.

"Oh thank you Master!" she exclaimed and then ran off.

I watched her naked figure disappear through a doorway.

"Raise you above other Masters! You don't give a shit about the other Owners, you just love those girls." Sasha looked down at me, she'd obviously been behind me for some time. I smiled and held out my hand to her.

She settled herself on my lap, "This is warm, have you been cuddling other females?"

"Yes," I answered.

"Oh good, you need to take time to be with your girls. They don't get to be with you enough."

"Do you need more time with me?" I asked her.

She smiled and kissed me, a long tender kiss, loving and giving, warming rather than the fire of passion. "I will take every second with you that I can get. I will be by your side while you entertain your girls, or they entertain you. I want to be with you. Like all of your girls, I feel safe with you."

We kissed and I felt warmed, comforted and loved.

-------

The rest of the day passed quietly. I didn't see Lynne, Karolina or Ela for quite some time. My body slaves swapped around as they usually did, though it seemed that there was something different about them.

When I asked for something, they ran to get it with an alacrity that surprised me. I was never left alone. If one had to go out of my sight to fetch something, another would be with me in seconds. They had always been quiet and respectful, but now there was something extra, something more.

I read a little, dozed a little, I looked at the wonderful view a little. When I reached for a drink there was always one there, and always ice cold. When my hand dropped down to my side there was always one of my girls to be petted.

Gerald never put in an appearance, Em's orders I expect.

Dinner was quiet, Sasha and I ate in our rooms. My ladies provided our service and I persuaded Sasha to feed Jo while she ate, this let me feed Alison and Susan.



-------

Chapter 52


Arm-in-arm Sasha and I walked slowly to our bedroom. Some of my girls followed us, some stayed clearing up our lounge area.

Julia opened the bedroom door and I motioned Sasha to enter. As she did she gave a gasp and then a short chuckle. I entered and saw what she'd been laughing about. Karolina and Ela were holding Lynne on her knees between them, Lynne looked up at me and cried out "Master!"

Karolina looked down at her, "Beg you Master girl, beg Master not get stick for to beat you."

Karolina looked at me "Master this girl," she gestured to Lynne, "need spank, need BIG spank."

I looked at Lynne she was nodding, a big grin on her face.

"And what have you done to deserve such a beating dearest Lynne?" I asked.

This caused a hurried whispered conference between all of my girls. Yes they were all there, I hadn't seen them all together since we arrived here.

Finally, they broke apart, Lynne got back on her knees again and Karolina and Ela grasped their 'captives' arms again.

"My Master told me to remind him that I need a smacked bum. So my Master desires that I be so cruelly punished my Master." She finished with a huge grin on her face.

"Well, if I told you to remind me, you obviously must need a spanking." I looked round, "I supposed I'd better get ready..."

How they got me undressed so fast without leaving friction burns I don't know. I did know that Sasha was finding the whole thing most amusing though. Maybe I'd better spank her bum too.

Something touched the backs of my knees, I looked round and there was a straight backed chair behind me. I sat.

Lynne was placed on my lap immediately. She wriggled on my erection which was poking into her stomach, "Just getting ready for my beating, my Master," she said looking over her shoulder at me.

I could smell her arousal. Hell! I could smell arousal from almost every female in the room. Unconsciously my hand slide over her rounded buttocks, finger tips curling into the crease, and slipping into her sopping wet slit. With a groan Lynne seemed to go boneless, she flopped either side of my lap.

My hand was lifted from Lynne's delectable bum and Susan stared at in shock. "This bad girl has soaked our Master's fingers with her slimy girl juices!" They all gasped in horror. "Beat this bad girl good, my Master." She lay her cheek against Lynne's nether cheek, "Let me clean up this dddiiirrttyyy messy girl first, my Master, you don't want to splash everyone with her dirty sex juices."

Susan leaned in and licked Lynne from clit to arse. Lynne jumped, arching her back. I saw her small breasts hanging from her chest and slipped my hand underneath and let her breast lay in my palm.

Julia saw this and called out, "Alison, help me keep this bad girl up, our Master wants to play with her man toys." Both girls grabbed hold of one of Lynne's arms and supported her while I groped at Lynne's firm tit flesh.

Susan worked her wonders between Lynne's bum cheeks, soon Lynne cried out and straightened like a board across my lap. Susan was hard pressed to keep her position licking and sucking on the trapped girl.

Finally Lynne collapsed down, she would have flopped as bonelessly as before had Julia and Alison not held her arms up so I could still play with my man toys.

"The Lynne girl isn't cooperating my Master, as fast as I lick her clean she produces twice as much of her scummy sex juices," Susan said exasperatedly.

"Never mind, my precious," I pulled Susan up and kissed her, "I'll just have to suffer."

Susan stayed by Lynne's feet, holding her ankles down and apart. I had even easier access to Lynne's girly bits now.

I smacked her left cheek, not really hard, but hard enough to leave a mark. Lynne threw her head back and groaned. It didn't sound like a groan of pain.

I smacked her right bum cheek, then left then right again. She thrust out her legs, straight and wide apart, Susan had no trouble at all in diving into her slit again. Lynne arched again and cried out in ecstasy. Then she did collapse across my lap.

Julia, Alison and Susan lifted her limp body off my lap and laid her on the small bed. Karolina stepped in front of me, "Me Master, we have 'nother girl need beat." Karolina reached behind her and without looking grabbed the arm of the first girl she came too.

"This girl," she looked to see who it was, "Ela..." she said when she recognised her friend, "Ela need beat, she bin bad." Ela was nodding furiously, with a huge grin on her face.

"And just what has this wicked girl done, Karolina?" I asked, I thought it was a reasonable question.

There was another conference huddle, this time Sasha was involved.

"She not obey Lynne quick 'nough, ask Lynne me Master." Karolina gestured to the unconscious Lynne. All of the girls, including Ela and Sasha were nodding.

Ela almost jumped onto my lap. My erection hadn't subsided at all during their deliberations. Nearly a dozen naked, aroused, females have that sort of effect on me.

Ela too wriggled as she made herself comfortable and ready for her 'punishment'.

"I'll hold her ankles my Master," said Umber grasping Ela firmly. "OH MY MASTER!" Umber reached forward and slid three fingers inside Ela, when she pulled her hand away Ela's juices where dripping down her arm.

"I'd better clean up this girl for you, Master. These bad girls can get really messy." She pressed her mouth against Ela's sex and sucked, hard. Ela cried out, moments later she cried out again as she came into Umbers mouth.

I smacked Ela's left cheek, she looked at me, "Harder, Boss, much harder," she begged.

I smacked her right cheek, much harder as she requested. She groaned and I felt her stomach muscles ripple across my lap. I smacked twice more, right then left. She came like a train, lots of noise and movement, almost steam rising from her rear.

Ela lifted up and kissed me, a burning passionate kiss, had there not been a queue of girls waiting for their turn on my lap I'd have laid her on the floor and screwed her there and then.

Karolina was ready with my next 'victim', Jo.

"This girl bin real bad girl Master. Need beat 'n' spank biggest." Jo was nodding. "She got big arse, padding 'nough for comfy chair," Jo's smile was a little strained at this point, "so need beat her hard me Master. Careful her tits, she stole udders from two cow," said the A cup looking at the C cup.

Jo arranged herself on my lap, giving me a quick suck as she knelt beside me. Karen volunteered to hold her ankles. Her reaction was basically the same as the previous girls. "Mother! You've dripping! You slutty girl dripping over our Master like this." Karen sighed, "I suppose I'll have to clean you up." And pressing her mouth against her mothers slit she preceded to try to do just that.

Jo squirmed on my lap, her hard nipple pressed into my palm and I could feel her heat rising. She just needed something to push her over the edge.

SMACK!

Karen was almost thrown backwards with the force of Jo's reaction. Jo lay rigid on my lap like an ironing board, her groans turned into a long howl emptying her lungs of air. Finally she breathed in again, her emptied lungs snatching the air, filling again. Soon though her breathing settled to normal gasps and she let herself be lifted to her feet.

I looked down at Karen, she was sitting on the floor where she'd been thrown, leaning back on her outstretched arms and with her legs wide open and Jo's come dripping from her chin. She looked at her mother, "WOW MUM! Looks like you enjoyed that," she said with a grin.

I stretched out my hand to her and helped her to get to her feet. Before I released her hand I asked, "And have you been a bad girl too?"

"OH YES MASTER!" she replied, nodding almost fit to rock her head off. "I really do need punishing, my Master."

Ah well, Karolina's next criminal, Umber, would have to wait until I'd dealt with Karen.

And so it continued. Karen, I enjoyed squeezing her nipples while Alina 'cleaned' her sopping sex. Umber, a squirmy bundle of delight. Varinka, with her sensitive bum and vocal climax. Alina, almost pushing Varinka off my lap in her haste to receive her 'beating'. Melissa, with her hardened muscles I actually doubt that she felt my feeble smacks, but she too came while across my lap. Susan, nearly as strong as Melissa but she yelped well when smacked and came loudly, covering Lynne's face with her juices. Alison had Jo 'cleaning' her. She too came when I applied two smacks to her tiny bum.

Finally Karolina looked round, all of the girls she could see had been 'punished'. She looked at me, "Baddest girl left now Boss. Need beat this girl biggest, she bin real bad."

"Oh and who would that be, Karolina, my precious?"

Hesitantly she held up her hand, "Me Boss."

I patted my lap, "Well, if you've been a bad girl I suppose you'd better come and receive your punishment."

She came and stood at my side, bending she sucked me deep into her hot mouth, raised and dipped her head a couple of times and then lay over my lap. Varinka and Susan held up her arms so I could play with her man toys while Alina held her ankles and 'cleaned' her. Karolina came before I had a chance to deliver a single smack. So Alina continued her cleaning and I managed to deliver one, and only one, smack before Karolina howled out her second orgasm and almost collapsed.

Karolina was gently lifted from my lap and laid on the small bed. I stretched, lifting my arms high above my head, loosening muscles that I didn't know had become tense.

"Any more of these bad girls need punishing?" I asked.

They looked at each other, no one wanted to be the first to ask for seconds.

"Me," came a quiet voice.

I looked round and then found Sasha tentatively holding her hand up.

All of my girls, well the ones awake anyway, looked at her. Jo and Lynne grabbed Sasha's arms and dragged her in front of me.

"My Master, we have found the worse criminal of all, hiding here amongst your sweet innocent girls," said Jo loudly. All of her compatriots loudly agreed.

Hang on a minute, for the last ninety minutes I'd been punishing these terrible criminals and suddenly they're sweet innocent girls? Well, if they say they are, I suppose they must be. Accepting it is easier than trying to understand the female version of logic.

I stood up and walked round Sasha, "Hmmm ... There's something different about this girl. Something I haven't noticed about all of the other nasty girls I've had to deal with tonight. I wonder what it could be?"

The girls all looked at Sasha, then as one they pounced on her and ripped her dress from her body. Sasha looked stunned, one moment she'd been standing waiting for a quick sucking and a gentle spanking and then ten girls had ripped her clothes from her.

"That's better!" I exclaimed. I ran my hand over a, now bared, breast, its nipple sprang to life. I kissed her, then stood back and returned to my seat.

"Is she a dirty girl too?" I asked.

Sasha's legs were pulled apart and more than one set of fingers delved into her hot wet vagina.

"She's dripping like all of the others, my Master," said Jo. I knew I could trust Jo, I watched her test Sasha at least three times.

"Better see if you can clean her up a bit before you put her across my lap then," I told them.

Sasha's eye's very nearly popped out of her head when tongues attacked her clit, her arse and both nipples, all at the same time. With the stimulation she'd already received this evening she came in seconds.

Before she could say a word she was laid across my lap and Umber started 'cleaning'. Julia and Varinka held her up for me to get good access to her man toys. I took full advantage of this too.

Sasha howled out another orgasm, writhing on my lap like a thing possessed. Seeing Umber dive in for another 'cleaning' bout, I smacked Sasha's right cheek. She almost exploded! Umber was thrown backwards, a stream of Sasha's girl come shooting into her face and hair. Umber fell on the floor laughing.

"Gonna see if I can do that again," Umber cried.

Sasha looked up at me almost in desperation, "Master..." Umber's tongue and lips locked onto her again, and Sasha dropped her head with an orgasmic groan.

Ela knelt by Sasha's head, "God, I love living with you and these girls, Boss," she said just before she lifted Sasha head and locked her lips to Sasha's in a deep, deep kiss.

Alina almost dived under Sasha's breasts and locked her lips on to the free nipple, I was, of course still playing with the other breast.

Julia came over and pressed Umber's head a little lower. Umber realised immediately Julia's target.

Sasha howled and came again as Julia pressed two fingers into her arse.

Now Sasha was in an almost constant state of orgasm, sweat rolled off her and she kept crying out, her cries weaker and weaker.

"STOP!" I called out and all of Sasha's lovers (tormenters?) pulled away from her. They kept her supported and safe but no more stimulation.

Sasha sagged across my lap. I lifted her up and, with my girls supporting and steadying her, I carried her to the main bed. I laid her down and she just flopped, exhausted and unable to even raise an arm. Seconds later she was asleep.

"Time for bed," I said quietly.

I gestured for my girls to leave the room. Julia pulled a sleeping bag and pillow from under the bed and lay at the foot of my bed, she smiled at me as she got comfortable, "Thank you my Master."

Varinka and Umber got into the small bed and spooned together, Umber holding the younger Varinka to her chest.

Alison stood in front of me. "I don't care if I get a proper punishment for this my Master," she said and then dropped to her knees and took my erection into her mouth.

I placed my hands either side of her head and fucked her face, sliding my cock deep into her throat. Alison accepted my invasion with no hint of discomfort. Within seconds I came, shooting my seed onto her tongue as she sucked hard on my crown. I felt as though I empted a gallon of come into her willing mouth as I pumped again and again and again.

"Thank you Alison, that was very thoughtful of you." I pulled her to her feet and leaned forward to kiss her. Alison had not yet learned of my request that my girls kiss me even after accepting my come in their mouths so she shied away for a second.

"Kiss you Master Girl, he want this. All other girl do proper kiss after suck Master," Karolina ordered. And Alison opened her lips and accepted my tongue into her mouth, her tongue crept into mine.

"Thank you again, Alison," I said looking at the worried girl in my arms. "Now go to bed, I would bring you into mine but it's a bit full at the moment." We looked at my bed and the three girls sleeping in it.

"Good night my Master," Alison said as she left the room.

Karolina came and kissed me. We hugged for a long moment, "I love you Karolina," I told her.

"Me know me Master love me. Me love me Master too. Love like slave girl not proper to feel for Master. But me do love you Master." We kissed again. Karolina stood back, "This girl got work for to finish tonight Master. This girl see her Master tomorrow," and she left.

I looked at my bed, the other side had a little more room so I carefully slid into that side. Moments later a warm body pressed itself to my back and a slender arm snaked over me. I went to sleep with a pair of hard nipples pressing into my back and a small hand cupping my cock and balls.

-------

I relaxed into my stroke, ten lengths of the pool done and another twenty to go. My mind cleared and I just let my body do what was necessary. Up and down, up and down. Finishing my set distance I stopped at the end of the pool and just floated, one steadying hand on the pool edge.

"I wish I could swim that far."

I looked up, "Good morning Gerald." I pulled myself out of the pool. My exercise routine had paid dividends as I was easily able to lift myself out of the pool with a single clean fluid movement.

I looked at Gerald, he looked like shit. "I think that's how I looked a few weeks ago," I told him. We sat and relaxed in the weak early morning sun. "Did you have a good sleep?" I asked him.

Gerald laughed, "We ought to get your Em put on the NHS. She put me to bed and then stuck two nude girls in with me. She told me I couldn't get out of bed until I had made love with both girls." He shook his head, then more to himself than to me said, "Two naked girls and I couldn't get an erection."

"I know, hits you somewhere really deep inside doesn't it." I said.

"Yeah," he replied nodding. He looked at the pool, "And now how many lengths are you doing?"

"Thirty this morning, next week I start on thirty five."

Gerald looked at me with a grin. "We heard you last night, hell I think the whole place heard you and your girls, all that moaning and screaming." He looked a little chagrined, "That's what aroused me, then the girls of course, but you and your bunch started it." He chuckled, "That must have been a hell of a night."

"Oh it was, it was." I agreed.

Julia came stumbling out, half asleep, with a blanket over her shoulders.

"Julia!" I called, "go back to bed, use my bed, there's room now, and go to sleep. That's an order."

Julia mumbled something that ended in " ... Master." And stumbled away. Back to bed for some more much needed sleep.

"Do they do everything you say?" Gerald asked.

"Well, they're slaves so I should just say yes. In reality it's harder than that." I thought for a moment, recalling all of those times I had actually ordered my girls to do something. "When I give a direct order they always obey. If they don't think that the order is good for me then they might be quite hesitant about that obedience. But they do obey. If the orders are for my pleasure then they're all for it. They play along and try to make my time even better," I looked at him, "and they can be very inventive."

Gerald nodded, understanding my meaning even if my explanation wasn't perfect.

"Are they a lot of work for you?" was his next question.

"Another one that's harder that it first appears," I paused for a second. "These girls have been slaves all of their lives, their mothers were slaves and, for most of them, their grandmothers too. They don't know how to live as free people. They haven't a clue about the simplest things, getting a job, being paid, taxes, insurance, health, shopping, budgeting. Their masters have taken care of all of that for them since birth. These girls really do not have any idea how to live free."

Gerald looked at me almost in shock. "But I thought..." he stopped and tried to organise his thoughts.

"Most of what I thought I knew about slavery was wrong too." He looked at me a little puzzled. "I took Karolina and Joasia away from Tadeusz because he was only paying them forty pounds for a full week's work." Gerald's eyes opened wide at that. "And then he would charge them rent for their rooms in his boarding house. And they had to buy their food and clothing from his shop."

Gerald was incensed by this. "That's awful!"

"Well, actually it wasn't. You see, Tadeusz was teaching his girls how to become free women, teaching them all sorts of things. Few of his girls could read or write when they came to England, they had never handled money before. So Tadeusz and his favourites, he has two, they taught the girls that could learn. They taught them to read and write English, French and German, how to earn money and how to budget for their food and clothes. They taught them nearly everything that a person needs to know to live in a fairly free country."

"My God..." said Gerald. "I never realised any of this."

"Neither did I until after Joasia died and Karolina and I sat and talked. We spent nearly all night getting to know each other." I paused, as my hand dropped to my side I felt a young head ready to be petted. Varinka looked up at me. "You have to be careful what you tell a slave to do. I made a mistake with Karolina. When she and Joasia were speaking Polish to each other I told them to only speak English. Now even though Karolina speaks French better than English, even here she won't use her French, because her Master told her to only speak English."

Gerald nodded understanding my mistake.

"There is something much worse though," I started.

"Oh?" Gerald said, interested in the things he was learning. Cecy and Harold sat forward to listen too.

"Yeah, these girls have their own version of ethics and morals." I paused thinking, "Varinka go into the house. None of my girls are to attend me until I call for one of you, do you understand?"

"Yes, my Master." She stood and ran into the house. Have I mentioned at all that I like watching naked young girls running round? Well I do, I really do.

I waited until the door was shut and I was sure that there wouldn't be a replacement for Varinka coming out.

"I had to send her in just in case she misheard me. As I was saying, these girls have their own morals and ethics. If I told Melissa to kill someone she would without hesitation or regret. Melissa of course has the necessary skills to do this easily. If I told Alison or Varinka to kill someone they too would try. Even if it meant their own death, they would do whatsoever it took to carry out my orders. If they failed for whatever reason, and they lived, they would beg me to punish them for their failure, and would accept death if that is what I decided."

I paused to take a sip of my tea, all of this talking was making my throat dry.

"If I told them to start having sex together in the middle of your party the other night they'd all have happily stripped off and started sucking and fucking. They wouldn't have cared whether it was appropriate behaviour or not, their Master had given them an order and they would obey wholeheartedly." I paused for another sip of tea, "And don't ever think of telling one of them to drop dead, they may well just do that, their Master's word is everything to them."

"So how do you manage?" asked Cecy.

"He manages by being very careful how he speaks to his girls and he always lets them know he loves them." Sasha leaned down and gave me a warming kiss.

"Hi Gerald, how are you feeling today?" Sasha asked.

"Better than when I got here," Gerald replied. "That Em of yours really knows her stuff."

"So what's she said then?" asked the ever nosy Sasha.

"As you probably guessed, exhaustion, but she also thinks withdrawal symptoms as well. She thinks someone's been drugging us to make us more compliant. She's taken a shit load of blood for testing and you'll probably be getting a whole pile of cases from the whole band if she's right."

Sasha nodded, "I'll speak to Em about her diagnoses. I also think we'll fly someone else out to have a look at you too." She turned to me, "Can we get Ross and Helen out here today?"

"Why don't you phone them. Do it with Em though in case they want to have a word with her first." I turned to Gerald, "Why didn't you tell her about having to fuck the two naked girls in your bed before Em'd let you get up?"

Gerald actually blushed, of course everyone laughed at his discomfort. "Oh God here they come." Gerald gasped.

We all looked and saw two of the local girls, two naked local girls, carrying trays out. They came either side of Gerald and delivered his, Em ordered, breakfast. Not quite a full English, but definitely not a croissant and coffee either.

"The Baron's girls told us how to behave, they were going to show us too, but their Master told them to stay inside for some reason," said one girl as she knelt beside Gerald and started feeding him. The other girl held his plate, and a cup ready too, just in case.

"Shall I tell them that they can attend you again, dearest?" asked Sasha.

"Yes please, precious." She kissed me again and walked towards the hiding girls. I watched her as she walked to the door, I admired the way her hips swung, the rotation of her buttocks and the whole symphony of a naked woman walking. Suddenly I wanted her. I wanted to throw her on her back on the ground and fuck her savagely. I'm sure everyone could see the lust in my heart for that sexy, exciting, wonderful, gorgeous woman.

"She surely is a sexy woman, Paul," said Gerald.

"Yeah..." I agreed, "but why on earth does she love me?" I wondered.

"If you want me to take her off your hands..." Gerald offered.

"Git yer hands off!" I exclaimed.

We both laughed. Alison and Alina knelt by my side.

"Where's Varinka?" I asked, "I thought she was attending to me during breakfast."

They looked at each other, "Varinka is inside trying to think about how she upset you Master." Alison told me very quietly.

"Alison, go and get Varinka immediately. She did nothing to upset me and I want her here now." I ordered.

Alison ran away as fast as she could.

Moments later she returned with Varinka beside her. Varinka had obviously been crying.

I pulled Varinka onto my lap, "My precious Varinka, how could you think that you'd upset me. I wanted to talk to Gerald and Sasha's family for a moment. I couldn't have any of my girls here while I spoke to them so I had to tell you to go inside. You haven't done anything wrong at all."

I hugged her and felt tears drop onto my bare chest.

"This girl..."

"Is a good girl and her Master is proud that she behaves well and obeys her Master." I interrupted.

"Thank you my master." She said between sniffs.

"Now attend me girl."

"YES MASTER!" she exclaimed brightly.

We ate our breakfast, mine had to be topped up as I now had three girls to feed rather than the expected two.

As the plates were cleared Claudette asked me, "Monsieur, what is the real difference between a slave and a totally uninhibited girl?"

I thought for a moment. "Claudette, you and your sister promised to entertain me did you not?"

"We did Monsieur." She agreed.

"So let me see you and your sister lick each other to your climax."

They looked at each other and then started to get up.

"Alison, Varinka, suck each other to climax." I said quietly.

The two named girls almost dived to the ground, wrapping arms and legs around each other as they hurried to start sucking their partner.

Claudette and Amile stared open mouthed at my girls. "Monsieur Baron, would you please excuse my sister and I, we need to talk."

"Of course I will." I rose as they got up from the table. After a second's thought each girl came and kissed me, a deep kiss with their tongues exploring my mouth.

As the girls left Cecy, Harold, Gerald, Gerald's two attendants and I watched Alison and Varinka pleasuring each other for our entertainment.

"I see what you mean about being careful," said Gerald.

"You don't know the half of it." I replied.

"I need my guitar," said Gerald rising from his seat.

"May, go and get the Monsieur's guitar from his room. Remember it is precious to him May." Cecy ordered.

One of Gerald's attendants stood, "Oui Madam."

"Allez, May," said Cecy and May ran away.

We looked at Gerald but he was with his muse, he was unconsciously beating time to a rhythm only he heard and mumbling words only he understood.

"Need some paper to write the song down," he muttered.

"Master," interrupted Alison, "I can write music in the standard notation."

"Go and get whatever you need then," I stopped her before she could run away, "I want you to attend Gerald until I say differently."

"Yes Master," she replied and then ran away to get the things she thought she'd need.

Alison was back before May returned with Gerald's guitar.

When May returned Gerald almost snatched his guitar from her and began strumming and then picking a tune. Alison wrote the notes almost as quickly as Gerald played then. He looked at her notes and smiled.

"Why don't the two of you go over there," Harold pointed to a table and chairs currently in the shade, "and enjoy yourselves for a while?"

Gerald almost dragged Alison with him to the tables. May and her friend joined them.

I watched as my friend settled and then started picking at his guitar again. "I hope he doesn't do too much," I said. I worried about Gerald after I'd seen the state he was in the other day, but he was enjoying himself so much, doing what he was born to do, compose songs and perform them for an audience. He only had a small audience here but I doubted that that would worry Gerald.

"Monsieur," Amile interrupted my thoughts, "my sister and I would like to show we are as obedient as your slaves."

I looked at her, wondering how she could be so impertinent. But then I realised that these two girls had never really lived in the real world. They'd been protected by their parents and the villages all of their lives. Perhaps it was time to wake them up a little.

"Alina, I need my cane and three girls." Alina stood.

"Which girls my Master?" she asked.

"The first three that you find," I replied.

"Yes Master." She ran to the door. I didn't watch her this time, I was looking at Amile. Amile looked worried, so did Cecy, Harold though did not.

"What do you intend to do Monsieur?" asked Amile.

"I'm going to cane you." I replied.



-------

Chapter 53


Amile's eyes opened wide for a moment but she remained silent. Claudette gave a little gasp but made no other sound.

Alina came running back with Susan and Julia, "Will we three girls be acceptable, Master?" she asked.

I looked at the three of them standing together. Not expectant, but hopeful ... Susan held my cane so they knew that someone was going to receive some stripes, it could be any one of them. Or all of them, yet they appeared 'hopeful'.

"Yes, my precious, you three are acceptable. I am going to give you three strokes each. Who is to be first?" They all raised a hand simultaneously.

"Julia," I pointed to a spot just in front of me. Julia took her place and lifted her hands to her neck. "Not a sound now Julia."

She looked at me, "Of course not, my Master, I am a good slave." One final stare, just to put me in my place, and she turned to face away again.

CRACK!

While she flinched, Julia never made a sound. The next two strokes were the same. Three even lines striped her bottom, each about an inch apart. They would last for at least a week.

"Thank you Julia. Please stand over there ready to help any of the girls who might need assistance."

Julia looked at Susan and Alina with surprise, then Alina nodded at Claudette and Amile. Julia understood then. "Yes my Master. Thank you for caning me Master."

Amile and Claudette looked shocked at Julia thanking me for an undeserved beating.

"Amile, please stand where Julia stood. Remember no noise now."

Trembling Amile took her position. "Do you still wish to obey me?" I asked her.

"Oui Monsieur," she replied very quietly.

CRACK!

She jumped forward, hands covering her bum, whipping round to look at me. I saw tears drop from her eyes.

"Would you like me to hold you?" asked Julia. "There's no shame in being held for your first caning."

Amile nodded gratefully.

Julia hugged Amile to her, "Rest your head on my shoulder and put your arms around my neck. Kiss me if you wish. It will soon be over." Amile's arms came up and wrapped round Julia's neck. Amile turned toward her supported and their lips touched tenderly.

CRACK!

Julia's arms tensed around Amile, she pressed her lips down hard on the caned girl and stopped any sound emerging. Amile just twisted slightly and lifted her left leg. No other sound or motion from her.

CRACK!

This time Amile sagged down in Julia's arms, though Julia wouldn't release her lips and let her cry out as she wanted to. When she felt Amile stand on her own feet again, Julia broke their kiss. "Remember you must thank the Master for caning you." Amile nodded.

"Thank you for caning me Monsieur Baron." Amile's voice trembled almost as much as she did.

"Susan..." Before I could finish my order Susan was standing in place ready for her beating.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! There was no sound, nor any movement from her. She accepted the strokes and then smiled at me. "Thank you for my strokes, my Master," she said and then reached up to kiss me.

Slowly, almost fearfully, Claudette moved into position. She looked at Julia and Susan, "Please will you help me. I haven't ever been caned."

"Of course," said Susan, and she took Claudette into her opened arms. "Kiss me, think about our kiss, think about the warmth of our bodies touching each other. Let me love you for a little while and it will soon be over." The two girls hugged and kissed.

CRACK!

Claudette stiffened for a moment then relaxed into Susan's arms again.

CRACK!

I paused for a moment, Susan was doing a wonderful job of distracting Claudette.

CRACK!

For Claudette it was over. She and Susan broke their kiss. I noticed tears flowing freely from Claudette's eyes but she coped fairly well with her beating. "Th ... thank ... thank you Monsieur." Claudette managed to say.

Susan guided Claudette away and Alina almost bounced into position. She looked over her shoulder at me. "I love you, my Master," she told me with a huge grin on her face.

"I love you too, my precious," I replied.

"There is no need to cane Alina," called Amile. "I think my sister and I have learned our lesson. You don't need to beat Alina, Monsieur Baron."

Before I could reply Alina turned to her. "Would you have my Master fail to ensure you learned the lesson he's teaching you? I can assure you that my Master doesn't take mistreatment of his girls lightly. To so abuse three girls, he must wish you to have a full example of a slave girl's behaviour. I don't mind my Master giving me three strokes. I'm sure some masters could find enough faults in my recent behaviour and attitude to award me far more than the paltry three strokes my Master is going to give me." She smiled at the two stunned girls, "Watch me receive my strokes and then think about what you asked and the standards you're trying to emulate. Being a good slave girl isn't easy, it takes a long time to learn." Alina turned back into position and stood relaxed, waiting for me.

CRACK!

She didn't flinch or make a sound, her expression didn't change one bit.

CRACK!

The second stripe, an inch below the first, raised welts almost immediately.

CRACK!

Moving easily, Alina turned and came to me. "Thank you for using me to teach these girls, my Master. It always amazes me how generous you are with your time and skills. I do hope they learn Master." She reached up and we kissed.

Alina turned to Amile, with a smile she kissed the surprised girl. Turning to Claudette, Alina leaned forward and they melted together in a passionate kiss. Alina broke the kiss and then came to my side and knelt beside me. Attending to me and waiting for whatsoever I might instruct her to do.

Claudette and Amile stood together talking quietly for a moment, they approached Harold, "Papa, please excuse us, my sister and I have a lot of talking to do."

Harold looked at them fondly. "Of course, darling girls, we'll see you later." Each kissed him before they left.

I sat again. Over in the corner Gerald and Alison were leaning over the table studying something, I assumed it was a sheet of music. They both seemed totally immersed in what they were doing. I relaxed and dropped a hand to my side, it fell upon a small head and I petted my slave.

-------

Sasha looked at her wristwatch, "How about we take a trip down to the village, I would like to see Jeanine again," she grabbed hold of my arm, "and show off my handsome man."

Ten minutes later Sasha and I, together with Melissa, Susan and Lynne, were being driven down to the village we came through when we arrived. Sasha told the driver to let us out at the far end of the village and we would walk through and he could pick us up again by the village name sign on the other side.

The morning was pleasant and we were comfortable without coats or jumpers. Sasha talked with almost everyone that she met, and I noticed that people ran into their neighbour's houses to tell them of Sasha's approach.

Less than a hundred yards into the village a grandmother stopped Lynne and turned her so she could more closely inspect Lynne's collar.

"And what did you have to do for him to earn that little trinket, eh, girl?" The woman's high pitched voice grated on the ears as her manner and obvious thoughts grated on the soul.

Lynne looked at her and smiled, "My Master gave this to me with no thought of reward or favour." She looked at me, "Yet if he asked, if he merely suggested, I would do anything he wanted, anything at all."

"Your Master, eh? Slave are you? We haven't seen slaves walking in this village since my Grandmother's time." The woman looked sharply at Lynne, "My Oma told me that slaves were always naked when they came here. Are you hiding from the menfolk?"

Lynne's smile didn't fade. "I was told that your menfolk were proud of the protection they gave to the chateau and its visitors. Was I told wrong? Anyway, grandmother, I am as protected here as I was in the chateau, I do not fear your men, perhaps they should fear my protectors, for they are without mercy when someone threatens one of their charges." She looked round, a couple of other women were watching, a few children too. "I'm proud to be the slave of Monsieur Baron." She slipped out of her dress and shoes and stood naked in front of them all. "Tell your men that I am here and nude, tell them all so they can all see me follow my Master without fear or shame. Tell your children to hide from this wicked girl."

"You don't talk like I'd expect a slave to talk. I'd have thought you'd have been quiet, not talk back to decent folk like me."

Lynne laughed out loud, "Grandmother, my Master is Monsieur Le Baron, you have no idea how rich and powerful he is. Even the newest of his slaves has more status than you earned in your lifetime. And, grandmother, how do you expect anyone to answer you when you're as rude as you have been." With a laugh and a smile she turned away from the old woman and walked behind me again.

There were some loud shouts and laughter behind us as we slowly went down the road.

"The women were laughing at the old woman," said Sasha, just loud enough for Lynne and I to hear "She's been a trouble-maker for as long as I can remember. And the local women are delighted that a slave put her in her place. They won't let her forget today for a long time."

"Master," Lynne started in a very quiet, troubled voice, "this girl is..."

"A good girl and her Master is proud of her." I interrupted. "You were exactly right, as my slave you're a high status woman, I place you above the wives and mistresses of all of the other owners. You are my slave."

I turned and looked at her, she was walking proudly and smiling. "Thank you, my Master."

From then on we passed whole families waiting by their gates and front doors. The women, girls and boys looked at Lynne, but, for the male youths and the men, she was dressed in the finest clothing imaginable. She was clothed in their pride.

Sasha had stopped to talk to old friends, I was standing beside her when Lynne ran over excitedly and knelt beside me. I waited until Sasha had said her goodbyes and then asked "Does my girl wish to ask something of her Master?"

"Oh yes!" she exclaimed. "Please my Master, come and see this. I have found someone who makes lace. Karen would be thrilled if she could get this woman and her friends to make some lace for her fashion show."

"If it is for Karen's fashion show then your Master is going to say yes. Aren't you my Master?" interrupted Sasha.

"Let's go and see this lace maker then." I acquiesced as gallantly as I could.

We entered a small workshop. It obviously had lace making stations for more than one worker. The woman we met was much younger that I expected, around thirty or so. As she and Sasha talked I wandered around the workstations and displays. I felt the incredibly soft lace that this woman and her friends had made and knew beyond a doubt that Karen had to come down here to see her and her work.

"Melissa, are you in contact with the chateau?"

She didn't give me the 'he's an idiot' look. Though the tone of her voice told me I was.

"Yyeesss Master."

"Tell them that Karen needs to come here and see this woman." I said. "And perhaps you'd better tell Karen about Lynne's dress code for slaves." I smiled.

"Done Master, Karen's on her way here now," said Melissa a few moments later.

"Thank you Melissa," I smiled at her.

"No trouble my Master."

Karen entered the workshop before we left. She too was naked, though she had two very large female marines escorting her.

A large village man came into the workshop while Karen was still looking at the display specimens.

He stood in front of one of the marines, "Your young girl is safe in this village Mons ... Madam." He was obviously unnerved by the marine.

She looked at him, "I know Monsieur, but you wouldn't want me to disobey my orders would you?"

He smiled and licked his lips nervously, "Of course not, Madam."

Karen ran over to me and knelt. I picked her up again immediately. "What does my love want?"

"Master, this girl asks that she be able to order some fabrics from this house. They are just what I want for some ... special ... lingerie for my show."

"How much will you need."

"Oh!" Karen blushed, forgetting that she would have to pay for the fabrics she wanted. Then she started crying. "I don't know my Master. I don't know what the fabric is worth or any thing."

I hugged her, "Of course you don't, that isn't your job. That is my job. Your job is to design wonderful, sexy clothes for old and ugly women." We both laughed.

"Madam!" I called, the workshop owner and her friend came over. "Madam, this girl," I gestured to Karen, "is my slave. She wishes to order some lace, from your stock and to be specially made. I will pledge one hundred thousand Euro for the fabric and your work. Is this acceptable to you."

"Merde ... For that price she can have the workshop," said the owner.

"For that price he can have me and both of my daughters," said her friend. "Together!" she added breathlessly.

"Be careful what you offer Arianne, he could buy you and your children. And then what would you say?"

"Does he want me to get the girls out of school?" Arianne replied.

"ARIANNE!" cried the workshop owner. "GET BACK INTO YOUR UNDERWEAR!"

Arianne gave a weak smile to her friend.

"Come here before you lie on the floor and open your legs." Arianne wandered slowly over to her friend, though I could see in her eyes that lying on the floor with her legs apart had a certain fascination for her.

-------

I watched as Karen described to the workshop owner what she wanted and the style and quality of the fabric she demanded.

The woman started by responding "Oui Mademoiselle," and quickly changed that to "oui Madam," realising that she had met a first class designer, a designer of haute couture."

Karen started sketching then and her designs drew gasps from the small crowd she'd gathered. The lace makers all looked at her with renewed respect, stunned by the dazzling work that this small naked girl produced before their eyes. I could see that a number of the women just wanted to clear their workstations and set up to produce the fabric that the small Madam desired.

Quietly Sasha, Susan, Melissa, Lynne and I left the workshop. "I think that Karen may be thanking you tonight, Lynne. That was a very good find for her." As we wandered slowly along the road a group of large black cars passed us heading for the chateau.

"I think that Daddy's surprise has arrived," said Sasha. We all watched the cars slowly disappear down the road.

In the village square a small group of men and youths were playing boules outside a café. This was the place that Sasha really wanted to visit, to see her old friend and mentor Jeanine. Jeanine was serving a customer when she caught sight of Sasha and, with a squeal of delight, she came running to us.

"Sasha! Sasha, mon chère!"

They hugged, holding each other for long minutes. Finally Jeanine pulled back and examined Sasha closely.

"Jeanine, dearest friend, please speak in English. My Master and lover doesn't speak French. He's the Englishman I wrote to you about."

"English is he? Well the women of Martinè have often brought in an English. They strengthen the line," replied Jeanine. She looked at Sasha, "Is he good in bed?"

Sasha laughed, "Last night twelve girls squealed with delight across his lap. He makes me squeal and shake. He is a very attentive lover, dearest Jeanine."

Jeanine caught sight of Lynne who was watching the men's game of boules. "And who is the naked girl who the men and boys are so obviously not looking at?" she asked.

"That's Lynne, she's one of Paul's slaves," Sasha replied as they watched Lynne.

"One of his slaves?" said Jeanine.

"He has eleven."

"Eleven!" said Jeanine with renewed interest. "So he's the Baron we've all heard about."

"Yes dearest Jeanine, he is my Baron, and my lover and my Master."

Jeanine looked at Sasha closely again. "Twelve then," she said.

"Twelve." Sasha agreed.

"It is often the way. The women of Martine choose their man and their choice is usually very good."

"And if their choice wasn't so good?" Sasha asked.

"Pffft! An accident, a brief period of mourning, she knows better next time. The women of the chateau are practical people. They feel the history and realise that they are only a brief chapter in the history of Martinè."

Sasha nodded, "Oui," she said quietly.

Sasha and Jeanine sat at one of the pavement tables, coffee was brought for them and they talked. I wandered over to watch the boules with Lynne.

"Come join game," called one of the men. "The girl his side, you my side. We show them how to play, eh?" he said with a laugh.

"Lynne," I gestured to the game.

They showed us how to hold the boule, an overhand grip to give backspin, and we started. Like lots of really good games, boules is simple to learn but very difficult to master. It's usually played on a rough gravelled area, and control and placement of the boule is difficult at the best of times. Lynne and I enjoyed ourselves and time passed quickly.

Hunger pangs finally made us leave. Lynne and I waved to the new friends we'd made as we joined Sasha, Susan and Melissa on the slow walk out of the village. The car was waiting for us as expected and we got in, grateful for the chance to sit after a long afternoon of walking and playing.

-------

Harold met us in the drive when we arrived back at the chateau. "They're here," he positively beamed at us. "The whole troop! She's brought the whole troop." He lowered his voice, "Please be careful how you treat her, she's renowned for not liking people touching her."

I began to suspect that I knew who the 'she' he was talking about was.

Almost hopping like a little boy he led us into the library. A small woman stood with her back to us talking to Cecy. I recognised the four your girls who stood around her. I didn't actually know them but I did know someone very much like them.

Two of the girls turned to check the new people in the room and they smiled at Melissa. Melissa and I passed between the two closest guards and I came up behind the small woman.

Picking her up, I easily tossed her in the air and caught her in my arms. "Paula, share my bed tonight. We'll grab a couple of the girls and show them what debauchery really means."

"Paul, you'll give me a heart attack sneaking up on me like that." Paula Li replied.

"Rubbish! You knew it was me before I entered the room." I laughed.

She touched her lips to mine, easy to do while I still held her. "Of course I did, but you must allow me a little protest over my dignity."

"DIGNITY!" I swung her around like a small child. When I lifted her back into my arms she was laughing like a small girl. "You are dignity personified, but dignity knows how to have fun and laugh out loud."

"Yes, I will share your bed, and we'll both bring a couple of girls. Who knows, with four of them, they may even get a little sleep!" We laughed together.

I turned to the white faced Harold, "Harold, meet my very good friend, Paula Li." Harold just opened and closed his mouth for a long minute.

I put Paula down but she kept her arm around my waist. She looked at Harold, "You didn't want a fashion show did you? He," she poked me in my ribs, "stops fashion shows, even shows with my girls." She smiled at me.

Harold just shook his head. He was still bewildered at this turn of events.

Cecy looked at us, she hadn't spent weeks researching Madame Li and her troop of dancing girls, so she hadn't read all of the lurid tales of what happened to people who unwisely touched the Madame, or those who crossed her. "One of Monsieur Baron's girls is going to give a fashion show later in the month."

"Then let me give you a word of advice," Paula gently laid her hand on Cecy's arm. "Give him a couple of girls to play with and lock him in a dungeon or something. That is the only way the show will go ahead."

"We have a very well equipped dungeon, and some willing girls, I think I shall do that. My girls can show him what the bits and pieces down there actually do, and how they're used." Cecy smiled, Paula returned her smile, they both ignored me. After all, I was only a mere male.

We moved over to the seating area, I sat on the sofa and Paula sat on my lap. Sasha sat beside us and unbuttoned her blouse. When she saw this Paula raised an eyebrow in question.

"My Master likes to play with man toys, I like to give him access to mine whenever I can." Sasha answered her unasked question.

"Man toys?" said Paula.

"Breasts," replied Sasha, "he loves fondling, playing with or even just holding breasts." They both looked at me, "It doesn't matter if you're eight, eighteen or eighty, if you've got tits he'll grope them."

"You mean he'd take advantage of an old woman like me?" exclaimed Paula.

"Let me check," Sasha leaned across me and placed her finger tips on Paula's wrist. "Yep, you've got a pulse, he's gonna grope your tits and fuck you the first chance he gets."

Paula turned to me and held my head in her hands, "Oh my precious boy, I knew there was something about you I liked." She leaned in for a kiss which I happily returned.

As we kissed one of Paula's girls unfastened her dress fastenings and pulled the top open. Paula pulled my hand inside and I felt her small, warm, firm breast, its nipple hard and the areola crinkling up just for me. What more could I ask for?

Trays of finger foods were served then. Umber served Paula, Sasha and I. It was then that Paula noticed my other girls' collars. She rose and went over to examine Melissa's collar. "C'est magnifique!" she muttered.

She turned to Umber, "And did you not please your master?" she asked touching Umbers leather collar.

"Oh, I hope I have always pleased my Master. I have one of those," she gestured to Melissa's gold and pearl collar, "mine has a ruby, it's quite nice," she said dismissing over a hundred thousand pounds worth of jewellery. "But this is the collar which gave me my life back. This collar is precious to me."

Paula nodded, her expression telling me that she really understood what Umber meant. I wonder what had happened in Paula's life to give her that type of experience.

Paula sat on my lap again and lifted my hand into her top and returned it to her breast. We sat and cuddled for a few minutes while listening to the conversations.

I started to pull my hand from Paula's breast to take some food. "No keep your hand there. I'll feed you." Paula lifted a little dead thing on toast to my lips and gently fed me. "Men!" she said.

"You're not going to change him," said Sasha.

"Why would I want to change this darling man. He's got a hand on my breast and the other is sneaking up between my legs." She wriggled and opened her legs a little more, "Now he's trying to move my underwear out of his way." She sighed and lay back in my arms. "I'm being molested by an expert. Why on Earth would I try to change this man?"

I leaned forward and kissed her, Paula's mouth opened and she sucked my tongue in greedily. Her hand snaked around my head and she pulled me down onto her.

Paula sighed, "If you keep on doing that I won't be able to feed you." I pinched a nipple and she stiffened in my arms. With a moan she lay back opening her body to me, granting me the freedom to do with her as I wished.

As she relaxed her legs parted a little more and my finger slid deep into her wet tunnel. I felt the slight roughness that signified her G spot and tapped it slowly. She groaned a little louder this time. Her nipple stiffened into almost rock like hardness between my fingers.

Paula's breathing became shallow and unsteady, then ragged. Her wide spread arms stiffened and her eyes opened and closed erratically. With a barely aspirated wail, Paula came. The muscles of her vagina rippled along my finger and I felt a little splash of extra wetness on my palm.

She lay, eyes closed and head back, in my arms for two or three minutes without moving. One of her girls looked at her, smiled at me, and then moved back into position.

Paula opened her eyes and looked at me. "I'm going to have to be careful around you aren't I?"

Sasha looked at her, "Just wait until he fucks you. That's much better."

Paula thought for a moment, "Perhaps I'd better bring three girls tonight, after all I might need some protection from this beast."

"If you like, I'll drag him off into a corner and make him screw me two or three times first. You know, empty him out a bit, just to protect you of course." Sasha offered, generously prepared to sacrifice her honour to protect her new friend.

"Oh no! I really couldn't let you suffer so just for me. I suppose I'll have to lie back, open my legs and try to hang on to the bed." She gave a heartfelt sigh, "We women suffer so for the sake of our men."

Sasha and Cecy nodded in agreement. Harold started to try to answer that accusation, but realised just in time that he was only a man and whatever he had to say would just be ignored. I remained silent, just carrying on slowly rubbing Paula beside her clit and teasing her already hard nipple.

Paula reached under her dress, between her legs and grasped my wrist. With a gentleness that belied the immense strength that I knew she possessed, she pulled my hand out and away from her. She looked around to see what she could do with such a dangerous item, finally pushing it towards Sasha. "Sasha, please look after this for me. But be careful, it will seek out your private, sensitive bits and play with them. And I don't think it has an off switch."

"It doesn't," replied Sasha as she took the proffered wrist and guided it between her legs.

She was just as warm as Paula had been so I decided to see if she was built the same too. Sasha sighed and lay back as my fingers started exploring.

Paula sat up on my lap. "Well, I'm hungry even if you aren't." She looked at Sasha, then me. "I suppose you'll eat once you've driven her to orgasm." She shook her head, "Men!"

She turned to the girl closest to her, "Mei Lei, come and feed me!" Paula ordered. One of the girls who had recognised Melissa came and knelt beside us. She took hold of a tray of food and began feeding her mistress. Sasha picked up something from the tray and fed me. The smell of the food mixing with the delicious scent of an aroused woman filled my nostrils and added an extra dimension to our snack.

Harold and Cecy sat side by side, Harold had regained some colour, though I doubt that he'd gotten over his shock just yet. Cecy sat amused, watching her husband and us in turn.

"Is he always like this?" Paula asked Cecy.

Cecy nodded. "The other night, the household was kept awake by the squeals from all of his girls. They were all looking very well satisfied the next morning."

"Have you thought about taking him outside and hosing him down?" Paula inquired.

Cecy just shook her head. "I don't think that would work. He'd just start on the downstairs maids and then the local girls." She sighed, Paula did too. "Sasha took him to the local village this morning, when they got back one of his girls was naked. He called for one of the others to join him in the village. She was nude when she left here and hasn't returned yet. I was wondering whether to check with the villagers to see if they've found her body yet." Cecy told her.

"Has he caught you yet?" asked Paula.

"Only once, though he did trap me in the shower a few minutes later." Cecy's face took on a dreamy look, "He made me squeal three times then." She looked at me fondly.

"Is he big then?" Paula asked of both women.

"A little above average, though he does know how to use what he has," answered Cecy.

"And it feels like a tree trunk when he does your back passage," added Sasha.

"He asked you for anal sex!" asked Cecy, quite surprised.

"Mother," stated Sasha quite succinctly, "Paul doesn't ask his women for sex. He grabs you and you try to hold on."

The three women looked at me with interest in their eyes.



-------

Chapter 54


The dress code for dinner was informal, though Sasha insisted that I did get dressed. I thought it might save time if I went to dinner nude.

"You are not to screw anyone on the dining table. NOT EVEN ME!" she ordered, all the while poking me in the chest with a rigid finger. I wonder if she treats Nigel back at her office like this.

"Give me a kiss," I said.

She melted into my arms and our lips joined. She didn't seem to notice when I slipped her gown off, nor when I lay her on the floor. Her eyes opened wide when I entered her, but she just sighed and wrapped her arms around me. We lay joined for a long time until Sasha noticed the time.

"We're going to be late!" she cried.

-------

"I'm dripping cum," Sasha whispered to me just as we entered the dining room, "and it's running down my leg."

"No panties?" I asked.

"Didn't have time thanks to a certain man who kept me pinned to the floor and wouldn't let me get dressed properly."

I ran my hand down her back and over her bum. I really did enjoy that, so I did it again.

She stopped walking and looked at me, "Are you groping my backside?" she asked quite severely.

"Yes," I replied.

"Good, just checking." She turned and continued on to her seat.

I was placed with Sasha on my left and Paula on my right.

Paula leaned over, "If you need a female to grope, Paul, I suppose that I could sacrifice myself to save these younger women from the indignity."

All of the females at the table, and two of the maids, were quick to say that, while they thanked her for her consideration, surely it was the duty of the younger women to protect their older sisters from such molestations.

-------

Dinner was a lively affair, Paula belied her dour reputation and showed that not only did she have a wicked sense of humour, but that she could take a joke as well as give them out.

Nina, Claudette and Amile joined us, the younger girls being warned to remember that this was an adult dinner and they weren't adults yet. Irrespective of what they might think.

With a glass of very fine port in my hand (the ladies suffered and had champagne) I sat between Cecy and Paula. Both slid a hand along my inner thigh. Just as both hands reached my testes Elastic came in and whispered in my ear, "Dr. Ross and Helen coming over tomorrow morning. The plane's in Luton and will stay there until it picks them up, unless you want it to come back of course."

"No let it remain in Luton until tomorrow, though I want a heavy guard on the aircraft tonight, at least ten people around and on the aircraft at all times. If they can't do that then it comes back to Orleans." I answered.

"Gotya Boss," said Elastic and she left.

Sasha looked at me with a question in her eyes. "Ross and Helen can't make it today," I said. "They're coming tomorrow." Sasha nodded and returned to her conversation with Harold.

"Friends coming here?" asked Paula.

"Yes," I answered, "though it's more than that. Ross is Professor of Paediatrics at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and a dear friend. I want him to have a look at another friend who's staying here. He's probably in bed now..."

"With a couple of girls he has to fuck before he can get up," said Sasha laughing.

" ... with a couple of the local girls who are helping to look after him." I continued. I stuck my tongue out at Sasha and she growled at me.

"He's the Professor McCraken at GOSH?" said Paula surprised. She looked quite pale.

"Yes, do you know him?" I asked.

"He is looking after Mei Su. I sent her to GOSH as it was the best place for her. She has a tumour..." Paula broke off for a moment, her upset and emotion easy to see. "She was dying. There was not hope for her. Then Dr. McCraken emailed me, he asked if he could try an experimental procedure." Paula looked up into my eyes, she looked haunted, "After the first session of his new treatment Mei Su spoke, she asked for a drink of water." Paula broke down and cried.

"Mei Su isn't just one of your girls is she?" I asked quietly.

Paula shook her head. I hugged her tightly. "Gra ... granddaughter," she managed to say.

"Girl!" I called.

"Yes my Master," said Umber from behind the sofa I was sitting on. I didn't even know she was in the room!

"Get Em for me."

"Yes Master." And she ran out of the room.

"I have someone here who might be able to tell you how Li Mei Su is getting on," I told Paula. "And not just the 'she's comfortable' crap either." I pulled her onto my lap and hugged her tightly. She sat in my arms more like a seven year old rather than the elderly lady that she was. She laid her head on my shoulder and cried.

Em came in and knelt by my feet, "Yes my Master."

"Em do you know a girl at GOSH, Li Mei Su, she's one of Ross' tumour patients."

Em thought for the briefest of moments. "Yes Master," she answered.

"This is Paula Li, Mei Su's Grandmother, can you tell us anything about her progress?" I asked.

"Please, my Master, may I go to my sick room and use my computer? I can access Li Mei Su's records from there and let Madam Li know how her ward is progressing," she replied.

"Yes, please go and check her records." I lifted Paula's head, "Do you want to go with her, precious one."

She shook her head, "Please, can I stay here in your arms, I feel safe here."

"Of course you can, and for as long as you need, precious girl." I settled her into my lap, "Sleep now and we'll hear about Mei Su soon."

I nodded to Em and she ran away. I crooned softly for Paula, and a few moments later I felt her body easy out of the tension I doubt she even knew she was carrying.

Very, very quietly the others left the room, dimmed the lights and closed the door. I heard a very quiet shuffle and looked down to see Umber move to kneel beside my feet. She looked up, surprised that she'd been caught, but I smiled at her. She smiled back and settled down at my feet to wait with me as we waited for news about Paula's granddaughter.

-------

Em returned, quietly she came to us and looked at Paula. She looked up at Paula's bodyguards standing behind the sofa. Standing she beckoned one to follow her. Hesitantly the girl did. I heard the murmurings of a whispered conversation the other side of the door. Then quiet. Nearly ten minutes later the door opened. Em and an older girl I'd never seen before approached me.

"Master Baron," said the strange girl. "I am Chu Way Lin, Madam Li's chief bodyguard. Your doctor tells us that my Mistress needs an injection of a sedative. We do not have anyone who can make that decision for my Mistress. You are a Master and my Mistress trusts you." She gestured to her sleeping Mistress in my arms. "You must make the decision, does this doctor give my Mistress her sedative."

I looked at Chu Way Lin. If her mistress suffered in any way at all from this injection, I knew she would kill me. "Your Mistress needs to have the sedative prescribed by my doctor." I stated.

Chu Way Lin looked hard into my eyes for a long moment, then nodded. Em gently cleaned Paula's arm with alcohol and then, with a tenderness that I hardly believed, injected a sedative.

I felt Paul's body relax a little more. A wetness grew on my lap but I didn't care about such trivialities.

I stood up with Paula in my arms, "Come with me," I said. I carried Paula to my bed and laid her down gently. Two of Paula's girls undressed her quickly, while I too was undressed by Umber and Julia. We laid Paula in my bed and I got in behind her and spooned to her, holding her warm firm body against mine. Four girls stood around the bed. Two to protect Paula, two to protect me.

-------

A soft and gentle wetness trailed across my lips.

I thought about this for a while as I tried to lift myself from the warm darkness of sleep.

I felt breath on my face, and then the soft warmth flit across my lips again.

There was a heaviness resting on my upper arm, and something lay between my thighs, and an extra warmth was in front of me. I opened an eye. Paula rested her head on my arm. She smiled at me, then reached forward again and slid the very tip of her tongue across my lips. Drawing back she smiled at me again.

"Good morning, dearest man."

"Hi Paula, precious." Now that I was (nearly) awake, hydraulic pressure was beginning to make its presence known.

I moved a little uncomfortably, trying to settle my bladder for a moment or two.

Paula lifted her head and spoke a stream of Chinese, a language I had no hope of even guessing the content of.

At the bottom of the bed a girl lifted the duvet and squirmed up to the junction of our thighs. She took my penis in her mouth and just held it there.

Looking straight into my eyes Paula said, "Let your waters go. She has been trained to receive this and is rewarded whenever she does. So relax my love and let my girl relieve your need."

With more difficulty than I would have thought, I released my morning flow. There wasn't a sound or sign from the girl into who's throat I emptied myself but she took all I had to give her without complaint.

Emptied, I sighed.

"Better?" Paula asked.

"Yes, though I don't think that that is something I would ask for every day," I answered.

"My father had a young girl or boy take his morning waters every day. I don't think that he really appreciated what they were doing for him. It was just something that the slaves had done for his father, and in his turn they did it for him too," Paula said with a far-away look. Then she looked at me, "But you enjoyed what she did for you. The next time it happens you'll enjoy it more and you'll thank the girl or boy who drinks your morning waters."

"Yes, I will," I nodded, "though I'm not sure that I'd actually like a boy to do this for me."

"And how do you know it was a girl this morning?" she smiled at me.

I thought for a long time. I didn't know it was a girl who took my penis in her mouth and drank my morning urine. I felt that it was, but I didn't know.

"I don't," I admitted.

I turned to her and stroked her side from her armpit to her hip. "But I do know that the person in my arms is a woman," I smiled at her.

"And do you think she'll be receptive to your advances?" Paula asked.

I gently lifted her arms above her head then, grasping both wrists in my hand, I flipped her onto her back. "I'm going to take you woman. Meet the father of your next child."

I pressed my knee between hers and forced my way between her legs.

With one hand holding her wrists, I lifted her head to mine and kissed her, forcing my tongue between her lips. She surrendered her body to me and allowed the tip of my cock to force its way between her vagina lips. I growled at her, "Do you want me to get women in to hold you down and part your legs?"

Paula looked up at me, her lust clear in her eyes. She lifted her head and our lips met again, as our tongues explored the others mouth she relaxed and parted her legs. I sank into her hot tight velvety tunnel. Incredible sensations rippled through me as her cunt tried to milk the semen straight from my balls. Paula dropped her head back, opening her throat to me. I nipped and sucked on her, teasing her, giving a little pain, a lot of pleasure. She turned her head and I nibbled her ear lobe, I sent my tongue in to explore her pink, shell-like ear, I nipped and sucked on her neck where my lips could feel the flow of blood through her arteries, where I could feel the rapid beat of her heart.

Paula lifted her legs, wrapping them around me, locking her ankles to keep me deep insides her. I slowly stroked in and out, her cunt opening to accept me, then trying to clamp down and prevent me from leaving. She matched my thrusts with her own, happily fucking me as I thrust into her.

At the angle I was penetrating her I judged that I was hitting her G spot on every inward stroke. I pulled back and gave her a number of fast short strokes, all meant to hit that so sensitive spot.

She cried out and arched her back. My cock was locked tight as she spasmed. Leaning down I bit a nipple, this small pain lifting her to a higher level in her orgasm. Turning to the other breast I clamped my lips around her areola and sucked as hard as I could, then swiped the super-sensitive nipple with the tip of my tongue. Paula's cry turned into a screech and her wrists were wrenched from my grasp as her arms and legs straighten out into a full spread- eagle X.

My cock now a little freer, I thrust into her hard and fast, trying to lift her orgasm and power her into continuous delight. She had stopped making any noise now, not through lack or want, more lack of air. I pressed my lips over hers and blew into her mouth, filling her lungs and giving her both oxygen and the means to express her climax.

Her eyelids half opened but I could only see the bottom sliver of her iris'. She was panting now, making small mewing sounds, her cunt was constantly rippling around me. I knew that I was only moments away from my own release so I pressed my body down onto hers, locking my arms around her, fastening her to me. I used my arms to increase the power of my thrusts into this little ragdoll in my arms. She had no option or choice; I was now just using her body as a glove for my hard, hard cock. She grunted in time with my thrusts, her arms weakly wrapping around my back as I used my whole body to drive into her tight cunt again and again. With a loud cry I thrust into her and stiffened, my semen exploded into her and she too cried out.

I seemed to drift for hours in my ecstasy, time slowed and my senses sharpened. I watched her eyelids flutter, slowly opening and closing, drops of sweat, flung from her, seemed to crawl through the air, her wet, matted, hair flopped slowly across her face. Sounds jumbled together becoming meaningless. There was only my lover and I.

I dropped my head down beside hers, my lips touching, kissing, her shoulder. I shuddered through the remnants of my orgasm, various parts of my body realising that it was over, and trying to settle back to normal. I suddenly realised that I too needed to breathe and took a long, long gasp of air.

I looked down at the sweaty, tired woman in my arms, she was panting, but she glowed. Twenty years seemed to have fallen from her. I tried to support my weight on my arms. "NO!" Paula opened her eyes, smiled at me, "No, let me feel your weight pressing me down for a few more minutes. It's reminding me that I am still a woman, a woman who has just been taken by a man."

I rested my weight on her and she sighed and kissed my shoulder. "I wonder what my girls are going to say when those two," she nodded in the direction of one of her guards, "start gossiping about this night."

I looked at the girl, I didn't know her name but she'd watched over us all night and then watched our love making. I too wondered what she thought about me fucking Paula. I was in my mid forties; Paula must be at least twenty five years older than me.

"My girls are always gossiping about me. They call it 'keeping each other informed', but it's just gossip," I said.

"I've just had a thought," said Paula with a grin, "you're my toy boy." She laughed.

I wrapped my arms around her and trapped her legs with my own. When she was firmly fixed to me I rolled us over. She looked down at me, "I was enjoying feeling you laying on me." She stroked my chest, "A lot of women like to feel their man's weight on them, especially after love making. I do, it reminds me of what I am, what I've always longed to be." She looked into my eyes, her expression clouded for a moment then she brightened a little. "Kiss me and tell me lies about how you love only me."

As she was laying flat on her stomach it was easy to spin her to the side and sit up. She was now effectively over my lap. I landed two good slaps on her bum before her girls reacted. Wide eyed, both girls moved to the bed and stopped, unsure what to do. Paula cried out in Chinese again and they relaxed and returned to their positions. Paula looked up at me, "Why am I getting a spanking?"

I looked at her sharply, "I do not tell my ladies lies! I love you, I love all of my ladies."

She knelt beside me and cupped my face in her hands, "My dearest boy, I know you really do love us, and I now count myself among your ladies. You love us and will protect us and treat us with the respect that few women ever experience." She smiled at me, "Even spanking us when we deserve it. And I did deserve a spanking for what I said, it was thoughtless of me, I'm so sorry."

I kissed her and she hugged me tightly.

"Come now, we need a shower before breakfast." She looked between her legs, "And I'm leaking all over the place."

"Be careful, Mistress Paula, my Master has a habit of pissing in the shower. If you're in the way you'll get a warm yellow shower."

I looked round and glared at Umber who was spilling my secrets.

"Does he, girl?" Paula asked.

"Oh yes Mistress," agreed Julia from the foot of the bed.

"Perhaps I'd better let one of you girls wash him down then," Paula suggested.

"OH YES PLEASE!" they called out, both eager to join me in the shower.

"Ummm ... If you two are that keen to suffer a little piss, I wonder what else I might get in the shower with your master." She looked at me again, her interest evident, "Girls, I'll take my chances in the shower with this man."

From the sad looks on their faces Umber and Julia knew that they'd lost out for this morning.

-------

Paula and I held hands as we walked towards the breakfast table by the pool. Sasha, Harold and Cecy were already eating. Gerald was swimming, his two local girls waiting for him at one end of the pool.

"Did you sleep well, Paula?" Cecy asked.

"Oh yes, very well indeed thank you," Paula replied with a smile.

"So we heard," Sasha said with a laugh.

"You HEARD!" Paula gasped.

"Everyone heard," Cecy agreed with a smile. "Paul does tend to have ... an effect ... on the ladies in his bed."

Paula turned to me and slapped my arm, "You beast! Making me squeal like that."

"Well, you could stay out of his bed," Sasha suggested. "That might help."

"What, and miss a repeat of what I received this morning?" Paula looked horrified. "I'll squeal and scream and wake the household." She kissed me. "Dearest man, you're welcome in my bed any time."

Gerald lifted himself out of the pool with a little difficulty. One of his girls started drying his back, the other started on his legs. Soon he was dry enough for his breakfast.

As he came to the table I stood, "Gerald, I'd like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Paula Li." I turned to Paula, "Paula, this is Gerald, another very good friend of mine."

Paula and Gerald shook hands. I did notice one of Paula's girls stare wide eyed at Gerald.

"Paula precious, are any of your girls really mad about music?" I asked while cutting up a rasher of bacon.

Paula laughed, "Sung Lu drives all mad about 'The Screaming Monkeys'." She answered.

I smiled, "Would you call Sung Lu over to us?" I asked.

Paula looked over to her girls by the west wing door and waved. The girl I was watching hesitated but ran over to her mistress."

Paula spoke sharply to her in Chinese; I assume it was for her hesitation. Sung Lu replied and I recognised the name 'Thrash' twice in their conversation.

"What's 'Thrash'?" she asked us.

"I'm Thrash, Ma'am," said Gerald.

Paula looked puzzled, "But you're Gerald," she said.

"Yes Ma'am, and I'm also Thrash from The Screaming Monkeys."

Paula looked at him and then Sung Lu. Sung Lu was almost dancing in her excitement. A puddle around her feet showed the level of self control she'd lost.

"Paula," I said, she turned to me, "is Sung Lu a fully trained bodyguard?"

Paula sat up, flushed with pride, "She's one of my bodyguards," she answered.

I knew then that Sung Lu was one of the best of the very best. "I'd like to buy her from you," I said. "Gerald needs a bodyguard and your girls are the best that I know of." I shrugged, "I'd like to give her to Gerald. I think she might like it too."

"Ummm ... Do you think that she'd be able to withstand the knowledge that he's a man as well as the god of heavy metal that she thinks he is?" Paula asked.

"We all have to lose Santa Clause one day," I replied. "It's a part of growing up."

Paula nodded. "Give your gift to Gerald then, we'll talk about her price later, in private. I won't steal too much away from you," Paula said with a smile.

"Gerald, meet your new personal bodyguard. Sung Lu." He looked at her in surprise. "Don't be fooled by her size and age. I've seen one of Paula's ordinary girls beat three marines, and they were expecting her."

Sung Lu took her position behind Gerald's chair.

"And now, Gerald, you're going to learn all about the care and feeding of a female slave," I said with a laugh.

-------

Elastic came over and whispered in my ear, "I need to speak with you Boss."

I followed her into the security centre. Once inside with the door shut Elastic turned to a large video screen.

"This was just sent from Luton," she said as she picked up a remote control and pressed the PLAY button.

The image was of Ross, Helen and Shannon boarding the plane, another young girl was with them. Then a large car pulled up and a man also boarded. I had a suspicion whom the man was but needed confirmation.

"Who is he Elastic?" I asked.

"Not gonna like this Boss."

She pressed a key on a digital recorder " ... Sir Richard told me that you had given him permission to fly across with Dr. McCracken and family." I recognised the pilots' voice very easily.

"Elastic can I speak to the Pilot?"

She handed me a microphone, with the ease of long experience it fell into my hand with the PTT (press to talk) switch under my thumb. Less than thirty seconds later I was speaking to the pilot. I gave him some very specific orders.

"You can be fucking nasty, Boss," said Elastic with a smile. "Think that's one of the reasons I like working with you, you're rounding out my education, dirty tricks five oh one, two, three and four." I gave her a quick kiss and returned to the pool.

"I'm sorry everyone. There's more trouble coming. Sir Dick the Dickhead Spalding has cadged a lift in our jet and is coming here with Ross and Helen. Gerald, this is my problem, my trouble, if you don't want to be associated with this then you just need to stay in your..."

"Are you fucking kidding!" he exclaimed. I wanna piece of this, democracy in action. I ain't hiding anywhere!" He was grinning in anticipation.

"Harold..." I started.

"Count me in," he said, his arm around Cecy who was nodding.

"Paula?"

"What can this English Politician do to me? Stop me and my troop performing in the UK? Let him try, I have many powerful friends, even more very powerful customers who enjoy the specialised entertainments we give. He can't harm me, Paul, I too am staying, besides I might be able to show my girls I can still fight." She hugged my arm and smiled up at me.

"Sasha," I looked at her. This would be the first time I would have to ask my darling to go into danger and it worried me.

"You need me here as your lawyer. Imagine him stealing a ride on your private jet, the nerve of the man." She looked at me, "You've got a plan," she told me quietly. I just shrugged; my love smiled at me then turned, "Elastic!" she called.

Elastic came out of the security room.

Sasha went over to her and they talked for a moment. Elastic pointed up at the roofline, we all looked up and saw two of Elastic's girls fixing cameras to the guttering.

Sasha kissed Elastic, she appeared to bite her ear too, but I could have been mistaken, and then came back to us, smiling like the cat that got all of the cream.

"Sasha still bites," she said and licked her lips. My girls and I laughed. Cecy looked at her, "You will have to tell us about this biting, Sasha dear, there seems to be a story behind your words."

"I'll let Karolina and Elastic tell the story, Cecy, they tell it so much better than I."

Cecy nodded, apparently satisfied with that, but you could see she was intrigued by the thought of this story.

Preparations for our guests didn't take long, we already knew that Ross and Helen were expected, there was already a room set up for them, and maids to staff it. It was simple to open an adjoining room for Shannon. I guessed who the other girl was. As Aggie said, given time I could see through a brick. I needed time to join all of the dots and make the connections, Aggie did that sort of analysis in seconds. I looked at Paula, she was in for a surprise.

-------

"I need a pickpocket," I said. My girls looked at me, then Alison raised her arm.

"I was trained as a pickpocket, Master," she said shyly.

I explained what I wanted to all of the girls, they all smiled. "I need two girls Master."

"Who do you want precious?" I asked.

"Julia and Umber, Master."

"Take them, then and tell them what you want them to do."

The three girls went to one side and talked together for a few moments. The next thing I noticed was Alison throwing playing cards to Julia, who caught them and threw them to Umber. They were throwing the cards at a blinding speed. I was impressed.

-------

We all rushed round carrying out the final preparations, thought I was never too rushed to give a kiss or take a quick grope of whoever was passing.

Then we were as ready as we were going to be. We all waited in the front drawing room, watching for the first sight of the car from the airport.

"There it is," said Cecy, with barely disguised anticipation. "They are now in Martinè."

We all walked slowly out to the drive to wait for their arrival. "Bet they're not going to keep us waiting while they're snogging in the back seat." Sasha whispered. I groped her bum. She seemed to like it. I know I did, so I did it again.

"Children," said Cecy, looking at us. We both looked totally innocent, Cecy burst out laughing and slapped my arm.

"Oh Paul, I do love you." Cecy said between laughs.

The car pulled into the drive and slowly approached us. With a soft crunch on the gravel, the car halted in front of us. The rear door opened and Shannon got out, grinning like a wild thing and almost jumping up and down. She saw me and waved madly. Instead of running to me she stood beside the car and waited. This didn't reduce her excitement though. Ross got out and helped Helen out. They stood blocking our view of the car door. Then they turned and a young girl stepped between then. She looked to my side and smiled. "Granny!" she said.

Beside me, Paula gasped. She grabbed hold of my arm and took a step forward. "Mei Su," she gasped as she fell to her knees. I lifted her to her feet and she stepped forward slowly. "Mei Su," she called.

The girl shouted back, "Granny, look at me, I can walk!"

Mei Su ran to her grandmother, arms wide and smiling fit to crack her face, "Granny!" she shouted again as she wrapped her arms around Paula's waist.

Paula dropped to her feet again, "Mei Su, oh Mei Su..." She was beyond words, tears streaming from her eyes. The girls she sent to hospital to die was hugging her and talking to her.

Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind me. "Very touching, but we have important things to talk about." Then a hand grasped my shoulder and pulled me around.



-------

Chapter 55


I used the turning momentum he'd given me to help power the heel of my right hand into his nose. With a loud 'CRUNCH' he lifted off his feet and fell backwards.

Well, they say no plan survives the first encounter with the enemy.

With a screech Alison dropped onto the man and started ineffectually pummelling him with her small fists. While the man was initially taken by surprise, he quickly responded, with a sickening thud his fist smashed into Alison's face sending her reeling with blood flying from her nose.

With an angry growl he stood and approached me, "I'm going to bre..." Harold's shotgun barrel smashed into his teeth. I'm sure it broke a couple.

"In Martinè we don't like people who punch little girls, Monsieur. Now get off my land." Harold's words were punctuated by the clicks as he cocked both barrels of the shotgun.

"I've called the gendarmes to deal with this thug, my dearest," shouted Cecy. "They're on their way now." In the far distance we could hear the blaring siren of the gendarme's car.

"Don't you know who I am!" demanded the man.

"I don't care who you are!" I held my hand out to Harold. "Give me the gun Harold, I'll deal with this piece of trash for you."

Dickhead must have read my naval personnel files, the real ones, and knew that I was perfectly capable of killing him and disposing of his body. Looking at the people around me he guessed, quite rightly in my opinion, that they would bare witness to the fact that the killing was self-defense.

"You'll hear from me again!" he shouted as he got back into the car. We watched as the car sped away, much faster than it arrived.

I broke the shotgun and was actually gratified to see two shiny new shells in the chambers. I extracted them and handed gun and ammunition to Harold. "I always knew you were smart, Harold. I'm very glad to discover that you're not afraid to defend you and yours as well." Harold smiled, Cecy beamed and hugged her man's arm.

I turned to look for Paula. All I could see was a bunch of her girls, some facing outward, most facing inward, seemingly laying on, pressing down on something. Now that the danger was over they started to move apart. I saw that the girls had formed a protective shell with their bodies. In the centre was Paula, and underneath Paula, Mei Su lay crying.

I turned to Alison, she was being helped to her feet by Julia. I went and hugged her, "I'm so sorry you got hurt, my precious."

She smiled up at me, "Got everything and he didn't feel a thing Master." I looked at her, her nose was obviously broken, her upper lip split and blood seeped from her mouth.

"Em!" I shouted.

"I'm here, my Master," she replied from right behind me.

"Please look after her, Em. Whatever she needs get it for her."

"Of course, my Master. I take especially good care of my sisters," she replied a little huffy.

I kissed Alison on her forehead and Em on her cheek, "I have things still to do, I'll see you soon."

"Yes Master," they replied in unison.

Hurrying, I made it to the security room before Dickhead's car got to the plane. We had an audio feed from the plane, which was being recorded, and knew that two video recordings were also being taken.

With a clatter we heard Dickhead climb up the boarding steps and into the aircraft.

"Take off now." Dickhead demanded.

"Are you sure, Sir. We..." The pilot started.

"YES DAMN IT! Get this fucking thing moving or I'll make sure you never fly again." Dickhead was almost beyond reason now.

"OooKay..." We heard the cockpit door shut, and then a noise we hadn't heard before, two distinct 'clack's', like heavy locks being thrown shut.

"He's locked the cockpit door," commented Elastic.

The cabin door was shut and we heard the engines power up and a rumble from the wheels. Within two minutes the plane was in the air.

"Where are they going?" asked Sasha.

"Luton," I replied, and then I smiled. "The long way."

It took a moment or two before realisation set in and Sasha laughed. "Where do they land first?" she asked.

"North Africa, precisely where I left up to the pilot and navigator, then I think that they're off to the Middle East, Iraq or Iran. Next stop Russia, Gander is going to be a bit of a bitch though, the temperature is down to minus ten Fahrenheit. And I understand that I booked the last four rooms at the hotel for the flight crew. The way he's behaving, if he's still with them, I doubt that they'd be willing to share."

"What do you mean 'if he's still with them'?" asked Harold.

"Well, he might decide that he can just get off and go to the British embassy or consul and demand their assistance. But with two black eyes and a swollen face and cut lip I don't think that he'll have an easy time. And I think that my girls have some things of his."

"That's why Alison attacked him." Cecy was thoroughly enjoying this.

"What things?" Harold asked.

I saw Alison by the door, "What did you manage to get, precious?" I asked.

Alison held up his wallet, passport, watch, a set of keys, and a gold ring.

We all looked at her hoard in amazement. "That's phenomenal my precious, just mind blowing."

"Julia got all of the papers out of his briefcase." Alison turned the spotlight onto her friend and sister slave.

"And I think that you should see some of these, Master. This especially," she held up a small laminated card, about the size of a credit card. It was filled with blocks of numbers, and in the glint of the reflected lights I could see that one number had a fine underscore. I took the card and held it to read the numbers. There was no indication that any of them had been marked. But if I tilted the card, just so, in the light, then the marking was faintly visible. This wasn't just a valuable find. It would be as effective as a suitcase nuclear device in the wrong hands.

I thought for a moment. "Elastic, how well do you know the local police inspector?"

"Very, Boss." She smiled, "If I let him play with some of my toys I think he'd do almost anything for me."

I looked at her ... toys ... the ones I liked playing with.

"No Boss," she laughed, "I think he'd be looking at you for those games."

"Call him and see if you can get him here, we must be quick though."

"Yes Boss," and Elastic pulled out a mobile phone and dialled a number. She went to a corner of the room so she could speak quietly.

I sat and thought and planned the beginning of the downfall and destruction of Dickhead Spalding.

-------

The Inspector of Police, with Elastic's promise that he and his friend could come at the weekend and play with a few of her ... more specialised ... toys, was more than happy to do as I asked. He left with the card and Dickheads wallet (after a judicious burning where I scorched the wallet) and some torn up papers.

Karolina was already playing with her computers, setting up a numbered Swiss bank account, that was opened yesterday, with an initial deposit of ten million US dollars, ten million because I'm not a piker, US dollars rather than Pounds Sterling because I'm not that generous.

I had spoken with the pilot and he'd agreed to carry out a simple task for me, and to keep the plane aloft for as long as possible.

Now I waited.

-------

I was swimming another set of lengths, the pool and poolside almost empty. Ross and Helen had taken Shannon up to their rooms to 'protect' her from the violence that she'd witnessed earlier. Paula and Mei Su were in their rooms catching up on Mei Su's treatment. Harold and Cecy had told Nina and the girls to leave me alone for a while as I needed time to think about what was going on. Sasha and my girls were examining the papers Julia liberated from Dickhead's briefcase. All except Karen who was kneeling on the poolside and talking with

Shannon who'd sneaked out of her room and found me by the pool. Shannon had decided that she could play her DSi in the sunshine just as easily as in her room and that she wanted to say hello to Granddad as well. So Shannon was getting an all over suntan and talking to Karen, who already had one. And I was clocking up another lap of the pool.

Elastic came to the poolside, "Paul, the plane is about to land."

"Where did he get to?" I asked.

"Tripoli," she laughed.

"Has your Inspector called yet." I asked.

"Ten minutes ago, Boss." She slipped of her shoes and sat dangling her feet in the pool. "He handed the things over at the embassy. He said that the 'minor functionary' that he spoke to recognised what the card was and Spalding's name. I think you've kicked over a hornets nest Boss."

"That's what I wanted, Elastic, that's what I wanted." I resumed my swim.

The next time I approached her, Elastic was ready for me. "Boss, you've swum enough, out now and have a massage." I looked over and saw Karen and Julia were ready for me.

"OK, Elastic," I lifted myself out of the pool; this was more difficult than usual as my arms felt like pieces of wet string. The towel running over me eased a few of my tensions. I knew that Karen and Julia's hands would ease more.

-------

Dinner was a quiet, subdued affair. Paula and Mei Su talked quietly, even Shannon was quiet.

Elastic came in with some news I'd been hoping for just after the desserts were served. "Boss the plane has just taken off again. Spalding isn't on it. He went wandering and the crew were able to embark and taxi without any problems. He's now in Tripoli without any documents or money."

"So what happens now?" asked Helen.

"Well that really depends on how nice the Libyan authorities want to be. At the moment our government has been moaning about the human rights abuses by the Libyan government. And the PM has been asking the UN to tighten the economic sanctions. So I can't really see Gadaffi being very helpful."

"So he's in deep shit then?" said Ross.

"Yeap." I replied.

"Oh good, couldn't have happened to a better person." Ross said with satisfaction, then he eagerly tucked into his cheese and biscuits.

"Won't you get into trouble because your plane landed in Tripoli?" asked Cecy.

"Sasha asked Nigel about that. The opinion of their International Law expert is no. I acted as an individual, even my companies are privately owned not publicly. Dickhead doesn't have any comeback either. The pilot was careful to get the aircrafts departure announced in the terminal before he left. The fact that he saw Dickhead wandering over by the maintenance areas is irrelevant. Maintenance is a restricted area and Dickhead had no right being there." I relaxed for the first time since this whole thing started.

"So we just wait?" Cecy asked in surprise.

"Oh no, that's just the one half of the play. Act two starts in about twenty minutes. The card that Julia lifted from Dickhead's briefcase, contained a special card..."

"The small one, the one with all the numbers?" said Harold.

"That's the one," I agreed. "Well, that card is what we called a panic card. Its job is to help top crisis managers in the event of a crisis. So it needs to be easy to use. The number at the top is the card is part of a phone number. One of the number blocks was marked, very discretely marked, but marked all the same. In," I looked at my watch, "sixteen minutes Karolina is going to start trying to dial that number. Now knowing Karolina, she'll probably make it look like the US President is calling, or maybe Osama Bin Laden. Anyway the number won't be traced back here."

Sasha sniggered at the thought of a UK crisis centre receiving a call from Osama.

"They're going to go fucking berserk!" exclaimed Harold.

"Especially when Elastic's Inspector has handed that card in to the British Embassy and told them that he got it from a dead Moroccan assassin." I added.

Harold thought for a moment, "When Spalding does turn up, especially in Libya, they're going to think that he's part of the plot. They'll crucify him." He thought for a moment, "Literally," he added.

"Girl! Bring me beer!" I called, footsteps raced away. "He shouldn't have threatened one of my ladies then should he?"

Lynne placed a pint of John Smiths on the table in front of me. Her tears dropped onto my arm.

"Thank you, my Master." She kissed my cheek, then dropped to her knees and lay her head on my thigh.

I looked down at her, "It was nothing less than what you deserve, my Precious." I smiled at her. She remained facing down but I could feel her tears wet my thigh.

-------

"So what was in the briefcase then, Sasha?" I asked, she smiled at me and lay down her favourite comfort blanket, a yellow legal pad.

"They wanted to screw a directorship out of you," she replied.

"What?" I almost shouted. "Was that it?" I exclaimed.

"That's it. The PM wanted a job when he's kicked out of office."

"Don't they know that all of my companies are privately owned; we don't have directors?"

"They didn't care. The papers were a contract employing the PM when he leaves politics, he wanted a hundred and fifty thousand a year and expenses. And he wanted you to finance him on the US lecture circuit." Sasha sniggered, "I doubt he's actually worth a hundred and fifty pounds a year, let alone what he wanted."

"The fucking idiot, who the hell would employ him? No private company I know of." I was exasperated, infuriated. All of this was over a greedy politician.

"My dearest darling, they're all fucking idiots and there are so many publicly owned companies that will pay them for their contacts." Sasha pressed against me, "Haven't we got anything else we ought to think about rather than Spalding?" she asked nibbling my chin. It turned out that we had rather a lot to think about, nibbling her nipples was one thing. The scalding heat of her mouth on my cock was another. All in all we didn't think about Richard Spalding for quite a long time.

-------

It took two days before the papers published anything about the excitement that night. One of the political commentators noted that there was a sudden rush of the inner cabinet members to Number Ten, and a lengthy meeting of COBRA. (Note 1) There were no details but the meeting went on well into the night.

In the same issue a small notice was also given of the appointment of Sir Jeffery Hiscock to the post of Cabinet Secretary, Sir Richard Spalding having resigned for health reasons.

I had read about Hiscock in the business sections of the broadsheets. Reading between the lines, Hiscock was considered to be a brown nosing incompetent who wore slip on shoes because he didn't possess the ability to tie shoe laces.

That was from his supporters, the other comments were far less complimentary.

-------

Gerald was in the pool when I arrived. Sung Lu knelt on the poolside watching him intently. I looked at her carefully as I approached. Yesterday when she looked at him, she was looking at a god. Today she was looking at a man. I wondered what had happened last night. Gerald's two local girls were still with him and showing no signs of either getting dressed or leaving. I wonder if Em said that he had to fuck both of them before he got up this morning.

I slipped into the water and started my thirty five lengths, quickly falling into a trance like state. My world reduced to just the water and me, so many strokes then the wall, turn, so many strokes then the wall, turn, repeat.

Shannon was walking over, trying to get out of her pyjamas while holding on to her DSi and its battery charger. Finally she considered her priorities and dropped her pyjamas. The DSi was far more important than mere clothing.

"Julia, please can you help me? I need to charge my DSi and I can't find a proper socket." She said plaintively.

"Of course, Shannon," Julia replied and stood. As Julia turned Shannon saw the three thin stripes on her bum.

"JULIA!" Shannon gasped, then her eyes narrowed, "Have you been naughty?" she asked.

Julia laughed, "I'm sure that my Master could find many things to cane this slave girl for, but no. This time Granddad wanted to teach two free girls a lesson and he used Susan, Alison and I to do so." They walked away talking about the lesson I gave Claudette and Amile.

After wiping some of the excess water off my body I sat in a comfortable chair and waited, it was a little early for breakfast to be ready but one of my girls would bring a cup of tea in a minute or so. I leaned back and let the sun warm and dry me.

Julia brought Shannon back, they were holding hands. Shannon came and stood beside me, her head down. "Granddad," she said quietly, "can I sit on your lap?"

"Of course you can Shannon. You only need to ask if someone else is already sitting there, otherwise just climb on. I like you sitting on my lap, it gives me a chance to cuddle you."

I lifted her on and she curled up against my chest.

"Granddad," she started, then hesitated, knowing what she wanted to say but unsure of how to say it. "I've been naughty for Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross." She paused and I waited, I rubbed her back, soothing and comforting her. "I didn't mean to be naughty, well I don't think I meant it, I couldn't seem to help myself. I didn't want to hurt them, I don't know why I was so nasty to them, but I was. Mummy Helen told me off lots, and then she smacked my bottom." I could feel tears on my chest now. "Mummy Helen told me she'd tell you what I'd been doing..." she cried now, "and I ... I had an ... an accident..." her body heaved with the sobs and emotion within her. "I wet myself." She buried her face in my chest, I just hugged her and rubbed her back, kissing her on the top of her head, trying to calm her and reassure her.

I hugged her for a while and her cries diminished a little. "Do you still love me Shannon darling?"

She looked up in shock, "Of course I do Granddad! I'll always love you."

"So you know that I will always love you, don't you?" I asked.

She looked troubled. "But Granddad you're always good," her voice dropped, "and I'm naughty ever such a lot."

"Does my love for you depend on how you behave?" I asked. "I hope my ladies don't lose their love for me if I misbehave. And I have been very, very bad at times."

"Oh no, Granddad, your ladies will always love you." Shannon insisted.

"So if you are sure that my ladies will always love me, why don't you think I'll always love you." I asked.

"I don't know Granddad. But Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross get so upset at times." She sighed, a heartfelt sigh of a little girl with the whole weight of the world on her shoulders, and was feeling every ounce of it. "I don't know what to do."

"I know what you should do first," I said.

"What's that, Granddad?" she looked at me with hope in her eyes for the first time.

"You should sit on my lap and we should have a cuddle. That always helps me when I don't know what to do."

"That's an easy thing to do Granddad." She squirmed a little and wrapped her arms around me. "It does help, doesn't it Granddad?"

"Of course it does my precious." I kissed the top of her head and she relaxed in my arms. A few minutes later I was sure she was asleep.

I settled down a little and decided that I could do with a little extra sleep too. I closed my eyes and relaxed. It was so easy to drop off with Shannon on my lap.

-------

Shannon moving on my lap woke me. An awning had been placed over us to protect us from the sun. We had slept until nearly lunchtime. Shannon stretched and looked round a little dozy from sleep. She started to move, then I felt a warmth flow over my legs. Shannon looked at me in fright. "I'msorryGranddadIdid'ntmeantodoit..."

Ignoring the urine I just lifted her back onto my lap properly and hugged her again.

"I still love you precious one, you're not the first one who's widdled on me, I sure you won't be the last. Julia's going to have a baby and I'm sure her baby will wee on me a few times too."

"But I'm supposed to be a big girl." She said.

"You are a big girl. You're also a very brave girl. You survived the bad people and you'll get over this. Most grown-ups wouldn't be doing as well as you are if the bad people had caught them. You are doing fine my precious and I'm proud of you."

"Thank you Granddad, I love you so much."

"I love you too, my little darling. Now shall we go and have a shower?"

She looked down between her legs just to make sure she'd finished weeing and nodded.

Hand in hand we started walking to the shower. I noticed the bright flash of a bare bottom running away and knew that the shower would be running when we got there.

We gladly got under the warm water and rinsed ourselves off. I soaped Shannon and Alison soaped me.

"Are you a slave girl like Julia?" Shannon asked, not the least bit shy with her.

Alison nodded, "I am. But my Master lost me for ages and ages. Until a friend of his found me and sent me back to him."

"Is Granddad your Master too?"

"Oh yes, and he loves me like I love him."

"The sex thing?" Shannon wondered why all of the grownups were so interested in sex. Maybe it was because they didn't have a DSi of their own.

"No. I like doing sex with my Master, but that's not why I love him. I love him because he's the man he is. That's all. He's a very easy man to love."

Shannon looked up at her, "Is that why we should love people then, because they're them?"

Alison laughed, "Of course. If I just loved people for what they gave me, or what they did for me, then I wouldn't be a very nice person at all."

"Brenda, a girl in my class always says that we have to do things for her, or give her things or she won't be our friend anymore," said Shannon thoughtfully.

"Well if you have to buy her friendship, she won't be a very good friend. What would happen if someone you didn't like gave Brenda more than you could? She'd say that she was their friend wouldn't she?" Alison could see that Shannon was thinking hard about this.

Alison and Shannon sat close to me, "Alison," Shannon looked a little uncomfortable, "can I ask you something?"

Alison laughed, "Shannon, I'm a one of your Granddad's slaves, you can ask me anything and I'll answer." Alison looked down at her naked body, "you might have noticed that slaves aren't really shy girls."

"Alison," Shannon's eyes flickered towards me.

I interrupted. "Alison, please answer Shannon's questions truthfully and fully, none of my girls will ever get in trouble for answering Shannon's questions."

"Thank you Master," Alison said with a smile.

"Alison do you really like sex?" she asked hesitantly.

Alison, thought for a moment, "Shannon lay down for a minute, on your tummy." Shannon looked at her for a moment and then lay down as she'd been asked. Alison picked up a bottle of sun-block from by my chair and poured a little into her hands. She then started to gently rub the cream into Shannon's back and then her bum.

"Do you like this?" Alison asked.

"Oh yes Alison,"

"Well, sex is like this, only a hundred, no a thousand times, better."

"Granddad?"

"Yes Precious," I knelt and took over spreading the sun-block on Shannon. I was forced to rub it into her bum.

"The bad men did sex with Mummy, and she cried. They made me watch as they pushed their willies into her, I saw blood on them, and Mummy cried. They pushed their willies into Mummy's baby hole and her bottom. They laughed and the men squirted the white stuff, onto Mummy. And they made..." she hesitated, I saw the towel below her darken with her tears.

I picked her up again and sat her on my lap, Alison's arms wrapped round us both and she lay her head next to mine, both hugging and comforting this small child. I kept quiet, waiting for her to continue.

"They made me ... they said they'd electrick me again if I didn't, I had too..." her voice ripped through us with her torment, we continued to hug her, reassuring her that we loved her.

"I licked it off Mummy," her body shock with her sobs, "they made me lick it off her and ... and..." her howl of soul wrenching anguish pierced us to the very core of our souls. "I drank it!" Shocking though expected that this announcement was, I could tell that there was more. Helen and Em waited by my chair. Em had a syringe in her hand. I held up my hand to stop her from sedating Shannon just yet.

"They made Mummy turn over and the young bad man pushed his willy up Mummy's bum. And they wanted me to lick that stuff up as well. And they said that if I didn't..." the sob had stopped now, Shannon was beyond crying now, reliving her torment with the Sheffields. She sat up and looked me in the eye, "They said if I didn't lick the stuff up they'd cut Mummy up and it would be my fault, all my fault because I wouldn't lick the stuff off Mummy's bottom. I couldn't do it, I really couldn't. I tried and tried but I couldn't swallow it. I was so sick, so sick, all over Mummy, and they laughed and laughed. I made them cut Mummy up, it's all my fault." Her haunted eyes stared at me, her tormented soul crying out for succour.

"Little Money Pit," I said strongly, but not harshly, "you are my baby girl. You didn't make the bad people do these bad things. They made you do bad things because they wanted to hurt you. They wanted to hurt you and your Mummy and they did." Helen nodded and I continued.

"Little one, if I tell one of my slaves to do something, who is to blame if that is a bad thing. Is my slave to blame? Remember that my slave must do what I tell her to do, otherwise she is punished most harshly. Or am I to blame because it was me who told my slave to do the bad thing. It is me, I would be to blame. It would be my fault, because the person I told to do the bad thing couldn't say no, because I was forcing the person to do the bad thing."

I hugged her, Alison and I both hugged her.

"My precious, you did everything that you had to, to keep alive until I could rescue you. Now your job is to live, to grow up and show the bad people that your Mummy and Daddy made a girl who was stronger than the bad people. Their daughter lived and grew up. But the bad people died."

Shannon nodded, "Granddad, can I sleep now? Can I sleep without watching Mummy be cut up again, please? Can I sleep in your bed with you and your slaves to keep me safe?"

I smiled, "Sleep is easy, my precious, you'll sleep in my bed and my ladies and I will sleep with you. Kiss me goodnight, precious."

Shannon wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a slobbery kiss. "Night-night Granddad."

I doubt that she felt the sedative that Em injected. She was asleep in moments.

Why oh why can I kill the real twats in this world only once! Where is the justice in that?

I swore that I wouldn't be so merciful with the next ones. The next ones would really suffer.

-------

Note 1

I wondered what the journo who scribbled the piece had been smoking that night, or was it Columbian marching powder? I suppose I'll never know, but they couldn't have held a meeting of COBRA they held a meeting inCOBRA. COBRA is Cabinet Office Briefing Room A. There are a number of these Cabinet Office Briefing rooms but calling an emergency meeting in COBRA sounds better than 'can you spare me a couple of minutes in COBRF. COBRA sounds sexy, dangerous, exciting, it sounds like a place where you'd meet an alluring woman, one dressed in just a basque, suspenders and stockings. You would look her in the eye as you undid the buttons of your shirt. You'd say "My name's Brown, Gordon Br..." Ewwwlll, sorry my brain almost turned to mush at the very thought of that. Now I need some brain bleach to clean it out. Eaaarrrrrrrrrwwwwww. I feel a little sick now. And my skin itches.



[Editors Note]

Serves you right for suggesting something so perverted. Honestly, if I have to edit any more of this sort of filth I'll ... I'll ... well, I'll do something, I just haven't decided what yet.

(Walks away muttering, "That arsehole Brown and his idiots should be shot...")





-------

Chapter 56


We watched Em carry Shannon away to my bedroom. We were all shocked at the things she'd revealed.

"My Master," Alison's voice made us jump. She looked up at me, "Master, not all slave Masters are like you, most are like the Count. There are others," and she shuddered, "there are some who are much worst. Perhaps you could introduce some of these ... bad people ... to one of the more ... harsh owners."

Shocked I just stared at her.

"Shall I get the cane, my Master?" she asked, sure that she'd offended me or done something very wrong.

"No," I said as kindly as I could in my surprise, "you will talk with your sister slaves and think of something I can get for you as a reward for your wonderful idea. Your gift must be something that you would especially like, and you may decide if the others might use it. This must be a reward for you, do you understand?"

"I..." hesitantly she answered, "I am to think of a reward that you can get me." She looked around, "But, my Master, what need do I have for things? My Master buys me what I need. I live to serve my Master. I can't think of what I might want as a reward. To have a night in my Master's bed is ample reward for this girl." She smiled alluringly at me.

"You will have your night in bed with me, and you will have your reward." I looked at her, "I don't think you realise the value of your words, they are beyond gold."

We watched as Alison walked back to her friends. "She'll ask for her freedom," Harold stated positively.

Sasha laughed, "Daddy, you don't know these girls, or their Master. He's tried freeing them lots of times." She gestured toward the small group of girls surrounding Alison, "See how many are still with him?"

Harold shook his head in disbelief. "But he beat three of them yesterday for no reason at all."

"No Daddy, he taught Claudette and Amile a very valuable lesson and his girls knew it. None of them have complained at being mistreated, nor will they. Do you want to know what they do complain about?" Sasha looked at her father with a smile.

"Go on then," said Harold.

"Girl!" Sasha called, her back to the group of girls. Julia came running up to her.

"Yes Mistress?" asked Julia.

"You girls," Sasha began, "when you're together, what is it about your master that you all talk about?"

Julia looked down at her feet, "Mistress," she hesitated, "our Master is a good and kind master but he doesn't use us enough." Seeing that neither Sasha nor Harold were getting angry, she continued. "We would love our Master to take a couple of us down to the dungeons and use some of the things down there. He does allow us into his bed, but he takes so much time to pleasure us that we're sure he sometimes goes to sleep unsatisfied. He doesn't even ask for us to entertain him with a few girl-on-girl shows and we'd love to do that for him, even a solo girl show would be better than nothing." She looked at Sasha again, a little bolder now, "Please Mistress, can you have a word with him. We've heard that there's a thing downstairs that will hang a woman by her tits and she can be whipped like that. Jo really would like to try that one out." Her eyes started to glaze now, "And a girl can be tied up so tight she can hardly breath and her master can take her in any hole, I'd love to try that." Sasha and Harold could easily see, and smell, the effect that these thoughts were having on Julia.

"I'll have a word with him, Julia. But you know your Master, he doesn't like abusing his ladies," said Sasha with a sigh. "Attend your Master now, Julia."

"Yes Mistress," and Julia ran off with a smile. She came to me and told me all that she'd said to Sasha and Harold. After hearing Shannon's story of abuse, how could these girls want me to abuse them?

"Master," Julia said shyly, obviously guessing my thoughts, "Shannon wasn't willing, we slaves are all willing." She smiled, "Some of us are even eager to do these things and have these things done to us. I love the freedom that being a slave gives me, I don't have to worry about right or wrong. If my master says lick that girl, fuck that dog or suck that man, I'll gladly comply. I'll please my Master by being a good slave, the best slave I can be for you." She lifted up from her knees a little and kissed me. "Please, my Master, use us as we girls, your slaves, want to be used."

-------

Dinner was quiet again tonight. Gerald, Paula and Mei Su joined us, Mei Su smiled when she saw Ross and Helen at the table. Seeing Mei Su reminded me of a thought I'd had about her treatment. I wanted to discuss my idea with Ross before he reached the final phases of destroying the tumours.

"How are you getting on with your song writing Gerald?" I asked.

"Paul you wouldn't believe it, I've finished five songs, five that's almost unbelievable. Our next album is going to be fantastic. I know Friends was something special but I wish I'd been here when I wrote it." He looked really sad.

"So, rewrite them and release a ... oh what would you call it ... like a director's cut of a film. A special edition..."

"Oh god yes," his eyes glazed and we could see his fingers start tapping. "I've got to go to my room. Paul, can I borrow Alison again please?"

I smiled, I think we were all smiling at his enthusiasm, no his need to create. "Of course, keep her as long as you need." Alison jumped away from the wall where she'd been waiting and raced after Gerald.

"Do you always do this, Paul?" asked Cecy.

"Do what?" I asked puzzled.

"Have ideas that fire people with imagination and change their lives."

"Oh it's easy to have an idea about what someone else can do." I replied offhandedly.

"No Paul, it's not," said Harold. "And believe me, I pay huge amounts of money for people who can come up with ideas, new ideas. You keep on coming up with them. Take the other night, when we talked about the used oil. You threw in four original ideas that my technical team are raving about. You make connections Paul, that's a gift rarer than a quiet woman."

Of course both Sasha and Cecy thumped him and they, and his other daughters, refused to speak to him all night.

After we'd eaten Mei Su came to me, "Baron Glastbrook, I hear that it was you who had the original idea of how to treat my tumour. I was waiting to die in a nightmare that no one can imagine. My own body was killing me and driving me mad while it did so. I owe you my life, Baron." She touched her dress at the shoulder and it fell to the floor, revealing her naked body. "I believe that I have honour, Baron. As an honourable woman I ask that you allow me to join you in your bed so that I can discharge the smallest portion of the debt that I owe you."

"What about your Grandmother?" I asked, wondering what Paula thought of her request.

Mei Su turned and looked at Paula, "It is my understanding that she shared your bed the night before I arrived." She turned back to me, "she can wait her turn."

I glanced at Paula and was pleased to see her grinning broadly. I held out my hand which Mei Su took, "Mei Su, I would be delighted to accept you into my bed. I would take this single wish to be full redemption of any debt that you might feel that you owe me. You may retire now satisfied that there is no debt between us."

Mei Su looked at me then breathed in deeply relishing the smell of the air around her. "Every breath I take has been given to me by your efforts," she stepped toward me, "every step I take is only possible because you did something no one else had done." She ran her hands over her body sensuously, her nipples almost exploding into full engorgement, her scent of arousal hitting us all. "My brain, that which tormented me with nightmares and pain beyond belief, now gives me pleasures that were lost to me. Everything that I am I owe to you. This debt will never diminish because it renews with every breath I take, every time I feel a hug or a lovers touch. Every beat of my heart increases my indebtedness to you." She stood in front of me, in front of us all, naked and unashamed, pleading for a chance to repay just a little of the burden she'd placed on her own heart.

I half turned and offered her my left arm, she slid her arm in mine and came to my side. I offered Sasha my right arm, she too slid her arm in mine and came to my side, though she remained dressed.

I walked my ladies to the drawing room where Harold was pouring drinks for us. Sasha took a very nice champagne, Mei Su a soda water due to her medication and I took a very fine old Napoleon Brandy.

"Ladies, please excuse me, I need to speak to Ross for a moment." Sasha and Mei Su nodded their consent and I walked over to Ross. He and Helen looked up as I approached.

"Ross, can I speak with you for a moment or two?" I asked

"Ross, I've been thinking about the procedure." There was no need to specify which procedure. "When you get to the edge of the tumour, how you prevent, or limit damage to the brain itself." Both Ross and Helen leaned forward interested now.

"Well, I'm sure we can limit the damage from the laser by altering its colour." I stated.

Ross' eyes almost bulged out of his head, "HOW?" he demanded.

"Well, you use fibre optics, very thin glass strands to take the laser energy to the brain. Can you spare three or four strands to get information back?" I asked.

"Of course, these medical lasers have at least fifty percent redundancy, four or even forty strands would be no problem, we wouldn't even notice they were missing."

"Then we can check the precise colour of the normal brain cell just by shining the laser at them. The colour that comes back down the separated optical fibres can be checked and held in the computer, then the same thing can be done for the tumour cells. If necessary the laser can be used on a slightly higher power and the light from the destroyed cells can be tested by a spectrometer. That should give us the absorption frequency of the tumour cells and then the laser can be tuned to that frequency for maximum effect against the tumour cells and minimum damage to the brain itself."

Ross and Helen looked at me like goldfish, their mouths opening and closing, but no sound emerging from either of them.

It was then that I noticed the whole room had gone very quiet.

"I think my saviour has given my doctor his final instructions in how to defeat my affliction," said Mei Su from just behind me.

"He has," agreed Ross. He turned to his wife, "I don't deserve to have my name attached to this discovery, it's got to be The Winter Procedure. It must be." Helen nodded. Ross turned to me, "I never really dreamed of going to Stockholm, I always knew that, good as I am, it was beyond my capabilities. But now I shall be going for a reason that I'm really happy with. I'll..." he looked at his wife, "We'll be going to watch our good friend receive his Nobel Prize for Medicine."

"Now," I said in the lull that followed, "I'm going to bed. I have a child who needs me to protect her from her dreams." I held out my arms and Mei Su and Sasha linked their arms through mine and we went to bed.

We showered quickly and quietly, all soaping and washing anyone they could reach. Shannon was on the left hand side of the bed, with Umber spooning against her back. Sasha got in first, Mei Su followed me. I lay between two warm and loving ladies and slept.

-------

I opened my eyes, Shannon's back lay pressed up against my stomach, she was curled up between Sasha and I.

We had had an undisturbed night, though I knew if Shannon woke, so would I. I always woke before my ex-wife when our children needed us during the nights. I lay feeling the lady pressed against my back, the small child in my arms and my special lady facing me. Hydraulic pressure though forced me to move before I wanted to. So I eased my way out of bed and went to the bathroom. Umber was in there waiting for me and she got the privilege of aiming me while I pee'd. She always took great delight in this, playing with the stream and being most disappointed when it stopped.

Stepping into the warm shower Umber dropped to her knees and sucked me into her mouth. I lay my hands on her head and gently fucked her mouth while she sucked and licked me. I couldn't withstand much of this first thing in the morning and came quickly, feeding Umber a generous helping of my semen. She gladly drank my seed and then licked my drooping cock clean.

"Can I shower with you too, Granddad?" asked Shannon plaintively

"Of course you can precious," I answered.

Umber stood up and she too welcomed Shannon into the shower. Umber and I soaped and washed Shannon first then the two girls did the same to me. Umber managing to do the 'interesting' bits rather than Shannon. Shannon and I washed Umber with both of us doing our fair share of the fun bits.

Wrapping Shannon in a large towel we sat her down while Umber and I dried ourselves. Julia came in, saw Shannon waiting and dried her properly. We then went out to the poolside to wait for breakfast.

Gerald and Alison soon joined us, they looked as though they'd been up all night.

"Morning Gerald, been busy?" I asked.

"Haven't stopped since dinner last night but we got so much done. Just listen to this..." He opened a small laptop and seconds later I recognised the light fun melody that started 'June'. The original song lasted just over four minutes, this version nearly sixteen. The difference was stunning.

Hearing this song made you feel that you knew June, loved her even. You could hear her laugh and cry, grow up and decide her future, then the hurtful discordant murder. All those listening were crying when it finished. If Gerald had improved all of the Friends tracks as much as this (apart from the obvious lying one that he wrote about me) then they would confirm his place in music's hall of fame. Gerald was truly a musical genius.

"How are you going to release these? They're obviously too large for a CD, I think you'd be pushing the limits of a DVD." Harold asked.

Gerald thought for a few moments.

"Why not hold a special concert," I suggested, "somewhere big; the NEC in Birmingham or Manchester's GMEX, Wembley even. Have it all recorded and release it as a set of Blue-Ray disks. HD quality and 8.1 or better surround sound.

Gerald looked at me with a smile, "Paul, how'd you like a job as our manager? Pay's good too, in two or three years you could earn as much as you do now in a day."

"I'm gonna have to decline I'm afraid. Lugging heavy speaker cases around isn't my cup of tea, I'm more an idea's man." I said.

"You're that alright," agreed Harold. "Trouble is, you just give your ideas away, you forget to charge for your talent."

I just shrugged.

"Granddad tries to help you because that's what you do for friends." Shannon looked up at me from my lap, "Isn't it Granddad?"

I kissed her forehead. "Of course it is, my precious, of course it is."

We'd nearly finished breakfast by now, I had just to relax with my mug of tea. Cecy's housekeeper had found a mug somewhere, or most likely bought one specially for me, and watched with distain whenever I used it. Cecy just called me a barbarian whenever she saw me drinking out of my mug. I didn't let them annoy me though. I still relaxed every morning with my mug of tea.

-------

Elastic and Karolina sat at the other side of the table, piles of documents, laptops and a projector in front of them.

"Tort you need know this me Master," said Karolina. "Hear from Count, he send CD for to watch."

Karolina nodded to Ela and she closed the curtains and lowered the lights.

The screen glowed with the Counts image, after some pleasantries he got down to business.

"My people in Warsaw tell me that there have been quiet requests for documents from the old KGB files, the ones where Sir Richard Spalding's history was inserted. They caused quite a stir I'm told; people rushing round from the embassy to the Foreign Office and back. Lots and lots of scurrying and a new defence trade agreement too, the one that's been stalled for nearly a year has just been signed. That's very good for my old country, I'm glad I helped you now.

"It also seems that Spalding has gone missing," he looked into the camera, "perhaps you assisted in that." He shrugged, "But no, how could you organise the disappearance of the Cabinet Secretary."

He shuffled some papers on the desk in front of him and picked one up. "I bought another girl last month. This one I got from an auction house which specialises in providing slaves for Owners whose tastes are invariably fatal for their toys." He appeared to read from the paper in his hands, "I've been very careful with this girl. She knows I saved her life, her former Master's favourite convinced him to auction her there, 'so she'd go to a good Master' she said." The Count shook his head at the gullibility of some Owners. "I've also talked to her about what I want her to do and the position she'll hold in my organisation when she returns." He picked up a large card with an English mobile phone number on it. "I sent her to France a week ago, I told her to have a short holiday and then be at the cafè by the square in Pont du Martinè at lunchtime on the fourteenth. If no one contacts her, she's to stay at a local hotel or pension and return to the cafè every lunchtime until the twenty first. Then she's to return to me."

I noticed that both Karolina and Elastic had made a note of the phone number and Elastic had left the room for a moment, she was smiling so I assumed that she'd spoken with the girl.

"Some of my people went home to have a word with young Gabrjel. I'm afraid that they found him to be so very tiresome. He and his ... followers ... have been used on Jerzy's farm, just as you'd suggested, like pig shit." The Count looked up at the camera, "I was too slow to stop Gabrjel making an example of Gregor. I..." the Count smiled, "reciprocated," he rolled that word around his mouth enjoying its sound and meaning, "I think that the local bandits will think long about moving into Gabrjel's territory when they hear the tale of his demise." Now he laughed.

I wondered about how Gabrjel had died and then decided that I didn't care. It was enough that he and his thugs had been cleared out and the area now had a chance to start rebuilding.

"And finally, Baron," he smiled at my elevation, "there is a matter that you might be able to help me with. A member of the Scottish Parliament has taken it into his head to start bothering me about Loch Dunne. About a year ago I was offered a paltry sum for the castle and its estate. Obviously I turned it down. Then two months later Hamish McConner started 'investigating' Loch Dunne. He's beginning to be a nuisance to me, Paul, it would be nice if he had an accident," Alex smiled, "or two." I smiled at that too.

The recording ended abruptly, I looked at Karolina.

"It end Boss. I check Count are OK. Video just end," she said.

"OK. Elastic, is she at the Cafè?" I asked.

"Yes Boss. She turned up a day early just to make sure," Elastic answered.

"Karolina, let Jerzy and Iwona know that their farm is free again, they need to get someone there to look after it, though I doubt that there'll be a problem for a month or two. And do you have any time that you can spend investigating this MSP Hamish what's his name?"

"McConner me Master," said Karolina. "He MP, me find plenty shit, you see."

"Elastic, can you see if the villagers around Jerzy's farm have personal weapons, hunting rifles, shotguns and the like, the usual country hardware. If not maybe I could supply them with some."

"Will do Boss." Elastic replied.

I thought for a moment, "You might check around here too." I said "I'll clear it with Harold and Cecy or whoever. Just make sure that the locals have the firepower they might need in the event of real trouble."

Elastic looked at me in surprise. "OK Boss," she said.

"And now I suppose I'd better go down to the village and talk with the Count's girl."

"I'll call the car Boss," said Elastic.

"Let Lynne and Karen know, they might want to go too." I thought for a moment, "Let all of my girls know and see if they want to come along. We can take the minibus if we need to."

-------

I led Sasha out of the front doors of the Chateau and almost jumped with surprise. All of my ladies were standing in two rows, waiting for us. They were naked except for their collars.

As Sasha and I got into the Citroen they boarded the mini bus, Melissa and Susan rode with Sasha and I of course. The two vehicles had an easy journey to the village and we stopped at the name sign again, Sasha and I had decided to take another walk through the village.

We had a pleasant walk along the road, Sasha talked with most of the villagers we met.

Karen came forward, "Master, may I go to visit the lace workshop? I'd like to see how they're getting on with my order."

"Of course you may, hurry on, we'll see you later. Or call the Chateau for a car if you need to stay longer."

"Thank you Master," she pressed her body against me as she kissed me, then ran down the street. I watched as she ran away, her lithe, naked body shining in the sun, her hair tossed from side to side. I could have taken her in the street, right there and then.

"You have a number of very willing women who would gladly lay down for you wherever and whenever you wanted," Sasha said after noting the object of my gaze. "I too would gladly receive your loving anytime and anywhere."

I kissed her, our tongues stroking each other tenderly.

"I would so love to lay you in the shade and enjoy you dearest, but there is a slave waiting for me and I'm sure that she's getting more frightened by the minute." I sighed, I would just have to make it up to her later.

"Of course, and I've just been gossiping. You go on ahead and meet this girl, I'll catch up in a little while." She leaned forward for a kiss, which I willingly shared with her.

I strode off to the village centre. Sounds of scuffling behind me made me look back, my ladies were following me but having a little difficulty keeping up due to my fast pace and their bare feet. I waited until they were settled back into two lines again and had caught their breath.

"Karolina," she, of course, was at the front, "tell me if I'm going too fast for you to keep up."

She smiled at me, "Yes me Master."

We continued on.

Reaching the village square it was easy to see who was waiting for us. A young, slim girl sat on the edge of her seat, an espresso cup on the table beside her, though I doubt that she'd done more than taken a single sip from her drink. She was looking at my group and as we approached she stood up. She was unusually tall, a little above my height, very slim, small breasted with a flat stomach and long, slender legs. Her long, light brown hair hung to her waist and I imagined playing with that hair in the shower. I shook myself to clear my mind of such a wonderful distraction.

The girl must have taken my expression and little shudder as distaste of her for she suddenly appeared frightened, no, terrified, and her eyes flicked around trying to find a way out of what she was now sure was a trap. In a split second she'd convinced herself that she hadn't been saved from a terrible death, she'd been sent to one, and she'd been fooled and had come here willing.

I smiled at her, "Please, sit, let's talk for a while, then you can decide whether you wish to join my service or not."

"Master, I'm a slave. My Master sent me to you to serve you. How can I decide not to do what my Master has ordered?"

I smiled again, "Simple! By presenting yourself to me, you have earned a choice. You can choose to become one of my ladies, or you can choose to become a freewoman. The choice is yours."

She looked shocked at this and I wondered if she thought it some subtle trap. "I'm going over to the lace workshop for a while, why don't you talk with my ladies about your choices and me. Then you'll be able to make your mind up a little later."

"As you wish, Master," she said, fully subservient to me.

"Karolina why don't you join me, we'll leave the others to get to know our new friend."

"Yes me Master," and she came to my side and hugged my arm.

-------

In the lace workshop Karen was looking at a nightgown on a dressmakers dummy. She was frowning.

"We need a model for me to see this properly," said Karen.

"I'll do it."

I recognised Arianne. While she might be willing, I thought her plumpish frame and less than five foot height disqualified her from the job.

"You can just keep your clothes on, woman," the workshop owner hissed at her colleague. "Call that beanstalk of a daughter of yours. This'll fit her wonderfully."

Arianne, scurried into the back room and picked up the phone.

I followed Karen as she toured the room, examining the work to ensure it was up to the standards she'd demanded. Watching her as she went through the fabrics being worked on was a delight. Nearly half of the work wasn't up to standard, one piece she just ripped from the spools and threw onto the floor.

A noise at the door made me turn, a fourteen or fifteen year old girl entered, her younger sister followed. Both girls were tall and willowy, small high breasts and long dark hair. Karen saw them and went over to talk with them. I followed.

"I want you to model some lingerie for me. Do you have heeled shoes?" Both girls held up a bag and took two pairs of high heeled shoes out. "Good," said Karen, "now get those things off so I can see which of the outfits will suit you best."

As Karen was already naked, and their mother hadn't made any complaint, I doubt that the girls thought that they had any grounds for not stripping in front of us all. They were two very sexy girls, just the body type I preferred. Karen got things organised, an upturned crate served as a platform for her to examine each girl. They turned and twisted at her command, soon enough she was satisfied.

Karen came to me, "My Master, I would like these girls, and more just like then if we can find them, to model for me at my fashion show." She looked at the floor, "I know I should pay them for this but I don't know how much."

I smiled at her, "We'll ask Sasha about that, you just ask the girls, see if they're willing."

Karen had me, the workshop owner and Arianne sit at one end of the workshop; she spoke to the girls for a moment then joined us, though she didn't sit. Karen turned to me, "Master, may I introduce you to Marianne. Marianne, this is my owner, Paul, Baron Glastbrook." I held out my hand which Marianne took and pulled me in for a kiss.

"It is good to be introduced to you at last, Baron," she said with a smile.

"Please call me Paul." I answered.

"Yes Sir," the three women answered in unison, all smiling together.

Karen turned to face the centre of the workshop. "Glenda!" Karen called.

The younger girl came out from behind a screen and slowly walked towards us. She was wearing a two piece pyjama set. Though 'wearing' implied that the outfit covered the wearer, it did but it didn't conceal. It enhanced! It enhanced everything. A few minutes ago I'd examined this girl's naked body. Now, through Karen's wizardry, I was looking at a walking wet dream. She was sexuality personified.

"The body hair has to go," muttered Karen.

The girl reached us, smiled at our astounded expressions, then turned and slowly walked back away from us. The sway of her hips and her rolling buttocks made the trousers swing side to side, teasing and enticing anyone fortunate enough to see the sight.

"Michelle!" Karen called, and the elder of the girls stepped out.

If Glenda had been a wet dream, Michelle's long night dress should carry a label warning of justifiable rape. Her high firm breasts were caressed by the soft silky cotton, her engorged nipples thrusting forward proudly. The gown swung side to side, pulling and teasing her nipples as she walked. As her legs swung forward the material stroked her inner thighs, her mounting excitement could be smelled by all, further evidence was visible running slowly down her legs.

"Oh God, don't let her father see her in that!" exclaimed Arianne.

I looked across at her. It wasn't just the fathers that the wearer of that night dress needed to be careful of. I think some of the mothers would be having inappropriate thoughts too.

Michelle smiled at us then turned and retraced her steps back through the centre of the room. The view from the rear was nearly as exciting at that from the front. We could all see the fabric trying to work its way between her bum cheeks. I know I wished that I could assist it a little too.

Karen turned to us, "My Master, Ladies, what do you think?"

I stood up and kissed Karen, "Those outfits are just beyond words. They're absolutely magnificent. You have really achieved great things here." I hugged her and she pressed herself against me.

"Thank you, Master. It means so much to hear you say that."

Glenda and Michelle came back to us, their outfits on hangers. They were still naked though it didn't seem to worry them.

"Mamon, those clothes are so soft. They make you feel like..." she looked at me and blushed, "they make you feel so sexy."

Arianne looked at her daughters, we could all smell their arousal and their nipples could have marked high carbon steel, "I think I'd better get you two home; and maybe it's time to have a talk with you." Giggling, the girls started for the door, "Girls!" called their mother, "Don't you think you'd better get dressed?"

"Well," I said, "I've a new slave to talk to so I'd better go too." And I walked out.



-------

Chapter 57


Across the square I could see my ladies and the new girl talking. Three tables had been pushed together to give them all room to sit. They burst into laughter, rocking back and forth. The new girl seemed relaxed and happy. I walked over, as the waitress held up a mug, I held a thumb up.

"Hello ladies," I said as I approached their tables.

The new girl jumped to her feet in fright. Umber reached for her arm, "Our Master likes us to have fun. He wishes us to be happy because he believes that if his ladies," she gestured to the group around them, "are happy, then we will serve him better." Umber shrugged, "My Master loves me, I know this as a fact. I love our Master, I know this as a fact too." She looked at the new girl, "If you give him a chance then our master will show that he is trustworthy." She laughed, "He'll show that he's so easy to love too." She looked pleadingly at the new girl, "Come. Relax. Talk with my Master and tell him about yourself. He'll listen, he'll understand."

My ladies moved apart so I had room for my chair and the waitress placed a mug of Cafe au Lait in front of my chair. I sat and took a sip. It was perfect. "Tres bonne, Madam," I said. She smiled at me as she left. I suppose my accent was atrocious.

They all looked at me; my girls with interest, the new girl frightened. "Now, what is your name, the name you like to be called?" I asked her.

"My Master calls me Helios, Master," she replied.

"And what name do you like to be called?" I insisted, though gently.

"I like to be called June, Master."

There was a collective gasp as she said that name. Helios / June thought that she'd fallen for my trap and was now due to meet her end. She sat trembling, a puddle of urine below her chair and we could all smell the other result of her terror.

I reached forward and placed my hand over hers, she was sweaty and trembling. I tried to comfort her, "We had a very good friend called June. She was murdered, so you can see why my ladies were a little surprised when they heard your name."

Wide eyed, like a rabbit caught in headlights, she stared at me.

"We'll call you June, I would like to use that name again. I'm sure June would like us to as well." I smiled at her and she nodded.

"Yes Master," she said in a very low, quiet voice.

"Now girls, I don't think it's very kind of us to make June sit around in messed clothes. Call Jeanine and see if she has somewhere June can clean up. June, if you have another outfit with you, you can get dressed again. Or, if you wish, you can join my slaves," I gestured to the group of naked girls around us, "in your skin."

"What does my Master wish me to do?" she asked, still terrified.

"Your new Master knows that you're frightened, and he wants you to feel safe, comfortable. So if you have a dress or skirt and blouse then wear them, underwear too. Be comfortable, if you choose to serve me then you will show me your body soon enough."

For the first time in my presence she smiled. A small frightened smile, but a smile never the less.

As Jeanine led June away Sasha came over and sat on my lap. I lifted her skirt and slid my hand up her thigh.

"Just a minute," she said. She stood up, reached under her skirt and pulled her French cut panties off. With a few twists and wiggles she produced a bra from her left sleeve. "There, that's better." Dropping her underwear on the table beside our cups, she sat on my lap again and draped an arm around my neck. I returned my hand to its place under her skirt, I soon found her warm, and wet, slit. I pressed against both sides of her clit, avoiding direct contact, and rhythmically pressed and stroked her.

Soon Sasha's breathing became rapid and shallow, she groaned a little, then rested her head against mine.

Jeanine came out, apparently to speak to Sasha, she smiled when she saw that Sasha was ... indisposed ... and then she whispered quietly with Karolina. Karolina followed her back into the cafè.

I teased Sasha to her climax. All the time she remained in the same position, shoulders back and legs open, her body available for me to do with as I wished. Feeling the sexy woman in my arms tremble and shudder, I increased the pace of my teasing. Soon I was rewarded with a small splash on my wrist. I eased down now, just a gentle rhythmic pressure either side of her clit again. Soon she started writhing again, and she shuddered through her orgasm for a second time.

Again my hand received her ejaculate. I withdrew my hand from under her skirt, it was surprisingly wet. Umber leant down and dried it with her hair, and finished off with a quick lick between my fingers.

"Clean, my Master," Umber said with a smile. She looked at my hand, "Our Mistress does squirt a lot when you please her, doesn't she Master?"

"She does, Umber. Yes she does." I answered.

Karolina brought June back out to us. June smelt clean and fresh, her pale yellow blouse and skirt highlighting her tanned skin.

"Are you feeling a little better now, June?" I asked.

"Yes Master, I am more relaxed now," she replied, slurring her words just a little.

And drugged up to the eyeballs as well I thought. I looked at Karolina.

"Freewoman Jeanine have two valium tablet. Does get June relax bit."

"Well, have someone keep an eye on her. I'd like Em to have a look at her when we get back to the Chateau. She can't be given the choice like this, it wouldn't be fair. Tell Em that she must certify June fit enough to make her choice." I wasn't worried about taking advantage of June, I'm sure my ladies and Sasha would stop that. I wanted more; I wanted June to be sure I hadn't taken advantage of her. That would be a little more difficult.

As I sipped my coffee I watched June. Saw how she interacted with the other girls, how they took to her. Two of the Counts girls had chosen freedom rather than the chance of returning to him. I had paid him for both girls. I had also warned him that I would give the choice to any girl he sent. I could afford a few more girls yet.

June though, he'd treated her differently. She might decide to go back to him.

"Karolina," I interrupted her, she turned to me, "when we get back to the Chateau, and June's had a chance to rest, can you setup a video conference with the Crynos? Let June talk to Gail and Sandra. We'll give her a day or two before she's given the choice."

Karolina smiled at me, "You be good Master, even for to girl not you girl."

I returned her smile and took another sip of my coffee.

It was then that I remembered Alison's suggestion 'perhaps you can introduce some of the bad people to the more harsh owners, ' Well perhaps I could. If there was an auction house for people who wanted to torture a slave to death, then surely there must be another one for people who just liked to abuse their slaves quite badly but keep them alive for years and years of abuse. Perhaps a bordello offering slaves for sex or torture, I think I preferred that idea. There are a number of people I'd like to see waiting in dread of their door opening, would it be a fat cock up their arse or the whipping frame today? The thought made me smile.

I wondered if Karolina heard my thoughts would she still consider me a 'good' master?

Sasha returned from gossiping with Jeanine, "It's time to get back to the Chateau, Paul. We need time to change for dinner."

I stood and kissed her. "Come, my ladies, we'll come back again soon and next time I'll see if we can play some boules." This seemed to please my ladies and they talked excitedly as we walked slowly to the edge of the village where our transport waited for us.

June walked with us, Lynne, Jo and Susan pulled her wheeled luggage. June was having difficulty concentrating on walking without the added burden of taking care of her things.

-------

At the Chateau Em and Paula waited for us. There was a wheeled stretcher beside Em.

"Master, June fell asleep during the journey, I'll take her to my sickbay. She should be fit in the morning." Em was all business when caring for a patient.

"I'd like you to check that she's OK as well, keep her until the day after tomorrow, I'll see her that morning. Check with Julia for my diary." I said, wondering about what I was already booked for.

Fucking Daily Diary! Once I never used one, now I couldn't live without it. It didn't mean I liked it any more though.

I must have been scowling as I entered our rooms. Alina and Varinka undressed me without a word. Alison showered with me but I was too preoccupied for any games with her tonight. Varinka and Julia dressed me and then I stood behind a bullet proof plastic panel looking out of the window, alone with my thoughts while I waited for Sasha.

Sasha's arm snaked around my waist and she rested her cheek on my shoulder. "You seem preoccupied, my precious," she gave me a squeeze, "can I help?"

"I'm worried about who I'm turning out to be." I turned to her and wrapped my arms around her. "I decided this afternoon what I'm going to do with the survivors of our next battle with the Cumbrians." Sasha just looked up at me interestedly. "I'm going to sell them into slavery."

She rested her head against my chest, "Good." Was all she said.

"Sell them so that they get tortured and abused for the rest of their lives." My words sounded harsh and hollow even to my ears.

"That's even better," said Sasha. Then she looked up at me, "But of course you're worried whether you're doing the right thing, are you turning into the same type of person your enemies are? And how will your friends and I react when we find out?" She looked down at my side, "I can see that Varinka is happy with your decision."

I looked down at my side, kneeling there, in the usual place, Varinka looked up at me smiling. She looked relaxed and happy, far happier than a few minutes ago. But my turmoil continued. Sasha seemed happy enough with my decision, I wonder what Ross or Harold would say. Would Cecy be horrified, would Paula leave, could I live with myself?

"Come darling, let's go to dinner. We'll find out just how horrified your friends are with your decision." Sasha took my hand and led me to the dining room.

-------

Sasha pushed the cheese board along to me; I cut a small wedge of Stilton. Cecy and her Chef had, at first, been horrified that I didn't really care for the French soft cheeses. The Chef was reluctant at first to buy some Stilton for the cheese board. But both Cecy and Harold found that they enjoyed its spicy taste and creamy texture.

"Paul has decided what to do with the next of his enemies that he deals with." Sasha said conversationally.

"Oh good," said Harold. "Always better to know these things beforehand."

"Umm..." agreed Sasha through a mouthful of Brie. "He's going to enslave them. Sell them somewhere where they'll be tortured and abused for the rest of their lives."

Cecy thought for a moment, "I like the sound of that. Do you know anywhere like that?" she asked with interest.

"Oh yes," Paula put in, "I know this brothel in," she waved her hand, "well where it is doesn't really matter, but they offer their slaves for sex or torture." She smiled evilly, "Or both!" She tilted her head, "I understand they get a lot of custom." She held out her hand and one of her ever present girls gave her a notepad and pen. She wrote a number on the pad and tore that page out, "Here's their phone number, I'm sure that you'll be able to do business with them."

I took the page and held out my hand. One of my ever present girls took it from me, just as Paula was relieved of the notepad and pen. We looked at each other and laughed. The others didn't understand our amusement. Well they weren't in the same position as either Paula or I so they wouldn't.

As I nibbled thoughtfully I looked round the table. Most of my real friends were here, though I missed Christine. These respectable, upright pillars of society, seemed to agree with my decision, no they seem to welcome it. I felt happier now, I might be in danger of turning into a monster, but my friends were acting as a conscience for me, I'm sure that they'll limit any excesses that I might envisage.

-------

Em came to report on June while I got ready for bed. I pulled her into the shower with me and we washed each other. Em has tightened up considerably since joining me. The change in her diet, now controlled by Debbie and Sandy, together with the exercise regime with the Marines, helped her lose weight and tone her body. She was now a very sexy woman.

I turned her to face away from me and pulled her close. Wrapping my arms around her I reached for, and grasped her breasts. Running my soapy hands over her warm mounds, I teased her nipples into life. This didn't take a great effort, Em was ready and wanting. She tilted her head back onto my shoulder and surrendered herself to me. She reached back and pulled my hips to her, trapping my erection between our soapy, slippery, bodies.

"Please take me..." she gasped as her breath came faster, shallower.

I lowered my lips to the junction of her shoulder and neck and nipped gently at the skin. Em tilted her head away opening her vulnerable neck to my teeth.

Still nibbling at her neck and shoulder, I slid both hands down her smooth stomach. I watched her breasts rise and fall with her panting. My fingers found the smoothness that was the junction of her legs and eased their way along her hot wet slit. I felt the hard throbbing bump of her clitoris, her moan as I brushed against it, then a gasp as I pressed down in its hood, trapping her supersensitive bud between my finger tip and her body.

I pressed against her inner thighs opening her legs, opening her outer lips, her inner lips. A finger was waiting and dipped inside the instant that her vagina opened.

I pressed two fingers into her while rubbing her trapped clit, only moments later she came, crying out in her ecstasy.

Julia and Varinka finished washing us and rinsed us both thoroughly. The two little teasers kept kissing, licking and sucking at our more interesting bits all the while. Em was panting again when we were finally dry.

I grabbed a handful of her hair and turned her towards me, "Come girl, I'm going to take my pleasure from you!" I demanded.

Em moaned. her eyes half lidded with her lust.

I strode to the bed, Em trying to keep up as I dragged her along. I threw her forward and she fell half on the bed, half off, kneeling in just the position I wanted her. I pushed her down with my hand in the small of her back. "Girls!" I cried. Umber and Alison ran to the side of the bed. "Hold her arms, keep this slave still while she pleasures me. They jumped onto the bed and grabbed Em's arms, pulling her forward and pinning her to the bed. Em looked up at her captors, not beseeching them to release her, rather with almost animal lust in her eyes.

I moved round behind Em, "Spread your legs girl! Don't you know to prepare yourself for your Master?" I grabbed her ankles and spread them wide apart.

Her only answer was an almost animal howl. She was now panting and, occasionally, growling, "Fuck me Master," she gasped, "fuck me hard!"

I smacked her bum hard. "Your Master will do what he wants girl and don't you forget it." I smacked her again and she came with a loud screech.

I parted Em's buttocks, Varinka grabbed hold of my throbbing erection, "Where shall I put this for your pleasure, my Master?" she asked loudly.

"In your mouth girl!" I demanded.

Em gave a heart rending howl, "Nooooo!"

Varinka's mouth dropped over the crown of my hard, hard cock.

I let Varinka suck me two or three times then pulled her off. She guided me to Em's vagina and I thrust into her, completely burying myself in a single stroke. She was so wet and ready that I felt that her vagina had welcomed me in.

I looked at Umber and Alison, "Lift her!" I ordered. They took hold of Em's upper arms and lifted her torso off the bed. I reached forward and grabbed the hanging breasts. I pulled on her nipples, not gently or teasing. I was taking my pleasure, if she found pleasure in this act then that was incidental. I thrust into her time and time again, then pulled clear. I grabbed Varinka by her hair and thrust her face into Em's vulva, "Lick her girl. I want to watch you suck that cunt dry."

Julia knelt at my other side and tried to catch my erection with her mouth.

This time I grabbed her and lifted her so I looked into her eyes, "What do you want girl?"

Julia looked directly into my eyes, unrepentant she said, "I wanted to suck my Master's cock. I wanted to swallow my Masters seed. I wanted to give my Master his pleasure from my body." Lust was writ large on her face, her expression, her attitude and her very odour.

"If you want to help me with my pleasure then lick her arse, get it really wet, on the inside too. I want to fuck her arse."

Julia almost dived into Em's arse, pushing Varinka out of her way. Julia thrust her tongue deep into Em's exposed arse.

With another howl Em came again. "He's going to push his big fat dick all the way up your arse!" Alison told her captive.

I walked round the bed then knee walked between Alison and Umber. I lifted Em's head by her hair and thrust into her mouth. "Suck me, get me wet, really wet, that's the only lube you're getting tonight."

Em slavered and slobbered over me. Soon my cock was dripping.

I returned between her thighs and pulled Julia out of my way. Em's arse was slowly closing, but I thrust deep into her puckered arse.

Em howled again. Her body shook and trembled, she came and came again. I thrust into her again burying myself to the root. I lay on her back and grabbed her breasts. I fucked her again and again, I was almost beyond reason now. Faster and faster I thrust. Deeper, harder, faster, I exploded into her, shooting again and again, three spurts, four, five, six...

With a gasp I collapsed onto Em's back. Her body still stiff, rigid, shuddering, her muscles rippled throughout her frame. Her head hung down, sweat dripping from every pore.

With a week voice Em asked, "My Master, did this girl please her Master?"

"My girl pleased me." I managed to gasp.

I slowly stood, withdrawing from Em and releasing a gush of sticky brown stained semen. Varinka and Alina, carrying bowls of warm water and wash cloths, came and wiped us both clean.

Lying in the bed, I pulled Em against my chest and spooned with her. Within moments she was asleep. I felt another body join us, pressing hard breasts against my back, then I too fell asleep.

-------

Gerald was swimming his lengths when I got to the pool. He was getting fitter and looking better than ever. I think he might maintain his exercise regime when he leaves Martinè. I dropped my towel by my lounger and slid into the pool. Thirty five lengths to go, I thought. I looked behind me and saw Julia curl up on my lounger, and cover herself with my towel, and go back to sleep. Julia seemed to need more sleep than the rest of us.

I quickly dropped into my swimming trance and let my body work its way through the distance. I was still breathing well when I touched the wall after the final length. The thing I hate about odd lengths is that I end at the opposite end of the pool to my towel. Do I swim back, adding another length, or get out and walk to it dripping wet. I got out and started walking. One of Gerald's local girls came running to me with a fresh towel. Julia slept on undisturbed. I thanked the girl, kissing her on her cheek while cupping the proffered naked breast, and dried myself while watching her walk away. Have I said that I like watching naked women walking? Front or back, either sight is wonderful in my eyes.

This morning I sat at the table. There was a copy of the Times and the FT waiting for me. I usually just read the FT but I remembered Sasha's admonishment to read the news sections of the papers so I picked up the Times. I was quite disappointed; Paris had been photographed kissing another A list celebrity (female). The Prime Minister had given a speech saying that his economic reforms were ushering in a new era of prosperity. For the politicians maybe, but the rest of us, especially the working man and woman, were suffering badly. An American Police Chief was coming to London to see how the ACPO worked (illegally, I thought) as he wanted to set up an organisation, The World Association of Police Chief Officers. A TV Evangelist had been caught in bed with a small boy, his congregation say they've forgiven him. The paper wondered what he'd done with the reputed twenty million dollars that his TV station had collected in donations the previous year. The Lord Mayor of Greater London said that the reduced crime figures in North East London were evidence that his policing reforms were working. That's strange, I thought; I was sure that it was due to the huge presence of Cumbrian Police officers all round the Crynos and its environs, scaring off the local scrotes, sending them elsewhere to steal for their daily fix. Thames Water demanded the ability to increase their prices fifteen percent above inflation to pay for much needed repairs to their pipe-work and infrastructure. I did note that further on in the paper, in the business pages, was a forecast that Thames Water, together with very nearly all water supply and treatment companies, were due for record profits this year.

I sighed, nothing of interest to me in there, nothing at all. I looked at Julia, still asleep, I wondered about carrying her back to bed and curling up with her for a while. As least then I'd be doing something useful.

I enjoyed breakfast. Em came and knelt by me and I fed her, she looked up at me like a faithful puppy, adoration and obedience. One day I'm going to try and figure out why these ladies stay with me, is it something that I do, or is it a need they feel within themselves. Yes, I have huge amounts of money, but I rarely spend any on them. I don't take them out for meals, dancing or to nightclubs, my shopping budget is miniscule, the only jewellery I've given them has been their collars. Expensive but hardly diamond rings or necklaces. If I ever figure it out I'm going to write a book.

Gerald was really happy. "I've finished the rewrite of Friends," he said, "all of it. I sent copies to the rest of the guys early this morning, I think they might come here so we can run through the tracks and discuss the concert."

"I'd love to see them again," I said

"I can't wait to hear what they think about the project." he replied.

Then I had another thought. "Why don't you have the music choreographed. Give the music and lyrics a visual representation as well." I shrugged, "Might not work but why not ask a choreographer about it."

Gerald thought about this for a long, long minute, and then he was having difficulty sitting on his chair. Suddenly his eyes glazed over and he started drumming his fingers on the table. "Got to go, gotta thought..." He stood up and turned vaguely toward the door into the East Wing of the Chateau. He was about to walk straight into the pool when his girls grabbed his arms and guided him off in the right direction. He was humming now, it was that thing! The one he screwed up on. The one supposedly about me.

"FUCK!" Harold threw his knife and fork onto his plate. "I pay top rates for my directors and department heads, if they come up with one idea at your standard a year then I feel that they've earned their money and bonus. I've lost count of how many ideas you've just thrown out while you've been here. And they're only the ones we've heard." He slumped back in his chair. "People ask me how you've made your money, all I can say is that given even a small start-up capital, nobody could have stopped you making money." He took a sip of his coffee, "I wonder what I'll answer the next time I'm asked, I'll probably just laugh at them."

Cecy smiled at him, "Don't forget how he fires his people with enthusiasm and loyalty. I bet his companies are ten times more profitable than the mean for their size."

"Huh, I'd say twenty times." Harold shook his head, "We've just come through the deepest recession in living memory, Paul's companies haven't just grown they've exploded. And there's not one analyst who thinks that the growth has left you financially exposed."

I thought for a few moments. "My supply chain is slightly exposed though. And why the hell am I paying someone else profits buying the things I need from them? I'll have to start my own supply chains."

"But goods supply isn't your core business, Paul," objected Harold. He was right of course.

"Harold, building and renovations aren't my core competencies. But they are for my companies. So I'll start a building supplies company. Everywhere that I've two or three housing associations I'll have a warehouse. I'll let the public and trade use it of course, but my own companies will be their main customers. I'll send Mandy an email, see if she's got any ideas about who could run it." I paused for thought, I really wanted to go to my office, but I didn't know if I had one here.

"You're going to make enemies," said Harold thoughtfully.

"Already done that," I said smiling. "I'm world class at pissing people off."

"Only dickheads, Paul, only total dickheads," he said with feeling.

"Em, do I have an office here?" I asked.

"I'm sure you do, Master. I have my sickroom here, and I'm sure my sisters or Elastic's Marines would have set up your office before thinking about me."

I wasn't quite so sure, the sickroom was important, my office was only a convenience. "Can you go and ask please Em."

She was on her feet before I'd completed my request. "May I ask my Master not to say 'please' to this girl. This girl is glad to be her Master's slave and wishes only to receive her Master's orders."

I leaned forward and smacked her bare bum. "Go and ask!" I laughed.

"Thank you Master," she shouted as she ran to Elastic's security centre.

-------

There was my chair by my desk in my office. The view out of the window was the Loire Valley, but this was my office.

Even my in-tray was full, I cannot remember ever feeling glad that my in-tray was full.

I felt great, I felt sharp and I felt ready to do some work. I smiled as I picked up the first document wallet. I even smiled at Alina as she knelt down beside me.

I opened the document wallet and started work.

-------

I opened another document wallet.

CRASH!

Looking up, shocked. I saw Julia, she was standing on my desk, feet wide apart. The crash was from my mug of tea, it was now on the floor, and a plate of sandwiches, curled up and dried out I now realised.

Julia started squatting down, a very serious look on her face.

That meant that she was about to...

I snatched up the documents and pushed my chair backwards just in time to stop my work being totally soaked in slave piss, my desktop though, it was flooded.

I looked at the papers I had rescued. The top edge might show pee staining. I wondered what the Lord Mayor of Greater London would think if he realised these legal documents had been pee'd on.

We stared at each other for a couple of minutes.

"Can I have one of those sheets of paper? I need to wipe," said Julia.

"You can have a spanking." I replied.

"That'll do, providing you stop working now!"

I think she was serious about this. She'd threatened to piss on my documents before when I worked too long.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"Just gone four in the morning."

I looked out of the window, it was dark. "Time for bed then," I said, a little disappointment in my voice.

"No, time for some food and a little while to relax. Then time for bed."

I held out my hand and helped her down from my desk.

When we walked through the door a couple of the local women were waiting to clean. As they entered my office I heard one exclaim, "Elle l'a fait!" (Note 1) and the sound of hands clapping, like a high five.

I glared at Julia, she returned my stare with her own innocence.

She held my hand as we walked to the dining room and the cold supper left out for me.

-------

Note 1

Elle l'a fait! - She did it!



-------

Chapter 58

I woke and went for my swim. The day was getting warm, but the water remained pleasant. We should be having Harold's entertainment tonight. It had been planned for the day after Paula's arrived but, with everything that had taken place since then, Paula and Harold had delayed the event. So it was this evening. I'm sure my ladies would like me to be on my best behaviour too.

June sat on the pool edge watching me swim. I stopped beside her, "How are you feeling today, June?" I asked.

"Well, I'm not terrified any more. Scared yes, but I don't think I'm about to mess myself again." She gave a half smile, "I want to thank you for being so kind to me when we met." She looked down, "I don't think anyone has ever been so kind." She looked me in my eyes, "If you wish to give me the choice, I'm ready now."

I smiled at her, "Later. Just relax and enjoy yourself for a while. It isn't often we get a chance to get away from our real lives, so enjoy this rest."

She smiled again, her whole face lit up when she smiled. "I will, and thank you again." She slipped into the pool and started swimming down its length. Her swimming was inexpert and laboured. I moved over to the other side of the pool so she wouldn't get in my way as I completed my lengths.

-------

This time it was I who sat on the pool edge watching June swim. She was tense, her muscles tight, this only made things worse as muscles under tension are denser than relaxed muscles, so they provide less buoyancy. June needed to learn to relax, but that would only come from experience. Experience she was gaining as I watched her.

She was wearing a bright yellow bikini, it hugged her nicely, showing off her buttocks and breaking up the line of her long back. She was slim, though slaves are very rarely fat, not unless their owner wants them fat that is. She needed to get fit, which is why she was swimming I guessed. She was very tall, long legs and a long body, I looked forward to the time I could examine this girl more closely, more intimately. That is if she chose my service rather than her freedom, and I'd done all I could to ensure that she followed Gail and Sandra's examples.

She swam five lengths and then hung onto the pool's edge. I walked to her and offered my hand which she gratefully accepted. I easily pulled her out of the water.

"Next time, if you're doing five lengths, start in the deep end," I suggested. "You're fresh when you get in and you finish in the shallow end when you're tired."

She looked a little sheepish, "That's what the woman said." She looked downcast, "I forgot."

I laughed, "I bet it wasn't the first thing you've forgotten, and I bet it won't be the last."

"No, it isn't and it won't be," she laughed.

Jo came out with a towel and started to dry me, she gave me a few kisses which I enjoyed too.

Sasha came out, wearing an overly wide grin. "Do we need to laminate all of your paperwork now, dearest?" she asked with a smirk. She couldn't hold it in any longer and laughed out loud.

June looked puzzled so Sasha explained, "Paul sometimes works too long. Last night he was still working past four am. So Julia, his chief body, slave pissed all over his desk. She actually tried to get the document folder he'd just opened but he was a little too quick for her."

June went white, clasped her hand over her mouth and almost went into shock. "What's happened to her?" she asked quietly.

"Oh she's still sleeping. Julia needs a little more sleep than most," Sasha replied.

Seeing June's look of disbelief Sasha called out, "Girl! Get Julia here immediately."

June now looked astounded rather than shocked. Why would they bring Julia here, just so she, June, could see the girl was unharmed? Neither thing was likely, Julia being unharmed or bringing her to settle another slave's fears. Slaves just accepted what happen to them, that was the only way to stay sane, to stay alive even.

Julia came stumbling out, saw me and almost jumped onto my lap. She curled up on me and went back to sleep.

"See June," said Sasha, "Julia is fine, just sleepy. She's always like that though. Dr. Ross has examined her and he says she'll probably grow out of it in time."

"Why did you get her out here?" June asked.

"To reassure you that Paul isn't a monster. He's a kind Master, his girls love him for it," Sasha replied. "Talk to Paul's girls, let them advise you on what you should do, and don't be too hasty. You're in Paul's care now. You'll come to no harm here."

June smiled, she looked a lot happier, reassured even. "I thought she'd have been caned, maybe even killed. I can't image any slave pissing all over her Master's desk while he was working!" June almost couldn't comprehend such a thought. She looked in awe at the sleeping girl on my lap.

I just hugged Julia and relaxed again.

-------

Just after lunch, my lunch that is, preparations for this evening's entertainment started. Melissa fetched me and led me into my shower; Alina washed me down, then took great care while shaving me.

I came out of the bathroom and June was standing next to my bed, A long hard pad had been placed on the bed.

"I have the pleasure of massaging you, Master," she said with a smile, standing tall and proud in her naked glory.

"I'm not your master, you don't have to do this," I told her.

She stepped to me and slipped my robe from my shoulders. "While I may have earned The Choice, I have not chosen yet so I am still owned by the Count. You are a Master of slaves, an Owner, so I can call you Master too even though you are not, yet, my Master. So Master, come, lay down and relax, this girl has been trained to massage, this girl is good at it too." With a gesture she led me to the bed. I lay on the hard pad and she straddled me. I could feel the heat from her vagina immediately.

June was good at massage, using only her hands and an alcohol rub, she left me feeling ten feet tall and ready to do anything. "Thank you June, that was wonderful," I said, then I kissed her. She pressed her naked body against mine and I felt her heat from head to toe and all points in between.

"I like doing massage, Master. I will be happy to give you another, more ... intimate ... massage," June replied.

"Only if you give me one, too," said Sasha from the doorway. Sasha came to me and we kissed. "Can I borrow June for a while, my dearest?" she asked.

"Of course you can. Don't break her or you'll have to buy me a new one," I replied semi-seriously.

"Oh Paul, you're a tit!" exclaimed Sasha.

I grabbed hold of both of her delightful breasts. "No, these are tit's, I'm a pillock." She recited the last bit with me, word for word.

June looked on, puzzled but a little amused, I think.

Sasha led June away and I lay on my bed, the side without the massage pad and closed my eyes.

-------

Dinner was a light meal. Paula, Sasha, Gerald and I collected our meal from the buffet and sat in our usual places at the table. As we ate Ross, Helen and Shannon came in, they were catching the evening Eurostar from Paris to London. Ross wanted to test the new setup of his tumour killing laser and Helen thought that Shannon would be better out of the house this evening.

When Shannon came to me for her kiss and cuddle, she whispered in my ear, "What's happening tonight, Granddad? Mummy Helen says you're all having a party, but I think it's something to do with the sex thing."

I nodded. "You're right Shannon, Precious. We'll be running round without any clothes on and doing sex all over the place."

She smiled. "Oh, that's all right. As long as I know. Mummy Helen didn't think I was old enough." She game me another kiss and moved on to Sasha.

Helen came and kissed me next, "I want to speak to you when you get back to London. I want to know how you've managed to settle Shannon down so quickly."

I smiled. "Of course, just let Jill know and she'll book some time for you." I kissed her, "You know it's all down to my good looks and charm." I gave her a cheesy smile.

Helen looked at me, "We all thought that, the other option was that you actually knew what you were doing. And we all thought, naaa, gotta be looks and charm." She gave me another kiss and moved on to Sasha.

Ross shook my hand, "I'm going to miss this place," he looked into my eyes, "and I'm going to miss you, Paul."

"If this place was mine I'd give you an open invitation to visit any time." I shrugged.

"Well this place belongs to me, and I do give you an open invitation to come here any time you wish to Ross, and you Helen. And if you can please do bring Shannon with you." Sasha looked pleased as she said this.

"Well I think that your home is wonderful, a paradise here on Earth." I said.

"Aunty Sasha be careful, Granddad's creeping, he's after something."

Sasha turned to Shannon, "I know he is, darling, but don't you think he does it so well?"

Shannon looked at me, six year old eyes going on sixty. "Be a good boy, Granddad," she said as she was led away by Helen.

"I will!" I called.

We waited until the door had closed before we burst out laughing.

"I heard that!" came Shannon's voice through the thick door.

This only made us laugh more.

Sasha held my hand, "I'm sorry if I deceived you about Martinè," she looked sad. "It belonged to my mother. Harold met her when she was at university in London." She shrugged, "Nina and I are their children. When Mummy died she left Martinè to me." She raised her head and looked at me, "I want children, I need an heir, someone with my blood in their veins, someone who'll love Martinè as I do."

I took her hand and kissed it. "And we will have children, my precious," Sasha's smile lit the room. "But don't you think we should wait until after dinner."

Sasha started beating me.

Paula and Gerald agreed that they didn't mind if we started trying immediately. They'd even clear a bit of the table for us, "Sort of informal cabaret," said Gerald.

-------

Varinka and Alison dressed me, a simple wrap-around robe. Their clothing took a little more time to put on but only because their anklets and wristlets had buckles that needed doing up tightly. That's all they wore, anklets, wristlets and, of course, their collars.

While I waited I watched my girls assemble in the room. Karolina and Lynne were missing. I was sure that neither would miss one of Paula's entertainments except for a very good reason, so I didn't say anything.

I noticed Umber and Julia's eyes open wide and I turned around. Sasha had entered the room, she too was wearing a wrap-around robe. But the two could not be compared in any way. My robe was a Trabant to Sasha's Ferrari. I'm sure I drooled. Sasha glided up to me and kissed me, I just wanted to lay her on the floor and make love to this angel. She was so very sexy.

I turned and looked at Karen, she was looking so pleased, Sasha's robe must be one of her works. She saw me looking and dropped head in modesty. I smiled at her; I know she saw me as she blushed a little. Karen really was a gifted designer.

I had the great pleasure of escorting the most beautiful woman on the planet to the grand ballroom. When we entered Gerald, Cecy and Harold gasped, "Mon Deiu," gasped Cecy, "C'est magnifique." She examined Sasha closely. "Another of Karen's designs?" Cecy asked.

"Oh yes Cecy, and I think it's the sexiest thing I've ever worn," Sasha replied, pleased with her step-mother's approval.

"It is most certainly the sexiest thing I've ever seen," agreed Cecy. "Susan will have her work cut out for her tonight, fighting off every one driven mad with lust for you." Cecy shook her head, "Susan, I do not envy you your job tonight."

We were handed drinks, Sasha suffered with a glass of yellow sh ... Champagne and I was given a half pint of John Smiths. It was chilled to perfection and slid down my throat like nectar.

Gerald entered behind us, "Oh my God!" he exclaimed.

We turned and he was still staring at Sasha, stunned at the changing vista before him.

"Hi Gerald," Sasha greeted him. "Do you like what you see?"

We all looked at Gerald's crotch. He definitely liked what he saw.

May and Gerald's other local girl pressed against either side of him. Their eyes wide open at Sasha's robe. They, of course, were naked like all of the other servants and slaves.

The sound of a gong surprised us all. We turned to the sound. Standing in front of a curtain closing off most of the room, one of Elastic's girls was wearing the uniform of an English hospital Matron, circa 1960. "Will all visitors please leave now and all patients return to their beds." The curtains started opening and a number of Paula's girls, dressed in very sexy nurses uniforms, came out to guide us to our places.

Harold had the bed on the far left, then Cecy, Gerald, Sasha and finally myself.

I lay on my bed and watched as the girl hustled around me. She took my pulse, looked into my eyes and tapped my chest, then picked up a thermometer. I opened my mouth. She smiled evilly and shook her head. Oh, it was a rectal thermometer. While she lubricated me I looked over at Sasha, she too was about to get her temperature taken, also rectally. My girl pushed her finger deep into me, my flaccid cock sprang into life. It wanted to get up close and personal with this little girl.

She slid the thermometer deep into me and sat on the side of my bed watching the time on her watch. As she lifted her blouse-mounted watch to see the time, the garment opened giving me an excellent view of her braless breasts. While she waited her unoccupied hand idly stroked my cock.

She leaned over me and slowly pulled out the thermometer. Looking at it she smiled, made a note on my 'chart' and skipped off to join her fellow nurses running behind a wall of NHS bed screens.

From the other end a familiar face emerged. It was the comedienne I'd seen as the master of ceremonies at the last two events.

Throwing her arms wide she looked at us, "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen!" she started and then broke into a coughing fit. She came over to us and sat on the side of Sasha's bed. "Fuck me," she looked round to see if anyone would take her up on her offer, no, "these threads are a bit fucking special." She ran her fingers over the material, and Sasha's breast. "Oh my, this didn't come from ebay, did it?"

She got up and looked round, 'spotting' me she came over. "Watch out girls, it's HIM!" she shouted, then pulled out a long golden rod. She held this rod upright in front of her, pressed a button and two smaller arms sprang out, forming a cross. "Get behind me oh creature of evil," she cried and then turned her back to me and bent over. I slipped out of bed, grabbed her and dragged her into my bed.

"Wuuuurrrrrkkkkk!" she cried as I pulled her in and flipped up her dress. She wasn't wearing any underwear.

I slipped straight into her, burying my erection deep into her before she could even try to get away. I started pounding away at her immediately.

"La ... Ladies ... and ... oh god that's good, Gentlemen. Oh god ... Pl ... harder ... Please welcome ... HARDER damn you, Kaleidoscope! Now fuck me, damn you." I don't think that was the introduction she was supposed to make.

She cried out her orgasm seconds before mine exploded into her, swamping her tight tunnel with my seed. She gasped and shuddered for a few moments, stiffening and relaxing. Finally, as I slipped from her, she turned to me and kissed me. "That was wonderful, my Lord, thank you." She poked me in the chest, "Now I have a job to do." And she slipped out of my bed and tottered off, pausing occasionally to wipe her leaking vagina and swear a little, behind the screens.

I turned my attention to the display in the centre of the room. It was a kaleidoscope of colour. Reds, yellows, blues, oranges and greens vied with colours that only a female could name in a dazzling whirling riot of action and excitement. The girls in these flowing, rippling costumes were jumping and tumbling in unison. This time each girl removed her own costume, but the colours didn't diminish as their bodies were also painted in another riot of colour. Six naked gymnasts flowed around the room in a breathtaking display of agility, strength and gymnastic ability. This display was even better than the others I had seen. Then I looked at the girls' faces. They were enjoying themselves, no, they were having the time of their lives. They weren't just smiling for us, they were almost laughing their heads off. These girls were enjoying this far more than we were, I'm sure.

The display came to its crescendo with an astonishing leap by each girl with them twisting in the air to land in a tight circle, all facing outwards and only inches away from each other. In the silence that followed their laugher could easily be heard. The painted girls then walked in line around the room, parading by each of us to receive their well deserved applause.

The MC came out again, she carried a straight backed chair and a whip. "I suppose you're wondering about these," she said. Then held the chair as a lion tamer would and cracked the whip at me. "Contraception," she said, cracking the whip again.

We all laughed.

"The girls are going to have a short break now and we ask you to be back in bed ready for your bed-baths in thirty minutes time." Cracking the whip and thrusting her chair in my direction, she backed off stage behind the curtain. We all got out of bed and returned to the bar area of the room. Finger food was waiting for us and drinks were poured as we arrived. I took a good swig of my beer, it was as good as ever.

"I've never seen anything like it!" Gerald exclaimed. "They're amazing! How on Earth do they manage to do all of that jumping and tumbling and gymnastics? And those costumes! I thought that they were looking really sexy to start with but when they started undressing, well..."

Sasha and I smiled.

"We know exactly how you feel Gerald. It was the same with us the first time we saw Paula's troop perform." I said.

Sasha laughed, "Just wait until after the break," she smiled at him, "you haven't seen anything yet."

We ate a little and drank a little and then the gong sounded again. 'Matron' called out, "Please return to your beds, it's bed-bath time."

Now, I thought, this could be interesting.

It was but not in the sense that I was thinking of.

Eight girls, in nurse uniforms, sexy nurse uniforms I should have said, each filled two large buckets with water. The buckets were obviously heavy. Of course one girl dipped her fingers in one of her buckets and flicked drops of water at another girl. She retaliated and within seconds they were all in a water droplet fight. And then one of the girls decided that water drops weren't enough and picked up a bucket. She made as if to throw the contents of the bucket onto another girl when Matron appeared.

"What's going on?" yelled the matron. The girl with the bucket was now out of control, spinning round and round, she tripped over another bucket and somersaulted over the obstacle, landing on her feet without spilling a drop of water. Justifiably proud of her escape she jauntily swaggered back to the other girls.

Not to be out done another girl picked up both of her buckets and started spinning them over her head. Round and round she spun them, faster and faster. Then when both buckets were at their lowest points (and the right way up) she flipped over backwards, using the buckets' momentum to enable her standing back flip. There was honest applause for this trick. She too swaggered back to her friends. We wondered what they would do to top that demonstration.

The 'what' was very, very impressive. A girl picked up two buckets and spun around, then she dashed forward still spinning round and started a series of flips and leaps that would have been impossible without the momentum and stability provided by the water filled buckets. Then they all followed her, each one performing a different series of acrobatics. It was the most impressive display of skill, strength and agility I've ever seen.

Then a girl spilled a few drops from her bucket. "Simone!" cried Paula, I doubt that anyone else would have noticed the spill.

Simone stopped her tumbling and ran back to the place she'd had her spill. She took off her uniform and used it to wipe up the spill. She left her damp uniform on the floor and resumed her routine.

Paula only called out one more name and she too stripped and wiped up her spill with her clothing. Now two naked and six dressed girls whirled, spun, flipped and jumped around the room at a dizzying speed. Their display took our breath away.

All too soon this display ended. The girls lined up for us, breathing heavily, laughing despite their exertions. We applauded them as they took their bow and ran off stage.

The MC announced another break, an hour this time, with a light dinner being served.

Paula joined us as we slowly walked to the other end of the room, through the curtain and found a fully laid table waiting for the six of us.

Gerald was gobsmacked over the display he'd just watched. "I've never seen anything like it!" he exclaimed.

"Nobody has," said Paula, "tonight was the first time the girls have performed that routine. They wanted to try it, so," she smiled, "I let them." She smiled at me and placed her hand over mine. "I'm sure they think I'm going soft in my old age."

Gerald shook his head, "It's beyond belief what those girls can do..."

"Gerald," Sasha called, "I hear the music that you write and play. I'm amazed at the emotions you let your listeners, no, the emotions you make your listeners feel." She reached across the table and held his hand. "I have a CD of Friends, I can only listen to it when I'm at home, I cry too much to listen in public or when I'm driving. You, in your own way, are as brilliant as those girls. If you don't believe me send one of the girls for your guitar and laptop, play the girls a few tracks and see how they respond."

"Oh, yes please Gerald, please do." Paula interrupted.

We all looked at him, he returned our gaze. He smiled; the lure of performing was just too strong. "OK, I'll do it."

Gerald turned but Sung Lu was already at his shoulder, "Dearest, please get me my big laptop and an acoustic guitar," he asked her.

Sung Lu bent and kissed him, "How about I get you what you need."

Gerald smiled at her, "Yes please, my dearest."

"How many times do I have to tell you, I'm your slave, don't say please. I want to obey your orders." Sung Lu kissed him, a deep passionate kiss. Gerald's eyes were a little glazed when she walked away.

We smiled at his obvious feelings for the girl who professed to be his slave.

-------

I lay on my bed surrounded by naked and nearly naked girls. They giggled and chatted away together, obviously excited to be given this mini-concert by Thrash from The Screaming Monkeys. The two girls either side of me weren't shy about stealing a kiss or five from me either. And as they were in the 'naked' group, well I just had to wrap my arms round each and cover a breast to keep it from going cold, didn't I? See I can be very giving in the right circumstances.

Sung Lu had set up three guitars, an acoustic and two electric. They all fed a small amplifier, two small speakers were all that were required for this small audience. She had also set up a tall stool facing a pedestal microphone. Sung Lu knelt by the amplifier, Thrash came and propped himself on the stool. He smiled at us, "Hi, glad you could make it," he said to our laughter.

Picking up one of the electric guitars he settled himself and started picking the strings. 'June' was his first number. The girls around me were enraptured by his music and song. They swayed and bounced along with the rhythm and laughed at the funny incidences. Then the last two verses hit them and all joy was washed away in a heartbeat. The girls either side of me moved closer and cuddled into me, drawing comfort and support from me. I stopped groping them and hugged them instead, kissing them both on their heads and then lips as they tilted their faces up to me.

We were all crying at the end of the song. Gerald sat motionless on his stool, head down and eyes closed. My two closest companions lay huddled to me their tears dripping freely onto my chest.

Picking up the acoustic guitar Gerald started playing another intro. 'Sasha's Song', this would lift our spirits again. Quickly, the girls and I started to respond. Sasha's Song was like Sasha herself; strong, bold, resourceful and determined. Sasha succeeded in a world biased against her. We could feel, experience even, the exhilaration of her climb. Our tears dried and we felt pride in her achievements. Then she met her soul-mate and the tears flowed again. How could we not feel so happy for her. She'd struggled alone for so long, succeeding but only after very hard work. Now she had her partner and won't be alone any more. The last few lines had Sasha running a hand across her abdomen and looking shyly at her man. Hope swelled in all of us. I'm sure that he's planning another verse or two for Sasha's Song.

He had to do it didn't he?

Even though he knew I thought he was all wrong, he had to go and 'improve' his 'Paul'. I sunk down on the bed and tried to concentrate on my bed companions, especially the naked ones. Suddenly one of them exclaimed, "It's you!" She looked at me almost in shock, "This is your song." That was a statement not a question. The other girls on my bed turned and looked at me, each one seemed to want to touch me, anywhere, they just wanted skin to skin contact. The closest two now tried to contact-weld themselves to me.

Finally the song finished, I looked round - everyone was looking at me. Then I remembered how we had all looked at Sasha. So I just shrugged, "Got it wrong again, Thrash!" I called over to him.

Thrash smiled, a secretive, knowing smile. He nodded, "Yeah, right," he replied. They all laughed.

He picked up the second electric guitar and strummed a few chords. We saw Sung Lu type on the laptop for a moment and then she looked at Thrash, waiting for her cue. He began the intro to 'Karolina'. I sat up and hugged my girls tightly to me. Suddenly a whole band started playing. He had pre-recorded all of the other parts and we were now treated to five Thrashs playing for us.

We learned about Karolina's hard life, we also learned about her bright and ready smile, her life of joy and laughter, and discordant abuse. Occasionally an instrument would run away in a world of its own, joyous and free, most times it was gently brought back by the other instruments. But there was always the threat of the Master behind everything. Then the whole tone lightened and rhythms from June and Joasia weaved alongside the main theme. But, after a huge discord, we never heard them again. Karolina's rhythm faltered for a couple of beats and then picked up again, but stronger, brighter, quicker, more confident and happier. There was a different over rhythm now, I suddenly recognised it, it was from 'Paul', it was me.

The song ended but we weren't disappointed because we knew that the song wasn't finished. We'd just heard the first part so far, there was more to come. It was the ideal song to end on even if we'd only heard the instrumentals without the lyrics.

"I'm sorry I couldn't sing this but it really needs five voices and two have to be female," Thrash explained.

The MC stood up from Harold's bed and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, oh, and you too, Baron, there will now be a short break and in thirty minutes time there will be a fashion show."

All of the girls jumped up and ran screaming back behind the screens. Paula and the MC looked puzzled as they watched the last girl disappear. They turned back to us and shrugged. Then they too went behind the screens.

Gerald joined us to another round of applause.

"Even more wonderful than I expected, Gerald," said Sasha. "And I had set a very high standard for your work."

I looked round at the five of us, we were all dressed in basically the same thing, wrap around robes, however all but Sasha's showed signs of creasing and use. Harold kept tugging on his right hand lapel, Cecy and I just didn't seem comfortable and Gerald's was twisted almost half off. All of the ladies had a good view and he wasn't a small boy. Only Sasha's robe looked as fresh as when she arrived such a long time ago.

We snacked and drank, the entertainment was running well over time now but nobody, least of all the entertainers, seemed inclined to end the evening.

At the sound of the gong we trooped through the curtain again. I think we all smiled when we saw our beds still there. We each returned to our beds, I lay and waited for the show to recommence. The MC came out and slowly walked over to my bed, "I've found the answer to you," she said with a sneer. With a shrug her dress dropped to the floor and a chastity belt with a massive lock was revealed in all its shining glory.

I was, of course, surprised at this and she walked away laughing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen," the MC started, "our young girls will now give us a fashion show."

"Noooooo!" came multiple cries from behind the screens. The MC turned to the screens, "But we've got you some lovely things to show," she called.

"Not like the Mistresses robe, that's wonderful. This is what you've given us." And a pair a mud encrusted boots and blue overalls dropping hay and straw were thrown over the screens. Of course this raised a loud laugh.

As this was happening Matron wandered by my bed and dropped a small pouch onto my bed. I recognised it immediately, covered it with my hand and slipped it under the covers, and I smiled to myself.

Paula walked over to stand beside the MC. "What are you going to do to end the show then?" she called. There was a loud discussion amongst the girls then ten girls in nurses uniform came running out carrying steaming buckets, "BED-BATHS!" the girls shouted.

Two nurses headed my way, they put their buckets on the floor either side of my bed and then sat me up, slipped my robe off my shoulders then laid me back down. One nurse occupied me with a long deep kiss while the other finished removing my robe.

Now naked, I lay back to enjoy my treatment. The girl on my right turned away from me and bent, straight legged, to rinse her wash cloth in the bucket. I took this golden opportunity to slide my hand up her inner thigh. I was very pleased to find only smooth, hairless, wet girl at her leg's junction.

"Jenny," said the girl I was groping, "our patient has his hand up my skirt. Matron said we mustn't let the patients put their hands up our skirts, not even the nice ones."

The two girls looked thoughtful for a moment, neither making any effort to stop my groping. "Take your skirt off Terry, then he can't possibly put his hand up it, can he?"

Terry smiled and carefully slipped her skirt off, all the time making sure that I had adequate access to her vagina. Then she continued washing my abdomen and started working a little lower.

Jenny now moved to wash my face and I noticed that her blouse wasn't tucked in properly. I slipped my free hand into her blouse and found a braless breast. I cupped this wonderful morsel and teased its nipple into full engorgement. Jenny looked at her chest, "Terry, he's at it again, hand up my blouse."

Terry turned, this allowed me to slide two fingers deep into her hot tunnel. She gasped at the penetration. "Matron doesn't like patients putting their hands inside our clothing!" The two girls smiled at each other, "Take them off!" they both exclaimed together.

Careful not to dislodge my hands the two girls undressed. When they too were nude I had two fingers in both girls.

"Oh dear," said Terry

"We're going to need some help with this one," continued Jenny.

Terry leaned over me to reach the call button on my headboard. This placed her breasts directly above my mouth. I, of course, sucked in a nipple and nibbled on it, all the time teasing both girls' vaginas and clits.

"Oh dear," said a new voice, "looks like you two need help." A hand cupped my balls, "Have you washed these yet?" she asked. Terry and Jenny managed a quiet, "No," between moans.

I felt the mattress moving on both sides and then hot breath on my balls. Suddenly two mouths sucked in my balls, I was pulled into both scalding, sucking, mouths simultaneously.

"Uuurrrrrrnnnnnn," a long drawn out moan was dragged from me. Terry and Jenny got up as my fingers fell from their vaginas. They turned to their helpers. "Look at these girls, Matron isn't going to be pleased," said Terry.

"This patient will have his hands in their uniforms in a second," said Jenny.

"Faster than that," said Terry. "Only one thing to do," she continued.

"Yeap," agreed Jenny, "only one thing to do."

"STRIP THEM!" both girls yelled together.

Terry and Jenny turned and started pulling the clothes off the two girls, who continued sucking my balls and rolling them round their hot wet mouths.

Matron came by my bed then, "Good girls," she said, "it's so naughty of the patients to mess with your uniforms. It's such a good idea to hide them like this." Matron picked their uniforms up. "You have a visitor, Baron. Our hospital Administrator has come done to see how you are settling in." With a smile Matron left to visit another bed.

I turned my head and saw the MC, still naked except for her chastity belt walking toward me.

With regret I pulled the two new girls off my testes. "Sorry girls, you can do that in a few minutes." I stood up to welcome the MC.

We met and kissed, our bodies touching from head to toe. I slid my hands between us and she chuckled into my mouth. "You're not going to get that off in a hurry, Baron," she said with a laugh.

I put my arms around her again and dropped the lock onto the floor. Her eyes sprang open at the sound. I lifted her up and flipped her onto the bed. "Hold her down for me please girls." Four giggling, willing girls pounced onto the shocked MC as I lifted her chastity belt off and lay between her thighs.

"You picked the fucking lock!" she yelled as I slid deep into her.

I sucked her breasts for a moment. "I think you should have said 'I picked the no fucking lock'." I smiled at her as I thrust in hard and fast. She stared hard at me for a moment then closed her eyes, tilted her head back and gave herself to the sensation. One of the girls leaned under me and started sucking my captives nipple, she tilted her head so I could watch her tease, while I rammed in as hard as I could.

The MC gasped and shuddered, "OH GOD!!! I'M COMMING!!!!!"

The way she was shuddering and the ripples running through her vagina had already told me that.

All in all, I think that this was the best of Paula's shows I've ever been too.



-------

Chapter 59

I swam on my own again. It was rare that anyone was up when I awoke, so the very early mornings were usually mine and mine alone.

I noticed June's entry into the pool as I was about to turn at the shallow end. She'd taken our advice this time and was starting her five laps from the deep end. I turned and continued down the pool. We swam quietly, each with our own thoughts. I finished well before June and got out still feeling fresh. I dried myself while I watched June's progress. She was moving more easily today, she was obviously more relaxed and that really helps. Finishing her lengths she stood and rested against the pool side. I bent and offered her my hand. June looked up and gratefully raised both hands. I took both wrists and lifted her out of the water. As I did so her strapless bikini top fell down. I averted my eyes as I gently put her down on the poolside.

"Bloody thing!" she exclaimed. "Don't know why I'm wearing it really. You can look if you like. You've already seen all of me so looking again isn't going to hurt." She smiled at me, "Besides, I like people looking."

She stripped off her bikini bottoms, unhooked the top, which was trying to be a middle, and threw the set over by a lounger. I got a towel intending to give it to her, but she smiled again and raised her arms, "Please master," she said quietly.

She stood still, arms raised while I dried her. She obviously enjoyed my attentions, her nipples engorged and areole became crinkled and hard. She parted her legs wide even before I was ready to dry between them. When I did I found her to be wet and ready. I smiled at her and gently smacked her bum, "Get on your lounger before I rape you," I said, a smile taking any sting out of my words.

June looked at me seriously, "Master, whether I chose freedom or your collar, with you it will never be rape. You cannot rape the willing."

I hooked a hand round the back of her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. She came willingly and pressed her naked body against mine, her arms held out to the sides and back to allow me full access should I wish to touch her in any way. She seemed disappointed when I broke our kiss. I smacked her bum again, a little harder this time. She smiled at me but this smile was laced with pure lust.

"If you're trying to calm me down," she said, pressing her breasts harder against my chest, "it's not working."

"Go!" I said, pointing to her lounger. She went, swinging her hips and swaying her arse as she walked away. I regretted not taking her up on her offer.

-------

My computer screen displayed the results of my research. Hamish McConner seemed to be a normal politician; that is greedy, grasping and unscrupulous, corrupt to the core, just another average Member of Parliament. Just about what I expected really, Hamish was on the make. It looked like he wanted to be rich and powerful and didn't mind who he trod on, on the way up. He was still with his first wife though, from what I could find, he didn't quite understand the concept of fidelity. But that was alright, neither did his wife. They both shared the same interests, drinking, partying, politics and seducing very young girls. From the evidence I'd been able to gather, Hamish was the main instigator, though his wife, Janet, was a willing and enthusiastic pupil.

These two needed someone to do a little burglary and maybe even a little blackmail on them.

I knew some people who would like this task. I sent an email inviting an old oppo (Note 1) to meet me in the village, he would be perfect for this job.

I downloaded the contents of their hard disks, nearly two terabytes of homemade porn, all in high definition. I'm sure that some of this stuff would make even my girls blush. While the download was in progress, I wondered about Ela, Karolina and Lynne. They were all doing something together, meals were being sent to them but they were getting a breakfast meal, a lunch and a dinner roughly every eight hours. That meant that they were working in shifts, all three of them. Well, I trusted Lynne to ensure that they were getting enough sleep.

I knew that Karolina could have ferreted out a huge pile of dirt on the McConners far faster than I had, she'd have found their bank accounts, even their secret ones, as well. Still, I had a whole pile of dirt on these scum-bags and I knew more than one way to deal with people like these.

I smiled to myself; this was a debt that the Count would owe me. It was always nice to have people in one's debt. I started another search; I needed people and places for my supply chain. I emailed Mandy and the head of C&C asking if they knew of good candidates to run this for me. I also found five possible sites, all brown-field sites but useful nevertheless.

-------

We lazed away the day, doing little and feeling better for the rest. Gerald spent the day with Sung Lu and Alison, composing. While he was working hard he was enjoying himself immensely. The break from his usual routines and pressures, together with the chance to do as he wished throughout the day, and the removal of the drugs he'd been secretly given, all combined to give Gerald about ten times the energy he usually had.

Karen asked if she could go into the village to the lace workshop. There was some fabric she needed to check. She and a couple of other girls went down in the minibus just after lunch.

June set up an awning out of the breeze and gave Sasha a massage. I watched as Sasha was first relaxed then brought to a thundering climax. Still a little shaky on her feet Sasha was helped to a lounger by June.

I looked at my love, "Oh God! She's good with her hands," said Sasha as she lay back in the shade. Moments later her breathing slowed and she was asleep.

I too dozed and thought. I ran over what I actually knew about my problems. I had one firm fact. For Gerald Huntley this was personal. I thought again and again about what Malcolm Squires had said, 'He received a phone call and then started trying to..." That was what had been annoying me, Gerald Huntley had received a phone call, and it was personal. So, I had pissed off someone else, not Gerald, and this was a personal grudge, I had pissed off someone very close to him, someone who could call him directly at the Cumbrian Police HQ, a person who knew his direct line number. That meant a close friend or family member.

I went into my office, I had a lot of information on Gerald himself but I hadn't researched his family and friends very much. I had found the Morrison's, Gerald had married Mrs Morrison, her son was Chief Planning officer for the Cumbria County Council and her daughter the CEO of a housing association. Any one of them would have had his number, but I'm sure I've not had any dealings with any of them before my problems started. They lived and worked in Cumbria, I'd never been there before we visited Dobroyd Castle Hotel. No I was sure that it was someone else.

I wrote up my notes and emailed them to Karolina and Ela. I thought it best that everyone involved in the hunt should have as much information as possible.

I spent another hour going over some planning tenders. Mandy was doing an excellent job with these planning tenders. She won more than she lost and she'd picked up a number of schemes that the previous contractors had found that they were unable to complete, or went bankrupt trying to fulfil the terms of the contract. The latter she made especially profitable for us.

I looked over the results of our Park and Ride schemes. These were basically money for old rope. We bought two or three fields close to a major ring road or by-pass and turned them into a car park. Occasionally the local council offered to buy the land under a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO). We always refused these offers as they invariably led to further problems, not only with the land owners but also the local commuters and town's people. Our experience was that it was better to pay market rates, or even a little over, and have people happy with the way we did business. We then ran busses into the local town centre and / or business estates. The local councils helped us by increasing the parking charges in the town centres beyond what people were prepared to pay, and by employing a national contractor to enforce the towns parking regulations, and they publicised our park & ride schemes. We charged for the parking and a little for the bus ride. The initial investment was usually repaid within six months, overheads, staff & busses took about ten percent of the revenue and it was mainly profit from then on.

-------

Diner was lively without being boisterous. Gerald was enthusing over his new music and Harold had some ideas about farm management he wanted to investigate. Paula teased me about 'raping' her MC, but admitted that she'd deserved what she'd got. Michelle, the MC never actually complained about me fucking her, she just moaned about the speed at which I'd picked the lock, and wondered where my lock picks had appeared from.

Cecy and Sasha were in deep discussions, creating intricate and involved plots regarding obtaining more of Karen's clothing, before her fashion show if possible. I did happen to know that Karen had produced two silk gowns for them to wear at the show. I had seen both. These gowns were guaranteed to produce the result both women desired. Well, if they wanted to be raped by every man and most of the females present, they would.

Me, I was happy to be silent and watch the others, listen to their conversations and look at the slave girls and servants standing by the wall. For some reason the permanent servants and the local girls had joined my slaves in being naked when waiting on our meals.

And then I heard the gem. Gerald was moaning that he'd have to go to London soon, to go to Somerset House. He needed a copy of his parents' marriage certificate.

Somerset House is where marriage certificates used to be held. But not only marriage certificates, death certificates and birth certificates as well. These were public records, anyone could search them. The cost was trivial. And, even better, they had been digitised and were searchable by computer now. I could find out if Sir Gerald Huntley had any children from his first wife. If so they, too, would be prime suspects in my hunt for the original cause of my problems.

I smiled to myself. I think my girls picked up on my happiness as they too seemed extra pleased. They'd enjoyed themselves in the village and Varinka was enthusing over a local villager she'd met who spoke Russian.

I went to bed and was surprised to find it empty. Claudette came into the bedroom and stood by my bed.

"Please may I join you in bed tonight?" she asked contritely.

I smiled and pulled the covers back. Claudette slipped her robe off and climbed naked into bed. We made slow and sensuous love. Unhurried and undemanding, taking care of our partner before ourselves, we climbed to a mutual explosive climax. I blasted her vagina with my seed, she milked me while trying to crush my chest with her hug.

We lay facing each other. I was still buried in her to the hilt, though shrinking slightly. She, her splayed knees pressing against my chest, rested her head on my arm.

"How do I find someone like you?" she asked seriously.

"You ask your mother and father for help," I replied.

"And they'll find me someone kind and gentle, strong and intelligent. Someone who'll love me like I love him, one who'll make me do as he demands while he protects me with his life?"

"No," I replied, "she'll be a bow-legged dwarf with halitosis and broken fingernails."

Claudette thought for a few moments, then tugged me, "Lay on me, press into me, quickly."

I flipped her onto her back and pressed my hips against her. I watched her close her eyes and fall into the last sensations of our lovemaking, my shrinking and falling from her. She sighed.

"Ahhhhh! I've never really felt that before. I always waited for the climax and hopped off, I'd finished, so had he, what was there to wait for?" She pressed her head against my chest as she turned and straightened her legs. "I've never felt a man deflate inside me before." She paused and thought for a moment, "Is this what lovers feel?"

I stroked her hair away from her face, noticed the watering of her eyes and held her a little tighter than before. "Some lovers feel this, some don't. The true lovers, the real soul mates, may feel like crying when they part. Making love is only the beginning. It's the feelings that you have afterwards that are the true measure of your love."

Claudette nodded, understanding on an instinctive level.

We lay silent for a few moments.

"Will she love me?" she asked.

"Who?"

"The bow-legged dwarf my parents are going to find for me."

"More than her life itself." I replied.

"Then I'll be happy," she said.

We lay for a few moments, letting ourselves drift and thinking about our conversation.

"I've never been loved like that."

"Like what?" I asked.

"More than their life itself," she said in awe.

"Yes you have."

"Who?" she demanded quickly.

I kissed her forehead, "Cecy and Harold, they love you more than their own lives."

She thought about this and pulled herself into me, into my arms, curling herself against me. "Yes, they do."

She settled for a moment. Her arm snaked round me and she hugged me.

"But that love is different from the love I'm looking for."

She turned pressed her back against my chest, "I'm sure I'll love my children."

She squirmed tight against my chest, pulling my arm over her and pressing my hand against her breast. The other hand snaked between her legs and held my flaccid cock in place against her arse crack, when I recovered I would erect between her crack and, she hoped, against her vagina again.

"But that love will be different from the love I'll have for my husband."

"And if he already has wives?"

"Then they'd better be nice girls or I'm gonna be slappin' some bitches."

"And if the wives are goats?" I asked with a grin.

"Well," she sighed and snuggled against me again, "at least my dwarf doesn't fuck sheep."

Smiling, I fell asleep.

-------

Forty lengths this morning, I looked forward to the exercise, I felt great.

I slipped in to the water, barely a sound. I smiled to myself. Some things you don't forget.

I started swimming, settling into my swim-trance very quickly.

I noticed that June entered the water, deep end, from the steps. I expected her so I ignored the distraction, though I did move over to the side of the pool to give her room. While I swam I let my subconscious process my problems as I saw them.

The thought was almost like an electric shock! I'd been looking for people who hated me. How about looking for things I'd done which might have upset people.

I finished my lengths and shot myself out of the pool almost as if I'd been shot from a cannon. I walked towards my office, belatedly holding my hand out. A towel hit my hand and I clasped on to it.

Still damp, I sat and switched on the monitor. Grabbing an A3 sheet of paper I laid it out, landscape, on the side desk and drew a pencil line along the middle horizontally. That was my time line. On the right hand side I wrote, 'Day after Christine's Party'. That was one thing I was sure off. Gerald Huntley was willing to kill me then. So the trigger had to be before that day.

I sat back and thought long and hard, looking for the starting date. It couldn't have been during my service time. If it was then it would have been simple to arrange my death. A notice in any national newspaper that 'Shauna's Hero Found, Modest life saver living quietly in... ' That would have been enough. The Provo's would have taken care of the rest. Some of them were smart, very smart. They were the ones who got the stupid boys to do the dirty dangerous work. So no, it was after my RN service.

