They got out and jogged up the few steps to the building. As they pushed through the glass double doors, they caught sight of Chuck leaning against the wall next to a window where a clerk sat. He turned in their direction and straightened up. It was obvious he had been waiting for them, probably to escort them into the secure areas of the PD. His friendly smile seemed to Liam to be a good sign. Liam raised a hand in greeting. “Hey, buddy.”
“Hey, guys. Thanks for coming in on such short notice.”
“No worries, brother. Do you have any idea what’s up?” Jeremy did a poor job of masking the worry in his voice, Liam noted.
Chuck grinned at him. “In fact I do. It has to do with an idea I took to the chief. I hope you guys don’t mind but I’ll leave the details to him. If I give too much away he’ll have my ass. He does like his surprises. We have a few minutes until your meeting, though. Can I offer you a cup of coffee?” Chuck said the last over his shoulder as he used a key card to open an unmarked door leading off the lobby.
“Is it any good?” Jeremy followed him through the now open door and into the police department proper.
Chuck laughed. “Of course not. It’s PD coffee. But it’s free.” He led the way down the hallway and into a small break room.
“My favorite kind.” Liam chuckled. “I’ll have one. Black, please.”
They each fixed a cup in the ubiquitous Styrofoam and then followed Chuck down an adjacent hallway with several doors. Chuck explained as they passed each one that they led to the patrol room, evidence room, and men’s and women’s locker rooms. At the end of the hallway it opened up into a larger area where a woman sat at a desk. There were two open doors behind her.
Mounted on the wall between the two doors was a large framed picture of a digital traffic trailer. The sign said, “Buckle Up–Lick It or Ticket Zone Ahead.” A hand-lettered sign below the picture read, “Remember, your editor is worth her weight in gold.”
Jeremy looked from the picture to Chuck. “Okay, now that has to have a story.”
Chuck winced and then stage-whispered. “It does, but not here. I wouldn’t recommend asking Chief about it either. It’s still a sore spot with him. He got a lot of shit from the other chiefs about it. You know how cruel chiefs can be.”
“Fair enough,” Liam said. “But you have to tell us about it one day.”
Chuck nodded agreement as he walked up to the woman and leaned on her desk. “Hey, Patty. Is he ready for us?”
She looked up from her monitor, tilting her head to inspect Liam and Jeremy. “Good morning, Chuck. Are these them?”
“Shit, I’m sorry, Patty. Please pardon my bad manners. May I introduce Liam and Jeremy. Guys, this is the chief’s right-hand woman, Patty.”
Liam stepped forward and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
Patty took his hand and smiled in what Liam thought was an approving way. “Oh, I like this one.”
Jeremy swept forward, scooping her hand out of the air and planting a kiss on the back of it.
She laughed and a light blush played over her cheeks. “This one is a player, I see. He should fit right in.”
A deep voice rolled out of the open doorway to the right. “Patty, have our guests arrived yet?”
“Yes, sir. Just bringing them in now.” She jumped up. “If you gentlemen will follow me, please.”
They went through the door on the right with a nameplate that read “Chief John Roberts.” She knocked briskly in what was probably more of a habitual act than an actual requirement, since she never stopped her forward movement into the office. Liam trailed after her with Jeremy right behind him and Chuck bringing up the rear of the procession.
As he entered the room, Liam noted that the office was furnished in a nice but sensible way. There was a large desk, behind which sat a man of approximately fifty years. He had a crew cut that was still a dark brown and, unlike their own chief, he still wore his uniform, including a duty belt. In addition to the desk there was a conference table pushed up against the wall opposite and three chairs arranged facing the desk.
Patty introduced Liam and Jeremy and then slipped out as they shook hands.
“Have a seat, gentlemen. Thank you for coming in this morning.” The chief’s deep voice filled the room without being overbearing. It was a strong voice and one that Liam was sure could be used to coddle anxious citizens just as effectively as it could cut through a barroom brawl to restore order. Liam liked the man instantly. He saw that Jeremy was grinning happily, apparently feeling the same way. This might not be so bad after all.
