by C. L. Black
He grabbed her bag and began the search. Once past the sparkling lingerie, but before the pink card, Pete found what he was looking for and pocketed both NSA issued iPhones and Jane Smith’s passport. “Remember the deal. No contact with anyone. You’re both dead now. Understand?” He showed her page six of the Times. His knee ached.
Search for Russian Tycoon Suspended. Was Mistress’ Death Suicide?
The search for a private jet, U. S. registry N699BA, reported missing on the ninth, over the North Atlantic was suspended due to hostile weather and high seas. The jet was en route to London from Iceland when it radioed to Shanwick there was smoke in the cabin and they were “attempting a wet landing.” As of today, all souls are presumed lost. Reported to be on board was Krump Industries’ CEO Heinrich von Krump the Sixth. Also lost in the apparent tragedy was Krump’s chief pilot, Captain Boris Schumacher, and copilot, First Officer Jane Smith. FAA records indicate the jet, a Cessna Citation X, was owned by a Blachmann Academy but had recently been leased to Krump Industries. When reached by phone, a spokesperson for Krump Industries, Berlin HQ, would make no comment. Later that same day Krump’s long-time mistress, the Lady Jacqueline Churchill, was found dead in Krump’s London flat. At this time the authorities have released no other details. Well-placed sources have reported that all evidence points to a love-lost suicide. The whereabouts of Herr Krump and Lady Jacqueline’s daughter, the Countess Kristin von Krump—believed to be the sole surviving heir to the reclusive tycoon’s global empire—are presently unknown.
“Wilco. But Krump’s German.”
“Whatever… Snow’s waiting on your jet, as promised.”
“Thanks, mate.”
“No, Janie. It’s checkmate. The game’s over. Oh yah, secretary sends her compliments.” He handed over the two new UN-issued passports. Their red jackets indicated diplomatic immunity. “The New Order sails tonight. Be on it. Oh yah, I sent you two a little present. Thought you’d like her?”
“Right.” The sacked GoodKnight left with her DSS shadows in tow.
Pleasure Having You
The Blachmann hangar at KPSM, 16:55 local
Her six months in schizophrenic hell were nearly over. Ricki had her Ilsa and the letters of transit. They had actually made it out of Casablanca alive. The Stiletto has-been pawed at her quiet-as-a-mouse traveling companion as the Black Gulfstream taxied to the apron.
The hangar’s massive doors were fully open. Parked inside, the King Air 200—a twin engine turboprop and, Boris old Su-29—a Russian built two seat acrobatic aircraft. Unexpectedly, a third aircraft was also parked inside. There was no mistaking it, not with that neon pink strip and K on its tail feathers. KK! Gentle Jane was gone in a flash. Silently seething, she sat there, like a volcano quietly building pressure. Miss Jane had someone that needed doing. Mistress Sterling pulled on her boots and gave her Natasha doll a smile. Her eyes were his Jane. “Bloody hell!”
“Something wrong, Miss Sterling?” The distracting and attractive copilot pushed opened the jet’s door, lowered the stairs, and said, “Pleasure having you on board today, Miss White. I’ll get your bags and load them in the car.” She stepped out first, then offered a hand.
The attendant greeted them just outside the hangar. “Welcome back, Miss Sterling. Your new Aston’s over there.” He pointed past the pink jet.
“Aston? Thought I’d requested Miss Wright meet us with the Rolls?” Jane had a pretty good idea who had taken it. KK!
“Affirmative ma’am. A Vantage V-twelve. Super-nice ride. Arrived late yesterday afternoon. Came in on a KrumpAir Seven-four Freighter. Was their only cargo. We dropped it and they turned and burned. Said they had to be in DC pronto for a sendoff. Customs cleared it this morning. Bet it cost them more to fly it here than it’s worth; all the way from England. Man, don’t them Brits know there’s a recession? Must be nice.”
Jane gave the attendant a look of concern.
“Oh, don’t worry. She’s clean. Dan checked her over earlier today. Nothing ticking, except the clock. The keys are in the console. Oh, there’s a card. It’s with the keys. Hope you don’t mind. She took me for a little spin. Man, that kid can drive.”
“Right. Describe the pilots?”
“The pilots? Beats me, ma’am. They—”
“Never left the cockpit.”