I finally decided that the start date would have to be my Lottery win. In between leaving the forces and my win I was too small to have upset anyone. After the win, well, nearly ninety million pounds has a force all of its own.

On the left hand side of the paper I wrote 'Big Win'.

A plate being placed on the desk made me look up. Julia had delivered a sandwich for my lunch.

She looked me in the eye, "Will you be working long, my Master?" she asked innocently.

I stood up and held her shoulders, "This is Joasia and June work, my dearest. I will work as long as I need to. And you will help me."

She looked contrite, "Of course, my Master." She leant forward and kissed me. "I wish I'd known them, Ela and Karolina make them sound so wonderful. Ela said they loved you so much."

"Yes and I loved them with all my heart too. So now you see why Karolina bought you, Karen and your mother for me."

"I've known it for a long time, Master. But I didn't KNOW it until recently, until you retrieved Umber's collar for her. Now you are working on finding out why they're doing this." She darted forward and kissed me again, "Go hunt your prey, my Master. Your girls will look after you while you work."

I turned and looked at the paper. I had start and end points. Above the line I noted milestones between these two points. Handing in my notice; leaving my previous work; my first office; the temps, the Princess, Julie the slacker, and Karolina; the drive out of London to Cockermouth, and then to Dobroyd Castle Hotel. There was so little that I'd done, how could I have upset someone so much?

I got up and started pacing. Julia stepped in front of me and slipped a pullover over my head. A hand at my ankle lifted my foot so I could step into a pair of trousers. Julia and Alina dressed me quickly, quietly, without really disturbing my train of thought.

Sitting again, I grabbed my pencil, I started to make notes about each milestone.

Handing in my notice —

Well my boss hadn't really been pleased. But I don't think that he had the sort of personality to turn that into a deadly vendetta. He was really too busy keeping his business afloat.

Leaving my previous work —

I separated this from handing in my notice as I'd found my replacement myself and had done both my former boss and my replacement a favour. My boss because he didn't have to take the time from his busy schedule to look for a middle manager, my replacement because he didn't have to spend months looking for work after his discharge from the RN.

My first office —

What to say. I paid a year's rental and used about half of that. I hadn't taken an office someone else wanted because there were still empty units in the block, both larger and smaller than mine and in better and worse placements too. I also got a nice letter offering to supply me with references should I need them in the future.

The Princess —

What to say, she came late, spouted what she wouldn't do and I threw her out, total time less than ten minutes. Is that enough to kill for? She'd been furious at the time but she was the sort of air-headed simpleton who would have forgotten about me within minutes of leaving the office. Still, even air-heads can be dangerous so I made a note to have her investigated.

Julie the slacker —

Well, Julie was a good suspect. She'd tried to defraud me of nearly a third of her working hours. The temp agency was another suspect. I'd sued them, with Julie, for the fraud and they'd been found guilty of conspiracy and aiding and abetting. That had damaged their national reputation badly. But the actual court case had happened after I'd been poisoned. It was possible that they'd thought that, with my death, the case would have collapsed.

Julie and the temp agency were my prime suspects so far.

Karolina —

How on Earth could I suspect Karolina? She'd had more than enough chances to destroy me financially and personally, she'd had plenty of opportunities to actually kill me. So I discounted her as a suspect.

Drive to Cockermouth —

I had to discount the drive to Cockermouth and the single night hotel stay there because nothing happened. I only spoke to the night porter and the waitress to order breakfast. We were polite and respectful to both. No I don't think anything happened at Cockermouth.

Drive to Dobroyd Castle Hotel —

I have to discount Dobroyd Castle Hotel as well. Malcolm said — "He took a phone call and then he started to dig up anything he could on you. And when you came up to Cumbria that was like a gift for him, he could do it on his home tu..." I'm sure he was going to say 'turf', "he could do it on his home turf." I'm certain that's what he meant to say.

I never thought to ask when Gerald received his phone call, but Malcolm's words imply that it was before I arrived at Dobroyd Castle. Otherwise why would Malcolm have used those words? No, I was happy that 'the event' had taken place before I arrived at, before I'd even left for, Dobroyd Castle Hotel. I drew a vertical line just to the left of the 'Drive to Cockermouth' point. I was happier with that end point.

I stepped back and looked at my sheet of paper. It was depressingly blank. Being so empty should have pleased me as there were fewer events to investigate. But something had happened, an incident which someone had thought was worth killing me for, and I couldn't see it. I couldn't identify the event. And that worried me, a lot.

Worried I went to bed. Julia followed me and pulled out her pad and sleeping bag from under the bed. I kissed her gently; she'd really helped me today. First by realising the seriousness of what I was doing and secondly by organising the things I didn't want to take the time to do. She had been a little angel today.

I snuggled up to Sasha's bare back and slept.

-------

Chiefy brought me the phone, "There's someone in the village sent a message Boss."

I looked at her, waiting for the message.

Chiefy looked uncomfortable, "message is 'get yer arse down here now boy!'"

I laughed, it was about what I expected from the person I'd hoped to contact. "Guess I'd better get my arse down there then," I said with a grin.

Chiefy looked uncomfortable, "You're taking Melissa." It was a statement, or possibly an order, but most definitely not a question.

I stood and hugged her, then lifted her chin and kissed her. Chiefy opened her mouth tentatively, then her tongue reached forward to touch my lips. "I've been waiting for you to do that," she said, resting her head on my chest. "I wondered how I'd feel, how I'd react." She looked up at me, "I've been kissed by people who said that they loved me, but I've never been kissed like that before."

Chiefy looked over at Sasha relaxing in the sun, "She's luckier than she knows, you give her all the love a girl can cope with and still have loads left over for your girls and for people like me."

"You're important to me Chiefy, why shouldn't I have enough love for you too?" I asked.

She looked up and shook her head. "You don't understand how special you are, and that makes you unique." She pushed me away, "Go to the village and do your business with this person. Come back to us soon."

Melissa came running over to me and took up her position by my side. We walked round the house to the front driveway. The limousine was waiting for us. The mini bus was ready behind it. I knew Karen was already in the village, she had so much work to do there with her fashion show approaching fast. Varinka wanted to see her new friend in the village again. I asked Susan to accompany her. Sasha would be safe enough under Elastic's watchful eye and Paula's own girls were here too.

I got into the limousine with Melissa and we slowly drove into the village.

-------

I walked up to the café and spotted her at once. I almost laughed, but that wouldn't have been appropriate and might have hurt her young dignity. She sat at a table with a café au lait on the table in front of her, sitting with the assurance of youth and inexperience, looking for all the world like a casual visitor to our little village.

I stood across the table from her and held out my hand, "I'm Paul, I know you're Chalkie's daughter."

I give her due credit, though tears pricked her eyes as she shook my hand, her hand was firm and dry. "My father couldn't come so he sent me. I'll liaise with my father," she nodded to me, "Chalkie, and he guarantees his usual results." She smiled at me, "especially for his..." she thought for a moment, "special ... friends."

"Bullshit, Chalkie never had any friends. The only friends Chalkie made had a picture of the Queen on one side."

She smiled, "Dad said that you'd say something like that. But he also said that you always treated him fair and square. He feels that he owes you a lot."

I felt that he owed me a lot too, which is the reason why I'd called him.

"So what happened to him?" I asked.

"Stupid car accident. An elderly woman driver had a heart attack and died. She drove into him and a few others. Dad suffered spinal injuries, he won't walk again." Tears were running freely down her face now.

"Are you up to discussing what I need now or would you like to wait a while?" I asked her.

"Dad said that you'd given him an urgent sign. We'll talk about it now, but..." she waved her arm around.

I raised my arm, "Café au lait, s'il vous plait!" I called to Jeanine.

"Oui Monsieur," she answered and went inside to get my drink.

The square started filling with people. A number of games of boules started and some started to get quite vocal. The café filled with the wives and children of the boules players. It was too noisy for distance microphones to work, and I pressed a button on a small box in my pocket. Elastic and Ela had assured me that that would prevent any local recording device from working. Ah well, I'd have to trust them, again. I smiled to myself.

She looked around and nodded, "Dad said you were full of tricks." She looked at me, "What do you want from us?" she asked.

I slipped a micro SD memory card over to her. "This man is to be destroyed."

"Dead?" she asked.

"Oh no. He and his wife are to be alive to suffer the consequences of their actions. You'll find more than enough to fuck them both up royally. I need it started quickly though."

She smiled at me, "Dad said you wanted it done quick, he's already started collecting a team. This'll be done in a few days, quick enough?"

I nodded, "Quick enough," I said.

She nodded and then slipped a twenty Euro note under her cup. "You'll see our results soon," She held out her hand and we shook.

I watched her walk away, wondering what her name was.

-------

Sasha examined my time line sheet. She added a very minor point to the Julie / temp agency branch but that was all she could add.

"Looks complete to me," she said when I asked her about it. "You might ask the office agency if anyone has been asking about you after you'd left."

"Why the fuck didn't I think of that?" I wondered aloud.

-------

I went to bed, something was 'wrong'. I couldn't put my finger on it but I couldn't sleep, something was very wrong.

I got up and walked around our rooms. I met a couple of security patrols, they hadn't noticed anything amiss. I went down to the security centre, Elastic arrived seconds after me. She'd obviously been woken; probably because I'd got a fly up my arse and couldn't sleep.

Idly I looked round the room. The 'where-abouts' book lay under the rounds log. I pulled it out and opened it to today's date. What was wrong now became glaringly obvious. Susan and Varinka hadn't been booked back in. "Where are Susan and Varinka?" I demanded.

Elastic looked round at me, a marine typed on her keyboard and the main screen showed the seraglio. We looked at the sleeping figures there. "Call them," I ordered.

Elastic picked up the phone and dialled. We watched as Jo got up and answered the phone. She went and pulled the covers back from all of the sleeping figures, we could easily identify each of the naked forms on the bed. Neither Susan nor Varinka were present.

"Come with me," I called and sprinted from the room. Elastic and two marines easily outpaced me, racing for my bedroom. They opened the doors and switched on all of the lights. Sasha and Alina looked up drowsily, Julia just turned over in her sleeping bag at the foot of my bed. Susan and Varinka weren't there either.

"General alarm, rouse the house," Elastic ordered.

All of the lights went on and alarms sounded throughout the chateau. The phone rang, it was Harold wanting to know what was wrong. A marine filled him in on the details we knew so far, which was little enough.

Thirty minutes later an intensive search confirmed what I had been dreading, Susan and Varinka were missing.

-------

Note 1

Oppo — in the RN a very good friend. You might divorce your spouse, but your oppos are for life.



-------

Chapter 60

Susan and Varinka had been missing for fifty seven hours now and I was certain they had been murdered. Sasha had informed the villagers of the girls' disappearance and they'd increased their guard patrols, the number of men at the road entrances doubled. Cars were being searched as they left Martinè as well as those entering. We had informed the Gendarmerie and Elastic's inspector had come out to us. He would inform the patrols, but apart from that, nothing could be done. We would have to wait.

Sasha's birthday celebrations were much quieter than planned. We couldn't cancel the celebrations either; too many influential people had already accepted our invitations. So, smiling through our pain, we welcomed our guests into the Chateau and entertained them. Gerald didn't perform, nor was this a suitable audience for Paula's version of entertainment. Though, from the briefing papers Elastic provided, I was aware that some of our guests would have found Paula's young girls a little tame for their tastes.

The evening progressed as I expected it to, dull, dull, dull. A number of the guests believed that they had been invited purely to allow me to invest in their, mostly rather dubious, business ventures. Most seemed quite aggrieved when I passed up these wonderful opportunities; though only one needed to be reminded by one of Elastic's girls that this was a birthday party not an opportunity to meet prospective investors.

Sasha and Cecy saw the last of the guests to the door, Elastic's team made sure that everyone left the grounds. Within fifteen minutes the local guards were reporting the cars leaving Martinè.

Sasha and I gratefully showered and then lay down in our bed. Too tired for fun we held each other and rested in our lover's arms. I watched Sasha's eyes close as she drifted into sleep. I too closed my eyes and gave myself to the sensations of my lover sleeping in my arms.

-------

"Boss!" Gerry's voice broke into my sleep. "Boss, wake up we need you now."

I woke and stumbled out of bed, "Have you found them?" I asked impatiently. Gerry's face was an expressionless mask.

"I'm so sorry Boss, we've found them, but they're..." her voice cracked with emotion.

"Dead." I finished for her.

"Yes Boss, but that's not all. Some bastard's tortured them." Now a tear broke loose. "They were tortured to death."

I held her tightly to me, comforting her as best I could. My first duty was always to the living; the dead usually took care of themselves.

Sasha's hand rested gently on my shoulder, "You need to go and see them. What do you need me to do?"

I thought while Alison and Julia dressed me, "Sasha dearest, please will you call Ross or Helen, ask them who's the best pathologist they know of, someone skilled in murder enquiries if possible. Get the jet to pick him up, Ross and Helen too if they want to come."

Sasha kissed my cheek, "Go and look after your girls my love, they need you now." She smiled at me and waved me out of the bedroom.

A car was waiting for me at the front door. Harold and Cecy were waiting by the door in their gowns. "Oh Paul dearest, we're so, so sorry. We know that you need to go and see them, but don't forget that you have people here who love you and who hurt too. See your girls and then come back and look after your living girls." She too kissed me and waved me on my way.

The drive into the village was brief. Huge screens had been erected on the Boules ground, the lights and shadows of people moving round within them ample evidence of the crime scene.

I walked through the small opening in the screens and was met by a nightmare. Both girls had been hung from the branches of the small tree, naked and abused. Their small, broken, cut and torn bodies clearly showed the violence that man can do to man, or in this case two small girls.

A gendarme retching in the corner disturbed me. Though he was young and inexperienced, he probably couldn't believe that someone could hurt two small bodies so badly.

I went over and stood examining the scene. Obviously they had not been killed here. The amount of damage to each girl showed that some time had been taken in their torment. They had been brought here for us to find, to find and to know that they'd suffered. I walked round them noting that the abuse was as extensive on their backs as it had been on the front.

"Can I touch them?" I asked the Inspector. He looked a little green, things like this didn't usually happen in this quiet corner of the Loire.

"Can I ask why?" he replied.

"I want to look at their fingernails and toenails, I have a little experience in this sort of thing." I gestured to the bodies.

"Investigating deaths?" he asked almost hopefully.

I shook my head. "No," I replied sadly, "causing them."

"Dr Le Mesurier will have to agree." The Inspector said. I nodded.

"Boss, call from Dr. Ross." Elastic handed me a mobile phone.

"Ross who can you send me?" I asked.

"Professor Richard Pilkington, from the Belfast Central Hospital. He's a world authority on physical trauma and he's in Paris at a conference. I've already called him and the police are going to fly him out to you. Helen and I are coming over as soon as we can, is your jet still at Luton?"

"I think so. You just get to the check in at Luton and there will be something there to fly you over." The phone clicked off without another word being said.

I turned back to the Inspector, "Please could you tell Dr Le Mesurier that..."

"I speak English quite well, Baron," the doctor interrupted. Had the situation not been so serious I'd have laughed at his deep, deep Birmingham accent. "You have another doctor coming?" he asked.

"Professor Pilkington from..." I started.

"From Belfast. It will be good to see him again. I cannot think of a better choice." He looked me in the eye, "We do not usually get this type of crime here in Martinè, I doubt that they get it very often in Paris or Marseilles. The Professor has seen wounds like this before. When he was the Consultant Trauma Specialist he developed treatments that saved many lives. His decision to become a pathologist was both a great blow and a great boon to the people of that troubled island."

He looked up as the sound of a helicopter grew steadily louder.

"Perhaps that is him now," said the doctor.

The helicopter slowly sank down to on to the improvised landing pad. As it settled I couldn't help but notice the dark green streaks that adorned the landing skids and underbelly of the fuselage. This helicopter had spent a lot of time racing at treetop, and sometimes a little bit below treetop height. And it had been seconded to fly a pathologist from Paris to Martinè. Someone was taking these murders very seriously indeed. That was another puzzle for me to solve.

Two men stepped out of the helicopter, the larger man with more practiced grace than the smaller. The smaller man walked toward me, the larger went straight to the screened area. The smaller man held out his hand to me. A little puzzled I shook hands with him.

"Aggie," he said the name with a rising accent as though he didn't really believe what he'd been told to say, "told me to say 'hello Frosty, and thank you for the two inches of soap'."

I didn't know who this man was, but I now knew what he was; a special operations officer, and a top man if his contacts included Aggie.

"That explains the helicopter then," I said.

He looked at it and nodded. The pilot and co-pilot were walking round the aircraft doing their post-flight and pre-flight checks. They would be ready to take off in moments.

He nodded. "The Commodore thinks highly of you. He informed us of your visit and asked if we could render any assistance." He smiled up at me, his five foot height not seeming to disadvantage him in any way at all.

"The Commodore is being very good to me." I answered. I was fed up with the double talk and dissemination that went with the life of a spook.

"The Commodore is always good to his friends," he replied. "And he told me that he counts you as a good, no, a very good friend."

I just nodded.

"You have worried people in our government," he added.

I looked at him puzzled.

"When a person with your wealth and business acumen enters the country for an extended stay, people start asking 'why'." He shrugged, "Some of them invent the most fanciful answers to their own questions."

We watched the scene around Susan and Varinka for a moment. Both doctors were now dressed in white anti-contamination suits and facemasks. Dr Le Mesurier was following Professor Pilkington around like a puppy. From the Professor's body language I could tell that there was something about the girls he didn't like. There was something, not quite 'wrong', but definitely not right.

"I came for a holiday," I said simply.

"The Commodore told me that when I asked him." He turned to me, "My name is Bayard."

"Of course, you know mine," I said with a smile. Bayard smiled too.

"Of course, Baron."

Two adult sized trolleys were brought to the girls and I imagined their pale, white-skinned bodies lying under a white sheet. Then I realised what had been nagging at my subconscious ever since I'd first seen their bodies, their skin wasn't stained by enough blood. It was obvious that the girls hadn't been washed after their death, but the wounds that they'd both received should have resulted in them being covered in their own blood. Only Susan showed any blood staining at all and only then from her two neck wounds.

"Professor!" I called. Both doctors turned and looked at me. "There isn't enough blood staining on their bodies."

The Professor turned and looked at them, then slowly turned back to me. "I know. That's been puzzling me. You and I must have a little chat when I've finished here." He turned to continue his examination of the girls.

It was getting light now and a small crowd was growing. There had been people standing watching all night since the discovery, but now the youngsters and the older folk came too. One person I half expected to be watching and jeering, the old woman whom Lynne had so publicly put in her place, wasn't present

Jeanine came out of the cafè carrying a tray loaded with cups of coffee. She served us all and then came to me. "Baron, we," she gestured to the small crowd, "the people of Martinè, are shamed that this has happened while you and your girls were under our protection. If there is anything that we can do to help and so lessen our shame please, I beg of you, allow us to redeem ourselves."

I opened my arms and she came to me. Holding her tightly to me I felt her shake as she sobbed. When she'd quietened a little I guided her to the crowd of her friends and neighbours.

"Please do not feel that you are responsible for what has happened here. There are powerful people, people who will use any means and who will subvert anyone, to cause me harm. They couldn't harm me directly so they took and tortured, and murdered, two small girls. These are people who will sell drugs to your children; people who will send your boys and girls out to prostitute themselves for the money to pay for those drugs. People who will burn your house down if you do not pay them money that they say you own them. These people have no shame and no morals. They are less than rabid animals. When I find them I will kill each and every one of them, kill them like the rabid dogs that they are." I paused and looked around to see if my words were having any effect. The crowd seemed a lot less tense than it had before. "You, I consider my friends. You have welcomed me and my girls, my slaves, and treated us fairly. You, the people of Martinè, have no need to feel any responsibility for the death of my girls. Not one of you could have prevented it, and standing in the way of these people would have led to your own deaths."

A large man, the one who'd spoken to Karen's guards in the lace workshop, stepped forward. "Monsieur Le Baron," he paused and looked round at his friends, hesitantly he continued, "my name is Yvon Le Clerk. I spoke with Madam Karen's guards in Marianne's workshop."

I smiled at him and held out my hand, "Yes, I remember, I'm pleased to meet you Yvon." I said.

Nervously he wiped his hand on his jeans and we shook.

"Monsieur Le Baron," he started sweating a little, "we promised the Chateau that we'd protect you," his head dropped. "We have failed the Chateau and we have failed you." Quietly now he continued, "How can we even begin to clean this shame from our souls?"

I thought for a moment, this was obviously a deep wound to their pride and sense of self-worth. "Ask everyone in the village what they were doing and where they were on Tuesday, that's the last day we know these girls were alive. If we can find out where everyone was and what they were doing I think we can discover who did this to them and then they can be avenged."

The crowd perked up and started nodding and muttering to each other. At the mention of my girls being avenged some even smiled. I could see the determination on their faces. These people will willingly question the whole village and help collate that information. Soon we could have an idea who the perpetrator of this outrage was.

I turned as the ambulance carrying Susan and Varinka passed slowly along the main road. When it passed out of sight I turned to the Professor. He stood by the tree closely examining the knots on the ropes from which the girls had been hung. He'd pushed back the hood of his anti-contamination suit and his face mask was on a small table behind him. Dr Le Mesurier was helping him take measurements and samples. Soon the doctors had completed their examination of the area and the gendarmes came to start a painstaking, inch by inch search, of the whole area.

The Professor came to me and Dr Le Mesurier introduced us.

"I think we'll call you the girls' 'Next of Kin' rather than 'Owner'. It looks better in the reports." His smiling face was lined with fatigue, he'd obviously not slept at all - he wasn't the only one. "I'm going to have to do a very invasive post mortem on these girls, you know that don't you?"

I swallowed. Intellectually I knew that post mortems would have to be carried out, but my intellect hadn't yet convinced my heart of that necessity. "Yes." I replied sadly.

"Ross said that you'd want a copy of my report as soon as possible."

I nodded, "The complete report." I added.

"OK," he replied. He turned and walked away, head down and obviously deep in thought.

Bayard stepped up to me, "Where do I send the Professor's bags?"

"The Chateau," said Sasha from behind me.

I turned and she kissed me, "You look awful my Darling."

"I love you too," I replied with a tired smile.

Sasha handed me a mobile phone, "Cecile wanted to discuss tonight's dinner menu with you." She turned and started talking to Bayard.

This was strange as Cecy only discussed menus with her chef and they both jealously guarded that right, even from Harold.

"Paul." I said into the phone.

"OK Boss," replied Elastic. "His name is Trystan Bonner although he usually calls himself Yvon or Yves Richleau. He's head of the DGSE anti-terrorist unit. The Commodore and Trystan go back a long way, they both played down in the South Atlantic in '81. The Commodore says you can contact him if you need any more info but Trystan is as much of a friend as you're gonna find over there."

"Cecy, I'm quite tired now, how about something that's easy to hand feed my girls."

"He's close then." Elastic guessed.

"Two or three of the trout if you have any, they're easy to hold and feed a girl."

"OK Boss, call me if you need me."

I switched the phone off and pocketed it. Sasha looked at me, her face lit by a bright smile "OK Darling?"

I nodded tiredly. "Bayard, would you like to come up to the Chateau to freshen up, maybe have some food and rest?"

"That is most kind of you, Baron. However I am but a poor servant of the state and must return to Paris and report to my political masters. They wish to be informed of anything that affects you." We shook again, he kissed Sasha on the cheek, turned and boarded the helicopter. It took off and disappeared in moments.

Sasha and I got into our car and returned to the Chateau.

-------

All of my girls were waiting for me in our lounge on the second floor. Karolina came forward and knelt in front of me.

"Does my favourite girl wish to ask something?" I asked. I knew that the forms and rituals were important to these girls, for some it was all that they had known for all of their lives.

"This girl would ask her Master about the girls found in the village," she replied. The others looked on intently and there was a deathly quiet in the room.

"Come my Ladies and we'll talk about what I saw in the village square." I gestured to the chairs, sofas and couches.

They all scurried over and knelt on the floor in a semicircle facing the large wingback armchair. They all stared at me expectantly as I sat down.

"My Ladies," I started a little hesitantly, "our friends, Susan and Varinka, were indeed murdered and placed in the town square for us to find." I looked at their shocked faces. "Both of the girls had been horribly abused, tortured. Dr. Ross has sent us an expert pathologist to examine the girls and see if he can help us find out who did this to our friends and lovers."

Tears were flowing freely down our cheeks now, mine and my Ladies. "I need someone who can collate information and people's movements. The villagers are going to question every one about where they were on Tuesday, and we need to build up a picture of the whole village, what happened and when. Then we'll be better able to find the bastards who murdered our sweet lovers." My voice had risen and I was suffused with rage though none of my girls shrank from me, they leaned forward, caught in my anger and supported, encouraged me.

Lynne shuffled forward to the front of the group and bowed, "My Master, The Count knows of a girl who is an expert at this sort of thing. He used her twice while I was with him, both times he called her a witch because she could see patterns in people's statements that no one else had been able to find."

"Do you know her name, my dearest Lynne?"

"This girl is shamed that she doesn't know her name, my Master." Lynne replied bowing her head and trembling.

I tenderly touched her shoulder. "My precious Lynne, you have helped me, Susan and Varinka with your knowledge, do not worry because you don't know her name. I'm sure that the count does," I said with a smile.

Lynne leant forward and rubbed her cheek against my leg, "This girl thanks her Master for his kindness."

"Karoli..." she handed me a phone with the counts number already dialled in. I pressed the connect button and waited.

"Paul!" Alex answered. "I cannot thank you enough," he laughed. "It's all over the front pages, every paper has it. And the Times, They've crucified him." He laughed out loud at his news.

"Alex, two of my girls have just been found murdered." His laughed cut off abruptly.

"Who did this terrible thing, my friend?" he asked.

"That's what I want to find out." I said.

"You need one of Gerry Blackmoor's girls, Wendy. She's an absolute witch at that sort of thing. Had to use her a couple of times myself. Give me a couple of minutes and I'll call you back." He hung up without another word.

I made sure the handset was disconnected and looked round at my Ladies, all except Sasha kneeling around me, all including Sasha looking at me as though I held the answers to their every question. "We'll wait for the Count," I said and lay back, resting my head on the chair back.

Immediately there were quiet scurrying sounds, a pair of small, but strong, hands started gently kneading my shoulders. I heard odd noises to my right, cheating I peeked through barely opened eyes, a small table had been placed beside the chair, a mug of tea placed just right for me to lift without effort.

The phone in my hand rang and I answered immediately.

"Gerry wants to sell her." Alex said without preamble, "he wants a quarter million."

"Yes." I interrupted.

"Thought you might, she's on her way to Luton. She'll go to your charter company and introduce herself as Wendy."

"That's great, I'll have something there ready to fly her over." I looked at Sasha who was already opening her phone to make the necessary arrangements.

"I knew you'd accept, I've already wired Gerry the cash, just get your Karolina to send me another cheque." Alex actually sounded concerned for us.

"Thanks Alex. You may have really earned a big bag of brownie points with this."

Alex laughed, "Don't worry Paul, I'll collect one day." Again he just hung up.

Now we had to wait.

-------

CRASH!

We all whipped round to the door which was still shuddering after its impact with the wall. A small dark haired bundle of energy came racing to me.

"Ggggrrrraaaaannnnnddddddddaaaadddd!" Shannon shrieked.

She jumped into my opened arms and hugged me as tight as she could.

"OH GRANDDAD, I'm so sorry 'bout Susan and Varinka," she blurted out.

I managed to loosen her grip a little so I could turn my head and kiss her cheek. "We all thank you precious Shannon."

"Did the bad people cut them up?" Shannon asked. She tilted her head back to look me in the eyes.

"The bad people hurt them a lot, so much that they couldn't live anymore." My voice almost gave way as I spoke.

Shannon lay her head on my shoulder. "It hurts so much when you lose people you love, doesn't it Granddad."

Now my tears fell on her, as her tears fell back on me. We held each other tightly and comforted, gave love to, took comfort from and received love from each other

-------

I think we both fell asleep as we hugged. The sun was dropping down in the west when I opened my eyes. Shannon, a small untidy heap in my lap, slept on. I looked up and Helen greeted me.

"Hello Paul," she said as she laid her hand on my arm. "We came as fast as we could." She smiled and nodded to Shannon. "That little monkey," she said with a smile, "wouldn't let us come without her. She said that she knew what it was like to lose loved ones, so she had to come to make sure you were alright."

"Not a monkey; 'm a money pit. Granddad and Daddy Ross both said so," muttered a very sleepy voice. Shannon stirred for a moment then slept again.

"Where's Ross?"

Helen leant over and kissed my cheek. "He and your new girl are in the village." She sat on the arm of the chair. "Paul, we've worried about you, these people aren't normal. They really don't care about the law at all."

I stroked her cheek, "Helen, precious love, they are the law. They think that they can do what they like, act with impunity. But there is a plan; things are happening, things that will bring an end to their power. Ask Sasha, she'll reassure you."

"Well I hope these plans of yours are quick because you only have to make one mistake and they'll kill you." A tear dropped onto my arm. "And then they'll murder your girls, or do something even worse to them." Helen stood, wiping her eyes, "now I've got to redo my bloody mascara," she moaned.

"One of the penalties of being a woman," I said with a smile.

"I gladly do it for Ross and you, you two are worth the effort." She kissed me, proving yet again that she truly was a woman who wanted me as a man.

-------

Dinner was, as expected, very quiet. Professor Pilkington, Richard, was thoughtful and often spent minutes staring into space. Dr Le Mesurier, Maurice, seemed a little awed by his surroundings. He knew Cecy and Harold by sight of course, but as his practice was in one of the North-Eastern villages he didn't come into contact with them day to day. Ross too was thoughtful. The three doctors had spent nearly an hour in conference just before dinner and were obviously mulling over the subjects of their discussions.

"So, Richard, what can you tell me about Susan and Varinka?" I asked.

Richard looked me in the eye for long moments. Unblinking, I returned his gaze.

"There's something very wrong with the whole thing, very, very wrong." This wrongness obviously disturbed him. He was used to solving these puzzles very quickly. He took another spoonful of soup and thought for a moment. "I have a huge amount of facts, confusing facts, but as of yet no information. He sighed. "I'll know more tomorrow after the autopsies. This really is a most puzzling case."

"Thank you for your candour Richard, it must be difficult to reassure people without giving them incorrect impressions of what actually happened or how their loved ones really died." I said.

Shannon, sitting between Helen and I, looked up at Richard. "My Mummy and Daddy were cut up into little pieces by the bad people." Maurice's spoon clattered to the floor. "Oh, it's alright Doctor, my Granddad and his girls came and killed all of the bad people and made me his Granddaughter. He also found me a new Mummy and Daddy." She tilted her head and thought for a moment. "Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross aren't the same as my Mummy and Daddy, but they really do try to look after me and make sure I remember them."

And now, I thought, Maurice is going to be even more uncomfortable in the Chateau.

Dinner continued quietly. Most of us ate because we knew that we needed the fuel, the food being chewed and swallowed without being tasted or enjoyed. It was just mass that we needed to get through tomorrow.

-------

Entering our suite I saw a new girl kneeling in front of my chair. I realised that this must be Wendy, the witch. I smiled at that thought. I wondered if any of my girls had explained 'The Choice' to her.

"Hello, I'm..." With a snarl she leapt at me. Melissa effortlessly put her down on her front with a painful sounding crash.

" ... Paul." I finished. "You must be Wendy."

She looked up from the floor. Melissa had released her but Wendy was in no doubt that Melissa could have really hurt her just as easily as she'd prevented the intended attack.

Umber looked at Wendy with a strange lack of expression, "Had you succeeded in harming my Master, no one would have been able to stop us, his slaves, from tearing you limb from limb. Perhaps you should keep that in mind."

I stared at small, gentle, Umber. The glint in her eye showed all of the compassion of a wounded mother bear protecting her cubs. This would take some thinking about. But first we had murderers to find.

"What can I do to help you find the killers of my girls?" I asked, taking a seat.

"Free me!"

"OK, you're free. What else?"

"Don't fuck me about. Owners don't free their slaves."

"I have." I spoke quietly, calmly, trying to project sincerity. "Girl!" I called. Alison came running to me, keeping a wary eye on Wendy. "Please ask Jo if she can spare a few minutes."

"Yes Master." She sprinted away.

Sasha entered the room, Wendy tried to keep watching us both.

"Does she get 'The Choice'?" Sasha asked.

"She wanted to be free. I've freed her."

"Bet you a quid she doesn't believe you yet," said Sasha, holding out her hand.

We shook, sealing the bet.

"Why's Melissa prowling like a mother bear, and Umber looking as though she could happily kill?" Sasha asked.

"The freewoman tried to attack my Master before he freed her." Melissa answered. She was totally pissed that someone would have the unmitigated gall to try and attack her principal.

"She's free now?" Sasha asked.

"Yes, I've sent for Jo to arrange suitable accommodation and transport." I looked at Wendy, "We'll discuss your salary after you're happy with your room."

Wendy was now very confused.

Jo came running to me and knelt by my chair. "Hi Jo." I said; she smiled at me.

"How are you my Master?" Tears pricked her eyes as she looked up at me.

"I am so, so sad, dearest Jo. We must find the bastards who did this to our friends." I could hardly speak, my throat constricted with emotion. "Jo dearest, this is Wendy," I turned to Wendy. "I'm sorry, usually when I free one of my girls I ask them what they want their name to be. I forgot to ask you. Please, freewoman, what is your name?"

We all looked at the frightened woman on the floor.

"Wendy. Wendy really is my name. Wendy Masterton," she replied.

"Jo, please will you take Ms Masterton and find her a nice room. She'll need clothes, well all of the female things. I'm sure that you know better than I what that will entail. She'll also need a car, something comfortable, a nice Merc or seven series Beemer." A horrible thought struck me, I turned to Wendy, "You can drive, can't you?" She nodded. "Now, until we can get her a company credit card she'll need cash, €100,000 to start with." I turned to Wendy, now wide eyed and almost in shock, "If you need more money ask Jo. Don't wait until you've run out; get it before you need it. And don't bother us with receipts. It costs us more to control money than we lose when we don't control it. So if you see something you want to buy, buy it. Have it on me and enjoy it."

I glanced at Sasha and back to Jo, "Anything I've forgotten?"

Sasha thought for a moment then shook her head.

Jo rose, "Please will you come with me, Ms Masterton?" she asked politely.

Hesitantly Wendy stood and followed Jo out of the room.

"She'll get used to us," said Sasha.

I hoped so, and quickly too. I was so, so tired. I took Sasha's hand and we went to bed.



-------

Chapter 61


The water was cool and refreshing as I easily stroked my way up and down the pool's length. I like swimming; it gives me time to think without being disturbed. I go into a trance like state and my body takes over. It knows what to do, how to move most efficiently and how long I should swim for.

Of course there wasn't anyone else around, the sun having only just peeped over the horizon. I hadn't slept well, neither had Sasha or any of my girls. It was too soon after the deaths and our emotions were still too raw. Getting up for a swim seemed very reasonable when compared to lying in bed, staring into the darkness, and wondering what I'd done wrong that had caused the death of two of my precious girls.

Completing my laps I lifted myself out of the water with practised ease. Wendy was coming out of the Chateau, putting her hair up in a ponytail, a towel draped casually over her shoulder. She gave a yelp as I shot out of the water, "Please Master, may I swim?" she asked, trembling.

I started drying myself, "Wendy, you're a freewoman, you may do as you wish. Besides, our servants and slaves are free to use the pool whenever they wish." I looked her in the eye, "It doesn't matter who else is in the pool either."

I went to her, "Wendy, you are a guest here. Please feel free to use any of the facilities whenever you have time to do so." She looked unsure, "You'll be in and out at all hours while you investigate these murders. You must ring for the Chef when you miss a meal, she'll sort something out. And don't be afraid to ask for what you want either." I smiled, trying to show that I wasn't an ogre.

She looked at me and gave me a small shy smile, "Yes, Master."

"Wendy, I'm not your master, call me Paul."

I swear I heard Susan and Varinka's voices, "Yes sir," they said together, a hint of amusement in their tone. I looked round, then back to Wendy. I could tell she'd been told what to say if I ever said, 'Call me Paul.' but she wasn't secure enough to tease me like that yet.

I turned so she wouldn't see the tears that welled up in my eyes.

"Master..."

"Call me Boss," I interrupted.

"Boss," she said obviously happier with that, "I need a mobile phone."

"Of course you do!" I was shocked that we'd forgotten a mobile. "See Jo before you go out and she'll give you a Blackberry." I smiled at her, this time she smiled back. "Enjoy your swim."

"Thank you ... Boss." She dropped her towel and, with grace and agility, dived into the pool.

Though it was very early Shannon came padding out, pulling off her pyjamas, this time a Eurasian girl walked besides her carrying the ever present DSi. I recognised the girl as one of Paula's special team, her own personal bodyguards. Paula obviously thought highly of my little Granddaughter to give her such special protection.

I picked Shannon up and she gave me a strangling hug and a sloppy kiss.

"Good morning Granddad." She looked at the girl, "Great Aunty Paula said that Menolly was looking after me for a little while." She looked round and then whispered in my ear, "I think she's protecting me from your new girl."

The grapevine amongst my Ladies must operate at light speed. I bet everyone knew all about what happened last night. And Menolly, the last time I'd heard that name was in a science fiction book about dragons, dragon-riders and harpers. Looking at Menolly, I would bet that, while she might not be a golden queen dragon, she was most definitely a green dragon, wiry, lithe, very pretty to look at, and totally deadly.

Shannon jumped into the water and started splashing her way across the pool's width. Wendy must have realised that this little girl was held in high regard, while she had fucked up royally and was currently just tolerated, as she climbed out of the other end of the pool. She walked into the Chateau leaving her towel behind.

We had breakfast in the small dining room, sunlight streaming in through the large windows. Richard was eating when we entered, eggs and bacon I noticed. He watched me enter and obviously saw my small smile.

"Not all cholesterol is bad you know." He continued eating heartily despite our laughter.

I sat in my usual seat, Umber kneeling on my right, Julia on my left. Melissa took up a protective position behind me.

Wendy entered and saw my two body slaves, "Tell me Baron," that word dripped venom, "do you have to force your slaves to debase themselves so publicly?"

Jo, who had entered with a boxed company Blackberry in hand, almost exploded. "MY MASTER DOES NOT HAVE TO FORCE ANYONE TO SUBMIT TO HIM!"

We all stared at her in surprise.

"We slaves almost fight for the honour of being fed from our Master's plate. This is something we desire, not our Master." Jo continued.

Sasha entered reading the Times, "Fucked up again, Wendy?" she asked conversationally. She smacked me around the head with her paper, "And you should write an introductory leaflet, 'My Family', so that the slaves you free can understand what you and your girls are like." She sat, continuing to read as she sipped the coffee which had been hastily served.

She looked up thoughtfully for a moment. "Get Gail to write one, she'll know what to say." With that she immersed herself again in the Times' in depth analysis of something or other.

"I didn't know," Wendy said plaintively.

"You didn't ask," replied Julia round a mouthful of bacon.

Richard spoke up just then, surprising us all. "Wendy, he," pointing at me with a sausage laden fork, "bought you because you have a reputation as a towering intellect, someone who can weave together a whole pile of differing statements and stories, facts and lies, and discern the truth. He paid a huge amount for you and yesterday, in the short time you were with me, you showed star qualities. However, since you arrived here you haven't used your incredible brain to work out the relationships between the Baron, his slaves and the other people here. Please believe me when I say that I personally would rather jump into a lion's den than insult the Baron here, where he is at the centre of his family and friends."

Laughter behind me caused us all to turn. "What idiot is trying to piss Paul off?" Gerald asked.

Everyone, apart from me, pointed at Wendy.

As he sat Gerald shook his head. "You'll learn," he said with a brief glance at Wendy. "Good morning, Sasha," he said, moments later he lobbed a tomato over her paper. "Pass some bread, Sasha darling," he asked with a cheeky laugh.

Sasha dropped the top half of her paper and glared at him. Still glaring she reached forward and picked up a half baguette. She looked at the baguette for a second and then, javelin like, threw it at him as hard as she could.

Casually, Sung Lu plucked the baguette out of the air and placed it onto Gerald's side plate.

"Thanks Sasha," he laughed.

Sasha just shook her paper at him.

Wendy looked around at us as though we were mad, or a family enjoying each other's company.

We enjoyed breakfast. The talk was lively, not as ribald as usual, but witty and, at times, pointed. At times I felt guilty that I was enjoying myself so soon after my girls' deaths. Other times I felt an almost all-enveloping rage that these happy times had been stolen from them, and within seconds I would become almost emotionally numb. Helen had explained that these feelings and mood swings were a perfectly normal part of grieving. I just didn't like the loss of control though.

Soon Richard and Wendy left the table. Richard to the local hospital to perform the autopsies, Wendy back to the village to continue the interviews and collation of the statements.

"Here's something that'll amuse you," said Sasha as she dropped the Times in front of me. The whole front page was taken up by a single story, Hamish and Rona McConner, handcuffed, being led by police officers.

I laughed, loud and long. Chalky and his Daughter had done a wonderful job. The full story, outlined over four whole pages, told of an 'honest' burglar, who, having stumbled upon some very strong kiddie porn, had sent samples to the police with digital pictures of the McConner's secret diary showing when the next 'party' was going to be held. Eight men and four women had been caught with their trousers, quite literally, down. Four girls and two boys had been rescued.

The police were hailing this as a major success. They had investigated and smashed one of the major paedophile rings in western Europe. That raised the greatest laugh from me. I'll bet that the local Chief Constable had been having dinner with the McConners within the last month, and being really matey with them too.

The McConners accomplices' hadn't been named. Only an anonymous tip off, together with a photo clearly showing Hamish in a 'compromising position' with a young boy, made a Times reporter and photographer hide out in the grounds of the McConner estate on the fateful night. They were, of course, rewarded with this scoop.

This news cheered me up immensely. Now I also understood Alex's opening remarks on the phone yesterday.

Elastic came up and stood beside me, well as close as she could as Umber was still kneeling at my side with her head resting on my thigh. She could obviously see what I was reading.

"Boss, that girl's back again. She's at the cafè in the village, you're taking Melissa aren't you Boss."

I smiled up at her and stood. I leant in for a kiss which Elastic returned enthusiastically. "Of course I'm taking Melissa; Wicked Wendy might be in the village."

Neither Melissa nor Elastic approved of my levity.

-------

The walk along the village's main street took some time; almost every house had someone who came out to talk, to apologise, to tell me that they'd been to the church and given their statements. That they'd prayed for the souls of my girls. This walk was hard but I knew it had to be done. These people needed to expunge their souls; they were convinced that they needed forgiveness from me.

I would go to the church later. I wanted to have a word with the Monsignor, and I wanted to have a look at the graveyard.

Melissa followed me closely, watching over me like a mother hen. Slowly we worked our way to the village square and Chalkie's daughter.

"What's happened?" she demanded as we sat at her table.

"The day you came here two of my slaves went missing..." I started.

"Runaways?" she interrupted.

"They were found tortured to death early yesterday morning." I gesture to the tree in the centre of the square, police tape still visible here and there. She paled visibly.

We waited for a few minutes while she composed herself. Taking a sip of her espresso she looked at me.

"Dad hopes you're satisfied with the results," she said.

I smiled, recalling Alex's satisfaction with the McConners political demise. "Yes I'm very impressed with your work. I might have more work for you soon, can you leave an email address?" She looked uncertain. "How about you send an email to this address from the account you want to use?" I wrote an address on a small piece of blank card and slid it over the table to her.

When she saw the address her eyebrows shot right up and she gave a huge smile. "And we can contact you..." waving the card, " ... here?" she asked, very surprised.

"Well, I don't actually think their webmaster knows that we're riding on his email server." I smiled at her laughter, "My people who know about these things say he's not very good."

"Oh Dad is going to love this."

She rose, slipped a twenty Euro note under her cup and walked down the road laughing.

Jeanine came out to clear away her cup but I stopped her, "Jeanine, please ask the police if they would be so kind as to take the finger prints and DNA off this cup. Test it against any that they may find on or around my girls."

"Oui Monsieur," said Jeanine as she hurried away.

I sipped at my coffee and looked at the tree.

And cried.

-------

The church was old, squatter and wider than its English counterpart, looking strange to eyes used to the higher, narrower English styles. The cool dark interior, poorly lit by dirty, stained-glass windows, echoed around me. Dark oak pews sat in ordered rows. The high pulpit almost loomed over the pews. The congregation would be in no doubt about the authority of the priest in this church. The bright red of the carpet leading toward the barrier in front of the altar almost seemed out of place in this dark, cool cavern.

"Baron, it's good to meet you at last, though I am truly sorry for the reason that you came here," said a warm mellow voice behind me.

I turned and saw the priest, a white haired man, thin, almost spindly, his long thin face expressing his concern for our loss.

"What can we do for you, Baron?" he asked, direct and to the point.

"I'd like to have a look at the graveyard please." I replied.

He nodded and gestured to a side door. Opening the door he led us into a small meadow, in which stood a small group of quite new headstones. "The Countess's Mother left this meadow to her people for use as a graveyard." He turned and smiled at me, "The old one was dreadfully cramped, completely full."

He pointed out some small groups of saplings. "We've planted some trees for shade. Well in another twenty years or so they'll provide some shade." He walked slowly over to a gentle slope which looked out across the Petite Loire. "This area has been reserved for the Family." I could easily hear the capital in 'Family'. "Madam Cecile has suggested that your girls should lie just here," he pointed out the area, to the side of the main family plot but still having a nice position and view over the valley. "The Countess needs to give her permission of course. But I expect that will be a formality."

I was a little puzzled, I hadn't heard of this Countess. Nobody had introduced me or suggested I go visit her. I would have to ask Sasha when I returned to the Chateau. I turned to Melissa, "Make a note; I need to see this Countess to get permission for Susan and Varinka to be buried here."

"Yes Master," she replied and walked two or three steps away to contact our people at the Chateau for them to make the arrangements. I turned back to the Priest to see a strange, amused, glint in his eye. He seemed to know something I didn't. Well that situation wasn't unusual. When Melissa returned to my side she was smiling too. Ummm both of them now.

I walked slowly round the meadow, from the side of the church we could look down into the village. I saw the car that Wendy had been given parked beside a small group of cottages. I didn't see any sign of Wendy though. I do hope that she stops making mistakes about my girls and I. She could be a very valuable asset to my businesses. I'd work her arse off. And it was a nice arse too.

As I turned back to the priest a thought struck me, "Sasha's the Countess isn't she?"

Both the priest and Melissa smiled. "Yes Baron, she is," he answered. "Hadn't she told you?"

"No, she hasn't. Maybe this calls for a spanking." I answered.

Melissa's smile widened at that thought.

I took a final look around me, at the sweet meadow and squat church. Reaching out I offered my hand to the priest, we shook hands, "I'll see you again soon, Monsignor," I said.

I turned and started walking back into the village, Melissa at my side.

-------

The Chateau was in turmoil when I returned, then I remembered; tonight Karen was going to hold her first fashion show. I know that Cecy had been looking forward to it, and had spent a lot of time talking to friends and influential people about the show. I had heard that some fashion journalists had also been invited, all this to boost Karen's reputation as a designer of spectacular lingerie.

I entered the Grand Ballroom and spotted Karen, she was surrounded by a large group of teenage girls in various states of undress, mostly undressed though. She was giving them specific instructions for their walks down the catwalk. Glenda and Michelle, Arianne's daughters demonstrated how to walk down the catwalk.

First together, then singly, they bounced down the catwalk, feet stepping across their centreline every step. They looked haughtily down at the audience, turned and flounced back up the stage. As both girls were naked I could see that they'd shaved as Karen demanded the last time we meet. All in all I enjoyed this demonstration immensely.

"Those of you wearing anything, anything at all, get it off now," Karen shouted. "I don't want any panty or bra lines on any of you. I'll be inspecting all of you in an hour's time so strip now, everything off." Those words sent the group scurrying back into the changing rooms.

Karen turned and spotted me, she came running across. "Master, you're back. I was afraid you'd miss the dress rehearsal."

"I thought I was banned from fashion shows," I said with a smile.

"My Master, it is your right to attend any show that I give. A chair will always be reserved for you; front row, centre."

I kissed her soft lips and hugged my girl. "Karen, dearest girl, go and enjoy yourself. You deserve the recognition that this show will give you. Tomorrow we'll talk about your freedom so that you can pursue this work freely."

"As my Master wishes," she replied, which gave me an inkling of how that discussion was going to go.

Jo and Julia, came to my sides, "come to the pool Master, have a swim and relax for a while," said Julia gently.

I let them lead me to the pool and spent a quiet afternoon swimming and relaxing in the sun.

Elastic brought out a CCTV monitor and I watched the dress rehearsal. The girls all acted like super models, just the right amount of disdain and haughtiness. Even taking into account the small size of the monitor, the outfits were spectacular.

I decided to go out this evening. I would escort Jo to a good restaurant, we'd have dinner and then come back to an early bed. I'd make sure that we left early enough, before Karen's show started even. That would prevent me from ruining her show. I smiled to myself. Jo and Julia immediately wanted to know what I was so pleased about.

"Jo dearest, I would like to escort you to dinner tonight. Would you be agreeable to a dinner date with me?" I asked.

She shook her head. "My Master, I am your willing slave, just tell me and I will comply with any order, no matter what, no matter where." I guess that's a yes then.

"Do you have a nice dress that will suit you for this evening?" I asked.

"Master, Karen has made all of your slaves' evening dresses. We are exceedingly well dressed. Even Madame Dempsey agrees that Karen's work is exceptional."

I was sure that we would make a good couple, well Jo would, with her height and slender build, clothed in a Karen evening dress, Jo would be a knockout. In my Saville Row suite I wouldn't frighten children or scare the horses, but I would be an 'also ran' beside Jo.

I smiled and relaxed in the sun.

-------

Julia, Alina and Umber spent hours getting me ready. I knew that other girls were helping Jo just as much, though probably having better results than Julia, Alina and Umber. After all, you can only polish a turd so much.

Jo's entrance was breathtaking! She was stunning, just absolutely stunning. And this vision of heaven was allowing me to take her to dinner.

"Well ... err ... You're just..." I was speechless.

"He likes it," Lynne translated with a squeal.

I did what all men should do in these circumstances, I shut up. Well, yes, I know I wasn't saying anything, it's the shutting up that's important.

I held out my hand which Jo took and we walked out the rear of the Chateau to our waiting car.

Sandy opened the door for us, Jo got in first. Sandy turned to me, "Scrubs up nice, don't she Boss?" she said with a smile.

Both Sandy and Melissa were accompanying us this evening. I wonder if Sandy had her cannons strapped to her back.

I got in beside Jo and Sandy shut the door with a quite 'clunk'.

Sandy got in the driver's seat and drove us away gently, accelerating as a high class limousine should.

Before we even got to the end of the Chateau's drive Melissa received a call on her mobile. Melissa turned to me, "Master, we need to go back," she said, worry plain on her face. "Some stuck up bitch is causing Karen problems."

Sandy turned the car round and gunned the engine. The powerful V12 engine and four wheel drive transmission threw the car forward. The drive which had taken nearly a minute going out lasted about twenty seconds going back.

Harold met us at the door. "Some Grubber woman has sat in your seat, the one Karen reserved for you, Paul. She says that she needs the best seat in the house."

I remember Hildegard Grubber from the launch of June's Lingerie Designs. She was a 'fashion critic' (otherwise known as a self-opinionated bitch) for Global Fashion News, a cable TV fashion channel. Irrespective of talent or taste, if Grubber said she liked a designer, then that designer's work sold. If she said she didn't like someone's' work, that person was consigned to the dustbin of fashion history.

"Jo dearest, perhaps we'll eat after Karen's show. Shall we take our seats?" I crooked my arm, Jo slipped her arm through mine and we walked into the grand ballroom.

Frau Grubber was sitting imperiously in the seat Karen had designated as mine; a toy poodle, Grubber's I presumed, sat on the next chair, despite all invitations warning that dogs were not allowed into the Chateau. "Who is that slovenly old woman in my seat!" I demanded loudly.

The colour drained from Hildegard's face leaving a patchwork of badly applied makeup over pallid, dry skin. I knew that she took great pride in her exquisite taste and sense of style. Both of which were non existent. I was sure that Hildegard Grubber maintained her position at the top of fashion's notoriously shaky tree by being incredibly bitchy to everyone who didn't kowtow to her. I'll also bet that she knew where a lot of skeletons were hidden and who supplied whom with what illegal item.

I marched over to the now furious woman. "Get out of my seat, old woman!" I demanded. She stood and swung her arm to slap me round the face.

Less than a second later she was on her knees, her arm held painfully behind her back, with Melissa twisting hard. From the sound that her shoulder made as Melissa twisted the arm I was sure that she had ligament damage too.

Rather than realise that she was in no position to offer any resistance, she tried to fight back.

"I'LL KILL YOU, YOU STUPID CUNT! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO I AM!" She screeched, then she tried to kick backwards at Melissa's leg.

With no trouble at all, Melissa slammed Hildegard face down onto the floor. Then, for Hildegard, disaster happened, her wig fell forward.

The audience gasped, cameras flashed, rapidly capturing the scene for the fashion world's consumption the next day.

Hildegard Grubber, tyrant and bully, had just had her innermost secret exposed. She wore a wig. For Hildegard what happened next though was the final nail in her, already closed and sealed coffin. The audience laughed. At her.

I felt that Hildegard's tyranny was at an end. I doubted that anyone who saw those pictures would ever take her seriously again.

Gerry and Sandy escorted Hildegard out of the grand ballroom, Sandy holding the small dog by the scruff of its neck and held it at arm's length. The dog had barked once at Sandy when she picked it up. Sandy had just barked back, louder and much more fiercely. The animal had remained silent after that.

Two of the local women, acting as hostesses and guides this evening, quickly ran small hand-held vacuum cleaners over the two chairs. Karen came to me and smiled. "I'm so glad you decided to attend, Master. Please will you take your seat?" She nodded to Jo, "Mistress, your seat."

Jo and I sat as though we were a royal couple of old, a King and Queen sitting to pass judgement over their subjects. Sasha sat in the position of honour on the other side of the catwalk. I smiled at her; she stuck her tongue out at me. And then she smiled which lifted my heart with joy.

Karen walked to a small lectern at the top of the catwalk and spoke into the microphone.

"Now that our patron, Baron Glastbrook, owner of June's Lingerie Designs, has taken his seat, we can start." She smiled a heart warming smile that seemed to set the audience at ease. "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the first showing of the autumn collection from June's Lingerie Designs."

A girl stepped out onto the catwalk. There was a moment of silence as the audience stared in awe at the pyjama suit, then a collective gasp. Flashlights almost exploded as the press photographers tried to give our model a suntan from the power and number of flashes.

Then the second girl appeared, each outfit was better than the one before, each caused its own sensation within the crowd.

The third girl's appearance had the audience on its feet applauding wildly.

-------

The show should have run for ninety minutes. It took nearly three hours for the girls to model all fifty outfits. The press photographers were the worse; they demanded that the girls travel the catwalk twice, sometimes three times, so that they could get enough shots. Blackberrys in the audience were working overtime as they sent in emails, order after order. None of which asked the price of any of the garments being purchased.

The applause was deafening when Michelle finally returned up the catwalk and disappeared behind the backdrop. Karen came to me and held out her hand, "Please my Master, come and share my, our, success."

Standing, I took her hand and we climbed onto the catwalk and walked its length together. Reaching the backdrop, Lynne saw us and sent all of the models out in the final outfits. They followed us back down the catwalk. Halfway down, the models and I stopped, Karen walked on four or five more steps and then bowed to each side, thanking the audience for their applause and good wishes.

Karen turned, walked back to me and took my hand again. Her eyes sparkled with the excitement of this success. I knew that tonight would lead to huge amounts of hard work for her. But that could wait until tomorrow.

We followed the models backstage. All of the girls were being stripped as soon as they were out of sight of the public. The outfits being hung on tailored hangers and then covered by sealable garment bags.

The girls were too excited to do anything but talk with their friends. Karen went round to each girl, individually congratulating them on their performance during the show and giving each a June nightdress. Not quite as sexy as the outfits they'd modelled, they were, however, still young yet, and free girls too. They had lots of time before they would seriously be using their bodies as weapons in the war of the sexes.

I felt a hand touch my arm, then Sasha rested her head on my shoulder. "She was magnificent tonight, wasn't she?"

I nodded, so filled with pride for my tiny, shy Karen that I didn't trust my voice to work properly.

"Come on, there's food in the main dining room." Sasha led me away; we met up with Jo in the corridor and, arm in arm, the three of us slowly walked to the dining room.

There was a large buffet laid out and we each grabbed a plate and a fork and helped ourselves to the delicacies that tempted us the most. There was a woman holding a bottle of champagne at the end of the table, but Umber came to my rescue carrying a half pint of John Smiths Smooth.

We joined Cecy, Harold, Gerald and Marianne. Placed our plates or drinks on the conveniently arranged tables and joined in their conversation. Richard and Wendy, both returning from late appointments, though Wendy's was in the village and Richard's was in the local hospital, came into the dining room.

"Ms Masterton, I'm glad I caught you. I would like to invite you to a small ceremony tomorrow morning. I am going to offer my slaves their freedom."

Wendy looked at me carefully, probably expecting a trick or trap.

"I'd like to attend if I may," said Richard.

"It will be a pleasure for me to attend ... Boss." Wendy added.

"That's great, we'll look forward to seeing you at," I considered for a moment, "let's say ten o'clock in the small ballroom in the West Wing." I smiled at them, "Cecy, may I impose on you to guide my guests?"

"Of course you can, what on Earth made you think that you had to ask?" she replied happily.

I leaned forward and kissed her, she returned my kiss enthusiastically, "Thank you so much dearest," I said. She smiled at me.

Pulling an odd shaped box out of my pocket, I turned to Sasha, "Sasha, darling, please will you do the honours for my girls?"

Sasha took the box and examined it carefully. It had a grove in which were the words, 'this side to the collar'. On the other side was a small button, above it was written 'unlock'. She took it and pressed it against Jo's collar. A press of the button and Jo's collar fell open. Surprised Jo reached up and caught her collar. It was the first time it had been unlocked in nearly a month.

Jo turned to me, tears in her eyes, "Please Master," she asked, holding out her collar.

Feeling wretched I replied, "Tomorrow morning, my precious." Tears blinding me, I turned and hurried to my bedroom. I lay on the bed, hating myself for the pain I gave to my girls, for the death I had somehow given to Susan and Varinka.

A few minutes, possibly hours, later the bed moved as Sasha lay beside me. She held me and we wept, then we slept.

-------

I woke alone on the bed. I knew Sasha had been beside me because there was a note beside me.



I have things I need to do.

I love you my precious man, and your pain tears me apart.

Know that I will never stop loving you my Darling.

And I cannot wait until I am by your side again.

Your future wife,

your willing and obedient slave,

Sasha.



Knowing that at least one of my Ladies still loved me lifted my heart. I dressed and went into the lounge.

There was a breakfast trolley left for me. I glanced at the clock, it was past nine, I, who usually woke around four or five o'clock, had slept through until past nine o'clock. I ate sparingly, the food lying heavily in my stomach.

I showered; I shaved carefully, wanting to look my best when I freed my slaves. I dressed carefully too. Not too formal, not too casual. Smart, my Ladies deserved the effort in my being smart.

With a long examination in the mirror, and a glance at the clock, ten to ten, I felt nearly ready to face my slaves, the girls I had failed to protect and had hurt so much.

Why was it I felt so bad?



-------

Chapter 62


I braced myself for the ordeal ahead and pushed open the door to the small ballroom. All of my Ladies were waiting for me. Stood side by side in a line, I could easily see the smiles on each of their faces. By the left wall stood Wendy, June, Richard, Gerald, Ross, Helen and Shannon. On the right Paula, Cecy, Harold, Nina, Claudette and Amile watched. Two chairs faced my Ladies, Sasha stood in front of the left hand seat. All eyes were on me as I walked over and stood beside Sasha.

I looked along the row of my Ladies, today all smartly dressed in suits or styles that suited them individually. My Ladies wouldn't have been out of place taking lunch in any of the best restaurants in the world. My heart almost broke as I looked at them for possibly the last time.

"My dearest Ladies," I started, almost unable to speak, my throat constricted with emotion. I did so love these girls. "My loves, today we are going to reward Karen on her success yesterday. Karen's hard work and pure, pure talent will give her huge rewards if she is able to take advantage of her opportunities. So I have decided to free her, to allow her to spread her wings and fly. I wish only the best for my precious girl and I cannot think of any better gift to give her."

Everyone looked at Karen, she wasn't surprised by my announcement, all of the girls knew that I was giving them The Choice again.

With a huge smile on her face Karen stepped forward from the line.

"No!" she said emphatically, "I refuse my freedom. This girl is proud to be a minor slave of my Master."

I was stunned. How on earth could she not accept her freedom?

"My Master, it's because I'm your slave that I have been able to achieve the heights I have. Because of your support and the support and assistance from my sisters that I've completed the amount of work that I have." She looked round at the girls behind her, then turned to me again. "This girl is proud to say that she is slave to her Master, and her Master is the finest Master in the world. Because my Master is Paul, Baron Glastbrook."

With a shrug she slipped her jacket off, a touch to some unseen fastening at her shoulder and her blouse fluttered to the floor, buttons at each hip were undone and her skirt pooled around her ankles. Karen stepped out of her shoes and stood before us all naked.

"I am a slave and, as a slave should, I stand naked before my Master. Master, this unworthy girl begs you to give her your collar." She knelt in front of me, looking up expectantly.

Sasha touched my arm; I looked into her smiling face. "She has made her choice, my love, give your slave her collar."

I took the heavy gold band from Sasha's warm hand and stepped forward. Placing the collar round Karen's neck, I pressed the two halves of the lock together. The CLICK sounded so, so loud in the quiet room.

"This is my girl, she is slave to me. I love this girl." I was astounded that she still wanted to be my slave.

Karen kissed my hand, "Thank you, my Master."

Karen stood and returned to her place in line, head held high and showing no shame at declaring her slavery to me, or her nakedness to the audience.

I looked at the line, now I had to allow each one of them the same choice. It had to start with the lowest girl through to my favourite, Alison to Karolina, so that none of the higher ranking girls could influence the lower ranked girls by their choice.

"Alison, my precious," I said quietly.

Alison came and stood in front of me. "My Master, you asked me to find a reward that was for me alone. I thought about asking to be excused from The Choice, to always know that I was your girl, the only one who was yours until I died. However I decided against that for two reasons; first, that by doing so, I might rob another girl of the chance of being excused The Choice. Secondly, I thought about what I," she looked round at her friends, "what we, say to you when we make this choice. We, your slaves, tell you that we love you and want to continue belonging to the best Master any of us has ever heard about. We tell you that we trust you and are happy to place our very lives in your hands. We pledge that we will be the best slaves that we can be, for as we slaves are raised in status above other slaves, so is our Master raised above the other Masters."

She too undressed, unhurriedly but purposefully. Naked, she knelt before me, raised her chin and offered me her collar., "Please my Master, collar this girl, your devoted slave."

I took her collar and slipped it round her neck, with a CLICK she too renewed her enslavement.

Em stepped forward next. "My dearest Master, it is now one month and one day since you allowed me to be temporarily enslaved. It is now my right, by your own words, to ask for my collar." She undressed and knelt. Looking me straight in the eyes she asked, "Please my beloved Master, collar this girl and let her fully into your family."

Sasha touched my arm again, I looked down and a saw that she was holding out a new leather collar. I was certain that it would fit Em perfectly. I glanced across at Ross and saw him almost laughing. He'd warned me that this might be the consequence of my desire to have Em available that night. He'd been right, and now it was my turn to pay.

I took the proffered collar and slipped it around Em's neck. The leather was soft and supple, belying its obvious thickness. As I tucked the end of the collar back into the buckle Em turned her head and kissed my hand.

"Thank you my Master, I know I'm safe now."

Then I remembered Jill, she too was now eligible to ask for her collar. Fortunately she was still in London, overseeing the renovations to the Crynos.

Jo stepped forward as Em stood.

She looked at the gold collar in Sasha's hands and licked her lips. I remembered how distraught she'd been when Sasha had unlocked it yesterday. I was surprised that she wasn't already on her knees begging for its replacement. Perhaps she would be the first to ask for freedom.

Jo didn't bother with niceties. She just ripped her dress off and dropped to her knees. She walked on her knees the last few feet to me and then she did beg. "Oh my Master, please, please give me back my collar. I am lost without the comfort that belonging to you has brought me. Please Master, I beg, I really beg you for this." She took her collar from Sasha's out stretched hands and held it up on trembling hands. Quickly I took the collar and snapped it around her neck. She sagged onto me, tears running freely. "Oh thank you Master, thank you. I've been so cold and lonely not knowing if you'd let me continue to be your slave.

I helped Jo stand up and she returned to the line, both hands pressed against her collar as though it was a lifeline for her. I don't know, perhaps it was.

Then I got another surprise. Jill burst through the door. "I'm not too late, am I?" she cried, desperation evident in her voice.

I smiled and shook my head, "No Jill darling, you're not too late. Did you have something you wanted to ask me?"

Jill hurried forward and knelt. "Master, I have waited patiently as you ordered me. A month has passed and I now ask that you collar me as your slave."

I turned to Sasha, smiling she held up another new leather collar. This must have been the task that drove her from our bed so early this morning.

I took Jill's collar and buckled it around her neck.

"Thank you Master," Jill's eyes shone with anticipation, excitement and, possibly a little concern over her future.

"Welcome to our family, Jill darling." I lifted her to her feet and kissed her. She returned my kiss with fire and passion.

Karolina came and guided Jill to the correct place in the line. Jill, seeing that the only other collared girls were naked, quickly undressed.

Lynne turned and kissed Jill. "Welcome sister," she said. She then stepped to Em and kissed her with just as much passion. "Welcome sister," she said to Em before stepping forward to kneel in front of me. She looked up at me, a huge smile on her face, "Please my Master, collar your girl and let me continue to serve the Master I love." She held up her collar balanced on steady hands.

"Dearest Lynne, I would like to offer you a place in our home for as long as you want to stay with us. I want you to become a matron, a mother to the younger girls. Your work will really start when Karolina's project ends. Then I'd like you to start teaching and training the younger girls, bring out the best in them." I asked hopefully.

Alas my hopes were to be dashed.

"My Master, I can do all of that while enjoying the comfort and security of knowing you as my Master. Why would this girl wish freedom from her beloved Master?" She too knelt as the others had before and held out her collar. "Please my dearest Master, collar your slave."

Again I took her collar and locked it around her neck.

Smiling, head held high to show off her collar, Lynne walked back to the line. Melissa stepped forward and dropped her dress on the floor. She smiled at me and my heart warmed.

"Master, this girl is pleased to be your bodyguard. It is a position of high responsibility. I am fulfilled when I serve you," she held up her collar, "Please Master, collar this girl, your obedient slave."

Melissa rose and returned to the line, she too kissed both Em and Jill, caressing a bared breast on each as she did so, a welcome and an implication of their new relationship.

Umber stepped forward, but now I was again used to the idea that these girls, despite their obvious intelligence, might want to belong to me. I loved them and only wanted the best for them. They had decided that the best for them was to belong to me.

Umber knelt, watching me as I ruminated. She'd discarded her clothing with the ease of long practice and knelt without fear or shame until I was ready.

Smiling, Umber held up her leather collar. Sweat stained, but cleaned and polished, this was the collar of a working girl, not a pampered favourite. "Please my Master, collar this lowly girl as your slave."

I took her collar, felt the smooth worn surface, its suppleness and strength. "This collar is a little like you, dearest Umber. It looks quite ordinary, shows that its hard working, but it has a beauty that only someone who took the time to really look will see. It is strong, yet flexible enough to bend when it needs to. It does its job without fuss, without complaint. I'm proud beyond words that you feel that I am good enough to be your Master."

I buckled the old stained collar around its owner's waiting neck. Umber smiled widely, her pleasure plain for all to see. Umber kissed Em and Jill, welcoming them as sisters, then stepped back into line.

Alina stepped forward, her long face, pale complexion and deep set eyes showing her Slavic roots. She too undressed as she came to me.

"Please Master, when am I going to enjoy your bed again? I haven't tasted you for so long." She reached forward and slid her hand over my hardening cock. I heard the audience snigger at this quite reasonable, to Alina anyway, question.

"Soon, my dearest Alina, soon. Then I will be able to taste you too," I said with a smile.

"Oh no my Master, it is my privilege to pleasure my Master, you should take your pleasure from your toys. If we feel the need then our sisters can provide us with our satisfaction."

"I'm afraid that if you're my slave you'll just have to put up with me satisfying you too," I replied.

Theatrically she sighed, "If I have too my Master, just for you." She grinned widely at me. The scamp held up her hands with her gold collar laid across her palms. "Please my dearest Master, this girl asks that you collar her as your slave."

I took the collar and locked it around her slender throat. Alina quickly turned and kissed my hand. "I love you Master," she whispered for my ears alone.

"I love you too, precious girl," I replied.

Alina almost skipped back to the line, she paused to kiss Em and Jill as the others had done, but she made sure that I saw her slip her hand between her new sister's legs, teasing both with nimble fingers and a probing tongue.

I smiled at Alina's shameless behaviour, she saw me and laughed.

With dignity beyond her years, Julia stepped forward. She dropped her smart blouse and skirt and approached me, confidant in her nudity. She looked around at the line, Alina standing as provocatively as she could, almost begging me to throw her on the floor and screw her there and then. Umber touching her precious leather collar, looking at me with a shy smile, Karen looking at Jill and Em, studying their body shapes, dreaming up new outfits to make.

She turned back to me, "You have a diverse group of girls, my Master. Each and every one of us loves you more than life itself. We only want to give you our best, to please you as you so easily please us, to entertain you as you entertain us, to look after you as you look after us and to love you as you love us."

She looked round again, this time she focused on Jo. "Please my Master, take Jo down to the dungeons. You are so kind to us, and this makes it ... difficult ... for her to achieve her satisfaction." Julia lowered her voice, "I know she sneaks down there some nights, I bet she has fantasies of being hung and whipped." Julia shrugged, "We may not understand Jo's feelings or desires, but to her they are as real and ordinary as my feelings and desires are to me."

Finished, she knelt, "If it will please my Master, collar your devoted slave." She held up her gold collar.

I took her collar and locked it around her throat. "I'll think about it, dearest."

She smiled and darted forward to kiss me. "Thank you Master." She walked back into line, stopping by Em and Jill she kissed both. "Welcome sisters," she said.

Karolina came forward next, the last in line, my favourite. I had always been surprised that the other girls never seemed to get jealous of Karolina's position, or my obvious favouritism. And Karolina never showed any jealousy over Sasha either.

I opened my arms as Karolina came close, she pressed her naked body to mine and we kissed. Breaking our kiss she lay her head on my shoulder. "Last days bin biggest bad Boss," she wiped a tear from her eye on my jacket. "You bin feel all responsible on you for long time now, since Momma die. These thing is not you responsible, is bastard policemens." She stepped back and looked at me and Sasha. "Boss an' Mrs. Boss need know slave girls love Master biggest. Do anything for Master 'n' Mistress."

Karolina knelt, "Please my Master, collar your slave." The same words I'd heard so long ago, learned by rote and spoken clearly. I took her heavy gold collar with its magnificent diamond and closed it around her neck, the CLICK of the lock setting seemed so loud in the suddenly quiet room.

I looked up and was surprised, no shocked, to see that June and Wendy had joined the low status end of the line. A little nervously Wendy stood beside Jill and June stood beside her.

"Look like Boss got new girls," said Karolina with a smile. "Dey learn soon 'nough."

Karolina walked slowly back into line, she too kissed Em and Jill, she looked at June and Wendy but moved to the other end of the line and took her place.

Wendy stepped forward, undressed nervously, and knelt in front of me. "Master, I was wrong to ask for my freedom. I keep getting things wrong, things that should be obvious to me. I miss being in my place, in my place in a family. I ask that you collar me and bring me into your family. Maybe I can begin to correct the wrongs I've done."

A soft touch on my arm told me that Sasha had a spare collar. I took it and buckled the thick leather around Wendy's neck. "Join us then, Wendy," I said. This seemed to please her. She smiled and walked back to her place in line.

Karolina cleared her throat meaningfully.

"Oh!" exclaimed Wendy. "Sorry." She turned to Jill and they pressed their bodies together and joined in a deep passionate kiss. One by one she went along the line kissing, being kissed, and groped, by each of her new sisters.

A little wobbly she walked back to her place in line.

June stepped forward and, clothed, stood in front of me.

'She's going to choose freedom!' I thought.

"Baron, I have made my choice," June said in a loud clear voice.

I smiled, another girl saved from the Count.

"I choose freedom," she said clearly.

"Then I free you, June. What is your name, freewoman?" I asked, pleased that I'd saved another girl from Alex.

June never said a word, instead she went and stood back in line, at the very end of the line.

Karolina stepped forward, "Me Master, 'nother girl want collar. She name be June." Karolina turned to June, "Strip you like slave should be."

WHAT!!!

I'd just freed the girl, what was Karolina talking about?

Sasha tapped my arm again and pressed a collar into my hand. I turned and stared at her, she knew about this!

"Turn and collar your new slave, dearest," Sasha whispered to me.

Dumbfounded I turned, June knelt in front of me head held high looking expectantly at the collar in my hand.

"But I just freed you," I said stupidly.

"You freed me from my old master. I chose you as my Master. I have been enslaved all my life. The freedom you offered frightened me, so I asked if I could offer myself to you. Karolina and Mistress Sasha told me how." She smiled at me, a sweet, nervous smile, afraid of being rejected and left out in the freedom that frightened her so much.

I smiled back. "Welcome to our family, June," I said as I buckled her collar tightly around her neck.

"Thank you my Master," she replied.

June stood and returned to the line. We watched as she kissed her way along the line of her sister-slaves. Bright eyed and a little flushed, she returned to her position, standing proudly with the rest of her sisters.

Looking at my girls I thought for a moment, I could see our audience watching us expectantly. "Wendy, come here." I ordered, not too sharply.

Wendy ran to kneel in front of me again, she looked up expectantly.

"Wendy, your current mission is the same, find who killed my girls. No effort is to be spared, if you need any help or assistance don't ask for it, demand it. I will back you up all the way. When you have found these bastards I have other jobs for you." I smiled at her, "I'm going to work your arse off."

She smiled at that.

"And it's such a lovely arse," I continued.

"And when is my Master going to pull this, so wonderful, arse into his bed and use its owner?" she asked with a grin.

I turned to Sasha, "Are all of my slaves this randy?" I asked.

"Can we make it a threesome?" Sasha asked in reply.

"Ummmm..." I turned back. Sometimes I really don't know what to do with my women.

"Go back into line you randy girl." I gestured Wendy away.

Wendy, with a grin and maintaining eye contact for as long as she could, leaned forward and closed her mouth over my, now erect, cock. Her lips clamping tightly onto the cloth of my trousers as she held me in her mouth.

"Ohhhh..." she murmured as she massaged me gently. With a sigh she released me and leant back on her heels. "That's nice. I can't wait to suck it properly." With a laugh she stood and walked back to her place in line, swinging her hips as she went. We could all smell her excitement.

Her sister-slaves looked over at her, whispering and giggling together

I frowned at my girls, it didn't do any good, they just continued their whispering and giggling.

I looked at my watch, we'd been in here nearly three hours.

"Alison!" I called.

"Yes my Master," she replied as she ran to me.

"Attend to Gerald. I think he may need your assistance this afternoon." I ordered.

"Yes my Master," she replied with a grin. Then she ran over to stand behind Gerald, waiting to help him with his music.

"Julia, Umber, attend me. The rest of you have things to do I believe." Julia and Umber ran to my side, Lynne and Jill picked up the discarded clothing and with the others left the room quickly, but most certainly not quietly. I didn't know if they did have any jobs to do, I knew they always seemed busy, and things certainly got done. But I don't know who actually did what. Still I'm sure it sounded as though I knew what I was doing, that's the main thing.

"So four new slaves dearest." Sasha commented with a smirk. "Have you ever had any success in freeing your slaves?"

"Not mine," I answered. "I managed to free a few of Alex's though," I continued, grinning at the thought.

She stroked my cheek and then kissed me. "But you still keep trying to free them don't you. And that's one of the reasons I love you."

"Now I need a word with Cecy and Harold," I said. I didn't really relish the request I had to make, I hated imposing on people.

"Yes," said Sasha.

"Yes what?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, we can stay for as long as we need to." She smiled at me, "They both told me that the night the girls were found."

"Oh, in that case, I need to see them to thank them."

"Already done that, Cecy sends a kiss," she kissed me, very passionately.

"Umm ... that was nice. Can I have another?" I asked.

"You can have as many as you want, my dearest," she replied pressing her body against mine. We kissed again and were interrupted by Gerald walking into the wall by the door. Alison and Sung Lu were racing to him, trying to prevent the accident, but both were too far away to save Gerald from the consequences of his distraction.

Sasha giggled, "He must be in the middle of another song."

Alison and Sung Lu guided their charge through the door and away to his room.

Richard came up to us, a little more diffidently than he normally approached people. "That was one of the most remarkable things I've ever seen," he said, almost breathless. "Absolutely amazing, they just didn't care who saw them give themselves to you. They actually seemed proud." He shook his head in disbelief.

"They are proud Richard," said Sasha, "because he makes them proud. He's instilled self-confidence and self-belief in these girls. Umber escaped death by one day, now she worships the ground he walks on." She looked at me, her own pride self evident.

"Just talk about me as though I wasn't here won't you," I said with a frown.

"OK," Richard answered then he and Sasha wandered off, still talking about me.

"Well, that didn't work as I'd intended, did it?" I said quietly to myself.

"No Master," agreed Julia by my side.

I looked down at Julia and Umber kneeling either side of me, both girls were looking up at me with huge grins on their faces.

"I'll deal with you two later," I growled.

"Ohhh yyyeeeeesssssss please!" groaned Umber.

Julia nodded, licking her lips. I noticed that her nipples had sprung into life, standing hard and proud.

Ummm, I'm going to have to buy a book that tells me how women think.

I wandered slowly back to my bedroom and undressed, I wanted a swim. It was quite hot this time of day but I still wanted the relaxation that swimming gave me.

Jill entered the room, "Master," she said, her voice filled with emotion, "I've missed you so much."

I opened my arms and we hugged, she reached up and we kissed, my hands stroking her smooth, soft skin.

I felt her nipples rise into hardness as my cock erected and pressed its way between her legs. Jill raised one leg, rubbing her knee against my hip, to allow me full access. I picked her up and she wrapped her long legs around my waist. A small, warm hand guided me into Jill's scolding tunnel and she settled down, filled to her core.

I slowly walked to the bed and laid her down, she remained clinging onto me, arms and legs wrapped tightly around my body. We kissed slowly, deeply, exploring each other and letting the other explore us.

Jill's vagina started squeezing, then a rhythmic pulsing, almost milking sensation began. Hardly moving we lay together, the weight of my body pressing her down onto the soft bed. She kissed and licked me, clutching me tightly as though afraid that I would leave her.

Slowly Jill started thrusting at me with her hips, a slow smooth stroke moving less than an inch at a time. I started moving in counterpoint again slowly, smoothly, a gentle rhythm. Jill threw back her head, giving herself to the sensations. She groaned, an animalistic sound, raw and primal. We increased our tempo and suddenly we were hammering at each other's body, our passion and need overpowering our desire to 'make love' to the other. This descended into pure fucking.

Sweat dripping from our bodies we writhed on the bed. One moment I was on top, the next Jill looked down at me, her mouth twisted into a feral grimace. She cried out loudly, unintelligible sounds torn from the depths of her being. Her cunt grabbed onto my invading cock and squeezed and sucked. A flood of girl cum soaked my abdomen and thighs. This was too much and I came, pumping a flood of semen into her waiting, wanting body. Again and again I thrust against her, trying to bury my soul in her welcoming cunt.

Sweat streaked hair fell across my face as she almost collapsed onto me, pressing down on me, her knees pulled up almost to my armpits. Jill smiled down at me, "I knew it was going to be this good, I just knew it." She panted a little from her exertions as she lay on my chest.

"Thank you Jill, dearest, that was wonderful. I haven't had this release since Susan and Varinka..."

"I know," Jill interrupted. She looked down at me, "Why do you think Sasha and Cecile sent me in here?" she asked with a grin.

"Ummm ... I think spankings are called for."

"Ohhh yeah!" said Jill grinding her vagina on my rapidly shrinking erection.

This had the unwanted, but expected, result of me falling from her warmth. Moments later a warm gush of semen fell from her recently vacated tunnel covering me with its cooling stickiness.

Suddenly a red hot tongue swiped across my balls, one of my girls was cleaning me, while my lover still lay on me. This, I thought with a small smile, is true decadence.

-------

There was a buzz in the air, something was happening and it felt like something big. Richard was back in the village square examining the tree, the boules ground and the surface of the road. Wendy was all over the village, talking to people and having people brought to her to go over parts of their statements. The surprising thing was that there were no complains, only a steely determination that the culprits be caught. Punishment would be handled locally, the Gendarmes and Magistrates had enough work; the people of Martinè would look after these criminals themselves.

In the village I walked slowly along the main street, Umber and Julia beside me, Melissa two or three steps behind. People seemed used to naked girls walking through their village, using the shops and cafés. The men and youths seemed determined that my girls would be protected at any cost. As we walked, a group of six villagers went before and after us. I also spotted men walking along the side streets, keeping pace with us. I pointed this out to my girls.

"You're being protected," I said quietly.

"We know," said Umber, "it is only our right as your slaves to be well protected by the villagers. They are honouring us and through us they honour you, our Master." She spoke with quiet assurance that she was right.

In the lace workshop Karen and Marianne were examining bolts of cloth. This had obviously been delivered from another weaver. Karen was splitting the cloth into two piles, one large, and on the floor. The other much smaller and carefully placed on a table. This second pile was the cloth that Karen found acceptable, the other pile was not.

I looked round the workstations, the quality of the lace being produced was very impressive, much better than when Karen had first come here. By demanding top quality output, and not accepting anything less, she'd driven these lace makers to exceed their own standards, to become far better than any of them had ever hoped to be. Just looking at Marianne anyone could see that she was in awe of her little Mistress.

Out on the street again I saw that Wendy and Richard were both slowly heading in the same direction, toward the outskirts of the village. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach; that was the area where Lynne had humiliated the old woman when we'd first visited the village.

Soon a tiny lane was cordoned off. Wendy came out of a small dark cottage at the end of the lane and approached me. "Master, I must request that you do not come in yet. We have found where our sisters met their end. There is another body in there..."

"The old woman?" I interrupted.

"Yes Master, Madam Reinard," Wendy confirmed.

I now felt that we were getting closer to the actual perpetrators of the crime, the real murderers. Satisfied now, I took my girls back to the Chateau. Obviously the news had beaten me back and the whole household was aware of the breakthrough. Though dinner was quiet that evening, I felt better and slept better than I had for days.

-------

Early in the morning Richard and Wendy arranged a short presentation for us. We took our seats with mounting anticipation.

Richard was the first to stand. "Good morning all. I have news. Some good, some bad and a lot very puzzling. We," he gestured to Wendy and the Inspector, "now know who killed Susan and Varinka."

He pressed a switch and the projector lit up, showing a picture of Susan. Richard turned to the displayed picture, then back to us. "She did!" he said.



-------

Chapter 63


"WHAT!" Sasha exclaimed.

There was a loud babble in the room as those present tried to understand this shocking news.

I looked down, both Julia and Umber were looking up at me questioningly. I smiled at them and caressed their cheeks.

Holding his hands up, Richard tried to silence his audience. "Please, please let me finish."

Finally he got the silence he needed. "We have proof that Susan killed Varinka. She did this by breaking her neck. I believe that the blow was struck so suddenly, and with such force, that Varinka never knew what happened."

Richard adjusted his notes and pressed a mouse button. The picture changed to an x-ray of a neck, one of the vertebrae was quite clearly broken, twisted and displaced. "With damage such as this, death must have been instantaneous." He shook his head, "How Susan managed to inflict so much damage I do not know, but she did."

The picture changed again, this time close-ups of both Susan and Varinka's mouths. "I took these with UV lighting and some special filters, the bruising shows up quite well."

We looked and it became clear to us what Richard was showing us. Varinka had a bruise on and around her lips. Susan had a mirror image bruise; they'd been kissing when Susan broke Varinka's neck.

The picture changed again, this time two more x-rays, one showing the upper teeth of one of the girls, the second an enhanced blown-up image of the area where it was obvious that three teeth were missing. There was surprisingly little damage around the sockets.

"I know some dentists who wish they could extract teeth with so little damage to the surrounding bone and tissue." Richard seemed almost impressed at Susan's skill. He looked at us, "How are we so sure that Susan did it?" the picture changed to a close up of Varinka's scalp. Neatly incised were the words, 'I did this - Su'.

The picture changed again, this time some of the audience turned away, close-ups of either side of Susan's neck were shown. A neat slit had been driven deep into the neck, severing the carotid artery on both sides.

"This is how Susan committed suicide. She used one of Varinka's incisors to open the artery. Two quick blows and she would have bled to death in only a few minutes.

"And now the question you're all wanting to ask, why!" The picture changed again, another close up of Varinka's scalp with the words, 'old woman drug us'. "Now let me pass you over to Wendy, she has a story to tell you." Richard sat and Wendy came to the lectern.

Wendy looked at me, "With your permission, Master." I nodded. "On Tuesday morning Susan and Varinka went into the village, Pont du Martinè. They went into the lace workshop with Karen and stayed, talking and looking at the clothes being made, for nearly ten minutes. Then they left and continued on along the main street towards the home of Madam Reinard. She was the villager that Varinka had found who could speak Russian. And it was she who Lynne had humiliated during her first visit to the village. Madam Reinard had a reputation for harbouring grudges." She looked around, Cecy and Harold were nodding. "Well, Madam Reinard was approached by this man," a poor image of a man in quarter profile, obviously part of the background to another picture, was shown. "He's a Parisian reporter, a freelance. We know who he is but not where he is."

Wendy looked at the Inspector who shook his head.

"The two girls went to Madam Reinard's cottage where they were given glasses of homemade lemonade. These drinks were drugged and the girls succumbed quite quickly." Now Wendy looked a little uncomfortable. "Now I am surmising what happened."

She looked at me and I smiled at her, encouraging her to continue.

"The girls were dragged down into the basement and locked into an empty storeroom. There they came round from the drugs, probably about twelve or one o'clock that night." Wendy sighed, "I think that Madam Reinard stood outside the door and tormented the girls with threats of what was going to be done to them when ... well, someone, arrived. It was then that Susan took Varinka's life and then her own."

Wendy took a sip of water and picked up her notes again. "When they arrived the girls were already dead. They took out their anger on the girls' bodies."

Wendy and I shuddered as we remembered the sight of Susan and Varinka's broken bodies.

Wendy continued, "Then they took their anger out on Madam Reinard. She, though, was alive, when they started anyway."

Wendy turned away, I stood and took her in my arms, led her to my seat and she sat on my lap and cried.

The inspector stood, "Mademoiselle Masterton is right to be shocked. The things that they did to your girls, Baron, do not compare to the torments endured by Madam Reinard."

Richard stood again, "You were right when you said that there wasn't enough blood Paul. That was because all of the," he paused for a moment to find the right word, "the injuries were inflicted post mortem. Susan had cheated her assailants out of their real objective, which we," he gestured to the Inspector and Wendy, "believe was to film the girls being tortured to death and, most probably, send you a copy. They had a digital camcorder, lights tripod, everything they needed. They used it on Madam Reinard instead."

"Thank you Inspector, Richard, Wendy. Now do you know who actually inflicted these ... injuries?" I asked. They all shook their heads.

"No Baron, we don't, nor do we yet have any clues," answered the Inspector.

"This reporter," I started.

"Luc Belvior," interrupted Wendy.

"Luc Belvior, I want him. I want to know as soon as he reappears. I know that he will, I want to know when he does." I had plans for Luc, he was going to be the first to find out what I'm really like when I'm angry.

"Wendy, I want you to continue looking for the people who did this. I want them found. If you need any help just tell us. We all want to see justice." I didn't just want justice, I wanted retribution. I wanted to send a clear message, 'Fuck with me and you suffer for the rest of your very short life'.

The meeting broke up then. Wendy and the Inspector left for the village again, Richard to his room. Sasha, my ladies and I went out to the pool. I wanted to think and I found that swimming relaxed me and helped me think. And now I really needed to think clearly and precisely.

I dove into the water and started my laps.

-------

Karolina, Ela and Lynne came into our lounge looking tired but very, very happy.

"Hi Boss," said Ela as she leant forward for a kiss.

I happily kissed her and kissed Karolina and Lynne too.

"We've had more success than we had any right to hope for," Ela continued.

"Can you tell me?" I inquired.

"Not yet Boss, but I think that you're gonna piss yourself laughing when we do."

This intrigued me. I wouldn't pursue the matter though. I knew that there was a real reason that I was being kept ignorant of what these three were up to. I knew that Sasha had known something of what they'd planned, but each of my girls had given Sasha ten pounds as a retainer and any information Sasha had was now 'privileged' and in law she couldn't be forced to divulge anything that she knew.

I looked at Ela, her skin looked a little pale and flabby.

"Girl!" I called.

"Master," replied Umber who was already at my side.

"I want Em and the inspection table. And someone ask Sasha if she could come in too."

"Yes Master!" Umber called as she ran off.

Moments later Julia and Alison came in carrying the low, wide table we used for inspecting the slaves. They placed this in the centre of the room's free space. We would have plenty of room around the table. I looked and saw that two tapes had already been placed a yard apart. The girls feet had to be outside of these tapes when she was inspected.

Em hurried in and came to kneel beside me. Moments later Sasha strolled through the door. Her nonchalance might have been more convincing were she not breathing heavily and flushed from her exertions.

"Hi precious. You needn't have hurried, I was going to wait for you." I said as I leaned forward to kiss her.

"Who said I hurried?" she asked.

Umber, at my feet, sniggered.

"Errr..." I procrastinated.

"OK, so I did hurry," she pouted, a real pout too, I was impressed, "but only a little," she continued.

This caused both Em and Umber to bow their heads as they desperately tried to suppress snorts of disbelief.

Sasha glared down at both of them.

"Shall we inspect the girls?" I asked, trying to get out of a sticky situation.

"Ela," I gestured toward the table.

"Boss, I'm an employee not a slave," Ela retorted.

"Get your fucking arse on that table, feet over the tapes!" I understood now why Ela smiled when she yelled and cursed at people, it's a great stress reliever.

"OK, OK, keep your knickers on." Ela mumbled something about tyrannical employers and downtrodden wage slaves needing to join a union as she slipped her clothes off and stepped onto the table.

"Em," I gestured for Em to join me as Sasha and I examined Ela.

Ela had lost about six or seven pounds. Her skin tone was poor and her personal grooming, head and pubic hair especially, was also poor. I ran my hands over her thighs. Her muscles didn't have that toned firm feeling that I was used to. I reached up and ran my hand over Ela's arm, it too had lost tone.

"You've lost weight and muscle tone Ela," I said.

"I know Boss, but what we did was important, very important," she replied.

I gave her bum a not-too-gentle slap. "Get down, I've got real slaves to look at."

"Ain't life a bitch Boss," said Ela, smirking as she stepped off the table.

I gave her bum another smack, she just turned a bit and, laughing, offered me the other cheek.

"Karolina, on the table," I ordered.

Karolina just stepped up and positioned herself correctly.

Karolina had also lost weight and muscle tone. Though her pubic mound was completely hairless, her scalp showed signs of neglect. Even her collar hung loosely on her neck.

"Oh Karolina darling, what have you done to yourself?" I asked.

"Not did nothing me Master. Just sat eated burger 'n' noodle pot 'n' arse get fatter." She answered.

Karolina got her bum smacked too. She smirked too. One day these girls are going to tremble in fear at my righteous wrath.

Maybe.

I looked round at the happy smiling faces of my girls and Sasha.

There again, maybe not.

I gestured to Karolina for her to get down. She stepped down and stood next to her friend Ela. While Karolina was acknowledged as my favourite, she and I did have a special relationship, I knew that she loved Ela and that love was returned. I was going to try to let them have their relationship together. It would break my heart to lose Karolina, but I loved her far too much to stand in the way of her happiness.

Without a word Lynne stood on the table, feet over the tapes waiting, with a guilty expression, for my judgement.

If anything Lynne was in a worse condition than the other two. Her weight loss was more pronounced and her hair showed obvious signs of neglect both on her pubic region and head.

"Oh Lynne dearest, what have you been doing?" I asked, almost in shock. I had seen Lynne the other day when all of the girls renewed their commitment to me, but I hadn't really looked at her, not to see the weight loss, the sagging breasts and loose skin that she now had. My heart cried out for her. While none of my girls were classic beauties, they all had an inner glow of happiness. When they smiled they could light up your heart with their joy. They were all fit and toned, eating properly and exercising daily.

I felt guilty for their weight loss, while I had checked on the food being delivered to their small offices; I hadn't thought to check what was being left on the plates and trays. I should have been checking on them more often, made sure that they were alright.

Sasha touched my arm, "This isn't your fault. These girls were doing a very important job, one that they had to do and one that needed all three of them to do it properly. You told Lynne to look after them, well she's become part of their project. All three of them were working all the time for over three weeks, I'm actually surprised that they look so well, not that they look so bad."

She kissed me tenderly, "I know that you're blaming yourself for the way they look, but remember the smiles they had when they came in here. They're proud of what they're doing and happy with the results so far, reward them as you were going to do, and let them rest for a while."

I returned her kiss, "You're right of course," I said, looking at the three girls in front of me.

"You three are treasures. You are to be praised not punished, thanked not scolded, loved not looked on with distain." I went to Ela and hugged her, "Ela, dearest lady, forgive me."

"Boss, there ain't anything to forgive. You were worried about us, no need for forgiveness for trying to look after us, is there?" she said, smiling and caressing my cheek. "Besides I got a quick groping and that was OK."

I slid my hand down her back and made sure that this groping was more than just OK.

Breaking free of Ela I turned to Karolina, "My dearest girl, how can I beg forg..."

She placed her finger on my lips, "Me Master, worry 'bout slave girl. That good. Master not needs to sorry to girl. Girl know me have good Master. That enough for this girl."

I leant in and we kissed tenderly, she rested her body against mine and surrendered herself to my attentions. When we broke apart her eyes were bright and she licked her lips lustfully. Her hard nipples showed the level of her desire.

Lynne looked at me and I saw a tear fall. "This girl failed her Master and is ready for her punishment." She stood tall and proud, "This girl accepts whatever her Master decides is to be her fate."

I knew that from some masters that could easily be a messy pain filled death.

"And this Master is proud of his girl Lynne and the way that his girl is carrying out the terrible job he asked her to do." Now it was my turn to caress her cheek. She leant into my palm and kissed it. "This Master didn't know of the full difficulties that his girl would face doing the task he set her and he is proud of the way that his girl has fulfilled her tasks."

I pulled Lynne to me and turned us to face the rest of my girls. "This is my girl Lynne," I stated loudly and clearly. "And I want you all to know how proud I am of her." I turned her and kissed her too. She returned my kiss enthusiastically.

"Now," I said, "as we are all here and the inspection table is out I'll inspect all of my girls."

This, strangely, raised smiles on all of their faces.

But Elastic spoiled our fun, she entered the room, "Boss, Em's needed down at the front gates. It's one of Gerald's band, Jamie. He's in a pretty bad shape."

Em turned toward the door closest to her sick room.

"No Em!" I shouted, "You get down there now, Melissa will get your bag."

Em turned and ran toward the main staircase, the fastest way to get to the front gate. Melissa, ran to get Em's medical bag. I knew that Melissa would probably beat Em down to the gate, even with the extra distance and carrying the heavy bag. Melissa was just so far ahead of all of us in her personal fitness.

I turned and went to find Gerald. He was, as usual in the afternoon, in his room composing. Sung Lu was with him. She didn't look up when I entered without knocking, she probably recognised my footsteps while I was still in the corridor.

"Gerald," I spoke quietly in this most silent of all rooms, but he heard me easily. He looked up at me.

"Jamie's here. He's in bad shape, Em's gone down to see if she can help. I think that..." That was as far as I got, he was out of the door with Sung Lu only behind him because she chose to be. Sung Lu was a higher class than Melissa.

I thought for a moment, Ross was here! Why the hell didn't anyone think of him, he's a medical professor at a teaching hospital for fuck sake!

I ran to Ross and Helen's rooms. Bursting in the door I saw Shannon look up in fright. Seeing me, she settled but the shock had paled her complexion.

"Shannon darling, where are Ross and Helen?" I asked as gently as I could while panting hard.

Shannon pointed to a door, the bedroom, this time I knocked. I didn't wait for a call for me to enter but went straight in. Ross was pleasuring his wife, laying between her legs giving her a thundering orgasm from the sounds she was making.

I hated to do this but moments might make all the difference. "ROSS!" He almost jumped off the bed. He twisted round to face the intruder in his bedroom, I was much more used to people wandering round my supposedly private accommodations than Ross or Helen were.

"You're needed down at the front gate," he started slipping on his trousers as I spoke, "one of Gerald's friends is in a bad way. Em is on her way with a medical kit and I can get a gurney down there in five minutes." Now Helen was dressing, well she slipped a dress over her head and put her shoes on, job done. Helen was out of the door before Ross, but, at the speed he left, I'm sure he'd have caught her before they got to the gate.

I went out to collect Shannon and arrange for any help that our medics needed. Shannon jumped into my arm hugging me tightly.

"What's happening Granddad?" she asked quite reasonably.

"One of Gerald's friends is by the front gate and he's sick or hurt. I don't know any more than that. Now will you come with me and we'll go to the sick room to see if we can help by sending things down to Mummy Helen and Daddy Ross?"

"Ok Granddad," she gave me another squeezing hug and I lowered her to the floor. Hand in hand we walked quickly to the sick room. We needn't have bothered. Sandy was there with a security phone, she and two other marines were getting the room ready.

Sandy saw me, "It's ok Boss, got two scablifters (note 1) helping me, we've already got our instructions from Em, and Ross has backed her up. I think Helen is coming here to scrub up."

"Thanks, Sandy, we'll get out of your way then." Sandy and the scabliftters smiled at us and we left. I knew Jamie must be in a bad way if Helen was coming in to scrub up. Doctors did that before surgery.

We walked to the front of the building and watched. We couldn't see much, a huddle of bodies that's all, I don't know if Shannon had ever seen her new parents working before.

I suddenly had a thought, what about the other two members of the group? Where were they and were they in danger?

I went back to Gerald's room and started looking for his phone.

"What are you looking for, Granddad?" Shannon asked.

"Gerald's phone, I want to try and call the other two members of the Screaming Monkeys."

"Weeelllll, he's a man, so it should be just..." She reached down by the side of a chair, "Here!" she exclaimed as she held up an iPhone.

"Thank you so much, precious." I kissed her too.

I took the phone from her and tapped on it's screen, "Bugger, it's locked."

"And?" Shannon said dismissively, "it's only an iPhone."

I looked blankly at her, she sighed and held out her hand. "Let me do it," she said with weary resignation over the uselessness of the terminally old.

"See, you have to be able to make an emergency call, so we start there and there's a bug in that bit that they haven't fixed yet and if you just do this ... and this ... then it's open." She held up the phone and it was showing the contacts list. "Which number do you want?"

"Errr..." I was stymied.

"You don't know?"

"I was hoping that I'd find a clue in the phone," I said, even to me that sounded feeble.

"Good idea," she started tapping and sliding again. "Not in the last four weeks but a lot before that and then breaks when they're all together.

"Here," she said, handing me the phone, "I think it's one of these four."

I took the phone and looked at the names and numbers, only one stood out, 'Split Pin'. It almost sounded rock 'n' rollish, sort of. I tapped that number and tapped again to connect.

Moments later the phone rang. It rang three times before the call was picked up, I heard a distant voice call, "Hey Bernie, it's Gerald!"

"Hi Gerald, these new tracks are fucking brilliant," said a new voice.

"Jamie's been hurt, you're in danger too." I said quickly.

"Who's that?" he asked cautiously,

"I owned Front Row Girl." I replied. I hoped that he'd remember me. We'd sort of met when he'd signed a pile of tee shirts for June, Front Row Girl, but we'd not spoken. I'd been letting June have the thrill of interacting with her idols.

"You're that Lord bloke. Jamie said you're OK, a real gent he called you." He laughed, "Thrash likes you too. He said he was going to stay with you for a while, where is he? And what's this about Jamie?"

"Gerald is with Jamie. Jamie is being treated by our doctors and may have surgery in a few minutes, that's all I know." I said as honestly as I could.

"So why am I in danger?" he asked.

"When Gerald came here he was suffering from withdrawal symptoms, your management had been drugging you all. He also thinks that they wanted you all dead so that they could take control of your music rights." I was glad that he'd started talking, I hoped that I could convince him to get somewhere safe.

There was silence on the phone for a moment.

"Have you spoken with JJ yet?" he asked.

"No, you're the first one I called." I remembered that JJ had been the third name on the list that Shannon had discovered.

"I'll call JJ, he's a bit of a neat freak, bit CDO if you know what I mean."

"What's CDO?" I asked.

"Well," he said, with a bit of a chuckle, "it's like OCD, but the letters are in the correct order."

"AH!" I said, understanding.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"A small place west of Paris in the Loire Valley," I said, "plenty of room if you want to come for a few days."

"I'll do that. I have a meeting arranged with Sydney and her team this morning. She wanted me to come alone. I think I know why now, she's been trying to split Sheryl and me up for some time now. Always has some young tart flashing her tits at me." He laughed, "She just doesn't get me and Sheryl at all."

Later this morning? That meant he was west of me, five or six time zones at least.

"Where are you?" I asked, "I'll send a plane to pick you up."

"Send it to Seattle, I can get there in about four hours. I think I can get JJ there too."

"I'll have something waiting. Either Gerald or I will text you as soon as we can." I said, pleased that I'd managed to talk him into running.

"Look forward to meeting you Paul," he said with a laugh, "see you soon." He hung up.

I looked at Shannon, "You did wonderfully my girl. Now we need to find Karolina."

Smirking Shannon pointed to the floor at my side.

I looked down, Karolina was kneeling on my right, Alison on my left. I hadn't heard either come into the room, let alone kneel beside me.

"Karolina, I need a charter jet at Seattle's main airport in three hours time. It must have intercontinental range, hopefully to fly from there to Paris in one hop," I said, trusting in Karolina's genius to find me such a thing at short notice.

"Yes me Master." She ran lightly out of the room. She looked absolutely gorgeous running naked. From the front or back I love watching that girl move.

"Granddad!" said Shannon sharply.

"Yes precious," I replied, still thinking of Karolina's bare bum.

"You're staring," she scolded, waving a finger at me.

I laughed, "Yes precious, I was staring. And that's not polite, is it?"

"No," she said, "and Mummy Helen is trying to teach me to be polite."

I picked her up and hugged her. "Now, you little scamp, how did you know how to break into an iPhone?"

"Oh, a senior girl at school taught me so I could check a teacher's iPhone to see if there were any photos of her on it."

"Were there any?" I asked, intrigued.

"Oh yes, lots," she answered with a giggle. "She and the teacher were doing sex all over the place, in all of them. She could have gotten into a lot of trouble over those pictures."

"The senior girl?"

"Noooo..." she answered looking at me as though I was an idiot again, "the teacher, she could have got into a lot of trouble for screwing a student."

"Riiigghhtt." I understood now.

"How about we go and see what's happening with Jamie and tell Gerald that we broke into his phone," I suggested.

Shannon looked a little shocked. "But Granddad, I'll get into trouble for unlocking his phone!"

"No you won't, precious. If anyone says anything, tell them Granddad wanted you to do it."

She nodded, her large eyes watering as she bravely tried to hold back her tears. "OK Granddad, if you say so."

I hugged her and she rested her head into my neck and shoulder.

Finding Gerald was easy, he, and most of the household, was outside Em's sickroom.

"Gerald," I called. He turned to face me, worried obviously but smiling. So Jamie's condition wasn't too serious.

"I've called Bernie and..." Gerald's phone rang and I handed it to him. He looked at the screen, surprise on his face.

"Bernie," he answered.

Gerald turned away and they spoke for a few minutes.

Gerald turned back to me, "JJ's in hospital with a cocaine overdose. Bernie received some energy bars from Sydney. Bernie and Sheryl would live on those things if they could. Sheryl gave one to her dog, it's dead." Gerald looked stricken. "One thing you should know about JJ, he's got OCD..."

"I know," I interrupted, "Bernie told me."

"Well you may not know that JJ hates drugs. His Mother OD'd on crack. He doesn't even smoke. There's no way that he'd take any amount of coke, let alone OD on it."

"Well, Karolina is organising a jet to fly Bernie and Sheryl here from Seattle..."

"JJ's in Vancouver," said Gerald. "If we can get him across the border he can fly with Bernie."

"Is he moveable?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, he's already up and walking. He could sign himself out whenever he wants. He's just staying in there to hide," Gerald explained.

"Can you call him and get him to Seattle's main airport? I've asked Karolina to get the jet there in," I looked at my watch, "two and a half hours."

Gerald made his call, it sounded surprisingly easy for him to persuade JJ to get to Seattle. Hanging up Gerald turned back to me, "Now," he said, holding up his phone, "this is one of the most secure phones ever made. How did you unlock it."

I took the phone from him, "Easy-peasy, I bet even a six year..." Shannon kicked me.

"Seven," she hissed.

" ... a seven year old could open it with no problem at all." I continued, trying to sound as though I knew what I was talking about.

I gave the phone to Shannon and she worked her magic again, then handed the unlocked phone back to Gerald.

Gerald looked at Shannon, "You unlocked it for him, didn't you?"

Shannon giggled, "Course I did, Granddad wouldn't know anything about mobiles, he's old."

"That's you consigned to the scrapheap then, Paul," said Ross from behind me.

He chuckled, "And now what you've all been waiting for, Jamie's had a close call but he's out of danger now. What happened to him, well he had some mixed nuts, he'd eaten a few but threw a handful to some pigeons. When they fell out of the sky, dead, he called us here at the Chateau." Ross shrugged his shoulders, "It is quite clear to me that someone deliberately tried to poison him."

"Did he say where he got the nuts from?" Gerald asked.

"Yes, he said that they were the last packet from a box that your manager had given to him."

"Bloody Sydney again," cursed Gerald, furious at the murderous woman.

Karolina came running to me, "It done me Master, got big Global Express XRS. Fly to Paris no trouble. Master t'rash friend goes to Falcon Flight for to the plane."

Both Gerald and I parsed Karolina's words for their meaning and smiled. Gerald pulled out his phone again and I kissed Karolina.

"Thank you, special girl, you've worked wonders again," I said as I hugged her.

Now we got back to doing what we'd been doing so much of this past month, waiting.

-------

Scablifters: Naval slang for Marine or Matelow nurses (male or female.)



-------

Chapter 64

Bernard (call me Bernie), Sheryl and Eric (my friends call me JJ, I don't know why) stepped out of the limousine and stared at the Chateau.

"I can see why you wanted to stay here rather than that hotel near Kings Cross," said Bernie with a laugh.

"Well actually I came here because the Baron was here," Gerald answered.

"The Baron?" asked Sheryl.

"I'm the Baron," I said holding out my hand to Sheryl. "Call me Paul."

"Yes sir," they all replied, and then shrieked with laughter at the surprised expression on my face.

"You have no idea how long we've been waiting to do that," JJ said as we shook hands.

"Gee, thanks buddy," I said as sarcastically as I could, but while smiling to take a little of the sting out of my words.

"Errr ... Bernie," said Sheryl, tapping him on the shoulder, "there are naked girls all over the place."

"They're probably Paul's slaves. Christine told us about them ages ago, just before she bought those two from Dubai." Bernie answered. "Don't worry about those girls, they're totally fixated on their master."

"Oh," said Sheryl, not totally convinced.

"Come, let's go into the house," said Cecy. "We need to show you your rooms and let you rest after your long flight."

We all went into the Chateau; Bernie, Sheryl and JJ to their rooms, the rest of us to the pool.

-------

Breakfast the next morning was a strange meal. We had it by the pool as usual but Bernie, Sheryl and JJ were having dinner, while the rest of us were having breakfast.

Sheryl seemed intrigued by my girls. Once she'd recovered from the shock of them being naked nearly all the time. When my plate had arrived, piled higher than any other by far, her eyes almost bugged out. Then she watched like a hawk as I fed Umber and Julia, kneeling either side of me.

Our meals finished, JJ, sitting upright in his straight backed chair, the only one by the poolside, turned to his fellow band members. "So what are we going to do about Ms Morrison?"

"MORRISON?" That name almost made me jump out of my chair. Melissa came closer to me and became even more wary.

Gerald looked at me in surprise, "Yeah, Morrison, Sydney Morrison. What's wrong with that?"

I thought for a minute, the co-incidence would be too much, but a young woman who seemed to be prepared to kill four people for money, and didn't seem to be worried about any police investigation of those crimes? Well, that was too much of a co-incidence, too.

"You're all from Cumbria aren't you?" I asked, I really didn't know much about their past at all.

"Yeah, we're all from Ambleside," said Bernie. "Sydney was our lead singer..."

"Who couldn't sing, and was only a passable fuck," interrupted Sheryl.

"But she's been a brilliant manager. In the early days she managed to get us gigs that we thought were impossible," JJ added.

"And she takes care of all your accounting and income tax and everything," I put in.

The four band members and Sheryl looked at me open mouthed.

"And I bet you've all got tax bills the size of houses, and that the Inland Revenue are taking you to court for non-payment. And that's why you were all being attacked at the same time."

"How can we find out?" asked Gerald, forgetting that Sasha owned Dempsey, one of the largest law firms in Europe.

"I'll ask," said Sasha. She pulled her phone out of her handbag and started dialling. Standing, she started walking over to a quiet corner where she could talk undisturbed. "Nigel..." we heard her say before she moved too far away.

"So if we're about to be sued, what can we do?" asked JJ

"Easy," I answered, "you hire Sasha's law firm to represent you individually and collectively."

"And if Sydney is who you think she is?" asked JJ, guessing my thoughts.

"Then I'll ask you to give her to me. I'll look after her," I said with just a hint of steel in my voice.

"And you'll kill her?" asked Sheryl.

I smiled, "Oh no, I'll put her somewhere where they take great efforts to keep people alive for as long as possible." I said, remembering the scrap of paper that Paula had given me a while ago.

The five of them stared at me for a long time.

Sasha came back with her news. It was, as expected, bad. "Together you owe the tax man over five million pounds in unpaid taxes. You are also being sued by the managements of the last four venues you played in for non payment of fees, total for them nearly three million." She looked at their shocked faces, "And have any of you tried to use your bank cards recently?"

They all shook their head.

"Well, can I ask that you give them to Karolina and let her do a little checking?" asked Sasha.

Gerald pulled his bank cards from his wallet immediately and gave them to Sasha. He turned to his friends, "Don't worry about Karolina she's Paul's favourite. And if you think that we're rich, well, we're multimillionaires, or we should be anyway," Gerald laughed a little ruefully. "But he," pointing at me, "is a multibillionaire. He has to have a team of accountants to look after his petty cash." He paused to let this sink in. "And Sasha is the Countess who actually owns this little piece of countryside, and everything on it, out to about, twenty miles is it Sasha?"

Sasha made a rocking motion with her hand.

"So neither of them have any reason to steal the little we poor millionaires have," Gerald finished.

Sheryl looked at him then dipped into her handbag for her purse. She extracted three cards and handed them to Sasha. JJ and Bernie gave up their cards too.

Sasha took the cards and went inside.

"What can she do even if we have been robbed?" Sheryl asked, very near to tears now.

"Well, she can trace where the money went, the accounts it went through and where it finally ended up." I tried to sound calm and reassuring. I doubt that anyone who hadn't had personal experience of Karolina's skills would actually believe what she was capable of. "And then she will put tags on those accounts so she'll be informed of any monies being moved in or out of them. And when we give the word, she'll empty all of those accounts, and all of the other associated accounts, and funnel the money back into accounts that you control."

JJ, Sheryl and Bernie stared at me as though I was insane.

"How?" asked JJ after about a minute.

"Don't ask me, ask Karolina. Or rather, only ask Karolina if you've got about a fortnight to spare because she'll go into all of the laborious technical details until your ears bleed," I said with a smile.

Bernie's phone rang, he answered it and went pale with shock. A few moments later he hung up and looked at his phone. "It's Sydney, she's tracked my phone and is on her way to Orleans airport. She said I've got to pick her up from there." He dropped into his seat, still reeling from the shock.

"Girl! My laptop." I called, waving my hand in the air imperiously. Sheryl and JJ smiled, Bernie just stared at his traitorous phone.

Moments later Alina ran up with my laptop. I opened it up and sorted through my sent emails until I found the one I sent to Karolina and Ela with the Morrison's wedding photo attached. I opened the photo and turned the laptop to Sheryl. "Recognise anyone?" I asked.

"That's Sydney's Mum, there's Sydney! She's turned away but you can't mistake her." She said, pointing at Mrs Huntley, nee Morrison.

JJ agreed, "That's Sydney and her mother alright. I don't recognise any of the others though."

I pointed each out, "Michael her eldest brother, Rae her eldest sister, I don't know the third woman yet, but I'm sure that I will."

I stared at the laptop screen for a moment, then carefully closed it, so very carefully lest I let my real emotions take over and reduce the innocent machine to shattered pieces.

"I have a phone call to make; I may be a little while," I said and left for my office.

When I opened the door I saw Paula sitting in my chair.

"You've found one." It was a statement rather than a question.

"Yes," I answered. I knew better than to ask how she knew.

"Is she coming here?"

"Yes."

"Good." She dialled a number on my desk phone. "Don't worry. I have had a word with Ela, she's arranged for all of the calls from this phone to be..." she paused for a moment, "anonimised, I think is the word she used." She smiled.

She held the phone out to me, "Come, my dearest man, start your revenge. It will purge a few of the devils from your soul and help the dead rest a little easier."

The phone was answered on the second ring.

"Yes?"

I looked into Paula's eyes and sold Sydney Morrison into a life of absolute hell.

-------

Paula and I sat in a cafe seating area where we had fairly good visibility of the arrivals gate of Orleans airport. Bernie and Sheryl were waiting for Sydney's arrival. Bernie still a little pale, his phone was in his pocket but destined for destruction.

Sydney swept out of the arrivals lounge like a tiger on the prowl. She fixed her gaze on Bernie and charged at him. Sydney didn't seem interested in anything but her own agenda and objectives.

"Why did you run away!" she screeched. Her voice, which should have been mellow and resonant, pierced the ears like drills.

She was too busy berating Bernie to notice two girls approaching from the sides. It wouldn't have mattered even if she had, Paula's girls were all round her now. She had nowhere to go, nowhere to run to, she was trapped but didn't yet know it.

Sung Lu was the first to reach her; with a lightning fast strike she grabbed hold of Sydney's wrist. A quick pressure on a nerve junction and we saw Sydney silently cry out in shock and horror, almost as if she knew what was in store for her.

Sydney's other wrist was similarly captured and the two girls walked their prisoner out of the airport and into a waiting van without fuss. Paula and I waited, watching the area around us. It took almost five minutes before we spotted Sydney's security man. He was walking innocently through the concourse, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. Only his over active eyes gave him away, darting left and right as they searched for his principal.

Two young girls running through the concourse disturbed him, one actually bumped into him as they raced along, intent on their game. Paula may have seen Alison put a bag containing Sydney's jewellery into his pocket, but I didn't. I did see him touch his jacket pocket a couple of minutes later though. He pulled out the bag and opened it. Obviously recognising the contents, he made a beeline for the Air France counter. A few minutes later he disappeared through the security gates on his way to the departure lounge. I was sure that he'd already phoned Gerald Huntley, Sydney's stepfather, and was now on his way to report in person. Knowing what a murderous thug Huntley was, I wished him luck.

Paula and I finished our coffees and, arm in arm, wandered towards the exit. A car was waiting for us by the kerb.

"Can your girls ask her where she's hidden the band's monies?" I asked.

Paula pulled out her phone and made a short call. She spoke in Chinese so I had no idea what she actually said.

"We must talk about Sung Lu's price," Paula said a moment later. She didn't look at me, just stared ahead giving no clue as to her thoughts.

"I'm willing to pay a good price for her, Gerald really likes her, it may turn into love." I replied.

"You have already paid the highest price I could have imagined asking. The girl is yours to give to your friend. Gerald is a good man he'll look after the girl." She smiled, and reached into her handbag. She took out a small credit card sized piece of plastic. It looked like a security swipe card. "This key card is authorised for all of my homes and training camps worldwide. I would like you to take it." She turned and smiled at me, "I would like you to use it too." She turned to face the front again but she couldn't hide the tear that rolled down her cheek.

"You've given me back the child I sent away to die. My doctors are calling her a living miracle. They are in awe of the doctor who invented the Winter procedure. They say that there's no evidence of brain damage or cognitive loss or memory loss. They want to meet you. I told them that you were too busy." She stopped for a moment, looking out of the window. "You took Mei Su to your bed and let her keep her virtue. She said that she watched you as you held a sleeping child and protected her from her nightmares. She's convinced that you're a gift from your God." Paula turned back to me, tears streamed from her eyes now. "You are quite right that Gerald's song about you is wrong," she stroked my cheek, "it doesn't tell nearly enough about the good you've done for your friends." She sighed, "But Gerald says that people have to be able to believe in the song's subject, and he's convinced that you're a little unbelievable."

The car stopped as Paula leant toward me and we kissed, a long slow kiss expressing our deep affection, no love, for each other.

"Bet he's snogging someone in there," said Sasha from outside. I looked, we were in the Chateau's drive, in almost the same spot as we'd parked when Sasha and I had first arrived, and, again, I have a willing woman in my arms.

Sasha's smile turned immediately to concern when she saw Paula's tears.

"Oh Paula darling, what's wrong?" Sasha asked, her hand touching her friend's arm.

"Him! He's the problem," Paula said with deep feeling.

"Oh my dearest, what has he done," asked Cecy, looking daggers at me.

"There's only one of him. And I have to leave him with Sasha, and that's what's wrong."

"The swine!" exclaimed Sasha as she helped Paula out of the car.

"Pig!" Cecy spat at me as they walked Paula into the Chateau.

Harold approached me, looking at his wife and daughter helping the crying Paula into his home. He turned to me, "You in the shit, Paul?"

"Yeap!" I replied.

"What did you do?"

"There's only one of me."

Harold turned to look at me, "There's only one of you?" he repeated.

"That's what I said," I said.

He looked at me, then at the women as they disappeared into the Chateau. "There's no way you can get out of that one. It's a 'does my bum look big' question, you're in trouble whatever you say, even if you don't say anything." Harold patted my shoulder and walked away shaking his head, not wanting to be associated with the pariah of the moment lest he too be castigated for, well, possibly water being runny or something equally serious.

I stood on the driveway, alone and confused, wondering what the state of cloning technology was at the moment.

-------

Sydney sat in a high backed wooden chair, she was not secured in any way, and the door was open. I think it was the presence of two of Paula's girls in the room that prevented any thought of escape.

Sydney had given Ela the information that they'd asked her for, all of the account numbers, passwords and special access dates. Sydney had been tortured for this information, but I was certain that no physical evidence of this would, or could, be found.

"You have no idea who I am, who my father is, you'll wish you'd never been born before he's finished with you. You won't be able to hide my death from him you know," she spat at us. This wasn't the first time she'd said that, or demanded to be freed. Everyone ignored her, and Sydney did not like being ignored.

She had thrown a vase at me. Melissa had easily caught it, replaced it neatly on the table and then had gripped Sydney's shoulder, just so. Sydney whimpered, her pain far too great for screaming, and stared up in terror at the adolescent abusing her. This was how all of her abuse had been carried out. Her interrogator would ask a question, if an answer was not forthcoming, or wrong, or not what was expected then a hand would grip a joint and squeeze the nerve clusters. And very quickly Sydney learnt not to tell lies.

We had to wait nearly an hour before our guest arrived. We heard her helicopter approach and land in the grounds. Melissa gestured for Sydney to follow us outside.

We stood a way back from the still turning rotor blades as the pilot powered down his aircraft. Soon though a door opened and a tall slim woman got out. Two men also alighted from the other side of the helicopter.

On seeing the woman Sydney brightened up for the first time since she'd been captured. She hoped for a quick release and then, perhaps, her revenge.

"Madam Rhea! Madam RHEA!" she shouted, "tell these people who I am, make them let me go!"

Madam Rhea, too, ignored her. With a scream Sydney launched herself at me, fingers spread wide and aiming for my eyes. With a choking groan she was slammed hard to the ground and painfully subdued.

Madam Rhea and I shook hands, then she kissed Paula on both cheeks, greeting her like the old friend she was.

Paula turned to her bodyguards, "You may let her stand again now."

Reluctantly they stepped back and Sydney painfully picked herself up.

Madam Rhea turned to me, "Madam Li speaks very, very highly of you. She calls you her only true friend." She inspected me for a long moment, "You may call me Cher, as in the singer," she said smiling.

"Please call me Paul." I replied, dreading the result, but committed by reflex to saying those words.

"Yes sir," all of the women replied.

Cher started laughing, "You couldn't stop yourself from saying that, could you?" She leant and kissed me, open lipped, on my lips. I responded and we allowed our tongues to touch lightly for a moment. Then she turned to Sydney, "When this toy was a human, she used to come to some of my shows." Cher laughed lightly, "She always enjoyed watching the young boys getting their cocks whipped. She'd always take a couple of girls to her bed." She turned to me, "You should have seen the state of them afterward, bites and bruises everywhere."

Sydney looked on in growing horror as she listened to the one she'd hoped would save her. "You're going to let her kill me aren't you?" she asked in shock.

"Oh no, Sydney, you're not going to be allowed to die," I answered.

"You said you'd sold me to her, how much for?" she asked, trying in any way to increase her perceived value.

Cher held up a single pound coin.

"A POUND!" she screamed. "You've sold me to her for a pound!"

"No," I answered quietly. "I sold you for a penny, but a pound was all Madam Rhea had, and I don't have any change either."

This seemed to break the last shred of her will.

"But ... my father..." she was desperately grasping for some lifeline. The man who's name she'd used to bully and intimidate so many people didn't work anymore and she was unable to stand up for herself.

"It's because of whom your father is, that I've sold you to Cher, had you not been his daughter, I'd have punished you myself." I told her.

"You don't know what she does to people." She wasn't looking at anyone any more, she was lost in her memories of the tortures and horrors that she'd seen and enjoyed, realising that she was going to be the body hung up on the stage for the entertainment of hardcore sadists.

I turned her head so that she was looking me in the eye, "Oh but I know exactly what she does to people. That's why I sold you to her."

"OK, get it ready for transport," said Cher.

One of the men pulled Sydney to the side. "Strip," he ordered.

Sydney looked at him with uncomprehending eyes. He touched a small object to her side and she fell bonelessly and lay twitching on the floor.

The two men cut Sydney's clothes off with an efficiency that spoke of long practice. They bound her wrists and elbows together behind her back. Flipped her onto her back and spread her legs wide. One man inserted a large dildo like object into her vagina, the object had a lead that was taped to her chest and throat. I looked at Cher in puzzlement.

"Sound activated taser," said Cher, "she'll only make one noise."

I agreed. Being tased in her cunt was liable to stop any female making a noise.

The men finished binding Sydney and then they placed her into a large wheeled box. Foam padding was placed round and over her body, before she was completely covered Em came and took a blood sample, then the lid was shut and a padlock fitted. The men easily carried the box into the back of the helicopter.

Cher turned to me, "I'd invite you to one of my shows, but I know that it wouldn't suit you. You have too much empathy." We kissed again, lightly as last time and she turned and walked to the aircraft.

Silently, we watched them leave.

Cher paused for a moment, as though coming to a decision, then turned and hurried back to us.

"Paul, I have a girl being sent to me, she doesn't deserve what her owner wants to happen to her, will you take her? Please." Cher looked so small and vulnerable; I wondered how often she had to ask for a favour.

"Of course I will," I answered.

"You'll have to keep her, if her old owner finds out that she escaped his punishment then he'll try to come after you."

"What did she do?" I asked.

"She embarrassed him in front of his friends. She spilt a drink. So he wanted her..." Cher paused, thinking, "well, it's something I've done a couple of times before and it always brings in a good crowd, but not for this child."

Cher kissed me again, though this time as though she meant it, and then hurried back to the helicopter.

We moved back as the rotor blades kicked up dust and grit from the ground as it took off.

"Julia, tell Karolina and Ela to start getting the band's money back for them." I ordered.

"Yes my Master." She ran off.

"Melissa, make sure that Sydney's blood sample gets to Sir Gerald Huntley, together with the name of the woman who now owns her. Sir Gerald will know what his stepdaughter will be going through, I'm sure that he's attended a few of Cher's shows himself."

Melissa smiled, "It will be my pleasure, Master."

Slowly I walked back to the Chateau, Sasha linked her arm with mine on my right, Paula did the same on my left.

"So you're getting another slave," said Sasha.

"So it seems," I answered. I wondered when she'd arrive. Cher had taken just over two hours to get here from the time we'd first contacted her. So I felt that she was quite close, perhaps within a hundred miles or so, about an hour's flight time for the helicopter. I expected a wait of between two and three hours, maybe four. Well, I would wait, I was good at waiting.

Before we reach the Chateau door a large, dark van with blacked out windows pulled slowly into the drive. It carefully made its way along the drive and parked far enough away from people and buildings to satisfy Elastic's sniper who was almost certainly aiming a large bore rifle at the van.

The front right hand door opened, instinctively I expected it to be the driver, but I saw that it was a left hand drive vehicle and the driver was sitting still with both hands still on the steering wheel.

The man, dressed similarly to the men who'd accompanied Cher, strode over to me and handed me an envelope.



Baron,

After speaking at length about you with Madam Li, Paula, I felt certain that

I could ask you to take Simone into your care.

Simone is young, you will see that immediately, she is not, however guilty of the

act of carelessness that she's been accused of. Her master's favourite disliked her

because he was growing fond of the girl and she saw her own position being



threatened. I know as a fact that Simone was shot in the right buttock with an air



powered weapon, and it was this which caused her to spill a little of her master's

drink. I have the pellet, which my surgeon removed from her shortly after she

arrived.

I do not use victims in my shows, I have a reputation for not doing so. I intend to

keep my 'good' name. I will punish the errant master myself and I fully expect to be



given his (soon to be) former favourite. She shall suffer the torments she so



desperately wished on her rival.

Though she is still a slave I ask that you treat her with the kindness that Paula

has told me is part of your nature.

If you do not wish to accept this burden please just refuse the delivery.

Madam Rhea.



I turned to the man, "I accept delivery."

He smiled. "Thank you master," he said that as though he meant it.

He returned to his van and he and the driver started lifting out a large case similar to the one Sydney was imprisoned in.

"Alina, run and get June, quickly girl!" I ordered.

"Yes Master!" she called out as she ran to do my bidding.

The men placed the case in front of me and reached down to the padlock.

"Please wait a moment; she's safe enough in there, isn't she?"

"Oh yes master, safe but worried," said the leader.

"I know she'll be worried but when that lid is opened she's likely to be terrified. I'm having someone brought here who can help relieve her fears," I explained.

The leader smiled and then they both stood by the case, their relaxed but wary posture indicative of the best trained soldiers.

June came running to us and knelt in front of me, "I am here my Master."

"June, in this case is a bound girl, she most likely believes that she's being transported here to be tortured to death. She is a new sister slave for you and your sisters. I would like you to try to calm her and reassure her that she's safe. She doesn't get the Choice I'm afraid, not now, maybe later."

June nodded her understanding of the situation.

"But this is a small problem, she has a taser inserted into her vagina. It is sound activated and I would prefer that it didn't go off."

I turned to the leader, "Does the taser have an off switch?" I asked.

"Yes master, but it's on the end of the unit deepest within the girl," he replied.

"Ah well, can't have everything," I said. Turning back to June I continued, "I want you to be in her line of sight, I'll remove the taser."

"But Master, if it goes off..." June started.

"Then I'm sure it'll hurt like fuck, but she's not to be held responsible, OK?" I interrupted.

"Yes, my Master," June acquiesced, though it was easy to see that she didn't like my orders.

"Which way round is she?" I asked the leader. He indicated where Simone's head was and which way she was facing. I stood ready to remove the taser and June moved so that she would be in Simone's line of sight.

"OK, open the lid," I said.

The men unlocked the padlock and lifted the lid. Carefully they placed the lid on the ground and stepped back. I lifted off the top layer of foam and the wedge by Simone's buttocks. I could easily see the microphone lead leaving her vagina and disappearing up her stomach towards her throat.

Carefully I slid my hand down her bum cheek and then pressed my index finger and thumb into her vagina. In easy reach I felt the hard mass of the taser. Taking a tight grip I slowly pulled and it slipped easily out of her.

Suddenly I was pushed hard to the side, the taser falling from my fingers even as it was triggered by a sound. As I fell I saw the driver stumbling away from us, thrust away by a kick from Paula. He took two or three steps before his head disappeared in a cloud of red and grey mist.

The leader was on the ground in a growing pool of blood, the handle of a knife protruding from his back. He'd been murdered by his colleague.

The excitement over, Paula, Melissa and three of Paula's bodyguards surrounding June Simone and me, I lay on the floor, gravel sticking to the graze on my cheek, panting from the adrenaline rush and shock.

I'm getting too old for this, I thought.



-------

Chapter 65

Painfully I got to my feet. Years ago, I'd have just laughed a tumble like this off, now I felt the pain of the grazes on my face, hip, elbow and palm. However I had things more important to worry about, Simone, our protectors.

I looked round, the driver had stabbed the leader in his heart, incapacitating him immediately, killing him within three minutes. As I knelt over the leader I saw the light in his eyes fade and a quiet hiss as the air left his lungs for the last time.

The driver on the other hand died much faster. It looked as though something the size of the moon had hit his head, it was just ... gone! A red & grey wet patch on the ground was all that was left. His headless body lay where it'd been thrown by the force of the bullet.

"Sandy on overwatch?" I asked Elastic.

"Yeah, she does like the bigger toys don't she," Elastic replied.

"Paula, please would you call Cher and tell her what's happened?"

"Mais oui, ma cheri," answered Paula. She took a mobile phone from one of her bodyguards and started dialing.

I turned to June and Simone. June was hugging the bound and helpless girl, murmuring softly to her. Simone was sobbing quietly, as I approached I saw, and smelt, further evidence of her terror.

"Melissa, We need warm water, wash cloth and towels out here now!"

"Yes Master!" she called as she ran into the Chateau.

I patted down the leader's pockets and found a small set of keys. Kneeling again, June and I helped Simone stand. Ignoring the brown mess on her legs we helped her out of the case and onto the grass a few feet away. I then unlocked her bonds. June kept hugging her and reassuring her all the time. Alison and Alina ran over with the required washing things and set about cleaning the terrified girl.

Em quickly found Simone and gave her an injection of a mild sedative. She looked at me, "I want you in my sick room as soon as you can, Master!" she ordered.

Bernie, Sheryl, JJ, Jamie and Gerald slowly came out of the Chateau and surveyed the carnage.

"Fuck sake, Paul," said Gerald, almost in shock. "Don't you know how to lead a quiet life? You know, getting bored and all that normal shit."

"'Nother verse for you, Gerald, just another verse." I was succumbing to the shock now.

A strong hand gripped my upper arm, "Come darling, Em needs to see those grazes." Sasha led me into the Chateau and up towards Em's sickroom.

On the third step up my legs gave way and I would have fallen to the floor if it were not for Sasha and one of Elastic's Marines. Sasha steadied me, then together they lifted me. Things sort of got hazy then.

I woke in the sickroom, Cecy was in the bed next to me and Harold in another cot the other side of her. Harold was awake but Cecy slept on. He looked at me, "You used to go through this sort of thing for a living, didn't you?"

I nodded, my throat felt too dry to talk.

"How?" he asked quite seriously.

"Younger then." I croaked.

"Weren't we all." He agreed, then lay down.

I looked around, June and Simone, still holding hands sat by my bed. June smiled at me, "Hello my Master, how do you feel?"

"Rough," I replied as I tried to get up. A sudden pain in my side made me fall back down.

"Em said that you have bruised ribs," said June as she saw my discomfort. "Paula kicked you."

"She was getting me out of danger. She needed to do that fast. A few bruised ribs is a fair price to pay for still being alive."

"It is, my Master." June agreed.

I looked at Simone, she was wide eyed with shock and fright, having been sold into a death sentence, rescued and then in the middle of a death fight and shooting.

"How are you, Simone? That is your name, isn't it?" I asked her.

She nodded, "I'm called Simone."

"So that's not really your name then." I said.

She looked frightened, as though I was laying a trap for her, baiting her like a cat to a mouse.

"Simone, talk to our Master, he is a good man and has agreed to take you as one of his own. You are one of the luckiest slaves in the world." June hugged her, "Go on, talk to him."

"Master, I ... was called Aline." She said in a shaky voice.

"Do you want to be called Aline again?" I asked her.

She nodded, "If it please my Master."

"Does it please my girl?" I asked.

"OH Master!" she seemed truly shocked that I would consider her feelings for a moment. "It is not my place to tell my Master what I want or don't want."

"Aline, when I ask my girls what they think about something then they should tell me the truth, only the truth. That way we all get on together well and we all support each other." Feeling tired I dropped my head back on the pillow. "Now why don't you let June take you to the seraglio and talk with some of the other girls. Don't forget to see Karen about a collar and some clothes. I'll see you later and we can sort out things better then."

I drifted off to sleep, joining Harold and Cecy in the arms of Morpheus.

-------

Em woke me next. It felt like morning, the sun seemed to be in the right position as well.

"How are you feeling Master?" she asked concern in her voice.

"Like Paula kicked me in the side." I said with a choked off laugh.

"And I am truly sorry that I had to do that, my friend."

Painfully I turned to lay on my back, now I could see Paula standing by my bed, Mei Su next to her.

I smiled at my friend and her granddaughter, "I know that you had reason to do it, and that I would probably be worse off now if you hadn't." I reached for her hand, she grasped mine almost painfully.

"Dearest Paul, how do you generate such feelings in people?" she shrugged and gestured around the room, "Everyone here would gladly give their life for you, and yet there are those who seem willing to send assassins to their deaths attempting to kill you. How can we love you so much and yet they hate you with equal intensity?"

"I don't know Paula, but I do know that I owe you my life." I looked at Mei Su, "Now all you have to do is save your Grandmother's life and we'll all be even."

They smiled despite the weakness of my jest.

Paula left, "I have to visit Cecy now, and Harold, to ask if my troupe and I can stay a little longer. I don't want to leave you until you're safely back in your London hotel." She leant over me and kissed me, a tender loving kiss which promised more when I was able.

Em did doctor things to me which involved pulling all of the covers down, exposing my naked body and prodding and poking various parts which I was sure hadn't been hurt. She then inserted a lubricated finger into my anus and twirled it around a couple of times. Extracting her finger she replaced it with an anal thermometer.

I looked down at her as she knelt between my opened legs. "Don't you have oral thermometers, or those infra-red thingies that you stick in your ear?" I asked suspiciously.

"Oh yes, Master, lots of them," she answered with a grin.

I paused waiting for her to continue, but then I worked out that she'd answered my question and didn't seem all that eager to volunteer any additional information.

"And?" I prompted.

"And what, Master?" she replied obviously enjoying this.

"And why did you use an anal thermometer when you've got all of the others which are so much easier to use?" I asked, frowning at her.

"Oh Master," she said leaning forward and dragging two erect nipples across my abdomen and chest until she reached the point where she could kiss me, we kissed, it's a good job that nothing was measuring my heart rate or blood pressure at the time or those instruments would probably have blown up. "Master," she continued after breaking the kiss, her nipples ploughed twin furrows back along my chest and abdomen, this time though I managed my own track up her body with my erect penis. "Master, this way is sooooo much more fun."

Well, I couldn't disagree with that really so I let her have her way. I frowned and scowled a lot though.

It didn't do any good.

"Doctor," said Mei Su, I'd forgotten she was still in the room. "I wish to assist in the care of the Baron. Please will you teach me how to take the observations."

"Oh yeeeessss!" Em replied. "Come here and we'll start."

"Hey! You've just done a set." I protested.

"Oh hush, you're just the patient, what do patients know about medicine?" she answered and turned back to Mei Su.

"Well, to start with we've found that cloth is terrible for spreading infections, so you mustn't bring any cloth into the sick room."

Mei Su looked at the already naked Em and undressed. "I will remember that Doctor, I must be careful that I don't cause any further harm to the Baron."

They stood side by side, by my bed, looking down at my naked body.

"Doctor," Mei Su asked politely, "what do I do if he touches me inappropriately?"

Em looked puzzled, "What do you mean by inappropriately?" she asked.

"Well," said Mei Su lifting one of my hands and placing it on her tiny breast, "if he touched me here," then she moved my hand between her legs and pressed it against the heat and wetness there, "or here. I do understand that some men like touching females here." She turned round and presented her backside to me, pressing my middle finger against the heat of her anus. "Some men even push their fingers inside here." Mei Su explained.

Em looked down at me, "Well, Mei Su, as you're looking after my Master, I can only say that none of those places would be inappropriate for him to touch."

"Oh good, I wouldn't want him to do anything wrong," Mei Su said with relief, holding my hand against her breast again.

The training proceeded quickly, Mei Su quickly learnt how to reach across me, pressing her tiny breasts into my skin, how to stop me from touching my wound when the dressing was changed, by sitting on my hand and almost boiling it in the heat and wetness from her vagina.

Em then moved onto the last item. Despite my scowls they both climbed onto the bed, each armed with a tube of lube and an anal thermometer. Smiling Em lubed up her finger and held it up for me to see. She lowered her hand out of my sight and then I felt a pressure and a penetration. Em was grinning as she slid her finger in and out, its passage eased by the lube.

"Now you try, Mei Su," said Em pulling her finger out and sucking it clean.

Mei Su looked at me, she too was grinning from ear to ear. Slowly she pressed and gained entrance. Then she too finger fucked my backside, looking into my eyes and grinning.

Mei Su looked down at my erection. "Is he always like this?" she asked grasping my shaft in her free hand and squeezing gently.

"Of course not!" said Em with a laugh, "mostly he's buried up to his nuts in a woman."

Mei Su stroked my balls, "Don't these ever get in the way?" she asked.

"Oh yes," answered Em. "But you must remember that when they get warm they hang lower to cool down and when they get cold they tuck up to his body to keep warm."

"So if they're in the way we have to cool them down a little?" asked Mei Su, just to make sure she understood her lesson of course.

"But there is another way," Em said with a husk to her voice.

"Oh," said Mei Su gently rubbing my shaft with her finger tips. "Please do tell me."

Em dropped her hot mouth over my cock head and gently sucked, her tongue swirling over the crown. Mei Su gripped my shaft and masturbated me into Em's mouth.

"You try it," Em told Mei Su. They swapped positions; Em's hand on my shaft and Mei Su' tiny mouth stretching to accommodate my cock. Then a tiny finger pressed against my anus again and pushed its way in. The invading finger forced all the way in and then pulled out again. Then it was joined by a second finger and both pushed into me. They curled up and found the hardness that is my prostrate. Two taps on that organ and I was gushing semen into Mei Su's mouth. Valiantly she tried to swallow it all but I shot too fast and it dripped from her mouth onto Em's hand.

Mei Su sat up, gulping slightly as she finished swallowing my seed, two trails running down her chin either side of her mouth. "Wow, that was a lot faster than I imagined it would be." She looked a little surprised, but mostly pleased with her efforts. She kept hold of my shrinking shaft though.

Em nodded, "sometimes all a girl can do is open her throat and let him shoot directly into her stomach, but that takes practice."

"Is that like taking him all the way into your throat then?" Mei Su asked innocently.

"Nearly," agreed Em. "Ask Julia to show you how to do a deep throat, she's very good at it."

"I see you're being looked after well," said Helen from the door.

"Yes, Mummy Helen, Mei Su and Em have been teasing Granddad, and then they did the sex thing on him," said Shannon from the chair by my bed.

I wondered when she'd come in. I saw that she had her DSi, but Shannon always had her DSi.

Helen looked sharply at her adopted daughter, "Have you been watching?" she asked, a rather silly question in my humble opinion.

"But Mummy Helen, you and Daddy Ross told me that the best way to learn is to ask questions and watch what people do. That's the best way to learn you both said. And..."

"OK Madam!" said Helen desperately trying not to laugh, then failing miserably.

Shannon laughed too, "See, Mummy Helen, I'm doing my best."

"Ummmm..." said Helen, "I can see why they call you 'the Devil's evil granny'."

Shannon laughed again, "Granddad calls me 'the money pit', he says I'm not so little anymore."

Helen opened the door, "Out you scamp, go and annoy Gerald and his group for a while, perhaps they'll let you sing, if they can find any songs rude enough for you."

Shannon jumped off her chair, climbed onto my bed and kissed me. "Be careful Granddad, I'm being thrown out and that means 'adult talk' for you and Mummy Helen." She jumped off the bed laughing and was out of the door with a parting "Byyyeeee Granddad," echoing along the corridor.

Helen glanced at Em and Mei Su, they took the hint and, after each giving me a toe curling kiss, they left. I noticed that they were holding hands.

Helen came and sat on the side of my bed. She examined my dressing for a moment then sat back, her hands in her lap.

"Paul," she started hesitantly, "I ... er ... I wanted to talk with you about Shannon."

Immediately I was concerned, "What's wrong with Shannon?" I asked.

"Barely anything and that's what's wrong. She should be a neurotic bundle of psychoses after what she's been through. Other children her age, after going through similar events, have never again opened themselves up to accepting or giving love to another person, they barely function as human beings. Yet Shannon told you she loved you within days of being rescued." Helen looked me in the eye, "I don't think you realise just how extraordinary that is."

I opened my mouth to speak but she placed a finger over my lips. After quietening me she let her hand trail down my chest and started playing with my pubic hair.

"Then you got her to open up to you about what she'd been forced to do, how they'd told her that her mothers' death was all her fault. Do you know that she's only had one more nightmare after she opened up to you, and then she woke herself and went to sleep with you." Helen shook her head, "I've known people who've committed suicide because of their nightmares, they became too terrified to sleep. Yet she opened up completely to you." Helen shrugged off her blouse and slipped off her skirt, dressed only in a full length slip she lay beside me. "Touch me, let me know my body pleases you."

I cupped her breast, its nipple hardened, pressing into my palm, I could feel each and every ridge and crinkle of her nipple through the thin silk slip.

"I'm a good psychologist, I've gained a national reputation for my work with substance abuse and sexual abuse cases. For someone like Shannon, I'd have expected to be seeing them for five, maybe ten years. You've returned her to a normal seven year old in weeks."

She watched me as I slipped her shoulder strap down, pulling the slip itself down with it and uncovering her breast. I cupped her bare breast, its heat almost scalding my hand, the engorged nipple trapped between thumb and forefinger. I squeezed the nipple and pulled. Helen gasped, dropping her head, but making no move to stop me.

"She's watched you with your slaves, how they treat you and how you treat them. She's seen you so upset because one of your ladies has been hurt or insulted, you're a great role model you know."

"Even the 'keeping slaves' bit?" I asked with a smile.

She leant over me and our lips touched. Her tongue gently eased into my mouth and slid along mine. We kissed for long minutes, I squeezed and toyed with her breast and nipple all the time.

"Even the bit where you fuck her Mummy Helen," said Helen.

I moved from underneath her, laying her on her stomach. With my knees I made her spread her legs. I knelt between her parted thighs while I spread some lube on my erection. After lifting her slip above her waist I looked up at her she was laying watching me, eyes wide in anticipation. Knowing what was to come but denying it to herself for as long as possible.

As Em and Mei Su had lubricated my anus earlier, I lubed Helen now. She gave a sharp gasp as my fingers first penetrated her tight bum, but forced herself to relax. She was looking straight up the bed now, probably concentrating on the feelings she was experiencing rather than the sight of it happening.

She cried out in surprise as I thrust forward, burying my hardness deep into her arse. She lifted up in her surprise which helped me penetrate deep inside her. I rested my weight on her and reached under her body to grasp her hanging breasts. She lifted a little higher, giving me better access to the fruits of her body, I took full advantage of her kindness and grabbed both breasts hard. I used my grip to help me as I thrust into her again and again. Helen cried out, strange sounds, not pain, not pleasure. Her hips rotated as I thrust in and then tried to grip me as I withdrew.

She was panting now, little squeals, "Yes! yes! yes!" which grew louder and higher pitched as she approached her climax, then a long, drawn out moan, grunting and gasping as she came. Her body spasmed beneath me again and again; I felt her muscles ripple against my chest and abdomen. That set my own climax off and I pumped spurt after spurt into her receptive body.

Helen collapsed onto the bed, the jolt making my chest flair up in agony. I grunted in pain and lay on her back helpless for a moment. I was still buried deep inside her, the tightness of her sphincter slowing my deflation.

With a little difficulty I moved off her and lay looking at my lover as I stroked her back. She looked at me with semi glazed eyes.

"I have to go," she said, slurring her words a little.

Helen got up and staggered to the door, her slip off one shoulder, exposing that breast, and bunched up around her middle leaving her naked from the waist down. Sasha had been waiting for Helen to finish her interview with me and was standing by the door when the dishevelled Helen opened it.

Helen looked at Sasha, took a moment or two to recognise her and said "I do so envy you, I really, really do." Then she left.

Sasha came in, "What have you done to that woman?" She looked at me for a second, "You've just fucked her, haven't you?" She looked more closely at my penis, "In her bum too, you pervert."

She stood looking down at me like a disapproving school teacher, "When are you going to do me like that again? Uh!"

"EM!" Sasha called, "this pervert needs cleaning can you..."

"DOES HE!" interrupted Em, her voice full of hope.

"Yes," Sasha looked towards the door where Em and Mei Su were both trying to get in at the same time. "This wicked man has just shafted Helen in her bum."

"Wow," said Em, and her tone of voice and body language said, 'me next.'

Em reached my bed first and her mouth vacuumed my flaccid penis up straight away. She sucked and licked me clean, pulling the foreskin back to ensure that I was completely clean.

Cupping my balls gently in one hand and steadying my cock in the other Em turned to Mei Su, "Sometimes we slaves have the opportunity to give our Master a gift. This is one such time. We could easily clean Master with warm water and wash cloths, but he sees and feels us take his penis into our mouth and lick everything off him, gladly and willingly. He knows that we do this because we want to. I am showing my Master my subservience to him." Mei Su leant over, her long hair brushing erotically against my skin, she took my flaccid cock into her mouth. her nose pressing hard against my belly as she sucked me in and tried to swallow me whole.

Sasha looked at the girls crowding my waist, "Perhaps I was a little hasty calling them in," she said.

"Perhaps," I agreed, "but I can still kiss you."

Her eyes lit up and quickly she pushed her skirt and panties to the floor. Stepping up onto the bed she used the head frame to steady herself as she lowered her dripping slit onto my mouth.

'Not quite what I meant' I thought to myself; and reached out with my tongue to greet the descending clitoris. Cupping her buttocks with my hands and using this grip to move her a little so I could control the sensations I was giving her, I started licking sucking and nipping at my love's sex.

I took great pains to keep my attention on the vagina above me rather than the incredible sensations that Em and Mei Su were generating around my crotch. Soon Sasha was panting and moaning. The steady drip of her sex juices had turned into a stream; ripples and tremors were running through her body. I found that inserting two fingers into her bum enabled me to increase her pleasure and control her positioning at the same time. It was more fun for me too.

With a loud cry Sasha came, a gush of girl juice flooded my mouth. She pressed down on me trying to extend her ecstasy, grinding her clit on my teeth. I nipped at it a little harder than intended and she cried out again, though a little weaker this time. A second flood of essence of horny woman filled my mouth. I felt her thigh start to tremble from the strain of holding up in this awkward position and a moment later she slid off to the side. Em was waiting to catch her and she lay my lover alongside me. Mei Su parted Sasha's legs and cleaned the sex mess away with her tongue, she then did the same for me, licking and kissing my face and neck to ensure that I was properly cleaned.

The girls and I lay together on the bed and relaxed in our post orgasmic bliss.

-------

"Cher returned just after Em'd taken you, Harold and Cecy to the sick room," said Sasha, bringing Cecy, Harold and I up to date. "She was furious that one of her people had betrayed her."

"Ask her if the driver had any relatives in the UK." I suggested. Sasha made a note on her yellow legal pad.

"She's coming back tomorrow to talk to you then. Em has OK'd her visit." Sasha looked at Em who returned her gaze steadily.

Turning back to us, Sasha continued, "Cher said that Sydney has her first customer this evening. Cher expects her to give good value for money." Sasha's grin held no sympathy for Sydney at all.

Well, we would wait until tomorrow to find out if Cher had any more information for us.

-------

The morning papers almost undid all of the good my swim had done for me.

The lead article was a breakdown of the statistics of the number of police officers prosecuted for crimes and the conviction rates for those officers. The numbers were disgusting. For moving vehicle offences i.e. speeding, 22,814 tickets were issued, 504 tickets upheld, 28 officers (including one above superintendent grade) taken to court over their alleged offence, 2 convicted. The paper noted that in these 22,814 offences, 16,432 listed drink and / or drugs as a contributory factor. There were no prosecutions for driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

There were 1078 theft charges brought by members of the public, 47,892 complaints of intimidation, 13,987 allegations of serious sexual assault. Apart from these there were 318,645 other minor allegations and complaints covering rudeness, negligence, driving offences, rape, littering, shoplifting, various offences relating to theft of physical evidence and chain of evidence documentation.

Nearly all of the prosecutions in the last six months had been defended by barristers paid for by The World Association of Chief Police Officers. They had been unnaturally successful in their defences.

The author commented that, in offences per thousand of officers, the country's police forces were now the most criminal section of society.

The whole article raised my ire, however the fact that rape had been lumped in with the minor offences, and thus could not be quantified in its own right, really made my blood boil.

I checked the front page, this particular paper was from the first print run and thus might have typos that would be cleared up later.

Opening up my laptop I went to the paper's website. There was nothing about this article anywhere. Even searching for the author's work didn't bring up anything. It was as though the article had been censored by some very powerful people.

I was furious, almost beside myself with anger. It seemed that the police forces were out of control and were stamping on any attempt to bring the facts to the public's notice. While I was aware that most of the (non) working public would be more interested in the soaps on the TV, there was a (small) section of society who did want to know these things and would start badgering their MPs about such problems. And they would be demanding answers and action too.

With exaggerated care I closed my laptop and placed it on the table at my side. I got up and lowered myself into the pool. I started swimming again, this time I managed two laps before the pains from my ribs almost drowned me. Sasha and Elastic helped me to the shallow end without a word.

Painfully getting out of the pool, my ribs giving me hell, I stumbled as June tried to give me a towel. My anger finally found an unfortunate victim.

"FUCK OFF!" I screamed at the now terrified girl. "Do you really want a caning?"

June dropped to the floor as I was shouting at her, begging for mercy, not daring to raise her eyes to me less she offend me further.

"MASTER!" Julia calmly stepped between June and me, "if you wish to beat a girl then use me as it was I who told this girl," she gestured behind her to where Alison and Jo were supporting, almost carrying, June, "to bring a towel to you." Julia stood straight and proud, facing me square on and looking directly into my eyes.

My anger evaporated almost as quickly as it came. Julia smiled as she recognised the real me returning.

She dropped to her knees, "My Master, this girl needs punishing for daring to question her Master's desire to punish one of his slaves." She looked up at me calmly, I was sure that she would accept any punishment that I gave her. I looked at her for a long, long time, wondering and thinking. Finally, what seemed to be the perfect punishment came to me.



-------

Chapter 66


I looked down at Julia, I knew that she loved me and served me happily. "I am going to punish you slave Julia. I am going to give you a terrible punishment that will last for years, you will beg to your God to be released from this punishment each and every day." Sasha had now come to me and gently touched my arm, giving me her support, though I could see from her expression that she wondered what torment I had in mind for my chief body slave, my number two girl.

"I am raising Umber to be my chief body slave, she will have all of the rights and privileges of that position. You, Julia, are no longer one of my body slaves, and you will give your collar to Umber as a mark of her rank. Your collar will be changed too."

Sasha gasped, the other slaves looked astounded, going pale with shock. This was a major upset to their ordered and controlled lives.

I look down at Julia, she looked up at me impassively. She had told me that she would accept punishment and she was, without question, accepting her total downfall from the second most powerful slave to the lowest girl.

"Now here is the punishment," this time there were audible gasps from everyone. Wasn't the loss of her position enough for me? "You will be my conscience, you will stop me from being unreasonable with my girls, you will be the one to face me when I'm angry and unreasoning. You will be above all my slaves, including my body slaves, second only to Karolina. You will look after all of my girls and see that they are cared for properly, you will be the one to agree punishments for offences, you will be their judge and jury."

This time the collective gasp was much louder, Julia was being raised above the body slaves, that was unheard of, only the favourite was above the body slaves.

"Karen!" I called. She came running to me, surprised at my call.

"Karen, I want you to design a new collar for Julia, it must have sixteen ounces of twenty two carat gold and a marquis cut diamond just a little smaller than Karolina's, it is to be a symbol of her high rank and status." I looked round at my Ladies, my girls, my slaves. These were my family and I had needed someone to control me; temper my anger. Julia had put her life on the line for a new girl she had met only the day before; she had prevented me from making a horrendous mistake. She deserved this position and its rank and status.

"Now I need to sit and rest." I said and slowly started towards my chair.

When I was seated Aline came to me carrying a drink, she was trembling as she tried to place it on the table. Finally she managed to place my drink within reaching distance and without spilling too much.

"Aline," I said quietly, "come sit on my lap and let's talk."

Carefully she sat down, straight backed, knees parted and her hands clasped behind her neck. She was obviously in a position she'd learnt at the end of a cane.

"Please put your arms down and relax, my precious girl," I said softly.

Slowly, reluctantly, she did as I'd ordered.

"Now you can close your legs," I said.

Aline gasped in shock, "Is my Master displeased with this girl?" she asked in fright.

"All of my girls please me, even the very new ones. You just have to learn to adjust to my way of doing things and how I want my Ladies to behave." I answered.

"Who are your Ladies?" she asked looking round.

"Well, one of them is sitting on my lap, the others are around somewhere, doing things for me and for each other. I call you girls my Ladies, for you are all precious to me. I have grown to love all of them; I'm sure that I'll learn to love you too." I said.

"But I'm a slave!" she said in surprise. "Why would you want to love me?"

Lifting my hand to her cheek I turned her to look me in the eye, "Because I see good in you, because I see that you are a valuable person, a person who can become a warm and loving woman, someone who just needs a little training and support to function as a freewoman."

"But why would you free me? I think I'm a valuable slave, I was sold for over a hundred thousand US dollars." She seemed pleased with her monetary value.

"And I could have made maybe twenty million US dollars from people wanting to make you scream, from people wanting to watch you die screaming," said a voice behind us.

Aline turned and looked over my shoulder. "MADAM!" she cried and tried to jump off my lap. I held her tight.

"Stay where you are my girl, can't a man hold and grope his slaves now-a-days?" I growled. Reluctantly Aline settled back onto my lap.

Cher stepped into view, Sasha and Cecy accompanied her. Girls set chairs down for the three and then left.

A little painfully I reached forward to shake Cher's hand but she pushed me back into my chair and leant over for a kiss instead. The kiss was a lot more pleasant than shaking hands would have been.

"I cannot apologise enough for the troubles you had yesterday Baron..." Cher started.

"Please," I smiled at her, I knew I was tempting fate but I didn't want someone who I wanted as a friend calling me 'Baron', "call me Paul."

All three smiled and, together, said, "Yes Sir," then burst out laughing.

"Paul," Cher continued, "the driver was fairly new to me. He was English, ex-SAS and with a very good reputation amongst my guards for his unarmed combat skills. He was always polite and attentive. His people skills were very good which is why he was chosen for the job yesterday."

"Where was he born?" I asked.

Cher looked through a small set of documents, "London, Whitechapel. That's in the East End isn't it?"

I nodded.

"Still he was lucky to get away from there into a quiet country town," said Cher.

With a growing feeling of dread I asked, "Which town?"

"Ambleside," said Cher, not realising the impact of her words. "That's in the north of England, isn't it?" she looked up expectantly.

"It's in Cumbria," said Sasha hollowly.

The colour drained from Cher's face. "That's where the Morrison's are from too."

"And Gerald Huntley," I added.

"Do you have a laptop with an internet connection I can..." Cher was interrupted by Julia placing an opened laptop on the table beside her. Cher turned to the computer and started typing.

"Huntley met Angelica Morrison at one of my public shows. He was punishing his daughter for something, shaved all of her hair off and made her fellate him all the time. Angelica likes little girls, her own daughter was too old for her, so she persuaded Huntley to lend her Chantelle, his daughter, while they made Michael and Louise perform for them." Cher looked up at me, "If you've crossed any one of them you're in big trouble. They're worse than vicious, spiteful children if they don't get their way. That family have provided me with more than a hundred victims for my shows. Nearly all were young, some with drug problems, most had already been on the game and had STDs. They had all refused him or his family something, usually sexual favours. And none of their family mind which gender they fuck, nor what age they are. I've had a six year old boy and a seventy year old woman sent to me, both said that they'd said 'no' to one of the Huntley / Morrison family."

I explained my history with Sir Gerald Huntley and why I sold her Sydney. Half way through my story Cher laughed.

"So you're 'The Bastard'! For months now Huntley has been in a foul mood. He's always going on about 'the Bastard' and how he'll sort out 'That Bastard' once and for all." She rocked with laughter, "He doesn't seem to be doing a very good job of sorting you out, does he?"

"Well, he's caused me a number of problems and the deaths of four of my dearest ladies." I answered.

Cher was immediately contrite, leaning forward she put her hand on mine, "Oh Paul, I didn't know. Please accept my most sincere apologies."

Cher turned her attention to the laptop again and soon turned the screen toward me, "This is the only photo I know I have of Huntley and Angelica."

The photo was obviously old, Sir Gerald was a much younger man, a girl knelt to the side of Sir Gerald with her head in his lap; his erection disappearing into her mouth showed that this was Chantelle. Her arms and legs were prepubescent thin, her breasts non-existent, and her head completely hairless. We couldn't see her face properly as her hand was in the way.

Angelica was sat beside her soon to be husband, she'd turned her head and was watching her children fucking beside her while she masturbated; all in all, good old family fun for the Huntley / Morrisons.

"Well," I said, "we now have another fact at our disposal. Sir Gerald has a daughter, Chantelle, and he's kept her hidden from the public eye. I've been hunting information about children from his first marriage, and indeed information about his first wife."

Cher turned the laptop back again, working the keys for a few minutes without speaking. Finally she turned it back. This photo showed a young woman held in a glass or plastic mould. There appeared to be a smallish gap between her skin and the mould up to her neck, there the mould widened into a long tube which rose well above her head. The woman was naked and a slim tube dropped down the mould and disappeared into her nose. Cher was standing beside her, naked too except for a pair of boots which came to her upper thighs, long, long black hair tumbled down to her waist.

"It's called a drowning suit," Cher explained. "I put a person, usually a female, into it and it's locked tight, water tight." She paused as though to allow us to make the connection as to how this drowned a person.

"The tube in her nose is feeding her a saline solution, when she pisses..."

I could see the horror of this now, it wouldn't be a fast death. The victim would feel the first batch of urine fill the feet of the suit. Then the second and third would fill the legs, by then hunger would be setting in, though the nasal tube would keep the victim hydrated, actually over hydrated. More urine would raise the level progressively up her body. Then there was another problem, with children wearing nappies it's called nappy rash. It's caused by the bacteria in the urine producing ammonia. Nappy rash is a chemical burn. It can burn the whole skin off. And the woman would have been soaked in her own urine for days before it reached her neck. And then it would reach her mouth and she would drink it. But by now it would be very, very alkaline. She would burn inside as well as out. She may vomit and then have the unenviable choice of drinking her stomach's contents again or drowning in vomit. By this time she would be in agony with most of the skin on her legs and lower abdomen burned away. Whether she died from the shock of her burns, or drowning is debatable. I just knew it would be a terrible way to die.

"And then what?" asked Sasha.

I looked at her, "Sasha my darling, you really don't want to know."

"Oh," she said. Then a few moments later, "OH!" she turned pale.

I turned to Cher, from the photo I could see why she got that nickname, "who sold her to you?" I asked, knowing already the answer she was going to give me.

Cher nodded, "Huntley," she answered grimly. "He sold me his oldest daughter too. She was twelve then. You don't want to see any of the pictures." She looked sorrowful, "My line of business is not known for nice people, but it was Huntley that made me question the reasons why each person is now brought to me. His girl, I never knew her name, died in the same way that Simone was due to die, a human sized liquidiser."

Cher looked down but I could see that a tear had appeared.

"Was it quick?" I asked.

Cher just shook her head. "I sell pain and terror, human misery and suffering. Usually inflicted by my guests onto the toys I own."

She stood up and looked down at me, "I so wanted to be your friend," she said with a choke in her voice.

"And why can't you be?" I asked.

"But these pictures, what I am, what I've done..."

"What you've done is give Simone, or Aline as I call her, a chance at life. Do you know anyone else who would have done that?" I interrupted.

She smiled, "Not really," she replied.

"Anyway," I said, "I still want to see you in those boots."

The three women laughed.

"You mean fuck her while she's wearing those boots don't you?" interjected Cecy.

They laughed again, this time at me.

-------

Aline knelt in front of me, naked as a slave should be, holding a collar on her up-turned palms. Bernie, Sheryl, JJ, Jamie and Gerald were watching, as were all of my girls.

"Please Master, collar your slave," she asked.

I took the collar from her and buckled it round her neck, tightly so she would always know she wore my collar.

She smiled when I stepped back. Umber stepped forward and in her first act as my chief body slave she led Aline away. I'm not really sure what they did but I assumed that Aline would be shown where to eat and sleep, wash and apply her makeup. She'd be told about the things I liked and those I didn't. How to please me and what displeased me. She'd talk with all of the girls and they'd tell each other their stories.

"What would you do if she hadn't asked for the collar?" asked Sheryl.

"Well, normally the girl would be free." I thought for a moment. "Aline though is slightly different. She's upset the favourite of a rich and powerful man. While I own her she's safe, but Cher wants to sort out the favourite first and maybe slap the owner down a little too. Until then, I'm afraid that Aline must stay my slave."

"But the other girls, surely they want to be freed?" Sheryl pressed.

I didn't laugh; this was a puzzle to me too. Why did they continue to ask for a collar again and again? Even the girls who I had freed now worked with or for me; some as closely as a slave anyway. "Well, I've tried freeing them but each time they've asked for their collar again."

"Can I talk to them about it?" Sheryl asked.

"Of course you can." I turned to Julia, "Julia, precious, please make sure that all of my girls know that they are free to answer any of Sheryl's questions without fear of punishment for what they say."

"Yes my Master," said Julia as she looked adoringly into my eyes. Ummm ... I think I preferred the 'I love you Master' look rather than this adoration.

Turning back to Sheryl, I continued, "If you do manage to find out why, tell me, won't you?"

She nodded; she was looking at Julia strangely. I think that Julia is going to be Sheryl's first interviewee.

I went outside and sat in my lounger, thinking about the things I'd learnt about Sir Gerald and his family. He was a very ruthless man. I think that I knew that before, nobody gets to be a chief constable in any police service without having a whole pile of steel in his backbone. But Huntley was something else, he'd sold his wife and eldest daughter to their deaths in most gruesome ways. I knew he'd watched his wife die, I assumed that he'd witnessed his daughter's death too. He punished his youngest daughter publicly, humiliating her by shaving her head and making her suck him all the time. What else would this man try to do, I wondered. He'd already tried to kill me and had murdered Joasia and June. I have no doubt that he'd organised the deaths of Varinka and Susan. And now a townie of his murdered, what was in his eyes, my only defence. The fact that he was so very wrong was about the only thing that prevented him from killing me.

I dropped my hand down and felt a small head, I peeked over the arm of my lounger, Umber, I hadn't heard her arrive. I stroked her head and she pressed her cheek into my hand. My girls did this to show me affection while maintaining their subservience. I wondered again why they stayed with me. I was very, very glad that they did, I just wondered why.

Sasha came and sat in my lap, "Thinking about Sir Gerald?" she asked.

I nodded, "Yeah," I sighed. Then I spotted that her blouse wasn't tucked into her skirt so my hand sneaked up inside to cup a warm breast. Sasha settled against me, seemingly comforted by my attentions.

We sat together, quiet but comforted by each other's presence, each alone with our thoughts.

-------

"Errr ... Sasha," Gerald interrupted our quiet time.

Sasha looked at him, "Hi Gerald," she answered.

"Sasha," he repeated slightly emboldened by the warmth of her welcome, "the boys and me would like to put on a show, a sort of dress rehearsal for when we rerelease 'Friends'. We'd like to do it in the grounds here and invite the villagers. Test their reaction, sort of..." He ran down and looked at her pleadingly.

Sasha laughed, "Of course you can," she reached forward and pulled him to her, they kissed.

I'm gonna have to watch this man, my best girl's getting real friendly with him.

Sasha stood up and took his hand, "Come on we'll have a look round to see where's the best place to hold it." She smiled at him, "Though you can't stick your hand up my blouse like he does," she told him laughing.

'Good girl' I thought to myself.

They walked four or five steps before Sasha ran back to me. She kissed me, "My precious man, don't ever, not for one moment, think that I would leave you." She smiled at me, gave me another kiss and ran back to Gerald.

I relaxed, my love for Sasha growing daily. I'd said that we'd talk about marriage while we were in France, but we hadn't. It was well past the planned time for us to have returned to the Crynos, but I still hadn't plucked up courage to actually ask her to marry me.

Slowly I walked back into my rooms, the girls obviously picked up on my distracted mood as they were quiet and efficient in their tasks and duties.

A little later I found Cecy, "Cecy precious, where can I buy a good engagement..."

"Come with me," she interrupted smiling.

Cecy led me to a part of the Chateau I'd not been in before, this was the oldest part of the building. The corridors narrow and ceilings low. Doorways were arched and the doors old, thick wood with metal bracing, thick and rugged, the bolts large and handmade. She opened a final door and ushered me inside. I looked round while she shut and locked the outer door, then she placed her palm on a very modern security plate and part of the wall opened. The next room was obviously a treasure store. Paintings and statues lined one side of the room. Gold busts at the end, the last wall was filled with ordinary metal shelving holding a large number of small to medium sized boxes, an empty table sat in the middle of the room. Cecy went over and started looking through the smaller boxes.

"Come, help me look," she said looking at me with a smile, "I want to find a small bright blue ring box with a silhouette on it."

We found it after about an hour's search. I gave the box to Cecy and she nodded.

"That's it. Harold has told me a story about this a number of times. When she was very young Sasha would play dress up with her mother's clothes and this," gesturing to the shelves, "jewellery." She then opened the box. I gasped out loud as I saw the ring. The diamond wasn't overly large; Sasha could wear it without it being considered ostentatious. But the fire that sparkled from the stone's depths spoke of its perfect clarity and flawlessness. I was almost speechless when I saw it and knew that this would be perfect as an engagement ring for Sasha.

Cecy held up the ring, "This ring, though, she only ever wore once. She slipped it onto her ring finger and showed it to her mother, then she said to her mother, 'The man that I marry must give me this ring for my betrothal, I will love him forever.'" Cecy sighed, "it was not very long after that that her mother died. It is possible that Sasha forgot about her pledge, and about the ring, in the pain of her mother's death."

"Cecy, my darling," I said still mesmerised by the beauty of the ring, "when can you remember Sasha forgetting anything?"

Cecy shook her head, "You are right, she does not forget, not ever." She said this rather sadly as though there was something that Cecy would prefer Sasha to forget.

"Now," she said more brightly, and laying back on the table, "will you fuck me for showing you the ring?" she asked hopefully.

Ignoring her parted legs and bared vulva I kissed her (upper) lips. "Not while I'm looking at my lovers engagement ring." I said as kindly as I could.

Cecy got up, not really hurt by my rejection, she waved a finger at me, "You, you're just so ... so... English! A Frenchman would have celebrated with his mistress." She pulled me down for a kiss, one that promised much, much more when I thought the time was right.

We left the strong room and Cecy led the way back to the main rooms. Before we parted she turned to me, "When are you going to ask her?"

I thought for a moment. I hadn't actually thought about the 'when' I had been concentrating on the question itself.

"This evening, at dinner," I replied a little uncertainly. What if she said no?

Cecy looked at me, she must have noticed my uncertainty because she laughed, "You'll be fine, she'll love you more than ever, just wait and see." She kissed me again, and Cecy is a very good kisser, and left laughing to herself.

I turned to return to my rooms and found Umber beside me, she smiled up at me, a warm loving smile, "Are you going to ask the Mistress to marry you tonight?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Then we must make sure that you are clean, smart, shaved and ready for her when she decides to rape you." Umber seemed to think that Sasha would be pleased to be asked to marry me. If only I was so sure.

We met a couple of my girls on the way back to my rooms. They ran off within seconds though. For a moment I wondered if Umber had secretly signalled them or something. Hell, for all the notice I'd been taking she could have been waving semaphore flags as we walked down the corridors. A hand signal would have gone totally unnoticed. I had even failed to watch one of my favourite sights, Umbers tight bottom swaying side to side, as we'd walked.

June was laying the massage pad onto my bed when we entered my bedroom. I could hear the shower running already and there were naked girls running everywhere.

I looked around at all of the preparations being made for me, and I realised that something was missing. Then the door opened, Lynne rushed in and I knew, not what but who, was missing, Karolina.

As I stared longingly at the door it opened and my darling Karolina came in. She saw how I was looking at her and came straight into my arms.

"Me Master is got bestest news?" she asked after we'd kissed.

"I'm going to ask Sasha to marry me." This wasn't the surprise I expected it to be.

"You girls 'n' me is wonder when you ask." She looked at me and saw my uncertainty; then she smiled. "It best you not sure be. Mistress then tease bit. Make man worry 'n' sweat." She hugged me. "Mistress love you, love you proper. Make good Mistress for slaves. Be firm with girl, not softie, no harsh. Bestest Mistress, give cane, give hugs. What girl want, what slave need."

I then remembered that it wasn't just Sasha and I who would be affected by our marriage. My slaves, too, would be getting a new Mistress, one who could be very harsh to them, jealous even, one who would have the power of life and death over them.

Karolina and I sat together in a corner chair. I pulled her onto my lap and we hugged and cuddled as we'd done just after we'd met. We went back to the days when things were simpler and quieter. We'd come so far together. It could easily have been Karolina receiving my ring, but for her consistent refusal to do so. During that time I'd grown to love Sasha and she'd become part of me. It was the right time now to formalise our relationship.

Umber came and collected us, she led Karolina and I into the shower where all of my body slaves washed us, making sure every nook and cranny was squeaky clean. A plastic garden chair was placed in the shower and I sat down. Umber tilted my head back and started to brush shaving foam over my chin. Two small soft hands parted my knees and I felt the softness of small breasts against my inner thighs. Then the scalding heat of a mouth engulfed my growing hardness. I rested my hands on her head, the short curly hair told me it was Karolina pleasuring me. Umber shaved me as Karolina slowly sucked and licked me.

I exploded into Karolina's mouth, she devoured my seed greedily. Satisfied I looked down at her.

"Now me Master last long time for to fuck Mistress Sasha," she said with a smile.

I pulled her to me and we kissed; the slightly musky taste of semen on her tongue.

The bedroom was a hive of industry when we left the bathroom. My trousers were being pressed, shirt ironed and shoes cleaned. Lynne had arranged a choice of ties for me; though I detested them I would wear a tie to propose to Sasha.

As I stepped into my underpants I noticed two small nicks in the waistband, then I spotted similar cuts in the seams of the leg holes. I pointed to the cuts and asked, "Why?"

"So Mistress Sasha can rip them off you as she will want to do, my Master," replied Umber. "You wouldn't want to have fabric burns on your waist and legs would you?" she asked.

I shook my head. These girls seemed to think that, when I proposed, Sasha would rape me on the spot. I wish I was as sure of her reaction.

As they finished their tasks my girls hurried away, I hoped that they were on their way to the dining room. I could use their support.

Finally I was ready. Karolina, Julia and Umber, my top three girls, stood round me checking every last detail. They pronounced me ready to propose to my beloved.

-------

Waiting in the dining room was a trial. Gerald, Bernie and Sheryl were already there when I entered. Seeing the effort put in to my dress tonight Gerald and Bernie must have wondered what was going on. Sheryl had no such concerns, she smiled and whispered to Bernie. He looked at me again, peering a little closer this time, and said "Naaaa," shaking his head.

Cecy and Harold came in next. Cecy had taken the time to dress up, Harold wore a suit, unusual for him at home. We waited in various states of anticipation for the main attraction, Sasha, to arrive. I looked round the room, my girls lined the walls with the Chateau's staff. They all looked pleased and smiled broadly at me. I felt warmed and comforted by their obvious good wishes. Now if only Sasha would...

I heard the creak as the door handle started to move, I almost jumped in surprise. Then the door swung open and a vision of beauty entered. Sasha wore a simple black sheath dress. No jewellery and little makeup, but she looked absolutely perfect. She looked round the room a little surprised.

"Waiting for me?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, my dearest, I was," I said as I moved toward her. She looked as though she was going to lean forward for a kiss when I dropped to one knee.

"OH!" she exclaimed, covering her mouth with a hand.

I pulled the ring from my pocket, "Sasha my darling..."

She noticed the ring and screamed, "AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" She paled so much I thought that she'd faint. "MY RING, WHERE DID YOU GET MY RING?"

I ploughed on, unstoppable in my nervousness, "will you marry me?"

"AAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHYESAAAHHHHHHHYESYESARRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH." She was jumping up and down, screaming and waving her arms about. The sounds coming from her were unintelligible. I wondered whether this was 'A Good Thing' or 'A Bad Thing'.

Still screaming she reached down and grabbed hold of my ears, pulling me to her she tried to stick her tongue down my throat. Pulling back she looked me in the eyes, I saw tears streaming down her face, ruining her makeup, making her eyes look red and puffy.

"Oh precious man, yes, yes, a thousand time yes!" she cried. Then grabbed me again and tried to suck my internal organs out through my mouth again.

Still very nervous and quite shocked by her reaction I was trembling and unsure of what her words meant, until she shakily held out her left hand for me to put the ring on.

I, too, was shaking badly, so badly we had to hold each others' hands to steady ourselves, finally though I managed to put her ring on. She held it up and examined the token of my love.

She pulled me to my feet and we kissed again, only one of her arms held me though, her left hand was held high, fingers splayed so that everyone could see the ring on her finger.

Breaking free she ran to Cecy, screaming again. This time Cecy, Sheryl and Sasha screamed, waved their arms about and jumped up and down.

Harold came to me with his hand outstretched, we shook. He turned and nodded to the screaming women, "She's taking it more quietly than I expected," he said.

Gerald and Bernie joined us.

"Congratulations mate," said Bernie a little shocked by the event.

"Congratulations from me too," added Gerald. "This isn't two new verses, this is a new song!" he said smiling broadly.

Sasha came running back to me and hugged me again. She looked into my eyes and her expression changed. The excited girlie disappeared, replaced by a lust crazed woman.

She ripped my shirt open. I heard the chandelier tinkle as a button hit it at bullet like speed.

"You're mine," she growled, pushing me down across the table, sending knives and forks skidding across the room. Her hands gripped my trousers and tore them apart, I gave thanks to my girls foresight in cutting the seams. My underwear was torn away with similar ferocity and I lay bared for my lover to do with as she pleased.

"I love you so much, my darling," said my usually demure lady before she dove onto my erection sucking it in to her mouth and throat in one powerful gulp. I felt the reverberations of her humming and sucking throughout my body. Had it not been for Karolina's attentions in the shower earlier I would have exploded there and then.

Still pressing me down onto the table with surprising strength, Sasha kissed her way up my body until we locked lips together. As we kissed she settled herself down impaling herself on my cock. I heard and felt her moans of delight as we explored each other's mouths.

She sat upright and threw her head back. I raised my hands and pressed them over her small breasts through her thin dress. Them Umber and, to my surprise, Cecy stood each side of us and lifted Sasha's dress over her head leaving her naked. I returned to my man toys and pulled and squeezed her nipples.

With a barely articulated scream, Sasha came; her wetness gushing past my invading cock and soaking my abdomen. She sat upon me gasping through her climax, lifting up and down occasionally, her finger tips pressing on and squeezing my nipples as I toyed with hers. Then she opened her eyes again and started to ride me in earnest again.

"Fill me, my master, fill me with your seed and make a baby inside me." Her eyes seemed to flash fire with her lust.

Fill her I did, we reached our peaks together and, clasped in each other's arms, we shared our orgasms.

Panting, weak and satiated, we rested on the table.

"SHANNON!" Helen's shocked voice made us jump.

We looked down the table, everyone else was tucking into a good dinner whilst we had been more intent on each other. Shannon was easy to spot, her DSi beside her and clasping a fork with a whole fish finger on it next to her mouth, she turned from watching us to look at her adopted mother.

Both Sasha and I breathed in to leap to Shannon's defence, after all it wasn't her fault that we'd performed on the dining table.

"Cut your food young lady," Helen said before we could say a word. "You don't see anyone else stuffing a whole fish finger in their mouth do you?" Helen continued sternly.

Shannon just raised a hand and pointed at Bernie, who sat desperately trying to swallow his mouthful of fish finger as fast as he could.

"When you become an internationally famous rock star, madam, then you can eat how you like. Until then you will cut your food up and pretend that you are a young lady." Helen was not to be turned from her desire to bring Shannon up as she thought a young lady should be brought up.



-------

Chapter 67


With a feeling of utter dread in my heart I opened Susan's coffin. It was so small and she lay swamped by her final home. I pulled back the silk cloth that covered her. Julia and Karolina had dressed her in a simple yellow dress, its high neck covering wounds that we didn't want to be reminded of. They had told me that yellow was her favourite colour. I felt so ashamed that I didn't know what her favourite colour had been.

I looked at her bare throat. Whoever had abused both her and Varinka had stolen their collars. I could actually understand that, they were worth a lot of money. It would also make Wendy's job much easier. Wendy was like a woman possessed. She was everywhere. She'd finished her investigations locally and was now in Paris with the DGSE looking at port and airport records, trying to track the thugs entry into France. We were sure that they were English and had travelled directly from the UK.

Turning to Julia I held out my hand, Julia placed an exact copy of Susan's collar in my hand. It, and Varinka's collar, had arrived this morning from London. I'd been able to get the same jeweller to remake both collars as an urgent job. As usual he'd done a magnificent job.

Julia held Susan's hand and turned to me, "Master, slave Susan cannot ask, so I ask on her behalf. Please our Master, collar your slave."

I lifted Susan's head so easily, too easily, and secured her collar around her slender throat. The pearl, centred properly on her throat, glistened with an eerie light.

Sasha gave me a gold bracelet, it had the key to Susan's collar on a small chain, easy for her to use. If she ever wished to.

"Susan, you served me and our family faithfully. You have your collar and here is its key should you ever wish to be free." I choked on the last few words, overcome with emotion. I fastened the bracelet around her right wrist.

We turned to Varinka's coffin. Again with ease I lifted the small lid revealing our friend. Like Susan, Varinka had been dressed in a light summer dress, her's a pale green.

Though our actions were repeated they were no less meaningful for that.

Julia held Varinka's hand and stood tall and proud. "My Master, slave Varinka cannot ask so I ask for her. Please our Master, collar your slave."

If anything Varinka felt lighter than Susan, so, so easy to lift. I fastened her collar around her slim throat and laid her down again. The ruby in the centre of her gold collar flashed fire in the dim church light.

"Dearest Varinka, you have given me, and our family the gift of your servitude. Here is the key to you collar should you ever decide to be free."

I fastened Varinka's bracelet, with its key, to her left wrist. I had noticed that she had been left handed.

I turned and looked at the guards around the church, their shotguns and rifles incongruous in this quiet, reflective, setting.

"Please guard my ladies well. They are very precious to me," I said.

"It will be our honour to do so Baron." His Birmingham accent betraying which corner of Martinè he came from.

"Thank you. I leave my loved ones in your care." I replied. He seemed to swell with pride on hearing that.

Sasha and I led our small procession out of the church. We would all be returning tomorrow.

Tomorrow we would bury our friends.

-------

My girls all managed to touch me at some point during our journey back to the chateau. Each thanked me for my words to their friends, all had been crying, most still were. Sasha held on to me as though her life or sanity depended on it. I wondered what I had done to deserve such love and affection, but decided that I would never know the real reasons.

Ela met us at the chateau's door. "Got some fuckin' good news for you Boss," she said with a smile. "Wendy called about ten minutes ago, she's got presents for Susan and Varinka. She said she should be here in time for the funeral."

"Thank you dearest Ela, we all could do with some good news," I said then kissed her. "When are you going to join us in bed again, precious one?" I asked her.

"Soon Boss, we've been so busy while we've been here, never had a chance to. I do want to Boss, Mrs Boss, even if only to sleep cuddling and being cuddled." Ela's wistful expression spoke of her true longing to join us, even if, as she said, it was just to cuddle.

While we stood talking Gerald and Bernie came out and stood waiting expectantly.

"Waiting for someone?" I asked amused.

"Yeah, two actually, Chantille and Sara Burton."

My mouth opened in surprise. Even I had heard of these two. Famously jealous of each other, fiercely competitive and world class divas, they were not women to get on the wrong side of. Their 'relationship', if an all out war could be described as such, started on the wrong foot. Chantille was reported as saying "Sara had the voice of an angel but no morals." Sara replied "Chantille has the morals of an angel but no voice." It went downhill from there.

"And you're expecting them to arrive here together?" Sasha asked in surprise, no, shock.

"They said they'd fly out on the same plane, save time for rehearsals," Bernie interjected.

"What are they going to be doing?" I asked.

"We asked if they'd sing with us on the extended Friends album. They're coming here to do our show for the locals. See how it goes sort of thing." Gerald answered.

Well, while these ladies were world class singers and entertainers, they would be classed as second string when compared to The Screaming Monkeys. No wonder they put aside their rivalries to perform with Gerald and the band.

"We'll get in then and leave you to greet your guests," said Sasha. "Are they joining us for dinner?" she asked.

"They're gonna be fucking hungry if they don't," replied Bernie with a grin.

On seeing a black limousine turning into the drive Sasha, my girls and I hurried inside. I smiled at Sung Lu who had unobtrusively joined us while we had been talking. Melissa joined Sung Lu, standing behind Gerald and Bernie. Elastic and Sandy both said 'Hi' as they hurried outside to join the welcoming committee.