“No problem, sir. Anything we can do to be helpful.” Jeremy took the indicated seat.
“Funny you should say that, son.” The chief rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and steepled his fingers. “As I hear it, you two have already been helpful catching those dumbasses that have been stirring up some trouble around here lately.”
“Yeah, about that, sir,” Jeremy blurted out before Liam could say anything. “We’re sorry if we stepped on any toes. It was just kind of habit, you know. We weren’t trying to cause any problems or anything.”
The chief seemed to contemplate them, his eyes missing no detail. Then he leaned forward and his gruff laugh again filled the room. “Relax, guys. I didn’t call you in to chew your asses. In fact, that was some damn fine work.” His gaze swiveled and landed squarely on Jeremy. “Although I don’t think your tactics were necessarily the safest.”
Liam was happy to see that Jeremy had the good grace to look embarrassed. He ducked his head and mumbled, “Yes, sir.”
Chief Roberts nodded. “Okay, enough of that. Chuck here brought an idea to me after the first arrest. I’ve been mulling it over and I think it has merit. How would you two feel about transferring up from Fresno to Grandpointe and helping us start a SWAT Team? I’ve made some discreet inquiries and I think you may be the men we’ve been looking for. Your current SWAT commander is an old friend of mine and he thinks very highly of you two.”
Before Liam could say anything Jeremy blurted out, “Really? We aren’t in trouble?”
Chief Roberts studied Jeremy for a few seconds before he answered. “No, son. You’re not in trouble. Now, I know Grandpointe PD is smaller than you’re used to and things are done a bit differently here, but I’ve been doing this job for thirty years and I like to think I am a good judge of people. What you two did can be rehashed and reevaluated all day long but you had to react to the situation in a split second and you made the same choices I would have in that circumstance, except for dragging out the foot chase maybe. I hate running.”
Liam cleared his throat. “Excuse me, sir. Do I understand that you want us to quit our jobs and move here to Grandpointe to start and lead your SWAT Team?” It sounded incredible coming out of his mouth, and his whole body was going quietly numb at the unexpected turn of events.
The chief nodded. “Yes, that is exactly what I am offering. I know it’s a big decision. I can tell you we will match your current salary. We also have a comparable benefit package and a more tolerant attitude toward unconventional lifestyles than most other agencies.” He flicked a glance at Chuck and smiled. “I can’t do anything for your seniority but everything else we can match or do better than you have now. How much time do you think you will need to talk this over and get back to me?”
Liam allowed his gaze to drift from the chief’s face to Jeremy’s. They stared at one another for several seconds, then simultaneously smiled and said a single word in unison—“Ginny.” Liam turned back to the older man and extended his right hand. “Sir, when can we start?”
* * * *
“Ooh, you guys look great.” Allie led Brody into the barn, followed by Alice and Steph. Alice was impressive in a long leather skirt and corset, and Steph had on a short trench coat above bare legs and high heels.
The young man gave her a quizzical look. “Thanks. Now, why exactly am I here?”
“You’ll see.” Alice looked around
the barn and nodded at Karl, who was off to one side talking to Liam and Jeremy. Jeremy seemed very excited, waving his arms animatedly as he made some point. “What’s that all about?”
“No idea.” Allie shook her head. “Those two are a riot.”
Alice turned back to Allie. “So what do you think of Brody’s new look?”
“I like it. I saw it at the drum circle the other night but didn’t get a chance to say anything.” Allie gave him an appraising once-over. The rebellious Goth kid was gone, replaced by a very respectable-looking young man with fashionably mussed hair, a clean silver-colored dress shirt and form-fitting black leather pants to replace the baggy jeans that had previously hung precariously off his ass. “You look bigger. Have you had a growth spurt?”
Alice laughed at Brody’s confused look. “No, we’re just working on his posture. I don’t allow my houseboys to go around slouched over and hiding behind bad haircuts.”
