“If I might ask, how did you decide on Infinity? There must be several good firms in Texas. But don’t get me wrong, I’m so glad you chose us. I’m happy to serve you,” said JD.
Lon laughed.
“Well, hon, your firm comes highly recommended by my cousin and I’m grateful you could meet with me on such short notice. I’ve been observing your firm for a very long time. But my only concern is your computer system. Did you get that issue straightened out?”
JD frowned, then patted Lon’s hand.
“Don’t worry about anything. Just a little glitch that has been already fixed. Maybe we could sign the papers over dinner,” she added.
I think she’s flirting with me; I have her right where I want her, Lon thought.
He straightened his shoulders and adjusted his chair a little closer to JD. He could smell her cheap, sweet perfume. It disgusted him, but he flashed a huge smile.
“Sure, if you can find a nice quiet booth,” he said. He noticed that Sam followed them as JD led him to an intimate corner. I’ll have to be on my best behavior, Lon thought.
Just then the casino monitors flashed an urgent message— both Jaz and MJ Moore had been abducted atop the roof near the new Eden Rocket ride while promoting Space Ventures at their gala event.
“As CEO of Space Ventures, I am very upset about these circumstances and concerned about their safety and well-being. I’m offering a $100,000 reward for the safe return of these women, no questions asked. I fear for their lives and urge anyone to come forward if they know who did this and where they might have gone,” said Mark, his tie askew and eyes watering.
Lon stopped to take in the message as the photos of the two women were shown on the screen. He scrutinized them carefully and it dawned on him: he knew these women.
Changed, but still the same women I met at the Optimal luncheon. Now they’re famous and have been kidnapped! he thought.
“Is everything okay? I can’t believe this happened here— thought they had better security. Especially in this day and age of ultimate surveillance,” said JD as she observed the monitors.
As they entered the Starlight Restaurant, a security guard asked for their IDs but JD offered her imprint to reveal her credentials, working for Infinity.
“We’re here conducting business; he’s been with me the entire evening,” said JD, dismissing the guard’s inquiry.
“Sure JD, sorry, enjoy your dinner,” he said.
Lon breathed a sigh of relief at this moment. Without a current ID as Lon Montana, he was screwed. He would have to change back to Lena before leaving the casino. But first and most importantly, the deal must be signed. He ordered a rare Porterhouse steak and fries, even as his stomach resisted it.
“That’s what I like— a Texan with a good appetite,” said JD. Her speech slurred as she toasted him with a third martini.
Luckily, Lena a.k.a. Lon could hold her liquor, always drinking friends under the table, toasted the slightly tipsy JD. He pretended to study the contract, signing it while finishing his steak.
“Done deal,” he announced with a mouthful of steak.
He glanced behind him to see Sam in a nearby booth eating a burger. I will have to ditch him somehow, he thought.
“You’re deep in thought. What’s on your mind, Lon? Hope you’re not regretting our deal. I want this to go smoothly and then introduce you to my boss, Mr. Whitaker. Hope you’re not leaving town soon,” said JD; her eyes looked directly into Lon’s.
Coming on very strong, have to get out of here now. Must take my green pill first, he thought.
“Thanks so much for dinner. I’ve this call to make; you’ll have to excuse me,” Lon said. He rose abruptly.
“Sorry, I’ll call you tomorrow to set up that meeting,” JD called after him.
Lon walked slowly as to not draw any attention to himself, swallowed a green pill, and headed for the transporter. The transporter doors opened and he used his code to get into the office. He then entered his office, grabbed his clothes and headed for the bathroom; no one would be there at this time of night. The hall was dark and all the offices appeared locked. Lon immediately ran to the women’s bathroom and entered the stall. He concentrated, but felt nothing. Just focus and don’t panic, he thought. Breathing in, closing his eyes, he dreamed of being carefree Lena. Meditating for what seemed like hours, his breasts started developing, his beard disappeared, and his hips expanded.
Lena laughed out loud and changed into her dress and heels. She left the stall and stared at her reflection in the mirror— once again a woman, except for a few stray hairs on her chin. Time to go home, better hurry, she thought. She heard a click at the front doors; someone was entering the office.