-------

Dinner was a strange affair. Chantille and Sara sat next to each other and, judging from their body language and the way that they kept touching each other, I would have said that they'd been friends, no, lovers for some time. One of Sara's bodyguards, a hulking, brutal looking man who towered over my six foot two, wore bandages over an obviously broken nose and he kept darting nervous glances at the diminutive Sung Lu. I do hope he'd not upset her, Paula's girls can get a little ... forceful ... when someone upsets them. Sung Lu however showed no sign of any altercation, she stood behind Gerald's chair looking small and decorative, the kind of ornament any multimillionaire would love to have lounging naked around his house. Did I mention she was naked? She was, as were all of the other household servants, local girls and my girls. It did seem to distract both Chantille and Sara's male bodyguards though.

Paula sat on my right, Sasha on my left. For some reason they kept slipping their hands between my legs and caressing my, now erect, cock. Though they seemed to take it in turns, occasionally, such as right now, they both did it together. Neither of them gave any indication of the game they were playing, nor did they seem to object to the other player whose hand was in their playground.

I could, I think, understand Sasha's infatuation; she was still a little shocked by my proposal. But Paula was supposed to be an adult. Well, OK, so was I, but I have an excuse, I'm a man and two sexy women are groping my cock and balls. There was no way I could remain adult under that level of provocation.

The after dinner drinks provided a surprise.

"Why has the hulk got a broken nose?" I asked Gerald.

"Well, err ... Sung Lu thought he was trying to smuggle a handgun into the chateau." Gerald looked pleased, "When she questioned him about it he just tried to brush her aside. She put him on the ground and took the gun out of an ankle holster."

I, too, grinned at the thought of someone trying to brush aside one of Paula's special girls, that would be like trying to brush aside a brick wall, with far greater impact on your own health too.

Chantille and Sara joined us, they were holding hands.

"Do you mind me asking where you got your guards from?" I asked them.

Sara shook her head, "Not at all, Justin, my manager, said that Ms Morrison said we had to have them. We'd been receiving threatening letters, so we agreed."

"She also wanted us to pretend to hate each other. She said that it would be good publicity. She didn't want anyone to know we're lovers." Chantelle added.

"That would be Sydney Morrison, would it?" I asked. I could see that the Morrison's tentacles spread wider than anyone ever guessed.

"Yeah," answered Sara. "Why, do you know her?"

"Yes," I answered, "I know her." I turned to Elastic, "Elastic, I want Chantille and Sara's bodyguards under lock and key immediately." Elastic turned to go, already pulling out her mobile. "Use some of Paula's girls, I think you may need them."

I turned back to the two young singers. Sara looked at me innocently, "Do you know where Ms Morrison is? No one's seen her for a few days now and it's not like her to leave too much to her managers."

"She's been sold as a slave to a torture brothel." I answered her, perhaps a little too sharply.

"Couldn't have happened to a better person," interrupted Chantille. "She was a nasty little thief. Fortunately I had my own accountant before I joined the Morrison agency. She caught Ms Morrison cooking the books very quickly. We threatened to sue and make it public and nasty, but she always had some way of stopping us. Helen, my accountant died shortly after that but her brother took over her business and still runs it now. He won't have anything to do with Ms Morrison."

"Sounds like a sensible man to me." I said. "How about you Sara, do you have you own accountant?"

Sasha looked at me strangely. "You mean you actually know who these ladies are?" she asked in surprise.

"Of course!" I answered with a pretend show of huff. "I'm not totally ignorant of the current music scene you know."

For some reason this generated laughter from all who heard it. Even Cecy and Harold joined in which I thought was a little unfair of them.

"So what was Sara's last number one called then?" Sasha asked meanly.

"Err ... well I'm too busy to keep up with details," I said groping desperately for a way out of this hole I'd dug for myself.

More laughter. I did notice that my girls looked sympathetic, June and Aline actually looked shocked at the treatment I was getting. I gently reached backwards to my right and touched what I expected to, naked flesh. I turned, Umber was behind me in her place as my chief body slave. "Umber, darling, please reassure June and Aline that these people mean no disrespect to me."

"Of course, my Master," she replied and was gone.

"Who was that girl and why is she naked?" asked Chantille. "Not that I'm objecting to her being naked of course." Her engorged nipples showed that she rather liked looking at the naked girls around the room. I bet her palms were a little sweaty too.

I did notice that both she and Sara watched carefully as Umber walked, or rather swayed, away. That girl has possibly the sexiest walk in the world.

"She's my head body slave," I answered. "Slaves, of course, don't wear clothes."

Chantille looked behind Gerald at the naked Sung Lu, "Are you a slave too?" she asked. Sung Lu looked at Gerald for permission to answer or not.

Gerald nodded.

"I have the honour to be enslaved to Master Gerald," she answered.

"Oh." Chantille was unsure of what to say next.

"Anyway," I said, thankful that we'd moved on from the subject of my knowledge of the current music scene and artist's back catalogues, "Sara, do you have your own accountant?"

"Oh yes, he's a very nice man, my agent found him for me," she answered.

"And does he work for the Morrison agency too?" I wondered just how naive a person could be.

Sara nodded.

Gerald looked a little shocked. "You two do me, and yourselves, a favour right?"

The girls looked at him surprised.

"Give Paul your credit cards. He's got this girl, Karolina, she can do magic with computers. Let her check your accounts and everything. Karolina will tell you whether they've been stealing from you or not." Gerald looked deadly serious as he said this.

The girls weren't so sure; they looked at each other nervously. "But giving him our credit cards, that's, like, giving him our account thingies," said Sara.

Sheryl, Bernie, JJ and Gerald laughed out loud. "Look," said Bernie, "you made, what, twelve million last year?" The girls nodded, a small smile on their lips at the success they'd enjoyed. "He," Bernie pointed at me, "makes more than that every day. How do you think he can afford to have all of these slaves around all the time?"

"I've given him my cards. Karolina saved me my fortune," JJ added.

"OK," Sara agreed, "I haven't got them on me of course. I'll give you them tomorrow."

"Just give them to one of my girls, they'll get them to Karolina and she'll see what's been happening with your money." I told them.

I turned and spotted Cecy and Harold sitting by the window. Slowly I moved over to them.

"See, she said yes didn't she. I told you she would," said Cecy with a smile.

"Sasha's been wondering when you'd ask her," added Harold.

I smiled and took a sip of my drink, to have time to gather my thoughts. "She said yes, and I've been too slow in asking her," I agreed with both of them.

I half turned and gestured to Sara and Chantille, "What do you think of those two?" I asked.

Cecy looked thoughtful, Harold laughed, "I never thought I'd be host to most of the top tier of the international music industry," he said with a chuckle.

"You watch yourself Paul," said Cecy seriously, looking over at Sara and Chantille. "Those girls haven't been told 'no' for a long time." She looked me in the eye, "They'll be after you very soon. Neither of them have ever met someone like you."

I leant forward and kissed Cecy, I meant it to be a peck on her cheek, but she turned her head and we met lips to lips. As I've said before, Cecy is a wonderful kisser.

-------

Sasha and I cuddled in our bed; she wore my ring and perfume. I looked at her as she relaxed in post coital bliss. Alina lay behind her kissing her shoulders, her thin arm curled round my lover's body to cup her breast. Alison, or was it Melissa, lay behind me, pressed hard against my naked back, her hand had sneaked between my legs and currently gently cupped and squeezed my balls. Melissa, or possible Alison, lay behind her and I could feel her hand squeezed between my back and a breast. The three girls had 'helped' Sasha and I make love.

Umber lay at the foot of the bed, she had taken over Julia's pad and sleeping bag. This, I had been informed, was the proper position for the head body slave, a position of status and authority.

Together we slept.

-------

The alarm buzzer sounded, it wasn't the raucous panic alarm, this was the much quieter beware alarm. It also meant that Elastic's girls were already dealing with the incident.

The buzzer cut off seconds before Sandy slipped in the door.

"Just lay still folks." She ordered.

We did as she said, though Sasha started to kiss and nibble at my chin, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

Her eyes suddenly widened, "Alina's just pushed two fingers up my bum," she said a little breathlessly.

I looked over at Alina who, with a broad grin on her face, nodded.

"I'm going to make the little pest lick me clean, then give me a huge cum for that," Sasha continued, "just wait until this alarm is over and see if I don't."

I watched as Alina bit her mistress' shoulder and massaged her breast.

The door opened, and someone slipped in. In the light from the door it looked like Sara. We knew that if she'd been allowed to get this far she wasn't armed, well not with hand weapons anyway. What she concealed under her nightie we didn't know. We waited to see what she would do.

She lifted her nightie over her head and dropped it behind her.

Then the other door opened and Chantille came in. She was already naked. She too started walking slowly towards my bed. Both girls were about half way to the bed when I switched the light on.

"OH..." said Sara.

"SHIT..." finished Chantille.

Then they noticed the marines, dressed in combat armour, with weapons at high port.

"They've got guns!" shouted Sara.

Chantille spotted Sandy's cannon, "Hey, I've got one like that!" she cried. "Do you have to load the ammo yourself?" she asked.

Sandy nodded.

Chantille came over and admired Sandy's weapon. "I can only use half powder loads because my wrists aren't strong enough, and my manager doesn't want me putting on muscle and having what he calls 'big arms'. I think he's just frightened of the bangs myself."

Sandy guided Chantille out of the room, both still talking about personal weapons, very large personal weapons.

Sara stared at my ladies and I as we lay propped up on our elbows looking at her. "Bugger, there's no room for me is there?" she said. "Does it take all four of you to satisfy him?" she asked with interest.

"Our Master satisfied us all in one night a little while ago," said Alina with pride.

"Us all..." said Sara.

"His twelve slaves," replied Alina.

"And me!" called Sasha.

"Thirteen of us," Alina corrected.

"Tomorrow night?" Sara asked hopefully.

"No, tomorrow we bury two of my ladies. They were murdered." I couldn't stop my voice cracking with the emotion. "I'll need to be with my ladies tomorrow night, they'll need to be with me."

Sara nodded, "One night though, OK?" she asked, still hopeful.

"Perhaps," I replied.

Looking a little sad, Sara left.

We settled down again, the thoughts of tomorrow's burials dampened any ardour we may normally have had.

-------

We walked, leading the procession, through the village to the church. Two pairs of matched black horses pulled glass sided hearses behind us. The villagers lined the road and, when the procession had passed, they too joined on the back. Sasha linked her arm through mine and we both stood tall and proud for our departed girls.

The priest conducted the service in English, his gentle voice projected by the acoustics of the church into a powerful cry for action. A call to arms in the defence of innocents, looking at the two tiny coffins before the alter, we all felt the righteousness of his anger.

The two small holes stood out from the lush green grass. The final resting places for two girls I loved, and who had loved me. Susan and Varinka had died to save themselves from an awful fate. Not one person present had ever suggested that Susan's death was suicide. She had been murdered by those who'd forced her to take the life of her sister slave and then kill herself. That she did so willingly and with the foresight to leave us her messages, spoke volumes about her courage, love and loyalty.

For a long time we looked at the graves, I noticed that they had been placed within the family plot rather than just outside.

Sasha, noticing me looking, leaned to me, "You are family now. It is the right place for them." She touched my arm, "I loved them too, dearest man, they were two gentle souls who loved you dearly. We'll all miss them." She turned to look at the graves again, the coffins now supported over the deep, deep holes. "It's nice to have somewhere to come back to, to talk to them," then her voice took on an edge of steel, "to tell them that they've been..."

The scream of an over revving car engine made us turn. Wendy's Merc came screaming along the road, horn blaring and lights flashing. Villagers went running to intercept it. They crowded round the car halting it yards from the church gate. Sasha and I couldn't really see what was happening, the villagers and Elastic and Paula's guards all blocked our view.

The villagers suddenly became quiet and slowly parted allowing Wendy through. She looked terrible in all senses of the word. Clothes dirty and torn, a bloody bandage on her thigh and her hair dishevelled. Worse though was her expression, face fixed in an angry scowl, her eyes flashed her fury at anyone who got in her way. She carried a heavy bag on one shoulder. This is the present for Susan and Varinka, I thought.

Wendy came to me and knelt, "I have found them, my Master." She dropped the bag at my feet.

"Are these your gifts for Susan and Varinka?" I asked.

Wendy nodded.

"Then please give them their presents." I said.

Standing, Wendy pulled her bag to the foot of the coffins and opened it. She reached inside and pulled a severed head out. This she placed on Varinka's coffin, at her feet. She reached inside the bag again and pulled out another head. This one she placed on Susan's coffin, at her feet too.

Wendy stood at the foot of the graves and looked round at the crowd watching her. "These two were responsible for the deaths of our two girls. They abused their bodies after their death and then they killed Madam Reinard, tortured her to her death because she'd let the girls kill themselves. I also know who ordered them to do this terrible thing. My Master will revenge his girls against those who ordered this terrible thing."

Standing tall and proud Wendy came back to me and knelt again, "This girl has information for her Master." She handed me a thick envelope, "It's all in here, my Master."

I looked round at the crowd, "My girl has done well, very well. But she couldn't have done this without your help. Help from every one of you. You have helped bring these thugs to justice. This is proper justice, not the sham that is begrudgingly handed out in Paris and London, but the Justice of the people who live on the land, the type of people who know that they need each other to survive and prosper. The type of people who will not be cowed by thugs like these men." I gestured to the two heads on my girls coffins.

The cheering prevented me from continuing. Sasha and I stood facing the crowd as they stood cheering for over five minutes. Finally the crowd quietened down enough for the priest to continue the service.

Sasha and I stood at the foot of the coffins, facing the decapitated heads, listening to the priests soothing voice. Then it struck me that I knew one of the victims. He'd been in my squad for a short while. The squad had been glad when he'd been drafted back to Poole. I don't think they knew that his removal was on my recommendation. I'd never said a word, I had just been glad that he'd gone. He was a drug addict and pusher. That was very bad news in such a small, closed environment such as we worked in. He'd been a liability, a deadly liability.

The priest had finished his service while I'd been thinking. Slowly, carefully lest they disturb the heads, four local men lowered each coffin into its grave. Slowly I walked to the grave side and took a handful of soil, this I dropped onto Varinka's coffin. "I love you sweet Varinka. It won't seem long before I join you." I said.

Taking another handful of earth I turned to Susan, "Dearest Susan, look after Varinka, she's not as mature as you and needs some help and guidance. I love you too, dearest girl, and I wait for the day we are together again."

I looked round, then down into the valley at the Petite Loire flowing slowly by, pondering my options and desires. I came to my decision, as soon as I could I would attack those who would attack me. Feeling better in myself now I turned back to the graves, "I have work to do my Ladies, forgive me if I rush away."

I turned to my living girls, "Come Ladies, we have work to do." I crooked my elbow for Sasha who slipped her arm through mine and we led the girls away from the graveside.

-------

Sasha and I sat side by side waiting for Wendy. My girls knelt in a semicircle in front of us waiting too. Finally, after what seemed an age, Wendy reappeared. She and a couple of marines set up the projector again and Wendy plugged it into her laptop. As she was bending over to reach a cable I noticed large bruises on her back, then I saw again the dirty, blood soaked bandage on her leg.

"Em!" I called, "Take Wendy to your sick room and examine her carefully. She isn't to continue with this presentation until you're sure she's fit enough to do so without further harming herself." I turned to Wendy, "And I want a full report on how you came to be injured and who did these things to you."

"Yes, my Master," both girls said in unison. They turned and left, Wendy now limping noticeably.

Well I could wait, I'd waited so long, I could wait a little longer.

Sasha squeezed my hand, "Just like you," she smiled at me.

I loved watching her smile, her whole face lit up from within.

"You desperately want to hear what she's got to say but you'll wait weeks if necessary, until she's completely healed if Em wants that, just to look after, no, just to protect one of your girls." She shook her head, "And I don't think that she's spent more than an hour in your company."

She leant forward and kissed me, "Come, dearest, we'll spend some time in the pool and I'll watch you swim for a while."

We stood up and went out to the pool. Cecy, Harold and Amile were relaxing on loungers, Claudette and Nina were swimming.

My girls helped us out of our clothes and we too relaxed on loungers. Then Alina stood, bowed to me, "If I may, my Master?"

Surprised, I nodded.

Alina turned and faced her sister slaves. They looked at her expectantly, not knowing what she was about to do or say.

"In Russia, where Varinka and I came from, when a slave dies their fellow slaves, their sisters and brothers, remember them. We all tell a story about the departed slave. In this way we are remembered and live on." She paused for a moment.

"I first met Varinka when we were brought together to be given to our Master, the Lord Paul." She turned and smiled at me. "We were worried as we'd been told that he was a fierce and strict master who whipped his slaves for any infraction of his rules." She shrugged, "But in Russia everyone tells you that your new master is a monster. If he isn't then you're surprised and glad, if he is, well you were warned weren't you."

We laughed.

"Varinka and I had to go through training again. I had to learn how to suck cock," she rolled her eyes. How ridiculous, her body language said, as if any slave over five years old didn't know how to suck a cock. "And take my masters cock in my arse," she looked at me with a frown, "which I'm still waiting for." She told me sternly.

"Have you been neglecting Alina?" Sasha asked loudly. They all laughed again.

"Come, my dearest, I'll satisfy you now."

She looked sad, "But my Master, from now until sunrise is the time of the dead. We must forego our own pleasures and remember our dead."

Tears pricked my eyes, "You are right, my precious, let's remember them."

So it continued. Karolina stood next and she told a story about Susan. Cecy and Harold joined us; later Gerald and Jamie did too. Shannon came and sat on my lap, soon she too told a story.

We sat all night, talking about our departed friends, food was bought to us, not the usual Cordon Bleu of the Chateau, but bread and a thin gruel, followed by water, slave rations. We ate slowly, even Chantille and Sara eating without complaint. Looking round I could see that my girls seemed a little surprised, or possibly shocked, that their Master and Mistress, and the other free people, would join them to remember their dead.

I watched Gerald closely, I could see he was already composing a song about tonight. I wonder if he'd add it to the Friends album. I thought that it would make a very good final piece despite its sadness.

When the sun rose we went to bed. Sara did manage to sneak into my bed, but only to sleep.

-------

Wendy stood in front of Sasha and me again. She wore a clean bandage on her thigh; her bruises yellowing now.

All of the other girls knelt either side of our chairs, all very interested in hearing Wendy's news, how she got injured and how she managed to kill the two men whose heads she placed on Susan and Varinka's coffins.

Wendy stood quietly; she was obviously waiting for something.

Then the door opened and we saw that it was someone she'd been waiting for, Elastic and the local Gendarme Inspector entered.

Two of Elastics girls carried chairs and they placed them just behind the row of kneeling girls. Elastic and the Inspector sat without saying a word.

"Master, I've invited the Inspector as some of what I have to say is of direct interest to him personally," said Wendy, explaining his presence here today.

"As was reported shortly after the deaths, this whole affair was instigated by a Parisian reporter named Luc Belvior. He did it for money, pure and simple, and for even more money and my guarantee, my personal guarantee, that he wouldn't be harmed he told me everything."

I was very surprised at that, no shocked, did she really have to give her word, I wondered?

Wendy must have interpreted my expression correctly, she smiled.

"But my Master, what good is the word of a slave to a freeman. And he definitely knew I was a slave, I specifically told him I was one of your slaves and have plenty of money. Luc is a money grabbing soul, stupid and too trusting, but oh so in love with money."

Now I smiled. Wendy and I knew her word meant nothing. A slave couldn't make promises on her Master's behalf unless she'd specifically been given the right to do so, like Karolina did when she wanted the money to buy Jo, Karen and Julia for me. She got permission to use my word first. I could take our revenge on this stupid reporter. It would feel good to look along the barrel of a Barrett again.

"He told me that this woman," she pressed a button on a hand held mouse and the projector showed the picture of a middle aged woman.

I recognised her immediately, Rae Morrison.

Wendy smiled, "Yes Master, it's Rae Morrison, stepdaughter of Sir Gerald Huntley." She turned and looked at the image on the screen, "Ugly bitch ain't she?"

"Rae has a special interest in girls, working girls to be precise; prostitutes. She controls nearly two thousand of them throughout the UK. She started young," another slide was shown this one a school report of a twelve year old girl blackmailing other girls into paid sex. The report stated that she was suspected of selling drugs but that no one would come forward to make any form of statement about this.

"From that point on her record is suspiciously clean. Not even a parking ticket." Wendy continued.

I, at least, knew what that meant, she'd been protected. And, later, someone with a huge amount of influence had removed or destroyed any unwanted records from the police files. If you had enough clout it was easy enough to do.

Wendy continued with her presentation but I'd heard enough, Rae Morrison was finished. Cher was going to get another toy. Anyway, I still owed her ninety nine pence from the pound she gave me for Sydney.

I sat thinking and planning, Wendy's voice a pleasant background to my thoughts.



-------

Chapter 68


It is surprisingly easy to get into the UK unofficially. There are a number of organisations which exist to assist in this endeavour should you so wish.

I did so wish, and I knew how to contact one of those organisations.

I'd leave the night of the show. The press were noticeably absent from the event. The locals, never really appreciating the value of a free press, and remembering the part that Luc Belvior played in the deaths of my girls, now hated reporters. No word had leaked at all about the show.

The villagers started gathering mid morning. Everywhere there was a party atmosphere, people laughing and joking, children running and playing. Here and there lovers loving, and no one objected or pulled away the younger children who were avidly watching the couplings.

Families picnicked together, joining friends or villagers they'd not seen since, oh, maybe as long as a week ago.

Musical instruments were produced and dancing started, this was undertaken with a lot more enthusiasm than skill, but produced even more enjoyment. Two young couples jumped up onto the stage and started to dance, a local dance which would have been banned as obscene anywhere but in France. Their lithe, supple, sensual bodies joining and parting, rhythmic drum beats firing the blood as their hands slid intimately across bodies. One girl ripped open her boys shirt, then caressed his chest. We could see the mounting lust in her eyes, the fire in her veins flushed her skin. The other boy opened his partners blouse, baring her breasts. The beat changed again and the two couples changed partners.

I left the stage area, amused that four people were on stage, moments away from full intercourse, and only a few of the people here were interested in watching.

Behind the dancing couples Gerald, Jamie, Bernie and JJ getting their instruments ready and Sara and Chantille were checking the set up of their microphones and doing sound checks.

They'd all practiced hard during the last few days. We'd hardly seen any of them except at breakfast. And even then they didn't stop to talk. The last couple of days though we could see that they were all very pleased with themselves. Their practicing must be showing results, I thought.

Sitting on the meadow grass I shared a lunch with a village family; baguette, soft cheese and wine. Simple food, so far from what I'd become accustomed to recently. It was surprisingly good.

Wandering about after lunch I stopped occasionally to speak with those I knew, or those who wanted to talk to 'Monsieur le Baron'. I was easy to spot as I always had at least two naked girls with me. So those who wanted to talk came and talked and those who wanted to stare, stared.

Stopping by the stage I noticed that it was now empty. Some of Elastics girls prevented anyone from playing with the instruments laid out ready for the band, but the security was all very low key.

I was talking to Yvon Le Clerk, the mountain of a man who had now taken it upon himself to guard any of my girls who came into the village. I think that this was partly to assuage the guilt he felt over the death of two unaccompanied girls only days after promising the safety of all my girls while in his village. He couldn't have known that Susan was one of our guards and she still died.

Yvon's tiny wife, looking more like a child than the wife who ruled her household with a whim of iron, clung to his arm and refused to speak.

One of the Le Clerk children, presumably a boy but at his age who could tell, tugged on my trouser leg. Despite his mother's protestations that he not bother 'Monsieur Le Baron', the child continued to try to attract my attention. Finishing answering Yvon's question about life in London City, I leant down to the him.

"She's forgotten to get dressed," he said - I think it was a he. "Is she going to get told off by her Mummy?"

I imagine that this was, to a child, quite a reasonable question.

"No," I answered, "I'm looking after her and she is a slave. Slaves don't wear clothes."

"Oh, yeah, Daddy told me." He looked thoughtful for a moment, "I forgot."

Karolina touched my arm, "Master T'rash be ready start."

I smiled to myself. Gerald now owned a slave, Sung Lu, so according to Karolina he was a Master of Slaves and had to be called Master.

"Coming Karolina dearest." I said my goodbyes and left for a roped off area in front of the stage. I hadn't wanted the segregated area but everyone else insisted, including, apparently, the villagers themselves.

Karolina, Julia and I joined the rest of my Ladies, Sasha hurried along a few moments later. We kissed, I enjoyed it so much I kissed her again.

Gerald, Jamie, Bernie, JJ, Chantille and Sara all wore pure white trousers and tunic tops. I could easily see Karen's hand in the design and manufacture of those outfits and I would bet that they'd be as smart and cool after three hours of playing as when they were first put on.

Gerald stepped up to the centre front microphone, "At this point I normally say, 'Hello wherever' but we've been here for a while already, so friends, we are THE SCREAMING MONKEYS!"

The crowd screamed back at him.

JJ started a slow bass rhythm, this was a new song. I wondered if he was going to add it to Friends.

Chantille stepped forward to her microphone and sang, her voice sweet and clear, the voice of an angel.

The song was new. It told of a Goddess who decided to change the fate of a man, one who would help others, one who would be blessed.

Then they did three verses of my song. The bastards had made it into a rock opera! The songs came along building the story up. Sasha's song excited us, June's made us cry, then, whirling and tumbling, Paula's song had us laughing, all interweaving to build the story and excitement higher and higher. The middle verses of Paul's song, really, really did need those five voices, Chantille and Sara were ideal in their roles. Weaving in and out, guiding the story, the voice of the Goddess cried out in joy, then pain as her human went through his trials, changing broken lives, building up the lowest and pulling down the mighty.

Fuck sake, I thought, if he goes any further I'm gonna have to wear my underpants outside my trousers.

The rest of the audience though, loved it, they absolutely adored it. They were standing, applauding, yelling and screaming for more.

Gerald might be the acknowledged genius, but the rest of them weren't too shabby at it either. The Screaming Monkeys truly deserved their place at the top of the music industry's very shaky tree.

As Sara, in the role of Sasha, held her abdomen and looked at her mate the show, the opera, ended. The response, loud as it had been throughout the show, was deafening. I wondered what a full audience in Wembley or the GMEX would sound like if this smallish group of country villagers had this reaction.

Now I had to hurry without seeming to move fast at all. I wandered behind a pile of instrument and speaker cases at the side of the stage, and out of sight of the audience. Elastic and her girls were waiting for me. Sasha hurriedly gave me a kiss and slipped a dress over my head. Paula was already pulling off my jeans and moaning that she didn't have time to do anything else while she was down there.

Looking vaguely female, I sauntered back round the stage and mingled with the crowd as they left the meadow. Few people had driven here, coaches had been laid on for the villages not within walking distance, everyone had walked the final mile or two. So I was able to mingle with the crowd quite easily.

An old landrover was parked where I expected it to be and the keys were in the exhaust pipe. The vehicle itself looked suitably old and hard worn; but when I started the engine it purred into life like a pampered Roll Royce 5.7 litre. I drove slowly down the back road looking like a farmers wife.

After a five hour drive I pulled into a small village perched on the channel coast. A fishing boat was waiting to take me across to England. On the boat I checked and rechecked my equipment. If everything went to plan this would be an exercise in boredom, with no one knowing a thing about my visit until I was safely back in France with my prize. Attacking like this would be dangerous, I would have to be careful and, more importantly, lucky time after time. My enemies would only have to be lucky once.

But I wanted to strike at their very heart, the place that they considered safest of all, I was going to violate the sanctity and security of their home, and do it like a ghost, silent and invisible. Not only was I going to kidnap Rae, I was going to steal their peace of mind. They were going to examine Rae's home looking for clues but they'd know nothing unless I told them.

They would only know for sure what had happened to Rae when they received the vial of blood and the name of her new owner.

The crossing took nearly four hours. Thirty minutes after we docked I was sipping a pint in a dock side pub, and enquiring about a hotel for the night. Day one of my attack on Rae Morrison was over.

-------

Whoever Rae had advising her about security was fairly good. All of the grounds around her very large farm house, not a working farm obviously, had been cleared out to about one hundred and fifty yards. While this would look odd to English eyes, it provided a superb killing field. The house was unapproachable without being seen. Well, that was OK, I didn't intend to approach it yet. I watched and waited.

Rae came and went daily, her routine was ... routine. Her security man should have advised her against that. If I'd just wanted to kill her then, Rae could have been dead a hundred times. However I wasn't going to be as merciful as that. Cher was going to get another toy; cost one penny, Sterling.

-------

This morning I could see unusual activity around the house. An MPV, a Ford Galaxy, pulled up to the side door and suitcases and other luggage was loaded into it. It looked as though she was taking enough for a month, so I estimated a weekend away. I start tonight then.

-------

The remote control car was quiet, its camo paint job was very effective in the dim starlight. I drove the car along the farmhouses approach road, a task made vastly more difficult due to the effectiveness of its camouflage, only a small ultra-violet LED on the aerial, and my adapted spotter scope, let me see precisely where my little car actually was. A peak on the broadband receiver showed that the buried proximity detector was a little further out than I'd have placed it, but it was there. I pressed the button to drop the small landmine, the cars only other payload.

Slowly, I brought car one back, during the many stops along the way, I made sure that cars two and three were fully charged and that their landmines released easily. I had already checked, but I checked again. I estimated that it would take about six to eight hours to get all of the explosives in place. These were my backups. If I was spotted and needed to escape these small landmines would eliminate some of my pursuers and slow any others. Though I really hoped that I wouldn't need them, I took the time to set them anyway. Then I would start having fun with the remaining security guards.

From my hide, six hundred yards away from the Morrison home, I had a full view of two sides of the house. The two video cameras that Chalkie's people had placed high on power line pylons last week showed me the other two sides.

Typical of most people, Rae had taken her best guards with her, those she left guarding her house were the 'only just adequate' ones. Which to my mind was strange; just suppose some bastard let you leave your nice, safe, guarded, house, then attacked that house and waited for your return. Well, only an absolute bastard would do that wouldn't they.

The second part of my attack used the cars again, I drove them close to the proximity detectors. This time instead of landmines they carried small electro-magnets. These magnets triggered the proximity detectors, and the guards, came running.

I wonder if they thought it strange that the first alarm was triggered by an inner wire. If they did it didn't matter. They came running, weapons in hand, and investigated the alarm, which they quite reasonably put down to a false alarm.

I waited two hours before the next one. This time all three cars were in position, spaced equally around the house. I triggered the magnets for a second and then waited. One guard ran to each alarm spot. They looked around, didn't see my cars and returned to the house.

I continued this during the remainder of the night and all of then next morning. The guards were getting tired of all the 'false alarms' but knew better than not investigate, or turn the security system off. That wouldn't threaten their jobs, it would lose them their lives.

Just after one o'clock I sent the three cars in again, one to each of the three inner detectors. I went through the outer wire.

Protected only by my ghillie suit, I lay in the middle of the well tended grounds and waited. The three guards were very tired now and didn't think to check all of the grounds every time there was an alarm.

Three more goes and I rested against the wall of the house, less than ten yards away from the door that the guards normally used. I waited an extra hour this time. I wanted the guards to be a little more physically rested next time.

Just at sundown I triggered the magnets on my repositioned cars and, as expected, the guards came rushing out of the building. I was standing next to the door and caught it as it swung toward me. Letting the guards get a little further away, I calmly walked round the door and into the house. I had about ten minutes to fix the security system before they'd return.

Oh this was fun.

I slid under the desk and unplugged the keyboard from the Keyboard / Video / Mouse (KVM) switch. I plugged in an extension lead and plugged the keyboard into that. The small pack attached to my extension lead started working almost immediately as Karolina hacked into their systems. All of the lights on my device extinguishing was my signal that everything was fine and I could leave. Total time three minutes; and now time for me to get out of here.

The far door looked like a kitchen door and, when I opened it I found that it was. I was through the kitchen and into a large hall in seconds. Back to the kitchen and the third door I tried was the back stairs. I knew that there would be servant's stairs here, Rae didn't seem to be the sort of person who'd allow staff to use the main stairs and corridors. It suited me down to the ground; well up to the second floor actually.

One of my objectives when entering the house was to leave the guards alive. Then they could give whatever recognition signals their boss required throughout the rest of the weekend and on Rae's return. When Rae came back I was sure that there would be some form of 'safe' signal that had to be given.

I would be using my time a lot more productively.

First though, I repositioned two of my cars and triggered the alarms again. I would keep doing this for the rest of the weekend and into Monday or Tuesday, just so that the security boss felt more convinced that there was a system fault rather than enemy action.

I found Rae's bedroom well within the thirty minutes I'd allowed myself. I checked it out with a fibre optic camera (thanks Ross, ) and it was clear. The door wasn't locked, that was what Rae had guards for, and if a slave got the better of her, unlikely but possible, then she'd want her backup to be able to gain entry without breaking the door down. Twenty minutes later I had all of my bugs and other 'little surprises' planted. Only three bugs for Rae's rooms, but sound and video streamed to the internet destined for one of Karolina's servers.

I found my resting place in the attic, in the servants quarters. Three of the rooms were empty and one showed signs of being occupied but the occupant hadn't visited for a while. 'Get well soon' cards on the desk suggested that the room's usual occupant was in hospital. I took photos of his photos and asked Ela to check. Repositioning the cars again I triggered the alarms and pulled my cars back out of harm's way. As long as they were in daylight they'd recharge their batteries and be ready for my next mischief.

I slipped under the bed and went to sleep.

Twice I woke and triggered the alarms again, no use letting the guards get all rested was there? The slowdown in the number and frequency of alarms would reinforce their impression that it was a system fault.

It took nearly two hours for me to refill my canteens. I found the water tanks easily enough, but I had to wait until someone used some water and the tank started refilling before I took mine. I didn't want any possibility of the waters flow noise giving me away.

I ate high protein, low residue bars. These were OK for a short while but played havoc with one's digestive system after about a week or so. I drank plenty, urinating into the central heating header tank.

I explored a little around the upper floors, but mainly I waited. I'd achieved my objective and had penetrated the house without being detected. Now I had to wait for Rae's return.

-------

The advanced security squad got back to the house early Wednesday afternoon. I listened to the briefing that the house guards gave and prepared for the house search that I knew I'd order in similar circumstances. I had two handguns. Sandy wouldn't have liked either of them. My favourite was a .22, super silenced single shot. If I needed more than one shot I was in deep shit and would rely on my 9mm Glock instead.

Yes, they're going to do a full house search, top to bottom. I had my 'hide' ready; I was actually in it, tucked in as snug as a bug when the exterminators came.

The guard who 'searched' the room I was in really tried; just not very hard. He'd had a miserable weekend and now was being dumped on by his boss's boss. He must have thought he needed a couple of days off. He actually looked under the bed, which was a surprise, but didn't think to poke the hanging undercover, above which I was attached to the bed frame. That saved his life, just then anyway. My silenced pistol was about twelve inches away from his nose.

The search continued on a lower floor, the attic having been 'sanitized'.

I lowered myself to the floor and went for a drink and a pee. As the guards were making loads of noise, I decided to call Karolina.

She answered immediately.

"Hi Boss, you in plenty deep shit. Sandy not find you base hide."

"What the fuck's Sandy doing over here?" I hissed.

"You here. We all here," she answered as though that should override any objection I might have. I gave her the GPS coordinates of my first hide. Still, now that they were here, that would ease a few of the things I'd been a little concerned about.

"Can you get her to recover my little cars?" I asked.

"Already got 'em Boss. Done put C4 bomb nails in 'em too." I smiled, They'd probably gotten here about the same time as I had and had watched the fun and games at the house. Elastic would have suggested looking for the cars.

I settled back into my under-bed hide and thought. This would make Rae's extraction much easier. And my objective of getting her to Cher before anyone realised she was missing suddenly became much more achievable.

"Sandy in you hide now Boss, say you fuckin' good. Stood by it for near hour, not see." Karolina's voice calmed and comforted me. It was always good to have a friend on the other end of your comms link, having a female friend was just so much better.

And if Sandy was in my hide I would bet that she had a Barrett with her too. She did like the bigger toys, as Elastic had once said. So now I had a friend on over-watch.

Rae arrived just before six p.m., ate dinner and retired to her rooms. She'd told her door guards that she wanted a good night's sleep so they were to go downstairs, and they were not to wake her in the morning for anything. I watched her close the door and then she slipped a mini DVD into the Blu-Ray player. I couldn't see the TV screen, but from the screams that sounded out almost immediately I was glad that I couldn't.

Rae stripped naked, sprawled in an arm chair and masturbated while she watched the recording.

Well, tonight was the ideal time. Rae wouldn't be missed until at least midday, and she'd be safely secured in Cher's hands before then. I waited until Rae was moaning with her pleasure and then popped the triggers on the room's sleeping-gas grenades. This was the same stuff that the Russians had used to break a hostage situation. However I'd had the time to work out just how many of the grenades to fire, three. In the throes of her climax I doubt that she even knew that she'd been knocked out.

Time for some more fun, I triggered a complete shutdown of the security barriers. That should have the guards running round for half an hour or so. Slowly I made my way down to the second floor, and through the door into Rae's room.

Rae, lay sprawled on the chair, legs wide apart and an incongruous shocking pink vibrator buzzing away deep in her pussy. I twisted its base to save the batteries.

Quickly I retrieved all of my bugs and other toys. I didn't want any evidence that I'd been here to remain; uncertainty was part of my weapon against the Huntley / Morrison's.

Rae, I lifted onto my back, I caught her vibrator as it slipped out and put it into my thigh pocket. After all she might like a reminder of home when she's whiling away the long dark nights in Cher's brothel, in between screaming and being raped of course. Ah well, everyone gets some shit in their lives, it just that sometimes you're the pigeon, sometimes you're the statue.

"Karolina, I need the cars to trigger the inner barriers in five minutes time." I whispered.

"Do done bestest Boss, me got full driving of security computer. Just bin setting off window break alarm in security room," she replied.

I smiled to myself, they'd be able to see that there was nothing wrong with the window and yet the alarm would be screaming that it was broken.

"Inner barriers will be triggered in ten seconds from my mark Boss," Ela's calm voice came over my earpiece, " ... mark!"

I strolled downstairs, the security guards were being deployed outside and I had ample time to get between the inner and middle barriers and lay down. I had to lay on top of Rae, but she'd be having a lot of that soon, so it didn't really matter.

Patrols passed us twice, one only ten or so feet away. But this was twilight and human eyes just don't handle twilight very well, and my ghillie suit almost made me invisible even in broad daylight.

"OK, now the middle and inner barriers in two minutes please," I asked.

Ela answered again, " ... one minute ... ten seconds on my mark ... mark!"

I stood, picked up Rae, thanked Elastic for all of the training I'd done over the last couple of months, and calmly walked through the last two barriers.

Even though I had hoped for some assistance, it was still a surprise when, less than four hundred yards from the house, four lumps of grass got up, picked up a stretcher and came to me. Elastic quickly examined Rae while the other three strapped the unconscious woman onto the stretcher.

"DOWN!" I whisper / yelled.

We all dropped to the ground and lay still. I'd felt a tickle in between my shoulder blades, I'd learnt to trust my instincts and hunches; they'd saved my life a number of times. And they'd probably saved me again tonight. We heard two guards talking as they walked the perimeter; we were between them and the house so the house lights would kill their night vision if they looked inwards. They took nearly three minutes to get far enough away for me to feel comfortable.

Speaking quietly I said, "Follow me."

I started off at an angle to our previous course, heading towards my hide. I led the group through some traps I'd laid last week, picking up all of my toys as I exited the grounds. Not one piece of evidence was to be left behind.

Elastic took Rae off on her way to hell while Sandy and I dismantled my hide. Thirty minutes later we too were in the back of a car stripping off our combat gear and slipping into casual clothes. The car drove us to a small private airfield, where we climbed aboard a company jet which would take us to France. Had I not been so tired I could have cheered, a perfect extraction at last. This would be a story for my memoires if I ever wrote them.

As we took off I picked up my mobile phone, "Cher darling, how would you like to come over to my place and spend a penny?"

She laughed, "Love to my dear boy, be there in the morning."

I slept for the rest of the flight, rest I really needed after the constant danger over the last five days.

Three hours later Cecy was opening the door for us at the Chateau. Everyone was home and safe, and we'd collected our prize.

Em examined Rae again and ensured that her restraints wouldn't cause her harm. I particularly wanted to present Cher with this toy completely undamaged.

-------

Cher arrived in a dark MPV. As she stepped out her ankle length coat opened and showed me that she was wearing her thigh boots. As she walked toward me she slipped off her coat and showed me that she wasn't wearing anything else.

We hugged and kissed.

"I like it when a man appreciates my body," she said as she ground her crotch against me. With a laugh she released me and hugged Sasha, Cecy and Paula.

"Well Paul, perhaps you'll get your wish this morning," Sasha teased, "Cher certainly looks fuckable, doesn't she?"

"Indeed she does," I said quietly as I watched her swaying hair sweep across her firm buttocks.

Sasha just hugged me a little tighter, "Enjoy her, my darling. I know who you love, and you know that I love you just as much." She kissed my cheek as we went inside.

-------

"Wake her," I ordered.

Em broke a capsule and held it under Rae's nose, seconds later Rae was coughing and spluttering back to life.

Groggily she looked around, "What's happening? Who are you?" She looked directly at me, her eyes opening wide in surprise.

"Ah, I see that you recognise me," I smiled, "not that it's going to do you much good."

Rae's face turned up in a sneer, "Did you like the video of your girls dying?" she laughed. "I'm told that they screamed and begged for my men to rape them, they'd do anything, anything at all to stop the pain." Wide eyed, she laughed in my face.

"Well, I think your men lied to you..." I started.

"LIAR! I've seen the pictures!" spittle sprayed over me from the vehemence of her words.

Calmly I continued, "You may have seen pictures, but you didn't see any video of Susan or Varinka being tortured did you? Susan killed Varinka and then, after leaving us messages about who had trapped them, she killed herself. Your men found only cold bodies."

Rae's delight faded as I spoke, I could see that she believed me, though she hated to do so, she knew I was telling the truth.

"So you're going to kill me now are you? Torture me to death?" She tried to spit in my face but Melissa's hand flashed in to intercept the spittle. Melissa wiped her hand on Rae's hair.

"No, I'm not going to kill you." I looked up at Cher who had quietly remained behind Rae all this time. "Actually I'm happy to pay a million pounds for every year that you remain alive."

"Done!" said Cher.

I could see in Rae's eye that she recognised the voice. Mounting horror filled the bound woman as she realised what her fate was to be.

Cher walked into Rae's line of sight, "Hello toy," she said, "did you have a good weekend?" Cher looked up at me, "I bet you didn't know she was at my place the last four days, I haven't inspected the children she used, but she usually damages them quite severely. Especially the boys, she likes to watch the little girls bite the little boys' willies," she stroked Rae's cheek, "don't you, toy? Well, you used to anyway. I wonder what your fellow toys will do when they realise that you've been sold to me."

Cher laughed, loud and long, "Would you like to know how much I paid for you, toy?" Cher looked at me again, "Nearly all toys do want to know how much they were sold for, I imagine it will be the last sense of self worth she'll ever have." Cher lifted Rae's chin and looked her in the eye, "I paid exactly the same for you as I did for your sister, Sydney, a penny each."

"A PENNY!" Rae shouted, "A FUCKING PENNY! You sold me for a penny. You bastard, I hope my Dad does get you, you'll die screaming you fucker."

Cher laughed again, "And you'll stay alive screaming, screaming your throat raw for years. I'm very good at that, especially when I've a million incentives a year to keep you alive."

Rae screamed, long and loud. Urine seeped out from beneath her and trickled to the floor.

Cher turned to her men, "Box her up, and make sure that the taser is working, won't you."

Rae was quickly released, re-bound and placed into the transport case, just before the final layer of foam was put in place one of the men flicked the microphone taped to Rae's neck. Her whole body spasmed in shock and pain, a small cry escaped her lips before she was rendered incapable of even that.

The foam and case lid was put in place and fastened.

Cher leaned forward and removed the 'Handle with care' label. "This one deserves all the pain she gets," she said.

The two men casually lifted the box and carried it to their waiting car. They left, Cher remained with us. I looked at my watch, nearly nine o'clock, less than twelve hours since I'd carried Rae down the stairs and she'd been collected by Cher's team.

"KAROLINA!" I shouted.

"Dey, not yet know Boss, think she sleep long after big shag at Madam Rhea's." Karolina answered.

I turned and bumped into Sasha, something hard in my pocket hurt for a second, I pulled it out, Rae's pink vibrator.

Cher gasped, "My God!" she cried, "you have no idea what you have there. She hides something in that. I don't know exactly what but she never leaves it anywhere, she always carries it on her wherever she goes."

"Elas..."

"Yes Boss," Elastic answered from behind me.

I gave her the vibrator, "Find out what's in there. Be careful though, the Morrison's and Huntley's have been known to use exotic poisons."

"You bet Boss, we'll take extra special care of this." She carefully placed it into a bag which she sealed. Carefully she took it to her people for the specialists to work their particular magic on that pink piece of plastic.

"Now," said Cher, "last time I was here someone said something about fucking me while I wore these boots and my wig."

Cecy, Sasha, Helen, Shannon and all of my girls pointed at me.

Cher grabbed hold of my arm, "Oh goody, I've wanted to get fucked in these boots for years, none of my customers are into straight fucking though, the pervy bastards."

Cher dragged me away. Though 'dragged' suggests some resistance on my part. I gave her no resistance what so ever.



-------

Chapter 69


Elastic's people took two days to open the vibrator, they were surprised that it wasn't booby-trapped in any way. Inside they found thirty micro SD flash drives, each sixteen gigabytes. Karolina cracked the encryption in moments.

"She just silly arse girl not do know how do it proper," Karolina explained. Sasha and I studied the contents of the first of the cards. Financial records, gigabytes of financial records. They went back years, the earliest were photocopies of ledger pages. Even if we could only use a hundredth of the records on this one card, we'd be able to damage Rae's organisation beyond repair.

"We need an accountant we can trust," said Sasha as she paged through the directory listing of the spreadsheet files.

"How about Nigel," I suggested.

Sasha frowned for a moment, "Oh, that Nigel. Do you think he's reliable?" she asked.

I thought about this for a moment. Since he'd taken over as my accountant, he and his team had been brilliant. They'd accepted that I didn't want stringent financial controls; I let my people use their company credit cards as they wanted too. Nigel admitted that doing it my way was a lot cheaper than accounting for every penny they spent. And no one spent a lot either.

"I think he'll be OK, he's come along wonderfully since we got rid of his old boss." We both smiled as we remembered that incident. "Anyway, if he isn't the right person, perhaps he'll know who is."

Then we kissed. Sasha slipped her blouse off and we kissed again, and made slow sweet love.

"Boss," called Elastic. She held out a newspaper, a local Cumbrian paper.

'8 dead in farmhouse fire' the headline cried. I stood up and took the paper, "Thanks Elastic," I muttered.

Rae's farmhouse, together it seems with most, if not all, of her security team, had been ravaged by fire yesterday.

I sat and thought about this, I thought long and hard about the implications, not only of the fire itself, but also the eight deaths. Now I wasn't overly concerned about those who'd died. I know that they'd have quite happily killed me if they'd had the chance. No, I think someone's sending a message. A 'this is what happens if you fuck with me' type of message.

I'm sure that punishment for letting me take Rae was part of the reason for their deaths, but the main reason for the method of their deaths had to be a warning. That the one who'd done this would not hesitate to kill, not only me, but everyone I knew too.

The law held no worries for these people. They weren't above the law, they were the law.

Elastic and Sasha were looking at me, both a little worried.

"Bitten off more than we can chew, Boss?" asked Elastic.

I smiled at her, "Elastic, how do you eat an elephant?" I asked.

"Fuck me, the Boss's going all Zen on us. I don't know Boss, how do you eat an elephant?"

"One mouthful at a time, Elastic, one at a time."

Elastic though about this for a moment, then smiled, "So that's how we eat the Huntleys eh Boss, one at a time."

I nodded, "One at a time." I agreed.

I had a feeling, deep inside, deep in my bones; a war was coming. The things that had happened so far were only skirmishes, we were coming up to the war. Huntley wouldn't just let me destroy his family one by one. He'd fight back hard. He'd use all of the resources at his disposal, and those resources included the UK's police forces.

I hadn't wanted this fight, I'd tried to let it die down, but for some reason, a reason that became even more important to find, Huntley wouldn't let go. For some reason he wanted to destroy me.

And I didn't know that reason.

But this financial goldmine might suggest one. The secret I haven't been able to find might be hidden in these memory cards.

I'd made my decision, if war was coming we'd prepare for war. We'd secure our assets and protect our friends. We would take chaos and mayhem to our enemies.

"Get Nigel Williams over here today," I said, a determination in my voice that had never been there before. "Bring his wife if he has one, family too, whoever is important to him." I had steel in my spine, usually I coated it with a soft lining. Now the real me was emerging again. The Frosty that toured Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles was coming back.

And Frosty was pissed off.

-------

Nigel looked at the spreadsheets for nearly thirty seconds, "You need my Mum," he said.

"Your Mum," repeated Sasha.

"Yeah," Nigel smiled, "she's a forensic accountant and a really good one." He smiled. "Not that the people she's put behind bars would agree with me though."

"Get her here. Is she busy at the moment?" I asked.

Nigel's face clouded, "You ought to know," he paused, worry plain on his face. "She's not really flavour of the month with the big banks at the moment. She says they're trying to cover up some major embezzlements as loses from the sub-prime failures. The banks are trying to shut her up, in any way that they can."

Nigel looked downcast, "I'll understand if you don't want me working on your account anymore," he said.

This boy, good at his job as he was, was just a whipped puppy, expecting the worse from any circumstance. I wondered what, or who, had beaten him so low.

"You ain't goin' nowhere, boy. I like you," I said, perhaps a little too gruffly. "Anyway don't you and your family want a holiday in the French countryside?"

"Well, err..." he started.

"Don't tell me you didn't bring your family!" I was almost in despair at him.

He just shook his head, "We thought it was just one of those offers that weren't supposed to be accepted," he said blushing furiously.

"Well, the jet has got to go to England again anyway, I want your Mum here as soon as possible. We'll see if she's as good as you say she is."

"Oh she is, Sir. Good, she's much better than that, she really is world class, that's why the banks let her look at their books." He was obviously proud of his dear old Mum. "That's why there's all this trouble now."

I turned to Sasha to see her putting her mobile phone away, "Jet's on its way back to Luton and I've had a quick word with Mrs Williams, she'll make sure that Priscilla and David will come too."

"Priscilla and David, your wife and son?" I asked.

Nigel nodded.

"OK, I suppose we wait for them then. Let's go to the pool, it's a lot more comfortable out there. Cecy probably will want to rearrange your rooms too." I spoke as I rose and locked away the memory chips. These were more valuable than diamonds to me.

"Oh there's no need to go to any trouble..." Nigel hurriedly said.

"Yes, Nigel, there is. I'm sure that you don't want to be right next door to your Mum when you and your wife are having a little time together."

"Not like you when you did me on the dining room table at dinner time," said Sasha with a laugh. "And my step-mum and dad were having dinner at the time too."

Now I seem to remember that it was she who 'did' me on the table, not the other way round. Do you think I was going to remind her of the true version of events? No way, not a hope. I like having sex regularly. And I need a set of balls to continue that activity. And Sasha has some very blunt knives, she told me so.

"Anyway," I said, "you can meet the Screaming Monkeys. They're stopping here too."

"Ha ha ha, Screaming Monkeys, yes..." Nigel's voice faded into nothing as he realised I wasn't joking. "Oh," he said with a gulp, "they really are here aren't they?"

I nodded.

Taking him by the elbow I guided Nigel out of my office and out to the poolside. Nina was relaxing in the pool, just hanging onto the poolside with her chin resting on the edge.

"Oh my, what a lovely pool, it's such a pity I don't have my trunks," said Nigel, babbling a little.

"Oh, that's alright," said Nina as she effortlessly lifted her naked body out of the water, "we don't allow swimsuits in this pool at all."

She ran her hands over her lithe body sending water splashing everywhere, her tongue flicked out to lick her lips as she brushed the water drops from her breasts. Nigel didn't seem to know where to look. He obviously admired her young slim form; his body's reaction told us that.

Umber came running out to attend me; Nigel had been transfixed by Nina's sensuality, Umber's pure sexuality almost made him collapse. He staggered a little and caught hold of a lounger on which he sat. Umber watched him as she knelt beside me.

"PAUL!" Gerald's call made us all turn together, "you've got to listen to this." Gerald and JJ came running over with their guitars. They sat on the edge of a lounger and began the intro to 'June'.

"That's from Friends!" said Nigel, stunned at actually hearing two of the Screaming Monkeys playing, if not just for him, then just for the small group he was in.

Nigel looked round at us, I could see him make the connection, this was a group he was in, not with, but in. He started relaxing a little.

"I bought the CD for my wife's birthday. I gave it to her just before I flew out here." He looked round at us, "Well I didn't know if I'd be back in time or not."

"When is Priscilla's birthday, Nigel?" I asked quietly.

"Oh, tomorrow," he said with a smile as he remembered something private, something shared between them I supposed.

I saw JJ nod at Gerald, I suspected that they were going to give Priscilla their own birthday present. I wondered if anyone other than Priscilla and Nigel would be invited.

-------

Beatrice Williams stood tall and proud. Though now carrying a lot more weight than she should, I could see the athletic youth she used to be. Her daughter-in-law, Priscilla, seemed tiny beside her. Nigel held his son, David's, hand. They all looked a little nervous as they gawped at the Chateau. Cecy urged them forward toward the main doors.

Cecy and Nigel had gone to fetch them from the airport, Sasha and I wanted a quiet discussion about Nigel's future. As with all of my other dealings I preferred not to give money away as profit for other people. The only major company function that I didn't actually own was accountancy. I wanted to bring Nigel and his team 'in house' as it were. Sasha could also see a function for his mother too. Sasha's Nigel had heard of Mrs Williams. She was a freelance forensic accountant and had been used by a number of large institutions to their advantage over the years. However, since the credit crunch when she said that she'd uncovered embezzlement in a number of the larger banks, her reputation had suffered.

My idea had started out simple, buy out the accountancy firm that we used, split off the bits that we wanted for our own and let the former boss run the rest of the firm making a profit for me.

Sasha had smiled, not her 'he's an idiot' smile, but a nicer 'poor boy' smile. Then she'd gone on to explain all of the problems with my idea. When we'd finished we had a plan that we both thought would work. Sasha had her Nigel set the wheels in motion.

Sasha and I stepped forward to greet our new guests. "Hello Mrs Williams, Mrs Williams, David," I said with a smile. "You must call me Paul."

Mrs Williams, the elder, smiled, I knew instantly that Cecy had primed them with the 'call me Paul' thing. I glared at Cecy while she just smiled sweetly back.

Mrs Williams, the elder, held out her hand and we shook. "Yes Sir," she said.

"Cecy, darling! I can see a spanking in your future!" I growled.

"Promises! All I ever get are promises," said Cecy as she swept through the doors.

I held out my hand to Mrs Williams, the younger, "Hello, please call me Paul."

She gulped, a real 'gulp'. She too had been told about the 'call me Paul' but obviously didn't know what to do. Sasha really should have taken notice of where the sun was shining when she stood behind me, giving a double thumbs up sign to Priscilla, I could see her shadow quite clearly. Priscilla looked at her and then, timidly, said, "Yes Sir."

"SASHA!" I turned to my lady love.

"Yes darling," she answered as she melted against me, pressing her body against mine. "Are you going to spank me too?" She fluttered her eyelashes at me, "Please..."

"Stop corrupting these innocents," I spluttered in exasperation.

"What, you don't want to screw on the dining room table anymore?" she asked. She turned to Priscilla, "He actually did me on the dining room table while the others had dinner, the beast!"

I opened my mouth to say something, anything, in my defence. There was nothing to say, truth had been converted to Sasha's memories of the event. She'd never believe anyone else who tried to correct her.

I gave up and waved everyone in. As Nigel passed me I gave him the best advice I could, "Don't get married, bring your kids up the same way."

"I heard that!" called Sasha.

"Do you often drop in the poo like this?" asked Nigel.

"He does it all the time," Sasha answered for me.

"Oh boy," commiserated Nigel.

"I heard that," called Priscilla.

"You too?" I asked.

"Yeap." He answered.

Male bonding at its best.

-------

"What! ... but that's..." Bee, (Don't call me Betty or I'll smack you one!) Williams sat looking through the records on the first SD card.

She reached forward obviously her hand targeting something in its usual place on her desk. But this wasn't her desk.

She looked up, "I need pens, pencils, foolscap pads, A4 pads and an electronic calendar capable of going back, oh ... fifteen years or so."

Aline placed a tray of pens, pencils, markers, rulers and everything Bee could need before she'd finished speaking. Ela switched on the PCs second screen and opened the calendar.

"Thanks..." Bee's voice trailed off as she was lost in thought. I could see difficulties with Bee. She was like me, she'd work until exhaustion set in. Well I had a cure for that, "JULIA!" I called.

Julia came and knelt by my side, "My Master?" she said.

"Bee," I waited. "BEE!" I called.

"Oh, err ... yes," she obviously wanted to turn back to the PC screen and her beloved spreadsheets, the world in which she came to life.

"I'm leaving Julia with you. She'll look after you, but you must listen to her. And I warn you that if you work for too long then she'll wee all over your notes." I was serious about this.

"Julia dear girl, look after Mistress Bee as you would look after me. She is to rest often and eat regularly, even if she doesn't come to the dining room to eat with the rest of us. And she's to have two hours of pool time a day, in daylight too!" I was quite firm with my girl.

Bee looked at me then at Julia. "You're naked," Bee gasped.

"Yes mistress, I'm a slave." Julia replied.

"What!" Bee couldn't believe what she'd heard.

"Oh yes mistress. I am enslaved to the Baron Paul," she looked at me with that adoring gaze again. I really did prefer the 'I love you' look that she always gave me previously.

"No collar or anything?" Bee asked a little facetiously.

"My Master saw fit to raise me in status and he said I'm to have a new collar. It is being made for me." Pride radiated from Julia and we could almost bask in its heat.

"You're not really going to widdle on my notes are you?" Bee asked with a laugh.

"You're not really going to work too long are you?" Julia replied seriously.

"Oh," Bee looked really uncertain now. "Paul..."

"She stays and looks after you. That's my order." I was firm on this point.

"OK," Bee glanced in the direction of her PC again and seconds later she was back in her world of numbers and money tracks.

I left Bee and Julia in my office to get on with their work. The pool was calling me.

-------

The pool was quiet, only Cecy and Harold lounging at its side.

"Where is everyone?" I asked.

"Well," said Cecy, "the band, Chantille and Sara are in the large ballroom setting up for Priscilla's birthday treat, Priscilla and Nigel are with Sandy and Em having the medicals and fitness tests that you ordered..."

"I never ordered any..."

"Oh shut up Paul, don't confuse things with facts," she glowered at me. "Gerald wanted them out of the way so that the band could get everything ready. For Priscilla's birthday tomorrow."

"Oh, OK then." If Gerald and the lads were trying to spring a surprise on Priscilla, I was all for any little ruse or deception that they may need.

"Come and meet my granddad," Shannon's high pitched voice, in full 'female bossy' mode. We turned and looked to see Shannon leading David by the hand to the pool, Menolly following behind them both. Paula had obviously decided that having a full-time guard on Shannon was one way to keep her out of the trouble that seven year olds usually got into. Besides Menolly and Shannon got on very well together.

"Granddad, this is David. He's Nigel and Priscilla's son." Shannon formally introduced us.

"I'm going for a swim now, Julia and Susan taught me." Shannon thought for a moment, "Before Susan was murdered that is."

Shannon ran straight for the pool and launched herself into space. She disappeared into a huge splash, resurfacing a moment later to continue splashing her way across the pool. David watched his new friend intently.

Something made me leap from my seat. David still watching Shannon tottered toward the pool and tried to imitate Shannon's leap. He and I hit the water at the same time, however I could swim, David couldn't.

As he sank down I pushed up on his belly and lifted his head out of the water. Still locked into his emulation of his Heroine he thrashed his arms and legs about, generating lots of spray but absolutely no forward movement at all.

I kept him afloat and slowly guided him to the side of the pool. Shannon watched from the poolside.

"David, you don't know how to swim do you?" asked Shannon severely.

"But..." he said looking round, finally noticing me supporting him.

"DAVID!" yelled a female voice. We all looked to see Priscilla racing to the poolside.

Wide eyed with panic she stared at her precious child floating in the water. "But you can't swim..." she started.

"No, he can't, but I can." I said and lifted David onto the poolside.

Priscilla hugged him to her chest, "You gave me such a fright." She held him at arms length to examine him for any damage or injury.

"He's fine," I told her. "He wasn't under more than a couple of seconds and never swallowed any water." I looked her in the eyes, "The best thing for him is to let him jump back in. Don't worry, I'll be in there waiting for him."

Priscilla looked round and saw Harold and Cecy nodding.

She nodded, "Why don't you and your friend go back into the water, it looks lovely today," she told him. We could hear the nervousness in her voice, but she let him go, even giving him a little nudge to the pool side.

"Like this David!" cried Shannon as she launched herself again.

With a screech David followed her, jumping higher and further than his first attempt. David and I hit the water together, he didn't panic when we was totally submerged, he just looked round for me and held out his hands. I pulled him up again and he splashed away in an instinctive doggy paddle that kept him afloat and moving slowly forward.

"David!" Shannon shouted, "you can swim."

Slowly David 'swam' to the other side of the pool where his Mum waited anxiously.

I lifted him out of the pool and into him mother's arms.

"You can swim Davy, what a clever son I have," Priscilla beamed at her panting boy.

"Mummy," enquired David, running his hand over her bare breast, "why don't you have any clothes on?"

"Ekk!" Priscilla looked round in a panic, blushing furiously. She seemed to suddenly notice that no one else had clothes on either.

"Well..." she started desperately trying to think up an excuse that would satisfy us all.

"Your Mummy was being examined by the doctor when she saw you jump in the pool. As she didn't think you could swim she came running out to save you. She just didn't stop to put her clothes on that's all." I answered for her.

"Oh thank you Mummy." We could all see the look of love and adoration in his eyes for his loving and brave mother.

"Err ... yes, that's it," Priscilla agreed. "Now why don't you go and play with your friend?" She put David down and he ran off to play with Shannon who was totally engrossed with her DSi. Priscilla turned to me, "Thank you, I couldn't think of what to tell him."

"Truth is always the best. Then he gets used to being truthful too." I replied.

Priscilla stood tall and proud, wanting to cover herself but refusing to hide in front of strangers who were obviously trying to become friends. "I'd better get back to the doctor," she said, a little of her previous shyness creeping back.

"Sure," I agreed. "And when you've finished why don't you come back and join us here at the pool?"

"But I haven't brought my swimsuit..." her hand flew to cover her mouth. "Oh that sounded so stupid didn't it." She looked down at her naked body, "Yes, Nigel and I would like to join you and have a swim too."

Cecy and I watched her as she walked slowly and calmly back to Em's sickroom.

A warm, naked, female body pressed itself to my back, her arms wrapped round me and I felt her cheek press against my shoulder.

"Don't ever stop these things you do Paul," said Helen. "Don't ever stop helping people. We need more people like you, dear Paul, lots more."

I turned and took her in my arms. She lifted her lips and we kissed.

"Please can I have a go on your DSi?" asked David plaintively.

"In a few minutes, it looks like Mummy Helen and Granddad are going to do sex again and who wants to watch that?"

-------

Mummy Helen and granddad didn't do sex again, we did kiss a few times and have a wonderful cuddle, but no sex.

Soon Em came out with Nigel and Priscilla. All were naked and we could see that Nigel was having a few problems with knowing where he could look.

"David," Em called, "could you come with me please, I'd like to have a look at you." Disappointed at not getting a go on the DSi, David got up and went with Priscilla and Em for his medical.

"Nigel, does David have a DSi or anything like that?" I asked.

Nigel shook his head. "We're buying a house close to work and that's taking nearly every penny we've got. In a few years we'll be able to afford things like that for him, but not yet." He looked sad, "Cilla wants another child too, that's out of the question at the moment. This credit crunch has really hit us hard."

This I couldn't understand, he was supposed to be on a good wage; that was one of the conditions of my contract with the accountancy firm he worked for. Nigel was supposed to have taken over the position of the smarmy git who Elastic's girls threw out of our initial meeting.

"Nigel, I want you to have a word with one of Sasha's people. I think it could be to our advantage."

Nigel nodded, "Of course Sir."

"Paul, Nigel. My name's Paul," I said, not too unkindly.

"Yes Paul, I will."

"Good, now this DSi thing, can I give one to David?" I asked, getting back to my original question.

Nigel looked puzzled, "Well of course you can, but why ask me if you can give him a present?"

"A large number of reasons Nigel, not least of which could be that you and your wife didn't want him to have one, you might have been getting him one for an upcoming birthday or even Christmas. There are lots of reasons why you might not have wanted him to receive a gift from a stranger."

Nigel nodded. "Paul, if you would like to give David a gift, please do. If you really want to give him a DSi then I'm sure David'll find it in his heart to accept, just to please you of course." He smiled then we both laughed.

"Just to please me then," I agreed.

"Umber!" I called.

"Yes my Master," she answered from my side.

"Do we still have the blue DSi we bought when Shannon arrived?"

Umber held up a box, it was the DSi that I was thinking about.

"Do we have the games for it too."

"We have some my Master, I asked Jo to find some more and she's gone to Orlean to get some, Master. I gave her five thousand Euro, I hope that will be enough." Umber looked concerned. She was determined to do a good job as my chief body slave, a position she could never even have dreamed of getting with her previous Master. Then, she was destined to die as a failed animal sex toy, a 'puppy' she called herself.

I was so pleased with, and proud of, my little Umber. "We'll give him the DSi and the games we have first, he can have the others when Jo gets back." I smiled and stroked Umber's cheek, she leant into my palm and kissed my hand.

"Thank you my Master." Tears were running down her cheeks, "This girl hasn't been able to thank her Master properly for all that he has done for this lowly child. This girl is proud to belong to her Master."

"This Master is proud to have such a wonderful girl who loves him enough to ask for a collar again and again and again," I answered. "You earned your position, Umber dearest, you've been smart, hard working and loyal. No-one, Master or husband, could ask for a better girl than you, dearest Umber. Now I want to find you a partner of your own, someone who'll love you as much as you're capable of loving them."

Umber looked shocked, "But I have you, my Master, what would I need with anyone else. It is you that I've grown to love my Master, you give me everything I need, you love me and care for me, you worry about me." Umber paused and looked wistful, "I cannot remember the last person who worried about me like you do," she said slowly, thoughtfully. Then she smiled, a slow radiant light filling her features, "But I can remember all of the times you have worried about me, my Master." Another tear ran down her cheek.

And one ran down my cheek too.

-------

"David, we've seen how much you like Shannon's DSi," I said, David nodded and looked over at Shannon, the want in his eyes tore at my heart strings, all the more because he never said a word about his desire. "How would you like your own DSi?" I asked.

Without hesitation David replied, "My Mummy and Daddy can't afford to buy me one yet. But I know that they will when they can afford it. But they want another baby too. I think I'd prefer a brother or a sister rather than a DSi Sir."

This boy was truly his father's son. "Well I think I'll leave the baby to your Dad, but I can do something about the DSi. I know that Umber has one that we bought some time ago, but I know it hasn't been used at all. It has some games too. Perhaps Shannon'll show you how to set it up and charge it and everything."

David looked at Shannon. She'd put her DSi down, a remarkable event in itself. "I'll help you David," she said quickly.

Umber gave David the box. Wide eyed he looked at the picture on the box, a DSi just like Shannon's, only this one was blue.

"Thank you Lady," he said to Umber, turning back to me, "Thank you Sir."

"Why don't you and Shannon go and set your DSi up and have a look at the games." I suggested.

The two children ran over to a small table and David started opening the box.

-------

Dinner was a lively affair. Bee ate with us, though all of the musicians stayed hidden in their rooms. They were all behind the surprise for Cilla's birthday tomorrow.

"Tell me Baron," she said when she arrived in the dining room, "do you order these girls about," Bee glared at Julia, "or do they boss you around?"

I glanced at Julia who just stood a little behind Bee and looked quite innocent. "Did she make you take rest breaks, Bee?" I asked.

Bee glared at me this time. "I'm not used to being bossed around when I'm working."

"Bee, get used to it. If you explain why it is essential to complete your work there and then, and your explanation is one Julia will accept, then she will help you. If not..." I left the rest of that sentence unspoken.

"But she threatened me!"

"Oh!" I was sure that Bee was quiet mistaken. "What did she threaten you with?" I asked.

"She said she'd piss on my notes," Bee replied with an indignant nod.

"So Julia didn't actually threaten you, just your notes?" I asked.

"Well ... yes ... but..." Bee was suddenly unsure of her position. She looked round the room, everyone was listening to us, no one seemed to be shocked, or even mildly annoyed by Julia's threats.

"Well, she has been a great help." Bee looked at Julia, "You've done just what you were told to haven't you?"

Julia just looked a little pleased that her efforts had been acknowledged.

Bee turned back to me again, "She has actually been wonderful. And I feel a hundred times better than I usually do when I'm working on a project." Bee glanced back at Julia, "Baron, I wonder if you will allow Julia to work with me for a few more days."

I smiled, "Of course Bee. What you are doing is of vital importance to us here. It could actually mean the difference between someone's life and death." Bee paled when she heard that, accountancy doesn't usually save peoples lives. "I want Julia to look after you, that's what I told her to do, to take care of you. She'll do that even if it means her death."

"Good God Baron, don't joke like that!" Bee said quite sharply.

"I'm not joking." I replied.

This time Bee really did whiten with shock. She looked at Julia who returned her gaze impassively.

Julia's impassive acceptance of my words told more about her dedication to her orders than spoken words could ever have done.

"Oh my," said Bee as she sat at the table.

We ate. The food was, of course, magnificent. Shannon and David had handmade burgers with thick cut chips, Cordon Bleu for kids, while we had our choice from steak or salmon.

Champagne was served, I, naturally, had a glass of John Smiths.

Bee eyed my beer, "Err ... would anyone mind if I too had beer?" she asked a little nervously.

I waved my hand in the air (it doesn't make my girls go any faster, but I think it looks good) "Girl; bring beer!" I cried in my best caveman accent.

Aline placed a glass of John Smiths beside Bee's champagne, "Your beer mistress." She turned to me, "This lowly girl has brought the beer, my Master, oh one whose radiance darkens the sun. Great Master of slaves, gifted lover..."

"Aline!" I said.

"Yes Master?"

"Enough."

"Of course, great Master."

As she passed me I smacked her bum.

"Oh thank you Master, more later?" she asked hopefully.

Bee looked at me. "So Paul, back to my question, who bosses whom around?" she asked with a grin.

"Buggered if I know," I answered.

Wendy burst into the room. "Master, I found him!" We all stared at her. "I've found Luc Belvoir! He's in Cap d'Agde."



-------

Chapter 70

TYCOON

Cap d'Agde, I had a sneaky admiration for the man. Hiding in a town which was a huge nudist resort was inspired. An assassin would have difficulty hiding a weapon, even if one did feel fully comfortable walking through a town in the nude. Yes, Luc Belvior has been quite clever.

"Wendy, I want you to see Elastic, get some of her covert comms gear. I'm sending you and Melissa to Cap d'Agde. You are to be concealed," I looked Wendy in the eyes wanting her to realise the importance of my instructions, "Melissa needs a hearing aid comms set. You'll guide Melissa around the town until Melissa finds Belvior. I want his movements studied." I thought for a moment and remembered a weapon some of my team and I had experimented with for a while. I smiled to myself; we'd all suggested that this type of environment would be idea for this ... device.

"Go now, Wendy, I want Melissa on the streets first thing in the morning. Belvior is a Parisian, he'll want his coffee and croissants."

Wendy stared at me for a second, recognised the look in my eyes and turned for the door. "Going, my Master!" she called out as the door closed.

I sat back in my chair, thinking about Cap d'Agde and Luc Belvior.

Three, I thought, I'll need three of my girls with me, two, no, four more as lookouts, two drivers for our transportation. All together that's ten of us.

I'll need to hold some auditions, I almost laughed out loud at that thought. My girls would take part quite happily, Cecy and Harold though; I didn't know what they'd think of the exercise. I thought for a second, working out what I'd say when I asked my girls for volunteers. Suddenly I came to the realisation that asking for volunteers wouldn't work. They'd all want to come, no, demand to come with me. I could imagine blood being spilt if I didn't handle this carefully. I'd tell those I chose that they'd volunteered. The others could be volunteered, maybe next time. I wouldn't promise anyone anything though. That would just lead to me getting into trouble. Again.

I looked up at the other people around the table. Sasha was happily eating, everyone else was looking at me.

"What?" I asked in surprise.

"Who's Luc Belvior, and what's he done to you?" asked Bee.

Sasha answered for me, "Luc Belvior is the man who organised the deaths of Susan and Varinka. You never met them, Bee. I think Nigel might have once, Susan was my bodyguard. Varinka was one of Paul's body slaves, they were both our friends. We are going to teach Luc that he shouldn't have messed in our affairs." She picked up her knife again and cut her steak, a single stroke severed the tender meat in two. We could all see that it wasn't the steak Sasha was cutting just then.

"Oh," said Bee in a timid voice.

Paula nodded, "Good. Justice is fine but sometimes retribution is better." She too continued eating, though she kept looking at Sasha and then at her girls around the walls of the dining room.

Wendy and Melissa left just after eight that evening. Sasha and I kissed them goodbye, Melissa whispered in my ear, "My toy bag is in the seraglio, Master." Then Wendy drove them away in an old Renault. It would take them about ten hours to get to Cap d'Agde, Melissa would have to sleep all the way down, Wendy would have to drive. They both seemed to be looking forward to the trip.

I just needed some special items from Charlie. I'd like to see his daughter too. They had sent an email to the address I'd given her, I'd use that to contact them; doing so would let them know that both email addresses were safe.

I sent the email asking for the items to be delivered in three days time to the café in the village. Charlie would know where I was going with these toys. But he did have a reputation for discretion; as an armourer for mercenaries, he needed that in his line of work.

I returned to my bedroom, Sasha was packing clothes. "Where are we going?" she asked.

I laughed. "Somewhere where you won't need any of these," I answered, holding up about two grams of lace which was supposed to be underwear.

She looked at me sharply.

"Cap d'Agde is a nudist town. Everyone within the town limits has to be naked. That's their law." I smiled at her expression of surprise.

"OK," she said and put her clothes back in the drawer. "I'll need some travelling things though." She took out jeans and blouses, designer jeans and blouses, but still jeans and blouses.

We went to bed, tonight Umber joined us and we all cuddled. Kisses were exchanged but we mainly hugged until we fell asleep.

-------

Cilla cried out in orgasm again.

Sitting by the pool we could still hear her ecstasy. Nigel was red with embarrassment at his demure wife's very public announcement of her climax. Three times we'd all heard her cries.

Shannon had even taken David to a much quieter part of the courtyard, muttering to him, "They're at it again. They're always at it, can't leave each other alone they can't."

This caused the group of us to laugh and look at each other with renewed interest. Cilla's cries had sparked our interest.

A door opened and Cilla tottered out. Still naked, she staggered over to her husband and almost collapsed on his lap.

"She's got these gloves ... these mink gloves," she said breathlessly, "she can drive you wild..." she flushed, the redness going well below her breasts. "Then she took the gloves off ... oh God those fingers, they were everywhere." She looked at Nigel, "I don't think I made any noise."

Sniggers were choked off all around her.

Cilla sat up, "I did, didn't I?" her shoulders slumped down. Then she sat up straight again, "Anyway, you lot try to keep quiet when June's..." she paused, still a little shy, "when June's doing things to you." She lay back against Nigel's chest again, this time she lifted his hand to her breast, "Hold me, darling, please hold me."

This early morning massage had given Gerald and Sara time to come out and explain their plans for Cilla's birthday. And we all agreed with their plans for the surprise.

Bee came out to the pool, grumbling; Julia walked behind her looking serene. Bee sat heavily on a lounger, then her eyes lost focus as she slipped back into the world of spreadsheets and numbers.

Julia knelt beside her charge and whispered in her ear.

Bee's eyes opened wide and she looked around at us. "Here!" she exclaimed. Julia just shrugged her shoulders and gestured to the rest of us. We could immediately see the problem. Bee was still clothed, we weren't.

Reluctantly Bee slipped out of her clothes. She was overweight, nothing that Elastic and her girls, together with Cecy's chef's good balanced diet, couldn't put right, but we could all see that Bee herself was shamed by her body.

Bee, however, lost all thoughts of her own nakedness when she spotted her daughter-in-law, and saw where her son had his hand. Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times before Julia leant forward and, again, whispered in Bee's ear.

We ate then, Nigel and Cilla together in their intimacy, Bee watching, hopefully learning, the rest of us comfortable in our friendship and love for each other.

David soon tapped me on my shoulder, "Sir, can we swim again?" he asked.

"David, would you like to call me Granddad like Shannon does? It's a little bit nicer than 'Sir' isn't it?"

Shyly he nodded.

Shannon however jumped onto my lap and hugged me, "See David, I tol' you granddad's nice."

I picked the little money pit up and threw her, shrieking with delight, into the pool. I held out my hand and, a little nervously, obviously half expecting to be launched into the air, David took it. Instead we just jumped into the water. Just like last time he kept his eyes open under water and relaxed. This helped him to surface faster and lifted his head right out of the water. His wide grin was infectious.

We swam for about half an hour, most of the time David swam unsupported. Bee joined us for about ten minutes and we all enjoyed ourselves. Then the two children got out and ran, still dripping, to reclaim their DSi's.

We enjoyed a quiet morning together in peace. I looked round and wondered how long this peaceful life could last. We were in an undeclared war, this was the preamble to the main conflict.

Then I decided to open the war out a little. Huntley didn't seem to mind bringing in his police officers or other outside contractors, well I knew a few people in the conflict business myself.

I went inside to my office. Bee's work papers were all over my desk.

Elastic came into the room, still a little breathless from hurrying from the security centre. "Boss, we're getting you a new office. Until that's ready you can use mine." She led me back to the security centre and into her office. It had a desk, a phone and a door; that was basically all I wanted.

But it also had Elastic, and I hadn't had time with Elastic for ages. And it seemed that her marines were coping with everything at the moment. So, as she bent over to pick up something from the floor, I slid my hand down over her bum and back up under her skirt.

"Ekk!" Elastic cried as she jumped a little. "Ooohhhh!" she moaned as she settled down and started to enjoy my ministrations. "Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh." The smell of aroused woman hit me.

I slipped my fingers under the waistband of her panties and eased them over her hips. As I moved them down her legs she moved further onto the desk. By the time her panties reached her ankles she was able to lift both feet up for me to take them off. With her legs freed she opened them wide. I lifted her skirt up and onto her back, leaving her naked from the waist down. I could see lines of girl juice running down her leg. I investigated this and found that she was wet and already her labia were engorged. Slipping two fingers inside her I found that she was fully ready for me.

"Don't fuckin' tease me!" she growled. "You taught me to love sex now get on and do me."

Well I had been taught by my Mum to do whatever a lady asks so I effortlessly slid my full length into her hot, wet tunnel. She gripped me tightly; obviously she'd exercised more than just her biceps in the last few weeks.

"Fuck me, Boss. Just fuck me, please." she gasped.

I thrust harder and faster, sending the desk juddering into the wall. The desk then kept up a counterpart banging as I banged Elastic.

Soon her moans turned to cries of passion and then rose in pitch and volume. Moments after she hit her peak, the ripples and gushing girl cum triggered mine. Both sweaty and panting now, we lay together, touching and loving.

A new noise entered our consciousnesses, that of clapping and cheering. Together we looked to our left and saw all of the office staff waving and cheering us through the large glass window.

"Oy! You lot!" Elastic yelled. "Get back to work! Haven't you ever seen a senior management meeting before?"

With louder cheers and whistles they slowly drifted back to their seats.

Elastic smoothed her dress down then came to me for a kiss. With her taste still on my lips I sat to sketch out Malcolm Morrison's downfall.

I had violated their home, I was going to make an example of Luc Belvoir, giving him a very short life filled with absolute agony. Now I wanted to make a very public spectacle of Malcolm. But I needed to do this without raising public sympathy for him or his family.

And Malcolm was to earn me another penny from Cher. I smiled thinking of the athletic time we'd spent together. And those long legs in those long boots. I grew hard at the memories.

I dialled the number we'd all remembered. 'We' being the team that I'd led back during the troubles. We'd setup a help line, an answer-phone. We all paid towards its rental, only a few quid a year. But it was the security of knowing that if we needed real help then within a week our old comrades would start knocking on our door.

I listened to the line clicking, the answer-phone message started and then the BEEEEEP.

"I need some assistance with a troublesome neighbour..." I started.

"Hi Frosty," said Chalkie.

"You looking after the help line now, Chalkie?" I asked.

"Not got much else to do. Trace looks after most of my other interests; she's good at it too. That's why I let her look after you, Frosty."

"She's a good 'un she is." I told him. I could almost hear Chalkie puff up with pride.

"She's the only one who takes after me, all the others are wasters, take after their Mum they do. She was a lazy cow and they're worse. Anyway Frosty, you didn't call the help line to talk about my kids, what can we do for you?"

"I need a team, eight or ten, maybe a couple more, all discrete, all former service. I need someone taken, publicly and unharmed. It is to be loud and messy though. I want to send a message. But I need this person's reputation to be destroyed too. All of this has got to happen at the same time as another operation. It has to be co-ordinated with something I'm doing on the French Riviera. The mark has to be delivered to Paris within a week after capture. Totally unharmed. I don't mind drugs or whatever, provided that he's fully fit and mentally OK afterward. Nothing addictive."

There was silence on the line for a moment or two.

"Better if we stage it then. Rig his transport with sleepy gas and a few flash-bangs, that sort of thing. I'll get the Prof to work out the details."

Chalkie was quiet again for a few moments.

"Frosty, can you see if you can help the Prof? He's been swindled out of everything; his fucking wife's screwed him big time. He really does need some help." I could hear from Chalkie's tone of voice that he didn't like asking for a favour, even for a needy friend. But this was a very good friend who'd stood by us when we needed it and now it was our turn to stand by him.

"Where's he living?" I asked.

"That's the point, Frosty, he ain't got a thing, she's took him for every penny. He's dossing in a drunk's hostel at the moment, but that's only till the end of the week."

"OK Chalkie, tell him to go to any Minstrel hotel and tell the reception desk that he has promotion code 'Briony'; that's B R I O N Y; 'Briony'. They'll give him a good room and feed him."

"Frosty, I'm glad it was you that got lucky. I don't think I'd be the type to look after my friends like you are." Chalkie almost sounded a little emotional.

"Chalkie, you did what you could, you told me about the Prof's problems. Can you see him ever doing that?" I replied.

"And that's just what I mean, Frosty, you're still looking after your squad."

"Can you have Trace in the village here at lunch time in three days with the stuff?" I asked.

Chalkie laughed, "She can be there tonight if you like. She said she'd like to stay for a few days, have a holiday. She can be our liaison."

It was my turn to laugh, "She might be home sooner than you think, Chalkie."

"Don't bet on it," he said as he hung up.

Another call now, this time to a friend I missed.

"Kelly, hi darling," I said when she answered.

"BOSS!" she sounded surprised but very pleased to hear my voice. "What can I do for you, something involving me and you and a soft bed I hope." She really did sound pleased to hear from me.

"Still got problems with the Cumbrians my love. I do need something from you though; an old comrade of mine needs a room and feeding. I've given a mutual friend the word 'Briony'..."

"That's 'B R I O N Y', Briony," Kelly repeated.

"That's correct, Kelly darling. Our mutual friend is going to let this man know the word and tell him to go into any of your Minstrel hotels and tell them it's a promotion code. I want him looked after, Kelly dearest. He's a good friend and he'll soon be working for me."

Kelly laughed, "Karolina knew you'd want something like this. She's already programmed it into our computer systems." I heard the rapid rattle of typing. "There, it's done. If any of my staff enter 'Briony' in to the Promotion code box it'll flag up a special VIP ticket, he'll get the best of what we've got."

"Thank you Kelly, I've got to get back to the poolside..."

"Yeah, I know. A billionaire's work is never done, rush, rush, rush. All those canapés to eat, bottles of champagne to drink, how you fit it all in I don't know..."

It was my turn to interrupt, "Are you really going for a spanking Kelly?"

"Oh yeah," she answered a little breathlessly, "over your knee, will Sasha be watching. How about Karolina and Ela? One can hold my feet, the other my arms. And I'll be naked of course, and so will..."

"Kelly!"

"Yes Boss? Darling Boss?" She answered.

"I'll deal with you when I get home."

I hung up. It really would be nice to get home to my friends again, familiar rooms, and the Joasia room with its painting. I missed that painting. I missed Joasia and June, Susan and Varinka, my friends, my lovers. Knowing how much I missed these girls made me realise how much I loved and needed the girls still with me. I stood and left the room, I needed to get back to my loved ones.

-------

Chalkie was wrong about his daughter arriving that evening, we got a phone call from the café in the early afternoon to tell us she was there.

Menolly and I took a car down to the village. Trace was at the same table she'd used before. This time there was a car parked in the square too.

"Is the car tricked?" I asked her.

She shook her head. "No, I picked it up from the Hertz stand at the Gare Du Nord."

"It still won't be able to come onto our grounds," I told her.

Trace shrugged her shoulders.

"Just leave the keys on the table, someone will get your stuff and bring it along. The car will be OK here," I continued.

Trace stood up, "I'd like to stay a few days if that's OK with you."

I smiled, "Chalkie said you wanted to, we have a room being readied for you."

She reached in her bag and pulled out her purse.

"The coffee is on me." I told her. Menolly and I turned and returned to our car. Trace got in the front.

As we entered the grounds of the Chateau Trace gasped, "My God! You live here!?"

"My fiancée owns it," I replied.

She stared at the house until the driver parked by the main entrance.

I had to steady Trace as she nearly fell backward, looking up at the full height of the five story building.

"When I arrived my fiancée distracted me from being overwhelmed by kissing me. I think I was a little overwhelmed by her then."

"Why does she follow you around like a guard dog?" Trace asked, looking at Menolly.

"She's my slave, she's supposed to stay with me. She knows she'll get punished if she strays," I lied.

As I stood facing Trace I noticed a window open and three large bits of cloth come out, one red, then yellow, then green. Karolina stood holding the top green piece. I half smiled, someone was pointing a voice stress analyser at Trace and wanted me to question her.

"Why do you want to stay?" I asked.

Trace turned to fully face me, "I needed to get away from home for a few days, an ex-boyfriend was getting a bit possessive."

Glancing up I saw the red flag.

I waited looking at Trace.

She bit her lip, "There's something behind me that's telling you if I'm lying isn't there."

I said nothing.

"I wanted a go at you. Dad said that you'd won big on the lottery and I saw a chance to get out of our two bed terrace and have a bit of the good life for a change."

The green flag came out.

"Because you lied I want you searched before you come into the house."

Trace held her arms out to the sides. I just shook my head.

"Oh."

She looked round, "Here?"

I nodded.

Slowly Trace undressed. She threw her clothes into a small pile four or five feet away from her. Finally, wincing a little because of the unusual feel of the gravel on her soles, she threw her shoes on top of the pile.

Sandy came out with a metal detector and ran it over every inch of Trace's body. Nothing made the device scream its warning.

A chair was brought out and I motioned Trace to sit. When she was settled I went through her hair carefully and thoroughly. I examined her ears next, then her armpits and under her breasts. She had enough droop to conceal small items.

I then motioned her to stand and bend over the back of the chair. Trace looked at the high back, realising where she was going to be examined next. "And do you think that you can put me over the back of that chair?" she asked with a grin.

Menolly flicked a small piece of gravel at Trace's forehead. As Trace's hands came up to defend herself Menolly, with a snake fast strike, grabbed a wrist and pressed onto a nerve cluster. It was all over bar the prodding and probing.

Em did the internal examinations. She didn't find anything, other than something which concerned her medically.

"She's clear my Master, but don't have sex with her until I've cleared up her STD."

"I DON'T HAVE AN STD!" Trace shouted at Em.

Em ignored her.

"Trace, while you are here you will do exactly what my doctor says and take any medical treatment she prescribes. If you do not wish to abide by these rules then your clothes are there and the car will take you back to the village." I was not messing with this young woman. She wanted a little bit of the high life then she would have to realise that every sort of life had its own rules and limitations, even mine.

Subdued, she looked around her. "OK, I'll obey her," said in a very small voice.

"You'll come with me, I want to examine you properly, take some bloods and urine samples too." Em turned and started to walk away.

Trace looked at the departing Em and then her pile of clothes. "Can I get dressed first?"

"No," shouted Em. "That'll just waste time."

A little frightened now, Trace followed Em around the house.

"Menolly, spread the word, Trace is off limits sexually until Em says she's clean."

"Yes my Master."

I went in to arrange with Elastic the transportation of Trace's car out of the village and her stuff into the Chateau, after being properly searched of course.

I was looking forward to getting back beside the pool.

-------

We had about an hour sunning ourselves before we had to dress for 'an entertainment'.

"I've brought my blue dress," Cilla told Nigel, "and you've got your suit."

I smiled, I knew that Karen had been hard at work almost all night working on an outfit for Cilla.

I went and let my girls try and scrub me up a bit.

-------

The large ballroom was split into two sections, the larger held a semicircle of chairs, a buffet laid out on some tables together with a small portable bar. One of Elastic's newer trainees was manning, or should that be womanning the bar. Whatever she should be called, she had my John Smiths pump and poured me a drink as I approached.

The second, smaller, section of the ballroom had been curtained off. The chairs were facing the curtains. It was obvious, to everyone but Cilla anyway, that the band had setup on the other side of the curtains.

Cilla and Nigel were a little late. I spotted Cecy looking at her watch for the second time; I knew that Cecy doesn't like people who aren't punctual so I said loudly enough for everyone to hear, "Karen has given Cilla a new outfit."

Cecy guffawed loudly, everyone else laughed, but it was Cecy's complete loss of control which added to our amusement.

"What's funny about a new outfit?" asked Bee.

"It one of Karen's outfits," said Harold. "Oh, you haven't seen any of Karen's work have you?"

Bee shook her head.

"Well," said Harold with a smile, "however sexy Nigel thought Cilla was before, when she puts Karen's frock on she'll be a hundred times sexier, guaranteed." Bee looked around at us. We were all nodding our agreement.

Then the door opened and Nigel walked in first. Cilla tried to hide behind him but he moved to one side and she was revealed in all her glory.

"Oh Shit..." said Bee, completely taken aback by her daughter-in-law's dress.

Karen had taken the design of a simple sheath dress and ... adapted it. Areas of skin were clearly visible, areas covered, or were they? As Cilla moved the lace sometimes moved with her, sometimes she seemed to move within it. One moment a whole breast was visible, the next gone. And then a nipple would appear. Cilla must have shaved her pubis clean, there was no way on Earth that pubic hair would not have been visible through the lace. Looking at Cilla, and the proud, and slightly flushed face on Nigel, we all knew just why they'd been late.

"Where on Earth did you get that from?" asked a wide eyed Bee.

"She said she was one of the Baron's slaves," answered Cilla. "It's gorgeous, isn't it?"

Bee nodded her agreement. Nigel just stood, proudly holding his wife's hand.

We ate; little dead things on toast, finger food I think it's called. Michelle came through the curtains and stood waiting. A gong sounded and Michelle spoke. "My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats for an entertainment."

Cecy and Sasha led Cilla and Nigel to their seats, the places of honour in the centre of the row. Cilla gasped when she saw where they'd been placed.

We all sat and waited, but only for a moment. The curtains parted and Gerald stepped forward.

"Happy birthday to you..."

The old, old song was sung with feeling and emotion as only they could. Sara and Chantille provided a stunning counterpoint, lifting this tired old piece into a fresh life.

Cilla sat, tears streaming down her cheeks, hand over her mouth staring at the incredible scene.

'Happy Birthday' finished, the band broke into Friends, the new version. I watched Cilla as she went through a range of emotions, happiness, sadness, shock and amazement. She sat still then bounced on her seat, I could see that it took an effort of will for her to stay seated and not start dancing.

The band took a break after about an hour and mingled with us to snack and talk. Cilla hung onto Nigel's arm and watched as her favourite group, and two of the world's top female vocalists, ate and talked with us.

Then the second part began, this half was even better than the first. Cilla forgot herself and started dancing, Sasha and Cecy joined her, which, of course, meant that Harold, Nigel and I had to partner our partners, if you get my meaning.

At the end of the concert Gerald and Sara presented Cilla with a set of Blu-ray disks, they had videoed their final rehearsal and burned a set of Blu-ray disks for her. This was truly a unique gift. From the look on Cilla's face as she thanked them, I expected that it would be one she'd treasure for the rest of her life.

Now we were led into the main dining room for dinner. Although Trace hadn't joined us for the concert, she did join us for dinner. She got a taste of the high life she craved.

Dinner was, of course, magnificent, a ham and truffle salad, followed by roast boar and roast vegetables. Dessert was a choice of sorbet or cheese, biscuits and fruit. I did notice Trace carefully watching both Sasha and Cecy so she wouldn't make a social faux pas.

After dinner I did get a chance to have a private word with Bee. "Why do Nigel and Cilla seem so short of cash?" I asked quite bluntly.

Bee stared at me for some time, "They haven't told you, have they?"

"Obviously not," I answered.

"It's lawyers costs for me." Bee's shoulders dropped, "Nigel told me that he'd warned you about my difficulties with the big four. Well, I've used up all of my resources defending myself, Cilla offered to help me. She and Nigel have been keeping me financially afloat for the last few months."

I looked across at Nigel and Cilla, both had, in the short time I'd known them, proved themselves to be worthy people, this act of generosity only confirmed my opinion of them.

"I want to set up an accountancy arm for my companies. We," I gestured to Sasha, "aren't sure of the final structure of this company, but I do know that I need a world class auditor. I pay people well, but I work them hard and long. I want you to work for me."

Bee nodded and held out her hand, "If you want me I'm in. When do I start?"

I laughed, "Yesterday! Now, tomorrow, I want you to start putting together the proof you've got of the embezzlement at the banks. I want Sasha to have a look at it."

"Does the Countess know about English law then?" asked Bee hopefully.

I couldn't help it, I just laughed out loud. All of the people in the room stopped talking and stared at us.

Sasha came over, gave me a peck on my cheek, "And what did you find so funny, my darling?"

"Bee asked if you knew anything about English law," I replied still chuckling.

Sasha slapped my arm. I really, really must get Karen to thicken the padding there. "You wicked man," she said. Turning to Bee she said, "I own a law firm based in London." She looked back at me, "That's what he was laughing about."

"OK dearest, now tell Bee the name of your law firm." I still couldn't stop laughing.

Bee now looked confused, "What is its name?"

"Dempsey," answered Sasha.

Bee's hand flew to her mouth and she paled, "OH GOD!"

I feared that Bee would faint, she'd gone so pale, so I steadied her. Cecy came over too.

"What's the matter with Bee?" Cecy asked.

"She's just had a little shock," answered Sasha. "I told her the name of my little law firm."

Jamie brought over a chair and Bee sat down, relieved to be off her feet. "One of the bankers I've been arguing with once sneered at me, he said, 'We have the top legal people in England working for us, who are you going to get, eh, Dempsey?'"

I smiled. "Have a word with Sasha tomorrow; perhaps you'll get Dempsey herself to handle your case."

"Oh I will, Baron, I will." Bee was obviously relieved to see light at the end of that particular tunnel.

-------

I was glad to see my bed, it had been a long day, a day full of incidents and happenings, but, overall a good day. I welcomed Sasha into my arms and we made love slowly, slowly but no less passionately for the relaxed tempo of our love-making.



-------

Chapter 71


Sasha and I worked on the accountancy company for most of the morning. Bee came in when we took a break at around eleven and spent nearly an hour with Sasha. That was fine with me because I had time to call a few of my people in London and set wheels in motion. We were going to buy out our current accountants. I wasn't sure how much it would cost me, but I wasn't hurting for a billion or two, so that shouldn't matter too much. Besides, I liked keeping my money in my own companies, makes more sense doing that I think.

Sasha was smiling, her lawyers smile, when she returned from looking at the documents Bee possessed. "The banks were just trying to browbeat her into submission. They know what they're doing is illegal, but it clears up a number of embarrassments that would cause them even more problems if it came out. And the FSA is in it with them. The FSA knows it didn't regulate the banks properly and that's part of the reason that the banks have these current problems."

"So what are you going to do?" I asked, I could see that my love was enjoying herself immensely.

"I'm gonna screw them to the wall." She kissed me and started unbuttoning my shirt. "I'm gonna," kiss, kiss, "fucking do them right up the back passage." She licked my nipple, "And you're going to do me up mine." That was an order.

Which I gladly obeyed.

-------

I handed out the weapons that Trace had brought and they all laughed. They thought these toys were quite funny until I turned and smashed a clay target I'd fixed up earlier. Then they looked at my weapons with renewed respect.

I'd changed my plans a little though.

"Trace, how would you like to help us for a few days?" I asked her.

Almost overwhelmed by the chateau and our lifestyle she didn't really have a choice, "If I can, Mr Winters."

"Good. Our target will be looking out for an attack by English people and one stereotype that the French have of the English is that they're all pasty skinned. And as you can see, we're all fully tanned. So I need you to keep out of the sun for a week, I want you to be a decoy. I want Luc to see a pasty, white skinned girl who can't speak French. After we've finished I'll guarantee you a month here in the sun."

I could see that her greed took hold of her, a whole month living like a queen before she'd have to return to the back streets of Manchester.

Trace went back inside.

"Girl!" I yelled.

"Yes, my Master," answered Aline from just behind me.

"Get me Em."

"Yes Master," she answered as she ran off. I watched her retreating form as she ran, nice, very nice even. Not up to Umber's standard but Umber was special. But still nice.

Em came running out and knelt beside me.

"Em, dearest, please make sure that Trace has plenty of high factor sun block. I want her to stay a pale English rose until she gets to Cap d'Agde."

She smiled, "Yes my Master, I'll get her a few sun hats too."

"Thank you Em." I lifted her and we kissed, just a quick touch but warm and loving.

I turned back and went back to the other girls, "Now this is called 'walking the dog'," I said as I showed them one of the next things they'd learn.

-------

Saying goodbye to Sara and Chantille was a bittersweet moment. I was sorry to see these two girls leave. While they'd spent most of their time with the band, we'd had good times together. And the generosity they'd shown to Cilla and Nigel was heart warming. It also meant that the band would be leaving soon; they had their concert to organise. They also had studio time to get in, new songs to record. Gerald and JJ had written three new albums while they'd been here. Now freed of Sydney's poisonous (literally) influences, they expected to have a much easier time during the preparations and actual performances than ever before. And they'd leave with a load of stage costumes courtesy of Karen, Sara and Chantille had some of Karen's less revealing outfits. They both thought that the new clothes were fabulous. I knew that Karen's reputation would go sky high when Sara and Chantille were photographed in her designs.

Quickly we settled down into a routine. Fitness training, working on our weapons skills and keeping our tans topped up. We needed to look as though we lived in Cap d'Agde.

Trace, though, stayed indoors or, when she did come out into the sun she'd slathered sun block on everywhere. She kept her sun hat on too. I was pleased to see that she was taking her part in our operation seriously.

Trace contacted her father daily, little details of timing and tactics were smoothed out. A wonderful piece of news came through from Chalkie's forward recon team. Malcolm liked little girls, very little girls. He'd often have one or two in the car with him while he was driven from place to place. They'd be on their knees between his legs pleasuring him during the drive. He very often took two because, carelessly he said, he kept suffocating them, holding them with his cock deep in their throat during his climax.

For us this was wonderful. The public didn't like men who killed small girls while he raped them. His reputation could be destroyed. Now Chalkie and his team just had to trick the car and set up the takedown. This was going to be something that Londoners, especially those who watched TV and had a brain, a vanishingly small percentage, had been warning about for years. Chalkie was going for 'The Bill' decoy.

My team, though I never called them that, were getting on marvellously. They'd all mastered the basics of my chosen weapon and had progressed to 'Round the World', a great improvement for all of them. Our drivers were having a great time too. They'd been on an advanced driving course and a specialist defence and evasion course. They were now practicing, and wrecking, on average, one car a day. Their driving though, had improved beyond all recognition.

Helen, Ross and Shannon, much to David's disappointment, left for London too. Ross and Helen were both practicing doctors and I'm sure that Shannon had a school somewhere whose teachers were waiting in dread of her returning.

This was the quiet time, the calm before the storm.

We all now know the storm is coming, but we've trained and practised. We feel we are ready.

Again, we will get our blows in first.

-------

I lay by the pool, my lengths finished, thought I felt like I could do them again, Alina by my side, my brain in neutral. As the West Country saying goes, 'Sometimes I sits and thinks; sometimes I just sits.'

"Boss," Elastic's voice nudged my brain back into gear. I looked up at her. "We're getting a couple of visitors."

"We?" I asked.

Elastic smiled, "One for me, one for you."

"Who's mine?" I asked, only semi interested.

"Sir Jeffery Hiscock," Elastic said with a grin.

"WHO!"

"Hiscock, the Cabinet Secretary." Elastic was enjoying this way too much.

Now what the fuck did he want? Especially after the debacle with his predecessor.

"They're coming over by our charter company too. Their own jet this time though." Elastic sat beside me, just conveniently enough for me to slip my hand up her skirt. She was hot, wet and pantyless.

"Oh Boss!" she exclaimed, closing her legs.

I might have believed her indignation more had she closed them before I reached her sopping slit, rather than trapping my hand with fingers deep inside her. Sometimes I wonder who's been corrupting these girls.

"Who's your visitor?" I remembered to ask.

"Admiral Weston," she squirmed on my fingers a little, I think she's enjoying me doing this. "He's bringing some new trainees."

That was another problem, Elastic's girls were all serving Marines, they were sent to her for training. Elastic sent them back, not as graduates but as Marines fully ready to be instructors. I was really proud of Elastic. She, Gerry and Sandy made a great team.

"When are they arriving?" I asked.

"In an hour," She seemed very relaxed for an officer an hour before an inspection.

"Don't you have things to do, people to shout at, running round and stuff?" I asked. All of the officers I'd served under, with the notable exception of Aggie, had gone to pieces when told that a Flag Officer was on his way for an inspection.

"Nope, we're ready. Been ready for weeks." Elastic was confidant, very, very confidant. She was a superb officer and her girls were trained to perfection. I wonder if Poole, their home base, had a surprise when the girls started going back with some of Paula's unarmed combat training. I would have loved to see the male instructors when they had the shit knocked out of them by the little girlies.

"You know, it's about now that the training reports on your girls would be getting up to Aggie's desk." I said thoughtfully.

Elastic laughed, "Well if he wants a demo, we'll give him one." Reluctantly she pulled my hand from between her legs, "Want to come and watch them at the outer checkpoint?"

I stood up and followed her. She didn't mind me groping her bum as we walked.

-------

The camera gave a view from the roof level of the guard shelter. The outer guard, a fairly new girl I'd met only a couple of times, looked alert; relaxed but very alert. The car stopped beside her, it had no choice as the gates were closed.

"Good afternoon Sirs, may I ask who you are visiting?"

Sir Jeffery leaned over from his seat, "I would like to visit Baron Glastbrooke if he's at home." He was politeness itself.

She turned to Aggie, "And you, Sir, who would you like to see?"

"I'm here to see your CO, Bands. And this is an inspection." Aggie growled. I was impressed; he'd got that pissed off Flag Officer thing down pat.

"Please may I see your ID card, Sir?" She was polite but firm, her meaning was inherent in her tone of voice, no ID, then piss off.

Aggie raised his side arm, a nasty looking revolver, and pointed it at her.

"No Sir, that's a revolver, an ID card is credit card sized and it has your picture on it together with your name and number." She paused and looked thoughtful, "And you don't put bullets into an ID card."

Aggie was taken aback by the girls attitude. After all it wasn't everyday that someone pointed a loaded hand gun at you. "Are you mad girl?"

"No sir, though I was wondering the same thing about you. You see I know that there are a number of very high powered rifles pointing at your head right now, and if your weapon discharges then I will be injured, I may die, but with something that age you'd be better off trying to beat me to death with it. You however will be dead within five seconds of the discharge. Whether you try to duck down under the seat or not, it won't change a thing." She almost sounded bored.

"Driver, drive on," Aggie waved him forward.

"Left wing mirror," the guard said conversationally. It promptly exploded as the high powered large calibre bullet tore through it.

"Would you like to lose any more bits off your car, Sir?" she asked Aggie, then politely waited for his reply.

Aggie looked at where the wing mirror used to be. "Was that Bosworth?" he asked.

The guard looked over at the other side of the car, "I do believe that the door is still on, so I would have to guess that Lt Bosworth didn't fire that round, Sir."

Aggie holstered his weapon and showed the guard his ID card, she smiled without making any joke about him getting it right this time, which I would have done.

She didn't even seem to look at it, "Thank you, Admiral Weston. Commander Bands is waiting for you in her office." In the short time she held it the ID card had been photographed and compared to a copy held in the computers in Centurion, the Naval pay and personnel base. I wasn't sure that the Centurion computer operations staff provided that service, still Karolina hadn't bothered to ask them anyway.

The gates opened and the driver slowly drove through.

The guard went back to doing what all guards learn to do, sometimes very well, waiting.

I turned to Elastic, "I'll leave you to it, I've got a Cabinet Secretary to meet.

-------

I shook hands with Sir Richard and led him to a seat beside a coffee table. This version of my office had a lot more room than the last one and my girls had had fun fitting it out with what they thought a Master's office should have.

Sir Jeffery looked round, "Stocks and a St. Andrews cross, Baron?"

"My girls' sense of humour sometimes runs away with them." I replied.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I have a request to make of you from the Prime Minister and his Deputy."

I nodded, "Do I need my lawyer in here as well?" I asked.

He thought for a moment, "I do not think so, however I do not have any objection to her being here, nor would I object to you recording our conversation."

So he knew Sasha was my lawyer and probably guessed that I'd record our meeting. This man isn't the dummy he's portrayed as.

"I'll just get my assistant in; she'll take notes for me." I pressed a button on the phone, I don't know if that button actually did anything as I was depending on security to hear me. They must have done because Karolina stepped in a moment later. She was dressed very well, as one would expect of my secretary. She pulled up a chair and sat just behind me on my right.

"Now, Sir Jeffery, what can I do for you?" I asked.

"Spend money." He answered.

Well that was short and sweet. I waited for the kicker.

He smiled, "We, the UK, are suffering a horrendous recession. It is much worse than is currently being reported and if the true situation ever got out it is likely that a number of the previous administration might actually be lynched. While that does not appear to worry the current administration overly much, it would however set a bad precedence. The little remaining economy would, of course, disappear entirely."

I nodded, if the situation was as bad as he said then his request started to make sense. "So what do you want me to spend on?"

He laughed, "Almost anything that will stimulate the economy. Anything made in the UK would be best."

I sat back and thought, "Sir Jeffery, you are aware that I am in dispute with a number of the Cumbrian constabulary."

He laughed again, he seemed to enjoy that. "Well, officially Her Majesty's Government know nothing about your ... dispute." He rolled that word round his mouth savouring the sound, and possibly taste of the word.

"Young lady," he said looking to my left, "Melissa isn't it?"

I turned and looked, Menolly sat just behind me in Melissa's place.

If he knew who my usual bodyguard was then he obviously had very good sources of intelligence. But then again he did travel over with Aggie, and Aggie doesn't suffer fools at all.

"No," I answered for her, "this is Menolly."

He was charm itself, "Menolly, I am going to open my jacket and remove a memory card from the card pocket."

Menolly must have given him the 'go ahead' as he did so. He placed the SD memory card on the table between us. We all looked at it for a long moment. Then the door opened and one of Elastic's girls, dressed as a maid, came in with a small silver tray. She stood by Sir Jeffery, holding out the empty tray. Her meaning was obvious and Sir Jeffery placed the memory card on the tray.

I was sure that that card would be checked for fingerprints and DNA before being cloned in one of Karolina and Ela's stand alone PC's, what they called the quarantine machines.

"That card contains some information you may, or may not of course, have come across yourself. The ... activities ... of Sir Gerald, and a number of his colleagues has been troubling the present administration for some time. The previous administration seemed to have more to gain from Sir Gerald being in place, than not. However it is felt by all concerned that, especially with the current economic climate, more harm would result from forcing an official confrontation with Sir Gerald and his colleagues, than would result if a suitable irate citizen dealt with the problem him, or her, self." Sir Jeffery looked at me innocently, "If you know of some such citizen perhaps you could assist in any small way that you were able." That was a typical politician's answer. "However I cannot see that problem affecting the Governments original request in any way."

I thought carefully about his request, spend money. Well when you get to a certain figure, half a billion or so, money becomes strange. You don't see it as something to earn and spend, it is a tool to be used. Super-wealth had its privileges and problems.

I don't object to spending per se, I do object to being ripped off, not getting value for money and wasting money.

"I would like to think over your request. Can you stay a day or so?" I asked.

"I have a suite reserved for me in Olean," he replied.

I nodded. I'm sure that Aggie would be staying over for a few days at least. He'd want to really see what Elastic was doing with her troops and check that the levels of training did actually match with the reports he'd received.

We shook hands. "I'll call you tomorrow or the day after, certainly no later than that. I have some ideas I want to think through."

"I look forward to hearing from you, Baron."

"Call me Paul," I replied deep in thought.

"Yes Sir." He replied with a chuckle.

I stared at him as Menolly showed him out. Would you believe it, a civil servant with a sense of humour! Well I never.

I turned and went back to my desk. I had a number of ideas I wanted to discuss with Mandy and Sasha.

-------

"Master, please, my Master, come with me and take a break for a while." Umber looked worried.

I sat up, my back and neck ached, I could use a break.

"Of course, Umber, my precious." Her smile lit the room.

We walked out of the French windows and started on round to the front of the house where we saw Aggie and Elastic. A coach pulled up as we approached and Elastic's latest bunch of trainees stepped down, as usual sixteen or so girls fresh out of basic training. This batch though had a bonus. The last one out was most definitely not a girl. He stood six foot six and must have weighed over twenty stone. I doubt that an ounce of that weight was fat.

The trainees fell in beside their bus and waited for their superiors to tell them what to do. Elastic just stared at the squad. Aggie, started to blush, I could tell that he knew about the male member of the squad, and I bet even he'd not been able to do anything about it.

Another car pulled up and three men climbed out, two in white vests and blue tracksuit bottoms, the last in combat fatigues, two Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) and an unarmed combat instructor. I almost laughed, but having suffered at the hands of this type of sadist before I just wanted to see them taken down a few pegs. I almost laughed at the thought of what they'd go through if they decided to test the girls fitness and combat abilities.

Elastic watched the latest three arrivals form up in a loose line to the side of the squad. They made her mind up for her.

She marched to the front of the squad, the girl in the front right position shouted "SQUAD HUH!" And they all came to attention.

Elastic looked at her new charges. "My name is Commander Bands, I run this establishment. I know that you've been told it's the 'girls school'. I prefer to call it the 'finishing school'. When you graduate from here people will look at you with a new respect. You will have the skills and abilities to take you to the highest positions in your chosen career, whatever that might be!"

She looked over her charges. "Your squad lieutenant is Lt Bosworth. Don't annoy her or she'll take you running. Lt Bosworth is a triathlete; she runs marathons for fun. Anyone here do the marathon in two hours forty?"

No one moved or said a word.

"No? So don't piss Lt Bosworth off, she was telling me she needs some more running practice.

"We run barracks here; shared everything. If you don't think you can hack it get back on the bus."

She looked at them, all serious faces and rigid bodies. Some must have been told about Elastic's graduates. They were beyond the elite. The SBS and SAS had started to come to train with them.

Elastic turned and pointed me out to the squad, "He is the reason we're here. The Baron is our principal. If he turns up dead then I'll be asking you why your body isn't on top of his. I don't think three serious attempts on his life is anything to be proud of, but surviving three attempts, and counting coup twice is."

"Anyone want to get back on the bus?"

"No, OK, when dismissed fall out and then into the Chateau. Your squad Lt and NCO will guide you once you're inside."

Elastic pointed to the girl who'd taken charge before, "You, you're the new squad leader. Fuck up and I'll dump you. Dismiss your squad."

The girl stepped two paces forward, did a smart about turn and paused. "SQUAD DIS-MISS!" As one they turned 90 degrees left paused for two march beats and walked into the Chateau.

"You three, what are you doing here?" Elastic was not pleased.

"We're here to raise the standard of your fitness and unarmed combat training," one replied. He must be the one with the least brains, I thought.

Elastic stared at them for a long, long time. "Get me Tucker and Phillips," she called, not too loudly.

We waited until two girls from the last batch came out. Both were in leotards.

"What were you two doing?" Elastic asked.

"Remedial combat, MA'AM," one shouted in reply. The other dropped her bag, and tripped over it. This, apparently, was not an unusual occurrence.

"Phillips, take those two gentlemen for a run, ten miles."

The clumsy girl picked up her bag and turned to the PTIs. "Staff, if you will follow me please, and do try to keep up otherwise I'll have to do this again before supper."

She set off at a cracking pace. The PTIs were keeping up with her easily, but I bet they didn't know that she could keep that pace going for the whole ten miles.

"Tucker, put the remaining gentleman on to the floor please, bare hands."

"MA'AM, YES MA'AM!" She didn't seem able to actually say anything.

Tucker strolled casually to the combat instructor and faked him out twice, then put him on his back. Quite gently too, I thought.

She turned back to Elastic. "He's on his back, Mam."

However he didn't seem to think that he should stay there. He tried kicking Tucker's ankles, she stopped his kick with a foot hold, her foot twisting his painfully to the side. When she let him loose he tried again. This time he threw gravel at her face. Her face wasn't there anymore. She flicked a single stone at him which caught him centre chest and must have hurt.

Tucker turned back to him and held out her hand. "If you keep attacking I'll keep hurting you," she told him as she helped him to his feet.

This time he tried to use his greater weight and reach, squeezing her hand as hard as he could he pulled back and tried to pull her into his grasp. Seconds later he was back on the ground with his forearm at a funny angle to the rest of his arm.

Tucker turned back to Elastic.

"Back inside, Tucker, and work on that throw, he shouldn't have got up from the first throw if you'd done it properly." I could tell that Elastic was pleased with her Marine, even if she was trying not to show it.

"MAM, YES MAM!" Tucker disappeared.

Aggie walked over to the NCO groaning in pain on the ground. "I thought I told you to play nice with the girls!" Aggie was pissed off.

Em and one of the cadre marines came round pushing a gurney. She took care of the NCO, giving him a painkiller and not a lot of sympathy. He was wheeled off on the gurney.

I was going to say 'hello' to Aggie but I could see, from the steam coming out of her ears and the barely suppressed rage that suffused her face, that Elastic wanted a quiet word with him first.

Umber and I continued on round the Chateau. I could see that Umber had something on her mind, "Come on, Umber, out with it," I chided.

"Master, that girl, Tucker," Umber was obviously having difficulty finding the right words, "she wasn't very good was she?"

I smiled, Tucker had beaten a Royal Marine unarmed combat instructor and Umber didn't think she was any good.

"That bloke was crap, but Tucker's been trained by Madam Li for weeks!" she added.

I hugged my precious Umber to me and together we continued on to the pool. I wanted a swim.

-------

Sasha and I met Sir Jeffery again the next morning. I'd worked out a project which would get a large number of people working and money moving through the economy.

"Sir Jeffery, I want to show you a project I think you'll find interesting," I started. He sat forward, looking interested.

"It's fundamentally what I do at the moment, but I'll start buying up part equity in properties who's mortgagee is in arrears." He looked a little interested. "I'll keep people in their homes, either as part owners or as tenants for a minimum fixed period. My lawyer can hash out the precise details later," Sasha nodded.

I paused for a moment, "I'll carry out improvements and renovations to all fully owned properties to bring them up to a minimum standard for each housing stock type and local area. Part owned properties will only get improvements or renovations providing that the owner or tenant contribute according to the portion of the equity they retain. If they sell or buy me out within, say five or ten years depending upon the capital costs, then they have to pay back a proportion of the original costs plus an administration fee. We can let the lawyers set that."

Sir Jeffery was nodding thoughtfully now, "And what do you want?"

He really was brighter that his reputation suggested.

"Easing of the planning and housing regulations to assist me in the purchase of the equity in the shared ownership properties, easing of the planning regulations in respect of the fully purchased properties, and finally assistance with brown and green field sites for approximately 200 new housing developments. Forty of these to be built in Scotland, twenty two in Wales the rest in England. Forty developments to be built within a twenty mile band outside the M25. Each development to consist of between 800 to 2000 houses, schools, road infrastructure and commercial premises to be included in each development."

And now the bit I didn't think he'd like, "Local and central governments to contribute twenty five percent of the overall cost of the build. I'll fund the site location searches, architects and planning fees. We use City and County Planning as overall supervisors and City and County Building will start as the primary building contractors."

I was right Sir Jeffery didn't like that.

"Now you might think that I'm snatching a huge profit from this. You're right of course, however I'll be starting the whole thing off with a cash input of five billion pounds. I expect to receive a reasonable return on my investment." I sat back and smiled. The next step was up to him.

Sir Jeffery sat thinking for a few moments, "I need to discuss this with some people back in London, the PM and DPM of course, Treasury and DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) will need to be mollified too."

I sat still barely breathing, he'd bought it!

"I'll need to return, possibly the day after tomorrow if that would be convenient?" he said at last.

"Perhaps the following week would be better, say a week today?" I thought about our plans against Luc Belvior. "We're having a party," I lied.

Sir Jeffery looked around the room, the stocks and St. Andrews cross had been removed on my specific orders. I'd forgotten to order them not to put anything else in though. A rough iron cage, angled so its occupant could neither stand up properly nor sit down was against one wall. And a set of handcuffs dangled from the ceiling. Any of my girls secured in them would be totally helpless with their feet suspended well above the floor.

Sir Jeffery looked at both with seeming interest, "I'm sure you'll all have a good time." He stood, "I look forward to seeing you in seven days time, Baron," he said as we shook hands. Umber escorted him back to his car.

Sasha and I hugged, "How about that for a wedding present?" we both said together.

Laughter gave way to kisses which led to us being naked on the office floor. Life was very good with Sasha.

-------

A little bored, I wandered down to the marines area looking for Elastic. I watched the new squad warming up for a lesson with Paula; the PTIs were with them too. I was absolutely sure she'd have used all three in demonstrations for a while, probably showing the PTI's what real fitness was about. At the other end of the room there was an advanced class going through its paces. The speed and agility demonstrated in this class must have forced the PTI's to want to improve themselves.

In a corner, Phillips and the unarmed, now one armed, combat instructor were on their knees picking up the spilt contents of her bag. I watched them as they started a Tai Chi lesson. Tai Chi can be learnt with a broken arm. It's just a little more difficult getting your balance and 'centre'.

I found Elastic and Aggie standing near a metal target by the stables. Aggie was searching the grounds with a set of binoculars. The glasses looked large enough to knock over the bushes in the middle of the grounds.

'PING!'

"GOD DAMN IT, BANDS!" Aggie was a little upset, "Where is she."

It took me nearly two minutes to find her, she was good. 'She' was a minor hump in the middle of an exposed section of mowed grass, precisely where she should not try to hide, unless of course she was very, very good.

"Problems Aggie?" I asked conversationally.

He glared at me, "I suppose you know where she is."

"Oh, who?" I asked for forms sake.

"Nurse Riddley! Bands here has been teaching the medical staff sniper training." For some reason Aggie didn't look pleased.

'PING!'

"Looks like she's good at it," I said. I looked at the target, the centre had been obliterated, there were no 'fliers'.

"But she's a nurse!" he exclaimed.

"And?" I personally couldn't see the problem. Now-a-days medical staff are treated as valid targets just as a rifle carrying trooper is. It didn't matter to some people. Having the ability to heal people was good, having the ability to protect yourself and your patients was better. No matter how good a doctor or nurse you were, you did nobody any good if you were dead.

"Our Government, in its wisdom," Aggie can be really sarcastic when he wants, "has decided that medical staff are non-combatants. If they find out she's had sniper training she'll be discharged."

"So, don't tell them. Just stick her in spec-ops and be done with it."

"Can't do that! The fucking auditors have spotted it already." Now I understood why he was so pissed, Aggie hated auditors with a passion.

"So, put her on detached duties to me."

Aggie looked at me for a second. "Do you think that the Royal Navy and Royal Marines exist simply to restock your harem?" He looked at Elastic, "I suppose you and Bands are at it all the time too."

"I am a gentleman, Sir, whether the young lady in question and I have ever been intimate is something that you'll have to ask her." I too looked at Elastic, she looked nice, now if I could just bend her ... No, I need to focus, not fuck us. "As far as I am concerned Ms Bands is as pure as the driven snow." See, I can bullshit with the best of them.

Aggie looked at me, then at Elastic. "We are talking about the same female aren't we? Bands," he pointed, "that one, the person who seems to have become the randiest female on Earth since she's known you. THAT Bands."

"OH!" I said, "THAT Bands. Sorry, I couldn't say, too much of a gentleman you see." I smiled.

Aggie stomped off, muttering and growling.

"You can come in now, Riddley," Elastic called.

The mound of grass got up and cleared her weapon, then she inserted a fresh magazine. Happily she trotted back to the door closest to the dorms.

Elastic almost fell into my arms and we kissed.

"He's a bit stressed at the moment, the auditors and bean counters are crawling all over him and he isn't allowed to kill any of them," said Elastic.

Her lips were warm and soft, we kissed again, then again...

"BANDS! PUT 'IM DOWN AND COME HERE!"

Chuckling, Elastic 'put me down' and left to find her Admiral.



-------

Chapter 72


Cap d'Adge is two towns in one. The main town is quite normal, even by French standards, however there is a tall wall separating that part of town from the nudist section. In the nudist section clothes are optional. In the shops, restaurants and on the street naked people walk the streets without a care. It is possible to live your entire life naked in that section of town. On the nudist beach clothing is banned by local law.

Trace had arrived a day before us and started 'looking' for Belvior. I'm sure he was aware of her within an hour of her arrival. I'm also sure that he'd take Trace as indicative of the quality of his opposition and feel safer monitoring her than fleeing, perhaps into the arms of others waiting outside the town.

Melissa and Wendy had been giving us daily reports on Belvior's movements and habits. We thought that stress was getting to him as he was smoking more each day, he'd changed his brand to a local high tar one too. He was also drinking too much. It didn't make me want him any less though. I was glad he was suffering.

Aline asked if they were sure that was still the same man, an astute question. Wendy was at pains to assure us that the man they were tracking was indeed Luc Belvior. Melissa had even stolen a glass he'd used and they'd emailed us his fingerprints to check. Luc Belvior was in Cap d'Adge and we were intent on retribution.

-------

It was almost comical watching Luc follow Trace. Trace herself was either clueless or a very, very good actress. She bumbled about, slowly progressing up the road. She showed something, probably the very poor picture of Belvior we'd given her, to almost every one she met, though most ignored the English girl with her horrible schoolgirl French.

Luc sat in a café watching her until she entered a small square. As Trace wandered across the square, seemingly intent on going to a café on the opposite corner, Luc followed.

And so did I. The trap was about to be sprung.

From the road to my right, Aline came strolling out, chewing gum and looking bored.

Umber came along the road to my left, she attracted glances from passing people, men and women, as she walked along, hips swaying in that oh-so-seductive rhythm.

Jill sauntered into the square from the road directly in front of me.

Luc, concentrating on his main enemy, Trace, didn't notice the danger he was in at all.

There were only a few people in the square. The three girls and I wouldn't stand out too much; any more and even Luc would have been suspicious.

Umber started the attack, the yoyo she was playing with snaked out and smashed Luc in the balls. With a screech he fell to his knees. Jill and Aline came running up to 'help'. Jill injected him with a large dose of Rohypnol, this would confuse his memory of this attack and make any official complaint almost impossible.

The three girls surrounded Luc, the others in the street could see he was being cared for and watched with mild curiosity.

They fussed over him like mother hens with their chicks until I came over and knelt beside him. He barely felt the needle penetrate his right hip. The pressure in his muscle when I injected five cc's of Melissa's fungal spores though, he felt that.

He looked down at my hand and the syringe so close to his skin, then up into my face. Recognition, then shock, filled his features. "You ... You're..."

"Yes Luc, I'm the one who's slaves you arranged to be drugged so that they could be murdered." I looked him in the eye, I felt no emotion at all, this must have shown on my face, in my eyes.

Sat on the cobbles of the square, surrounded by his mortal enemies, Luc wet himself.

We lifted Luc and sat him on a bench seat at the side of the square. He was overlooking the church and the road leading to the beach; a view to enjoy while the fungal spores woke and started their agonising destruction of his body.

We stood and walked away, each continuing on our previous paths. We'd meet up in an hour's time, Luc wouldn't recover from the Rohypnol for at least three hours, we'd be out of Cap d'Adge and on our way back to the Chateau by then.

One last thing I noticed before I left the square, Trace showed her picture to Luc himself. I knew the photo was so bad that no one could use that picture to recognise him, I wondered if Trace was just bumbling, or if she was trying to help a little bit more. I'd have to have a word with that girl when she returned.

Sasha and Lynne, our drivers, drove us home; Julia and Alina, our lookouts, had stayed in their positions until the square had settled back down again. Luc seemed to go to sleep, and life in the sleepy little nudist town carried on as normal.

Within an hour of the attack we were on the A75 heading north towards Lodève.

The drive back, with the notable exception of the 'Bridge in the Clouds', was boring. I got a little fidgety, as I tend to do on long journeys when I'm not driving. So I looked around me for a distraction. Well there were four girls in the car with me. Sasha was driving and Umber had the front passengers seat, Aline and Jill sat either side of me. I wondered why they wanted me to sit in the middle of the back seat. Now I knew, they were hoping to get lucky on the long drive back.

We were in a German registered Opel Zafira. This had a wonderful thing, the rear seats, or middle row in our seven seater; is a bench seat. We pushed it back as far as we could and settled down to while away the time.

It's very nice whiling time away with Jill and Aline, they're both very inventive. And have nice breasts which they seem to like me playing with. And hot wet mouths which kiss and suck with equal tenderness and passion.

-------

We were a little busy when we felt the car stop. I was kissing Aline, her tongue slowly touring my mouth, her opened mouth welcoming my tongue. Jill was between Aline's legs, licking and sucking on the hot, sopping slit before her. All in all we were quite busy.

"Is he always snogging when he's in the back seat of a car?" asked a voice from outside.

"We're here." I said, looking down at Jill.

""DON'T STOP!" cried Aline. "I'm almost there too." Jill redoubled her efforts and I resumed my kissing, I started pulling and twisting a nipple too.

"He's at it again!" exclaimed the voice. "And there's two girls in there with him!"

Aline threw her head back as she came, her impassioned cries filling the car. I tugged a little harder on her nipple and watched as Jill bit down on her clit. Aline's small body went rigid in the seat as she travelled through the 'little death'. Both Jill and I watched our sweaty lover as she returned to us.

"Thank you Master, Thank you Jill, that was heavenly. You are so good to us Master, but you must let us do more for you."

I kissed her again, a light peck on the cheeks. "Watching you girls achieve your peak is pleasure for me," I tried to reassure her.

"Anyway, I think they're waiting for us outside."

Aline lifted her head so she could look out of the window, "There's a lot of them isn't there?"

I sneaked a peak too, "Yeah..." I sighed, "there's a lot of them." Sir Jeffery was back too.

"Come on then. Time for me to pretend to be a grown up again."

We got out of the car, Sir Jeffery shook my hand as he watched Jill and Aline get out too. He was most interested in my girls, especially as they didn't seem to see any need to get dressed before getting out of the car. "I've been sent back early to give you the Governments answer to your proposal." He was smiling. Normally I would have taken this as a good sign, but he was a Civil Servant, actually the head Civil Servant, so his smile could have meant that he'd been given permission to eat babies.

"Let's go to my office," I said gesturing towards the door. His eyes lit up, I bet he was wondering what new torture implements would be in my office today.

"Oh, I see the stocks and St. Andrews cross are back," Sir Jeffery said delightedly.

We sat at the coffee table again and he took some papers out of his briefcase. "Fundamentally, the government agree to your proposal, but with some small additions." He looked up at me to try and gauge my reaction to this change. "They want an extra fifty housing schemes in areas they designate."

"I'll have to talk this over with Sasha and my planning people." I pressed the button again, I'll have to find out what that actually does one day. Sasha came in a few minutes later.

"Oh, you've had the cross and stocks put back. I liked them just there," she said before we kissed.

Sir Jeffery repeated the Governments terms.

"They're just playing politics," said Sasha. "We'll look at their proposed sites but if we don't agree with them then they either pay for the whole thing or the whole deal is off."

Sir Jeffery nodded, "I did warn them that that might be your answer, but they wanted me to put this proposition to you anyway." He looked at both of us, "Have a look through their additions and let us know what you think."

"We will do," I replied.

"We'll get back to you, Sir Jeffery," said Sasha. "Are you staying over locally again?" She looked politely interested in his reply.

"No. I'm afraid that the PM wants me back as soon as possible." Sir Jeffery did seem to be quite disappointed.

We stood and shook hands. "I'll let you know the governments response to your comments, it should only take a day or so." Sir Jeffery turned round and looked at the cross and stocks, "I think I like them better with the girls in," he said a little wistfully.

I looked over at Jo in the stocks and June on the cross; both had full head coverings but were otherwise naked. I just wondered who had thought it might be a good idea to fill those things anyway. I looked back at Sir Jeffery without saying a word.

"I'll be on my way then," he said and Umber showed him out of my office and back to his waiting car.

After watching Umber leave the room, (if you are human you wouldn't miss a chance to watch Umber walking either - she is just soooooooo sexy) I turned to Sasha, "Any idea as to who's idea this was?" I asked, not really expecting an answer.

"Why don't you ask Julia. After all, you put her in charge of the other girls' care and discipline." Sasha seemed to be enjoying this.

I wandered over to Jo, we could smell the heady scent of her arousal. She was bent over uncomfortably, her feet spread far apart, leaving her vulva wide open for access. I wandered to her head. There was a chain running from the top of the stocks to the top of her helmet. I could pull her head right back and secure it there. I felt around her mouth, there was a plug there. She had been left for me and was available in any of her holes. My touching her had one consequence though, Jo came. Her muffled moans made me slide my hand under her body and grasp her breast. I squeezed the nipple hard and she shuddered on my hand. I saw a few drops of girl cum ejaculated onto the floor.

Sasha was playing with June, tickling her and squeezing her breasts. Sasha slid her fingers between June's legs and penetrated her. June was squirming in her bonds now. I could see that her climax wasn't far off.

"Shall I leave her like this?" asked Sasha wickedly. "Panting and crying out for her cum but unable to finish herself off."

"Well, you need to remember how much you like June's massages and think about how good she's going to be next time you want her to make you come." I replied.

Still rubbing and finger fucking the bound girl, Sasha thought about this. "You're right, I'll finish her." She put both hands to work between June's legs and bit down on a nipple. Seconds later June came, spraying Sasha's hands with her juice and shuddering violently on the cross. I could see that it was a very well made piece, it didn't move at all.

"Now, let's go and find Julia," I said.

"Of course, darling." Sasha kissed me and we left the office arm in arm.

-------

"Julia, the stocks and St. Andrews cross are back in our Master's office." Sasha seemed quite stern.

"Yes Mistress." Julia seemed quite calm.

"Jo is in the stocks and June is tied to the cross," continued Sasha. I could see that this conversation wasn't going to go the way we expected it would.

"Yes Mistress," Julia was polite and attentive, helpfulness personified.

"Are they being punished for something?" asked my beloved.

"No Mistress," said Julia, smiling sweetly.

"So they're being rewarded by being hooded and tied naked in those torture devices?" I asked, maybe a little sarcastically.

Julia's smile could have lit the room, "Our Master understands, Mistress."

Well, knowing Jo that would have been a reward for her. "Does June have the same sexual tastes as Jo?" I asked.

"Oh Master you really do understand." She went into adoration mode again. I really, really preferred the 'I love you', to the 'I worship the ground you widdle on'. Still Julia seemed to be doing a very good job in her new position, things were certainly running more smoothly anyway.

Sometimes I just don't understand females. Understanding a freewoman like Sasha is difficult enough at the best of times. But slaves? They seem to live in a different world, well that's true enough, but our frames of reference are so different. So Paul, mate, just go with the flow, best thing that you can do.

"OK Julia," I wanted to finish this conversation. I think Sasha and I had lost anyway. "I want Jo and June released," I thought for a moment, "but get one of the girls to give them two or three cums first."

"Of course Master," said Julia. I thought she was about to start licking the floor in front of me to make sure it was clean enough for me to walk on. I'm going to have to have a word with that girl.

-------

"Quentin! Ohhhh Quentin darling, do you have the face cream?" An indistinct sound answered his question. "Oh goody, be a luvie and bring it round will you?"

I almost laughed. The speaker was eighteen stone and dressed in torn jeans, a scruffy tee shirt and dirty jacket. A balaclava was rolled up on top of his head. He looked like a TV director's ideal 'heavy'. The scene we were watching was a typical outside filming unit. There were some of these operating up and down the country every day of the year. A man and woman in police officer's uniforms strolled past the 'heavy', the man, obviously Quentin, gave the 'heavy' a jar of something.

Gawkers watched everything that happened. The camera focused on the director. He made me sit up, I recognised Elsie Parker. Elsie's real name was Lionel Christopher Parker, the initials L. C. made his nickname impossible to resist. Elsie was a good guy, one of my old team. And this was the decoy that Chalkie had said they were going to use, The Bill.

The Bill is a TV program filmed on the streets of London. It has everything the average viewer wants, car chases, gun fights, explosions and bodies, plenty of bodies. So if the public are shown what they think is an episode of The Bill being filmed, well that's what they'll see, including all of the named actors and TV 'stars'.

Elsie walked up and down the street ordering one group to set up some lights and another to take some down. I doubt that the gawping public realised that he was just marking time, waiting until he got the message that Malcolm was on his way.

The camera panned round, I saw a couple of the 'actors' signing autographs. I wonder what the Metropolitan police will make of all this evidence when they see it. Finally Elsie must have been given the word that Malcolm was on his way, he moved all of the watchers 'out of shot' and everyone else took up carefully prepared places. The camera panned onto Malcolm's car driving steadily along the road, then, when it was stuck between a lorry and a large ubiquitous 'white van', everything went mad.

A smoke grenade went off under the car, followed by the 'whomp' and flames of a respectably sized explosion. I knew that those in the car would not be hurt by either of those things, Malcolm and his rear seat passengers were most probably already asleep from gas grenades hidden in the car itself.

A fork lift truck appeared, driven by the 'heavy' I'd seen earlier, which pushed its forks under the car and lifted its wheels off the road. Now Malcolm's car wasn't going anywhere.

Another heavy moved in and started hitting the rear door window with a sledge hammer, a suspiciously light sledge hammer if you ask me, but I'm not a TV viewer so my opinion doesn't really count. He hit the window three or four times until another man came over and pushed him to one side. This man then tried opening the door using the door handle. It opened as though the door hadn't been locked. I liked that touch, always give the viewers a little humour I thought.

They dragged Malcolm out and pulled a sack down over his head, shoulders and upper body. This was secured with a thick belt or strap. We could now hear the two toned sirens as the police came closer, I hoped that they would be Elsie's crew and not the real plods - I didn't really want any more enemies. Not just yet anyway.

A Jaguar pulled up alongside the trapped car and Malcolm was bundled into its boot. The rest of the 'kidnappers' jumped into the white van which was driven off at high speed. Elsie took a final look round and started shouting, "CUT! Cut it and wrap this lot up."

The camera crews started taking their equipment down and we lost our picture from the scene. It was obvious though, that up to that point, everything had worked exactly as planned.

I sat thinking about this. I am naturally suspicious, and the way that Elsie had had enough time to do the grab seemed to ring alarm bells. I also wondered if Sir Jeffery had any part in this. Well, I'd have to wait and see wouldn't I.

Sasha and I strolled out to the pool. Jo was kneeling by my lounger, her eyes sparkling with delight. "This girl thanks her Master for his kindness," she told me as I lowered myself.

"This Master thanks his girl for wanting to serve him and for being a good and loyal girl." I kissed her, she surrendered herself to me again, longing to be taken and used. Used and abused I knew. Poor Jo needed pain to give her pleasure. I wondered just what experiences she'd had which had changed her so.

Elastic came out with a mobile phone, "Call for you, Boss," she said as she handed me the phone.

"Paul," I said.

"Baron, I'm so glad to have caught you at home. I just called to say that the PM and DPM both agree to all of your conditions. It's been a bit tricky getting hold of them as they've been on walk-about round town today, meeting the people, shaking babies, kissing hands, all that politician stuff," he laughed. "Typical politician, they pick a day when the Met have their hands full with Kylie in town promoting a new CD, and then more officers have to be redeployed and that takes extra resources off the streets."

I too laughed, "Sir Jeffery, I'm sure they're supposed to kiss the babies and shake the hands."

"Oh, perhaps that's why I could never get elected. Ah well, in another life I suppose." He sounded sad. Sir Jeffery was not the fool he was said to be. This man would need to be watched. While our paths went in the same direction I was sure he'd be a good friend. If they ever crossed I'm sure he'd be an implacable foe.

"Goodbye Baron, I'll see you in a few days to give you the official agreements."

"I look forward to seeing you again Sir Jeffery. This time you must stay in the Chateau with us." I said and clicked the phone off.

Sasha rose and knelt by me, her tears fell onto my chest. "Thank you, my darling," she said, still crying.

Alarmed I sat up and hugged my bride-to-be, "What's the matter, dearest?" I asked her.

She smiled at me. "Nothing's the matter, I'm just so happy. You've started to think of my home as your home." She looked round at the Chateau surrounding us. "Generations of my family have lived here, I want to continue the line," she shrugged. "We have our work in London, but we'll live here."

"Yes, we'll live here. And you'll have to teach me French."

Sasha frowned, "I'm not sure I'm that good," she answered.

I picked her up and, tenderly, we kissed.

Then I threw her in the pool.

-------

Sasha and I waited for Trace's limousine to arrive. We'd sent a limo because of my promise to give her a whole month of a rich man's life. The limo was just the start.

As soon as the car pulled up in front of the Chateau we could see that something was amiss. Trace was sitting in the drivers seat, the normal driver sat beside her.

Trace got out laughing, she seemed more open and relaxed than she had at any time since she'd been here.

"Baron," she greeted me, "How did it go? He looked quite dopy just after you'd left."

I had been right to suspect Trace, she wasn't the fool she'd been trying to make us believe.

"We did what we set out to do," I replied.

Trace smiled. "Well, I have to get back to Manchester. We need to keep an eye on Prof, his wife's found out that he's got another job and her solicitor is after him for more money. That bitch is taking him for every penny he has."

Trace started walking towards the Chateau, then paused and turned back to us, "You kept your word Baron," she nodded to the car. "Dad said you would. I wasn't so sure, so I pushed you a bit. Sorry." She shrugged her shoulders and continued on into the house.

"I think I'd like to get to know that girl," said Sasha.

"So would I, my darling, so would I," I agreed.

Hand in hand we returned to our rooms.

-------

Nigel stood by the lectern, a projector at his side and a huge pile of documents on a wheeled trolley the other side of that.

"Baron," he started, "your quarterly financial statement is as follows..."

And so it went on. And on and on.

Mandy and the C&C people had been working their arses off. They'd added another five billion to my housing stock equity and two billion to my liquid cash. Nigel said I had to start spending some of that cash before the government stepped in and tried to steal it from me. I assured him that I was planning to spend about five billion pounds over the next three years. Nigel smiled at that. I didn't tell him that Sasha and I estimated that I'd gross about twenty billion profit in equity and cash. That might have spoilt his day; he was working too hard anyway. But that should change soon. I hadn't told him about my buy-out of his employer.

A quick lunch followed and then Bee gave us the results of her initial investigations.

"Baron..." she started.

"Paul or Boss, please Bee." I interrupted.

"Boss," she smiled at me, "the records on those thirty one micro SD cards goes back to the first of January 1980. Thirty years of criminal activity. This is organised crime like the Mafia never even attempted to do. This is bigger than most third world countries. Possibly twenty percent of the UK's gross national product is going through these books."

She paused and sipped some water.

"I have stopped trying to describe the scale of corruption or the size of the finances as I quickly run out of superlatives. Suffice to say that you, Boss, and your fortune are a concern to them, but only a small one."

"Well," I said, "show me how to make me a worry to them then."

Bee smiled and switched on the projector. It was a computer screen print taken of Google Streetview. It showed a nondescript building in an average city. A building was outlined single width with a single door. A small brass plate beside the door which I couldn't read.

"Banco du Commerial Internationalè," said Bee. "We need to break into it."

"Physically?" I asked.

"Well no," she answered, "electronically would be preferable. But the hacking skills needed for a job like this are very, very rare. We can buy the expertise to physically enter the building and attach our electronic devices to their equipment much more easily, and cheaply, than trying to get a hacker." She smiled ruefully, "Hackers are notoriously unpredictable. They're as likely to release all of your secrets out onto the internet as they are to let you know someone else's secrets."

"Why don't we let Karolina or Ela have a look at what you're proposing, then we'll decide what to do." I suggested.

Bee nodded, "If you think that they can help."

Sasha called for Karolina but Ela entered the room first, "FUCK SHIT Sasha!" Ela cried on seeing the building.

Sasha's head whipped round and she stared at Ela.

"Mrs Boss, I need to speak with you, private like. NOW!" Ela wasn't in the mood for joking.

Sasha and Ela left the room in a hurry. It took nearly an hour before they came back in.

Sasha stood in front of me, "Darling, I am going to have to ask you to trust me again, this is..."

I interrupted her with a kiss, "I'll leave you to get on with whatever it is you're doing then." I smiled at her, "I have a pool beckoning me, and a pint or two of John Smiths to sup before dinner."

Sasha kissed me, "Go for your swim, and your beer, and play with your girls a little bit. They like that."

I passed Karolina and Lynne as they hurried into my office for the rest of Bee's briefing.

-------

I swam two lengths before I lifted myself out of the water. Something was bothering me. I'd pictured the Huntley / Morrisons wedding photo in my mind, we'd identified all but one of the people in that picture.

Absentmindedly I started toward my old office. I stared at the piles of printouts on my desk - sorry, Bee's desk.

That was another thing. Why was Sydney allowed to work as an entertainment manager? One feeling that I'd had about Huntley all along was that he planned everything. The things he didn't plan, or didn't have time to plan failed. His poisoning of Joasia, June and I failed, he killed the girls but I survived. Survived to become 'a concern' to him and his organisation.

I switched on a PC and logged into my email. A quick search found the wedding photo and I printed it out at A3 size. It was grainy and a little distorted but still recognisable. I wrote the names of those pictured, a big question mark over the last woman's head.

I sat back again and started wondering, just what could Sydney have contributed to the organisation. Huntley gave them protection, Rae controlled the prostitutes, just what did Sydney do?

Even the Screaming Monkeys earnings wouldn't contribute very much to an organisation such as Bee described, twenty percent of the UK's GDP. That was huge, almost as big as one of the speaker boxes that the band carted round with them.

SPEAKER BOXES!

I grabbed a phone and dialled.

"Paul, good to hear from you," said Gerald.

"Do you have any equipment you can't account for?" I asked.

"JJ's the one to ask that, he's picked up the transport and roadies since Sydney disappeared."

"Gerald, get JJ to check carefully, I'd like to know about anything missing and more importantly anything that's there but shouldn't be there, things that you can't account for." I paused for a second, "Gerald, Thrash, this is very important."

"Paul, I'm going to wake him now. We'll all check today and let you know as soon as we can."

"Thanks Gerald,"

"After all you've done for us, for us, this is a very small repayment."

We hung up.

I sat back. One of the things that Karolina, so many months ago, had described that Huntley was involved in was smuggling. What better to use for smuggling than high profile loads for high profile people? The Screaming Monkeys, Sara Burton, Chantille, and who knew who else.

The tour lorries would be ideal for any form of smuggling, drugs, people, weapons and equipment, almost anything. And customs would usually just wave them through, not daring to touch the contents for fear of breaking something and delaying or, even worse, preventing a concert. In some countries that could get boarder officials lynched.

Whatever it was that had been tickling the back of my mind, was quiet now. I'd satisfied its itch, for the moment anyway. I returned to the pool and swam.

-------

Gerald's call came just after dinner, "Paul, we've somehow got an extra lorry."

"Any idea how long you've had it?" I asked.

"No, not really. Sydney used to take care of the transport and hire all of the roadies. We bought our trucks a couple of years ago, JJ and Jamie liked the idea of having consecutive registration plate numbers. We could afford four trucks and JJ said that would be enough for all of our stuff. So we got TSM 501, TSM 502, TSM 503 and TSM 504. We now have TSM 505 in the garage. I'm looking at the latest invoice from the garage. 505 went through maintenance six weeks ago."

"Gerald, that's probably ready to go for the next smuggling trip. Where were you planning on going?"

"Just round the UK, nowhere special," he answered.

"Then it's likely that you're distributing the contraband, probably drugs." I thought for a moment, "I'm going to send someone over to you, we call him Prof, you'll see why. Let him have a look at all of your trucks and we'll see what he says."

"OK Paul, we'll wait for him. You know where to send him don't you," Gerald gave an address in Bedfordshire, miles away from their reported homes in Sussex.

One last call to make tonight, "Prof, it's Frosty," I said.

"Frosty, I ... I don't know..."

"Then don't say anything. You're working for me now, I've got two things for you to do. I want you to check over five lorries. I'm sure they're being used for smuggling, I'm also sure that they're ready for a distribution run soon. I want the drugs removed and something harmless substituted. Then you need to get down to London and go to number four, Lincoln's Inn Fields. There's a specialist in family law waiting for you. She'll represent you and look after your interests. We'll see about getting you some of your money back."

"I can't afford..."

"It's part of your package, Prof. You're a fat cat professional now so get used to it. And do a bloody good job on those trucks, they belong to friends of mine."

"Sure thing Frosty, or should I say Boss?"

"How about Frosty, I have few enough people who treat me as though I'm actually human. I need some of you to remind me that I still go to the toilet now and then." I replied.

Prof chuckled, "You'll only get my best from me."



-------

Chapter 73

Malcolm was brought to the Chateau in a white transit van. As soon as the side door opened he ran off into the open fields.

Phillips took off after him, two PTI's trying to keep up with her. I noticed that they were both quite bruised. I watched as Phillips caught up with Malcolm despite tripping and falling once. 'She's getting better' I thought to myself. The PTI's only caught up when she was returning with Malcolm.

Menolly, who'd been keeping suspiciously close to Sasha for the last few days, took hold of our runaway by his wrist and guided him into the Chateau.

Phillips guided the two PTI's back out onto the ten mile route. One of the men had a look of desperation in his eyes as he passed me, "Help..." he said, still running.

"Stop moaning and get a move on!" Phillips, having to take these slow-coaches running three times a day, obviously felt that she was being punished more than she deserved. "If you've got enough wind to moan, you've got enough to run so MOVE!"

I liked that girl.

I wandered into the Chateau to see what was happening to Malcolm.

Menolly and two of her colleagues had him in a bare room. "Strip," said Menolly.

Malcolm laughed, "Do you little girlies think that you can make me?" He looked at each one in turn, their impassiveness obviously worried him.

"Strip," repeated Menolly.

"Fuck off," snarled Malcolm.

Menolly grabbed his wrist and applied pressure. He fell to his knees screaming, but Menolly continued the pressure until we saw a dark patch appear in his trousers.

One-handed, Malcolm undressed.

One of the other girls threw a set of handcuffs on the floor in front of him. "Put these on, hands behind your back."

Malcolm picked up the heavy steel handcuffs and immediately tried attacking the girls. Two seconds into his attack he was on his knees, hands cuffed behind his back. Both shoulders were now grasped and pressure applied again. Malcolm's scream was shorter this time as he fainted quite quickly. Menolly chained his ankle to a ring set deeply into the floor and the three girls left the room.

I looked down at Cher's next new toy. I felt nothing for this man, he was an enemy who had been captured. I was sure that if our positions had been reversed he would have taken great delight in watching me be tortured. It was his bad luck that I beat him and arranged for his capture before he tried to arrange mine.

But that thought made me pause, what if they had arranged for my capture? And I just hadn't walked into the trap yet.

This needed some serious thought - time for a swim.

-------

Bee was ensconced with Karolina, Ela and Lynne for the next two days.

Sir Jeffery returned with the documents agreeing to our terms for the additional fifty housing projects. He seemed very disappointed that the stocks and St. Andrews cross were empty this time.

All the time I was worrying. How do I spring a trap that I know nothing about?

"Girl!" I called.

"Yes my Master," answered Aline from my side. How on Earth do they get there so quietly?

"Please ask Elastic if she could spare me a few minutes." I asked.

"My Master should order this girl, not ask her as though she were a freewoman."

"Go girl," I said smiling, "before I decide to beat you."

With a laugh she ran from the room. "Julia, Master wants to beat me!" I heard her delighted cry echo through the corridors.

Staring at the door, and chuckling to myself, I unconsciously dropped my hand to the side of my chair. There was already another head there, I looked, it was Karen. I hadn't spent time with Karen for so, so long. I would have to make a point of spending time with each of my girls every week. Surely I can fit in an hour with each at least. Julia would be the one to arrange that.

"Karen, my precious, come and warm my lap for a while."

With a huge grin, Karen jumped up and settled herself on my lap. "Thank you my Master. We love being held and comforted in your arms."

She filled my lap, her head on my shoulder, nestling into my neck. I too felt comforted, peaceful and, for a while, my mind calmed its turmoil. Unknowing, I fell asleep.

-------

I woke slowly, the weight in my lap warm and comforting. I felt the breast nestled in my palm. As my fingers twitched it was pressed harder in to my grip.

I looked down at Karen's slim form. I don't know how long we'd slept but I'd obviously needed the break from the stress I'd been under.

I sniffed at the air, something was wrong; I smelt fear, rank and stale fear.

Slowly I looked round, there was a marine guard in the room, but there was almost always a marine guard in the room. This one though was male. He was the source of the smell. He was frightened of something, very frightened.

"What's wrong Marine?" I asked him.

"Sir, I ask that another guard be present in the room, Sir!" he answered.

Moments later Menolly came in. I was reassured that I was still being monitored by Elastics girls.

He looked at her and I could see that he'd come to a major decision. He handed Menolly his rifle and side arm. "Sir, I have been told to kill you if I can. If I fail then my family will be killed."

The door opened before he finished his sentence and Elastic entered with three more of her marines.

"Elastic," I said, "find out where his family is and get them moved somewhere safe. He's started his redemption. Let's see what else he can tell us."

Elastic nodded, "I thought I'd better watch this one. He comes from the Lake District, not too far from the Morrison's home turf."

He looked straight ahead impassively, "You ain't what they told me Sir. They lied through their teeth. I think that you're the first real good man I've ever met." He turned to Elastic, "I'm sorry to betray you like this Ma'am. This place has been good for me, very good, I'll be sorry to go."

Elastic smiled, "You're not out of here yet, Marine. Perhaps I'll decide that you're saveable."

He was led out of the room by his squad mates.

Karen watched as he left, then tucked the pistol she held back into its hiding place in the arm of the chair. I hadn't known it was there. I suspected that there was another in the other chair arm too.

"Umber won't be pleased," said Karen, sure of Umber's reaction to the Marine's announcement. "She'll most probably kick his arse round the Chateau when she finds out."

I smiled, little Umber had threatened someone else when they'd tried to attack me, this Marine had said he was supposed to kill me and he'd had the opportunity and means to do it too. But he hadn't done it, and he'd handed himself to Elastic's tender mercies without trying to bargain for good treatment. I thought he would be a good addition to the cadre here.

I picked up the phone and dialled. "Elastic, go easy on him, don't forget he gave himself up and didn't try to worm his way out of trouble."

"I know that Boss, it's just that he could have killed you. Some of the girls are finding that hard to take."

"Remind them that he had plenty of chances to kill, but he didn't, and he probably thinks that he's killed his family because he told us about his orders." I thought for a moment, "Try to find out who gave him those orders, anything that he'll tell us could be important."

Elastic laughed, "Boss, the problem isn't getting him to talk, getting him to shut up is almost impossible. He is being very, very informative."

"Thanks Elastic." We hung up.

With Karen still on my lap I sat and brooded. My thinking was wrong, I decided. I shouldn't be worrying about what they might do. That gave them the advantage. I needed to make them respond to what I was doing, so I had the advantage.

I wanted to walk, Karen looked as though she'd settled in for the night and seemed very comfortable so, nasty Master that I am, I smacked her bum.

"Uuuummmmm..." she moaned as she buried her face into my neck.

Not quite the response I was hoping for.

I smacked her bum again, harder this time.

She sat up and looked at me her eyes bright with what looked suspiciously like lust.

"Yes my Master?"

"Get up. We're going for a walk," I ordered.

She stood and turned her back to me, bending a little to present the cheek I'd smacked for inspection. "Have I got a hand print?" she asked.

I smacked the other cheek. "Now you've got two," I told her.

"Oh goody, the others are gonna be soooooo jealous," she answered, hurrying after me.

-------

I wandered aimlessly around the Chateau grounds, thinking. I'd shown them that they weren't safe in their homes, nor were they safe on the streets. If they came into France I'd have them immediately, but if they stayed in England they couldn't get at me.

I stopped dead as a thought struck me. It was ME that they wanted. Just me. My companies hadn't been touched; it had always been about ME!

The bullet struck the wall just in front of me sending chips flying into Karen and I.

We dropped to the ground and huddled behind a low wall. My sudden stop had saved my life, of that I was sure. Maybe Gerald was right and some God or Goddess was looking after me. If there was then please could they tell me what the fuck this was all about? Why the fuck was Huntley after me?

The 'whoooomp' 'whoooomp' of mortars being fired hit us then. Elastic's girls had some idea of where the shot had been fired from and returned fire too quickly for the rifleman to escape.

I waited for backup to come. It did, and from an unexpected source. The huge marine, carrying a large screen on his own, came and placed this flimsy barrier between us and any possible source of attack. The screen itself wouldn't stop a bullet, it would however stop someone aiming at us.

"If you would make your way to the Chateau please, Boss," he asked politely. I was more than ready to do so.

"Thanks Marine," I said as I helped Karen inside.

Elastic was inside waiting for us. "We think we got the hide, Boss. I just need to send someone out to check the damage."

"No, they'll be waiting for the damage assessment team. That shot was only the start of the attack. If it'd hit me, well that would have been just luck. I bet that shot came from nearly three thousand yards, about four or five seconds air time for the round. No, that was a lure for us." I looked at Elastic's girls, all willing but without the experience which could save their lives in a situation like this.

"I have to go, I need to have a word with Paula too." I stood and, suddenly filled with a sense of purpose I hadn't felt since 'the troubles', I strode out of the room to Paula's quarters.

-------

Menolly and Nina were, almost amusingly, dressed like ninja's. A dark grey body suit and full face balaclava, no eye holes though they could see through the fine weave of the cloth very easily. I was dressed similarly, the softer shoes seemed odd to me after being used to combat boots for so long. But these had a better sole and the carbon fibre lining would make them as potent a weapon as my old boots ever were.

These suits gave us an advantage I'd never previously had, they reduced our infra-red signature by nearly ninety five percent. We would be almost invisible to night vision glasses.

For this action we carried immobilising guns. Short barrelled shotguns loaded with small cloth bags filled with lead shot. Aim for the abdomen central body mass and the target would, most probably, survive. They wouldn't be in any mood to continue fighting, but they'd live. If hit on the neck or head then they died. The impact shock would snap their neck like a twig. A heart shot was iffy, 50 / 50 chance of surviving.

This time I wanted a survivor or two to question.

I led the girls through the wood. We knew roughly where the original firing point had been, it was now a shallow crater. Now I wanted to find the over-watch teams.

Slowly, silently, we made our way through the wood. Nina heard them first, tapping her ear and pointing toward the sound.

We split up, Menolly going left, Nina right, me straight down the middle, just how I liked it.

They were arguing! Who the fuck did they think that they were up against? Arguing when they should be expecting a counterattack, that was beyond stupid, it was insane.

Then I smelt gun oil. I stopped and looked round me. There was a Barrett propped up against a tree, a piece of paper hung from the foresight. It showed an arrow pointing up. I looked up and there was a body lying on a low branch. "Hi Frosty," he said.

Malcolm 'Jock' McDonald looked down at me, his hands supported his upper body and if he let go with either then he was likely to fall.

"You want to be careful of the short one. He's a bit fanatical and will just charge with guns blazing. He's a nutter if you ask me. He doesn't know anything but the German, the blonde, does. The other two are just hired guns. They'll run if it looks like they're beaten."

I relayed the information to Menolly and Nina. Shorty would be taken out first of all.

"Jock, go to the Chateau, leave the rifle but you can keep your side arm and one knife. Tell the girls that I gave you permission. Lie and they'll know it and kill you."

I left Jock and moved off toward the group of men sat around a camp stove. They were cooking their tea! I stared in disbelief, they were fucking cooking!

They came to kill ME, then missed and now they're FUCKING COOKING!!!!

I was beyond insulted. Didn't they have any respect for their target at all? Just who did they think I was? A soft English businessman who wet his panties when the bullets started flying.

These fucking idiots deserved to die.

Menolly and I stood still while Nina did a sweep around the area. She saw Jock walking away and noted that his rifle was where he left it. She picked it up and brought it with her.

Nina's sweep completed we arranged ourselves again and pooled our information. As Jock had said there were four of them Blonde, Slim Man, Black Hair and Shorty. A fire action plan was quickly agreed and we moved into our positions.

Nina, the one who had the furthest to go to get into position, gave the signal and we attacked.

Shorty was shot with Jock's Barrett, he flew across the stove knocking the pan of stew over Slim Man.

Blonde, the German, was on his feet in a second, his Uzi tracking around the trees. He couldn't see a thing. Nina shot him, the bag of lead shot catching him in the stomach and throwing him to the ground.

One walked, two down and two to go.

Menolly and I fired together, our targets, Slim Man and Black Hair, were standing almost back to back. Both bags of lead shot struck centre chest, smashing both men together. Their heads hit with a nasty crack. As neither of these were the German I wasn't particularly worried.

Menolly snapped plastic ties onto Blonde and we left.

I glanced back at their camp site. That'll teach the stupid fuckers to make something hot to eat when they're out hunting me!

I'll suggest to Elastic that she gets her girls up here and gives them a few pointers on what not to do when trying to assassinate someone.

Stupid fuckers! I was angry, hadn't they been briefed on me at all?

Menolly and Nina dragged Blonde back to the road and we dumped him into the back of our landrover. Another plastic tie secured an ankle to the roof of the load bed. He'd be uncomfortable, but we just couldn't give a shit.

-------

Jock was held in a fairly comfortable room in the security area. He was having tea and biscuits with a nice old lady, and talking about how he'd known me in the old days.

He still had his Glock and a rather wicked looking knife. Paula had looked shocked when he'd put them onto the table but told him to keep them, "if that's what the Baron told you to do." Then she smiled sweetly and started talking about her cats.

I smiled and turned away from the CCTV monitor. Jock might have a knife and gun, but Paula had over sixty years of training in most of the deadliest forms of unarmed combat in the world. If I had to bet, my money would go straight onto Paula.

I turned to another monitor, Blonde was strapped down onto a Gurney, Em was cutting his clothes off. A Chinese girl I didn't know paced round the room 'questioning' her prisoner.

Every time Blonde made a noise the Chinese girl would fire a stream of questions at him in various Chinese dialects. He tried speaking German, Russian, French and English. Every time he spoke, she asked the same questions, well yelled the same questions, at him from maybe two inches away. All the time she used Chinese.

A girl in the control booth with me gave me a running translation.

"Why didn't you have the pork, you western fool. Don't you know that sweet and sour sauce is made from rabbits testicles. Have you seen the new Pixar film yet? It's very good. You must have popcorn when you see it."

I stared at the translator in total disbelief, but she just smiled and continued on translating the witterings that the girl in the cell was making up. The confused German desperately tried to communicate with his captors.

Then I noticed that both Em and the Chinese girl were dressed in the same drab olive green trouser suits, Em's totally plain, the Chinese girl's had red stars on the shoulder boards. They were the uniforms of the Chinese People's Army (Airforce.) I think that Blonde had also realised that his captors were not what he expected. I doubt that the full horror of being incarcerated by the Chinese had occurred to him yet.

Then the Chinese girl, her nose less than a inch from her captives, grabbed hold of his balls twisted and squeezed.

Jerking up against his bonds, Blonde screamed.

The girl freed his tormented testes then slapped him hard across his face. She left the room still screaming at him in Chinese.

Em knelt down in a corner and rested.

"You, you're European aren't you?" he said in English.

"Quiet! Do you want to get us both killed?" Em hissed back at him.

"Who are they? Why are they doing this?" he asked, seemingly bewildered.

"Because you took a shot at the Premier's wife you fool!"

"But our target was an English crook, he..." Blonde stopped talking and looked round.

Em turned her back on the man and they both lapsed into silence.

-------

We'll leave them for an hour or so, just to soften him up a bit," said Sandy.

"What about Em?" I asked, concerned for my girl.

"Em has an earpiece, it's almost invisible. She's currently listening to Lady Gaga's latest album.

I sighed in resignation at Em's choice of music.

"As you suggested, we want to poison the relationship between Huntley and his mercenaries. We're going to let this one 'escape' during transit to the airport. When he gets home he'll tell everyone he knows, how Huntley set him up. No one he knows will ever work for Huntley again." Sandy smiled. It had all the warmth and comfort of a striking snake.

"Who worked out the concept?" I asked.

"Umber and Em." Sandy looked at me, "You know you want to keep an eye on Umber. She can get absolutely vicious if she thinks someone is trying to hurt you. God only knows what she'd do if they actually did hurt you." Sandy paused for a moment. "She put some things into this script that I wouldn't have, Em agreed with her, but I tell you Boss, I wouldn't dare get your girls angry at me, no way. They can get fucking nasty."

-------

The Chinese girl came into the control room, "Baron, Madam Li told me to introduce myself as soon as I could. My name is Geraldine Wu, I come from Basingstoke."

My eyes opened in surprise at her Home Counties accent.

"Mum and Dad came over from Hong Kong in the sixties. They wanted me to be British, that's why they called me Geraldine," said laughing. "Well, I've got to go and kick start the interrogation now." Geraldine started to leave, at the door she stopped and turned back. "Baron, you may prefer not to watch this next part. I have to do some bad things to this man. Umber said that you might not like to see what I do."

I thought for a moment, "Thank you Geraldine. I do have something else that I can be doing, I'll take your advice."

She smiled and left the room. I turned to Sandy, "I'm going to talk to Jock for a few minutes."

-------

Jock seemed pleased to see me. "Frosty, I didn't know you were the target, honest I didn't. When I saw the Moroccan fire at you I knew we were in deep shit. I told the others that we'd been set up and that the best thing they could do was run." He looked at me, almost pleading with me to believe him, "They didn't." He shrugged, "How many did you let live?"

"You and the German." I answered. I knew Jock, he was 'the next generation' of the service. I'd met him briefly in training. Men I'd trained and served with had trained him.

"He's being questioned?" Jock asked.

"Yes."

"Do I get the same?" He glanced at Paula, the mad cat woman, and estimated that if he needed to escape he'd go through her. I stopped myself from laughing, but only just.

"No," I smiled at him. "You were smart. Anyway I need you to take a message back to the other freelancers."

He perked up at that, "What do you want me to say, Frosty?"

"When we let you go I want you to tell them that the Cumbrian Police are just setting them up. I'm the target and I fight back."

Jock nodded, "They could have been a good team, given some good training."

"No they wouldn't," I said. "They had no disciple or self control. They also didn't listen to a team-mate; that cost them their lives."

Jock shrugged. He looked round, staring out of the window for a moment.

"Frosty," he started uncertainly, "naked girls keep walking past the window."

"They're going to the pool." I told him with a smile.

"But they are naked aren't they?" Jock asked.

"Yes, they're naked." I answered.

"Any..." He looked out of the window again, "any chance of a swim?"

I laughed, "Maybe later, when Paula here has asked you some questions."

Jock looked at Paula, then leaned close to me, "Is she OK? She's not completely 'there' is she?"

I turned and waved my finger at Paula, she had the decency to blush a little. "Jock," I said turning back to him, "Don't you worry about Paula. She's fine. And she's liable to get a spanking if she carries on like this."

"Ooohhh yes, Master Baron, Sir. Please can I get out, I need to feed my cats see. They won't take it from anyone else, picky they is see. They miss me after a little bit they..."

"OK Paula," I interrupted, "You'll get your spanking if you behave yourself properly." I promised. I don't know - the things I do for those I love.

"Yes Baron, I'll behave." Paula answered with a grin.

Jock stared at the strange woman who'd suddenly replaced the mad cat woman he'd been listening to for the last hour.

"Don't worry about it, Jock. Just be glad you're not me," I said, glaring at the smiling Paula.

I left Jock and Paula. I knew she'd wring him dry of information, even things he didn't know that he knew. I was off for a swim.

But I wouldn't walk past Jock's window.

-------

I had a thought on my way out to the pool, the last time a sniper took a shot at me in the Chateau, there were two police officers on over-watch. I called in to the Security Control Centre.

"Elastic, have you looked for any over-watch on the sniper team?" I asked.

Sandy smiled and held out her hand. Elastic pulled a note from her pocket and slapped it into Sandy's hand. "Haven't you got some work to do, Lieutenant?" Elastic growled.

Sandy walked calmly away, humming a happy tune.

When the door closed behind Sandy, Elastic switched the central monitor to a third room. A man and a woman were tied naked to chairs. They were both quite bruised.

"Riddley's looked at them and they've both got superficial bruising. Blokes been kneed in the balls and the woman was kicked in her tits, but overall, considering that it was Julia and Alina who found them, they're in remarkably good shape."

"Have you called your Inspector of Gendarmes yet?" I asked.

Elastic just shook her head, "He's got enough paperwork to be getting on with. Besides, Madam Rhea said that she knows of a farm that needs some comfort slaves for their field workers."

"What about the bloke?" I asked.

Elastic laughed, "Boss, that is for the bloke. They'll take her too, but it's him they're interested in."

"Oh well, I hope he doesn't have piles." I said.

"Who gives a fuck? Boss, they tried to kill you. My girls are taking that hard. They're fucking chuffed that you got 'em, but totally pissed off that they tried." Elastic took hold of my arm. "Boss, Paul, it took three of my girls to get Julia and Alina off them. We dare not let any of your girls near them, not until they all know you're fine. Umber has threatened to disembowel anyone who harms you in the slightest. And she'd do it bare handed too."

"Oh!" I thought for a moment. "I'd better get out and let my girls see I'm alright then."

"Good idea Boss," Elastic replied.

At the door I turned, "How much did you lose?"

"Fuckin' twenty."

"Euro?" I asked.

"Quid, now fuck off. Boss!"

Smiling, I wandered out to the pool.

Sasha, Cecy and Nina were waiting for me. Sasha stood and we kissed. "Are you hurt at all, my precious one?" Sasha asked.

Cecy and Nina didn't bother asking, they just started inspecting.

I was laid down and stripped. Every inch was poured over by the three women. Then Umber, Aline, Julia, Alina and Jo helped. It would seem that only a personal inspection by each girl herself would satisfy them.

"Me Master is bestest?"

Smiling I leant up and hugged the kneeling Karolina. "Yes dearest girl, I am well. How are you? Did you worry?"

"Not possible me not worry tits off. Me Master go killing bad guys."

I kissed her again and we hugged. It was humbling to have so many people so concerned for me. I just worried for the time when I would not be so successful.

Karolina pulled away from me, "Is Umber need Master hug. Umber did shit self worry."

I glanced down and, there in her usual place kneeling beside me was Umber, tears streaming down her face.

I held out my arms and she almost jumped into my embrace.

She hugged me tightly, her tears wetting my chest. "Master I was so worried for you, I didn't know what to do or who to talk to."

"Talk to Sasha or Karolina, Lynne and Jo too. They will hold you and reassure you precious one." I replied.

I pulled Umber onto my lap and sat hugging her while she calmed down.

"Now, Umber, my wonderful girl, get all of my girls together. They must all see for themselves that I am unharmed."

"Yes Master, right away." Umber jumped up and ran into the house.

I do like watching that girl walk or run.

Within moments I had a small crowd kneeling around me. I looked at the upturned faces of my girls. So many reddened eyes, I wondered how many tears had been spilt for me today.

"My ladies, as you can see I am well and unharmed. The people I went after were foolish and they died. We captured one, he is being questioned now. One surrendered and he is helping us too. He is to be treated well, he helped as soon as he knew they were after me. Our wonderful Julia and Alina caught their over-watch people." Julia and Alina puffed up in pride for a moment as their sisters looked on enviously.

"There will be other times that I will have to fight these people myself." My girls looked a little shocked. "I used to do this when I was younger. My friends and superiors thought I was good at this kind of war." I could see some heads nodding, though, from their expressions, some still didn't like the idea of me putting myself in harm's way. They felt that was what they, my slaves, were for.

"We will win this fight, I know this. I feel our victory in here," I slapped my belly, "in my guts. We will win because we are willing to do what is necessary to win. You, my ladies, will be by my side when we celebrate our victory and dance on their drying bones."

Umber stood and looked round at her sisters. "Every day I live is a gift to me from our Master. If giving my life helps my Master, or my sisters, then I'll give it, rejoicing that I had the time to know, and love, you all."

"NO!" I screamed. "All of you listen and listen well. Your lives are precious to me. You, my ladies, give my life meaning. Every one of you is important and all of you deserve the best care I can give you. No one will sacrifice themselves; no one will die for us. WE'LL MAKE THEM DIE FOR THEIR MASTERS!"

My small group cheered loudly, standing and hugging each other and me.

"Now my ladies, you can see that I'm unharmed, I have work to do. Wendy, I need you with me. I want you to start looking at some of the information I have."

My ladies ran away to their tasks, Umber and Wendy stayed beside me.

"Wendy, I want you to look at the things that Bee is finding, and I want you to review the results of the interrogations. See if you can find any links, any commonality, anything helpful at all."

"Yes Master, I'll go and see Bee now. I'll leave Mistress Li's interrogations until tomorrow." Wendy ran off to my old office.

It was quiet by the pool now, only Umber and I remained. I slipped into the water and started swimming, a few lengths would settle my mind, help me think about the events of the last couple of days.

Soon I felt another body enter the water and start swimming inexpertly down the length of the pool. As we passed I glimpsed a female body I didn't recognise, probably Priscilla, I thought. I stopped in the shallow end and waited for her, it was Priscilla.

"I hope it's alright for us to swim here," she said a little worriedly.

I smiled. "I'm glad to have the company," I told her. I set off again and she followed me. I finished my fifty lengths and pulled myself out of the pool. Priscilla and Nigel were relaxing on the loungers, David played on his DSi under the shade of an umbrella.

Umber ran over with my towel, life was returning to normal again. Perhaps it'd stay like this for a little while. I really hoped so, because I really feared that I'd lose one of my girls next time.



-------

Chapter 74

"Master," I looked up and Wendy was kneeling beside me, "I have found out when Sir Gerald Huntley received his phone call."

I didn't have to ask which 'phone call'. "Come, we'll talk about this in my office." I led the way into my new office and uncovered my timeline diagram.

"Have you checked against my list of suspects?" I gestured to the, appallingly short, list of names.

Wendy smiled, "I've just finished that Master." Her smile disappeared, "Everyone but the temp agency itself is in the clear. Julie Moore was at a water park that day and was waiting for a replacement phone as she'd broken hers. Stephanie Dixon, you called her the princess, was at a matinee performance at Covent Garden Opera House. She'd been on the phone, and quite heatedly too by all accounts, just before she entered the Opera House, but that was nearly two hours before the time of Sir Gerald's call. Karolina, obviously was with you then, and, as she recalls fondly, was, in her words, 'biggest fucked in me life'." Wendy smiled.

I made notes against each of the names, putting in what each was doing at the time of Huntley's call.

"That should be 'getting fucked' not 'otherwise engaged' Master," said Wendy helpfully after I'd put my note against Karolina's name.

I smacked her bum.

"Thank you Master," she said. Then she tried to see if she could see a hand print.

"Wendy!" I said, maybe a little sharply.

"Yes Master?" her eyes shone with her lust, her nipples hardened and aureole crinkled as I watched. I could smell her arousal.

"Do you know the number that called Huntley?" I asked.

"It was a prepaid mobile phone, an old one, probably bought off a market stall, it was a Vodaphone number. But that means almost nothing."

"Thank you Wendy, we've moved forward a step or two. I don't know yet what this means, but it must mean something." I moved the board over to the corner by my desk, where I could easily look at it. Perhaps some inspiration would come, perhaps not.

"Wendy."

"Yes Master."

"Why is Alina hanging from the ceiling by her ankles?" I asked, looking at the upside down form.

"She's one of your toys Master; we thought that you might like to play for a while." Wendy gestured to a table laden with whips, clamps and other instruments of torture.

"Wendy, make sure that every one of my girls knows that I do not beat or torture people for fun. I'm a lover not a monster."

"Yes Master."

I wandered over to the table and picked up a set of handcuffs, "And you can make sure that she has at least two cums before she's let down." I said as I cuffed Wendy's hands behind her back.

I watched as Wendy dipped her head between Alina's wide spread legs and start lapping and then I left the room.

I went back to the pool to ponder this news. Things were as dark as ever though.

-------

We set up the transfer of the German, Oscar Liemann, to Bejing for the Monday morning. As Oscar was a former Spetznatz Captain, we expected that he'd escape from the back of the transit van taking him to the airport. If not, then Elastic's friendly Inspector would raise difficulties about his papers at the airport and if necessary arrest him then. He was alone in the transit as we didn't want him to have to incapacitate a guard on his way out.

Opening the door at Orlean airport, we were gratified to see the back empty.

Looking inside the van I noticed blood stains, "Burn this thing out and make sure that it's crushed as well." I ordered.

"Will do Boss," said Geraldine.

Geraldine had volunteered to be in the back of the van with Oscar, but I'd vetoed that idea. I was afraid that she'd automatically defend herself and then, as she was one of Paula's 'special' girls, we'd have to hose out the back of the transit before we'd be able to set fire to it.

Wendy had received daily reports from Paula and the team watching Oscar and Em. I was sure that Em was glad to be out of the cell too.

"Boss!" cried Sandy, "we've got a problem, he's headed back to the Chateau."

"Get Em back in the cell now!" I cried. "He's going back to rescue her."

"OH SHIT!" Sandy spoke rapidly into her mobile phone, warning the Chateau of Oscar's imminent arrival.

We sat down at a cafè table to wait. There wasn't anything we could do to help, Oscar had broken out of the transit within five miles of the Chateau, and started back immediately. Only the GPS tracker sewn into his clothing had warned Gerry about his return.

Sipping coffee and waiting was probably the hardest two hours of my life. Finally though Sandy received a call, she passed me the phone.

"You were right Boss," said Elastic, "How did you know?"

"It's what I'd have done." I said.

"Yeah, you would have too. But you'd have checked your clothing first and removed anything that didn't seem 'right', he didn't so we still have a tracker on him. He's about two miles away now and going fast."

"How did you get him to leave?"

Elastic laughed, "Paula 'executed' Em and they threw her body onto the dung heap behind the stables." She grew quiet for a moment, "Why'd he come back Boss?"

"Probably a bit of Stockholm Syndrome, Em was in the cell with him for nearly a week. He probably wanted to be a knight in shining armour too."

"Yeah, maybe hoping for a bit of 'Hero's Reward' too," Elastic said with a laugh.

"OK Elastic, we're on our way back." I said. Geraldine and the rest of the team got into a minibus; I joined them for the ride back to the Chateau. The transit was taken away to be destroyed.

-------

"Wendy!" I called.

She came running and knelt at my side, "Yes Master?"

"What about Janice and the kids?" I asked.

"Master?" she replied.

"Sorry, could Janice or one of our kids made the call?" I knew that this was almost impossible, how on Earth would they have got the Cumbrian Chief Constable's direct line number? It was ridiculous.

Wendy smiled, "No Master. Your ex-wife was too interested in receiving her money to think about anything else. Karen doesn't want your money, 'not after the way he treated my Mother' as she put it to her husband." Wendy thought for a moment. "Karen, is cheating on her husband, she has a lesbian lover who she sees at least three times a week. I don't think that Roger knows about it." Wendy watched me carefully, "Terry, is too wrapped up in his work at the university. He's on his second PhD course, the first was in pure Maths and this one is in Human, Computer Interaction. He hasn't got a girlfriend yet."

"No," I said, "I think he's gay, but he'd try and keep that from his mother."

Wendy nodded, "I thought he might be. I'll look a little closer at his house mates; he's still sharing a house with three others from the university, though he owns this one."

"Keep an eye on his mortgage as well please; he isn't to get into arrears with it."

"OK Master, I'll do that. And finally Katie disappeared for a while." Wendy smiled at me. "She's joined the marines and, if my sources are right she's due to come here with the next squad."

I must have looked surprised, "Well Master, everyone I've spoken to has said that she took after you, she's a proper tom boy and complete Daddie's Girl."

"Does she know I'm here?" I asked.

"I don't think so Master, and she's joined under her Mother's maiden name as she didn't want to use your name to influence anyone."

"I smiled again, this time with pride; my baby was making her own way in the world. She'll go far, I was convinced of that. Maybe it was just paternal pride, but I always saw a lot of me in Katie, though where she got her brains from I'll never know.

"Thanks Wendy." I smiled to her and we kissed.

"Master, you shouldn't thank slaves. They tend to get uppity." She grinned.

"Then I spank them." I replied.

Her eyes narrowed and her nipples rose, "ooohhhhhh yes please Master."

I gave her a single smack on her bum, "get on with you girl!" I answered laughing.

"Do I have a handprint?" she asked turning her bum to me.

"Go and ask one of the others, see what they say."

"Good idea Master, I'll see if I can get them a little jealous too." She was almost panting at the thought.

I warned her, "No fibs or I will be cross."

I watched her as she ran away; Wendy had changed completely since she'd taken my collar. She was far, far more relaxed and comfortable; she got on with the rest of my ladies and worked almost night and day looking after my interests. When my troubles with the Cumbrian's were over and if I'm still able to, I'm going to start a financial trading company. I think Wendy will make us both fortunes.

"Melissa!"

"Master," she answered from behind me.

"Where's Umber, I'm going for a walk."

I'm here my Master," answered Umber from my side.

I looked down and, sure enough, Umber was kneeling at my side.

How those two managed to creep around so quietly I'll never know.

As I walked, I thought about Huntley and his family. I'd been able to identify him, his wife, Rae, Malcolm and Sydney. In the wedding photo there was another woman. I didn't know who she was. There was also Chantelle, Huntley's youngest daughter. I didn't know where she was either.

Then there was the second layer, the lieutenants. Those who weren't family but still willingly did his bidding, Malcolm Squires had been one, he'd risen far above his capabilities in a real police service, but that wasn't his real job was it. He seemed to be just one of Huntley's second string. I'd have to clear out them too otherwise they themselves would become another problem.

Though, with the head cut off, and the capable lieutenants removed, the rest of this criminal body should be easy to deal with. The, admittedly few, real police officers left would see that their corrupt colleagues were no longer being protected and would deal with them through the 'proper' channels.

I wandered by the pool, Cilla and Nigel were sunning themselves, David was swimming widths. He was getting better at a phenomenal rate. I'd have to look into getting swimming lessons for him. If his parents agreed, I reminded myself.

In the meadow below the stables I watched as Tucker and the two PTIs practiced their unarmed combat. The men had improved a lot in their time here. I bet they didn't think that they would be the students while they were here.

I could see Phillips and the one armed combat instructor practicing Tai Chi, she didn't hesitate or stumble once while I watched. Both were moving in time, their bodies flowing easily through the forms. I could see that Phillips, the clumsiest girl Paula had ever seen, was now superbly qualified to teach Tai Chi.

Some of these girls here today were true warriors; they would go on to do great things in the military if their male superiors gave them an equal chance. Some of the girls had liked the thought of the military life, a few would find the price they'd be asked to pay would be too high and, sadly, leave. The others, the majority, would learn valuable lessons and take their knowledge and confidence onto civilian life. There, a lot of them would really make their mark and succeed beyond their dreams.

I would put these girls up against me and my stick, in our prime even, and not dare bet on the result. I smiled to myself, poor useless Sub-Lieutenant Bands, the girl who was being washed out, had come good. After the bump up to Lieutenant that I'd given her, and which he didn't have to accept, Aggie had pushed hard for her promotions. He cited the training results and retention of troopers that everyone had said would quit at the first opportunity. I know he was pleased with Elastic's graduates, even before Paula started to help with their training, now he was over the moon.

I knew Aggie of old; we'd hidden together for ten days once, more time together than most couples ever spend in one go. We'd talked, told each other our hopes and dreams, and our nightmares. Aggie was pleased about Nurse Riddley, he'd have been a fool not to be and Aggie was certainly no fool. I was sure that her papers would come through soon making her cadre. She would be an asset to us as well. Now If I could get her into Great Ormond Street under Ross, who knew what she could achieve?

"Umber."

"Yes my Master?"

"Take a note, when Nurse Riddley's draft papers come through, I'm to ask Elastic if she can study with Em; and remind me to contact Ross about some time at his place."

"Yes Master." She pressed her cheek against my leg; I wondered what I'd done to deserve this affectionate gesture.

Over at the kitchen garden I found our only male marine digging the garden.

"Is this a punishment Marine?" I asked.

He laughed, "No sir, I like gardening and this is the best way to prepare the soil, if you use a machine you've got a good chance of getting oil or petrol dripped onto it. No, this is a hobby, sort of, Sir."

"What's your name, Marine, I don't like calling people Marine or 'mate'."

"Dixon, Sir, Brian Dixon."

"Is anyone helping you with this?" I asked.

"Yes Sir, a couple of the girls are keen on gardening too. Though the work's not too hard; and we get to eat most of what we can grow too."

Just then two girls appeared, each carrying a spade. Without hesitation both stripped to the waist, just like Brian, and joined him digging. Within moments sweat glistened on their bodies.

"I'll leave you to it, have fun." I said as I left.

"We will Sir, we'll make sure of that," replied one of the girls. I wondered if there was a double meaning in there somewhere.

Well, Brian seems to have redeemed himself after his confession to us. I hadn't heard anything about his family though; I hope that our people had got to them in time.

"Umber,"

"Yes my Master."

Remind me to ask Elastic about Brian's family when we get back."

"Yes Master."

I continued my walk, more a meander than a progression. I was walking to help me think. And I hoped that something would stir up a memory or two and give me an idea of where to go, what to do, next. But my main experience was always reacting to force. There were only a couple of times I'd actually initiated force myself and those were in old conflicts long ago.