Karl finished up with the guys and strode over to join them. He shook hands with all three of them. “Good to see you again. You’re looking much more adult these days.”
Brody blushed at that, but Allie laughed. “It is a good look for you,” she told him. “Congratulations. I didn’t realize you were interested in being a houseboy.”
“Neither did I.” He gave her a sheepish smile.
“It’s Steph’s hypnotic powers,” said Alice. “Once he got a taste of playing with my irresistible slave he couldn’t bring himself to leave. As I told him, if he’s going to stick around he’s got to have a purpose.”
“I can’t blame him for wanting to stick around.” Allie smiled, pointing to the center of the room where Karl had arranged photographic lights around an assortment of chairs. All of the lights reminded her of the music video Falcon had shot in this barn last year. “Anyway, we’re ready for you here.”
“What did you have in mind?” Alice wandered toward the setup, motioning for her two submissives to follow.
Allie was always amazed at the difference between Steph when she was on her own versus when she was in Alice’s presence. It was as if she had two settings—fun-loving party girl and efficient personal assistant. Brody followed her as she took Alice’s coat and hung it in the corner before returning to take her place behind her Dominant. They both stood at attention, quietly waiting for a chance to be useful as Liam and Jeremy helped Karl make last-minute adjustments to the arrangements.
“Well, as you know, we’re having a Prestige and Protocol weekend soon,” Karl said, checking his equipment settings. “So we thought we’d do a few shots of Brody and Steph waiting on you.”
“Are we dressing Brody up as a French maid?” Alice wandered casually around the chairs. There didn’t seem to be any real purpose to her movements, but Allie noticed that she’d positioned herself where she could watch Brody.
It was certainly a good show. As her words registered, his face went from an impassive mask to a picture of shocked alarm. His eyes widened, his mouth gaped, and his cheeks turned first white and then red. Steph’s face didn’t change but her eyes veered in his direction and her lips twitched.
“I—What?” His head swiveled from Alice to Karl and back again. Jeremy gave a snort but quickly turned it into a coughing fit.
“Wouldn’t you like to be my sissy boy?” Alice gave him a sweet smile, obviously enjoying his astonishment. “You’d be so cute in a dress and makeup. We’d have to do some extensive shaving, of course, but that won’t be a problem. Would you do that if I asked you to?”
Brody’s throat worked as he shot a helpless look around. For a moment there was complete silence as he and Alice stared at each other. Then, very slowly, Brody’s head inclined and he mumbled something.
“I’m sorry. Could you repeat that?” Alice sounded amused.
“I said if it pleases you, Mistress.”
Jeremy’s voice came from the other side of the room. “You know, we might have to look into that for you, buddy. Help you get in touch with your feminine side.” He cackled with laughter and punched Liam in the arm.
“At least I have a sensitive side, you oaf.”
The door opened then and Charlie Wayne bustled in, carrying a large camera and a backpack. He introduced himself to the three models, regarding them with a professional eye as Karl directed Alice to take a seat on the high wooden chair.
“Are we doing Femdom?” Charlie asked, his eyes widening in appreciation as Steph took off her trench coat to reveal a black lacy corset that barely covered her nipples and a black lace thong.
“Yes, I thought we’d start with some of those,” Karl said, moving Brody to one side of Alice. “Take off your shirt please, Brody.”
The young man seemed only mildly surprised by the request, Allie noted. He was apparently getting used to taking direction. It was the first step toward becoming a valuable submissive. She gave him a smile and held out a hand to take the shirt from him as he unbuttoned it.
Then she gasped. The torso that was revealed when the shirt came off was truly impressive. He was not broad like Karl or quite as tall as Brad, but he obviously worked out on a regular basis. His shoulders and arms were very nicely defined, and his abs were a perfect rock-hard six-pack. Allie felt her mouth hanging open as she exchanged a look with Alice. The older woman raised an eyebrow and nodded at her.
“Who would have guessed, right?” She reached out a hand to stroke his stomach, and Brody’s face lit up in a shy smile. “He’s not allowed to hide under those silly baggy clothes anymore. I like to show off my possessions.”