“Yes, ma’am. We talked over the comm.” He pointed at the VHF radio strapped to his belt.
“Right. Lovely. Shall we, Miss White?”
“Mind if I visit the toilet first? I’m a little nervous.”
“Not at all, love. I’ll collect you ’round front then.”
The hangar attendant guided Natasha to the rest room. Jane headed direct for her car. The yummy co-pilot was just closing the boot. She thanked her with a warm hug. The new co-pilot headed back to the black jet. Steady old girl, you’re in a committed relationship.
Back in the driver’s seat, Jane opened the console. “Bloody fuck me!” There it was—another red envelope—MH—this time without the ominous artwork. Once more, Boris’s ghost was reaching out. She read the card.
Hey Baby,
My Natasha doll is in the boot. Keep her close.
Sorry about the baby.
Our princess is still in danger. Protect her always.
Remember love, you promised Papa you’d be good.
Yours always,
K.
PS: The Aston was all KK’s idea. Think someone’s still in love.
“Bloody hell—we are.” Jane stuffed her prevaricator back into its red crypt and dropped it into, the bag. KK’s card… Later Baby. Press the bloody start button! The powerful V12 roared. Someone selected first and mashed the gas. Two streaks of black marked the KAT’s twin tails on the meticulously polished floor. The scent of burnt rubber aroused each nostril as the Aston sped up until screeching to a stop out front.
Miss White was waiting. She made a misstep before realizing the Aston was right-hand drive. The attendant got the door.
“Get in, baby.” Jane wasn’t letting her doll get away. She’s my doll! No. Not this time, baby!
Clunk… The doors locked.
Natasha sensed a change. “Jane? Everything okay?”
“Yes, love. Smashing!” Nearing a boil, someone needed to reduce the heat. “Mind your restraint, love.” The kill hand raced past the doll’s chest in a blur.
Startled, Natasha gasped.
Click…
“Thank you, Miss Jane?” squeaked the captive mouse.
“Just Jane, my love.” The surefooted Aston screeched away—wet pavement. “Don’t want to miss tea with our old friends. Now do we, love?”
So, Can We Play the Game Again?
The veranda, 17:05 local
Catherine sat with Miss Christi, enjoying high tea. Off to the east, the ocean was angry. Far out to sea, a thunderstorm was crying itself to bed. The tide had turned. They listened as the incoming waves pounded the rocks. The salty air was full with tension. Behind the storm, the few-days-past-full moon edged up over the horizon. “So, after dinner, can we play the game again—Chessex? MK couldn’t wait for their evening to begin. “And you’re sure, she’s bringing my boots?”
“Yes my dear. But I do sense a stormy night building.”
Catherine-Katrina was feeling a little stormy herself. She’d completed a second week of driving and dancing lessons—could almost manage the reasonable waltz. She’d also taken her first spin on a pole. Best of all, she discovered there was nothing wrong with liking girls.
“Is Mistress Sterling’s plane late?” Catherine sipped her tea and longed for her tormentor’s speedy return. Dani has totally dropped the Miss Bossy attitude. Danielle was way more than another pretty face and hairless hot slippery bod.
Earlier that day, just before their shower, Danielle had introduced MK to her new pet—a dragon. It wasn’t loaded, but, when she let Catherine touch it—Dani’s paws got more than a little hot—and sticky too. Miss Black was pretty sure that M
iss Wright wanted to keep their little romp that followed a secret. That was fine with MK. Catherine was also good at keeping secrets. She made up their minds. She couldn’t wait to get in that crib with, Dani… Tonight… Yeah, Dani would meet the whole Miss Catherine-Katrina Black. Threesome… Oh yeah, baby. Shut up!
Miss Christi sipped her tea and said, “They’ll be along soon, my dear.”
A wanting eye was soon attracted to the main gate. “Look, Miss Christi! They’re coming!” Catherine stood, pointing to the Rolls.
“Yes dear, right on time.”
The Rolls sped past, around to the rear and pulled straight into the Carriage House.
“Hey, where’re they going? Who was that in the back?”
“A surprise, my dear.”
17:21 local
“Hello,” said KK as she and Danielle joined them on the veranda.
“Hey, you’re like, that chick from that—that night in New York.”
“Ja, ja. So lovely to see you again too, Miss Black.” KK latched on, kissing her hand.