I knew that I wasn't a General, but then most General's weren't really what the 'public' think of as generals either. They had a staff, lower grade officers, specialists who did the specialist tasks and planning. The General was like a conductor, he guided the overall strategy. Well I know the strategy, I know what our mission is and I know what our strengths are. And I've just discovered a major weakness, me.

I needed to speak to Aggie, he'd know where I could get four or five people suitably qualified to form a staff. But first I've a few other things to ask about.

-------

Wendy knelt in front of me; she had a few updates for me.

"Master, you asked about Marine Dixon's family. They accepted our help to go to relations in Wistows Elbow in northern Canada, for a few weeks. They send you their thanks for looking after their son Master."

Well, a small town in the woods of Canada should be safe enough for them. I hope so anyway.

"Nurse Riddley received draft papers to a new position here this morning Master." Wendy looked a little uncomfortable, "Master, how did you know she'd be posted here?"

I smiled at her, "I know Aggie, Admiral Weston, and I knew that's what he'd do when he found out about her extra training. I'd also like to have a word with Elastic about Riddley's future when she has some time."

Wendy glanced toward the door, "She said you'd want to speak to her when you heard about Riddley," Wendy paused thoughtfully, "she's waiting outside now."

"Master, do all of you here know what everyone else will want..." She paused unsure of what to say, how to express herself. I waited, giving her the chance to think about what was on her mind.

"Ever since I was old enough to think, I've wondered why people don't actually think. They always seemed to stumble along without regard to anyone else's desires or feelings. But here, all of you seem to know what everyone else wants or needs, every one." She gestured to Umber and Aline kneeling at my sides, "Your body slaves, seem to come running even before you call for them, it's as if they know that you'll want them. The Mistress, she's like a seer, it's uncanny how she knows what's going on in London and Paris." Wendy shrugged her shoulders; this had interesting secondary effects down her chest. "I'm not used to people who seem able to easily do what I spent so long learning to do." She looked up at me, a little girl lost.

I pulled her onto my lap and we cuddled for a while. Wendy relaxed and settled into me.

"We think about each other because we love each other and want the best for our loved ones. Is that so difficult to understand?" I asked.

"Master, slaves know little of love. We know lots about orders and punishments; love though, I don't know so well."

"Well my Wendy, beautiful girl, I love you and want the best for you. So if you find something that you need, or just want even, let me know and I'll get it for you."

"Thank you Master, I know now what the other girls told me was right. I did need to belong to you, and you are the best Master any girl has ever known."

"Stop it or I'll spank." I said gruffly, a little embarrassed by her praise.

Wendy wriggled a bit until her bum hung free, then she bent forward. "This girl is ready for your chastisement any time you see fit to beat her, my Master."

"This Master prefers to love his girls rather than beat them." I pulled her head to me and we kissed.

"Take this girl, use her body for your enjoyment my Master. This girl wants to please you."

"Well this Master has people waiting to see him. Otherwise you would be laid out on the floor with your legs parted little girl." Then I did smack her bum, but only gently. "Now go and let Elastic in.

Wendy ran to the door.

Elastic and I sat by the coffee table; she put her folder down beside her and got comfortable. "OK Boss, Marine Dixon, well he's given Wendy and Karolina a whole pile of information about how Huntley is controlling Cumbria. They both think that the other counties are being subdued in the same way."

"Probably, and that means that almost certainly the Association of Chief Police Officers, the ACPO, is also in on the scams. They probably act as a clearing house and broker between the individual Chief Constables." I said.

Elastic nodded. "It's the old lead or gold. Show your mark photos of their family at school or work, then show them a huge pile of money and tell them 'take the money or we kill you and all of your family.' Who can stand up against that?"

"It would take a braver man than me, Elastic," I admitted.

"How's he getting on with the girls?" I asked, "I'm a little worried that they'd ostracise him after his confession."

Elastic smiled, "The girls in his squad treat him like a mascot, he's their boy marine and god help anyone who disrespects him." She slowly shook her head as she obviously remembered some amusing incidents with Dixon and his squad.

"He bunks with them, showering and all. The girls wouldn't have it any other way, some say it reminds them of what they joined up to fight for." We both laughed, I remembered that excuse being given 30 years ago for the pin-ups on our lockers. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

"Is he sleeping with any of them?" I asked.

"Not with his bunkies, I heard that he said that he feels like they're his little sisters and sleeping with them would be almost incest. But there is a girl in the senior squad who keeps him warm occasionally, and one of the cadre has been known to enjoy him in the woods."

"Are any of the other getting jealous?" I worried about that. Jealousy could destroy a close knit squad faster than enemy fire.

"Not that I've found. A lot of girls find some comfort with each other. I'm not saying that they're lesbians, most would prefer a nice boy if they had their chance, but sometimes, when they get lonely, a sister is a great comfort."

I nodded; these girls were away from home and free of the restrictions that their parents would have imposed on them. Most came from families whose parents thought that bringing your kids up right was both an honour and a privilege. And that kind of parent doesn't like their kid sleeping around.

But they were also in a profession which might ask of them their lives. Getting a little comfort from a buddy wasn't too much when weighted against that.

"How is he coping with the training?"

He's top of everything. Even Paula is impressed with him. He's got huge leadership potential."

"Do you want him for cadre?" I asked.

Elastic shook her head, "No he's going back to Poole and is being discharged on the 27th next month."

"Discharged! If he's so good, why let him go?"

"Because he has to be discharged so that he can enter Officer Training." She smiled at me, "He's too good for me to hold him back, he needs every opportunity he can get, especially with his lack of formal education. I had to make him take the Board, I couldn't have it on my conscience that I was the one to hold him back."

"Anything I can do?" I asked, I was pleased that Elastic had learned one of the hardest lessons of leadership, when to let a good marine go."

"Boss, when this is all over there's a lot you can do. You're a billionaire, that amount of money has power. A quiet word here and there and he's got a patron, someone who'll ask awkward questions if he's not treated equally." She looked a little pleadingly at me, "Boss, he'll need your protection. You can do it another way too. You used to be a Chief, a good one at that. Chiefs don't retire, they just move over a little bit and make room for the next batch of Chiefs. You could have a word with your old friends, and friends of friends. Keep him on the right track too. We all need a good SNCO to guide us, I had the very best, I had you; you could make sure he gets a very good one."

I smiled, "When the time is right I'll have a word here and there. I like the boy, let's give him the best chance possible."

Elastic's smile warmed me. "Now," I said, "Nurse Riddley, what happening with her?"

Elastic pulled a thin sheaf of papers from her folder, "She's been drafted as cadre Boss, open ended draft too. It looks like someone wants her out of the way for a while."

"What does Riddley herself think about it?"

"About what you'd expect; a little nervousness, but bags full of confidence that she can do the job here. And she wants a lot more of the combat training too. She sees herself as a combat nurse, one that will defend her charges."

"How about the rest of the cadre, what do they think of her?"

"Well judging by the party that's being planned for her tomorrow night, I'd say that all of them like her and are glad to have her here." Elastic shrugged, "Don't get me wrong, they all love and respect Em, but Riddley is one of their own. And that counts for a lot."

I nodded, I understood that quite well. It was always better if 'one of your own' did something, be it medical, armoury, or 'resupply' as it was sometimes known.

"What would she think of additional medical training?" I was thinking about Em and her progression through the medical ranks to Doctor.

"She'd love to be a saw bones, she's got the potential, she hasn't got the money though. I think she'd make a fucking brilliant Doc, better than Em even. As good as Doc Ross, I'll bet."

I nodded; lack of funds prevented so many brilliant people going on to achieve their dreams. Why the fuck did this country decide that it should stop investing in the education of its brightest children?

"She now has as much as she needs. I'll have a word with Ross, get Helen and him to see her and let them talk it out. They'll know the best course for her to take."

"Just as long as shooting big guns is in there somewhere Boss." Elastic laughed.

"Don't tell me Sandy's teaching her." I groaned.

"Oooohhhh yes!" Elastic thought this highly amusing.

"And what does she think of Sandy's cannon's?" I asked almost dreading the answer.

"She loves them, her squad have clubbed together to buy her one for her birthday. It arrives in a couple of weeks. It's not the same as Sandy's, but the squad couldn't afford something that expensive."

"Have Sandy look it over, If she's not certain about it, I'll replace it with a good one." I didn't want any of the girls looking after me to be hurt because of cheap or shoddy equipment.

"How is your equipment and supply situation? Are you getting what you need?"

"Admiral Weston is making sure that we're getting all of the budgets that we should have. He's even been a little generous in a couple of things, but overall, we're actually a lot better off than a lot of units."

Elastic smiled and pulled out a few more papers, "We tried giving our catering budget to Madam Dempsey, as she's providing all of our food and consumables'. She's refused to accept this so far and I've been using that money for..." she hesitated, "other projects."

"Would I approve of these ... other projects?"

Elastic nodded, "Yes Boss. We think that you would, but this is something that the girls wanted to do themselves. We all know that you'd gladly give more than enough for anything we asked, but this is something that my girls wanted to do."

I was pleased on a number of levels. The girls realised that I would help them if they asked. But more importantly, I was thrilled that they'd decided that there was something that they could do to help someone else and that they wanted to do the helping themselves.

"OK, but remember that if you or any of your girls need any help that I can give, I'll be more than happy to give it." I was serious about this; I'd seen good projects collapse, hurting many needy people because the project's leaders were too proud to ask for outside help, help that would have been freely given too.

"Oh, we will do Boss, I don't think that there's a girl here who doesn't trust you to help her if she gets out of her depth. Help her in anything too." Elastic was serious about this, I knew she must have had a number of talks with her officers and NCOs, and the girls themselves to be so certain about this.

"Have you got anything for me?" I asked.

"Boss, you've run through everything I was going to say, and a little more. I think that you're fully up to date now." Elastic replied.

She stood then leant over to kiss me.

After stepping over Wendy, Elastic turned and, facing me, looked down at the submissive figure on the floor. We could both smell Wendy's arousal; it had been filling the room while we spoke.

"I think that you should spend a little time with Wendy, She obviously needs a cuddle or ... maybe a little lovin'."

Elastic left the room; she turned and made sure I saw the wide grin plastered across her face before she closed the door.

"Wendy, precious, come here."

She almost jumped up to kneel in front of me, looking shyly at me, eyes sparkling with her need and desire. Her whole body announced her want of me. Her chest red from the blood flushed close to her skin, her nipples hard, engorged and erect on top of crinkled aureole. I reached forward and cupped her breast, this was the first time I'd touched her sexually. Her breast was firm, a handful of femaleness. Wendy pressed herself into my grip, head thrown back and hands well behind her back. She was offering herself to me in the only way she knew how, as a total slave giving herself to her Master.

We made slow, slow love on the carpet in my office. Wendy rode me to her first orgasm; I licked and kissed her to her second. Laying side by side, legs entwined, we slowly thrust together and enjoyed a simultaneous climax, the products of our bodies mixing together and coating us as we hugged in our bliss.

"Thank you precious Wendy," I said as we lay cuddling.

"MASTER!" Wendy seemed shocked. "This girl's Master does not need to thank his girl for this simple act of submission. This girl was pleased and proud to give herself to her Master. This girl's Master should use his girl for his own pleasure and not concern himself with this girl or her feelings."

Then she lowered her head, her voice dropped until I could only just make out her words. "This girl, has never been treated like this by a Master, She never knew what feelings a man could give her. This girl has enjoyed many times with other girls. Often my old Master ordered us to entertain him that way. But this girl has never, ever, been given such a gift as this time of love and comfort." She looked up into my eyes. "Master, why do I feel so strange inside, as though everything is churning around? Why do I want to jump for joy and cry my heart out when I look at you? Why am I feeling full of dread at the thought of leaving you even for a minute?"

"Because you love our Master, that's why." Answered Umber from close by.

Wendy and I looked towards Umber's voice. She knelt ready with warm water and wash cloth, Aline and Alina also waiting either side of her.

"Go with Umber" I told Wendy, "and talk to her about your feelings, If you want speak to Sasha or Cecy, I'm sure they'll be able to help." I kissed her again and she stood and, holding hands, she and Umber left.

Aline washed me clean and Alina dried me, both girls working quietly, neither wanting to disturb my thoughts about Wendy.

I had one last job before I could properly relax, I wanted to call Aggie. I wondered what he'd think of my request.

Aggie answered almost immediately, "Weston," he announced gruffly. I expect that his day had been harder than mine.

"Aggie, have they found out who's been nicking the officers uniforms yet?" I asked with a grin in my voice.

"Oh, it's you. I thought that this would be a serious call. No! I don't have any more women to give you."

"Aaaahhh Aggie, don't be a grump," I replied.

"Anyway," Aggie continued, "don't you have any 'Senior Management Meetings' to attend?"

Aggie knew about that? And it only happened earlier today? He's got a spy here. I wonder if Elastic knows.

"Aggie, I need a general staff." I said, admitting my weakness to the man I respected more than any other.

"About fucking time you realised that. Two more days and you'd have cost me twenty quid." He replied. Though I could hear the pleasure in his voice, I'd worked out what I needed and who to go to, to fulfill my needs.

"Do you know of some suitable people to help me?"

"You still got that jet of yours? Course you have, you'd never let go of a new toy until you had to. Where is it? I'll send them to Luton, they'll fly over and you can meet them. They're good..."

"Aggie, I heard a 'but' in there too."

"Yeah, they have their own reasons for wanting to help, and they can get a little ... focused."

"Aggie, you know my set up here, some of my girls are a little over-protective of Sasha and I. Your people could get hurt if my girls think that they're not doing what I want."

Aggie laughed. "They'll be OK, that's a promise."

I wonder what he meant by that?



-------

Chapter 75

TYCOON

"Elastic!" I called. I knew she herself wouldn't hear me, but security would, and they'd let her know that I wanted her now.

I sat and thought, brooded, rather, while I waited for her. Aggie was good with intelligence, and we should have realised he'd place someone with us who's first loyalty was to him rather than us.

"You wanted me Boss?" asked Elastic a few moments later.

"Aggie has a spy here." I didn't know how else to break the news to her.

Elastic laughed. "He had two. Both have turned and now they give him the news I want him to know." She looked at me seeing the hurt I felt for her, to be betrayed by one she trusted.

"Boss, dearest man, it was you who turned them. I bet you don't even remember the time when you did either. It was the day after Susan and Varinka were found, Richards opened a door for you and you thanked her. In the midst of your hurt and distress you found time to apologise to a girl you've never met before, and ask her forgiveness because you didn't know her name. She was in my office crying her eyes out within ten minutes. Andrews was in later that afternoon. She'd heard about Richards and she confessed too." Elastic smiled. "It's given me a number of lessons in spying and counter-intelligence. And a few about how to treat people too."

She stroked my cheek, "They couldn't stand the thought of betraying you."

I was shocked, stunned, "but why?" I asked in bewilderment.

Elastic shook her head, "because of who you are, what you stand for and how you treat people."

She sat on my lap.

"but..."

Elastic placed a finger on my lips, silencing me. "You truly do not know how rare someone like you is. You help people each and every day. You make us proud to be with you and prouder to work for you. And each and every one of us knows that you'd happily give your life to save ours. That's quite humbling really, to know that your Boss really believes that you're as good, if not better, than he is."

She stood and kissed my forehead, "now, I have work to do, and I have to hurry 'cos my boss is a real slave driver." With a laugh she left me to my thoughts.

-------

"Master!" Umber's worried voice disturbed me. "You must take a break now, please my Master." She was pleading with me, breaking her training, hating to break my concentration, but desperate to look after me as well as she could. Julia would have just wee'd all over my keyboard.

I wonder if she could get an electric shock from a keyboard.

I stared at the monitor, my eyes blurry and sore. I don't know how long I'd been working, but knew that it had been too long.

"Umber, dearest girl, you are my chief body slave. It is your job to look after me, to make sure that I take breaks and rest, to ensure that I eat regularly and take exercise. I'll let you know if what I'm doing is urgent enough to break these rules, but I do need you to stop me from overworking again." I sighed. Sasha wouldn't be pleased. I knew that it was very late; I could feel the early morning hour.

"You did tell me Master, you said you needed to get that document finished tonight, before they got here in the morning."

"Did I? I'm so sorry Umber precious girl, I forgot." I pulled her to me and hugged her.

"Master!" She looked up at me with a stern expression, "You are my Master, I am your slave, you do not apologise to me, it is I who should beg your forgiveness."

"Well, instead of begging forgiveness, how about helping me get to bed?"

"Oooohhhhh yes please Master!" She replied, excited.

"To sleep." I answered sternly.

"If my Master insists, what can this poor girl do?" She shrugged her shoulders and her breasts jiggled a little on her chest.

'Perhaps I could fit in a cuddle or two before sleep' I thought.

-------

I stood waiting for 'their' car. My jet had landed about an hour ago and four people disembarked. Or so I was told anyway. And that was all I had been told. Elastic and Sasha hung around, silly grins on their faces, Umber had knelt at my side until she'd almost fallen asleep. I sent her to warm my bed and catch up on her sleep. Julia and Aline attended me; Melissa hovered in the background as did Menolly. I was beginning to get suspicious of Paula's motives for offering Menolly's services as bodyguard to Sasha. I think that Sasha might be getting a slave soon. She too could learn that having a slave wasn't as easy as it sounded.

Seeing the car in the distance I turned to the others waiting with me. "Shall we go outside?" I asked.

"Lead on Dearest man," said Sasha linking her arm through mine.

We slowly walked out to the front door. Cecy was already there, her housekeeper by her side.

Cecy and I kissed, cheek to cheek and then she grabbed my head and gave me a 'proper' kiss.

"Now leave me alone and let us greet our new guests." She said sternly.

The car pulled up and, strangely, the driver stepped round to the door furthest away from us to help his passengers out. It took a few minutes before a woman pushed a wheelchair round the car towards us. The woman in the chair had no legs. The woman pushing her wheelchair, her carer, had been quite savagely cut and scared with a twin bladed device. Her face had scars destroying what I could see had been exquisite beauty. Two other women followed, one guiding the other, obviously blind, woman.

I stepped forward and held out my hand to the seated woman.

"I'm Paul Winters, please call me Paul." Hopefully, they never having met any of my ladies, or Sasha and Cecy, I would get away with it this time.

The seated woman held out her hand, "Yes Sir." They all replied and burst out laughing.

"The Admiral..." she started.

"I'm going to have words with Aggie!" I growled.

We shook hands, "I'm Carol Palmer, I used to specialise in logistics."

"Hello Carol," I said as I leant in and, greeting her in the local manner, gave her a peck on each cheek.

"Susan Cummins, Tactics." Said her carer, "you may not want to..."

I stopped her with kisses to her cheeks too. "Hello Susan." Hearing her name brought back memories; and a tear to my eye.

I turned to the second pair and held out my hand again, clicking thumb and forefinger nails together.

"She can't..." began her guide quite angrily.

"He knows I'm blind. He also knows I can hear his fingernails clicking together." She held out her hand, grasping mine without hesitation and we shook.

"I'm Susan too, Sue Turner. Intelligence." She smiled, "do I get kissed too?" she asked almost hopefully.

I kissed her on both cheeks, not stinting her in the slightest. "How do you do Sue-2?" I asked with a grin.

"At last, someone who remembers I'm still a person, not just a white-stick!" Tears came to her eyes as she held onto me.

I held out my hand to the last of the quartet.

"Julie Cranford, Operations, and I'm so sorry about..."

"Don't worry. You'll soon have enough real things to worry about if you decide to join me." I tried to ease her fears. I could see that each one of these women had been badly damaged, traumatised even. Julie's seemed to be the hardest to see, but possibly the most devastating to a woman. She had no breasts.

I kissed Julie as well. She leant towards me keeping her chest away from mine, obviously still traumatised by her loss.

Let's get you inside and then we can get you settled in your rooms..."

The look on their faces told me that I'd said something very wrong.

"OK, we'll let you tell Cecile, or the Countess, your needs for rooming, and they'll sort it out with the housekeeper." That seemed to settle them a little.

"If we're going to work together we need to trust each other. I'll be placing a huge amount of information at your disposal; much of it could be more than embarrassing for me, and those I love. I must have your trust otherwise you may as well go ho..."

"NO!" screamed Sue-2, "I don't care if I have to dance naked and suck his cock, I'm staying. You know what the Admiral said; the Baron's our only change of getting revenge for what they did to us."

Well, from the looks on her friend's faces I bet they didn't expect that little gem to surface so quickly.

"Shall we go in?" I asked gesturing to the doors.

We started slowly walking towards the doors. Sue-2 hooked her arm through Julie's and they followed us.

"I'm not sure about that dancing naked thing," said Julie a little worriedly, "there are at least three naked girls following us, no, they're following him, already."

"At least I won't be alone then." Sue-2 replied; a strength and determination in her voice.

"Oh don't fret, I won't leave you. It he wants naked dancing, that's what he'll get," said Julie, a strength in her voice I'd not yet heard.

"Baron," Carol started, "this naked dancing thing, does it matter is one of the dancers is a little lower than the other three?"

"Don't worry Carol, in this madhouse I'm sure I could find a troop of naked wheelchair dancers."

"Oh good, I wouldn't want to be left out." She replied as she shifted uneasily in her chair.

"You might have to queue up for your turn to suck his cock though," said Sasha thoughtfully, counting on her fingers. "I make it fourteenth or fifteenth place..." she smiled sweetly, "but I could be wrong."

"Girl! Get Em now." I called a little exasperated with my darling Sasha. I heard footsteps running away so someone must have heard me.

"Who's Em?" asked Julie.

"Em is our doctor, and don't tell me that you don't need a doctor because I can see that Carol, at least, does, and I expect you all to have a full medical."

That quietened them all.

"I do," Carol admitted, "My stumps are sore."

"Then come along to my sick bay and I'll see what I can do for you," said Em as she came into the corridor.

"Master, Mistress," Em fell to her knees in front of us.

"Oh come on, it's not like he owns you or anything!" exclaimed Julie.

Em looked her steadily in the eye, "This is my Master. He owns this girl, heart, body and soul."

The grim finality of Em's words silenced the four new girls.

"Come, please follow me," Em turned to me, "If it pleases my Master." She asked permission to continue.

"Please go on Dearest Em, have them ready for interviews at 10 in the morning." I replied.

"Of course Master," and she hurried the newcomers away.

"Now, my dearest darling bride to be," I started.

"Yes Darling," she pressed herself hard against me and looked longingly into my eyes.

"What's this about a queue?" I asked.

"Oh yes Master, I'm so sorry..."

"And so you should be," I said, surprised that she'd given in so quickly.

"Yes, Cecy and I agree, it's at least 30."

-------

Paula didn't join us for dinner. I was a little puzzled as to why, but between them Cecy and Sasha distracted me quite well.

I did have other things on my mind though; if these four women joined us then the way that we handled our war with Huntley & Co would change. Change for the better I was sure, but change it would. And few people like change, me included.

Just why the fuck was Huntley doing this to me? If only I could answer that question then I'd actually have a starting point to end this madness.

I wasn't a good dinner companion, wrapped up with my own thoughts most of the time.

I skipped desert and went down to my new office. I started to make notes on a huge whiteboard. This time my notes were strategic rather than tactical, notes on what I wanted to achieve rather than how to achieve a specific objective. I had to force myself to think big, to keep away from details and...

And suddenly I remembered a detail that was still waiting. Malcolm was still in his cell. I hope my girls weren't treating him badly. But if they were, I'm sure I'd be able to forgive them.

It would be good for the new women to see what we currently did with the enemies we captured alive.

I picked up the phone and dialled a number. Cher answered almost immediately. "Paul! I know you've got another one, why didn't you call me straight away?"

"Because I'm a man and men always try to keep you women on your toes." I replied laughing.

"Oh God yes you're a man, I remember you proving it to me four times. Now about my new toy, when can I come and get him? I've been waiting for this one to fall in to my hands for years. I'll even shine up my boots for you."

Now that was an offer few men ever received, and even fewer could refuse.

"How about tomorrow morning; nine o'clock?" I suggested.

"I'll be there." Cher replied with a laugh.

I sighed as I put the phone down, I wondered how a woman like Cher got to be in the position she was in, being the owner of a world famous torture brothel. Perhaps she'd tell me one day, perhaps not. I would like to hear her story; I bet it would be a good one, long too.

I called Cecy's housekeeper and asked that the new women be woken early enough to have had breakfast and be ready for a meeting at nine o'clock.

-------

Sue, Sue-2, Carol and Julie came into the room where I waited.

"I wanted you to see what I do to any enemy that I capture alive." I told them. "It's not exactly nice, but I believe that you've no desire to be 'nice' to your enemies anymore."

Their expressionless faces told me all I needed to know.

"The man who is being dealt with today is the step-son of the Chief Constable of Cumbria, Sir Gerald Huntley. Huntley is my main enemy; he poisoned me and two of my girls, only I survived. So far I've dealt with two of his daughters this way. I intend to deal with the whole family similarly. Huntley runs a huge crime empire. You name it, he runs it. Not only him but at least sixty percent of the other Chief Constables are also in on the action. We've estimated that their crime empire is worth about twenty percent of the UK's gross domestic product."

I could see that this wasn't a surprise to any of them.

"So, when I capture one, I sell them to a ... special place ... which can provide them with the sort of living that I'd like them to have for the rest of their lives," I finished.

Menolly and Melissa brought Malcolm up from the dungeons into the room where we waited. He was naked as he had been since he'd arrived here.

The rooms wide windows, overlooking the grassed area where Cher's was helicopter was due to land, were fully open, letting the warm breeze occasionally blow in the sounds and smells of the garden.

"So you've decided to release me have you?" Malcolm sneered. "I knew that you'd see sense as soon as my father got on your case."

I never said a word, we just waited.

The 'thum-thum-thum' sound of helicopter rotors grew in intensity and soon we were all looking out onto the grass for its landing.

It was the same aircraft that Cher had used before. I smiled as I watched Cher step down, her long leather coat flying around her, showing us that she was in full 'Cher mode', long black wig, thigh length boots and long leather coat and a smile.

She shed the coat before she left the grassed area and I gazed upon her tall slim frame again. She thrust her chest at me, her small high breasts, nipples rouged invitingly, engorged and calling for the attention of my lips. I remembered our brief time together with affection. She'd been a fun, athletic, uninhibited, and giving lover.

I turned to Malcolm, "I don't think that this looks like your step-dad." I said quietly.

Malcolm's face was a mask of bewilderment.

Cher came into my arms and we kissed passionately. I let my hands wander over her back and bum, caressing her smooth firm skin with a tender touch.

"If you go..." she panted as my fingers slowly slipped between her bum cheeks, "any deeper, then you're gonna have to fuck me here and now!" She ground her crotch hard against my rising erection.

I gave her a final kiss and smacked her bum. She frowned at me, "I hope you left a handprint."

What is it with these women, always wanting a handprint to show off when I give them a love pat?

Cher turned away from me, while we'd been distracted two of her security people, women this time, entered and took over control of Malcolm.

"Now my new toy." She said looking at him.

Cher turned to me, "have you explained his fate yet?" she asked.

"No, not yet." I turned to Malcolm. "Malcolm," I said, "I'm selling you to Madame Rhea. She will keep you entertained, and alive," I added ominously, "for a long, long time."

Malcolm's head swivelled side to side as he looked at Cher and I, trying to understand what was happening to him, the son of privilege and a protected person.

"But ... But..." was all he was able to say.

We watched as Em extracted a small vial of blood from his arm. The sting of the needle seemed to focus his mind.

"My father won't ever rest until you're on your knees screaming for death!" he cried defiantly.

Cher cupped his cheek and turned his head towards her, "and you, dear boy, will be hanging from various parts of your anatomy, thinking that you'll die, but much more afraid that you'll live."

Cher touched a small black box to his side and, with a cry of pain, he fell bonelessly to the floor.

Cher's people quickly placed him in a transport case a taser rammed up his arse, two extra leads clipped to his testicles and the activating microphone taped to his throat. He started to come round as the lid closed. We heard the start of a sound, then a much louder cry as the taser activated. The cry was cut off as the lid closed.

We all watched as the case was carried outside. Then, to my surprise Cher turned to our witnesses.

"I heard about you from that piece of dung," she gestured to the doorway, "he was quite proud of how they'd captured you, and," she continued with sorrow in her voice, "what they'd done." Cher walked over to them, "I know you think of me as one of the worse forms of monster, but I'm not, really, really not. I couldn't help you but I'm leaving you a gift." Cher turned and without a backward glance she walked out to her helicopter. Moments later it took off and departed for her home.

The women looked at each other then they all looked at me.

I shrugged my shoulders, what could I say?

"Ladies," I said, "shall we begin our introductions?" I gestured to a set of chairs around a low coffee table. The space on one side was obviously for a wheelchair.

We sat, but before anyone could speak the door opened and Sasha and Bee came in Sasha was dressed for business and carried her 'shit hot lawyer' briefcase, she obviously meant serious business. Bee too was smartly dressed in a two piece business suit.

Sasha leant and kissed me, "we're off to see some bankers and some nice gentlemen from Elm Street." She seemed inordinately pleased with herself.

Bee kissed me too. "Boss, I don't know how to thank you and Mrs Boss. You're both doing so much for me and my family."

Then, quickly they were gone. I wondered briefly who the 'gentlemen from Elm Street' were. Ah well hopefully Sasha would let me know when they returned.

"Sorry about that interruption, Ladies." I said smiling at them. "Shall we continue?"

But before we could continue the door opened again, one of Cecy's local girls entered and curtsied, and a naked curtsy is something to watch, take it from me.

"Baron, what shall we do with the case Madame Rhea left?" she asked.

WHAT?

"What case?" I asked, a little stupidly, but I could see that the same question was on my companions lips too.

"The Madame's people unloaded it from their helicopter just before they came in here Baron. They said you'd know what to do with it." She answered.

"Thank you, and please will you ask Em to join us at the case." I said with a smile.

"Well, let's go and have a look shall we?" I said to the ladies.

The case was a transportation case that Cher used to move her toys around. I'd helped open one of these before and knew what they usually contained. That's why I'd asked for Em to be here. I thought for a moment, "Girl!" I called.

"Master," replied Alina from just behind me.

"Alina precious girl, I need Aline and June. Please ask them to come here as soon as possible." I asked here. I was busy thinking about the case and what, or rather who, it might contain.

With a "Humph!" Alina ran away to do my bidding. I wonder what that was about.

I turned to the ladies who'd followed me out to this case. "Ladies as you saw with Malcolm, Madame Rhea, Cher, uses these cases to transport her slaves. They are as near escape proof as anything I've ever seen. If someone is in here then I want Aline and June to be here to help calm and comfort the occupant. Aline arrived here in one of these, June was also destined to die but was sent to me instead. They both know what it's like to face death and be rescued. They'll be of immense help to us.

Only a couple of minutes later June and Aline came running to kneel in front of me. Aline gasped when she saw the case.

"Yes Aline, I don't know what it contains, so let us all be careful, OK?"

"Yes Master," both girls answered together.

I looked up and saw that two cameras were focused on us, and the long thick barrel of a Barrett or something similar was lined up on the case. I felt comforted that I was being watched over.

"Now, let me open it." I said.

The catches were stiff to turn, but that was the pressure that they imparted on the lid rather than lack of maintenance. The three catches opened almost silently and then I lifted the lid. A dense foam sheet covered whatever lay beneath.

I waved the four newcomers back so that if this was a trap then they'd be clear. Aline and June seemed to misunderstand my desires and came closer, getting between me and the case.

Reaching between my overly enthusiastic girls, I lifted the top sheet of foam and we could see the unmistakeable form of a naked female cocooned for transport. I removed the next two layers of foam and found what I expected, the wedge that fitted behind her knees. Gently I removed this and saw the lead from the taser leaving her vagina and going between her legs, up to the microphone taped to her throat.

"June, we'll do this as we did for Aline, you at her head and I'll remove the taser." I instructed.

June nodded.

"But Master, if it goes off..."started Aline.

"Then I'll get another zapping from a taser, just like I did with you." I replied.

Shocked Aline looked at June who nodded her confirmation.

"Aline, you get ready to help June lift her out of the case. Remember she's likely to be terrified and terrified people do strange things.

Both girls nodded to me and I reached down and rested my hand on the female's hip. Now she knew that something was about to happen, but, possibly, not what.

My other hand reached lower and parted her labia, I pushed inward and felt the hard mass of the taser itself. Gripping the body with forefinger and thumb I gently pulled it out. It emerged long black and sticky. I lifted it from her body and turned it up so I could see the switch to turn it off.

The switch was already in the off position. I breathed out and placed the device on the ground. I nodded to the girls and they helped the female out of the case.

She had had all of her hair removed; as she was turned towards me I noted that this included her eyebrows and eyelashes too.

"Hello," I said a kindly as I could, "my names Paul, what's yours?"

From behind me there came two screams and a yelled, "JENNY!"

Jenny looked up at the source of the cry and she broke into sobs of relief. She sagged in Aline and Junes arms. "Sue, Susan, Carol, Julie," she cried weekly. She held out her hand and tried to give one of the women a piece of paper, but that effort proved too much for her and she collapsed.

Em whirled into action, a gurney appeared and Jenny was gently lifted onto it and then whisked away to Em's sick room.

I watched as she disappeared and then picked up the paper that Jenny had tried to pass to her friends.

"I believe that she was trying to give this to one of you."

Carol took the paper from me and then the others clustered round her reading over her shoulders. After a full five minutes of hushed reading and discussion, as one they looked up at me.

"Baron, we, the five of us, would like to join your small army, and rid the world of some very nasty people." said Carol. The others stood beside her, firm in their commitment to my cause.

"Shall we return and discuss this as we were about to..." I saw the pain on their faces as I suggested doing anything other than go and see how their friend was.

"How about you four go to see how your friend is then send a message to me when you're ready for us to talk. Ask any of the staff and they'll get a message to me. Aline, please show these freewomen to Em's sick room. I'll see you all later." Aline ran and stood beside Carol's wheel chair and then I turned and walked away.

I went to the pool, stripping as I walked. I dove in and started my lengths, I'd missed them this morning, but better late than never. The water was warm and welcoming and I settled down into my swim.

Cilla and David entered the water a little later; I recognised their sounds in the water. David had progressed to swimming lengths now and was doing well with his technique and stamina. I was sure that he had the potential to swim competitively at international, or even Olympic, level if trained properly. I still hadn't had a word with either of his parents about getting him professionally trained yet though.

Finishing my lengths I lifted myself out of the water with ease.

David was playing on his DSi and Cilla was working on her tan. She and Nigel had, finally, become comfortable with bathing and sunbathing nude.

"Cilla," I started, she opened her eyes and looked at me.

"I want words with you!" she said crossly.

"Oh!" I was taken aback by this, this attack.

"Yes, yesterday Nigel received an outline of your expansion plans from Ms Dempsey. He doesn't know how he'll cope with all of the extra work with just his current staff." Cilla was angry; she was protecting her mate from who so ever would harm him.

"Ah!" I wondered how to put this, while it wasn't really a secret, I was trying to keep it from Nigel as a surprise. But I remembered my words to Cilla a while ago, the truth is always best.

I sat beside Cilla and looked into her eyes. "Cilla, I would like to keep what I'm about to tell you a secret from Nigel if possible. I want to surprise him at the right time." I watched her for reaction. Obviously my words were not quite what she expected.

Cilla nodded for me to continue.

"Well, I'm buying the company he works for and making it one of mine, well two of mine really. I want Nigel and his team, together with Bee to be my own accountancy and audit company. The rest of his firm will keep going; his old boss will be in charge but actually working for me. I'm not really too bothered with that part of the company, its Nigel and his team I really want. And I know that Nigel will have to expand his team, I'll have an awful lot more work coming his way and there's no way he'll be able to cope with what he's got now."

Cilla looked shocked, "all this is planned?"

"Oh yes, I like giving people surprises, especially people I like, and I really do like Nigel you know. He's brave and intelligent. And, I feel that he's honest and has integrity. He was being shamelessly exploited by his old boss, But I think that he'll really come into his own with a little more responsibility," I answered.

Cilla sank back on her lounger.

"I don't know what to say," she told me quietly.

"Then don't say anything. I'm proud of you for protecting Nigel anyway." I said with a smile.

She blushed a little, "They told me that you do this, look after everyone even if they don't know that they're being looked after." Straightening herself she looked at me, "Baron, you didn't come here to listen to the witterings of an overly worried wife, what can I do for you?"

I know what her words said, I also know, all too well, what her body said. Before I could open my mouth a person beside me answered.

"If you wish to honour our Master then I think that you have a wait of three months, two weeks and five days."

I looked round at Umber kneeling beside me.

Umber looked up at me, " that's counting all of the women and girls that I am aware of who wish to honour you with their bodies, at a rate of one per day, six per week," she looked at Cilla and I, "we think that you should have a day off every week." She stated this so categorically that I knew she'd discussed this with someone, possibly Julia or Karolina. "and assuming that there are no disruptions..." this time she looked directly at me, "at all."

Cilla really did blush now. "How did you know what..."

"Mistress, I am my Masters chief body slave, I have to look after my Master physically and keep his bed entertaining for him. I watch every woman he comes into contact with to see if they would be acceptable to my Master. I find that there are more women desiring to honour my Master than there are women my Master wishes to honour with his body. But I also know that my Master is a true man of honour and if a woman truly desires to honour my Master with her body, he will respond to her desire and fulfil her dreams rather than his own desires. I saw your desire just now, I know that my Master wouldn't think of this himself, but I'm sure that you would be completely acceptable to my Master and would be acceptable to him for fun also. I believe that my Master is unique among masters, but then I am only a young slave. There is a slim possibility that I might be wrong."

Well! What could I say after that? Umber had just told Cilla that I'd like to have a roll in the hay with her just for fun, but if she wanted to 'honour' me then it would be a wait of three months or more.

Then I thought about this a little more. This gave Cilla a perfect opportunity to not sleep with me if her current desire was just an instant thing. However if Cilla decided that she'd like to have a little 'fun' with me, then I'd be willing to accommodate her desire, and we'd make love for 'fun' rather than obligation.

Umber was much cleverer than I'd realised.

Cilla, looked at Umber for long, long minutes, then she looked up at me. She relaxed on her lounger, her legs parting a little, her arms opening a bit. She did nothing overtly sexual or inviting, more a relaxation with a person whom she no longer has to guard against, someone whom she trusts completely. Someone who she thinks will love her despite what he knows about her.

In those milliseconds, as our eyes met, a true friendship was formed.

Cilla raised her hand and cupped my cheek, "Yes Umber, one day I shall take your Master and fuck him to my heart's content. In the mean time though, I will have to settle for this." And she pulled me down to her, face to face and she kissed me. Deeply and passionately, she kissed me.

"Now, Sir, what were you going to say when you came over to me?" She lay back, opening her body to my gaze. She lay relaxing, exposing herself to me, knowing I would look at her but not caring if I saw her as exciting or boring, rather expecting me to see the undressed body of a friend.

I let her see my gaze travel the whole length of her body, and then I looked her in the eye. "I want to help David with some professional swimming lessons." I answered.

As we stood to look at the subject of our conversation our bodies pressed against each other. Not as lovers, nor as strangers, but as friends whose bodies have just touched. No more, no less. I then knew that I'd make love with Cilla. I don't know when, I just knew that we would each enjoy the others body.



-------

Chapter 76

I settled in my chair and rested for a moment. The pace of affairs was about to pick up speed, I wanted to be ready when things blew up. As I was certain that they would. I also had a pile of proposals from Mandy and C&C to look at and agree.

So I pulled the top docket off the pile and opened it.

Maybe three hours later I 'felt' someone in the room with me. Looking up for the first time since I'd started work I saw Julia kneeling waiting for me. She looked cross.

"Errr ... Hi Julia. It's not late is it?" I asked nervously. Fearing for the dryness of my work I tried to surreptitiously slide it into a drawer.

Julia looked down at my pathetic attempts to protect my documents, "It's isn't late my Master, so I'm not going to piss on your papers ... yet." She added wickedly.

"Oh, what can I do for you then Julia precious?" I asked, puzzled now.

"Alina had a word with me about how you spoke to her earlier," she said with a scowl.

I thought long and hard, I couldn't remember upsetting Alina, or any of my girls today, puzzled I asked. "What did I say to upset her?"

"Master!" she exclaimed.

Julia was very cross, I could tell.

"We are SLAVES!" She looked at me to see if I understood that concept. "You know, owned people, chattels, sex toys for our owners. And you treat us like ... like free people!"

She said 'free' as though it were a swear word.

Sagging a little she looked up at me, "My Master, we, your slaves, have each refused our freedom to remain your slaves. We did this for a number of reasons, but we all love you. Now we, your slaves, wish to be treated as your slaves. You should order us to do the things you want of us, whether that be run to fetch someone, or to give you the comfort and pleasure of our bodies. We want to be ordered by you, you are our Master!" I could see a tear forming in her eye and I opened my arms to her. Julia almost jumped into my lap.

"You see what you do to us?" she asked. "You treat us far too good for slave girls. You have made sure that we're all well fed so we're not sick from malnourishment, exercised so we're fit, well dressed so we're never cold or wet. You encourage us to learn to do the things we like doing and help us become far more than any of us ever dreamt we've achieve." She sat up straighter on my lap and looked me in the eye, "and what do you let us do for you? Do you let us entertain you with girl on girl shows, and all of us would like to do that for you. Do you order us like the slaves that we are? No, you are degrading the sacrifice that we have made for you, we want to be your slaves, we want you to be our Master."

She sat on my lap looking at me for many minutes while I digested her speech.

"Girl," I said pushing her from my lap, "gather all of my girls; I'll speak to them here in three minutes." I turned back to my paperwork.

Seconds later I heard Julia's footsteps as she raced for the door.

-------

The last one, Karolina, arrived in two minutes fifty five seconds. I'd timed them.

I sat in my swivel chair and looked at my girls, Karolina, my favourite; Julia, the brave and fair one; Umber, the lowest raised to the highest; Alina a gift from men I don't even know; Jo, working hard looking after my girls, Karen, the designer working hardest of all; Lynne, saved from death when she'd screwed up, Melissa, given as my bodyguard, Alison, the little slave lost; Em, who lost her family and nearly herself, Jill who wanted a strong hand to guide her; Wendy, purchased to hunt the killers of Susan and Varinka; June, sent to learn how to treat slaves she gifted herself to me; Aline, sent to be mine to guard her from a jealous woman.

Karolina had obviously been called from a shower; she still had soapsuds in her hair.

"Lynne, Jo, take Karolina outside and hose her down. She's covered in shampoo or body-wash." I ordered.

Without hesitation Karolina, Lynne and Jo headed out of the French windows into the garden. A few second later we heard a quick shriek and gasp as the cold water hit Karolina. Five minutes later they came back in, Karolina now soap free, but soaked and shivering with the cold. Lynne and Jo both wet too but not as cold as Karolina.

"My slaves, I have told you before I am not a harsh man, I would rather ask than order, I would rather not whip any of you," I looked sorrowfully at Jo and Aline, "I believe that we grow faster and higher if we're treated with respect and kindness." I watched them nodding their heads. "We are a family, I'm the head of the household, Sasha is the Lady of the House. You aren't our servants, you're our family. In a family we treat each other as we would like to be treated ourselves. We help each other, as I know you've all helped Karen, and Karen, I want you to stay after this meeting to tell me why you haven't asked me to get you more help."

Karen shyly nodded.

"Does anyone disagree with what I've said?" I asked.

A moment passed then Aline stood up, "Master, I love being in your household, but I want to show you that I am your slave. I would like you to give me orders, simple or complex, easy or hard, mundane or sexual. I would like to be able to show you with my body how much I adore you. This girl is your slave and wishes to be used as a slave is used. Hot, sweaty and, sometimes, screaming." She knelt again, but hung her head almost in shame.

Julia stood then, "My Master, this girl too wishes to show her subservience to you. This girl will carry out any perversion, in the merest hope that you'd enjoy watching it." She too knelt again.

One by one they all stood and requested that I abuse them.

Last of all Karolina stood, "Me Master, kind Master being baddest for girl. Make girl spoiled bitch. Girl needs kind and cruel equal. Not kindest, not cruellest, like bitty both. Then girl know girl owned by bestest Master. Me Master knows kind, is goodest kind, now me Master need learn little bitty cruel too."

As I looked at these girls all asking me to be harsher with them I had a revelation. These girls, who'd been delighted whenever I'd smacked them and left a handprint, expected to be abused a bit. It's part of their lives, part of who they are. And, sadly, this was also part of how they measured themselves against each other, who could 'entertain' their master by taking the hardest punishments, the worse tortures, the foulest perversions. The minor things that Jo, Karen and Julia had done, the mother / daughter and sister / sister incest had been trivial compared to what they all expected.

Umber was going to be drowned in a sack because she couldn't get a dog to have sex with her. If I asked her now to show me how she fucked a dog she'd be thrilled to demonstrate for me and she'd make sure that I saw that the dog had come in her mouth and got locked together during fucking. She'd be pleased to do that for me. Why, well it was what she expected from a master. And all of the others felt the same way. If I just grabbed one and forced her to the floor and raped her, well it wouldn't be rape because as soon as she realised what I wanted she'd have been opening her legs to accommodate me, and then joining in enthusiastically.

I wouldn't have to tie any of these girls to a whipping frame, I'd just tell them to hold on and they'd let me whip them into unconsciousness, and then on awakening they'd try to get back up into position again in case I wanted to continue. Jill had proved this when she'd accepted 100 strokes of the cane just to show me that she was serious about becoming my slave.

I'd known this for a long time, known it intellectually that is. Now looking at the upturned faces of fourteen girls kneeling before me I, at last, knew it in my heart. I would give these girls what they wanted, for some what they needed.

Strong families grow together, however the best families make sure that they give each member that which they need. And I, through my blindness had been withholding things that my girls wanted, and what two of them needed. No longer, I promised myself.

"Julia," I said in a firm voice, my SNCO voice, "I want the Saint Andrews cross and the stocks brought back in here, and a small selection of whips and restraints."

"Yes my Master!" she said with a big smile.

"Karolina," I looked at her, she had stopped shivering and looked as warm as the others now. "I see that you've warmed up nicely. Lynne, Jo, take her outside and hose her down again. I want to be able to see it from this window. And she is to be thoroughly cold before you finish or you'll all be staked out on the lawn over night."

"YES MASTER!" Cried Lynne and Jo together, this time they grabbed hold of Karolina's arms and forced her outside. We all watched as Lynne and Jo started hosing Karolina down with cold water. The rest of the girls looked at little apprehensive as they turned back to look at me.

"Now, on with your work, Karen go get me a cane. I want a word with you."

"Yes Master they all answered together. Karen ran away to get a cane, the others hurriedly left, but didn't actually run.

Within moments, before Lynne and Jo had finished hosing Karolina, Karen was back with a short, thin, wicked looking cane.

I gestured towards my desk, "bend over." I ordered. Karen pressed herself against the desk, opened her legs wide and waited for her punishment.

CRACK!

Her head sprang up from the desk, but she never made a sound.

CRACK!

This stroke was much harder and a low moan escaped her lips.

CRACK!!!

"Argh!" she couldn't help that cry jumping unbidden from her.

"Stand now girl."

Stiffly she stood and faced me a few tears leaked down her cheeks. The French windows opened and Lynne and Jo brought in a shivering Karolina, she was almost blue with the cold.

"You three go and continue with what you were doing."

"Yes Master!" they replied, Karolina though chattering teeth.

I waited until they'd left the room and then turned to Karen. "Now tell me why you haven't asked me for more help?" I demanded.

"This girl didn't want to disturb her Master. This girl is beneath her Masters notice and this girl didn't think that she would be allowed more girls to help." Karen answered softly.

"Well, my girl is wrong and has been punished for believing that I wouldn't get you help. Now I need to know who you need helping you. What skills they must have and whether they need to be freewomen or slaves."

Karen nodded.

"Let me know your requirements first thing tomorrow morning." I ordered.

"Yes Master." She looked a little nervous, but smiled to herself as well.

"Now," I said, "I want a new range of clothing."

Karen's eyes opened wide. "Yes Master?" she said.

"Yes, the garments are to appear normal, very sexy but just normal clothes. But they are to have hidden buttons and hooks & eyes, hidden fasteners to restrain the wearer. They are to have unobtrusive openings so that the wearer's master might avail himself of the girls flesh while she's still 'clothed'."

Karen's eyes now lit up with the ideas she was having for this new range of outfits.

"Call the range..." I thought for a moment, "Her Masters..." I said.

"Oh yes Master. I'll start right away. I should be able to show you some drawings in the morning."

"No," I said, "I don't want to see drawings, wait until you have three or four garments ready then you can have a mini fashion show and we'll all have a look at them. Tomorrow morning I want your list of new workers that you need."

"Yes Master." She answered. I could see that ideas were teaming through her mind and she was almost desperate to get to her drawing board so as not to lose any of them.

"Go then and I'll see you first thing in the morning." I said, not too unkindly.

"Yes Master," she said as she ran away.

Now one more thing; I could understand how to treat all of the girls except Jo and Aline. These two required some special treatment, treatment that could seriously harm, or even kill them. And I didn't want to harm my girls while I tried to satisfy their needs. But I knew someone who knew all about protecting people while they were being mistreated.

I picked up my phone and dialled.

"Hi Paul, you haven't got another one for me already have you?" said Cher.

"No, this is much more difficult than capturing a Huntley / Morrison. I need you to come over here and teach me how to torment a couple of girls who like their sex a lot rougher than normal." I answered.

"Now," she laughed, "I don't actually get asked to do that very often. Most of my male customers are more than a little frightened of me, and they most definitely don't want me in their homes." There was silence for a moment, "do you know what they want done to them, or have you any ideas?" she asked.

"Well, I do know that Jo wants to be hung by her tits and whipped." I must have sounded very, very naive and scared.

"Paul, don't worry. It can be done perfectly safely. It's painful but can be very safe if you want to preserve the subject. It can also rip her tits off if you're not careful or if that's what you want of course. Look, when's Sasha back?"

"I don't know, she's in London talking to some bankers and someone from Elm Street, where ever that is. She's with Bee, our auditor."

Cher thought for a moment, "The Serious Fraud Office has its headquarters in Elm Street. If Sasha Dempsey's talking with an auditor, some bankers and someone from Elm Street then she's talking about some serious fraud somewhere."

Suddenly that all made sense, Bees problems with the big four banks involved a set of massive frauds that she, Bee, had discovered. Now Sasha was kicking arse in the way that only a seriously pissed off solicitor could do.

"Well, I think that she might be a few days then." I finally answered.

"In that case, call me when Sasha gets back and I'll run you both through the safe ways of giving your girls what they want. And remember that, sometimes, it can be worse for a woman to be tortured by another woman. Women can be so much crueller then men. And don't forget, when a man looks at a naked woman he sees a sexual being, a receptacle for his sperm. When a woman looks at another woman naked, she sees a body to be tormented."

I promised to call her on Sasha's return and we said our goodbyes.

I looked at the now quiet phone and sighed. I still had a huge pile of work to do, and there were still only twenty-four hours in each day.

I reopened the docket I'd been working on when I'd noticed Julia and returned to work.

I had two hundred dockets to review and approve. These projects were all ones that Mandy and I had discussed previously. They were all from the 'wish I could' drawer. Now with the Governments approval I was going too. So each docket only took ten minutes to read and sign. But two hundred sets of ten minutes totals over thirty three hours. That's more than most employers realistically expect from an office worker each week. And I wanted these finished as soon as possible, before Sasha returned anyway. So, long days and short nights for me again.

You know, when I won the lottery I thought that I'd be enjoying lazy days on a beach, not eighteen hour days at an office desk. Bugger.

-------

Nearly nine o'clock that evening my phone rang.

It was security, "Boss, you need to see this, there's some weird guy down at the cafè," said Sandy.

I turned on my TV set and set it to the correct channel. There in the CCTV was the essential Englishman. Three piece suit, bowler hat and rolled umbrella, reading the Times and having a cup of tea. He was very slim, almost emaciated; his neck was far too thin for his shirt collar and his shirt cuffs hung loosely around his wrists. He dropped the paper for a moment and I saw his narrow, almost pinched, face, round horn rimmed spectacles completed the picture of an 'Englishman abroad'.

"Sandy, get someone down there and tell Prof to stop arsing around and get up here. I want to speak to him and there's some people here he needs to speak to as well." I said, though I couldn't keep a chuckle from my voice.

"OK Boss, gotya, take him down hard and then intense interrogation. Will do Boss." CLICK ... Buzzzzzz

I stared at the phone. I, hopefully, have sorted my slaves out. Now I just need to get some control over the military types who're here.

I used that interruption as my finishing point for the night. I was worn out.

-------

When I opened my eyes the first thing, or rather person, I saw was Karen kneeling by my bed.

"Karen what are you doing here so early?" I asked puzzled.

"My Master ordered this girl to have her list of new workers ready for him first thing in the morning. I have my list Master." She answered.

I sat on the side of the bed looking at her, then took her list. She wanted eight machinists, two cutters, and a clicker, whatever that was. Karen had noted an 'S' by each one and at the bottom of the page she'd put a note 'S' = Slave. Wasn't fourteen slaves enough for one man? I frowned at this.

"So you want me to get eleven more slaves?" I asked her.

She looked up in surprise, "Oh no Master."

"Oh good."

"You'll need to start with at least twenty, but if we hang a couple when they make mistakes, then the rest should sharpen up quickly enough. Then I can choose the best of the survivors." She said this as though it were the most reasonable thing in the world.

As I stared at her my mouth opened and closed soundlessly as I tried to fit this concept of assisted learning into my world view. No matter how I tried, I couldn't, just couldn't see myself hanging people just to encourage the rest to learn faster.

I could see this method being useful in a large number of inner city schools, well actually nearly all schools. That would most certainly get the numeracy and literacy rates above that of most third world countries for the first time in a decade, but not here, not by me.

No way.

"Let me ... think ... about that for a while." I said to buy myself some time. No matter how much I seem to understand about these girls, how much I kid myself that they're coming round to my way of thinking, they surprise me with attitudes like this. A wholly slave mentality.

"Of course Master." Karen looked at me as though she expected me to nip off down to the chandlers and start looking at ropes that morning.

"And do you know where I could ... no, sorry I shouldn't be asking such a question of you." I spoke without thinking. How would Karen know where I should get slaves from?

"But Master, I do know where you can buy skilled slaves, the slave factor of course. There's one in Paris." Karen seemed keen for me to pop out a pick up a couple of dozen new slaves while I was out looking at the ropes, a couple of which she intended to hang. Nice girl.

"Have you thought about using freewomen rather than slaves?" I asked her.

"Pah!" she almost spat disgustedly, "they do not want to work hard and will only work eight hours a day. It is very difficult to motivate a freewoman."

No, I thought, you can't just hang a couple to make the others buck up a bit.

"Don't the lace makers in the village work hard?" I asked.

"Most are performing adequately now, but there is still a couple who aren't up to standard."

"So," I looked puzzled, "fire them."

"Fire them, what does that mean." Karen asked suddenly unsure of herself.

"It means that they won't have a job and won't have money to pay their rent or buy food." I explained.

"But their master, won't he just tell them to work somewhere else and give them food and a place to sleep." Karen explained what would happen in her world.

I was saddened by this lack of basic understanding, but then remembered my own misunderstandings. Karen was using the only information that she had, that of a lifelong slave, and she was trying to understand concepts beyond her ken. "Karen, they're freewomen, they don't have a master who will provide for them. They have to provide for themselves. If they don't work, then they won't have anywhere to sleep, and nothing to eat."

She was shocked into silence with this revelation.

After nearly five minutes thinking she turned to me, "Master, if I 'fire' them and they have nothing to eat, then they'll starve to death."

I just continued looking at her. I didn't want to cloud the issue with things like the welfare state and benefit payments, not yet anyway. Let her learn step at a time.

"Master, it is much better to be a slave. At least with a slave I would be merciful and hang them quickly. Starving is such an awful death."

"So, when you go into the village this morning, look at their work, if it is still unacceptable, tell them that they have a week to come up to standard or you will fire them. Use those words, and watch their faces. Tonight tell me what you saw in their faces when you threatened them with losing their jobs."

Karen nodded, she seemed a little uncertain, but I knew she'd carry out my orders. And I also knew that her having three stripes on her backside would also have an effect when her workers saw them. Most of Karen's workers thought she was a miniature goddess, when they saw that she'd been punished, and then heard her threaten to fire two of their number, they would naturally think that Karen had been punished because of the slackers lack of improvement. They would also put more pressure on the failing workers to improve or leave.

And as Karen always went down to the village nude, everyone there would also see and talk about her cane marks.

I wondered what she'd tell me that evening.

My shower that morning was ... interesting. Aline and Alina waited until I had pee'd, and then, while I cleaned my teeth they started. First turning on the shower and then turning on me.

They gave me the girl / girl show that they seemed so keen on doing yesterday. And they did it enthusiastically. Each girl brought the other to a thunderous climax, one that I now knew was heightened by two things; my watching them and the knowledge that they were the first to perform for me. This would raise their status in their hierarchy, something that everyone, slave or freeperson desired.

I managed to have my shower with only three girls 'helping' me. And then, on my return to my bedroom, was surprised to see that my bed was already remade and a massage pad laid out ready for me.

June led three 'helpers' in giving me a wake up massage. When they'd finished I felt on top of the world and ready for anything.

Umber led me to breakfast. Today it was being served in the small dining room. I saw why immediately I entered. Jenny, Sue, Sue-2, Carol, Julie and Prof were already in there.

Prof saw me first, "Good morning Frosty, I cannot thank you enough for what you're doing for me."

"Prof, you'll earn your keep, you always have and I'm betting that you always will." I replied. His smile of recognition was immediate and heartfelt.

Prof ignored Melissa and Umber who'd accompanied me to breakfast. Prof was a true blue Englishman. He had been born 200 years too late. Prof would have been the type of Englishman who'd finish his dinner before going out to quell the rioting locals with masterly tactics and incredible bravery. Or he could stroll through a harem full of naked and available girls and women and discuss the topics of the day with them, all the while dismissing their nakedness as irrelevant.

He was an Englishman to his core, polite, intelligent, tolerant and forgiving. He would take insult upon insult, but when he decided that it was time to retaliate then his enemy would be crushed. As the British had done so many times before he'd shock them with the violence and ferocity of his revenge.

I noticed that the ladies had noticed my girls and muttered amongst themselves.

As I sat a local girl came in and started laying out the breakfast buffet with English and continental breakfast foods. Knowing I had a long and busy day, I decided on a full English today, eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast and tea. I was aware enough to note that Umber and Melissa both stood by the wall behind my chair. I didn't need to hand feed them this morning.

"Tell me Paul, are all of the servants in this house made to serve naked?" asked Carol.

The local girl laughed, "Oh no Mademoiselle, we choose to work unclothed ourselves after we saw that the Baron's slaves all worked naked. So far it's been fun, especially watching the reaction of visitors to Martinè."

Jenny paled and, with great care put down her knife and fork.

"You're the Baron?" she asked in a quiet, shocked voice.

Before I could say a word she continued.

"The slave pens are full of talk of the Baron, the 'Bastard Baron' some call him, he's coming to save the slaves. He'll kill the worse of the Owners and make the rest treat their slaves properly. Many of the Owners fear him and want him killed, but everyone says he's unkillable, immortal even." She looked at me with respect, and more than a little fear.

"Well," I said a little jokingly, "I'm not immortal. In fact there have now been four serious attempts on my life. We've," I gestured generally around the room, "caught or killed the assassins three times out of the four."

Perhaps that was a mistake. Now Jenny looked at me as though I was her immortal avenging angel.

"Anyway, my fight is why Aggie sent you to me. We need to talk after breakfast." I finished

"Will you free me?" asked Jenny, her head down as she waited for the pronouncement of her fate.

I then remembered that she had belonged to Cher, and slave owners usually had brutal methods of brainwashing a freeperson into the fact and reality of their enslavement. Jenny would get 'the Choice'.

"Are you still a slave Jenny?" I asked quietly.

"Yes Master," she answered as she slipped off her chair to kneel on the floor and strip. Naked she moved so I could see her.

Jenny's friends were dumbfounded at her actions and submission. "Why..." started Carol.

"Because she's been convinced that she's a slave and now she needs to submit to her new Master." I interrupted.

"Umber, take this girl to the seraglio and explain what happens now. We'll do it immediately after breakfast."

"Yes Master," Umber replied. She then grabbed hold of Jenny's arm and almost dragged her out of the room.

"Paul, why did Jenny look so frightened just then, when you asked her if she was a slave?" Carol asked.

"Because she was dressed in freewoman's clothes and sitting on a chair about to eat food with a knife and fork. These are all privileges of a freeperson. With a lot of Masters Jenny would be put to death for any one of these alone. All three together, well, her Master would make an example of her to ensure that none of his other slaves got ideas." I answered.

Breakfast was very quiet from then on.

-------

I was back in the side room I'd waited in yesterday, Sue, Sue-2, Carol and Julie stood along one wall, Chiefy stood behind me, Prof stood next to her. All of my girls except Umber were kneeling in a semi circle in front of me.

Umber brought Jenny in; she led her charge to kneel right in front of me. Jenny was naked and carried a collar.

I watched as Julia opened the French windows, a warm breeze wafting into the room.

Umber stood just behind Jenny, "Slave Jenny, now is the time for you to make your choice. Our Master is there and freedom is through that window. You have to choose now.

Jenny lifted her collar up; it was balanced across both palms. "Master, I choose my freedom."

Chiefy handed me a huge set of bolt cutters and I cut Jenny's collar in half. I pointed to the French windows. "When you walk through that doorway you will be a freewoman again." I told her.

I stepped back and waited for her to stand and walk through the opened windows. But she just got up and stood to one side.

Karolina stepped forward, "Me Master, you did order new collar for slave Julia. It now arrived."

Julia stepped forward and knelt in the place Jenny had just vacated. She didn't wear a collar as hers had been given to Umber and I hadn't replaced her gold collar with a leather one, not just for a couple of weeks.

Karen stood and handed me a box. It seemed to weight far more than the sixteen ounces of gold I'd specified. I opened the box and smiled to myself. The collar was everything I knew Karen could achieve. It flowed like a liquid; the huge diamond almost glowed in the sunlight. I looked up and saw brilliant spots of colour all around the room as the sunlight was refracted and reflected away. Either side of the gem were a few flowing lines, as I looked at them I suddenly realised that they were stylised representations; a whip on the left and the scales of justice on the right.

I picked up the heavy collar and looked at Julia. She looked directly at me, not even glancing at her new collar.

"Please my Master, collar your slave." She said clearly enough for us all to hear her.

I placed the collar around her neck and with a quiet 'click', the lock engaged. The collar fit her snugly, not too tight, not too loose, just right. The weight alone would always remind Julia of her status in life. The style, class and substance of the collar would tell everyone else that she was one of my slaves.

Julia stood then returned to her place in the line. As she turned and the freewomen saw her collar for the first time they gasped at its beauty.

"Oh my fucking God!" exclaimed Julie. She stepped forward to go and have a look but a sharp hiss from Chiefy stopped her and she returned to her place.

"Thank you my girls, go now back to your duties." I ordered. I quickly added, "Those with the new collars will stay and let our newest friends have a look at them."

A few girls left the room, I wondered if they actually knew that I was waiting for their collars to arrive. Julia's collar had been placed on a special order and had been delivered as quickly as possible.

Sue, Carol, Julie and Prof all went to the girls and for about five minutes as they looked at all of the collars, all I could hear were the 'ohhhs' and 'ahhhs' of some very impressed people.

Sue-2 stayed by the wall, a noisy, crowded room is not the best place for the unguided blind. I watched as Julia and Karen went over to Sue-2. Sue-2 touched each girl's collar, her face showing her increasing pleasure and excitement.

It was Sue-2 who cracked the hierarchical 'code' of the collars first. She was then immediately able to position each of the girls into their correct place in the pecking order.

Jenny sighed, "Maybe I made the wrong choice. Just look at those collars, each one's worth a small fortune."

Shaking her head Jenny strode purposefully through the French windows and back into Freedom.



-------

Chapter 77


Aline and June served coffee, Umber knelt by my side and Melissa took up her usual place standing just behind my right shoulder.

I could see that Prof took in the easy way that Melissa and Umber settled into their positions and the speed and efficiency of June and Aline. Sue, Sue-2 and Julie seemed a little unnerved by the very close proximity of the naked slaves. Jenny just seemed uncomfortable, pulling at her blouse or skirt every few minutes. Carol sat and listened to the activity, she alone seemed to be integrating best.

"Now, ladies, will you tell me your story?" I asked.

Carol shrugged, "I think it's a common enough story now a days. We," she gestured towards her four friends, "were on a night out in London. We'd just finished a staff course at the academy, and were celebrating. Malcolm and Louise Morrison came over with a couple of bottles of champagne and asked if they could join us. Jenny said no, the rest of us agreed. And that was it. Well, that was the end of the common part anyway." She took a sip of her coffee. "Jenny was kidnapped about a week later. The police investigated her kidnapping and they questioned each of us separately. They made us do a computerised questionnaire; it was the strangest thing imaginable. Some of the questions were just too weird, and some were just too dirty. What we didn't know was that they were testing us to find out the things we feared most of all." She shuddered at the memory. I looked at the others; they too were reliving the beginning of their nightmares.

Sue continued. "They got us together. We'd been called for another set of interviews with the police, and they took us as we left the police station. We were bundled into a white transit van and tied up. They injected us with something. When I woke up I was alone, and they ... they did ... this ... to me." She tried to gesture to her face, but couldn't even manage that. "S..." Sobbing she tried again to speak. "S... 2," again she said, "2."

Sue-2 understood her. "We were tortured for days by Malcolm and Louise. She was the worse. If you managed to get Malcolm hard, he'd usually just rape you for a while and then lose interest for a while, but Louise, oh no, when she entered the room I started screaming straight away. That bitch has no mercy whatsoever."

Carol took over, "They'd discovered our deepest darkest fears, the things that terrified each of us most of all. And then they did that thing to each of us, you can't imagine what that was like." She shuddered, looking down at her missing legs.

Julie took over. "We were dumped in the middle of Trafalgar Square, naked of course. We were just thrown out of the back of another Transit in the middle of the road. 2," Julie nodded towards Sue-2, "was nearly run over before some pedestrians got us off the road. A passing police car stopped and the policeman and woman booked us on indecency charges, they wouldn't listen about what had happened to us. It was a small group of football fans who gave us their shirts and let us use their mobile phones. We called the Academy and they said they'd send someone to get us. The fans took us to their hotel and fed us while we waited. The Admiral came and got us. He said he'd be looking after us from then on," she looked at me. "The Admiral tried to get us justice and was stopped every time by the police. He told us that you would be asking him for help soon and that we should go to you and help you." She looked at the broken women she sat with, "Well here we are, though I don't know what good we can do."

Oh I did, I knew exactly how they could, and would, help me. I now had five highly intelligent, trained, top of their class, staff officers, to generate and plan my offensive against Huntley. The corrupt police forces had even provided all of the motivation that these women would need. They'd fight for the rest of their lives after what they'd been through. All I had to do was give them guidance and resources. They'd provide the skills we lacked and Prof was my line to about 2000 older, but highly trained Special Forces, and more importantly experienced, warriors. This is the point that my offensive actually starts.

I noticed that Jenny was getting more uncomfortable by the minute. "Jenny, get comfortable, you're with friends, they'll understand."

She looked at me for a moment and then almost ripped her clothes off. Naked at last, she rubbed her skin trying to rid herself of the confinement she'd felt in those so ordinary clothes.

"One thing that Madam Rhea told me just before I was sealed into that case was a name. She said, 'tell the Baron I bought you from Inspector Bryant.' She said you'd know what to do."

That gave me a name, and another entry point into their organisation. I didn't know yet which of the constabularies he worked for. But I would find out.

"Thank you Jenny, I do know what to do with his name. Now, ladies, why don't you go back to your suite and get comfortable. When you're ready let one of the servants know and they'll bring you to me where ever I am."

Prof and I watched them leave.

When the door had closed Prof looked at me, "I heard about those officers, three Lieutenant- Commanders and two Majors, one was supposed to have been killed and the others raped and tortured. Five promising women destroyed."

"Well those five women are going to be our General Staff officers in my war against Huntley and his like." I replied.

"And me?" he asked.

I smiled.

"How many of the old teams do you keep in contact with?" I asked him.

Then it was Prof's turn to smile.

"And Prof, find out who this Inspector Bryant is, who he works for, everything you can find out about him, everything." Prof looked at me with a gleam in his eyes, here was more useful work, and work he specialised in.

"Sure thing Frosty," he answered with a smile.

-------

I swam easily, I'd completed my lengths, and was now swimming to relax my mind and think. Things were running round in my mind, just out of reach. Important things, things I had to let surface because I needed them.

Cars!

I pondered this for nearly six lengths.

Communications!

I was on the cusp of something important, this I knew. I just had to let my subconscious play with these two words for a bit.

Eyes!

This made me stop and stand up in the water. Eyes? I looked around me, then, as though my eyes had opened, it started to become clearer.

We needed eyes on the streets, eyes who would tell us what the police were doing. We needed to be able to track the police's vehicles so we'd know where they were and where they were going, and had been. We needed to be able to listen in on the police's communications while stopping them listening in on ours.

I swam to the poolside and pulled myself out of the water, almost running to my new office. Melissa, Umber and Alina raced after me, Umber and Alina hurriedly snatching up towels.

I added my three words to the notes already on the whiteboard, then I started adding notes below each word while Umber and Alina dried me.

I stared at my notes, I'd got the main headings but something was wrong. I sat and stared for a long, long time before I realised that I'd misunderstood the 'eyes' heading. We wouldn't be able to get enough actual people to watch all of the police and road traffic stations. I added that as a note at the bottom of 'Eyes'.

But did we need real people watching? I'm sure I could find lots of people willing to do that, but each one would be in terrible danger. No, I was sure that I really noticed something else. Something that we could use, something that would give us all of the information we needed without putting anyone in the police's firing line.

It would be nice if we could put cameras up everywhere so we could just film them.

But there were cameras everywhere. There were speed cameras and civil surveillance cameras absolutely everywhere. Britain has more cameras focused on the public per head of population than any other country in the world. I'd heard that they were all being changed over from using real film to digitally recording the images. These digital images were then transferred to the central offices via mobile phone data links.

Now if we could hack into...

What's the betting...

"Karolina!" I called.

Only two minutes later she knelt in front of me. "Yes, me Master."

I sat in front of my computer, "what's the intranet URL for your Gatso link?" I asked, my fingers poised over the keyboard.

She smiled, "https://cam.myboss.int/index.php me Master."

I typed the URL in and seconds later a map of the UK was displayed with each police area delineated clearly. There were other buttons below which I saw gave me access to the different databases holding traffic and number plate data.

This was going to be a gold mine for us.

"Can I cross link this data with the DVLA list of tax disks issued free of charge?" I asked.

Karolina, thought for a moment, "Yes, me Master, need little tweak for to link databases."

"Do it as soon as possible Karolina, and let me know when it's done." I ordered.

She looked shocked, "Me Master, it be do'd soonest me shift arse back in office."

"So perhaps you'd better get back to your office then." I said with a smile.

"Yes, me Master," she said rising.

"But give me a hug and kiss before you go."

Karolina almost fell into my arms, we kissed and she hugged me tightly, holding on to me as though her life depended on my support.

"I've missed you, Karolina precious." I told her.

"This girl miss me Master too. This girl want be with Master, be happy with Master and Mistress." I felt a tear drop onto my chest. I felt like crying too.

Sadly I watched her leave, to return to her office, and her project.

I turned back to the computer monitors. I now had huge amounts of data. I just needed to turn that data into information.

No, I reminded myself, my staff needs to turn that data into information. With a last look at the screen I sighed and closed down the computer.

-------

My new 'staff' were brought to the pool. I was swimming, Cilla and Nigel sunbathing, David playing on his DSI beside them under a sunshade. Cecy and Amile sat at the poolside, their feet dangling in the cool water.

Loungers were brought out for the five women but Carol, seeing how the rest of us were dressed, or rather undressed, slipped out of her clothes, slid off her wheel chair and, gratefully slipped into the water. Soon she was matching me length for length.

Her colleagues sat on the loungers until they began to feel a little 'over dressed' and they too, nervously, undressed. I don't know if the casual acceptance of their nudity surprised them or annoyed them. But they too soon settled down and started to relax a little.

My lengths finished I lifted myself to the pool's side and watch Carol swim. Her strong arms powered her through the water easily. I knew that only a little actual propulsion was generated by leg action. The legs being mainly used to stabilise the body and help the shoulders remain in their correct position. But, legs or not, Carol was at home in the water.

Standing, I accepted Umber and Julia's quick rub down with soft towels. Almost dry, I sat on my lounger facing the nervous women.

"You'll get used to it." I told them.

"To what?" asked Sue-2.

"Our lifestyle, being nude most of the time."

Jenny nodded, I knew she felt uncomfortable and constricted when dressed. She was happier nude. My Susan used to feel like that too.

"You'll also see a lot of things that you may that may surprise you, shock you even." I continued.

"Screwing and such?" asked Julie.

"Ooohhhhh yyyyeeeaaahhhh!!" said Amile, her voice dripping with lust. "Hey Paul, gonna come fuck me again?"

Cecy absent-mindedly hit Amile with her paper, "calm down you horny beast. Can't you see Paul is talking to his new ladies?"

"Sorry mama," Amile said, thought she didn't actually sound very sorry.

""So you should be. Anyway, Paul can fuck you later, after he's fucked me."

"Mama!" exclaimed Amile, "I asked first."

I turned away from Cecy and Amile's squabble over who I would fuck, and possibly more importantly who first, and turned back to the ladies again.

"Is it always like this?" Julie asked.

"Like what?" asked Carol, swinging herself up into her chair.

Julie nodded towards Cecy and Amile, "these ... ladies, have just been arguing as to whom the Baron should err ... fuck ... first."

Carol looked across at Cecy and Amile, "Is he a good fuck then?" she called across to them.

"Can't remember," answered Cecy, "send him over to refresh my memory.

"Mind's a blank," replied Amile. "Give him to me for a day or so and I'll let you know."

"Well Baron, you seem to have made a hit with at least those two, what's your secret?"Carol asked with a laugh.

"Granddad is kind and tries to help everyone." David answered for me. He looked fiercely at the women with me, defying them to say anything against me.

"We're all wondering why your ... Grandfather," Julie looked sharply at me then, "is so popular with the ladies here. We aren't going to cause any trouble, promise."

"Granddad?" queried Sue-2.

"Honorary." I answered.

"You sounded young, though Susan thinks that you're about 45-ish." Sue-2 continued. "When I get the chance to 'see' you, I'll make up my own mind. I'm quite good at estimating ages; I feel things that sighted people don't really see."

I moved over and sat beside her. Sue-2 sat up when she heard me start to move and was ready for me as I sat. Her hands were gentle but didn't miss anything. She even asked me to turn around and felt the back of my head and down my back. She turned me round again and ran her fingertips over my chest.

"Hey!" cried a voice that I'd missed so much, Sasha was back. "I thought that sort of thing was my job."

I stood and hugged my lady love, she felt so good in my arms. "Missed you my precious," I said into her ear.

She buried her face into my shoulder, "Missed you too, man of mine."

We just stood holding each other for a long, long moment.

"Perhaps we'd better..." started Susan.

"Oh no," interrupted Cecy, "stay and watch, everyone else does. Sometimes they get really hot too." She continued excitedly. "Once they even did it on the dining room table during..."

"Mother, dearest," Sasha interrupted, "I'm sure these ladies don't really want to know about that."

"I'll tell you later," Cecy stage whispered.

"Now, Mister, I want to get comfortable." Sasha kissed me and stepped back.

Bee left Nigel and Cilla, kissed David and came over to me. Her eyes were sparkling with delight and she seemed relaxed for the first time.

"Thank you Paul, thank you so much." Bee said, then she kissed me.

"We'll tell you all about it at dinner," called Sasha as she walked away.

Bee followed her.

Well, I thought, it looks like their trip to London was a success.

"So," said Julie, "it is always like this. OK," she continued, "I can live with that."

I looked back at the five women, "I think we'd better postpone our talk until the morning. As you know Sasha has been away for a couple of days and I doubt that we'd get anything serious done today at least."

They all nodded or murmured their agreement.

I stood, kissed Cecy and Amile, then followed Sasha into the Chateau.

-------

Sasha and I arrived a little late for dinner, though I'm sure that Cecy didn't really expect us to be on time. When we entered the room though, it was immediately obvious that dinner had been put back a few minutes. Probably to accommodate us I thought. As we strolled over to Cecy and Bee, I noticed that Bee handed something to Cecy, trying to keep it hidden from us, well Sasha anyway.

"How much?" I whispered to Bee.

"Twenty, though thanks to Sasha, I can easily afford that and much more." Bee replied.

"Tell me more," I said, interested in what had happened.

"Later," said Sasha.

Moments later we were called to the table.

The soup was a surprisingly good Oxtail. I had just lifted the second spoonful to my lips when Cecy spoke out. "Come now Sasha, Bee, don't keep us in suspense any longer. What happened?"

Bee laid down her spoon, sure that she was going to miss a lot of her dinner and looked around at us.

"We were due to start the meeting at 1 o'clock London time. Of course the plane got us there very early and our taxi had no difficulty getting us to the Mall well in time. Sasha decided to go to her office for a few minutes; I went into the hotel to have a light lunch while I waited." She sipped some of her soup.

"At ten to one, Sasha hadn't shown up and I was getting worried. But a nice man came over and said that he was Sasha's colleague, Nigel Morton, and he'd be with me until Sasha arrived."

We all looked at Sasha, she just smiled to herself as she slowly sipped at her soup.

"Well Mr. Morton accompanied me into the meeting room, it was a very large room and I was surprised at how big it was. I began to wonder how many people would be at our meeting. Well, some gentlemen arrived; they obviously knew Mr, Morton as they just nodded to him and sat down at the big table. I assumed that they were the officers from the Serious Fraud Squad."

Bee took another spoonful of soup.

"Then the bankers," a word Bee pronounced as though it should have been spelt with a 'W', "arrived. There were over twenty of them. They sat at the top of the table, the one I'd dealt with most came over to Mr. Morton, he almost sneered at him. I was quite surprised at how Mr. Morton kept his temper, the banker was quite insulting. 'So you've agreed to represent this deluded woman, have you?' Then he laughed out loud in Mr. Morton's face." Bee was, even now, quite shocked by this. "'You're stupid, you know that, don't you?' The banker said. Then he returned to the others, still laughing. His friends seemed to think that this was worth a good laugh too." Bee shook her head, we could see that she was reliving the events, going over each detail, picking out every nuance that she could.

"Mr. Morton said that we should take our seats now and he led me to the other end of the table and sat me next to one of his friends. Mr. Morton sat opposite me. He left the chair at the end of the table empty." Bee smiled to herself, "One of the bankers asked Mr. Morton who he worked for, 'what cowboy outfit do you come from, boy?' he said." Bee lifted another spoon of soup to her lips. The rest of us were already captivated by her story.

Bee looked round at us, "'He comes from my little outfit!' said Sasha. She'd arrived as I took my seat and the bankers had been too busy watching me to notice her. Sasha sat at the end of the table and glared down the table at them. 'And who are you?' One of them asked. 'I, ' Sasha replied, looking at each of the group, 'am Dempsey.' Well I could see that, that name didn't please them at all, oh no, they weren't very happy at all now. The one who'd asked me who I'd get to represent me, and then sneeringly suggested 'Dempsey'? Well, he went so grey I was worried that he'd had a heart attack. They started whispering amongst themselves and some of them got quite irate, especially with their leader. Then Sasha said, 'I've just laid complaints of fraud against you eight gentlemen, by name, and now these gentlemen from the Serious Fraud Office are going to receive copies of my proofs.' Sasha slid a pack of my documents across to the policemen."

Bee chuckled to herself, obviously enjoying her revenge on the men who'd tried to destroy her reputation and career.

"Then three of the bankers got up, 'I told you I'd resign as your legal representative if this looked like it was going to court, ' one said. They just walked out. Now the bankers were really arguing." Bee sipped a little more soup, our soup bowls had already been cleared. "Then Sasha shouted at them, 'QUIET!' Oh, you should have seen their faces, like naughty schoolboys caught smoking behind the bike shed. Then Sasha looked at each of them, staring them in their faces, 'Now we have the question of your deliberate attack on Ms Williams reputation.' Sasha slid some documents down the table. I want a full, written apology and £50 Million.' I couldn't believe I'd heard her correctly, 50 million pounds!" Bee's smile took on a harder edge as she remembered the verbal and financial knife being slipped in between her enemies ribs.

"'50 MILLION POUNDS!' exclaimed the leader. Sasha just looked a little puzzled. 'You don't like £50 million? OK then, £75 million.'" Bee looked round the table, "You should have seen the looks they gave her, and the way that they glared at their leader. 'but... ' he started to say something but Sasha cut him off, '£100 million.' They shut up then. They just stared at her, they couldn't believe what they'd just heard. Then one of the remaining lawyers stood up. 'I suggest that you agree while Ms Dempsey is being nice to you. You'll really get fucked if you try to argue with her. By the way, I quit too.' And he walked out."

Bee let the servant change her soup bowl for the dinner plate and accepted a small portion of salmon.

"Then the bankers started to sign the documents that Sasha had given them. 'Thank you gentlemen. Please remember this if you ever feel like defrauding the tax payers or want to silence an inconvenient expert again. Next time, I'll really make you pay, ' said Sasha. That made all of them go completely white." Bee shook her head, and gave a small laugh, "though I was feeling quite shocked myself by then. Then a number of uniformed policemen entered the room and all eight of the bankers were arrested. Sasha looked at the remaining lawyers, 'I have also laid a complaint against you gentlemen for malpractice. You were duty bound to advise your clients against their actions, and to report their criminal activities to the court when you became aware of them. I think that you will be hearing from the Law Society within a day or so.' Well, that really shook them up. Within moments there were only Sasha, Mr Morton and I left in the room." Bee looked at us in turn, "I hadn't said a word, not a single word. Sasha just destroyed them. Destroyed them like they'd tried to do to me."

Cecy started clapping, "Well done Sasha! Very well done. And you too Bee, it must have been awful for you to face them again."

We all joined in with the applause. I looked at my lady love, I'd never heard about how she conducted her business, I did know that she rarely had to actually go to court; things were usually sorted out well before then.

"Aren't you proud of me?" Sasha asked me.

"I'm proud of you for just being you, my precious. I'm proud of you for who you are. Nothing could make me prouder. I think that you are wonderful and I know you are kind. Now I also know that you'll fight for someone who can't fight for them self. You deserve

your reputation as the finest practicing solicitor in Europe. It was your mind that I fell in love with." I answered.

"And my body?" she asked pressing as much of it against me as she could.

"Oh that's not too shabby either."

"Ummm ... I'll have to think about that before I let you play with it again."

"Ohh goody, Melissa, Mistress is giving us more time with our Master. YIPPPEEEEE!!!"

Sasha and I looked down at Umber, who smiled innocently up at us.

"Yes Master?" she asked, the hardness of her nipples giving lie to the innocence of her voice.

"Hhhuuummmmppppppp!" said Sasha.

I'm not totally certain, but I don't think Sasha's pleased with this.

"Something wrong, Sasha dearest?" asked Harold.

"Yes Daddy, how on earth can I cut off Paul's conjugal rights, when he's got 14 slaves all panting to jump his bones at any time of day or night?"

Harold looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Ummm, hard one that," he looked down at Umber, "well not very hard after she gets to work on it. Nope, no idea." He shrugged, "Ask me one on sport, I know a little bit about sport."

"MOTHER!" exclaimed Sasha, "Will you do something with your husband!"

"Oh yeah!" Cecy almost jumped into Harold's lap. Grabbed his head and gave him a searing kiss. I could almost feel the heat of their passion from here.

Sasha looked at me while Cecy and Harold showed us younger ones that they still had plenty of life in them yet.

Julie looked up at me from across the table, "tell me Baron, did your mother train you in the usual dining room etiquette? You know, the little things like, don't throw your food on the floor; don't eat with your fingers; don't fuck your slaves on the table, that sort of thing."

I thought for a minute, "Think she might have missed the last bit," I replied honestly.

"Thought she might have," agreed Julie.

-------

Karen was waiting for me, kneeling by my bed, when I went into my bedroom.

"Master, I did as you ordered, I told the two women whose work I have concerns about, that they had one week to improve or they would be fired." She looked up at me as though I were a supernatural being, "It was just as you said, Master. They were terrified, freewomen terrified of a lowly slave like me. I thought that one of them would wet herself in fright. All day they've been really trying, they've both improved a lot. If this keeps up then I'll soon be able to use some of their work."

"What do you do with it now?" I asked.

"Oh I can sell most of it, some I don't think is good enough to put my name on, but I can usually sell all that they make."

I understood, while the women's work might not be good enough for Karen's own uses, there were a lot of companies which would pay for Karen's seconds. Using, almost, the same cloth as the senior designer of June's Lingerie Designs used was enough to double the wholesale cost of the garments, quadruple the retail costs.

Sasha snuggled up beside me as I spoke to Karen.

"Have you thought about expanding your workshop yet, you'll need more room for when you get your extra lace makers?" Sasha asked.

Karen looked worried, "I don't know what to do for that, Mistress."

Sasha leaned down and held her hand, "Why should you know things like that? I don't. But I know someone who knows where to get people who know all about that sort of thing."

"But, Mistress, where would this girl get to know such a person?" Karen almost wailed.

Sasha pointed at me, "You ask your Master, remember you are his slave. It is your Master's job to get you the things to do your work."

Karen's eyes fixed on me, "My Master, please will you ask someone to help me get a better workshop. I do need space," she looked down at the floor, "a lot more space."

"I'll call Mandy tomorrow, she'll know the right person for you to speak to. We'll get someone here as soon as we can."

"Thank you Master. Thank you Mistress. This girl thanks you both."

"Well, get to bed now and think about the new garments I've asked you for." I said, kindly I hoped.

"Yes Master." But she was already running away.

I smiled to myself as she left.

"Looks like you too had fun the last few days." Said Sasha as she kissed my shoulder.

"Oh yes," I replied. As we got ready for bed, I told her briefly about what had happened here at the Chateau. Holding my love in my arms, I slept.

-------

For once dressed, jeans and tee-shirt, but still dressed, I strode into my office. I felt great, Overnight I'd had another couple of ideas about how we could deal with the corruption we faced. I'd suggest these to my staff, but leave them to actually make the detailed plans.

I made sure that the seating arrangements were ready and that my whiteboards with my notes and pictures on them were all visible. The knock came nearly five minutes later.

Settling the women into their chairs, then pointing out the tea and coffee pots only took a couple of minutes more.

"Well ladies, do you want a synopsis first and then the whole story, or just the whole story?"

"The whole thing," replied Sue-2 immediately.

I looked at each of the others.

Carol shrugged, "2's Intel, she needs to know everything. We'll listen in, it'll help us, but 2 really does need everything you've got."

I smiled to myself, they were calling her Sue-2, or just 2 now, thanks to me and an off the cuff joke. Well, that's how the best nicknames get started.

"Well, one Friday, quite some time ago, I won the Euromillions lottery..."

-------

It was very late that evening when we finally finished the initial briefing session. We were all tired, Carol's stumps hurt and 2 was bruised from walking into chairs and tables. Umber told Jill to help her.

This had prompted Carol to ask Umber who she was.

"I'm the Baron's Chief Body slave," stated Umber proudly.

"And what do you do for your master?" asked Susan.

"Only two things," answered Jenny before Umber could speak.

"Oh?" prompted Carol.

"Yes, two things," repeated Jenny looking closely at Umber, "anything and everything."

I saw Umber smile at the acknowledgement of her position.

"Everything?" queried Carol.

Jenny looked at her friend, "Carol, you have just no idea, yes, everything."

"But I thought he was engaged to the Countess?" queried Carol.

Jenny just looked at her.

"I see, that comes under the heading of everything, doesn't it?" Carol said after a few moments thought.

Jenny just nodded, then it was time for us to resume the briefing.

-------

June was ready to give me a massage when I got back to my bedroom.

"No June, go and see if the women want a massage first." I said quickly.

"Master, your general staff are being cared for by local girls. Girls I have been training in the arts of massage. Your staff will enjoy their treatment." June said with a smile.

"Oh good, then please begin." I really was looking forward to this massage.

June left me sleepy, and I gladly slipped into my bed and welcomed sleep.

-------

There were messages waiting for me when I arrive in my office the next morning. Mandy was going to send an architect from Paris to see us. He had a good reputation and, apparently he'd been trying to get some work from C&C for some time.

Messages of support and availability were arriving from the old comrades. No one sent a 'not interested' note.

But it was the headlines in the papers that worried me the most.

COUNTY POLICE STATION BOMB

15 Dead! Police hunt for psycho pedo Paul Winters

Now that didn't look good at all.



-------

Chapter 78

I showed the headlines to Harold and Cecy.

"Looks like you're going to have to stay here a little bit longer," said Cecy. "Good, we like having you here, you're fun."

Harold looked at the headline and muttered under his breath for a moment. "I wondered when they'd try something like this." We all looked at him in surprise. "Paul, this is something that you'd never even think of. They blew up the police station themselves. I'll bet the ones who died were honest cops, or ones that they wanted to punish for some reason."

I thought about this for a couple of seconds. "You mean that they killed these people themselves?" Harold nodded.

I couldn't believe these people, how could they just slaughter innocents? The people who did this had to die and as soon as possible.

My staff came in then. Carol picked up a paper as she passed the table. Jenny just glanced at the headline and tossed her copy back.

Carol looked at the paper and then me, "But you were here for the last four days at least." She seemed bewildered as to what to think. If that was the level of clarity of thought that she would give me, especially after her experiences with the Morrisons, then perhaps she isn't really suitable for me.

"They're LYING!" Carol was fuming, "The bastards are LYING!" Carol seemed to be really shocked at this revelation. I watched her face as reality dawned. "Nearly everything's been a lie, hasn't it? We can't trust anything we read," she dropped the paper as though it'd just turned into a viper. "Who can we trust?" she asked plaintively.

"Him," Jenny pointed at me from the breakfast buffet, "I trust him. Madam Rhea said I could, and she was right."

Susan looked at me, almost studying me to see what made me so trustworthy.

"But why him?" 2 asked.

Jenny looked at her, "2, you're my dearest friend. Memories of you kept me going when I was in a solitary pen. Trust me in this, please trust me. When they moved me to the main pen the slaves were all talking." She nodded towards me, "they were talking about him; the Bastard Baron. You've never seen a slave being called to serve a master or mistress, not at Madam Rhea's. We always wondered if they'd come back. Sometimes they came back ... but that could be ... worse. Then we tried to help them. They'd been to the hospital, but how do you put a mind in plaster, how do you stitch up a soul? We didn't know, so we talked about the Baron, what would the Baron do to the master who did these things, what revenge would he give us? We heard about a puppy, about to be drowned, but saved by the Baron."

"A PUPPY!" exclaimed Julie, "what the fuck's this got to do with a dog?"

"Julie, a puppy isn't a dog. It's a boy or girl who's being trained for animal sex. If they can't get a dog puppy to bond with them, then they're drowned with the rest of the unmatched dogs. That's why they're called 'puppies'." Jenny explained patiently, to the obvious horror of her friends.

"Anyway," Jenny continued, "while the puppy was saved, the daughter of the favourite was put to a horrible death. That's what they said, that's what they all believed, I don't know if it's true, but I believed it."

"It is true Jenny. I'm the puppy who was saved. I was a bag carrier for the girls, three other girls were saved too, but the Baron's enemies made one girl kill herself and our sister. Her mother is still with the Baron, Lynne is that girl's name. And now look at me, I was a failed puppy and am now a body slave, the chief body slave, with a collar which shows my status and my Masters wealth. My Master is the Baron, this girl is happy to be a slave of the Baron." Umber surprised us all with the strength and ferocity of her statement. No one could deny her feelings in this matter.

"So it's true then," Jenny whispered, "it's really true." She looked at me with awe, "Master..."

"Jenny, you're free, you don't have to call me 'Master'." I tried to be kind, I knew how much it must have cost her to use that, once hated, word again."

"I..." she hesitated for a second.

"Jenny..." Susan hissed, "what are you doing?"

Jenny turned and smiled to her friend, "I'm not doing what I want to do. I want. to give myself to him as slave, but not yet. He's given me the greatest gift a slave can get, my freedom. He gave it freely and willingly. You cannot know how rare that is. Masters do not free their slaves." She smiled, a rueful smile as she obviously remembered friends who'd gone, "And I don't know of any slave who'd willingly forgo their freedom to remain enslaved."

Umber looked up, "Freewoman Jenny, I have."

Melissa stepped forward, "This girl has too."

Jill stepped away from the wall where she waited to serve, "This girl gave herself into the Baron's enslavement."

Jenny looked at the smiling, friendly faces surrounding her. Slaves who'd been given the choice and remained enslaved. Slaves who delighted in their choice, their enslavement. "Then perhaps I am one of the luckiest slaves in the world. And one of the unluckiest Freewomen too."

I collected my breakfast and sat in my usual place. Umber knelt beside me, hoping to be fed. Jill came and knelt on the other side.

Taking a little bacon I slipped it into Jill's mouth. Her lips caressed my finger tips as she accepted this titbit. In her turn, Umber licked my fingers clean before she'd let them go.

Jenny turned from the breakfast buffet and watched for a few moments. Then she dropped her plate down amongst the food trays and, crying, fled from the room.

Julie looked at the slowly closing door, "what was that about?"

Cecy looked across at her. "Julie, it is a high honour for a slave to be fed from their master's plate, by their master himself. Paul is feeding two of his slaves, one of the highest and one of the lowest. Neither you nor I could tell the difference in these slaves statuses, but take it on trust that Jenny can. And she saw too, that she too could have been so honoured. As she said, luckiest slave, unluckiest freewoman."

Subdued, Julie resumed eating. 2 got up and followed her friend. Jill stood, looked at the piece of egg I was about to give her, and sighed. Then she ran after 2 to ensure she didn't hurt herself as Umber had ordered her.

Cecy looked at me thoughtfully for a long time. "Soon they'll be 15." She said quietly.

Breakfast was quiet that morning. Finished, I looked at the buffet, I gathered some mini baguettes, butter, ham and cheese, together on a tray. A pot of coffee too. These I took with me into my office. I put them on a small table beside my desk.

A few minutes later the women came in. Jenny red-eyed from crying. I waved them to their places around the meeting table. When Jenny seemed to be settled I brought the tray round and placed it in front of her and 2. "You two have to eat. You have a lot of work to do today and you need your food."

A tear splashed onto my wrist as I put the tray down.

"Thank you master," Jenny said quietly.

"But Jenny, I'm not your master, you're free."

She looked up at me, "Baron, you may not be my master, but I'll never again be free."

I started the briefing again. Today was to be mainly a question and answer session. And 2 had lots of questions. Jenny ate her breakfast, slowly, as though savouring every mouthful.

I watched her carefully. Perhaps Cecy was right, I thought, soon there'd be 15.

-------

Sasha joined us midmorning, she sat beside me while we had coffee.

"What are these?" she asked tugging at my jeans.

"Jeans," I said, "they're a bit like trousers but last longer."

She gave me a look. "I know they're jeans, but what are they doing on you?"

"I thought I would get dressed this morning." What else could I say?

"Hummmph!" Sasha was good at Hummmphing, she did things with her body when she Hummmphed, she set her breasts jiggling very sexily. And as she was naked, I had a very sexy lady to watch while she Hummmphed.

"That was nice," I said, "do it again."

She looked down at her breasts, "Hummmph."

"You are so sexy, lady of mine." I kissed her and caressed her breast.

"Thank you master." She snuggled against me, ensuring that her breast was free for me to hold.

All too soon 2 stood up, "Boss, when you drove up..." and so it started again. Sasha left soon after.

-------

"Boss, I think we've got most of what we need from you now. We'll start with Bee tomorrow. Debriefing Bee will take about three days and then Ms Dempsey wants us to talk with Lynne, Karolina and Ela." Carol looked up from her notes. 2 had been remembering everything. But she also had copies of the other's notes and video recordings of these sessions too.

Dog tired, I almost crawled off to my bed. June was waiting with the massage pad, and a smile, for me. Gratefully, I lay on the pad and closed my eyes.

Cries of ecstasy woke me. A light cover had been placed over me, though it was not really needed in the warmth of the bedroom. Sasha was arched upwards, desperately trying to press her sex harder into Jill's fingertips, her head thrown back and making guttural noises as she climaxed.

I noticed Menolly standing by the wall watching her charge carefully. Her eyes sparkling with her delight in Sasha's pleasure. Menolly seemed to lean forward slightly, as though by willpower alone she could heighten Sasha's peak. Watching her, I saw what Paula must have seen, Menolly would be a perfect choice as Sasha's bodyguard.

Girls surrounded Sasha now, wiping her clean with damp cloths, drying her, covering her as she fell asleep. I leant over her and gently kissed my love's forehead. "Sleep tight my precious one. I love you."

Sasha mumbled something back and I watched as her body relaxed into her deepening sleep.

I felt refreshed and ready for the day ahead, but seeing the clock, I realised it was still early evening. Well, I thought, in that case I've got time to do some more work. The walk to my office was quiet and I believed I was alone, until I turned and spotted Umber and Alison trailing me. Both smiled at me when they saw me watching them. I waited until they caught up with me, then looked down at them as they waited patiently for me to continue.

I smiled at them too and continued my walk. I hadn't really thought that I'd be allowed to come this far without one of my girls in attendance. Who knows what I could get up to if I was left on my own? Mind you, with these girls I had no idea of what I could get up to with them. They were willing to do anything for, or with, me. Maybe I'd have less opportunity for misbehaviour alone than I would with two or three of these girls. That thought made me laugh out loud. I wonder what Umber and Alison thought about their Master laughing at nothing?

In the office I saw that my desk had been rearranged. There were now three IN trays. One with my C&C work piled high in it. That was over to the far left. On the right of that, tray number two held a single folder. To the right of that was an empty tray. Sitting, I could read the labels on the trays. In order, left to right they said 'BORING', 'INTERESTING' and 'WOW, LOOK AT THIS'.

I wondered who'd had this simple but brilliant idea to help me prioritise my work. Now as the work came in, day or night, if it didn't have to be seen there and then, it could just be placed into the correct tray and I'd see it when I came into the office.

I picked up the 'Wow, Look at This' folder.

Inspector Bryant. Prof had found him, or rather her. She was in the Thames Valley Police based at their headquarters in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. She was too young and inexperienced, in real police work that is, for the post she held. I put the folder down for a moment and made a note, perhaps this could help us identify the people we should be interested in, lack of real experience for the post and very quick progression through the ranks.

I looked at the picture Prof had provided. Her eye gave her away instantly, cold, lifeless, not an ounce of humanity in there at all. This woman would torture her own children for entertainment, and then wonder why they left home as soon as they could. I'd be willing to bet that she was a certifiable psychopath. It was all in her eyes.

This woman needed to go to Cher's, besides, I still owed her 97 pence. Inspector Nancy Bryant would drop that to 96 pence.

I lifted the phone and dialled.

Prof answered on the second ring, "I'm looking at her now Frosty, cold bitch ain't she? You want her picked up?"

"As soon as possible Prof." I answered, wondering how he knew it was me and what I wanted. But we didn't call him 'Prof' for his looks alone.

"That's good 'cos we're just getting on the plane. And I tell you, she wasn't happy about being lifted. She'd just been promoted to Chief Inspector. Ain't she a high flier?" he finished with a laugh.

"Bring her in Prof, and be careful with that one, I don't like her eyes."

"With you on that one Frosty, if you don't like them in her photo, just wait until you see the real thing, man, she is one cold bitch."

Having nothing more to say, Prof hung up.

I looked at the phone, I knew Prof would be an asset. Now he's showing what we all saw in the Provinces during the troubles. Prof was a very capable warrior. He just didn't like to take on too much responsibility. Something like this though, for five of the new RN and RM officers, well, he'd just force himself a little.

"Umber," I asked without looking up, "who rearranged my desk?"

"Alison did Master. She asked if she could and I gave my permission. Did I do wrong Master?"

I looked up and smiled at her. "No, neither of you did wrong. Please tell Alison that she's my office manager for a trial period, of..." I thought for a few moments, "three months. She can ask Jill for any help that she needs, or just to get a feeling for what I will most likely want from her. I'll see how she does the job."

"Yes Master, Alison will be honoured by your trust Master."

"Well if she can have simple, but good, ideas like these trays, then she should help organise my office. It'll really help me when I'm working."

I picked up the next document pack from the BORING tray. One for Mandy, this one was one of the government's schemes. I read through the proposals, making a couple of changes, mainly in the specifications of heat and sound insulation. And I changed the prime building contractor back to C&C. I made a note on the pack front for Sasha's team to inspect all of the government's scheme proposals very carefully. I didn't want either C&C or me to be implicated in any way with corruption and fraud.

The next three packs were all the same, minor changes which could have awarded contracts to friends or relations of MPs and Ministers. Well, if they wanted to do that they could do it without me. We'd warned them that if we didn't like their proposals then they'd have to do them on their own.

I yawned, tired enough to sleep now. I stood up, "come on girls, let's get to bed." Umber and Alison almost jumped up and followed me out of the office. Another day done.

-------

Prof was eating his breakfast when I entered the breakfast room. He and Cecy were talking animatedly about painting. I knew that there was some very nice artwork here, a few famous pieces too. So he should have a good time looking round the Chateau.

"Ah Frosty, they've let you out of bed at last." He greeted me with a grin.

Umber and Alison were standing just behind me, I wondered if they had smiled at that.

"Morning Prof, any difficulty getting her here?" I said, still a little sleepily. The girls had been a little ... energetic last night.

"Not a one Frosty, not a one. We were waved through customs and immigration with smiles and 'Yes Sirs' and 'No Sirs' all the way. Even the aircraft crew didn't say a word about us bringing our luggage into the cabin."

"Where is she now?"

"Put her into that room we used last time. It was large enough for you to do whatever you want to."

I smiled. That was great, Cher's helicopter could land in its usual place and Bryant could be taken straight out to her fate.

"I'll call Cher after breakfast and tell her about her new toy."

"You selling her to Madam Rhea?" asked Jenny, surprised.

"Oh yes." I replied. "nothing but the best for this one."

"Can I..." she hesitated, looking down at her plate, reddening, "can I see her?"

"Of course you can, freewoman." I replied. "Come with me after breakfast."

"Jenny..." said Carol. "You don't have to do this."

Jenny turned to her, "You've never asked me what they did to me. The Baron did, I couldn't tell him then, but he asked. You four, my friends never did. Did you think that killing all of my hair was all they did? No, it went much further than that. Rape, we were all raped. Many, many times, torture too. But did they steal your freedom? Did they make you desperately want to be owned and abused? Do you lie awake wondering when someone will order you to ... entertain ... them, and think about what will you have to do? Will the next one you fuck be human or animal, and when the semen is running into your eyes, will you smile as though it's the best thing in the world?"

Jenny looked haunted. We'd all stopped eating and gave her our full attention.

"Carol, they took your legs. You, the best athlete at the academy and they took your legs. No more running, never to jump again. But you swim better than a fish. Your upper body strength is phenomenal. Susan, they cut your skin. But your real beauty is far deeper than that. Nothing can change the beautiful woman that you really are; only you can destroy that with bitterness and hate. Sue, they took your sight. How you hated anything going near your eyes, you wouldn't even wear mascara, you couldn't put in on, could you? And you Julia, proud Julia with the low cut tops, you loved the attention men gave your breasts. You loved men, and women, touching you, loved being touched, kissed, sucked and bitten. How cruel for you to have your pride and joy ripped from your body."

I looked at the four women, they all looked shocked and shamed. Every word was true, they hadn't asked about Jenny, but they'd been too wrapped up in their misery to properly understand that she too had been abused. That the police had found out what Jenny feared most and did that to her. Just because there wasn't any outward sign of abuse didn't mean that she'd escaped.

Jenny looked up at her friends, "She was the one who did this to us, I want to watch as she realises where she's going. I want to watch her face when she hears the Madam call her 'toy' for the first time."

Jenny and I saw that her friends didn't comprehend the meaning of that word.

Jenny continued, "Madam Rhea has slaves and toys. People can pay to... 'play' ... with her toys. I think we all know that sometimes toys get broken. Sometimes toys don't get put back into the toy box."

We stared at the haunted, pained expression on Jenny's face. How many of her fellow slaves, her fellow toys, had been 'taken out of the toy box' and come back broken. Or not come back at all.

I stood, "Come Jenny, we'll call Cher now and tell her she's got another toy to pick up."

Jenny stood and came to my side, she leaned against me, I wrapped my arms round her and hugged her tight. "Jenny, the nightmares will go, I promise you that. They really will go. I know a doctor who can help you, she's a friend of mine. Let me know if you want to see her and I'll call."

Jenny nodded, her cheek rubbing against my chest.

A few minutes later I sat at my desk and dialled Cher's number and put the phone onto speaker.

"So soon?" Cher almost screamed down the phone. "Is Sasha back or do you have another one for me."

"I've got another one for you. She's a bit special..."

"Bryant!" exclaimed Cher. "I really want that one."

"Yes, Bryant." I agreed. "Can you come over this morning?"

Cher laughed, "They started warming the helicopter up as soon as they realised it was you calling. I'll be there in 30 minutes."

"Hurry, I want this one to know what's in store for her. I want the women she trapped to watch her become a toy."

Cher laughed, "Paul, you've got more steel in you than I expected. I'm leaving now, see you soon." And she hung up.

I led the women into the room where Prof was waiting, watching a large trunk.

"Let her out Prof." I said quietly.

He started unsnapping the clasps and soon the polystyrene peanuts surrounding the trapped woman started falling to the floor.

"Let me go, you cunts!" Nancy Bryant was, as might be expected, furious. Though I don't actually think she realised the seriousness of her position. Prisoners shouldn't start screaming at the people who've just released them from locked trunks.

"Someone Sir Gerald knows is coming to pick you up," I said as I helped her up.

"They'd better be here fucking fast then." She turned and saw Prof, "You," she commanded imperiously, "go get me a drink."

Out of Nancy's line of sight, I nodded to Prof.

"Yes, Mi'Lady," he said in the best 'Parker' imitation I've ever heard. Prof shuffled off and returned with a glass of water.

Nancy took a sip and almost exploded. She was apoplectic. "I SAID A FUCKING DRINK, NOT WATER!" she threw the contents of the glass into Prof's face.

"Yes, Mi'Lady," he repeated. He shuffled off again, this time returning with a water glass full of Polish Pure Spirit. I could feel the fumes eating away at my eyes the moment he stepped through the door.

Nancy took a long deep swig from the glass, "Ahhhhh, that's better."

I was impressed. That was undiluted Polish Pure Spirit about 110% proof. It would have melted the socks off any normal human, but Nancy enjoyed it.

"You," she yelled, pointing at me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Umber move forward to destroy the imbecile who dared to talk so to her Master.

"Yes, Mi'Lady?" Prof wasn't the only one who'd been brought up on Thunderbirds.

"Who ordered my capture?" Nancy was sprawled in a chair now, one leg hooked over the arm, heedless of her nudity.

"I don't know Mi'Lady." I lied.

"GET ME A ROBE!" Nancy screamed.

Umber waited for my nod before, reluctantly running to fetch a robe. The rest of us stood looking at Nancy and waiting for Cher's arrival.

Seeing Umber enter with a robe, Nancy stood and held her arms out, waiting to be dressed. As Umber slipped the robe on I watched her eyes focus on the back of Nancy's neck. I could almost feel Umber's desire to bite down hard, to see if she could sever Nancy's spine with her teeth.

Nancy turned to Umber, "You're a pretty thing, perhaps I'll take you home with me and play with you on the way. Your face will look good between my thighs. You do know how to suck a cunt don't you. No matter, you'll learn, or I'll have my fun whipping you to death."

Umber stared impassively at her.

The unmistakeable sound of a helicopter made Nancy turn. "Here comes my ride out of here. I'll let Sir Gerald know how I've been treated, perhaps he'll make your deaths quick ones." She turned to Umber, "Though I think I'll keep you. You're much too pretty to leave for these peons."

I watched as Cher strode into the room, three guards with her today, two men and a woman.

"Ah, Madam Rhea, I hear you've come to rescue me from these fools." Nancy turned to us with a sneer, "You are really going to regret this."

Cher came to me, slipped her coat off and pressed her naked body against mine. "Paul, darling, what have you been telling her?" She cut off my answer with her lips and tongue.

Nancy looked worried, "He said that someone Sir Gerald knows was coming to get me." She turned and looked around her, "and you came, Madam Rhea."

Umber tapped Nancy on her shoulder, stunned by the sudden reversal in her situation, and not yet comprehending her fate, Nancy turned to face the diminutive Umber. Nancy barely saw the small, tightly packed, fist that smashed into her nose, breaking it and smearing the remains across her face.

Nancy flew backwards, landing heavily on her back on the floor. Not yet finished with this fool who would insult her Master, Umber stepped forward, grabbed Nancy's ankles and flipped her onto her front. She grasped the neck of the robe and pulled hard, stripping Nancy again. Umber sank her fingers into Nancy's hair and dragged her to her feet. With a snarl Umber slowly drew back her arm, then unleashed a pile-driver blow into Nancy's solar plexus. I winced as I heard, and felt, the air explode out of Nancy's lungs.

Nancy collapsed onto her knees, her arms wrapped around her stomach, desperately trying to drag air, any air, into her lungs.

Umber's left hand fingers grabbed a handful of hair and lifted Nancy's eyes up to her own. Nancy, still desperately trying to regain her breath could only stare helplessly into Umber's cold mask of fury.

"MY MASTER is the Baron. I am his slave. You are a turd and will respect your betters, starting with ME.

Umber's fist came crashing down into Nancy's jaw, the downward angle of the blow separated Nancy's jaw bone from its connection with the skull, a perfect knockout. Nancy collapsed to the floor. Umber looked at the handful of hair and then up at me.

She came and knelt in front of me, Cher moving to the side to allow Umber to be right in front.

"Master, this girl has struck a freewoman. This girl is ready for her punishment."

Cher's teeth dug into my shoulder as she tried not to laugh.

I tried to look stern, "Naughty girl," I said waving my finger at her, "if you do it again I might think about telling you off."

"This girl will try to restrain herself Master. This girl will understand if her Master desires to change her collar." Now I saw a tear appear in her eye. Being my body slave had been an unbelievable rise in status for Umber. To become the chief body slave had been beyond her wildest dreams. Now she thought that she might lose that treasured position.

With any other Master she might have lost her life.

I lifted her to her feet and turned her to face the others in the room. "This girl is my Chief body slave. If I had a higher position to give her I would. This girl is a favourite of her Master."

Umber blushed and dropped her head as the others started clapping.

Cher leaned forward, "you are a favoured girl. I see why your Master refuses all of my offers for any of you girls. If this man," and Cher nudged me in the ribs, "loses his mind and frees you, come to me, I'll have a responsible job waiting for you anytime you call me."

I looked at Umber as she stood there shocked by this offer. "Any time you wish your freedom dearest Umber, It will be yours."

"Master, this girl owes her very existence to you. This girl cannot be happier than at her Master's side. This girl is proud to be slave of the Baron."

"Then attend me girl, as I deal with this fool." I gestured to the prone Nancy Bryant, lately Police Chief Inspector in the Thames Valley Police Service.

Umber ran over, grabbed Nancy's hair and started dragging her out of the room. Cher's people laughed and went to help her.

"Mistress," said the woman, "please let us do this, it's our job after all." She smiled at Umber which confused her even more.

The two men looked at Umber, "I'll be happy to fight with you at my side Mistress." One said.

"Me too Mistress, where did you learn to that knockout punch, it was classic. Best I've seen in an age," said the other.

Umber stared in wonder at Cher's people as they picked Nancy up and, after making sure that she was breathing properly, they started fitting her into a transportation case for the trip to Cher's brothel.

Em arrived just in time to take a blood sample before the case lid was closed and secured.

"Don't you want to examine her, make sure she's fit enough to be sold?" Cher asked, a smile flitting across her lips.

Em looked down at the bound woman and spat on her, "Couldn't give a shit, Mistress." She said.

Then another of my girls confessed her misdeed to me. "Master, I swore in front of a Freewoman." Em bowed her head, "This girl is ready for her punishment, Master."

This time Cher did laugh out loud, "Paul, you have got to tell me how you do it. How do you get these slaves to love you so?"

"Mistress," Jenny interrupted, "he loves them. I mean he really loves them, you can see it in his eyes, in his touch. These girls mean the world to him. He loves them."

Cher looked at me, "Then why don't you free them?"

It was my turn to laugh, "I've tried, oh God I've tried. For some reason they refused, every time, they refused."

"Every time?" queried Cher, "You've tried to free them more than once?"

I nodded.

"Mistress, HE is the Bastard Baron." said Jenny.

"Is he?" she looked at me, then at Umber and Em. "Yes, I believe you're right Jenny."

Cher looked at me, "I've never met a real hero before." She kissed me, "Nor been fucked by one. But you were goooooooooood." She said pressing her naked body against mine.

Sasha must have entered the room as I was being kissed.

"Hello Cher," she said, "been here long?"

Cher took her time finishing her kiss. "Long enough to find out that Paul is a real life hero."

"Oh," said Sasha "not long then," then she too kissed me.

Sasha looked down at the transport case, "96 pence?" she asked.

"96 pence," answered Cher.

"What are you going to do with her?" asked Carol.

Cher looked at me for a long moment then whispered in Carol's ear. Carol paled and then bent and vomited freely onto the floor.

"That's what I did the first time I heard about ... it ... too," said Cher semi-interestedly, watching Carol heaving and retching.



-------

Chapter 79


Susan, 2, Julie, Jenny and Carol, spent a week debriefing Bee for her financial information and Karolina & Ela for their plans.

They looked exhausted when they'd finished that round of their task. I told them all to have three days off, swim a little, get some sun and relax.

2 was the only one who didn't actually go into the water. She'd sit with her feet dangling in and listen to her friends play, but never ventured any further than that.

"Do you swim, 2?" I asked her. We were both sitting on the pool edge, splashing our feet in the cool water.

2 slowly shook her head. "I'm not a very good swimmer, and I'm frightened that I might lose the side of the pool."

"Not in this one you won't," I said, "hold my hand and come in with me."

Tentatively she held out her hand, I grasped it and lowered her into the water. Of course this was the shallow end, only three feet deep, the deepest point, at the other end of the pool, was nearly eight feet, just under the diving board.

"Now sit down," I told her.

Gingerly 2 sat.

"Dip your head into the water and listen."

Her head was under water for only a few seconds when she shot upwards again a puzzled look on her face. She lay backwards this time, easily floating, her ears under the water.

"You've put underwater speakers in. She sat up, "That's the deep end, the bass sounds are wonderful. The shallow end is there," she pointed again.

"That's right," I agreed, "and when you get a little more used to the sounds and distance, you'll never lose the side, not ever."

2's smile faded and she started to cry. I held her as she sobbed gently. "Why are you doing this for me?" she asked plaintively.

"I do things like this because I like helping people. I feel good when I see someone smile, like you just did when you realised that now you too could swim with us."

"And he likes hugging naked females. He thinks it might get them into his bed," said my darling Sasha.

"Yes." said 2.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Yes, I'll come into your bed whenever you want me to." She relaxed against me. Having decided to make love with me, she no longer felt that she had to 'protect' her body from me.

"Soon, then, when you're ready." I whispered in her ear.

2 lifted my hand to her breast, her nipple was hard under my fingertips, "I think I'm ready now." She answered almost breathlessly. She pressed her abdomen against my erection, "I think you are too."

I lifted her and carried her out of the pool to a patch of grass. Umber saw where I was heading and quickly laid out a blanket for us to lie on.

Slowly, gently, we made love. 2 fumbled a little, unused to doing this sightlessly. She used her fingers a lot, running their tips over my skin, exploring every inch of my body. Where her fingers went, there too went her lips and tongue. She kissed and licked me all over, sucking me deep into her mouth whenever she could.

2 was uninhibited in her lovemaking, as willingly running her tongue over my anus as my lips. When she realised that I wanted access between her legs, she spread them as wide as she could, opening her labia to assist me when I licked her slit and teased her clit. She came twice. Not the thunderous climaxes I was used to with Sasha or my girls, but I doubted that she was truly relaxed with me yet. We had only just started learning each other's bodies. There was time to bring out the full effects of her climax. This was just the start, there was time enough for our love to grow.

Sasha helped Umber clean me, while Jill and Alison cleaned and wiped 2. 2, unused to this sort of intimate treatment jumped a little at the beginning but Jill, who 2 had become very comfortable with, calmed her and explained what was happening and why.

"So," said 2, "this is what the life of a billionaire is like, I'm impressed."

"Yeah, it's great until people start trying to kill you." I answered.

"Well, apart from the assassination attempts of course. And the tax bills." 2 said a little more subdued.

"And the lack of privacy," added Sasha. "Do you know how many people can come into our bedroom while we're in there, maybe screwing? Over twenty! At times it's worse than the Gare du Nord or Saint Pancras. I sometimes wonder if they're giving us marks, like the ice skating or ice dance."

Sasha's Nigel came over that afternoon. 2 was in her office formulating plans with her colleagues; Bee, Cilla, David and Nigel (Williams) were by the pool.

"Paul, paperwork darling," called Sasha.

I tried to bury my head under a handy slave, but they'd all disappeared. I looked round me, they were still there but standing a little way away from me, obviously not wanting to incur Sasha's wrath.

Well there was nothing to do but man up and do it. After all, how long could a little paperwork take?

-------

SIX HOURS!

Six hours examining and signing legal documents and contracts.

And Sasha and her Nigel did this for a living. Nigel even told me he thought this sort of thing was fun! Apart from that obvious insanity, Nigel was a very nice bloke.

Still, at the end of it I owned City & County Financial Services Ltd. Like with all of my companies, I was the majority owner and Chairman, I owned 90% of the company, Bee and Nigel (Williams) 5% each. Nigel (Morton) valued the company at 64 Million pounds. Bee and Nigel were CEO and COO, both with a nice pay rise. I just needed to get FSA approval for their appointments. As C&C Financial was privately owned this wasn't strictly necessary, but it would most certainly help when they audited government, or publicly funded projects.

Nigel also suggested that we approach some of the Banks which still had premises in Lincolns Inn Fields and see about getting another lease, hopefully one close to our current premises.

I signed a letter of intent stating that I was willing to take over one or two leases providing completion occurred within 120 days. Nigel's opinion was that a number of leaseholders on the square were suffering financially and if they could see a face-saving way out of their lease, a number of them might take it.

I thought about this for a while and then had Karolina type up another letter of intent. This one didn't specify how many properties I was willing to take over, just that I was interested in 'a number' of properties.

Let's see how many Nigel can get for me.

This might seem a high risk, but I'm overly cash rich, I need equity now rather than cash. As the market is bottoming out, now is the time to buy into these high end properties. As the government's austerity measures kick in, and the housing schemes I'm developing begin to get moving, prices will start to rise. Confidence will return and companies will, once again be willing to buy leases for prestigious offices in prestigious places like Lincolns Inn Fields.

Then I'll sell the leases, or more probably, sub-lease and rake in an obscene profit.

Now I had to tell Nigel (Williams) and Bee about their new jobs.

"Umber, ask Bee and Nigel, if they will meet me in my office in an hour's time. Sasha and I have something to discuss with them." I ordered.

"Yes Master," Umber called as she ran away.

"Just look at her bum," said Sasha leaning against me, "doesn't that make you want to throw her on the ground and rape her."

"I couldn't rape her."

"No, she'd trip you up and land underneath you with her legs spread."

We kissed, memories of naked Umber fresh in our minds. I knew we'd make love this evening. Umber might even be invited to join us.

-------

Bee and Nigel sat in the chairs Sasha indicated by the coffee table. Piles of forms and contracts lay on my desk ready for signatures.

"Nigel, I've bought out your company and split it into two parts. Your old boss will still run the public facing part, he'll be working for me though and be paid a salary rather than just collecting profits. The other part though, will be concerned with my companies. Bee, I want you to be CEO of the whole business, Nigel, I want you to be the COO. While you'll be responsible for the whole company, your primary responsibility will be will be looking after my personal accounting and the auditing of my companies. Nigel, you'll keep your team, Bee you'll have to set up a new team."

Bee looked thrilled, Nigel thoughtful.

"Baron..." Nigel started.

"Call me Paul or Boss," I interrupted him.

He smiled, "Boss, I hate to start asking for more as soon as you've given me such an opportunity, but I really need more people. There's just too much work for us."

Now it was my turn to smile, "Sasha and I think about four or five more to start with. Maybe more later. However, it's your decision, you're the boss of that team."

They sat and thought for a few minutes.

"Who's on the board?" Bee asked.

"No board, just Nigel as COO, you as CEO and me as Chairman. I get the casting vote. Overall, I'll leave the running of the business to you two. I'll just sit back and watch the profits roll in."

They smiled at that.

"And so will you, you each have a five percent stake in the new firm."

"BUT ... But that's got to be worth..." Nigel was almost speechless.

"That's got to be worth as much to you, as you are to me. I feel that if you too have a stake in the company, you'll work better and be happier. You're not a wage slave any more; you're a stinking fat-cat capitalist, just like me."

"Boss, if we all added our wealth together, we'd still not be anywhere near you." Bee said with a smile. "Even with my newfound wealth."

"So why don't you go and tell your family about your new jobs." I suggested.

"Boss," Nigel was still gobsmacked, "I don't know how..."

"Then don't, just work like you have been doing so far. Remember, you've earned this position. That's why you were given it." Nigel looked as though he couldn't believe his good fortune. Bee took him by the arm and guided him back out to their rooms. David would be in bed by now, but that would just give Nigel and Cilla time to celebrate together. Tomorrow would be soon enough to tell David.

-------

I had just dropped off to sleep when the silent alarm went off. I woke and picked up the phone.

"Yes?"

"Boss, you need to look outside your door," said the duty security person.

Naked, I left the bed, Umber snuggled tightly to Sasha. I smiled down at them, watching as Sasha's arms encircled Umber and pulled her into a close embrace. I padded quietly to the door and opened it slowly. The door opened inwards, it was a good thing it did as Jenny lay across the threshold. She was sobbing quietly; I don't think she'd heard me open the door either.

Kneeling, I gently grasped her shoulder, "Jenny, what do you want?" I asked as gently as I could. I suspected what she wanted, needed, was to be owned again. She'd said she'd never be free again. I knew what slave conditioning could do to a freewoman, especially if she had even the slightest hint of submissiveness in her makeup.

"Master..." she turned and clung to me, her tears running freely now.

"Come in with me, you can sleep with me tonight." I gestured towards the door.

"But Umber, your body slaves..." she started almost panicking.

"Will help their Master look after someone who may become a new slave," said Umber from behind me. "Come, let us get you in bed and warm."

I stood and held my hand out, palm up and flat. Jenny put her palm onto mine, neither holding the other's hand, and followed me into the bedroom. Sasha had moved to one side of the bed, I entered and lay in the centre. After a moment's hesitation Jenny lay down beside me. She pressed her naked body against mine.

"Thank you Master, you are kind to this worthless girl."

"No girl is worthless, all have value and beauty. Sometimes the girl tries to hide her true beauty and worth, but it usually shines through soon enough." I whispered to her, stroking her head, her temple, willing her to sleep. Sure enough, the softness of my voice and the gentle warmth of the bed eased the troubled woman into sleep. I watched her for a while then closed my eyes.

15, I thought to myself as I drifted off to sleep.

-------

I woke early. Sasha and Jenny still slept either side of me. Jenny was spooned against my stomach, Sasha against my back. Taking stock of where my hands and penis were, I became aware of a warm breast in my hand and cheeks pressing against my semi-tumescent penis. I dropped my hand to Jenny's stomach, feeling that, perhaps that would be a better place for her to find my hand when she awoke than clutching her tit.

Almost as soon as I moved my hand, Jenny stirred and murmured. She grasped my hand and replaced it onto her breast, then quietened again. Well, I took the hint and left it there. I liked the feel of her breast, if she liked me holding her, then we both gained.

I closed my eyes and sighed. Jenny's bald head didn't provide me with the luxury of snuggling into a woman's hair as I dropped off to sleep. Ah well, I'd get over the loss.

-------

Waking again I must have disturbed Jenny. With a screech, she shot out of bed and threw herself face down on the floor.

"I'm sorry Master, this girl begs forgiveness Master. This worthless slut fell asleep and didn't leave the Master's bed when he'd finished with her. Please forgive..."

The poor girl was almost hysterical. "Jenny," I spoke her name quietly, softly. "It's alright Jenny, I invited you to sleep in my bed. You've done nothing wrong and there's nothing to forgive. Come, let's shower and then get some breakfast." She was looking up at me now, terror writ large on her face. I smiled and held out my hand, palm up and flat again. She put her palm onto mine and I steadied her as she stood.

"You're not angry at me?" she asked, trepidation clear in her voice.

I smiled at her, "Of course not, you were a warm bed-mate. You cuddled nicely."

"Thank you, but I..."

"I enjoyed your company, I enjoyed holding you..."

"And you looked so small and helpless sleeping in his arms," added Sasha coming up behind us.

Jenny blanched, "I'msorryMistressIdidn't..."

I really was getting worried now, Jenny was almost spiralling out of control. She was so terrified of doing wrong and being punished that soon she'd just do absolutely nothing but lie down and die.

For the first time I felt that, for her sake, I had to own this girl.

"Umber, take this girl and explain to her that I am going to collar her before breakfast. I have decided that this girl will be mine."

Jenny didn't look as scared now, this was something she knew about, she would have structure and rules again. Neither as strict or onerous as those of Madam Rhea, but a framework which she could cling onto while she healed, support while she grew. I hoped that one day she'd be strong enough to leave me, I was also worried that she was a broken child who'd have to be looked after for the rest of her life.

Umber led Jenny away, Jenny didn't argue or seem frightened, she showed ... acceptance.

"Alison, get Karolina in here as quickly as you can." I ordered. I'd never just taken someone as slave before. I wondered if there was a ritual for this. Karolina would know.

Sasha and I showered quickly, while Karolina filled us in on the outlines of what had to be done.

-------

Sasha and I entered the breakfast room together. As a number of my girls had been running round preparing things, everyone knew what was happening, even Jenny's colleagues. Though I doubt that they actually realised how necessary this was for Jenny's sake.

Sasha and I took our prepared seats away from the table, and waited.

Jenny entered the room. She looked stunning. Karen had obviously dressed her in one of her finest gowns. Jenny looked like a fairy princess, though a princess ready to rape the shit out of Prince Charming. She walked calmly and steadily towards her seat.

"STOP WOMAN!" I shouted.

Jenny stopped and looked at me.

I grabbed her by the back of her neck and roughly forced her to her knees. The wickedly sharp knife in my hand pricked her throat, drawing a stream of blood. "Decide now, my collar or death." There was a sharp intake of breath from our audience then. But Karolina had been insistent on this; Jenny had to make the choice, slavery or death. If she didn't choose me then I'd have to cut her throat.

I glanced at Em standing by, her medical kit was already open and she was ready to try and save Jenny's life, or ease her into death should she choose that.

Jenny looked up into my eyes ... a long, long second passed. "I choose life in your collar," she smiled, a real smile for the first time since she came to Martinè, "Master."

Karolina handed me a rough leather collar and I buckled it round Jenny's neck. Making sure that it was buckled tight, Jenny would know she wore my collar.

"Stand, slave." I ordered.

Jenny almost jumped up, standing straight, tall, proud.

I ripped her gown off, leaving her naked in front of us all, blood still running from the gash in her throat.

I returned to my seat beside Sasha. "Feed us," I commanded.

Umber, Alison and Aline helped Jenny as they fetched food and fed us, offering us not only the contents of the plates, but their willing bodies too. Jenny copied them and willingly offered herself to both Sasha and I. Kissing us both deeply, pressing her cheek against our legs every minute or so. This was comforting as it was a slave's way of showing that she truly appreciated what we were doing for her.

We hurried our breakfast as Jenny was still bleeding.

"Em, come look at this slave, she appears damaged. This slave has worth to me, heal her."

Em rushed over and tended to Jenny's wound, cleaning it and quickly inserting two stitches. "This girl will heal soon, Master. Her wound is minor and won't stop her performing any duties you may give her."

I nodded, as a stern master I couldn't thank Em for ensuring that Jenny would be OK.

Julie seemed to snap out of shock, "YOU BASTARD!" she screamed as she flew across the room and swung her arm. Nina, one of Paula's special girls, plucked her away from striking range and dumped her on the floor. Umber, Alison and Julia stood between me and stared coldly at the surprised woman.

"You should thank Nina for your life," growled Umber, "had you succeeded in hitting our Master, none could have stopped us from extracting our revenge."

The cold, flat, emotionless voice sent chills down my spine; I didn't dare think how Julie felt.

"Your colleagues have shown that you do not need legs to be of worth to our Master," Umber continued, her voice seemingly dragged straight from a frozen tomb, "nor eyes." The implied threat was crystal clear.

"But, he's just enslaved her!" Julie wailed. "He freed her and now he's enslaved her again. Look at her, she was wearing clothes for the first time in days and he stripped her and made her a slave again."

"You fool; don't you know where she's been sleeping for the last week? Every night she's slept at our Master's door. We have watched her wanting to be dragged in, yet not daring to ask. Well this morning she broke..."

"Umber," I called quietly.

She turned and knelt, "Yes my Master."

"Let Jenny tell them, they might understand better."

Umber looked at my new slave, "Girl, your Master requires you to speak honestly, without fear, tell your story to these freewomen."

Jenny stood and went to Julie and helped her to her feet. "Julie, dearest, please don't ever try anything like that again. These girls mean what they say, and there are now fifteen of us."

Jenny paused to let the implications of that count sink in.

"Yes Julie, I too, am one of the Baron's slaves. He has saved me from myself."

Jenny pulled her friends to the table and made them sit down. She knelt as was proper for her new station. "You say the Baron freed me, he didn't, he allowed me to choose and I chose my freedom. I was wrong. Every day he tried to help me adjust, but I didn't, I couldn't. I cried myself to sleep every night, It was easier when I slept by his door, I felt almost as though I belonged there. But I knew I didn't."

Jenny turned and gestured towards Umber, Alison and Julie, the three still standing protectively between me and them.

"You see these girls and think that they're walking about naked. You're confusing unclothed with vulnerable. These girls are clothed in pride. Can't you see how high they hold their heads? You see them running round the Chateau, keeping ahead of him, always there for him whenever he needs them. You don't see him holding them, calming their fears, telling them 'it'll be alright', and with him it always is alright; because he makes it alright. You don't see the hours he works. Work on his businesses sure, but working for his slaves too. I bet he does almost as many hours for them as any two of them does for him."

Jenny's friends now looked shocked, contrite, awed. They hadn't seen these things. Now that it'd been pointed out to them they felt ashamed that they hadn't realised these things too.

"Julie, you thought that the Baron had just got himself a new toy. A naked woman he can abuse for his perverted pleasures."

Julie had the honesty to nod while she blushed furiously.

"Yes, he has a new toy. I will refuse him nothing, absolutely nothing." This confession drew gasps from Susan and Carol.

"Yet, I have increased his burden. By submitting myself to him, he now is looking after me too. At the moment I need a lot of looking after."

"But why did he do it like that, so brutally? He hurt you." asked Julie.

Jenny touched the dressing on her neck. "He would have killed me."

Julie went pale with shock.

"But didn't you see his doctor standing just feet away? Already they were trying to save me. Even giving me death he tried to save my life."

"But the other girl, he didn't..."

"Julie, the other girl was already a slave. Girls have given themselves to him. That's easy, I was hard. I didn't know what I wanted, but I was ready to kill myself. So he just took me, he made himself my Master. He offered me a choice, death or a lifetime of slavery. I chose to wear a collar again." Jenny touched the rough leather around her neck, "He seems to know me better than I know myself. This collar is heavy, but its weight has lifted a millstone from my back. My Master now has all of the responsibilities I couldn't face. He will be looking after me far more that I will be looking after him."

Jenny looked at me, her face lit from within, joy, and a small kernel of love, showed through.

"He is my Master and he has saved my life," said Jenny simply. "We couldn't think how these slaves refused their freedom, why on Earth did they submit to him time and time again, well, from inside this collar I now see why they refused, I now know that I too will submit to him," she turned to look at me, love clear in her eyes, "and I will keep submitting until he stops asking, for I have found my home and my true Master."

Julie stood, "Baron, Umber, Jenny, I truly am sorry for my attack. I thought I was protecting a friend. I see now that I was wrong. My friend did need my protection but I was too blind to see her need, we all were. We've all failed you Jenny, we've all been so wrapped up in our own troubles that we've not looked after each other. Perhaps even now is not too late to start, I want to try." She turned to her friends, holding out her arms, "Please my friends come and let us talk. We need healing; I think that you can help me heal. I wish to know if I can help you too."

"Ladies!" I called. I pushed my way through my protectors, reluctant though they were. "Take as much time as you need, if I or anyone here can help do not hesitate to call on us, we all want to help you."

Muttering their thanks, they left, back to their rooms. I sat again and looked at my new slave. "Jenny, go with them, they're your friends, you can help them."

Jenny looked shocked, "Of course Master!" She quickly kissed my foot and then ran after her friends.

"Paul," said Cecy, "be careful not to let the Padre in the village see you with your slaves. If he knew what sort of man you are he'd have to report you to Rome, and they would never let you go. A saint who keeps slaves, what on Earth would they do with you?"

"A saint whose plotting to kill a number of people, one whose sold men and women into a lifetime of torture and sexual slavery. I think that the church would know what to do with me and it would involve a big fire with me as guest of dishonour." I replied, saddened at what my simple life had become.

"Paul, you've had greatness thrust upon you, and yet you are still a simple man, a good man. I don't know if I could have coped anywhere near as well as you have. I don't know anyone who could have. No one that I know is as good a person as you Paul. You truly are a living saint." Harold looked uncomfortable saying this. "Every day I look at my problems and think 'What would Paul do?' And by choosing to do what I believe you'd do, I've started to become more successful. And I find that I'm also respected for my judgement, my integrity, my honesty, just as you are. Paul, by trying to emulate you I have become a better person. Thank you." He stood and bowed to me.

"Harold ... I..."

He laughed, "In the whole of Martinè there is only one person who'd not believe what I've just said." He slowly shook his head, "Paul, I'd tell you not to change, but in the time you've been here I've seen you constantly change, always for the better. You've been growing every day, growing into the leader that you really are. Paul, let us follow you, let us learn from you. Because I've learnt from you, I've discovered that people I trusted, those I thought were honest and clever, were nothing of the sort. Those who I hardly noticed, I found were the ones to truly watch, they were the ones really responsible for the successes we'd had. Those who'd loudly proclaimed their success, most had stolen that success from others. I've gotten rid of most of them now, those left are running scared. I've given recognition to the ones who really deserved it, now my companies are much more successful. We're riding out this recession with no losses, our market share is increasing and our reputation has never been higher." Harold looked me in the eye; he wanted me to know how serious he was about what he said. "Paul, this is all down to me following you. I don't know if you're blessed, but I do know that I've never known anyone like you."

I sat stunned by his words, his emotions, his feelings. "I'm not this paragon of virtue you're talking about. Last night I made love with two women, together. I watched as they made love with each other. I pressed one's head into the sex of the other and while I made love to one I watched her eat the other to climax. Is that the behaviour of your saint?"

Cecy and Paula laughed out loud.

"Paul, dearest boy," Paula stroked my cheek, "each time you said 'made love'. You 'made love with' and you 'made love to'. Yes Paul that does sound like the saint Harold described. And I agree with him. I look at these village girls who serve here. They all serve naked hoping to entice you, hoping to bear your child."

Paula looked round the room; I saw that there were five of the local girls there all smiling at us, all turning, just so, to present themselves at their best to me. "Women instinctively see the stronger men, the better fathers for their children. It's been wired into our genes for thousands of years. I see these women, I watch them as you pass, they want you; they know that you're not beyond their reach. If they catch your eye, you won't dismiss them as unworthy of your notice; you won't think that they're 'beneath' you. They feel that you could welcome them into your arms, into your bed. That they too might have a chance at that so, so rare a prize, a child from you."

"Besides," interrupted Cecy, "they're also hoping for the pension that you'll give them to bring up your child. It's been a long standing tradition here, one that has setup a number of young women of the villages over the generations."

"It's a good thing that you've done most of your growing and maturing here in France, if you'd still been in England and your enemies had seen the changes you've gone through in the last few weeks then they wouldn't think that you were just a minor concern to them, they would have joined forces and used all of their formidable resources to destroy you totally." Paula laid her head against my chest, I felt Sasha press herself against my back, their arms encircled me.

"We've spoken about this, the family and I," said Sasha, "we'd decided not to say anything. We knew it'd embarrass you and we didn't want that. I'm sorry it came out now, but it has and you need to know that we all think this way about you. Paul, dearest man, husband to be, love of my life, I cannot believe that I'm so lucky to have gained your love."

I turned to her and kissed her.

"I love you." I said.

"I know you do, I love you with all my heart dearest." Sasha replied.

I was puzzled by all this hero worship, I needed to think about this. "Sasha dearest, let's go for a walk." I held out my hand to her.

Sasha looked down at my hand but stepped up to me and kissed me deeply. "No, you go for a walk. Go down to the village, go to the café. Sit and have a coffee. See how long it takes for the women to arrive. They'll come; they'll come hoping for a chance to be with you. When you see that I'm right, take one or two down to the river and make love with them, make love with them as you make love with Umber and me. Give them their chance of a baby, your child. Take Umber and Melissa, they worry so if they're not with you and the women won't mind. They expect to see you with your slaves."

Sasha turned me and pushed me out of the French window. Shocked at this morning's revelations I walked without thought. Finding myself sat in the square, at a café table a latte in front of me. The square was almost empty, I sat alone.

The first woman arrived with her daughter. Laughing together, they sat at a nearby table talking. Jeanine came out with drinks for them; she talked with them for a moment then returned into the café. More people came. I realised they were mostly women, the younger wives and mothers, the older daughters, occasionally a grandmother and granddaughter. One such couple, an older woman and girl entering the first rush of womanhood, sat at the table next to mine.

After a few minutes the older woman got up and made as if to walk to the nearby shops.

"Are you going to leave such a precious gem alone next to a wicked slave owner?" I asked her.

"Monsieur, a slave owner you may be, wicked you are not. I would leave Chloe naked in your bed if you said that she'd be safe there. And I'd not worry for one moment either."

"You seem to have a low opinion of my lust for such a pretty girl." I replied with a smile.

"No Baron, I have a high opinion of your honour."

"Why don't you sit with me and we'll talk for a while." I asked.

This seemed to confuse the woman. She'd obviously brought Chloe here for me to see, and I was talking to her instead.

"Bring Chloe too if you'd like."

The woman came and pulled out a chair for Chloe to sit down. As she sat the woman eased off the girl's jacket. With the sun on her blouse I could almost see right through the flimsy material, her small high breasts clearly visible, her nipples dark against the pale skin. Chloe saw where I was looking; she sat more upright thrusting her breasts out toward me, her nipples clearly engorging.

I waved Jeanine over and she brought us fresh drinks.

"My name's Paul," I said holding out my hand.

Chloe and the woman looked at each other and then had the decency to cast their eyes down a little, and look embarrassed, "Yes Sir." They said together, looking demurely up at me.

"I am Fantine, and yes, the Countess has instructed all of the women in what to say if you should ever say 'my name is Paul'.

Fantine shook my hand, I held my hand to Chloe and she too shook hands with me, though she was a lot more nervous.

"Fantine, will you tell me honestly, why are you here?" I asked.

Fantine opened her mouth, paused, and shut it again. "Baron, I'm here because my sister is ill and cannot come herself. I've brought my niece here in the hope that you'll take a fancy to her and maybe..."

"Maybe?" I prompted.

"Maybe you'll like her enough to make love with her. Perhaps she'll have a baby." Fantine admitted. "That's what we're all here for. This is a small close knit community. We know we need new blood to keep us healthy. For generations, the Countess has allowed her husband to father a few children. It's kept us from having the old problems with the bad babies. No woman wants to watch any baby die because it's too deformed to live."

Both Fantine and Chloe looked sad as though they had been personally affected by this.

"And me?" I asked.

"The Countess let it be known that we could try and tempt you. But seeing you with all of those naked girls!" Fantine looked a little shocked. "How is a village girl going to stir your interest when one such as she," Fantine gestured towards Umber, "follows you about every where?"

I looked at Umber, then back to Fantine. "That girl and another woman shared my bed last night. I made love with them both. I forced them to pleasure each other while I watched, while I took my pleasure with them." I watched Fantine's eyes, they widened, the pupils dilated, interest, lust, desire rather than shock or disgust.

Fantine laughed, "You think to surprise me? I bet you've had more in your bed than just two. And I bet that they entered willingly, and would do so again if you suggested it. We hear tales from the Chateau, Baron, we hear from our friends and neighbours, the girls who go there to serve." She watched me closely. We both knew what 'serve' meant.

"We hear about how you treat your slaves and the freewomen in the Chateau. Do you think that so many would come here hoping to bed you if we didn't think that you'd be a kind lover?"

"Do you want to bed me?" I asked Fantine.

"But Baron, I'm an old woman, I'm nearly forty. I brought Chloe to have her chance with you."

I turned to Chloe, her breathing was fast and shallow, her body had prepared itself for procreation and she was being carried along by feelings and emotions I bet she couldn't understand or control.

I cupped Chloe's pretty face with my hand, "Chloe, you're still a virgin aren't you."

She nodded; I had doubted that she'd be able to speak.

"And your Aunt wants to give you to an old man for him to do as he will with your body." Now a little fear showed in Chloe's eyes. She was, at last, uncertain about what she was doing here.

"Chloe, go home." I said as kindly as I could. "Tomorrow, if you still want to make love with me, come to the Chateau and tell me then."

Chloe stood and started walking away. I watched her as she walked across the square. Just before she turned the corner and left my sight she stopped. She seemed to be thinking, finally she must have come to a decision as she turned and ran back to us.

Breathlessly she stopped in front of me, "You promise if I want to tomorrow, you promise that we'll..." she gulped, looked at her Aunt, "we'll fuck?"

"No." I said quite distinctly. I stood and looked at the now distraught girl.

"But you said..."

"I said that, tomorrow, if you decide to then come to the Chateau and we will make love. I don't 'fuck'."

She jumped up and wrapped her arms around my neck, her tears wet me as she cried into my shoulder. "Thank you Baron, thank you." I eased her down and she hurried away. No doubt to tell her mother about her visit to the Café this morning.

Fantine and I sat down again.

"She'll be there you know," said Fantine watching her niece run home.

"And so will you." I said as Fantine lifted her cup to take a sip of coffee.

"ME!" she squealed as she almost threw her coffee across the table.

"Yes, you." I stood and held out my hand to her. "Come let's walk down by the river."

Shaking a little, she placed her hand in mine and led me to the riverside.

There I laid her down and we made love.



-------

Chapter 80

I took Fantine back to the Chateau with me. She was a little surprised to realise that I meant to leave her clothes strewn along the river bank.

"My clothes..." she said plaintively.

"Your friends will take them home for you." I gestured to the group who'd been watching us as we'd made love in the sunshine.

Fantine's eyes widened as she realised that she'd had an audience through such an intimate time. But then she looked at me, "You're teaching me things aren't you. You're taking me places that I'd never go to on my own. I'll come out of this knowing more and being happier, won't I?" she asked, I could see her hoping that I'd say yes.

I smiled down at her. Seeing the other villagers who'd watched her, she'd shrunk down, trying to hide herself. I was past that, if they wanted to watch they could. If they thought that my poor excuse for a body was worth watching, then let them watch.

I shrugged, "You have a body. I have a body. I think your body is nice. It gave me pleasure. I think I pleasured you. Let them look, they might not have realised yet that our bodies are basically the same as theirs."

"I don't think that they've seen as many naked bodies as you have Baron," Fantine replied.

I realised the truth of her statement. "Then perhaps it is beholden on us to show then a couple more." I undressed and left my clothes with Fantine's.

Holding my hand tightly, but giving no other sign of her nervousness, Fantine walked at my side through the crowd to the car. Melissa got in the rear with us and Umber got in the front.

-------

The Chateau was in absolute chaos when we returned.

"What the fuck's happening?" I asked Harold. He'd been hurrying by with a sheaf of papers but I'd grabbed him and pulled him into an alcove out of the way of people moving things from one place to another.

"We have to rearrange things a bit. Your Generals need more room and Sasha said that Karen needs a lot more space as well." He said.

"Oh Harold, I'm so sorry that I've caused all this upset." I was really upset that I'd brought this chaos into Harold's nicely ordered life.

He laughed, "Don't be, I'm not. I haven't had so much fun since I set fire to my sister's underwear drawer when I was ten." He hurried off.

I watched him leave and smiled to myself. Harold really was enjoying himself.

I held on to Fantine and led her to the pool. Cecy was reading her paper in a lounger, when she saw us; she almost jumped up and hugged me.

"You took Sasha's advice then?" she asked with a smile.

"I know when to listen to my love, and when to do as I'm told." I replied. "Cecy this is..."

"Fantine Maury, I knew you'd pick the best of the bunch." Said Cecy. "Fantine, welcome to the Chateau."

The two women kissed cheek to cheek.

Suddenly Fantine jumped, "I'm still dripping," she hissed!

Cecy stepped back and looked at Fantine's legs. "Paul, you beast! You dragged poor Fantine up here with your cum dripping down her legs."

Within seconds Jo and June were there with bowls of warm water. Fantine watched in amazement as they washed and dried her legs and vulva, cleaning all of the escaping semen from her skin.

"How are Eloise and that little sexpot of a daughter of hers?" asked Cecy.

Fantine looked sad and glanced at me before answering.

"Fantine, don't ever be afraid of speaking within the Baron's hearing. To my certain knowledge he's never judged on what he's heard, nor has he spoken of it. You may speak freely, knowing that if he helps you will truly be set free."

"Eloise has a broken collarbone and two cracked ribs. He beat her again."

"Her husband?" I asked.

Fantine shook her head.

"Her husband was the kindest, gentlest man you could find. He's in prison. We all think he was falsely accused of theft, armed robbery, but his DNA was in the bank, and they wouldn't believe his alibi. So my sister had to come back to live with me and our father." Fantine looked at me a haunted look on her face. "Oh god, it's nearly lunchtime, if I don't get back quickly he'll expect her to..." she stopped, too frightened to go on.

"To what, Fantine?" I asked gently, though I was sure what their father would require Eloise to do, even with cracked ribs and a broken collar bone.

She just looked at me, "Monsieur, not all men are honourable, not all fathers protect their children's virtue."

"When did your Mother die?" I asked.

Fantine laughed, "Our Mother had the good sense to run away when she could. It's our misfortune that she couldn't take us with her."

"And now you two are being made to fulfill his missing wife's 'duties'?"

Fantine nodded.

"I think it's about time I met your father. I also want to ensure that Chloe knows when to come here tomorrow."

Fantine was about to say something but Cecy put her hand on Fantine's arm.

"Fantine, shall we go and see what Chef is doing for dinner? I do like to keep an eye on these things." Cecy said almost dragging Fantine away with her.

"GIRL! My clothes. I have business in the village!" I was pissed offand now I had an outlet for the anger that'd been building up inside me over the past few weeks. Fantine and Eloise's father was going to learn a lesson.

I noticed that Sandy came running out with my girls, she carried a pair of boots and another pair of heavy shoes. I smiled. I liked the looks of those shoes. I had one more request of Sandy. She looked puzzled but ran to get the toys I asked for.

-------

A car took me back to the village. I noticed our clothes were still where we'd left them by the riverbank. Better still Fantine's handbag was also there. I had the car stop and gathered up the clothes and handbag. Back in the car I checked inside the handbag, sure enough a set of house keys were there. There was only one 'Yale' type key; that should save me time getting into the house.

Quickly I walked along the lane to the secluded house. I couldn't hear any noise from within but I knew that it was ten minutes into the usual worker's lunchtime here. Their father should be home by now.

The key fit the front door as I suspected. The door opened straight into the living room. Where a huge man was forcing a slim woman down on to her knees, his waiting erection left no doubt as to his intentions.

"Non papa." She cried as she was relentlessly forced downward.

I pushed the door hard and it slammed into the wall, letting the man know I was there. He smiled at me but continued forcing the woman down.

I pulled my belt out of the belt loops. My belts never lasted long; I didn't expect the thin soft supple leather to last long. That wasn't why I wore them. They were a leftover from my time on the borders during the troubles. Northern Ireland when and where just being English could be a death sentence. I'd survived nearly nine years there. I'd learnt a few lessons in the provinces too.

I folded the soft leather into a sling and slipped a marble into the tiny pouch. The man still didn't realise the danger he was in.

He succeeded in getting his penis into her mouth and fucked her while he watched me.

"Get away from her." I ordered, but it was obvious he didn't understand me.

"Qu' est-ce que tu veux?" ("What the fuck do you want?") The giant asked.

I swung the sling once and let the marble fly into his right arm. I heard the sound of his arm breaking from across the room. I could have aimed for his head just as easily, with far more deadly consequences.

With surprising speed for one so large, he ran across the room and snatched open a drawer. Eloise dropped sobbing to the floor.

My second marble caught him on his right shoulder, breaking his upper arm. This just seemed to enrage him.

"Qu' est-ce que tu veux, con? Pourquoi on ne partage pas la conne? Elle a une fille, quand tu les veut plus jeunes" ("What the fuck are you doing cunt? Why don't we just share the bitch? She's got a daughter if you like them young.")

He snatched an automatic pistol out of the drawer holding it awkwardly with his left hand.

"Pourquoi tu fais ça? Elle n'est qu'une pute, qu'on peut partager." ("Why're you doing this? It's only a bitch, we can share.") He yelled at me.

I walked slowly toward him. That pistol had been picked out of a drawer full of junk and shit. Who knows what was in the barrel.

I watched as his finger tightened on the trigger. If I was mistaken then he'd shoot me and I would most likely die. But I knew that I was right. I don't know how I knew, I just did.

The giant's finger went white with the pressure on the trigger. He stared at the pistol uncomprehending. I grabbed the gun and twisted it out of his hand, breaking his index finger in the process.

I took the gun in my right hand and released the clip, then I pulled back the action, the chamber was empty. Three more flicks and the pistol dropped in pieces on the floor.

I'd been right; the safety was still on and, as that pistol had the safety on the left hand side, and he'd been using his left hand, he hadn't released the safety when he tried to shoot me.

I stepped back away from him. "Now down on the floor." I ordered.

"Il a dit mets-toi au sol!" ("He said get on the floor!") Eloise translated.

"Pourquoi je le ferai?" ("Why should I?") he asked.

"Eloise, tell me what he said." I said trying to sound as gentle as I could under the circumstances. "Tell me the truth.

She sobbed a little harder. "He asked why?"

"Because I'll kill you if you don't." I answered him.

Eloise looked at me beseechingly.

"Tell him Eloise, and tell him the truth."

"Il te tuera quand tu ne le mets pas au sol." ("He will kill you if you don't get down on the floor.") Eloise translated.

"Il est qui?" ("Who is he?") asked the man.

"Je ne sais pas." ("I don't know,") she answered.

"Tu sais quoi alors!" ("You DO know!") he roared.

"Il est mon sauveur" ("He's my saviour.") She sobbed.

With a roar he charged at me, arms open wide to overwhelm me and crush the life out of my body.

I'd been expecting this and let fly another marble, a slightly larger one this time. It flew true and smashed into his head before he'd taken two steps toward me. He died before he hit the floor, his brain pounded to mush by the small glass toy smashing though it.

I looked down at the giant at my feet. I'd taken no joy at his death; I only wondered how they'd gotten into this situation in the first place. I suppose I'd never find out. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed a shadow move from the window. I ran there to check for more danger and saw Sandy walking away, a carbine at her side. I smiled to myself, they'd been watching over me and saw that the old man could still look after himself even though he was ancient, and decrepit.

"Eloise, do you need a doctor?" I asked the stunned woman as she stared at the body on the floor.

She nodded slowly. "Is he really dead?" she asked quietly.

"Yes." I answered.

With a screech, she threw herself at the body. "YOU BASTARD!" she cried, pounding his lifeless chest. "Why couldn't you just ask us? We'd have let you fuck us, if only you'd asked." She broke down crying then.

Em pushed by me. "Master, let me look after this woman. You take her daughter up to the Chateau, we'll be along soon."

I watched as Em held the sobbing woman for a few minutes and then she gave her an injection. Eloise quietened then.

Hearing a noise from the side I turned and saw Chloe watching me. I turned to her. "Will you come with me to the Chateau? Your Aunt is still there." I asked.

"Will we still ... you know ... make love?" she asked hesitantly.

"Do you want to?" I asked smiling.

Chloe nodded; her eyes bright with adolescent lust.

"Come then, let's go and find your Aunt." I held out my hand to her.

As she passed her Grandfather, Chloe's foot lashed out in a vicious kick to his head. "It's time you got what you deserved for raping my Mother and Aunt all this time, you bastard!" She spat on him. "They're your children; only animals rape their own children!"

Two of Elastic's marines passed us wheeling a gurney into the house. There was a black body bag on it already.

I led Chloe out into the street where a small crowd had gathered.

"What happened, girl?" someone asked.

"My Grandfather was raping my Mother again and the Baron stopped him." She answered.

A number of the women in the crowd nodded their heads. The men looked a little sheepish.

"Why didn't you men stop him?" Chloe screamed at them. "You could have done something. You're supposed to be our friends but you let him carry on raping them both. He was going to start on me soon too." She finished in a very quiet voice, as though she'd just realised that. "He was going to start raping me..."

The crowd quietened and backed away from Chloe's anger. I could see shame in their faces and attitudes. These people would have to do a lot of making up to Eloise, Fantine and Chloe for the suffering they'd endured.

"Come Chloe; let's go find your Aunt." I held her and guided the now sobbing girl to the waiting car. Sasha took over from me as soon as Chloe sat down. Chloe cried into Sasha's shoulder all the way back to the Chateau.

-------

Fantine was waiting on the steps for us. She looked nervous, wringing her hands together and moving her weight from foot to foot. She paled visibly when she saw Chloe huddled in Sasha's arms, but nearly danced when the girl looked up and smiled at her.

Chloe almost flew out of the car into her Aunt's arms. They started chattering in French and I was lost immediately. Cecy guided them both into the Chateau, and to a sitting room for drinks and a light snack I supposed. But I was wrong, Riddley came running through and walked back a few seconds later with Fantine and Chloe, leading them to the sick room.

I was happier now that Em and Riddley were looking after them. However bad a person he was, he had still been their Father / Grandfather, and his death at my hands would be an awful event for them.

I entered the Chateau, Sasha by my side. She hugged my arm but stayed silent, knowing that I was coming to terms with killing a man.

We wandered around the ground floor, watching my 'Generals Office' take shape. Jenny was in there talking with her fellow Generals, she was holding the dress that I'd ripped from her. They were all concentrating on the ruined garment.

"It's a real June," declared Sue. "Just look at the stitching. And the lace work is fabulous!"

"Beyond fab," interrupted 2, "I've never felt anything like this in my life. It's sooooo soft. What did it feel like against your skin, Jenny?"

Jenny sighed, "I ... I really wasn't thinking about this then. I was ... waiting to be ... wanting ... to be captured."

Her friends looked at her with sympathy.

"First time any of us gets to wear a £25,000 frock and she's thinking about something else." Carol said with a laugh. This caused the others to giggle too.

To let them know I was in the room I said "Hello ladies."

"Boss!"

"Master!" said Jenny falling to her knees.

"We were looking at Jenny's dress. It's gorgeous, where did you get it, it must have cost a fortune."

"Well Carol," I replied, "I don't really know how much it cost. Karen makes them and she had that one on hand when I needed a very good dress for Jenny."

"One of your girls ... your slaves, makes these!?" 2 exclaimed.

"Oh yes, my girls are extremely talented..."

One of the girls giggled.

"In areas other than horizontal athletics." I said, trying to look stern. "Anyway, if you want Karen to make you a few dresses just ask her. It might take a few days but she's very good at what she does."

The girls gasped.

"But ... but ... these are real June dresses, they're worth tens of thousands," said Julie. She went to her handbag and pulled out a battered copy of Oui magazine, quickly flicked through it and held it open to show me a picture of Chantille attending some red carpet event. She was wearing one of Karen's more modest designs. The caption said that if the reader wanted a gown like Chantille's, then they should expect to pay around €35,000.

"Oh yeah, Karen gave Chantille and Sara some gowns just before they left here," I said, thinking about the two girls visit and the concert that they took part in while they were here.

2 sat down with a bump. "You had Chantille and Sara Burton here? TOGETHER?" They all looked at me in total shock.

"Oh yes. They helped the Screaming Monkeys give a rehearsal concert for the new version of Friends." I answered.

"Oh of course, why didn't I think of that, silly me. Of course Sara Burton would just pop over and give a concert with the person she detests above all, and with the Screaming Monkeys no less. Obvious innit." Sue said.

I'm not sure, especially as this was a female speaking, but I think she might have been being a little sarcastic. I'll have to ask Sasha later.

"Err ... Yes. The Screaming Monkeys were staying here..."

"You had the Screaming Monkeys staying here?" Interrupted a wide eyed Julie. "Fuck me, how the other half live." She muttered mostly to herself.

"Julie, dearest friend, you should be careful about saying things like that. My Master is a man and might think that was a request rather than an expletive," said Jenny.

Julie looked puzzled.

"The 'fuck me' thing." Jenny elaborated; then she turned to me with a hopeful gleam in her eye. "Though my Master hasn't had the opportunity to fuck me yet." Her tongue flickered out over her lips, "I'm ready for when he does call me to... serve ... him."

Jenny's friends looked at her, then back at me.

"I don't know who to feel sorry for," said Carol quietly, looking at the hungry look on Jenny's face.

At my side Sasha giggled quietly, "Jenny, of course, there's only one of him and so many girls he has to look after." She hugged me, pressing her delightful breasts into my side, "and I have dibs on him too." She finished with a laugh.

"Umm ... I think I'd better get out of here while I can." I turned and Sasha and I started towards the door.

"Sasha!" called Carol, "Please could you spare us a minute."

Sasha kissed my cheek and walked back to the women. I continued on toward the sounds of more workmen.

-------

Karen's new workshop was at least four times larger than the one in the village. Easily large enough for the whole of her workforce, including the twenty slaves she wants me to buy, to work together.

Sasha caught up with me while I was examining one of the new workstations.

"They wanted to know if you were serious about giving them real June gowns." She told me with a smile. "When I said of course you were, they asked how should they put the cost on their expenses. Well, I'm afraid I laughed then. I told them just to ask Karen for what they wanted and Karen would have the garment made. They didn't really believe that so I called Karen and asked her to measure them all up. Of course she's already got Jenny's measurements, but it'll show the rest that you mean what you say." She kissed me then. That was the bit I'd been waiting for.

The new workstations were different from those in the village. I wondered what the lace makers would think of them.

"Sasha darling, Karen wants eleven more slave workers. She wants me to buy twenty and then she'll hang a couple of the worse. That'll buck the others up a bit and make them work harder."

Sasha looked at me, trying to see if I was joking or not.

"Any idea how I can get her some new workers without her hanging anyone?" I asked almost in desperation.

"Of course," She said with a sweet smile, "Don't buy them, hire them. When they find out that they have a chance to become personal slaves of 'the Bastard Baron', they'll work their arses off. Just you wait and see." She kissed me again. "Nice to see you know who to turn to for advice."

"And those who don't make the grade?" I asked.

"Even easier, if we don't want them for anything else, then just send them back. Treat them how you treat all of your other slaves while they're here and they'll go back to the factor loving you more than anyone else."

This time, I kissed her. It was nice. I did it again.

-------

After dinner I managed to get some of Karolina's time. She typed up a hire contract for me. This I had sealed and then I called Karen.

Karen came running in still with her tape, pencil and pad in hand. She dropped to her knees and looked up at me expectantly.

"Hello wonderful girl."

"Yes Master?"

"I want you to contact the slave factors and get your twenty skilled slaves. Here is a contract for the factor you choose. If you want girls from more than one factor you'll have to explain that to Karolina and she'll make up the required contracts."

"Oh thank you Master!" she tried to kiss my foot but I pulled her up to her feet and gave her a proper kiss.

"Go and sort out your workers, you need them to expand your business."

"MASTER!" she sounded quite cross, "I'm your slave, this is your business I'm working on. I'm working for you, my Master, my love."

I kissed her again. "I love you too, precious Karen."

-------

One last thing to do before I went to bed, visit Eloise. The sick room was dark when I arrived. Em saw me and knelt.

"Master, my patients are quiet and comfortable."

"Hello precious Em, can I see Eloise?"

"Of course Master." She opened the door to the beds and let me in. Eloise was asleep. Her bandages stood out white against her dusky skin. I watched her for a few moments and quietly left.

"What are her injuries?" I asked Em.

"A broken rib, three bruised ribs, fractured collar bone, broken nose, several loosened teeth, general bruises and contusions. She'll be uncomfortable for three weeks or so, but, physically, she'll heal fully." Em paused for a moment, "I'd like Helen to see her though. It cannot have been easy being raped by your father and then having to watch him be killed, well, that might have pushed her too far. She's been sleeping since she was brought up from the village."

I kissed her, "Thanks Em, let me know of any change, night or day."

Satisfied that I'd done all that I could today, I slowly walked to my bedroom.

The room was dark and I undressed, with Umber's help of course, and carefully placed my clothes on a chair. There were only two humps in the bed; they were towards the left hand side. I got in on the right. Within moments I was asleep.

-------

The water was warm and soft as I glided through my lengths. I dropped into my trance like state as I swam and I let my mind float free. Carol's speciality is logistics. Why was that important?

I eased through twenty more laps.

How do the drugs get distributed? There needs to be a regular and fairly efficient system for supplying the wholesalers and dealers. Otherwise the addicts would go elsewhere. How about those times when the pipeline dried up a little, then stuff would have to be moved from one part of the country, where there was a surplus, to another where there was a deficit.

The police forces had regular prisoner transfers all over the country. And who'd question a police car with its blue's and two's on racing along a motorway?

The street price of drugs was a fairly reliable indicator of their availability.

I finished my lengths and stood at the end of the pool.

I wonder if Karolina can correlate drug street price drops with high speed police car trips. It might be clutching at straws but it might be possible. And what about multiple trips, two cars from different forces meeting and transferring goods for onward transfer.

Now I started worrying about the viability of this kind of data mining.

I eased out of the pool and let Aline dry me. I composed my thoughts as I walked slowly to my office. Sandy headed me off though.

"Your office has been moved again Boss." She said with a grin.

Sandy led me through the Chateau and down into the basement. We descended two levels before she opened a heavy metal door and led me into a spacious office. All of my things had been brought down, including the St Andrews cross, stocks and wall chains. This time though these instruments were in a large alcove which had the required old stone walls with embedded iron rings and hanging chains and the obligatory large flagstone flooring. A complete and proper mini dungeon, there was even a small brazier, just in case I felt the need to brand someone I supposed. I had to laugh at the incongruity of the modern and efficiently setup office leading on to this seventeenth century dungeon.

"Thanks Sandy," I called as she left me to return to her post. I spent a couple of minutes looking round my third office in the Chateau and then got back to work.

I added this morning's thoughts to the whiteboard and made copious notes.

I then sat and thought. I wanted to plan the strategy, our aims and objectives. I stood in front of a clear, clean whiteboard; I had four of these now, and thought. Then I started to make notes.

Food was delivered sometime and Jill fed me mouthfuls when she could. It was nice to have her attending me, but I quickly forgot about her and got on with my work. Sounds behind me disturbed me once and I yelled, "QUIET!" I was scribbling as fast as I could so I didn't forget anything.

Ideas came storming into my mind, I'd just have time to write one down when I thought about something that would help an earlier concept.

I drank whatever was put into my hand, draining the mug or beaker quickly so I could return to the whiteboard.

Finally I was finished.

I looked around the room, my four whiteboards had expanded to seven. All were filled with notes, lists of required information, training requirements, material and skill requirements.

The centre whiteboard still had a lot of white showing. It listed our objectives. The primary objectives were simple.

1) Destroy Sir Gerald Huntley and his family and sell them all to Cher. Current price one penny each. (I still owed her 96pence.)

2) Destroy the ACPO.

3) Have every corrupt police officer of Inspector rank and above exposed.

I also had some secondary objectives.

a) Find out WHY Huntley was doing this to me.

b) Protect Sasha and my girls if I should be killed.

c) Protect those who help me clean up this corruption.

I had detailed the overall order in which these things should be done.

i) Information gathering.

ii) Positive identification of each corrupt officer.

iii) Identification of suppliers and customers.

I sat and studied the whiteboards for a while. I couldn't think of anything else to add.

"Err ... Boss, could you move over a bit I can't see the third whiteboard?"

I spun round, Carol was looking a little sheepish, I could see that she and her friends, even Jenny, were taking notes from the whiteboards.

"Sorry Carol." I said as I moved behind them.

Harold looked across from where he was making his own notes. "Bloody brilliant if I may say so Paul. I think that you've given your General's everything that they need."

"And more," agreed Julie.

"I hope so. Anyway if you'll excuse me I'm knackered." I was really feeling tired now.

"Not surprised Paul, you've been at this for nearly 20 hours now." Harold said with a grin. "Now if only I could get some of my Heads of Departments to work that hard..." he broke off with a laugh.

Umber led me back to my bedroom. The room was quiet; a small table had been set and Umber guided me to it. Moments later one of the local girls pushed a wheeled trolley into the room, a delicious odour wafted from beneath the covers. I was served a light but tasty supper. Then Aline and Alina helped me shower, without any happy time, and I, finally, got to bed. Alone for once I went to sleep.

-------

I woke once when someone joined me and snuggled into my arms. I spooned with her, pulling her against me, while I searched for her hair to bury my face into its warmth and softness. I only felt her smooth skin. This must be Jenny, I thought to myself as I slipped into sleep again.

-------

I woke with warmth on both sides of me and my face surrounded by long fragrant hair. These sensations, together with the natural pressures a man faces when he first awakes, had caused the usual erection. Now I felt myself held between her thighs, pressed against an almost scalding heat. She was incredibly wet; I too was soaking from her lubrication. With only the slightest movement, I entered into her tightness. She moaned a little and rocked her hips. I sank deeper. She moaned again and a hand came up to cover mine on her breast. She pressed my hand tightly, holding me to her.

She started rocking again, pressing me deeper and deeper into her vagina. Her internal muscles sucked and pulled at me, drawing me deeper still. With a little difficulty I took my hand from her breast and slipped it between her legs, searching for the folds that covered her button. Her gasp told me when I was close. Then the increased tension in her body, and the little firm bud under my fingertip told me I'd found her clitoris. I squeezed and stroked, gently at first but with increasing pressure. Her moans became cries, then little pants and squeals.

The warmth behind me moved away letting a waft of cool air run down my back. Then it returned but felt ... different.

Moments later a face pressed against my buttocks and a wiggling, warm, wet tongue slid along my crack. It paused on my arse and then pressed forward. This caused me to press forward sharply into the woman I'd impaled with my cock. She came, her spasms sucking and pulling on me with a force I'd rarely felt before. The mouth behind me moved to suck in a testicle and sucked on it as I came. The joint sensations of the climaxing woman on my cock and the hot wet mouth and tongue gave me an orgasm I'd rarely, if ever, experienced.

Panting and shuddering, I tried to get my quivering body to relax. I was still erect and hypersensitive. The woman I'd made love to rolled away from me, then turned to kiss me.

"Thank you Baron."

"No, thank you, Fantine." I replied.

The warmth behind me moved away and I rolled slightly onto my back. Her head came to me again and swallowed my erect cock whole. I felt her lips against my belly and her nose against my balls. She held me deep in her throat without moving, letting the heat and wetness excite me.

I dropped my hands to her head; the hairless skull told me my oral temptress was Jenny. She pulled back from me and used her mouth to fuck me, going all the way down and back to completely release me.

Too soon I came again, but this time my body, in its need, played a cruel trick on us both. Instead of a short blast of ejaculate, a shot of urine came out.

Jenny never murmured as she tasted the unexpected discharge. Instead she pressed down again and let me empty myself directly into her stomach. This too felt strangely exciting, knowing that she was submitting herself so completely to me. That she was letting me piss down her throat, and she seemed to be happily accepting this degradation.

Quickly I finished and Jenny pulled back. She examined my penis and sucked and licked it until she thought it was clean enough.

Jenny looked up at me from her position by my hips. "Thank you my Master, for letting this girl give you pleasure."

I pulled her up to me and, despite her protestations that she wasn't clean, I kissed her deeply. I tasted the acidity of my urine and the musty taste of morning mouth. But I also felt the warmth and wantonness of a sexy woman who willingly shared my bed and shared her body.

We lay and cuddled for a moment then, I got up. For me a new day was dawning. I wondered what time it was for everyone else.



-------

Chapter 81


"Baron," said Julie a little nervously, "how did you choose your slaves?"

I burst out laughing; I couldn't help it. "Julie, I've never chosen any of these girls. Mostly the girls themselves, or fate, have chosen me." I looked at Aline and Julia swimming. Julia was showing her pregnancy now. She moved a little slower and needed to be reassured that I still loved her even though she thought that she was turning into a heifer.

"But most of them are so talented..." Julie continued.

"They've had time to train, and, for some of them, harsh incentives to do well." I thought of Karen's idea of hanging a couple of her trainees, just to 'encourage' the others to do well.

"But..." she hesitated, "but, they didn't train all the time surely?"

"No," I answered her reassuringly, "not all the time." I paused for a moment. "Only ten to twelve hours a day, six days a week."

"BUT!" Julie was spluttering now, "THAT'S ILLEGAL!"

I had to smile at her comment. "So's slavery."

Julie stared at me for over a minute as she thought this through. "Why don't you free them then?"

I laughed louder this time.

"Something funny, my darling?" asked Sasha just before she kissed me.

"I asked him why he didn't free his slaves..." said Julie.

"Oh Julie, I had such hopes for you. Why don't you ask his girls why he doesn't free them?" Sasha sounded quite disappointed in Julie.

We watched Julie leave. I think that she was hurt by Sasha's reaction to her question.

"I do hope she learns to think," said Sasha before we kissed again.

"Karen's workshop has been completed. The women from the village started working in it yesterday." She told me.

"I'm glad of that. Her new workers arrive tomorrow and she really did need the extra room." It was very good of you and your family to make the extra room available. Thank..."

"No," she smacked me lightly on my arm. "You are my husband to be; soon you will be the Master of Martinè. I am only looking after my home and my people."

"I want to thank you anyway." I told her.

"Then thank me properly, take your pleasure from me, make me your woman again, make me squeal again."

As we kissed I slid my hand along her thigh, up, up to her breast. We made slow love in the shade of a tree. The sounds of those around us fell from our ears as we concentrated on each other. I thanked her properly as a lover thanks his lover.

Sometime later, I left my love sleeping on the blanket. We'd been washed clean, though Sasha had slept through that. Menolly and Alina watched over her, a large sunshade ready if she should need it.

I left to have a look at Karen's workshop. I opened the door and found a second set of doors immediately behind them. From the sounds of industry coming through the inner doors I guessed that they needed both sets for sound proofing.

I could also hear Karen's exasperated voice. "NO, NO, NO! How many times do I have to tell you? Your work needs to improve or I'll let you out on the streets to starve."

This was the last of the local girls who couldn't yet make the grade.

"I'm trying Mademoiselle, really I am, it's just that..."

"It's just that you haven't shown me any work as good as that practice piece." Snapped Karen.

Looking at the woman I could see that there was something wrong, something we'd all been missing. I looked along the rows of workstations all laid out in exactly the same way, all of the women reaching down to their right ... Was it as simple as that? My God what the woman must have been going through.

I picked up a spindle and threw it to her. "CATCH!" I called while it was in flight.

She caught it easily. And I smiled.

"Karen, my dearest girl." I said, "She's left-handed. All of your workstations are setup for right-handed workers. Please try setting up a mirror image of your current setup; see how she goes with that."

Karen looked shocked, "Of course my Master." She turned to the woman, "Eve, I didn't know..."

"I didn't tell you Mademoiselle, I was ... I am ... frightened of you." The woman admitted.

Karen turned to the rest of her workers, "Are there any more left-hander's here?" She called. Three other women put their hands up, all looking worried.

Karen turned back to me, "Master, this girl thanks her Master for his wisdom and understanding. This girl will try harder Master."

I turned to the woman, Eve, standing next to us. "Eve, please help Karen get your workstations rearranged."

"Oui, Monsieur Le Baron," she answered very nervously.

I smiled at her. I practically never have to 'put people at their ease'. It's usually me that needs to be reassured. But Eve was only seconds away from wetting herself.

"Karen, when the workstations are rearranged, perhaps you could give the left-hander's say, six months, to become proficient again. Then test their quality."

Karen smiled, "Of course, my Master, it shall be as you say."

Eve broke down sobbing, falling to her knees crying uncontrollably. Both Karen and I looked down at her in shock.

Marianne came running over and started hugging Eve. She looked up at us.

"Mademoiselle, Monsieur Le Baron, Eve really needs this job. Her husband died last year and left some debts. She also has two children to look after." She looked at Karen, "You told her that she'd be out starving on the streets, Mademoiselle that would be quite true. And now Monsieur Le Baron has shown us what is wrong with her work and given her time to adjust. She might even surprise us all with the quality of her work."

Marianne helped Eve stand and guided her to the small staff room.

Karen clapped her hands. "Everyone, do not touch your work. Your hands will have sweat and heavy oils on them, the workday is finished. Do not worry about your pay; go home and be back here in the morning."

Karen's workers, quietly gathered their things, being very careful not to touch their work, and left. In only a couple of minutes we were standing in an empty workshop.

Karen knelt and kissed my foot. I tried to stop her but she would not be put off. "My Master, how can a girl abase herself before you when you've shown her, again, your wisdom and kindness?"

I nearly said 'I don't need you to abase yourself'. But I now knew that these girls themselves felt that need. "Dearest Karen, I am pleased to help you. When I help my girls, they help me more."

She rubbed her cheek on my leg and I understood that this was her caress.

I couldn't even thank her.

-------

The pool water was cool against my skin as I eased through my lengths. There were the usual sounds of others in the pool and 2's underwater speakers. Just a normal evening at the Chateau.

Then the pool went silent. This was unusual. The speakers were still on of course but there was no other noise. I stopped at the end of the pool and wiped the water from my face. Karen was kneeling in front of me on the poolside. She was crying.

I lifted out of the water and held her in my arms, soon her sobbing stopped and she seemed to compose herself.

"My Master, the ... slaves ... have arrived." Her tears continued.

"Show me." I ordered, but kindly.

Karen turned and would have just led me to them but I stopped her and held her hand.

"Walk with me precious girl."

That seemed to break her completely she rushed into my arms and cried her heart out. "Oh my Master, they're so ... so..."

"Hush sweet one, let me see them." I stroked her head and murmured soothing sounds to her. Melissa at my side looked worried.

"Master, is there something..."

"No Melissa, there's nothing that you should worry about, but I do need Julia," I stopped to think for a moment, remembering Julia's pregnancy. "No; not Julia, she's to stay in her office until I release her. Sasha, Paula and Jo, get them for me.

Sasha was at my side in moments, She looked at the still crying girl in my arms and then gave me a querying glance. I shook my head. Paula and Jo came to my side; Jo running, Paula walking with a grace and dignity that belied the speed she moved at.

"Come Karen, show me these slaves."

"Oh Master..."

It was the smell that hit us first. Sasha and Jo gagged, almost vomiting. Paula seemed to recognise the smell.

"Oh dear Paul, something is truly wrong here." She said quietly.

While I agreed, I didn't say anything.

Karen opened the door to the slave quarters at the end of the workshop and I looked at twenty of the sorriest examples of humanity it has been my misfortune to see.

They stood; those that could anyway. They started helping the others up but I waved them down.

I waved the closest one to me, she pulled her rags over her head and, naked, approached me fearfully.

She was covered in whip marks and sores. Her skin dirty, scabs and open wounds marred her breasts and abdomen. Not trusting myself to speak I gestured for her to turn around. Her back and buttocks were worse. Then I saw the evidence of dried blood on her inner thighs.

I noted the way that she stood, hunched over and fearful. These slaves were supposed to be skilled lace makers, cutters and a clicker, whatever that is.

"Listen to me, I'm the Baron, you may have heard of me, some call me the Bastard Baron." I looked round there was almost no reaction from them at all.

Melissa, get Em and Riddley. Jo, I need a phone." I held my hand out, not bothering to check that Melissa was carrying out my orders.

Jo placed a phone in my hand and, when I looked at the display, I saw that Ross' number was already for connection.

"Thank you Jo,"

The phone rang twice, then Ross answered. "How fast do you need me Paul?"

"What?" I exclaimed wondering how he knew.

"This is the emergency number I gave your girls before we left. I'm getting my kit together now; I assume as it's this number you called that you need me quickly."

"I've twenty, that's two zero, people who desperately need you Ross. Em and Riddley will be looking at them but I really think that you should bring two or three experience nurses with you if you can."

"Have your jet meet us in Luton in," there was a pause, "two hours, we'll be straight over." The line went dead.

I turned to Jo, "Good thinking Jo, well done."

She gave a little smile, "My Master shouldn't thank his slave for doing what is right."

Her eyes though kept flickering towards the new slaves.

Em arrived quickly followed by Riddley. Em took one look at the suffering women and started bossing us all around.

The women were stripped and we washed them all. Em ordered their garments to be burned but I objected. I wanted them to be checked for any information as to why these slaves were in this state.

-------

I looked at the woman sitting in front of me, she seemed fearful of me, but opened her mouth as I lifted the spoon to her lips. She'd tried to hold the spoon herself but trembled and shook so much that she kept dropping it.

I sat on the floor in front of her, picked up her spoon and fed her a little soup. She took it gratefully. She managed to eat about a quarter of the small bowl, then I could see that she was eating because I was feeding, rather than because she wanted the food. She looked emaciated; I could see her individual ribs. Her breasts had lost volume and hung limp and flat against her chest. Her teeth were loose, I felt that as she painfully took the soup off the spoon. Her hair was dank and lifeless. Though we'd washed all of the women; their skin looked grey and lifeless. This was neglect, deliberate and sustained, almost an attempt to starve these women to death.

Karen was like a girl possessed. She fed the weakest and worst cases. She lifted them and helped them use the bedpans Cecy's housekeeper had found for us, washing the women gently afterwards. She sat with them, talking to them, holding them in her arms.

Ross arrived, he'd brought another doctor and four nurses. I was glad that they didn't ask questions but just followed Em and Ross' orders.

A problem came when Ross wanted to give one of the women antibiotics. The woman was obviously afraid for her life. Karen was there immediately.

"Prepare two hypodermics' both the same. I will have one, she the other. She will choose which. I will be injected first." Karen ordered.

Seeing Ross nod, the doctor did so. He put both syringes onto a tray and held them out to the woman. They all looked away while she made her choice. Then Karen picked up the other syringe and injected herself.

The woman looked shocked but watched Karen carefully for nearly five minutes before handing her syringe over and offering her arm to Ross. He injected her carefully and she didn't seem to feel any pain. Then Karen was off to see to another woman.

We all worked hard through the night, feeding, cleaning and caring for these women. Karen though worked harder than any three of us. She didn't stop all night. In the end I grabbed her and while she looked at me in surprise, Ross gave her an injection of Valium. We laid her to sleep in with the women she'd been caring for. Two of the nurses would take a watch and then hand over to the other two. The rest of us went to our beds.

-------

The slave's quarters had changed quite a bit when I returned the next day. Two showers had been installed by the doors and now everyone who entered the room had to shower and wear 'scrubs', the blue tunic and trousers habitually worn by medics. Bottles of antibacterial gel were at the end of every bed and the nurses watched to ensure that everyone used them all the time.

There were also two empty beds.

The lead nurse saw me looking at the clean white sheets on the empty beds...

"That's why we have to be so careful at the moment, a mild infection could kill all of them. Those two, they were the weakest, they just ... let go." She sounded so upset that, with all of her training and years of experience, she couldn't help two abused women who'd decided that they had had enough.

I looked at her, "Don't worry, I'm going to make the people responsible for this pay, and pay for the rest of their short and pain-filled lives."

She gave a half smile, "I'm supposed to be against that sort of thing. My church tells me to leave retribution to the Lord. But..."

"Sometimes God leaves justice to us. He's given us everything we need to live good and fruitful lives. We just need to ensure that we all get a fair share."

She nodded, "You needn't try to justify this for me, I can see the justification suffering here in this room. Go and deliver your, no, our vengeance. I will stay here and tend to these women. I'll welcome you all back and thank you then. We," she gestured to the women in the room, "all will."

-------

The factory was tall, gloomy and foreboding. Large windows should have filled the building with light, but the pitiful gleam they allowed into the building seemed only to enhance the gloom inside.

The machines were set up in long rows, little space between each one for the workers tending them. The women and children working the machines looked at us with little interest; empty eyes in vacant faces stared at us for a few moments and then went back to their machines. Then I noticed that they were all chained to their machines. From the looks of their ankles the chains weren't released for them to sleep. They lay down where they worked, slept as well as they could.

Long gutters ran down each side of the machine rows. A woman went and relieved her bladder into one of these. The place stank of the wretchedness of humanity.

I walked slowly behind the girls. Elastic had brought nearly all of her girls; Paula sent two four-girl sticks as well. Prof and Chiefy accompanied us. The inside team went from floor to floor, bottom to top. Any one able to flee would be caught by the outside team and held until we'd established who they were and what their part in this torture was.

The top floor was quiet when I arrived. I'd seen the bodies of four guards, two obviously shot, another whose head faced the wrong way, the last just looked surprised that he was dead.

The owner's office was large, well lit and airy, a pleasant place to work, until I noticed the two female bodies hanging from chains set deep into the walls.

A man was kneeling in front of a large mahogany desk; I assumed that this was the owner, rather the previous owner.

He looked up as I passed, "Do you expect me to talk?" he demanded.

I couldn't help it; perhaps it was relief that none of the girls had been hurt, or shock at the conditions here. "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die."

There were groans from my girls in the room.

"Boss!" exclaimed Elastic, "did you have to?"

"I suppose you want me to think that you're the Bastard Baron." He said.

I looked at the papers on his desk, poking a couple here and there.

"I don't give a fuck what you think," I replied, "it's not going to do you any good at all."

"Elastic, I want all of these papers sent to the Chateau as soon as possible. You need to be careful of the desk, but I want that taken apart completely. This whole office is to be stripped back to the bare bricks and they're to be checked too. Same goes for the floor boards and ceiling joists. I want to know everything about this place."

"Will do Boss."

"Now take that piece of crap downstairs and see that he's crated up properly. Put him in one of the special crates."

Sandy smiled, "looking forward to it Boss." She prodded the previous owner with a bayonet, "Come on you, on your feet."

Stumbling a little after having knelt for so long he got up and was quickly ushered out of the office.