Charlie’s mouth was also open and he seemed to be struggling for words. After gaping at the trio for a minute while Karl arranged them, he finally seemed to pull himself together and began adjusting his camera.
They did a few shots with the two young people kneeling in front of Alice, offering her drinks, and standing at attention next to her chair, then Charlie cleared his throat for attention.
“I know Brody is your submissive,” he said to Alice, “but I would recommend that we do a few male Dom pics as well. I’ve been commissioned to do some shots for romance covers.” He turned to Allie. “You remember Kane and Nikki, right? It’s for their next few books.”
“They were the writers who were here a couple of months ago, right?” Alice asked.
Charlie turned back to her. “Yes. Brody and Steph would be perfect. Is that something you would be interested in having them do?”
Alice regarded him for a moment before gesturing her submissives over to her chair. They knelt and looked up in an attitude of patient expectation.
“You’ve both voluntarily signed waivers allowing Karl and Charlie to use your picture in the ad campaign, but this is something different,” she told them. “Appearing on book covers implies a lot more exposure, to the general public as opposed to the fetish community. I want you both to think carefully about this, since I won’t make the decision for you. It could give you extra money to put toward college or save toward your future—”
“Or contribute to the household,” Steph put in softly.
Alice smiled and laid a hand on her head. “Or contribute to the household,” she agreed. “So think about it and let Charlie know if you’re interested. I personally think you both would make gorgeous cover models.”
Brody’s face was a bright red now and he looked up at her with a pleading expression. “Mistress,” he croaked, “I don’t think I can do that. I’m not a model—and I definitely don’t want to do it in drag. Steph would be great, of course, but why would he want me?”
“Relax, Brody.” Alice leaned forward, taking his chin in her hand. “I was only teasing you about the dress. As to why they would want you, it’s easy. Believe it or not, you are gorgeous. Didn’t you notice Allie’s and Charlie’s reactions when you took off your shirt? I know you don’t have a lot of self-confidence and you’ve never considered yourself good-looking, but believe me, you are. When you’re not hiding behind a terrible haircut and trying to look lik
e a gutter rat, you’re a very handsome man. Yes, I said man. I may call you my houseboy, but that’s just roleplaying. In my house you are a submissive, but only to teach you that everywhere else you can be a strong, capable, forceful man—whether you know it or not.”
He gulped audibly with a sidelong glance at Steph, who remained silent and impassive.
“Yes, Steph will agree to pose with you as your submissive,” Alice told him with a smile. “She may even be submissive to you at some point, if you both decide you’re interested and you pull your head out of your ass. Life is not about locking yourself in a little box. You can be submissive to me and dominant with others, as long as it’s negotiated and respectful. Steph understands that. Do you?”
“I–I’m not sure.” He shook his head a little, as if trying to make her words fall into place. “I just don’t think I would be any good at it.”
“That’s what you have me for—to guide and mentor your growth.” Alice slapped his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll beat you until you figure it out.”
“Promises, promises,” Steph murmured, throwing a quick wink at Allie.
Allie looked over at Jeremy and Liam when she heard one of them whisper, “Man, I hadn’t thought about that. If we all move in together we’ll have three incomes and only one set of household expenses. That would be pretty cool.”
She was pleased to see that her look was enough to quiet them down before they interrupted anything.
Alice stood up and motioned for Brody to take her seat. For the next hour, Karl and Charlie posed him and Steph in different ways, teaching him how to hold himself like a Dom and how to look his best for the camera. Allie leaned against the wall, watching and marveling. The boy was a natural, as was Steph. They made an extremely attractive pair, and she couldn’t help but think how uncomfortable she would have been as their Dominant. They were both in their early twenties, good-looking—even if Brody hadn’t realized his own attractions yet—and very suited to each other physically. Alice was an attractive woman with a strong and commanding presence, but she was in her forties and no longer the slender, svelte beauty she had been, as Allie knew from her father’s photography collection.
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