“Hey Sam, I sealed the deal with Lon Montana, surpassing that stupid Lena in sales. Do you know why she stayed late tonight? Dig up any dirt on her?” said JD. Then she started laughing.
Lena almost threw up, but quietly left the bathroom and out the back entrance, down the back transporter. When she reached the bottom and opened the door to the outside, her legs began to wobble. But she sighed in relief and hailed a cab.
Sydney
Sydney heard someone gently knocking on the door. She willed it to go away, but it got louder and harder. One eye opened and she checked her wrist— 3 a.m. She groaned— underestimated Kim again. Sydney wanted to die.
“Who is it?” mumbled Charlie. Sydney placed her hand over his mouth and whispered “Shush,” then kissed him gently.
“Sydney, it’s Kim. I know it’s early but you have five appointments today and Mr. Scott wanted me to brief you and we need to determine what you are going to wear for each one. May I come? I can use my imprint to get in— told them I was your business associate sharing this suite with you,” said Kim.
Sydney let her head fall back on the pillow.
“You promised to get me out of here and now what am I going to do?” she whispered to Charlie.
“Don’t worry, I’ll disappear now and I will keep track of you with this. Wear this like an earring, it’s a tiny microphone. Then we’ll escape,” he said. He put on his pants and disappeared into the adjoining room.
He leaned up against the wall to listen to their conversation.
Sydney popped out of bed and wrapped the oversized white hotel robe around her.
“Coming, give me a minute,” she said, just as Kim unlocked the door.
Kim surveyed the room as if looking for something or someone.
“Someone saw a man enter your room, but I told Mr. Scott you were not that kind of girl,” she said smugly.
Looking immaculate, Kim stood with her arms crossed in a stylish gray suit with a crisp white blouse and gray patent leather three-inch heels. Her hair was tied back in a loose pony tail. She pulled a pad and pen out of her pocket.
She let out a breath.
“We have so much to do in so little time. First, we fly to Naples, Florida and sign the deal with Mr. T. By the way he was quite intrigued. Second, we do a photo shoot on the beach with that golfer, Frank Sanders, who owns resorts. You may have to wear a bikini, hope your brought sunscreen. Next, we go to Disneyworld and meet with their execs— Mr. Scott wants to open a casino there. Then….” Kim continued.
Sydney’s eyes drooped and barely listened to Kim’s monologue. How could a person be so cheerful at three-something in the morning? All she wanted was a steaming cup of coffee. She hoped Charlie had a plan; she held on tightly to the little gold stud.
“Look at you, you need a shower and some coffee. I’ll order room service and check your closet for the appropriate attire. Then I’ll do your hair and make-up. Do you think you can be ready in ten? We don’t want to miss our five a.m. plane!” Kim said as she pointed her toward the bathroom.
Sydney jumped in the shower and let the hot water beat against her tired body. Tears fell upon her cheeks as she cried in frustration. She changed the water from steaming hot to icy cold to wake herself up. I need to face my demons head on;
I’m smarter than this and I can beat them at their own game. Just go along for a while and then break free, Sydney thought. She dried off and placed the tiny stud in her ear.
“Can you hear me?” she asked.
“Loud and clear. I’m next door and ready to follow you. Just keep me updated,” Charlie said through her stud.
Sydney brushed her teeth and fluffed her spiky hair. She plastered on a huge smile and opened the door. Kim handed her a cup of java and her outfit.
“Wear this and you’ll look stunning. But we must do something with that hair.” At the same time, she turned to answer Mr. Scott’s hologram.
“Yes, she’s almost ready, Mr. Scott. I’ve stressed how important this trip is…”
Sydney changed into a skin-tight topaz-colored dress; she could hardly breathe.
Mr. T’s entourage and staff were waiting for them as Sydney and Kim stepped off the space taxi. The black tarmac, the bright sunlight, and muggy Florida heat hit her all at once. Her dark glasses and aura gave her the look of a star or fashion model; and some people started snapping her photo as she stepped into the airport and into the long, white space taxi. It helped that she had just taken a green pill, putting away the fears and adding an air of haughtiness. Mr. T greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and warm handshake.