"Karen!" I yelled.

Nearly three minutes later she appeared, panting, sweaty and grime-covered she knelt in front of me.

"Sorry my Master, this girl was on the ground floor attending to some of the slaves here."

"Well you're going to be doing a lot more of that. I want you to take over this factory. I want you to run it properly and treat the slaves properly too. They're your responsibility now."

She looked shocked at being given so much responsibility, "Yes my Master. Err ... Master, can I come to you for help when I need it?"

I smiled at her, "Of course you can my precious girl, I'll look forward to seeing you. Now let's have a look at your new domain and you can tell me your initial thoughts."

"Yes Master." She said as she sprang to her feet, her previous tiredness forgotten as her mind whirled with ideas about turning round this house of horror into a happy productive business.

On the floor below the machines were quiet. The slave workers lay by their machines, their chains preventing them from moving very far.

"I think I'll remove every second machine, that'll give more room for the workers, and be safer for them too. I'll take out the oldest machines first; they're not as productive or efficient as the newer models. Then if I need more space I'll check the maintenance records or slave replacement records to see which machines cause the most problems, they'll go next. At the end of each floor I'll have slave quarters built. Some of the workers will work there doing the housekeeping, cooking, cleaning making clothes that sort of thing."

I looked round the floor, what Karen proposed was workable and should help improve the quality of the slave's lives.

"Master," Karen looked hesitant, "I want part of the top floor turned into a hospital, a proper hospital too. Factories are dangerous places; workers get caught in the machines every day, even well run factories, those where free people work, have deadly accidents."

"You'll need a resident doctor and a surgeon on call at short notice." I interjected.

"And nurses too, I thought three nurses for the amount of people there are here." Karen added.

"How many people are here?" I asked.

"I've found 342, but I haven't been down in the basement yet. Mistress Bands is still dealing with two of the former overseers.

I pulled my radio from its pouch, "Elastic, are there any holdouts still?" I asked.

"Yes Boss, two. They're holed up in a store room with a metal door. The door has a view port; they're using that to fire at us."

"Tell them on my word that if they come out now I'll let them go free, otherwise just weld the door shut and weld a plate over that view port."

"Will do Boss." Elastic answered.

Karen and I continued our walk through the building going through each floor in turn. All of the machines were silent now. They would remain that way until they'd been repositioned.

One of the women called to me, "Master, please Master, what's going to happen to us?"

She tried to stand straight and tall but her left leg was crooked from a break that hadn't been set. She was obviously in pain but I saw that she'd decided that the chance of being punished for what she was doing was acceptable. Besides, if I killed her that'd end her suffering and torment wouldn't it?

I went to her, "We're trying to find the keys to your chains. When we find them we'll unlock you. I would ask that you don't try to escape. If you stay here you'll be fed, clothed and given work that you're capable of. You are slaves. You are easy to track and recapture by owners, we know what to look for; if you're caught then the council of owners will pay a ransom for you and torture you to death. Here you will live, you'll earn a wage. We'll teach you to live in the free world again. Those that can't will live here and be looked after in their old age."

I looked around, every face I saw, while aged by their harsh treatment, was physically young. The old didn't survive here very long.

"Yes, you will all have an old age. Some of you, one or two, will die young. But that happens in any large group. I want you to talk together, chose a floor leader. For this floor, this woman is leader. She will remain so unless my supervisor changes her. This is my supervisor," I held Karen's arm up. "She is in charge of the whole factory. I now own this factory. My name is Paul, I hope that you will come to think kindly of me."

"Thank you Master." The woman said as Karen and I move on towards the stairs. Behind us talk welled up, excited chatter between the women who'd obviously been kept quiet and apart for so long.

On the ground floor two men waited. Sandy and Tucker stood behind them while Elastic disarmed their weapons.

"OK, box them up and send them off with the rest of the trash." I ordered.

"But you promised..." one of the men yelled.

"Would you give a promise to a slave?"

"Of course not," he indignantly replied.

"Neither did I." I snarled at him.

Their eyes widened as they realised their new status as slaves. After the way that they'd treated the slaves in this factory I guessed that they were terrified about what was going to happen to them.

Sandy and Tucker put both men on the floor with ease. I was pleased to see that Tucker used the throw that she'd demonstrated for Aggie when he was last at the Chateau. She'd got it down pat and her victim was on the floor and incapable of giving her any more trouble.

Outside, in the factory yard a four-ton truck was reversing to pick up the first load of transport cases. I watched as twenty cases were loaded. Looking at the pile still to go I estimated about three more loads. Cher could have these for free. They weren't worth a penny each.

As the truck left another arrived, a car I recognised behind it. Cecy and Harold stepped out of the car. The truck driver and his mate started unlatching a small forklift attached to the back of the truck.

"We've bought you some food," said Harold.

"Thanks Harold. I'm sure that there's some in there. I just don't know how much or what quality."

"Well this first load is soft soups and cereals, all stuff that's easy to eat and easy on the stomach."

"You didn't have to do this you know..." I started.

"Yes Paul," Harold interrupted. "We did have to do this. This is an injustice that we can help fight. We can do this little to help." He gestured towards the track and the coach that was now pulling up.

The coach was filled with villagers from Martinè; men and women. The men carried tool boxes, the women first aid kits and cleaning supplies. The coach visibly lifted upon its springs as Yvon Le Clerk stepped off. He was carrying the largest set of manual bolt cutters I've ever seen.

"I thought you might need a big key for some of the locks Monsieur Le Baron." He said grinning.

"Thank you Yvon; please start on the ground floor, the people in there will tell you who to free."

Swinging the huge tool easily in his massive hand, he strode into the factory. The villagers streamed after him.

"Yes Paul, they too are incensed that something like this could happen so close to their homes." Cecy looked at the disappearing stream of people. "You've changed them Paul, they have always been good people. You're teaching them to be caring people too." She shook her head. "They're still shamed by the deaths of Susan and Varinka, and the rapes of Fantine and Eloise. They all know that they could have prevented these things, but they didn't. Now they want to try to redeem their honour." Cecy smiled, "this place, so close to their homes, could be a good place to start doing that."

I'd been shocked to find out that this factory was only twenty miles from the boarders of Martinè. So close to the idyll that I was starting to call home.

I returned to the factory and started the work of sorting out this horrendous mess.

-------

Waking, I lifted my head from the table I'd been using for the paperwork. Karen was asleep on the floor beside me. She'd curled up with Umber, Melissa and Aline. They were all sleeping soundly, occasionally a little, delicate snore lifted from the packed bodies. Those made me smile.

I walked down the stairs and looked in at the slaves there. They'd all been freed from their chains and now they congregated together at one end of the room; they too huddled together for warmth.

A woman, the one who'd spoken to me yesterday, was it just yesterday that we'd arrived here, stood and limped over to me.

"Welcome Master, I'm 462. You chose me to be the floor leader for this floor."

"Hello, I would prefer to call you by your name if you'd tell me it." I replied.

"Oh ... but you have a slave called 2, I thought..."

I laughed quietly. "2 is a free woman. She's called 2 because she told me her name was Susan too."

The woman looked at me waiting for me to finish the explanation.

"I think you might have to be English to understand that." I said a little sheepishly.

She nodded in agreement.

"What is going to happen to us Master?" She asked.

"Well, if I set you all free you'd be hunted down within a couple of days. You understand what the result of being captured again would be don't you?"

She shuddered visibly, "Yes Master, none of us want that. But..."

"But you don't want to go back to the way it used to be, do you?"

"No Master." She hung her head, not sure if she'd offended me.

I lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. "Karen, my supervisor here, is kind. She is a slave too. She knows a lot about the clothing industry and wants to make this factory her base of operations. She designs and sells high fashion gowns and clothing under the June label."

"Master, our old master wanted us to produce June fakes. We were trying to make the cloth for the fakes but couldn't get it right. That's why he sent twenty of the workers to learn how to make the cloth." She looked away remembering them, "he had them whipped before they left so they'd remember to learn as much as they could."

"Two of them died the night they arrived. There was nothing we could do for them."

She cried softly, "My sister was in that group."

"I'll have photos of all of the women sent here so that you can all see that they're being treated well. They will be returning here too." I tried to reassure her, "they'll come back just as soon as our doctors say that they're fit enough to travel."

She looked up at me in surprise, "don't you need the extra workers anymore?"

I smiled again, "Yes, I still need the extra workers. But as Karen is going to be here and she runs my clothing business, then they will be returning and Karen will teach you all the skills you need to produce the cloth for real June garments."

"Oh," she said softly. "Thank you Master."

"May I ask what happened to your leg?"

"You're my Master, you can ask anything you wish and I'll answer. I spilt some gruel on one of the overseers, he broke my leg." She shrugged, this was normal life for some slaves.

"Can I ask my doctors to look at your leg, to see if they can heal it properly?"

"Why?" she seemed genuinely puzzled.

"Because it's causing you pain, because I can."

"But if you want to fuck me just say so and I'll open my legs." She looked a little worried now. "It doesn't matter what you want, I'll do it, I'll try not to cry or throw up."

I cupped her cheek, feeling the warm soft skin, "You poor, poor woman. I have many girls who'll do anything that I desire, and much more. I don't need to bribe you for sex. I want to help you because you need help."

"Then there are many women who need help far more than I, let them go first. I'll wait until your doctors have time. Then if you still feel the desire to help me, I'll willingly let your doctors look."

I smiled at her. Even in the midst of horrible adversity you could always find those who thought of other first. I felt humbled by this woman.

"How are the other women taking these changes?" I asked.

She turned and looked at her sister slaves. "The older ones are just waiting, they'll wait and see what happens. They'll follow their orders of course," she turned back to me quickly, "we all will Master," she said hurriedly, and with more than a little fright in her voice.

I smiled at her, "I believe you will." I tried to reassure her, "and the floor supervisors won't be held responsible for the infractions of others on her floor."

She gave me a pitiful smile, as though she thought that she ought to smile but wasn't sure if I'd accept it or not.

"I hope that you'll all learn to trust me soon, I'm not a cruel master."

"I will learn Master, it's just that..."

I put my finger tip on her lips, smiling I said, "Say no more, go back to sleep now. We all have a long day tomorrow finding and caring for those who need our help."

"Yes Master." She turned and started to limp back to the huddled mass. But hesitated and turned back to me. "Master, is it really true, that you're the..." she seemed really scared of continuing.

Then I noticed that she'd gone very pale and a puddle was growing at her feet.

"I'msorryMasterIshouldn'thavepresumedtoask..."

"Don't worry. Am I the Baron, the Bastard Baron? Was that your question?"

She nodded, quick nervous jerks of her head.

"I am." I smiled at her.

She turned again and hurried away. This time to the pile of cleaning equipment, mops and buckets, piled up close to a cold water tap in a corner.

I too left, quickly and quietly, so as to try and give this woman a little dignity as she cleaned up the puddle of urine when she'd wet herself.



-------

Chapter 82


It was good to be back in the Chateau again. I'd stayed at the factory for over a month. Only Lynne, Karolina and Ela stayed at the Chateau. They and my General Staff worked hard on the problem of tracking police cars and the very few foot patrols that the constabularies made.

They did have a few successes though. As students were gathering for a demonstration, we used the councils CCTV cameras and watched as the police set up barriers and then 'the kettle'. This was a fenced area where problematic people, or those judged to be problematic by the police; a very convenient judge and jury situation in my opinion, were held until the police deemed the situation stable.

The real results for us though was the arrival and mustering of three coach loads of additional officers. We watched in high definition as they debussed and mustered, and then were ordered by the Superintendant in charge, to remove their shoulder patches. These patches carried their warrant number. Without this they were, technically, out of uniform and thus did not have the right to carry out the duties of a constable. It also meant that they would be much harder to identify in the case of 'incidents' later.

We watched horrified as most of the demo leaders and stewards were picked out of the crowd and 'Kettled'. Anyone who protested this was also grabbed and forced into the enclosure.

We watched as passers-by were also grabbed and they too were 'Kettled', including a young mother pushing a buggy with a toddler in it. The buggy was knocked over as the protesting mother was physically thrown into the enclosure. Her child was left in the buggy on its side, being kicked out of the way twice by different police officers over the course of nearly half an hour. The mother protesting against being separated from her child and at the treatment the child received.

We watched in mounting horror as the mother was struck over the head twice with an ASP baton, a 'self defence' weapon used by the UK police, she fell and lay motionless on the ground. Two students ran over and started to administer first aid but both were beaten back by other officers. We watched the woman lying, her legs twitching a little. And then they stilled.

"She's just died," said Ross. "Brain injury and most likely bruising of the brain, swelling, and ... death." In tears, he turned away from the TV.

Then came the clean up. An officer shook the woman as if to wake her up, called something to those outside the Kettle, and four constables rushed in with a stretcher. A police van pulled up to the entrance of the enclosure and the woman was placed inside. The buggy was lifted up and, quite horrifically, thrown into the back of the van.

The other people inside the Kettle looked on in horror at this, but any protest or other disturbance was met with a quick and violent response.

We watched the London news that evening. The reporter said that the demonstration had passed off quietly and without incident thanks to quick and appropriate action by the Police. Helen huddled in Ross' arms crying.

-------

Three days later the same reporter gave us the tragic news about a missing young mother and her 18 month old child. The woman was said to be a drug addict and the police feared for the safety of the child.

-------

My ladies and slaves spent the next two weeks going over the recordings from twenty CCTV cameras. They pinpointed and identified each officer who had any part at all in the woman's death. They also identified every illegal action that the police took and who did what. In all, when the time was right we would be presenting video evidence, from the Police's own CCTV cameras regarding these crimes.

We did not actually expect any arrests or charges being brought.

We all felt sickened by what we'd witnessed.

-------

There was another problem though.

The techies couldn't find any evidence of Police cars carrying out high speed runs on the motorways.

There had been plenty of runs up to just over three years ago; then nothing, nothing at all. Perhaps the ACPO had gotten wise and deleted all of the records out of the various databases. Karolina thought that this was unlikely as there would be some missed. No one was perfect and, given the number of individual high speed pursuits and other trips along the motorways there should be some evidence of at least one police car hammering along the road.

It was beginning to look as though we'd have to put people out watching for high speed cars. I didn't want to do this as it would put friends and helpers in direct danger from the corrupt police who we were trying to trap.

Lynne found them. While Lynne had been working with Karolina and Ela for months now, and had amassed enough knowledge and skills to be awarded a PhD in Computer Science, she wasn't in the same league as the other two. However she was much better than either of them for displaying information graphically. And it was one of Lynne's graphs that showed us what the police techies were doing.

The graph showed 'dips' in the number of cars caught speeding. These dips though were at odd times. She then looked at the results from the cameras either side of the one she was working on. The dips were there too, but at slightly different times. Taking a string of five cameras, Lynne found the truth. The cameras were being switched off whenever a police car approached it; switched on again after the vehicle was out of camera range. We could now follow the cars by the effect that they had on the cameras rather than the video itself.

There was one more thing to try.

-------

Karolina, Lynne and Ela finished their presentation, all very pleased with themselves. They had every right to be pleased, they'd all done exceptional work in analysing the movements of police vehicles around the country.

"So you see Boss, Generals..." said Ela.

"We're not GENERALS!" exclaimed Carol for about the ten thousandth time (give or take a couple.)

"So you see Boss, Commodore's..." Ela amended with a smile.

"AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!" said Carol.

The rest of us smiled.

" ... we can track an individual vehicle with 95% accuracy over a ten mile distance; 99% accuracy between ten and twenty miles, 100% over twenty miles."

The 'Commodores' applauded their work and its results. I sat thinking for a while.

"Now, can you prevent the cameras being turned off whenever the cars pass them?"

The three computer experts stared at me for a few moments, their eyes going a little glassy. I could see that they were thinking about the problem, and probably wouldn't notice if we all left the room right now.

Quietly I got up and left, the 'Commodores' followed me.

I undressed by the pool and settled into my lounger. As the weather had turned cooler now, the glass roof had been slid into place and our pool was now 'indoor.' Before Umber could settle beside me, I stopped her.

"Get me Julia, precious girl. She is not to hurry but to come as comfortably as she can." I ordered.

Umber smiled, "Yes my Master." She ran off to do my bidding, but she'd ensure that Julia didn't try to run when coming to me.

"Boss..." started Carol a little hesitantly, "why are you calling us 'The Generals'?"

"Well you're my General Staff. And we don't know what else to call you. What would you as a group like to be called?"

They thought about this, then quietly talked amongst themselves.

Julia arrived, she showed every day of her pregnancy now. She looked beautiful, her skin glowed and her hair shone, sparkling eyes took in everything around her. However she thought that she looked fat and ugly. She was the only one who thought this.

Before she could try to kneel, I pulled her onto my lap and cuddled her.

"How are you feeling my precious girl?" I asked.

Tears started to splash onto my chest.

"I'm hurting, my back hurts and Baby keeps stamping on my bladder ... offff! Baby's just elbowed me again."

I ran my hand over her bump, Baby was very active now. We watched as a lump was pushed out against Julia's abdomen. This lump moved right across her stomach and then disappeared.

"It's not long now dearest girl."

"I know Master, but I'm scared."

"Of course you are my precious. But Em is looking after you well, isn't she."

"Of course she is Master!" she replied indignantly. I gave her a smack on her bum for her cheek. "Sorry my Master, sometimes my hormones run away with me." She looked properly contrite. "My Master, Em looks after us all exceedingly well. She makes sure that I have everything I need and is very careful when she examines me."

I kissed her and she snuggled into me. Soon I felt her relax as she fell asleep.

Right now, I was content.

I too closed my eyes and soon joined Julia in slumber.

-------

Dinner was quiet, I think that the shock of finding the factory so close to us had affected our sense of security.

But maybe this was something I could do something about.

I ate thoughtfully; neither Sasha nor my girls disturbed my thoughts. Missing dessert, I hurried along to my office. I heard footsteps behind me; shoes rather than bare feet so it wasn't one of my girls. Though I knew that they were about somewhere.

I turned and saw Julie hurrying to catch up with me.

"Boss, we've agreed. We'll accept you all continuing to call us the Generals, but we'd much prefer to be called 'the Coven'. After all, we are all female and we are trying to work our magic."

I smiled. "OK, I'll let everyone know. Thanks for telling me."

In the office I started looking at the large scale local map. Specifically the area around my factory and Martinè.

What I saw pleased me. Now I just needed to raise a little petty cash.

I emailed Nigel, my accountant. He'd squeal a bit about this but do his absolute best to get me the cash I wanted. After all three billion Euro isn't that much, not really.

Now to contact Trystan Bonner, or Bayard as he called himself. He'd help smooth the way for a few land purchases. Especially if I gave him some of the documents that were found in the factory owners hidden safe.

I put together a package of some of the less salubrious documents and photos and slid them in an envelope.

"Elastic!" I called as I finished addressing the envelope.

She entered my office about five minutes later. I was staring into space, longing for a window. "Yes Boss,"

"These need to be hand delivered to Trystan Bonner, that DGSE guy who came here when Susan and Varinka were found."

"I know just who to send Boss, your package will be as safe as houses and they both speak French fluently." Elastic smiled, "I'll send them in to collect the package..."

"No, tomorrow morning will be fine. They only need to go to Paris, they shouldn't take too long."

"OK Boss, tomorrow morning then." Elastic left still wearing a strange smile.

-------

Elastic's knock interrupted our discussion. Sasha, the Coven, Prof and I were fine tuning some details of the data gathering exercise that we were currently running. This was going well but needed a few little tweaks here and there.

"Come in." I called.

Elastic entered followed by two of her Marines. One I recognised straight away.

"KATIE!" I exclaimed.

"DAD!" She was as surprised to see me as I was to see her.

She rushed over and hugged me. "Do you work for the Baron as well?" she asked.

Sasha sniggered. She ignored my glare as well.

"Err..." I started.

"So this is Katie who I've heard so much about," said Sasha.

Katie snapped to attention, "Marine Phelps, Ma'am!"

So at least she knew who Sasha was.

"When Commander Bands gives you some time off you must come and see me, we've so much to talk about." Sasha's grin would have put the Cheshire Cat to shame.

"Marine Phelps..." said Elastic quietly, "perhaps you could collect the package from the Baron now?"

"Ma'am, Yes Ma'am!" was the only reply that Marine Phelps could give.

Katie and her partner looked round for the Baron, both ignored me even though I held out my envelope to them.

Katie's partner noticed first. She nudged Katie with her elbow, "Kat! It's your Dad!"

Katie looked at me again, stared at the envelope in my hand, then back at me. "Daaaddd?" She took the envelope and looked at the address on the front.

"It really does need to be delivered to the addressee personally, and as soon as possible." I told them.

"Sir ... Yes ... Dad ... Sir..." Katie didn't know what to call me.

"Dad will do." I smiled at her.

"Yes Dad." She smiled too, her pixie smile warmed and hurt my heart at the same time. My baby was going into trouble. And I was the one who was sending her.

The two girls left, Katie turning and looking at me one last time before the door closed.

"Oooohhhhhh you are soooooo in the shit when she gets some time off," gloated Sasha.

Moments later the air was rent by the roar of a very high powered motorbike being revved. Hearing it now reminded me of the times over the last few days that our peace had been disturbed by this very same noise. The only good thing was that it never stayed in one place for very long.

My concern at my baby riding pillion on such a dangerous machine must have been obvious.

The sound of gravel being sprayed against the walls and windows, told us all that that rocket with seats was attempting to reach warp speed. I almost prayed that the other Marine would look after my little baby.

"Don't worry, I sure she'll be safe." Sasha reassured me.

"She'd better be," said Elastic. "She's the driver..."

"WHAT!" I couldn't believe my ears. "But she only had a moped."

"Well Boss, Phelp's moped seems to have grown quite a lot since you last saw it. And by the way, Jones is the only one who'll ride with her when she's on a speed mission."

I went wide-eyed at that piece of news.

"Boss, she really is the best at what she does, that's why I chose her for this job. And Jones has been rated Master with both pistol and long arms. And both of them have been rated 'competent' by Madam Li."

"Perhaps Katie'll be getting a talking to when you next see her as well." Sasha was enjoying this far too much.

Now desperate to get my mind of the thought of Katie driving a huge motorbike, I suggested that we get back to work. Though my mind wasn't really on the planning anymore.

Sasha sent me to the pool after nearly five minutes.

-------

I swam for about an hour, then walked around the Chateau. Two gardeners were raking the gravel on the driveway while a third picked the gravel out of the flower boarder by the wall.

"That little Miss, she is a terror on her motorcycle, eh, Monsieur Le Baron?" one said with a laugh.

Instead of strangling him I nodded.

-------

Elastic brought the phone to me as I sat fidgeting by the pool.

"Paul," I said.

"Ah Baron, I'm glad that I caught you in. I'd like to thank you for your package." Said Trystan Bonner. "The contents though are somewhat ... indiscrete."

And here's me thinking that the British were supposed to be the masters of understatement.

"They would rate about four out of ten, Trystan, I've more waiting for you which rate far higher. Those were the only ones I dared send." I told him.

"Things like this usually demand a price." He sounded cautious, "Often a very high price."

"These are free. And, no, I don't have more, nor do I have copies. My word on that."

"The Admiral says you are a man of high honour."

"I like to think I am." I replied, glad that Aggie had spoken for me.

"Who shall I send to collect these ... documents?" He asked.

"Who do you trust with the survival of your Government?" I asked him pointedly.

"Umm ... You have had these papers for some time; I doubt that you would now ... publish them."

"They're yours Trystan, just send someone, or come and collect them."

"Yes I will. I know who to send, Capt Le Farge. Yes, the Captain will be ideal for the job."

I listened to him 'Umm' and 'Arr' for a few moments.

"By the way, Baron..."

"Yes, Trystan?"

"Could you ask your ... messengers ... to release my bodyguards. I think that they have been taught a very valuable lesson, one they won't forget in a hurry. I have put the phone onto speaker."

"Girls!" I commanded, "Put them down. Now!"

"Aaarrr Boss," replied Katie, "this one's been swearing at me."

"Let him go Phelps!" I commanded again.

I heard scuffling sounds and then a male cry of rage. Followed by what sounded like a large body hitting the floor and not getting up again.

There was silence for a moment, then Trystan spoke again. "I apologise for my guard Mademoiselle, he really should know better than to attack you when you have just released him."

"Hey Boss," said a different voice. Elastic mouthed, 'Jones, ' at me. "Can I keep this one, he's kinda cute."

I sighed, "Jones, he belongs to Monsieur Bonner so put him down. Find one of your own."

"OK Boss," Jones answered; resignation clear in her tone of voice.

There were the sounds of someone hurrying away and a door slamming.

"Thank you Baron, Perhaps I'd better have a word with your security people. Mine could not stop these two..." he was obviously searching for a word to describe two hellcats, "young ladies ... finding and entering my offices."

"I'm sorry about that Trystan, but I had told them that the delivery was urgent. Now that you have the package my ... young ladies ... can return."

Again I heard footsteps on a stone floor. Unhurried though this time. And the door was closed quietly.

"Mon Dieu! I pity the man who marries either of those two."

Think about their poor old Dads too! I thought.

"Please ask your Captain to let me know when he'll be coming so I can have everything ready for him. It will also please my security to know his arrival time in advance."

"Yes ... I'm sure your security takes great exception to unannounced visitors, especially after the ... incident ... with your two girls. By the way Baron, did you ever find those responsible for that outrage?"

I knew that he knew ... etc. Etc. But I had to play the game. It would be poor form not to.

"No, Trystan." I replied sadly, "though I do believe that a reporter was involved.

"Oh? Umm, that reminds me. A freelance reporter recently died in ... oh where was it now?" We both knew precisely where and when he'd died, but 'the game' had to be played. "Ah yes, Montpellier, a hospital in Montpellier. Apparently it was a most unusual case, a fungal infection I believe."

"I didn't know reporting could be such a dangerous occupation." I said.

"Well if I can be of any assistance in your enquiries Baron, do let me know."

"Of course I will Trystan." I answered.

"Goodbye then Baron, and thank you again for these ... documents."

"Goodbye Trystan." I hung up thankful to be finished playing nice.

Now I just wanted Katie to come home safely.

-------

Katie brought Jones back safe and sound. I watched her on CCTV as she parked her bike in the garage. She looked so small on that huge thing. How the fuck could she control such a monster. I doubted that her feet could even reach the floor.

Jones sat behind her calm and relaxed. She removed her helmet even before the bike was at rest. Jones dismounted and then Katie. I watched as she dismounted and then did things to the bike and its engine. As she walked away I saw her turn for a last glance at her bike. I think she loved that machine.

I stared at that hulking monster for a couple of minutes thinking of how unsure I'd been when she'd got her moped. The only similarity between the two machines was the air in the tyres. And I wasn't even sure about that.

Elastic brought the two girls into my office a few minutes later. Immediately I saw Katie's eyes, bright and sparkling, full of life, I knew I couldn't ask her not to keep riding that infernal machine. She might for a while, but her love of riding would make her lie to me. I didn't want her to have to choose between me and the current love of her life.

"How did you know where Monsieur Bonner's office was?" I asked them.

"I telephoned your Karolina on the way there and she found out for us. Her help with the alarms and electronic locks made it so much easier to get in too." Jones replied.

"Yeah, it helps if Jonesy has something to do when we're in a hurry. She doesn't scream as much." Katie added seriously.

Jones nodded in agreement.

I noticed Sasha and Elastic both turn away, their shoulders quivering as they tried not to laugh out loud.

I would have to have words with both of them later.

"Thank you Ladies," I said, "and Katie, I love you."

"I know you do Dad; I've never doubted it for a second despite what Mum always said. Love you too."

A few tears came to my eyes as she left. My baby was a young woman now; she was making her own way in the world. I admired her for it.

"I bet you were just like her at that age, Boss," said Elastic.

"Was I ever that age?" I wondered.

"Naaa, you were born an old fart," answered Sasha.

"How's she doing Elastic?" I asked.

"Boss, I can see you in her. In everything she does and how she does it. She's a born leader, all of her officers and NCOs agree. She's going to be the Corps Sergeant Major unless we can get her to accept a commission."

Now I smiled. Katie really did take after me.

-------

The Coven had decided that we needed to put some pressure onto the Police. They'd decided to put a dent in the supply of drugs through the country. We were going to steal as much of their stock whilst it was in transit as we could. A large number of the drivers and co-drivers were known to be career criminals, low level crims, but crims never the less. When we found these we were going to take them too. Most would reach Cher, some would not.

There was a secondary purpose to this, we wanted to put pressure onto Huntley. The Coven, 2 especially, felt that he wasn't the overall boss, a big fish in his own pond surely; but not the big boss. So we were going to hit Huntley's crews first. Others later of course, but Huntley would be our main target.

Lynne had identified a particular day and time when four cars usually did a long run. All four started out from the Preston Docks. One car went north to Scotland, One to Cornwall, the other two to London. We wanted to hit all four simultaneously.

We were sure that none of the cars regularly checked in with their control rooms. Each car had its own GPS tracker which regularly sent a position fix to it's HQ via a mobile phone link. When I queried if our techies could spoof this, they all sniggered. So I suppose that they could and thought that the old man was too dumb to understand how they did it. I probably was, but there again, I was the one with billions in the bank and loads of girls ready, willing and able to jump my bones whenever I even looked as though I was going to suggest it. So I don't think that I'm that dumb.

The plan was kept as simple as possible. Each car would be intercepted in a tunnel. We had cars ready to electronically take the place of the couriers; they would exit the tunnels and continue on the courier's usual route. The next tunnel they entered they'd switch off their GPS trackers and 'vanish'. If we could capture the cars without gunfire, something we weren't sure of, we'd leave the cars in remote places to be found later. The drivers wouldn't be seen again.

All of this was now in the hands of the Coven and the veterans. They had complete control, and I sat biting my nails and fidgeting.

Needless to say I got kicked out of the control room, sorry, I was invited to go take a swim, or play with my girls. By Sasha! They asked Sasha to kick me out! And she DID!

The fact that they were right to do so is neither here nor there. I wanted to be involved.

But I went and had a swim.

Bugger.

-------

The water was still warm, though it was well past midnight, as I slipped into my swimming trance. 60 lengths to go, I'd missed my swim this morning as we finalised the details of this raid. I thought about Katie, she was off duty tomorrow and had sent a message asking if it was alright for her to visit.

Stupid question really.

So I had lots of things to look forward too. But I was impatient. It was my biggest flaw. I'd had to train myself to wait, not to just jump in with guns blazing, to plan, to wait for the right time, to recognise 'the moment' when it came.

So I swam, and I waited.

June ran out, "Master! Master! They've got the first car, no shots fired. Both drivers were class A, (the Coven's code for those coppers we wanted off the streets, ) and they've been taken alive." She was grinning from ear to ear.

"Thanks my precious girl, now go and wait for the next one."

"Yes Master," she replied as she ran away.

One down and three to go. We all expected this first raid to be the easiest. The next one they'd be waiting for trouble, looking for it. They'd be ready with automatic firearms too. In the next raid we expected people to die.

Ten more lengths, my swimming was easy and relaxed. I flowed through the water, I never tried to fight my way through, I eased though like a fish.

June was waiting for me by the shallow end. "Two more Master; both with class As and no shots fired."

"Wonderful, pass my congratulations to the Coven, they've done a marvellous job."

"Yes my Master." And off she ran again.

Twenty lengths this time. As I looked up on reaching the shallow end I saw Julie waiting for me. She looked very serious.

"We got the last one Boss, but there was a problem. There was a young kid riding shotgun, and he must have thought he was in the Wild West. He had a sawn off 12 bore, it was loaded..."

"And the safety was off." I interrupted.

Julie nodded. "None of our people were hurt, but the driver was almost cut in half. The driver was his dad. It was the kid's first job, he'd hadn't even left college."

"What class was the driver?" I asked.

"Oh, he was an A. We wanted him. Ela has identified at least three deaths attributable to him. His kid was on the same track too; petty larceny, car theft, vandalism, all of the usual training crimes."

I nodded, "Ship him off to Cher as well then."

Julie nodded, "I thought that's what you'd want."

"How's the clean up going?" I asked.

Julie hesitated, "Boss, there's been..."

"Problems?" I suggested.

"Oh no!" She assured me quickly. "More like a little ... over enthusiasm."

Now I was puzzled. "Do tell."

"Well, we only noticed it on this last job. There was a crew of mechanics ready to disable the electronics on the police car, and a lorry waiting to take it away, together with ramps. Boss we estimate there were about 50 people at each of the take down sites. We have suspicions that they were heavily armed too."

I had to smile. Huntley and his ilk were reaping what they'd sown. They'd suppressed the public for so long that the great unwashed, or that part of it which used to be in the UKs Special Forces, now wanted some payback. And we had training and experience, and it seems quite a lot of arms, on our side.

"How much..."

Julie smiled, "Cocaine 72 kilos, Ecstasy about 50 kilos, we haven't tried to count the tabs. Crack coke 30 kilos, heroine 50 kilos, morphine 25 Kilos. That's just the stuff that we've identified. Boss, it's all medically pure. A kilo of pure cocaine will be cut to about 200 kilos of street product. That sells at about ten pounds a gram. We've taken more class A drugs off the street in this one raid than the police claimed to have done last year. Boss, they're gonna be really hurting over this."

I thought for a while, Huntley was going to go completely out of control when he found out the extent of our raids. "It's time to move my ex-wife and kids to safety." For me, Janice could fry in hell. But it would hurt the kids if something happened to her.

Julie smiled. "They were moved two days ago Boss. Ms Phelps is in New Zealand. Terry has a research post in Harvard, and Karen and her husband are on a world cruise. Strangely enough Karen met a friend on the ship, Ms Jane Hubbart. Ms Hubbart and Karen are lovers."

I was much happier now that my family was out of the way.

I thought for a while. The street dealers were going to be wanting drugs, Huntley & Co couldn't make money if they didn't sell them. They were going to have to replace the stolen drugs from somewhere.

"They're going to be moving stuff from other places. Probably from evidence lockers, can we get those too?" I wondered out loud.

Julie smiled. "It took us two days to think of that. We've watching the main stations where these kinds of drugs are usually held. We think that they'll start moving them tomorrow or the day after. And they'll try and look after this shipment much better than the loads we stole."

"So do you think it'll be too dangerous?" I asked.

Julie laughed. "Not one bit. Prof and 2 decided that if we can't take the stuff we'll just burn it. Thought they've been really sneaky and mean for the next traps."

"Oh good. It's almost certain that they'll use people who'll shoot first and not bother asking any questions, so if they burn too I doubt that anyone will really care. Except Huntley of course, he'll be apoplectic." I smiled now. I liked that idea. Angry people make mistakes; Huntley was soon going to be very, very angry.



-------

Chapter 83


Katie's visit was a whirlwind of delight and terror. I longed for it to start and dreaded meeting her again.

The door opened and...

"Dad..." She was my little baby again, the small trusting infant who believed that her Dad knew everything and could do anything. How I then hated the coming day when I would fall short of her beliefs.

We hugged for the longest time. My tears wet her head and hers my chest.

"What happened, Dad?" She looked at me with those trusting eyes again. "Why did Mum tell us that you'd run off with someone else?" her eyes flicked towards Sasha, "Is that her?"

I told her my side of the story, Sasha sat next to me, her arm through mine. We didn't try to hide our love.

"So Karolina and Joasia are slaves?" she looked at me teasing a little.

"Yes." I answered seriously, a little pained by my memories of Joasia.

"Are they here?"

"Karolina is, Joasia and June, another girl..." I started to answer her.

"Another slave?" She had a broad grin now.

"Yes, they were slaves; June had just given herself to me as a slave." I felt my tears sting my eyes.

"What happened to them?" She asked a little worried now by my reaction.

"They were murdered, we, Joasia, June and I, were poisoned. They couldn't save Joasia or June."

"Oh Dad, I'm so sorry, and I've been making you talk about them, dragging up all of those painful memories." She hugged me as Sasha looked on. I could see that Sasha was impressed by Katie's empathy.

Then she asked the question that I'm sure most of the Marines wanted answered, "How did you become a Baron?"

"Well that's a long story. First of all Sasha bought me a Lordship..." We talked long into the night. Katie watched as my girls came and went, her eyes opening wide at their nudity at first but quickly becoming used to their nakedness.

"BILLION?" Katie looked at me in shock. "A BILLION POUNDS? A REAL BILLION POUNDS?" her face had gone white. "And Mum isn't trying to get most of that for herself?" She looked at Sasha, "That would be the real miracle, stopping my Mum from wanting all of it."

"Well, it's not really a Billion..."

"Oh so your nearly a billionaire then?" She said with a laugh.

"Oh I'm a real Billionaire, at the end of the last quarter I had about 14 Billion in cash and assets." I spoke without thinking.

"14 BILLION! That's ... that's ... a fucking shed full!"

"Maybe fourteen or fifteen shed fulls." Said Sasha helpfully. We both stared at her until she burst out laughing.

Then Katie laughed, and I joined in too.

Our meeting was wonderful. We laughed, we cried, we spoke of the things that had happened to us and we listened in wonder at the other's story. But all too soon it came to an end. As wonderful as our time together had been, so was our parting sorrowful. I closed the door behind Katie with more than one tear in my eye.

Sasha hugged me, "She's a wonderful girl, no, not a girl, a young woman. You must be so proud of her."

Unwilling to trust my voice I just nodded. It was true I really was proud of my Katie.

-------

Prof and 2 were wrong; they waited three days before sending out the expected replacement products. Eight police vans started out from the four main stations that were being watched. Each van took a different route. It was just a pity that they seemed to have forgotten the GPS trackers in the vans. We also had people watching the vans. After all, they may get smart and use the false van trick that we used.

And they did try it. The change over came in tunnels each time. However our watchers kept track of the correct vehicles and we waited.

The first van stopped in a motorway services for a break. After all, they were supposed to be on a normal patrol and normal officers had regular breaks. We took that van by the simple expedient of covering it with a bottomless portacabin* and laying mud tracks and building supplies and vehicles all around it. The two 'coppers' returned and spent over three hours looking for their lost van, including looking over on the other side of the motorway, before phoning for assistance. They never once asked any of the 'builders' around the portacabin where it had come from.

The second van was waylaid on a remote section of moorland. A sharp dip between the hills provided us with perfect radio blackout and the driver and front passenger surrendered their weapons without any shots being fired. Det-cord cut a large circle in the side of the rear compartment and deafened & disorientated the four men waiting inside. We took all six men alive and, basically, unharmed.

The third and fourth vans were caught on the same single track road. We'd been able to trick each one into entering from opposite ends and they blocked each other in the centre. The drivers in each van thought that the other van was the enemy. The resultant fire fight only lasted five minutes but only two men survived, both of those badly wounded. Our people gave them the coup de grace and we only had bodies to deal with. Both vans were badly shot up but they didn't have to be driven far. Agricultural vehicles lifted both vans across some fields and onto waiting lorries.

Van five nearly escaped us. The driver must have been a former professional rally driver. He managed to get out of the trap we'd set and ran; straight into our first backup. The RPG ripped open the van and destroyed both men and drugs in a furious fire. Our people cleared up and re-laid the damaged tarmac road surface. Within three hours the only sign of what had occurred there was a fresh patch of tarmac; and that was being muddied and disguised.

The driver of van six decided to call in at home on his way down south. To see his old Mum, I've no doubt. He invited his colleagues in for a cuppa as well. One of our men just walked up to the van, broke in, hotwired the ignition and drove off. It took less than a minute. This team we'd leave to their bosses to sort out.

Van seven was caught on a bridge between two bulldozers. They trapped the van and lifted it off the ground; the driver and front passenger decided to jump into the canal below. This was a mistake as the drop to the canal surface was over twenty feet and the canal was only two foot deep. Both men suffered injuries in their fall and both drowned in the shallow water. The men in the back of the van were trapped. The bulldozer blade prevented them from opening the rear facing door. They fired freely through the van walls but our people were protected by the bulldozers. A small charge on the side of the van dealt with all the occupants. The van was placed on a lorry and taken away.

Van eight was possibly the easiest take down and possibly cost the most to stage. We did a film set scene again. Everything went well, though one spectator was heard to remark that it didn't seem as 'real' as the other TV shows he'd watched. We took four men alive and that was good enough for us.

The amount of drugs that we stole surprised us. We took more than triple the amount we'd stolen in the previous raid. And it was all medically pure.

After our successes I wanted some way to reward those who'd helped us. Prof put me off giving them money. The type of people we wanted help from didn't do it for money; they did it because it was the 'right thing to do'.

I decided to have a coin minted. Like the regimental coins of old they'd be given to those who took part in the raids. In the future if anyone said that he was on raid so and so, others could say 'show me your coin.' Hopefully that would stop a lot of boasters, not all of them, just most. Prof thought that that was a brilliant idea.

I mentioned this to the Coven and my slaves. June looked up hopefully, "My Master, this girl begs to be allowed to make the coins."

I looked at her surprised.

"June, show me what you can do. You have £100,000 to buy the materials and press, and to get the first design done," I told her.

June's eyes sparkled, "Thank you my Master, I'll do a good job Master."

I hoped so. If June could shine at medal-making like Karen and Karolina did in their areas, then I'd set her up in a workshop to make specialist medals and coins. It would do her, and the rest of my slaves, a lot of good if she did do well.

-------

I was in my office when Sandy called. "Trystan Bonner on the phone for you, Boss."

"Thank you Sandy."

I pressed the button next to the lit outside line marker.

"Trystan, what can I do for you?" I asked him with a smile in my voice.

"Baron, I'm calling to let you know that Captain Le Farge will be visiting you tomorrow."

"Thank you Trystan. It's always unpleasant when guests turn up uninvited." I replied.

"Yes, I suspect that it can be bad for their health as well." He agreed.

"Baron, perhaps you would remind your ... messengers, that France, despite all of the evidence to the contrary, is a civilised country and like all such countries has laws regarding how fast motor vehicles may travel on the public roads. It is not often that our police record a speed of 240 Kilometres per hour." He paused for a couple of seconds, "On the Champs-Elysees."

"I shall make sure that they are told as soon as possible, Trystan."

"Thank you, Baron."

He hung up and so did I.

I had to smile about Katie though. I wondered if any of the French police could keep up with her. I doubted it.

That girl was going to give me grey hair.

-------

Captain Le Farge was undoubtedly French, and, equally obviously, Bonner's daughter. Though I suspected that 'he' was a 'she' when I saw the smirk on Elastic's face as she escorted Le Farge into my office.

She wore motorcycle leathers. I wondered if Trystan was trying to tell me something.

I called Trystan.

"Yes." He answered.

"Trystan, I have a messenger here. How may I identify him?" I asked.

"Baron, if it is indeed a 'him' then shoot him immediately. However, if it is my daughter, then she has a scar, an appendix operation scar. It has an unusual shape. There is a photograph of it on my desk computer called collette.jpg. I'm sure that your computer people will have no trouble getting you a copy. After all, they didn't seem to be inconvenienced by our security systems last time."

Yes, Trystan was definitely pissed off.

"Thank you, Trystan. I'll look after Captain Le Farge while she's here."

"I know you will, Baron. But thank you all the same."

We hung up.

My next call was to Karolina.

"Yes me Master?" she answered.

"Karolina, Trystan Bonner has..."

"Does got already me Master. Is Ela print now."

I might have guessed that they would be monitoring my phone calls too.

"Have Menolly deliver it as soon as possible please."

"It coming now Master."

I hung up.

"I'm sure you'll understand my need to properly identify you, Captain." I said, trying to be pleasant.

"Of course Baron, given the nature of my task, it is absolutely necessary."

Menolly and Em entered. Menolly had an envelope and Em carried a hospital type sterile tray.

Em gestured to a chair, "Captain, if you will let me have access to your arm please?"

Le Farge unzipped her one-piece suit and shrugged off the top. I would have thought that she'd have worn more than just the very thin white tee shirt and white mini briefs that she revealed. But on second thoughts, given her state of near nudity, we could all see that she wasn't armed.

She sat on the indicated seat and offered Em her arm. Carefully Em drew two vials of blood.

"The initial results will be ready in an hour, Master. Positive DNA identification will take twelve days."

"Well, Captain, it looks as though you will be our guest for a while." I said.

Le Farge nodded. "I expected so, Baron."

"Call me Paul."

Le Farge thought for a minute. "I'm supposed to say 'yes sir' aren't I."

All of the girls in the room nodded or spoke their agreement.

Le Farge looked at me, "Why?"

"It's a joke." I explained.

Le Farge just looked puzzled. "Oh, the British sense of humour. Yes ... I'm sure it would have been very funny."

She nodded and then stood to attention. "Yes Sir." She stated loudly and clearly.

This made us all laugh out loud.

"I suppose you have to be British to understand the joke," she said, almost like a little girl.

"You may call me Collette."

"Thank you Collette, and now," I held up the picture.

She stepped out of her leathers and slipped off her panties. I checked her scar carefully. Her pubic hair was neatly trimmed and allowed me to see the scar clearly. It looked the same as that in the picture, but scars could be faked. This confirmation just meant that we'd treat Collette nicely until the DNA confirmed her true identity.

"I imagine that you'll want to check my leathers too," she said.

I looked over to the chair where she'd undressed. Her leathers were already gone.

"I'll make sure that new clothing is provided as soon as possible. I would like you to have a full medical though."

Collette looked a little suspicious at this.

"My doctor will carry this out in her sick room." I said, with a little steel in my voice.

"Yes, Baron." She accepted.

Em took Collette away and I returned to my work. Buying 20 Billion Euros worth of land and property with only 3 Billion Euro in cash took a little organisation. And I hated dealing with banks.

Note to Nigel and Bee - I want my own bank.

That would make things a little easier I though. Though how long I'd be signing contracts for, I dread to think.

Twelve days, make that a fortnight. Plenty of time to get the initial purchases made. I'd have to do this very carefully of course. If anyone discovered what I was trying to do they'd just try and raise prices sky high. It would become obvious later on of course, but the longer my plans remained secret the better.

The Coven disturbed me a few minutes later.

"We need to give you a quick update while the Captain is in with Em." Carol explained.

"OK then, what do you have for me?"

"Well Boss, all of the bodies have been cremated along with regular cremations. The vans have all been broken up and the parts are on their way to India."

"India?" I was a little surprised.

"Yes Boss, big market for Transit van spares." Carol informed me. "The drugs are on their way to a medical pharmaceutical company that we've bought. This firm has licenses to manufacture or refine all of these drugs for medical and scientific research purposes." Carol looked up at me, "Boss, we need to save a lot of these drugs. We're going after their girls next, the prostitutes, escorts and sex slaves. Most of these are kept in check with drugs. If we can wean them off the drugs, then these girls have a good chance of living a normal life again. Our medical company has to keep quite meticulous records. If any of their stock goes missing then there will be problems. Extra stock though, they can just put that into a cupboard. How on Earth is a drugs dog going to sniff it out with all of the other stuff around it?"

I smiled at that. It showed very original thinking from someone.

"Boss, we've hurt them bad, very bad. The street price of cocaine is already five times what it was last week and it's going up almost by the hour. When the street dealers run out, then that's going to be it for a while. We're also looking for more supplies coming in from abroad. Amsterdam is our best guess, though Spain has close links with North Africa and has regular ferry services to England."

"Aren't there other suppliers?" I asked.

"Oh yes, lots of small independents, but in the areas that the police have established control, the small people have mostly been put out of business. When they put their mind to it, the police forces can be very effective. London is the main hold out for organised crime and the independents. The Met has been under political control for so long that it hasn't had the corrupting influences that the other forces had. And the ACPO hasn't as much influence over the Met either. The Met is considered to be the UKs senior force and the one that gives guidance to all of the others."

"So when does the second phase start?"

Carol smiled, "Yesterday."

"Where are you housing the women?"

"Boss, they're being given a choice. They can either come with us and we'll look after them until they can get back on their feet, or they can go home. We give every one of them a business card with a phone number on it. Those numbers, and there are a lot of them, are automatically routed to a computer here."

I opened my mouth to query this.

"Karolina assures us that the routing cannot be traced." Carol assured me.

I was happy with that. Karolina had never been wrong when it came to her computers.

"We're trying to house them in hostels and small hotels, we're managing at the moment but we'll need help soon."

I held up my hand to stop her for a moment while I thought.

"Bring them over here," I said.

"But the Chateau couldn't hold the number of women that we're looking after."

"No, but the factory can." I smiled.

Carol thought about it for a few moments. "And the women will see what could have happened to them."

"And the slaves among them will be happier knowing that they'll be looked after properly. They'll see how Karen treats her workers and I'll bet that a number of the sex slaves will ask to join Karen's work force."

Carol nodded. "It could work Boss, but will Karen be able to handle the extra work?"

"No, so send Jill over there to look after the hotel services and let Karen look after the factory itself. The slaves themselves will do the actual work; it'll give them something to do, a way to earn their keep."

"How about the neighbours, Boss?"

Now it was my turn to be a little secretive, "don't worry about the neighbours. They're being taken care of already."

No one here knew it yet but I'd already bought all of the land and property within ten miles of the Factory. I was now extending my acquisitions southward, and hoped to join up with Martinè soon. Our combined estates would be a bit of an odd shape, but they would be very extensive.

Carol looked at me for a few more moments, as though to discern what I was up to. "OK Boss, I'll tell the other Witches."

"Thank you," I said with a smile.

Carol left, wheeling herself slowly out of my office.

While the door was open, Elastic and Sandy brought Collette back in. Collette was now dressed in BDUs.

"Baron, while I'm here I would like to train with your Marines. I am very fit and an unarmed combat instructor. I don't think I'll have any problems fitting in."

I looked at Elastic and Sandy, both stood 'at ease' with passive expressions, though I knew exactly what they were thinking and what they wanted me to do.

"Captain, are you sure that you wouldn't prefer to take advantage of the relaxation that Martinè offers?" I asked, noting tiny smiles on my girl's faces.

"Baron, I really do like instructing. Perhaps I can toughen these girls up a little."

Now I could see that both Elastic and Sandy had changed their minds. They wanted this arrogant puppy on their training grounds.

"Well," I said helplessly, "if you insist."

"Thank you Baron, I'll sure that you'll see the wisdom of this soon enough." Collette replied, obviously please that she'd gotten her own way. Ah well, she'd learn.

I stood, "Ladies," I said as Elastic and Sandy escorted their lamb to her slaughter.

Sitting I shook my head at the folly that some people thought was wisdom. I picked up the phone and dialled.

"Ah Baron, I expected that you would call about now. Tell me, has Collette persuaded you to allow her to train with your Marines?"

"Unfortunately, yes, she has, and that is why I'm calling..."

"Baron, my daughter is a prideful child. She thinks that she is the absolute best at everything she does. While I can truthfully say that she is good, even taking in to account a father's pride in his child's achievements. I do know that I would not wish her to have trouble with warriors such as your two messengers. They were impressive ladies."

"I thank you for that Trystan, one of them was my own youngest daughter." I said unable to keep the pride from my voice.

"Baron, we are not so dissimilar. We both have children who we believe have not maintained the standards of their upbringing. And we have children who fill us with pride whenever we think of them. Yes, we both have a great pride in our children's accomplishments. And, though I would loath for Collette to hear this, she is my favourite. Sometimes I despair of her prideful ways, but she is my daughter nevertheless."

"You must call me Paul, Trystan." I said.

"No, Baron. When I first spoke to the Admiral about you I asked what I should call you. The Admiral suggested that I call you 'Baron', to remind me of what you have achieved from humble origins. I nearly forgot that when I visited you recently. However your actions since have reminded me that, for you especially, appearances can be deceptive. Thank you for your kind offer Baron, in the future, when we know each other much better, I may reconsider my decision, but for the moment I feel that it is the right one."

He hung up the phone then. I think he felt that, maybe, he'd said a little too much.

-------

I took a walk around the training grounds. Melissa, Menolly and Umber accompanied me. I was in time to see Collette return from a run, probably ten miles. I wasn't sure if Elastic knew that you could actually run shorter distances than ten miles. The girl accompanying Collette looked fresh and ready to continue her training. Collette looked pleased that she'd kept up with her pacemaker, but she showed signs of strain already. Sweat marks on her tee shirt and matted hair. I wonder if she was aware that they went straight on to unarmed combat after their run.

Collette saw where she was heading and, when her personal trainer showed her where to stand, Collette's eyes went wide with surprise. They both started doing the exercises that the others were doing. All movements were performed slowly at first and then with gathering speed.

Paula's attitude was that you rarely got into a serious fight when you were freshly showered and calm and comfortable. Usually, you were tired, dirty, sweaty, and surprised. So Paula insisted that everyone learned to fight when they were tired and sweaty. It seemed to work very well.

I watched for a few minutes as Collette settled into the routine. I really don't think that she took notice of the difference in her fitness level and that of the girl she'd just ran ten miles with.

Ah well, perhaps Elastic's girls could toughen her up a little. I smiled at that thought.

-------

The factory looked a different place from the one we'd stormed and over taken such a short time before. The windows had been cleaned and the surrounds cleared of weeds and rubbish. A line of women were sweeping the area, making sure that everything was spotlessly clean. While I watched a lorry arrived, while the driver's documents were checked, teams hosed down the wheels removing all traces of mud and dirt from the tyres. Another team checked the goods for intruders, that team was armed, and looked very serious about what they were doing.

Entering the building itself was almost a revelation. The cleaned windows lit the whole floor. The ground floor had been completely cleared of machinery. As I walked round I saw builders markings on the floor, these laid out the positions of partitions which were yet to be built.

In one corner, out of everyone's way, a group of children sat facing a white board. Three women were teaching them to read and write.

I wondered just how much work Karen was doing. While I'd been here we'd got a tremendous amount of work done and the conditions here had improved greatly. However Karen had improved this place beyond belief. I really did hope that she wasn't over working. I'd done that and the effect it had on me I still felt today.

As I approached the school, one of the teachers called the class to stand and they all faced me. Then as one, they knelt. The leader came to me, then she too knelt.

"The children of your factory are ready for you to inspect them, Master." She said.

"Stand up and tell me your name," I ordered, but kindly.

She turned so I could see a tattoo on her right upper arm, it was a number. "I am 314, Master. Mistress Karen has appointed me to be the head of our school, Master."

I looked at the children, all seemed bright-eyed and curious, though a lot quieter than any other group of school kids I met. They were clean and I could see that they were all putting on weight. None showed the malnourishment that we'd found when we first arrived.

"How many children are there here?" I asked.

This seemed to upset her, "Master, in this class there are forty five children. There is another class which has forty six in it. Master..."

Now she really was nervous.

"Please ask your question, I do not punish people for asking questions." I tried to reassure her.

"Master, there is due to be a collection of children in two days time..."

"A collection, what do you mean?" I demanded to know. My concern frightened her and she shrank away from me.

"MASTER! Master! I did not know you were here, please forgive this girl for not greeting you." Karen called.

"Karen, what's this about a collection of the children?" I was getting a little concerned because I thought that I knew what 314 meant.

"Master, I do not know. This girl..."

"Has had too much work to do and not nearly enough time to do it in." I interrupted her.

"Now 314, come with us to Karen's office and we'll sort this out." I gestured for Karen to lead the way and we all followed her to the top floor. Karen's office was a small room in one corner of the floor. I saw that the sick room was taking shape, a short stocky woman was walking round ordering minor changes to the partitions being erected. She acted bossy officious and obnoxious, 'she's the doctor.' I thought.

Seated at Karen's desk I looked at the, now frightened, woman, "now 314, what's this about a collection of the children?"

"Master, every three months the slave factor collects nearly all of the children aged seven and over."

"How many children would you expect to be taken this time?" I asked her.

"24, Master." She answered quietly, sure in her own mind that I would let these children go.

"There will be no collections again, not in two days time, not in twenty years time. No child is to be parted from its mother unless I personally give the order." I was adamant about protecting these women and their children.

"But Master, the other Master promised, they had a contract, they'll kill us all." 314 said in shock, now she didn't even think about what would happen to her, she just contemplated the destruction of this new factory and all within it.

"No they will not. Did I not tell you who I am? I do not let anyone, man or Master, take my slaves. Not the lowest or the highest, I keep my slaves until I free them, my slaves will never go to another Master. If necessary, I will fight to keep my slaves."

"Master, your slaves will thank you to their dying day for this." Said 314, awestruck by the idea of a Master defending mere slaves from another Master.

"Melissa, I need to talk to Madam Li at the Chateau as soon as possible."

"Master, Lynne has had the phones here connected to those at the Chateau, just dial Madam Li's extension." Melissa told me.

I picked up the phone and dialled.

"Paul, do you have a problem?" Paula asked when she was given the phone.

"Yes Paula, and one you and your girls can help me with. There is likely to be an attack at the factory in two or three days time. Some people are coming to collect some of the children. The old master had a contract with the slave factor and the factor will be coming to collect the seven year olds. I'm not going to let him have them."

"Of course you're not, Paul, what a thought!" Paula agreed. "My troop will be glad to assist you. It will give my girls some live-fire training." Paula sounded quite please with this idea.

"And it's on your land too ... Oops, I wasn't supposed to let you know we knew that. Sorry Paul." Paula actually did sound sorry.

"I see," I said a little exasperated. "Do I actually have any secrets?" I asked a little facetiously.

Paula was quiet for a couple of moments, "No. Not that I can think of anyway. Your present super secret project is buying up all of the land between Martinè and your factory. You have €3B which Nigel has just gathered for you. You managed to keep this secret for nearly a whole day," Paula sounded impressed, "even with 15 slaves."

"What broke the news then?" I asked.

"Cecy and Sasha were talking about buying some of the land around the factory, enough to give the people there some protection. They found that someone was buying up all of that land and almost anything else that could be bought. They stopped asking about land immediately, they didn't want to drive the price up when it was obvious that you were ahead of them and obviously much better funded."

Well that thing can happen to the best of plans, no one could object to their secrets being tripped over by accident.

"OK Paula, I'll accept that one." I admitted and then laughed.

"I'll be over this afternoon, I'm sure the Commander will want to accompany me. We'll see you then." She hung up; obviously she had a lot to organise.

-------

Paula, Elastic and their second-in-commands looked over the factory and surrounding areas. They walked along the approach roads and surrounding fields. I pointed out places where I would have set up hides and fire positions. These were noted on a large scale map. We stayed out past sunset; things always looked a lot different in the dark.

Collette followed us, getting a master class in defensive planning. She made a few suggestions, some of which we noted, but mostly we showed her the errors in her thinking.

"Think like an attacker, plan what you would do, where would you go, how would you infiltrate the areas, then the buildings? Where would you plant the demolition charges? Where would your entry and outer egress paths be?"

"Not the inner paths Baron?" she asked in surprise.

"No one is going to get that close." I said. I think she was a little shocked at the steel in my voice.

Collette did give us one suggestion that no one else had thought of though.

"What about a suicide bomb?" We looked at her in surprise.

"A four or five tonne truck, packed with diesel and fertiliser, driven at high speed straight into the side of the building?"

We all looked at the approach roads, the nice straight roads, and, I at least, shuddered at the thought of what even one such truck bomb could do. It would flatten this building, killing almost every one inside it. We needed to take this threat very seriously.

And now I had a phone call to make.

-------

"Ahh, Lord Symington, oh I'm sorry, I forgot, you're a Baron now, aren't you? Well Baron the children had better be ready when I come to collect them tomorrow, or you're really going to be sorry." He slammed the phone down.

Well, I think that the Parisian slave factor didn't want to discuss the contract he had with the previous owner of this factory.

I can handle that. And I have a number of strings to my bow when it comes to making people sorry.

-------

* Portacabin – portable temporary office. Often used on building & civil engineering sites. Cheap, quick and easy to set up and move as necessary. Often used in the UK as temporary (20 to 30 years) school rooms and doctors surgeries.



-------

Chapter 84


I think Karolina was angry.

"What think fat pig away get insult me Master!"

No, Karolina was totally PISSED!

Her fingers were flying over the keyboards in front of her. First one and then another. Her face a study of concentration, white-lipped with rage.

"Now pay you men no bank with! Ha! got him person computer. Security is bought from software shop, him stupid fat pig. Now let see what fat pig got here."

I quietly slipped out of their office. Ela and Lynne were looking over Karolina's shoulders, Ela took notes with great interest, Lynne just had a look of awe.

"I don't think you can do that..." started Ela, "oh, you can... !"

I wonder if I'll get a phone call from Nigel about the money that's suddenly appearing in my accounts.

Well, the factor was getting financially screwed, how about I go and really ruin his day?

"Melissa! Menolly!" I yelled "Bring my Barrett, I'm going pig hunting. Get a couple of long rifles and side arms for yourselves too," I added. Both came running to me, their eyes sparkling with delight at the thought of a little action.

Karen was the only one who'd been to the factor's house, so we went to pick her up on our way.

-------

The factor's house was on the other side of Paris from Martinè, equidistant from Orly and Charles De Gaul airports. Handy for international flights and the motorway routes throughout east and west Europe.

I dropped Melissa and Menolly at the rear of the property with instructions to wait for 45 minutes before shooting the shit out of anything that looked like a valid target. I didn't actually specify what a valid target was; I'm sure that they'd figure something out.

I drove back round to the front of the property.

-------

As I wormed my way through the grass to the brow of a small rise overlooking the front and north wing of the house, I saw a ghillie-suited lump ahead of me.

"Master," said Nina, "Mistress Li sent me. But Master, please, please say that you've got a seat in your car to get me back. I really don't want to go on that fucking motorbike again."

I smiled; I think my Katie must have given Nina a lift here.

"Where is Katie?" I asked.

"The way she drives, probably in Russia by now!" Nina looked directly at me, her face pale even with the darkening she'd applied. "You know, she was laughing as we went through Paris!"

Oh no, Trystan would be phoning again, trying to get me to convince Katie that speed limits were meant for her too.

I took some of Nina's camo paint and applied a liberal coating to my face. Then we lay and watched the house for the last five of my 45 minutes delay. The house was less than five hundred feet away. Looking down the barrel of my Barrett, I almost felt as though I could knock on the front door with the fore-sight.

The evening silence was split, no; it was torn asunder, by the sound of two .50 calibre long rifles rapid fire.

Men came rushing out of the front of the house, one in particular being hurried into a limousine. Two other cars joined the limo, one leading the other trailing.

"Lead car, point of lower chevron... 3... 2... 1 ... fire!"

Our two Barretts fired together, the bullets, each designed to smash an articulated lorry's engine block, hit the front of the saloon's engine together. The engine was smashed through the car and its passengers. Shrapnel was ejected out the back and into the middle car. The middle car's driver swerved to avoid the wreckage.

"Boss car, top of front wheel, under arch... 3... 2... 1 ... fire!" Hitting the engine block from the side, the effects of our shots were even more spectacular. Engine parts flew out of the other side of the car and the car body tipped onto its side. Now we could see the rear window, if any one tried to get out of that car, we'd have a clean shot at them.

"Trail car, you left, me right, fire at will."

We both fired at our designated sides. I could see that only one bullet each was needed. At this short range, human bodies were basically see-through for a 0.5 calibre bullet.

Now we heard sporadic pistol fire from the house, I could see the muzzle flashes from the upper windows.

Nina and I picked our windows and fired. Nina missed, possibly getting him with shards of glass. I'd aimed at the row of brick immediately under the window. The huge bullet smashed through the brick, sending brick pellets out with the effect of a shotgun. I saw both men at my window thrown backwards. I didn't see them get up again.

"How did you do that?" demanded Nina.

"Aim for the row of brick under the window. Centre is best, but to the side if there are more people at the side." I answered.

Nina tried my little trick and chuckled. "It's like shooting fish in a barrel." She said with a smile.

Resistance from the house lasted about two minutes on our side. Then we saw two cars burst out of the garage, quickly followed by a motorbike. The cars managed nearly twenty feet before the engines were destroyed by our fire and the occupants killed. Only the two on the motorbike got away.

Then I heard a familiar sound. Katie's motorbike.

There's a song in Les Miserablés, 'I dreamed a dream', in which is the line "And the tigers come at night, with their voices soft as thunder."

I now truly understood the 'voices soft as thunder'. That was what Katie's bike sounded like. And I knew that the escaping motorbike wouldn't get very far.

I smiled to myself, 'go get them, daughter of mine', I thought.

"Would Katie have had time to go back for Marine Jones?" I asked Nina.

"And have a shower and dinner too if she drove as fast as she did getting me here." Nina replied. She sounded a little awestruck over Katie, perhaps a little frightened too.

"Baron, please ask Madame Li not to send me on that motorbike again." Nina was pleading now.

"The Commander says that she's very safe." I tried to reassure her.

"Baron, you know how, when you get really, really good at something, I mean world class at it, when you can put the Olympic champion to shame, when you're that good; then you do things that us ordinary mortals think impossible. And because you're so good, you do them without thinking about how terrified your passenger is going to be." She looked at me a little sheepish, "and Baron, I was very, very scared. She pointed to a small pile down the slope behind us. I recognised feminine underwear, messy and smelly underwear.

"Oh," I said.

"Yeah. Oh." She agreed.

"Let's go and see what we can find in the house." I couldn't think of anything else to say. One of Paula's special girls shitting herself! That was almost unbelievable.

-------

The house was quiet; lights were on in the entrance hall and every room we could see. Those lights had made our attack on this house so easy.

We approached the upturned car carefully, there was someone alive in there as we could hear them moaning. A few swear words floated to our ears as well.

A round into the fuel tank spread petrol all over the bottom of the car, moments later heat from the engine ignited it. We would wait for those in the car to realise that it was on fire and climb out. We'd make our decision about whether to kill them or not on how they came out.

A tubby man was lifted out and he fell onto the grass in front of us. He matched Karen's description of the slave factor. As he crawled away from the car on his hands and knees, I stood in front of him and placed the tip of my Barrett's barrel against his head. It was obviously still hot.

"What?" he looked up at me, his eyes glazed and lifeless, he was probably still in shock from the speed and ferocity of our attack.

"Hi, I'm Baron Glastbrooke, but you can call me Master." I introduced myself.

"What?"

Maybe he was a little too shocked.

Nina shot one of the remaining guards as he climbed out of the burning car. I saw that he was the only one holding a gun.

I turned to one of the guards beside the ex-factor. He too was on all fours. "Tell me now, death or my collar for life." I demanded of him, the tip of my barrel resting against his forehead.

"Fuck yo..."

Do not execute someone with a .50 cal rifle at point blank range. Their whole body explodes, bits of bone, blood, snot and shit, especially shit, fly everywhere.

It certainly caught the attention of the factor and the one remaining guard though.

The last guard threw himself flat to the ground, "I TAKE YOUR COLLAR!" he screamed.

I looked back at the factor.

"You're the Baron." He said, staring at me. "Why did you send a slave to buy from me? Don't you know how you've insulted me?"

He seemed to be getting a little worked up about this, so I stuck the barrel into his open mouth. "Don't you know that I value my slaves higher than the wives and mistresses of any other owner?" I stared at him until he dropped his eyes, "You do not have a choice, I'm taking you as an outdoor slave, whether you submit or not." I smiled down at him. "You will be 10,000."

He looked shocked, recognising the incredibly high number and consequently low status.

"Permanently," I added.

He looked up in shock at his degradation.

I just smiled at him.

-------

By the time I entered the house, it had been secured. Only two of the factor's staff had been taken alive, they too took my collar rather than death.

We found over two hundred slaves of all ages, male and female, though they were predominantly quite young. These slaves were, unlike those in his factory, in quite good condition.

I entered his office to find Karolina already at his computer.

"Me just put backing what I done deleted, Boss." She looked at little sheepish. "This girl did turn computers into paper holder."

"Paperweights." I corrected.

"Sorry Boss?"

"We call them 'paperweights', heavy things that you put on top of a pile of paper to stop it from being blown away."

"Thank Boss. Computer is paperweighted."

Sometimes I think Karolina is just having me on with her poor English. Pity we don't have time for me to investigate. I think we both might enjoy a little ... tickle torment.

"Are there any contracts due to be fulfilled today or tomorrow?" I asked her.

Karolina pulled out a laptop and started it up. Within moments she was rapidly typing.

"Four girl child to brothel in Turkey. They due pick upped in morning, 10 hour."

"OK, get the girls brought up here. I want to see them in 30 minutes."

Umber hurried away. Yes, they were all here. Why did I think that I'd be allowed to do something on my own?

Elastic came in holding a clipboard.

"You too?" I said a little stupidly.

She gave me a 'female' look. "Of course me too. My job is to look after you. The Admiral never said anything about stopping you from doing anything; just that I had to look after you."

"Oh." I'd always suspected this but to have it confirmed was a little shocking.

"I've found some toys that I want to ship over to the UK as soon as I can. I think that the Admiral will be interested in them."

"Would I be interested in having first pick?" I asked.

"We've already done that; Melissa and Menolly have been through the stock quite thoroughly." She smiled, probably at the memory of my girl's excitement in sorting out the new 'toys'."

"What have you found?"

Elastic showed me the list; I was quite surprised at some of the things on there. I also ringed a few things that Melissa and Menolly had missed. I marked off, at most, half of the stock of each thing I was interested in. And I moved some of the stuff that the girls wanted back into Aggie's pile. By the time we'd finished divvying up the stock, there were four girl children waiting for me.

One glance told me that I'd never agree to let them go to a brothel. They were far too young. They looked at me wide-eyed and, quite surprisingly, trusting.

"They go to the Factory tonight. Keep them under guard and make sure that no one has a change to steal them." I looked round, "Nina, please go with these children and keep them safe. I want them in the factory's school tomorrow."

"Yes Master." Nina replied. "Master, Em is here..."

"Yes, let her look at the girls before they leave. BUT, they're to be out of here in an hour."

"Yes Master." Nina answered with a smile. She took the children away.

"Any other sales that I should know about?" I asked Karolina.

"Not sale for next fortnight weeks. Twenty new slave is arrive Wednesday. Already paid for."

Well, I'd have a day and a half before they arrived. Hopefully we'd have time to sort out some of the people already here.

-------

Sorting out the Factor's slave pens was easier than sorting out the factory, but only by a little. All of the slaves were in good condition, physically and mentally. The Factor had kept detailed records of each slave, including all disciplinary actions. I couldn't see any 'problem' people. I supposed that any such slaves were dealt with quickly, and fatally, very early on.

Looking through the records I saw that at least four of the older female slaves had been trained as nursery nurses. This made me remember my crèche. I'd been remiss in that I hadn't done anything about this since I left England. Maybe now was the time to restart that project.

"Ela!" I called

"Boss?" she answered, a little distracted by the task she was currently working on.

"Please search out all of the nurses in this batch." I asked.

The printer whirred into life and a page was ejected.

"There are quite a few of them Boss, 27 in all." said Ela, "looks like a lot of owners like slaves who can look after them."

"Actually I doubt that most owners would trust their well being, or even lives, to one of their slaves." I told her. "These were probably going to look after the owner's other slaves. Get them up here please Ela."

Ela picked up her mobile phone and made a quick call.

I continued checking through the Factor's records while we waited.

-------

In the minutes before the nurses were led into the room there was a rush of activity. Most of my girls came and arrayed themselves around me. Melissa and Menolly took up their positions either side of me.

The nurses were then led in to be greeted with an impressive array of a Master, Freewomen and slaves. They all entered and then knelt in a semicircle in front of me.

"I've had you brought here because you are all nurses. I need people who can look after babies, perhaps a lot of babies, and the mothers."

I saw a couple of them nodding.

"The crèche hasn't been set up yet, you will be the ones selecting the site, organising any building works, and then setting up the residences." Now some started looking worried, one though looked interested. I pointed at her, "You will lead this team." She went white with fright.

"B ... but Master, I've never done anything like this before."

"Neither have I. So you learn what to do, then if I need to know anything about starting up and running a very large crèche, I'll know who to come to, won't I?" I smiled at her.

She knelt there mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. She said the only words that she really could in the situation. "Yes Master."

"Do you know all of these women?" I asked her.

She looked around, "No Master, only two of them."

I turned to Jo, "Jo, dearest girl. You will be in charge of this project, get all of these women quartered together so they can get to know each other. I'll send you a document outlining what I want this crèche to be able to do and where it might be located. We'll talk this over later. At the moment though, I want you to get a feel for these women and the task itself."

Jo smiled at me, "It is this girl's pleasure, my Master."

I turned back to the nurses, "This girl is Jo. She is one of my personal slaves. She will be your Mistress. Any order from her is an order from my own lips, do you all understand?"

"Yes Master, we understand and will obey your slave." They all spoke together, clearly and concisely.

"Before you go though, are any of you trained trauma or A&E nurses?" I asked.

Three put their hands up.

"You three will each choose another volunteer; the six of you will go to a factory that I own. The A&E nurses will teach the volunteers. Two of you will go on to the crèche; the other four will remain working in the factory's hospital. My personal slave there is called Karen. She will be your Mistress. Is that clear?"

The three I'd spoken too repeated their words, "Yes Master, we understand and will obey your slave."

"Good, Aline, help Jo get these women settled together and make sure that the three volunteers for the factory are sorted out today. Let me know when this is done."

Aline jumped to her feet, "Yes, my Master."

"This girl is called Aline," I told the nurses. "She is one of my body slaves."

This caused their eyes to open wide and they become a little more nervous. A personal slave, such as Jo, could order them with my authority; she could give them harsh punishments too. But a body slave spoke directly to the Master. She could order their deaths without recourse to my oversight. A body slave's power was almost as great as that of the Master himself, of all the slaves, only the Master's favourite had more power. A body slave was someone to be respected. And feared.

"Go now and do as I've ordered. Aline, report to me tomorrow evening on your progress."

"Yes, my Master." They all said together, the nurses saying "my Master" for the first time.

Now there were just the other 190 odd slaves to place. And an enslaved Factor, 10,000.

-------

I was in a quandary. I'd just put the main French slave factor out of business. He did an incredible amount of business throughout East and West Europe, even some into North Africa, though that was mainly buying.

Without him someone else would try to take his place. That someone might be worse than the one I removed. I worried about this for a couple of days. I personally didn't want to take the factor's place. But I couldn't see any way to avoid that. I'd have to ask Sasha. She usually had good ideas.

In the meantime, I'd have Wendy interrogate the two staff members we'd caught to see if there was anything else that I should know.

-------

"Master! Master! Wendy asks to speak with you as soon as she can, Master." I looked up from the papers I was studying. Umber never interrupted me unless it was extremely urgent.

"Show her in, Umber, Precious girl." I replied.

Umber ran to the door. I'll never get tired of watching that girl's naked body as she walks or runs.

"Master, the factor's staff say that there are two other slave pens that they know of. One is in the south of France, the other close to the German-Polish border on the Polish side. The French pen holds about 800 slaves, the other about 1,000."

I stared at Wendy in shock. Nearly another 2,000 slaves. What the hell was I supposed to do with all of them?

Damn! I wanted a swim, I think much better when I'm swimming.

Then the very smallest seed of an idea snuck into my brain, if this could only work. But first I needed some information.

"Umber, Wendy is there some way of permanently marking a slave? Not branding, I think that that is a barbaric practice." I asked.

Umber answered, "Usually a tattoo, my Master. On the upper shoulder." She looked nervous for a moment. "Although tattoos can be removed with laser treatment, Master." She paused for a moment. "My Master, Slave Em would know if there is a way to brand a girl without too much pain. A brand cannot be removed. Even skin grafting would leave marks."

"Wendy, can the factor's staff be trusted?" This was the most important part of my idea.

Wendy thought for a moment. "Master, they now know who you are. They've heard stories about you, how you reward faithfulness and," she gestured around us, "how you crush your enemies. They'll be faithful until they learn to respect you for the wonderful master that you are."

"Umber, get me Alina and Melissa. I have a job for them."

"Yes Master." She called as she ran out of the door.

Well, I thought to myself, he wants to return home, perhaps this will help him. I smiled to myself. My girls looked on amused.

"Wendy!" I called.

"Master," she answered from my side.

"The slave factor is to have his number branded onto his forehead." I ordered.

"Yes Master." She replied, seemingly happy with my demand.

"I don't want him forgetting his place." I felt cold, hard, unforgiving toward that man who'd threatened me and mine. "His permanent position."

"Your girls will remind him, my Master." Said Wendy, a small smile on her lips.

-------

Alina and Melissa knelt in front of me waiting patiently.

"Alina, my precious, I have a job for you. I want you to go to England, London in fact. You can't stay at the Crynos, but any Minstrel hotel will have a good room for you." I turned to Melissa. "Melissa, I need you to protect Alina. Protect her with your life if necessary."

Melissa nodded. "Of course, my Master."

I looked at both girls for a long moment. "Melissa, if it looks like you might be captured, then I need you to do something for me."

Melissa looked me in the eye. "My Master, we shall not be taken. Neither of us."

Alina looked at her, "Thank you, sister. I feel safe in your protection, I'm so glad that, if it has to happen, then it will be you; you shall be my Susan."

Melissa looked back at her then leaned forward to kiss her sister slave. My two girls kissed each other lovingly, unashamed who might see their affection.

Breaking their kiss Alina looked back at me. "My Master, what is the task you have for me?"

"I want you to see an old ... friend ... of ours. I need you to take him a message. I want you to..."

My instructions lasted for nearly an hour. Occasionally the girls laughed, mostly though, they listened to me seriously.

Alina nodded as she thought through her instructions. "I will carry out your orders, my Master. I look forward to returning to your protection, to my home."

"I just need to make one phone call before you leave me." Umber handed me a mobile phone and I dialled.

"Minstrel Hotels, how may I help you?" A pleasant female voice answered.

"I need to speak to Kelly. This is important." I said.

"And who may I say is calling, Sir?" She asked.

"This is Baron Glastbrooke."

"Baron, I'm trying to connect you now. There seems to be some delay though. If you give your handset to one of your people, we'll remain connected until I can connect you to Ms Baxster."

"Thank you." I said before I handed the handset to Melissa. "Let me know..."

"Ok course, my Master." Melissa seemed almost upset that I felt that I had to tell her what I wanted. But these girls knew me oh so well.

Alina and I discussed my requirements for nearly five minutes before Melissa handed the phone handset back to me.

"Boss, how are you?" Kelly asked.

"I'm great, my dearest girl. I need accommodation for two of my girls though. I'm sending over one of my body slaves, a girl named Alina. She's got a bodyguard, Melissa. I need accommodation for both of them. Transport too, I think. They might have other needs while they're in London though."

"Boss, tell them 'ALBION', A-L-B-I-O-N as the booking code. They'll be looked after properly, I'll make sure of that personally."

"Thanks Kelly, I miss you, Dearest, why don't you come over to the Chateau for a little holiday?" I asked her.

"Boss, can I bring a ... friend?"

"Of course you can. I'm glad that you've found someone special away from your home."

Kelly laughed, "Boss, home is where I settle for the night. I'm a free spirit. I've never been tied to any one place in all of my life. The Crynos is the closest I've ever come to calling one place home in my life."

"I look forward to seeing you and your friend then, Kelly. Come whenever you want. We'll all be glad to see you again. And you can tell us all about the changes to the Crynos as well."

I almost felt homesick for that old place. The place I'd started to make my home when all of my troubles really blew up. Mentally I damned Huntley again.

Still I had work to do. More work than I thought possible. I'd have to shift some of this onto someone else. But who?

"Bring me the two staff members; I want to talk to them," I called. Someone ran away, I didn't see who, but I knew my orders were being carried out.

I reviewed papers, making notes about them and notes on them. I was getting used to this form of paperwork. That didn't mean to say I liked it, just that I was getting used to it. Something I never thought would happen.

-------

They knelt in front of me. They'd been collared, I hadn't done it, but I supposed that this level of slave was supposed to be beneath my notice.

"You two are to continue running things here. I'm getting an experienced man here to oversee your work. He will report to one of my body slaves. If you work well you'll be rewarded. Fail me and you won't last long at all." I looked at them and saw understanding in their eyes. "Are there any questions that you want to ask me?"

One looked at his companion then back at me. "Why did you attack our Boss, Master?" He asked.

I suppose it was a reasonable question from his point of view. I doubt that the factor would have told his staff why he intended attacking me.

"Your former Boss felt insulted that I had sent one of my slaves to hire other slaves from him. He threatened me. You both must know that I value all of my slaves above the wives and mistresses of any other Master. Whether that slave be the lowest or the highest."

Both bowed their heads.

"We will obey, Master." They said together.

Well that was one thing taken care of. There seemed to be so many others though.

A little later that day I waved Alina and Melissa off to London. They were driving, Melissa could drive a car. They hired a large Ford and put their meagre belongings in its cavernous boot. They had plenty of cash to get across the channel and for incidentals, food and drink and the like. I knew that Kelly would look after them once they were in England.

-------

Sasha and I visited the Karen's factory. We both wanted to see how she was coping with the influx of children from the factors and women from England.

Things seemed to be running smoothly, well there was chaos, but organised chaos, sort of.

One of the factory women ran over to me as soon as she saw us. She knelt and looked up at me.

"Master, I confess that I never warned Mistress Karen about your visit. Master, you need to see her unannounced. She is doing too much and cannot cope with the work load she has."

I looked down at her and saw that she was ready for her punishment.

"Follow us then." I ordered.

Resignedly she said "Yes Master." She knew that her punishment would be harsh.

We found Karen asleep on her desk. She'd just fallen forward onto the pile of papers she'd been working on. She'd been just too tired to do any more.

"Sasha dearest, please call Em and have her come here."

"Of course, Paul." She started dialling immediately, moving out of the room so she wouldn't disturb Karen.

I turned to the slave beside me. "Come with me. We'll have a look round while Karen gets a little rest."

"Yes Master."

The factory's hospital was first. There was a queue of five women waiting. I passed by them and entered into the consulting area. The doctor looked up from the woman she was examining.

"You're the new Master aren't you?" She asked, unperturbed by my unannounced entrance.

"Yes," I said looking round the small sick room, seeing the excellent job she'd made of organising this place. "How are the women doing?"

"Well, over all, they're in quite bad shape. Not nearly as bad as they were and they're all getting better. There are four I'm still worried about, three children and one of the older women. The children need to see a specialist paediatrician; I don't think that the woman will make it though. She's just given up."

I nodded, I'd ask Ross to come over and look at the kids. Perhaps Helen could talk to the woman and try to give her something to live for. Perhaps not though, I realised.

"I'll see what I can do to help." I told her.

"What help can you give?" she asked sternly.

"Well I can call one of the top English paediatricians, Dr McCraken of the Great Ormond Street Hospital to come and look at the children, I can ask his wife Dr Helen McCraken to come over and see the woman, to see if she can help."

"Sorry, you must be the Baron. Please forgive me for being so short tempered. I've asked for more medical staff but that young girl doesn't have time to do anything. She'll be in here soon, you mark my words."

I turned to the slave beside me, "What's your name?" I asked, as kindly as I could.

She turned her right shoulder to me and I read her number as she said it.

"212, Master."

"Well 212, I have a job for you; you're to be in charge of the offices on this floor. You are to look after the things that need doing on this floor. You'll need to work closely with the floor manager. I want you to take a load off Karen's shoulders. Come show me the next floor down, tell me if there's anyone who you think can do the same job as you for that floor. And then we'll go look at all of the others. Karen is to have some lieutenants to help her here."

We went from floor to floor. I changed my mind about 212 though; she would have been wasted looking after just one floor. We returned to the top floor and, with 212's help, I selected another slave to be the office manager.

"212, you are to be a senior lieutenant. If Karen is satisfied with you, you'll be one of her main assistants. We'll get others for the both of you, but we have to start somewhere."

212 looked worried for a few moments. "I will do the best I can, Master."

I smiled at her, "I know you will, now go and wake Karen up. I haven't got long and there's a lot that I want to speak to her about. I'll be on one of the lower floors."

For the first time I got a smile from her. She thought that she was being rewarded. I bet she didn't have a clue about how much work and responsibility would be dropping onto her shoulders.

I also wanted Julia to come here and have a look at the situation. Julia was after all in charge of my slave's health, welfare and wellbeing.

My affairs were growing too large for one man to control them all, I needed help.

Karen came running, or rather stumbling, along the second floor to meet me.

"Master, this girl begs forgiveness. This girl wasn't ready for your visit and..."

"And my girl has been working too hard, just as I warned you against. Now you will rest for the rest of the day." I cupped my hands around her cheeks, "Em is coming over to have a look at you. You will obey her orders." I said this last piece quite sternly. I needed her to be well. She was important to me. For herself alone, without taking into account how much work she took from me. I needed Karen and a dozen or so more like her.

I looked at her, carefully; the pallid skin and dark circles under her eyes told their own story. She was on the verge of collapse. I needed Karen well, more than I needed her now. So, "Go to bed, Karen, sleep yourself out. You are confined to your bed for the next four days and to your rooms for the next two weeks. Rest my dearest girl. Rest and get well and fit again for me."

I turned to 212. "Mistress Karen needs four attendants. They are to look after her day and night. Mistress Karen is to spend the next two weeks resting. She is very important to me and I need her looked after well. Do you understand?"

"Yes Master," she said with a little trepidation. I think that she was coming to realise just how important Karen was to her Master.

"Good, go find some attendants then. Give them my orders."

212 ran off quickly. When I turned back to Karen, she was almost asleep on her feet. I picked her up and carried her like a babe to her rooms. She was asleep again before I'd walked ten paces.

Laying her on her bed I kissed her forehead, "Sleep well, my dearest. Rest and get well soon."

Turning to the door I saw four young women there. These must be Karen's attendants.

"Look after her for me. I need her fit and well." I told them.

"Yes Master." They said in unison.



-------

Chapter 85


I now had lots going on around me. Lots, I should have said too much.

The factory and Karen's fashion business.

The slave factor's slaves and the supply of slaves throughout most of Western and Central Europe.

The purchase of land around the factory to connect it with Martinè.

The ongoing war against Huntley and the corrupt police forces.

The collection of the police controlled prostitutes and bringing them here to France.

Then there were my legitimate businesses in the UK. The building works for the Government had started and work was ongoing at over 200 sites around the country. My renovations business had taken off recently as well; as more and more people renovated and modified their homes rather than buying a larger place. The fledgling building supplies company I'd setup wasn't a fledgling any longer and my senior staff there were getting approaches from the larger building supplies chains regarding, well basically cutting up the country into areas and having a bit each. I'd told them to fuck off, literally in a couple of cases. My accountancy firm, backed by the City and County name, took off like a rocket. It built up a portfolio of customers that its previous owner could only have dreamed of. They needed to move into a new, larger, office block. I had taken over the leases of six more properties in Lincolns Inn Fields. And I had uses for at least four more.

And I'm sure that I've forgotten something. There was so much that I'd started reacting to events rather than being proactive. I was falling behind and needed a way to catch up.

But I also remembered my own experience with overworking, and the state that Karen was in had concerned me deeply.

Em too, was getting over-worked, as there were just too many people for her to look after. The slaves trained as nurses in the Paris slave pen would help. But would they be enough?

We have to reorganise and quickly.

I thought about what needed doing while I swam. I needed to get this reorganisation right or it could be worse for us than things were now. But I was just an old Chief Petty Officer, a Matelot, a grunt. I had been a good CPO, but my man-management training was for groups of 50 or so. I was now looking at over 2000 slaves and all of my businesses. I was directly or indirectly responsible for nearly 20,000 people.

It had been so much simpler back in the hired office, with just Karolina and I together there. I daydreamed about Karolina for a few moments. That was something else I didn't have time to do; to dream and have ideas. I had to sort this out before it all fell apart.

Finishing my lengths I climbed out, not with the ease I used to feel, but slowly, and still a little stiff. I too, was doing too much again.

Harold was waiting for me when I got back to my subterranean office.

"I've got some people that it will do you good to meet." He said with a smile.

"What can they do?" I asked. Harold had much more experience of running a very large business than I did, but even his conglomerate was no match for my interests.

"Well, they're administrators. They can do the day-to-day running of your various businesses, take the strain from you. You really need this help you know."

I nodded. "I've been worrying about the same thing." I admitted.

"Well, see these two and let me know what you think. I also know two or three others, not quite so good but still first class people." He said holding my arm companionably.

This took a load off my shoulders. "Harold, I think I'm going to need about 10 or 15 very high class people. But they need to think like I do, I don't want layers and layers of bureaucracy or so many levels of managers that nothing can ever change."

He laughed. "I doubt that anyone who suggested either of those things would last out the day. No Paul, these people I'm bringing over are good, but they'll follow your lead. They're not afraid to take risks and they'll put their hand up if they screw up."

Then he looked a little more serious. "There is a small problem though. Their last employer is trying to get them jailed. They refused to do some dirty work for him and he's powerful enough to have control of his own police and judges. If they stay in the UK they'll be ruined. I would hire them myself but I'm not big enough to fight Gerry Soaper."

Even before I had my win I'd heard of Gerald 'Gerry' Soaper. Business tycoon, management whiz and general all round whiz kid. Then the stories started coming out. His wife wanted a divorce, citing physical violence and mental cruelty. She died in a car accident about three weeks after these revelations surfaced. Gerry's comment on being told of her death was, 'I don't do divorce.'

I'd never personally had dealings with him, but knew some who had. Their advice to me had been to count my fingers after I shook hands with him. Gerry was an out-and-out crook.

But compared to my current standings, Gerry was also a little crook. He was worth about two billion pounds. Thanks to Nigel I'd proved that I could raise more than that in cash in less than a day. Yes, he could make things difficult for me. I think I could bankrupt him though. Huge amounts of money has a power all of its own. You don't need to spend it to influence people. You just need them to know that you could spend it. And that you would be quite willing to spend it destroying them. That tends to focus your enemy's mind on avoiding conflict with you.

"Bring them over Harold. Bring anyone that you think might be good at this sort of thing. I need admin assistance and I need it quickly. I also need ideas men..."

"No Paul, you don't. What you need is time by the pool relaxing and letting your mind run free. You'll have more ideas, and absolutely world-class ideas at that, than your people will be able to keep up with. Paul, you are the best ideas man I've ever met. And I've met a few."

He smiled again, taking any sting out of his words. "Paul, you and your girls need to rest for a while. Go back to doing what you do so well. Lay by the pool, enjoy your girls and amaze us all with your imagination and inspiration. We'll supply the people who'll add the 99% perspiration." He laughed at his mangled use of that old phrase.

"Go and get your people Harold and warn them to bring their wellies. If I like them, they'll be thrown straight in the deep end." Now I too felt like laughing. If these people were only half as good as Harold implied then they'd be just what I needed right now.

Harold left quietly as I gathered my thoughts. I needed a set of generals for my legitimate businesses as well as for those a little less mainstream shall we say. Then I needed good managers to implement their instructions. But I didn't want too many rules and restrictions. The City and County companies had grown by being willing to let the workers make major decisions. All of my mainstream companies were like that. People work harder, and better, for a company that they themselves have an interest in.

I had one call to make before I called it a day though.

"Em dearest. Go to the slave factor's and get all of the women with nursing training. They are yours. Use them as you need to, precious. I want you to set up a medical system to look after all of us. Report to Julia weekly unless you need something quickly."

"Can I come and see you too, Master?"

"Of course you can. I'm hoping that with these extra people you'll be able to spend more time here with me. And spend it by the pool instead of in your sick room."

"Thank you, Master. I'll call Julia as soon as I've been to the slave factor's."

"Remember dearest Em that I love you and always will." I told her.

"I know you do, my Master. And I, just like all of your girls, love you with all of my heart."

I hung up with a tear in my eye.

Sasha hugged me. How long had she been there I wondered.

"You're just a big softy really, aren't you?"

"Yes, a softy that wants to take you to bed." I replied.

I took my darling Sasha to bed too. And I fell asleep.

-------

Sasha let me sleep myself out. I expected to hear from Alina and Melissa today. They'd have reached London by now and would be going to see ... I smiled to myself. What would he think when those two turned up on his doorstep? I wish I could be a fly on that wall.

However, Harold had visitors. And they were for me.

"Paul, come and meet Eric and Joan Buischvilla."

The Buischvilla's, a man and woman, both looked to be early forties, slimish, fairly fit, and well groomed, though they were both dressed casually, both in jeans and shirts. These must be Harold's super-managers.

"Hello, please call me Paul." I said as I held out my hand to Eric.

Eric's eyes flickered towards Harold, Joan however retained my gaze, "Yes sir." They said in unison.

I turned to Harold. "Have they been talking to Cecy or Sasha?"

He laughed, "Oh no. That was me this time." He admitted. He thought that that was quite funny too.

Eric and Joan looked on a little bemused.

"You'll have to excuse Harold, he and all of the other people around here have a strange sense of humour." I said in way of explanation.

"Has Harold told you why I need you?" I asked them.

"He's given us quite an extensive briefing, Baron. But I think I can summarise it in one sentence. You've too much work to do." Answered Eric. Joan nodded her agreement with his summary.

"Precisely right." I agreed. "My main businesses are all under the City and County umbrella." Their eyes both went wide on hearing that.

"City and County are a ... huge ... conglomerate. What percentage do you hold?" asked Joan.

I smiled, better get most of the shocks over with now. "In most companies better than 90%; in C&C renovations about 45%."

Now they paled a little and looked at each other nervously. "Er ... and how big is your management team?" Eric asked.

"I'm it."

"YOU!" Joan exclaimed. "You run most of City and County on your own!" They looked at each other. "Perhaps, Baron, you'll be teaching us management techniques rather than the other way round. Wow, running C&C on your own. When Harold told us you ran a couple of big businesses, we never thought they'd be that big."

"There is more though, and from what Harold has told me of your problems with Gerry Soaper, I think that you need to know this before you agree to anything. I would like you to understand that a lot of my business isn't precisely legal. I have slaves..."

"Like them?" Joan asked pointing down at my sides. I looked down and Umber and June were kneeling at my sides, both naked of course.

"Like them." I agreed. "However the girls here are only a small part of my ... interest ... in slaves."

I told them about the factory, and the slave factor, and the numbers of women at each place.

"And to really complicate matters, I am having ... problems ... with most of the police forces in the UK. They want me dead."

"DEAD!" I think that they were wondering what they'd gotten into. "Why?"

"That's a very good question and when I find out the answer to it, I'll let you and a whole bunch of other people know."

"You mean that most of the police in England are trying to kill you; and you don't know why?" Said Eric. They both looked at Harold in wonderment.

Harold nodded and answered for me. "That seems to sum up the situation admirably." He turned to me. "See, I told you they were good." He said with a grin.

"Would you mind telling me what you did to Gerry to get him so set against you?" I asked them.

"Oh, I thought Harold would have told you about ... that." Said Joan.

"No, I don't know anything about the problem, only that there is one." I replied.

"And you still agreed to see us. That alone will get Mr. Soaper pissed off with you." Said Eric.

I waved dismissively. "Let him. I've got bigger problems than Gerry Soaper." I looked at them as they digested the fact that I thought that their nemesis was just a small problem.

They thought about this for a moment then, joining hands, they turned back to me.

Joan started. "You should know that Mr. Soaper tried to blackmail us into defrauding, ruining, a huge number of people. If the fraud came out then we would have been blamed of course. Mr. Soaper would have walked away completely clean. Just like he's done so many times before."

"But this time we refused and handed in our notices. Of course Mr. Soaper was quite angry, actually he was bloody furious, about that and has spread the word to prevent us from getting any work again." Eric finished.

Joan looked at Eric, "And there's another thing, the thing Mr. Soaper tried to blackmail us about..."

"Don't tell me if you don't want to. The only thing that really interests me is whether you can do the job or not." I interrupted.

They looked at each other again, "I think we'd be happier with this out in the open. You see, Joan and I love each other." Said Eric. The looks that they'd been giving each other while they'd been here had made that obvious.

"Well done, I'm happy for you." I said and meant it too.

"But he's my brother and I'm his..."

"Sister and my dearest love." Finished Eric.

"OK." I said, understanding more now. "And I suppose that Gerry didn't give a shit about this, but he knew that other people did and that you didn't want the details of your relationship to get out?"

They both smiled, a little weakly though, at that. I could clearly see their anxiety by the way their knuckles showed white as they held hands.

"Well I'm OK with that. You two sleep with each other, I sleep with hoards of slaves. God knows how many at a time, the little buggers wriggle about too much to count." I admitted.

"But Master!" Cried Umber, "You've never slept with more than fifteen slaves and Mistress Sasha." She seemed to be under the impression that that little dollop of information lessened my possible wrongdoing.

"Umber, dearest girl, until a couple of weeks ago I only had fifteen slaves and my dearest Sasha." I tried to enlighten the ever helpful Umber.

"And how many slaves do you have now, Baron?" Joan asked.

"My Master, is the owner of over two thousand slaves, and I am proud to be one of his body slaves." Little miss helpful just couldn't stop helping me could she?

"Is that an important position?" asked Eric with a smile.

This time Harold supplied the answer. "Eric, little Umber here is the chief body slave. As such, she is the third highest in the slave's hierarchy. Subordinate only to Paul's favourite, Karolina, and the girl he placed above all others, Julia." So she is a very important slave, and if you ever work with her, then it would pay you to remember that you are working for her, not the other way round. And she has access to Paul, day or night, and he listens to her and takes her advice."

"And he beats the cheeky wretch mercilessly whenever she needs it." I added. Joan and Eric opened their eyes wide at this statement.

"My Master, this girl is ready for any punishment that you see fit to give this girl. This girl loves her Master and would do, and suffer, anything for him."

Harold laughed. "Paul, you can't threaten your girls with a beating. You know that they'd willingly accept it and ask for more. And she knows that despite the amount of times they've all tried to get you to take them down into the dungeons, you haven't yet and you never ever beat them."

"So this is a game that they play then?" Asked Joan.

Harold smiled. "In a way, yes, in another way, no. These girls are truly slaves. If Paul decided to beat them, then they would get a beating and none of them would complain about it. Most of the others would probably ask if their Master wanted to beat them too."

He paused thoughtfully. He had Joan and Eric's complete attention now. "Paul has punished his girls, but never without cause and always for their own protection, as strange as that may sound. One day I'll tell you about it. But please believe me, slavery does exist. It really does. Paul became an owner, that's what they call someone who owns slaves, quite accidentally. He was trying to save Karolina and her Mother."

He smiled to himself and chuckled quietly, "No one could write Paul's biography. Firstly, it would be filed in the Fiction section, and secondly, his life story is just too unbelievable. All of the readers would complain that the plot line was just too far fetched." He gave a little laugh. "I asked one of my technical writers if he would put together a bio for me. I sketched out the highlights of what I knew of Paul's life up until then. That was a few weeks after he arrived here. The writer emailed back asking when the dinosaurs and UFOs would appear, and were there going to be any naked Amazon warriors in it?" Now he did laugh as he pointed to Nina who stood against the wall, naked and relaxed but obviously supremely fit.

Then he leaned forward serious again, "Eric, Joan, I got you here because I really like you. When you last worked for me I knew that I couldn't offer you the challenges that you two needed and were capable of meeting. Paul here can. He could swamp you if he isn't careful. But I know that he is very, very careful. Paul will look after you and bring out the best in you both. If he makes an offer and you accept his offer then forget about whatever dreams that you previously had for the top of your careers. Paul will make those daydreams seem small and insignificant compared to the heights you'll reach with him."

Joan and Eric looked at him quietly, maybe even a little shocked. They obviously knew and trusted Harold. And now they were being told to grab hold of the tailfins of a rocket, one that would take them higher than they'd ever dreamed. I looked at them and wondered if they'd accept my offer. Watching them during Harold's little speech, I'd noted their respect for him and his for them. I knew Harold was a good judge of character, so I was going to go on his experience and instincts.

"Come with me. I want to show you the factory. This won't be part of your responsibilities but I think it will show you something about me." I said.

"Will we need our wellingtons?" asked Joan.

I looked at them a little surprised. I remembered my words from yesterday, but they had been meant metaphorically.

"Baron," said Eric, "We've learned the hard way, that if a billionaire says 'bring your wellies, ' or scuba equipment or a Halloween costume in the middle of July. Then you bring it. In our experience people like you rarely joke about these things."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you then. I don't think that you'll actually need them at the factory today." I said with a smile. I led them out to the front of the Chateau. A car was waiting for us. Someone had heard that I wanted to go to the factory with Joan and Eric and had arranged transport.

-------

"I'm so sorry, my Master," said Karen as we stood in the middle of a huge pool of water which had flooded the ground floor. "One of the pipes just rusted through and burst last night."

We looked around at the devastation. Four workmen were replacing sections of pipe work. I picked up a length of pipe that they had removed and easily crushed it with my fingers. Then I looked down at the dirty water and flakes of rust that surrounded my ruined shoes, and then across at Eric and Joan wearing their nice warm, green, wellies. They were politely, pointedly, not saying a word.

"Karen darling, I thought I told you to stay in bed for at least four days?"

"Yes my Master, you did. But this girl couldn't just leave the others with all of this..." she gestured around her.

"Karen, that's your name, isn't it?" asked Joan.

After receiving a nod from me, Karen answered. "Karen is my name, Mistress."

"Good, Karen, I want you to obey your master's orders. I doubt that your master gave such an order lightly. I will look after things here." Joan turned to me, "If that is alright with you, Baron?"

I smiled at her. "Now that you're working for me, call me Paul or Boss."

"OK Boss, I'm happy with that." She leaned forward and kissed Eric, a deep loving kiss unashamed as to who saw her do it.

"You go and find somewhere else to play. This is my playground." She smiled at him. "I love you, darling brother."

"Joan, when you've got a few minutes, get a car and come back to the Chateau. I want to talk to you about a slave factor's operation that I've taken over. I've got an expert coming that I want to take that over but I need someone to supervise him."

"Ok Boss, I'll see you later." She answered and then immediately walked away shouting at some workmen who were doing something she didn't like, or maybe not doing something. I didn't stay to find out.

"Come on Eric, let's find somewhere for you to play." I said with a laugh.

We left as quickly as we could. Though I did wait and watch Karen be escorted back upstairs to go to her room.

"Now Eric," I said as the car took us back to the Chateau. "How about you have a look at C&Cs new building project?"

"That sounds interesting, Boss." He started.

"Boss?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I started working for you the instant that Joan did." He smiled and looked at me full of confidence.

"OK Eric, Boss it is then." I said with a laugh.

"This new Project, Boss, what are you building?" He asked.

"Two hundred and eight housing schemes totalling..."

"TWO HUNDRED!" He gasped.

"Two hundred and eight." I confirmed. "Averaging 2000 houses, six shops, a pub and a school in each."

"You don't have any more flooded factories that need looking after do you?" He asked with a grin.

I think I'm going to like Eric and Joan.

"I do have a pile of documentation filling about six filing cabinets and a growing problem with supplies to deal with." I replied.

"Trouble with suppliers?" he queried.

"Yes..." I said thoughtfully. Eric had picked up on the thing that actually had been niggling at my mind. "Why were bricks difficult to get all of a sudden?"

"Using Midland Brick?" He asked.

I turned and stared at him. "Who doesn't? It's the largest house brick supplier in the country."

"And Simon Didcott, the CEO, has basically the same business morals as Mr. Soaper. Midland may be the largest supplier, but Simon wants it to be the only supplier."

Eric grinned, an evil grin, full of malice and mischief. "I've wanted a chance to have a go at Mr. Didcott for some time, now's my chance. Boss, this is basically what I propose to do..."

You know, I like these two already.

-------

I went to my office. First job was to organise offices for Eric and Joan. Very difficult, took nearly two minutes.

"Sasha Darling," I begged, "Do we have..."

"Offices for Eric and Joan? Yes, Basement level, East wing. Two ajoining rooms being set up now. Karolina is organising that."

"Thanks precious. I love you."

"I know you do, my man. Why do you think I put up with you snoring and farting in bed?"

"I don't snore!" I protested.

Sasha giggled and hung up the phone.

I stared at the handset for a moment, thinking. Had I just dropped myself in the shit? Naa Sasha wouldn't try and trick me.

Would she?

Next I sent Joan all of the documentation she'd require to look after the factory. That took nearly an hour. After that I helped identify all of the filing cabinets that Eric would need.

Then I looked around at my office. It seemed empty.

As I was looking around me, Alison came in and knelt down in front of me.

"My Master. Umber has instructed me to organise your office for you."

I looked down at her. "And what am I supposed to do?" I asked her, desperately trying to keep from laughing.

"Perhaps my Master would like to take some of his girls and go for a swim." She thought for a minute. "The dungeon is empty at the moment and Jo would surely be grateful to our Master if he took her in there and whipped her a little." She hesitated, "Perhaps my Master would care to visit Julia. I think she might have had..."

"JULIA'S IN LABOUR!" I shouted.

"Yes Master. It started about 12 hours ago..."

I didn't hear any more, I was running to the sick room as fast as I could.

-------

Em was sitting with Julia when I arrived. Her look told me that I was expected. I looked down at little Julia. I knew that she shouldn't have any problems with this birth. But I was also aware of the mortality rates for first-time mothers, even in so called civilised countries. Birth was still very dangerous for both mother and baby.

I held Julia's hand and kissed her tenderly.

"How are you doing, my precious girl?" I asked looking into her eyes.

"I'm in good shape, Master. Em says that it won't be long now. I still feel fit and rested." She laughed. "All of those training sessions seem to have paid off, my Master."

I stroked her forehead and we settled down to wait.

-------

"Pant!" ordered Em.

"Pant."

"Pant."

"Pant."

"PUSH!"

The baby's head appeared. I had seen the head, or the crown, three or four times already. Now the whole head appeared.

Em quickly ensured that the cord wasn't looped around Baby's neck and faced Julia again.

"Rest, Pant ... Pant ... Pant ... Pant ... Last one now. PUSH!"

With a deep grunt Julia pushed out Baby into my waiting hands. I carefully lifted it up and looked at this precious bundle. She half opened an eye, then fully opened her lungs. She CRIED!

Standing, I manoeuvred the newborn so I could place it into her mother's arms. Julia looked up at me.

Em busied herself clamping and cutting the cord as Julia and I stared in wonder at the newborn girl.

"Master, I present to you your newest slave-girl. Please, my Master, would you name her?"

"Julia precious, this child was born free and will forever remain free. Her mother can join her child in freedom whenever she wants." I kissed her forehead. "Tell me Julia, what are you naming our child?"

Julia looked sad, "My Master, this girl wishes her child to be called Susan, after a great friend of mine."

I looked down at the baby. "Hello Susan." I said and kissed her head.

"Oh Master, you shouldn't, she's all dirty." Julia protested.

"Yes, I can see that someone else is too. Put your child to your breast now, dearest girl. That will sooth Susan and help bring along your placenta."

With a little difficulty, Julia lifted Susan and held her to her bared breast. Neither mother nor child was doing very well at this, simplest of tasks.

I showed Julia how to present her nipple so that she could get it into Susan's mouth. Once the baby realised that she could get a drink from this wonderful thing, Julia would have no problems in getting the child to attach. Indeed, the reverse would be true.

Within moments Susan's mouth closed on Julia's nipple and hesitantly at first, but then with growing strength, Susan fed from her mother.

I watch as Julia's eyes widened in delight. "Oh Master! She's so tiny, such a precious thing."

Moments later, with a little grunt, Julia expelled the placenta. Em quickly collected it and took it away to examine it.

I watched Julia feed Susan for a moment, and then I collected a bowl of warm water, a pack of cotton wool and a waste bin. I started to wash Julia clean of the debris of childbirth.

"Master!" She looked at me shocked. "YOU shouldn't do that. It's a slave's job to wash you, not for you to wash a slave."

"Julia, my dearest." I said quietly, clearly as I continued to wash her. "Women officiate at both ends of life. They help the mother with the birth, and they layout the deceased. Men can do this too. Sometimes I think that it's the attitude of the women that stop men taking more of a role in these things. I don't object to washing you. I consider it a privilege to be allowed to do so. I wanted to be involved in the birth of our child. I've always wanted to be involved to this kind of degree. While I don't like to see my loved one in so much pain, she is suffering that pain for us, for our child. This way I can share her pain and, I hope, she will understand that I was there with her, to help look after her. And, should it have been necessary, to lay her or her baby out and comfort the survivor." By now there were tears in our eyes. I looked into her sweet eyes again. "Thank you for allowing me this privilege."

"My Master, It is I, it is this grateful girl, who thanks you for your kindness."

"Now." I said covering her with a light blanket. "Who would you like to visit you first?" I asked her.

"Master, my first two visitors are here already." She pointed behind me.

I turned and saw Sasha and Cecy waiting by the door.

Sasha got up and came to me. She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. "Will you do that for me, for our children?" She asked a little hesitantly.

"I would be honoured to be allowed that privilege, my Lady." I replied.

Sasha looked into my eyes as she ran the tips of her fingers over my cheek. "How did I ever manage to catch such a wonderful man as you?"

"Ah ... Well ... You see ... Err ... You see I got the best of this, because I got you, whereas you only managed to get me.

Sasha pulled back to look at me. Then she thumped me on my arm. "I'm going to hold the baby." She informed me haughtily. Then she turned to the bed.

"Mother!" she cried out. "I was supposed to hold the baby first."

"You were busy beating your husband-to-be. And she looked lonely." Cecy replied.

"Mistress, Madame, my Master was the first to hold our child. He saw her crowned and then caught her as she was born." Said Julia.

"And then he washed you." Said Cecy with a sigh. "Sasha dearest, if you ever let that man go, I'll murder Harold and be after him myself."

"What am I to be murdered for this time?" Asked Harold as he stepped through the door.

"You have to go if Sasha falls out with Paul." Cecy said as she kissed him.

"So you can chase him?" asked Harold, just to confirm things of course.

"Of course." Agreed his loving wife.

"Oh, that's alright then. Because you'd have to be a sandwich short of a tool box to let go of such a prize as Paul and I know for certain that Sasha has all of her marbles tightly screwed in." He said liquidising a few metaphors along the way.

Em came back into the room. "Please, there are too many people in here for the comfort of the child. I will ask that at least one person leave."

"I'm going for a swim. I'll be back to see you again later." I quickly kissed mother and daughter and left for the pool.

It was dark outside, but I didn't feel tired or hungry. I'd just participated in the greatest miracle of all and I felt good. Now I wanted to do more to help Julia cope with her child.



-------

Chapter 86

My work load had eased up considerably. But today I expected to meet someone who was going to help me even more. I just don't know how he was going to take my offer.

Sandy had reported that Alina had called and they would be landing at Orleans just before 10 o'clock. We'd delay lunch for a while, which would give us time to talk. Then make a decision whether they would be invited join us or not. I looked at the clock, a quarter to eight. Plenty of time to go over the points I wanted to raise.

I busied myself for a while and then went to see Julia and Susan. Lynne and Jo were with her when I arrived. I took the time to see Em while they coo'ed over the baby.

"How are they doing, Em?" I asked, opening my arms.

Em smiled and came into my hug. "Both are doing very well. Julia was very fit at the start of her pregnancy and maintained her fitness throughout her term. That undoubtedly helped ease the labour so Susan didn't actually suffer much throughout the birthing. They both had a good night. I had a wet-nurse from the village do the night feeds last night. She'll continue that for two weeks. By then I expect Julia will want to take over."

Em sighed and laid her head against my chest. "We all think she's so lucky, Master. And Susan is a little angel.

"I am lucky too. Now I want to see mother and child."

"Of course, Master, forgive this girl for delaying you. I'll tell Lynne and Jo to leave immediately."

"No, don't tell them to go. Julia will need visitors while she's in here and I want all of you to be free to come and go as much as Julia thinks best. It's time for Julia to get a little pampering now."

I went into the main room; Julia noticed me and prepared Susan for my arms. I took the little bundle from her doting mother and looked at her. She was asleep, her little face scrunched up a bit. Fine wisps of golden hair peeked out from under her bonnet. She looked like a little angel.

I was only able to stay a short time, 30 minutes or so. But I did promise to return later that evening. A promise I intended to keep.

I walked slowly back to my office thinking. "Umber, Julia is relieved of her duties for two years; you are to take her position. You will also need to nominate another chief body slave, as I'm sure that you'll be too busy to fill both positions. These changes are to take effect immediately."

Umber looked up at me wide-eyed at another promotion. "Me, my Master, I'm to be head of your slaves?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes, my dearest, you." I held her hand. "You've earned this by your superb work and intelligence. I have no hesitation in moving you to that position, and I know you'll be just as good as Julia was."

"This girl thanks her Master for his kindness," she said still a little awed at the prospect of her new position.

"Now go, my girl, you have a lot to do. Send me my new chief body slave as soon as you can." I ordered.

"Yes Master!" she called out as she ran down the corridor. I smiled as I watched her run. I just wished that I could solve all of my problems as easily as that. And that they looked so good too. Umber truly was the ugly duckling that grew into the most beautiful swan.

Ten minutes after I got back to my office the door opened quietly and Alison came in. She quietly moved to kneel beside me. I knew that I'd never have heard Umber, but Alison would learn. I'm certain that Umber would make sure of that!

-------

The door opened and I stepped forward holding out my hand.

"Tadeusz," I said shaking his hand warmly. "Welcome to the Chateau."

"Hi, Lord Boss." He answered a little distractedly. One of the two women with him gave him a gentle nudge in his ribs, and whispered something.

"Oh, you Baron now, Boss?"

"Yes, Tadeusz, I am." I was watching him carefully. He looked round the room scanning it slowly. His eyes darted here and there but I was sure that his two slaves noted more than he did. I tried to hide a smile at this realisation.

"You girl come with fuckin' scary bitch, Baron," he nodded towards Nina and Menolly, "scary like them,"

Tadeusz may miss paintings worth hundreds of thousands of pounds or architecture three hundred years old. But he knew all about really effective bodyguards. And this was why I wanted him. Tadeusz knew people. He would be the perfect person to take over the slave factor's business and run it for me.

"Girl said you want speak, offer me job I like."

"Alina conveyed my message correctly." I gestured to some chairs by a coffee table. "Come sit. Let's have a coffee while we talk."

I let him sit first; his women knelt on either side of him. Alison and Alina kneeling either side of me.

Alison poured coffee for me and one of his slaves poured coffee for Tadeusz. One way to prevent your friends poisoning your coffee, I supposed. Tadeusz waited until I'd drunk before taking a sip from his cup.

"Boss, I know you know thing I want. I want go home to Poland again, retire, spend life with these women. We would live quite life, but good one. Not like life in London. I know you know this, so I wonder why you send girl to get me?" I could see that Tadeusz was puzzled by this.

"How would you like to take your favourites to live in Poland and work there for me? And live like a magnate too?"

He looked at me suspiciously for a few moments. "What is job?" he asked.

"I want you to take over the Parisian slave factor's operations and run it for me. I'll set the main rules, you run the operation. You get to keep half of the profits and I supply protection from any disgruntled owners."

"How many slave?"

"At the moment, nearly 2000. But I want to take over the minor players too. I want people to know that if they want quality slaves, they come to the Baron."

I could see his eyes flickering to his slaves. I knew he'd probably want to talk with them about this offer. So I'd arranged a little...

The door opened and Elastic and Sandy came in. they wore BDUs, dirty BDUs, and carried long arms. They looked at Tadeusz, a look that dared him to make trouble.

"Boss, need you on the range. He's decided to talk," said Elastic quietly, but just loud enough for one of Tadeusz's women to hear.

"Tadeusz, please forgive me. Something has come up which can't wait. I'll be back soon. How about we continue this discussion after lunch? Nina will show you to your rooms, lunch will be at 1 o'clock."

I smiled at him then walked out of the room Alison, Alina and Menolly following me, Elastic and Sandy bringing up the rear.

Slowly we walked down to the range. I knew that this was just visible from Tadeusz's rooms. Here we'd play out a little charade for him, just to give him time to talk with his favourites.

10,000 was secured to a large target at the 100 metre butts. Sandy dropped to the prone position, aimed and fired. A satisfying screech could be heard from the target. The fact that Sandy's rifle was loaded with blanks and that the 'bullet' holes were being made with remotely fired squibs would be undetectable from within the Chateau.

We kept this up for nearly half an hour before letting 10,000 down and having him sent back to the factory.

We then went inside, Elastic and Sandy to clean up, I wanted to see Susan again, and tell Julia about her enforced time off.

-------

Lunch was good. Chef had excelled herself. Tadeusz ate well, his two favourites knelt either side of him and being fed from his plate. Lynne and Aline knelt at my sides. Talk was light. Tadeusz didn't know of any developments in the policing situation around the Crynos.

We resumed our discussions at half past two. Tadeusz looked well briefed from this morning and I had Lynne and Karolina waiting to supply any answers that I couldn't. Karolina would give Tadeusz's favourites a detailed breakdown of the operations if Tadeusz agreed to work for me. I didn't think that he would turn down this offer. I was being exceptionally generous to him; I wanted him to take over for me. I would feel a lot better if he did so.

Finally he did. "Baron, I work for you. Urad in nice part of Poland. Near border, near forest. Good for German shops and Polish hunting." He laughed. "You my Boss now, eh?"

I smiled. "Tadeusz, you'll be your own boss. I'll just stay in the background until you ask for my help."

One of his women spoke then, probably translating for him. He nodded and smiled. "Is best only have one boss."

"Now, please forgive me if I leave you so soon. Karolina will give you a complete briefing on the operation and all keys and codes for the doors and computers."

Tadeusz seemed surprised. "Karolina? You still have Karolina. Is Joasia here too?" He asked.

Even now his question pained me. "Joasia was murdered," I said, "so too, was another slave of mine. I barely escaped with my life."

The other woman said something. While her tone was quiet and calm, I knew Tadeusz was getting a polite, but firm, bollocking.

This was a good time to take my leave. "Tadeusz, I'll see you at dinner; unless, of course, you want to go over and have a look at the operations yourself. I'm keeping the house outside Paris. If there's nothing suitable in or around Urad, then have something built and use the Paris house until the new one is complete." I held out my hand.

"Boss, is one thing more..." He looked uncertain how to proceed. "Is my girls, girls at agency. They not really like live in Poland. They used to English life. You know I always want you take these girl. Give good home and make work proper like good Master should." He shrugged. "They good girls, they deserve to get good from my elevation too."

I nodded slowly while I thought about this. I didn't know how many girls Tadeusz had at the Temping Agency. I thought about five or six. Making up my mind, I nodded. "Bring my new girls here to me, Tadeusz. Karolina will negotiate their prices. I'm sure she'll remember most of them."

He smiled. Not the triumphant smile of someone who'd just won a hard fought deal, but the gentler smile of someone who knew that he was passing on those he loved to into a better situation. This made me respect him more than anything else.

He stood and held out his hand. "You go now, Boss. Karolina tell us what we need to know. It be good to see her again."

"Karolina!" I called. She came into the room.

Both of Tadeusz's women gasped when they saw her collar, the heavy gold band and the brilliant diamond in the centre. One couldn't help but touch her own thick leather collar.

Tadeusz seemed taken aback too. "Jesu, Boss. You give all you slaves collar like that?"

"No, Karolina is very special to me. She is my favourite. So she gets a special collar. All of my special girls have special collars. If you see a slave with a gold collar, then you'll know that she speaks with my voice. I will take any insult to her as an insult to me personally."

He nodded. "I look out for gold collar and take care then, Boss. Is good you tell me this."

We shook and I left. Karolina sitting down in the chair I'd just vacated. Tadeusz didn't complain, nor did his women. I was pleased that she was getting the respect that she deserved.

-------

I looked in on Julia and Susan and spent nearly an hour with them. Other people came and went. Julia's sister slaves and the household staff, a number of the marines visited. One I was really glad to see.

"Katie, have you come to visit your sister?" I asked her after we hugged.

Katie sat holding Susan, something that I considered rightfully my job, but I'd let Katie have a go. This time!

"It's true then?" she said quietly looking down at the sleeping bundle.

"That I'm her father, yes, it's true. I've never denied it." I answered.

"Why is Julia still a slave then?"

"Julia can have her freedom the very moment she asks for it. And she knows that I would look after her and our child for the rest of their lives too."

Katie looked at Julia, who had been watching us talking impassively.

"Don't you want your freedom, Julia?" Katie asked.

Julia smiled. "Mistress, I probably have more freedom than you do. I do not want for anything. If I asked my Master for ten million pounds he would give it to me without blinking an eye. I have friends and helpers who help me when we work. We have laughed together and cried together. Where in your world would I find more freedom?" Julia asked with a laugh. "In the Marines?"

"I wish I had that much money. Hey! Dad, how come you've never given me ten million pounds?" Katie asked laughing too.

"Have you ever asked my Master for that money?" asked Julia.

Katie blushed. "Of course not!" she exclaimed.

"Oh," Said Julia. "Why did you said 'of course not'? My Master is very rich. If you want something from your parent, won't they give it to you if they can?"

"Not my Mother," Said Katie quietly. "Dad, may I have Ten Million Pounds please?" She laughed out loud.

I placed a cheque in her hand, made out to Miss Katie Phelps, for £10,000,000, only.

Katie looked at it and laughed again. "Just wait until they see this in the mess." She said.

Sasha came in then. "What's the excitement about, Katie dearest?"

"Dad's given me this joke cheque for ten million pounds." She replied.

Sasha took the cheque and looked at it carefully. "Looks OK to me," Sasha told her. "If you like, I'll arrange an escort for you to take that to the bank in Orleans. You can't be too careful carrying that much money around."

"YOU MEAN THIS IS REAL?" Katie exclaimed, waking Susan.

I retrieved my youngest daughter from my second youngest and managed to quieten her down fairly quickly.

"Yes, it's real. Why should I joke about that?" I told her.

"But, Dad!" she looked fascinated and horrified at the same time. "IT'S TEN MILLION POUNDS!"

Sasha and I nodded our heads in agreement. "Yes pet." I said.

Katie turned to Julia who was looking at Susan proudly. "I think I'm beginning to understand now." She said, her voice trembling a little with the shock.

Sasha pulled out her mobile phone and dialled. "Elastic, Katie Phelps needs an escort and transport to go to our bank in Orleans ... Twenty minutes ... OK, she's visiting Julia." She hung up. "There, that's that sorted. Get that into the bank. I'll have someone waiting for you there and they'll make sure that it goes straight into a high-interest account. You can sort out some investments and such like when Nigel and Bee come over next week. They're very good at that sort of thing."

"Th ... Thanks ... Madame..." Katie said looking at her new fortune.

"Katie, I've told you, call me Sasha." Sasha hugged her. "Now in a couple of minutes your escort will be here to take you to the bank. You let them look after you, just as you would look after someone else if they needed an escort." Sasha lifted Katie's chin. "Understand me?"

Katie smiled, her little pixie smile. I was gladdened; my little girl was back, for a moment at least.

Then Susan smiled too. I know they say it's only wind, but she smiled and it was the exact likeness of Katie's smile.

"Susan has your smile, Katie darling. She has your pixie smile," I said.

"They both have your smile, Darling man of mine," said Sasha.

"Only Dad's not really a pixie," said Katie.

"More like a grumpy Dwarf," added Sasha.

"With a beard," said my loving daughter.

"And bad breath," said wife-to-be.

As Sasha and Katie continued stringing together their insults, Julia looked up at me. "I love you, my Master. And I don't think that you've got a beard or bad breath." She paused for a moment, "or ingrown toenails."

I kissed her. "I love you too, my precious girl. And remember..."

She stroked my cheek. "No, my Master; I'm your girl, yours willingly and whole-heartedly. I will be yours for all of my life and think myself one of the luckiest girls in the world too."

The door opened and four of Elastic's marines stood behind their Commander. Elastic was completely expressionless. The Marines escorted Katie away from the sick room and then Elastic's expression darkened.

"So I've just lost Phelps then, have I?" she said between gritted teeth.

"Err..." I said to give me time to think.

"Isn't that just like him?" said Sasha, hooking her arm through Elastic's. "I know where he keeps his 200 year old scotch. Let's go and liberate a bottle." Sasha led Elastic away. At the door they both looked back at me.

"Men!" They said together. Perhaps only I saw Sasha wink at me.

-------

Well the day has been going well so far, apart from getting Elastic mad at me that is. So, next on my list was Eric.

I knocked on his office door and entered. Eric was standing looking at a whiteboard, phone in hand. He gave a disgusted grunt and put the handset down.

"Problems?" I asked.

"Yeah, I've got a Dutch brick supplier wanting to send me 400 tonnes of bricks and the ferry companies are being obstructive about carrying them. It's Midland Brick again. They're trying to stitch us up good and proper," he answered, totally disgusted with the actions of my competitors.

"So, charter a ship. Be cheaper in the long run."

Eric's eyes lit up. "That would do it," he said, picking up his phone again.

"How many assistants do you need?" I asked.

"Six." He replied, just before the phone rang.

"Buischvilla," he answered. Eric listened for a moment then switched the phone to speaker.

" ... getting your bricks to your distribution centres."

"Yes," agreed Eric, "there does seem to be some problems. You wouldn't think that hauling a few bricks around would cause so many problems would you?"

"It can be an awkward business, can't it? Why don't you try a closer supplier?"

"Well, most of the local ones can't supply the volumes I need and the one that can is trying to rook me. I can buy and transport bricks from Holland cheaper than just buying them from Midland." Eric mouthed 'wait for it, ' at me.

"But you wouldn't have any problems getting your supplies from us..."

"But Midland bricks are overpriced and poor quality..."

"Our bricks are as good as any in the world!" he exclaimed.

"Two out of the last batch of ten failed their crush tests, and four more had unacceptable cracking in the frog. And they were supposed to be your premium quality bricks," Eric said, angry now.

"Those tests don't really matter. The crush test is the equivalent of a pile of bricks as high as the moon. What does that prove?"

"It proves that the walls can maintain a structural load under constant and shock loadings. So that high-rises won't fall down and kill the occupants, like they did in Hull three years ago."

"Well you just try and get your bricks from abroad. You won't import them and then the price per hundred tonnes will have gone up. Market pressures you know," he laughed and hung up.

"Who was that?" I asked. I was angry now. Organising a project as large as our current building schemes was difficult enough without a major supplier trying to screw you too.

"Simon Didcott, CEO of Midland brick," Eric said, He sagged, obviously blaming himself for bringing these problems on me.

"Boss, I'll understand if you have to let me go."

"Not a chance, you've taken a huge load off my shoulders and I've now got time to have a swim this afternoon. You're staying." I thought for a moment. "Call Mandy, Sasha's Nigel and Bee, explain the situation to them. I'll bet a visit from those three will scare Mr. Didcott into behaving himself. If not, I'll just crush him. He's just a greedy arsehole. He deserves a bit of a slapping.

"Ok Boss." Eric said with a grin. "If I need you I'll look by the pool."

"Good place to start!" I called as I walked down the corridor. I could almost feel the water around me as I undressed.

-------

The water flowed cleanly along my body as I settled into my swimming trance. It felt soooo good to be back in the water again, and to know that my next appointment was dinner. Ah bliss.

Umber knelt by Alison's side as I finished my lengths. She let Alison dry me, a job she appeared to love, and waited until I sat before she spoke.

"Master, you should give Alison my collar. It is the symbol of your Chief Body slave. She holds that position and has a right to wear it." She held out my key and turned around.

I unlocked Umber's collar and turned to Alison. She already had her own collar on. It wasn't as grand as Umber's, but it was still very special. I removed that and locked the Chief Body slave's collar around the neck of the Chief Body slave. Umber had turned back to me. Get me your collar, dearest Umber," I ordered.

With a smile, she jumped to her feet and ran into the Chateau. A few minutes later she returned, her old stained thick leather collar in her hands.

She knelt again, "Master, please collar your slave." She asked proudly holding out her collar.

I reached below my chair. While Umber had been away, Alison had fetched a new collar for me; it was very nearly a duplicate of Julia's. It had 16 ounces of gold and a huge diamond, the stylised whip and scales were reversed though. The whip was on the right, the scales of justice on the left. I looped this around her neck and, with a solid 'click, ' it locked shut.

"The girl who is in charge of all of my slaves needs to have a collar that befits her station," I told her.

Umber looked into my eyes, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "My Master, this girl doesn't know what to..."

"Say nothing." I wiped her tears away, but fresh ones wet my fingers. "If you must say something, then tell me that you will do your best for your brother and sister slaves; those that you know and those that you haven't met yet."

"I will do my best, Master. I'll do my very best. Thank you so much, my Master. I love you, Master, I really do."

I kissed her; she leant into the kiss, surrendering herself to me.

"Go now; show your new collar to your friends, Julia first though." I said as kindly as I could.

Umber stood and walked, with a grace and dignity that cannot be taught, into the Chateau. I smiled as I watched her leave. This time my smile wasn't for her body, but for the young woman who inhabited that body.

I looked down at Alison, she was biting her lip. I wondered if she was apprehensive about following in Umbers footsteps. But I knew that Umber wouldn't have chosen her if she didn't think that Alison was capable of doing an excellent job as my Chief Body slave. I would have to pay a little more attention to Alison over the next few weeks.

-------

The ground floor of the factory was clean and dry. Industrial-sized heaters blew warm air from one end to the other. A group of young children played in one of the corners, three women sat sipping drinks watching them. I could hear the shouts and laughter of older children playing outside. This was how I wanted the factory to work. I wanted the workers and their children to be happy. I would have preferred to give them their freedom, but I knew that that many freed slaves would quickly be rounded up and put to death by the other owners as a warning to all slaves.

Joan came trotting down the stairs. "Boss, you're early," she said as she met me.

"Looks like you've done a good job here," I said looking round.

"Well, I want the flooring to dry out for a couple of days more. Then we can start putting up the internal partitions. Those that were already up were ruined in the flood."

I remembered the devastation that I'd witnessed just a couple of days ago. If those partitions had been left up they would soon stink and rot. It was better to pull them down and start again.

"Let me show you around, Boss," she said with a grin. Joan was obviously pleased with her progress.

The working floors were warm, clean and dry. The machinery has plenty of clear space for the workers and there were stands holding the various tools and replacement threads. I also noticed that new guards had been fitted on all of the moving parts. Some of these would slow the maintenance and replenishment of the loom, but they would protect the workers and that was the most important thing.

"How many accidents since you've been here?" I asked.

Joan smiled. "One. And that was when she was fitting one of the new guards Karen had ordered. All of these changes." She gestured around us. "Were Karen's ideas. She'd planned everything. Made notes on what was to be done and the priorities. She'd even noted her preferred suppliers for most of the parts. That girl is a genius when it comes to fabric making."

"Wait until you see some of her designs." I said with a smile. I remembered the reactions from the audience at her first fashion show. Karen was a great designer and had raised the profile of June's Lingerie Designs immeasurably.

In the office on the top floor, 212 was working at a desk. As soon as she spotted me she knelt by the side of the desk and waited.

"212, please do not do that. You don't have to kneel every time you see me," I said trying to be kind.

"Yes, my Master, I do. I have, we all have, been learning what you have done for us. How you have rescued us and how you are now trying to make our lives better. This girl's kneeling is only the smallest mark of respect that this girl's Master deserves."

"Then I thank you, 212. And I ask that you pass on my thanks to all your sister slaves too."

Karen was still in bed when I entered her room. One of her attendants was by her side, and the doctor was examining her.

"Master!" Karen exclaimed. "They didn't tell me you were here."

"Good!" said the doctor and I together.

"How is she, Doctor?" I asked.

"She's resting. Her bloods are getting better." She looked at me. "She was quite anaemic. And I'm a little worried about her glucose levels. She might be borderline diabetic." She sighed. "Muscle tone is poor, skin tone and colouring is crap. She is getting the rest that she needs. But she also needs to be taken out of here so she can forget about this place for a while. Your new woman," she nodded towards Joan, "she's good; gets everyone else to do the work while she just walks around shouting every now and then."

I was sure that Joan was doing more than that but didn't argue.

The doctor straightened up and put her stethoscope into her bag. She turned to me and held out her hand. "Names, Briant, Gail Briant. Want to thank you for speaking to Dr. McCraken. He's coming over tomorrow or Thursday," she looked sad, "624 didn't make it, she died last night. I couldn't do anything for her."

I looked her in the eye. "It only hurts when you care, thank you for caring for these women."

She looked down for a moment, then returned my gaze. "It does, doesn't it? I see that in your eyes too. You care so much it breaks your heart."

"Anyway, enough of that soppy stuff, what's the story with that bloke outside? They keep him chained up and make him sleep in a kennel, and he's been branded on his face."

I smiled. 10,000 was reaping a small portion of the shit he'd spread out over the years. "He used to own this place. He's the one responsible for the state that these people were in," I answered.

"Oh," she said, then paused for a moment. "Let the fucker fry in hell then. What's the brand anyway?"

"His number. He's an outside slave and they don't have names, they have numbers. 1 is the top slave. The higher the number, the lower the slave's status is."

"And he is 10,000?" She asked, the beginnings of a grin tickling her lips.

"Bummer!" she said, then laughed out loud. "No wonder the women here are kicking the shit out of him when they pass. I'll have to tell them how to make it hurt more but damage him less. Can't have him hiding in my nice clean sick room." Chuckling, she left Karen's bedroom.

"How are you feeling, precious girl?" I asked her as I sat on the side of her bed.

"I'm tired all the time, Master. I can't help it. I just fall asleep all the time." She looked up at me guiltily.

I reached forward and lifted her into my arms for a hug. Hugging makes anyone feel better. It is one of the best medicines known to humankind.

"And now you know why I warned you not to do too much," I said as I held her.

She nodded, her tears wetting my shirt.

"This girl begs her Master's forgiveness, my Master."

"You are forgiven for all of your misdeeds, my precious. You are precious to me and I want you fit and well." I pulled back to look in her eyes. "How am I going to chase you round my bedroom if you can't run?"

She smiled, a tiny smile, but a smile nevertheless.

"Now two more days bed rest and then two weeks confined to your room. We'll see what the doc thinks about you then." I said, just a little sternly. I wanted, no, needed Karen fit and well. She was an amazing girl. She would reach new heights when she learned how to properly use this factory as a tool rather than a collection of people.

-------

I woke feeling really refreshed after a very good night's sleep. Alison slept at the foot of my bed for the first time. She would soon become accustomed to the trappings of her new position.

I hoped that Ross and Helen would arrive today. I hoped that they'd bring Shannon with them of course. I couldn't wait to see her.

I had a light breakfast and wandered out to the pool. I sat on my lounger for a few minutes, then lay back. I didn't have any appointments or urgent tasks. I had time to relax. This was what Harold had been talking about. Just like Karen, I too needed to relax.

I lay back and closed my eyes. The glass roofing warmed the whole pool area and I was comfortable. I drifted off into a light sleep, relaxed and assured that there wasn't anything I was supposed to be doing.



-------

Chapter 87

I loafed the whole day. It was glorious to have nothing to do for a while.

After dinner I took three of my girls to bed and played with them for a couple of hours. Alison was particularly grateful that her promotion hadn't changed the way I felt about her. Sasha slipped into bed while I was being gently ridden by Wendy.

"Hi, man of mine," she said as she snuggled up to me. She watched as Wendy shuddered through her orgasm. "Can I have a go?" Sasha asked.

"Of course you can, Lady of mine," I answered her in kind. "You should know that you are first in my heart. I am yours as completely as any of these girls are mine."

She kissed me. "Thank you, you precious man of mine," she said as she lowered herself onto me. We fit together perfectly. I could just feel the touch of her cervix and her hot tunnel clutched me tightly. We were made for each other physically as well and mentally and emotionally. We were true soul-mates.

-------

Sasha lay beside me, we faced each other. Gently touching, occasionally kissing lightly, and resting in our post-coital bliss.

"You haven't done this in a long time, Darling." She told me.

I nodded, feeling guilty that I'd neglected Sasha and my girls. But she touched my cheek lightly.

"No, there is nothing to feel bad about. You give everything, sometimes the things that you're giving mean that you haven't time or strength to give in other areas. Neither your slaves or I have ever felt neglected." She laughed. "We always know that we have your full attention at all times. So how could we be neglected?" She shook her head.

"No, man of mine, we have been worried about you. So have Cecy and Daddy. We all truly love you and hate to see you working so hard." I watched a tear form. "It would devastate me to lose you, my darling."

"And I would be lost without you. I could give up everything if I still had you, precious Lady." Now my eyes were clouding with tears.

Sasha kissed me again. "Sleep now, wake refreshed. We'll all be waiting for you when you wake."

I closed my eyes and drifted into slumber without any trouble at all.

-------

The Coven were waiting for me when I finished breakfast. Carol wheeled forward. "Boss, we need you to do something for us. We need a high-impact hit and we need Huntley to be certain that it was you who did it." She looked a little uncomfortable. "And we need it done in three days time."

"Why in three days?" I asked. Usually when things were rushed, mistakes happened and people got killed. I didn't want to be on the receiving end of that sort of mistake.

Karolina stepped forward then. "Boss, it timing needed. Some thing are hurried, some thing are slowlied. Need you do this big thing in three day. It necessary."

"What do you need me to do?"

"Act like Rambo," said 2. "We need ten people dead, and Huntley mustn't have any doubt it was you who killed them."

"Who needs to die so badly that I've got to rush over to England?" I asked. Well, it was my arse on the line.

"Ten of the top Lieutenants in the country are holding a meeting. We think it's to discuss the drugs shortages and the women who keep disappearing." 2 answered.

"What are their names?" I asked. 2 told me; and I thought for a few minutes. Then I smiled. "Acting like Rambo gets normal people killed. How about I act like me? I'll make sure that Huntley knows who killed them. And I'll also make sure no one believes him.

"How?" asked 2.

"Well, the precise 'how' depends on what you had planned for me. Run me through that and I'll see if I can add my plan." It took them nearly two hours to outline their plan. The Coven had done a wonderful reconnaissance job, and I thought that even Rambo could get away with it.

I thought for a while. Then a plan crystallised in my mind.

"What do you think of changing it to this... ?" I spoke for nearly an hour. When I finished all five of them were agog.

"Boss..." started Sue. "That's ... That is bloody brilliant!" She smiled as she went through possible ramifications of my plan. "And using their bodies like that, brilliant, just bloody brilliant."

I smiled. It's always nice to hear praise from your peers.

"Now Ladies, I have to run. I have a boat to catch." They stood as I left the room.

I had time for a quick kiss from Sasha, Julia and Susan. Then I was away. Alison rode in the car with me, and we went over things that I would need delivered to the hotel I was staying at that night. We all had a lot of work to do if this was to work properly and I was to get home alive and unhurt.

-------

I sat in the safe house glaring!

At Alison.

Yes, she was still with me, and had been all the way. Apparently, everyone else thought that this was the plan, as two seats had been booked on the boat and trains. And she had one of Elastic's super-encrypted satellite phones. She'd used that to order or confirm all of the arrangements we'd discussed in the car.

And now she was undressing and going for a shower.

Well, if she's here, I might as well have a shower too. There's no need to sulk about this, is there?

-------

Just looking at the hotel from the car park I could see which room they were going to use. It was so obvious that it pained me. I just wish that, occasionally, they'd hire someone with some protection skills. But I was beginning to understand the mindset of most of these people, especially the upper ranks. They'd acted as though they were above the law for so long that they actually believed that they were invulnerable. That no one would dare attack them; that they actually were the masters of their counties.

Well, for this bunch at least, I was going to try and prove them wrong.

Alison's help made it easier for me to set up and then get into position. She was out of the door and in our car in less than three minutes. We both had radios, though mine had a safety-wire preventing me from transmitting. Just in case they swept the room for bugs from the outside and I didn't see them.

I could hear what Alison said to me though, and it would make the long wait so much easier. I had nearly 38 hours to wait too.

-------

I was disturbed twice the first day. A small squad acted as though they were sweeping the room for bombs. They had two dogs with them, I wasn't too worried about the dogs but you never knew what could happen. The dogs, being very well trained for their task of finding drugs or explosives, might have been puzzled by the strange scent but they weren't trained to find individuals and so they ignored me.

Later the room was swept for bugs. The 'officer' waving the bug detector around would have spent his time better if he'd stayed down the pub. There was no way that he could have detected a small kick on his detector's meter at the speed he was throwing it around. The whole team had become complacent. And because of their complacency, I was going to kill their principals.

I slept easy that night. Alison had broken into an office building half a mile away and was keeping watch over me with a high power infra-red TV camera. She could make out my IR signature, but only because she knew where to look.

The morning was uneventful. I almost got bored.

The two sweep teams came back at lunch time and did a slightly better job this time. They must have been sober.

Hotel staff came in mid-afternoon and set up a large table and placed 15 chairs around it. I wondered if the number of people coming to the meeting had changed unexpectedly.

"Master, I've just counted the chairs. 2 wants you to continue unless she gives you a wave off before 19:00 hours."

I didn't answer. I wasn't sure where the idiot with the bug detector had gone. So I just relaxed and tried to go to sleep again. Things had progressed too far for me to escape now. I would have to stay here until I attacked or they left.

More staff came in and laid out leather writing pads, note pads and water glasses at each place. It looked as though there'd be extra's here tonight.

Time passed slowly again.

"Man with an IR camera coming, Master." Alison's voice comforted me. I was still being looked after. Even if the police forces were bringing in the big guns in their efforts to cleanse the place. I settled down into my hiding place until Alison told me he'd left.

-------

The first to arrive wore the uniform of an Assistant Chief Constable. I couldn't see his cap badge clearly enough to identify the county he 'served' in though. Two more arrived moments later; they sat close, but not in adjoining seats, almost as if they were used to these meetings and knew their places.

That impression was strengthened when the next group arrived. Four men all uniformed as Chief Superintendant or Assistant Chief Constable. The remainder arrived then. All greeted each other warmly but warily; these men were associates rather than friends.

The hotel staff were ushered out and the 'police officers' all sat. No one drank from the water jugs around the table, nor did anyone take out a hip flask. They didn't trust each other that much.

I waited to give the staff time to leave this wing of the complex. Then I rolled off my perch and fell towards the floor thirty feet away, two silenced Uzi sub-machine guns blazing away at the stunned and dying men below me.

My safety harness caught and slowed me, stabilising my body in an upright position. I dropped the empty guns, which were dragged behind my back by bungee cords. Grabbing two more fully loaded Uzi's clipped to my upper thighs, I started picking off the survivors.

The safety line had been measured within an inch and a second after my feet touched the ground the line, I slipped free of my harness. I didn't care about anyone in this room looking at me, I wore one of Paula's 'ninja' suits, a plain grey from head to toe, and they were all going to die anyway. I was more concerned about leaving any DNA traces.

I slowly walked around the table. My initial attack had killed or injured most of them. My selective shots had killed all of the survivors, but there was nothing like being sure. I checked each man, and then under the table.

Satisfied that they were all dead, I ran to the doors. There were two doorways into here, the hotel complex gym. One way was a set of double doors leading to the reception area and then on to a covered walkway to the hotel proper. The second door led to the changing rooms. One-way glass gave a good view of anyone approaching the gym from outside. I slipped screws into the gap between door and frame; a small electric drill drove them in. I repeated this on both doors to ensure that they could not be opened. Now the doors would have to be physically broken down for anyone to enter that way.

I gathered together all of their briefcases and then began stripping the bodies. I was only going to leave their bodies behind - everything else was coming with me.

I'd undressed three of the bodies when Alison joined me. I looked back and saw the heavy floor panel through which she'd entered; she had pushed it to one side. We quickly got all of the bodies naked and then came the tricky bit.

Alison and I took out new mobile phones and started photographing faces. These photos we sent back to the Chateau. Now my plan depended on the coven and Karolina identifying these men. While I'd tried to avoid hitting faces, two of the men had suffered facial wounds that might make their identification difficult.

Moments later my phone vibrated, a text message. It was the names of the first three men, John Andrews, his brother Michael and David Jones. I started dragging them to their places against the wall. Alison had received her own SMS and was dragging over a body.

"Osbourne, Master."

"Thanks, precious." I placed him on Jones's right. John Andrews came next. Then we had to wait for a while until we received the rest of the names.

I smiled as I read the full text that 2 had sent.

Eric Smith went on John's right, followed by Simon Innis, Michael joined his brother on the right hand end of the line.

We left a large gap between Michael Andrews and the next body, one Gorge Joplin. Terry Unger was next, and then Michael Norris. Last, but not least, we laid Peter Eggbert at the end of the line. The five remaining bodies we laid in a straight line at the feet of the others. Looking at the carefully placed bodies I knew that Huntley would know who killed them, now to bugger up the evidence for everyone else. I pulled out small atomisers, I'd used these before. They held DNA in a weak alcohol solution. I didn't know whose DNA I would be spreading around. I did know that they were of Middle Eastern origin though

Alison used my harness to get back up to the overhead heating panels to retrieve the equipment that had allowed me to remain hidden from the searchers, their dogs and the IR camera. Five insulating pads, one air cooled, the air pipes leading to two Constant, Positive Air Pressure machines hooked on to an air brick in the wall.

The heat given off by the heating panel had shielded me throughout my time there. The dogs only got my scent after it had been lifted to the roof and mixed with all of the other scents in the room. It was no wonder that they'd ignored me. The IR camera saw what it was meant to see, a wall of hot air running off each heating panel. I was inside that column of hot air.

The air-cooled insulated pads kept me comfortable and cool enough. I was fed cool air from one of the CPAP machines, so was able to breathe normally during my wait.

Alison and I started lowering the clothing and belongings down into the crawl-space below the flooring. With a kiss, I sent Alison on her way, dragging as much of the plunder as she could.

There was one thing left to do. I lined the edge of the movable floor panel with a thin line of thermite. A foot-long slow-fuse led away from one corner. Into the end of the slow-fuse I placed an initiator. This was one of the toys I'd found at the Slave Factor's, one I decided to keep more than half of. I folded the slow-fuse back on itself so that the initiator would drop onto the fuse itself. Thus it would be completely burnt up and leave no clues for the investigators.

A pinch at the end of the initiator and I had fifteen minutes to get the floor panel back down without disturbing the thermite. When that went off it would weld the lips of the floor panel and its seating together. Without a visible means of ignition, it would look like the police themselves had welded it shut. It would be a perfect 'locked room' murder. Bring on Hercule Poirot and Jane Marple; Sherlock Holmes himself would be wondering about this one.

I pulled the rest of the plunder behind me through the twenty metres of crawl-space.

Fresh air had rarely smelt so good; I took great gulps and nearly felt drunk on it. Alison backed a large van up to the opening and we threw the stuff inside. She then pulled out a long hose and started an electric motor. Clouds of dust and debris were blown out of the pipe.

"Mistress Elastic said it might look odd if there were marks in the dust on the floor of the crawl-way. This will scatter enough dust around to have all of the cleaners fired." She said with a laugh. I laughed too. It was nice to know that my people were thinking of ways to protect me.

All of our plunder went into a hidden safe under the van's floor. It was a travelling Faraday cage. If there were transmitters hidden in amongst the plunder, their signals would be blocked.

We got into the van and Alison drove us to another safe house. The main part of our mission had been accomplished.

Now we had to get the goods back to France and to the Chateau.

It was going to be a long night.

-------

I slept as Alison drove to Dover. We were catching the last ferry across to Calais. The shuttle may be faster, but you can't jump off a shuttle when it's in a tunnel under the Channel.

We had no trouble boarding and found seats in the Club lounge. I ordered us a light supper each. We'd eat properly when we got home.

Karolina and the Coven kept their electronic ears wide open and reported that nothing had been reported up to that time. Arriving at Calais we disembarked with a little trepidation, but had no bother at all getting onto the motorway south to Paris. Soon we'd be lost on the Peripherique.

I drove us now as I had more experience driving on the 'wrong' side. Three hours later, we were home, and in the arms of our loved ones. Gladly we handed over the van with its hidden uniforms and documents to the coven for analysis.

It was now nearly four o'clock GMT and no alarm had been raised. Now we were beginning to worry. What had happened? Why wasn't there any news of the killings?

The news broke on Twitter first. One 'tweet' started the tsunami. 'Avoid Hinckley Lagoon Hotel. Police swarming it. Roads closed. Looks like big trouble. Dead bodies on lawn in full view.'

Within five minutes we began to get a picture of what was going on. Some of the tweets were just stupid. A couple claimed that the hotel had burned to the ground, but gradually a picture emerged.

The bodies had been discovered at around 04:30. Reinforcements were called immediately. In the panic, two of the staff, who'd been too curious for their own good, were shot dead. Currently the press were being kept in the dark. TV equipment remained in its transport and nothing was going out over official channels.

I was sure that this had shaken them up. Then the best news came, Jim Cleavely, CEO of the ACPO arrived.

To me this meant that the panic had reached the top. Now, I was sure, Huntley would be under a huge amount of pressure to stop me.

And while he was getting shit from his own side I wanted to give him more shit from my side.

Too tired to remain awake, we left Sue and Carol watching over the incoming reports and we went to bed.

-------

"Master, Master, you're needed. There are visitors here for you."

I looked up at Alison's white face. I was taking too long to process her words.

"Master, wake up! You have a visitor. Mistress Elastic says it's important."

I woke properly now, wondering who, what and why.

"Thanks, precious girl. I'm coming," I managed to grunt.

With Alison's help I managed to get a quick shower and was dressed, fairly presentably in 20 minutes.

I was led to one of the front drawing rooms.

"Trystan, Sir Jeffery, What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to this beautiful part of the world?"

"Good morning, Baron," said Sir Jeffery. "My colleague," he gestured towards Trystan, "and I just came to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind?"

"Of course," I replied, smiling.

"When did you last leave France, Baron?" Sir Jeffery asked politely.

"Can't remember. Karolina will know." I went to the door, but it opened before I reached it. Karolina entered, pushing a trolley with teas and coffees.

We busied ourselves getting drinks for a few minutes.

"Karolina, Darling, when did I last leave France?" I asked.

"August 14th, Master. You strayed out of the three mile limit while Commander Bands was trying to teach you navigation." Karolina answered almost truthfully.

I turned to my guests. "Umm ... I guess you're not interested in my lack of nautical skills." Sir Jeffery smiled but shook his head.

"Are you asking when I was last in somewhere rather than out of France?" Neither said a word.

"As you're here, Sir Jeffery, I'd have to guess that you want to know when I was last in the UK. Is that correct?"

He bowed slightly, acknowledging my guess.

"Karolina, when did I last visit the UK?"

"July 13th to 17th Master," she answered immediately.

"Is that what you wanted to know Gentlemen?" I asked.

Both smiled now.

"Of course, Baron. We are sorry to disturb you. But there have been accusations..."

"Oh, what am I supposed to have done now?"

"Well, there was a gas explosion in a Midlands Hotel that injured a number of people. Word has surfaced that you were somehow involved."

"When was that?" I asked, interested in their reply.

"Last night," answered Sir Jeffery, unperturbed at my question.

"Umm ... I'm sure we have dated security video from last night, if you want to check it. It might contain some ... adult ... themed moments though." I smiled as I looked towards Karolina. She returned my smile.

"No, Baron, that won't be necessary, your word is good enough," said Trystan with a smile.

"By the way, do you mind if I visit with my daughter while I'm here?" he asked.

"Not at all, Karolina will show you the way. I think she's enjoying herself. She doesn't say much though."

Karolina led Trystan out to see Collette.

When the door was completely shut, Sir Jeffery stood and looked out of the window. "You know, I've never really been an advocate of the death penalty." He took a sip of his tea, a robust English Breakfast variety. "But the gas explosion was most selective in its choice of victims, most selective and most discriminating." He paused reflectively for a few moments. "As I said, I've always had my doubts about the death penalty. But the people who were ... injured ... last night seem to be those who would make one ... reflect upon their views."

He turned to me with a smile. "It's so good to hear that you weren't involved in this horrible accident. I'll report back to the PM and DPM. I know they'll be pleased. I believe that they'll also suggest that the Cumbrian constabulary concentrate more of its efforts in its home county and leave the capital to the Metropolitan and City of London services."

He held out his hand and we shook.

"I like you," he said. "You're so wonderfully dangerous. Good luck with ... well, anyone who hurts those whom you love." Now his expression saddened a little.

I was sure that someone he'd loved had been 'hurt' and he'd been unable to do anything about it.

"Now, how about we join Monsieur Bonner and his daughter? I understand she asked if she could train your Marines while she's here. Is she doing a good job?"

"Come this way, Sir Jeffery." I said with a smile. "I think that they should be on the exercise ground by now."

I led him to the training grounds and sure enough, Collette was standing talking to her father. Well, 'standing' implied that she was fully upright, which she wasn't and 'talking' implies that she was speaking. I think that she was panting too hard to do more than listen to Trystan's greetings. She saw me though as I walked up.

Panting and gasping for breath, she pointed a shaky finger at me. "He knew. I'm sure of it. They have robots, running robots that do unarmed combat." She looked up at her father. "They do, Dad," she said plaintively.

Her training partner came over to us. "Oh, come on Coly, we've got an hour of Tai Chi to rest in before Madam Li takes us." She looked ridiculously fit. No sign at all of the stress that Collette was showing, though I knew that they'd done exactly the same fitness regime.

With a look of panic and a desperate wail, Collette followed her torturer.

"She's doing well," I said to Trystan.

He looked surprised.

"Oh yes, Paula would have kicked her out if she didn't show promise. I think about two more weeks and she'll be ready for the next phase."

"The next phase?" asked Trystan.

"Oh yes, this bit is all about getting them fit, toughening them up. The real training starts in phase two. That's when they learn how to protect themselves and their principal." I looked over to where Collette stood, slowly going through a form. Her concentration was obvious. She did have talent; I would be the first to admit that. Whether her talent would be enough to please Paula, well, we'd have to wait and see.

"Is your daughter here too?" asked Trystan.

I looked over the women training there. "Oh yes, she's over there, last row but one, third from the left." I also noticed a few of my girls in the advanced classes as well. Well, if that's what they want to do, then I'm all for it. Unarmed combat skills at this level would certainly save them from an abusive master.

We watched Katie as she completed her Tai Chi forms about thirty times faster that Collette.

I could see that Trystan was impressed. "How long has she been training?" he asked.

"About seven months now. I didn't know when she arrived as she joined up using my former wife's maiden name."

"Thank you for your forbearance, Baron. I must return to Paris now. I'm sure Sir Jeffery is anxious to return to London as well." We shook hands and they walked round the house to their waiting car.

Soon the sound of their car leaving could be heard. Then Elastic's people came and swept every inch that they'd been in for bugs and other 'carelessly dropped' items. They were very thorough but they didn't find anything.

"OK, so we'll do it again." Elastic ordered. And by 'we', she meant that she too would search. It took three more searches before she was satisfied that nothing had been dropped.

I went back into the Chateau and headed straight for lunch.

-------

After lunch, I asked Paula to come down to my office.

"How's Collette doing?" I asked without preamble.

Paula smiled and opened a personnel docket she'd brought with her.

"Not as good as she thought she was when she arrived here. Not as bad as she now believes she is." She closed the docket. "She has the potential to become good, not adequate but good. She needs to stay here for seven, eight months training and I will make her the best that this country has to offer."

"Thanks, Paula." I said and then kissed her. Paula is delightful to kiss; she puts her whole self into the kiss. When she kisses you, you know that you've been kissed by a woman.

"Now I expect a phone call this afternoon." I said looking at the phone on my desk. I had planned to spend some time in the pool this afternoon. But I could do a little office work instead.

I sighed as I sat down and pulled the first document wallet off the 'Boring' pile.

-------

Em came to see me. "I have the results of Collette's DNA test," she said.

I looked up at her. She had a whole pile of papers in her hand; far more than I would have expected for a simple DNA test.

"And?"

"She is Monsieur Bonner's daughter, and the daughter of his ex-wife Geraldine," said Em.

"So, why so many forms?" I asked.

"Master! You didn't expect me to take the word of only one laboratory, did you? This girl is far too experienced in the frauds that can be perpetrated in these places. I've asked for a large number of different tests to be carried out on a number of different sets of the three samples. Only if Collette was the true daughter of both Trystan and Geraldine Bonner could all of these tests pass." She held up the wad of lab results slips. "They all passed, my Master."

I smiled at her. "Em, my precious, you do whatever you think correct and proper. And do not mind my foolish questions."

"Master, this girl apologises for her rudeness. This girl deserves to be punished for the way she treated her Master," she said. And I could see that she meant it.

"If you, and you alone, feel the need for punishment, then go to Umber and speak to her about it."

Em straightened and looked up at me. "Thank you, Master, for giving us this way of atoning for our wrongs."

I made a note to ask Umber if any of the other girls came to her seeking punishment for wrongs I hadn't seen and didn't know anything about.

"Have you been to the slave factor's yet to get your new nurses?" I asked her.

Em smiled. "Yes, Master. I have selected 30 of the nurses there. I want to send them all to England for further training. I want them to attend Great Ormond Street and Kings and Alderhay. I want to send the first batch of ten over as soon as possible. When they return, the second ten can go. The first ten can start training the last ten before they go over. I'm sure that we'll have more staff then and this depth of training and in-house knowledge will be invaluable."

She looked serious now.

"Master, I think that there are two or three girls in my first batch who have the potential to become good doctors. Please, my Master, this girl would ask that Doctor McCraken interview these girls for his opinion?"

"I will ask him. And if you find any more girls with similar potential, just send them over to London straight away. You can email Ross yourself. I'm sure that he'd love to hear from you again."

Em smiled. "He always did look after me my Master."

"I know he did. He loved you like the daughter he always wanted." I cupped her cheek, "almost as much as I love you now."

She smiled up at me and her tears wet my palm.

"Go and see to your nurses, dearest girl. Come back when they're organised and we'll have a little time together."

"Oh yes, Master." Em rose and hurried out of my office. I sat and contemplated this gem of a girl I had.

With a sigh, I returned to my work.

-------

I signed the paperwork approving the new spending limits for Joan and Eric. Joan's had to be higher than Eric's due to the nature of Tadeusz's purchases. They came out of Joan's budgets of course, so she could keep an eye on him. Tadeusz was, or more likely one or both of his favourites were, happy with this arrangement.

Then there was a quiet knock on the door.

"Enter!" I called.

Umber led a group of women and teenagers in.

"My Master, here are your new personal slaves. If my Master allows, I will allocate three of these girls as new body slaves."

Tadeusz's girls from his temping agency; I'd agreed to take them as part of our deal to get him to work for me.

Though I didn't expect quite this many, bugger, what was Sasha going to say?

The door opened again and my dearest Lady entered, took one look at the crowd and burst out laughing. She left quickly. Even through the closed door I could still hear her laughter.

I knew I was going to get teased about these new girls at dinner time. Well, I'd just have to take it.

I looked back at Umber and the girls, all patiently waiting for my decision.

"I'm sorry, Umber; I got a little sidetracked there. What were you saying?"

She scowled at me. "My MASTER never need apologise to this girl. My Master will do as he pleases and this girl will always obey him. Please Master, I wish to allocate three of these girls as new body slaves."

I knew that I had done something very wrong then, and in front of new slaves who didn't know me or how things worked in our 'family'.

"And who have you chosen for such an honour, Umber?"

Umber smiled. I'd managed to do something right at last.

"Catharina, Isabel and Ella," as she spoke, three of the youngest teenagers moved forward and stood in front of my desk.

"Ella, our Master may pick another name for you as we already have an Ela," said Umber. Both she and I smiled as we remembered her old and new names. "However, our Master is very kind and listens to the girl's wishes when he has to change her name."

The girl on the left, obviously Ella, looked nervous. "Master, Umber, my mother was called Annette." She looked down shyly. "It would please this girl to be called after my mother."

"Very well girl, your name in this house is Annette. Umber, make sure that all of the records show that change."

"Yes Master," she replied. I knew that it would be done almost as soon as she returned to her office.

"Now Umber, precious, let me see these new slaves." I said, as I stood ready to go through the ritual of examining and collaring a large group of personal slaves.

It's a bloody hard life.

But, as they say, somebody's got to do it.



-------

Chapter 88


My new girls allowed me to examine each one of them individually. Then they lined up and one at a time I collared them.

I hope that we build the same kind of relationship that I have with my current girls.

-------

The call I'd been expecting came through late that evening.

"Hello Trystan," I said, answering the phone on its first ring.

"Good evening Baron."

"What can I do for you?"

"Well Baron, I'd like my daughter to continue her training for the period that you recommended this morning. I think that it would do her, and her career, good to have such superb skills. It might even quieten some of my detractors who say that she's been promoted above her abilities due to my influence."

"Paula has agreed to continue to train her. It's up to Collette now."

Trystan laughed. "Baron, can you imagine anyone, in either of our country's special forces, passing up a chance to train to such a high level. No Baron, Collette will jump at the chance. I'll write to her this evening. Who knows, she might even stay awake long enough to read my letter in a week or two." He laughed again and this time I joined him.

Still laughing, Trystan hung up. I hung up my phone and settled back in my chair to ponder all of Trystan's words, trying to seek out any hidden meaning, any hidden message.

I gave up after about half an hour. All of the 'I know that he knows' and 'he knows that I know' etc., nearly made my brain dribble out of my ears.

Instead I turned to my whiteboards, specifically the one with the Huntley wedding picture on it. There was one person in that picture that I hadn't identified yet. I wanted to see what her story was.

There was one person to ask about this, Karolina.

"Girl!" I called loudly.

"Yes Master," answered Isabel from beside me; she had been almost as quiet as Umber.

"I need to speak to Karolina. Ask Karolina to come here."

"Yes Master," she answered. She sounded a little unsure of herself, probably because she didn't know who Karolina was or where to find her.

"Ask any of the other girls, they'll show you the way. And remember Karolina is my favourite."

"But Umber..." she stopped, unsure whether she'd broken some unspoken rule or upset me in another way.

I smiled at her. "Umber is in charge of all of the slaves while Julia brings up our child. Both Julia and Umber are precious to me so don't upset them."

"OH NO! Master. This girl won't upset anyone," she looked at the door and I just caught her continue quietly with, "she hopes."

I smiled at her back as she left the office. 'She'll learn, ' I thought to myself.

It took nearly ten minutes for Isabel to return. She knelt by my side. "Karolina is coming Master. She was asleep."

I sat looking at the photo, pondering courses of action. Karolina knelt beside me and waited quietly.

"Karolina, Dearest one, you are to have some form of sign on your door to let us know when you're asleep. Lynne and Ela are to do this too. Isabel, you are to let all of my girls know that when that sign shows Karolina, Lynne or Ela to be asleep, then they're not to be disturbed. You are to come and see me. These are my orders, do you understand?"

"Yes, My Master," said Isobel.

"Yes, me Boss," answered Karolina. Isobel's eyes widened at Karolina's familiarity with me.

I stood and went to the whiteboard, pointing at the unknown woman in the picture. "Karolina, do you know who this is?"

"Yes, me Master. It June Morrison."

"Is she as bad as the rest?" I asked. I needed to be sure that I was taking out a bad guy, and not a good guy.

"She is look to extortion racket, Boss." Karolina thought for a few moments, "Is not baddest one, but is bad."

"Should I deliver her to Cher then?"

"Me Master only owing Mistress Cher 56 pence now, Boss. You did discount give Mistress Cher, three for two, and BOGOF is you said."

I smiled as I remembered that phone call "I'm doing a Tesco," I said, "today only it's BOGOF - buy one, get one free. Tomorrow they'll be pay for two get three, cheapest one free."

Cher had laughed and said she'd take all we could deliver.

I sat and thought for a little while longer.

"Karolina, my dearest, go back to bed. I'm sorry to have woken you just for this."

She smiled, "Me Master free to wake this girl anytime."

"Then go and sleep in my bed, I'll wake you up in there in a while." Karolina smiled and ran lightly away, to my bed. I felt the need for a quick nap coming on too.

-------

Later, I woke Karolina again and we cuddled and talked. Kissing, touching and gentle caresses led to gentle lovemaking.

We revelled in our joy together. It had been so long since I was able to spend any time with dear Karolina that it nearly broke my heart. How could I allow this gentlest of women to be away from me? I didn't know; I just knew that both Karolina and Sasha were convinced that it was worthwhile. I believed them. My love for both of these women would not allow me to do otherwise.

Holding my beloved girl tightly against my chest, we fell asleep.

-------

The pool was quiet at this time of morning. It had been a few weeks since I'd risen this early. I liked the quiet and I swam easily, the past few days of rest had invigorated me. At the penultimate turn, I noticed a wheelchair by the loungers. Of course I took little notice of it; Carol often came for an early swim. At my last turn I spotted Carol wheeling herself towards the deep end of the pool. Now there were two wheelchairs.

I heard Carol enter the water behind me, that and the fact that there weren't bullets already flying, meant that there wasn't any immediate danger around. I knew that could change with remarkable speed, but it was quiet now.

I pulled myself out of the water. That was a little easier today, and I knew I needed to keep up with my resting. This was doing me good.

Something else did me good too.

"Karen!" I cried. She was resting on a lounger beside mine. I hurried over and hugged her. Gail Briant came out of the Chateau with a tray of drinks.

"Tea for you, Baron, green tea for you, Karen, coffee for me." Gail said, taking a long self-satisfied slurp of her coffee. "Ahhhhh."

Karen leaned over to me. "If she wasn't such a good doctor I'd suggest we throw her in," she said sotto voice.

"I let you out of your apartment to come down here didn't I, you ungrateful wretch?" Gail growled back, but her demeanour and voice gave no hint of displeasure.

I hugged Karen, she felt so light and frail.

She hugged me back, but with only a fraction of her former strength.

I lifted her onto my lap and she snuggled into me gratefully. "Thank you for loving me my Master," she said, her voice quiet, soft, almost childlike.

"You are very easy to love, dearest Karen," I told her. "It is me who should thank you for loving me."

"But..." I silenced her with a kiss, then I lay back in my lounger. Soon Karen slept. Moments later I joined her in sleep.

-------

I woke as Ross moved Karen's arm to take her pulse. He looked at me and put a finger to his lips, "shhh," he said almost silently.

I was quiet as he finished his examination. I thought that he could have even drawn blood without waking her, he was so gentle.

The three doctors, Ross, Helen and Gail, moved inside to discuss their patients, including me, I've no doubt. Em came out. I wondered if that was so that she could keep an eye on Karen or me. Probably Karen I thought. I'd been able to swim without a doctor handy for quite a while now, so I was probably off their critical list. Karen though, she was sick. If her breakdown had precipitated any of the more serious diseases then I was sure that they'd all want her kept 'under observation' until her conditions improved. And she wasn't improving very fast. I too was very worried about her.

I held onto my precious girl, hoping that she would feel my love even in her sleep. That she would soon grow stronger and get well.

For a long time I lay holding her; Annette at my feet, other girls moving around, coming and going without needing direction from me. Umber came out twice. The second time she carried another precious bundle, Susan. Umber sat beside me while I looked at my daughter. I wanted to hold her and her mother, but I had a very important job to do right now, hold Karen.

Karen woke just before lunch, horrified that she'd fallen asleep and how long she'd been asleep on my lap.

"Master! Oh my Master, how can you ever forgive this wretched girl for keeping you here so long?" She looked around and saw Umber and Susan. "Is that Julia's baby?" Then a tear fell onto my chest. "I've stopped you from holding your child, my Master! Oh Master..." she wailed.

I held her, rocking gently until her sobs subsided.

"Dearest Karen, yes, I did want to hold Susan. But..." and I lifted her head up so she looked at me, "you needed me. What is your master for, if not to look after his girls when they need looking after? You needed me more than I needed to hold Susan. So I held you. And I enjoyed holding you. Do you understand?"

She nodded, and said a quiet "yes Master," and she huddled against me again.

Annette looked on shocked at what she'd seen.

"Annette, why don't you go inside and talk to one of the other girls about what you've seen? I think that they'll set your mind at rest.

"Yes Master," she replied and started walking into the Chateau, looking back at us every now and then.

I idly wondered what her sister slaves would tell her about me. Exaggerations and half-lies I supposed. I'd try and tell her the truth as soon as I could. If I could remember that is.

"Girl," I said quietly.

"Master," Wendy replied.

"Remind me that I've got to tell these new girls what I am like. So I can dispel some of the fantasies that the other girls will be telling them."

Wendy smiled. "Master, we cannot tell these new girls the full truth about you. They'd laugh at us. No, we'll wait and let them learn what a man, what a Master, you are for themselves."

I growled at her.

"Does my Master wish to beat me? Shall I go to the dungeon and prepare, my Master." She was still smiling.

"No, not yet. Can't you see I'm working?" I looked down at Karen, sleeping again, in my arms.

"And my Master wonders why he is adored by his slaves," she said, looking adoringly at me.

Wendy fed me bites of sandwich and salad for my lunch. What I had, I couldn't say. It tasted good of course, but my attention was on Karen and her plight.

Ross and Helen sat beside me for a while. Shannon came out too, quietly kissed me and laid her head on my shoulder. She looked down at Karen, eyes wet with her concern for the sick girl.

Mid-afternoon Karen woke again. A light lunch was brought out almost immediately. Chef must have prepared it and covered it so Karen could eat as soon as she woke.

I fed her myself, considering it an honour to help in some small way to her recovery.

Annette came out again walking slightly stiffly. I was puzzled about this, then I had an idea.

"Turn around girl," I ordered. Annette did so and there were three cane stripes across her buttocks.

"And what did you do to earn those?" I asked.

"Master, I didn't believe slave Umber when she was telling me what you are like as our Master. I..." she looked scared now, "I called her a liar, Master."

"And she only gave you three stripes? I'm impressed by her restraint."

"Slave Umber said that was all she could give me, Master."

I nodded, remembering that restriction I'd placed on Julia, and now taken over by Umber.

"But Master," Annette started nervously, "I am a Body Slave and slave Umber isn't. Surely that means that I am a higher status slave than her?"

I looked at her, wondering if the others also were confused about the structure of the slaves in my household.

"Umber gave you three stripes across your backside and you're wondering if you are a higher status slave than she?" I asked incredulously.

"But Master, no slave is higher than the body slaves!" she protested.

"And did Umber say that she wasn't a body slave?" I asked quietly. Wendy knelt stiff and formally now. She could tell that this was now the quiet before the storm and she didn't intend to get caught out from under cover when the shit started falling.

"Yes Master, I asked her if she was a body slave and she said 'not anymore.' I know that Karoline is your favourite. So Umber must be a low slave again."

"Did Umber try and say anything else after she said 'not anymore'?" I asked. Annette was proving too stupid to live.

"Well, she was trying to say something Master, but I'm a body slave and I will be obeyed."

Now I knew that something must be done. "Wendy, get Melissa. I want her here as soon as possible," I ordered.

"I am here, my Master," answered Melissa from behind me.

"Annette, Melissa is one of my body slaves. She is higher in status than you. You will obey her orders as though they were from my own lips. Do you understand me?"

"Of course, Master." She was still haughty, even while staring disaster in the face.

"Melissa, take Annette somewhere ... quiet ... She is to remain undisturbed until I call for her."

"Yes, my Master." Melissa's voice was emotionless. I hoped that Annette obeyed Melissa. Things would go very badly for her if she didn't.

"Wendy, call a meeting of all of my slaves for two hours time. In the great hall, I think. Karen is excused. Em must give permission for Julia to attend. Please ask Sasha if she too will attend. I'd like Chiefy there too." I thought for a moment. If I thought that anyone else need be there I'd ask them later. I'd set the wheels in motion. That was enough for now.

Besides Karen was stirring and I needed to look after her.

-------

Sasha and I entered the great hall together, Cecy and Harold walked behind us. There were two large chairs, the closest that I've ever seen to thrones, at one end of the hall. A ring of Paula's girls stood against the walls, Paula herself in a chair by the non-window wall. Chiefy stood behind the larger 'throne'.

My girls, my personal slaves, knelt in two semi-circles, one inside the other. There was a gap in the centre of the lines. I expected that this was to allow Annette to come forward and meet her doom.

Then, to my surprise, Cher stepped forward. We kissed as lovers would. Sasha followed me and greeted Cher just as warmly as I.

"What are you doing here, dearest?" I asked her.

"Karolina called me. She said that I might have to take a slave off your hands," Cher replied.

I understood almost immediately. Karolina, as my favourite, could order such a thing and I'd never think of stopping her. I knew Karolina to be scrupulously fair. If she ordered a slave to be given to Cher, then it would be the fault of that slave and for the good of the whole 'family'.

I also realised that my slaves knew what was going on and what was at stake here. This affected all of them. If Annette rocked the boat, then they could all suffer, and suffer badly.

Sasha and I walked slowly, trying to give this occasion the solemnity and dignity that it deserved, to our seats. We sat and faced my slaves. Then the doors at the rear of the hall opened and Gail strode forward. She walked straight forward, looking straight ahead, until she stood in front of Sasha and I.

"Baron Glastbrooke, owner of slaves, I come with a petition," she spoke out, loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.

"What is your petition, Gail?" I asked.

"You have excluded one of your slaves from this enclave. The excluded slave petitions for entry. I, as her physician, have examined her and think that she will not be harmed by attending this enclave."

As I sat there thinking about Karen's request, I got a surprise. Karolina strode from her place and stood beside Gail. "I support this petition, my Master," she spoke clearly and without hesitation.

Then Julia and Umber stood and together they walked forward and stood beside Gail.

"We, the leaders of your slaves support this petition," they said in unison.

Sasha leaned across and whispered in my ear. "Go on; say 'no', I dare you."

I looked at her as she sat back, her eyes glinting with merriment, even in this solemn occasion.

"Who will be watching over the petitioner during these proceedings?" I asked.

"I will," answered Ross entering the hall from a side door.

"I will too," added Helen, beside Ross.

"I will," answered Gail, the only one I'd expected to reply.

"Will you take full responsibility for the petitioner throughout these proceeding?" I asked them.

The three stood together, "Yes, we together will take full responsibility for this girl, in life and in death."

Their words, and the fact that they realised what they meant, convinced me that Karolina, and possibly others of my girls, had explained just what they were agreeing to. Their own lives could be forfeit if Karen died because she came here.

"Then let the petitioner enter, let her caregivers be responsible for her."

Gail walked purposely back through my girls to the rear of the hall. She opened the doors there and stepped through. Moments later she wheeled Karen in, in a wheel chair. Karen sat straight as she was wheeled right in front of me.

"This girl begs her Master's forgiveness that her doctor will not allow her to kneel before her Master."

I stood and went to her. "I'm not sure I really approve of you being here, but I'm glad that you are. We must show these newcomers that we're solidly behind Umber," I whispered to her.

Karen smiled up at me. "Yes, my Master. That's why I need to be here too."

Gail waited patiently while I hugged Karen and then she wheeled her charge to the end of the inner circle.

Karolina, Julia and Umber had returned to their places while I'd been busy with Karen.

Karolina walked forward again and stood in the centre of the clear space in the circles.

"My Master, we are ready. There is a girl who needs correcting. We are ready to witness judgement." She turned and went back to her place in line.

"Bring me Annette," I called, though not too loudly.

Moments passed and then the end doors opened and Melissa led Annette in. Annette had a large ball gag in her mouth and her arms shackled behind her back. She saw the crowd of people, and how they were all arranged and realised that she was in deep trouble.

Annette tried kicking Melissa away from her, probably to run to me and plead her case. This, of course, had no effect on Melissa whatsoever. She continued to bring her prisoner to me.

"Master, here is slave Annette as ordered," Melissa called out, every word being spoken loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.

"Who speaks against this slave?" I asked.

Karolina stood and walked to stand beside Melissa. "My Master, I speak against this slave."

This caused a murmur among the new ones. The favourite almost never spoke against a slave, even a body slave. If the favourite wanted, she could just order their death on her own authority.

"Who speaks for this slave?" I asked.

I knew that this was unusual. In trials such as this, the slave was often left to their own devices. Basically, they were thrown to the wolves.

One woman in the newcomers circle moved, as though to come forward. But she seemed too frightened to do so.

"Bring that girl to me," I ordered, pointing to the one who'd moved.

She was brought forward and placed before me.

"Do you speak for this slave?" I asked her, far more gently this time.

"Err ... Yes ... Master." We all could see that she was terrified for her life.

"Chiefy!"

"Aye aye, Boss."

Chiefy came forward with Yvon's bolt cutters.

"What is your name, girl?" I said sharply.

"Marianne, Master."

"Chiefy," I nodded toward Marianne.

Chiefy slipped the cutters around Marianne's collar and with a sharp thrust, cut her collar in half. The new girls gasped in amazement. Those who'd been with me for some time just smiled.

"You are a free woman now, Marianne. However I have something that I'd like to ask you to do. Will you speak for this slave girl who is charged with crimes which could see her put to death?"

She slumped in on herself. "Yes Master," she said. Her voice full of resignation at the deadly fate she knew awaited her.

"Very well. We will adjourn for three days for Marianne to get used to her new station and for Annette to tell Marianne why she committed these crimes."

There was a collective gasp from the newcomers again. This never happened. Never, ever. No Master would ever waste his time trying to be fair to a slave. It was unheard of.

Cecy stepped forward first. "Marianne, we must get you some clothes and find you a suite. You will stay here, won't you?" she asked kindly.

"I have to stay where my Master orders me to stay," Marianne replied.

Cecy sighed, "My dear, the Baron has freed you. He has freed you so that you will stand up to the other slaves and speak against them. He wants you to try your best for Annette. He wants to be fair, for her and for you. You are free and will only ever wear a collar again if you give yourself to someone."

This obviously shocked both Annette and Marianne. Cecy escorted Marianne away while Melissa took Annette back to the cell she'd been held in.

-------

Marianne ran away the first evening. We knew where she was of course. She had run up through the main holdings of Martinè and onto the much newer holdings of the factory. The villagers let her stay in their pensions and fed her well. They didn't even charge her for her stay. That alone should have rung alarm bells in her head. But no, she kept going for three days, walking from one village to the next. Never out of sight of our villagers, never out of our sight.

On the fourth day, she walked into a village square. There were the usual things there, a boules area, the village Café, the Hotel de Ville, two shops and a bank.

I was having a latte, seated at one of the square side tables, no one obviously around me, though I'd bet that there were far more than the two guards I'd asked Paula for.

"Hi Marianne," I said cheerily. "Sit, have a coffee. You left without letting us make proper arrangements for your future." I pushed a pile of documents over the table to her. There was a passport, identity documents, a driving license, credit and debit cards and letters of introduction to employers and landlords.

"Master..." she said quietly, all hope gone, resigned to her fate.

"Marianne, you're free. I need you to be free to speak for Annette properly. You must be able to speak without fear, and speak against anyone, even me, if you are to defend Annette properly. There are girls there who want Annette to die, and die horribly, for her insults to Umber. Please believe me that Umber is held in very high regard by my slaves, and Annette is said to have insulted her again and again." I paused watching Marianne, wondering what she'd do.

"Do you promise that you'll free me when this is over?" she asked.

"I can't promise that..." I started.

Her face fell.

" ... because you are already free," I waved my arm around, "you're free to go where you want, do what you want, when you want. You are FREE!"

"But if I don't speak for Annette..." she said, trying to comprehend what I was telling her.

"Then you are still free." I leant forward and placed my hand over hers.

"But Master, I'm not a good slave," she burst into tears. "I'm not a good girl, Master."

Now I held her. Now was not the time to argue details. Now was the time to hug.

-------

We ordered a pot au feau for our dinner. It was supposed to be a local speciality. And we were hungry and the weather was right for a heavy stew.

We'd asked for coffee's and were trying to make conversation when I noticed a strange sight walking up the street.

Marianne stared at the strange figure approaching us. If the universe had a sense of 'location' this figure would have been transported immediately to somewhere in the city of London. And maybe twenty years ago too.

Swinging his 'brolly, Prof walked up to us as though he was entering a café in Fenchurch Street. "Hello Baron," he said holding out his hand.

We shook, "Hi Prof," I replied. "What can I do for you?"

"And who is this charming lady? asked Prof, ignoring my question.

"This is Marianne, I freed her a few days ago but she doesn't believe me." Half way through that sentence I got the impression that I was speaking to myself.

Marianne and Prof had locked eyes and were in their own world.

'Oh shit, ' I thought to myself. Prof's fallen for Marianne. I looked again, 'and she's fallen for him."

I sat back, trying to get out of their way. I suppose it could have been worse. I'm not sure how, but it could have been worse.

I waved my arm for the waitress. She came over followed by a young teenager.

"I want that table over there cleared," I demanded.

The teenager translated for the waitress and she then looked at me. The teenager spoke sharply to the waitress again, and then the waitress went over to the table whose occupants I wanted to leave, and spoke to them. She spoke to the table's occupants for a few moments, pointing at me to ensure that they knew who wanted their table. After a little discussion, they left.

"Prof." I waited. "Prof!" I waited again. "PROF!" I yelled.

"Err ... Yes Boss?" he asked absentmindedly.

"Tell your girlfriend to sit over there," I said, quite sharply. I really didn't have the time to be too nice.

Prof pointed at the table, "Please sit there while I have a few words with the Baron. We won't take too long."

It seemed to break both of their hearts to let go of their new-found love's hand. But Marianne went and sat at the far table. A coffee was placed in front of her without her asking.

"Now Prof, what do you want?" I asked.

"Err..." He broke eye contact with Marianne and turned to face me. "We've found June Morrison."

"Good." I interrupted. "Can she be extracted?"

"Well, after your previous successes with the other Morrisons, they're taking extra precautions with this one. Someone seems to have started thinking a bit at last."

I wasn't happy about that. A lot of what we were doing was just to keep Huntley off balance, make him angry and unable to think straight.

"What sort of precautions?" I asked.

"Usual stuff. All a bit amateur really. Almost like they'd been reading Andy McNab or something. They always have three identical cars; we're not supposed to know which one she's in. They travel fast and vary their routes. But they're still amateurs. She is always in the same car, must like the seating or something. We've sprayed it with a dye, it fluoresces under UV light. Only on the roof of course, some of the street lights around there are rotten with UV. We could take her without much trouble. It might show Huntley that his opposition is of a much higher class than he expected though."

"How about her home?"

"Large farm house. These people seem to love those. Two hundred metre cleared kill zone. Laser data links to three towers around the property. Windows and doors recently upgraded to a bullet-proof polycarbonate."

"Any internal upgrades?" I asked. Getting June wasn't going to be as easy as some of the others. She was 'getable', it would just be a little harder than usual. About as hard as 'derry in the late sixties; before the local boyo's got trained.

"Not that I know of. They did most of the work using security professionals though."

I recognised the tone that he used when he said 'security professionals'. Most of the properly trained 'security professionals' in the country were once either one of 'them', the SAS, or their watery colleagues the SBS.

Prof smiled, "The plans are back at the Chateau," he said, then laughed. "The Coven are going over them as we speak.

"Give me a few minutes with Marianne and then we'll return to the Chateau," I said.

"What's so special about her that you come traipsing out here to meet her?" I suppose that, for Prof, this was an important question.

"One of the new girls has dropped herself in the brown and smelly..."

"In deep?" he interrupted.

"She's gonna need a diving helmet."

"And Marianne?" I could see his concern now. Disciplinary matters with slaves most often led to deaths.

"I need her to be the defence lawyer. That's why I freed her, so that she doesn't need to fear any of us during her questioning," I explained.

"But, I doubt that she knows anything about the law," he said, trying to help his new-found love.

"Prof, she knows all about being a slave. And that's far more important."

Prof nodded, then stood and walked over to Marianne's table. They talked for nearly ten minutes while I sipped a latte, it was quite good. Especially as Gail had spoken to the Chateau's staff and my girls explaining why she thought that coffee would be bad for me for the next few weeks.

Karen had been right; we should have chucked Gail into the pool. That thought made me smile. Possibly for the first time today. I was building up too many worries again. But, damn it, this was important and urgent. Annette had to be sorted out and as fast as we could, while being fair to her and fair to the rest of us.