“Hey, aren’t you?…” Catherine’s brow jumped. “You’re like, that super-rich chick! Oh-my-God, it’s you! From the magazines, right? Your dad is like, the tenth-richest guy in like, the world or something. Where’s the pink?”
KK had traded the Barbie clothes for a KrumpAir hostess uniform. She checked herself out and giggled. “Ninth. Ja. Papa has been most successful.”
Catherine gave a hair flip and said, “Sooo, like, what are you doing here?” Like to play some Chessex with that little ass… Yeah, maybe—
“I’ve come to visit Miss Christi; to ask a favor, of you. Ja.”
“Huh?”
“Ja. Would you like to be my, Miss Wet?”
“What?” Keep talking.
“Yes, my new top girl. Petra is unable to—” KK interrupted herself. “Well you see, her mama just died. Ja. So sad; I know. But, I remembered how attractive you are.”
Catherine felt more than just Barbie’s eyes pawing her. “Hey!” She swatted KK’s hand from a raised hem.
“Ja. Papa says you have just what we need.”
“We? Um, I don’t think my mom will let me. She says models are all whores and lesbians. She wicked hates them.”
“Rubbish. Ja, your mama loves—”
“Would you like some tea, Miss Kristin? You look chilled.” Miss Christi didn’t like where that was going.
“Hey, who’s that?” Catherine rose to her feet and pointed at the speeding car. “Wish I could drive one that went that fast.”
“Looks like Miss Jane, babe,” offered Danielle.
“What?” KK was trembling. “Miss Jane? Here?” She ran to the railing and braced.
“Yes, dear. I do believe I mentioned Mistress Sterling was expected for the weekend.”
“Nein.” KK stood in shock, staring at the Aston climbing the drive. “Does she know we are here?”
Danielle answered, “Isn’t your Gulfstream parked in the hangar?”
Catherine was all too happy to see she wasn’t the only one that feared the hand of Sterling.
“Miss Christi, please?” KK was trembling. “Do something!”
“You have your own fricken jet?” asked Catherine.
“Yes, and I’d like to take you for a ride in it all the way to England.”
“KK, aren’t you forgetting Miss Jane?” reminded Danielle as the chariot approached.
KK stood stiff, bound by fear as Miss Jane quickened her pulse. Danielle and Catherine took a position to either side; their hands clutched the railing with excitement, anticipating the unfolding drama. The Aston squealed to a stop right below them. Inside, all appeared calm. The engine growled.
“Ja England, let’s go, now!” All was not calm with KK.
Catherine called out, “Who’s that with her?” She couldn’t quite see the passenger’s face.
Miss Jane set the brake but left the engine running. “Please stay in the car dear. I’ll leave the music on. This won’t take but a minute, my love.”
KK was shaking as the driver’s door opened.
Jane stepped out, closed the door politely, looked up and growled, “What are you doing here?” Her tone was stern but controlled as she glared at KK.
“Hi, Miss Jane. I—” KK leaned forward and presented ample cleavage as she teetered over the heavy railing, and waved. “Miss Jane? Where’d she go?” She turned, grasping the girls for support.
Both weren’t talking. KK swung around, lost her balance, then fell out of her new six-inch platform heels—Daffidile by Louboutin. “Help!” The damsel-in-distress act might have meant her going over, but she wasn’t about to risk her newest and tallest stilettos.
Catherine caught hold first. “I got you!” A firm grip was eagerly applied to KK’s bustline. Oh yeah.
KK leaned into Catherine’s grip and swooned, “Please help me, Miss—”
Mistress Sterling cut her off. “You just wait young lady! Wait till I get up there!” Like a well-lubed machine, she marched up the front steps and past Maria and politely said, “Hello, sweetie,” then stomped into the foyer and shouted, “Where’s me bloody paddle!” Loud enough to be heard in England, her words echoed throughout the house. “Oh. Thank you, Maria.” She took firm hold of the Enforcer from the ever helpful Maria and continued the march up the stairs.
Twelve agonizing seconds later, the door to the veranda opened.
“Hi, Miss Jane.” KK was all KK smiles.
“Don’t you bloody hi Miss Jane me! I told you, never to come here!”
KK leaned into Catherine’s warm grip—for support, and attempted to explain. “I’m sorry, Ja. I—”
The Enforcer advanced.