“Good morning, Mr. T. We are so happy to be here today and follow up with you on our conversation from last night about the merger…” said Kim, then handed him some papers.
He dismissed her and directed his comments to Sydney.
“Shush, please let Sydney give me the details,” he said coldly.
Until a minute ago, Sydney had completely forgotten what she was going to say. But the green pill, her adrenaline rush, and sudden charm saved her.
“We’ll look at the paperwork later— Kim and your manager can review the numbers. What I want to do is tour your elegant hotel and have brunch. But first, I need to freshen up; I’m so hot right now,” she said.
“Me too, baby, where are you going? I can meet you in an hour,” Charlie commented in her ear.
Mr. T moved in closer and pointed out the sights and highlights of his beach property.
“Here we are at Playa Plaza Hotel,” he said.
“Playa Plaza Hotel in beautiful Naples. I love it already, a perfect addition to the Casino,” Sydney repeated for Charlie, handing the paperwork to Kim as Mr. T took her arm.
They made a grand entrance as the staff greeted them, presenting Sydney with a huge bouquet of pink roses, a key to the penthouse, and a box from Tiffany’s. Kim’s eyes grew big and looked over Sydney’s shoulder.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Here, you open it,” Sydney said, her voice devoid of emotion and handed it to Kim. She took off the silver ribbon and lifted the light blue top to reveal a diamond bracelet.
“She can’t accept this. You’ll have to give it back, Sydney,” Kim said.
“Nonsense. If she doesn’t accept, then we can’t seal the deal,” said Mr. T, fastening the bracelet on her tiny wrist. It dazzled brightly, catching the sun’s vibrant rays.
“It’s so beautiful, but I wouldn’t want to jeopardize any merger deal between the Star Casino and Tedford Inc.,” said Sydney, looking at Kim.
“Nonsense, I’ll call Scott myself, once the papers are signed. You’ll probably want to use the powder room, take our tour, and be ready for brunch,” Mr. T said.
Kim shook her head, but kept quiet so as not to offend Mr. T. She kept staring at the bracelet as Sydney held it up to the light.
The day moved smoothly once the paperwork was signed. Mr. T didn’t want Sydney to leave, but Kim dragged her off to numerous other appointments. They fused into one big blur as Sydney played golf with Sam, the pro, posed in her bikini on the Vanderbilt beach for their resort, met with Japanese investors as they took their yacht around Key West, who then flew them in their private plane to Disneyworld and Epcot. Kim sat nearby reviewing the latest contracts, busily talking to Mr. Scott. Sydney closed her eyes on the flight and listened carefully to Charlie.
“I persuaded Dr. Arno to let me charter a private plane from Orlando to Optimal headquarters, telling her that the Star Casino pressured you to work for them like a slave. She was at first upset with me that I was in Florida, but horrified they railroaded you into this job. If all goes well, you’ll meet me at the Expedition Ride at 9 p.m. I’ll be one of the workers and will take you on the shuttle ride of your life. Be sure to wear a Disneyworld t-shirt so you’ll look like everyone else,” he said.
Kim booked three executives before dinner and laid out Sydney’s long dress for the evening. The black sheath wrapped around her, making it impossible to walk in, let alone a quick exit. But in her bag, she had a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals.
“Look alive, now, one more big meeting, then we’re done for today. Remember our deal--Mr. Scott is very proud of the results, although I think he should credit me for the details,” remarked Kim in her tight green silk.
Sydney nodded and went through the plans step-by-step in her head, hoping Kim would be distracted so she could escape.
All eyes were glued on Sydney as she made her last presentation in a hidden club above a popular restaurant in the Disney World park, focusing on the casino’s advantages and her success and pride to now be part of the organization. Her star quality shone. “And the unique atmosphere of the Star Casino on top of the famous Meridian will leave you breathless…”
The double doors swung open and the English actor strutted into the room, interrupting her presentation. Sydney stopped talking and her eyes bulged as she recognized the famous star.