I could have sorted this out days ago. It would have been easy to just give her to the rest of the slaves and tell them to sort her out themselves. But I couldn't do that. I knew that she wouldn't last twenty minutes at the less-than-tender mercies of her sister slaves.

I don't know the full details of the altercation between Umber and Annette, but I did know that it had stirred up the girls like never before.

And I could hardly believe Karolina called Cher! If Cher herself hadn't told me that Karolina had called her, I wouldn't have believed it. Having Cher there made me sure that the girls expected Annette to suffer the severest of punishments.

If that was to happen then I was determined to ensure that Annette had as much help as possible.

Prof and Marianne had returned while I had been deep in thought. They sat at my table; Prof sipping his coffee, Marianne sat upright a glass of water in front of her.

"Master, I am told that you really have freed me." She glanced at Prof who was looking at her lovingly. "And I have been told why I need to be free." She steadied herself, "Master, I was a bad slave, a very bad slave. Tadeusz told me that you would probably kill me, most likely within a month. He told us all that you are a strict Master, 'strict but very fair', he called you." She never looked at Prof at all, yet she was speaking to him as much as to me.

Slaves, in my experience, tend to be very open and, on the whole, honest people. They can hardly be much else with almost no privacy and the demanded truthfulness in all of their dealings with each other and their Master. Marianne wanted Prof to know what she thought of herself before things between them went much further.

"Master..." she looked frightened now, "as a free woman, I ask, are you going to enslave me again after this trouble with Annette is finish... ?"

"NO!"

The both looked at me in surprise, especially at how emphatic I'd been.

I smiled. "No, you will never again be a slave; that I guarantee. You will never be anyone else's slave either. I doubt that any other owner would take one of my free women as slave knowing that I would destroy them completely if they even tried such a thing. No Marianne, you are safe. Go with Prof and live your new life. Prof will help you, and you will always have a place to rest here away from the chaos of the free world."

"Thank you, Master ... Baron," she looked at me timidly as she said her last word. I smiled back at her.

And now we had to sort out Annette.

-------

"She DESERVES to hang."

Marianne was very, very pissed off. Even I could see that.

Then I noticed something even worse, a red hand-print on Marianne's face. Annette had slapped Marianne's face. If my other girls saw this...

A gasp from my side let me know that one of them already had. And knowing how these girls surrounded me, I was sure that Alison wasn't the only one.

"Boss, you're not going to like this, she admits that she hit Umber, and that at least two of the other girls saw it."

No wonder Karolina had invited Cher. If I had known that Annette had struck Umber, I might have asked her to bring a transport case too. And now that she's hit Marianne too! I wonder if Cher did bring a case, and if so, did she leave it here to save time, just in case?

I was absolutely stunned. What the hell was I going to do now?



-------

Chapter 89


The enclave was reconvened in the great hall. As this was a continuation of the previous enclave, Karen was allowed straight in. Her carers had to be with her all the time though.

Annette's sister slaves, those who used to belong to Tadeusz, were openly hostile to her now. They'd had time to get to know Umber, and, while they were a little surprised at the position I'd created for Julia – which Umber now held – they were glad to have someone, not the favourite, or a body slave, to go to for advice or assistance. And at least two of them were grateful that Umber handled minor disciplinary matters.

While most of my new batch were settling in, we still had Annette to deal with. And today was the day to do that. And nobody was in the mood for humour today, not even the irrepressible Sasha.

Two of Paula's girls brought Annette into the hall. Melissa was in her proper place just behind me.

Marianne joined the trio and they walked into the centre of the circle of slaves to a table which Marianne had requested.

Marianne's briefcase, notes and pens & pencils were already laid out. This looked like it was going to be a long day.

Suddenly Annette darted forward, using a chair for lift she ran onto the table, snatching up a pen and then threw herself at me.

Three bodies intercepted her mid-flight. She was dead before she landed, her neck broken, her rib cage smashed and the lethal shards of broken rib driven into her heart, her back broken in two places.

We all gasped at the sudden and dramatic end to Annette's life. Melissa, Nina and Menolly surrounded the girl they'd just slaughtered, their faces expressionless.

This was a tableau I'd never forget.

The first person to move was Marianne. She didn't seem shocked, or even surprised.

"Baron, your order to me was to do the best for Annette that I possibly could." She looked down at Annette's body. "I'm afraid that this was the best I could do."

There was a murmur around the hall as we all digested that.

"Baron, Annette had struck Umber, and she had done it publicly. She had abused her position as body slave for personal gain; she had stolen from three of the girls in the seraglio." And now Marianne hung her head in her own personal shame. "And she struck a free woman."

There was no reaction to this statement. It wasn't news; everyone had been talking about seeing Marianne with the slap mark. The most asked question was, 'how long would Annette suffer before she was allowed to die.'

"We both knew that she would be put to death. Annette came to realise the things she'd done wrong. That at least, I could help her with. She was, quite rightly, frightened of what would be done to her. Every slave has heard stories..."

Now the circles of slaves were nodding, they were sympathetic to Marianne.

"This was the best death I could get for her, Master." Now she broke down crying, sinking to her knees in her shame at being unable to help someone who used to be a friend, who used to be her sister slave.

"Get Prof in here," I ordered. I didn't have to raise my voice, it was so quiet.

A girl ran out of the hall, returning only seconds later with Prof behind her.

"Prof, your friend needs help."

He nodded, and went to comfort his distraught love. He must have known what was going to happen and how Marianne felt about it. Prof, a tall, but slightly-built person, lifted his love with ease and carried her out of the hall.

Now there was something else that had to be done. Something I should have done as soon as these girls arrived.

I stood. "Karolina, come here."

Karolina came and stood in front of me. I smiled at her, a smile that she returned with one that seemed to light the whole room.

"Turn around, my special girl." Karolina turned and faced the circles of slaves. "This girl is my favourite. Her thoughts are my thoughts. If you cross this girl I won't ever hear about it because she will kill you herself."

The quiet audience became even more still. This, they knew was serious, deadly serious.

"Julia, Umber, come here," I ordered.

They too came and faced me, standing to one side of Karolina. They returned my smile and I started to feel as if this whole mess could actually be resolved.

"Turn around, my precious girls, let them see you." They both turned and faced their sister slaves.

"These girls are the heads of all of my slaves." All of the girls looked at Umber and Julia, some smiled, some seemed worried, a couple, frightened.

"Until now they have been limited for the punishments that they could give. No longer. They can give any punishment that I give. Their only duty is to let me know that they have dispensed such punishments."

I watched as all of the kneeling slaves digested this latest proclamation.

"Em, precious girl, come here." Em rose and came over to stand on the other side of Karolina.

"This is Em, our doctor. Everyone will obey her when it comes to medical matters, EVERYONE! Do I make myself clear?"

As one the kneeling slaves said, "Yes Master." The three in front of me turned and they too spoke as one. "Yes, our Master."

"Now, all of my original slaves will stand." The front row of slaves stood. I smiled at them, they returned my smile. All had, at one time or another, spent time on my lap being comforted for one reason or another. All had given me the comfort of their bodies at one time or another.

"Come here, dear girls," I gestured to an imaginary line in front of me, Julia, Umber, Karolina and Em. "Kneel there, girls," I ordered. They did so quickly and quietly.

"All of these girls wear a gold collar. These are my special girls. If a slave is wearing a gold collar, then she is above you. I don't care if you are a body slave or not, if she is a body slave or not. If she has a gold collar, then she is of higher status than you. If you already have a gold collar, then you already know where you are in my family."

"If you don't wear a gold collar yet, then work towards it. Prove to me that you've integrated into our family and you too will have a gold collar. And that collar will show everyone who you belong to and just what your status is. The girls who wear my gold collars are the highest status girls in the world."

I could see that they were hanging on to my every word, and not just because I was their master and they were my slaves. I'd fired an enthusiasm in them; I'd lit a fire that they never even thought existed. I fired their pride.

"By now you will have realised that my family is different from any other family. I do not have a harem, I have my family. WE look after each other. Because we do that, we are stronger than any other owner and his or her harem. WE help each other, WE protect each other, and WE take care of each other. And WE have the strongest family in the world."

I paused, watching them. They seemed to be enthralled.

"If any of you has a passion or skill which she believes she is good at, then let us," I gestured to Umber and Karolina, "know. Who knows, you might become the next Karen and take the fashion world by storm. WE help each other develop our skills."

Now I'd said enough.

"Go back to your beds now. Today is a no-work day for everyone." I paused, they'd obviously never been given a day off before. "Go," I waved towards the doors. The girls stood and slowly left, most taking time to look back at me three or four times. My older girls stood tall and walked to the doors without hesitation.

I looked down at Annette's body lying in the middle of the hall. With a sigh, I got up and went to her. I brushed her hair away from her face. She looked ... peaceful, now. Perhaps this was for the best. I knew that I'd have had no choice but to give her to Cher after her behaviour. To do anything else would have torn us all apart. But, perhaps, there was something I could have done. Perhaps there'd been some way I could have helped her. I was close to tears over the futility of Annette's death.

"My Master, this is a medical matter now," said Em, compassionately. Em and all of my body slaves, new and old, stood behind me. "Melissa, Menolly, your Master and Mistress need to go to our Master's office now. Marianne is waiting. Our Master will not rest until he has tried to solve all of her problems too."

A little clumsily, I stood. Sasha took my hand and we were guided out of the hall, and led to my office.

During the walk, I berated myself for my weakness. I should have been able to...

"DON'T! Man of mine. If you hadn't reacted and felt the way you did, you wouldn't be the man I love. Now you have Marianne to help. You can help her, I'm certain of it."

I stood for a moment to gather my thoughts and compose myself. Soon enough I looked at my Love, she stood beside me facing forward. She was ignoring what I felt was my 'weakness'.

I held out my hand, "My Lady?"

Sasha looked at me and smiled. She placed her hand in mine and, together, we walked the final few yards to my office.

Prof and Marianne waited for us inside.

As soon as she saw me, Marianne fell to her knees. She held her hands forward and a leather collar lay across her palms.

"Please..." She started, but I placed my finger on her lips.

"Don't you want a life with Prof? I know he's English and an awful dresser, but his heart is good. He's a good man."

Marianne looked at Prof and I could see the longing in her eyes.

"But Master, you only freed me so I would speak for Annette."

"No, I freed you so that you could. There was no time limit on my freeing you, and you could have refused to speak for..."

"MASTER!" Marianne exclaimed in horror, "But if I hadn't done my best..." She broke down in tears.

I nodded to Prof and the chair beside him. Prof helped me get Marianne into the chair and he held her while she sobbed.

"She was going to be tortured; there was nothing else that you could do." Marianne gasped.

"No, there wasn't," I admitted to Marianne, and, more importantly, to myself.

"We came to the realisation that she was going to die. She admitted it at last." Marianne stared ahead, lost in her memories.

"She had lost control, she'd been made a body slave. She never even knew anyone who'd been made a body slave. She didn't know how to behave. She lost control." Marianne was racked with sobs again.

"Then we went through it step by step. One bit at a time. Everything that she'd done. She looked at me and said 'I'm going to be put to death, aren't I?' I told her that I couldn't see any way that she could live."

Marianne buried her face into Prof's chest. He held her for a long time. Sasha placed her arm on my shoulder, supporting me too.

"We talked about how she ... how she would be ... how she'd die."

"She told me, 'I can't take pain, ' and she didn't want to disgrace her sister slaves any more than she already had." Marianne paused. Sasha gave her a drink, it smelled like coffee.

"I'd seen your bodyguards and I knew they were good." She laughed, "Ha, I've never seen any better. But I lied to her. She trusted me and I lied to her." Marianne looked up at Prof, "I told her that she could walk free if she killed him. All she had to do was kill the Baron and she'd be free."

She took a sip of her drink.

"I planned it all. The table I demanded, the chair, the pens and pencils. How she would be released from her restraints outside and walk into the hall unencumbered. How she would run and use the chair and table to make a jump to ... to..."

I put my hand on her arm; she looked at me, eyes clouded with tears.

"She didn't stand a chance. I knew that. I told her she'd be free, but she didn't stand a chance at all." She looked at me, then Prof, "I killed her. How could you want me now? After I killed her?"

"Why did you tell Annette to try and kill the Baron?" Prof asked, his voice gentle, love evident in his tone and demeanour.

"So she'd be killed quickly and not suffer. I didn't want her to suffer," Marianne said quietly.

"And what had the Baron asked you to do?" Prof asked.

Marianne looked at him confused. "Master told me to help her, to do the best I could for her."

"Don't you think that you did that? Do you think that the Baron is angry at you for not letting him put Annette to torture?" He kissed her cheek, "Don't you think that the Baron is trying to find some way to convince you that you have done what he asked?"

Prof stroked her face lovingly, "I think that the Baron is trying to help you because you helped him so much this afternoon."

Marianne looked at him in confusion, "But he's my Master, I'd do anything he asked."

"No, my dearest, he gave you your freedom. Paul is an honourable man. He said you were free, you are free. Whether you spoke for Annette or not, you are free," Prof told her.

"But ... but I..."

"You did just what the Baron wanted, what my friend Paul wanted. You showed Annette the best way to finish this situation. You showed her how to die without pain. You helped both Annette and the Baron finish this tragedy."

Marianne nodded to him. "I'm ready now," she said.

Picking up the collar she had dropped earlier, she knelt in front of me. "My Master, please collar your slave."

Before I could say a word, before I could do a thing; a set of bolt cutters were thrust forward and they cut Marianne's collar in two.

Not daring to look left or right, I leant forward, "Marianne, you are free, now and forever. Take this man away and let him teach you how to live as a free woman. Come back to me in a month or two, I have a job for you. I want you to be an advocate for my slaves."

Prof nudged his astonished lover, "Say 'Yes Baron'," he whispered.

"Yes Baron," said Marianne.

I smiled at the two of them, "Prof, Marianne, go now. Prof, I'll see you sometime tomorrow."

Prof stood, Marianne stood beside him taking strength from his presence. "See you tomorrow, Boss."

They left hand-in-hand.

I looked round. Chiefy stood with the bolt cutters resting on her shoulders, Sasha with a satisfied smile.

"Let's go to bed," I said.

"Whoopie!" yelled Sasha, "Chiefy, dump those ... things," Sasha waved vaguely towards the bolt cutters, "and let's get naked."

There was a loud thump as the cutters hit the floor, just a little before my jaw. Chiefy beat Sasha in stripping, and she was all woman."

-------

I woke early again. I used to wake this early almost every day, but not recently. The problem with Annette had taken a lot out of me, but what else could I have done?

True, some other owners would have just used her for entertainment, like the Count. He'd have made a spectacle of her death. But I wasn't like that. I'd been trying to show the Count by my example that he'd have a much better life if he looked after his slaves, treated them with respect and dignity. Perhaps then he wouldn't need armed guards when he slept with them.

I looked down at Sasha and Chiefy sleeping together. They gradually moved into the warmer centre of the bed. Chiefy reached out to hug her bed partner. I smiled as I watched my two lovers spooning together.

Quietly I left the room, I wanted to swim, to relax and think. I also needed to tell Marianne that she should talk to Gail about being freed. I also wanted to ask Karolina to see if there was any precedence for having a 'legal' representative for the slaves. I'd told Marianne that I wanted her to be my slave's advocate; I wasn't sure how my girls would take that. Marianne said she'd been a 'bad' slave. I wonder what she meant by that? I'd have to ask Tadeusz about that, maybe some of his, now my, girls too.

My day was filling up already, and this didn't include the normal pile of work that filled my IN tray each day. With a sigh, I went out to the pool.

Umber was waiting there for me.

"Good morning, my Master," she said happily.

"Good morning, Umber, my precious," I replied. I looked at the clipboard beside her. "Do you have things for me already?"

"Just a couple of updates, my Master, Karolina said that it would be better to let you have these as soon as possible."

With a sigh, I sat down on my lounger, "go on then, dearest girl," I said.

Umber picked up her clipboard and looked at the top item. "Karolina said that you would want to know about slave's legal petitioner. Apparently there hasn't been one mentioned in any records, that Karolina could find, for over two hundred years. The correct description is 'Legate' she says. Usually this position was held by a slave belonging to another master. This was to protect the Legate. The master having the Legate usually had to sign contracts ensuring the Legate's safety; usually pledging the life of his first born son, or his own life as security." She smiled at that. I too could see the old time owners seething with anger, but unable to strike the uppity slave dead as he wished because his own life would be forfeit. And I knew that the owners took their contracts with each other very, very seriously. To break a contract with one; was to call down the wrath of all of the owners.

I knew one thing though, my girls seemed to have worked out the questions that I'd want answering and had found the answers for me.

"Marianne can be our Legate, my Master, but you could be asked to sign contracts of security for her though," Umber continued.

I nodded; I was willing to do that.

"Do you know what your sister slaves would think of that?" I asked.

Umber leafed through her notes, "Well Master, Marianne had a reputation for being a little lazy. It wasn't that she didn't work; she just didn't put the effort in that the other girls did. However, all of your slaves are agreed on one thing, she did the best that anyone could do for Annette. Marianne made everyone treat Annette with respect while she was imprisoned. If anyone did anything to Annette's food or drink, anything at all, then they were reported for punishment. Marianne actually took to having her own food and drink delivered to Annette's cell. No one knew who would eat which dish, and no one wanted to be accused of fouling a free woman's food or drink. And as for what she planned for Annette, no one thought that Marianne persuaded Annette to attack you. It was obvious to everyone that that would be instant death. But that was the point, wasn't it?" Umber looked up at me, her eyes clouded with tears over Annette's death. I nodded.

"Yes precious, that's exactly why Marianne convinced Annette to do what she did."

"Master, these things have impressed us all. There isn't one of us who'd refuse to have Marianne speak for us. No one is upset that Annette cheated the torture chamber, we are all in awe of Marianne's solution to the problem."

"So am I, precious, so am I." I said. I cupped her cheek, caressing her gently. I wished that I was more rested.

"Anything else?" I asked.

"Yes Master, I arranged for Marianne to speak to Gail this morning. Gail said she'd be pleased to help Marianne. She has, of course, heard all about what's happened." Umber flipped over to another page. "Mistress Kelly in London has agreed to get Marianne De Baron places on various university courses in legal, social, psychiatric, and counselling studies. Mistress Kelly will also arrange accommodation and a realistic wage for her too. Mistress Kelly suggested £80,000 per annum, but said that you needed to confirm that." She looked up at me.

"Make it £100,000 a year. She's already earned this year's salary," I said, meaning every word.

Umber nodded and made a note on her pad.

"And Marianne De Baron?" I asked with a smile.

"Yes Master, Marianne suggested it, De Baron, The Baron's. She wanted people to know that she's yours even though you've freed her."

"And what did Prof say about that?" I asked with a smile.

"Master Bloomfield said that if that was what she wanted for her name, it was fine with him and that he looked forward to changing his name when they married."

"Now that does surprise me. Prof is a traditional person, he believes in the customary ways of doing things." For Prof to willingly accept changing his name on marriage meant two things, Marianne really wanted to keep her new name because it was really important to her, and Prof thought that the new name was a good idea.

"Anything else, Umber dearest?" I asked.

"Yes Master. Mistress Marianne has received over fifty requests for representation..."

"WHAT!" I exclaimed. Surely I wasn't that bad a master?

Unperturbed, Umber continued, "Yes, my Master. I do believe that every one of your girls has made at least one request."

"What do they want? I've tried to free them. What now?" I almost wailed.

"Well, Master. All of the girls who are blessed with your gold collar have requested a brand to mark them as yours, and to add the surname 'De Baron', to their name. Two of your gold collar slaves have requested that you take them to the dungeons and let them show you what submissive girls you have. Geraldine has requested that she let you see her skills as a pianist." Umber looked up at me, "She's very good. She should go somewhere where she can learn to play properly. She loves her music."

I just looked at her, I couldn't believe that all of my girls had made requests. What must Marianne think of the way I'd been looking after my girls?

Umber looked up at me again. "Are you alright, my Master? Shall I get Em?"

"No ... no ... I'm just a little shocked that's all. Branded, you say? All of my gold collar girls?"

Umber consulted her notes again though I was sure that she already knew the answer. "Yes, my Master, all of them."

"And the name thing?" I asked.

"Oh yes, that is unanimous too. The newer girls see it as a sort of reward, the gold collar, the brand and the name. It's like getting a degree or something. They know it's going to be hard to get, but the effort will be worth the reward. They'll be known anywhere in the world as one of your special girls."

"Any more?" I asked with a gulp.

"Oh yes, Master. Six of the new girls want permission to train with the marines and another would like to be trained in forensic pathology." Umber looked up at me and shrugged her shoulders. I could understand her confusion.

"And the rest of the fifty?" I asked, partly in dread.

"Oh, the usual rubbish that Marianne binned as soon as she read them. The girls weren't really disappointed. Lynne said she cried when Marianne wouldn't ask you for a supply of black jelly babies. But Mistress Marianne told her to get over it and make do with the orange ones." Now Umber did look puzzled. "Jelly Babies, Master, what are Jelly Babies?"

"They're sweets, my precious. Lynne likes them and so do I."

"Oh. And that explains..."

"Explains what, Umber dearest?" I asked.

"Well, for the last six weeks, two plane loads of supplies have been leaving Luton, one for Orleans and the other for the British Virgin Islands. The one that goes to the Virgin Islands occasionally contains a consignment of Jelly Babies."

I laughed, trust the Coven to think up a devious way of making Huntley think I'd moved.

"Anything else, precious?" I asked, smiling now.

"No, my Master, that's all for this morning," she answered.

"Thank you, precious." I kissed her, then a thought struck me, "you've asked for the branding as well?" I asked.

Umber smiled, "Of course, my Master. I'm the head of your slaves. I'm going to be the one to show them what it will look like." She laughed, her laughter turning her into the innocent bag carrier I'd first seen so long ago again. Not trusting myself to speak, I hugged her.

"Go for your swim, my Master. I'll be here," she told me wiping away my tears.

I went for my swim.

-------

Later that afternoon I saw Prof and Marianne returning from a shopping trip to Orleans. Seeing me, she quickly hid something behind her back.

"Are they Jelly Babies?" I called across, having spotted the yellow bag.

Marianne stood frozen, clearly terrified at being caught.

"If they're for Lynne, she won't take them," I said.

Prof and Marianne hurried into the Chateau.

-------

I did very little. I stayed out of my office. I actually asked that Jill get in touch with all of my senior staff and ask them to come here if they had any problems that really needed my input. They had to travel via the Virgin Islands first though.

I did arrange to hear a piano recital though. After dinner, Sasha and I sat through an amazing concert. Chopin, and Debussy, followed by Janis Joplin and hard rock. Geraldine was really, really good. She lacked the polish that a university music school or conservatoire could give though. I wanted to ask for a real professional's opinion of where I should send her though.

"Umber," I called, quietly though, I didn't want to disturb Sasha's enjoyment of the music.

"Yes, my Master," she answered from my side.

"Get Thrash on the phone. I want him to hear this.

I heard Umber speaking quietly for a few moments and then she crept up to the piano and placed her mobile on a music stand beside it.

Geraldine played for another twenty minutes.

When Sasha and I stood to applaud, we were surprised by Cecy, Harold, Ross and Helen joining in behind us.

While the rest went to congratulate Geraldine, I retrieved the phone. "Well, Gerald, what do you think?" I asked.

"Paul, mate, I'm on my way over, shouldn't take too long, I'm in Spain. I've just done a gig in Madrid. I'll be over in about two hours." He chuckled; "you sold me on private charter flights, Paul. It's so much more convenient. I'll see you soon, must dash." And he was gone.

Well if Gerald thought Geraldine was worth the effort and expense of flying from Madrid to Orleans for, then I'd better do the best I could for her too. Hadn't I?

"Umber, ask the housekeeper if the rooms Thrash used the last time are still free."

Umber smiled, "YES! Master," she replied, and ran lightly away.

I joined the others around Geraldine. As soon as she saw me approaching she knelt.

"Was my playing acceptable, my Master?" she asked a little nervously.

"Of course it was. I have someone coming here who I want you to play for. I want you to do your very, very best. I think he's a musical genius. He'll know how we should nurture your talent. Prepare to play for him tomorrow afternoon."

Geraldine looked even more nervous now. "Ye ... Yes Master."

"Is there anything that you need, or can think of that might help you play better?"

She thought for a moment. "This girl is ready, my Master."

Cecy stepped forward then. "Geraldine, please let me have a look at your hands." She held her own hands out.

Glancing at me for permission, Geraldine placed her hands into Cecy's after I'd nodded.

"Umm ... I thought so, you've got small hands." Cecy seemed to think this wasn't a good thing.

Cecy was deep in thought for a long moment. "I have a harpsichord with three-quarter width keys. You must try playing that," then she looked at Geraldine sharply, "but not until after you've played for Gerald."

Geraldine looked at me, a silent plea in her eyes. "Master, who is coming to hear me play?"

Now we all smiled. "A good friend of mine, I call him Gerald, but he's also known as 'Thrash' from the..."

"Screaming Monkeys!" Geraldine exclaimed, going deathly pale.

"But Master, why would he want to hear me play?"

"Because he's already heard you over the phone; and perhaps because I asked him to," I answered.

"Oh Master..." Geraldine was almost in shock now.

I lifted her chin and looked her in the eye.

"Geraldine, this is your chance to be noticed by someone who can really help you learn your music, and then perform. But what you must always remember is that, whatever happens, I loved your playing, and you are part of my family. I do not let my family down. So go to bed now, sleep yourself out. You have no duties tomorrow at all. UMBER!"

"Yes Master, Geraldine is free of duties all day tomorrow, she must be allowed to sleep as long as she wishes and then have a breakfast available. It will be done, my Master."

"Thank you, Umber. Now, Geraldine, go, tell your friends what is happening. I'm sure that they're wondering how you got on tonight."

At last she smiled, "This girl thanks you, Master."

I shooed her away, smiling as I watched her leave the room.

Cecy turned to me. "She is good, Paul. That piano is old and the works are a bit stiff, but she played it like a master. I can't wait to see what Thrash thinks of her."

"Neither can I," I agreed with a smile.

Happily we all wended our way to our beds.

After my shower I watched Sasha dry herself. She is just sooooooooo sexy.

She threw her towel into the wash bin then grabbed one of Alison's ankles. "Hey Boss," she called. "Look what I caught."

I laughed and then grabbed the other ankle. "Let's land this thing and see what we've got."

"Oh, yeah!" said my love.

We dragged a laughing Alison onto the bed and spread her out. Sasha took one side, I the other. We let our lips descend onto the helpless girl and sucked and kissed our way down her body. Sasha found her nectar first, but she let me taste it too, from her own lips.

We had a sweaty, fun time and, finally, slept where we were. Tomorrow we'd be dirty and sticky, but then we'd have the fun of cleaning ourselves together.

And tomorrow we'd see Gerald again. I was looking forward to that.



-------

Chapter 90

Gerald listened to Geraldine's playing for five minutes and then stopped her.

"Right, you lot, out!" he called.

I looked at him, in more than a little surprise. But I noticed his eyes; they were looking towards Geraldine, but seeing something else entirely. Now I wasn't worried for Geraldine at all. I knew that Gerald was really taken with her talent. Now I just looked forward to what would happen for her.

I held Sasha's hand as we left the music room.

"She's really good isn't she?" said Sasha.

"Oh yes," I answered. "I just wonder what Gerald has in mind for her."

"Well whatever it is, you'll have to tell me about it. Because I have to go to London, but I have some meetings in New York and Fort Lauderdale first."

I hugged her, "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

She pulled back and looked up at me, "You had enough on your plate with Annette." She shrugged. "I'm going to be doing a lot more of this sort of thing as we expand."

"You're expanding?" I asked running my hand over her abdomen.

"Not there!" She gave me a 'look'. "Men!" She shook her head. Then she lay against my chest, "I have to go to America to finalise the American branch of Dempsey, and YourVoice."

"YourVoice?" I asked.

"Yeah, awful isn't it. It's our no-win, no-fee company. I actually expect YourVoice to gross about a billion next year."

"That's good, what's your margin?"

"Pre-tax about 32%, net about 18%," said Sasha

"So about 180 Million then," I replied.

"Yes, of course once we get through the start-up costs then the margin improves remarkably. Up to nearly 65% pre-tax."

I thought for a moment, "That's great but you'd better hope that the governments don't introduce legislation to limit your costs."

Sasha laughed, "You know that most politicians are lawyers. They may not be very good ones, but licensed lawyers nevertheless. Do you think that they'd cut off their own source of income like that?"

"No, they'd probably 'accidently' double the costs." We both laughed at that.

"Kiss me, my Man, I have to rush." Sasha commanded.

I kissed her, she was warm and sweet, everything I wanted in a woman.

"I Love you, my precious one," she told me.

"I love you with all my heart, dearest lady of mine."

Sasha hurried out of the Chateau and into a waiting car. I think I'm going to look into getting a helicopter like Cher; it would give us a few more minutes together.

I turned and almost bumped into Sung Lu. "Master Baron, my Master would like to speak with you if that is convenient," she said, very respectfully.

"Of course, please lead on." I gestured along the corridor to the music room.

-------

Sung Lu knelt by her master and I sat and waited for Gerald and Geraldine, the coincidence of the names made me smile, finished a section of music they were playing. They sat together at the piano, both playing at the same time. It was amazing to hear.

Finally they finished and Gerald leapt up and came to me, "Paul, mate, do you have a spare hundred million or so?" he asked.

I could see he was serious about this so I didn't answer with a joke, "yes."

"Please, please, please set up a music agency company. I, we, desperately need one that hasn't been corrupted by 'the system'."

"Do you have someone who can run it?" I asked.

"Yes, a real smart cookie, Gloria Arrowsmith. She's as straight as they come and knows the business. She's been kicked out of almost every agency because she doesn't take any shit and doesn't pay any kickbacks, but there's always someone willing to hire her because she's so bloody good."

"OK, how about artists?"

"Would starting off with the Screaming Monkeys, Sara Burton and Chantille be OK?" he said with a smile. "Who knows, we might even sign Geraldine too," he said, laughing out loud this time.

I laughed too. But I looked at Geraldine with renewed respect.

"OK, bring her here and we'll talk," I said. Even if I lost the lot, it would be worthwhile helping a friend.

Gerald looked at Sung Lu, "One hour, fifteen minutes Master."

"She lands in an hour..."

"Fifteen minutes," I finished for him. "At Orleans?" I asked with a smile. It was so easy to relax and smile with Gerald.

"Yeah," he answered, also grinning.

"You still got some of your John..."

"Smiths, at least five kegs. And one on tap at all times."

"Lead on, sir."

"Girl, we're going to the pool. Bring beer."

"Yes, my Master," said Catharina, who ran off to find someone who could help her with my order.

"The pool?" asked Gerald. "In this weather?"

"Trust me," I said.

"If you're providing the John Smiths, I'll sit in the snow and drink with you."

I looked down, Isabel was kneeling beside me. "Isabel, I know there is another girl just outside waiting to come in if you get sent on an errand, go and tell her that I'd like to speak to Karolina."

"Yes, Master," she ran quickly to the door.

"New slaves, Paul?" Gerald asked.

"Oh no, don't, I'll tell you all about it when we've sat and got a pint each."

"Sounds good to me," Gerald replied.

We reached the pool and Gerald and Sung Lu looked round in amazement. "You've had it covered," Gerald said.

"No, it's had these sliding walls and roof for years. Harold had them fitted just after he married Sasha's mother.

"Well good on him," said Gerald.

Then Julia came out to us, carrying Susan.

"Oh Julia, why are you here?" I asked surprised.

"Karolina and Umber are both sleeping. I'm awake with Susan, so I came to your call, my Master," she answered.

"Humph."

"But I was awake anyway, Master, night feeds." She said looking down at the beautiful bundle in her arms.

I took Susan from her mother and cuddled her. One thing was obvious immediately. Susan needed changing. She stank!

"She's beautiful, Paul," said Gerald breathlessly. I didn't know whether that was due to Susan's beauty or her bum.

"She needs changing, Julia, dearest. Get me the stuff and I'll do it now."

"BUT MASTER!" Julia exclaimed in horror. "You can't change a filthy nappy."

"Wanna bet?" I said, unclipping Susan's sleep-suit and exposing the sack of nuclear waste. (Look, shit shouldn't be green. It just shouldn't, OK?)

A woman I'd never seen before, came up to us carrying a large box. I looked at it and compared it with the size of Susan. It outweighed her by at least ten times. It must be her baby box, I thought.

"Wipes," I said, looking down at Susan. I'm sure she was starting to recognise me.

The woman handed me a pack of wipes and I cleaned Susan's bottom, including all of the folds and nooks and crannies.

"Make sure that you clean her properly," she said in a high-pitched whiny voice.

Julia glared at her and then whispered in her ear. I didn't hear what Julia said but the woman visibly paled.

I ignored her discomfort. I'm sure that the other slaves, and Umber in particular, would make sure that she didn't make that kind of mistake again.

I checked Susan to make sure that she was clean and dry. Then I started folding her nappy. Julia was using cloth nappies, but she pinned them at the front. I folded mine so that Susan didn't have a pin which she could (and later on, would) undo and hurt herself with. Julia looked on interestedly.

"Will it stay on, Master?" she asked.

"Yes, for at least four hours." I answered.

"But what if it gets wet?"

"Then it locks tighter." I told her.

Julia looked impressed, (remember, you have to be a parent to be impressed by stuff like this.)

I refastened Susan's sleep-suit and wrapped her blanket around her again. Now Gerald was more than willing to hold her. As he looked down into Susan's tiny face, I knew that it wouldn't be long before he too was a daddy.

Julia knelt beside me while Gerald held our daughter. "What does my Master wish?" she asked quietly.

I had to think for a minute to remember what I wanted Karolina for. "Julia, these new slaves, the body slaves especially, they are not to be on their own when they attend me. Let's give them a chance to learn where everything is before they work alone."

Julia looked as though she was going to say something, but just nodded and said, "Yes Master."

I think Julia had some concerns about that, I'd have to speak with her tomorrow, or later today, I should have said. It was now so late, it was early.

"Julia, put an appointment in my book to speak with me sometime after dinner. We'll talk about it then."

She looked up at me, seemingly relieved, "Yes Master."

Isabel came to us then carrying a tray with two pints of John Smiths.

"Isabel, you'll save yourself a lot of walking and carrying if you bring the keg out here," I told her.

"Yes, Master," she replied.

Julia, stood, "I'll go with you Isabel. When we return I might get my daughter back."

"Maybe," I said as they left. I looked down at Susan, as she slept peacefully in my arms. Have I mentioned that she looks beautiful? She does.

I put my drink on the table untouched and lay my head back for a second.

-------

A lusty cry woke me. I looked down at the bundle lying on my chest. Susan was awake and hungry. I looked around, it was light. I must have fallen asleep. I sat up and cuddled her, this helped for a few moments but I then realised that I was holding her against my chest and she was searching for a teat.

"Sorry, darling, you can't get a drink out of mine." I said.

"But she can out of mine, my Master."

I turned and there was Julia giving her full breasts a wash.

"Shall I change her first?" I asked hopefully.

"No, Master, she usually wets after a feed, and as she missed her four o'clock feed she must be hungry.

With a sigh I handed Susan over to Julia. A few moments later Susan hungrily sucked on Julia's breast; a mother feeding her child, an act as old as mankind itself and not one whit less beautiful for that.

"What time is it?" I asked.

"A little after six, Master. You got her to sleep through her four o'clock feed. She's never done that before," said Julia

"I enjoyed having her sleep on me, it relaxed me," I said.

"We know, Master," Julia said with a smile.

"We?" I asked.

"Your body slaves kept watch all night, so that you and Susan would be safe, even the new girls." Julia looked down at our child, "Neither of you moved all night. I've never seen her sleep so soundly."

"What can I say? I love her. I love her just as I love her mother. How could I not do my best to look after her?"

Julia smiled at me, a smile that lifted my heart and seemed to warm the room, "This girl is glad that she refused her freedom. This girl knows she will be cared for and looked after for the rest of her life. This girl thanks her Master and wants her Master to know she is his obedient girl."

I looked around us, Alison was kneeling at the other side of my bed, Catharina knelt beside her.

"Good morning, ladies," I said.

Catharina looked round for the ladies I was speaking to, not realising I was talking to Alison and her.

"Good morning, Master," replied Alison. "Do you wish a shower now, or would you like to sleep a little more?"

"A shower I think," I answered. "I suppose I'd better get up and start my days, work."

Alison and Catharina stood and waited for me. I took a last longing glance at Susan, kissed her mother and led the way to my bedroom. There were girls already getting the bathroom ready when I got there. I undressed and then let them wash me.

As is my usual habit, I grabbed one of them and cuddled her. This morning though my 'victim' was unusually stiff in my arms. I looked down and saw that it was Catharina. "Don't worry, precious girl, I won't harm you."

She looked up at me, "But you're my Master, you can do what you want with me." She was plainly worried.

"Yes, I can, can't I? But the things I'll do won't hurt you; that I promise."

"Yes, Master," she replied, though I could feel in her continued tension that I hadn't convinced her. But, considering the events surrounding Annette, I can't blame Catharina for being worried.

I released her and she ran lightly to fetch a towel. I think that the other girls noticed her hesitation and stiffness while she was in my arms, though I wasn't going to say anything about it. Meanwhile, I had other things to do.

Gerald was eating his breakfast, next to him sat a pugnacious, stocky woman, round-faced with a small button-nose. No one but her parents would ever call her beautiful. Even saying homely, was being kind.

"Morning, Paul," said Gerald. He gestured towards the woman with his fork, "Paul, this is Gloria Arrowsmith. Gloria, Baron Glastbrooke," he completed the introductions while trying to lift fried egg into his mouth.

I held out my hand, glancing at Gerald, who was industriously concentrating on his breakfast, I said, "Hi, call me Paul."

As soon as I said it, I knew she'd been warned. It was her eyes, something in her eyes.

"Yes, sir," she replied.

Gerald almost collapsed onto his plate in laughter.

Guffaws from the end of the table let me know that Cecy and Harold found it quite amusing too.

I, however, maintained my dignity.

I selected my breakfast, porridge this morning. It was not one of the breakfast chef's specialities. Cecy had occasionally offered it to me as a brick substitute, it certainly set harder than Midland Brick's product.

It did have one outstanding feature though. A clump of it could maintain structural integrity for at least eight feet. And Gerald wasn't seated nearly that far away.

My first spoonful hit him just above the opening of his shirt. Of course he gave no sign whatsoever of its impact.

When I looked down to eat my first mouthful, he launched the yoke of a soft-fried egg at me. I heard a quickly strangled gasp and then it hit and the warm runny yoke started to slide into my shirt.

I looked down beside me. Melissa had clamped her hand over Isabel's mouth. Isabel was staring wide-eyed at my shirt and the mess that Gerald had made.

"Are you alright, precious?" I asked her.

Melissa whispered into Isabel's ear. Isabel glanced at her and then nodded to me.

"Oh good. You just stay there and be quiet now. That's a good girl." I nearly patted her on the head.

Just before I turned back to my bowl, I flicked another spoonful at Gerald. This was much better, it hit his forehead and dropped into his lap. I noticed Sung Lu kneeling impassively next to him. She could have picked my food bombs out of the air with ease; I expect that Gerald had warned her of what was likely to happen.

A fork full of baked beans came my way next. But beans can't maintain their adhesion like porridge can and some splashed onto Isabel.

Sung Lu was there in an instant, gently wiping Isabel clean and very, very quietly apologising to her. I knew Melissa would perform the same service for Sung Lu should it be needed. But so far I'd been spot on with my aim; as I was for my next shot, a lofted bomb straight into his lap.

Exasperated, Cecy shouted at us. "CHILDREN!..."

Her next words, whatever they might have been, were drowned in a squeak as Gerald and I both launched our next attacks at her.

Harold made his big mistake then, he laughed.

"MEN!" Cecy exclaimed as she stood up and tipped the remains of her breakfast over Harold's head.

We continued eating. Gloria sat trying to figure out if this was normal behaviour here, and if so, did she really want to remain close to the firing lines. But then Gerald had promised her a chance at running an agency, really running it, not just being someone else's puppet. And she was 'between positions' at the moment so she really didn't have any place else to be right now.

I turned to Gloria as Gerald got up and went to the breakfast buffet.

"So, Gloria, Gerald tells me that you'd like to start up an agency," I said trying to break the ice. Gloria's eyes suddenly went wide.

"Maummphhhre," Isabel tried to say.

I felt something nudge the back of my chair and then a warm thick liquid fell onto my neck. It started running down my back, so I knew it wasn't the porridge. It must be some of Cecy's hot chocolate. Just like the stuff dripping down Harold's head.

"Sorry," said Gerald.

"No problem," I replied.

"So Gloria, what's it like to work with all of these famous artists then?" asked Harold, chocolate and croissant crumbs dripping down his cheeks.

Gloria looked at him for a long moment, obviously trying to formulate a sensible reply. "A bit like here," she answered. "Like dealing with three year olds."

She looked at the three of us and noticed what we were doing.

"NNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!" she yelled, lifting her plate to shield herself, realising just too late that it wasn't empty. Half of her breakfast landed in her lap.

Harold, Gerald and I ate the 'ammunition' we'd been preparing.

Gloria pointed at our slaves, "Why aren't they covered in food?" she demanded to know.

"These ladies are slaves, Gloria," Gerald explained.

"But I'm not," she was really trying to understand. That made up my mind for me. I liked Gloria; I'll invest in her agency.

"No, you can fight back," said Gerald.

"Real slaves?" Gloria asked.

"Yes," I replied, "really real slaves."

"Oh." Gloria was thoughtful for a moment. Then she picked up her plate and started to lift the mess from her lap, back onto the plate. "Do you lot usually fuck around like this?" She obviously thought that this was a sensible question.

Gerald and I looked surprised, Harold looked across at her, "Gloria, this is a senior management meeting."

"No..." I thought for a second, "Those usually involve Elastic getting ... one on one executive supervision." I finished with a smile.

Harold laughed.

"You mean getting fucked don't you?" said Gloria.

The door opened. Elastic entered carrying a cup of coffee. "I heard that there was a senior management meeting starting, so I came as fast as I could." She looked around hopefully.

"Are you a slave too?" asked Gloria.

"Oh no. I'm the head of the Baron's protective detail." Elastic replied. She held out her hand and introduced herself, "Commander Bands."

"Commander?" Gloria was completely confused now.

"Royal Navy," answered Elastic with pride.

Elastic sat and surveyed the devastation we'd wrought in the breakfast room. She sighed; it was the long suffering sigh of a woman unable to comprehend the childish actions of a man she thought she knew so well.

We men looked at her, all a little puzzled as to how she could not see the enjoyment in being a little silly at times.

Elastic shook her head. "Cecy says that your meeting has been put back for 30 minutes." She looked round at us. "I can't imagine why."

I think I caught a hint of sarcasm there. I'm not sure though. I'll have to ask Gerald later.

Elastic sighed again, she's been doing that a lot this morning, and turned to Melissa, "Do you ever get fed up with them messing about?" Elastic asked.

Melissa looked puzzled, "Has my Master been messing about? I haven't noticed anything unusual, have you, Isabel?"

Isabel had enough self preservation to just shake her head, "No, nothing," she managed to squeak.

Elastic looked at them, "I'm sorry; it was unfair of me to ask a question like that of you. Please accept my apologies." She turned back to the door, "MEN!" she exclaimed just before the door closed behind her.

"I too have to leave to get changed," said Gloria, "I seem to have some food marks on my dress, I can't imagine how that happened."

"You tipped your plate onto your lap," said Harold helpfully.

Gerald and I nodded our agreement.

"MEN!" exclaimed Gloria as she too left the room.

We waited about thirty seconds before we dissolved into laughter. Harold fell off his chair; it was only support from Melissa and Isabel that kept me in mine. I was helpless, totally helpless with laughter. The looks on their faces, all three of them, I'll remember those looks until the day I die. Priceless, absolutely priceless.

I'm sure that we're going to catch hell for this later, absolutely positive.

-------

Gloria explained her ideas to me. How she wanted to be 'different' from the current run-of-the-mill agencies, where corruption and kick-backs were endemic. How she wanted to introduce an ethical mindset into artist representation. I watched Gerald as she spoke; I could see that the things she said rang true. He nodded, and shook his head, remembering times when even the Screaming Monkeys had to 'play the game'. It was a good thing that none of them were female. Girls had to pay a much higher price to get anywhere.

"What do you need?" I asked.

"Well, Baron, I need financing for three years for myself and a staff of up to ten. I need office accommodation and equipment for all of us and an advertising budget." She looked at me obviously trying to guess my reply.

I switched the phone to loudspeaker, "I'm sorry, Gloria, I've had my accountants and one of my solicitors listening in. Nigel Morton is my solicitor; what did you think, Nigel?" I asked.

Nigel laughed, "My first impression was that you'd be throwing money down the drain. But, both Sasha and I know what my first impressions are like. I say go for it."

Gloria, initially horrified at Nigel's words, went pale at the agreement to fund her.

"Bee?"

"I say go for it. There's room in number 8 if you need it. Will take a staff of about 20 and it has good large meeting rooms too," Bee replied.

"Mandy?"

"I'd say put them in Number 15, I've a use for the free space in 8. Number 15 has a better facade and underground parking," said Mandy.

I made a note. I hadn't thought of number 15. Yes that would do fine.

"Thanks everyone," I said and hung up the phone.

"Right, I have an office for you, number 15 Lincoln's Inn Fields. It has more space than you're going to need at first. Start filling up at the top and work downward." I pointed at Gloria, "and you make sure that you get an impressive office."

I looked down at my notes.

"Now initial funding is for five years, first year, you and up to ten others. Second year, a staff of 15; we'll see how many you need after that. Now, the name, you can call it what you like, but make sure that it's obvious that it's part of the C&C group of companies."

"That's a great name!" Gloria yelled.

Gerald laughed, "He does this sort of thing all the time." They shook hands, then turned to me.

Gloria thrust out her hand, "Here's to 'What You Like' music." We shook, and then Gerald did too.

"I'll get the papers drawn up as soon as I can, and now you're working for me, please call me Paul or Boss."

"Yes..." Gloria grinned, "Boss."

"Now, for your staff, I'd like to suggest..."

"You're the boss, Boss," Gloria interrupted.

"No, you're the company's CEO, I'm just the owner. Now, for your staff, I suggest that you do what I do, make the starting pay low, and, if they prove their worth then raise it quickly."

Gloria nodded, "I can see how that would motivate even the laziest of workers," she admitted.

"You don't want workers; you want to get people who share your dream. Get someone passionate about what you want to do and they'll fit in and give you more than their best."

"OK Boss, I know where I can find a few of them too."

"Good," I replied.

I glanced at the wall clock. I had about two minutes to get over to see Susan.

"Don't you want to know what your salary is?" I asked her.

"Err ... I figured that you would be fair," she said a little sheepishly.

"OK, how about £80K?" I said walking to the door.

"But you said start off low!" she exclaimed.

"I think that I am." I replied.

I just heard her shocked "Oh..." as the door shut behind me.

-------

Susan was awake and feeding when I reached her. Julia smiled up at me. "Hello Master, how are you today?"

I kissed mother and daughter. "I'm fine, and much better now for seeing you two."

"I hear that you've been terrorising the free women," Julia said with a smile.

I laughed, "Yes, Gerald and Harold joined in too."

"Isabel told me all about it. I had to get Umber and Karoline in to hold a meeting and explain a few more things to them." Julia frowned, "I've been your girl so long now Master, that I've forgotten just how strict and restrictive most masters are." She looked down at our child. "Susan wouldn't have even been born if I was still with my last master," she said quietly. "We girls have so much to thank you for Master that I don't know where to start."

"Thank me by taking care of our daughter," I told her then kissed her again.

"I'd do that anyway, my Master. She's a beautiful child and good too."

Susan finished her feed and I took the opportunity to wind her. She rewarded me with a little sick down my back. But, no problem, I've got more shirts.

I changed her again, getting her used to me, bonding together. This time in a child's life is the best time ever for supportive parents. Working together they can see the daily results of their caring.

Julia and I talked for about another half hour, until we were interrupted by Elastic.

"Boss, I need speak to you," she said.

"Your place or mine?" I asked cheekily.

"Your office might be best, Boss."

"OK, Ten minutes?" I asked.

"Ten minutes, Boss."

Reluctantly, I kissed Julia and Susan and left for my office.

I'd just sat down when the knock on the door came.

"Enter!" I called.

Elastic came in followed by Katie. I immediately wondered if Katie was in trouble. But then another young marine entered, this one carrying a letter.

Elastic and the marine stood in front of my desk, Katie a little behind them.

"Baron," Elastic started formally, "Marine Adams was on night guard duty in the cells the night before..." Elastic almost choked. "The night before Annette died. Against orders Marine Adams wrote a letter for Annette." She turned towards the Marine, "Marine Adams."

The girl was already at attention, but seemed to stiffen even more.

"Err ... before we go any further, will it totally destroy good order and discipline if you all relaxed a bit?"

"At Ease!" ordered Elastic.

Marine Adams looked at me, "It true, Baron. I was night duty, Midnight to 0400, guard on the cell block. The prisoner asked me to write a letter for her. She told me that she knew she was going to die in the morning and she needed to say sorry to some people." She gulped, "So I wrote the letter for her, Sir. She asked me to wait until today before I gave it to my commander. And I waited, Sir. I gave the letter to Corporal Phelps this morning, Sir."

So that's why Katie was here.

"May I see this letter?"

"Sir, Yes Sir." She handed the letter to me.

The envelope had a single word on it, 'Master'.

I examined it, it was still sealed.

"Right, you," I pointed at Adams, "Stick your head out of the door and yell 'tea and stickies'."

"Sir?" she said very puzzled.

"The order was simple enough, Adams; do you need extra instruction in following orders?" Elastic growled.

"Ma'am, No Ma'am."

Adams quickly went to the door, opened it, yelled "Tea and stickies," closed the door and returned.

I smiled at her, "That was easy, wasn't it?"

"Sir, Yes Sir."

"Now everyone sit down you're making the place look untidy."

I led them to the informal corner, soft chairs around a coffee table. I then opened the letter.



Master,

I know I done wrong. It all went to me head. I couldn't help myself. Master Tadeusz told us that things were different with you. He told us that we would have to be dead careful, go slow he said. If you aren't sure, then ask Karolina. She'll know because she's the favourite. Karolina won't let you down. He told us all Master, he really did.

But I forgot. Umber made me a body slave. I never bothered to ask how she could do that if she wasn't really high status. I mean, usually it's the favourite that does that, promotes the slaves to body slave and stuff. But Umber did it. I saw the other girls treat her like she was the favourite. But I knew that Karolina was your favourite. But I didn't care because I was a body slave and I was really high status. I didn't care at all.

The others told me to treat Umber with respect, but I didn't listen. I'm good at not listening.

I stole that stuff. No one made me, I wanted a new lipstick and I stole it. The same with the soap. I stole it. There's no excuse, I stole the stuff. I now know I should hang just for that.





I hit Umber. I was so angry at her that I didn't listen to what she was trying to tell me. I called her a liar and then slapped her as hard as I could. Umber didn't do no wrong. She tried to tell me but I wouldn't listen. She really did try.

I couldn't believe that you would free a slave just to try and help me. I hope Marianne don't suffer none because of me. Marianne was good. She treated me better than proper. She took to eating in my cell so the other girls wouldn't spit in my food or worse. I didn't treat Marianne good either. I hit her too. But she kept coming back and talking to me. Asking questions. I couldn't answer them then, I was too much up me own arse. She finally made me realise that I'd done wrong, dead wrong. I knew then that the girls would kill me even if you didn't. I knew what was going to happen.

Marianne was good. She made me believe I could be free if I killed you. That was hope. I needed hope then. But today I was alone for a while and I got to thinking. I realised that if I attacked you your bodyguards would kill me on the spot, right there and then. And I realised that that was what Marianne wanted. Then I wouldn't be put to torture. I'm really scared of that.

I know what's going to happen now and I'm happy with it. I hope that I convince your bodyguards that I mean business cos that's what's going to save me. Not me life, I know that. Save me from the hurt. I don't take pain too good. And I didn't want the other girls to think that I'm just a coward. So Marianne's way is best.

Please tell Marianne that I don't hold nothing against her for lying to me. She done her best. Better than what I could have done. Thank you, Marianne, you really did help me. You showed me what I'd done wrong. You showed me how to die proper like, without being a coward.



Thank you, Master, you didn't deserve all this bother from your new girls. Please Master, I beg of you that you don't take nothing out on the other new girls. They're not like me, they're good girls and deserve to show you what they can do themselves. It's getting on now. This Marine finishes her duty soon. It's not her fault that I begged her to help me explain and apologise. She's done me good she has.

Thank you too, Marine.

We sat silently for a long time.

"Marine, I understand that you were under orders not to speak with Annette." I said.

Adams nodded.

I turned to Elastic, "I don't know how the hell you're going to punish an act of compassion."

She shook her head.

Getting up I went to my desk. In my draw were a number of coin-like things. I took one, and went back to the others.

"Adams, people often say 'I owe you one'. Well, I think that I owe you more than just one." I showed her the coin, it had a large number '10' on it. "If you ever need my help for anything then show that at any one of my company offices and they'll help you in any way that you need."

She took the coin and looked at it. "Thank you, Baron."

"No, joking apart, you can call me Paul."

She smiled, "Thank you, Paul."



-------

Chapter 91


I had Annette's letter passed on to Marianne and then I had all of my girls read it. One thing I was surprised at was that two of my new girls couldn't read. I called Karolina and Umber in for a meeting about the education of my girls.

"Master," Umber started, "what educational level do you wish your girls to attain?"

I thought for a moment. If I just said this level or that, then the girls would be taught up to that level. And heaven help any girl who wasn't capable of reaching the heights I so arbitrarily set.

"I want each girl to be the best that she can be. I would like each girl to follow her passion, like Geraldine." I answered.

"Master, Geraldine is one of those who cannot read." Umber told me. I was surprised at this. I wondered how she could have become so good at music if she couldn't read. But then I realised that, she could have attained her expertise at the expense of all other subjects. It would just depend upon what her previous Master or Masters wanted.

I had to think carefully about this. I wanted ... No, that was wrong. I had to give this problem to someone else and let them think carefully about it.

"Umber, I want you to assign a task to someone." I looked her in the eye, "I don't want any of my girls disadvantaged by a lack of education. Reading and writing are basic skills that I think that everyone should have. If one of my girls cannot read or write, I want them taught how to. But, and this is a big 'but', if they are already showing a high level of skill in another area, I don't want them to have to dilute their time just for my whim. I'd rather let them have another one of my girls with them all the time to do any reading and writing that may be needed. No, I want my girls to be educated. I'm determined in this, but I'm not going to spoil a girl's chances in other areas. I want to know if any of my girls do not have the ability to read and write. And I want to know what I can do with those girls to help them reach their potential."

"Yes Master," said Umber. I could see that she understood what I wanted.

"From now on, I want any girl, who is being considered for one of my personal slaves, to be tested to find their educational level." I waved my finger at both of them, "Test them, don't just ask them if they can. We all know the little buggers'll lie like crazy just to get a chance to be considered one of mine." Both girls smiled knowing the truth of that.

"Thank you, Umber, tell Alison that I'd like to see her please."

Umber frowned again. "Yes Master. This girl will obey your order."

I smiled at her, "And remember that this master often asks his girls to do things. Then when he does order them they know that the order is to be obeyed more quickly than usual."

"This girl understand, me Master. This girl does tell other girl, til other girl understand," interrupted Karolina.

"Master," said Umber a little nervously as I'd just asked her to do something.

"Yes, my precious?" I replied.

"What if a girl wants to learn something..."

"If any girl wants to learn anything, then she is to be encouraged to do so. She is to have as much help as she needs to fit this into her usual daily routine. She is to be provided with everything that she needs for her studies. Is that clear? Because that is an order."

"Thank you, Master," Umber smiled at me. They both rose and left my office quietly.

Alison came in less than a minute later and knelt at my side waiting for me to acknowledge her.

"Alison, is there anyone in the new group who can take over from you as my office manager? I think that you have enough to do just being the Chief Body Slave."

She thought for a moment. "Yes, Master, I think that there is. May this girl ask for Karolina's advice on this?"

"Of course you can," I replied.

"Thank you, my Master."

"Go now, I want to go and see Gerald and Geraldine."

"Yes, my Master," she replied with a grin. She ran lightly out of the office.

And I was alone at last. But with Umber, there was always a body slave at my side. I dropped my hand to my side, nothing. And then I tried the other side, and felt, as I suspected, a head of hair. I looked down, "Hello Catharina."

"Hello, my Master," she seemed a little more relaxed this morning. I wonder how long she's been kneeling there listening to my orders for her and her sister slaves.

"Come," I said, "Let's see what Gerald and Geraldine are doing.

"Yes Master," she answered.

Catharina followed me out of the office and through the corridors. My office was located in the lowest sub-basement. Elastic and Paula seemed to think that this was safer for me. It did mean that I couldn't look out of a window. And I missed being able to just look at a view, watch what was happening.

The music room was almost full. Marines, household staff and my girls, occupied all of the chairs and lined the walls. Some even knelt or sat on the floor. They were listening to Gerald giving Geraldine a master class. He had an acoustic guitar, she was using the piano. The music was heavenly. It lifted your heart one moment, then made you want to cry the next. Geraldine had the same gift as her teacher, she could make you feel emotions. She was going to be an internationally acclaimed pianist. Of that I was certain.

Gerald and his student were obviously busy so I looked round for something else to do.

"Does Marianne have an office yet?" I asked Catharina.

"I think she uses her room, Master," she answered a little doubtfully.

"Let's go and see shall we?" I said.

"Of course, Master," she answered.

-------

I knocked on the door that one of the house maids showed us to. Marianne nervously opened the door, "MASTER!" She quickly backed off into the room. "Master, what can this girl do for you?"

"Marianne, you are free now, you never have to call anyone master again." I tried to calm her a little.

Then I noticed a yellow bag on the table. It had been opened and a couple of Jelly Babies had spilled out.

"Lynne wouldn't take them, would she?" I asked, pointing at the bag.

Marianne sighed, "No Master, you were right. She said that she wanted your Jelly Babies."

"Don't fret about it, Marianne, you tried to do the right thing. Lynne teases me by trying to eat my sweets. I tease her by not letting her have the black ones and growling whenever she does sneak one away. It's just a game we play."

"Oh, Master, I didn't understand." She seemed to slump down a little as her defeat almost overwhelmed her.

"Then you should ask Prof more questions."

"Oh yes, Master, I will." She looked grateful for my suggestion.

"Marianne, call me Boss or Paul."

"But Master! I couldn't be so informal with you."

"Yes, you can. You don't call Prof, 'Master', do you?" I asked.

Her eyes got a faraway look and she smiled, "No Mast ... Boss, I don't."

"Have you spoken with Gail yet?" I asked her.

"No M ... Boss, I haven't. I went to see her but she seemed very busy."

"And I bet that she wasn't. Marianne, if you want freedom there's a price to pay. That price is that you have to ask for the things that you want. I bet Gail was on the phone, wasn't she?"

"Yes Boss, how did you know?"

"It's easy; Gail wanted you to disturb her. You turned up on time, and she fooled you by talking into a dead handset. There wasn't anyone on the other end. Gail wanted you to sit and wait for her, to make your presence known. Then she'd know that you really wanted her advice on how to be free."

"I'll try, Boss, it's just so hard. There are so many things I have to do for myself, I forget things, I get confused and lost." Tears ran slowly from her eyes.

Prof gently put his arms around her and hugged her to him. "So do I sometimes, dear heart. And I've been free all of my life.

Marianne pressed herself against him, her love, her rock, her saviour.

"Come girl," I said and Catharina and I left them.

Julia and Susan were both asleep, so I didn't disturb them. I looked out on the practice ground and saw Katie leading about ten of her fellow marines in Tia Chi. I wandered back into the Chateau, Em, I hadn't visited Em for a while. I'll go and see her.

The sick room had expanded quite a bit since I last saw it.

Em and some other women were scrubbing the walls and floors.

"Hi Em, precious," I said quietly.

"Master!" Em called, delighted to see me.

"GIRLS!" Em shouted, "This is our Master. I know that a couple of you have already seen him," the tall horse-faced woman who had carried Susan's baby box reddened. "Be careful, our Master is kind, gentle and forgiving, but his Gold slaves are not. They will kill anyone who disrespects our Master."

"How are you getting on with the new girls, Em precious?" I asked.

"Some of them are taking their time about learning how to keep a ward clean. They know nursing, but don't practice it to my standards," she looked fierce.

I laughed, "But I bet that they're learning more quickly now," I replied.

"Of course, Master."

I hugged her and she melted into my arms.

"I'll leave you to your pupils then, dearest Em."

"I Love you, Master, come again soon."

"I will do, precious one." I called as Catharina and I left.

"Now, you too can be treated like a princess if you can convince Umber and Karolina that you're worth a gold collar."

I smiled to myself. This idea of being 'promoted' to wear a gold collar was having effects I never envisaged. And a lot of them were good.

-------

I swam, long peaceful lengths, up and down the pool. The exercise relaxed me and I allowed myself to drift into my swimming trance. Before I realised that I'd completed my sixty laps I almost threw myself out of the pool. It was so easy.

I had a surprise when I went to my lounger. Shannon was laying on it, pretending to be asleep. I shook water all over her and she burst out laughing.

"GRANDAD!" she waved her arms at me, "Stop it. You'll get my DSi wet."

The little tyke looked up at me, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Is David coming here again, Grandad?" she asked, obviously she'd been missing her playmate.

"I don't know, darling. How about asking Jill? She usually knows who is coming and going."

Shannon 'looked' at me. "Mummy Helen told me that you're in trouble with Aunty Cecile."

"ME? What have I done?" I asked, full of innocence.

"Grandad, now I know that you were naughty. Aunty Cecile said that you threw porridge at her!" she was wide-eyed at this.

"How could you, Grandad? Mummy Helen tells me to be more careful if I drop some food on the floor. I'd never dare throw some at someone."

"Well my darling, when you get older, you'll learn that there are times to be silly, and times to be grown up. You're very young now, so Mummy Helen is trying to teach you how to grow up as a nice young lady. You," I poked her in her tummy, "already know all about being silly."

She giggled. "But I don't know when to be silly and when to be good," she said.

"Then you already know more than most grownups that I know of, my darling."

"Oh Grandad, you are silly," she said with a laugh.

"There you are, you little monkey."

"I think Mummy Helen is looking for you, Grandad, teased Shannon.

"I was looking for you," said Helen, picking up her wayward daughter. "We already know that your Grandad is a big monkey. I don't know," she said with a sigh, "Throwing food around the dining room." She shook her head at the antics of the supposed grown-up males in the Chateau.

"And you, young lady, will be in big trouble if you ask for porridge for breakfast tomorrow." Shannon just laughed out loud.

"Mummy, can I go and see Jill?" Shannon asked.

I was pleased to see that she was calling Helen 'Mummy' rather than 'Mummy Helen'. I could see from the look in Helen's eyes that this touched her too.

"Of course you can, darling. Jill is a sensible girl, unlike her Master," Helen replied.

"Oh Mummy, you know that all of Grandad's girls would throw food all over the place, if they thought that he wanted them to."

"Yes, darling, they would. But he would still be the instigator," she said poking me in my side.

"Byeeee Grandad!" Shannon yelled as she raced away.

"Bye darling," I called after her, though I doubt that she heard me.

Helen sat on my lap. We kissed slowly and tenderly. Now was not the time for hot passion, maybe later.

"Where's Ross," I asked, as she snuggled down, making herself comfortable.

"He's interviewing one of your girls. She wants to be a pathologist he said."

"Oh, I'd heard about that. She's one of the new girls I received from Tadeusz," I replied.

We cuddled for a while; I felt at peace and rested for the first time in a few weeks. This resting was doing me good.

"I've got to disturb you though," Helen said quietly.

"What have I got to do now?" I asked, not really minding that my rest was going to be disturbed.

"The Coven wants to speak to you. They're probably up at the windows watching you now."

"Oh." I sighed. "Any idea what they want?" I asked.

"Something about taking over a very large company and ruining its current owner."

"Oh, that's easy enough, I thought I'd have to work at this one," I replied with a grin.

"Oh, go on," said Helen as she slapped my arm.

I went.

-------

"So you see, Boss, the reason why..."

I held up my hand and Carol stopped her explanation.

"I'm sure that you have very good reasons for asking me to do something. What I want to know is, what my objectives are and are there any secondary objectives to bear in mind when I'm planning my attack?"

"Well," said Carol, "Seeing as you put it like that..." She nodded to someone at the back of the room. The lights dimmed and a white screen lowered from the ceiling.

"This is Ernest Sanders, or Ernesto Sanchez, as he's known in his native Spain. He runs Sanders and Co, Import and Export. This is a publicly listed company trading on the London Stock Exchange. He is also a prolific gambler, smuggler, gun-runner and people trafficker. His company supplies about half of the remaining class 1 drugs currently in the country. One in four of the trafficked prostitutes we've rescued were brought into the country by him. And we understand that he regularly sends a pallet load of cash abroad to his bankers. We need his company stopped and him ruined, alive and free but totally bankrupt." Carol put down her briefing notes and looked at me.

I thought for a while and then smiled.

"I want Bee here, but apart from that it's a doddle. Karolina, can you find out when the next cash shipment goes out?"

"Simple, Boss," she answered. "It four day time. Cargo carrier to Hook Holland."

"Right, redirect the container and have some of Prof's people pick it up. I want that cash."

"It be done, me Boss," confirmed Karolina.

"We can wait for the next few steps," I told them.

"Why do you think it's going to be easy? This is a publicly listed, international company with a legitimate turnover of nearly 1.5 Billion a year. And that's Pounds Sterling." Carol was shocked.

"And its listing on the LSE is what is going to destroy it. When I steal this money, which I don't believe is just going to be banked and forgotten about, he is going to need to raise more cash. And I bet it has to be cash. That's where I come in. I start to buy his stock, the price goes up. I make noises about taking over a substantial portion of his stock, the price goes higher. Now he can afford to replace the cash he's lost. But he has to pledge his stock against the cash he raises. Bee goes into his company for three or four days due diligence, but leaves after one day. Then I pull out and put all of my stock holdings on the market at once. The price crashes and his stock option notes aren't worth the paper they're written on. Now he won't be able to raise the price of a Starbucks coffee. And with all of his other commitments, he'll be bankrupt within three months. Is that fast enough for you?"

Carol and Sue looked at the trolleys full of background information and detailed notes on Sanders and his habits. They looked at each other, "We should have spoken to him about this weeks ago." They both told each other. Then burst out in a, slightly strained, laugh.

"I'm sure that Bee will be able to fine tune the actual details of this plan, but overall, that will do what you want. Now do we want to keep the company and its assets, and do we want the company as a going concern or just an asset-rich shell?"

They looked a little bewildered at my questions.

"I think we should keep it going if we can, Master," said Jenny.

"That'll do for me, Jenny." She smiled widely at my few words of praise to her.

"Anything else?" I asked. They all shook their heads.

"OK, I'm going back to the pool. Let me know when Bee gets here please."

"Yes Boss," they answered in unison, with a single "Yes Master," thrown in for good luck.

-------

Bee sat across the table from me, reading the briefing notes that the Coven had prepared on my plan.

She sighed, put down the notes and sighed again. This isn't looking good, I thought.

She rested her chin on her clasped hands as she stared at me for a long, long time.

Finally she sighed again.

"Boss, just by having that piece of paper, we're committing a conspiracy."

"And?" I said. "I've done a lot worse, fighting these bastards. It's about time someone stood up to the thugs who're running, and ruining, the streets."

She nodded, "You are, of course, right." Then she smiled. "Aww, fuck 'em, let's see about turning this," she held up my plan, "Into something workable."

We took nearly two days to formulate our final plan. It was very much like my original, but had options for all of the contingencies that we could think of. I was quite proud of my teams, they did very good work. The initial act though, was still the theft of the cash shipment.

Karolina was overseeing the computer side of that, Prof and twenty of his 'irregular army' were dealing with the physical side.

-------

"Computer hacked it done, Boss," reported Karolina as she came into the control room. Actually this was a small side room off the breakfast dining room. But it suited our needs precisely. "All traffic to Sanders HQ now go through my servers. They not know nothing 'bout this."

"Thank you, darling," I said as I stood and kissed her.

"Do I get one of those?" asked Bee with a grin. I kissed her too.

We sat and waited. On our monitors we could see the movement orders for the containers at Harwich docks. We could also see what Sanders would see if he were monitoring this shipment. At the moment, the screens showed the same information.

Then one of the lines differed, a container, one that I'd sent, was misrouted. It went onto the ship that Sanders expected his container to go on. Nothing odd was shown on the Sanders screen.

Nearly two minutes later, another difference, the Sanders container was misrouted. It was sent to another part of the dock.

We now had a thirty-five minute wait before the next movement order was due. And this happened exactly on time too. The container was transferred to yet another part of the dock. This time, into an internal loading area; the area for UK road transport to load up.

An hour later, an articulated lorry pulled up and the container was placed on its load-bed and secured. One of Prof's men drove out of the docks with the container, and was soon onto the A14 heading inland, towards the Midlands.

Our container would be one of the last to be placed onto the container ship. It would be on the upper deck and bear the brunt of the wind, rain and sea spray. Which was just the thing to wash off our container markings and reveal the same markings that graced Sander's own container. When the ship docked in Holland, 'our' container would be indistinguishable from the one that should have been there. Even the locks wouldn't give us away as they'd been pre-rusted and would need to be cut off. We were sure that the rust damage would be blamed on the sea / salt spray.

We continued monitoring the docks and Sander's screens until the ship left in the early evening. While nothing really happened, the tension had drained all of us. I know that I felt exhausted.

The rest of this part of the plan was easy. The pallet of cash would be transferred to a transit van and that would be driven over to France via the shuttle, a simple 30 minute trip. It would be here early tomorrow morning. The container would be taken to one of my builder's supplies yards and re-sprayed. It would just disappear into the vast sea of 40 foot containers wandering around the world.

Em came in and clapped her hands. "Please may I have your attention? There is a light supper ready for you in the main dining room. You have 30 minutes to eat a little, not too much though. And my nurses will be there to serve you. Then June has arranged a massage for each of you. Have a sleep then. Food will be available throughout the night should you desire some. Karolina, your massage is in our Master's bedroom. You are to have 24 hours out of your office."

Karolina looked at me and smiled. "I got time with you, me Master." She looked almost as pleased with that prospect as I was.

"And I'll gladly spend as much time with you as you can spare, my precious girl."

I took Karolina's hand and we went to eat.

-------

I lay on my belly, head turned to watch naked Karolina being massaged. June straddled my bum and her strong fingers eased away tensions that I didn't even know were there. Karolina watched me too. We were close enough that we could hold hands, and we did. June and the nurse who was massaging Karolina were also naked. I could feel the heat from her against my buttocks. Sometimes a little drop of girl fluid fell onto me too.

"Turn over," said June. Both Karolina and I turned over at the same time. June tried to resume her former position straddled over me but, "There's something in the way on this side," she said.

"Oh?" I replied, looking down at the 'something'.

The 'something' was, by now, quite large, and very much 'in the way'.

June sighed loud and long. "MEN!"

She tucked the 'something' into a little pocket that she 'just happened' to have available between her legs. We fit together quite well.

Of course, then June found it quite necessary to lift up and down, and to press her pubic bone against me quite rhythmically. Soon she shuddered into her orgasm. I played with her breasts, teasing her nipples as she stiffened and came over my abdomen.

She collapsed on top of me, "Thank you, Master. That was wonderful."

"No, my girl, It is I who must thank you. Thank you for being a wonderful person and a giving lover. It's I who am in your debt, my precious."

She smiled and leaned down to kiss me. I joined with her and we both took our pleasure from the other.

Karolina and I slept in each other's arms. Neither of us woke for the food that was on offer; much preferring to stay in our lovers arms.

-------

"Boss, get up! We need you here now. There's a major problem," called Sue, waking both Karolina and I.

I was on my feet before she finished.

"What's the problem?" I demanded.

"Well, according to Prof, the money won't fit into his transit," Sue gave a half laugh. "The container was full, absolutely full, of cash. Prof thinks there might be as much as £15 Million."

I thought for a moment while we all hurried back to the control room, "If that's a 40 by 8 by 8 foot container, it's more likely to be around £100 Million."

"But what on Earth would he need a £100 Million in cash for?" asked Carol.

"Drugs," said 2. "There's a shortage at the moment. The South Americans are trying to get their product over as fast as they can..."

"And the first one with the cash will get the product and then, when they get it across the channel, they'll get the trade. That £100 Million would have become a hundred times that in just three or four weeks."

I sat and thought. A cup was placed beside me and I noticed Umber kneel down beside me too.

"I think that we may have hurt Sanders more than we expected." I smiled, "Not that I'm going to give him his money back. Oh no, I have plans for that cash. A number of charities are going to benefit from Sander's generosity."

"What shall we do with the container?" asked Carol.

"Bring it over here. Take it to the factory. Some of the slaves there can count it for us. Who knows, maybe a couple of them will think of uses for it." I finished with a laugh. Though, after Annette, I doubt that any of my slaves, personal or not, would risk stealing anything for a long time. Dying for a lipstick and two bars of soap was a total waste of life.

"OK, Boss." 2 moved away as she pulled out her phone.

"Won't it get stopped at the ferry?" asked Carol.

"Why should it? It would be different if it was just a pallet of cash. That would look odd on an x-ray, but if the whole container is full, why then, it's just paper going for recycling."

2 stopped talking for a moment and then relayed my suggestion to whoever was on the other end of the phone.

"Now, where's Bee? She and I need to think about this and see if there's any way that we can capitalise on this situation."

"Mistress Beatrice is on her way, Master," answered Alison from my side. I looked down and saw her folding up a small mobile phone.

"Boss, Prof says he'll use your idea and he'll drive the lorry. He asked, if there's any problem, you'll look after Marianne until he's able to again. I said that you'd be proud to Boss," said 2, with a tear in her eye.

"And so I would, you are exactly right. Thank you for reassuring him about that." I touched 2's shoulder and she leaned into me. It was easy and natural for me to take her in my arms. It was quite a while since we'd made love, but I remembered every touch and inch of her skin. We hugged.

"Will you look after me like that? Please?" she asked, her voice small, quiet, fearful.

"Of course I will, for as long as you want. You just..."

"2, you don't want to become a slave too, do you?" cried Carol in shock.

"Carol, she doesn't have to be my slave for me to look after her. She just needed to ask, and she has asked. She's part of my family until she decides otherwise."

"Oh," said Carol, "I thought..."

"Perhaps you didn't give it as much thought as you think," said 2, from within my arms. "And what do I call you now, Boss?"

"Boss, is still OK, though I would prefer Paul," I replied.

"Thanks ... Paul."

I kissed her forehead, "Thank you, Susan."

"No, call me '2', I like that. It's my nickname, you gave it to me."

"Alright, 2."

"Thanks, Paul."

"You wanted me, Boss?" asked Bee looking round at all of the activity in the room.

"Yes, we miscalculated a little on the amount of money we'd get," I said.

Bee shrugged her shoulders, "The container was empty, eh?"

"No, actually, it was full."

"Of what?" asked Bee.

"Money," I answered.

"Oh shit," said Bee as she sat down a little heavily on a chair. "That must be ... what twenty million or so."

"More like a hundred million, if it's in fifties," I said.

"We need to know exactly how much was there. This may not change anything, but..."

I leaned forward, "You're right, this might not change anything, but what if we took advantage of this? What new opportunities might this give us?"

"Oh God yes, I was only thinking about our present plan. Wow," Bee got a far-away look in her eyes as she thought long and hard about how we could increase our advantages.

"Boss, I've had an idea, but I'd like to wait for a while so I can think this through. How about we meet again in, say three hours, you, me, the Coven and Karolina." Her eyes kept sliding away as new thoughts came to her.

"OK, Three hours then," I glanced at the clock, "At eight o'clock then."

-------

"Boss, I want us to put the blame for this theft onto the police..."

I almost fell off my chair laughing. This was better than perfect. Oh my, if only we could pull this one off.

"I take it that you agree we should try," said Bee with a grin.

"Oh yes, try our hardest. This really will help," I replied.

"Karolina, can you hack into the ACPO's computer systems?" asked Bee.

Karolina looked a little guarded for a moment, almost as if this was getting too close to something she didn't want to talk about. "Me can," she replied.

"Can you insert log file entries?"

Karolina nodded.

"How about their phone records, can you manipulate them?"

Karolina seemed to relax a little. "That it easy."

"Well," said Bee, "this is what I want us to do..."



-------

Chapter 92


Chateau Martinè

The Coven looked serious, and tired. They'd obviously been working on this, the next phase in our destruction of the corruption in the UK.

2 took to the lectern first. "Boss, we're ready to do some real damage now, and we've been thinking about, and planning for, this new phase of our operations for some time. We call this 'Operation King'. In the musical 'The King and I', is a song, 'Getting to know you'. Well that's what we want the public to feel about their local police forces. We want the public to get to know what their police are really like. To this end, we're going to feed information to the press, and we're going to carefully stage a few 'accidents' which will show even the thickest of the council estate squatters, that the police are being led by men worse than those in prison." 2 nodded and stepped out of the way of the projector and screen. A picture of a smiling young woman appeared. "This is our test subject. We're going to feed her 'facts' and let her make of them what she will. I could be dangerous for her, but the rewards, both for her and us are stupendous."

"Does she know anything about us and what we're doing?" I asked.

"No Boss, and that's partly to protect her, and us, but also it will give her more confidence in the data that she discovers if she believes that she's finding this stuff out for herself."

I thought for a long hard minute, "OK, run with it." Then I rose and headed for the door. I had important work to do, Susan was due to be fed and changed.

"Yes, Boss," answered 2, "Don't you want to know her name?"

I stopped thought. "No, I'm going to hate myself enough for the bad things that happen to her. If she died because I said to use her like this, I don't think I would ever forgive myself. No, I'll find out her name when she lives and makes a name for herself exposing these bastards."

"OK Boss," said 2. I could feel that she too thought of this pretty woman as a living breathing person rather than a pawn to be used and placed to its best advantage, not really caring if that pawn should be removed from the board in the battle between two giants.

-------

Cumbria

The speeding white van flipped and sailed nearly twenty yards before hitting the road's hard surface nose-first when it landed. Both rear doors sprang open on the landing impact and the van's contents started spilling out onto the road as the van continued its destructive roll along the narrow road. From the rear of the van things came tumbling out, some seemed to just stop and drop to the road like stones. Others were thrown high into the air, spinning furiously as they flew for forty or fifty yards. One clear plastic bag split open and white powder was thrown across the road. Another plastic bag was thrown clear, this one larger and firmer. It was sliced open as it smashed against the broken door hinge. Suddenly the air was filled with fluttering pieces of paper. Money, tens of thousands of pounds were scattered across the road and hedges. Then a larger box was ejected, it too smashed open on landing and its contents littered the road. These things though, were bright-yellow reflective jackets. And they had a single word printed on their backs.

POLICE

One of the first people to arrive at the scene was Sally Kinsman, a reporter for a local newspaper. Actually she was almost part of the scene. The van had raced straight in front of her at a fork in the road. She'd been angry at that but was glad that the stupid fool was in front of her rather than behind her trying to overtake. She was out of her car and on the phone to the emergency services before she really realised what was going on. Having called for help, she grabbed her camera, press credentials and voice recorder and ran to the scene.

The van lay on its side in a growing pool of petrol, one wheel still spinning and the engine making loud 'ticking', clicking noises at it rapidly cooled. A hand appeared through the driver's door window. Sally started the camera's HD movie mode and set it on a roadside fence post. She hung her jacket over it, partly to protect the camera from the light drizzle, partly to prevent the thieving bastards who always turned up to things like this, from stealing it. Though when someone else turned up, Sally would turn back into a reporter of events, rather than a participant in them.

Talking two steps from her camera, being careful, of course, not to get in the way of its filming, she stared in total shock at the face that appeared through the broken door window on top of the van. She had watched that face every day for three weeks, every day of the trial. Geff, 'Legs' McGuire had been convicted of four counts of arson, one leading to the death of an elderly shopkeeper, 18 counts of grievous bodily harm, most involving him breaking the legs of his victims, hence his nickname, and 22 counts of demanding money with menaces. 'Legs' McGuire had been sentenced to life in prison with a recommendation that he shouldn't be considered for parole for the next 8 years.

He had been sentenced three months ago. So what was he doing driving in a white van that looked, to Sally's experienced eyes, exactly like an unmarked police van?

The van exploded. Not the fireball so beloved of Hollywood, but the nasty, vicious, killing wall of super-compressed air, the rush of white water vapour squeezed out of air suddenly compressed denser than steel. Sally was blown back past her camera. She lay dazed on the ground; she'd heard Old Bert, her editor, talking about this effect from when he'd been a war correspondent. 'The real danger, ' Bert always said, 'Wasn't the outward rush of air. It was the vacuum that that rush caused. Then, if you weren't careful you could get sucked back into the fire. THAT was the real danger.'

Hardly knowing what she was doing, Sally grabbed at the fence post and held onto it for her life. The returning wind sucked the air from her body and she felt that she was going to suffocate, but rather that than burn to death. Strangely, stupidly, she wondered if she'd remembered to turn her iron off after she'd used it to press the skirt she was wearing.

Then her attention came back the present and more immediate things. She heard a thin high-pitched shrieking, then another voice joined it and she knew that she was listening to two people burn to death. Sally, still clinging desperately to the fence post, hid her face and started singing as loud as she possibly could, to block this terrible sound from her ears.

-------

"Miss, MISS," called a kind voice, "You can let go now."

Sally looked up into the eyes of an ambulance man, a paramedic. He held out a red blanket to her. Sally let him wrap the blanket around her and watched slightly distractedly as he treated burns on her legs.

"My camera," said Sally.

"In just a second or two, Miss, I can see it and it's nice and safe. It's a nice one that, I've got one from the same range, not as expensive as that one of course, not on my pay..."

Sally watched him as he worked at spreading a cream on her legs, then something that looked like cling-film, then bandages. All the while, he continued talking to her. Deep inside Sally knew she was going into shock. While she'd tried to be 'Sally - the hardnosed reporter, ' she knew that she'd reached her limit today. She wondered if she could carry on.

The paramedic gave Sally her camera and jacket, and then helped her into a wheeled chair. He and his partner, a middle-aged woman who hadn't spoken to Sally, lifted her easily into the ambulance, and moments later they were on their way. No two-toned sirens though. Sally was glad about that. It meant that she wasn't hurt badly; they could take a bit more time getting to hospital.

Sally lifted up her hands and looked at the deep grazes on one palm. The other palm had a little white powder on it; she remembered being thrown through some by the explosion. Had it not been for her being shock, Sally would never have done what she did next. She licked the powder off her palm.

The two or three tiny crystals of very nearly pure cocaine almost blew Sally's head off. She'd tried cocaine when she'd been in uni, hadn't everyone? But it had never been as good as this. This stuff must be nearly 100% pure. Sally laid her head back. She was going to be alright. She was absolutely certain of that now. After all, the way she felt, nothing and no one could stop her now.

-------

Chateau Martinè

I sat back in my chair watching the ambulance recede into the distance, hurrying to the local hospital. It had taken us nearly three weeks to arrange this 'accident'. I switched my view back to the van itself, and the people hurrying around it. There was a large police presence, which was only to be expected, two Fire Brigade trucks and two, now one, ambulances. The remaining ambulance would be used to take the bodies of Geff McGuire and his co-driver, Archie Peaches, to the mortuary.

It had taken a lot of time and effort to stage the crash right in front of this reporter, but more than one of Prof's people had said that she was honest and had played straight with them in the past. She was also in the right county and commuted along a quiet road to work, everything that we'd been looking for. Here was a scoop, or whatever the press called it now-a-days, right in front of her.

We had people at the scene, driving her ambulance (I smiled at that thought) and at the hospital where she was headed, just to look after her. And drop a few hints should it be needed, though we now knew that Sally was an intelligent woman and would most likely puzzle this one out for herself. Sally had all the clues we could provide. Now she had to work out the scenario that we'd planned.

-------

Cumbria

Sally's legs had started to hurt by the time she was wheeled into A&E. She was taken straight into a cubicle, the majors Sally knew, and she waited for a doctor to appear.

A youngish woman appeared, "Hello, I'm your doctor," she said while looking at Sally's notes. These notes had been taken by the woman in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and included the usual blood pressure, pulse and temperature.

Putting the notes down on a handy trolley, the doctor turned to Sally. "May I have a look at your legs?"

Sally looked up at the doctor; she was taken by the thick gold choker that the doctor wore around her neck.

"Yes," Sally answered a little dazed.

Quickly and painlessly, the doctor unbandaged Sally's legs. She gave a few noncommittal 'Umms' and 'Arrrs.' But she was gentle but very thorough.

"I'm afraid that these are going to hurt for a few days, maybe even as much as a fortnight. I'd like to keep you in overnight, have to be a private ward, the main wards are full." She looked up from her note writing and smiled at Sally. "OK?"

Sally nodded, "Will there be scars or anything?" she asked a little nervously.

The doctor shook her head. "While it's really hard to say one way or the other, I don't think so. These look like what you would think of as first-degree burns, it is the large area that I want to check. I would expect that you'll be off your feet for a day or so and then walking with only a little discomfort after that. By the end of a fortnight you should be fine." The doctor looked at Sally again, "I do want to know if there's any pain or any blistering though. So a night's observation and I'll have a look at you in the morning." With a smile the doctor left.

Sally lay back on her bed. She'd forgotten to ask for some pain killers. How on earth could she forget that?

A nurse came in carrying a small tray. "The doctor said you'd probably want a little pain relief. Please can you tell me your name and address?"

Sally told her the necessary details and was given two small tablets and a paper cup half full of water.

"Doctor said that you can have more to drink when you get into your room. She's putting you into a private room, I think she may be worried about infections."

Sally nodded, "Thank you, nurse," she said.

"Oh that's a nice camera. Doctor had one just like that stolen from here on her first day. Furious about it she was. Said there was stuff on that memory card that she just couldn't replace. Heaven help the thief if she catches up with him," the nurse laughed. "She's a bloody good doctor, but one of the old school. Doesn't mess about, likes everything in its place and demands the highest standards from us. It certainly makes a change, I can tell you. I like working with her, she's reminded me of why I came into nursing in the first place."

With a smile the nurse left the cubicle, closing the door as she left.

Sally looked at the camera beside her. She remembered the accident, and a few puzzling things about it. She picked up the camera and extracted the compact flash memory card. Feeling in her jacket pocket, she found another CF card and slipped it into the camera. She put the card with the film of the crash site in a ring pocket in her jacket's lining. She lay back wondering why she suddenly felt nervous.

Sally was moved up to a private room, and two nurses made sure that she was settled in. One hung her clothes in the small wardrobe, while the other helped her pull wide-legged pyjama bottoms on.

Bertie came round about half an hour after she'd settled in. "Heard you got blown up Sal'," he said with a laugh. He opened his shirt and showed her a very old scar which extended from his left armpit to his waist. "Flash burn, bit worse than yours I think, but," he held out his hand, "Join the club, girl. You're a real reporter now."

With a smile Sally shook his hand. While Bertie was treated as a bit of a joke at the paper, everyone there respected his experience. They all knew that he'd rescued children in Kosovo and been blown up in the Balkans, that always raised a laugh. Bertie usually treated his colleagues as though they were still serving their apprenticeship, even those who'd been on the paper for years. But now here he was and treating her like an equal.

"Bertie, in my jacket," Sally pointed to the wardrobe, "Inside right-hand side ring pocket, there's a memory card, take it and keep it safe. Something's going on and I think that I may have filmed something big at the crash site." She paused and leaned towards him, "Bertie, Legs McGuire was in that car. And take my jumper; it's got some powder on it. I think it's cocaine, I'm bloody sure of it. Get it analysed."

Bertie nodded. Yesterday he'd have laughed had any of the other reporters told him a story like this. But, well, Sal' had been blown up and she still remembered things about the crash site. And, if what she said about her jumper was correct, well then, she'd be looking at a major award for this.

More quietly than Sally believed he could possibly move, Bertie went to the wardrobe and took her jumper and the memory card. He looked at the jumper for a couple of seconds and then slipped it on under his jacket. With the jacket for concealment it didn't look odd, just a light blue jumper. Bertie left his own jumper in the wardrobe for Sally to wear.

With a wide grin, he held up the memory card and then slipped it inside his trousers. He fiddled for a moment while Sally watched quietly bemused, and finally got himself comfortable. He sat down next to the bed again less than a minute after he'd risen.

"Don't you worry about these, Sal'..."

The door was thrown open and three uniformed police officers barged in.

"You," said the obvious senior, an Inspector, pointing at Bertie, "Get out."

"Why?" Bertie asked.

The Inspector just nodded and the other two officers almost threw him out of the room. They then shut the door and one of them leaned against it to prevent anyone else getting in.

The Inspector saw the camera on the bedside table. "Get that," he ordered his men, "And her phone too."

"That's illegal," said Sally. She was supremely sure of this. Recent high court decisions had reinforced press and ordinary photographer's rights, and stated quite plainly that the police had no authority to just impound their cameras or phones.

"I'm investigating the deaths of two police officers." The Inspector was incensed that his orders were being questioned. "And I'll take what I bloody well like." He turned back to the constable holding Sally's camera and phone. "Get her clothes too."

"Now I need to see your search warrant!" Sally demanded.

The Inspector leaned over her, "Shut the fuck up!" he hissed.

Now terrified, Sally shrank back down onto the bed.

The Inspector watched as all of Sally's belongings were bagged up. He waved his men away and they quickly left the room. He turned back to Sally and pressed down on her burnt shin, "Listen well, nothing happened here, and we weren't here. If it should come out that you think that we were here, then you'll get lots more of this." He pressed down very hard and Sally shrieked in her agony. This was pain beyond any that she'd ever felt before.

By the time that she was able to even think again, he was gone. Sally lay on her side, hiding away from the door, crying.

"Sal', Sally pet, what have they done?" Bertie was obviously very worried for her.

He gently laid his hand on her shoulder and tried to show his concern and support through his touch. "Oh Sal'" he said, his voice breaking a little, "It's Kosovo all over again."

A nurse hurried in and saw how distressed her patient was. She hurried back to the nurse's station and picked up the phone.

The doctor with the gold choker came hurrying in to Sally's room. She looked at Bertie, "You, please move to the other side of the bed. I need to examine my patient."

Bertie moved round the bed keeping a close eye on the doctor.

The doctor examined Sally's legs again, "Umm ... There doesn't seem to be any extra damage. I do want to take photos of your legs though, in case you feel the need to sue him."

"But he threatened me, there were three of them, no one'll believe me, not with them all saying nothing happened," said Sally through her tears.

"Then he was obviously stupider than the usual policeman," said the doctor with venom in her voice. "All hospital wards and private rooms have CCTV cameras in them and they record everything that happens here." She pointed up to two corners of the room where unobtrusive little covers hid the room's cameras. "I'll make sure that you get a copy immediately." She pulled her phone out of a pocket and spoke into it for nearly two minutes. With a smile, she put her phone away. "It's on its way now." She turned to Sally, "I trust that I can give the copy to this gentleman?" she asked.

Sally nodded.

The doctor fussed over Sally for a few more minutes and then took copious amounts of photos of both of Sally's legs. She then examined the top sheet where it had been pressed into Sally's leg. "Nurse," she called to the nurse who seemed to follow her around like a particularly obedient puppy.

"Yes Doctor?" replied the nurse brightly.

"Take this sheet down to the Path Lab. I want the senior pathologist there to check this for the amount and depth of skin tissue in its weaves." The doctor thought for a moment, "No ... Have it sent to Brigitte; she's interested in this sort of thing."

"Yes Doctor," the nurse replied with a laugh. Sally guessed that this was a private joke between the two of them. The nurse immediately got on with her task, smiling at Sally as she stripped the top sheet of the bed and carefully folded it. She placed the sheet into a large plastic bag and then went on her way to send it to 'Brigitte'.

The doctor called another nurse to remake the bed. This one though was more like the usual hospital employee, surly, uncooperative and slow.

Sally could sense the doctor's frustration with this replacement nurse. She was nowhere near the standard of the other nurse; the nurse that Sally was becoming to think of as 'the doctor's nurse.'

"Where is that man?" said the doctor in exasperation. Sally could see that this doctor was used to a far more efficiently run establishment than this general hospital.

Then 'that man' came through the door.

"Sorry it took so long, doc'," he said. "I decided to watch the coppers as they left the building. They smashed a camera and phone up by the skip outside, bashed them both against the skip's side pretty badly." He held up the shattered remains of Sally's camera and her phone.

The sight of that phone brought tears to her eyes; it had been the last present she'd received from her dad. He'd given it to her just six weeks before he lost his battle with cancer.

"Sorry miss," said the man. "I couldn't stop them. I was in the IT department watching them on the CCTV. I did get it on video though, and I've got you a copy." He held out two small memory cards, then he smiled. "I thought that you might want to sue them, so I've got these two sets of copies, and I've sealed them with evidence tape. If the tapes are unbroken these'll be valid in court."

Sally's ears picked at what she'd just heard. There was something there, something that she'd heard before. COURT! She could fight back, she didn't have to just take this from them, she could fight and make them suffer. With growing determination, Sally sat up. "Give those to me," she said, hardly realising the change in her voice. Everyone in the room looked at her though. They all realised that Sally had made up her mind to fight back.

"Doctor, when can I get out of here?" Sally asked.

The doctor looked at her, "Like I said, Miss Kinsman, tomorrow. Now I'm going to have a couple of my own nurses here with you over night. I hope that you won't mind there being someone in here with you all night, I'd feel happier with them here."

"No Doctor, that's fine. I think I'd sleep better if they were here too," Sally agreed. "Bertie, will you keep hold of these for me, please?" asked Sally looking up at him. "And I think that they'd better be put somewhere really safe. The safest place you know, these are going to be very, very important soon."

Bertie took the memory cards from her, his own instincts were screaming at him. These cards were going to be dynamite, of that he was positive. He looked at Sally, he'd tried to help her learn the trade, and she was good, her instincts were good. And Bertie had learned, in Eastern Europe, to trust his instincts.

"I know just the place for these, don't you worry about a thing." He leant down and kissed her cheek. "See you tomorrow about ten." And then he was gone.

Sally's fingertips brushed across her cheek where Bertie'd kissed her. Bertie never kissed the women on his staff. Never! He was renowned for it, they'd even joked about him being gay because of it. Bertie never kissed his female staff.

But he had kissed her; what did this mean?

Slowly the day progressed. Sally griped about not having her laptop, or notepad. She desperately wanted to take down some notes and start organising her thoughts. But, for some reason, the doctor was set against her having either. She'd actually sent one of her nurses (and Sally thought it strange that she'd started separating the nurses in to two groups, the hospital's and the doctor's) to collect Sally's car and park it in the staff car park here.

The hospital food was ... hospital food. How good food could be reduced to that awful mush, part burnt, part raw, Sally didn't know and wasn't eager to find out. She pushed the barely touched 'meal' away from her, into the hands of a smiling nurse.

Sally jumped, she hadn't heard the nurse, either of the nurses, Sally corrected herself, enter the room, let alone reach the bed.

"Doctor Morgan wants us to stay with you tonight, just to be safe," she smiled as she said that and Sally felt comforted.

"What do I call you?" Sally asked.

"I'm Nina," the nurse said, "and she's Melissa. We're here to look after you."

"Hello Nina, Melissa," said Sally.

Nina straightened the covers on Sally's bed. "You go to sleep now," she said quietly.

Sally drifted slowly into sleep. "They've got the same type of gold choker that Doctor Morgan has," Sally thought just before sleep finally took her.

-------

Chateau Martinè

"How's she doing?" I asked Carol. She was giving me a midnight briefing. I wanted to keep abreast of what was going on all the time. If it looked like things were getting too dangerous for this young reporter, I was going to pull her out and offer her sanctuary here.

Carol smiled, "Things are going well. She's asleep now. Nina and Melissa are staying in her room tonight, just in case those three come back again. Though we believe, from ... other intelligence ... that they're happy that they've scared her off. We don't think that they even know she's a reporter; otherwise they'd have handled her completely differently. Especially as she's one of Albert Drummond's staff.

I thought for a moment, "Drummond, we had a Drummond embedded with us out in Kosovo. What was his name? Bertie, Bertie Drummond. You've got to make sure that none of the girls mention my name. Berties' as sharp as they come and he'll certainly twig that something's going on if he knows I'm involved."

"OK Boss, we'll let them know to be extra careful," Carol made a note on her pad.

"Good, and now I've got to start fucking up Ernest Sanders. And when you girls have finished with the UK police, can you please do something about this World Association of Chief Police Officers! They and their pronouncements are beginning to really get on my tits."

"We know, Boss," Carol said with feeling, "Believe me, we all know how you feel about them." She smiled at me, the long suffering smile of a woman putting up with a man's foibles.

The latest thing to rile me was an article in the Times, of all places – how on Earth did it get in there? The World Association wanted its members to standardise speeding limits and grace amounts, and an announcement that they, the Chief Police Officers, should be given far greater powers to arrest and punish people without going through the courts. 'Streamlining Justice', their leader, the Reverend Josiah Michael Abrahams, came out with his usual line, "We know who the criminals are. We know who're innocent and who're guilty."

It was at that point that I tore the paper into confetti and scattered the pieces all around the lounge.

-------

Cumbria

Sally sat in her car looking out on the quiet road where the 'accident' had taken place yesterday. Something was wrong, very wrong. Things didn't add up. There were so many questions that the whole thing raised. Why was McGuire in that van? And Sally was convinced that it was a police van. Hadn't the inspector told her 'I'm investigating the deaths of two police officers?' But there was no way that McGuire could have ever have been mistaken for a policemen. And there was all that white powder. Bertie was having that analysed. But Sally knew that it was cocaine, the purest cocaine that she'd ever come across. And then there was all that money everywhere. Now Sally's experience with money was usually in the realms of not having any. But she knew what a twenty looked like, even if she rarely had any left in her purse two days before payday. And there'd been tens of thousands of pounds flying round that van.

So there had been 'policemen' and money and pure drugs in that van. They could have been transporting counterfeit money and confiscated drugs to a disposal site for destruction. Only ... the main secure disposal site for the county was in the other direction. And you wouldn't want someone like Legs McGuire to do the transportation any way. So what had been happening? She got out of her car and looked around. The police had made sure that the roadway and hedges were cleaned of any evidence, but perhaps that explosion had blown something over the hedge and into the adjoining fields.

Maybe if she looked carefully, she'd find something. Well, she sighed, she wouldn't find it if she didn't get away from her car and go and actually look.

Sally walked through what she thought of as the left-hand field, It was grazing land for sheep, like so much of the agriculture round here. The land wasn't really suitable for crops and cows didn't do well around here, so there wasn't much dairy farming. Sheep though, thrived here. So sheep it was.

Sally spent nearly two hours walking up and down the field. She tried to be methodical and walked in lines up and down parallel to the road. She kept on until she was over a hundred yards away from the road. She doubted that anything could have been blown this far, time to try the other side.

With another sigh, she climbed back onto the road and then over the far hedge. She started walking along the hedge-side again, determined not to miss anything if it was actually there.

It was half an hour later that she spotted the glimpse of white where she wouldn't have expected any white to be. But that was in the ditch by the side hedge. She looked back at the road. With the twisting hedge on this side, that, whatever it was wouldn't have been visible from the road. And she only saw it when she got within about ten yards. Keeping her impatience in check, Sally walked to the side of the field and then marked the point where she reached, the current edge of her search.

She then hurried over the white thing and picked it up. It was heavy, and looked like, well it couldn't be. No one would leave a pack of money this big in a field. No one.

But it looked just like ... She took out her pocket knife. Bertie always nagged everyone on the paper to carry a Swiss army knife. Not a cheap imitation, but a real Victorinox knife. She opened the smaller blade and cut open the pack's thick plastic covering. Pulling the flap of plastic back, she saw what she didn't believe she ever would. A pile of twenty-pound notes nearly a foot in height. In shock, Sally sat down hard on the wet grass; she stared for a long while at the package in her hands. She looked again at the pack's width and thickness, there must be, what, nine of these piles of money? Nine piles of cash, each a foot high. Sally couldn't even begin to contemplate how much was in that pack.

Bertie would have to see this. She didn't know what to do. Yes, she was 'Sally the hardnosed reporter.' But she was only a midrange reporter on a local paper, deep in the sticks. She didn't know about stuff like this. Bertie though, he'd worked on them all, The Mirror, The Telegraph, The Observer even. Bertie would know what to do, Sally was sure of that.



-------

Chapter 93


Chateau Martinè

I had been having fun the last few days. I'd been buying stocks and shares, 'equities' the market called them. Naturally, as I didn't know anything about 'the market', I personally wasn't allowed to buy these stocks. I had to go through a broker.

I was assured that these people weren't called 'brokers' because they usually made their clients broke. But as it was Cecy that told me that, I wasn't certain. Besides, I don't think she's forgiven me for the food fight yet, maybe in another year or two.

So I kept sending my broker instructions to buy certain stocks. And chief among these were Sanders & Co stocks. He'd tried to dissuade me from buying into this particular company, saying that it didn't have a very good reputation on the floor. And its Standard and Poor score was too high for its stated turnover. But he didn't try very hard to talk me out of spending my money, so I poured another half million in.

My stock holdings were quickly approaching the point where I would have to officially declare my interest in the company. The market didn't seem bothered that I was buying into this company, nor by how hard I was buying. I had, after all, done this before when I wanted a company. And the Sanders' board were also desperately trying to raise capital for an expansion project, they said.

So our plan was going well. Bee had just called me, she made an appointment to go and look over the Sanders books tomorrow. Everything was going to plan.

And they say no plan survives the first contact with the enemy. Well it was serendipity that intervened today. A container at Liverpool docks was opened because of noises from inside. Forty two bodies were found inside; only two men survived their ordeal. The container belonged to Sanders & Co.

For us, this was a God send, I immediately put all of my Sanders stock back onto the market and issued a notice through my broker that due to the illegal activities by the board, I was withdrawing from Sanders & Co. I would lose nearly a quarter of a million pounds doing this. But I was happy to. The huge loss I was taking by selling my current Sanders stock 'proved' that I wasn't out to break the company.

Despite the Sanders board's cries of innocence, their share price plummeted. In just days it was less than 20 pence a share, down over 95%.

When Bee and I felt that the time was right, we would get our people, or rather Prof's people, buying shares in hundreds and thousands. This activity, spread over the whole of England, and involving thousands of people, would hold the price down and prevented the FSA from spotting what was going on. We'd let our people buy shares for a couple of weeks and see what the situation looks like then. All-in-all, I was happy with the way that the Sanders operation was progressing.

Bee and I had sketched out two more phases in our acquisition of Sanders, and a final phase in the bankruptcy of Ernest Sanders. I was looking forward to all of them.

-------

Cumbria

"Oh my God! What the fuck do we do now?" said Bertie.

While this wasn't quite what Sally wanted to hear, just being with him calmed and reassured her. Bertie had been in tight spots before and had come out with his skin in, basically, one piece.

"Err..."

"That's what you were hoping I'd know," Bertie said with a grin. "Well, we'll sort this one out together. But, and this is a big 'but' mind you, you're in charge. This could take you places, Sally pet. You're good, but now you need to grow a bit. So what do we do now, Boss?"

Sally thought for a few moments, "Let's have a look at the video from the crash site."

Bertie nodded, "This is a copy of the original memory card, I had it done by a solicitor friend of mine. He seemed only too glad to help."

They sat in Bertie's small two bedroom flat. Bertie hadn't married and had spent his money on the only true love in his life, stamps. Wherever he'd been, Bertie had bought stamps. He now valued his collection at around half a million pounds. And that was a conservative estimate. At the right auction house, and at the right time of year, that figure might double or even treble. Bertie's stamps were his pension and life assurance. One of the main features that made Bertie's lounge so much better than Sally's for their work was the 50-inch high-definition TV on one wall. In moments, Bertie had set the TV ready to play the output from his media player.

They watched the whole recording from beginning to end three times.

Then Bertie looked at Sally, "You're lucky to be alive. Let alone getting away with such light injuries. My God, girl, I never thought it was that bad."

Sally too was astonished at what she'd seen. Everything after the explosion itself was a mystery to her. She had been too busy singing childhood songs and hymns to remember what had been going on. She did remember those screams though. She'd remember those for the rest of her life.

"So Sal', talk me through the first bit," Bertie asked.

Sally composed herself, "OK, set it back to the beginning again." Sally waited the couple of seconds it took Bertie to reset the playing point back to the start.

"Now, I've just arrived. I'm calling 999 and talking to the operator. There I've set the camera on a fence post on the side away from the van. I put my jacket over the camera to stop it being nicked. And I started walking towards the van. I wanted to see if I could help him."

"Don't you mean 'them'?" asked Bertie.

"No, him. I only knew that there was one person in the van." Sally answered.

They studied the video in detail. Moving onto Bertie's computer and using video editing software to advance through the whole thing a frame at a time.

Sometime after the first run through of the video Sally seemed to take over. She started telling Bertie what she wanted and he, pleased at this growth in his protégé gladly complied.

"THERE! That was it, the money-pack; I just saw it, go back a frame." Sally was thrilled that, at last, she'd found some proof that the money she'd found, came from this van. There it was a dark fuzzy block in the top right-hand corner. They flipped back and forth through the three frames, the tell-tale frame, the one before it and the one after. The only frame which that dark block appeared in was the middle one. And even in that frame, the pack was almost out of the picture.

They went back ten frames, then started forward again. Bertie stopped three frames before the flying money. "That's what caused the explosion," he said with certainty. He pointed to a metal canister, its sides bulging, "A can of gas, probably propane or butane. They're both as bad as each other in a fire. No wonder the van blew up. It's surprising that you found that pack at all. The force those things go off with, I'd half expect it to land in Northumberland."

-------

Chateau Martinè

I walked up and down the poolside with Susan. She was a suffering a little from colic. Julia hardly had any sleep last night and my girls and I were giving her a rest. Besides I liked holding Susan, even if she was a little loud this morning.

One of Em's new nurses had checked Susan over and pronounced her well overall. But colic was one of the things that babies suffer from. She'd get over it in time. We just had to try and comfort her in the meantime. We were helped by having so many adults who could, and would, help take care of her. None of us reached the hair pulling stage because of Susan's continual crying.

Susan let out a huge belch that surprised both of us. I laughed quietly at her wide-eyed expression, and patted her back again. She fell into a fitful sleep.

"Boss," called Carol quietly. She too understood the need to let Susan sleep as much as possible. "Quick update for you, our reporter has examined the crash site and found a pack of cash." Carol smiled, "And we didn't even have to plant it for her either. Drummond has had the memory card copied and has visited four of his old friends. We think that he's stashed the hospital records with one or two of them. Both of them are now in Drummond's flat. Again it is our supposition that they're reviewing the data. Soon we should see some interesting developments."

"How are Em and her girls?" I asked.

Carol smiled. "Em is furious with the state of that hospital. She's starting to call it a death camp. She's already reported three of the consultants to the General Medical Council for malpractice."

I smiled too, imagining Em's reaction to a normal NHS hospital after running her own clinic.

Prof was next to see me. "Boss, I want to take some time off. Marianne's going over to London to start a couple of her courses. I just want to see that she's settled in OK." He looked a little nervous. We'd not discussed Prof's salary or benefits. Needless to say they were 'negotiable' and 'generous'.

"Take as much time as you need Prof. You'll be ready when I need you." He looked relieved at that.

"By the way Prof, have you given Karolina your bank details for your salary?" I asked.

"Boss, this is Karolina you're talking about. She told me, my bank details." Prof answered with a chuckle.

"Well, yeah, she is a bit like that." I admitted. I too had to give a chuckle at the idea of Karolina waiting for someone to give her their bank details so she could organise their pay deposits.

"OK Prof, give Kelly a call before you leave here and she'll get your accommodation sorted out. Kelly knows the standard I want for my people." I smiled at Prof. Since I got back in touch with him his life had started turning around. Sasha had found him a family solicitor. Sasha described her as a pit-bull with lipstick, only she doesn't use much lipstick. Sharon, Prof's (soon to be ex-) wife, had shrunk back into her hole when her own solicitor had been out-thought and out-manoeuvred at every turn. Sharon was now having to explain all of her previous demands for money, and the reasons that she sold all of Prof's belongings, to the court. And the judge was getting more and more impatient and less and less impressed with her and her solicitor. I could see a complete change of fortunes for Prof and his (ex-) wife. Having seen some of the evidence that Prof's solicitor was collecting, I wouldn't be surprised if his former wife collected a criminal record for her behaviour since they parted.

And now he'd found Marianne. I wished them both a long and happy life. If I could help that in any way I was going to. These billions I had gave me the opportunity to help people. And I enjoyed helping them. People like Prof, nature's innocents, needed help from people like me.

I carefully waved Prof goodbye; not daring to disturb Susan.

Elastic was next. "Boss, you need to go down to the village again. That Trace girl is here and she's not been announced."

"Does she have a car?" I asked. I was puzzled by Trace's appearance. Charlie used to do a lot of face to face work, and after his accident Trace did that for him. Every day that she was away Charlie was losing money, and I knew Charlie didn't like losing money.

"Yes, a real old banger, she left it nearly two miles outside the village and walked in. But there's something else." Elastic looked thoughtful as though she was going over something in her mind, going over it again and again. "I don't think she actually planned to come here. I think she ran away from something."

"Nurse!" I called as loudly as I dared.

Two women hurried over to me.

"Look after Susan until Julia wakes, then take her orders as to the baby's care."

I gave Susan to the horse-faced woman I'd seen before, and turned back to Elastic.

"Is a car ready?" I asked.

Elastic nodded, "Yes Boss."

I hurried out of the Chateau and into the car that was waiting with its engine running.

Before I could even shut the door the car started off.

"The village, Master?" asked Melissa, with a grin from the passenger's seat.

"And hurry." I replied. But I did smile at her too.

-------

I walked the last two hundred yards. I wanted a chance to look at Trace and judge for myself what state she was in.

Elastic said that she thought that Trace had run away from something. As I drew closer I saw that this supposition was probably right. Trace sat at an empty table, not even an empty coffee cup in front of her. She had tear streaks down both cheeks. She wore a summer weight dress totally unsuited to the current weather. She didn't have a handbag or any other form of female property conveyance. Yes, I'd agree with Elastic, she's run away in a desperate hurry from someone or something.

"Trace?" I said.

"Ba ... Baron," she replied. Her hands were trembling and she was shaking from stress. I opened my arms and she almost collapsed into them. I hugged her and made soothing noises, I wasn't trying to communicate, just comfort.

"Oh Baron ... Dad gave me the wave off. The emergency one, I ran, he always told me to run as far as I could if he gave me that one. I don't know what to do. I don't know if he's even alive." Having reached what she thought of as safety she collapsed in tears. I pulled her onto my lap and hugged her to me. I made soothing noises and kissed the top of her head.

I lied to her too, "Hush precious, it'll be all right. I'll sort it out for you. Charlie'll be alright you wait and see."

I looked down into her trusting eyes and extruded all of the confidence that I could fake.

Then my biggest lie of all.

"Trust me," I said with a smile.

"You're freezing," I said. "Come on and we'll go to the Chateau.

"Baron, I need you to trust me. You have to search me like you did last time."

I nodded my agreement. I thought I understood her need to feel safe and to be accepted as safe and trusted by those she trusted to look after her.

"Trace, we'll do it here." I told her. Trace looked around the village square and the villagers carrying on with their everyday life, the old men playing boules, the children playing, the women shopping and gossiping, the village life that was going on around us here.

"OK Baron."

"After you've had a hot shower and warmed up a bit." I continued with a smile.

"Thank you Baron."

-------

I took Trace back to the Chateau, hugging her in the car as we were driven the short distance.

When the car stopped by the front door I got out and held out my hand for Trace.

"Baron, aren't you worried that the Countess will see?"

I leaned in to the car so I could speak to her so she thought it was private. "Trace, the Countess and I have enjoyed 13 in a bed before now. I don't think she's going to be upset if she sees the video's of me helping you out of a car, even if I throw you to the ground and fuck your brains out immediately afterwards."

I thought for a moment, "And if I don't fuck you, Sasha will probably ask me why I didn't."

Trace sat looking at me for a while, "Oh," she said after considerable thought.

I saw two of Em's nurses, "You!" I called pointing to the horse-faced nurse; she seemed to be in charge of the group.

"Master?" She replied nervously.

"Are you in charge here?"

"Yes Master. Slave Doctor Morgan put me in charge of her clinic."

"Good, tell one of your colleagues to look after my companion and I want you to follow me."

"Yes, Master." She spoke rapidly to the woman beside her and then came to my side.

I turned to Trace, This lady," I pointed to the nurse, who'd taken up a position at Trace's side, "Is a nurse. I want her to give you a quick check over and then you can have a rest for a while. I'll see you a little later; I'll try and find out anything I can about your Dad. But," I waved my finger at Trace, "If she says that you have to sleep, you have a sleep. Even if they sedate you, you will have a sleep." I stared at her eye-to-eye, "Understand?"

"Yes, Baron," she said in a little girls voice.

I turned and entered the Chateau, horse-face following me.

-------

What's your name?" I asked horse-face.

"Elise, Master," she replied nervously.

I turned to her and smiled. "Don't worry, Elise, I don't bite, well not too badly, and only in fun."

"Yes, Master." She was very unsure of me.

"Is something wrong Elise?" I asked her.

"Err ... I'm not really used to being with a master, Master."

"Aren't you?" I was puzzled. If Em thought that this nurse was capable of taking over her clinic, then she was obviously a very well qualified and experienced nurse. And Em must have trusted her to maintain the required standards while she was in England, otherwise she'd never have given this nurse the responsibility. "Em must trust you to place you in charge of her clinic."

"Yes, Master, Slave Doctor Morgan said she was satisfied with my qualifications and my standards of work."

"So why aren't you used to being with a master?" I asked.

She looked uncomfortable, shocked even, at my question.

"Because I'm ugly," she said quietly.

"Oh." Well I could see that she wasn't a ravishing beauty. But there again out of all of my girls, only a few of them could be called pretty, but beautiful, no. Well not physical beauty anyway. My girls were beautiful inside. That's much harder to find. "You think so do you?" I asked and smiled at her.

Elise was looking at the floor. "All of my other masters called me 'the horse' or 'the horse doctor.' None would let me look after them or their families."

"Well," I said, lifting her head up so I could look into her eyes, "I want you to look after me and my family."

"Of course, Master!" she almost cried out. I could see hope in her eyes. She seemed so thrilled to be given this small responsibility, that I wondered just how downtrodden she had been.

"Susan is precious to me, so is Julia. I need them looked after. They don't need to be molly-coddled, but they do need to be checked at least every day while Susan has this colic, after that once a week will be fine."

Elise nodded her head, taking in every detail of my instructions.

"I also want daily reports on the health of my girls, all of my girls. For the first week you will see me just after lunch every day. After that I want you to let Umber have your report, again just after lunch time. Do you understand?"

"Oh yes, Master." She seemed over the moon at the prospect of this work.

"Good, go now; tell Umber I want to see her."

"Yes, Master," she called over her shoulder as she hurried away.

-------

Cumbria

"Bertie," called Sally.

Bertie came back into the lounge from the kitchen. "Yep?"

"Bertie," Sally repeated, a little surer of herself now. "There are a number of things wrong with all of this." She gestured to the piles of notes strewn across the table in front of her. "There are things here that don't add up."

Bertie looked at her. His gut had been playing up for a while now. But this had to be Sally's scoop. He had to stand back and let her discover the secrets in that pile of data. Bertie was sure that there was a whole pile of muck waiting to be discovered. And he wanted Sally to be the one to discover it. Bertie had made his mind up now. He was going to do all he could to help Sally's career. This was going to be big, he was certain of that. As certain as when he told his managing editor that the UN going into Kosovo was a very, very bad idea.

"Go on," he prompted.

"Well, Legs driving that van. Come on now, we all know that Legs' mother wouldn't trust him to bring the shopping home, let alone all that money, and the drugs too. And then there's that police inspector warning me off, and hurting me too. That's straight out of a bad movie that is. And he didn't want my camera or phone; he just wanted to make sure that I didn't have any photographic evidence." Sally smiled then, an evil smile. She'd recovered from her fright and was out for revenge now. Then her expression changed, she became thoughtful, then puzzled.

"And that inspector, he didn't sound right. His accent, it wasn't from round here. And I know all of the inspectors in the Cumbrian service, or at least I thought that I did."

Bertie nodded, getting to know the local police on a first-name basis was part of the job for a reporter, well a good reporter anyway.

"And," continued Sally, "He didn't have his shoulder badges on. None of them did. They didn't have any ID at all."

Sally rummaged in the pile and brought out the unsealed copy of the hospital's CCTV record of the police's visit. She gave this to Bertie and he slipped it into his media player. Sally grabbed the remote and stood close to the wall-mounted TV.

The CCTV showed a marked police car pull up in the 'No Parking' zone immediately in front of the hospital's main entrance. The two constables got out of the front seats and the Inspector left the rear seat. Together they almost marched into the hospital. The receptionist, seeing their uniforms, quickly gave them the information they asked for and, again, they marched off.

Bertie watched Sally rather than the TV during the scene in her room. He was pleased with what he saw; Sally didn't shrink from watching her abuse. Bertie could see the tension on her face, the gleam in her eyes; Sally was after their blood.

They watched the whole video three times. The second and third times they each made notes.

"If only we had a video of their car," said Bertie, exasperated at the lack of real information that they possessed.

Sally played with the media player for a moment, then a directory listing was shown on the TV.

"What do you think 'Entrance Round-About' will show?" she asked Bertie with a grin.

Sally highlighted that file and pressed the 'play' button on the remote.

The TV picture was split horizontally and showed two views of the round-about just inside the main road entrance to the hospital, one above the other. The upper view was marked 'IN', the lower view 'OUT'. Within seconds they saw a car in the upper screen. It was heading in to the hospital. They could even make out the letters and numbers on its registration plate.

"The bastards," said Bertie softly. "They said that round-about was a traffic calming measure. It's not, it's just so they can track the vehicles on the hospital site."

Sally and Bertie waited for nearly half a minute before the car that they were really interested in, the police car, came into view. Unfortunately its headlights were set on high-beam and they washed out the picture obscuring the number plate.

"Damn!" exclaimed Bertie. "I wonder if that video can be cleaned up enough to show the plate details?"

"We may not have to worry about that," replied Sally, "Look at the progress bar," she pointed to the bar indicating how far they were in to the video, "We've got a while yet. Let's wait for them to leave." She grinned at Bertie.

Bertie smiled back. He'd made a mistake, but Sally hadn't, she'd kept cool and used her eyes and intellect. Bertie knew he was right, Sally would go far.

They watched and waited the ten agonising minutes for the police car to leave the hospital. They watched a number of cars entering and leaving, and were prepared for the short glimpse that they would have of the rear of the police car as it left the hospital.

As soon as the white front of the police car came into view Bertie slowed the playing speed of the video to a crawl. They watched as the car slowly went round the round-about and the rear came into view. Sally gasped out loud. The driver of the car obviously knew about the cameras around the roundabout, he'd put his rear fog lights on to obscure the rear number plate.

They watched in almost disbelief as the image washed out in the red glare from the fog light. Then, slowly, slowly, the number plate edged into view. The numbers paled by the bright red fog lights, but clearly visible.

"YES!" screamed Sally, jumping into the air, "We've got them." She almost ran to Bertie and hugged him tightly.

They held each other for a long time. Sally taking comfort from his strength and manliness; Bertie wishing that his years had been kinder to him, and fewer in number.

Finally they pulled apart far enough to look deep into the others eyes. Sally saw the hopelessness and regret in his eyes immediately.

"What's wrong, Bertie?" she asked quietly.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Bertie smiled down at her, "You are young and I am old. You are the future, and I'm the past. This is your story now, I have had my stories, I've had my glory. I want to prepare you to take your place in the world. I can see that you've got everything that you need and now you just need a little polishing to brighten you up a little.

"And us?" asked Sally.

"There will be little time for 'us'," said Bertie sadly, "You seem to forget that I'd won a number of awards before you were even born. There will be a little time, but, unfortunately not much."

Bertie shook his head, clearing the clouds of foresight that had descended. "Now I know someone who can tell us all about this car." He chuckled and turned to the phone.

As he made his call Sally watched him. How had she fallen for this man? He was kind, knowledgeable, intelligent and supportive. He had helped her so much in the past few days; she doubted whether she would still be sane if it weren't for him. Did she love him though? As soon as she asked herself that question she knew the answer. Yes.

Sally sighed; she'd accept all of him that he had to give, for as long as he had to give it.

First though she had to get to the bottom of these mysteries. Then they would be safer from those who wanted to do her, and Bertie now, harm.

Bertie put the phone down, a puzzled, worried look on his face. "Well this is strange," He said. "That police car came from Northamptonshire's traffic division." He looked at Sally, "What's a midland constabulary car doing here in Cumbria?"

"That," said Sally with grim determination in her voice, "Is what we're going to find out."

-------

Chateau Martinè

"Yes, Master," said Umber as she knelt down beside me.

"Umber, dearest girl, what do you know about Elise?" I asked her.

Umber thought for a moment, recalling everything that she knew about the nurse.

"Well Master, I don't know much, Em is really the one to ask, but, I do know that she was taken slave from a ship off the Somali coast. She was studying to become a doctor but was a year or two away from completing her studies. Em wants her to go to study with Dr. Ross, but in the final set of ten, so she can stay longer and finish her studies. Em thinks that Elise is ready now and wants her to have a chance at taking the final exams now."

"Is she ready for a gold coll..."

"No Master," Umber interrupted quite emphatically.

"OH?" I was surprised at Umber interrupting me and her forceful answer.

"Master," said Umber, "She hasn't had a chance to serve you personally yet. She seems a good candidate for a gold collar, but we just don't know until she's had a chance to show her devotion to you personally, Master."

I smiled, Umber was correct, the gold collars were about being my personal slave. "Umber," I said, "Elise is to be given her chance to serve me and earn her collar before she goes to London to study with Ross."

"Yes, Master," she answered with a smile.

"Now my girl, now that business is finished come here and let me hold you. I haven't spent enough time with you lately."

Umber gladly came into my open arms and I pulled her onto my lap. We cuddled together and spoke of inconsequentialities for a while, each enjoying the others company.

Elise ran quietly in to the room and knelt at my side. "Master, the girl Trace is fit and well enough to speak with you. She is stressed and tired but I feel that she would benefit from speaking to you before she rests."

I looked down at her; Elise knelt quietly, with her head down waiting for my reply. "Let her come in then Elise."

Elise ran away and a few moments later Trace came into to the room. She was pale and gaunt; she looked as though she'd lost weight. Her hair was still wet and I assumed that she'd been showered as part of her examination.

I gestured towards a comfortable chair and Trace sank into it with a sigh.

"Umber, get someone to bring in drinks for us. Orange juice and lemonade for me," I turned to Trace, "What would you like?" I asked.

"Err ... I'll have the same please." Trace answered, now unsure of herself.

"Yes, Master, mistress." Umber ran off quickly.

"Tell me what happened, Trace." I said.

"I was making a delivery down south, Cornwall. One of the lads wanted some..." she stopped unsure at first as to how much she should tell me. Then she made up her mind. "They wanted a couple of hand grenades and four twelve bore shotguns. They'd been having problems with some of the Spanish trawlers and wanted to frighten them off a bit."

I nodded understanding what she meant.

"Well, Dad called me about an hour after I handed over the stuff. He said that I was to get home as soon as I could because he'd got another job for me straight away." She looked into my eyes, "That was our danger signal. If things were safe, OK like, then he'd tell me to stay away, to bugger off and never come back. But if there was trouble, he'd tell me to get home quickly. And if it was the police, he was to tell me there was another job for me. He did both," she started crying, "He did both," she repeated quietly.

I thought for a minute, Prof was in London, I'd get him to make some quiet enquiries.

While Trace listened, I called Prof and explained the situation to him. Prof didn't like the sound of Chalkie's last message. I hung up the phone.

"Prof will have a nose round, see what he can dig up," I told Trace.

She nodded, then we began the hardest part of all, waiting.



-------

Chapter 94


I had to laugh when I opened the morning paper, the headline screamed out 'CHANTILLE & BURTON TO PERFORM TOGETHER!!!'

Yes, three exclamation marks, on the Times front page.

I read the article. Gerald, Thrash, had announced the date and venue of the performance of the new version of Friends. He'd also told his press conference that Sara Burton and Chantille were performing with The Screaming Monkeys. Considering the reported animosity between the two girls this had caused quite a stir.

The venue was to be Wembley stadium, and there were 100,000 tickets going on sale from the band's internet site from next Wednesday morning, 9 o'clock sharp. There was a limit of four tickets per applicant. I expected the whole concert to be sold out before midday.

"Girl!" I yelled.

"Yes Master," replied one of the new girls from my side.

"Ask Karolina if she can spare me a few minutes. Ask mind, I'll be checking." I smiled at her as she ran quickly away.

She too looked good. I wonder what she did when Tadeusz was her master.

Moments later Karolina came running out. I stood and held out my arms to her. She settled into my arms, pressing herself against me comfortably. We hugged and held each other for a while, not long enough, but it would have to do for the moment.

"Karolina, my precious, Gerald and his band have announced that they're selling the tickets for their Friends concert through their website. Can you ask if they need any help protecting it, or making sure that it'll stand up to all of the traffic, you know the sorts of things that they'll need better than I do."

Karolina looked up at me with a smile. "Is be do'd two ages ago Master. Master T'rash ask near three week ago. Ela 'n' me did build him new servers and site 'n' all shit he need."

We hugged for a few minutes more, the girl who'd been attending me watched us with more than a little jealousy in her eyes.

"Karolina, my precious, do Em and the others in England have secure communications to us here?" I asked.

"Is havings phones 'n' access to network through my VPN. Is all secure, Master."

"Oh, good. Thank you, my precious."

"I thank me Master too. Is for being goodest Master for to this girl."

I smacked her naked bum. It felt good.

Karolina looked down at the girl kneeling by my chair. "Is me Master leaving hand mark?" she asked.

The girl nodded with a smile.

"Oh goodies," said Karolina as she settled deeper into my arms.

-------

I watched as Karolina went back to her office, she seemed to be showing her marked bum to all of my girls she met. And, somehow, she seemed to meet quite a few. She seemed to be quite proud of that hand print. Free women are bad enough, slaves though, I'll never understand them.

-------

Jill came out bearing that horrible device, the fucking daily diary.

"Master, you have appointments to see Mr. And Ms. Buischvilla this morning. Mr. Buischvilla at 10 o'clock, Ms Buischvilla at half past eleven. This afternoon Mr. Williams is due to give his quarterly financial report."

I growled at the diary, but only once this time.

"Master!" exclaimed Jill, "Your diary helps me organise your day so that you have more time to spend by the pool, or with your slaves," she added a little breathlessly.

I noticed that her nipples hardened when she said that. I brushed one with my fingertips, watching as it crinkled and hardened even more.

Jill smiled, "You have 45 minutes before your first..."

I silenced her, placing my lips on hers. We used all of those 45 minutes.

I managed to get to my office just as the clock chimed 10.

"Hi, Boss," said Eric. He was smiling, looking very pleased with himself.

"So," I asked, "What's happening with Midland Brick?"

"We crushed them." Eric replied laughing, "Though with the quality of their products that wasn't too hard."

"So who's in charge now?"

"You are." Eric pulled out a cardboard artwork tube from his bag. "Here's their new logo."

It was very similar to the old Midland Brick logo, but the City & County logo was preeminent.

"I've fired the whole board of directors and the marzipan layer*. The senior managers and heads of departments have had their salaries cut and know that they have had their final warnings. Each has been given a formal letter stating this. One slip up and they're out without a severance package. A number of the C&C Planning and Building's senior managers have taken the director's places. I'm also in the process of buying back all of the shares."

I stopped him there and thought for a moment. "Buy back all of the large holdings, but small, individual, holdings can be left. Most of those are people's pension pots, I don't mind helping them. See if you can get over 95% of the shares though."

Eric made a note on his pad, "OK, Boss."

Now Eric looked a little ... odd, defiant even.

"Err, Boss," he started nervously.

I relaxed and smiled at him.

"I've started a few more building schemes," he said.

"Oh?" I said mentally noting the way he'd said 'a few more.' "How many?"

"Twelve hundred," he replied.

I laughed out loud. "What did Mandy say about that?" I asked.

"I said that we should and that I didn't think you'd mind," replied Mandy from the door.

"Mandy!" I stood and hurried to her, we hugged. She looked good. Slimmer than the photos showed her during her initial interview, she was now trim and toned. Her hair shone with life and her eyes sparkled. "Mandy, it's so good to see you. How are you?"

"Better than I've ever been, thanks to you." She kissed me, making sure that she knew that she was available should I so desire.

"Come and tell me all about these schemes of yours."

Eric and Mandy spent the next 20 minutes briefing me on the expansion of our regeneration and building schemes. Not only had they expanded the new build schemes by 1217, all between 1000 and 2500 dwellings, but they'd won another 118 council, or social, housing estate renovations too.

Then Eric pulled out the last surprise.

Taking another cardboard tube from his bag he opened out another logo, 'City & County Export.'

"I had Mr. Morton create another company for you. I think that Nigel Williams has the paper work for you to sign today." Eric stopped for a second. "Nigel is making a real name for himself in the financial markets you know. He's being asked to advise on a number of national initiatives. He's also been asked to join a number of QUANGOs.****He really is proving to be a financial wizard."

I smiled at this news. Nigel had blossomed since being given responsibility. Bee's help had also pushed him higher that either he or his wife had ever dreamed.

"Well, when we took over Midland Brick, we found that we had a huge amount of excess capacity. So I sent one of my sales people over to the Peoples Republic of China."

What about the transport costs?" I asked, transport costs could ruin us.

Eris smiled, "They're almost negligible. China sends massive container ships to the UK every week. They're filled with all sorts of goods. However, they go back empty. We load their containers with our bricks, blocks and roof tiles. The containers get taken back to the PRC anyway, we pay about one pound fifty pence per forty tonne container. And the PRC want as much as we can supply. We could double our output and they'd still want more."

"Be careful, I've heard that some companies went bust because the PRC either stopped buying completely or dropped the buying price below cost."

Eric smiled again, "Each shipment is a new contract and we only produce what we've already sold."

"Go for it then," I said with a smile.

"Will do Boss, see you in the pool soon."

With that, Eric and Mandy left.

I had a little time before Joan arrived. I looked forward to her updates.

Joan had another surprise for me. She brought Karen with her. That though, wasn't the surprise.

"Boss, first things first, Karen has been offered the posts of visiting Professor of Design at both Kings, London and the Sorbonne, Paris. I want her to take these posts. The experience will help her round out her designs, and she will help a number of future designers. June's Lingerie Designs will become a household name; Karen herself will be world renowned for her innovative work."

I looked at Karen, I could see that she wanted to do this but was worried about what I would think about her being away from our family so much.

I held out my hands to her and she came willingly into my lap.

"Karen, my darling, I know that you want this but you're afraid that you'll upset me." She nodded, her face hidden against my chest.

"My precious girl would you like your freedom?" I asked.

"NO!" she cried, looking into my eyes for the first time. "Master, I love being one of your girls. I belong here, you, my Master, and my sister slaves have enabled me to achieve the success I've had." Her voice dropped into an almost little girl's tone. "I would be lost, lonely and frightened without you around me, at home for me." She looked so small and frightened that I hugged her again.

"I would like you to take these posts. Start teaching the freewomen students what you know and your thoughts on design. I'm sure that you'll find it exciting. Remember though; make your classes small enough so that there are three or four applicants for each place. Interview every applicant yourself and only pick those who you feel will benefit from your skills. Ignore their money, no one should be able to buy a place, and those who don't put in the work, even if they're talented, kick them off your course."

Karen had taken in every word I'd said, "I will do that, Master. I'll make you all proud of me, I promise."

"I'm already proud of you my girl, now, if you don't have anything else to report, go and spend some time with the other girls, I'm sure that they'd all like to see you and you'll have a huge amount of gossip to catch up on."

She kissed me then ran lightly away.

Joan turned back from watching Karen leave. "She's already got her factory set up ready for her absence. I tell you Boss, she's turned that place around. It's already producing a hundred times its former output, and that's with only 60% of the looms. The workers there worship the ground she walks on."

I was pleased about that. I knew that Karen could make the factory produce good quality clothes, but I was a little unsure of how she'd treat her fellow slaves, those slaves who were subject to her authority.

"She seems to have done well winning their respect." I said.

Joan laughed, "She has a sign on the wall opposite her desk, it says 'What would my Master do?' She refers to that all the time. You can hear her say it, almost like a chant, whenever there is a decision involving the works to be made. They love her and all of them want to see you again. They want to see the Master who gave them such a wonderful overseer."

"I'll get up there again soon." I promised.

"I'll let them know. The whole place is practically spotless now. When they know you're coming, they'll polish it inside and out." She laughed.

"Now, how about the slave factors?" I asked.

Joan smiled, "I never thought that I'd become the biggest slave trader in Western Europe, but I now am. From the East Polish border, to Portugal's coast, from the Channel to Italy's northern border, we own all of the quality slave trade. There are still a number of Russian groups, and the Mafia hold almost all of the Italian trade. But everywhere else, if you want a quality slave, you come to Mistress Joan's place.

"Did anyone find a solution to the ID problems?"

Joan smiled, "Yes Boss, it was actually quite easy. All of the slaves have been tattooed with an 'invisible' ink. It shows up well under UV light. All of your girls here have been done too," she concluded with a laugh.

I looked down at the girl by my side.

"Have you been tattooed?" I asked her.

"Yes Master, Umber required all of your house slaves to be marked." She turned her left upper arm to me. I couldn't see anything.

Then Joan shone a black light torch on her skin and her markings showed clearly; a round pictogram, with a barcode beneath it. The pictogram looked like a snowflake.

I turned to Joan, "A snowflake?"

She seemed to be having difficulty suppressing a laugh. "Yes, Snowy."

I glared at her.

Then she did laugh.

While we were both laughing the door opened and Sandy came in. "Boss, I think you should have a look at the village monitors." She seemed quite concerned.

A few seconds later I was panning a camera over the customers at the pavement tables. There calmly sipping his espresso, was the German, Oscar ... I thought for a few moments, yes, Oscar Liemann.

"Does he have any luggage?" I asked Sandy.

"Only that tube on the table. Apparently it's empty. He took the end caps off when he sat down. A number of the locals have managed to get close looks at it. He hasn't objected to any interest in either it or him at all," she answered.

"OK, I'm going down there."

"I don't like that Boss," Sandy objected.

"I'll take Menolly and one of Paula's girls with me. You can get there first and setup an over-watch. We'll sit opposite him so you've got a large free shooting angle on him."

Sandy nodded slowly. "I'll need about ten minutes once we get there." She said. "Nina's here, she's getting some things from the Coven. She could go with you."

"That's great. I know how Nina works. OK, we'll walk the last quarter mile to the café, that'll give you some more time and let him see us coming. See if he does anything then."

"OK Boss, I can live with that." Sandy raced out of my office to get her sniper rifle and the other things she'd need.

I turned back to Joan, "Sorry, Joan, But I must go and see what he wants."

Joan though was already gathering up her papers, "I'll see you when you're free then." She surprised me by giving me a kiss. On my lips. "I'll just have to go and rape that brother of mine then."

"Have fun," I called to her retreating back.

"You better believe it!" she replied without turning. Obviously intent on her new morning's entertainment.

-------

Oscar sat calmly at an outside table He looked relaxed and, as we approached, sipped at his espresso.

"Good afternoon, Oscar," I said, "Sorry we took so long to get here."

He nodded. "Getting your over-watch in place?"

It was my turn to nod. I actually liked this man. He was smart.

Menolly and Nina sat either side of me. We all faced Oscar.

When our drinks arrived Oscar smiled pleasantly at the waiter and we waited silently until he left.

"What can I do for you, Oscar?" I asked.

He looked thoughtful for a moment.

"As you know I was here a few months ago, ostensibly to assassinate you, Baron. At the time it seemed as though we'd made a terrible mistake and shot at the wife of the Chinese Premier." He smiled. "I was interrogated for a week, and then I managed to escape." Now he laughed. "You knew that I am," he paused for a moment, and then his face clouded a little with regret, "I was, Spetsnaz. I am proud of my time in the service. It was not our fault that our political leaders were corrupt." He shook his head. "Since the collapse, I and many of my former colleagues have worked as mercenaries. This job was only one of many I have undertaken. However, it was the only one that failed so completely."

He started to raise his hand for another coffee.

"That might not be a good idea, Oscar," I said stopping him. He looked inquisitively at me, then his eyes brightened in understanding.

"Your over-watch might get a little ... anxious?" he asked.

I nodded in reply.

Menolly called for more drinks. This time a carafe of espresso and another of latte was placed on our table.

"Malcolm said that we should run, we didn't take any notice of him. He was always going on about how Frosty would do this, or Frosty would not do that. We, our team, were quite fed up with hearing about Frosty. And now I see that he was right, and Frosty," he nodded towards me, "took out the whole team."

"What on earth made you start cooking a hot meal?" I asked.

Oscar shook his head. "Mamood, he was always thinking about his stomach. And he was convinced that he was the best in the world. No one would ever get him. He was a fool, and we all paid for his foolishness."

"You didn't come here to talk about that operation, did you?"

Oscar shook his head.

"When I escaped," again he laughed ruefully, "When you let me go," he corrected. "I returned home to Berlin. I spread the word about how that Englishman had fooled us into trying to kill the Chinese Premier. How he would not pay the fees due. None of my old colleagues will work for him now. Not one." He emphasised. "Well, I went to England with a friend, he needed hospital treatment. The best surgeon was in Cumbria. While he was being treated I took some time to continue my painting." He paused, "I am quite a good painter in both water colours and oils. I have some of my paintings here," he indicated the cardboard tube beside him. "When I showed my friend my paintings he laughed out loud. He told me that her twin sister was working at the hospital, a doctor no less." He nodded towards the tube. "May I get the paintings out?" He asked.

Nina stood and picked up the tube. Walking to the centre of the square she pulled a number of paintings from the tube. Making sure that there was nothing among the individual sheets she returned to our table and laid the paintings out.

Oscar was talented. Each picture was of Em, Em as he knew her as a fellow prisoner, Em sleeping, eating, watching him and working. Seeing these pictures, no one would have had much difficulty in identifying Em herself.

"I do not believe in coincidences, so I went to the hospital to see for myself. It was the same woman who shared my cell at the Chateau." He took another sip of his coffee. "She was an angel, an angel of mercy one moment; and an avenging angel the next. It was her, I was sure of that."

"So I started investigating what happened here, here at the Chateau. I found out that this head of police, Huntley, was corrupt. Beyond even the corruption of my former leaders. It was he, and he alone, who wanted you dead. And he was willing to pay a lot of money for your death. He does not have the courage to come after you himself, but he does seem to have a lot of money to buy your demise."

He paused again, looking at me. I already knew all of this so I just sat impassively waiting for anything new that he could tell me.

"Doctor Morgan has upset some powerful people at the hospital. People with powerful, and ruthless friends. She is in danger, I would like to go and warn her. To watch over her." He actually looked a little like a lost puppy then. His eyes gave him away, he was, or thought he was, in love with Em.

"What documents did you use to come over here?" I asked.

Oscar pulled out a battered German passport.

"Have you used this before?"

He nodded, paling now. "It is real, my own. I used this when I first went to England for the contract on you."

"Then if you go over again they'll be watching for you." I turned to Menolly, "I'm sure that someone in my organisation knows where to get some passable documents."

Menolly nodded, "Yes Master," she replied.

"Well Oscar, why don't we go back to the Chateau while we wait for a new set of documents, we need to get a new photo anyway. And I'm sure that we can find some accommodation that's a little better than you experienced last time." While my tone was light, inviting even, Oscar could see that this was not an invitation he could easily refuse.

"Of course, Baron," he accepted with just a little rueful grin.

"And we need to discuss what to do about these people that seem to be upset with my girl. You know that I don't like people hurting those under my protection."

"I think that we can come to an understanding, Baron." He replied, this time his grin was heartfelt.

"Nina, take Heir Liemann back to the Chateau. If he gets boisterous, hurt him, but only a little." I ordered.

Oscar looked at the slim girl at my side. He also looked at her, taking in the way she moved, her effortless grace and almost perfect bodily control.

He turned back to me, "Your little girls are bodyguards, aren't they?"

"Oh yes," I answered, "And very good ones too."

"So she could hurt me then?" Oscar asked looking closely at Nina.

"You really had better believe it," I answered with a grin. "If you ask nicely they might even let you train with them while we wait for your documents."

"I'd like that," he replied. "It would probably get me back up to fighting fitness again."

I laughed, "It would do that. If you can keep up with them that is."

I waved for our car and we returned to the Chateau.

-------

I watch Nina lead Oscar round to the back of the Chateau where I could hear a training session in progress. I hope that he fared better than Collette did when she started training here.

Still, I now had an idea I wanted to investigate. I wonder who I should talk to first. Cecy seemed to be the ideal choice for access to the person I wanted to speak to. I'd speak to Cecy as soon as I've finished with Joan and Nigel. Oh boy, my day was getting longer and longer.

Joan was waiting for me in my office when I returned. She had a 'freshly fucked' look. And seemed inordinately pleased with herself.

"Well Baron, I've just received news that the Western Russian slave trade is now mine."

That was good news. The Russians could have caused problems for us. Don't get me wrong, slavery is a bad business, but if we didn't take it over and lease our slaves rather than selling them, then other people, people without our sense of values, would step in and supply the obvious demand.

"How much did it cost you?" I asked.

"4.2 Billion," she answered with a grin.

"Has Nigel advanced the money yet?"

"He didn't need to. I took it out of my operating funds. I still have about 6.8 Billion left." No wonder Joan was pleased with herself. I would be too.

"Euros?" I asked.

She shook her head, "No, Pounds."

"I'm impressed!" I said.

"You shouldn't be. It's been your changes that have made all of the difference. Now that we only lease our people, our customers know that if there are any problems with the slaves they either get a full refund or an exchange. The slaves themselves also like it. They have a choice of which owner to go to and their terms of service are laid out in full. The Owners also like it. It's stopped a lot of indiscriminate kidnapping and trafficking. The police forces are leaving them alone at last. That hasn't happened for over 50 years."

"How about those owners who want to ... discipline ... their slaves?" I asked with more than a little trepidation.

Joan looked at me for a long moment. "Boss, you yourself have two girls who need their sex to be, shall I say, more than a little rough. There are sufficient women out there who like a little pain. I just make sure that the girls know what will be done to them, and that their new owners know that you won't tolerate them over-stepping our contract. If I can't provide an owner with what he wants, I send him to Madam Rhea. I've found that her name also keeps owners in line. She seems to scare them for some reason."

"I can't think why," I added with a grin.

"How's Eric?" I asked.

Joan glanced down, then raised her eyes, looking at me through her fringe. "He's sleeping for some reason."

"Oh?" I said with a larger grin. "Is he?"

"Yeah," Joan's voice was low and husky, "And I'm gonna wake him up again in a minute," she added with an almost feral gaze.

We both laughed at that.

Still laughing, Joan left. I was sure that Eric was going to get another workout. Still he was young, he could take it.

Nigel Williams came in and he looked like shit. Dark circles ringed his eyes; his skin was pale and blotchy. His suit looked as though he'd slept in it for a week, when he'd had any sleep in the last week that is.

"NIGEL!" I exclaimed, "What the fuck has happened to you?"

He gave a rueful grin. "Your businesses, that's what. They've exploded in the last month. I'm trying to get a team together to help me, but that's proving to be hard."

"Have you got a PA and secretary yet?"

He shook his head, "We've got a good admin pool and I use them..."

"No Nigel, you should have your own. A good PA will take all of the mundane day to day crap off your 'to do' list. Your secretary will organise your days and help you meet the deadlines that you have. They both will help you do your job. And I've got news for you about that too!" I growled, but, hopefully, not too threateningly.

I went to the door and opened it. "GIRL!" I called.

"Yes Master," answered a voice from behind my desk.

I looked round and there was Aline's head poking up over my desk. She looked so much like a meerkat that I just burst out laughing.

I opened my arms to her, "Aline, my precious girl, come here."

She ran into my arms and hugged me.

"My Master," she breathed against my chest. My eyes filled with tears as my love for this girl filled my heart.

"Dearest girl, go and fetch Umber and Jill for me. Tell them to hurry; we need to get Nigel some help as quickly as possible."

Aline reached up and kissed my cheek, "Gladly, my Master," she replied, then ran quickly away.

"We'll see what help we can give you from the people I have here, but you need to get a personal team that you trust completely. Keep them with you for as long as you can."

Nigel nodded. "I had one guy that I thought I could really get on with. But on his first day he looked at my workload and quit. He said that he couldn't handle half of that."

"Then get him back as soon as you can, give him a ten or twenty percent rise and give him the amount of work he can handle." I said. Nigel looked a little puzzled. "People who know their limitations are much less likely to make mistakes because they're rushed, than those who don't know them, and take on more than they're capable of handling."

I'd noticed Nigel's hand automatically reach for his mobile phone moments earlier. "If you have his number, call him now while we wait for Umber and Jill."

"Yes Boss, and Boss," he said pointing behind me to my right. "They're already here."

"SHIT!" I stared at Umber and Jill, both girls kneeling behind me. "How did you get in without me seeing you?"

Umber just shrugged, that was nice. "We came in through the door, my Master."

She looked so honest and innocent that I was almost certain that she was hiding something. Maybe a little tickle torture later would loosen her tongue. It would be fun too.

"Make your call, Nigel, get him over here now if you want too. That way you can start breaking him in, in a pleasant environment."

Nigel was already dialling.

I turned to Umber and Jill, "Now girls, Tadeusz had a number of girls who did secretarial and admin assistant duties. Do either of you know who the best of them were? Nigel needs a PA and a secretary as soon as possible, but he must have the best that we can give him, otherwise they'll only add to his workload rather than reduce it."

They looked thoughtful for a few minutes.

"Master," said Umber, "I know who to ask for this information. Slave Jill and I will find the best two girls. If they aren't up to the job, may I purchase two new slaves?"

"Yesss!" said Nigel from the side of the room.

I looked over at him. He was closing up his phone with a look of triumph on his face.

"You got him?" I asked.

"Yep, and he's on his way to Luton right now. Is your plane there?"

"It will be soon. Have you told him what to do?" I was pleased that Nigel was confident enough to presume that he could have use of the jet I still rented.

"Oh yes. Just the same instructions I received the first time I flew across. He's going to be in for a bit of a culture shock. The way you fly is definitely not Ryan Air, ****" he added with a laugh.

"Well if he's worth it then he'll get to fly like that a lot more often."

I turned back to Umber and Jill; I didn't really want any more slaves. I had more than I could easily count now anyway. Even if they were with Nigel all the time, they would still be mine.

They were gone.

Oh God, what was the last thing they'd heard? Nigel saying 'Yesss', just after they'd asked about buying slaves. Oh God, you don't think that they thought that I'd agreed. Oh no.

And with the way that my girls worked it would be too late now. They'd only have taken a minute or two to find out about Tadeusz's girls. Then they'd be onto the slave factor, that's me too I realised, to ask for a couple of girls. Well, I suppose that as I, technically, already own them; I'm not actually getting more, am I?

Why haven't I convinced myself?

Nigel watched me think about this.

"Problems, Boss?" he asked.

I shook my head, "Nothing like the problems you have." I sighed. "Lets get on with our meeting, were already very late." I looked at my watch; it was only half an hour until dinner time. We'd have to continue in the morning.

"Nigel, we don't have time for your full report tonight, so I've got one quick thing I want to get out of the way and we'll finish up in the morning. How's that?"

"Fine by me, Boss," he answered.

"Right, you're doing too much. I want you to have a PA and your own secretary. We might have those for you in a day or so. If we do then try them out, look for others if you want, but just because we found them, doesn't mean that you have to accept them. OK?"

"Yes Boss."

"Now I understand that you've been asked to join a number of QUANGOs. I want you to accept. And I also want you to accept any advisory positions that the Government asks you to take."

"But what about my primary tasking?" he asked, quite puzzled.

"You'll set up a team of five or six to take over my business. You'll still oversee it, but that shouldn't take more than half a day a week. And I want it to be audited regularly by different auditors as well." I thought for a second, "Bee will oversee that, but I want you to be involved too."

Nigel was taking notes, "OK, Boss," he replied. "Why do you want me on these committees?" he asked.

"I want to start extending my influence into the central government. Perhaps you can prevent a repeat of this debacle with the Cumbrians if you have enough influence."

Nigel nodded, "I'll see what tentacles I can spread, Boss."

"Good, now get to your rooms. I'll have some food sent to you. But you need sleep more than anything. Sleep yourself out; when you're ready tomorrow, let one of my girls know and we'll finish your report."

He looked a little sheepish, "OK, Boss, I could use an hour or two."

'Much more than that, ' I thought.

I watched as Nigel left the room. He really did look like shit.

When I turned round, Umber was kneeling behind my desk.

"You didn't come in through the door that time!" I knew that they'd been tricking me.

"Me, Master?" she gave me a look of such innocence that I knew she was hiding something.

"I ought to spank you..."

Before I could finish my sentence, Umber was lying on my desk, her pert bottom sticking up ready for chastisement.

I stood next to her, running my fingertips over her long back, over her silky smooth skin. "What did you come in here to tell me, Umber girl?" I asked.

"Karen has two girls who she thinks will be perfect for Master Williams, Master. They are being driven over here now."

"Oh good," I said. "You know that your good news won't save you from a hideous beating, don't you?"

She looked up at me, "I should hope not, my Master. This girl is ready to receive anything that her Master thinks she deserves." Her eyes gleamed with her lust and I could easily smell her arousal."

I gave her a gentle swat on her bottom, "Go now, girl," I said with a smile.

Again she lifted up a little, "Just one, Master," she pleaded. "Just one red hand print, please?"

I gave her the mark she desired and she ran lightly out of the room, already calling out, "Our Master smacked me, come and look!"

I will NEVER understand slaves.

-------

* Marzipan layer – The layer of very talented, and underpaid, people immediately below a company's directors. These people are the ones who really make the directors look good. They, of course, have no hope what-so-ever of joining the ranks of directors within that company, because they are the ones who know just how crap the directors really are.

****QUANGO – QUasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organisation. Agencies or companies set up and funded by the Government to carry out governmental programs or policy, without being in the Government itself. Thus when the QUANGO upsets the voting public, the Politician's can say "Nothing to do with us, they are 'non-government'." When the QUANGO does well, the Politician's claim all of the credit.

****Ryan Air – A budget airline operating out of Ireland. It seems to have a terrible reputation within the UK for ripping every penny out of its customers and providing the very minimum level of service allowed by law. Whether this reputation is deserved or not is up to their passengers to decide.



-------

Chapter 95


It felt so good to get into the pool again. I just relaxed into my own thoughts as I swam. This was how I relaxed the best.

As I turned at the shallow end I thought that I noticed Cilla standing by the pool.

Umm ... Just turned again; Priscilla is standing at the end of the pool.

And she looks miffed. Arms folded and, possibly, tapping her foot. She's frowning too. This doesn't bode well for someone.

And I think that the someone in question is me.

What have I done?

I stood a few feet away from the end of the pool. "Hi Cilla," I said cheerfully.

"Don't you 'Hi' me buster!"

Opps, definitely me in the shit then.

"Oh," I wasn't worried. Not yet anyway. I knew that I could swim a lot faster than Cilla; and if she came into the water I could be at the other end, out and running like a cowardly dog, before she could reach me.

"Why are there two naked women, no, I'll rephrase that, why are there two naked girls waiting for my husband?" Her tone was more of a growl than a human voice.

"Oh good, they've arrived then." Oh dear, I don't think that was the best thing to say.

"Mistress, Priscilla," said Umber, "Those girls are to be Master Nigel's PA and Secretary. Master Nigel can order the girls to wear whatever he wants them to."

"Don't think that you're forgiven Baron!" Cilla said the last word in the tone of voice usually reserved for 'murdering child rapist'; then she stomped back into the Chateau.

I was glad that Sasha wasn't here. She would've ganged up on me just for the fun of it.

Laughter made me turn to the left. "Hi Cecy."

She didn't answer me. It seems that she thought Cilla's visit was too funny or something.

Cecy too left me and went into the Chateau. Laughing all the way.

I looked back at Umber. She was angry, really angry that someone had disrespected her Master.

Then I noticed Aline and Jill running out to the pool. They took up positions either side of Umber. Jill started whispering in Umber's ear.

They seemed to calm her down a little.

"Umber, my precious girl, come here," I called, opening my arms to her.

Umber slipped into the water and pressed herself against me.

"Umber, my own precious girl, Cilla and Cecy, are my friends. I'm sure that it was a shock for Cilla to find to slaves in her rooms, waiting for her husband. And you know that Cecy and I love each other and would never really harm the other."

"This girl knows that my Master. But this girl hurts so much when her Master is treated with anything less than the respect that he deserves. My Master is the very best Master in the world, and this girl is grateful for every day that she lives, and she gives thanks to her Master for those days."

Oh dear. I knew that Umber was grateful for me taking her as my slave. That saved her life. Of course anyone would have feelings of gratitude for that. But I felt that she was beginning to hoist me onto a pedestal, one which I could never live up to. One which I might fall off and break her rather than myself. I think that I'll ask Helen to have a word or two with her. I did so love my precious Umber and I want her to be the best that she can be, whether that's with me or as a freewoman.

"I know, my precious girl. But you must let us free people play with each other. And sometimes that play is a little rude and sometimes it's a little disrespectful. But remember, we still love and respect each other."

"Yes, my Master," she answered in a small voice.

"Now no more or I'll make you go for a bike ride with Katie."

"OH COULD I, PLEASE MASTER?!" Umber looked up pleadingly at me. Twin peaks of her excitement pressed into my chest like nails. Diamond tipped nails.

This is going to be one of those days where I can't say the right thing.

"If you want to," I sighed. "Let me have a word with Elastic or Sandy."

"Oh please Master, please." She was almost, no, she was begging now.

"OK, I'll ask as soon as I can." I assured her.

"Thank you Master. Thank you so much." She dropped her head, "You look after us girls so much. And it's supposed to be we who look after you Master."

I lifted her chin, "No precious girl, in our family we look after each other. That's what makes us so strong."

She smiled at me, tears forming in her eyes. "Oh my Master, whatever did I do to deserve being owned by you?"

"No my precious girl, what did I do to deserve a girl like you?" I corrected.

"Now, let me get out and dried. I need to go to my office and write a letter. You can carry it to Paris for me."

Umber was jumping up and down in excitement and I had to be very careful not to laugh. I didn't want to bruise her, already fragile, ego.

"Thank you Master, thank you so much."

Umber released me and then helped dry me. She and Jill tidied the pool area while I went and wrote a letter to Tristan Bonner. This could actually help in a number of ways.

-------

I hugged Katie and looked over Umber as she stood ready for her ride. Umber had my letter in a pouch slung over her shoulder.

"I love you Katie," I said as she climbed onto her infernal machine. Umber jumped on behind her and then jumped off and ran to me.

"Thank you so much Master." Then she jumped back on and plugged her intercom into the jack on the bike.

Katie pressed the electric starter and the monster roared into life. A tiny flick of her toe put the engine into gear and seconds later we could no longer hear the engine. Not because the bike was so quiet, rather that they were too far away for us to hear the engine screaming its heart out.

"Tell me Baron," said Oscar, who was standing behind me, "Has anyone ever explained the concept of speed limits to that girl?"

"You know, I could handle it when she rode a moped," I replied.

Oscar looked a little puzzled.

"She's my youngest." I explained.

"Ah," he said in understanding. "Motorbikes or boyfriends; either will drive a father to grey hair."

"Yeah, but I could shoot a boyfriend if I didn't like him." I said.

"Shooting tends to get a bit messy, stains the carpets. Drowning though, you could make that look like an accident." He said, obviously understanding my dilemma.

"You have kids?" I asked.

"Two," he answered. "My son has joined the Greens and wants to save the world. My daughter just wants to party; she is driving her mother to drink."

We stood quietly for a few more minutes, fathers thinking about their children. Each understanding the others worries.

-------

I settled into a comfortable desk chair and sipped at my coffee.

"Baron," said Nigel, starting his quarterly report. At least he looked a little better. His suit had been pressed and he wore a crisp, white shirt. His eyes still had bags, and his skin would take a few weeks to return to its old complexion, but it was a start at least.

"You need to start spending money..."

-------

I was a little dazed by the time Nigel had finished his report. My liquid assets, money in the bank, were ludicrous. I had more reserves than some banks ... That's it!!! I went straight back to Nigel.

"Nigel, I want a bank." I said. I must admit I was quite excited.

"A bank..." Nigel repeated.

"Yeap, my own bank." I must have been grinning like an idiot.

"A private bank, commercial, mercantile, or high street?" He asked, leaving his papers on the desk.

"You know my business and personal expenditure, what would you suggest?"

He thought for a few moments, "I would say get Ms Dempsey or Mr. Morton here together with my mother and have them think about it."

"OK, when your bloke gets here make that his first priority."

Nigel smiled, "He's already here and raring to go." Nigel

"So get him started then," I said with a grin. "He's got to get to know the rest of the crew, no time like the present to start."

"Will do Boss," Nigel answered as he continued packing away his notes.

I was pleased. Having my own banking facility would ease raising funds for larger projects. In the short term, of course, I would be spending money; which was what Nigel wanted of course. We both knew that if the Government saw a huge pile of money in a bank doing nothing, then they would want to get their own hands on it, for 'the greater good' of course.

Lunch was quiet. I missed Sasha. She was still in the States working on our 'no win – no fee' ambulance chasers, sorry lawyers.

-------

"Carol, how's the reporter doing?" not having heard anything for some time I was worried about her.

Carol smiled, all of the Coven smiled.

"She's doing wonderfully Boss..."

-------

Cumbria

Sally sat in the cafe waiting for Billy Wells, her contact. Billy was a low level crook. Too stupid to ever get into higher levels of crime he dealt a little grass and drove stolen cars for other criminals.

Billy's main feature though was his memory. He was a walking tape recorder, and he made sure that no one, with the exception of Sally, knew about that. People talked in front of Billy believing him to be harmless. He was, but what he heard and what he knew was going to become very damaging to a lot of people.

Billy entered the cafe and held the door open for a woman pushing a pram. Sally recognised Billy's wife, she didn't know her name though.

As the pair got settled into their chairs their baby started getting a little fractious, a thin weak cry coming from the pram.

Billy's wife stood and leant over the pram, cooing softly at her child. She lifted some blankets from the pram and laid them on the table. As she let go of the blankets Sally felt a heavy weight slide onto her lap. Instinctively she grasped it to prevent it falling onto the floor.

Billy's wife fed the baby its bottle while Billy and Sally talked some small talk. Soon their drinks, and the baby's bottle, were finished and Billy, his wife and baby, left. Sally stayed drinking another coffee, one which she was sure she'd regret later. Sally wondered what was in the pack now in her handbag.

-------

"Bertie," said Sally as she picked up another document from the pile on table, "This stuff is amazing. No, it's dynamite." Sally was really shocked with the revelations in her hands. This was like finding Nixon's missing Watergate tapes. People, some very important people, would spend the rest of their lives in prison if even a quarter of this stuff was true.

Bertie could hardly believe what he was reading too. "Sal, pet," he stared very seriously, "You know that nobody local is going to publish this don't you. According to this even Joe Maxwell, our own paper's owner, is mixed up in all of this." Bertie shook his head, what they had in front of them could be more dangerous for them than all of his times in active war zones. These people killed, and they were the law too. "We're going to have to go and see an old friend of mine. See if he can help."

Sally nodded, then started to gather the papers together. "Bertie help me make copies of all of this and then we'll go see your friend. Where is he, London?"

Bertie nodded, "Yes, Wapping, he's editor in chief of the Daily Standard."

A heavy thud from the front door surprised, and shocked them both. Frightened, they moved away from the door and into the bathroom. They huddled together, both fearing for their lives.

Sounds came from the front door again, muffled grunting, papers being forced through the letterbox and someone swearing quietly. Then another couple more thuds, sounding like a huge number of letters being forced through together.

Then silence.

Sally and Bertie waited for what seemed hours. Both of them were certain that something bad had just happened. Both too frightened to go to the door and see what was there. Both waiting to die.

Finally Bertie pushed Sally into the bath. "Lie here for a while. This is a steel bath and should protect you for a while. I'm going to have a look."

Jerkily Sally nodded her head. Letting go of his hand, was possibly the most difficult thing that she had ever done.

Bertie left the bathroom and the silence enveloped Sally like a cloying blanket.

"SALLY!" Bertie called. "It's OK come and have a look at this."

Shaking like a leaf in a storm, Sally got out of the bath and went through to the front door. There Bertie sat on the floor leafing through a huge pile of documents and letters. Bertie held one up for her to read. In shaky, block letters, Sally read - A FRIEND TOLE US THAT YOU WANTED PROPER DOCUMINTS ABORT THE POLICE AND WHAT THEY DOES. HERE IS WHAT WE NO. IF YOU CAN GET THEM BASTIDS IN CORT THEN WE WILL TESTIFY.

Sally looked at the pile on the floor by the door. There were hundreds of pages there.

"Bertie, we're going to need some help," said Sally.

Bertie nodded. "We are that Sal lass, we are that."

-------

Em and Melissa walked out of the hospital and started crossing the car park to their car. Concealed in the deep shadows behind them a large man watched and waited. When they were away from all effective cover he started moving to intercept them, a cruel smile on his lips and a baseball bat held loosely in his hand.

Before he took two steps he was thrown backwards as a large calibre bullet smashed through his head. He was dead before he hit the ground.

300 yards away the German watched through the scope of his silenced sniper rifle, waiting to see if this man had been alone. 'Oscar was right to have me looking after his women.' The man thought. He stayed there, watching for a further 30 minutes. Em and Melissa were back in their flat by the time he left his post. He would be watching over their flat in the morning.

-------

Chateau Martinè

"Jill, do I have time tomorrow to go over to Karen's factory for a visit?" I asked. "I'll need, maybe three hours there."

Jill opened the diary, "Tomorrow morning, leave here at nine o'clock and return by two p.m., Master?"

"Yes, that should give me enough time to see what's happening there."

Jill started writing in the diary, pulled her phone out and started making a call as she walked away. I returned to my swim. The news from Cumbria was encouraging.

As I swam back to the shallow end I saw Umber waiting for me. She had a thick package in her hand.

"How did your meeting go Umber?" I asked her.

"Master, it went well. Master Bonner is going to call you later this evening, though he told me that he accepted your offer in principle. It would only be minor details that needed to be worked out. He said that his ministers would fall over themselves to get you to spend five billion Euros in France. And he said that Herr Liemann is now Monsieur Liemann, a native of Strasbourg. That will explain his fluency in German and his French accent." Umber held up the package.

"He also gave Marine Phelps' motorbike police sirens and lights. He said that if the local police couldn't catch her, then she should at least pretend to be a police officer." I laughed at that.

"The tracking devices that were in the equipment he provided, have been returned to his office," continued Umber with a smile.

"How did you like your bike ride?" I asked.

Umber blushed, for a slave girl that takes some doing.

"Oh my Master, thank you so much for letting me do that. I was just so excited. I came and came. It was just so thrilling. Marine Phelps said that she would teach me how to ride." She lowered her head, "If that is alright with my Master, that is?" she asked very quietly.

I almost blanched at the thought of precious little Umber, riding one of those huge and obscenely powerful bikes.

I smiled, "Of course you can, if that is what you want Umber dearest. Just be careful, it would break my heart to lose you in an accident."

I'm sure Umber's squeal of delight would have been audible over the sound of Katie's bike, even when she was revving the engine.

"Take Monsieur Liemann's new documents to him. I'm sure that he'll want to be on his way as soon as he can. Please ask Carol to arrange a recognition signal for him, and ask her to let Em and Melissa that he's coming over. Nina can carry it over and vouch for Oscar too.

"Yes, Master," Umber called as she ran back into the Chateau.

I stood for a few moments after she went out of my sight, thinking about Umber and how she'd grown since that first day that I met her. She had blossomed so much. I loved her. I love all of my girls, each in a slightly different way. I had found that the more that I loved people, the more I was able to love, the easier it came to me, and how much it was reciprocated. Love shared grew without bounds; love held within dies such a lonely death.

-------

Feeling restless I left my office for a little walk.

Cecy and Harold were by the pool.

"Paul, come and join us," Harold called. Cecy looked up and waved.

"In a while, I just want a quick walk first," I replied.

"OK, maybe we'll see you later," said Harold. Cecy just turned over onto her back and got on with the serious business of topping up her tan.

Industrious sounds came from the marine's garden. I peeked in and saw four girls tending the veg patch that Brian Dixon had started. They had achieved wonders in this garden and I'm sure that they were now reaping the benefits of their hard work.

I had to smile about Brian Dixon. How on earth he'd been drafted here, to 'the Finishing School' I don't know. Though I suspected that his draft was done to embarrass Aggie and, if possible, to kill me. He'd done well here though. Paula and Elastic both thought highly of him.

That reminds me, "Girl," I called, but quietly as I was sure that one of them would be within a couple of feet of me. "Remind me to ask Elastic about Marine Dixon."

"Yes, Master."

Not immediately recognising her voice I turned round. She was one of my 'new' girls.

"What's your name dear girl?" I asked.

She looked a little shocked and her eyes flickered left and right, almost as if she was desperately looking for an escape route.

"M ... My n ... name ... Master?"

I smiled, trying to reassure her that I really did want to know her name.

"Yes, dear girl, your name. The name you like to be called."

"Master Tadeusz called me Beate."

"So Beate, what name do you call yourself in the quiet of the night?"

She dropped her gaze to the floor. Hardly loud enough for me to heard she said, "This girl was once called Mika..."

"Would you like to be called Mika again?" I asked softly.

Jerkily she nodded her head, "This girl thanks her Master for his kindness. Mika was the name this girl's mother called her." She looked up at me with tears in her eyes.

Mika was quite young, 20 or so, and I thought that Mika's mother wouldn't be too old. I wondered where her mother was now.

"Do you know where your mother is now?" I asked her, hardly expecting the poor girl to know.

"She was sold to the factor, Master."

"Well, when you have reminded me the things I want to check up on, you go and ask Mistress Joan if she can help you find your mother. And remind me to ask all of my other girls if they want to try and find their family.

With a shake Mika looked up. "Master, you and my sisters are my family now. It would be wrong for this girl to go chasing after dreams that can never come true. This girl is not sure that she would recognise her mother if she met her. This girl is happy here, Master. This girl just wants to serve her Master well."

"You are serving me well Mika. Now, no dream is impossible. If you want to try and find your mother, ask Mistress Joan. She'll see what she can find out for you."

"Thank you Master. This girl will think about this. May this girl ask Umber and Karolina for advice Master?"

"Of course you can, you should ask any one of us if you think that we can advise you properly." I replied.

Paula's training ground was next. There were four groups going through their exercises. I noticed Oscar in the beginners section. I wonder if he felt a little put down by Paula making him start at the bottom. Though, looking at how he was doing with the other novices, I think Paula was right. Oscar did have a lot to catch up on.

Collette was in the advanced group. I was happy for her that she'd progressed so far. She would soon be ready to take the pictures and other blackmail documents back to her father, Trystan.

I was surprised to see nearly all of my gold collar girls standing in line with Collette. I watched for a few minutes and studied each girl as she went through their practice. I was very impressed with the standard that they'd all achieved.

Then I saw Trace in the far corner of the training ground. She was in the second group. She looked good. She was now toned and graceful, her movements flowed and she seemed relaxed as she finished her kata.

"Mika, remind me to ask Prof how he's getting on finding out about Chalkie."

Mika gasped at my use of her name, "Master, this girl does not have enough status for her Master to acknowledge her directly." She looked shocked that I should deign to notice her.

I smiled, and turned to the girls on the training ground. "Jo!" I called.

Jo stopped immediately and turned to face me, "Master?" she replied.

"What status does the lowest of my slaves hold, Jo?" I called.

All of my girls turned and in unison, as though they'd practiced, together they called out, "You are the Baron, the lowest of your slaves holds more status than the wife's, favourites and mistresses of every other owner." Then they knelt in supplication to me, their Master. Tears filled my eyes as I watched this spontaneous act of submission.

I smiled at their display, then gave a slight bow to Paula who was frowning at me. Paula gave me a matching bow and then called her pupils back to their training.

"So, you see Mika, you have high status because you belong to me. And let no one tell you differently."

Mika stood looking at Jo and the others, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly in her shock.

I lifted her chin up, closing her mouth.

"Now Mika dear, do you remember the things I told you?" I asked.

"Of course Master. This girl is just a foolish slave, but she remembers her Masters words well."

"Come then, let's walk."

Mika moved to stand behind me on my left, and followed as I wandered through the Chateau.

-------

"Well Boss, things are coming to a head now," said Julie, "We've had reports of some police officers being stoned in the streets. Other officers have been pulled out of dangerous situations and protected by the same rioters. The locals have sussed out the most corrupt of the police. Surprisingly it's been the small time criminals who've spread the word. These small timers were being blamed for nearly all of the crime in the county. They were being fitted up for anything and everything." Julie shook her head, "The worms have really turned."

Julie moved the mouse she held and, with a click, started a video playing. The video showed a number of people, all dressed in hoodies which obscured their features, pushing a huge number of letters or documents through a letterbox.

"This is the front door of Albert Drummond's flat. Yesterday our reporter met with one of her informants. He gave our reporter a large pack of proofs and testimonies regarding the activities of the county constabulary. Later we recorded these people posting a huge number of documents. One of the outside cameras spotted the informant's car waiting just round the corner from this flat."

Julie nodded to her colleagues, "We believe that most of the people involved in providing our reporter with this information are these petty criminals. We think that they believe that if they can get rid of the corrupt officers then they would have a better chance of only being charged with the crimes that they have actually done." She smiled, "There will be mistakes of course. But with honest officers in charge, these should just be mistakes and not deliberate frame ups."

Julie sat down and 2 stood.

"Boss, I've some bad news. We can't find Charles White at all."

It took me a few moments to realise that Charles White was in fact Chalkie.

Julie continued, "We know that he was picked up by a number of police officers, we actually have that on a mobile phone video. However, we can't locate him in any of the police stations that we've access to."

I nodded, "I thought that this might me the case. Chalkie was probably causing them too many problems. And they deal quite harshly with that sort of people. I'll tell Trace." I stood and walked back out the training ground. Trace was wiping herself down after her training and laughing and joking with some of the other girls.

"Trace," I said as I approached, "Can I have a word?"

Trace turned and looked at me. She must have known from my sombre expression that my news wasn't good.

"Oh noooo!" she cried, "Not Dad, please not Dad."

I took her in my arms as she cried. I didn't say anything. I didn't have anything to say. I could only offer my arms for support and understanding.

-------

LONDON

Bertie helped Sally out of the taxi and they looked round the large central green and the imposing buildings that surrounded it.

"Heard a lot about this place, but I never thought I'd be coming here on business," said Sally.

"Well, with all of these documents, we need the best that we can get. And these people have been recommended by a number of my most trusted friends," said Bertie.

They walked over to the first building on their left.

"These are the odd numbers, the one we want must be over on that side," said Sally.

Barite smiled. "That's where you're wrong Sal pet. These buildings were built before Napoleon started the odd and even street numbering. The numbers here go in sequence. The one we want is three doors up."

Hand in hand, and both clutching large briefcases, they walked along the road eyes flicking everywhere, taking in the sights of this strange place so far away from the small city they were used to. Very quickly they came to the right door and Bertie read out the name on the name plate.

"Dempsey," he said, "This is the place." He stepped up to the door and rang the bell.

The door opened and a smiling woman invited them in.

"Good Morning Sir, Madam. Mr. Morton is waiting for you."

Bertie and Sally entered number 4, Lincolns Inn Fields. Not quite sure of what they would find, but certain that they needed the best help they could get.

-------

Chateau Martinè

I was FURIOUS!!!!

I shredded the paper that gleefully proclaimed that the Reverend Josiah Michael Abrahams had been invited to speak at a conference of Chief Police Officers hosted by the ACPO. He was being regarded as a major force in international policing.

Why the fuck was this jumped up prat being held in such high regard by the world's police? I bet his degree and PhD were phony too. I was sure that he was just a conman on a huge roll. One day his bubble would burst and I hope that every one of those sycophantic dickheads would be held to account for being taken in by such a chancer. (Note 1)

I just wondered where on Earth did he get his money from? He jetted everywhere in a private jet, stayed in the best hotels and was frequently seen in the company of Politian's and celebrities of all brands.

I was in a FOUL mood.

One of the new girls accidently strayed into my path and I nearly bit her head off in my anger.

Mika grabbed the unfortunate and eased her out of my sight.

"Master, if you would like to punish a girl, please use this girl and not that girl. That girl has ... problems ... with punishments."

I stopped and stared at her. This was too much like Julie and her standing up for the other girls.

I stared at Mika for a long time as I worked through my anger.

Finally I was able to rationally examine what had happened here.

"Mika, get me Umber and that girl, I'll see you all in my office."

"Yes Master," said Mika and Umber together.

I strode to my office, I was still angry about the Reverend Josiah Michael Abrahams, but I was now able to control my anger.

I settled into my chair and sipped at a mug of tea, while I waited for the three girls. They entered through the main door and knelt at the side of my desk.

"Umber, I have been told that this slave," I pointed to the one I'd terrorised, "Has a problem with being punished. Please can you find out what the problem is and if we can do anything to help her?"

"MASTER," she said, in as much of a rebuke as any of my girls gave me. "You mustn't say please to your slaves, we get uppity if you do that."

She smiled at me, a smile I returned.

"You, girl," I pointed at the girl, "Go and wait outside Umber's office."

"Yes Master," she called as she ran away.

"Now Umber, this is Mika, I want her scheduled to serve me personally for the next three or four weeks."

Mika looked a little unsure if this was a good thing or not.

"Yes my Master," said Umber with a big grin.

-------

Note 1 – Chancer; a conman, 'wide-boy', someone who plays the system to his own benefit. Someone who tries to project a false image.



-------

Chapter 96


I sat in the car watching the countryside as one of Elastic's marines drove me to the factory. Soon, I would own all of the land between Martinè and the factory. There were only three or four blocks remaining and their owners were willing to sell, it was the price that we were negotiating now. For these last few hectares I was willing to be a little more generous, but I wouldn't be ripped off.

The driveway into the factory itself had changed considerably. The road was now a single lane wide and made a number of very sharp bends. There were deep ditches on either side as well. No truck bomb could be driven to the factory without going into the ditches or being blown to pieces by the guard towers on top of the factory itself.

The grounds were clean and gardens had been planted. I heard the squeals of children having fun and saw a group of women practicing Tai Chi. All in all; it seemed to be an idyllic place.

The car pulled up in the large forecourt and I got out and looked over the gleaming white walls and shining windows. Mika stood beside me looking round in awe.

"This looks wonderful, Master," she said, "Do you have a problem making the slaves keep it this clean?"

I had to laugh.

"Mika, the last time I saw this factory it was dirty and run-down. The slaves themselves wanted to repair and paint their home, I just paid for the materials."

Jill came hurrying out of the building, I opened my arms to her and we hugged.

"Master, welcome to June's."

"June's?" I said, smiling at her.

"Yes, Master. Karen thought that as she was expanding beyond just lingerie, it would be better to just drop that from the name. Her design and production is now all under the name June's."

"Well, in that case, Jill, please show me around June's." I said with a smile.

Jill shook her head, "Master," she said in a very good imitation of Umber, "You shouldn't say please to slaves, as Umber says, we get uppity."

I hugged her again and then she led me across the lawn to a group of children running and playing.

"Master, the children of June's are ready for your inspection," said a woman. She clapped her hands and the kids ran to us and crowded round. They were all bright-eyed and attentive. They didn't show any fear of Mika or I, just a lively interest in the new people in their world.

"I know you," cried a small boy from the back of the group. "You're the man wot send the bad people away. You gave us Mistress Karen to look after us."

"Yes, I am." I answered. "Do you like it here with Mistress Karen and Mistress Jill?"

He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Mistress Karen makes us go to school, but Mistress Jill gets loads of good things for us to eat." His eyes widened as he remembered special treats. "Have you ever had a banana? They're wonderful aren't they?" he continued without waiting for my answer.

The children round him nodded their agreement.

A small girl tugged on my trousers, "Are you the Master?" she asked.

"Yes, I am."

"Why does my Mummy have to work on the top of the factory?" she asked.

I knelt down to her. This was obviously something that puzzled and concerned her.

"I don't know. Perhaps I can ask and find out for you."

She looked a little sad, as though she'd been promised much in the past; and received little from those promises.

"Why don't you come with me and then you can be with me when I ask?"

"I don't know if 314 will let me go. She's my teacher and she is quite strict."

"Of course you can go with our Master," said 314. "You should know that he is the one who we all rely on for everything we have. He is the one who gave us Mistress Karen."

"Well, you hold on to this lady's hand and you can come with us as we go look round your home. We'll ask about your Mummy and see why she works on the roof."

I pointed to Mika and the girl held up a small, and slightly grubby, hand. Mika held her hand with a smile.

"My name is Mika, what's your name?" Mika asked.

"I used to be called 723, but Mistress Karen said that all of the children had to have names like free people do, so Mummy said that I was to be called Ruth," she answered.

"Come along then, Ruth," I said, "Let's go and see what we can find out."

I turned to 314, "Thank you for looking after these children so well. I'm sure that their parents are reassured by your care for them."

Tears came to her eyes, "Master, it has always been my wish to teach children. I finally have my lifelong desire. You never have to thank me; I thank you every day I wake for freeing us from the tyranny we suffered under. And then you gave us Mistress Karen and Mistress Jill. No, our Master, I," she gestured around her, "We, all thank you."

We started walking round the building, taking in the obvious improvements, the lawns and gardens, vegetable gardens, flower beds terraces and shaded paths. Everywhere we went the working women would stop work and kneel.

We saw 10,000 in the distance, mowing a huge field with a small unpowered hand lawn mower. I think that the grass was growing faster than he could cut it.

A woman came running up to Mika, "Mistress, let me take the girl. You have much more important things to do for our Master."

Mika laughed, "Do you think that this child is unimportant?" She asked with a smile.

The woman nodded her head, "She is just a child of no import. A child of a slave, what status could she have?"

Mika looked at Ruth, "Ruth dearest child, I was told this myself just yesterday, told by one of our Master's gold-collared slaves. 'Our Master is The Baron. Even the lowest of his slaves has more status than the wives, favourites and mistresses of all the other owners.' You, Ruth, have the opportunity to become a personal slave or body slave for our Master. Nothing is beyond your grasp."

Mika looked back at the woman who'd tried to take Ruth away from her, "It is my privilege to escort this high-status girl for my Master. It is her privilege to accompany her Master too."

"Yes, Mistress," the woman replied, she looked a little shocked by Mika's words. I smiled at her, "Come with us, you might be able to answer some questions for us."

In the building, the ground floor was taken up by communal spaces, school areas, indoor play grounds, to one side were a number of computers, two or three small kitchen areas with kettles and coffee making facilities; all in all a comfortable relaxation area. The various areas were painted according to their function, pastels for the rest areas, more dramatic and dynamic colour schemes for the more active areas.

A woman seated at a desk in the school area saw us approaching and came and knelt before us.

"Master," she said with a smile, "The school for June's children is ready for your inspection."

"Thank you, please show me around." I said.

"Master!" hissed Jill, "You're doing it again."

I gave a small chuckle, "Show me the school, let slave Jill have the protocols that she desires."

The school teacher ... administrator ... looked a little puzzled.

"Yes Master," she started, "This is the first class area, it comprises of 15 pupils taught by three teachers..."

"Are they qualified in any way?" I asked.

She looked at me as though she couldn't understand the question.

"Qualified, Master?"

"Yes, teaching or educational qualifications," I elaborated.

"For the children of slave's Master?"

"Yes, for the children of my slaves."

"Oh," she was now sure that she'd done wrong and was on her way to a punishment. "I don't know, Master. We never thought to ask. I don't have any qualifications."

She knelt down, then placed her forehead on the floor. "This girl has failed her Master and is ready for her punishment."

I could hear the barely restrained tears in her choked voice.

"Stand girl, tell me your name." I ordered.

She stood and faced me, tear tracks ran down her face.

"This miserable wretch is 776, Master," she said.

"Well 776, your punishment is to organise every one of the school teachers and school staff to obtain their qualifications. I want you to ensure that the best people are running this school and that the best people are teaching in it. Do you understand?"

"But Master, that will take years," she said.

"Yes, so you'd better get started as soon as you can, hadn't you."

She nodded, "And my whipping, Master?"

"776, before you have finished this task, I am sure that you will have wondered if being whipped might not have been easier."

We moved on, leaving a confused 776 behind us.

"Mika, remind me to have someone check the progress of the school staff's education monthly at least. And I need to get Nigel Williams to increase this place's budget to account for the travel and university costs."

"Yes Master," she answered.

We moved upstairs to the first floor. (Note 1) This was the first of the working floors. It was light and airy. The windows had been cleaned until they gleamed. The walls had been painted, again soft pastel colours, colours which relaxed. The machines were all clean and fitted with sturdy safety guards. Posts in the centre of the room, alongside each machine held emergency stop buttons. I turned and saw more of the large red buttons by the door.

Each row of looms was widely-spaced, giving the workers plenty of room. There were two tables at each workstation. One held the tools and equipment needed to service the loom, the other held food and drinks for the worker. Each of the workers was intent on her job, letting nothing interfere with her duties. Three women walked slowly up and down the central walkway.

I heard one of the workers call out "Relief!"

One of the women in the centre aisle hurried over to her and took over her machine. The relieved worker hurried to the other end of the building and entered the living quarters. To go to the toilet, I presumed. Less than two minutes later she returned and took over her loom again.

Karen had certainly set up good conditions for the workers here.

I turned and we went up to the second floor.

This was the same as the floor below. This time though I called one of the centre walkers over.

"Yes Master?" she asked as she knelt in front of me.

"I would like to see your living quarters. Is that permissible?" I asked.

"Master!" she was shocked, "You are our Master, you can go anywhere and see anything. Please Master come and see the wonderful things that Mistress Karen has provided for us."

The door into the living quarters was actually a double door. The two effectively kept all of the loom noise out of the living and sleeping areas.

The living area was like a huge family room. There were three seating areas, comfortable sofas surrounding well-made tables. Rugs were spread here and there, but mainly the wooden flooring, gleaming from daily polishing, was open to view. There was another set of doors at the end of this room. I went through and found myself in a large, communal, bedroom.

A bathroom door opened and a young woman came out. She saw me and hurried over to a low bed. She stood there looking a little unsure as to what she should do.

"Hello," I said to her.