Catherine let go, stepped aside for MK. “May I assist you, Mistress Sterling?”
KK pleaded, “Miss Christi! Please don’t let her hurt me. Tell her!” She had her back against the railing. Mistress neared. KK clung to Catherine just as a rogue wave was heard crashing over the rocks.
Miss Christi reminded, “Told you it might get stormy, my dear.”
“Don’t want to disobey Miss Jane, do we, Kat?” said Danielle, bursting with laughter.
“It’s not funny,” cried KK covering her now-timid bottom with both hands.
“Oh yes, it is!” bellowed Kat, joining in. Even Miss Christi let slip a chuckle.
“Ja, okay, I promised; I wouldn’t come. Ja, but.” KK ran and hid behind Miss Christi.
Jane backed off, lowering the Enforcer to her side. “Come here, princess.” She tapped it against her angry boot.
KK shook her head, nein.
Mistress shook hers, ja.
“But you said—you were going back to DC. Ja.” Red-faced and crying, KK pleaded, “But you promised.”
“I did go to DC. Not that it’s your business where Miss Jane goes.” Her eyes intensely followed the terrified girl around the veranda. It didn’t take long before she had KK securely by her boney arm. “Is it, princess?”
“Nein, Mistress. Please, I’m sorry.” KK didn’t resist. Not her Jane—not the woman she loved.
“Come with me, young lady.” She marched KK over to the love seat and sat, dropped the doll across her lap and lifted the black leather mini.
“Please, Miss Jane!” KK pulled it back down. “I—”
“Lift. Well? One! Good girl. Now the panties…One!”
“It’s a thong?” Everyone but Mistress Sterling found that slightly amusing.
She looked her disloyal subject over. “Right. You were expecting us. Next time you promise Miss Jane, you keep your promise!”
Whack! Whack! Whack!
She struck KK’s all-too-familiar bony bottom with the Enforcer set for a rapid-fire three-stroke burst.
“Ouch!” KK knew this wasn’t their usual fun and games. “Ja, ja, I promise.”
Whack! Whack! Whack!
“Next time, you’ll remember.” She delivered another, Whack! “Won’t you?”
All the gold in
the world couldn’t help KK now. She shouted, “Papa! Please Papa! Stop, you’re hurting me!”
The lesson was abruptly halted. The Enforcer fell from Jane’s hand. “What did you say?”
KK said nothing and picked herself up then reached for the Enforcer. Her eyes begged for her Miss Jane to return. Jane appeared confused. Both sought out Miss Christi. Neither said a word. Miss Christi waited, and hoped that Jane could reconnect.
KK couldn’t wait. “Miss Jane, did you get Papa’s gift?”
“Papa’s gift? Yes, that. She’s lovely. Perhaps Miss Jane was a bit hasty.”
“Bit hasty! I won’t sit for a bloody week.” KK rubbed her bum and backed off.
Miss Christi feared the worst. “Girls, please be a dear and escort our Miss Krump up to the Cauldron for a soak.”
“Yes Mum, right away.” Danielle understood and took KK’s hand.
“This place fricken rocks!” Catherine didn’t.
Everyone but Catherine was staring at Mistress Sterling. Her face had a faraway look. She was completely lost in the fog.
“Sorry. I mean, yes, Miss Christi.” Catherine latched on KK’s free arm and started for the door.
“Wait!” KK stopped, pulled free and ran to the railing. “Who’s that?”
Miss Christi made haste in pulling KK back from view. “An old friend of Mistress Sterling’s. You’ll meet her at dinner dear.” Miss Christi looked at Catherine and went on, “Oh dear, I almost forgot. Miss Black, you don’t mind sharing Miss Wright’s bedchambers for a few nights, do you, my dear?”
“Now this place totally fricken rocks. I mean, yes, Miss Christi.”
KK pouted, “And where shall I be sleeping?”
Miss Christi growled, “Perhaps, the dungeon, Miss Krump?”
KK realized maybe now was not the best time to review the sleeping arrangements. “Come girls, I’ll tell you all about my awful week in Paris.” She gave a catty look then snapped her neck around to steal Catherine. “Come, kittens. We lay together, in the bubbles, oui?” KK giggled and added, “Perhaps I may teach you kittens some of the language of love. Oui?”