“As President and CEO, I would like to toast to this partnership and now introduce our honorary Chairman, Reggie Reed. As the lead actor in the highly acclaimed Black Kings & Red Queens series, Reggie is not known for his role at Disney World and we are honored to have him,” Mr. E said as everyone gasped.
Reggie joined Sydney and addressed the group.
“Nice of you to include me on the Board. Although I hate rides, I love the Disney brand— you know, Mickey Mouse and being here at the happiest place in the world. And of course to be here with this beautiful lady. Please continue,” he said, smirking at Sydney.
She immediately took a disliking toward this arrogant man and couldn’t wait to escape to be with Charlie; but she put on her phony smile and continued.
“Well, nice to meet you in person. Big fan of the show. But I will wrap up my presentation and invite all of you to visit the Star Casino, the greatest casino on the planet,” said Sydney.
Kim clapped with everyone else, but mouthed is that all? She got up to speak.
“Please note that all of our benefits are outlined on our site and we invite you to take our virtual tour with the provided VR glasses. Plus Mr. Reed has an open invitation to come to our casino to stay in our Executive Suite with unlimited amenities,” Kim said.
“And of course, to include a lovely companion to join me… maybe Sydney,” Reggie said. He reached for her hand and grasped it tightly. Sydney stood there quietly.
“That guy is too much. Change of plans-- leave now. Say you’re sick and I’ll meet you at the restroom on the first floor,” whispered Charlie into her earring.
Sydney bent over and started to groan.
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
Reggie quickly let go of her hand and turned away as Kim appeared at her side.
“What’s up? Are you really sick? We’ve got dinner reservations at 9 p.m.” Kim said.
Sydney clutched her stomach.
“Got to run. Such a long day— I’ll let you know,” she said, gagging. She noted Kim’s look of disapproval and headed down to the first floor restroom. She breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Charlie waiting by the restroom entrance. They ran into each other’s arms.
“Well, you’re a better actor than I am. Almost had me fooled,” said an English voice behind them.
Sydney turned to f
ace Reggie. Her mouth dropped.
“Uhh, haven’t seen my husband in two weeks. Missed him so much— needed an excuse,” she said as a sudden flood of tears streamed down her face.
“They didn’t mention that you were married, only that you’d show me around and give me a tour of the casino whenever I wanted. There are expectations,” Reggie said.
Charlie checked his watch.
“Got to catch our plane,” he said, grabbing Sydney’s hand.
She fidgeted and stared into Reggie’s angry eyes.
“I apologize Mr. Reed. I promise when I get back I will give you that tour and make sure your visit is a priority. Got urgent business at home to take care of so if you could please excuse me,” said Sydney. She touched Reggie’s arm.
“Hey, your secret’s safe with me. Not a word to Kim, I promise,” Reggie said, putting a finger to his lips.
With no time to change and breathing a sigh of relief, Sydney thanked Reggie and they took off running toward the entrance of the Park where a car was waiting to take them to the airport. Charlie whisked them through security and onto the luxurious private plane.
“Where are we going?” asked Sydney.
Charlie cleared his throat.
“Don’t be upset with me— Optimal headquarters.”
“Why, what do they want from me?” she asked as she looked for the exit.
Lena
Lena woke up in her apartment at 7 a.m. and found her vibrating bracelet and panicked. The message was loud and clear— return to Optimal for evaluation. She immediately checked her pills and discovered she had only one and not much time left.
Lena felt herself morphing again and ran to the bathroom mirror. She realized she had slept in her clothes after falling exhausted on the bed the night before. Her dress hung on her except for her shoulders, which had expanded. Facial hair sprouted again on her chin line with bushy eyebrows and haunted eyes. She was now Lon again— Lena’s alter ego. She screamed a short shrill screech, ripped her dress off, and then started to cry huge heaving sobs. Her chest now flat, body tapered at the waist, slim hips, and yes-- no mistaking that male appendage.
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