"Er, Hi." She was quite nervous. "You're the boss of this place aren't you?"

"Yes, I am." I replied. "Were you brought over here from England?" I asked. I had suggested that the women rescued from exploitation in the UK, could be brought here.

She nodded, "I was being forced to work as a prostitute. But a bloke called Prof found me and sent me over here. The people here are good. I can't work the looms yet, but I'm trying. And I've mostly cleaned up. They only have to help me a bit now." She looked worried for some reason.

Then another woman came over, I saw this one was tattooed with a number, 27.

"Sandra, this is the master that we've talked about. He's not going to send you back and he doesn't want anything from you. He has many, many women and girls who would gladly share his bed and perform anything he wished. So he doesn't need to make you do anything for him. You were brought here to help you. So relax, help where you can, and when you're better, when you can take care of yourself, then, if you want, you can go home."

Sandra turned to 27 and almost sagged, "I'm trying, I really am trying, but it's so hard. He made me take so much of that junk, he made me take it every day. I couldn't stop, I always needed more. And then he said he would kill me if I ever left him. He said he'd kill my boy too..."

27 hugged her. "David is downstairs playing with the other children. You are both safe here, the warriors on the roof will stop anyone getting here and harming any of us."

Sandra turned to me, "Are there really people on the roof? People with guns and stuff?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Why don't we go and find out." I suggested. I held out my hand and she took it, holding on to me with a vice-like grip, holding on as though her life or sanity depended on not letting go. I wasn't sure of her stability, perhaps it did.

"Let's go there now, let's see for ourselves."

We climbed up to the roof, emerging into the blustery wind on one end of the building. Immediately, two women wearing flak jackets came over to us, their hands resting lightly on their side-arms. They relaxed when they saw Jill.

"822, Brenda, this is our Master. You all must learn to recognise him," said Jill quite sharply.

"Yes Mistress," answered one of the women. The other was staring intently at me. Sandra hung onto my arm, half hiding behind me.

We left the shelter of the stairway into the open area of the roof itself. There were defensive positions at each corner and halfway along each of the longer sides. I could also see extra gun mounting points almost every metre along the wall. In the centre of the roof there was a small control post. Monitors showed the surrounding countryside, one was obviously infrared, its green screen showing a fox crossing the clear ground about a mile away.

"Well Sandra, there ARE warriors on the roof." I said, with a little laugh.

"Yes, there are. I'm sorry I didn't believe 27, she's been very good to me."

"RUTH!" a woman cried, "What are you doing up here?"

"Mummy!" Ruth ran over to her mother and they hugged.

"Oh Master, I'm so sorry she disturbed you, she should know better than to pester people, especially you, my Master. She's always wanting to know why I'm up here." Ruth's mother was very worried about possible repercussions from her daughter's actions.

I smiled at her, trying to ease her fears a little.

"Why don't you show her what you do and tell her why you want to be up here and not down with the loom workers or doing another job?" I suggested.

Ruth and her mother went over to the corner post, talking all the time. The other women there turned and greeted Ruth warmly. I noticed that only one woman at a time took her attention off her area of cover. These women may not be trained professionals, but that had a high standard of professionalism. With the right training, they would be a formidable force.

I turned to Jill, 822 and Brenda, "So who set all of this up?" I asked with interest.

"The Coven came over for a week, and two of Paula's girls have given some input too. We've had three test exercises so far. The first time they got inside and would have killed a lot of us before the second floor girls just swarmed them. If that had been real, we'd have lost a lot of those girls, but I watched them, Master, they just threw themselves onto the attackers. Eight of them suffered bad injuries, burns and broken bones. But they wouldn't quit. When we called off the exercise they were cheering." Jill's eyes glazed a little as she remembered the occasion.

"The second time, they never even got past the road constriction. That is a wonder isn't it? And it was dug by the women themselves, by hand. They worked like demons, Master. They really want to defend this place. They won't let anyone just come in and take over."

"And the third exercise?" I asked grinning.

"We creamed them at the outer markers Master. They never got near enough to do any damage."

"What do the original slaves think about the English women who are coming here?"

Jill turned to face me, "Master, send any of those women that you can. The girls here are disgusted at the treatment that those women have suffered. They themselves have been treated badly, but, as they themselves have said, they're slaves. These women are supposed to be freewomen. Freewomen aren't supposed to be treated like that. Our women are integrating them into our family. Some, like Sandra there, well, they have major problems. To start with they need major drug supplies just to survive. Then they have been so terrorised that almost anything can send them screaming. Most have settled with us now Master. A few are looking forward to the day that they can go home, but for most of those women, this has become their home."

"Who was the man that Sandra was so frightened of?" I asked.

Jill shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know Master, Sandra's carer should know though."

"Good, make sure that I have a chance to speak to her carer before I leave.

Jill smiled, "Of course Master."

I smiled to myself. Perhaps a quick trip over to England would break up the time I had to wait for the Coven and Karolina & Ela's project to come to fruition.

I could quieten one woman's demons. It may not be much in the whole scheme of things, but I think that, for Sandra, it would be a big thing.

-------

"Winston Kingswell Jones, Master," said 27, showing me a drawing of a 25ish coloured man.

Jamaican, I thought, possibly a 'yardie'. (Note 2)

"He's a very bad man to cross, he has a gang of about six to eight, they run twenty or so girls. It's the usual story, he befriends the girls, takes them to nightclubs, treats them quite well. Then he starts getting them hooked on hard drugs. Then the girls find out what they have to do to earn their daily fix. If they try to run, well, the last girl who ran was caught and whipped to death with a wire coat-hanger. They made the other girls watch.

I stared at the drawing; it was well done, showing the meanness and violence that Winston was capable of. I looked forward to seeing this man. Preferably in my rifle's sights.

-------

I didn't even bother trying to prevent Alison from accompanying me this time. I drove our van to the Calais ferry terminal, she drove us to Leicester. Pulling into the motorway services to the west of the city, we saw my VW Polo. Parked next to it was an equally shabby looking Fiat Punto.

The keys to both cars were in a magnetic Key safe attached to the Polo's underside. I extracted the keys and we loaded our kit into the smaller cars.

Alison took the Polo, I drove the Punto. The Punto was new to me, I knew it had a diesel engine, but I was shocked at its acceleration. The engine might have been a diesel, but it was 1.9 litre and turbo-charged. A ridiculously over-powered little car.

Alison and I made our separate ways into the city.

-------

Something was very wrong. Winston was supposed to be a pimp. Yet he didn't 'handle' his girls directly. His lieutenants seem to take care of that. Winston toured round in a variety of vehicles. A small van, three 'pimp-mobiles', a Luton-bodied transit, and a large Jag.

Finding Winston had been easy. He and his girls still used the same houses that Sandra had been rescued from. We watched as the girls left and returned with their clients. Taking photos of as many of the girls as we could. These we sent back to the factory for analysis.

During a trip to a local supermarket I found a small problem. I saw her walking slowly down the street and I knew immediately she was a run-away slave.

I stepped up to her, "You; follow me," I ordered. Then I turned and walked into the shop.

I got a trolley and started my shopping.

"You're a run-away aren't you?"

"Yes master." Her reply was heartbreaking. She'd nearly found her freedom and been caught walking along the street.

I was really glad that I was the one who caught her. With me she'd live, any other owner would have used her as a screaming lesson for their other slaves.

"Please master, I beg of you, please kill me quickly," her voice told me volumes of the desperation she must have been in to run, knowing the certain punishment if, no, when, she was caught.

I lifted her chin and looked at her long narrow, tear stained, face.

"I am the Baron, some slaves call me the Bastard Baron. You will live your life out with me."

Her eyes widened when I said my name, she'd heard of me at least. Possibly that would help me settle her and get her to our safe house without major problems.

"Where does your Master live?" I asked, continuing with my shopping.

She mentioned an address in a village a few miles out of the city itself.

"Well, come girl; give me a hand with this shopping." I needed her help, I had to buy for three now. She'd have to stay with us until I completed or abandoned my mission here.

-------

"Master," Alison's cheerful greeting warmed me. "Oh," she said as my run-away entered the room behind me.

Alison looked at her; she too wasn't fooled for a second.

"You found a run-away, Master?" though that wasn't really the question her words asked.

"Yes, and I couldn't just leave her on the streets, you know what would happen when her master, or any other owner found her, don't you?"

"Oh, yes, my Master." Alison replied. Then she went and hugged the new girl.

"You are so lucky; you've been rescued by the best Master in the world.

The new girl broke down crying, "I've run away from my Master, and now your master has to kill me."

"Shhh now, you don't know who my Master is, you really did get found by the one Master who'll look after you properly."

I started putting the shopping away while Alison comforted the new girl.

"MASTER!" Alison cried, "You shouldn't do that!" She took a bag of frozen peas from me. "Master, why don't you go and do Master-type things with the new girl, while I sort this out?"

I hugged Alison to me and kissed her forehead.

"Oh my Master," she sighed, "What would I do without you?"

"Let's hope you never have to find out, eh?" I said with a chuckle.

I went back into the living room and looked at the very nervous girl.

"What's your name girl?" I asked, we couldn't keep calling her 'the new girl'."

"This girl was called Helen by her Master," she answered.

"I'm going to keep calling you Helen for a while."

"Whatever you wish master." She replied.

"Now the big question, do you want to go back to your Master?"

Tears ran freely now.

"Please master, just kill me, this girl can't go back to him. I just can't..." she sobbed.

I hugged her and she cried into my shirt.

"So, in that case, I want you to write down your master's name and address for me and I'll buy you from him. You'll become one of my girls."

"But why, master, why would you want me? Aren't you afraid that I'll run away from you too?"

Alison laughed out loud hearing this. "Helen, I give you three days, after that time no one could drive you away from our Master."

Helen looked at Alison, "If you say so, Sister."

Alison nodded, "I say so."

We got back to the serious business of trying to analyse Winston's movements. It was Helen that gave us the break.

"Where do I put these drugs, master?" she asked, holding out a couple of packs of paracetamol.

Alison and I both exclaimed, "DRUGS!"

It made sense, Winston was moving in to the more lucrative drugs business. He'd passed his string of girls on to a couple of his lieutenants, and was concentrating on building a drugs empire.

While this wasn't really what I wanted to hear, it covered all of the data we'd gathered so far.

Now we needed to change our tactics a little, and we needed a few more ... specialised ... weapons.

-------

Helen proved herself loyal and brave over the next 10 days. She started buying from Winston and his dealers, small amounts at first, then larger doses. To maintain the fiction of being an addict, Helen started using the products she bought.

She lost weight and her complexion suffered too. But every day she looked me in the eye, "My Master, I want to do this for you. I know there are dangers, but I'm getting good information for you." She looked at Alison, "If it gets too much, if you can't save me, promise I won't suffer, please..."

Alison and I hugged Helen and tried to reassure her that we would do anything we could to wean her off these drugs. We didn't say more, but I knew that both Alison and I, or any of my girls, would ease Helen's suffering should it come to that.

-------

"Master!" Alison's call woke me from a fitful sleep.

"Master, they've taken Helen."

"What happened?" I asked.

"Helen was doing her daily score when they just threw her in the back of a van and drove off."

Alison and I had discussed the dangers that we thought Helen could get into, I don't think we mentioned being kidnapped though.

There was nothing we could do at the moment so we settled down to wait and watch.

"They're back," called Alison three hours later.

I watched the CCTV monitor, the van backed into its usual position and two burly men got out. The passenger went round to the back of the van, a few moments later he pushed Helen forward into the street. Laughing, the men watched as she stumbled away.

I promised myself that those two would get a particularly unpleasant death.

-------

"They only wanted to rape me a little, after all I'm just a mobile cunt to them," said Helen in the lifeless tones she descended into.

Now was the time to get Helen out of here, she'd done more than I'd asked of her, she'd suffered her own personal hell descending into addiction, and now this rape. Now was the time to get her somewhere safe, somewhere she could heal.

Calling for help was easy; some of my girls had set up another safe house only eight miles away. Letting go of Helen though, that was hard.

Watching Jo drive her away, I found that tears came to my eyes so easily.

"Alison, call Karen, I want a gold collar for that girl."

Alison smiled, "Of course Master, she's earned it ten times over."

There was another complication though; Umber has sent a cheque to Helen's former master. He'd accepted the monies, but warned Umber that if he ever saw Helen again, he'd kill her on sight. Umber suggested that that might not be the best thing for his health. He replied by sending a letter bomb.

He too was going to die.

-------

Helen's former master's death was ridiculously easy. He liked opera, and had a private box at the Glasgow Opera House. A ticket to a performance of Rigoletto only cost two hundred pounds each for Alison and I.

While I never liked 'collateral damage', (that sounds better than 'killing innocents' doesn't it?) his guards should have chosen their principal better. Alison shot one, I got the other.

Entering the box, during the performance, we found him, seated with a girl's head buried in his lap, and another, very well-dressed, girl, seated beside him. The seated girl turned and I saw she was going to scream, but a single bullet in her brain convinced her not too.

The sound of his favourite slumping to the ground made him turn. His hand was going into his jacket when the girl on her knees clamped down on his penis, very, very hard.

The shock silenced him until I could complete the job with a second bullet.

Spitting out blood, the kneeling slave got up, kicked both her Master, and his lady, in the face and turned to me.

"Can I come with you?" she asked calmly.

I looked at her for a moment and then made up my mind.

"Does he have any other girls?" I asked.

She nodded, "Only four more, one girl managed to run away a few weeks ago."

She sounded as though she too would have liked to do that.

"Helen?" I asked.

"You found her?" she asked in surprise.

I smiled, "Yes, Helen is mine now, as are you and your sisters."

She shrugged, "You can't be any worse than him," she spat on his corpse, "I'll serve you Master."

"Get his keys and we'll get the others then."

She took her late master's keys from his pocket and handed then to me.

"He called me Jemima," she almost spat that name out.

"What name do you prefer?" I asked her as we strolled out of the opera house. I doubt that the deaths would be discovered for three or four hours yet.

As we got into my Punto, I ordered, "Tell Alison how to get to your former home. And then you can tell me if there is anything that you think I should know about."

"Yes master," she said with a smile.

"The name I was given at birth was Nicola, if it please my Master, I would like to be called Nicola."

"Well Nicola, which way do we go now, then?" asked Alison.

Nicola guided us out of the city and onto the road towards Ayr. We arrived at a remote country house about an hour later.

The house was unlocked and four slaves were waiting for us when we arrived. On seeing Nicola, their eyes opened wide in surprise.

"This is our new Master. He found Helen too," Nicola told them.

"Alison, call Jo, I want these girls taken over to the Chateau as soon as possible."

"The Chateau?" asked one of the girls, "In France?"

"Yes, in France." I answered.

She looked a little misty-eyed, "The Bastard Baron is supposed to live in a Chateau in France."

I smiled, my reply interrupted Alison, "Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to meet him some day."

Alison smiled at me, and slowly shook her head.

We waited until Jo arrived with a mini-bus. The girls collected everything that they wished to take and their passports, and boarded the bus to a new life.

-------

Rapist one and Rapist two were in the same alleyway that had been their prime dealing location for a number of weeks now.

Smiling I walked right up to Rapist one and held out two fifty pound notes.

"Two wraps of H, please," I said.

He took the money from me and started to turn to Rapist two. That's when I jabbed the tube of my shark scarer into his belly. The shotgun shell that was fired was a blank. But, as the end of the shell was less than a quarter of an inch from his belly, and pointing upwards, that didn't make any difference at all. All of the sound from the shell was suppressed by his body. He looked at me in surprise, his diaphragm, lungs, heart, most of his liver, all of the central organs, had been blasted upward and were now a liquified mess at the top of his body cavity.

His brain though, that was still working fine, and would for about the next two minutes. He knew that I'd just killed him, but had no way of warning his partner.

He fell forward onto his face, laying out his length on the soiled alleyway. Rapist two came over, holding out a wicked-looking knife at me. I backed off as he bent over to look at Rapist one. That's when Alison jabbed another scarer into Rapist two's arse.

Rapist two's head shot upward, he too was already dead, we were all waiting on his body realising that fact.

"You shouldn't have raped my girl; that was unforgivable." I told them both. Their eyes told me that they heard me.

"Well, well, well, what have we here then?" asked a voice from the alleyway's entry.

-------

Note 1 - In Europe, the floor which is level with the outside ground, is the 'Ground' floor. The one above that is the 'First' floor. Then second, third etc. On a lift / elevator, the floor numbering is G, 1, 2, 3...

Note 2 – Yardie; see http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=yardie



-------

Chapter 97

I looked round, there was a tall, muscular man blocking our exit from the alley. He held a baseball bat in his left hand.

SHIT! We'd planned this take-down for when there wasn't normally any people around. Where the fuck did he come from?

He walked forward slowly, looked down at Rapists one and two. "Both dead?" he asked conversationally.

"Yes," I replied.

"Good, saves me doing it." He held out his hand, "Gerry Campbel, local butcher and, until two minutes ago, prospective drug dealer killer. Pleased to meet you," he smiled at me, then nodded towards Alison. "Ma'am," he said politely.

Alison nodded in reply.

"Are you part of The Movement?" he asked. We could hear the capitals in those words. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bronze coin which he showed to me. It was nearly an inch across, and showed the image of Saint George slaying the dragon. I'd never seen one of these before; I wonder where he got it from?

Alison saw it and showed him a similar coin. Hers though, was silver. Gerry became much more respectful to Alison and seemed to dismiss me completely.

"Doesn't he have one yet?" Gerry asked.

Alison reached into a pocket and extracted another coin, this one though, shone brightly, it was obviously a 'proof' coin; it was slightly larger than the other two; and looked heavier. It was in gold.

"Oh," said Gerry in surprise.

"I didn't know, sorry." He looked back to the mouth of the alley, "I need to let some people go back to work, we've arranged to dispose of the bodies."

He looked at me expectantly, "If there is anything we can do to help, just come to my shop," he named a butcher's shop just along the street, "And tell me or the Wife."

He held out his hand and we shook, he then shook hands with Alison, "You two get along now, I'm sure that you've got better things to do than take out this sort of trash."

Gerry turned to the road, "Come on, lads, let's get this done," he called. Four men came into the alley; they ignored us and loaded the two bodies into wheelbarrows. A minute later they were gone.

"Sir, Ma'am," said Gerry, then he too left.

I looked at Alison and she just shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know anything about them, Master," she said.

We left.

-------

"Alison what were those coins? The ones you showed to Gerry?" I asked.

Alison retrieved the two coins, "Master, this girl asks that you don't touch either coin. Possession of one of these coins is circumstantial evidence of complicity in any one of a number of crimes, neither of these coins have your DNA on them, you can deny having anything to do with them."

I looked at her and then understanding dawned. My girls would carry my coin, and show it if it became necessary, like today. But if arrested, I didn't have possession of the coin, nor could it be traced back to me forensically. My girls were safeguarding me.

"Are these June's coins?" I asked.

Alison smiled, "Yes Master. Mistress Sasha approved the designs. They are good, aren't they?"

I agreed, they were very good. I was proud of what my girls could achieve.

"Put them away, precious girl. Thank you for looking after me," I was humbled that they thought so much of me to do this.

"Master, your girls are proud to be able to do this small thing for you, you do so much for us, it's nice to be able to serve you as a good slave should."

I kissed her, a kiss she returned in full. With a shrug of her shoulders, her dress pooled around her ankles. We made sweet, sweet love on the floor.

-------

I sat looking at all of the data we'd gathered. I wanted to bring an end to Winston's reign as pimp and drug dealer once and for all.

Obviously there were a number of ways we could do this. If we just killed him and his men, someone else would just walk in and take over his patch. We had to make sure that anyone would think twice before stepping into the power vacuum we'd be leaving. The one way to do this was to make Winston & Co's deaths as messy and public as possible. Send a message, "Don't piss on my patch or else!"

Alison visited the butchers, help was requested and two gorgeous steaks were obtained. We would be ready on Saturday night, the night of the big local football derby. The crowds and influx of football fans would disguise our actions.

-------

The six girls we'd 'hired' for this 'party' arrived, and so did a minder. We'd expressly warned that we would only allow the girls into our rooms, but Winston had a surprise for us. He had female minders.

She was easy to spot, chewing gum, trashy talk, and trying to project a 'hard' image, she was a product of the worse streets in the city. She looked as though riding herd on a group of prostitutes was the pinnacle of her career.

Getting rid of the men who'd accompanied the girls was easy. I strolled up to their car and shot them. Gerry's people took them and the cars away. They, and their cars, would be found burned out on a local landfill site in a few days.

The minder caused the most problems though. She was determined to keep an eye on all of her charges, even to the point of looking into the rooms where the girls were 'entertaining' their clients.

I tried to intercept her as she walked to one door, one where I knew the girl had been extracted and was even now being driven out of the city.

"Hi, darling, how about you and me get some lovin'?" I slurred drunkenly.

She whipped out a wicked broad-bladed knife, obviously intending to threaten me with it.

I caught her wrist and twisted, a little pressure to a nerve junction, and she dropped the knife.

Alison came to my side. "Do you need her, Master?" she asked.

I shrugged, "What for, she doesn't know anything that we don't?" I answered.

With a graceful, almost casual, flick of her wrist Alison struck at the girl's temple. There was a muted crack as she drove fragments of skull into the girl's brain. The girl dropped to the floor dead.

"OK, let's stop fucking about," I called. That raised a small laugh from the men in the room. Gerry had provided a number of 'fans' for this party and other calls on Winston's girls tonight.

"We need to wrap this up as soon as we can."

There was a brief scurry and the room was clear, all except for a single woman.

"Are you sure that you want to stay?" I asked her.

She nodded, "I've lived here all me life, no one's gonna drive me away. I stayed with Winston for protection. You're obviously gonna kill him tonight, I can handle that. How's about you gimme a phone number I can call if it gets too much?"

I thought for a moment and then wrote a number on a blank card. I was wearing latex gloves so no DNA or finger prints were transferred.

"Don't wait too long, you don't know who's going to try and take over around here." I warned her.

She looked at the card, "London, eh?"

"Yes," I answered, "We're from London."

-------

Winston and his two lieutenants were caught in their 'class' car. The one they use to show that they had 'style'. A nice, this year's model Chrysler Grand Voyager, in black. Winston seemed to think that this car was the absolute bee's knees.

Six men surrounded Winston's car, all holding machine pistols. We heard the click as the doors locked and dead-bolted. This was fine by us. We didn't really want the doors being opened anyway.

I tapped on the window with the barrel of my pistol, by the sound from the glass it was bulletproof. Oh bummer.

For Winston that is. I liked the fact that the windows were bulletproof.

Trolley jacks were then used to lift the car's wheels off the road. Once the car was completely immobilised, the containing vehicles drove away. They weren't needed anymore.

Three men came and tag-welded the doors shut. Then metal grills were tag-welded over each of the windows.

I poured jellied gasoline, napalm, over and under the car. We could see those inside knew what was about to happen.

A burst of gunfire sounded from within the car, but if you want the ability to shoot out, then you need to remember to have soft points in your defences. There were none in this car. I'd checked.

I stood in front of the car, I could see Winston in one of the centre seats staring at me, he was waving a fistful of money. Ah well, Winston, old boy. Sometimes you're the statue, sometimes you're the pigeon. My match dropped onto the bonnet and, with a 'whoosh!' the car started to burn. Today, Winston was the statue.

As we walked away we could hear the screams from inside. I hoped that the manner of Winston's death would make any others think a few times before trying to take over his turf.

Still, I'd done what I wanted to do, I'd avenged Sandra, I hoped that she'd sleep a little easier now that her demon had been defeated.

I'd also done a little good. Trash that needed sweeping away had been cleared from the streets. I'd also met at least one group who were helping cleanse their own corner of the country. I felt that I'd used my time wisely here.

I felt good.

I took Alison's hand and we went to get our cars. Despite probably costing more than an Aston Martin DB9, they didn't have to show off any of their tricks and hidden gadgets this time.

We drove back south. To go home to the Chateau.

-------

Sandra was working when I returned to the factory. She was cleaning the school and play areas. She was far too emotionally damaged to do anything else. Ill-educated and from a family who believed that girls didn't need to go to school, she had fallen in to the trap of ignorance. Unqualified to work at any job, she had been prime material for Winston's glib tongue and smooth ways.

Well, I hoped that I could free her from the spectre of Winston Kingswell Jones. And I hoped that I could persuade her to join the classes at the factory's school. We should be able to educate adults as well as children.

I also had another task I wanted to do here, one which should help two of my slaves as I rightly rewarded them for their work and service...

Joan and Karen knew what I planned, but I'd asked them to keep the details a secret. When I arrived, I could see that no one suspected what I planned.

"SLAVES OF THE FACTORY," Karen shouted, "Gather on the ground floor. Our Master wishes to speak to us all."

The cry was echoed floor to floor and the looms quickly fell silent. The children too became quiet as the wondered about this, so unusual, occurrence. The slaves quickly gathered, there was some mumbling, but overall, no one appeared to be too worried about the unexpected gather.

At the back I saw a group of women looking on with interest. They were the ones rescued and brought here out of their exploiter's reach.

I stood alone and watched as the girls gathered round me. Even 10,000 was brought in and his leash was padlocked to a ring on the wall.

Finally the room fell silent as my slaves waited for their Master.

"Bring Helen before me," I called. I didn't have to shout, they were all already straining to hear anything I might say.

Helen came to the front, looking a little worried. She might be sure that she'd done no wrong, but who knew what the politics were within a new harem, had she offended a higher status girl? She knew that should she have offended my favourite, then her body would already be fertilising the gardens.

I looked at her carefully as she approached me. She was looking better than when she left me in England, but she still had a long way to go before she looked anywhere like the run-away I found outside a supermarket in Cumbria.

"Master, this girl attends," she said respectfully.

"Helen, stand." I ordered.

She stood and I reached forward and unclipped her thin collar.

"Helen, my girls of the factory, I am the Baron!" I called out, making sure, this time, that everyone could hear me. "My girls do not wear cheap clothes, nor do they wear cheap collars." I threw Helen's collar onto the floor, then held out my hand to Joan.

Joan opened the heavy case that I'd given her when I'd arrived. She gasped as she looked inside.

I pulled Helen to me and turned her round so she faced her fellow slaves.

"This girl braved degradation and death to serve me. This girl allowed her body to be violated to serve me. This girl by her actions and deeds has raised herself to be one of my personal girls."

I held out my hand and Joan placed a heavy gold collar onto my palm.

I turned Helen back to face me again, then placed the collar into her hand.

"Helen, I know you have been told about 'The Choice', and instructed in the ceremony; now is the time for your choice."

She looked down at the fabulous collar, 15 ounces of gold with a massive opal shining with its special pearlescent glow, then looked back up at me, mouth and eyes wide open in her shock.

"Master, this girl..."

"Is ready to make her choice before her peers," I interrupted.

"I don't deserve..."

"You have earned your choice, freedom and a pension that will enable you to live in comfort for life, or to take your place among the highest status girls in the world." I smiled at her, "This is YOUR choice."

Helen stood for a long while, then she knelt down and raised her hands, holding out her new collar to me.

"Master, please collar this unworthy girl as your slave," she asked, loudly and clearly.

I lifted the collar and fitted it around her neck. It hung loosely. I knew she had much weight to gain before it fitted properly. Still, I doubt that anyone would complain about its looks.

"Stand Helen, stand proudly and face your fellow girls."

She turned round and everyone gasped when they too saw her magnificent collar.

"I have one more thing to do..." I started.

Helen started walking back into the crowd.

"Helen," I said softly, "Your place is here, with me." I gestured to a spot just behind me on my left.

She turned, blushing deep red with her embarrassment, then hurried to the spot I'd indicated.

"Jill!" I called. "Come attend your Master."

Jill had been instrumental in setting up the factory to accept the rescued women from England. She'd also taken a huge amount of work off Karen's hands, allowing her to concentrate on the factory's product and her designing.

Jill was also one of the first, one of the first women to give themselves to me. She deserved to be recognised just as much as Helen did.

Jill came and knelt in front of me. She smiled up at me, at ease in my company even in front of a crowd like this.

"This girl attends, my Master." She said.

I reached forward and removed the leather collar I'd placed around her neck so long ago.

Joan handed me another gold collar, 13 ounces and three sapphires shining from their settings.

"Jill, you too must make your choice," I said.

She laughed out loud.

"My Master, this girl made her choice a long time ago. You, my Master, saved this girl from herself. This girl is PROUD to belong to you, Master."

She lifted her collar, "Master, this girl begs you to collar her as your willing slave."

I too smiled and slipped her collar round her neck. This one fitted properly, snug, but not too tight. She would always know she wore my collar.

"Take your place, Jill," I said quietly.

Jill moved to my left. There was a minor shuffle as Helen tried to make way for her, but Jill gently, and respectfully, moved Helen back into the position of precedence. Helen might not know the meanings of the size of the collars, but Jill certainly did.

"Come, girls," I said and started walking to the stairs. One person I missed during this meeting was the Gail Briant, the doctor.

-------

The small sickroom was quiet; until I opened the door that is. The wail of a soul in torment struck me. I entered and saw why Gail hadn't attended the ceremony downstairs. I entered alone, Helen and Jill waiting outside.

A woman was secured onto her bed. She writhed in agony. Gail, with an almost maternal tenderness, wiped her brow as she murmured to the poor woman.

"How is she, Gail?"

Gail turned, one look was all it took for me to know this woman wasn't going to make it.

"Withdrawal?" I asked.

Gail nodded, "Some of these women have been driven beyond sanity by those bastards. I wish I could have a couple of them on my operating table for a while." Gail too had been tormented beyond her limits by the state that the women were in when she'd received them. Too many didn't make it and found their final peace in a small plot overlooking the new gardens.

Then we heard a loud wail from the tormented soul, a sound that was suddenly cut off. Then strident alarms replaced the human noises. Jill entered quietly and switched off the strident machines. Their jobs were done, for this woman at least.

I opened my arms and Gail came to me, gratefully accepting the small comfort that I could give her, her tears wetting my shirt.

Gail sagged against me, "At least, for her, it's over," she said tiredly. We walked away, into Gail's office.

"You need a break, a holiday."

"And leave the rest of these women? They aren't getting a break. They won't go on holiday."

"But who will look after them if you succumb too?" I asked. "Who will tend to them, wipe their brow, speak kind words as they die, when you too are crying in a hospital bed?" I lifted her chin, "You've done your share, find someone you trust and let them do a share too. Then you can come back refreshed."

She nodded, "Can I really get some help, another doctor?"

"Do you know someone who can really help here?"

"Yes, he's had a problem with drugs himself. He'll help; he'll help because he'll see himself in every one of those beds. When they cry out, he'll hear himself crying out. Crying out with no one to come and help him. He'll help until there's no one left to help."

"Then get him here, show him the problems you have and let him take over for a while. You go and walk in the gardens, go to the beach, or the mountains. Renew yourself, so you can hold another hand and ease someone's last suffering."

She nodded and turned away, tiredly she started walking back to her patient. She stopped by the door and turned, "Thanks Boss, Thanks for understanding. Thanks for caring."

I watched her with tears in my eyes. We really did need to care for the carers, these people who selflessly gave their lives looking after others; those who take someone else's pain away from them and into themselves. The ones who were so often forgotten. They too suffered, but, mostly, they suffered quietly.

I left. Gail was writing up her patient's notes.

I wondered, where was the column where you counted the tears, which was the column where you measured the heartbreak.

With eyes still blurry with tears, I too left.

-------

Helen sat beside me in the car. She'd accepted Karen's instructions that she, Helen, being the highest-status slave in the car should sit beside me. She glanced sideways occasionally, just checking that she was safe, that she hadn't been tricked by one of the other slaves.

I smiled at her, "Relax Helen, we'll be at the Chateau soon, you can get settled in and talk to the other girls. See Umber and Julia, they'll see you right; give you all of the gossip. And whatever you do, don't worry."

"Yes Master," she replied timidly.

"Master," Helen spoke quietly, nervous about disturbing me.

"Yes, precious girl?"

"Master, what do I do about my treatment?" She looked up nervously, "I still have daily sessions with a counsellor, and, sometimes I need ... I have to..."

I held her hand, "You don't have to explain, I understand that you can't just stop your treatment. Though, knowing my girls like I do, I think you may have a surprise when we get to the Chateau."

I was sure that she would. I'd noticed one of our mini-busses overtaking us, speeding to the Chateau. I was sure that Helen's counsellor would be waiting to greet her when we arrived.

I sat back and relaxed. I had something to do which I'd missed for so long while I'd been in England.

-------

"Susan!" I called. She looked up, I was sure she recognised her name, maybe she even recognised my voice.

Julia handed her precious bundle to me and I sat and cuddled my daughter. Now I just needed one more person and my world would be right again.

A soft set of lips giving me butterfly-soft kisses told me that that other person was behind me.

"SASHA!" I cried.

"Hush, you'll wake Susan," she chided me. But she was smiling as she did so.

Sasha sat beside me and hugged me as I cuddled Susan. Moments later I was asleep.

-------

I woke with a pressure on my shoulder, another on my chest.

"Hello Master," said Helen.

"Hi Helen," I looked down, Susan was asleep on my chest, Sasha asleep resting on my shoulder.

"What time is it, Helen?" I asked.

She glanced upward, obviously at a wall clock, "Half past three, Master." She answered.

"Is Susan due for a feed soon?"

"Not until six, Master."

"OK," I settled back down and closed my eyes. Sleep came again very easily.

-------

I was roused by someone trying to lift Susan from my grasp. Even in sleep, I knew that she was a bundle I had to protect.

"You can go back to sleep, Master, I just need to feed Susan."

I looked up at Julia, she leant over me, trying to lift our daughter for her feed. Susan wasn't crying yet, but I knew that a nappy probably needed changing and she would be given a quick wash too. These things would wake Susan, her routine telling her that it was time for breakfast.

Reluctantly I gave up my sweet daughter to her mother. Julia kissed me on my cheek in thanks.

My movements, small as they were, woke my beloved.

"Hrumph! I was comfy, and you spoiled it." Sasha grumbled to herself as she got up. "I'm going to bed!"

I thought about joining her, but I could see that she wanted more sleep. Besides, I didn't know what time-zone she was still living in.

"I love you!" I called after her.

I didn't catch all of her reply, just something along the lines of " ... loved me, your shoulder would be softer..."

Still, I was awake now, time for a swim.

-------

I met Sasha again as we went to lunch. She still looked tired.

"How are you, my precious?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

She smiled up at me; her face lit the room with the radiance of that smile.

"Still trying to work out what time of day it is, my darling."

I slipped my arm around her waist and she snuggled against me.

Together, side by side, we entered the dining room.

Sasha spotted Helen and Nicola standing behind my chair.

"PAUL!" she cried in mock anger, "You didn't tell me you'd found more slaves."

Smiling, she approached the two girls.

"I'm Sasha, I'm going to marry him," she gestured with a thumb over her shoulder in the vague direction that I had been when she left me. "When I can find some time. Now, who are you?"

Helen fell to her knees, tears falling from her eyes. She'd obviously been sure that this was all some kind of cruel trick. A trick to lure her into a false sense of safety and security, to lift her to heights of status that she'd never dreamt of, and then to rip all of that away from her, to destroy her hopes and dreams before I destroyed her body.

Helen fell into the bone-deep terror that her former owner instilled in all of his slaves. She had been driven to run-away. An act that she KNEW would be punished by her, most terrible, death. Random acts of kindness, like Sasha's, was precisely the thing she was not expecting. She's still waiting for the axe to fall. She would have 'felt' better if Sasha had acted badly to her. All of this kindness had unsettled her beyond measure.

"Please Mistress!" Helen cried out, "Please beg my Master to kill me quickly..."

"But, child," Sasha interrupted, "You're one of the Baron's select few girls, one of his 'gold' girls. The Baron doesn't allow any of his slaves to come to harm. Not the highest, nor the lowest."

Holding her gently by her upper arms, Sasha lifted Helen to her feet.

"Now, child, I suspect that your Master would like his lunch. Go and attend him, learn who your new Master is, and what he's like. I know that you'll be pleased."

Helen came back and stood behind my chair. Sasha looked at me, a silent 'what's that all about?'

"I'll tell you later." I said as I sat.

My servers, two of Tadeusz's girls, placed my laden plate in front of me.

I looked to my side, "Nicola," I gestured to my side. Nicola, eyes and mouth open in shock, came and knelt beside me.

"But Master..."

"I wish to feed you," I told her.

Turning to my left, "Helen," I gestured to my side.

Stunned, Helen just knelt.

Lifting a small morsel from my plate, I offered it to Helen. She closed her eyes and tenderly accepted the slice of lamb from my fingers. I took another piece and offered it to Nicola. She too accepted my offering.

"UMBER!" Sasha called, as I continued to feed my two newest girls.

"Yes Mistress," replied Umber from behind us.

Both Sasha and I whipped round, to stare at her. Then we looked at each other; both of us thinking the same thing, 'How on earth had she got there so fast?'

"Umber," said Sasha, probably feeling that she'd never understand Umber's magical appearing act. "I want to talk to you and this girl, this afternoon. I wish to learn her history..." Sasha looked down at Helen, Helen was still nervous, still wondering when the axe, literally in her case, was going to fall.

"Yes Mistress," replied Umber. Umber had no worries about being called to talk to her Mistress.

I continued to eat and feed my girls.

"What are we doing this afternoon? I asked generally.

"PAUL!" cried Cecy in shock. "We're going to the village meadow; Gerald and the band are performing this evening. They've set up a video link for us; nearly all of the villagers are going to be there. We've got a big screen and everything.

Had it really been that long since I was last here? I wondered.

"Do we get ice-cream and popcorn?" I asked.

Cecy smiled as she shook her head. "He hasn't improved much while you've been away, Sasha dearest."

Sasha looked at me, "No he's still the same lovable nut that I left here with you." Sasha kissed me, so I reckon that I came out ahead on that one.

She then turned to my girls, "Umber, change our meeting to tomorrow afternoon. I want to get Helen settled as soon as possible, we mustn't leave it any longer."

"Of course, Mistress," replied Umber. Helen just continued to accept the food I offered her.

"Anyway, Cecy," Sasha said looking at her step-mother, "Do we get ice-cream and popcorn?" she asked.

"And a big drink in one of those huge cups," I added.

Sasha nodded, "And a jumbo hotdog..."

"With mustard and ketchup..."

"STOP IT YOU TWO!" Cecy screamed, throwing a bread roll at me.

I was a bit miffed, why didn't she throw a roll at Sasha too. That's favouritism, if you ask me.

-------

We drove down to the meadow. It was the same one that the band had used for their final rehearsal. It was plenty big enough for everyone who came, even with the new villages I'd added to the Martinè estates.

At one end of the field was a huge video screen, no, there was a gigantic video wall.

Sasha saw some old friends that she wanted to meet, so, with a kiss, we parted company.

Karolina walked closely behind me, taking her role and position of my favourite very seriously, though she made sure that Helen, as the third highest status girl, walked just behind Umber. Julia and Karen, who would have outranked her having stayed at the Chateau and the factory.

I wandered round, greeting some friends, talking to new friend. Madam Le Clerk was there with her children; I looked round but couldn't see her husband Yvon.

"Madam," I said with a small bow, "How are you today?"

Madam Le Clerk was tiny. How Yvon's children didn't rip her open, I don't know. I did know, though, that she was the power in her household.

"Baron, Yvon is at the factory, he brought another bus full of English women there this morning. He feels that he has to look after them for the first few days. We know that the warriors on the roof will die to protect that factory, but..." she sighed, the sigh of a wife who still doesn't really understand her husband.

"Your husband is doing a needed job." I told her, "The women he brings from the ferry don't know who the warriors are. They can see your husband's size and strength straight away. This gives them confidence that they will be protected. This is very important to those women. It is very important to me."

She looked at me searching my face for any hint of deception. Finding none, she shook her head again.

"The Countesses have always brought good men into Martinè; a lot of them have been English. I think that this Countess has brought the best one though."

She held up a finger as I opened my mouth to protest.

"You don't need to say a word, Baron, the more you proclaim your faults, the more the women of Martinè long to share your bed.

Calling her children to her, she went and settled down on the grass. A wicker basket appeared and cheese, bread and wine made an appearance.

I laughed when I saw an ice-cream van giving away ice-creams. Children, and a number of adults, crowded round as the server dished up his wares. I didn't see a single Euro change hands though.

A few minutes later I saw another vendor handing out giant hotdogs. I bet Cecy arranged this, just to get at Sasha and me.

All too soon, I was called to a roped off area at the front. A marine opened the rope barrier and let me and my entourage through. I found my chair easily enough. It was the one with a table holding a hotdog, with mustard and ketchup, a huge drink of cola and a polystyrene beaker of ice-cream. Cecy sat noticeably ignoring me, and trying desperately not to laugh.

I sat and sampled the wares, they were up to, or should that be 'down to', the usual rock concert standards.

One thing that was up to its usual standards though, was the pint of John Smith's and bowl of jelly babies that Helen carefully brought to me.

We all sat and watched the video wall. It just showed a huge curtain bathed in spotlights. The tension mounted as we waited. The low murmur of quiet conversations dropped, then stopped altogether.

The curtain slowly started to rise revealing the band, and Sara and Chantille. All were standing still, arms at their sides. They were dressed in white, while this might have seemed to detract from each of the performers individually; here it only added a sense of unity, a sense of combined purpose. I could easily see Karen's genius in creating these matching garments.

Then a line of young men and women came out on to the stage, they lined the expanse behind the band and their instruments. Then it struck me, the band themselves seemed to be isolated in the midst of a huge empty expanse.

A few moments after the last woman appeared and took her place behind the band, the four band members walked a couple of steps forward. Gerald and Bernie turned and held out their hands, Sara and Chantille stepped forward too.

Then Jamie stepped forward and held out his hand. I gasped out loud in my surprise, there was Geraldine proudly stepping forward. My Geraldine was going to be playing with the Screaming Monkeys, Sara Burton and Chantille.

Tears filled my eyes as I watched her step forward and lift her head. Then I realised that she was showing off her collar, proudly proclaiming her status as a slave to those who knew.

Finally, slowly, as if savouring every moment of this pinnacle of achievement, Gerald stepped forward.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MADAMES ET MONSIEUR'S, WE ARE THE SCREAMING MONKEYS!"



-------

Chapter 98


The first act of their concert was brilliant beyond belief.

All of the musicians and dancers wore white. The choreography was stunning; the dancers themselves told the story as the musicians sang it. The characters were represented by masks. Usually these too were white, but coloured masks were used to show emotion.

They started with the Goddess, a character that Gerald had introduced when he first thought of the album 'Friends' being turned into a rock opera.

He had a bit of me next but we won't go into that.

Then 'Christine', 'she' roamed the stage, appearing all over the place, until constrained by duty and obligation. Now limited to a very small section of the stage we could see her delight as she met, and helped, other travellers.

'Joasia' came as a little relief. Parts of 'Karolina' intertwined. The dancers showed Joasia's love for her daughter, showed her hard life and the enormous joy the two women felt when they found their saviour.

'Sasha' weaved in next. Bright and lively, she battled against numerous men, sometimes being pushed back, but always moving forward eventually.

The themes of Sasha and Paul interwove deeply. I thought one could almost taste the love these two had for each other.

'June' was next; tears came to my eyes during the first few bars. Watching Geraldine perform on both grand piano and synthesiser raised my spirits, but I waited, all who knew June waited, for her horrible end.

The three main dancers twisted and turned round the stage, a male figure, me I suppose, weaved in and out throughout the piece.

Dancers performing militaristic moves, marching, sharp steps, rigid formal postures, all so unlike the gay flowing freedom of the other characters, appeared. They occupied one end of the stage while Joasia, Karolina, June and Paul, moved freely throughout the rest of the area.

With a suddenness that was almost shocking, the militaristic people surrounded June, Joasia and Paul. The three 'good' characters disappeared beneath a crowd of stiff oppressive men.

When the crowd broke apart June, Joasia and Paul were lying still on the ground.

With horribly discordant notes ringing in our ears, the curtain came down.

I looked at my watch; it had only been 45 minutes. 45 minutes of a huge emotional roller-coaster, raised up in joy, warmed with love and then crashed down with grief.

We couldn't hear the reaction of the Wembley crowd, but the reaction of the locals said everything to me. They loved it.

I held Sasha's hand as we waited for the second act. Moments before the curtain was raised again she came and sat on my lap and hugged me.

"I love you, precious man, don't every forget that," she whispered in my ear.

Now tears came freely and easily.

"I love you to, wife-to-be," I replied.

"And don't you forget that either, buster!" she said with a laugh.

With that remark, and a quick kiss on my cheek, she returned to her own chair.

The curtain rose to an almost empty stage. There were only three still bodies lying where we'd last seen them at the end of the first act. A gasp rose from the crowd here, this scene was so shocking, I wondered if mothers were shielding their children, but was too riveted to the stage to turn and look.

Then Geraldine, head bowed, arms held loosely by her side, stepped slowly out to her piano. Still standing, she started to play. A haunting melody, based on the Joasia and June themes, rose up. Then, with a suddenness that made me jump, made all of us gasp in surprise, the stage was filled with dancers. Sasha to the forefront, she raced from body to body, finally staying beside one, Paul. In the confusion, the two dancers portraying Joasia and June took off their masks and blended in with the crowd. We, the audience, saw the two masks rising slowly upward.

June and Joasia were no more.

Karolina frantic for her saviour; rushed away and brought back three women, one obviously larger / older than the other two. These Karolina brought to Paul and Paul had to start looking after them. They were obviously in much worse condition than he was. The new girls took a large part in the next few dances.

The dance that portrayed my recovery was wonderful. Bolero-like in its rising tempo, the grace and agility of the dancers surprised me. The signing, vocals without actual words, raised my spirits. Paul was on the road to recovery.

During the recovery period, Sasha leaned over to me, "Have you noticed all of the people coming over to Paul?" she asked. "They come with a sad face and leave with a happy face; I think that they're showing us, you helping people, but they're doing it very subtly."

"I've noticed one or two," I agreed, "I'll keep a look out for them."

Once Sasha had pointed these characters out to me, they became obvious. Every few minutes, a single dancer, wearing a sad mask, would approach Paul; the two would dance a few steps together, then split. Each time, sad face left happy.

I realised that there was much more going on in this spectacle than I first saw. I remembered these sad / happy faces in the first act, but hadn't understood their significance. I knew this concert was being recorded; I was going to get a copy and watch it a few times so I could, hopefully, appreciate the whole complexity of this fabulous event.

This act ended with Paul and Sasha, hand in hand, followed by a string of girls, leaving their home. Heads held high, walking gracefully, swaying slightly but together, the crocodile passed across the front of the stage, and passed from view behind the musicians' area.

Then, thinking about the dancer who currently wore the Paul mask, I realised that, while I knew that different dancers carried the main characters masks, the choreography was just too energetic for one person to dance continually. After all, it was the mask who was the character, not the dancer. The dancers themselves had been chosen very carefully for each stage of the story. The man who led the girls away from home had been a large man with an imposing physique. Yet earlier, the dancer had been small, slim, unassuming.

I sat back in my seat. I actually hadn't realised that I'd been sitting forward, entranced by the performance.

I was hungry. This concert was going on far longer than I expected, and if I was hungry, what about the families, those with children? I thought fast for a moment. The Chateau wouldn't have enough supplies to feed this audience ... but the factory would. I wonder, is anyone from the factory here?

I turned; Joan was two rows behind me.

"Joan..."

Joan smiled and pointed to the side of the meadow. There were vans and trucks arriving, and now I could smell the aroma of the food.

Joan smiled, "Compliments of Karen, Boss."

This break was much longer than the first. We had time to select, and eat, a fine meal. I don't know what standard of fare was being served in Wembley, but here it was magnificent. I also noticed, and was quite proud of this fact, that the food and drink was being served without cost. And, while there were one or two who abused this, mostly the people only took what they would eat, leaving plenty for everyone else. I was pleased, and proud, of this restraint and community spirit.

Fed, watered, and refreshed, we took our seats again for act three.

The curtain rose again to reveal Sara and Chantille, standing alone and in front of their previous positions.

Sara started singing, Chantille provided the harmony. Then they swapped. Their voices were superbly clear, in tune and melodic. While I'd been captivated by song, dancers had come onto the stage and their graceful movements heightened my enjoyment.

Haunting sounds from a synthesiser made me look to the musician's area again. Geraldine was standing, playing what looked like a five bank keyboard, maybe two or three stacked keyboards. Her fingers seemed to flash across the keys, we could see the intensity written deep across her face, and the huge smile there too. Geraldine was having the time of her life. I was so, so glad that I'd managed to get Gerald and Geraldine together.

When Gerald and the rest of the band came back on stage I also saw something else, Geraldine's expression when she looked at Gerald; and his expression when he looked at her. They were in love, no doubt about it, they'd be married within six months, I was sure of it. I wondered if I would finally be freeing a slave; or would I just be transferring her ownership?

During this act, the military types maintained their presence on the stage, but always in an area where the other dancers vacated.

In the middle of the third act, three of the military types split away from their group, snatched two of the smaller girls and dragged them to a quiet area. While the main set of dancers carried on unknowing, and the military types postured and paraded, the two girls were brutally murdered. For the first time the dancer's costumes were coloured; coloured with the blood of their victims.

The act was portrayed as brutal violence visited on innocents. The two small bodies lay unseen in an out of the way corner of the stage for nearly five minutes.

The main dancers suddenly became agitated, their movements hard, sharp, we felt the uncertainty, the worry, the despair.

The girls were 'found', Paul came across the stage, at the start he was the largest male dancer, by the time he reached the girls, he was the smallest, thinnest male. He looked heart-broken, shattered by this violence inflicted on those he loved.

With the help of Sasha, Cecy and Harold, each played by the tallest of the dancers, Paul came to terms with his grief.

The curtain came down on act three. It was time to recover a little from the emotions generated, and remembered, by act three.

Alison came over with a pint of John Smith's. She placed it on the small table beside my chair, then whispered to Helen. Helen looked at the drink and then over to the edge of the meadow where our cars were parked. I suspected that a barrel of John Smith's was in the back of one of those cars, together with who knows what other things that my girls thought that we might ... not need, but just want.

I took the time to surreptitiously watch Helen. She looked about her nervously. I noticed that she watched the other gold collar girls carefully. And she noticed that some girls, obviously body slaves, seemed to be deferent to other girls, gold collar girls, who were not body slaves. Helen looked at Sasha and me, too, carefully keeping an eye on her Master and his lady love, trying to be attentive to our needs. But, always when she managed to spot something we might want, she would turn to see another girl already bringing it. Each time though, the girl who supplied us would go and whisper to Helen; probably to tell her what to look for, tips on how to please us.

Act four started. The curtain rose slowly, to reveal and empty stage. Nothing happened for, what seemed like, a long time. Then, from the back of the stage, came a procession. Two small coffins, each carried by four people, were followed by Paul and Sasha. Paul was the smallest dancer I'd seen carrying the Paul mask. I thought that 'he' was a she. Sasha this time was larger than Paul, He leaned on her. They were followed by the rest of the dancers. The military people were strutting and posturing on the other side of the stage, seemingly celebrating their 'victory'.

The funeral procession stopped and the mourners gathered around Paul and Sasha. Gerald sang Paul's eulogy, and an impassioned speech. Three times during this speech, our attention was diverted, first to the coffins, then to the military men, then to girls weeping. Each time 'Paul' changed. At the end of the speech, the mourners seemed to be fired with a passion and resolve that had been missing until now. And 'Paul' was, again, the largest male.

Paul and Sasha danced a duet, Jamie, Bernie, Sara and Geraldine singing their love song. The dance, music and lighting combined to make an emotional overload. Tears streamed from my eyes, my heart soared, unconsciously I reached out to Sasha, to find that she was reaching out to me. We held hands as our ... our avatars, made their love on the stage. A love which wasn't diminished by the distance, nor the video through which we watched, a love which we had felt before in each other's arms.

This dance sexually aroused, without making us feel 'dirty' about our public arousal. It fired our sensations and imaginations. The song lifted our hearts, lifting us high, our hopes soaring, our aspirations lifted above the daily mundane.

When the four singers and two dancers gave their bow, I was physically and emotionally drained. This was the best representation of pure love that I had ever seen or heard of. This was a product of genius.

The 'good' dancers stayed on one side of the stage, the 'bad' dancers the other. Then I noticed that 'Paul', again danced by the smallest dancer, was creeping through the musician's area. This was the first time that any of the dancers had gone in there, then I saw that 'The Goddess', was watching over Paul.

While the 'good' dancers distracted the others, with Sasha appearing almost all over the 'good' side of the stage, Paul would run out and touch one of the 'bad' dancers. Each time that 'bad' dancer fell to the stage, a large red stain growing on his chest.

One time, a 'bad' dancer spotted Paul, but The Goddess saw him, then, walking unseen through the centre of the 'bad' dancers The Goddess touched the man and he spiralled off the stage, his chest stained black.

Paul, returned to the 'good' dancers. Occasionally he vanished for a moment or two. And slowly the military posturing subsided; the military dancers grew fewer and fewer.

Paul and Sasha danced a slower rhythm than the other 'good' dancers. And soon the two lovers stood, centre stage, at the front. Paul holding Sasha in his arms as they both faced the audience. Then Sasha placed her hands on her abdomen. Glancing down shyly, she took Paul's hand and placed it on her abdomen too, then looked up at her mate.

The two lovers kissed as the curtain came down.

This part of the saga was complete.

I was astounded. I knew Gerald was a genius, every music critic writing a piece about him mentioned that fact. His genius also extended to inspiring others to exceed what they considered their limits. I'd heard a lot of the music and songs before, but these pieces, when combined with the choreography, and the lighting, raised the whole well above the already stupendously high standard that they set.

There was absolute silence for nearly a minute and then out audience exploded into cheers and applause. Sasha grabbed hold of my arm, I pulled her to me and hugged her tight as we both cried out cheers.

The curtain rose again, there were three people standing close to the front of the stage, Sara, Chantille and The Goddess.

The Goddess danced the epilogue as Sara and Chantille sang. I was certain that only one of them needed to sing that epilogue, though I wouldn't have wanted to be the one to tell either Sara or Chantille that the other one was singing it.

Reassuring us that this was only the first part of a longer saga, The Goddess, rose up, as the curtain came down.

We applauded again, and again.

The curtain rose and the cast and musicians stood and each took their own bow. All of the dancers were treated equally. The musicians took their bows together, all of them. I was thrilled to see the looks of love pass between Gerald and Geraldine, and Sara and Chantille.

Then Gerald leaned over and kissed Geraldine, our applause reached new heights. Sara leaned over and she too kissed a fellow performer, Chantille. This kiss was returned just as ardently as Geraldine had returned Gerald's. This time the audience was shocked into silence, then like a clap of thunder, a roar of approval rose from us and echoed round the estates.

We asked for an encore, we begged, but the answer was no. They were all too exhausted from nearly four hours of performing. After nine or ten curtain calls the performers left, the curtain remained down. We continued our applause and cheers, these things sealed our shared sense of togetherness, they cemented our feeling that we had all jointly witnessed something very much out of the ordinary, something special.

Sasha took my arm, "Come, my precious man, let's return home."

I kissed her, when we broke our kiss I noticed that everyone was watching us.

As I led Sasha and my girls through the audience, they started clapping. Cheers rang out, cries of "Bravo, Baron!" "We will beat them, Countess!"

We reached our car, then turned and waved to them, to our people, the ones who supported us, and whom we must support in return. Each in measure, to their ability and to their need.

-------

The Times art critic was fairly brief.



"I tried and tried, but I couldn't find a single thing wrong with last night's performance by The Screaming Monkeys, Sara Burton, Chantille, Geraldine Le Baron, and their Corps of dancers.

The road outside Wembley Stadium was dirty, but that wasn't their fault. They were faultless in note, tone and step.

The refreshments that the stadium sold were high in price and low in value. These performers gave us ten, no, a hundred times the value of even the highest-priced ticket.

My only complaint is – why haven't we seen or heard from Geraldine Le Baron before? She is destined for stardom. Whether that be on a classical stage, or, like tonight, on a rock stage, Geraldine mastered her piano, coaxing more from that versatile instrument than I have heard for many years. Her mastery of the keyboard synthesiser too is complete. I expect that the manufacturers of those instruments will be begging her to accept one of their best models, just so they can advertise the fact that Geraldine Le Baron plays their instrument.

"The musicians played, and sang, better than I have ever heard them. Voices of angels, voices from the dark smoky jazz dives of New Orleans. Music to temp a saint, music to reform the devil himself.

"I have found my objection to the performance at last. At just over five hours, including intervals, it was far too short. So, having called in a number of favours, threatened and cajoled, blackmailed and sweet-talked, I am now in possession of some very good tickets for tomorrow night's performance. I have enough to take my family too. This is going to be worth a huge amount of kudos from my children. And I expect my lady wife to be quite friendly tomorrow night too"



I smiled as I read his review. He was usually quite harsh to what he called "Rock opera trash."

After a quick pre-breakfast cuddle, Susan's breakfast not mine, I went for a swim. I was slightly disturbed by the sound of voices trying to speak in whispers, but far too excited to do so. Looking up I saw leather-clad Katie and Umber pushing a motorbike out of the grounds. I wonder how Umber is getting on with her riding lessons. I had a surprise for her when she returned. Now was obviously the time to make the necessary arrangements.

I smiled to myself, thinking about Umber's reaction when she saw this.

-------

Elastic tapped on my shoulder during breakfast, my breakfast this time.

"Boss, I have someone who needs to see you, and it's kinda private and kinda urgent," she said.

I put my knife and fork down and stood, "Sorry Sasha, got to go."

Sasha, with a mouthful of something chewy just mumbled a reply.

"Lead on, Elastic precious."

Elastic took me to my office; one of her Marines was standing at attention by the door.

"At Ease, Corporal," Elastic ordered

I recognised the Corporal, Marine Adams, she who took Annette's confession.

I led them into my office, "Adams, do you want the Commander to leave?" I asked her.

Adams looked at Elastic, "No, Sir..."

"Remember Adams, for you my name is always Paul."

She smiled, a thin week smile, but a smile never-the-less.

"Paul, Commander Bands may stay. I've told her my problem, so there won't be anything new."

I moved us all to the comfort area and bade them both to sit. Alison wheeled in a tray of tea and coffee while we got ourselves comfortable.

"Paul," started Adams a little nervously, "I need some help, well actually it's my younger sister and her baby who need the help."

I sat up straighter, this wasn't starting off well. If an aunt feels that she must ask my help for a mother and baby, then something must be seriously wrong.

"Go on."

Taking a deep breath, she began, "Paul, my sister is 19 and with a boy, they're not married, but have been together for nearly four years now. Well, Sammy, my sister, fell pregnant and over the weekend she started having some problems. The hospital said they had to perform an emergency C section and Kaine was delivered weighing just two pound eight ounce. Adams looked up at me, Kaine was just 27 weeks and two days. He was much too early."

I nodded, I obviously understood all of this, Katie herself had been delivered by emergency C section two weeks early. "Go on," I prompted again.

"As Sammy didn't have milk yet because Kaine was so early, they started giving him cow's milk."

"And Kaine isn't doing too good on it." That was a statement, not a question.

Adams shook her head, I saw tears begin to form. "Sammy tried to tell them, the doctors and the nurses, that we all had a lactose intolerance when we were born, it went away before we were a year old, but before then we couldn't take any cow's milk at all, not even a little."

"And you both think that's what's wrong with Kaine?" I asked.

Adams nodded, crying freely now, "They're going to operate tomorrow, 'cause he's losing weight and his abdomen is so hard. He doesn't poo at all, it's all blocked up inside."

"What would you like me to do?" I asked. I have some ideas of my own, but I wanted to hear hers first. Adams and her sister had obviously been thinking about this every waking moment, they should have an idea of what they wanted done.

"Paul, we need a baby doctor, a proper one, to look at Kaine, We don't think he needs to be operated on. And you should see Sammy's scar, it's awful. And they won't listen to her. None of them will."

"Which hospital is she in?" I asked.

"Birmingham's Edgbaston St Johns, maternity," she replied

I thought for a moment, "Call Sammy now, tell her that she's got a friend coming to visit, her friend's name is Emiline Morgan, Em will be there in just a few hours. Sammy isn't to sign any consent forms until Em gets there understand?"

Adams nodded, I could see the relief on her face, someone who knew what they were doing had taken charge. Everything was going to be alright.

Well I certainly hoped so.

"Girl," I called,

"Master," Alison replied.

"Call Em, tell her what's happened and tell her to get to that hospital and see Sammy Adams. I'll see what I can do about a paediatrician."

"Immediately Master," Alison pulled out a mobile and started dialling.

"Girl!" I called again.

"Master," answered Helen.

"I need a phone."

Helen handed me a mobile phone.

I dialled, "Yes Paul," answered Ross.

"Ross, I need you to look at a premature baby in Birmingham, he was born at 27 plus 2 and isn't doing very well. How soon can you get there?"

"Um ... Train's going to take two and a half hours, plus another hour and a half getting to and from the stations at both ends, say four to five hours, Paul, best I can do." Ross replied with regret in his voice.

"OK, I'll send a helicopter, they can land on the hospital's own helipad. Get to Great Ormond street as soon as you can, your ride will be waiting for you. And I'm sending a friend, maybe two, in case you need help."

"What are the mother and baby's names?" he asked.

"Sammy and Kaine Adams."

"OK Paul, I'm leaving home now." Abruptly he hung up.

I dialled again. "City Helicopters, how may we serve you?"

"I need a helicopter for the day at least. First to pick up Professor Ross McCraken at Great Ormond Street Hospital, deliver to Birmingham's Edgbaston St Johns, maternity unit. Then wait for his instructions. I need a helicopter at least capable of lifting one passenger at GOSH in ten minutes."

"And your name is, Sir?" asked the quiet unflustered receptionist.

"Paul, Baron Glastbrook. I have an account with you."

"Yes, you do sir. An aircraft lifted off two minutes ago and will be at Great Ormond Street Hospital in five minutes. Flight time to Birmingham Edgbaston is estimated to be forty two minutes. If this helicopter is unsuitable for any additional tasks, tell the pilot and a larger one will be provided."

"Thank you," I hung up this time.

I turned to Adams, she'd finished her call to her sister and was waiting patiently for me.

"OK, that's Em coming down from Cumbria, she'll be there in a couple of hours, maybe less if she thinks I want her there in a hurry. She might have some help with her too. Ross, is flying up from London. He'll be there in less than an hour or so, you better let your sister know. And now, what do you want to do?"

She looked a little hesitant, a quick glance at Elastic, "I'd like to go there to help if I can. Sammy hasn't got anyone else, our parents died last year in a car smash. Her boyfriend is nice, but a bit of an idiot really."

I looked at Elastic, "Can you do without her for a few days?" I asked.

Elastic had started nodding at the beginning of my sentence.

"Now, how can we get you there as soon as possible?" I smiled.

Adams face was a picture, "Not Katie, please..."

I laughed, "No, not a ride with Katie, nor with Umber either. I've a surprise for Sasha, I might as well use it now though."

I dialled again, this time a French number. "Bonjour,"

"This is Baron Glastbrook, I'd like it delivered now please."

"Bien Sûr, le Baron."

"Thank you."

"Merci, au revoir."

I hung up. "Now, you need to get changed, and I need to get Sasha.

"Paul ... Baron..." Adams held out the coin I'd given her, fully expecting me to exchange it for one with a number nine.

I smiled, "This one isn't for you, it's for Sammy and, most of all, it's for Kaine."

Adams turned, hesitated, then rushed to me and hugged me tight. "Thank you so much Paul ... Boss. I really don't know what I, we'd do without you. Sammy was sure that they were going to let Kaine die."

"Well they might have been ready, but we aren't." I reassured her.

"We aren't what?" asked Sasha lightly laying her hand on my shoulder.

"You go and get ready, I've got something to talk to Sasha about," I said to Adams.

Adams turned and left quickly. Elastic watched her leave and then gave me a quick kiss, "I'll see you later, Boss, and thanks for looking after Adams."

Sasha and I watched Elastic leave, "Now, man of mine, Alison said that you needed to speak to me." She looked at me, a puzzled grin on her face.

"Well," I said, "I got a bit fed up with you having to leave so early to catch the Eurostar to London," I said leading her out to the lawn where a barely visible, to us anyway, helipad was marked. "So I bought you this," I said dramatically swinging my arm round to the lawn.

We both waited a minute.

"You bought me my lawn?" asked Sasha with a wider grin. If she hadn't already been convinced that I was potty, well she had evidence now.

I listened for a second, "No," I said waiting patiently, then swinging my arm again, "This."

We now heard the sounds of the helicopter, and felt its downdraft as it came into land. Sasha's mouth was wide open and she clutched onto my arm.

"A helicopter!" she exclaimed.

"Yeap, lovely isn't it?"

Then I got my reward, a HUGE hug and kissing. That alone was worth the cost of this machine and hiring two pilots. This aircraft was going to save us both a lot of time. It had enough range to get to any part of England from the Chateau, and room for five passengers and their luggage.

"I do have one favour to ask though," I said a little sheepishly.

"Go on," She answered, "You know I might be mad at you if it involves my new helicopter, don't you?"

I nodded, "Well, you see..."

Laughing, Sasha thumped me.

"Of course we can take Adams to the hospital." She sighed as she looked at me, her eyes misting slightly. "You're always trying to help everyone else aren't you? It's one of the reasons that I love you so much." Then she smiled.

"Anyway, I've got a new helicopter to play with and me and my girlfriend are going for a quick trip. I've got my credit card, so don't worry." Sasha kissed me briefly, then catching hold of Adams' wrist, she pulled her to the helicopter.

I watched as they got in and buckled up, Sasha helping the less experienced Adams. Moments later, they took off. I waved as they rose and was happy to see Sasha wave back. Moments later they were gone, I couldn't even hear the sounds of the aircraft.

-------

Well, I given one present today, how about I see what reaction the second one gets?

Umber and Katie were still out somewhere in the countryside. I went into the garage and uncovered the motorbike. It was basically the same as the one Katie rode, only a newer model. I wheeled the bike into the centre of the garage and propped it on its stand. Then I collected a large, tied ribbon and arranged that over the bike's seat, lastly a card with 'Umber' on it and the keys and documents for the bike inside.

I sat on garden bench overlooking the long gravel drive and waited. Soon I saw Katie bring the motorbike down the drive at her usual warp nine. As they passed I had to look again, Umber was driving, Katie behind her, and it looked like they both were laughing their heads off.

I waved as they passed; one wave, that was all I had time for. Actually slowing now, they drove round the corner and into the garage.

I heard Umber's squeal of delight from my seat in the garden. I'm sure that most of the Chateau heard her.

Then she came running round the corner yelling and screaming, "Master, Master, Master, it's so wonderful ... Oh Master, thank you, thank you." She hugged me, kissed me, ran back to the corner, ran back to me again, "Can I ride it?"

I was going to tease her, to say no, but that would have been crueller than kicking a puppy. I smiled instead, "Of course you can, and Umber, precious girl,"

"Yes Master," she was a little more serious now.

"BE CAREFULL!"

Almost smiling the top of her head off she ran back to the garage, screaming, "I can ride it, Katie, I can ride it!"

Just under three minutes later, two motorbikes came screaming round the corner and disappeared down the drive, both girls off to terrorise some innocent police driver or, even better, a police motorbike.

I sighed and sat back down. My Katie had grown up and found something very dangerous that she loved doing. Now Umber had also discovered the thrill of riding a powerful bike. Raising my eyes upward, I prayed that my gift would not be the death of her.



-------

Chapter 99


I sat down at the breakfast table FUMING!

It was bad enough that I hadn't heard from anyone in England since Sasha and Adams flew over. But to top it all, that fucking preacher was at it again. Reverend fucking Josiah twat-features Michael nob-jocky Abrahams was going to host a conference on detection and elimination of crime, and he'd invited almost all of the UK's Chiefs of Police. And it was to be an all-expenses-paid junket.

I looked down the list of confirmed list of attendees; everyone on that list was crooked. I wanted to kill the lot of them, if only I could plant a bomb on the plane they'd use to fly across to the States.

I sat and continued my breakfast, thinking about the Reverend and his conference. I started wondering whether I could break in to the conference centre with a mini-gun, wishing that I could and, a little glad that I couldn't.

"Paul," Cecy's voice started bringing me out of my reverie, "Paul, darling."

I looked up, Cecy looked worried.

"Yes?"

Cecy reached forward and lifted my hands up off my plate. My now shattered plate. There was a fork embedded deep into the hardwood table. My knife, blade broken and missing, was held tightly in my rigid hand. My breakfast was mashed up, some remained on the shattered shards of the plate, most though over the table.

"We're going to have to stop you from reading about that man," said Cecy seriously. "Now I've called the nurse to have a look at your hands, I thought I saw some blood, you might be hurt and not even know it yet." She smiled weakly at me; I could see that she was worried for me.

"Sorry Cecy, dear, didn't mean to cause any trouble." I tried to apologise, to my friend.

"Hush now, you've more than enough on your plate without worrying about trivial things."

Riddley arrived and started looking at my hands. The right was OK, but, oh boy, the left was a mess. Sasha was gonna beat the shit out of me for hurting myself like this.

Riddley looked up at me, "I've seen worse," she said smiling, "Have you patched up and using it in no time."

-------

Three hours she took! Though it was three hours to do some of the finest stitching I'd ever seen. She'd cleaned out the wounds and cuts carefully. After making sure that the local anaesthetic had taken, she pushed me back and raised a cover over my hand. "Boss, you really don't want to watch this." Elise assisted Riddley, she seemed a lot more comfortable in my presence than when I first met her. In our daily, now weekly, meetings she'd proved herself to be a talented, dedicated and skilled nurse. She made an excellent addition to our health team.

So, with bandages on my left hand, and murder still in my heart, I left the sick room. And I did see the stitching, I peeked under the bandages.

What's it called when you kill a reverend? Revicide? For Reverend cunting Josiah bastard Michael turd-brain Abrahams I'd happily call it pesticide. Maybe even twaticide.

I WAS ANGRY!

Angry that this man even existed.

Karolina came down and we lay together by the pool. I couldn't swim because I might get the bandages wet and thus get an infection. So he had that against him too.

I wanted to do us all a favour and just go and shoot him.

I looked at my bandaged hand, still, Nigel Williams would be happy. I could still sign things as I wrote with my right hand.

I muttered darkly and went for a walk, Karolina, Umber, Helen and Jo accompanied me. My body slaves raced ahead, trying to anticipate my every need, to sooth my anger.

A hand gently touched my shoulder, "Master..." I turned and could see the tears in Wendy's eyes.

Wendy? I thought she was in England doing something or other for the Coven.

I gave her a quick hug.

Then two more hands touched me, Aline and Jenny, within moments I was surrounded by my special girls.

Jo came and knelt by my feet, "My Master, this girl is ready if you feel the need to vent your anger."

I looked down at her in shock. Then glanced round at the girls surrounding us, they all had the same expression. Sad acceptance that one of their sisters had offered herself up to be the sacrifice, the one who'd die to ease their master's anger and thus protect their sisters.

I was stunned. Standing in front of this brave, and quite foolhardy, girl, I tried to think, something that I'd been sadly lacking this morning.

Then I had an idea. A whole one!

"My phone, please," I said.

"Master," all of my girls said in unison, "you shouldn't say please to slaves, we tend to get uppity." Then they laughed. And for the first time today, so did I. I looked at Umber, she was looking inordinately pleased with herself.

My phone was handed to me, not the Blackberry this time, ah well, I only used them as phones anyway.

I dialled, "Paul," answered Cher, "My spies haven't informed me of any more captures."

"No, not yet, dearest Cher," at the mention of that name a few of my newest girls looked worried, one started silently crying, the others though, they started smiling, they'd guessed what I was going to ask.

"Cher, I have two girls, I cannot satisfy their needs and they are precious to me. Please could you take them for a week or two and ... entertain ... them?"

Cher laughed, "Paul, of course I can, why didn't I think of this? Do you want me to send my helicopter?"

"Yes please, Cher, let them have luxury as well as ... well, their desires." I replied.

"Oh Paul, you're just an old softy. You'll make a rubbish Owner."

"I know, I keep trying to free them and can't even do that properly." We laughed.

"The helicopter has just left, Paul, it'll be with you in half an hour."

"Bye, Cher, come to the Chateau soon, won't you."

"I will, Paul, I will. I've missed you and your family. See you soon."

I hung up.

"Well, Jo, I don't know what rewards that you've earned yourself, but Cher is going to see if she can please you."

Two of the new girls burst out crying, some of the others rushed to comfort them and take them away from the main group.

I ordered "Someone find June," three girls ran away to the house, "Jo, Cher probably knows more about your passions than you do. Be open and honest with her and she'll be able to fulfil you in ways that I doubt you've ever even thought about. If you don't let her know what excites you, she cannot provide it."

Jo nodded, "Thank you, Master, I think that you know what this means to me."

It was my turn to nod.

"Go, get ready, get the things you want to take, you've only got a few minutes."

Jo ran to the house, "THANK YOU, MASTER!"

If only all of my problems were that easy to solve.

-------

The other thing that had worried me was also easy to solve. I phoned Em.

The phone was answered and I heard Em say " ... if that baby dies then I shall ensure that you are charged with murder, doctor," she spat that last word out.

"And I shall back her up and stand witness for the prosecution." Ross chipped in.

"You two don't know you you're dealing with, I'm a personal friend of Dr. McCraken at Great Ormond Street Children's hospital. He personally called the Head of Paediatrics here to ensure that I was taken on. One word from me and you'll both have him on your backs, and you don't know what he's like when he's angry."

Oh boy, this was sounding like fun. I could imagine Ross getting ready to cut this con-man into pieces small enough to feed to the children in the special care unit.

"Now get out of my way and let me examine my patients."

There were brief scuffling sounds, a thud, then a high pitched scream.

"Hello Master. It seems that the paediatric consultant here barged into Nina, fell and, somehow, broke both wrists. Nina is helping him up off floor now. Oops there goes his clavicle," Em informed me.

"My, my Nina is clumsy. Maybe I'd better put her over my knee and spank her."

Em laughed, "Hey, Nina, Master is offering to put you over his knee and give you a bare bottom spanking."

"Yes please, Master Paul," I heard Nina reply.

In the background sounds quietened, and I listened to Ross talk through his examination of a baby. There was a pause and then he talked through another examination. This continued until all of the children in the special care unit were examined and the correct course of treatment noted.

Then I heard Ross, "Paul, it's a good job you got me up here. This charlatan had almost killed most of these children. Just a minute, Paul," then in an obvious aside to Melissa, "Melissa, go and find the Head of Paediatrics, I want to speak to him urgently."

Oh dear, I hope that the Head of Paediatrics decided to come along when Melissa first asked him. He would win a few bruises and maybe a broken bone or two if he didn't.

"Paul, Kaine Adams is going to be fine. Simple lactose intolerance, I've put him on Pepti-Junior, caffeine and Gaviscon Infant. It'll seem like he's pooing non-stop for a day or so, but he'll be alright. He just needs to put on some weight now."

Ross sounded angry. I knew that he'd reserve all of his tenderness and compassion for the children. Anyone in authority at that maternity unit had better watch out though. That consultant, no, I corrected myself, that other man, had been right, no one wanted to face Ross when he was angry.

"How about the other kids?" I asked.

"There's a couple I've triaged Black, the rest, well most will be fine, two are going to have special problems for the rest of their short lives," now that Ross was considering the children he sounded tired, especially at the 'black' remarks. In a triage, Black denoted those who would not live.

"OK Ross, and thanks for going there. Is there anything that you need?"

There was silence for a moment, "Not much, thirty trained paediatric special care nurses if you've got them." He laughed, "Otherwise, we're OK up here. Em has arranged accommodation, cars etc. So we can get back and forth. No, Paul, it's staff that I need."

"I'll see what I can do for you, Ross," I said, then he hung up.

Well, I now knew the situation in Birmingham. It was both better and worse than I'd expected. Better for Kaine, worse for the other children.

Now where could I find nurses?

"Girl!" I called.

"Master," Catharina answered.

"Get Jill for me, quickly now, no dawdling."

"Of course not, Master," Catharina ran quickly away.

I pondered the nurse question. The nurses must have current UK qualifications, be free to start immediately, and ... and ... What other essentials have I missed?

"Master," said Jill as she arrived slightly out of breath.

I explained Ross' request for nurses, trained nurses.

"Where can we get them from? Any ideas?" I asked.

Jill thought for a moment, "Well, initially I'd try recruitment agencies and temp agencies. Then I'd try the local radio and TV asking for newly retired nurses, there are more of those than you'd imagine. Then, I'd ask Karolina to hack into the register of nurses, and list out those who meet our criteria, but aren't currently working." She paused for breath.

"Good, off you go then, you know what to do." I smiled; I'd delegated this problem to someone far more able to complete it than I. The day was looking up already.

"Of course, Master," Jill pulled out her mobile phone and started dialling as she walked away. She was talking to someone about nurses before she reached the door.

-------

London

Sally Kinsman, was nervous. She was a reporter, a small town reporter, not a public speaker, nor a leader. Yet here she was about to speak to a group of Bertie's old friends, and their most trusted colleagues. Everyone had signed a non-disclosure agreement. But this was her baby, her scoop. A real scoop. But she needed more help.

The lawyers at Dempsey had been marvellous; they were still helping, sorting out the various crimes, collating the evidence, reviewing statements for consistency and accuracy. There were so many individual statements that they could throw half of the pile away and still be left with completely damning evidence.

Bertie nodded to her and Sally walked to the head of the table.

"Good afternoon, I'm Sally Kinsman, you probably haven't ever heard of me but I work on the same local rag as Bertie." Bertie stood and gave a quick bow. They laughed.

An older man on the left looked sharply at her, "Don't be so sure that we haven't heard of you, lass."

Without stopping to ponder what he meant by that, Sally continued, "A few months ago, a funny thing happened to me on my way to work..."

Sally's briefing was detailed without being boring. Moments into her story they were all leaning forward in their chair.

A woman put her hand up, Sally stopped and pointed to her.

"This is tying in with strange things that have been happening in my neck of the woods, things that just didn't feel right. But all of the documents, police and court records agreed and," she shrugged her shoulders, "Well, Sally, I don't know about the rest but I'm in, and you can put my name below yours on this by-line."

Sally smiled; the first one to join was always the hardest. Now they'd all start falling in line.

Sure enough, within ten minutes they'd all agreed and signed legal documents outlining rights and responsibilities.

The woman, first to ask to join, was given the first of the agreements, "You've had this drawn up by one of Dempsey's lot. You really are taking this seriously, aren't you?"

"This could make my name for life, or cause my death. You bet I'm taking it seriously. And so had you."

The chill in Sally's voice quietened the room.

The woman looked at Sally for a long moment, her eyes seeming to bore into Sally's soul. "Bertie's right," she said with a smile, "You'll do."

When everyone had signed, and the agreements were locked away and taken off site. Sally took off a shoe and extracted a memory card from it. She placed it into the laptop, waited a few moments for it to boot up and then typed in a long, long pass phrase.

"Now, here's what I want you to do..."

Sally settled down, to Bertie she looked as though she was in her element. She'd make one of the great editors.

-------

Birmingham

Four women walked into the maternity unit. They were older than those who usually entered there, but acted as though they knew their way round a special care unit.

One walked up to one of the uniformed nurses, "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Professor McCraken, please?" she asked politely.

"Fuck off!" was the nurses only reply.

"I can see that you've passed your customer relations course," said the first woman. She then went further into the unit.

The uniformed nurse grabbed hold of the woman's arm and tried to pull her back.

The older woman looked down at the hand gripping her arm. "I can think of at least four laws you're breaking right now," she said calmly. "If you do not release me, I have the legal right to defend myself. Up to and including putting you in hospital." The woman leaned forward a little, "And that means that you'd be in this hospital," she said nastily.

The nurse pulled back her hand as though the woman was on fire.

"Thank you," the older woman said politely as she continued on her way.

"Ah, there you are, Professor."

Ross looked round, "Well I never, Matron, what are you doing here?"

"It's Nurse Gabriella now, Professor," Gabriella said smiling, "A kind person named Baron Glastbrook has hired me to work here under your direction, Professor. I've brought along a few old colleagues. And I know that a few more are on their way." She smiled at her old boss. It would be good to work together again, even if only for a short time.

Ross shook his head, where did Paul find these people?

Quickly he set the new people working. The regular nurses were dragged into the small wards and were all given a master class in high dependency nursing. They worked like they never had before. No infraction of standards was allowed, not even the smallest. Together all of the nursing staff, new and old, cleaned the unit, top to bottom. All the while the more experienced nurses told stories, each tale highlighting how something had helped heal, or kill, their tiny charges. Stories of lessons learnt, and tragically, lessons missed. Most of the hospitals nurses soon came to realise just how slack and, basically, incompetent they'd been. Most felt a glimmer of pride start to grow inside, those that didn't would soon be ousted by their more caring colleagues.

-------

Martinè

There was a knock on my office door. I was surprised as this was usually open. I looked, the door was still open.

"Come in," I called, still surprised by this unexpected formality.

Elastic marched into my office and came rigidly to attention in front of my desk. And she saluted me. Now I was surprised, and she was in full class 1 uniform, including sword too.

"Baron Glastbrook, SIR! The marines of Martinè have invited you to attend a small event."

Umm ... I wonder what's going on?

Well only one thing to do in these circumstances, just go with the flow.

"Thank you, Commander, I would be pleased to accept their invitation." I stood, "Lead on please, Commander."

Sharply, with timing and movements that would make a drill chief weep into his beer with joy, Elastic broke away from her attention and led the way as I'd requested and I followed. Immediately outside the door there were two columns of my girls waiting, immaculately dressed and collars, gold and leather, shining.

Formally, they fell in behind me. Now I really was puzzled.

We left the Chateau by the front, main, entrance, then started walking round the building towards the training area at the back.

Looking round I saw a number of Paula's special girls flanking us. All dressed in their neat black, 'best' combat uniforms. There were a couple of my girls mixed in with them. All our close-protection squad carried their carbines at high-port, ready for instant use. I knew that there were heavier weapons on the Chateau's roof already sweeping the countryside for enemies.

Just before we got to the rear corner of the building I noticed a figure in the mid-distance, give a signal, and then heard, "PARADE, HO!"

The, all too familiar, sound of a parade coming to attention rang in my ears again, bringing back memories, good and bad, from so long ago.

"Is Aggie back then?" I asked.

Elastic gave a strange smile, "No Baron, we have other reasons for doing this."

We rounded the corner and the training ground came into view. All of the trainees, marines and navy, were paraded in squads before a small dais / reviewing stand. Elastic now had quite a large school. She'd started with just a few girls that their bosses wanted out of the way, now, as a result of the results she produced, Elastic had nearly 200 students.

"I get it!" I said, happy now that I'd figured out what was happening. "You're practising for an important visit and you want me to pretend to be the VIP. OK, I love doing this type of thing. Do you want me to be stuffy or anything?"

Elastic sighed, I think all of my girls heard her, "No, Baron, just be yourself."

Oh, I really do like pretending o be a VIP, or an earthquake victim. In disaster exercises it's quite surprising what you can get away with when you're supposed to be shocked and starving, especially when a foreign military has come to your 'aid'.

I stood up a little straighter and pulled my shoulders back, "Lead on, Commander," I said with a smile.

Elastic smiled too, and shook her head slightly. Then she led me to the dais.

The parade commander, sword in hand, marched to the dais and saluted, Elastic returned the salute, even as the pretend VIP I could not salute as I wasn't in uniform.

"BARON GLASTBROOK, It is an honour to parade the Members of the Establishment before you, SIR!" As this was a training establishment for marines and sailors, it was a naval establishment, an RNE.

"It is my honour to be here, Commander," I replied. His rank was Lieutenant-Commander, and had the right to be called Commander. I didn't recognise Backhouse, he must be new. Well, I'd try not to upset him by flouting military protocols, well, not today anyway.

He saluted again and marched back to his position at the head of the parade.

"Parade Open Order March!" he ordered. The front rows of each squad took one pace forward, the rear rows one pace back. The centre rows stayed still.

"Parade, by the Right Dress." There was a minor shuffle as the front and rear rows re-dressed (aligned) themselves.

He then returned and saluted me again, "RNE Martinè, Members of the Establishment ready for your inspection Sir. Lieutenant-Commander Backhouse reporting."

I descended from the dais while he 'fell out', yes, it's possible for a person marching on his own to 'fall out'. In fact it's necessary.

I then walked beside him, Elastic following. She was the commander of the establishment. He was the parade commander. You have to think the way that the military does to understand these protocols.

As we approached the first platoon, the platoon commander marched forward and saluted. Again I didn't return the salute.

"Number 1 Platoon ready for your inspection Sir, Sub-Lieutenant Collins reporting."

"Thank you, Collins," I replied. I now walked beside Collins, she was the Platoon commander and I was inspecting her platoon. Of course, if I found any problems with her platoon, the shit was fall upon her from an exceedingly great height.

As we walked towards the front row, I took the opportunity to have a closer look at Collins. I had seen her around though I'd not had much one-on-one time with her, though that was true of all of the junior officers. I interacted with Elastic, and a lot of the marines up to senior NCO, but strangely not the junior officers. I'd have to have a word with Sasha or Cecy about arranging a dinner for the officers. Get to know them, that sort of thing.

As I walked along the front row of Number 1 platoon, I took the time to examine each fresh face I passed. Some faces I recognised, these I smiled at, they didn't return my smile, they were on parade. All of them were so young.

Each marine and sailor maintained a rigid attention, at least as I passed and that was good enough for me. Their uniforms gleaming where gleaming was required; pressed to razor sharp creases where necessary and spotlessly clean. The RN personnel had 'RNE' on their cap badges. This was just a naval establishment. It didn't have a name, other than the place that it was located, Martinè.

I passed behind the front row and inspected their backs. I was supposed to inspect each row in the same direction, left to right, or right to left, thus I had to look at the girl marine's bums to get back to my starting point. Most of them were very nice bums, it just shows what a marine exercise regime will do for your figure.

In the second row I was surprised to see the one armed combat instructor. And he had two working arms. What was he doing here? That question would have to wait until I reached him.

I slowly proceeded along the middle row, having surreptitious glances at the one armed combat instructor. There was something wrong with his uniform. I was nearly there when I realised what was wrong, his stripes were missing.

I stopped in front of him, "Good morning, Staff Sergeant, wasn't it?"

He smiled; the first smile I'd seen on the parade.

"Until I was promoted to Colour Sergeant, Sir," he replied.

I gave a meaningful glance at his upper arm, "Had a disagreement with the colonel?"

He actually looked shocked, "Oh no Sir, I was fortunate to be awarded a brevet rank so I could attend here as a pupil, Sir."

I understood now, as a Colour Sergeant he couldn't come here in any capacity other than administrative staff. He wanted to learn what Paula could teach him, so he must have asked for, and been granted a brevet rifleman's rank for the period of the course. Currently that was two years.

"Well, I hope that you think it's worth the suffering."

"It's already been worth ten times the blood sweat and tears that we've all put in, Sir."

I was glad that he was happy learning what he thought that he'd be teaching us.

I continued along to the end of the row, and then the rear row. And then the next platoon, and the next, inspecting each one and making sure that I didn't look bored at any time at all. That would have been unforgiveable.

In each platoon I found something of interest, someone I'd talked to during their guard duties, someone that Katie had mentioned, Katie herself hiding in the rear row of Platoon number 5.

Finally I'd inspected the whole Members of the Establishment and received the last salute from the last platoon commander. The parade commander led me back to the dais. He had to, it was his job, after all my six body guards, Elastic and I could easily get lost on this featureless training, sorry, parade ground without his guidance.

Mind you, some of the senior officers I'd had inspecting me when I was a matelot, were so pissed that they probably needed guidance round the parade ground.

I mounted the dais and waited for what was going to happen next. Over all, I'd enjoyed this experience. I hope that the VIP that they were practicing for was as impressed as I was.

The parade commander came in front of the dais again, "Permission to reform the platoons, SIR," he called.

"Carry on, Commander," I said with a smile.

He returned to his position, "Parade, Close Order March!"

The front and rear rows closed their ranks again.

"Parade, by the Right, Dress!"

Some more shuffling as the platoons re-dressed themselves.

"Parade, March on the Presentation!"

Wow! I didn't realise that they were going to do a presentation as well. I wonder which one of them this was for?

Then I saw the reason we were all here, Aggie, and his wife, Angela, were approaching the dais. Both in full uniform, and with an entourage, they too were bringing things.

Oh this was getting to be fun. The guests of honour turning up at the rehearsal of their parade, there were going to be a few red faces here. I couldn't help but smile.

Behind me I heard Elastic, "What the fuck..."

Half turning I asked "Something wrong Elastic?"

I looked at the parade, they too looked puzzled, some even looked angry, now why would that be?

I watched as two of my bodyguards intercepted the Admiral, they let him and the Group Captain, I see Angela had been promoted, through but inspected the items carried by their people. Then they turned away, faces expressionless, but I could see from their relaxed postures that they were happy with what they'd seen, curiouser and curiouser.

Elastic left the dais and approached the Admiral. She saluted, the military do a lot of that, and they spoke for a few moments, then, quite suddenly Aggie burst out laughing. Angela, laughed too, but Aggie was almost wetting himself.

The three of them, two still smiling, Elastic, well not quite frowning, stepped onto the dais. She nodded to the parade commander, who'd quite wisely waved off the presentation.

After all, it wouldn't do to have the VIP actually see his presentation during the rehearsal, now would it?

Oh, this was getting better by the minute. I can't remember when I last enjoyed myself so much.

Looking over the parade, I saw mixed emotions. The two newer platoons seemed a little disinterested. Except the brevet rifleman, he was almost white with barely suppressed rage. The other platoons though, they seemed, angry, upset even, almost as though the Admiral was intruding, that's what I sensed most of all, intrusion. Now I was puzzled.

"With your permission, Baron," said Aggie.

"Uh what, er ... yes, of course," I replied, wits as sharp as tacks, er, not.

Aggie stepped up to the front of the dais and raised up a little microphone.

"Commander, please have the parade stand easy," he said.

"Parade, Stand at Ease!" the parade commander ordered. These things do have to be carried out in specific orders, even for Admirals. "Parade, Stand Easy!" Now the parade could move a little, providing that their feet didn't move, they could ease their postures and stretch tired muscles.

"You are here today because you decided to give honour to a man who has helped you."

There was nodding throughout the parade.

"But, as my friend, the Baron, here always points out to his, er ... ladies." This caused a laugh, "The honour one can give is dependent on the honour one has." Now the parade was nodding in agreement, and like me, they were puzzled.

"Well, for you here at RNE Martinè, and yes, we in London have known about your use of that title for quite some time," he frowned at Elastic, who just put on her 'innocent' look.

"I am delighted that you will no longer have to use that title." He turned to his aide, who handed him a plaque.

"I am pleased to commission RNE Martinè as HMS Guillemot. He handed the ships crest to Elastic, then saluted her.

I smiled, Elastic was a ship's Captain, a position holding enormous legal and personal responsibilities.

"I also have the orders for her new Captain." He turned to Elastic and handed her a thick envelope.

"HMS Guillemot has a short but distinguished service. She served with honour throughout world war two. But her bravest action was at Dunkirk, where she was instrumental in saving nearly two thousand souls, British and French. Eighteen of Guillemots Ship's Company died during that action. Guillemot's finest hour was spent helping others without counting the cost, or danger, to herself." Aggie turned and looked at me for a second, "I wonder if that reminds you of anyone?"

He shook his head.

"Now, a Ship should have a captain to Captain her," again he turned to his aide, and was given a jacket with four, half inch wide gold stripes on each sleeve, and an officers hat with the correct two bands of 'scrambled egg' adorning its peak.

These he handed to Elastic too. Elastic had been promoted to Captain, a rank that I doubt she thought she'd ever make, not after her initial disastrous start.

Elastic donned jacket and hat, and turned to the parade.

Taking her arm I pulled Elastic to the front of the dais, "Three cheers for Captain Bands, Hip, Hip."

"HOORAY!" cried the parade.

I repeated call, "Hip, Hip."

"HOORAY!" cried the parade wholeheartedly.

One last time, "Hip, Hip."

"HOORAY!" cried the parade, this time louder and longer.

I then turned to Elastic and applauded her. My clapping spread through the parade like wildfire.

I was thrilled for Elastic, It's not often that you get to see someone rewarded and honoured for their work. But Elastic had worked hard to build her training establishment, the 'Finishing School' it was called. That had started as a derogatory term; it was now spoken with pride, if you were a graduate, or awe, and more than a little fear, if you weren't.

Aggie stepped up to the microphone again, "I have one last gift for you, it is really for the graduates of this ... Ship," the parade gave a loud cheer. He held up a beret, it didn't have a service badge on it was just a plain light green beret. "This has been authorised to be issued to the graduates of the Finishing School. I don't know what wearers of this beret will be called, but I bet that, in their presence, it'll be polite." The parade burst out laughing.

The parade, and we on the dais, looked at the beret with interest. Its unique colour would stand out anywhere. I was sure that it would become a mark of excellence, like the SAS with their mustard-coloured berets, Elastic's light green would become world famous.

This parade had gone on for a long time now. If it carried on much longer then we'd have people dropping like flies. I wanted the parade to finish so that they could get back to their rooms and relax.

"Elastic, sorry, Captain Elastic," I said with a smile, "How about we wrap this up now?"

Everyone who heard me, all those on the dais, Aggie's aide and his helpers, even the parade commander looked at me as though I was an idiot.



-------

Chapter 100


Elastic stepped forward to the microphone, "HMS Guillemot Ship's Company," we could all hear her pride when she said that. "The Baron has suggested that, for your comfort and convenience, we should finish the parade now."

"Nooooo..." was the cry from all of the parade.

I couldn't understand this, when I was in the service we very, very rarely enjoyed a parade. I can only remember one that I thought had been too short, and that had been honouring a man we'd all respected and admired. And now they wanted this rehearsal to continue.

I had a sneaking suspicion though, that this wasn't a rehearsal.

"Dad," I heard Katie call from the back of the parade ground, "Just let us get on with what we're doing. Trust us, Dad, we're professionals."

The whole parade burst out laughing again.

I turned to Elastic and surrendered to the inevitable, "Very well, Captain, carry on." I smiled at her and gestured to the microphone.

Shaking her head Elastic stepped up to the microphone again.

She turned and held out her hand, the ship's crest was handed to her.

"The Admiral was right, how can a person, or an establishment, or a ship, give honour to another, if they don't have honour themselves?" She paused looking at the plague. "HMS Guillemot, I've never heard of that ship, I'll have to do some research, perhaps I'll ask Karolina to see what she can find out." There were laughs and cheers at that comment, the parade were enjoying this immensely.

"It seems that our previous incarnation knew the value of people, and accepted that sometimes, we must lose people we know, and respect, to save those we've never met before. A man taught me that. One of the kindest and most honourable men I have ever met. The man we're honouring today." She gave a laugh, "Don't worry, he'll figure it out eventually."

Now this really did raise a laugh.

"This man has recently started helping countries, yet still has the time and compassion to help individual people. He cares about people. He has shown that he cares about each and every one of one of us."

Now she turned and looked at me, tears in her eyes.

"He saved your Captain, took her under his wing and taught her the things she needed to know. The things that I'm now teaching you. So listen to me otherwise I'll ask Marine Phelps to give you a quick bike ride. And she has a pupil, an excellent pupil she tells me. Umber will be up to Katie's standards soon. So they can have a race while they're carrying you." A loud groan went up.

The parade was enjoying this far more than I was now. I didn't need praise and honours. A meaningful 'thank you' was all I had ever desired.

"So what honour do we have? I think that we have a lot. Like so many naval and marine companies, we support our charities, and have made a huge difference in the lives of those unable to help themselves. That's good, but has it given us honour?" She paused, shaking her head.

"This establishment was created to perform a single action. Preserve the life of our principal. Three times we have fought, each time we were victorious, and we haven't lost one of ours yet. But that's just duty, that hasn't earned us honour."

"We do not earn honour by doing the things that everyone can do, we gain our honour by doing the things that only we can do, for those we don't know, have never met, and those who have never met us either."

She looked to the front platoon on our left, "Platoon 4 has earned their honour by the work that they did with the police in Orleans. At great risk to themselves they broke up a gang of criminals who were extorting money from the weak and elderly. Platoon 6 has earned honour by taking over an orphanage whose owners were corrupt and evil. They saved countless children from abuse and degradation. Platoon 5 has earned their honour by their work in the red light districts of Paris. Women, forced into prostitution found that they had friend, a friend who would protect them. Believe me, there have been an awful lot of surprised pimps in Pigalle in the last few months." Elastic laughed.

"But they are our senior platoons, what about the junior platoons? Well, Platoon 1 has started to teach self defence to the teenagers in the slums of Paris. This work is going to save a lot of the young in those areas, both female and male, from the degradation and humiliation of the endemic rapes in that area. Platoon 2 has just formalised a body part and blood transfer service. Sorry, Katie, they've got their own motorbike riders, perhaps you could give them a few tips. Platoon 3 has just started an urban renovation project, they want to improve the environment in which a large number of elderly live. All three of these platoons are earning their honour." Elastic paused again.

"So do we have honour? I would say yes, we have earned our honour, we earned it doing those things that others couldn't do, and you did them without thought of reward. So we are now able to give honour to others, and today we want to honour someone special."

There was a bit of disturbance as someone ran onto the parade ground. She turned her run into a double march and approached the dais. Elastic leant down and a hurried, whispered, discussion took place. Elastic smiled, nodded and stood up. The messenger doubled away.

"HMS Guillemot Ship's Company," called Elastic, "Oh, you just don't know how much I love saying that. "HMS Guillemot Ship's Company, we will march past now, and perform our ... other things ... afterwards. Parade commander, order the march past, if you please."

Elastic turned back to me, "Baron, we, the Ship's Company of HMS Guillemot, would be honoured if you would take the salute."

I was gobsmacked.

I had finally figured out that this wasn't a rehearsal, that they were doing this for me. But ... but the realisation that they wanted to honour me was astounding. I just stood there unable to speak for at least two minutes. Two of the longest minutes of my life.

"Captain Bands, it would be my honour to accept the salute from your ship."

Smiling Elastic turned, "Parade commander, carry out the march past and then reform the parade if you please."

A quick note; when a ship's captain says "If you please," In English, this translates as, "Right now matey or your arse is mine."

The parade commander gave the necessary orders and moments later I was waiting for the first platoon, number 1, to march by me giving their salute.

I stood at attention, rigid and proud as the six platoons marched past me. Each platoon member looked me in the eyes, each platoon made me feel humble. How could I repay this honour that they'd just accorded me? I could work for the rest of my life and still never repay one tenth of the respect that they'd just show me.

I did not know what to do or say.

The march past lasted forever. I will, for the rest of my life, remember every expression on every face that marched past me. Yet it was over in an instant. One moment the first platoon was approaching, the next, the last platoon had gone.

I stood unmoving, stunned by this honour and respect paid to me. How on Earth was I going to repay even one tenth of what I'd just received.

A hand on my upper arm eased me back and to one side. Aggie stepped up to the microphone again.

I was actually concerned, he looked old and tired.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of HMS Guillemot," he paused, he obviously hadn't prepared this speech, and I knew that he did not like to be surprised in anything.

"I rose to my present position quite quickly. I spent nearly twenty years getting to CPO and less than five getting to Admiral. You may think that this means that CPO's are more valuable than Admirals, and I wouldn't disagree with that assessment, or you may think that the Admiralty don't know what's going on in the world today and are desperate for officers who know the service and the outside world and have a clue what's happening today, and maybe tomorrow too."

He shook his head.

"The Baron and I were comrades, we fought together, we hid together, we suffered together, and we lost friends together." Aggie, head lowered, looking older than ever, shook his head again.

"I accepted the commission that I was offered and became an officer," he shrugged. "Being an officer isn't all it's cracked up to be. You may think that your lives are restricted and regulated now. Always at the whim of the senior NCO and junior officers, you just wait until you meet Politician's. See what your lives are like then."

He held his hand out to Angela who, tears streaming from her eyes, joined him.

"Aggie, resign, come and work for me, with my influence you know you can do loads of good." I had to make that offer, though I expected that he'd refuse, again and again until it was too late, too late for him or too late for me.

Giving Angela a quick hug, Aggie turned back to the microphone. "And here, where we all are trying to honour him for all of the things that he's done for us, the Baron is trying to help me."

A general murmur when through the parade, I saw a lot of them nodding.

"While I followed the urgings of my wife and continued in the service, the Baron followed the urging of his wife and left the service. He became a civilian." Aggie stood tall again. "That one single action has, now, convinced me that there is a god, and she or he watches over us and is actually interested in us. You see, while he was in the service, Paul," he gestured towards me, "Was emphatically against gambling in any form, even the lottery. Thank our Gods he left the service and took up gambling again. And thank our Gods for his win. And thank our Gods that this win went to a person with the integrity and honour that my friend, our friend, Paul, the Baron, has."

He turned to me and whispered, "If you ever want rid of that bitch, just let me know, OK?" That would have been great if he hadn't been so close to the, extremely sensitive microphone.

"Or me," called a voice from, within the parade.

"And me..." cried many others. Within seconds I believe that the whole parade had offered to ... remove ... my former wife for me. No questions asked.

I leaned towards the microphone, "Sorry, Katie," I said, not knowing what else to say after so many people had publicly offered to kill her mother.

"Don't worry, Dad, I was the first to offer, and we all know she's an evil bitch anyway." Katie yelled back in reply. This raised both applause and laughter.

Laughing too, I waved in her general direction and stepped away from the microphone.

Elastic, still laughing went to the front of the dais, "Parade commander, march on the presentation, if you please."

The parade commander, called the parade to attention and then gave the order to match on the presentation.

Now I was interested in seeing this presentation, after all, I believed it was for me.

This time the presentation squad, six people in two lines of three, accompanied by Chiefy, managed to march on.

Chiefy marched tall and proud, I might be able to take the woman out of the service, but I'd never take the service out of the woman.

The presentation squad came to a halt between the parade commander and the dais. Then a strange thing happened, a marine from number 5 platoon, Jones, fell out and doubled over to the rear of the presentation squad. Then Chiefy and she, marched round the squad to exchange places, Chiefy at the rear, the marine at the front.

The marine Jones then took charge of the squad.

"Squad! Open Order March."

The rear rank, and Chiefy, lest she be stomped upon by some serious boots, took a pace back.

"Squad, By the Right, Dress."

Again the quick shuffle.

Jones marched up to the dais and saluted.

"Hi, Jonesy," I called. The parade laughed at this levity.

"Baron, we, the trainees of HMS Guillemot," she smiled broadly when she said that. Sailors and marines like to belong to a ship. An establishment just isn't the same. "Wanted to do something to thank you. To thank you for all of the help that you have given us, and the lessons that you have taught us. You have taught us many lessons. A huge amount regarding field-craft, a lot about concealment, some of us have even learned patience." This caused a greater laugh. "But the most important lesson that you have taught us is that force without compassion is just brutality; a vital lesson for people like us who are in the profession of applying force."

"Our first gift is this parade, I'm sure that you can remember how popular parades were in your time. Believe me," her voice lowered a little now, "They ain't got any more popular, Boss. But this parade was agreed upon unanimously. This gift is to remind you of us when you, or we, finally leave here."

A marine holding a covered flat object, marched forward and up the dais steps. I turned to her and she uncovered a wall plaque, with a, very freshly, painted crest, HMS Guillemot's crest. Below the crest, was a simple, "Thank you, Boss," It said everything that I'd ever wanted. For me those words were enough, the crest, a wonderful extra.

The marine took her burden and marched behind the dais where she stayed.

Jones continued. "The next item is both a gift and a request, we, the trainees would like you to accept this token to remind you of this place."

The next marine marched forward; it looked like she carried a covered cushion.

She too, mounted the dais and presented their gift to me. It was a small, enamelled badge, with "Martinè" in gold, on a green background. She took the badge and pinned it to my lapel.

"Baron," called Jones, "We, the trainees, request permission to have copies of that badge as our graduation pin."

I thought for just a moment. "Marine Jones, Trainees of Martinè, I give you my permission. And I would like to extend these badges a little. The details can be discussed with your Captain and the trainee's representatives, but my initial thoughts that the badge should be in bronze, it should also have your graduating class number. Four extra badges should be presented, three in silver for the trainees who excel in certain fields, one in gold, for the top graduate. I will, of course, provide the funding for these badges."

There was silence, silence for a long, long time. Then they erupted in cheers.

"Just fucking stop being nice for a few minutes, will yer, Boss? We're trying to do something for you for a change," said Elastic.

I turned, Elastic smiled at me. Aggie was laughing and Angela seemed to be studying her shoes. No support there, then.

When I turned back the young marine was marching away to join her colleague behind the dais.

I looked at the presentation squad, just one more, I thought.

Jones looked up at me with a smile. "Baron, we heard that you had a vicious battle with some wicked bacon this morning. Madame Dempsey suggested that you might need these."

Expressionless, the last marine mounted the dais; she too carried a cushion, though the cover over this one was decidedly lumpy. She removed the cover and revealed three pairs of chain-mail gloves, just like the ones pathologists use in autopsies. They were labelled, 'Breakfast', 'Lunch', and 'Dinner'. Laughing I picked a pair up and put them on. They fit quite well.

Still wearing them I turned to the parade. "Trainees of HMS Guillemot," I had to pause for a second due to the cheering. "Thank you for these gifts. I am humbled by your thoughtfulness."

I thought for a moment, "Earlier, both the Admiral and your Captain talked about honour, about having to have honour to properly honour another. I have watched this school from the time it received its first pupils until now. Your Captain has done more for the Royal Marines and Royal Navy than any other single person I know. She has taken marines who were thought to be useless and turned them into warriors. She has taken those whom others thought to be the dregs of the two services and raised them to be the elite. Now we have senior NCOs asking to be breveted rifleman to attend this school. This is unheard of anywhere else. Your successes speak for themselves. Your standards are unique; your graduates are valued highly and promoted quickly. This establishment has justly been granted Ship status. All of these things are due to you, you the trainees. Without your efforts there would be no success. Without your hard work, there would be no honour. You have earned honour and renown throughout the services. You have done this, guided by your instructors granted. BUT THEY COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT YOU!"

I looked round the parade. There was silence, total silence. But they stood a little taller, showed a little more pride.

"Do you have honour?" I laughed, "It is my honour to stand here in front of you today. It is my honour to know you; to know you as colleagues and as friends. If I have helped one or two of you, it is because I am able to. I have the resources to do so. You have few resources, yet you accomplish so much. You give of your own small wages and help those with nothing. You persuade those with much to give to those with the most need. Your work and skills have improved the lot of people you do not know and, when you leave here, may never meet again. And you try to honour me. These gifts will be put in places of honour, where they are on show to all who visit me. I shall always wear this badge, and I shall wear it with pride."

I turned to face my girls. "Umber," I called.

"Master," she replied.

"Please ensure that this badge is always on the left lapel of every suit I wear."

"Yes, Master."

I turned back to the parade. "Trainees of Martinè, stand tall and proud, because you are honourable people and I salute you."

After taking off the gloves, I saluted.

The parade commander and each platoon commander returned my salute.

And now it really was time to finish the parade.

-------

Aggie and Angela accompanied me back to my office, my girls followed us too. They carried the plaque and the chain mail gloves.

"Umber, get someone to hang that plaque in my office, and I want those gloves framed and hung too."

"Of course, Master," she replied with a smile.

Cecy's housekeeper had made tea and coffee for us, even leaving me my mug.

Aggie saw my mug and looked sorrowfully at his espresso cup.

"Now Aggie, you didn't come here just to watch me be embarrassed to hell and back, what can I do for you?" I asked.

"Actually, Baron, we did come to watch the parade. Captain Bands informed us of her intention to hold this parade, and the reasons for her doing so, so we both felt that we must attend," said Angela.

She patted Aggie's hand, a reassuring gesture between a wife and her husband.

"Gerald had some difficulties with the whole ship thing, until he reminded the Admiralty just who actually had real power over here. Adding over 15 Billion Euros worth of construction and renovation in northern Paris gives you a huge stack of aces in your hand, Baron."

I smiled, "Angela, I've asked you before, please call me Paul. After all, I am an old friend of Aggie's."

"Oh Paul, I do so hate that name. 'Aggie', it's just so ... horrible," she said with a smile.

Suddenly I heard a scuffle at my door. We all turned and looked, there was Marianne forcing her way, past two of my new girls, into my office, "He will see ME now. Allow me entry or pay for your intransience."

"Girls!" I called, "It's OK, and Marianne is to be given access to me, whenever she decides that she needs to see me. Now one of you go and tell Umber that Marianne is here."

"Thank you, Boss," said Marianne when the door was at last closed. "I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting, but I'm here on advocacy business."

Umber entered my office just as Marianne finished.

"So who are you representing this time?" I asked.

"Helen," was the simple reply.

I nodded, "Umber, Marianne and Helen are to have any facilities that Marianne feels might be useful. Helen is relieved of all duties and responsibilities until this matter is sorted out. Marianne, what do you want from me?" I asked.

Marianne smiled, "Not half of what you've just given me. I'll let you know, Boss, it might be nothing. It could be something serious."

I nodded, "OK Marianne, I'll probably see you later then."

She stood, "Thanks, Boss, I'll see you later."

We waited until Umber and Marianne left before continuing.

"Your life has certainly gotten more interesting, in the Chinese proverb sense of the term," said Aggie smiling.

I sighed, "Aggie, you've got something on your mind, and I know that you don't really want to bring the subject up. What is it? Just spit it out."

Aggie nodded, "The Admiralty wants to make Guillemot a joint Anglo-French training school."

"Then Elastic needs to be in here while we talk about this." I said standing and starting towards the door.

"No," said Aggie, tiredly. "She'll do as she's ordered."

I came and sat back down. "Aggie, I'm not trying to threaten or anything, but if you just try and impose this on her, then she will resign her commission, and Sasha and I will refuse to allow the school to continue on our land." I looked him directly in the eye, he knew I wasn't messing about. If Elastic wasn't treated fairly then Guillemot would die within days of its creation.

I don't know what orders Aggie had received, and I'm sure that he had been ordered to ride roughshod over any objections, but what he'd just heard would kill the joint project dead in days.

"OK, get her in then." Aggie capitulated.

"No, we'll wait a week. We owe her a week with her new ship before you try and take it from her. And I'll tell you this, Elastic must be the boss of this new school, even if you have to promote her Admiral to do it." I was stern and unforgiving in tone and demeanour, and Aggie knew that he was between a solid rock and a very hard place.

Lightening the tone, I said, "Now that we've got the unpleasantness out of the way..."

"Not quite," Aggie smiled, "FONT wants to come and inspect the place."

"FONT?" I asked.

"Flag Officer Naval Training. He's overall responsible for all training in the RN and RM." Aggie shook his head, "And Bands has been making him look bad."

I laughed. "So pension the stupid bastard off."

It was Aggies turn to laugh, "Paul, if we pensioned off all of the incompetent officers, we wouldn't have an Admiralty."

"You'd still be there."

Aggie sighed, a long heartfelt sigh, "If only I did work there, maybe I could make them see sense."

I knew that I couldn't do anything for Aggie personally, but, maybe, I could do something for the service. I'd have to think about that.

"So, let FONT and his inspectors come, if they lie in their report we'll crucify them."

Aggie nodded, he seemed tired, too tired. He hated politics, hated having to watch as arse lickers and incompetents' were promoted while those with the talent and skills to actually do the job were left behind. "OK, let Bands have her honeymoon, she'll find out that being a junior officer wasn't really all that bad."

"Aggie, I seem to remember you giving me some good advice in the past. Well, I think that you need to listen to some of your own advice now. You need a rest, friend. You're burning yourself out. And I bet that the Admiral's are doing it deliberately. They don't want someone of your calibre showing the real politicians what twats they are."

Aggies head snapped up, I could see in his eyes, his mind working furiously, thinking, thinking, thinking. Then Angela and I both saw him relax, his eyes sparkled like old, a small smile on his lips.

"You've just figured out whose behind all of this haven't you?" I said.

Aggie nodded, "And I know just how to cut their knees off." His voice had steel in it again. Just like the Aggie of old.

Angela was smiling too, "Welcome back, my love," she said in a whisper.

-------

The outer guard post wasn't always manned. Usually cameras and an automated gate were the visible signs of security. It was three hundred yards away from the Chateau and the roof personnel has good sight of the guardhouse and road. They also had ranged in all of their weapons. The outer guard house also had a remotely-operated target for practice.

Sheila Tomlinson was a babe. In the USA, she'd have been a dead certainty for head cheerleader.

Slim, lithe, very strong, standing five foot four inches tall in her stockings, a splendid cascade of honey-blonde hair usually fell between her shoulder blades. Today, she was grumpy. Her hair, tied in its bun, was giving her a headache. She felt bloated, fat and ugly. She wanted to cry but wouldn't. She'd prefer to kill something, but couldn't.

Sheila had PMS.

Sheila didn't really suffer from her PMT, well not as much as the people around her suffered from her PMS anyway. And that's why she always volunteered for guard duty at the outer guard post. It got her away from the people she annoyed, and she never did like the way she was toward her friends and colleagues during this time.

Sheila's silent contemplation was disturbed by the sound of a car approaching. The roof surveillance team would already know about it of course, but SOP was to report in.

"Outer guard post, car approaching," she said into her radio. She spoke softly; the mike was very sensitive and only three inches away from her mouth.

"Roger," was the reply.

Sheila watched as the car came to a halt. She stood on the right hand side of the car. This was to disorientate the driver who would, normally expect her to be on the left hand side.

Sheila took a single step forward and bent as the window slowly wound down.

A large automatic was thrust into her face.

Without thought, her body reacted, knocking the barrel away from her body, with her left hand, grabbing the handgun with her right and completing the twist, breaking the finger that was within the trigger guard, pressing the barrel against her assailant's head and using his own finger to activate the trigger.

She wrenched the weapon away from the body and covered the other three men in the car.

"OUT!" she screamed at them.

The men tumbled out of the other side of the car, Sheila landing on top of them as she slid across the cars roof.

Two loud impacts, as very large calibre rounds destroyed the cars engine.

"On the ground, NOW!" she ordered.

Two of the men dropped to the ground and spread their arms and legs. The third felt the barrel of Sheila's gun slam into the base of his spine.

"I said, DOWN, NOW!"

Less than five seconds after the handgun appeared, Sheila had full control of the situation and was waiting for backup.

And she could hear the deep throated roar of a racing motorbike already approaching.

Katie dismounted and let her bike fall to the ground. For that alone she hated these men.

"Report," ordered Katie.

"Four Tangos in vehicle. Front passenger produced fire-arm. I killed and disarmed him. Ordered three Tangos out of the vehicle and onto the ground. Over-watch immobilised vehicle."

Katie smiled, the situation was coming under control and she could relax a little. There would be less chance of losing another Tango if they relaxed a little.

"Did they let you ask them for their ID cards?" Katie asked.

Now more back up was arriving, one at a time, the men were handcuffed. They were left on the ground though.

One of the men started shouting, "Aren't you going to ask who we are?"

He was ignored.

The officer of the day, Sub-Lieutenant Collins, arrived together with the duty watch, those who were 'duty', working the ship, that day.

Collins looked round, one dead body; no one could live with a hole that size in their head. A wrecked car, Katie Phelp's bike on its side on the road, 'Ooohh, Katie's gonna be pissed about that.' And three perps face down on the ground. "Colour, Come and give me a hand sort this out,"

"I am actually a rifleman at the moment, Ma'am," he replied.

"Yeah, right, Colour, get your arse over here and give me a hand." Collins was getting miffed now.

"Of course, Ma'am," Colour replied, bowing to the inevitable.

"Colour, tell me what to do, I'm out of my depth here," Collins said very, very quietly.

Colour nodded, "You've done the right thing calling me over. Now, if I may suggest..."

"Colour, don't fucking suggest, tell me what I need to do. Don't make me look like a total prat in front of these girls."

More people arrived now, the local police.

"Ma'am, you go and liaise with the police. I'll start looking after this end."

Collins looked up at him, "Thanks, Colour." She turned and went over to the police.

The sailors and marines looked over to the Colour Sergeant. They too were glad that he was there. Guillemot was very short on experienced SNCOs. His presence calmed and stabilised the situation.

'First, ' he thought, 'Find out who these clowns are.'

He waved Tomlinson over. "What happened Tomlinson?"

Sheila gave a concise but accurate briefing. At the end, neither of them were really any the wiser as to why one man had lost his life, and three others were now handcuffed face down on the grass.

"Tomlinson, the locals will want to talk to you, when we've finished go over into the field and wait to be called. Have you got another comms set?" His mind was racing. What evidence did they have? There should be video supporting Tomlinson's version of events. If the video didn't, well then, Tomlinson had a lot of questions to answer.

"In the guard post, Colour. The main security will unlock the cupboard remotely." Sheila actually felt a lot better now. Perhaps that was the cure for her PMS, just pop a cap into some bastard that so obviously deserved it.

"Before you go though," Colour turned, "EVIDENCE BAG!" he called.

One of his squad mates ran over with an evidence set, "Here, Colour."

"Thanks, Ginnie."

He opened, and held out a large evidence bag, "I need the weapon, Tomlinson."

"Oh," Sheila jumped, looked down at her blood splattered right hand and the automatic that she held in it. Something didn't feel quite right though.

Carefully Sheila snapped the safety on and placed the weapon into the bag. As she opened her hand, a finger fell to the bottom of the bag.

"I wondered what happened to that," Sheila said, quietly, she was going into shock now.

"Ginnie!"

"Colour," Ginnie replied.

"Take Tomlinson to the sick bay. No one is to talk to her except the medical staff."

"Colour!" replied Ginnie before she gently guided Sheila away.

Colour Sergeant Harry Edmonds sighed. He was here to learn, and now that chance might have disappeared. But, Harry was a marine. Marines adapted.

Collins and the police sergeant went to the closest of the handcuffed men. The sergeant looked at his clothes, "English," he said with certainty.

"OO are eeyou?" His accent was terrible. "Ot be is youuer name?"

With difficulty the man looked up at him, "Michael Smith, Fleet Chief Petty Officer Michael Smith. We're supposed to be here inspecting this establishment."



-------

Chapter 101


I arrived after things had settled down a little.

By now Elastic's inspector, as we still called him, was here and had taken charge of the situation. The Politicians in Paris were taking an interest in the affair; they didn't want anything to upset my investments in the regeneration of Paris' northern suburbs.

Another car pulled up and a well-dressed man stepped out. His florid features didn't disguise his rage at what he saw.

"What's going on here?" he demanded to know. "Release my men immediately!"

Elastic, the police officers, and I turned to look at him. I'm sure that there were more than a couple of smiles as we saw the little red laser dots dancing on his chest.

"WELL!"

"And who are you?" The inspector asked.

"I am Sir James Montcloud, Admiral Montcloud. Those are my men." He spotted the body being loaded onto a gurney.

"My God, someone's murdered one of my men. Who did that?"

"The circumstances of the death are what I am investigating now," said the Inspector.

"A local, are you? Well I suppose I'd better take over now." Montcloud looked over at the Chateau. "I'll set up my headquarters in the house," he pointed to the Chateau.

Montcloud's aide de camp, had been scurrying round actually talking to the people already here. Then he noticed the laser dots on his boss's jacket. "ADMIRAL! BITCHSLAP!" he shouted while throwing himself on the ground.

The admiral too, dived to the ground. 'Bitchslap' was obviously a code word meaning some form of danger. The aide started to hunt round for cover, and to try and spot the source of the laser designators, the Admiral though, just lay there, hands over his head quivering.

After a few moments, the aide noticed that we were all just standing around staring at him.

Unnerved by the silence, Montcloud also looked up and saw that we were watching him, possibly wondering what he'd do next.

I was now almost surrounded by my girls, and they looked angry.

"Hummph..."Montcloud stood up. "I'm going to the house." He turned to his aide, "I'll speak with you later, danger indeed."

"No, he is quite right, you are in danger," I said quite clearly. "Over-watch, take out the blue car," I said quietly.

The Admiral's car jumped backward as two Barrett rounds smashed into the engine of his transport.

"He was right, Montcloud, you were in danger. You are in more danger now. You have three rifles aimed at you right now. The riflemen mean business. To them you're just a target."

Montcloud stared at me, his look filled with hatred.

"Come, Andrews, we'll go to the house." He said through gritted teeth.

"Didn't you hear me the first time? You aren't welcome in my home." I was seething.

He pulled himself up, "I have to investigate this murder," he replied, "And I will commandeer that house if I see fit."

I strode towards him until we stood nose to nose, my girls either side of us, all of them ready to rip this idiot to shreds.

"You," I poked him in his chest, very hard, "Have no authority here." I poked him again. "You, will NOT set foot in my home. You, will not even set foot in the grounds. You are not wanted here, so go away. NOW!"

He was beetroot red now, "I will do as I please. I am an Admiral in the Royal Navy, and my orders will be obeyed. And I DEMAND to know who murdered Fleet Chief Grey."

"Your officer was killed in self-defence after he threatened an unarmed female marine who was the guard at this guard post. I have inspected the video of the incident, and am inclined to recommend to the inquiring magistrate, that she be commended on her skill in defending herself and those she was here to guard," said the inspector stiffly.

"Now, Admiral I want to know why your man had a loaded firearm and why he threatened Marine Tomlinson with it?"

"His gun wasn't loaded," called one of the men still on the ground.

"Arrr ... in that case, he is still alive, as he was shot dead by his own weapon. We saw that on the video and we will prove that with the ballistic tests." The Inspector had had enough now.

"Rubbish, patent nonsense. I didn't give him permission to draw ammunition..." interrupted Montcloud.

The inspector turned to him, "But you ordered him to carry a hand-gun, didn't you?"

"Yes," Montcloud, blinded by his own sense of authority, didn't see the danger that he was getting himself in.

"So the dead man was acting under your orders?" the inspector continued.

"Of course he was!" Montcloud was now almost beyond reason, furious that his obvious authority wasn't being accepted. "None of my men do anything except on my specific orders."

The inspector stared at him for a long, long time. "Please, could you repeat that last sentence Admiral?" The last word dripped sarcasm.

"I said that none of my men do anything except on my specific orders. Are you deaf or stupid, eh?"

The inspector sighed, "I am neither, However," he grabbed hold of Montcloud's upper arm, "I arrest you in connection with the armed assault on Marine Sheila Tomlinson."

Montcloud looked at him in disbelief. "You can't arrest me! I won't allow it." He took two steps backward.

"Are you resisting arrest, Admiral?" asked the inspector.

"Don't be stupid man, you aren't arresting me, that's preposterous."

The inspector turned to me, "Baron, Please may I borrow a couple of your ... special girls?" he asked with a smile.

"Alison, Jill, help the inspector." I replied.

They stepped up to the Admiral.

"Admiral," said the inspector, "I suggest that you place your hands behind your back and allow these ladies to place these handcuffs on your wrists." He pulled a set of handcuffs out of a pocket and gave them to Alison.

"Admiral," said Alison holding out her hand.

"FUCK OFF, BITCH!" shouted Montcloud.

About two seconds later, he too, was handcuffed face down on the ground, though he was forced down onto the hard road surface and suffered grazes and abrasions.

I walked over and squatted down beside him, "That was a major mistake, calling one of my girls a bitch. You will apologise or I shall make you sorry that you ever thought of coming here.

"ANDREWS! Andrews, tell these fools who I am, make them let me go. Andrews!" Montcloud was not listening to anything but his own thoughts and ideas. In Montcloud's world he was the top dog and everyone did what he told then. He was having a very serious case of reality at the moment. I think that it hurt him.

I stood again. Montcloud had made an enemy. My girls are precious to me and I'll defend them against anyone who tried to abuse them.

We watched as the Inspector walked slowly to his car, Alison and Jill, dragging Montcloud behind them. I was amused to see that they pulled the arrogant prat by his ankles too.

Andrews watched as his Admiral was dragged away. He didn't try to move. Umber stood directly in front of him and he'd already found that moving was painful when she stood there.

"Can I go now?" he asked with exaggerated politeness.

"When my Master gives permission," answered Umber.

"Yes, arr ... thank you." I suppose he didn't really know what to say.

"Phone," I called, holding out my hand.

A phone was given to me immediately.

I dialled.

"Weston," came the reply.

"Aggie, I've got a solution for your joint military school project," I said.

"And what's that?" he asked.

"Make Elastic FONT. Simple."

"And what about the current FONT? What do we do with him?"

"Oh," I said casually, "Don't worry about him. He's just been dragged off to jail."

"WHAT!"

I pulled the phone away from my ear.

"Mind me ears, Aggie," I said.

"What's this about Montcloud being dragged off to jail? I know he's an arrogant prick, but that's no reason to jail him."

I explained what had happened.

"Oh well," said Aggie with a sigh, "I suppose being an arrogant prick was a reason to jail him. I'll let the First Sea Lord know. He's going to go ballistic. Anyway, I thought I told you to go and play with your slaves or something, not stir up this kind of trouble." Aggie hung up.

I must have been looking pensive as I stood there. I was thinking about Elastic, a joint Anglo-French training centre and a training ground. I was happy to have the Finishing School in my grounds, but nothing more than that.

"I see you have a problem, Baron."

I was jolted out of my thoughts by the inspector.

"Yes, I'm wondering where I can put a large military training school." I replied, actually grateful for the interruption.

"Well there's an old unused reservists training ground about 30 kilometres from here, have you had a look at that? The Mayor has been trying to sell that for years."

-------

The old training ground was on 1200 hectares of the worst ground I'd ever seen. Thick brambles gave way to almost absolute desolation. Swampy ground abutted a huge rock outcrop. It would be a nightmare just to get from one side to the other.

It was perfect.

A poor farm abutted this land. While the farm wasn't doing well agriculturally, it was perfectly placed to provide access to the old training grounds. And, I could see from the state of the fields, the farmer hadn't started to prepare the land for planting. These two would be perfect.

-------

I caused a stir when I arrived at the Hotel de Ville.

"Oh, Baron!" said the flustered clerk. "Come, Le Marie he in. Come."

She led me to a large ornate room. A single desk had been placed underneath a large painted landscape.

A small man was working at the desk.

He looked up, then his eyes opened in surprise. "Le Baron!"

He stood, holding out his hand he said, "Baron, welcome to our small community. I am Jean-Paul Silviece, the mayor."

We shook.

"Baron, while I have wanted to meet you for a long time, now that you are sat in my office, I find myself nervous. What can we do for you, Baron?"

"I'd like to purchase some land..." That's as far as I got.

"Mon Deiu, our prayers have been answered. You wish to extend the Martinè estates to include our tiny community, Baron? We wondered ... no, we hoped and prayed that you would look this way when you were gathering lands to your north." He shrugged, "Martinè is seen as something of a paradise. Together your community can purchase the large farm machinery that makes your crops so much cheaper; you have the assistance of your experts. Your land management is first class. We long to be welcomed as part of Martinè, we will do our share of the work, our share and more. Ha!" he gave a short, almost barking laugh, "If we just did our own share it would seem to us like a holiday." He looked serious now, "No Baron, you will find us a strong, willing, hard working, community. We will make you proud of the day you came here. This I swear." He stood and bowed, actually bowed to me.

I was dumbfounded. Gobsmacked.

I thought furiously for a couple of seconds, then smiled.

"Mayor Silviece, I hope that you realise that some changes may not be exactly what your people would be expecting."

"Baron, we are expecting this community to die. My people hope and pray that you can change their expectations."

I nodded. I hadn't really been looking around me as we drove here. I would be more observant on the return journey.

"Is your town solicitor available?" I asked.

"Mai oui, I shall call her immediately." And he did, the call only took a few seconds. Jean-Paul was looking happier and happier, the more we spoke. After the call he smiled at me. "Baron, please to take the coffee?"

"I would like a cafè au lait, please." I too smiled. Smiling can bring some quite unexpected bonuses.

He hurried to the door, opening it almost caused the four or five ladies who'd been trying to listen in on our conversation, to fall into the office. I hid my smile this time.

Jean-Paul gave hurried orders and the ladies scurried away.

We had just taken our first sips of the, quite mediocre, coffee when the door opened and a short, dumpy lady entered.

'The solicitor, ' I thought.

Jean-Paul and I stood and helped her get settled. He briefed her on our conversation so far. Well, what he thought had been our conversation anyway.

The woman turned to me, "Forgive me Baron, I am Analise Silviece, the solicitor for this small community. As you might guess, Jean-Paul is my husband." The two looked at each other with the comfortable loving look of the long-term married.

She took out a large, yellow, legal notepad. "First of all Baron, may I have the name and address of your solicitors?"

"Certainly, Ms Sasha Dempsey, Dempsey, 4 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London." I answered with a certain amount of pride.

Analise went a little pale. She and her husband spoke rapidly in French for a while. Then Jean-Paul turned back to me. "Baron, Analise does not think that she can properly represent us against people of the calibre of Madame Dempsey, and..."

"And you do not have the funds to pay for proper legal representation. Ummm ... This is a difficult problem. I cannot just lend you the money to pay, because that would give you a conflict of interest. Anyone can see that."

I shook my head. Analise, shamed at not feeling herself able to represent her people, was being swamped by my argument. She too nodded in agreement.

"If the community owned some land that I could buy, then you would have the funds that you require." I suggested.

Analise jumped up, "Yes! There is, there is a farm and it is next to Martinè." She went to a large framed map on the wall and pointed out a marked farm. It wasn't the farm I'd been interested in, but it did abut onto both Martinè and the old training ground.

"What's that place?" I asked, pointing at the dark lined area I knew to be the training ground. There were only three properties which actually abutted Martinè, the farm I was being offered, the training ground and the farm I'd seen.

Jean-Paul was silent for a moment. He pointed to the farm I'd seen, "Baron, this farm is also for sale. If you bought both, we would give you the centre property for just the owed taxes." He smiled at me.

I tried desperately not to laugh, after all he was the mayor of a poor town. He had to do the best that he could for them. If that involved ripping off a benefactor, he would do that with a clear conscience.

I paused for a moment, as though thinking. Actually, I was trying not to jump up and down in delight.

"A quarter of the back taxes." I responded.

Jean-Paul pretended to think for a moment. He was in a difficult position. He wanted me to buy the whole community. But they needed cash now. "A quarter of the back taxes will be fine Baron."

We shook hands.

"Now, how about I give you say... €200,000 as a deposit and we'll let Madame Silviece and the people at Dempsey sort out the details." I smiled again, not too shark-like I hoped.

"That will be perfect, Baron," Jean-Paul answered.

I wrote out the check, I really must remember to ask Nigel if there has been any progress on me buying a bank. I really could use my own bank now.

Thanking the Mayor and his wife, I returned to the car and my ride back to the Chateau. I would need a proper agricultural survey done of this area, Geological as well, I thought. I also need to get some more maps, I smiled to myself. Martiné was growing. Soon it would be twice the size that it was.

-------

Marianne and Helen were waiting in my office on my return.

I noticed straight away that Helen had a bright red hand print on her left cheek. Someone had slapped her face, and hard.

"Boss, I don't need to be here. Helen has no reason to be concerned. I have explained that she is a slave, your slave. She accepted you as her Master, now she must live, or die, by that choice. So now I'm returning to my studies."

"OK Marianne, but before you leave, please would you have a word with the other girls, see if there are any problems, you know the sort of thing to look for," I smiled at her.

Marianne shook her head. "Boss, you're too nice for these girls. They want, no, they need you to be a bit stricter with them. They know you're their Master, but they need you to show that to them every now and then." She came and kissed me. "I'll have a word with the other girls, but, I'll tell you now, there aren't any problems. OK?"

"OK," I replied. "Give my regards to Prof," I said as she left.

"You bet," she called back.

I had to smile, Marianne had certainly grown since I first freed her to be legate for Annette.

-------

London

Sally put down the phone, and turned to Bertie. He was relaxing, well, this was her scoop after all. She did the work, she got the credit. But this story had gone beyond awards and kudos, it was now about doing the right thing. The things that they'd discovered shocked Sally to her core. She had never expected corruption on this scale, in a third world country maybe, but not the UK, not now.

"Bertie, we're ready. I'm ready to publish. I've about three or four hours more tidying the piece up a little, but we're ready to go."

Bertie stood and came over to hug his love. "Great, Sal, now do you want to go exclusive with one of the broadsheets, or let everyone have it?" he asked.

Sally was stunned, "But ... but what about the Cumbrian Clarion?"

"Oh," Bertie seemed both pleased and a little ashamed, "Err ... I fired you from that ages ago, when you tried to tell me some cock and bull story about most of the coppers in England being corrupt." He smiled now, "Then I resigned too. Can't be a newspaper editor, not even a local rag, with that kind of bad judgement."

Sally hugged him, "Oh Bertie, thanks," They kissed, at another time this would have led to better things, but not now. Now was the time to publish their, her, story.

Sally thought for a moment, she'd already decided, but a few more seconds' reflection wouldn't hurt. "Bertie, we've got to spread this as wide as possible. Do you know the editors... ?" Sally stopped as she saw the grin spread across Bertie's face.

She laughed, "Come on then, I suppose you know them all,"

Bertie made a rocking motion with his hand. "Most, not all though. The best ones, the ones we want."

"So call them up, we need to let people know about this," cried Sally in frustration.

Bertie shook his head, "Timing Sal, pet, timing." He got the calendar from his, their, study. "What's the best day of the week to publish a story like this?" he asked, always the teacher.

Sally held up a finger, "Sundays are for comment pieces, Monday, everyone's shagged from the weekend, Tuesday is OK, so is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, people are thinking about the weekend, Saturday, they're concentrating on the shopping, visitation rights with their kids and football. So Tuesday or Wednesday."

"Yes, and what's happening next Wednesday?"

"Shit," exclaimed Sally, "The Screaming Monkeys are releasing the Blu-ray of their 'Friends' concert. We couldn't tell anyone that the world was ending on Thursday. They're all gonna be queuing up to get their DVDs and Blu-rays. FUCK!"

"So," said Bertie, "We publish a week Wednesday. The delay will give you time to get started on your book."

"BOOK!" cried Sally, she was having far too many shocks today, "What book?"

Bertie smiled, "The 'How I proved that most of the UK's senior policemen are crooks, ' book."

Sally sat staring at her love, her mouth silently opening and closing.

"Go on then, get typing." Bertie ordered.

In a daze, Sally turned and opened a new document. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment, then the first finger descended and pressed the first key.

-------

"Sal," Bertie's voice was an annoyance she didn't need at the moment. She waved him away.

"SALLY!" Angry now, Sally turned, or tried to, her back hurt so much. How long had she been typing?

She looked at the clock, Half past six, well, she'd started at just gone five so she hadn't been here too long. But why did she hurt so?

"Sally, pet, you've been here all night. Here, drink this, then get some sleep. I'll run an eye over what you've got so far and we'll see where you go from there."

"OK, Darling." Sally fell into bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Sally's dreams were troubled, there was something wrong, no, not wrong, just not right, not quite right. Sally's subconscious puzzled about this all through her sleep.

Sally woke six hours later, she came out into the living room and saw Bertie hunched over the computer.

"Bertie, there's something fishy about this story," she said.

-------

Birmingham

Em watched as Kaine and his mother left the maternity unit. Once Kaine's lactose intolerance had been accepted, and he'd been put onto a suitable diet, he gained weight, not rapidly, but steadily, the way that his doctor, Ross, preferred. Two days previously, his mother's milk had started flowing, and the little baby suckled hungrily, feeding on the best food possible.

Ross, or 'Dr. Shouty' as the mothers in the unit came to call him, had turned the unit around. With the help of 45 older nurses, with their vast experience, they'd reminded the unit's staff of the training they'd had and made the younger women stick to the routines and procedures that they'd been taught. Some of the staff left. They were the worst of the staff, the laziest, those who'd lied about their qualifications, and the just plain stupid.

Whilst the mothers might have called Ross, Dr. Shouty, he was never, ever anything but politeness personified to them. He only shouted and screamed at the staff, and only then when they weren't meeting his standards of paediatric care.

From his hospital bed, the unit's paediatric consultant, who had, somehow, managed to dislocate his knee quite badly on his way from the unit to A&E, faced the hospital's senior administration, and Ross.

Despite his screaming threats that he would inform his patron, the great Dr. McCracken of Great Ormond Street, about this vile treatment he was receiving, or maybe because of those threats to his superiors, in the presence of Ross himself, he was summarily dismissed.

When he threatened to take his dismissal to an employment tribunal, the hospitals CEO just smiled and said "Oh please do."

-------

Martinè

I sat by the pool and looked at the calm inviting water. And then my healing left hand.

Of course it was my own fault that I couldn't swim. But that didn't make my missing the exercise any easier. It just meant that I had to blame myself as well and stare at the, oh so inviting, water.

Julia placed Susan in my arms and my day improved immediately. Susan, ready for her feed, was awake and looking round. I cuddled her for nearly three minutes, but I wasn't good enough for the hungry little madam. She let out a lusty yell and Julia took her from my hands, and to her breast. Susan busied herself with feeding.

I stood, kissed Julia and Susan and went for a wander. I was bored. Bored, bored, bored. I went to my office, but, damn them, my managers were doing what I paid them for, they were managing. Bugger.

I checked for emails, especially regarding the new training ground, there wasn't anything. I'd checked earlier and there wasn't anything then either.

Just as I was about to leave the office I heard a helicopter coming in to land. At last, something was happening. I almost ran to the heliport.

I was pleased; it was my, Sasha's ... our helicopter. No Sasha though, but it did have Gerald and Geraldine.

The pilot shut down the engine and we all waited until the rotors had completely stopped. I was very strict about this, having seen rotor blades soar in the wind and then dip almost to the ground during my service days. I know civil helicopters are supposed to be safer than military ones, but, in my opinion, they were unnatural, nothing but upside down lawn-mowers.

So we waited, but no one would be injured or die from rotor blade incidents here at Martinè.

With the rotors locked, the pilot gave the OK for his passengers to disembark.

"What the fuck happened to you?" asked Gerald as soon as he saw my bandaged hand.

"Read a newspaper, didn't like one of the articles." I answered.

Gerald laughed, "The Times, that reverend bloke," he guessed.

I nodded, how well my friends know me.

"Paul, come, let's get to your Blu-ray player," he paused and looked at me, "You do have a Blu-ray player don't you?"

"Errr..."

He burst out laughing, "Paul, you are just so technically illiterate." He put his arm round my shoulders, "Come on, I'm sure that Umber or one of your other girls will know."

We went into the Chateau. I did notice that, while his left hand was round me, his right hand was holding onto Geraldine's hand quite firmly. Sung Lu, Gerald's slave and bodyguard didn't seem to mind Geraldine's relationship with her Master.

Umber showed us into a medium-sized room, I couldn't remember ever being in here. There was a big telly on one wall and a set of black and silver / grey boxes underneath it. Gerald pushed a few buttons and then slid a CD like thing into the tray. It closed and a blue light started flickering for a few moments.

"Paul, get your girls, this is for all of you."

Umber ran to the door and called out, "ALL GIRLS HERE NOW!"

Moments later they started arriving, all of my personal slaves, leather collar and gold collar.

It only took a few moments to get everyone organised. One of the good things about having slaves is that they do what they're told and don't argue. And they'll sit next to whoever you tell them to sit next too.

"Paul, this is the first copy made from the first master of Friends. It's my," he glanced down at Geraldine, "It's our," he corrected with a smile, "Gift to you."

Delighted we sat and watched the whole Friends concert again. It was as great on the Blue thingy as it had been on the large video-wall.

I noticed Gerald and Geraldine leaving the room, I expected that they were tired and I would see them in the morning. My girls and I, though, we enjoyed Friends again.

-------

We settled into the comfort area of my office and waited while Helen poured us all a hot drink. Gerald had asked to speak privately with me during breakfast. And here we were.

"Paul," started Gerald, he was having difficulty finding the right words to say what he wanted to say.

"Err..." He hesitated and looked at Geraldine. She looked concerned, a little frightened.

"Let me guess, you want to marry Geraldine."

Still looking at his lady love, Gerald said, "Oh yes."

"You know that that's not much of a secret." I said, almost enjoying his discomfort.

"What!" They both exclaimed.

"But we've been so careful," said a shocked Geraldine.

I gave a short chuckle, "Like you were when you did the Friends concert?" I asked remembering the looks they gave each other and that kiss at the end.

"Yes," they agreed.

"Riiiigggghhhhttt."

I shrugged.

"Well, take it from me, if I figured it out, then the whole world, and their dogs, cats and goldfish know about it." I said.

They looked at each other in surprise, then in love.

I coughed - surprised and more than a little guilty, they looked back at me.

I looked at Geraldine, "Geraldine, my precious, what do you want me to do?"

Very nervous now, Geraldine looked at Gerald, then back to me, "My Master, please may I have my freedom?" she asked nervously. I glanced at their hands, it was easy to see from the white knuckles on both of their hands just how nervous they were, asking me that question.

I smiled, "Geraldine, go and open the door."

Puzzled she did. And found all of my personal girls waiting outside. Cecy must have arrived during the night as she was there too, as was Chiefy.

"Well Geraldine, aren't you going to invite your sisters in to watch you receive your freedom?" I asked.

Gerald was a stunned as Geraldine was.

But as I'd said, if I could spot the signs, then everyone could. And my girls, Umber especially, would know that I'd free Geraldine as soon as she asked me to.

The girls quickly entered my office, it was a little cramped for all of us, but it would do.

I stood in front of my desk, Gerald, stood beside me. Geraldine knelt in front of us.

"Umber, please give me slave Geraldine's collar. She is to make her choice again."

"Yes, my Master." Umber removed Geraldine's leather collar and handed it to me.

The collar felt strangely warm in my hands. It had been worn round Geraldine's neck since I put it on her so long ago. And now she was to be free of her collar forever.

I held out the collar, "What is your choice, Geraldine?" I asked.

"Master, I choose my freedom," she replied.

I smiled.

Chiefie walked forward and cut Geraldine's collar in two.

Geraldine was now free.

-------

"The deadline is a week on Wednesday," said Sasha from the speaker phone. "We just need to distract them for a few more days."

There was silence on both ends of the phone line for a moment.

"Get the Boss out and about again?" suggested Ela.

"That's going to be a lot more dangerous now, now that they think they can run away to the States and hide."

"How about something on continental Europe?" asked Karolina. "He wants a bank; there are a couple in Strasbourg that Nigel's been looking at. We can send him there to have a look at them. It shows him moving, and is away from their home turf, that'll help him,"

"Karolina, you'd better not let Paul catch you speaking like that," said Sasha with a laugh.

"I know," sighed Karolina, "My Master does like his bad speaking little Polish girl."

"No, your Master loves his little Polish girl," amended Sasha.

"Will there be enough visibility?" asked 2.

"And we need to be able to get him to a safe house if necessary," added Carol.

The discussion ranged on and on.

"OK then, we get Paul to go to Strasbourg next Monday, and Operation Big-Nick follows on the Wednesday," said Sasha.

Her listeners all agreed.

The phone called finished.

"Oh my God, it's ending at last. How long have we been planning for this day?" asked Ela.

Karolina cuddled her lover, "Too long, it's taken too long to get everything just right. We couldn't have done it this well ourselves, the Coven really turned our plan into something workable."

The two kissed, a comforting kiss rather than passionate. There would be time for passionate after next Wednesday.



-------

Chapter 102


Tuesday

Eight Days To Go

I sat by the pool holding Susan, Julia and Julie knelt beside me, both having refused to sit in a chair or lounger. But I knew that they used them when I wasn't there.

Sasha had returned home late yesterday and seemed to be in a passionate mood. We had made our love, wildly, then more slowly, more touches and caresses the second time. This wasn't the first time that she had been so insistent that we make love. But it had been a little unusual.

I just sat, cuddling Susan, and thought.

Nigel Williams had asked for a meeting tomorrow. Jill had put it in the FDD, I wonder what he wants?

Nigel asking for a meeting; usually if he wants to see me he just turns up and depends on Sasha or Cecy bullying me into seeing him. That's another thing that's just very, very slightly odd.

-------

Birmingham

The hospital CEO looked at his new paediatric consultant. She was Chinese, no-one would ever have expected such a young doctor to be personally recommended by Dr. McCraken, but he had brought her into the hospital himself.

And Dr. Lu was a tartar. She demanded the highest standards, of cleanliness and nursing.

And, it would seem, of equipment. He looked down at the pile of broken monitors and unusable equipment that had been dumped on his desk. Well, OK, maybe, just maybe, some of this was his fault for buying the cheapest that he could find. But didn't everyone cut corners like that?

Dr. Lu carefully placed a large envelope on the CEO's desk. He opened it, glanced at the photo's inside and blanched, how the fuck had they found out????

Stuttering slightly he said, "I'm ... We can ... I'll get these replaced as soon as I can doctor." He gave a little, nervous, laugh.

"Tomorrow," said Dr. Lu.

"Pardon?"

"I need this equipment tomorrow. Otherwise, I shut down the unit." Dr. Lu started the CEO directly in his eyes, her gaze never wavering for a second.

"Tomorrow, well, I'll have to see what I can do, procedures you know."

"You didn't go through procedures," Lu almost spat that word, "To get this heap of shit. Get me the equipment I need or I close the unit and go to the papers."

"OK," his voice was little more than a squeak.

He watched as Lu left his room, she barely stood four foot six inches tall, but he felt as though she had towered over his 6' 1''.

-------

London

"I know," said Bertie.

That shocked Sally. She only realised that there was something strange about this whole ... thing, yesterday. It was only when she went through everything that had happened, getting everything in order, that she realised something was strange.

"What do you mean, you know?" asked Sally.

Bertie came to her and gently held her hands. "Sal, pet, do you trust me?"

"With my life," Sally answered without hesitation.

"Then I ask you to trust me for another two weeks. In two weeks time you will have all of the answers, or," he added ominously, "It won't matter."

Sally looked at him, "Two weeks then." She kissed him, a quick peck on his cheek. Then she kissed him again, this time with passion.

-------

Martinè

There was something I could do, something useful too.

"Julia, can I have a phone?" I was just about to say 'please' when I spotted the sparkle in her eye. "Now," I said.

Julia laughed, "That's better, Master," she said as she handed me a Blackberry.

I dialled, well, I selected the name I wanted from the contact list and pushed the green button. That was close enough for me.

Trystan answered within two rings. "Good morning, Baron. It would seem that whatever I do to preserve my peace, your experts overcome. I won't ask how they found out my new telephone number; neither will I get my people to change it," he sighed, "Again. What can I do for you?"

"Who do I talk to in your navy about this idea of a joint training establishment here in Martinè?" I asked.

I could hear the surprise in his voice. "Oh! Please give me a few minutes to talk to a few people in our Ministry of Defence. I'll call you back on this number, or rather I would call you back on this number if it was not my Mother's home phone. Perhaps you'd better call me back in say ... an hour?"

"An hour then, Trystan." I agreed and then hung up. I smiled to myself, Karolina and Ela really did like playing games with Trystan's security people. Now I did laugh out loud, spoofing his mother's telephone number. That had to be their best yet.

Umber came out to me and knelt, "Master, there are two people here to see you, Madame and Monsieur Silviece."

Ummm ... their timing could have been better, but I didn't want to put them off.

"Have them shown into the library and have," I thought for a moment, "Have someone entertain them. Give them my apologies as I shall be busy for the next hour or two. And it will be lunchtime before we've finished; ask them if they'd like to stay for lunch."

"Certainly, Master." Umber ran lightly away. I do like watching that girl.

I turned back and settled into my chair. Susan started grizzling, hunger or nappy, either one Julia would be the best person to take care of our daughter. Julia was standing ready to take the baby as I made up my mind to part with her.

"Thanks, Julia," I said with a smile.

"Master, it is my responsibility to look after our child, a responsibility that I take great pride in."

"I still wish to thank you though, my girl," I teased, giving a bit of a growl.

"Then this girl is happy to please her Master," Julia replied laughing.

I sat deep in thought, staring without seeing. Wondering what the 'odd' things meant.

Then I remembered Collette, Trystan would be happy to hear about his daughters progress.

"Girl!" I called.

"Master," replied Catharina.

I looked at her, Catharina had settled down a lot since her first few days as a body slave. She now understood me a little more. And she understood her place in relation to the gold-collared girls.

"Catharina, go and ask Elastic how Collette Bonner is progressing in her training. Quickly now."

"Yes, my Master." She called as she ran away. I watched her for a moment, very nice, not up to Umber's standard, but nice.

In only a few minutes Catharina returned and gave her report. I smiled. A father likes to know his children are doing well.

Julie handed me a phone, "It's time to call Monsieur Bonner again, my Master."

"Thank you," I said distracted, thinking about children.

The phone was ready for me, I pressed the green button.

"Baron, you are very punctual I see. I have some answers for you. The man that you should speak to is Admiral Hock. He is the admiral responsible for training. However, he is also quite ... set ... in his ways. He is of the opinion that he should have fought at Trafalgar. Then we would have won." Trystan laughed, "His is, of course, right. The French would have won, but only if he'd been one of Nelson's officers. The man you need to speak to is Captain le Comte Debussey. He is the one who actually does the work."

"Thank you, Trystan. I have some news for you too. Collette will be returning home soon. She is graduating from the Finishing School with Honours."

"Thank you for this news, Baron. I shall look forward to seeing her again." I could hear the pride in his voice. "I thank you, Baron, for allowing Collette to study at your school. It will give her career a tremendous boost, and silence a large number of her detractors."

Our conversation finished, we hung up.

But what Trystan said got me thinking. 'My' school, well if it was my school, why don't I do something to stamp my mark on it? I had an idea, and sat developing that idea for a while.

"Master, your guests are waiting," Julie reminded me.

Damn, I really wanted time on this. "Notepad, and quickly girl!" I demanded.

A pad was thrust forward. I quickly sketched out my ideas and a few notes. "See that this gets to Karen as soon as possible." I ordered.

Julie took the pad, "Yes, Master. Karen is here today Master, shall I order her to see you?"

I thought for a moment, "Yes, but only when she's had time to think about that." I pointed to the pad. "I want the 'Karen' touch on this."

"I'm sure that she will be pleased to assist you, our Master." Julie said with a smile. She ran away to deliver my notes to Karen.

I went to the library to see what Jean-Paul and Analise wanted. I think I should come clean about the training camp as well.

-------

"Good morning Baron," said Jean-Paul, as I entered.

"Jean-Paul, Analise, what can I do for you?"

Analise pulled out a large envelope, "Baron, it is our pleasure to give you the deeds to the two farms and the waste ground that borders your estate."

I took them and placed them on the table between us, "Analise, Jean-Paul, thank you. I hope that you have found," I nearly said 'competent, ' but that would have insulted Analise, "Experienced legal representation?"

Analise smiled, "Baron, we have managed to retain a very old firm in Paris." She named a very famous, and prestigious, legal firm who usually undertook work for the French government. "They said that they have wanted to work with Dempsey and so are giving us quite a large discount on their normal fees."

I smiled at their success, though I wondered how much of that was due to Nigel Morton having a few words with his French colleagues.

"Now Jean-Paul, Analise, I want to talk with you about my plans for these properties. I want to get the old training ground back in service as a joint training camp for our navies..."

Jean-Paul shocked me by dropping to his knees, grabbing my hand and kissing it.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. You cannot know what this means to us. The training grounds used to be our livelihood. And now you're going to give us back our pride. Baron, this is a proud day for us. I knew that you would be our saviour. Thank you, Baron, Thank you."

I looked at Analise, she had tears running down her cheeks. "Baron, we must go and tell the townspeople, they need to know this news as soon as we can get it to them. They will praise your name and light candles for you, Baron."

"Go and tell your friends then," I said. "Tell them that the Baron is going to take over their town and that there will be work for everyone willing to do it. Tell them to get ready to reopen the shops and cafes. Hotels and restaurants will also be needed. There will be nearly 600 people coming soon. So you need to prepare for them." They both looked like young children receiving instructions from a parent. Open and trusting ready to do what was needed. I promised myself that I would not abuse that trust. These people would be treated as I myself would like to be treated. The golden rule, do unto others as you would like to be done unto you.

They left, talking excitedly. I was glad that my needs and theirs matched so well.

I'd just started to sip a mug of tea when Karen came in. She hugged me tightly.

"How are you, my precious girl? Are you enjoying being a professor?"

"Oh Master, it's so much fun. But you were right about people trying to get on my courses. I've had a number of very rich people, rich but talentless people, willing to pay almost anything for a place." She shook her head thinking about those attempts. "But there is one girl, her college professor wrote to me, the girl, Gillian, couldn't afford the course fees, but she is so talented, and so, so driven to learn and succeed. I have allowed her on my course and have paid the fees myself. Master, you should see her working, she's a demon. I have to remind her to eat and sleep..."

"Umm..." I interrupted, "I wonder who that reminds me of?" I said with a laugh.

"Yes, Master, me. But isn't a teacher supposed to pass on the lessons she's learnt?"

"Of course she is. This student of yours; where does she live? Has she enough money for food, clothes, materials, and some relaxation?"

Karen looked a little sheepish, "Master, I never thought of any of those things," she shrugged. Well, as a slave, Karen had always had everything provided for her. So, naturally, she wouldn't have thought about them for her students.

"Make sure that she has a good wage, if she's trying to save pennies here and there, she won't be giving your course all the effort that she could. She needs to be able to have enough money to go home occasionally, to dine out a couple of times a month. She needs to be able to live, not just exist."

Karen nodded, "Yes, my Master, I shall ensure that she is provided for when you have finished with me."

"Good." I said firmly. "Now, what do you think of my idea?"

Karen put on a light green beret, pulled down the right-hand edge as the military prefer, and stood, almost, at attention.

I looked at her beret; it was just the same as normal. Then Karen turned, just visible, peeking out from under the fold, was a tail-like strip of ermine. It wasn't blatant, but it was quite notable.

It was just what I wanted.

"How many can you make?" I asked. I wanted these ermine berets for the four top members of each graduating class. They truly would be the best of the best.

Karen smiled, "The farmers in your new estates have been plagued with ermine recently. I think that they can supply me with as many furs as you want."

She removed that beret and replaced it with another. The ermine here had a golden tinge.

"Is that dyed?" I asked.

"No Master, this is the natural colour. Only a very few furs have this golden sheen, I was thinking about this colour for the top graduate."

"I agree, let's see what Elastic thinks of them."

I called Elastic and she came down to my underground office.

"Boss, I think they're great," she said.

"And there's a 'but' in there somewhere." I said.

"Yes, Boss. Something like this would have to be authorised by FONT, and he's just an obnoxious, senile, woman hating, old twat."

I laughed, "Come on Elastic, don't beat about the bush, just say what you mean."

Elastic looked at me, one of 'those' looks.

I decided to have a word with Hiscock, the Cabinet Secretary, if he can't help me get Elastic promoted, I doubt anyone could. I wouldn't want to ask 'Call me Dave, ' the PM, he's a politician and as greasy as they come. Civil servants, on the other hand, always say what they mean. You might not understand what they actually say. But, if their words are properly analysed, you'll find that they don't lie.

"Boss, if you can get these past Admiral Montcloud, I will gladly present them to the top graduates."

Elastic turned to me, "Boss, this is how Traditions and Customs are started. Someone has an idea, someone with the balls enough to go against the current regulations, with a good idea, an idea that improves the service. These berets will do that. People will be looking for them, the wearers will have pride in their accomplishments, and their shipmates will have pride that a wearer of this special beret is in their team, on their ship. Yes Boss, this could have benefits in a number of ways. If only we can get FONT to approve them."

"Oh, he'll approve them, I'll make sure of that," I said quietly to myself.

-------

London

Sally looked up from the computer. She'd nearly finished the first draft of her book. Sally smiled, her book. It had been surprisingly easy to write. All she'd had to do was write what had actually happened. Together she and Bertie had made copious notes; notes were the lifeblood of a reporter. Sally made notes about the notes she needed to make.

She looked round, she was actually bored. After weeks of terror and excitement, she was bored. The feeling amazed her. Sally rose and went looking for Bertie. She found him with his stamps.

She sat on the arm of his chair and leaned into him. "I'm bored."

Bertie laughed, "Of course you're bored. After everything that's happened these last couple of months, this sudden cessation is bound to make you feel ... adrift, adrift with nothing to do, just waiting. That's why I started collecting stamps."

Sally looked down at the stamps in the folder. She didn't know one from another. They could have been rare or as common as muck. She couldn't tell. But she knew that Bertie had a very good idea of each stamps individual worth.

"I bet they were difficult to carry round in a war zone," Sally replied.

Bertie laughed, he stroked her hand as it lay on his shoulder. "No, actually I chose stamps because I could carry them in a war zone." He patted his shirt and pulled out a small, thin, metal case. "I kept them in this," he gave the case to Sally.

Sally looked at it, turning it over and over. With a click it opened. It was empty now. It looked just like a small cigarette case. It would have been ideal to hold stamps, or anything small and valuable.

"Weren't you worried about them being damaged?" she asked.

Bertie shook his head, "Anything bad enough to harm my stamps," he held up the case, "Would surely have hurt me more, probably enough so that I wouldn't have been worried about the stamps."

Sally kissed him. Their kiss turned tender, then passionate. Bertie's hand rose and unbuttoned her blouse. Sally thrust her chest forward, pressing her breast into his hand. Slowly and gently they made love, their worries forgotten in their lover's arms.

-------

Martinè

I wandered slowly round the training grounds. It was empty at the moment. I suspected that most of the trainees were off on a run.

Elastic had done wonders here. She had taken a small group of hopeless rejects, and forged a premier fighting force. Elastic's marines were the elite. They now trained the marine commando's. And that fine group were glad to have their assistance.

Elastic would make a wonderful FONT, she was open to new ideas and theories, and accepted a number of rote methods that still worked as well. Some of the girls came to her barely able to write their own name. When they left all but one, a girl with the severest dyslexia I've ever heard about, had passed their GCSE's in English and Maths. Elastic's unarmed combat instruction was excellent even before Paula started helping. The first few girls to rotate back to other units had shocked their superiors. They were the best of the best. Now I wanted Elastic's magic touch on the whole training environment.

"Girl," I called.

"Master," answered Isabel.

I stared for a moment, "Isabel, I haven't seen you for ages, where have you been?"

She smiled a confident smile, "My Master, I was needed in your new crèche, the nurses needed an overseer and Mistress Sasha sent me there."

"Did you have any problems?"

Isabel shrugged, "Not really, I had to hang one girl. But the others bucked up and started working together quite quickly after that."

"I bet they did. What had that girl done?"

Isabel frowned, "She mutinied, Master. She defied the original head nurse, and defied me too when I arrived there. I hung her that evening."

"Are you returning to the crèche?" I asked.

"Mistress Sasha said I could have two months with you, my Master. Catharina has gone to Spain in my place."

"OK," I hugged her, "It's good to have you back with me, my precious girl."

"Oh Master, you call all of your girls that." Isabel replied with a laugh.

I cupped her cheek, "I know I do. That's because you are all precious to me. I love you all."

Tears came to Isabel's eyes, "Master, you shouldn't say such things to your slaves. We're not used to kindness and compassion. We girls are much more used to the whip and rape."

"I know, that's why I have to be so kind to you, to repay the torments that you've suffered in the past."

"Oh, Master," she sighed. Then dropped to her knees, "My Master, this girl is ready for anything that you may wish to do to her. This girl is your willing and obedient slave. This girl will serve you with her life and with her death."

"Well, I really hope that it never comes to that, Precious Isabel. Now, girl, do you have a phone?"

She looked up at me smiling. "Of course I do, my Master." She produced a Blackberry.

I dialled Jill, and she gave me Hiscock's number.

"Hiscock," he answered a little distractedly. He was obviously very busy. Well, with all of the financial centres melting down, I suppose he would be.

"I want a favour," I told him bluntly.

"Oh, the people who usually want favours from me normally are much more circumspect about how they ask for them." He replied. But I could 'hear' his smile.

"Well, this one is very simple."

"And how much will it cost Her Majesty's Government?" he asked.

I thought for a second, "Shouldn't cost anything. It should actually save you money. I want Captain Bands to be promoted to Flag Officer Naval Training."

"Arr ... FONT, well, I seem to recall that we already have an officer in that post."

"Yeah, Montcloud." I replied, "He's a dickhead. And he's a dickhead who is currently in a French jail. And he'll remain in a French jail until I smile on him. And, as he insulted one of my girls, that smile will be a long time coming."

There was silence for a moment or two.

"You know that, due to the ... unusual ... circumstances, I'll have to go to Her Majesty about this. And it isn't usually a good idea to be brought to the attention of a head of state."

"Well you or 'Call me Dave' spoke to her about my housing renovation suggestion. I bet she still remembers me from that, if not other things that I've done."

I heard Hiscock sigh, "Well, I'll put your suggestion forward. And I'll tell Her Majesty that it is your suggestion. We'll let you know soon."

"It has to be soon. The long knives are out for Bands, if they push her too far, she'll resign and you'll lose probably the finest training officer the Royal Navy has ever had. She needs this rank, and this position to defend herself properly."

There was silence again, Hiscock was obviously thinking about this. "I'm seeing Her Majesty this afternoon. I'll have a word with her then."

"Thank you." I said. Hiscock hung up.

I had done all that I wanted to do, so what do I do now? Aggie's words rang in my mind, "I thought I told you to go and play with your girls, '" he'd said. And that seemed like a damn good idea to me right now.

"Girl!" I called.

"Master," replied Isabel.

"Girl, I am going to my bed. I need a girl or two I can abuse while I'm there." I said, trying to sound like a harsh master. I probably just sounded a little weird.

"I'm available, Master," she said hopefully. I grabbed her wrist and dragged her towards my bedroom.

Though 'dragged' is not quite true. As I understand it, the 'draggee' should really be behind the 'dragger.'

I did manager to throw her onto my bed though. It was a close run between me throwing and Isabel jumping, but I managed to beat her. Just.

I started undressing, but found a number of hands assisting me. Two girls knelt by the bed.

"Shall we hold her down for you, our Master? Hold her so you can have your way with this innocent child?"

I shook my head. "This girl is going to make love with her Master, she need to be able to respond to me, as I need to respond to her. If you held her tight, why then, it would just be masturbation. I have my hands for that."

I lay beside Isabel and she leaned forward, our lips touched gently, tenderly. Nuzzling her head to one side I kissed her neck, her ears, her throat. She surrendered herself to me. Opening herself, body and soul to my desires. We joined, we became one, we made love.

-------

Lying in my post coital bliss, Isabel resting her head on my chest, her warm breasts pressing into me, I had an idea.

I seem to be getting a lot of those recently. I wonder if it's something in the water.

"Girl!" I called.

Isabel tried to rise but I held onto her. "You stay just where you are, my precious. Let someone else answer my call."

"Master," replied Lynne.

"Lynne!" I was happy to see Lynne. She'd been locked up with Karolina and Ela so long that I'd almost forgotten her.

"My Master," she replied warmly.

"Lynne, my precious, I need to speak to someone at Gieves and Hawkes in London. They're Naval outfitters. I don't know who I need to speak to, or what their number is."

"Yes, Master." Lifting a phone to her ear she turned away. I could hear her talking quietly in the background as I kissed and caressed Isabel.

Soon though, she pressed on my chest and made me turn onto my stomach. Straddling me, she started giving me a massage. Soon more hands joined in. This was absolute heaven.

"Master," said Lynne, "I have Mr. Blakey, the sales director of Gieves and Hawkes on the line."

"Thank you, Lynne," I said as I took the phone.

"Mr. Blakey, I'm Baron Glastbrook, and I need something rather special."

I went on to describe my desire.

I heard Blakey say "Oh," a couple of times. And then he mentioned a six figure price that would make most people's eyes water. But I thought that this would be just great. I wasn't able to buy new, but a ... second hand ... well, I thought, Elastic would like it.

We exchanged a few more pleasantries, Mr. Blakey being far more polite now, and then we hung up.

I was very pleased with my quick shopping trip. And I hadn't even had to leave my bed. I smiled again and relaxed as my girls massaged me.

Ahhh ... this really is the life.

-------

My massage left me feeling invigorated so I went for another walk.

I came across our Colour Sergeant / rifleman; he was wearing his stripes again. And a neater bit of sewing I've never seen.

"I see that you've got your stripes back Sergeant, or is it Colour?" I was Navy, not marine so I wasn't really used to their terminology for the SNCOs.

"Yes, Baron. Captain Bands persuaded me to revert this morning; she really does need some experienced Senior NCOs. I can still take the training though. It's just that I have to wear two hats and be careful how I treat people."

He noticed me looking at his stripes and laughed.

"I sewed them back on myself. One of your young girls saw them and really tore me off two or three strips. She made me take off my tunic there and then and re-sewed my stripes." He looked at the craftsmanship; obviously Karen's work and sighed. "I wish I could get her to do all of my sewing."

And that gave me another idea, this time something to help all of the trainees here.

"Well good luck, Colour, I'll see you around, either sweating with the others, or yelling at them." I said with a smile.

Colour smiled back, "Baron, this is the only place that I've ever served where I don't think I'll have to shout at the squaddies. They're a great bunch and very, very motivated."

We parted company.

"Girl, I want to phone Karen." I said.

A phone was handed to me a few moments later.

"Karen, I want you to get some of your seamstresses down here. I want them to set up a shop that the trainees and staff can use to get any sewing or repairs done. You know the sort of thing that they'll need. You might have to have a pool of women ready, so when a new platoon arrives, or a platoon graduates, then you won't be swamped by the rush, and the trainees will get their stuff done quickly."

"Yes, Master." Answered Karen, she sounded pleased. I bet she had this idea too.

"You'd already thought of this, hadn't you?" I asked.

There was silence on the line.

Then, a quiet, "Yes Master."

"Well done, Karen. You keep thinking of things like this. And I want you to have your own PA, someone to do the tedious day to day work; someone to let you get on with having ideas and designing things. See Jill, she might be able to suggest someone for you."

"Yes, Master," this time she sounded relieved. I hope that she can find someone she can work with quickly.

"When do you go back to your universities?" I asked. It would be nice to see her for a while before she left.

"I'm sorry, Master, I'm on my way to Paris now." She sounded distraught. "I can come back though," now she was hopeful, almost pleading.

"No Karen, you go and pass on your knowledge and skills to your students. Next time you have some free time, get Jill to block out sometime in the FDD for us to have time together."

"Yes, Master, I look forward to that. I love you, Master." She said quietly.

"I love you too, my precious girl."

I hung up. I was a little sorry that I couldn't have some time with Karen, but I wanted her to spread her wings and fly. She already had an international reputation as a designer, now I wanted people to know what an excellent teacher she was too. I could see that she would need a support team to help her, just as my senior managers had teams supporting them.

I dialled again. This time I heard the other phone ring. Turning I saw Jill. "Jill, precious," I held out my hand to her.

Smiling Jill came and took my hand, "Yes, Master."

"Karen needs a support team, so she can concentrate on the more important things in her life. She'll need, oh, three or four people, a PA, secretary, accountant." I sighed, "And I don't know who else. But when she asks for someone, she's to be given the best we can get for her, OK?"

Jill nodded, "Of course, Master. I have a small team I've been looking at for a little while now. They work well together and are very bright."

"I don't care if they work well together or not, they have to work well with Karen or they'll be useless to her. Give them a trial and we'll let Karen decide. How soon can you get them to Paris?"

"Tonight, Master. They'll be ready for Karen first thing in the morning." Jill replied.

"And accommodation?" I asked.

"On the floor below Karen's suite, Master. We bought the whole building. It was quite cheap at the time."

"That's fine, do it..."

Jill's eyes narrowed a bit

"Now," I said with a laugh.

"Certainly, Master," replied Jill smiling broadly. She walked away and began talking on her phone.

-------

I settled down in my bed. I was alone. Well, I had a number of girls around me, Umber took pride in sleeping at the foot of my bed; though I no longer allowed anyone to sleep naked and uncovered on the bare floor. She, and all of the girls who slept in my room, had a bed and blankets. They would be as warm and comfortable as I myself was.

I had achieved a lot today. I wonder what tomorrow will bring.



-------

Chapter 103



Wednesday

Seven Days To Go

Martinè

The place was almost in an uproar when I woke. Marines and serving staff running everywhere. Ever sharp-witted, I thought 'Something's going on.'

There was a knock on my bedroom door. Isabel answered it and allowed Gerry to come in.

"Boss, Captain Bands has been summoned to London, she's to be there at 09:30 their time. The summons only arrived at 07:00 their time too. They want her to miss this appointment Boss. Is there anything that you can do?" she asked almost in despair.

"Where's our helicopter?" I asked. That could put Elastic in the heart of London in 45 minutes.

Gerry smiled, "It's on the lawn, Boss, and thanks from all of us."

10 minutes later, I watched as the helicopter took off. Elastic, dressed in her naval finery, would be early for her appointment at the Admiralty.

I wandered away to sit by the pool. Perhaps I'd get a chance at cuddling Susan again.

-------

"Master, please may I look at your hand. I want to see if the stitches can come out yet?" Elise looked a little worried, while she had started to get used to us, and me, as her Master in particular, she still was unsure about using her medical authority to require me to do what she wanted.

Elise was an excellent medic, and when it was her turn she would be going to London to work under Ross for a while and complete her medical studies. Em was our first, our primary, doctor; but she wasn't going to be our last by any means.

Glad of something useful to do I accompanied her to the sick room. Two of our nurses dropped to their knees when they saw me enter. They quickly obeyed Elise's orders, though, fetching her the items she desired and taking away the soiled bandages.

While Elise removed the external stitches I looked around the sick room. It gleamed. Everything was neat and tidy, a place for everything, and everything in its place. We now had two small 'consulting' rooms, both identical. This might seem like needless bureaucracy, and petty-mindedness, but when a life might hang on knowing exactly where an item is, then one tends to get quite OCD about these things.

Elise then gave me an infernal device. This strapped to my wrist and, using springs, pulled my fingers back to stretch the skin of my palm. I was to wear this each night as I slept.

I don't think that I growled at her. Not much anyway. And she was smiling as I left. Happy to be with me, or relief at my departure? I'd have to ask Umber.

-------

London

Sasha and Nigel stood watching the workmen as they prepared to break the wall. This seven-foot-thick wall had puzzled Sasha since it had first been pointed out to her. Nigel had suggested that it might have been a listening post for spying on work taking place in that sub-basement. They'd even erected false walls to protect their staff from whatever might be within those seven feet.

And, today, they were going to discover the walls secrets.

Feeling a little ridiculous, Sasha and Nigel had donned hazmat - hazardous materials - suits. Now, with the sounds of piped air loud in their ears they watched as a specialist, also in a fluorescent orange hazmat suit, prepared to break the wall.

The sound of the drill hurt their ears, but these suits wouldn't allow them to wear ear protection, the suits own communications devices helped a little, but, neither would step back. Both leaned forward, intent on the progress of that drill bit.

They'd tested for all sorts of radiations and chemicals, all with no success. They'd tried x-rays, but without getting an understandable image. Ultrasound techniques only showed the brick to a depth of four inches. Four inches, the standard width for a UK house brick. Metal detectors were worse than useless. No two charts produced with metal detectors ever agreed. Magnetic anomaly detectors were tried. Once. There was too much interference around for these super-sensitive devices to work.

A sample of the paint and plaster had been removed and sent for analysis. Both were said to be more than 30 years old. Resistivity tests only showed the differences in thickness that would be attributed to a normal, though old fashioned, plaster and lathe construction.

And so, Sasha and Nigel had decided to open the wall and have a look. Sasha had sent all of the staff off to the disaster recovery site, though, unbeknownst to her, the staff knew what was going to happen, and were currently having a picnic on the green in front of their office.

Geoff Chandler, the specialist, had chosen the point for drilling very, very carefully. He was a specialist in entering old buildings, and had worked on a number of high profile restoration projects, opening up very old churches, houses and public buildings. His favourite story was when he had been contracted to find a 'small basement or cellar', under a cathedral. He had drilled through the flag-stone floor and pushed his fibre-optic endoscope through the hole. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see anything. Not until he opened up the hole and found himself looking down into a 100 foot deep cavern which the cathedral had originally been built over. The old wooden supports having rotted away years before.

And now he was ready to use his endoscope again. Poking the very tip of his tongue out, a habit he had when concentrating, he ensured that the lens was clean and the light working. He looked at the mains lead and noted that it was plugged in and the socket switched on.

He was ready. 'Now let's see what's in here.'

-------

Sally looked at the computer screen. It was finished. Her book was finished. Of course there was still loads of work to be done, and she had to sell it as well. That was often the hardest part, well she'd heard that, she hadn't tried to sell a book before. Still, if she was still alive after all this was over, then there'd be a load of publishers vying for publishing rights.

"Come on, Sal, pet, lunch's ready." Bertie called.

Making sure that the document was saved onto both the local disk and 'in the cloud', whatever that was, Sally shut down the computer.

'Bertie's a good cook, ' thought Sally, but there again Bertie was good at everything he turned his hand to. 'He's certainly good with his hands in bed, ' she thought, reddening slightly.

Bertie noticed her embarrassment, but, wisely, said nothing.

"I've finished it," Sally said. Then she took a bite of the coq au vin. It was very good.

"Can I read it?" he asked.

"Of course you can," Sally wondered why he felt he had to ask.

Bertie smiled, "Thank you, Sal, pet. I had to ask, some authors get very ... attached ... to their work. Some writers actually detest anyone who dares suggest changes."

"I hope that you do suggest some changes, there are a few places where my narrative is quite weak, I hope that you can help me stiffen them up a little." Sally replied. She trusted Bertie, hadn't she said that the other day? She trusted him with her life. What he knew could easily have killed her time and time again. Yet he was her staunchest supporter. Sally slipped her hand over his, "Thank you, Bertie, thank you for being the man you are." She had tears in her eyes, almost overwhelmed by emotions, love for him, respect, worry that he might be hurt, a desire to bear his children. Now where had that come from.

Bertie leaned across the table and dried her eyes, "Sal, pet, I love you, I shall give you every second of the rest of my life. I'm sorry but that won't be as long as we might want, but it's all I have."

Now tears did flow, and flow freely, 'He's giving me all he has, what person ever did that for me before? No one has ever said to me ''I'll give you the rest of my life.'' Sally was stunned by the level of her feelings for him.

"Bertie," Sally wondered quite how to ask this, "When this is all over..." she paused unsure of the words to say.

Bertie leaned forward, "Sal, pet, when this is over I will give you whatsoever you desire. If that's a baby, then yes, we will make a baby together."

Sally was unable to speak, her emotions so overwhelmed her. She could only mouth 'Thank you, my love, ' to her lover.

"No, Sal, pet, thank you, for making my lonely life complete."

Now they both held each other and cried, letting their pent-up tensions and emotions out as they hugged and drew strength from each other.

-------

Elastic sat stiffly upright in the hard-backed chair, her eyes never leaving those of Sir Richard Middleditch, the First Sea Lord. She wondered if this interview would include coffee.

Using the techniques taught to her by Paula, Elastic calmed herself, remaining alert, but relaxed. She could maintain this posture for the rest of the day and still be as alert then as she was now. In the field this technique was used to 'blend in' with the background. It was working in this office too, she noticed.

Sir Richard became a little distracted, reaching for a desk drawer and pulling it open a little. Only a squeak from the drawer runners brought him back to what he was supposed to be doing.

"Captain, you've got some very, very powerful friends. Friends who want to see you move up very fast." He tapped a document folder. Elastic was sure it was her personnel record. "Looking through this, I can see why."

Smiling, not unkindly, he pressed a button on his desk. "Burton will show you to your appointment." He rose and, quite unexpectedly, he held out his hand, "I won't say good luck, Captain, because I really don't think you need luck at the moment."

Puzzled, Elastic shook hands with the most powerful Admiral in the fleet; then she turned to follow the quiet man waiting for her by the door.

-------

Birmingham

"Mr. Atkins..." started Dr. Lu.

"It's Doctor Atkins; I am a medical doctor you know." Atkins snarled back at his nemesis.

Dr. Lu looked him in the eye, "If you were a doctor you would be healing your patients. You are just an administrator, Mr. Atkins."

"What can I do for you today, Dr. Lu?" Atkins asked with dread in his heart.

Dr. Lu emptied a black bin liner on his desk. Hundreds of packs of medicines toppled over the desk and onto the floor.

"These medicines are out of date. I want replacements by..."

"Tomorrow," said Atkins softly.

"Yes, or I..."

"Close the unit and go to the papers." Atkins said for her.

"How well we understand each other," said Dr. Lu with a smile. She turned and walked out of the office.

Atkins sat at his desk, pale and shaking. This sort of thing wasn't supposed to happen when you're a powerful, highly paid CEO. But just where had she got those photos from?

-------

London

Elastic recognised the Mall, and then the tall iron railings, and the gate. Seeing the gate she almost panicked. Only her training and natural resilience kept her sitting quietly next to Burton. And she didn't even know if he was Navy, Civil Service, or, thinking about things now, Royal Household.

Elastic just sat quietly as the car drove slowing, sedately, into Buckingham Palace, across the large ceremonial parade ground, through the quite tiny arch and into the central courtyard. Here footmen in livery's hundreds of years old, opened the car door and saluted her.

-------

"MOPS!" shouted Sasha.

"And a bucket," replied Geoff.

"FUCKING MOPS!" repeated Sasha.

Geoff could tell that his employer wasn't actually pleased with the results of his finds. He reached for the endoscope, still in the hole in the wall.

"Leave that fucking thing right there. I need to think for a while." Sasha turned, and started stripping off the hazmat suit as she left the basement. Nigel followed her.

-------

Cumbria

Sir Gerald Huntley faced the group of men he hoped that he'd never have to meet face to face. But circumstances, and the number of failures he'd suffered, demanded that he meet these men.

"This is the target," he said showing an old photo of Paul Winters.

"That's Paul Winters," said one of the men in the rear. "Count me out." He got up and left. Three other men, shaking their heads, followed him. The last one stopped at the door and turned, "You'd better not miss, if you do fuck up, then run as fast as you can. Frosty has survived the Provos, and they're the best there is, even now. So, you win, or ... die." He left the, nearly empty, room.

One more man stood. "I've heard about this man. I'm out." He too left.

Sir Gerald didn't dare let his real feelings show. He needed this man dead.

One of the remaining men laughed out loud, "Fucking pussies." He stood and walked up to Sir Gerald, not noticing the way that Sir Gerald seemed to move away from him. "Does he have any backup?" he asked.

Sir Gerald clicked his remote mouse. Another picture filled the screen. "Only a few girls and women, they've had a little training from this woman apparently," he smiled at his, remaining, audience.

A Korean in the group raised his eyebrow; this small movement was the equivalent of him running round in panic, screaming. He too left the room. No one noticed him leaving. He didn't turn or try to warn his, prospective, colleagues, leaving, he just thought, 'Fools.'

-------

London

Dressed in the uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet, he stood ramrod straight. Though old, past 90, he still retained enough vigour to intimidate lesser men. "So you're Bands, eh? What do they call you? 'Rubber, ' 'Brass, ' no, I bet they call you 'Elastic, ' don't they?"

"Yes, your Highness." Elastic replied, awed by being in the presence of such a man. She tried desperately not to appear intimidated by him.

He laughed, "Her Majesty," he didn't need to explain who he was referring too, "Is minded to elevate you to Baroness, Baroness Irthlingborough." He smiled, "Her Majesty also felt that a promotion to Vice Admiral, would suit your new position as Flag Officer Naval Training as well." He looked a little serious now, "And she feels the need for you to carry two messages for her."

"Of course, Sir," Elastic put in hurriedly, lest she become the object of that seriousness.

"Good, the first is for you to tell Glastbroke to get a move on." He said.

"Yes Sir, Tell him to get a move on, Sir. Yes Sir." Elastic felt that she was babbling. But, given the circumstances, who could blame her.

"And, just to keep the status quo, you are instructed to inform him that he is elevated to Viscount. Viscount Glastbroke. No need to change his estates, is there now?" He really smiled now.

"No Sir," Elastic replied.

-------

Sasha stomped round her office for a while; then she happened to look out of the window. "NIGEL!" cried Sasha, "You did pass on my instructions for everyone to work at the disaster recovery site today, didn't you?"

Nigel came into Sasha's office fresh from a shower and dressed in a towel. They'd both needed a shower after sweltering in the hazmat suits.

"Err ... well ... I... interpreted your instructions," he answered with a guilty grin.

Sasha looked at what appeared to be all of her staff having a picnic on the green in front of the office. "So, 'tell them to work from the DR site tomorrow, ' actually means 'Let's all have a picnic on the green, ' does it?"

Nigel nodded, "Umm ... in this instance, yes it does."

Sasha looked at her number two; she'd depended on him so much as Dempsey had grown. "Nigel," she said quietly, causing him to turn and look at her. "Will you be my partner? Will you share Dempsey with me?"

Nigel looked horrified. "Oh my God, no!" he cried. "Sasha, my best, my dearest, my greatest friend, I'm great at administration. That's where my skills, my gifts are. I can carry out orders, someone else's orders, with no trouble at all. That's what I'm best at. But you, Sasha, dearest friend, you are Dempsey, you are the one we all look to for guidance. You are the one we all follow." He looked down, to the side, looking into his memories, "Sasha even without the Baron, you would have become what you are now. You are the finest legal mind in Europe, and I can say that from experience. Sasha, you are Dempsey. Without you, this company wouldn't exist." He smiled, "Besides if my wife thought that I'd got a Partnership, she'd just start spending more."

Sasha smiled, tears ran freely down her cheeks, "Dearest friend, I once said that I'd met two men that I'd marry, I was wrong, you, my dearest friend, are the third." She cupped his cheek with her right hand. "How is it," she asked him, "That most women search for all of their lives and never meet one man suitable for their own mate? And yet I have met three? How is that fair?"

Nigel shook his head, "You didn't meet these men, you called them to you."

"Even the Baron?" she asked with a grin.

"Even the Baron." Nigel looked thoughtful for a moment or two. "You and the Baron are two of the same. You're both special people." He looked thoughtful, "You both share one special attribute," he lifted her chin to look directly into her eyes. "You both care about people. You really care." He looked sad, disappointed, "My wife, for all of her piousness and charitable works, she doesn't actually care. Oh, she goes through the motions, but she is doing her charity works for what will benefit her, not what will benefit those she supposedly works for."

Sasha lifted her hand and cupped Nigel's cheek. "Nigel, I count you as one of my few real friends. You have an invitation to any of my homes at any time. I have few friends, and I treasure those I have found. Dearest Nigel, come to my home," With a slight grimace she continued, "Nigel, I know you love your wife, and sometimes we cannot choose the one we take as our mate. But my invitation is for you and your wife too."

Now more tears fell from his eyes, he never had anyone try to understand why he loved his, sometimes difficult, wife. Nigel only hoped that she would be as open to Sasha and the Baron, as they were being to her.

"I will," Nigel replied.

-------

Cumbria

"How many do you want alive?" The Moroccan asked. He had risen to be the actual leader of the remaining mercenaries.

Sir Gerald looked a little nervous, "I don't want to bother with prisoners." He replied.

The men looked at each other; Sir Gerald's nervousness told them a lot that he, himself, had tried to keep hidden.

"Tell me straight, Mr. Policeman, do you want me to bring this man back to you alive, or would you prefer him dead?" The man who asked this was medium height, but projected a 'presence.'

Sir Gerald looked at him, tried to meet him eye to eye, but couldn't match his questioner. He hoped that the dark colour of his trousers hid the urine that seeped down his legs.

"Half a million for his body, a million for him alive and in, fairly, good health." Sir Gerald replied. Terrified by the very fact that he'd uttered those words in public, and thankful that his voice hadn't wavered as he'd spoken those damning words.

The man nodded and then, after a while, he sat down again.

-------

"Sal, pet," Bertie called quietly.

Still concentrating on her computer screen, a little peevishly Sally said, "For fucks sake, can't I get some peace around here?"

"Ms Kinsman, I have brought my contribution to your book." A pleasant contralto voice calmed Sally before she had time to really get angry. Sally turned to the voice.

"Sal, pet, this is Jane Masters; she's got something for you." Bertie looked hard at his protégé.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Sally as she rose and held out her hand. She recognised Jane as the first reporter to join her little band at the meeting.

They shook hands, Bertie looked on, proud of the way that Sally had unconsciously taken charge of the meeting.

Jane held out a USB stick drive, "Here's my contribution to your book. It's yours free and clear." She took an envelope out of her handbag, "Here's a signed release too."

Sally looked at the envelop and the USB drive, "Thank you so much," she said, "Would you like a drink? I think we have some..."

Jane smiled, "No, not now. I expect that you'll want to have a look at that as soon as you can. When this is all over, let's get together then. Have dinner or something."

"Yes," replied Sally, she slipped her arm round Bertie's waist, "We'd like that."

Jane smiled at Sally's unconscious 'laying of claim.' If she'd managed to interest someone as talented, and just plain manly, as Bertie, she would be standing next to him holding a club.

With nails in it.

Big nails.

Jane thought for nearly half a millisecond, then corrected herself, 'Fucking big nails.'

-------

Martinè

Reluctantly, I gave Susan back to Julia for a feed. I stood and walked over to the side of the pool. Something was pricking at my mind.

Leaving whatever it was to percolate to the surface in its own time, I wandered round the Chateau.

Karen's lace workers had moved to the factory, leaving only the left-handed workers who were retraining after having to work right-handed for so long. As I had thought at the time of the discovery of their wrong-handedness, they were turning out work of exceptional quality. Karen was using all of their product.

Moving on, I saw Gerry, and then I realised what I'd been concerned about, Elastic.

"Gerry, who was Elastic's appointment with?" I asked.

Gerry bit her lip, a certain sign of nervousness. "I don't know Boss. Her orders just said be at the Admiralty reception at 09:30. Sorry, Boss." Gerry seemed genuinely sorry that she couldn't help me.

I opened my arms and we hugged. "That's OK, Gerry, I bet I know who can find out for me."

Gerry looked up with a huge grin, "I bet she already knows too."

I hurried to Karolina's office and barged in.

"Sir Richard Middleditch, the First Sea Lord at 09:35, and then someone in Buckingham Palace at 11:00, and back to Middleditch at 12:00." Karolina, Ela and Lynne all cried in unison. All of them grinning like little fools at their cleverness.

"Who in Buck House?" I asked.

"Sorry, Boss, we couldn't get an answer for that one," said Lynne, disappointment writ large on her.

"Don't worry, there are only two people that Elastic would meet in Buck House, and they're Liz or Phil the Greek."

I turned and left the office, happy now. If Elastic was meeting either of those two, then it was for a meeting with coffee and biscuits and cakes. I hoped that they'd treat her right, Elastic needed to be at least a Rear Admiral to protect herself from the twats in the Admiralty.

I thought for a few moments. "Girl!" I called.

"Master," came a reply from my side.

I looked down, there was Isabel kneeling beside me and smiling up at me.

"Isabel, who is Elastic's second-in-command?" I asked.

Her face almost crumpled, "This girl doesn't know, my Master." Her tears ran freely.

I pulled her to her feet and hugged her, "Then go and find out, precious girl. Never be frightened of saying that you don't know. No one knows everything. Don't ever guess or try to kid me that you do know, if you do that, I will be cross. I want to know if you don't know the answers to my questions. Do you understand, my precious girl?"

Isabel nodded, she seemed almost unable to speak. "Thank you, my Master." She ran away to find out the answer to my question.

"Girl," I said quite quietly.

"Yes, my Master?" answered Jo, kneeling beside me. She looked up at me with a broad grin. I had to laugh, I'd been expecting another girl to take Isabel's place quickly, but, perhaps, not that quickly.

"Have I missed Nigel's appointment yet?" I asked with a grin.

Jo looked shocked, "Master, Umber would never let you miss an appointment as important as Master William's meeting, Master." Nigel, now having two slaves, was also a 'Master.'

Justly chastised, I asked, "OK, how long do I have and do I need to dress up special or anything?"

"This girl doesn't know, my Master, but Umber is at the end of the corridor if you wish to ask her," Jo answered.

"Umber!" I called.

"Master," she answered as she walked along the corridor toward me.

"Did you hear my questions to Jo about my meeting with Nigel?" I asked her.

"Yes Master, I have just come to inform you that Mr. Williams is now waiting for you Master. Your present clothing is perfectly adequate for this meeting, my Master."

-------

London

"Baroness, if you would come with me please," Burton was politeness personified.

'Definitely Royal Household, ' thought Elastic.

They returned to the inner courtyard. A different car waited for them. Burton opened the door for Elastic and then hurried to the other side.

"Admiral," he said holding out a small package, "These are your pass-cards. They are, of course, Top Secret and for your use only." He seemed embarrassed to say this.

"Stop the car!" Elastic called. The car stopped immediately.

"Burton, I assume that one of the cards you are holding permit entry to the Admiralty building, through an entrance that I'm not aware of." Elastic held Burton in the same glare that a plummeting eagle gave a mouse.

"Err ... yes Baroness," he replied. He pointed to a plain white card with no markings at all.

Elastic stared at him for a long time. "Are you going to stop shitting me, or do I have to prove my access?" Elastic asked acidly.

Without a trace of embarrassment he replied, "Admiral, most of your fellow flag officers feel that you are a joke. We at the ... well, we, ... feel that your," he smiled, a real smile at last thought Elastic, "resources ... are much better than usual."

Elastic took her Blackberry out of her pocket and switched it on. She waited the 30 seconds for it to acquire a signal. She dialled a number, "Yes," was the only answer. Elastic put the Blackberry on speaker-phone.

"I need to get into the Admiralty, through a secret entrance, and code locked doors as soon as possible.

"Of course," the voice answered. "Go straight ahead for two hundred yards."

"Driver," called Elastic, "can you hear these instructions?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he answered.

"Then put your blues and twos on, and follow these instructions." Elastic ordered. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Elastic hadordered him.

"Yes, Ma'am," the driver replied, the subdued sound of the sirens coming into the passenger compartment. The car surged forward; effortless power thrust them into the London traffic.

Elastic's phone gave a running series of directions, every set of traffic lights that they approached turned green in time for them to ease through. Soon they pulled up in a quiet mews, beside a nondescript door.

After giving voice instructions, Elastic's phone beeped twice. She took her phone off speaker, "Elastic," she said.

"Exit the car, he's pulled up ten yards too soon," said Ela.

Elastic opened her door and walked onward, carefully counting her steps.

"After you, Admiral," called Burton from beside the car."

"What's his real name?" she asked Ela.

"Need photo sure to be. Think be Eric Balls, is maybe Steven Anderson." Karolina answered.

Elastic half turned, grabbed Burton's collar, and, with a twisting throw that he didn't understand, slammed him against the wall.

Elastic looked him in the eye, "What's your name, Steven or Eric?"

It happened so fast, he couldn't help his flicker of surprise when she said Steven, especially with the slam against the wall.

"OK Steven, let's go and see the First Sea Lord shall we?" said Elastic as she continued to the correct door.

"There's a doorman, you say 'Hello Michael, ' his name is Harry." Ela continued.

Elastic knocked on the door, it open quietly, "Hello Michael," she said.

Elastic entered dragging the stunned and confused Steve Anderson with her. "Thanks Harry," she said as she passed the doorman.

Harry smiled, "No bother, Ma'am, that's what I'm here for," he said. 'There's going to be some changes around here, ' thought Harry as he watched the newest Admiral enter the building.

-------

Martinè

Nigel looked a lot better than when I last saw him. "How are your new staff working out Nigel?" I asked him.

He looked at me, almost in tears, "Boss, I don't know what I'd have done without them." He smiled, "Cilla is thrilled with them, especially when they wear clothes; at least they get dressed when she's around." He added with an inward smile. "They're wonders, Boss. They've changed my life, heck, they've given me my life back."

We moved over to the informal seating area and I gestured for him to sit, smiling at his description of the effect a good PA and Secretary had.

"Now, Nigel, what can I do for you?"

He opened his briefcase and extracted two document wallets, "I have two banks that I'd like you to take a look at, Banque Populaire S.A., and Banque du Commerce. The former has just relocated to Strasbourg; the latter has been established there for nearly 150 years."

The idea that a bank, which had just relocated, was up for sale, rang alarm bells in my mind. "Let me have a look at the Banque Populaire details," I held out my hand and Nigel gave me the correct wallet.

Looking through the documentation, it seemed to be good, very good, too good. "Nigel, I'd like you to pass this pack to your Mum, let her have a look, I think that this one's a scam."

Nigel reddened, "Err ... Sorry Boss..."

I waved off his apologies, "Nigel, when something looks too good to be true, it most probably isn't true. Now what about Banque le Commerce?"

He smiled, "Banque du Commerce, Boss. They tend to get a bit picky about that sort of thing over here," he said as he handed me the pack.

I sat back and read through the pack. Then I reread the whole thing again. I picked up my drink, it had been refreshed while I'd been reading, I looked down at my side and smiled at Jo.

Banque du Commerce was interesting. It was an old, family run, bank that hadn't been able to keep up with the changing times. It had a reputation for solid, reliable, trustworthy banking practices, though its client base had dwindled badly in the last thirty years. It still had a number of the older royal families as personal customers, and it had a good reputation with the Bank of France, which it used as its depository. It had only one office, should its personal customers require a meeting with a bank official, then one of the bank's officers went to them. The, few remaining, business customers sometimes visited the banks office, though sometimes the bank officials would visit them. The stated reason that the family were selling was that the last member of the original family was now in her 80's and no longer wished the effort of running the business. The asking price, for a going concern, was reasonable.

"Looks good," I said, "Buy it."

Nigel slowly shook his head, "Boss, that won't work for this one. Madame Rennie, while she no longer wants to run the bank, wants to ensure that she trusts the new owner to look after the current staff. Most of the staff have been with the bank all of their working lives, she wants to ensure that they're treated properly. She wants to meet any prospective purchaser and discuss this with them face to face."

"And, being over 80, she wants me to go to her?" I asked.

Nigel nodded, "it's the only way that you'll get this bank."

"The way that you said 'this bank' leads me to suspect that you found others." I said.

Nigel nodded, "Yes, I shortlisted six, these two, well Banque du Commerce, is the one that Mum and I think is the best."

"Had you shown Bee the Banque Populaire prospectus?" I asked a little surprised.

"No, that one only came in the day before yesterday. Mum hasn't had a chance to see it yet," he answered.

"Well, see if you can make an appointment..."

"A week today, at 2 p.m., in the banks office. Jill has already pencilled it in, in your daily diary."

I nodded, damn FDD was ruling my life.

"OK, anything else?" I asked.

Nigel stood, "Only to thank you for Alexandra and Olga, they're really helping me cope with all of this work."

I smiled as Nigel left. He really was an asset. He and Bee made a wonderful team. And with the inroads he was making in the Government advice arena, Nigel was also a great influence in Government.

-------

London

Sasha sat on the sun-warmed grass and took a sandwich from the tray offered to her.

"Is everyone enjoying themselves?" she asked.

The cheers and whistles which answered her, told its own story of how content her staff were.

"Sasha," called one of the senior solicitors, "What did you find?"

"Fucking mops," she answered.

"And a bucket," added Nigel.

Everyone sat stunned at this news.

"Can we have a look?" someone asked.

Sasha just waved her arm towards their office, "Help yourselves." She said.

For the next half hour or so there was a slow trickle of people going into the office to have a look through the endoscope at the rather ratty collection of mops, and the solitary bucket.

Sasha was relaxing next to Nigel when Brian Livsey approached with an older woman.

"Sasha, Jessica here has something she'd like to say. But she's afraid that she'll lose her job if she disturbs you," he said.

Sasha looked at Jessica. She remembered when they first met. She had been fuming over the state of the offices, the contract cleaners were worse than useless and she was thinking of getting their own permanent cleaner. As she approached the door to Number 4, Jessica had come to her.

"Ma'am, please, do you need a cleaner?" Jessica had asked. "I work hard, don't slack and don't steal neither."

Sasha had stared at her, Jessica looked so pitiful. Old clothes and cracked shoes, but her eyes were as bright as a newborn babies.

Making her mind up immediately she opened the door and gestured this woman inside, "Let's talk," said Sasha.

That was a few months ago. Jessica was brilliant. An east-ender, she started walking from her home to Lincoln's Inn Fields, until Nigel found out and provided her with a London Underground season ticket.

Sasha had found that being generous with her employees paid dividends, so it was with Jessica too. Following a three month trial period, Nigel gave Jessica her letter confirming her permanent employment, with a salary nearly three times what she expected. Jessica was now as much a part of Dempsey as any of the solicitors.

Only Jessica herself, still not really believing her good fortune, felt unsure around 'The Big Boss Woman.'

Sasha smiled up at her, "What is it Jessica, won't they let you have a look? If not then I'll..."

"Oh no! Ma'am, it's just that, that cupboard, well, it ain't right. I've been a cleaner all me life, Ma'am, and that cupboard ain't ever been used for cleaning, oh no, Ma'am. Not ever. Someone wants us to think it's a cleaning cupboard."

Sasha stared at Jessica while she processed this information. She'd known something was wrong, but not what. Now Jessica, their expert on cleaning, and cleaning cupboards, had given them part of an answer.

"Nigel, Jessica gets a raise and a bonus this month. And be nice to her, she's seen what everyone else missed," she said.

"OK, Boss," Nigel replied with a smile.

"Yeah, now let's have another look at that 'mop cupboard'," said Sasha as she stood and brushed the crumbs from her blouse and skirt.

-------

Sally watched as Bertie shut the door on their latest guests. Stunned she looked down at the USB drives in her hand and the release forms on the table. If they had added as much as Jane had given her, then her book would not only be twice the size she'd originally planned, but also explicitly detailed.

She looked up at Bertie smiling at her, "Why?" she asked, not really expecting an answer.

"Because they respect you, Sal, pet," Bertie answered as he took her hands in his. They kissed, a couple of the USB drives fell to the floor.

Bertie led her to their bed. As she looked up at him, Sally felt complete.

-------

Martinè

I looked down at Susan as she lay in my arms, she was awake and looking round. She looked up at me and tried to grab my chin. That made me smile. I spoke to her quietly, gently, talking about my day and what had happened.

Julia came and waited by my side.

"Do you need her back, my precious girl?" I asked.

"It's time for her bath and bed, Master, otherwise her feeds will be messed up," she answered.

"OK, it's time that I was in bed too, here you are, my precious, take care of our baby."

"Of course, Master!" Julia almost seemed shocked that I would ask her to take care of Susan.

I kissed her, a kiss which she returned passionately.

"Goodnight, my girl."

"Goodnight, Master."



-------

Chapter 104



Thursday

Six Days To Go

Martinè

"Master," Isabel said softly.

I had just opened my eyes; she was kneeling beside my bed waiting for me. I smiled at her; it isn't fair to wake up grumpy when you own slaves. They think your moodiness is their fault; it unsettles them for the whole day. Much better to smile, then they feel that they've cheered you up, and they feel good all day. These little things, they're so hard to learn, but so important to our family life.

"Yes, my girl," I answered.

"Mistress Bands is back, Master, and she would like to see you after your breakfast." Isabel looked thoughtful, as though she was checking that she'd remembered the whole message.

"OK, does Jill know?" I asked. Jill would need to check with the FDD to make sure that there weren't any conflicts.

"Jill said that your diary is clear for this morning, Master. She said that she had pencilled in swimming and cuddling Susan." The last bit was said with a smile.

'A good morning then, ' I thought.

I sat up, "OK, is the shower..." I heard the shower start and smiled. My girls do look after me. I cupped Isabel's cheek, "What have I done to deserve such wonderful girls as you?" I asked.

"MASTER!" Isabel was shocked. "It is we girls who thank our Gods every day that we are owned by you. It is we who are privileged, we who are blessed beyond all other slaves." She knelt proudly in front of me, "My Master, this girl would never ask for her freedom, for she knows that she is the one who actually gains the most for being a slave of the Baron."

As I stood, humbled by her words, I felt her cheek brush along my thigh. I also felt a wetness start running down my leg, 'Tears, ' I thought. I tried not to let Isabel see me brush away my own tears.

I was showered, and dressed, quickly. The girls obviously knew that Elastic wanted to see me, and as soon as she could, too.

"I'll have my breakfast in my office this morning. Please let the Chef and Captain Bands know." I said to no one in particular. One of the girls, through no system I could work out, would be chosen to take the messages. I noticed one of my new girls hurry away. I wondered what her name was?

"What is the name of the girl who left with my messages?" I asked. Again, to no one in particular.

"That girl is slave Sandra, Master," Isabel replied.

"Where's Umber?" I asked.

"Here, my Master." Umber replied from behind me.

I turned, "Umber dearest, has Elastic's present arrived yet?"

Umber smiled. "Yes Master. It arrived yesterday; I put it in the Coven's office. I thought that you'd want to make a special event of the presentation, so I had a word with Commanders Wilton and Backhouse. They agreed to my suggestion that..."

I had to smile, then laugh out loud. Perhaps this would be a little payback for Elastic.

"So the keyword is 'Terrible', OK?" I confirmed.

Umber smiled widely, "Yes, my Master."

"And I know just how to get her out of the way too." I said. We both broke into conspiratorial grins.

"OK girls, I'm going to my office. Umber attend me, and choose three other girls as well." I didn't wait, Umber was far better at organising my girls than I was so I just left her to it.

I had just sat down in one of the chairs in the informal area when Elastic knocked on my door.

"If you're going to drag me off to another parade, then go away!" I called.

She opened the door and entered. She was in uniform, another new uniform I saw. A VICE ADMIRAL'S uniform! She'd been bumped three grades!

I hurried to her and we hugged. Over her shoulder I saw Umber looking at me, I nodded, and she mouthed 'Terrible, ' I nodded again.

I leaned back, "Come and tell me all about it. Have you had breakfast yet?"

She shook her head, "I've been too excited and I wanted to wait for you. You've done this for me, your influence was what actually got me this rank, and the post of FONT." Her eyes glistened with incipient tears.

We sat, Umber and Jo served us breakfast. I called Sandra and another new girl to my sides. They would receive the 'crumbs' off my table today.

Elastic finally settled a little. "Boss, There's just so much for me to tell you,"

I knew that security would be recording our conversation, and Umber would also be taking mental notes. Everything would be ready in time. Of that I was certain.

-------

London

Sasha, Nigel and Geoff stared through the large opening that Geoff had made in the wall. The cleaning cupboard now really did look fake. 'But, ' Sasha asked herself, 'Why?'

"Get Jessica down here and let her have another look," Sasha ordered. Voices along the corridor passed her message and, shortly, a nervous Jessica arrived.

"Well, Jessica, what do you think?" asked Sasha.

Jessica looked into the cupboard, examining the mops, the solitary bucket and the few other items in there.

"Well, Ma'am," she started.

"Jessica, call me 'Sasha', or 'Boss', if you absolutely must."

"Yes, Ma'am." Jessica replied.

Sasha and Nigel both burst out laughing.

"Now I know how Paul feels," said Sasha. Jessica looked on, now even more nervous.

Sasha gently took Jessica by her arm, "Jessica, what you have just done is the same as a joke that we've played on my beloved for ages and ages. It took Nigel and me by surprise when you answered as you did. Now, please, please call me either 'Sasha' or 'Boss'." Sasha's warm smile and tender approach convinced the frightened woman that her employer really did mean what she said.

"Yes ... Boss."

"Oh, I really am going to have to take you to see Paul," Sasha said with a smile. "You'll like him, really like him. He's such an ordinary person."

"Why shouldn't he be ordinary?" asked Jessica.

"Well, when you're a Baron, and a multibillionaire, then people might forgive you for being a little detached from the cares of ordinary life," replied Nigel. "But the Baron, hasn't been changed by his peerage or his wealth. He really is a nice man. I'm sure you'll like him."

Jessica covered her mouth in shock, "Oh, but I couldn't meet someone as posh and rich as that. Whatever would he say to me, and me just a cleaner?"

Nigel leaned forward a little, "Do you do the lottery?" he asked.

Jessica nodded; the hope of a large win was, for her and most of her neighbours, their only chance of escaping from the squalor and violence of the estate that they lived in.

"Then ask him about his lottery win," suggested Sasha. "He was a normal wage slave just like you and me. But he won the Euro-millions, and now he has turned his lottery win into a huge financial empire."

Still unsure, Jessica felt it would be better to just agree. She was certain that neither Ms. Dempsey nor Mr. Morton would actually take their cleaner to meet a billionaire. That sort of thing just didn't happen in real life.

"Now Jessica, what do you think of this cupboard?" asked Sasha.

"Well, Boss, the mops are wrong. The heads aren't right for that type of handle. Those handles stopped being made in the 60's, but those mop heads are much later, 90's or so. And that bucket, I mean, five mops and only one bucket. What use would that be? And that bleach, that hasn't been legal for over forty years, but look at the tin, it's practically new. If I had to suggest a reason for them to be in there like that, I'd have to say some man tried to make this look like a cleaner's cupboard."

Sasha, Nigel and Geoff stared at her detailed dissection of the items in there.

"Nigel," said Sasha, "about Jessica's bonus, my eyebrows had better go up when I sign her cheque."

"They will, Boss. Oh, they will," promised Nigel.

"Now we have another puzzle to solve," Sasha stated. "Geoff, are you free for three or four more days?" she asked.

"Ma'am, just try and get rid of me," Geoff replied with feeling. "I haven't ever had a case like this."

-------

Birmingham

"Mr. Atkins," Dr. Lu paused, smiling for once.

"What!" he growled. What on Earth could that bitch want now?

"I've come to inform you that the Maternity unit has had its first fatality free week for the last eight years." Dr. Lu said proudly. She turned and left his office.

Dr. Atkins stared after her, unable to wrap his mind around the good news she'd given him. He got up and went to his window. Atkins watched Dr. Lu as she walked back to her maternity unit. She'd only been at the hospital a few weeks but the other staff members greeted her warmly. However had he thought of her as small, he wondered.

-------

Cumbria

"Well, Mr. Policeman," the Moroccan seemed to enjoy calling him that, "Have you got the weapons?"

Sir Gerald nodded. He pointed to a pile of boxes in the corner, "Everything you asked for," he said.

"And the special ammunition?" the Moroccan asked.

"That's in there too, just as you asked." Sir Gerald hated meeting these men. He didn't like the way that the Moroccan looked at him. He knew that there would be blackmail attempts after that Bastard was finally dead. Still, he was sure that he could arrange ... accidents ... yes fatal accidents, for those who survived Winters. He smiled to himself, his humour never reaching his face at all.

Yes, a few accidents would put everything back on course.

-------

London

"How are you doing, Sal, pet?" Bertie asked quietly. He placed a cup of tea beside her on the coaster.

Sally looked up, her eyes sparkled, happy about the way her book was now looking, and ecstatic with love for her mate. "I've just finished the acknowledgements. It reads like a who's who of the journalism world."

Bertie smiled, "And your name is on the top," he reminded her.

Bertie sat down beside his lover. "When this is all over, I want you to meet some old friends of mine. I've been talking to them about you. And so have a few other people too. I want you to think about taking an Editor's position."

Sally looked at him open eyed, "But I'm only..."

He took her hands in his, "You're only the only who has organised all of this," he gestured to the notes and printouts surrounding her. "You are the one who convinced all of the others to join you. You are the one who kept them hard at work when there were other things that their bosses wanted them to look at. You did all of this, and I know what it takes to become an editor." Bertie tapped his chest. "And you, Sal, pet, have it in you to be one of the greats." He hugged her, tears pricking his eyes as he realised that he wouldn't see her true greatness. That would come long after he died.

-------

Martinè

"So, I went into the Admiralty Boardroom and found them all waiting for me. Some smiling, others, well, not so happy. And I remember who was doing what," Elastic added almost to herself.

"Well, I've got something for you to have a look at," I said rising. "Come on, it's not too far away." We went to the drive and there was a car waiting for us. Another car, with our protection people and, only, two slaves waited behind it.

We were driven off to the west, to the new site for Elastic's training school.

Jean-Paul and Analise were waiting for us in the Hotel de Ville.

"Baron, Admiral, please take the coffee?" Jean-Paul gestured to a small table, a coffee pot and cups waiting for us.

I introduced them to Elastic and we sat and made small talk as one of the admin staff poured our drinks.

"Jean-Paul, Analise, I have brought Admiral Bands here for her to look at the land I purchased. She's here to see these plots with a view to starting a new, joint, Anglo-French naval training school." I could see that they were impressed by Elastic's project.

Jean-Paul showed Elastic a large scale map showing the three plots I'd bought, either of the two farms would be ideal for the actual training establishment. They both have good, or improvable, road links to the local motorway. There are small airports within an hours drive, and, as we'd seen on the drive here, the local villages and this small town were all improving their own infrastructure to support the expected 600 trainees and up to 200 staff.

"Baron," said Analise.

"Yes," Elastic and I said together.

I looked at her and she blushed a deep red. This made me smile. "Did you get an early birthday present while you were in Buck House?" I asked, smiling.

"Oh Boss, I'm so sorry, with everything else that happened, I forgot to tell you."

Jean-Paul and Analise leaned forward slightly, both very interested in what they might hear.

"I was given two messages for you from the Lord High Admiral."

I wondered what messages The Queen would send to me.

"The first is 'Glastbroke, get a move on.'"

I nodded, then thought for a moment. That could only mean one thing. The Queen knew about my troubles with the Cumbrian's and wanted me to finish it quickly.

"And the second?" I asked, barely able to keep myself from laughing.

"To keep the status quo, Her Majesty is minded to elevate Glastbroke to Viscount." Elastic replied.

I laughed out loud, "So I'm a Viscount now?"

Elastic nodded.

Then I thought back to her little slip a moment ago, "And what are you, what little prezzie did you get?"

"Baroness Irthlingborough," she replied shyly.

I hugged her, "That's marvellous, finally someone with real talent has been rewarded."

As we hugged each other I noticed Umber quietly sneak out of the room. I was certain that she was going to report this news back to Martinè.

Analise stood, "For such wonderful news we must have champagne." Then she walked to the door calling for someone.

Soon a serving trolley was wheeled in, on it were a large, dusty magnum of champagne and four glasses.

Jean-Paul opened the bottle, a little clumsily as though he didn't get much practice. He poured and Analise handed the glasses to Elastic and I.

"Viscount, Baroness, A toast," he said raising his glass. "To the success of your venture."

"To success," we repeated.

I raised my glass, "To a talented and resourceful woman, to the Baroness."

"To the Baroness," they repeated.

Then we sat and sipped our drinks. This champagne was actually very good. "Jean-Paul, this champagne is very good..."

"And you wonder why a poor town like ours has such fine wine?" He shrugged. "As I said when we first met, Viscount," he smiled as he said that, "We were not always poor. When the training school was running we were quite prosperous. "Not as rich as Martinè, of course. So we bought two cases of this fine wine to celebrate the millennium. But the training school was closed in 1999, and no one here felt like celebrating when all we could see was the decline of our community." He shook his head.

"Baron, sorry, Viscount," he raised his glass to me, "Viscount, you truly are a saviour to us." He and Analise stood and raised their glasses to Elastic and I.

-------

Elastic slipped and nearly fell. Again. The track we were using was atrocious. Deep mud, stones that turned under feet, brambles, all sorts of obstacles.

"Is it all like this?" Elastic asked our guide, a local man who, apparently, knew this area very well. He was much less sure footed than Elastic or I and had fallen more times than Elastic and I together.

"Oh no," he answered, he looked around, "I brought you in the easy way. Everywhere else is much worse than this." He looked a little glum, possibly seeing his future prosperity fading away in the terrible terrain.

"This is perfect!" Elastic shouted out. She was grinning like a fool. "Just wait until Paula and her girls see this." We turned, there were my two slaves, Jo and Alison, the only mud on them was on the soles of their wellingtons.

Our guide looked suspiciously at them, "You girls not fall in mud?"

We too wondered how they were so clean and we were almost coated with the thick, clingy clay.

And I couldn't even throw some mud at them! If I did, then they'd just stay still so my mud bombs hit them. And they'd smile about it too. That is so unfair.

"Come on then, I need a shower before I get back in the car." I wasn't really upset, but, really, three of us were filthy, yes, our guide was worse, but even so. Jo and Alison looked as though they'd just got dressed in clean clothes.

It took us thirty minutes to retrace our steps. During that time I heard suspicious noises behind me, but decided to concentrate on trying to remain upright rather than look behind me.

At last I finally climbed over the gate into a pasture. Cow pats I could handle. I turned and helped Elastic over and then we assisted our guide. Bringing up the rear were two walking clumps of mud. Clumps of mud with bright eyes and wide smiles. I'm sure that they managed to fall over about every third step. They were covered from head to toe.

I stared at them and they both returned my gaze with the innocent look only a slave who is truly trying to please her Master can give.

I knew that I shouldn't have mentioned anything about them being so clean. Damn.

-------

I was still a little damp as I climbed back into the car for the trip back to Martinè. Elastic's hair was still wet and she held her cap rather than wear it. Jo and Alison jumped into the trailing car still drying themselves. I'd told them that we'd wait but they both refused to put either me or Elastic out.

"So, Baroness, what do you think of the place?" I asked with a grin.

Elastic elbowed me in my ribs, "Well, Viscount," she paused for a moment. "Are you sure that 'o' should be in there?" she asked wickedly.

I tickled her for her troubles.

"Boss," she said a little breathlessly, "It's going to be perfect."

-------

The car glided along the drive, Elastic started looking round. "Where on Earth are they all? Platoon Four should be on a run now. Five and One should be doing the ground clearance."

Elastic was not happy.

Looking down the side of the Chateau, I could see the lookout, just like they had for me. I saw her give a quick signal, and then she disappeared.

I helped Elastic out of the car and guided her along the side of the building. All the while she was looking round to try and find the trainees or her staff. Backhouse's timing was perfect. He called the parade to attention just as we came round the corner.

Elastic stopped so suddenly I bumped into her.

"What the fuck is going on here?" she asked quietly.

"Looks like one of them military show things to me. You know, Marines and Sailors all rounded up into them rectangle thingies, and a polished up soap-box for you to stand on..."

She elbowed me in my side. "I'm going to have a word or two with Sasha and Cecy and we'll all deal with you later."

Backhouse approached and saluted, "HMS Guillemot's ship's company and trainees are ready for your inspection, Admiral."

"Carry on, Commander," she replied.

Elastic turned to me, "It's OK, I used to do one of these every week. Parades don't frighten me, buster."

We proceeded slowly to the dais, climbed the four steps and faced the parade.

Elastic went through the parade with a half smile on her lips. None of this was new or unusual to her. She'd done dozens of these.

But her smile turned to shock when the parade reformed after the march past, and I stepped forward.

"HMS Guillemot," I said, and there was a ripple of pride ran through the ranks upon hearing that name. "I would like to give you some news. Firstly, as you can see, your Captain has been promoted to Vice Admiral, and she was promoted by The Lord High Admiral herself!" Now there was a cheer and caps and berets flew into the air. I looked at the shocked expression on Elastic's face. I wonder if I looked like that during my parade?

I turned to the side and nodded, another lookout saw my signal and gave another to some hidden people.

"Now, we all know that Admiral Bands has enemies in the Admiralty, and we all know that she's going to fight them and beat them." I stopped as a small group marched onto the parade ground. They came to a halt facing the dais. "A fighting Admiral needs a fighting Admiral's sword." A Marine approached and mounted the dais steps. I uncovered the magnificent sword that Gieves and Hawkes had been able to find for me. "This sword was carried by Admiral Benbow, it is over three hundred years old, with a history of glory and honour longer than most ships. I am proud to present this sword to you, Admiral Bands. It is a mark of our friendship and your honour. Please wear it and remember me and the Finishing School."

With the Marine's assistance, Elastic quickly unhooked her old sword and replaced it with her presentation sword. She turned to me and, as she kissed me on my cheek, I felt her tears wet my cheek.

She turned to the parade. "It's only been a few days since we honoured the Baron in this way." She turned to me and smiled, "By the way, he's a Viscount now. The Duke ordered me to pass on The Lord High Admiral's order of elevation to him." The parade cheered again. The few remaining hats were promptly launched upwards.

I stepped forward, "Yes, I was elevated to Viscount. But only so your Admiral could be made a Baroness!"

We had to wait a few minutes, as even Backhouse was jumping in joy.

Elastic stepped forward, "I shall carry this with pride. With this by my side, and my memories of all of you, I shan't fear anyone. Thank you, thank you all."

She turned to me, "Thank you, Boss."

I leant forward and gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. "That's all I've ever wanted," I replied.

-------

Elastic decided to dismiss the parade, rather than try to march them off the parade ground. That way they wouldn't have to march over the hats and berets, possibly damaging them or tripping and hurting themselves. The marines and sailors quickly, and without the usual hubbub such a large group would make, found their own headgear and left.

Elastic and I waited on the dais, watching them leave.

"They're a very good bunch of kids," I said.

"They're not kids, not anymore, they're warriors, and they're proud to have achieved that." Elastic answered.

I nodded, "You're right, look how they move, how quiet they are. We've taken children and taught them the arts of war," I said sadly.

Elastic snaked her hand under my arm, "You were younger than these kids when you joined the Navy," she reminded me.

I nodded, "Does that make it right though?" I asked her.

There was no answer to that question of course.

Hand in hand, we walked to Elastic's office. Already her desk was piled high with signals and printed emails.

I laughed, "Those bastards are trying it on with you. They tried that with Aggie, now they're trying precisely the same thing with you. My God, isn't there any originality in them at all."

I picked up the top five messages, "Crap, crap, crap, urgent but disguised as crap, crap." I said separating them into two piles.

Elastic smiled and held up a message, "From Admiral Weston, 'Welcome to the club and watch out for these bastards... '" Elastic laughed as she read further. "Even tips on sorting out the wheat from the chaff. I'll have to drop in and see him next time I'm in London."

Quietly, I left her to her paperwork.

Then a thought struck me, "Elastic, are you responsible for your replacement here?" I called.

She stuck her head out the door. "Yes, but I'm carrying on as CO here, I'm moving my flag here. I want a new Captain to look after the joint training ground. I sent off those signals while I was on the plane."

I nodded, "Love you," I called.

"Love you too," she replied as she returned to work.

-------

"Jill," I called as I walked quickly back to my office.

"Master," she replied before I had reached my chair.

"What's in the FDD?" I asked.

She opened it and glanced down at the page, though I suspected that she knew every entry in there.

"Eric would like to see you for 15 minutes and Joan would also like 15 minutes. Eric is here now and ready, Joan is on her way in and should be here in ten minutes time," she answered.

"OK, send Eric in," I wondered what Eric wanted.

"Hi, Boss. Just got a few papers for you to sign, I've started three new companies, C&C Land Surveys; C&C Office Maintenance and C&C Security Services."

Eric spent nearly ten minutes briefing me on each of the new companies. His reasoning was good, even though the economic climate is very poor, the new companies were achieving their planned growth already. Perhaps it's the C&C name that's given them an edge over other companies offering similar services. Whatever it is, my new companies are growing and already approaching profitability.

I signed the paperwork, taking a copy of each to pass on to Sasha and Nigel, though I could see that these documents had been produced by Dempsey.

One minute before his time was up, Eric was finished and walking out of the door. Now why couldn't accountant Nigel be that quick?

Joan came in, after giving her brother a smouldering kiss that would keep him warm in the Antarctic.

"Boss, our operations are going well, though I've had to take down two of the older Owners. They thought that they could ignore the agreed limitations on the leases of three girls. One died and the other two have had to be retired. Marianne, in her role as Legate, interviewed each Owner and reported back to the Council of Owners. Gerry Soaper was sentenced to death, Dr. Atkins, to have his legs broken in the manner that he broke those of his leased slave."

Joan looked me in the eye, "As owner of the slaves, you have to ratify the sentences."

"I ratify both sentences," I said formally.

Joan nodded and made a note on her pad. "The sentences will be carried out in the next two days, Boss. Thank you for supporting your girls, even the ones you don't know."

"Joan, my girls are precious to me, I value them..."

"More than the wives, mistresses and favourites of any other owner," smiling, Joan finished for me.

"Yes, Boss. You are getting quite famous, or possibly infamous, for that alone."

"Joan, the two girls who needed retiring, if they agree, I would like to meet them."

Joan smiled, "I told them both that you'd want to see them. When they're out of hospital, I'll bring them here."

"Thanks, Joan. I'd like that."

She rose and kissed me, "Now I want to spend some time with that brother of mine." She said as she left the room.

Gerry Soaper, who would have thought it? I bet that Eric and Joan would be celebrating tonight. I smiled to myself; I wonder if I should send along a couple of good bottles of bubbly? Yes, I decided, I'll do that.

-------

Dusk came quickly; I watched the fading light as I walked round the Chateau. I greeted each of the sentries as I passed them.

It had been a busy day, I wonder what tomorrow will bring?



-------

Chapter 105


Friday

Five Days To Go

London

"Boss," Brian called as Sasha entered the office. "Those mops and things, were you thinking of taking one to the Baron?"

Sasha nodded, she had thought of that, Paul would laugh when she told him the story of the seven foot wall and its mops.

"Err ... Boss, I don't think that you should do that," Brian said quietly. He was looking off to the side, thinking furiously. "I don't trust the stuff that's in there, there's something wrong, I can't put my finger on it, but there really is something wrong." He looked at Sasha, with a haunted look in his eyes.

"OK, Brian," she said with a smile, "We'll leave everything as it is for the moment. You pass on your concerns to the others; we'll see what we can think of."

Brian looked relieved, "Thanks, Boss." He turned and walked away, still trying to understand what made him worry so much about that cleaning cupboard.

Sasha made her way to her office, she had a meeting in 30 minutes, three governments were trying to form a trade alliance, and they were using Dempsey as their legal authority on the treaty.

-------

Martinè

I swam easily, gliding through the water, barely making waves as I passed. 2 had swum for a while; she was getting much better, more comfortable in the water. She had done her 25 laps and left. I had already completed my exercise laps and was now swimming for pleasure.

As I turned at the shallow end I saw Julia and Susan. Julia was kneeling by my lounger. It looks as though I've got some time for cuddling our child this morning. I smiled as I lifted myself out of the water. My hand didn't even twinge as I put my weight on it.

Elise was waiting behind my chair, a small medical bag beside her. "Master, may I examine your hand please?"

Because she asked so nicely I let her.

The wounds were healing nicely, red marks along the actual cut line and a series of red dots where the stitches had been. I could move my hand easily and without much pain. There was just a little restriction of movement, but not much.

"You're healing very well, my Master. If there are any problems, please call me and I will attend you. I think that the swimming agrees with you," she finished with a shy smile.

I smiled at her, "Come Elise, I wish you to join me at breakfast."

"ME! My Master?" She looked around almost in shock.

"Yes, you, dutiful girl. You have carried out your duties as well as any Master could have asked. Now your Master wishes to spend some time with you."

She gulped, "Yes, Master."

My breakfast place was loaded up with enough for three or four of us. Chef knew that I nearly always fed one or two of my slaves and she delighted in giving me enough for this.

Elise knelt beside my chair and looked around a little nervously. Umber accompanied the serving girl bringing breakfast. She looked at my side and smiled. I knew that she always liked to know who I fed at meal times, I think that she was trying to prevent any single girl from hogging my time. Unless I asked for her, that is.

The serving girl placed my laden plate in front of me as Umber knelt behind me and to one side.

I lifted a piece of fried egg and was about to place it in Elise's open mouth when Umber leant forward, "Master, Elise is allergic to eggs," she whispered.

I looked down at Elise, still waiting open-mouthed for me.

"Elise, is it true that you're allergic to eggs?" I asked her.

Elise nodded.

"Then why would you want to eat something that will affect you so?" I was puzzled.

"Master, for the honour of receiving food from your plate, I would eat broken glass," she replied simply and, to the best of my understanding, quite honestly.

I turned to Umber "Thank you for your warning, precious girl."

Umber smiled up at me as though I'd just heaped glories and honours on her.

I turned back to Elise, "Any other allergies, or dislikes?" I asked a little sternly.

"No, my Master, only eggs," she answered.

"Good, because these sausages are wonderful," I said as I placed a small lump of sausage into her waiting mouth.

Together we enjoyed our breakfast.

-------

Birmingham

Dr. Lu looked down at Atkins. He was currently sedated and the Ortho's were preparing for surgery to try to save his legs. "This was done deliberately," she said.

One of the A&E staff nodded. "Looks like a large hammer. We call these 'punishment' wounds."

Dr. Lu looked at her.

"Oh yes, you'd be surprised what we do to each other."

Dr. Lu shook her head, "No, not after the things I saw in China," Lu looked sad. "Not after the terrors there," she whispered quietly to herself, remembering herself as a terrified seven year old. A seven year old looking down between her spread legs at the naked man kneeling there, pulling on his erection, leering at her. Then the pain...

"Dr. Lu," called a voice, breaking her from her memories.

She turned and saw an older man standing by the door. "Here!" she answered.

He walked to her. Dr. Lu noticed that, though he was controlling himself quite well, he was really agitated.

"Dr. Lu, please' will you accompany me to the board room, The Board of Trustees have a proposition to put to you?"

Lu nodded and followed him out of the door.

-------

Cumbria

The Moroccan almost sneered at Sir Gerald. "Well, Policeman, what news do you have for us?"

Sir Gerald quietened his distaste with thoughts of how these 'men' were going to die 'attempting to escape from arrest.' "Winters," he almost spat that name out, "Is going to Strasbourg next week. He has an appointment at a bank on Wednesday. We expect him to go there early. If he does then he'll be meeting the local dignitaries. We've had a word with our colleagues in the local Gendarmerie, they will arrange for Winters and the Mayor to have dinner here," he pointed to a street corner on a map, then passed out packs. "These contain all of the information you'll need."

"What about the locals, the Mayor and such?" the Moroccan asked.

Sir Gerald shrugged, "I'm only interested in seeing Winters dead." He turned and walked out. Talking with these men made him feel ... dirty.

-------

Birmingham

Dr. Lu looked at the others around the board table. The heads of all of the departments, medical as well as administrative were all there. Some still in dirty scrubs, others in expensive suits. "Are you all agreed on this?" she asked.

They all looked at each other. Then, Rich Blakney, the Head of Orthopaedics, who was sat next to her rose, "You have my vote," he said firmly before sitting again. Then one by one they all rose and repeated his words.

Hearing the last administrator give her his vote, she turned to the secretary, "Has this vote been minuted?"

"Yes, Ma'am," said the secretary.

Dr. Lu nodded; she rose and walked to the head of the table. Staring down at the man sitting there, she growled, "You're in my chair."

Flustered, he stood, "Errr ... Yes Ma'am." How had he thought that he could control this woman?

Dr. Lu sat at the head of the table and looked around her. "Ladies and Gentlemen, this hospital is in trouble. Mr. Atkins," those around the table flinched at the way she said that name, "Has been remiss in his stewardship. I need to see each of you individually to assess the exact situation. Please make two hour appointments with my secretary for this week. We need to do this quickly, to do this now."

One by one they nodded, then rose and left the boardroom. Outside they looked at each other. Their eyes all asked the same question, 'Was that firebrand, the caring doctor they all though they could control?'

"Don't forget the appointments!" Dr. Lu shouted.

Like naughty children, they all mumbled a reply. Shamed, they left, most to go directly to the CEO's, Dr. Lu's, office. They had appointments to make and woe betide any who didn't make one. Things were changing round here.

-------

Martinè

I relaxed; Susan lay in my arms wide awake and looking round. She smiled at me. Cecy still said that her smiling was just wind, but Susan was a little too old for that now. I felt that she smiled because she knew, and felt comfortable with, me. I smiled at her.

The FDD had the whole day blocked out for relaxation. I looked around me, there was a buzz in the air, something was coming to a head. I was certain of it, something big was about to happen. And I didn't know what that 'something' was.

In the back of my mind a tiny thought took shape, 'I wonder... '

-------

London

Sasha looked up at the quiet, almost timid, knock on her door, "Come in!" she called. She waited, but no one entered.

Rising, she opened her door to see Jessica almost at the stairs (Jessica never took the lift, lifts weren't for cleaners.)

"Jessica!" Sasha called.

Jessica turned and came back. Sasha ushered Jessica into her office and sat her in the informal area. She then rang for coffee.

"It's about time I made some time for you, Jessica. You've been here for nearly nine months now, and Richard cannot praise your work enough. How are you settling in?"

Jessica, nervous about coming to see the big boss madam to start with, just sat on the edge of her chair and nodded at whatever Boss Lady said.

'Oh dear, ' thought Sasha, 'Now, what would Paul do?'

"Tell me, Jessica, where do you live, what's it like there?"

Jessica's head dropped, while she'd lived in her flat for nearly twenty years now, she'd never liked it. And the stairs were beginning to get more difficult every year. "Tower Hamlets," she said softly. "It's like a war zone. I have bars and metal shutters on my doors and windows. When I go home at night I lock myself away, shut myself in. And I pray; I pray that they don't set the building on fire. Pray that they don't rape the girls on my doorstep. Not again." Now tears were running freely down her cheeks. "I pray that there won't be screams tonight. I pray for the little children in the block. I pray for the mothers who never see the fathers of their children. And sometimes I pray that the Good Lord will take me away from this hell I'm living in."

She looked up, eyes blinded by tears. But she didn't need her eyes to see what she was looking at. She only needed to remember last night, and all the other last nights. The long standing, ongoing, misery of life in a place ruled by gangs and fear. A place where the police never, ever, went.

Sasha held her as she sobbed freely. As the relief of telling a real person, someone who didn't have to live in the Towers, lifted a weight off her shoulders.

Sasha knew better that to ask why the police didn't help. There were areas of London which had, basically, been given over to the drug dealers and the youth gangs. 'Do-Gooder's' and the politically correct bridge, forced people to ignore thousands of years of practice in bringing up children, and forced parents and schools alike to try to control children who knew that there was no control over them. Children who did what they wanted, who demanded 'good paying' jobs without the necessity of actually going to work every day. Children who demanded money and 'things, ' irrespective of their parent's ability to pay. Then these social experimenters would leave the mess that they'd created and go home to their country houses, their quiet, peaceful estates and rest from their labours.

"You don't have to go back there you know," Sasha told the sobbing woman. "We can arrange for you to get somewhere better to live, somewhere where you'll feel safe, somewhere where you can walk in the park."

Jessica looked up at her, "And how am I going to afford that?" she asked.

Sasha laughed, "You aren't, my man is, and he's loaded."

Sasha pulled the older woman over to her desk. Still holding tightly to one hand she dialled with the other.

-------

Martinè

I handed the phone back to Isabel. Then I sat thinking how best to handle Jessica's problem. I couldn't cure all of the country's ills; the people in the communities themselves had to do that. And they needed support from the police and local and central government to succeed.

One thing I did know about gangs was that they were very heavy into macho culture, they demanded that they be respected. Though what they had done to earn that respect, apart from remaining alive, I don't know.

But I did know how to deal with macho men. I smiled to myself, "UMBER!" I yelled.

"Master," she replied from my side.

I looked at the diminutive girl at my side, "What grade has Mistress Paula awarded you, my girl?" I asked.

Umber smiled, a wicked smile...

-------

London

Jessica walked slowly into the hotel. It was a high class place, a Minstrel Hotel, one of their best. But she had her instructions, and though she was uncertain of her reception, at the reception, she smiled at that pun, she made her way forward.

"Yes, Ma'am, how may I help you?" asked the young receptionist.

Steeling herself Jessica said, "I have a promotion code.

"Yes Ma'am," the receptionist replied brightly, she was on her third day her, a great improvement on her previous place.

"It's GREEN-POPPY," said Jessica.

The receptionist entered GREEN-POPPY into her terminal, then stared open-mouthed at the display. She'd been trained in the promo codes and how they affected the booking terminal, but her instructor had never mentioned this.

"Ma'am, err ... There seems to be some..."

"Madam," came the soothing voice of her manager. "Please let me sort out your room.

The younger girl looked on gratefully.

"I see that the Belgian suite is free, I'll get one of the staff to take you up and make sure that it's suitable for you." With a graceful stroke he rang the desk bell. A porter came quickly to him.

"Take Madam to the Belgian suite, ensure that she is happy with it, if not, then I think that the French suite will be ready in," he paused and tapped on the keyboard for a moment, "No, go directly to the French suite, it's ready now." He smiled at Jessica, a smile reserved for VIP's and Royalty.

It only took a few moments to reach the twelfth floor. Jessica could never have matched that speed to her tiny flat.

The porter showed her round the suite, the large living area, the two double bedrooms and the huge master bedroom.

"Which one's mine?" Jessica asked, almost in shock, that last bedroom was larger than her entire flat.

"Madam," replied the porter with a smile, "This whole suite is yours for as long as you need it. If you want anything, then please dial 0, my name's Harry and I'll be glad to serve you."

He left, closing the door on an astounded Jessica.

-------

Fat Belly Johnston was everything his name proclaimed. Weighing in at over 350 pounds, he was a walking (albeit slowly) tub of lard. His thick layer of fat had saved his life at least three times, the average shiv not being long enough to penetrate to the vital organs beneath.

Fat Belly was out looking for something to steal. He wanted money for some coke, both the black kind and the white kind. He thought that the old cleaning woman should be home about now. He'd followed her one day last week and watched as she went into the City and then into a really posh building. The plate on the door just said 'Dempsey, ' so he didn't know what went on in there. But if she was working in that sort of place then she should have some money stashed in her flat. And Fat Belly wanted that cash.

Then Fat Belly saw something which absolutely amazed him. Something that drove all thoughts of breaking into the old cleaner's place right out of his mind.

He rubbed his eyes, but, when he opened them, she was still there.

'She' was a young girl, a whitie, and Fat Belly hated whities. Or at least he said that he did, he rarely met any on this estate. She was dressed like a school girl; even having her hair in bunches. And she was playing with a toy.

'Oh boy, ' Fat Belly thought to himself, 'I'm gonna have some fun with this one before I take her to the gang. Fat Belly imagined the rape that he was going to perform, it wouldn't be his first. He'd lost count of the number of times he'd just pushed a female over and then sat on her until she'd stopped struggling.

A few died, most let him do what he wanted, he raped all of them anyway. It was only right that he took his pleasure when and where he pleased. After all, he was a man and they were nothings, just females, hardly worth his notice. He felt his erection grow as he contemplated the next twenty or so minutes.

Fat Belly couldn't believe his luck, he wasn't even going to have to run to catch this one, she was still walking towards him.

They were on the fifth floor walkway; on his left was a three foot high concrete wall, the other side of which lay a dizzying drop to the cracked pavement and pot-holed road below. Only a dreary, graffiti-daubed line of barred and shuttered doors and windows were on the right. 'So, ' thought Fat Belly, 'No escape at all for the stupid girl.'

But the stupid girl kept on coming towards him.

Fat Belly's bulk took up nearly all of the width of the walkway. He was just going to roll right over her. And then rape whatever was left.

Then, strangely, the girl looked over the wall, almost as though looking for something. Then she hurried forward a few steps.

"You're not going to assault me are you?" she asked. They were nearly twenty feet apart.

Fat Belly laughed. "Youse gonna lay down and spread. I'se gonna make me babies in you, whitie!" He started unzipping his jeans.

Fifteen feet.

"I'll kill you if you try that," she warned him.

Ten feet.

Fat belly laughed, stroking his exposed cock.

Five feet.

Fat Belly lunged at her, his arms open wide to grab and hold onto her.

Suddenly she wasn't there any more; she'd run away so quickly that his arms just grabbed air.

With a snarl of rage, Fat Belly chased after her, despite his bulk he managed a fair turn of speed, for a short time anyway. He reached out to grab her shoulder, then things went wrong.

She turned and was running up the door, along the wall, her arm slipped under his, and then he felt her long slim legs slide down his back. And then the strangest thing happened. Fat Belly flew upwards, his sweaty feet flying out of his unlaced trainers. He gasped out loud as he was thrown over the wall, only realising the danger he was in when it was far too late.

Fat Belly screamed during the entire 66 foot fall. He landed between two cars, one a burned out wreck, the other, still working, but only by the grace of God and the efforts of its owner. This time, Fat Belly's bulk ensured his death. A lighter man, might have survived the fall. But, like an over-ripe melon, Fat Belly's body split open, showering the adjacent cars with blood and gore.

The little girl skipped gaily on to the end of the walkway and then went up to the sixth, top, floor. Umber hoped that she might entice another scum-bag to attack her here. Perhaps they liked the higher floors.

-------

The two girls walked towards the row of shops hand in hand. Occasionally they skipped together. They laughed and joked, without a care in the world.

Six members of the local gang, The Warriors of the Night, surrounded them. One produced a butterfly knife.

"Strip!" he ordered as he opened his knife, spinning it in his hand.

Only the knife wasn't in his hand any more. And then neither was his hand, which made holding in his intestines very difficult. As he sank to his knees he looked around at his 'bloods.' All six were sinking to the ground, all mortally wounded. His sight got dim then, and the pain faded a little.

Melissa looked at Alison's hand. There was a small scratch. "You know what Umber and Em said. 'Any break in the skin' is to be reported and looked at."

Alison nodded, "OK," she said, disappointed that she should be the one to break their perfect unharmed record.

-------

Em, in her bright green jump-suite, with her 'DOCTOR' patches on the front and back, strode back to the ambulance car. She'd parked it nearly 200 yards away from the girls. She'd treated Alison's scratch and ordered her to return to France. Any open wound increased the chances of being infected with a huge number of diseases, HIV and Hepatitis being only two of the common afflictions around here. Now she was returning to her post in the rough centre of the activities. There to be ready for any emergency.

The addict who decided to mug the green-clad woman only managed to brush his finger-tip across her jump-suite. The hyper-velocity round hit his chest and threw his smashed and dying body yards away from his intended victim.

Oscar looked around for any more threats to Em. How was it that he could love her, but be terrified of approaching her, of talking to her? Still, he knew that he'd saved her today, and that filled him with warmth.

Em continued on to her car. She'd thought that she'd heard a bullet pass close by. The sound was strange though, and when she'd turned to look, there was nothing to see.

-------

The 'City Gent' who strolled casually into the pub silenced the whole crowd. No one could remember when a suited and brolly-carrying person had ever entered this pub. The 'Judge Jefferies' wasn't a City wine bar, this was one of the roughest of the worst, of the East End criminal hangouts.

"Pimm's please, barman," Prof said brightly. While everyone's eyes were on him, the rest of his team entered unnoticed.

One of the pub's regulars, 6' 4'' and very well built, rose and stood behind Prof, "What the fuck are you doing in here?" he demanded.

Prof turned, "I'm having a drink, why, do you object?" he asked mildly.

"Yes, why don't you fuck off..."

The ferrule of Prof's brolly, smashed through the man's foot.

"Go away or die," said Prof before turning back to the bar. The barman, nervous now, decided that he'd better get this idiot his drink. At least that way he'd get a little profit before the fool was slaughtered.

The man reached forward and grabbed Prof's shoulder, he yanked it back hoping to unbalance this city gent, maybe even make him fall.

Prof used the man's own strength to spin him round, the handle of his brolly whipping out, crushing the man's larynx.

Prof stared into the man's eyes as he struggled for breath. His swelling throat quickly cut off his airway. His hands clutching at his damaged throat, he collapsed to his knees, then tilted over backwards. His slow death shocked the others in the bar. They'd all seen that man beat others, much bigger than the skinny gent, almost to death. Putting at least one of his opponents into a wheelchair permanently.

Prof looked around the bar, "Anyone else like to ask me to leave?" he asked, his voice, quiet and silky smooth. Those who knew Prof, knew that he was now at his most dangerous.

Prof turned and reached for his drink. The barman's cudgel smashed into the bar, how the skinny man had managed to avoid it, the barman didn't know. Then there was the handle of his brolly hooking behind his neck, pulling him forward, forward into...

Prof's knuckles whipped round, cracking into the nerve point just below the barman's nose. With a strangled scream, the barman disappeared below his bar. The crowd sat silent as they watched the skinny City Gent sip at his Pimm's, and they listened to the quiet sobs from the injured barman.

One of the regulars, probably with more determination, and less intelligence, than the others, stood. Reaching under his tee-shirt he pulled out a pistol and started to aim it.

The whole bar heard the mechanisms of the two silenced automatics as they drove another round into their barrels. The actual sounds of the shots were too quiet to have been heard. White-faced they watched their drinking mate drop to the ground. He too was dead.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, anyone else want to kill me for dressing a little differently?" asked Prof.

No one moved, no one answered him. All were far too scared to go up against this stranger who had arrived and slaughtered the two 'hardest' men there.

-------

Riddley knelt by her patient, an elderly woman who'd been viciously beaten around her head while being mugged. The perpetrator was still free. During the whole exercise, no one in any of the clean up teams had seen a police officer. This estate truly was a no-go area.

Quickly and efficiently she worked on the woman.

"Car! Car! Car!" a voice in her headset called.

Riddley threw herself to the side, slapping the side of her medical bag as she passed. Her pistol, the one that the Baron, sorry, Viscount now, called a 'fucking cannon, ' flew up out of the bag. She snatched at the handle in a move she'd spent hours and hours practicing. Still in the air, she rolled over and spotted the vehicle. It had mounted the pavement now and was heading straight for the unconscious woman. The driver obviously intended to murder her to prevent any witnesses to his attack.

Riddley's cannon barked once and the ultra-heavy round smashed into the light car's engine. The whole car was thrown backwards, the engine ploughing through the passenger compartment, and the unfortunate driver, coming to rest in the boot. Shocked passers-by stared at the wholesale destruction of the car and its occupant. Riddley just looked around, then, seeing no further threats to her or her patient, she replaced the spent round and returned her weapon to its holster. With a smile she replaced the gas cartridge which had powered the weapon into her waiting hand.

'Just wait until they hear about this, ' she thought to herself.

After she'd finished treating the old woman, she carried her medical bag over to the car. The remains of the driver were scattered throughout the car.

And the pavement.

Riddley looked around her, and the road.

There was just no way that, that body could still maintain any semblance of human life.

Riddley returned to the old woman and waited for a pick-up to take her to hospital. There was no way that a local ambulance was going to come here. Not without half of the army to protect them.

-------

The police Scene of Crime Officer looked round nervously. It was definitely Fat Belly on the road. He looked up at the fifth floor; two officers were checking the area around Fat Belly's trainers. There were also six armed officers protecting them. This was a dangerous area for a copper to be in.

"He was thrown off the fifth floor walkway," SOCO stated with certainty.

"Fat Belly," his colleague said amazed. "This guy," he said pointing at the mountainous remains of the late Fat Belly Johnston. "Do you really think someone threw Fat Belly? You're kidding me."

"He's too far away from the building to have jumped; he had to have been thrown." Even as he said the words, the SOCO knew that he didn't believe them himself. "What other reasonable explanation is there?" he asked.

His colleague, eager to leave the estate, and so improve his chances of living to have some tea tonight, looked around. "UFO's," he said, only partly joking.

SOCO looked back up to the fifth floor walkway, "A witness said that there was a small girl walking along the walkway."

"And you think that a little girl threw Fat Belly off?" his colleague asked incredulously.

"Naaah," answered SOCO with a grin, "I prefer your theory about the UFO."

-------

Jessica hurried back to the office, it was important that she speak to the Boss Lady as soon as possible.

Sasha's office was empty, so Jessica knocked on Mr. Morton's door. Nigel looked up, "Hello Jessica, I thought Sasha told you to go and relax," he said with a smile.

"Mr. Morton, Sir, I need to speak to Madam as soon as I can, It's very, very important, Sir."

Nigel looked at her, she was trembling, desperate. He liked Jessica, she was honest ... that thought stopped him dead. He picked up the phone, "Shelly, we need to get Sasha back here at the rush."

Helicopters do, sometimes, land in Lincoln's Inn Fields; the green is large enough with room to spare. And when the head of a prestigious company like Dempsey, Ms Dempsey herself no less, cited an international crisis, the permissions were granted quickly.

Sasha hurried through the police cordon. There were plenty of officers here to assist her. After all, in the heart of the City of London there wasn't a great chance of getting shivved by an 11 year old gang member. Some of the officers there didn't think that the east end gangs even knew places like Lincolns Inn's Fields actually existed.

Sasha went straight to Nigel's office. "Hello Jessica, now what have you got to tell me?"

-------

Martinè

I lay stroking Elise's hair. She rested her head on my arm and, finally, relaxed. We were warm by the pool, the glass cover acted like a greenhouse, keeping the heat in even in the coldest weather.

Initially Elise has been unsure, scared even, of lying with me. From her earlier comments on how she'd previously been treated I guessed that she'd never serviced her Master before. Possibly she'd been the subject of a drunken rape or two, but she'd never deliberately tried to satisfy a man.

I ran my finger tips along her long slim body, watching her tremble, fear or excitement? I didn't know. I wanted her to be relaxed and comfortable with what we were doing. I wanted her to reach Gold Collar status. For that, she had to serve me personally. If she didn't, she'd never get her gold collar. While I could just give her a gold collar, and none of my slaves would question my decision, doing it without an obvious reason for doing so could create unease amongst my girls. Trouble would surely follow.

She closed her eyes, leaning towards me, her lips opening. We kissed, slowly gathering heat and passion. I felt her breathing increase, the heat of her body rose and a nipple hardened against my skin.

Laying her on her back I gently positioned myself. Elise helped and with her copious lubrication, we joined easily. Elise thrust up at me, matching my own movements, We kissed and stroked each other. I took a nipple into my mouth and teased it, biting firmly on the fat flesh.

She pushed up, seemingly to thrust more of her breast into my mouth, but I held her down, then attacked her other nipple. Elise screamed out her orgasm, arching her body up against mine, lifting me off the bed. I thrust again and again, then joined her in my own climax.

Sweaty from our passion we lay still joined. Elise looked at me, "Thank you, my Master, I never realised what love making could be like."

"Hush, special girl, let's just relax and enjoy each other. Isn't that what lovers do?" I asked.

She sighed, "Master, I have been raped four times, but never, until today, have I made love. This girl knows that she is to lie still while being raped, but she doesn't know what lovers are supposed to do."

I kissed her nose, "You seemed to know enough just now," I teased.

"Thank you..."

I silenced her with a kiss. We lay until I slipped from her and then we showered together. There were very few of my girls around at the moment, most of them were in London delivering a few messages to the gangs around Jessica's flat. So I supposed I'd have to slum it with only four slaves to look after me.

Poor old me.

-------

Susan gurgled a little sleepily. She was starting to make deliberate noises now, trying to imitate the noises she heard around her. She was also lifting and supporting her head, a major milestone in her development.

Susan was dressed in a sleep-suit; a wonderful invention which has saved mothers around the world from worrying if their infant was going to be warm and comfortable enough. I wondered if Karen had any thoughts on baby wear.

"Girl!" I called.

"My Master," answered Elise from my side.

I smiled at her, "Take a message for Karen, Have you any baby wear designs?"

"I'll see that this is sent to her immediately, Master," Elise said with a smile. She seemed to be so much more relaxed now. I watched as she walked quickly away.

-------

London

"The mop heads, they're only about twenty years old," said Jessica.

Sasha looked puzzled, "And?"

"You told us that the plaster..."

Sasha saw the connection, "Was over 30 years old."

"So how did those mop heads get in there?" asked Nigel. Thoughtfully, Jessica and Sasha nodded their agreement to his question.

"How indeed?" said Sasha.

Sasha looked at Jessica, "Do you have any pressing engagements or bookings in the next few days, anything that you just can't break?"

Jessica looked puzzled, "No, Boss."

Sasha smiled, "You're going to meet a friend of mine," she said.

-------

Jessica looked at the helicopter, it looked huge. There was a girl also waiting to board. She really looked distraught, crying occasionally, looking round and then at her hand.

"What's wrong, little miss?" Jessica asked.

Alison looked at her. She didn't wonder why an old lady would be going to Martinè, there were lots of people who visited the Chateau. Alison was too upset about her injury, minor though it was. "I'm being sent back to the Chateau," she answered.

Jessica could see that there was more to the girl's story than that, "And why are you being sent there, my dear?" she probed.

Alison held up her hand, "I got cut, and Em said that I had to return home."

"And who is this Em that can send you home?" asked Jessica.

Slowly Alison told her story. Jessica 'Ohhh'd' and 'Oh, NO'd' a few times. But there was only thing that really puzzled her, "Why were you sent to the estate to fight those thugs?" Jessica asked. She could see that the girl, Alison, was very fit, slim but muscular. She was light on her feet, and moved with such grace as to make a cat jealous.

"Mistress Li pronounced me, 'Dangerous, '" Alison said with obvious pride.

Not really understanding, Jessica just nodded.

Jessica was pleased that she'd taken the time to speak to the girl. Alison knew how to do up the seat belt and also knew where the headsets were so that they could talk to each other during the flight. Jessica had never flown before and was a little nervous. Alison, forgetting her own troubles, reassured the older woman.

-------

Chief Inspector Barton walked into the control room; he was today's 'Bronze' Commander. And he really wanted a quiet night. "What's happening?"

"It's little Somalia, Sir, there's dead bodies all over the place, it's like all of the gangs are being slaughtered," answered the Control Room shift leader.

"Are you sure it's not a gang war?" asked Barton. He really, really didn't want a gang war tonight. Tonight was supposed to be quiet so he could finish writing his book.

The shift leader looked round nervously, "We don't think so. There were reports..." Now he paled.

Barton thought that the man was going to faint, "What reports?"

"Well," he looked round as though seeking an escape route. "Some of the reports say that there were..." He gulped, "There were girls doing the killing. Ha Ha," his laugh was false and high-pitched,

Barton thought that the man was losing his mind. "So what weapons did these girls use?"

The shift leader shook his head, "That's just it, they didn't. A couple had yoyo's. One had some marbles. But the rest..." he visibly shuddered. "The rest, well, if the reports are correct, one of them threw Fat Belly Johnston off a high-rise."

"RUBBISH!" Barton wasn't going to put up with this sort of nonsense from anyone. "Is there anyone on scene out there?" he demanded.

The shift leader picked up a phone, "Sergeant O'Connell is the SOCO there, Sir," he said with relief. He handed the phone over.

"Sergeant, this is Bronze, what's the situation?"

"Sir, there are at least forty dead, no, repeat, NO wounded."

"What do you mean 'no wounded'?" Barton demanded. This situation was getting weirder by the second.

"Just that, Sir. No wounded at all. We're only finding dead gang members and local thugs."

Barton interrupted when the Sergeant paused for breath, "So what did they die of? Gunshot wounds, knives, swords?"

"Errr ... Well, we had one person thrown from the fifth floor of a high-rise, One had been disembowelled, three had broken necks, two had been impaled on pool cues..."

Barton felt himself pale as the litany of death was read out to him. One thing he did realise though, with so many deaths this incident was way, way above his pay grade, let Silver or, even better, Gold, deal with it.

He turned to the shift leader, "Call out Gold, I'll start getting the incident room ready, and detailing the officers off to join those already out there.

He quickly walked back towards his office, perhaps too quickly, he thought as he started running out of breath.

-------

Chief Superintendant, Sir Henry Goldsmith, 'Gold', strode purposefully into the incident room. He looked around, expecting Bronze to be there to brief him. But there was just a small group of people staring at a CCTV monitor.

"What's going on?" he demanded to know. "Where's Bronze?"

"Err ... The Chief Inspector is still at The Yard, Sir. He said that he'd send you everything he's got on the incident as soon as possible," answered one of the men.

Gold looked at the monitors, one showed two huge men walking along the pavement. The other monitor showed two young girls, holding hands and skipping along, seemingly without a care in the world.

"What's this?" He asked.

"These two men are the Ng brothers," the man said.

Gold grimaced. Even he, with his very minimal time on the streets, had heard about the sadistic, psychopathic, Ng brothers.

"We don't know who the girls are, but..." he hesitated. "But they're the only people that we've identified who were in the vicinity of the brothers when ... when they..." The man paled.

"When they what? What did they do to those poor girls?" Gold was getting impatient now.

The man turned in shock, "It wasn't the girls," he handed over a sheet of paper, "This happened to them, the brothers," the man said, studiously avoiding looking at the paper in his hand.

Gold took the form and started reading. He too paled, then lurched and vomited into a waste basket.

"I threw up too," the man said sympathetically.

Gold looked round, "No two 'girls' did that to the Ng brothers, no way."

-------

Martinè

I watched as the helicopter landed. Em had phoned and warned me that she'd had to send Alison home. Though tiny, her wound was on her hand and thus prone to cross-blood contamination. The risk to Alison's health was just too great. Em thought that Alison might be blaming herself for a trivial accident, one which could have happened to any of the squad members in London.

The rotors finally stopped turning and Alison got out, she then helped an elderly woman out. Alison pointed at me and then waited by the helicopter as the woman came over.

She held out her hand to me and we shook, "Hello, I'm Jessica LeStrange, Madam Dempsey sent me over here to see Mr. Winters."

"I'm Winters," I replied, "Call me Paul."

"Yes, Sir," she answered. By the way that she answered, I knew that this wasn't part of the 'Call me Paul' tease. This woman really did have a low sense of self-worth. I bet she would call children Sir and Ma'am, if they ever spoke to her. I wonder why Sasha had sent her to me?

"No, I mean it," I leaned forward conspiratorially, "If you want, you can call me Sir when the big bosses are around. But I'm really just Paul."

She smiled and relaxed a little, "Alright, Paul," she said with a smile.

"Now, how about I try to find you a room and then a little supper," I asked.

"That would be very nice, Paul. Are you sure it won't be any trouble? I don't want you to get into trouble with your bosses."

I smiled back at her, "Oh, I'm always in trouble with my Bosses. But they seem to like me anyway."

"Oh, Paul!" Jessica seemed appalled, "You need to keep your bosses happy, or they might sack you. Then what would you do, you'd be living in a place like my estate. Oh, no, Paul, you have to avoid that at any cost. You get on with your jobs, I'm sure Alison will know who to take me to, to get a room and something to eat."

Jessica turned and walked back to Alison. Seeing Alison's puzzled look, I just shook my head and hoped that she got my message. Ah, well, I'd have to speak with Alison later, once she'd sorted out Jessica.

-------

"You didn't tell Jessica that I was the boss here, did you?" I asked Sasha on the phone.

She laughed, "No, I said that she was to meet you and then you could introduce her to the Baron later."

"It's Viscount now," I said.

"Are you su..."

"Yes," I interrupted, "The 'o' has to be in there."

"Well," Sasha replied with a girlish giggle, "If you insist."

Exasperated I asked her, "Do you really want a spanking?"

"Ohhh, yes please! I'd come over right away, but some blackguard has nicked me helicopter, the swine."

"Yeah, that was probably me," I admitted.

"Maybe I should give you a bare-bottom spanking?" teased my lady love.

-------

London

Sally eased back in her chair. She'd become more used to spending the whole day in front of the computer. While she'd been a mere reporter, she'd been out on the streets a lot of her time, typing up her stories on a laptop and emailing them in to Bertie; only going in to the office occasionally to do admin work.

But, her book was now complete, nearly 200,000 words, 'A tome rather than a book, ' Sally thought.

Bertie rested his hand on her shoulder, "Finished, Sal, pet?" he asked.

She tilted her head to feel his hand on her cheek, "Yes, it's all done." She clicked on 'SAVE' and the pointer turned into an hourglass for a few seconds, "and saved."

Sally rose and lifted her arms round Bertie's neck, "Take me to bed, darling," she said gazing lustfully into his eyes.

Soon the sounds of their passion filled the small flat.

-------

Martinè

Word had spread that I was to be treated like any of the staff in the Chateau, this relaxed Jessica and she opened up to me about her life. We ate supper together, sitting at the 'bottom' of the table.

"This is the end I usually sit at," I said honestly. Well, how was Jessica to know which end was the top or bottom?

Alison escorted her to a suite on the upper floor. We had lifts here so she wouldn't have trouble getting round.

When Alison returned, I hugged her, then her tears started.

"This girl is so, so sorry, my Master. This girl didn't mean to get hurt. This girl must have been clumsy and now deserves punishment." She looked up at me with tear filled eyes.

I kissed her, then sat and lay her across my knee. "This is your full punishment, girl," I said sternly, then I gave her one small smack on her bum.

I lifted her up and sat her on my knee. "Alison, precious, you and your sisters did a wonderful job in London. Had it been any other team, we've have expected at least two or three deaths. To only have this minor scratch is success beyond belief."

"But why did this girl have to return home, my Master?" she almost wailed in her despair.

"To protect you from infections you can't protect yourself from. That scratch would have left you open to blood-to-blood contacts. You could have caught almost anything over there. Don't forget that that part of London is more like a third-world country, rather than a suburb of the capital.

Alison nodded, "But, for her Master, this girl wouldn't have minded taking the risk."

"But this Master does mind, and ordered Em and Riddley to protect you girls at all costs."

Now that she realised that Em was only following my, rather stringent, orders Alison settled down a little.

She held my hand as I led her to bed. We cuddled, spooning together, with her naked body in my arms. I nuzzled into her hair and we slept.



-------

Chapter 106

Saturday

Four Days To Go

London

00:01 Hours

Sir Henry, Gold Commander, Metropolitan Police Service, stared at the huge bulk that had been Fat Belly Johnston. "It's too far away," he said, mostly to himself, looking between the body and the nearby building.

"How high was he..." Gold gulped, paling more. He was into clinical shock now, but so were the others around him, so there was really no one to realise the danger that they were all in.

Gold's shoulders sagged a little more, "He was thrown, wasn't he?" He didn't look at the SOCO's, so they had to speak their answers.

"Yes, Sir," answered SOCO.

Gold leaned against a car, something he had sacked other officers for, and wiped the cold sweat from his face. "Who could have done such a thing?" Gold didn't know.

Nor did SOCO, but both men, each in their individual hell, knew that they didn't want to meet such a man, not if he was angry.

Gold lifted his radio, "Is there anything else?" he asked the control room.

"A report of a car attacked with an RPG," control answered.

"An RPG!" Gold yelled, almost out of control now. In truth, he should have been removed from duty nearly an hour ago, but those around him were also in the same position.

"That's what they said," answered control.

Gold returned to his car. "Let's go," he told the driver.

The driver was, possibly, the only one functioning anywhere near normally. He'd seen the first incident, the one with the pool cues. After that he'd stayed in the car, studiously avoiding looking anywhere near the incidents.

And he'd never play pool again, not ever. The sight of those two men ... He shuddered again.

The drive was quick. All of the incidents had taken place in a single council estate. One of the so called 'sink estates'. The places where the worse of the council tenants, the trouble makers, those who never paid their rents, the ex-convicts, the dregs of humanity, were placed all together.

The vehicle in question was easy to identify, even without the police tape all around it. Gold stared for nearly five minutes before he realised what was wrong, the car had nearly been turned inside out. This wasn't an RPG, this car had been hit by ... by ... by what? Slowly Gold staggered forward to the side of the car. He stooped and looked inside. The starkly bright lights caused nightmare like shadows, but he easily recognised blood stains throughout the interior.

"Where's the body been taken to?" Gold called out.

The junior officers around him looked at each other. Finally, one, the one who'd first attended this incident and was thus in the greatest shock, answered, "It's still in there, Sir."

Gold turned back to the vehicle, the spongy mass that he'd assumed to be a seat, he now realised was the remains of the driver. Standing upright again Gold realised that he hands were sticky, he looked at them, discovering the blood stains, and, horrifyingly ... other bodily bits. As he turned to walk away, his feet stuck to the pavement. Gold dared not look down. He walked, shoes sticking to the road until he was outside of the tapes.

"Water!" he called, his voice brittle as a cracked cup.

The attending officers had been waiting for this. They'd thought that they'd laugh at seeing how their pompous commander handled such a terrible incident. But they were silent. They couldn't believe that Gold was still on his feet. They suddenly felt a small measure of respect for the man. A bucket of water was brought over, it was warm. Gold stripped off his tunic jacket and shirt, and plunged his hands and arms into the water, washing the horrific stuff off.

Gold returned to his car. "Driver," he'd never bothered to learn his drivers names, "Back to the yard."

The driver never moved.

"DRIVER!" Gold screamed. While this brought officers running to the car, the driver never moved.

Gold reached forward and shook the driver, who just slid sideways onto the passenger seat. Getting out Gold watched as a constable opened the driver's door and checked the driver.

"He's alive, Sir. Probably just unconscious," the constable reported.

One of the waiting ambulance men came and started looking after the driver.

"SIR!" Called an officer at the rear of the car, they all turned to look at him.

"Sir, look," he continued, pointing at the rear of the car.

There scratched into the paintwork was a message, Keep your own streets clean. Next time we come it will be worse.

Gold couldn't imagine what could be worse that what he'd seen tonight.

He looked around; perhaps it really was time to leave. Go into a QUANGO and get money for doing basically nothing.

-------

Sasha and Nigel watched as Geoff Chandler inspected the walls and floor of the 'cleaning cupboard.' This time it was Sasha who had suggested another picnic on the green. She also told her staff not to turn up before 12 p.m. So, naturally, everyone was there by 9 a.m.

Today though Sasha and Nigel joined them and after breakfast they encouraged everyone to join in a Tai Chi lesson.

Geoff, meanwhile, continued his study of the cupboard.

-------

Martinè

Elastic's private phone rang and she picked up the receiver.

"Is this line being recorded?" asked the voice at the other end.

"All of the lines into Martinè are recorded, Sir," Elastic answered. She recognised the voice. It was only a few days ago that he'd promoted her to Vice Admiral.

"You have a visitor on the way. Trystan Bonner, he is to be allowed to land and give you a message." With a click the line went dead.

"Yes, Sir," Elastic started wondering what on earth was going on.

"Security!" Elastic called, she knew she was being monitored; after all, she had setup the initial security systems. With the input from the Coven, the systems had tightened.

Gerry opened her office door, "Admiral."

"Trystan Bonner is arriving, by helicopter, in a few minutes. He's to be allowed to land and then to be brought straight to me."

"OK, Admiral."

"And call me Boss, like you always did!" Elastic shouted.

"Yes, Admiral," Elastic heard as the door closed.

Trystan Bonner's helicopter landed on our helipad. Of course he was surrounded by armed marines then he was escorted directly to Elastic's office. The rest of the aircrafts occupants remained in the aircraft under armed guard.

Elastic stood as Trystan entered. "Good morning, M. Bonner, what can I do for you at this ungodly hour?"

Trystan took out a pocket notebook and looked at a specific page. "The friend who you saw on Wednesday, instructs you to pass a message onto your friend Sasha. The message is 'Stop what you are doing.'"

Elastic thought for just a few seconds, the lifted her phone and dialled. "Sasha, whatever you're doing, stop it. Now."

"But it's only a bacon butty," protested Sasha. Then, feeling foolish, she asked, "Do you mean in my office?"

Elastic paused, pondering her reply. "Sasha, if there is something going on in your office. I need you to stop whatsoever it is, and right now. This is very important."

It was now Sasha's turn to think. "Nigel, tell Geoff to stop what he's doing and come out here." Sasha watched as Nigel hurried to do her bidding. "I think I've stopped what you're worried about. Will I get an explanation?"

"If I do, then yes. But this instruction has come from the highest authority. We'll speak when we next meet."

"OK, Elastic, see you soon."

"Bye," said Elastic before she hung up the phone.

Elastic just sat and stared at Trystan.

"Admiral," Bonner said with a smile. "If you are looking to me for answers, then I am afraid that you now know very nearly as much as I myself do. The little that you do not know is that my President called me from my bed to deliver the words I just spoke. He told me that it was vitally important for the message to be delivered immediately. Now I believe that we have both done what was ordered of us," neither thought that these messages were requests. "So do you have any of your fine coffee? And may I see my daughter?"

Elastic smiled, she opened the door and yelled "Coffee!"

That was really only for show. With a guest as important as M. Bonner in the office, the security team were monitoring everything very carefully. They would have passed on his request for coffee before Elastic had even reached the door.

One of the Chateau's servants delivered, and poured, the coffee. Trystan watched her with a smile. "You know," he said, "That the Baron has great difficulty getting his servants to put clothes on before they serve his guests."

Elastic laughed. "He's a Viscount now. I brought the news of his elevation back from the Palace on Wednesday."

Trystan froze; he glanced at Elastic, trying to recall all that he knew about her. Either she was a stupid security risk, or she was a dedicated 'player' giving him some valuable information in an oblique way. From the times that he'd met her, and the fact that the Bar ... no, he corrected himself, the Viscount trusted her with his life, he had to believe that it was the latter reason, rather than the former. He would have to speak to his opposite number in London when he returned to Paris.

-------

I looked down at Susan as she slept in my arms. Soon I would be able to play with her rather than just hold her. She seemed to be growing at an enormous rate. I spotted Julia coming out to me. This was very unusual as she'd told me that I could have 45 minutes with Susan while she remade Susan's cot.

"Hello, my Master," Julia said brightly, "Susan's bottles are ready now. Would you like to feed her?"

Suspiciously, I nodded, Julia fed Susan herself and always had done so.

"I think she'd be better off indoors out of this wind," Julia said, standing.

So that's it. Someone wants me inside without anyone actually saying so.

"OK Julia, precious girl, you lead the way," I answered as I too rose, carefully though, with my precious cargo.

Umber was waiting for me in my office. "Master, M. Bonner has arrived, very suddenly, from Paris. The Admiral received a phone call from London instructing her to let him land and let him deliver a message. They were together about three minutes when the Admiral called Mistress Sasha in London. This was the message to Mistress Sasha." Umber played the message. It was brief and to the point.

I just wonder what Sasha had been doing that needed all of this high level interference to stop her.

Well perhaps I would hear the reasons when Sasha did.

"Thank you, Umber. Let me know when M. Bonner leaves."

"Yes, Master," she replied with a smile."

I wandered around the Chateau. I didn't want to go outside just yet. I needed to wait long enough for Susan to 'have her bottle.'

I found Jessica in the Breakfast room, she was talking to Thrash.

"Hi, Paul," he called.

Jessica looked at me in surprise. "You know Thrash?" she asked me.

Busy getting my breakfast, I nodded.

"But you said you were Paul," she accused.

Gerald waved a sausage laden fork in my vague direction. "He's always doing that, not telling people who he really is. I think it's because he doesn't really believe what he's actually achieved."

Eyes narrowing, Jessica asked, "So who are you really then?"

"He's the Baron..." started Gerald.

"Not anymore," I interrupted with a grin.

"Oh!" said Gerald in surprise. "Don't tell me they found you out and sacked you from the order of Barons or whatever it is."

"Nope!" I answered, tasting the particularly nice sausages Chef had prepared for us this morning. "Done got promoted."

Gerald laughed, Jessica stared wide-eyed at me.

"You're the billionaire," she gasped. "I'm so sorry, Sir, I didn't know. I'll..."

I shrugged my shoulders. "Jessica, I'm the same person I was last night. You didn't have any trouble speaking to me then. I really doubt that you should have trouble speaking to me now." I smiled at her, and, after a couple of moments she smiled back.

"No, I think not," she agreed.

"Good, now Gerald, what are you doing here? Not that I object to you coming, of course." I asked.

He smiled, a huge, cat-who-got-the-cream-and-the-canary, smile. "I've brought something over to show you. I'll," he looked up at Geraldine who had just entered the room, "We'll show you after breakfast.

Geraldine looked a little nervous as she approached the seat next to her love.

I rose and went to the breakfast bar, "What do you want Geraldine, darling?" I asked, plate in one hand, serving spoon in the other.

"YOU CAN'T DO THAT!"

Both Jessica and Geraldine cried at exactly the same time.

"Oh, why not? It's my privilege to serve my friend, and the soon-to-be wife of another of my friends."

They both looked stunned. This wasn't how the world worked in their mind-set.

"So, what do you want for breakfast?" I asked again.

Gerald whispered in her ear, then, quietly, Geraldine gave me her order.

"There, that didn't cause the end of civilisation as we know it, did it?" I smiled at her. "Hi Geraldine, how are you doing."

"I'm getting better, Master, but some things are just so hard for a girl to learn."

"I know, my precious. But keep leaning on Gerald, he's a very good man, and he'll help you all you need."

Jessica looked at the three of us, all with tears in our eyes. "Why does she need all of this help?" she asked, uncertain of the response she'd receive.

I came and sat back next to Jessica. "Because she's a freed slave. And it often takes years for a slave to get used to living as a free-person. Some slaves never make the adjustment and either get re-enslaved, or suicide."

Jessica gasped out in horror. "Oh my dear, what swine was your ow..."

"MY MASTER IS THE KINDEST MASTER THERE EVER WAS!" We were all stunned with the ferocity of her interruption. "My Master enabled me to improve my music, and, when he found out I wanted to marry, he freed me and has given me a pension for life so I'll never be dependent on anyone again."

Geraldine took a couple of breaths to calm herself, "Please don't disrespect my Master in front of me again, not ever. I still love my Master, and I know he still loves me, and would welcome me back without question if I asked to return to him."

The rest of breakfast was a quiet affair, each of us looking at the others and wondering what they thought of Geraldine's comments.

"Jessica, to understand Geraldine a little better, why don't you go and speak with some of the other girls here? Umber will release them from their duties to spend time with you, won't you Umber?" I finished, just knowing that precious Umber was beside me.

"Of course, my Master. Sheila will be the best girl, as she was with Tadeusz in London too." Umber answered. I dropped my hand to my side and found her head waiting to be petted.

Jessica rose a little so she could look down by my side, "She's naked!" she exclaimed.

"I know," I sighed. "It's a bugger trying to get these girls to wear clothes."

-------

Gerald gathered us all in the morning lounge, Elastic came and sat beside me, Jessica took up position on my other side. Whatever was going on had both Gerald and Geraldine very excited.

Finally Gerald placed a covered frame on to an easel. With a great show, he whipped the cover off and we saw, shining brightly even in the soft morning light, a platinum disk.

"We received this at the awards in LA on Thursday. The boys wanted me to bring it straight here to show you and Sasha. Unfortunately the others couldn't be here today..." we laughed at his impression of an award show host.

"And this is for the 'Advance' sales." Gerald said proudly.

Geraldine came in with another, similar, frame. "And this one is for post release sales."

"Wow, but Friends was only released last Wednesday!" I said, very surprised at the speed that their Blu-ray had sold.

"Yeah, fantastic isn't it," Gerald said. If his grin was any wider, we could have inspected his tonsils.

"There are a group of American businessmen who want us to stage the concert again," Geraldine said, looking lovingly at Gerald. "I don't think that their offer is good enough. They would be taking far too much of the ticket price."

"So, organise the concert yourself." I said. Gerald looked a little shocked, Geraldine though, she looked thoughtful. "I don't actually mean you yourselves do all the work, but you could hire people to organise it for you. Start your own company, that sort of thing. It's what I do all the time."

"I've got to go and talk to the boys," said Gerald, already on his way to the door.

Elastic, Jessica and I examined the two platinum disks, each disk representing a million sales.

-------

I relaxed in the warmth by the pool. I think that this must be my favourite place in the whole Chateau.

"Master," said Helen.

"Yes, precious girl."

"Marine Adams and three visitors are here to see you."

I looked round; there was Adams, and a nervous couple, the young man looking uncomfortable in an ill-fitting suit, shirt & tie, the young woman holding a baby.

I stood and went to them, "Adams, it's great to see you again. You don't come over enough." We hugged.

"Paul, this is my sister, Sammy, Eric, her partner, and," she looked up at me grinning.

"Baby Kaine," I finished for her.

"Hello Sammy, Eric, may I cuddle Kaine for a moment?" Sammy gave me her baby.

"I warned you about that," teased Adams, "it's gonna take ages to get Kaine back again. Paul just loves holding babies." Sammy and Eric looked around nervously.

"How is Kaine doing now?" I asked.

Sammy's maternal instincts kicked in and we discussed Kaine's progress over the last few weeks.

Drinks were served.

"Eric, take your jacket and tie off, get comfortable, we don't stand on ceremony here," I said smiling. With a grateful smile, he did so.

Kaine was sleeping peacefully in my arms. He looked more like a normal new-born now, rather than the 13 week old that he was.

"Err ... Baron," started Sammy.

"Viscount!" whispered Adams.

Sammy looked close to panic, "Vi ... Viscount, Eric an' me wanted to bring you Kaine, to say thank you, an' everythin'"

I smiled at her. "You are welcome," I answered.

Sammy looked at her elder sister.

"He means 'that's OK, '" Adams said, exasperated at her slow witted sister.

I nodded in agreement. "Call me Paul," I said holding out my hand.

I noticed Adams holding her breath, she'd obviously warned them what to say.

"Uh ... Thanks Paul," replied Sammy. "Oh! err ... Yes, sir," she added in a rush.

Adams buried her head in her hands.

I couldn't help myself, I just laughed, careful not to wake Kaine though.

Suddenly Eric's eyes almost popped out of his head. He nudged Sammy and gestured to my side. Sammy looked and then she too gasped in surprise.

Adams looked at her sister and Eric, then at Umber by my side. "Sam! Eric!" she called.

They both looked at her.

"What did I warn you about?" she asked as though she was talking to children.

Looking at them, I believe that she might be correct. They might have the bodies of adults, but they acted like children.

They thought for a moment, then Sammy brightened. "The slaves," Sammy answered, smiling in delight at having remembered, "They're normally naked."

I smiled at the young parents, and then whispered to Umber. She ran away to do my bidding.

During our conversations over the next hour or so, it became painfully obvious that both parents were not very bright. As Harold would put it, each were 'A sandwich short of a toolbox.'

Kaine started to get a little fractious, and I handed him back to his mother for a feed. To my surprise, she bottle fed him.

"I thought that you were feeding him yourself," I said in surprise.

Sammy nodded. "In the hospital I did, it was great, me un Kaine wus getting on brill." She looked sad.

"So why did you stop?" I asked. She actually seemed to regret not feeding him.

"Well, Eric," she nodded towards her partner as though I might not remember who Eric was, "Eric said that his Dad said that you had to bottle feed when you left hospital. That the hospital made you breast feed because it was cheaper for them, but when we got home we had to go onto the bottle cos it was better for him."

Eric nodded when mentioned, agreeing with his partner.

"The hospital wanted you to feed Kaine yourself, because that's better for him than bottle feeding."

"But Eric's Dad says that they've got scientists and everything. So surely that must be better for the baby?"

Sammy really was trying to work this out. She was trying to the very best of her ability. But that ability couldn't overcome the dogma from Eric's father.

"Eric, your father is incorrect about this. It is always better for the mother to feed her baby herself. It gives the baby all of the right bits of food that your baby needs. It also helps the baby fight infections. Mother's milk is really, really good for him." I pointed at Kaine.

"So I can feed him?" Sammy asked.

I smiled, "Of course you can."

Sammy opened her blouse and lifted Kaine to her breast. Sounds of contentment came from mother and baby.

I watched as Eric smiled too. "I liked Sammy feeding Kaine, sometimes I would..."

"Me too," I agreed when he went silent.

"You have a baby too?" asked Sammy.

"Yes, her name's Susan. Her mother named her after a great friend who died a little while ago."

"Can we see her?" Sammy asked; excitement in her voice.

"Of course you can. I'll have someone take you. I just want a quick word with Adams here, then she'll join you. I hope that you're staying for dinner."

Sammy and Eric looked shocked, "Haven't you had your dinner yet? It's ages past dinnertime," said Sammy. She looked adoringly at Eric, "Eric does like his dinner, he does."

"Sammy," said Adams gently, "People like the Viscount have their dinner in the evening. They have lunch when you have your dinner," Adams explained.

"Oh, sorry," said Sammy, though she did look puzzled at her sisters words.

We watched as Sammy, Kaine and Eric went into the Chateau to go and see Julia and Susan.

Adams looked a little nervous.

I smiled at her, "Now I see why they needed help in the hospital."

Adams' shoulders sagged, she looked around. "Paul, Boss, I have something to ask and I don't know how..."

I held out my hand, "What's your given name? I can't call a friend by her surname all the time can I?"

"Beth, short for Elizabeth," she answered.

"Well, Beth, I've seen you ask for help for another, so I take it that this help is for you?"

Beth nodded, "It's Sammy and Eric. Eric's Dad has to go into a home, he can't look after himself anymore."

"And he was the one looking after Sammy and Eric?" I asked.

Beth nodded. "They can hardly look after themselves, let alone a baby. I have to leave the service so I can look after them..." her voice broke when she said that, tears running freely.

"Is there no way that you can stay in and help them?" I had to ask.

She shook her head, I think that she was too upset to speak.

"Why don't you let the Admiral and I think about this for a day or so, we'll see what we can come up with."

Relief showed on Beth's face. Overwhelmed with emotion she could only try to speak. I cupped her cheek, "Don't worry, we'll think of something," I said trying to be reassuring and positive.

"Thank you Boss," she squeaked.

"No, Beth. For you, I will always be Paul."

"Thanks, Paul."

"That's better, why don't you go and join Sammy and Eric, show them round the place.

Beth slowly followed her sister's footsteps, occasionally looking back at me.

-------

"Master!" Karen shouted out excitedly.

I turned to watch her as she ran to me.

"Master, I've got some wonderful ideas for baby wear," she said breathlessly as she approached me.

"Look at these," she said opening a large folder of photos. Babies in a number of different outfits. All looked comfortable and easy to use. All looked very stylish without making the child look like a toy.

Then Karen got distracted.

"What on Earth?" she muttered under her breath.

"That's Marine Adams' sister and partner. They brought their baby for me to see him.

"Is that baby Kaine?" Karen asked.

I nodded. "I've invited them to stay for dinner," I commented.

"Not dressed like that!" Karen exclaimed. She stood and started walking quickly to Sammy, Eric and Beth.

I could easily see why Sammy and Eric had raised her ire. Karen hated the thought that anyone would walk around the Chateau ill dressed. And both young parents seemed to have absolutely no idea how to dress.

'Well, ' I thought, 'They're going to get some lessons this afternoon.'

-------

Dinner was amusing and enlightening.

Beth and Sammy wore June creations. And so did Eric. However Eric had been cleaned up, given a haircut and had a little runway makeup applied. He looked as though he'd just stepped out of a fashion show in London or Milan. He looked and walked the part.

Now if he'd only keep his mouth shut, and his dick in his trousers, they'd have it made.

Brains weren't a prerequisite for models. Walking well and good looks were though. Now scrubbed up, Eric had both in spades.

Sammy though, couldn't even do justice to one of Karen's creations. She just looked scruffy. Baby Kaine was like his Daddy, whatever you put on him, he made it look good. And the suit that he was wearing did look good. It looked comfortable, warm, easy to put on a recalcitrant baby, and, most importantly, it looked easy to clean.

"Master," said Karen, from my side, "I want Eric as one of my permanent models."

"So, ask him. Get a contract drawn up by Dempsey but make it fair to both of you," I replied.

"Yes, Master," she answered. Then she went to kneel by my chair. Umber must have ordered her there, I supposed.

Eric and Sammy were careful to watch what the others round the table were doing before starting their own dinner. They managed well, making fewer mistakes that I'd made when I first arrived here. Beth looked at ease and joined in the conversation well. I was proud of that girl; she'd lifted herself up from abject poverty to a respected member of an elite force. And now she might have to give up her own dreams to look after her sister, Sammy, and Sammy's family.

I didn't think that this was fair.

Of course, I fed Karen and Helen from my own plate, Helen still having a little difficulty accepting an honour of this magnitude.

Elastic looked down the table at Beth, then back to me. "Boss, do you have some time free after dinner? I think about an hour will do."

I had noticed her gaze and guessed what the subject of our conversation would be about.

"For you Baroness, I would make the time," I answered with a grin. But Elastic was too wrapped up in her thought to do more than just acknowledge my agreement.

-------

"Paul, we've got to figure something out for Adams and her family. Adams is far too good a marine to waste on looking after those three in some sink estate or other.

"Did you know that Karen wants Eric as a model?"

Elastic brightened up, "That would give them an income, but they'd still need to be looked after, and Eric would need to be chaperoned, or some money hungry bitch will snatch him away from Sammy and their baby."

"How about a couple of slaves to look after the three of them?" I suggested.

"Slaves!" Elastic wasn't sure about that. "Your girls have problems when there isn't a master looking after them."

I nodded in agreement.

"I wonder if Karen has any ideas?" I said. I knew that I didn't have any.

-------

London

Sasha and Nigel watched as Geoff replaced the false walls around the 'broom cupboard.' Elastic hadn't called back with any explanation as to why they had to leave this cupboard alone, Sasha was content to wait though.

-------

Bertie and Sally entered the small, dark and cramped lobby of the restaurant. It was supposed to be one of Fleet Street's finest. And the management knew how to treat the editors when they came here, on neutral ground, to meet and discuss matters of interest to all of them.

Bertie had invited the managing editors of all of the leading broadsheets, the 'quality' papers. These men knew each other, and, if truth be told, were probably better friends with their rivals than they were with their own editors and sub-editors. Of course, no one would make any mention of their publisher, not before they were going to eat anyway.

They were shown to an upstairs private dining room. Bertie didn't suggest that they check it for bugs. The restaurant management knew that any leaks by the staff would lead to their reputation being ruined. It had happened before, that business lasted nearly two weeks. No restaurateur wanted to face the combined might of London's press.

Bertie rose to his feet when the door opened, Nigel Morton entered. With a smile Bertie held out his hand to greet the head of the team of lawyers who had organised nearly all of the affidavits. But Nigel just came further into the room, Sasha entered next.

"Ms Dempsey!" Bertie exclaimed, "We didn't expect you to be here."

Sasha smiled warmly, "Mr. Drummond, after all of the work my staff have carried out, I had to come and see for myself the daring reporter who started all of this."

Sally stepped forward, holding out her hand, "I'm the one then," she said, smiling and relaxed as she and Sasha shook hands. "Sally Kinsman," Sally introduced herself. "And this is my partner, Albert Drummond, everyone calls him Bertie though," Sally explained.

"We're expecting the rest of our guests in just a few moments, so why don't we have an aperitif while we're waiting?" asked Sally.

Four glasses of a light white wine were served and they sat making small talk.

Bertie's guests entered together. Sally guessed that they'd arranged to meet downstairs and have a drink before coming up to the private room.

Bertie made the introductions and they all sat at the table.

Dinner was ... adequate, but the company was far better. After the coffee was served and the waiters left, Sally stood and tapped a glass with a spoon. The room went quiet.

"Ladies," Sally nodded towards the only female editor in the group, "And gentlemen, before I begin my presentation, I need you to sign this non-disclosure agreement. It has been drawn up by Dempsey, so I'm sure that you'll realise its fair."

"And watertight," someone interrupted.

Sally, Nigel and Sasha smiled.

"Yes, and watertight. If you don't wish to sign, then I will have to thank you for your company this evening, and ask you to leave." Sally passed out the forms.

Everyone signed. Bertie didn't expect any of them to walk away and leave a possible front-page story with their rivals.

Sally collected in the forms and handed them to Nigel, he looked through each one, carefully checking each signature against a copy he'd brought from Dempsey's files. Finally Nigel nodded to Sally, then placed the forms into his briefcase.

"Thank you all, now I have a story to tell you, a story that I can back up with documentary evidence and personal testimonies."

Those around the table leaned forward; this was starting to sound interesting.

Sally took a sip of her water, "A few months ago I saw a van crash and then blow up in front of me..."

-------

"Wednesday, then," the editor of the financial times confirmed. His peers, Sally and Bertie all agreed. "You know that this is going to create a shit storm that hasn't been seen since Wallis Simpson."

"We know," Sally agreed.

She and Bertie shook hands with the editors as they left.

Sasha turned to them, "You know that the chance of one of them being a police informer is quite high don't you?"

Sally nodded.

"Well, if you want a safe place to hide, call this number," Sasha handed over a business card. "And call sooner rather than later.

Sally made up her mind there and then. She pulled out her mobile phone and dialled. Neither Sally nor Bertie were really surprised when Sasha's phone started ringing.

"Come with me," Sasha ordered, "You've got a helicopter to catch."



-------

Chapter 107


Sunday

Three Days To Go

Martinè

We leave for Strasbourg today, but I wanted to sharpen up my personal defence skills a little first.

I whipped round my arm and let the marble fly. It smashed through the centre of the target twenty five feet away. I was pleased that I still had the knack.

I had risen early today, swam my lengths and now I was down at the ranges practising. I'd cut a new length of soft leather for a belt / sling and was getting comfortable using it. Every sling is slightly different. And if you're going into danger, then you had better know what the differences are with the sling you're carrying.

Now why did I think about going into danger?

I took five more marbles out of my pocket and picked up the free end of my sling again. 'Just a few more, ' I thought.

The rest of the targets were soon shredded.

-------

Jenny stopped me before I could enter the breakfast room.

"Boss, our reporter is in there. And you're not supposed to know anything about her," she said.

"Thanks, Jenny." I held open my arms, and she came to me straight away. "How are you, precious girl?"

"Busy, my Master. But I always have time for whatever you need, Master," she looked up at me hopefully.

"Do you have time for breakfast?" I asked.

"Of course, Master. This girl would be honoured."

I took her hand and led her into the dining room.

"Morning everyone," I said as we entered.

I received mumbled replies from most there, but a man stared open mouthed at me, I remembered him, Albert Drummond. I wondered if...

"My God, you're supposed to be dead!" Bertie cried.

"Hi Bertie, haven't seen you since..." I thought for a few moments.

"Kosovo," said Bertie.

"That's right, Kosovo," I remembered the place vividly, from the looks of it, so did Bertie.

"How are you doing?" I asked.

"Great, we'll have to get together for a chat about old times."

And I knew just what old times he wanted to talk about. How come I'm still alive, when he'd reported my death in a roadside ambush?

I sat, Jenny taking her place at my side, and waited for my breakfast. The chef usually saw who was with me, and, now anyway, wouldn't give me anything that might harm my girls. She usually gave me something that my girl would like.

This morning's breakfast plate was no exception. There were two pieces of black pudding on it, though they had been placed in their own side dish, so as not to contaminate the rest of the food. I hated black pudding, so they must be for Jenny.

I gave Jenny her first piece of food, the black pudding, of course, and watched as she hungrily ate. Jenny really did like the stuff. Ah, well, no accounting for taste.

"Paul, I'd like to introduce my lover, Sally Kinsman. Sally, this is Paul..." he stopped, obviously waiting for me to give him the surname I was currently using.

"Winters," I answered, reaching across the table to shake her hand.

-------

I looked around my bedroom. I had dressed in clothes that had been laid out for me; my girls were packing, and I was getting in the way. Then my phone rang. Helen gave it to me.

"Paul, you're getting in the way, leave the girls to get on with what they're doing," It was Sasha, of course. Who else would they get to make me do something?

"Hi, darling, how are you?" I asked as I sauntered out of the room.

There was a short pause, "Better now that the girls can get on without being interrupted all the time." Then she laughed.

"Can you see me then?" I asked.

"Of course I can. Wave to me then," she demanded.

I waved, then blew her a kiss.

"I love you too, my precious man. I've sent two reporters over for their safety. Have you seen them yet?"

"Yes, and I know one of them, Bertie Drummond, he and I were in Kosovo together."

"Well, don't forget that you're not supposed to know anything about them." Sasha really did sound concerned.

"I won't my precious. Although, I think that Bertie has other things on his mind."

"Oh? And what might they be?"

"Well, the last time he saw me, I was pretending to be dead..."

Sasha's laugh interrupted me. "Oh, Paul, that could only have happen to you."

I joined in her laughter.

"Now why don't you go and do something useful like cuddle Susan or maybe take a walk into the village and see who wants to share afternoon delight with you?"

"I think cuddling Susan is the best idea."

"Good, well go on then, don't hang around."

"Will do, you're the Boss." I replied with a laugh.

Sasha's voice softened, "No, my Master, you're the Boss. I'm just one of your girls and I'm trying to look after you."

That brought a tear to my eye.

"And I really appreciate what you do for me, my Lady."

"So, will you let the girls get on with the packing?" she asked.

"Yes, Darling, and I'll see if I can get some Susan time too."

We said our goodbyes and hung up.

-------

The poolside was getting a little crowded; Susan and Kaine were being fed. By their mothers. I was please to see. Eric was swimming widths, more splashing than movement. And Bertie & Sally were sharing a table to one side, heads together talking quietly.

Bertie saw me and called me over.

I grabbed a spare chair as I passed, and sat opposite them.

"Hi, Bertie, nice to see you, but what are you doing here?" I asked.

He gave a short laugh, "Hiding, and that's the truth. Ms Dempsey sent us here to protect us," he gestured towards Sally, "from some powerful people that Sally is about to expose."

"People who think that they're above the law?" I asked.

"People who are the law." Bertie replied.

"Oohhh, that kind of people."

We spent the next hour or so talking about old times. I told them about my lottery win, and they told me about Sally's scoop. I hope that I 'oohhh'd' and 'arrr'd' in the right places.

-------

Umber disturbed me as Susan and I were having a post-breakfast nap. I was relaxing in a lounger and Susan lay, slowing dribbling, on my chest.

"My Master," she said softly.

I looked up and noticed that she was in her caped travelling suit.

"Is it time to go?" I asked.

Umber smiled as Julia lifted Susan off me and then wiped my jumper. She helped me into a jacket and then I kissed Susan and Julia goodbye.

-------

The flight to Baden-Baden was short and routine. From there the drive to Strasbourg was easy. Our small motorcade passed over the river and then into the city centre. Through some narrow streets and then down into an underground car park. I noticed two of Elastic's marines standing guard with a couple of the local police. All were armed although the marines had their side arms in a fast-action-grab, or FAG, bag.

The hotel we're booked into overlooked a short tree-lined boulevard. On the left, I knew, though I couldn't see it, was the local branch of the Bank of France. Only a little further along the street, on the same side was the Banque du Commerce, the bank I wanted to buy.

My girls were getting our suites organised. We had the entire top two floors of the hotel; my suite was at the front of the building overlooking the boulevard. Umber, of course, was charging round making sure that everything was just right. I just tried to stay out of the way.

I saw Sandra walking by looking a little lost. So I grabbed her.

"I've got you at last, innocent child!" I cried in my best dastardly villain voice. "Bwahahaha!!!"

"Oh no!" cried one of the girls in mock horror.

"Please, Sir, do not abuse me so!" Sandra cried. This might have sounded better if she hadn't reached up to her shoulder and unclipped something that held her dress up. I now had a naked victim in my clutches. Bwahahaha.

I 'dragged' my, surprisingly willing, victim to my bed and threw her down. The other girls in the room looked on almost enviously.

Sandra and I lay just cuddling and touching. I knew that my taking her away from the work would actually speed up the jobs, as I wouldn't be getting in the way. Ah well, I suppose I'll just have to suffer lying here with my arms full of naked woman.

It's a hard life, but somebody's got to do it.

-------

London

Sir Gerald returned his phone to his pocket and turned back to the men. "He's just arrived in Strasbourg. As I told you yesterday, he's staying at the 'Europe.' He is, of course, quite heavily protected. There are at least 30 of his marines there as well."

"They're just girls," sneered the Moroccan.

Sir Gerald looked at him impassively. This didn't faze the Moroccan at all.

"The locals have persuaded the Mayor to take him to lunch on Wednesday. The restaurant they'll use is here," he pointed at the map. "It's only two hundred meters from his hotel and one hundred and fifty from the Hotel de Ville, so they'll almost certainly walk. These roads are narrow and there isn't any parking closer than the Hotel de Ville. We have planned the attack like this..."

-------

Sasha picked up the phone's receiver. There wasn't a dial or number pad on this one. It was a 'Karolina special.' She slipped the special DVD into the slot at the base of the phone and waited.

"Hello, Sasha," Ela answered.

"Did he get away on time?" Sasha asked.

Ela laughed, "With Umber hurrying him along, yes."

Sasha too laughed at the thought of Umber pushing a protesting Paul out of the Chateau and onto a plane. "And 'Big-Nick'?" she asked.

Ela grew serious now. "Even better than we'd hoped for. Karolina cracked their last encryption yesterday and we've uncovered about another twenty percent."

"WOW!" Sasha was very impressed.

"Yeah, wow," agreed Ela. "You should have seen us here when she opened up the financial files. That really was WOW!"

It was Sasha's laughed again, "I bet it was. OK, keep me informed."

Sasha hung up, then she sat back in her seat and started thinking. Wednesday was going to be busy, where should she actually be, here or Martinè? After long thought, she decided, that her place was here, in London.

-------

The duty meteorologist smiled as he saw the plots coming in from the ships and planes crossing the Atlantic. The threatened low pressure was dissipating and a large high pressure region was moving in from the south. He turned to his colleague, "My flight's going to be as smooth as silk on Wednesday, there's a lovely high pressure over the whole region."

This news, when broadcast, would please a lot of people, and not all of them would be flying across the Atlantic Ocean.

-------

"Burton," Steven listened attentively to his superior, "You've met her," there was no need for names; they both knew who they were talking about. "What's she like?"

Burton, not his real name of course, but it had been years since he'd used his real name. He wasn't sure if he could even write his old signature any more, thought for a moment. Considered answers were preferred to wrong ones. "She is direct, says what she means, and means what she says. Very, very intelligent, her IQ is almost off the scale, but that intelligence has been hampered by a state education. She is tenacious, loyal, innovative, very fit and energetic. She gives her best in everything she does. In her new post she'll really make a valuable contribution. She'll be the best FONT we've had for nearly a century."

"And what about," he gestured at a map on the table between them, "that?"

Burton took his time, his superior didn't hurry him, accuracy was far more important than speed now. "She'll work it out. Ms Dempsey and Bands are very good friends. The next time she comes over to London, she'll visit Dempsey's office and have a look for herself. If she doesn't figure it out, then the Viscount will. Admiral Weston is very impressed by him. He says that 'Winters' can see through a brick, given time.'"

The superior thought for a while, there were a number of thing to take into account here, not least the age of some of the people in the know. "Are they reliable, are they sound?"

Burton didn't have any hesitation this time, "Yes, all of them are."

There was a long period of silence as the superior made his decision, "Go and see Dempsey, if she accepts the conditions, then you can explain everything to her. Each of the three of them must accept the conditions before they get the explanation though."

"The Viscount and Ms Dempsey are getting married," said Burton.

His superior smiled, "She's a Countess, isn't she?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Equivalent to our Earl. I like Winters, he's my kind of man, does what he thinks is right, and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. You can give him the good news of his elevation when you see him. Can't have the bloody foreigners out-ranking us, can we now?" He looked across at the third person in the room, she just look at him over her glasses, and smiled.

"Off you go now, I want this settled by tomorrow evening, we can't have this," again he gestured to the map, "under threat. It's too important."

"Yes, Sir," said Burton as he gave a little bow and walked quickly out of the room.

-------

Martinè

"Admiral, I think you should see this," Gerry reported.

"Call me Boss," said Elastic tiredly as she followed Gerry back into the surveillance control centre. It had been a long day.

"Yes, Admiral," Gerry replied.

"What have you got?" Elastic asked.

"We've had SkyDog going over the Boss's new territory, and we found this," answered Gerry pointing at a large monitor.

'This' was a man slowly walking along one of the country lanes, then he suddenly disappeared.

"What!" exclaimed Elastic.

"We found him early this morning. He'll reappear in a few minutes; we think he's checking to see if he's been followed."

About five minutes later, the man reappeared. He quickly skirted the field and entered a small copse. They followed his progress on the infra-red camera monitor for another minute and then his image disappeared.

"He's in his hide now. Soon he'll start venting his heat over here," Gerry pointed to another part of the copse. Another two minutes and the infra-red camera picked up a diffuse heat source where Gerry had indicated.

"What's he doing?" Elastic asked, hardly expecting a reply.

"Well, look at his approach line to his hide," Gerry typed for a moment and two red lines were superimposed on the monitor. "We think he's covering our weak spot."

"Oscar!" Elastic exclaimed. "That's Oscar Liemann, what's he doing here?"

Gerry laughed, "Looking after his Lady Love?"

Elastic smiled, "I bet he doesn't know she's in Strasbourg."

"Has Em twigged to her guardian angel yet?" Gerry asked.

"No, not at all," Elastic replied. "She's the only one who doesn't know about Oscar." Elastic and Gerry laughed together.

"Go on; send someone to tell him where she is. He'll be off like a shot," said Elastic.

Gerry gave the orders and ten minutes later they watched as a marine on a bicycle rode up to Oscar's hide. A few minutes later they watched as Oscar packed up his few belongings and ran down to a concealed car. The car drove away seconds later.

-------

Strasbourg

I lay with my innocent captive maiden, though judging by some of the suggestions she made for our horizontal entertainment, she was far from innocent. I think some of them were physically impossible.

And most of the others must have been banned by the Vatican at some time or other.

The unpacking had finished, in this room at least, and my girls disappeared. Apart from, of course, the three body slaves that Umber thought that I couldn't manage without. Still, at least the major disturbance had ended.

After giving Sandra a long heartfelt kiss, I rose and went to the window. I had been assured that the glass in my room's windows had been replaced with a bullet proof polycarbonate. All I could see was a very, very thick window-pane. I looked up the street, people were walking, but I couldn't see any games being played.

"Master,"

I turned to see Jill, together with the FDD, by my door. Sandra had left and my bed had been quickly and quietly remade.

"Yes, precious?"

"You have an invitation to meet the Mayor on Wednesday, at 10 o'clock in the morning. This is to be followed by an informal lunch. The town hall is only a few minutes' walk from here and the suggested restaurant is on the way back too. I have informed Commander Backhouse of the planed routes & times and he has OK'd them."

"OK, I suppose I'd better get to know the local movers and shakers if I'm going to take over a bank here. When is my appointment at the bank?"

"It has been brought forward to Tuesday, Master. Also at 10 o'clock in the morning. This meeting is expected to last most of the day though. Mistress Williams has carried out due diligence on this bank, her report is waiting in your office." I would have to read that report and understand every part of it.

"Mistress and Master Williams will arrive here on Tuesday morning and will accompany you for this meeting. They will be more interested in meeting the senior staff than the owner though. The team of solicitors from Dempsey are already here and have been working at the bank for the last week."

"OK, precious, do I have anything booked for today?"

"No, my Master, the rest of today is free. Is there anything that you would like me to arrange?"

I thought for a moment, "No," I continued pondering; I missed Susan and the poolside already. Finally I smiled at the patient Jill, "No, precious girl. You take some time off now."

"Yes, my Master," she replied in a tone that I knew meant that she would continue working.

As Jill left, I turned to Isabel, "Do you know where my office is?" I asked her.

"Of course, my Master, It is through that door there," she pointed to a door by the window.

"Thank you, precious girl," I replied.

The next room was laid out as close as possible to my office in Martinè. And on my desk lay a single folder, Bee's report.

I sighed as a sat down at the desk. I'd better get on reading this.

-------

London

Sasha hung up the phone and thought for a moment. The call she'd just received puzzled her. She recognised the caller's name, Burton. Elastic had mentioned him when she'd described her visit to the Admiralty and the Palace.

By why would he want to see her? And what was so important that an, obviously senior, member of the royal household needed to see her tomorrow?

Sasha needed someone to bounce ideas off. And seeing as she'd help sent Paul away...

"Bands," Elastic answered into her phone.

"Elastic, I've just sent our helicopter to pick you up; I need you here for a strange meeting tomorrow."

"OK, Sasha, I'll be free in about 20 minutes. Shall I come round to your London place or your office?"

"My office, I need to be here for a while, and I've something to show you."

Saying their goodbye's, they hung up.

-------

Sasha led Elastic down into the basement. They stared at the wall for nearly five minutes.

"Seven feet thick, you say?" commented Elastic.

"Yep, your Gerry is very good with distances, she noticed it first. Had it not been for her we'd never have noticed. We've had it surveyed since then of course, and she was right to the inch."

"So what's supposed to be in it?" asked Elastic.

"A cleaning cupboard, but my cleaner doesn't believe it." Sasha answered, she produced some photos and they both studied them for a while.

"Looks like a cleaning cupboard to me," agreed Elastic.

"Yes, but..." said Sasha.

"But?" queried Elastic with a grin.

"But, these mop handles are, at most, only 20 years old, they weren't made before then, and those mop heads are over thirty years old, and this plaster, which was complete and undamaged, by the way is over thirty years old."

"So how did..." Elastic stopped, her brow furrowed with thought, suddenly she went deathly pale.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Elastic said in a slightly squeaky voice as she grabbed Sasha's arm and pulled her towards the stairs.

When they were in Sasha's office again, Elastic looked round. "Nice office, did you have it replastered before you moved in?"

Sasha looked at her friend, "Yes ... C&C stripped it back to the brick and redid the whole floor."

"Then we're probably safe. Do you realise what's different between the basements and the other floors?" Elastic asked seriously.

Sasha thought for a while, "Apart from that seven foot thick wall, nothing really." She answered.

"So why did we have to use the stairs to get down there?" asked Elastic.

It was Sasha's turn to go pale. "You mean it's hiding a..."

Elastic placed her finger over Sasha's lips, preventing her from saying the last word.

"How about we go out to dinner tonight, celebrate my promotion?" Elastic said gaily.

Sasha remained silent until Elastic gestured for her to reply.

"Yes, that would be nice," she said in a frightened little girl voice.

Together they took the lift down to the ground floor; Sasha opened the large front door and jumped back in surprise.

Elastic pushed her to one side and thrust the business end of a very large hand gun into Burton's face.

Urbanely, as though having the barrel of an automatic thrust up his nose was an everyday occurrence, Burton just smiled. "Good evening, Admiral, Countess, may I come in? I think we have business to discuss."

-------

Sasha stared at Burton across her desk. Coffee had not been offered.

Burton smiled, "It's nice to meet you again Admiral, and good to meet you at last Ms Dempsey."

Both women continued staring.

Burton had faced far more intimidating people than either of these two, and he knew his position of authority. "I have come to talk to you about joining a very, very select group of people, people who are performing a service for the Crown."

"You do know, of course, that I'm a French national," interrupted Sasha.

Burton gave a slight bow of his head, "Of course, Countess. And we have been in touch with your president and he has given permission for me to approach you with this offer."

"Go on then," said Elastic.

Burton slowly opened his jacket. From an inside pocket he withdrew two sets of documents. He slid the documents across the table.

Sasha took one of them, leant back in her chair, and started reading. A couple of minutes later she was leaning forward and inspecting the two page document intently.

Burton waited patiently; Elastic's gaze never wavered from Burton. Elastic had slipped into an almost trance-like state, her entire focus was on Burton, her reactions on a hair trigger. Any sudden movement from the man would trigger an explosive reaction.

After a long time Sasha looked up, "You do realise that a number of these clauses cannot apply to me, and three of the others can easily, and, in my opinion, successfully, be challenged in court.

The second statement Burton did not know. However he was aware of the problems with Sasha's nationality.

Slowly he reached into his jacket again and withdrew another document. This too was pushed towards Sasha.

Again Sasha leant forward and inspected this new document. It was in French and had lost a few clauses and gained a few new ones. It was also signed. And Sasha recognised the French President's signature.

With a scowl on her face, Sasha looked up. "What is the purpose of these documents?" she asked.

Burton knew better than to give the obvious answer, or to be patronising, he was dealing with someone that his advisors had called 'the finest legal mind in Europe.' If she had asked that question, then there was a real reason behind it.

"These agreements were designed to maintain a secret, one that has existed for nearly two hundred and fifty years. It also sets out the range of penalties for breaking the secret."

Sasha nodded, that was what she expected, however it always paid to get the client to articulate their desires. You made far fewer mistakes that way.

Sasha nodded, then turned to her computer. Ten minutes of blindingly-fast typing later, four pages dropped from her printer.

Sasha reached out and took them, then slid them across to Burton.

Burton lifted one of the pages and started to read. This was one of the French language agreements. It was simple, concise, accurate, and eminently readable. Burton's opinion of Sasha went up considerably.

"We will sign these," said Sasha. "Do you have to get authorisation for the change?"

Slowly Burton shook his head, "No, I am fully authorised to accept this new agreement."

Burton signed all four of the documents, and returned then to Sasha.

Elastic signed the two pages that Sasha pushed her way, Sasha signed her two.

"Now," said Burton with a smile. "Shall we go downstairs?"

-------

Strasbourg

Oscar had driven directly to Strasbourg, a six hour journey. He was tired and hungry. But he wouldn't let either of these things stop him from the reconnaissance that he needed to carry out. He would eat in a couple of hours, then find a hotel and sleep. Oscar was happy, his love was only yards away from him, though she wouldn't see him and he wouldn't see her.

-------

I smiled to myself as I looked out of the window. Oscar was very good. He never looked directly at the hotel and hadn't approached directly. He'd taken a tourist's route, using the side streets and statues to disguise his true objective.

I felt the warmth of a person at my side.

"Where's Em?" I asked.

"In her room, Master. She is setting up her sick room in one of her suite's bedrooms," Umber answered. "Master, why hasn't slave Em realised that Heir Liemann is protecting her?"

I thought for a moment, and the answer was as surprising as it was, to me, obvious, "Because he is hiding from her, not us. We keep seeing him and have realised his true objective, Em hasn't yet spotted him, so she doesn't know."

Umber nodded, thinking about my explanation. "Thank you, Master."

-------

London

"The usual reaction at this point is to yell 'YOU'RE JOKING!'" said Burton with a smile.

Sasha and Elastic just continued to stare at the wall.

"I thought it was a lift," agreed Elastic.

"Yes, and that is why I had to stop you going out and discussing it in public," confirmed Burton.

"You were obviously able to hear us then. Isn't that against a number of laws, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers act and Solicitors and Barristers confidentiality, and so on?" asked Sasha.

"These are all covered under secret codicils on the various acts, statutes and Orders in Council. They are, after all, for the protection of the Crown," explained Burton.

"Where does the lift go to?" Elastic asked after a short pause.

Burton smiled but didn't answer.

"Burton," said an exasperated Elastic, "I have an officer who is a human GPS system, she never gets lost, always knows where she is to the inch, and she was the one who discovered that there was a difference in that wall. If she thought about this for a while, she would know exactly what was underneath this wall, and the probable location of any secret station or platform on any of the underground lines in this district. In fact, I strongly recommend that you bring her into the secret, and as fast as you possibly can."

Burton thought for a moment, "If you ladies would excuse me for a moment?" He pulled out a very slim mobile phone and moved into a corner of the room. He spoke too quietly for Sasha and Elastic to hear, though they had turned their backs to him to give an illusion of privacy.

"Admiral, get your officer here and, if she signs copies of the non-disclosure agreements that Ms Dempsey so kindly created for us, then you may inform her of the details, as I have informed you. If you would be so good as to have a courier deliver the signed agreements to the Admiralty records department for my attention, they will be delivered to me." Burton turned to Sasha, "Ms Dempsey, I am aware of your engagement to Viscount Glastbroke, however I make you the same offer, if the Viscount signs the agreement, he too may be brought into the circle," he smiled. "And you may inform him that he has been gazetteered as Earl Glastbroke."

"Damn," said Sasha, "I wasn't going to point out that I out-ranked him until after the wedding."

"I do believe that their Majesties thought something similar," said Burton with a laugh.

-------

Sasha and Elastic watched Burton leave. A car drew up in front of the offices just as he stepped onto the pavement. He was whisked away in comfort.

"Definitely Royal Household," commented Elastic.

"And no ordinary flunkey either," said Sasha.

"Come on; let's stay at the Crynos tonight. We can get a cab from Holborn Road," said Elastic.

Sasha nodded her agreement, they gathered their things and left.

-------

Strasbourg

I dimmed the lights, listened as Umber settled at the foot of my bed and the other girls went into the next room to their beds, then closed my eyes.

Today had been a busy day and I was glad for the rest. Sleep claimed me quickly.



-------

Chapter 108


Monday

Two Days To Go

Martinè

I woke with a warm bundle in my arms. Opening my eyes, I looked into Isabel's sleeping face.

Umber was kneeling beside my bed, "Master, slave Isabel earned a reward; she asked to share your bed and sleep in your arms. I was glad to grant this request," she told me with a smile.

I settled down for an extra few minutes cuddling my girl.

Life is good.

-------

London

Elastic lay watching her bed-mate. Warm and comfortable now, the taxi had been as cold as their welcome back had been warm.

Sasha lay with her head on Elastic's shoulder, smaller than Elastic, this just made sense. She also liked being cuddled, loved the sense of security that it gave her. As a child, and the heir to a large fortune, and larger estates, she had to be careful what friendships she made. The local children all knew who she was and how much their parents depended on the Chateau's favour. Friendships never came easy to Sasha.

She pressed herself more tightly against Elastic's warm hard body. 'Not as nice as Paul, but wonderful in her own way, ' thought Sasha.

They hadn't made love; last night was for contemplation rather than passion. Perhaps they would this morning.

And perhaps not.

-------

Martinè

"What have you found?" asked Lynne. While nowhere near the technical, or intellectual level of Ela, and Ela herself was only a gifted amateur compared to the blazing intellect and technical wizardry of Karolina, Lynne had been placed in charge of them by their Master himself. None of them would like to raise their Master's ire by usurping Lynne's authority.

Karolina turned and smiled.

She just moved her chair a little to the side and let Lynne, and then Ela, look at one of her monitors.

The numbers were staggering, more that the value of most developing countries, let alone its GDP. It was even a huge percentage of the USA's huge GDP. The three looked again, laughed, high-fived and hugged.

"Big-Nick ought to be renamed Massive-Nick!" exclaimed Lynne. "The Mistress must hear about this."

-------

London

"Oh my, doesn't Sasha bite anymore?" teased Elastic.

"Puuurrrrrrrrr," purred Sasha. Then she took a nipple into her mouth and bit down gently.

"Umm ... That's nice," said Elastic as she hugged her friend.

"I want to see Joasia, again," Sasha said quietly.

"I never met her," said Elastic. "I only joined Paul after they'd been poisoned."

"She was gentle, kind and friendly, and had a wonderful sense of humour. And she loved Paul with all her heart, she really did. She told me that she felt that she'd finally found her home with him."

"Why is it that the gentle souls are taken from us too soon?" asked Elastic.

"Because the ones who do the taking only see them as being in the way. And they remove the gentle ones without thought. The ones who aren't gentle, fight back. No one would try to push Paul out of the way; he'd destroy them if they tried. But, someone like Joasia, well, she was just too trusting and forgiving. She'd had a very hard life, but she still trusted and loved. She was one of nature's innocents."

"Come then," said Elastic, "Let's go and visit Joasia, and we can tell her what's been happening while we've been away."

They rose, donned robes and went to the Joasia room. There, gently lit and protected by a thick glass shield, was the fully restored painting. The brilliance of the colours and vibrancy of the image stunned both women.

"Has the Boss seen this yet?" asked Elastic.

"No, he hasn't dared come back to London since we left. He's concerned about bystanders getting involved in any attack on him. He won't return until this is all over."

"Not long now then," said Elastic.

"Not long now," agreed Sasha.

They sat sipping their coffee and studying the painting, each wrapped in their own thoughts, each communicating with one no longer here.

-------

Strasbourg

I wasn't allowed to use the hotel's gym, and I couldn't really run round the streets or swim in the river. So I pounded away on the treadmill in my own small private gym. It just wasn't the same.

But perhaps I'm being overly sensitive.

But I really, really don't like running. I was in the Navy, finishing up a Chief Petty Officer, a Chief. I was carried to my wars on ships and boats. I walked or, more usually, crawled to my fighting positions. I can't remember ever running anywhere. As my old training Chief used to say, 'if you had to run then you were in deep shit and probably soon to be dead.'

I could swim for miles; I could run for ... well ... yards.

I don't do running. I've always considered myself too sneaky to have to run. Running was for people who couldn't move silently.

I wonder if I've mentioned that I don't like running?

I got off the treadmill and glowered at it.

"Master, should we remove the treadmill?" asked Jill a little nervously.

"No, take it into the street and burn the fucking thing!" I must admit I was a little heated at the time.

"Yes, Master." Jill answered, turning towards the door.

"NO, STOP!" I counted to ten, then another ten. They hadn't worked, so I tried again with another ten. "Jill, my precious girl, do NOT take the treadmill into the street and burn it." Jill actually looked disappointed, "Just take it away, return it to where-so-ever it came from." I held her and kissed her, she seemed to like that, so I did it again. "OK?"

"Yes, Master. Though I'm sure we'd have enjoyed burning it for you, Master." She looked longingly at the horrible device and I could almost imagine her fingers wrapped round a can of petrol and a box of matches.

"Perhaps we can ceremoniously burn it when we get back to Martinè?" I said.

"Ohhh, that'll be fun. Just wait until I tell Umber and the girls about this." She looked up at me, bright-eyed and eager. "We can have burgers and baked potatoes."

I really, really, REALLY must be more careful of what I say.

-------

London

"Well," he asked.

Burton smiled. "The Admiral figured it out within two minutes," he answered.

"Have they signed the agreements?"

"No," replied Burton. His superiors face became stony. Burton pulled out the documents that Elastic and Sasha had signed. "Ms Dempsey pointed out a large number of limitations and errors in the current agreements; she was kind enough to create these." He handed the documents over.

His superior sat and carefully read all of the documents. Half way through he started smiling. "Do we use Dempsey?" he asked.

"No, Sir. For the last 300 years your house has been using Harrow, Harrow and Childs."

"Perhaps it's time we spread our patronage, from the first of next month give Dempsey all of my legal business; make sure that they get a warrant."

Burton didn't have to make notes, his memory was very nearly perfect, that was part of the reason that he held the position he did. "Yes, Sir."

"Suggest to one of the boys that they do the same," his superior continued. "Perhaps 'H' would be the best. He'll be glad to have someone take it from him."

"Yes, Sir," by now Burton never showed his own feelings about the tasks he was given, or the people he had to interact with. He smiled at, and was polite to, everyone, especially those in the Firm. He liked his job; he liked it far more than he liked some of the people he met.

-------

"WHAT!" exclaimed Sasha.

Elastic looked over, this call was obviously from Martinè; and it wouldn't do to have it on loudspeaker.

"You are FUCKING JOKING!!!"

Elastic could 'hear' the three exclamation marks. She smiled as she watched Sasha.

Sasha started laughing.

"No," said Sasha with a laugh, "We'll keep it as it is. Bye then," she said before she closed her phone.

"You will never believe what Karolina has found," she said to Elastic. "She found a small file called 'others', and she cracked it open. Well, that contained a list of account numbers, and they contained..."

"You're FUCKING JOKING!!!" it was Elastic's turn now.

-------

Strasbourg

I looked out of the window again. I had seen Oscar in the window of an office overlooking the front doors of the hotel. He was in an ideal position to cover the hotel doors and the tree-lined boulevard.

I decided that Oscar had been prating round long enough.

"Girl," I called, not loudly as I was certain that there was someone within a few feet of me.

"Master," answered Umber from my side.

"I need one of the Marines, the duty officer or some such."

"Yes, Master." Umber disappeared as silently as she always appeared.

"My Lord," Backhouse greeted me a few minutes later.

"Call me Paul," I said before I could stop myself. I closed my eyes and cringed.

"Yes, Sir," he replied straight-faced.

I glared at him. As usual, it didn't do any good. Perhaps I need to practice my glares.

I went to the coffee table and took a mug. Lifting the coffee pot, I returned to my place by the window.

"Grab a mug," I told him.

Backhouse came to my side and I poured coffee into his mug, then my own. I stared across at Oscar and raised the coffee pot to him. He stared at me for a long time, then nodded. Backhouse had seen him and his acceptance of my offer.

"Escort him in, check for weapons, but don't take any from him." I ordered.

"Yes, Sir," he replied. I let it pass this time. But I wanted to get to know him better; I'll have a word with Jill, if she's finished throwing my gym equipment on a bonfire, and Umber, see if they can arrange him an invitation to dinner.

"Girl," I called again.

"Master," Isabel replied.

"Isabel," I said with a smile, remembering how I woke this morning. "Precious, get Melissa in here, and ask the kitchen for a fresh pot of coffee and a pot of tea. I'll need some extra mugs, cups and saucers."

"I'm here, Master," said Melissa from the back corner of the room.

I turned and opened my arms. "I haven't seen you for a while, precious girl. Have you been hiding?"

She smiled, a very self satisfied smile. "No, my Master. Umber wanted your security to be a little more ... low key. Your personal protection has been a little looser and more discrete. I've been, fairly, close to you, my Master, just not right by your side."

We hugged; a warm and friendly hug.

"Oscar Liemann is on his way over, and he may be armed. I'm going to talk with him for a while."

"Yes, my Master." Her eyes seemed to get sharper and she became more ... focused. A little gentle stretching loosened her muscles and then she seemed to 'blend in' to the background.

A trolley full of tea, coffee and small snacks arrived. I checked that it held everything I thought I might want and then I waited.

Oscar smiled as he entered my rooms. He held out his hand and we shook. A few seconds sorting out drinks and then we sat.

I waited until all of my girls had retreated to the other end of the room. "Oscar, we here believe that you have feelings for Em."

He blushed, and nodded. "Am I so transparent?" he asked.

"Well, you haven't actually hid your feelings very well," I said with a chuckle.

A little ruefully he shook his head. "Does Emiline know?"

"No," I answered. "Not yet. And that's the problem. If you continue sneaking round her, a new member of the protection detail might get the wrong idea. Don't forget they're all armed and willing to use that firepower."

He nodded. "Can I see Emiline?"

It was my turn to smile.

"Girl, call Em, I need her here now."

Perhaps the message was delivered with just a little too much urgency, as Em came charging in, a huge green medical bag in hand and was at my side in seconds.

"What's wrong, Master, where do you hurt?" Em fired of rapid questions until I put my hand over her mouth.

"Em, darling, I'm fine. There's someone who wants to meet you." I pointed behind her to Oscar, he stood nervous and fidgeting. I swear, if he had a hat he'd have been wringing it.

"Oscar!" exclaimed Em.

"Emiline," said Oscar.

"Hi," said Em.

This was getting them nowhere. "Em, Oscar here loves you, but for some strange reason he's too shy to say so."

Em turned at stared at me, her eyes and mouth three circles of surprise.

Em came to me, "Are you sending me away, Master?" she asked, her head downcast.

I lifted her chin until I could look into her eyes, "My dearest Em, you have a place with me for as long as you want one. Even if you decide that you desire your freedom, you will always have a home with me."

Em thought for a moment, glanced at the now exceedingly nervous Oscar, and then back to me, "He does make me feel all squiggy inside, Master."

"Squiggy?"

"Yeah, really squiggy, and well, wet too." The movement of her knees let me know precisely what she meant.

"Why don't you take a few days off and go away somewhere with him, see if you two really do click?"

"But, my Master, my place..."

"Is where you can grow. You have a chance of love. It may not work out. It might be the fiery passion you've always dreamed of. Go, find out, come back to me when you know."

She glanced at Oscar again, "Is he a good man, Master?"

"He seems to be. He's been looking after you for a few weeks now."

"Oh?" she looked suspiciously at him, "When?"

"In London, when the girls were having fun with the gangs in the East End."

"Oh." She quickly glanced at Oscar. He looked more like a young boy caught stealing apples rather than a professional soldier.

"Umber, give Em her passport, and an unlimited credit card." I ordered.

I wasn't surprised to see Umber already had these, together with a small bundle of cash.

Em and Oscar left together. I was pleased to see that they held hands almost without realising it. I was looking forward to seeing how their relationship grew.

-------

London

Sir Gerald watched as his assassination squad drove onto the ferry. The weapons had been sent on ahead. The men would pick them up in Metz, on their way to Strasbourg.

He felt relieved that they weren't close by him anymore. Satisfied that they were on their way he returned to his car. He had to get packed, his flight left in under 48 hours. He smiled to himself; the 'special' meetings at this conference would get him contacts which would grow his 'business' and increase his profits. He already had a huge fortune waiting for him when he retired. He would be able to indulge his every whim, whether base or sublime. And thinking about his last visit to Madam Rhea's, he chuckled. He would be able to go there as often as he pleased. Perhaps he could ask Madam Rhea for some 'special' entertainments he'd been thinking about. Now that would really be worth her exorbitant prices.

-------

Sasha and Elastic kissed. Their parting was sorrowful, but tinged with their promises of love making when they next met. Sasha also mentioned sausages, while leering evilly. Elastic shuddered in delightful anticipation.

Sasha watched as Elastic boarded the helicopter, a few moments later it took off and climbed away. With a sigh, Sasha returned to her car. "Back to the office, please," she said. Her driver pulled away smoothly and joined the flow of traffic into the capital as his passenger sat lost in her thoughts.

-------

Strasbourg

The information Bee and Nigel had gathered and collated for me was astounding. I was certain that most of the details would have been highly confidential, but it was here in this huge pack.

I noted the number of royal families and upper aristocracy who still used this bank. With my own title, perhaps I could increase the bank's upper crust customer base. There was also a very small, but highly-regarded legal department, only two lawyers, and four articled clerks, or paralegals. But they worked for most of the bank's major clients. I wonder what input Sasha and her teams could have.

I really wanted this bank. Its family run ethos and strict ethical behaviour resonated with me. I would keep its name, but ensure that everyone knew it was run by a Viscount and a Countess. With a billionaire's backing too.

The last time Nigel Williams gave me my quarterly financial report I was too cash rich. Though this wasn't the first time he'd told me that. Nigel wanted me to either invest or spend some of my cash. Well, here was an investment that I'd sink a few billion into.

I was satisfied with what I'd already read, and happily read more.

-------

Calais

The mercenaries drove down the ramp from the ferry. Their crossing had been quiet and short. One of their number walked off the ferry and went to the car hire offices. There he picked up a pre-ordered Mercedes. He too drove down the A26 towards Strasbourg. He wouldn't have direct contact with the rest of the group until this was all over.

-------

Cumbria

Sir Gerald strode purposefully into police HQ. His entire attention focused on the path to his office. He closed his door gently and hung up his coat. As he sat, he looked at the calendar, only two more days and he'd be rid of the Bastard forever. He logged into his computer and opened a private file. This contained links to a number of websites. He clicked on one link and entered his user name and password. Deftly, he moved some funds from one account to another, sometimes three or four. Finally he was satisfied; he'd have well enough cash while he was in the states. And he'd have a couple of untraceable credit cards too.

-------

Martinè

Karolina smiled. She wrote down the password that Sir Gerald had just used, and compared it with the previous two from that account. They were all the same. He didn't change his passwords regularly, nor did he use different passwords for each account. Karolina felt offended that he wasn't even taking basic, fundamental, security precautions. Well, that just made things easier for her, didn't it?

Lynne watched Karolina smile. This was a satisfied smile rather than a 'Eureka!' smile. Karolina might explain later, there again she might not. Lynne returned to her own work. She was researching charities. More specifically, how much of the charities donations were spent on 'administration fees' and how much went to the charity's beneficiaries. The results she'd found so far horrified her. Most of these international funds for this & that were nothing more that huge scams. When this was over she was going to ask her Master if they could 'do something' about these 'charities.'

-------

Martinè

Elastic walked the two Captains through the new training field. Both were candidates for Captaincy of the new joint school, but, Elastic noted, one had just destroyed his chances by objecting to a little mud and water. Well, OK, it was a lot of mud and water, but they were going to train warriors, not models. And anyway, mud can be washed off, wet clothes can be dried, but friends and shipmates can't be brought back to life if your distraction by a bit of dirt gets them killed.

Elastic sighed as she led them back to the Land Rover and the journey back to the hotel.

-------

"Captain Hayden," Elastic looked up from the personnel folder she'd been reading. The Captain must have known that this was going to be bad news; there wasn't any coffee on the table. "What do you think of the proposed training grounds?"

Elastic sat back and examined him as he gave a fairly detailed explanation of how he'd convert the ground into a large parade ground and sculptured gardens (for the officers mess of course.)

After 15 minutes, Elastic made a note in his file, his career stopped here. He wouldn't rise above Captain, and Elastic thought that he'd been promoted a couple of times too many as well.

She rose and held out her hand. She'd given him extra chances to redeem himself; he'd failed at each one. No more, he was going back to Portsmouth.

She shook her head as he left. 'Now let's see the French one, ' she thought.

Captain Busch was an Alsatian; fluent in French, of course, German and English. Held paratrooper's wings and had passed Commando school. The Captain's obvious and glaring fault, according to the covering letter that Elastic had received, was that she was a she.

Elastic asked the same question she'd asked Hayden. "Captain Busch, what do you think of the proposed training grounds?"

Busch, looked thoughtful for a couple of minutes. "Well, without examining it properly, I can't really say. There is a lot to recommend there, but is there enough to make my trainees work hard? That I don't know. There are very good areas for the administrative and accommodation areas, even enough for the parade ground so beloved of my colleagues." She made a slight grimace then.

Elastic liked the way she said 'my trainees.' Instinctive ownership like that would mean that Captain Busch would look after 'her' troops, and drive them hard.

"Don't you think we need a parade ground?" asked Elastic.

"All of that bullshit should have been done in basic training. This training is supposed to toughen them and teach them how to fight and survive on a battleground. I'd rather they were a bit mucky and standing in front of me, rather than sparkling clean as I watched their funeral."

Elastic was satisfied. She made her decision; Busch would be the Captain of the Training School.

"Captain, you have a month, go and examine the training grounds, Lt Bosworth has a copy of my notes and thoughts on what needs doing, but I want your thoughts, understand?"

"Yes, Admiral," Busch answered with a smile. She stood and saluted smartly. For all of her downplaying parade ground training, she was smart and professional in her manners and movements.

Elastic smiled as she watched her new Captain leave. 'Only another million or so things left to sort out now, ' she thought. She glanced down at her desk calendar, "Two days to go, then we can go back to London," she said out loud to herself.

"Pardon, Admiral?" interrupted her new Aide de Camp, a young Lieutenant with freshly stitched on gold rings.

"Umm ... Nothing. Sorry, what's your name again?" Elastic asked.

"Hills, Admiral," he replied.

Elastic glared at him, "Hills, I am not going to keep calling you by your last name. Nor am I going to call you Lieutenant, so what is your given name?"

"Phillip, Admiral," he replied, quite confused. He wasn't sure if he was being set up for a fall by this, obviously very powerful, woman. His Father, an ex-Chief, when he heard who he was going to be Aide de Camp to, thought for a long time, muttering to himself, "I've heard that name..."

After calling a few old friends, his Dad had taken him down to the pub. "This Admiral you're going to work with, you said her name was 'Bands, ' didn't you."

"Yes, Dad," He really was puzzled. His Dad had been really pleased that his son had been accepted at Dartmouth Royal Naval College. He almost burst with pride when he saw Phillip in his Sub-Lieutenant's uniform. And now he was treating him like a kid again.

"Why, Dad?" Phillip had asked.

"I spoke to Prof earlier, you remember me talking about Prof?" His Dad looked at him for confirmation.

Phillip nodded.

"Well, Prof said that Admiral Bands is working for a friend of ours." His eyes lost focus as the memories returned. "A very good friend, I owe him everything," He took a sip of his pint, then looked at his son again. "You look after this Admiral properly, understand? And don't shit on her! I know what these Admirals are like, they'll use you to get the dirt on her and then, when they're done, they'll destroy you too." He shook his head.

Phillip remembered his Dad's words as his Admiral sat down again.

"Admiral," he said hesitantly. He had a confession to make. One he knew his Dad would approve of, but he was unsure of what it would do to his, barely started, career.

"Yes," Elastic said as she looked up at him. He looked ... terrified.

"Admiral, before I came over here, I was called to the Admiralty Appointer's office. There was an Admiral there, a Rear Admiral, he ordered me to dig up any dirt on you that I could. He also said that it didn't really matter if it was the truth or not. And he ordered me not to tell you about his orders."

Elastic looked at him coldly. "So why have you disobeyed a direct order and informed me?"

Phillip brought himself to attention, he might have just destroyed his naval career, but, when he was kicked out, he'd be able to look in a mirror when he shaved, and, more importantly, he'd be able to look his Dad in the eye and say that he did the right thing. "Because what he ordered me to do was wrong. My Dad was very impressed when he found out who you are. I have only seen him that impressed once before," he blushed and dropped his eyes, "And that was when I graduated from Dartmouth."

Elastic nodded, "Who did your Dad call to check up on me?" She asked.

"Someone called Prof..."

Elastic laughed out loud. "You should meet Prof soon, three or four weeks or so. He's in the UK doing some things for the Earl." She stood and came round her desk. "Phillip, when we are alone like this, call me Elastic, everyone else does," she smiled, "Well, apart from those who're trying to wind me up a bit, that is."

"Yes..." He stopped as Elastic stared at him. "Elastic," he finished with a grin.

"I can see we're going to get on well," said Elastic. "Now I want you to find Lieutenant Commander Parsons, Gerry, and ask her to see me as soon as she's able."

Elastic smiled as she resumed her seat. Paul's friends were saving her arse, even now.

-------

Strasbourg

The solo mercenary drove into the hotel's underground car park. He was staying in the Hotel Europe to keep an eye on the target's movements. Of course, if the opportunity arose, he would carry out the hit himself. And keep the entire promised extra bonus too.

He walked purposefully to the reception desk. Well-dressed, and with his Mercedes, he fitted in with the rest of the hotel's patrons. No one looked twice at him.

-------

Elise came into my room and knelt beside me.

"How are you, precious girl?" I asked her.

"This girl is well, my Master," she replied.

"I thought that you were staying at the Chateau?"

"Umber told me to get here as fast as I could," she gave a little shudder then. "My Master, I know Sergeant Phelps is your daughter, but could you ask her to slow down a little when she's got passengers?"

It was then that I noticed Elise's complexion, quite pale, with tinges of green. I pulled her up onto my lap and hugged her.

"Katie does love that bike of hers, doesn't she?" I said, suppressing the urge to laugh.

Elise nodded.

The sound of the door opening made Elise look up. Then she hopped off my lap and back down onto the floor.

"Hi, Dad," called Katie, as she finished stripping off her leathers.

"You still terrorising the local police?" I asked with a grin.

Katie laughed, I love her laugh, it's almost an expression of pure joy. "Sorry, Dad, the Admiral said get here soonest, so I got here soonest; orders and all that sort of bullshit."

It was my turn to laugh, "Yeah, you followed your orders, but you take such pleasure when doing so." I hugged her and received a kiss on my cheek, which I returned. "What's this I hear about 'Sergeant Phelps' then?"

Katie looked up at me, a huge grin plastered all over her face, "Got my third stripe last week, Dad."

"Oh, and when were you going to tell me?" I asked in mock horror.

"Daaadddd, you know I can't just drop everything and run over to see you. I'm in the Royal Marines, and proud of what I do. I'm also proud of the people I work with."

"And one day you might need them to watch your back. I understand, my precious, I was only teasing."

She thumped my arm. When you've been thumped by a Marine, even in jest, you know about it. I really am going to see Karen about getting padding in my sleeves.

-------

Martinè

"You wanted me, Admiral?" said Gerry as she entered Elastic's office.

"Sit down, and call me Boss, like you always did."

"Yes, Admiral," replied Gerry as she sat.

Elastic threw an eraser at her, and giggled when it bounced off Gerry's forehead.

"Boss!" said Gerry in dismay, "Really?"

"Yes, really, Gerry, I need my friends. I can't do this alone. I need each and every one of you."

Gerry smiled, "Boss, we're backing you all the way, every last one of us. You've changed a lot of people, Boss. And they all remember that it was you who did it."

"Well, I've got something that I need to ask you," Elastic slid the agreement onto her desk and pushed it towards Gerry. "Read that."

Puzzled Gerry picked up the agreement and read. She read it through twice while Elastic waited patiently for her.

"Ms. Dempsey draw this up?" Gerry asked.

"Yes."

"And you want me to sign it?" Gerry asked.

"Yes," said Elastic bluntly.

"OK, Boss." Gerry signed and returned the page.

"Now you need to go to London and see Sasha. Use the Eurostar; ask one of the Earl's people to book your ticket and hotel."

"The Earl? He's an Earl now?" laughed Gerry.

"Yep, from the Lord High Admiral herself," said Elastic.

"OK, Boss," said Gerry, now even more puzzled than before. She left to go and find one of the Earl's 'people.'

-------

Strasbourg

Katie and I sat and talked for a couple of hours. Then she had to go to bed. She needed to be up early to return to Martinè.

I finished my glass of wine and went to bed too. Helen lay in my arms and we went to sleep.



-------

Chapter 109


Tuesday

One day more. Another day another destiny.

Strasbourg

I woke slowly, basking in the comfortable warmth on my back and front. A slim arm lay draped over my body, its hand pressed against my chest. My arm was similarly draped over the body in front of me, a warm, firm breast pressed against my palm. I pressed my nose into her mass of hair, drew a deep breath, and sighed.

My life is good.

I heard the low noise of my girls getting my clothes ready for this morning's meeting. I knew Umber would have everything under control.

I smiled as I thought about Umber, the lowest of the low, a failed 'puppy', and now the head slave in a huge harem, second only to Karolina, my favourite. Umber wielded immense power, really and truly the power of life or death to any and all of the slaves beneath her. Yet she was just and compassionate. Merciful, where mercy was deserved; and terrible in her wrath when that too was deserved.

My girls loved her.

I loved her too.

Well, time to get up and start the day. Lights came on as I got up, Helen and Jill rose with me. Together we headed towards the shower.

-------

Martinè

"Where's Captain Busch?" Elastic asked Phillip.

"Currently, the Captain is wandering round her training grounds. She left her hotel just before 4 am, I believe," he replied.

"Wants to see it in the dark, I suppose. Phillip, this one really is a keeper."

Elastic glanced at her calendar; she'd been doing that a lot recently. 'Tomorrow, ' she thought.

"OK, let's get some work done. I want you to go through each of the packs and signals as they arrive. For the first month or so, just put a sticky note on each giving your response, then pass them to me. If you don't think that you would know what to do, then note that as well. I'm not critiquing your work, but I do need to know what you are capable of, and if you share my attitudes. Remember, you are here to take work off me, not give me more."

"OK, Elastic."

"Did Gerry get away OK last night?" Elastic asked as she opened the first of many packs in her IN tray.

"Yes, she was driven up to Paris and caught the midnight train to St Pancras."

"Good."

"Errr ... Boss?"

Elastic glanced up at him, noting his nervousness, "It's OK, they're the Earl's slaves," she told him. Then, smiling, she waited for his response.

"Oh, OK."

A minute or so passed, then he looked up in shock. "SLAVES!" he exclaimed.

Elastic laughed. "Yeah, that was my reaction at first." She picked up her phone and dialled an internal number.

Phillip listened as she made her call.

"Hi, which of Paul's girls are in today?"

"Oh, good, please ask if she can come over, I've an Aide de Camp who needs smartening up a little." Elastic put down her phone and looked over at Phillip. "One of Paul's girls is coming over. She'll make a few new suits for you."

"But, Admiral, I can't afford..."

"I couldn't afford even one of her suits either. It's something that Paul does for us. You'll see."

Phillip picked up his mug of coffee and sat back in his seat. "Elastic, I've heard quite a few bits and pieces about the Earl, what's he really like?"

"Umm ... After Karen has finished with you go over and see Chiefy, she's his head of security. She used to be my senior Chief, she's a typical CPO. Have a chat with her, but even though she's a civvy now, don't try to patronise, or bullshit her, she'll cut you off at your knees if you try anything like that."

Elastic sipped her coffee while she thought.

"You've never had a good Chief take you under his wing, have you?" she asked.

Phillip shook his head, "No, I went straight from Dartmouth to a desk job in Whitehall. I've heard a number of more senior officers talk about 'their' Chiefs though. Do they really make that much of a difference?"

Elastic nodded. "The better your Chief is, the better you become. I had the best of all, I had Paul. He turned me from a complete fuck-up, into what I am now. I owe everything to him, absolutely everything."

Phillip watched Elastic as her eyes unfocused and she remembered things from the past.

They were both lost in their own thoughts. Elastic remembering the things Paul had taught her, and the things he'd done for her. Phillip thought about Elastic's reaction to talking about her Chief, and the way that other officers had spoken about their mentors. 'Now, ' thought Phillip, 'How do I get a good Chief to teach me?'

Both jumped when someone knocked on the office door.

"Enter!" called Elastic.

Karen came in and went straight to Elastic's desk, glancing at Phillip as she passed. "Mistress, you asked to see me?"

"Hi, Karen," Elastic rose as she spoke and went over to the informal area of her office. "Please take a seat. And how are you?"

"Thank you, Mistress. I am fine, I miss my Master though," Karen replied.

Elastic leant forward and placed her hand on Karen's, sympathising with her. "All of us who know him, miss him, Karen dearest."

They sat in silence for a moment, "Karen, I have a couple of favours to ask of you."

Karen laughed, "I will do anything I possibly can for a friend of my Master, you know that, Mistress."

Elastic smiled and nodded, "Yes, I do. But he," Elastic pointed at Phillip, "Doesn't."

"Please ask your favours, Mistress, though I hope that one of them is to make him a properly fitting suit."

The two women looked at Phillip, Elastic smiling, while Karen frowned in concentration. Phillip self-consciously pulled and tugged at his jacket.

"It's not that bad," he said defensively.

Elastic just sniggered while Karen openly glared at him.

"Yes, that is one of the things I wanted," Elastic agreed, but then she became serious. "But there is something else, something that I cannot explain to him, only you, or one of your sisters can."

Karen nodded, "Why am I a slave?"

Elastic nodded in agreement.

Phillip looked embarrassed.

"Then have someone take him to see Chiefy, please."

"Of course, Mistress. He hasn't met my Master yet, has he?"

"No, and he wants to know something about him before the Earl returns."

Karen nodded her understanding.

Elastic turned to her aide, "Phillip, go with Karen, she'll measure you for some new suits. She is world-class at what she does, so just do what she says, OK?"

"Yes, Admiral," Phillip replied.

"Phillip, you can speak freely in front of Paul's slaves," Elastic told him kindly.

"OK, Elastic."

"And there is something that you really must understand," Elastic pointed at Karen's collar, "All of Paul's slaves wear a collar. They are proud of their collar, no, let me rephrase that, they are prouder of their collars, than your Dad was when you graduated from Dartmouth. I really mean that. They have all been offered their freedom, and more than once too. They have all asked Paul to collar them. All of them."

Phillip looked at his boss, she was deadly serious.

"Are they all gold-coloured?" Phillip asked.

Both Elastic and Karen laughed.

"Phillip, Karen's collar is 22-carat gold, and that piece of Amber has an insect trapped in it. Together they're worth nearly a quarter of a million pounds."

Phillip gasped.

"Now, if you see a girl wearing a gold collar, then she is one of Paul's special girls. They have direct access to him. If you wanted to see him, it might take a week or more. Paul's gold collar girls can wake him in the middle of the night and speak to him. You really are much lower than them in the food chain. Don't be too concerned about that though, I'm lower than them too." Elastic finished with a smile.

Phillip nodded. "Will I have much to do with the errr ... girls?" he asked.

"Phillip, part of our primary purpose in being here is to provide protection for Paul."

"But, I thought he had left the service?" Phillip asked.

"Yes, he has. Initially it was make work to get me away from the other officers, more for their protection than mine. But then he started getting richer than Bill Gates and the police started trying to kill him."

Elastic stopped his queries with a gesture.

"I'll explain everything in a few days. There are five women here, we call them the Coven; they are Paul's General staff in his battle against the corrupt police forces in the UK. You'll meet them, you'll also take lessons from them, and you'll take lessons from Madam Li. She'll teach you unarmed combat."

Phillip puffed up in pride. "I'm already a black belt, third dan, in Karate. I instructed at Dartmouth."

Karen laughed, Elastic shook her head.

"Oh boy. Phillip, whatever you do, DONT TELL Madam Li that you're a Karate expert. Not while both Em and Elise are away anyway.

"Who are Em and Elise?" Phillip asked.

Elastic looked at him, how on Earth had he lived in the Chateau for nearly a week without knowing who Paul and his girls were?

"Em is our doctor; she is also wears a Gold Collar. Elise is currently a nurse. But she's to finish her medical training and qualify as a doctor as soon as the Earl can arrange it." Elastic replied. "Normally they'd be the ones patching you up after one of Madam Li's apprentices finished beating the living crap out of you. They're very good."

"Who, Em and Elise, or the apprentices?" Phillip asked nervously.

"All of them," answered Karen.

"Oh," said Phillip.

Karen stood, "Come, sir, let me take some measurements."

Phillip stood and followed this strange woman.

"Phillip!" called Elastic, "You might want to remember that Karen also holds two university chairs. She's Professor of Fashion and Design at the Sorbonne and Professor of Clothing Design and Manufacturing at King's, London."

Phillip's eyes opened wide when he heard that. "Nothing but the best for the Earl," he whispered to himself.

"Our Master encourages his girls to become the best that we are able. Do you know Geraldine Le Baron, who now plays with the Screaming Monkeys?"

Phillip nodded.

"My Master has just freed her so she and Thrash are free to marry." Karen turned to look at her charge, "If you let him, my Master will help bring out the best in you too."

Karen led him on, deeper into the Chateau.

-------

Strasbourg

Jill came to help me with my suit. She ensured that my tie was neat and straight, and my shirt wrinkle-free. Then she held up my jacket so I could easily slip my arms in. She then started loading my pockets.

She slipped a wicked little knife into an ankle sheath, my sling into a tiny, almost invisible, pocket over my right buttock. A small cloth bag of marbles into my left hand pocket, tissues into my right. Other than that, I wasn't armed. Everything else I might carry was in my briefcase. This looked just like one of Sasha's 'shit-hot lawyer' thin briefcases. But it had been polished to an eye-watering shine.

I would, of course, be taking Melissa. Umber would accompany me as my secretary. Both girls looked very smart, in their business suits. These were obviously made by Karen.

We were now ready to go. We had twenty-five minutes to do a five minute walk. I kissed my girls goodbye, which took up nearly all of our spare time, and then we hurried out of the hotel.

-------

The bank's offices were on the first, second and third floors of this building and the one to its right. There were two shops on the ground floors, one a florist, the other a stationer. The bank's faded blue door opened as we approached and we were ushered inside.

Madam Rennie was waiting for me in the boardroom. A drinks trolley was against one wall.

"Viscount, can I offer you a drink?" she asked, gesturing to the loaded trolley.

"A coffee would be nice," I replied, ignoring the numerous bottles on the trolley.

She clapped her hands and a maid entered with a tray. The next few moments were spent getting our drinks.

Madam Rennie had obviously been as well-briefed on me as I had on her. My coffee was served in a mug, a bone china mug, but a mug never-the-less.

As we sat she glanced at my girls, "You must be Melissa, and you must be Umber. I am sure your master is proud of both of you," she said with a smile.

Melissa remained watchful, her eyes sweeping the room, only Umber nodded, her head held high and proud.

"Your girls do you credit, Viscount."

"Thank you, Madam, and you are right, I am proud of them, all of them," I replied.

Madam Rennie's eyes unfocused for a moment, remembering things, or people, from long ago.

"You want to buy my bank, Viscount," she said, looking me directly in the eye. Her gaze was firm, but a smile teased around the corners of her mouth.

-------

Cumbria

Sir Gerald settled in to his chair. A stack of briefing papers topped his IN tray. He wanted as much forward information as possible before he left for America. Just in case the impossible happened and he wasn't able to return to this comfortable life he now led.

Sir Gerald knew he was being paranoid, but was he being paranoid enough?

The third pack made him sit up straight. It was a report and analysis document on the Tower Hamlets massacre a few weeks ago. What made him blanch though was a single old photo, and one of the conclusions.

Throughout the individual reports, one common fact has emerged. In all cases but one, (the pub shooting incident) all of the assailants were said to be young women or girls. In all cases, these young women performed acts of outstanding strength, agility and savagery... 

The author detailed some of the more horrific examples, but Sir Gerald skipped over these. He'd read enough in the main body of the report.

 ... Only one organisation has been reported that supplies assassins who fit most of the descriptions provided by those witnesses willing to talk to the Metropolitan Police Service. This organisation, commonly called 'The Troop, ' or 'The Dancers, ' consists of between 30 to 50 females, reportedly between the ages of 10 to 25. They are all outstanding gymnasts, but their primary training is in combat, armed and unarmed. They are thought to be responsible for at least 45 deaths, and an unknown number of 'punishment' assaults. Their leader and trainer, Madam Hong (aka Madam Fo, Madam Li and The Chinese Lady) is said to have escaped from communist China in the early 50's. She quickly built up a reputation as an assassin. She is also thought to have taken orphans into her charge, quickly building up the nucleus of what is now thought to be the premier 'assassin-for-hire' squad in the world. Madam Hong's last known photograph is attached in Appendix C.

Sir Gerald had idly flipped to the specified appendix; the photo was the third one in there. And he blanched. It was her, Madam Li, the one he'd so cavalierly dismissed. He'd sent six men into an area guarded by highly trained, and feared, people, any one of whom could, reportedly, defeat all of his own men. This could be a disaster.

Sir Gerald sat back and thought. So far, neither he nor the Bastard Baron had resorted to all out war. They'd both used low-key actions against each other. This was, primarily, to stop their actions being noted in the wider community, and thus bringing reprisals down on all of them. If the Bastard Baron wasn't killed in Strasbourg, it was quite likely that he'd bring the war back to Cumbria, and bring it up close and personal. Sir Gerald, while not a coward, didn't want to face an angry Special Forces warrior, especially one with the friends and resources of the Bastard Baron.

He'd have to get reinforcements to Strasbourg as soon as possible. But first, he had a phone call to make.

-------

Martinè

Phillip sat facing Chiefy, he was dumbfounded at what he heard. Yet he believed it, every word. Even though it sounded like a story straight out of Boys Own Magazine, he believed it all.

Chiefy sat watching him. She'd given this talk a number of times now, the last time to Eric and Joan. But this young man seemed different, he was young, a freshly-promoted Lieutenant. And she thought that he'd been given that promotion early so he could take up the position as Elastic's ADC.

On a hunch, she leaned forward. "What did they order you to do?" she asked.

Still distracted he answered without thinking, "They ordered me to find any dirt on the Admiral that I could. If I couldn't find anything that they could use against her, well, I was to make some up."

Chiefy sat back, it was just as she'd suspected. "Does the Admiral know?" she demanded.

He nodded, "Yes, I told her a few days ago."

"Good," Chiefy smiled. "Now I need to make a few calls and see about getting you a chief of your own."

"What!" Phillip cried out.

Chiefy nodded, "Yes, I think I know who would be best for you. Let me make a few calls. We'll see what a few days will bring."

"But ... but ... what about the Admiral?" Phillip stuttered.

Now Chiefy laughed out loud, "Do you think that there's anything that goes on here that Elastic doesn't know about? Anyway, she's already asked me to have a look for you. She really knows what a good CPO can do for a young officer. Now you go back and tell Elastic that I'm on the job."

With a smile, Chiefy dismissed her young visitor. "They'll let almost anyone become an officer now-a-days," she muttered to herself, all the while knowing that she too had been raw and impressionable once upon a time.

-------

Strasbourg

"Yes," I replied.

"Why?" she asked.

I thought for a few moments, "As you know, I already have a number of various companies operating throughout the UK and Europe. I sometimes need to find capitalisation for various projects that I want to run. The Parisian northern estates rebuild is an example. I could, of course, use my own funds. However having a few billion pounds liquidity is more useful. I can use those funds to project influence, to improve my chances of winning contracts, to assist me in all sorts of ways."

I took a sip of my coffee.

"With my own bank, I can approach the international lenders directly, I can also lend between my companies more easily, and I can finance large projects and keep the interest and profits all within my own companies."

She nodded slightly, "Will you put your own money into this bank?"

"Yes," I replied.

"How much?"

"Five billion pounds sterling to start with, then annually, transaction amounts between five and ten billion pounds, depending on cash flow and future plans."

"You have future plans?" she asked.

"Ohhh yes," I answered.

We smiled together.

"Your proposal has interested my chief accountant. He begged me to sell to you. I think that you'll wake up this dozing little bank and make it a powerhouse again." She smiled at me, "I do hope so. Yes, Viscount, I'll sell you my bank. Your people have already given me reassurances that the bank's staff will be treated properly. For some of them, this is all they have known." She gestured around us.

"Madam..."

"Call me Eva," she said, laying a warm hand on mine.

"Eva, you must call me Paul."

Her smile gave it away.

Damn, damn, damn. I'm going to find the girl who started this 'Yes Sir' thing, though I expect that every one of them would own up to being the culprit.

"Yes Sir," she replied, before bursting out in a hearty laugh.

I smiled wryly. Caught out again.

-------

London

"What's the latest status on the police chiefs, Karolina?" asked Sasha, the phone handset warm against her ear.

"All of the invited officers have processed their boarding cards on-line. I'm not expecting any problems there, Mistress."

"Karolina," said Sasha, "How many times have I told you to call me Sasha?"

"1,322," replied Karolina smugly. "I've been counting."

Sasha sighed down the phone. "Karolina, you're my best friend, you're my lover's best friend, please call me by my name."

"Oh, my Mistress, if only it were that simple. I can call you Sasha now, but when you and my Master marry, then it would be unforgiveable for me to be so informal. It is better that I don't get into bad habits. A single, simple, mistake can cost a slave girl her life."

Karolina listened to Sasha stifle a little cry.

"Then my lover and I will have to talk about setting some rules or orders which mean that you can be informal with us, my dearest friend. And keep you safe in the knowledge that a simple mistake won't cost you so dearly."

"That might set a dangerous precedent for the other slaves, Mistress."

"Your Master has set precedents before. And they have all turned out to be good ideas. I'm sure that he'll think of some way to satisfy everyone, a way that the other owners would start copying too," Sasha finished with a laugh.

"I look forward to hearing my Master's orders, Mistress," Karolina replied, a smile in her voice.

"Now, back to business, have there been any leaks regarding the press story?" Sasha asked.

Ela spoke next, "Sasha, there was one editor who tried to get a scoop on the others, but we managed to wipe his copy of the data, and one of your senior barristers really put the frighteners on him. He's now lost the story and knows very well what will happen if he breaks his non-disclosure agreement."

"Good," Sasha replied with real feeling. "Anything else from anyone?"

Karolina, Ela and Lynne all called out a resounding "No!" Then they laughed. Sasha noted that the whole team was in high spirits. Just what they needed now that this project was, finally, coming to an end.

Sasha called the Coven next. "Any problems?" she asked.

"No, Mistress," replied Jenny, "Everyone is in position, logistics are ready, news crews are ready, camera crews, both level 1 and 2 are all ready. We're just waiting for the news to hit the streets."

"And that should happen at 03:00 hours GMT tomorrow."

"Yes, Mistress," said Jenny.

"Thanks, Jenny, you and the rest of the Coven have worked wonders with Karolina's plan."

"I thank you on behalf of the other witches, Mistress. I, of course, do not need to be thanked. I'm looking after my Master after all." Jenny hesitated for a moment, "Mistress," she paused, uncertain what to say. "Is my Master well? I haven't heard from him for days now and..."

"And you miss him and you're worried about him being away from the Chateau, and possibly in danger."

"Oh, I do, Mistress. All of his girls miss him, and we've had no news from Strasbourg at all." Jenny was obviously very worried.

"Then I shall ask him to call you this evening and speak to you. You can take a message for the rest of the girls too." Sasha knew the worry that Paul's girls were feeling, she was feeling the same loneliness and worry too.

"Thank you so much, Mistress," said Jenny.

-------

Cumbria

Sir Gerald was almost panicking now. He had so much to do and such little time to get it all done. He knew that it was going to be a close run thing to catch his flight, but he had to reinforce his men in Strasbourg or they wouldn't have any chance at all of killing the Bastard Baron.

He unlocked a drawer and took out a small box. Opening it he checked that the six pre-paid mobile phones were all fully charged. After putting the box into his briefcase he carefully closed and locked his private drawer. It didn't really need locking, it was now completely empty. All of his 'personal' items had been removed over the last few weeks.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, he checked his appearance in his mirror. Assuring himself that he looked calm, he left his office. As it was close to the time he was expected to leave for home, and then the airport, no one thought anything at all about his leaving.

He drove quickly to a nearby shopping arcade and found a chain coffee shop, one that advertised free wifi. Sitting down with the largest coffee that they sold, he started his phone calls.

-------

Martinè

The Chateau was buzzing. The news that Mistress Sasha would ask their Master to call this evening had spread like wildfire.

Lynne heard the news when she was getting some snacks for the team. She raced back to tell Karolina and Ela. Ela had an idea which would really help everyone at the Chateau. Ela and Lynne quickly started organising their surprise while Karolina kept watch on the project's principals.

They were all fired with enthusiasm for their work, and the results they'd get.

-------

Strasbourg

Helen and Jill raced round the hotel suite, desperately getting a room ready for this evening's call. They hadn't realised the sense of loss and loneliness that their sister slaves back at Martinè would feel with their Master away for so long. Here was a chance to help them.

-------

Eva showed me round the offices. I could see that a number of building improvements were needed. C&C Renovations had a French subsidiary with its head office in Paris. Perhaps they could open a sub-office here. That would give them a presence in Eastern France and Western Germany. I liked that idea. Thinking for a moment, I wondered about C&C's supply chain in Central Europe. I'd have to have a word with Eric and ask him to check that the C&C group were expanding together. One of the major strengths of my organisation was the support that each of the companies gave each other.

I was introduced to all of the bank's senior management, and some of those were very senior in age too. I'd promise Eva that I'd look after the bank's people; and I intended to keep that promise. No one currently employed by the bank would be fired unless they committed an act that brought the bank's reputation into serious disrepute.

However, I could see that some of the middle layer staff may need to be given a 'window seat.' Their customer relationship knowledge was valuable, but their training and skill set was almost medieval.

The central computer system too, that badly needed Karolina and Ela's touch. The software was old, and the hardware older. I would improve these critical systems as soon as possible.

All in all though, I was happy with what I was getting. I wanted to keep the personal touch, to keep the staff that the customers were used to dealing with, the reputation that the bank 'cared' for its customers. These were assets beyond value.

I, however, didn't want to actually run the bank. I only wanted to own it. I wanted someone else to actually run it for me. That had worked so well in all my other endeavours, I didn't see any need to change my management style here.

Eva led me back to the boardroom, coffees were waiting for us.

"Tell me, Eva, why are you selling?" I asked.

She was thoughtful for a long time. Finally she put her coffee down and looked me in the eye. "It got boring," she answered.

I could see a great sadness in her eyes. "How would you feel about running it, if it stopped being boring?" I asked.

"Are you offering me a job?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, stay here running the bank for a year, and we'll talk again. If you're still bored, then I won't press you to stay. If not, well, we'll talk about that in a year's time."

"Am I too to become one of your 'special people?'"

It was my turn to think hard, "No..." I replied after a moment or two. "But some of your younger staff might be."

She nodded, "That is quite acceptable. Yes, Viscount, I'll run the bank, it'll fill my days. I do look forward to the 'interesting times' though.

We both laughed.

-------

Martinè

Sally was worried. She and Bertie were safe, but there was something niggling at the back of her mind. Something that she needed to do, something important.

She watched Bertie as he swam, his lean body slipped through the water easily. She wanted her exposé to be published, out in the open. Until then she, Bertie and everyone involved in it...

Sally sat bolt upright. She and Bertie were safe, but the others, the ones who'd helped her, those who'd contributed to her book. They weren't safe, they were still in the UK, and unprotected.

She stood, almost in a panic, looking round desperately for someone who could help. Then she saw one of the slaves, a thick leather collar round her slim neck.

"Help!" Sally shouted.

The slave ran to her, "Mistress, what is the matter?"

"I need to talk to someone..." Sally faltered, who did she need to speak to? She didn't know. She felt so lost and helpless.

"Would you like me to get one of my Master's gold girls?" she asked gently.

Sally nodded, "Yes, yes please, quickly, they're in danger."

Sally watched as the slave ran away quickly. She waited trembling, why hadn't she thought of this before?

Bertie wrapped an arm around her, "What is it, Sal, pet?"

"Bertie, Jane and the others, we've left them behind."

Bertie stared blankly for a moment, then realisation dawned. "Oh, my God!" he gasped.

A young woman came running out to them, a huge diamond flashing brilliantly at her throat.

"Mistress, I am Karolina, I've been told that you need help," she said.

"Yes," answered Sally. Now having had time to organise her thoughts, she said, "There are a number of people in the UK, those who helped me with my article. They are going to be in danger of reprisals from the police when my exposé is published tomorrow morning."

Karolina pressed a button on her mobile phone. Sally heard the dialling tones being sent. They were long enough to be an international call.

"Mistress, Mistress Kinsman is concerned about the safety of the other reporters who assisted her gathering data for her article." Karolina paused for a moment. "Yes, Mistress, I'll tell her."

She put her phone away. "Mistress, Dempsey is going to gather your associates and, if they wish, bring them here to the Chateau for a few days. That should keep your colleagues safe. I have also warned the local villagers that we might face armed attack." Karolina smiled, "The villagers welcome the chance to show their Countess, the protection that they can provide."

Sally nodded, she felt relief that something was being done, and a little helplessness that she was unable to do anything herself.

"I'll have one of our girls attend you, Mistress. If you think of anything else, or need anything at all, do not hesitate to tell her. She is under your orders until you leave the Chateau."

"Thank you," replied Sally, wondering just what she was to do with her own personal slave.

"If there is nothing else, Mistress, I must return to my duties?" said Karolina.

Sally thought for a moment, "No, Karolina, there's nothing else. Thank you so much for your help."

Karolina smiled and then ran quickly away into the Chateau. Moments later a young woman came out. It was the slave that Sally had initially asked for help. This time she was naked.

-------

London

Sasha showed Gerry the wall and described her meeting with Burton. While she was talking Gerry looked around, and, unconsciously, 'felt' her position. The Piccadilly line, she thought. A secret station, normally dark, or with thin partitions which looked like normal underground tunnel walls. She was sure of it now. It was all so simple now that Elastic had made the leap of understanding that this wall held a lift.

Sasha's phone rang. She answered it while Gerry continued looking round. It struck Gerry that this lift was only a way-point. There should be something else. She examined the walls carefully. It took her nearly a minute to find it. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with that patch of wall. On the contrary, there wasn't anything wrong with it. It was flat, smooth and firm. But, and it was a big 'but', the rest of the walls weren't really flat, or smooth. They were old plaster, on old lathes, on old walls. They rippled a little. Not much obviously, you had to put your head against the wall and look carefully to see a difference, but the difference was there. And Gerry was sure that it was a concealed door.

Sasha finished her call and turned to Gerry. "I need you to do something for me."

Gerry tilted her head and pointed to the lift.

Sasha shook her head, "No, I need you to go to the offices of The Times and ask a reporter if she wants protection." Sasha quickly filled in the reasons for her concern. Gerry drew her personal weapon and checked the magazine. It was, of course, full. She slipped the weapon back into its holster. "Taxi, or one of your cars?" she asked.

"Taxi, I want Dempsey's involvement in this to be kept quiet for now."

"OK, Sasha, Her name?"

"Masters, Jane Masters."

"On my way," Gerry called as she went up the stairs.

Sasha nodded briefly. She had other calls to make, other people to rescue.

-------

Cumbria

Sir Gerald knew now, that he wouldn't be able to catch his flight. Still, he had an open ticket, he could catch a later one. He fumed to himself; this was just one more thing that the Bastard Baron had done to him. After getting another coffee, despite his stomach's complaints, he went back to making calls. He was down to the last two phones as well.

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Strasbourg

Eva walked me to the door where we shook hands, then, in a typical French manner she kissed me on both cheeks.

"Viscount, I'll see you in a month or two. Our people can arrange for the contracts and so forth," she said seriously. Then laughing, she teased, "You take care of yourself, you're my boss now!"

It was late when we left the bank. The sun was low in the sky, light, thin clouds illuminated from beneath. The air was quiet and the city seen at rest. I was wrapped up in my own thoughts as we returned along the avenue to the hotel.

In the hotel's lobby, Marco, the assassin resident in the hotel, sat waiting. On his lap was an opened briefcase, and he appeared to be studying some papers. His mobile phone sat in open view. It buzzed quietly, briefly. Marco didn't look up, that was the signal that his target was approaching. Marco had an Uzi and two flash-bangs. He'd use the Uzi to kill the target and then the flash-bangs to escape. A simple plan depending on little more than normal peoples shock and fright when faced with something so out of their usual experience.

Melissa called the security centre just moments before the marine in the lobby did. "SecCom, we're going in the back way. I've a bad feeling about the lobby."

"Lobby one, there's something wrong here. Give a wave off," Reported the lobby guard.

"OK, Mel, garage doors are being opened now. Lobby one, stick around, friends are on the way. See if you can spot the problem," SecCom ordered.

I was gently guided away from my path to the hotel's front door. This wasn't actually that unusual, so I didn't comment. I just continued my train of thought about the possibilities that the bank opened up for us.

Three minutes later we were on the top floor and, theoretically, safe.

Helen came and we talked about the menu for dinner. I was happy with a steamed trout, creamed potatoes and seasonal veggies. "And, my precious girl, make sure I have three portions. The chef last night only sent up one. I had to order more and that took too long," I tried to growl at her. From the amused smile she had, I'm sure it didn't work.

"Of course, oh terrible Master, one whose countenance radiates brighter that the sun itself. He who..."

"Humph! Do you really want a spanking?" I asked.

Her face brightened again, "Yes please, my Master!"

I grabbed her and seconds later we were tumbling around on the floor. Instead of a spanking, I tickled her. Helen laughed, shrieked out that she was going to wet on us both, and her helplessly giggles rang in my ears. We played for a few minutes until I wrapped her in my arms and hugged her.

Helen kissed me, her lips butterfly-soft on mine. We kissed again, now our tongues exploring gently, softly running along the others lips, a slow, exploratory slide into the others mouth. Tenderly, I kissed around her face, her eyes, her forehead, her neck and ears. Nipping and tugging at the earlobes.

Someone took off my jacket, my shoes. As Helen and I made our love, I was undressed, quickly, but gently. We touched, skin to skin, our bodies became one. I marvelled in her soft, hard, wet, scorching sheath. She gasped as I slid into her. Sweat lubricated our bodies as our rhythms became faster, more urgent.

She tasted of woman, woman distilled and concentrated. Our ardour intensified, kisses, touches, lips and fingers and teeth. Our passion peaked ... we shuddered though our 'little death, ' then held each other tightly. Our passion might be spent, but our love only reached new heights.

I looked at the woman in my arms; her eyes were closed in sleep. She looked radiant, at peace with the world. She had honoured me with her body, openly and enthusiastically, giving as well as receiving love. I too was satisfied.

I closed my eyes too. Moments later I too slept.

-------

Marco saw the Baron and his entourage change direction and cursed. 'Not this time, ' he thought. He relaxed, then cursed again. A really good bodyguard would have picked up his tension, and then given their control the wave-off signal. Even if they didn't know who was the source of that tension. He knew his plan had been good. Simple plans are the ones that usually worked.

He waited another two hours before having dinner in the restaurant. He needed his sleep, tomorrow was going to be a busy day. Tomorrow was when he earned his pay.

-------

I woke slowly. I was warm and still had a woman in my arms.

Helen looked up at me, "Thank you, my Master. We know you love us all, but it is so much nicer when you show us your love." She rested her head on my chest.

"Thank you for sharing your love with me, my precious girl. I do love you all, each and every one of you. You all have your own beauty and every one of you is precious to me. I thank my God every day that I have you and your sisters. And I astonished that you each have declared yourselves mine." My tears fell onto her, wetting her head.

"Master, we are yours, we gladly gave ourselves to you because we knew that you would care for us, and, most unusually, love us. It is we, my Master, who thank our Gods for giving us to you. She licked my tears away, tenderly. Come, my Master, It's getting late. Your girls are hungry.

We rose, hand in hand, and went to the shower.

-------

Dinner was ready only minutes after we finished our shower. Dried and dressed only in a robe, I sat down at the small table in the living room of my suite. Aline and Alina attended me, kneeling at my side and being fed from my plate.

Umber waited until I'd finished my dinner before asking, "Our Master, our sisters back at the Chateau are missing you. We wondered if you would speak to them this evening.

I was shocked at this. I'd forgotten the effect on the girls back at Martinè. "Of course I will. What do they want me to do, phone or something else?

Umber smiled, "A video link has been set up, Master. The link will be ready in about thirty minutes. Lynne and Mistress Ela are still setting up the encryption."

"OK, I'm going to get a little exercise. Call me when they're ready." I replied.

"Yes, my Master," said Umber as I left the room.

The treadmill was still in our small gym, but it had been raised onto a freight pallet, and there were small twigs and screwed up pieces of paper stuffed tightly under it.

Jill was waiting for me by a rowing machine. I just stopped by the treadmill and pointed down and the wood and paper. "What's that for?" I asked.

"Kindling," she replied with a smile.

I laughed, loud and strong. A full belly-laugh. I eased myself down to sit on the treadmill's running platform, still laughing uncontrollably. The last few days had been more stressful than I had realised. Jill's remark had suddenly released all of that tension. I pulled her to me and hugged her.

"Thank you, sweet Jill. I needed that," I gasped when I could, at last, talk.

She looked down at me, "Have I helped you, my Master?"

"Yes, my precious, you've helped me when I didn't know I needed help. I am grateful for your help."

"No, my Master, I should be grateful to you for allowing me to help you. You already help us, your slaves, far more than we deserve. This girl is glad that she was allowed to help her Master."

I only had about five minutes on the rowing machine before Umber came to get me for the video call.

There was a very large TV set up on one wall, with a camera above it. We sat, me in the centre and my girls forming a semi-circle either side. Just a moment later the TV brightened to show very nearly all of my girls who'd remained at the Chateau.

"Good evening, my ladies, how are you all?" I asked.

They all shouted and called, the replies though all said basically the same thing. They were alright, but better for seeing me. Well, I too felt the same way. I was fine, but felt a lot better seeing the girls I was missing.

We spoke for nearly two hours, I talked to each of the girls in Martinè, they all told me of their day, and how they were feeling, though that was mostly missing me. I told them that I too was missing them. But I only had one more day in Strasbourg, a lunch with the local big-wigs, and, on Thursday morning, first thing, we were all flying home.

As I watched the TV screen finally darken, I realised that I missed Martinè, and my girls. I would be glad to go home on Thursday. Just this damn boring lunch engagement tomorrow.

I went to sleep holding Jo in my arms, snuggling into her soft hair.

My life is good.


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Incomplete and Inactive
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Posted:  2009-07-26
Last Modified: 2012-02-19 / 09:43:22 am
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