by Christy Poff
"Even though my wife made a positive ID after the attack?"
"Her father's lawyers are doing their job which, right now, is to discredit every piece of evidence used against their client. According to her lawyers, your wife could not have made a positive identification due to her condition."
"So explain to me how I tell my wife we can't get this fucking bitch out of our lives?"
"We've done the best we could to build a solid case against Jocilynne Sommersby. The lawyers are earning their money by filing motions and arguing their client's case."
"What the hell happens when she kills either one of us?"
"Hey, I'm just the messenger."
"And a good friend,” Reed added. “I'm sorry but this is frustrating and terrifying. I don't want to walk into my house and find Lynne there."
"I know. We've got a couple leads we're following. I'm trying to break the alibis. I've got Sommersby's girlfriend coming in later today."
"I wish you luck."
"I'll keep you posted,” Matt said before he left the office. Dan Weldon came in and sat down, not liking the look on his friend's face.
"What?"
"The bitch is walking on everything."
"You're kidding me."
"Nope. She's got the family lawyers working overtime to keep her out of jail."
"Anything I can do?"
"Watch your back and pray."
* * * *
Penny Dixon answered her phone.
"Hello?"
"Did the cops talk to you?"
"If you're asking if I saved your ass again—I did."
"Good, and you'll keep doing it if you know what's good for you."
"You're threatening me now, Lynne?"
"No, consider it a friendly warning."
"Why don't you stop whatever you're doing before..."
"Shut up, Penny! You know I can't let him get away with what he did."
"Cut your losses on this one."
"No, he and his little girlfriend need to know who's boss in matters like this."
"Get out before..."
"No, Penny!” Lynne screamed into the phone.
"Lynne, please be careful. Not everyone will sit back and take what you're dishing out."
"Oh, these two will."
"You haven't done anything major yet—just the phone calls."
"I beat the crap out of that little society upstart."
"You what? Lynne, I can't be a party to this."
"You already are so keep your mouth shut."
Penny hung up realizing she was in serious trouble. She made some notes then went downstairs to her father's office. She found him at his desk working on a landscaping layout for a huge corporate center in Chester County.
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Hi, Daddy, can you give me Mister Martin's phone number?"
"Why? What's up?"
"I need to ask him a question. A friend of mine might need a lawyer."
"Not Jocilynne, I hope."
"No, someone I went to school with."
Her father wrote the family attorney's name on a piece of paper and handed it to her.
"Are you sure you're all right, Penelope?"
"I'm fine,” she assured him. “Honest."
She gave him a quick kiss then left him. She went outside and headed toward the carriage house. She pulled out her cell phone and called the attorney's office.
"Martin."
"Mister Martin, it's Penny Dixon,” she slowly began. “I think I need a lawyer."
* * * *
"Engine 11, in the area of Head House Square, an investigation."
"Engine 11, responding,” Reed responded.
"Affirmative,” the dispatcher said. “Caller states they smell gas in the area but can't locate."
"Notify PGW to respond."
No sooner had he made the request for the gas company then they felt a tremor and saw smoke rising. He requested a box alarm assignment.
"Cap, we've got fire,” Johnson, the engineer said.
Reed turned to his crew.
"We've got a hit and we'll be out a while on it. Remember common sense and check your packs before you don them then take a tool with you. Be careful—we've got a gas fire."
"Yes, Cap,” they replied in unison though all of them took every word he said with them knowing he'd make sure they made it home later.
Once they arrived on location, they got off the engine and waited for further orders while Reed sized up the situation.
"Engine 11, establishing Head House command,” he said, giving their location and an initial report on what they had.
"Battalion Chief is responding to your location."
"Affirmative."
"Battalion 1 to Engine 11, protect the exposures until the utility shuts it down."
"Okay, Engine 11,” Reed responded. “You heard the man—pull a line and start protecting the surrounding buildings and area."
His crew pulled a line and began putting water on the building next to the fire. The incoming aerial set up then hit the upper floors of another nearby building.
Once the gas company responded and shut the line down, the firefighters put out the fire in an office plus spot fires. Reed talked with the battalion chief at the command post before Engine 11 returned to station. By the time they returned, they'd been out several hours, working well into the next shift.
They placed the engine back in service for the next call and the guys left though Reed remained needing to fill out the report and associated paperwork. Before he started on it, he sat down at his desk and rubbed his neck. He felt the edge of the bandage over the tattoo on his shoulder and smiled. He picked up the phone and called home.
"Hello."
"Hey, it's me."
"Are you all right?” she asked, concern in her voice.
"I'm beat. We just got back and I've got paperwork to do before I leave."
"Then get it done and come home to me."
"Yes, Mistress,” he said, grinning. “I love you."
"I love you, too, slave."
"God, what you do to me. I want to..."
"Hold that thought."
Reed filed the report and other forms pertaining to the call, did a couple more things then left to go home to the woman he loved. He went down the street a few doors from the firehouse and bought a dozen red roses then went back to his Chevelle. From the station, he drove to his jeweler on 8th Street in the heart of Philadelphia's Jewelers’ Row and picked up a diamond circle necklace and a multistrand necklace in gold and diamonds.
When he chose it, he'd been intent on white gold or platinum. He saw a gorgeous multistrand piece of jewelry with diamond and Austrian crystal accents and it struck him how it defined Chelsea's multifaceted personality while the circle of diamonds exemplified the full circle their relationship had taken. No matter which collar she wore, she'd be his. His male ego loved the idea of possessing her but his sanity knew it was the other way around—she possessed every facet of his life.
Once he'd picked up the jewelry, he drove to Carrington House. Anticipation got the better of him, his cock begging for her touch. He pulled into the garage, grabbed the roses and jewelry then went inside.
Ming-toi met him, his howl sending chills through Reed.
"Chelsea!” he yelled. “Chelsea!"
Terror gripped him, the house deathly silent. Thoughts of Lynne Sommersby's previous attack sent chills through him. What if ... Dropping his backpack on the kitchen floor, he sped to the stairway.
"Chelsea!"
"Reed, what's wrong?"
"My God, baby, are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine,” she said, trying to calm him. “Talk to me, Reed."
"When I came in, Ming-toi was acting strangely—like his world had been disturbed. Suddenly, I had awful thoughts of Lynne being here."
"Why?"
"Matt Nicholson stopped by before the call to tell me that, for every piece of solid evidence they have against her
, her lawyers have shot it all down."
"Even mine?"
"Especially yours. Her lawyer argues you weren't in your right mind because of the attack thereby tainting your identification."
Chelsea shook her head, denial written on her face.
"That bitch damned near killed me and caused me to miscarry our child and she walks?"
"I'm sorry, baby,” Reed said, holding her. “I take full responsibility for this."
"No, if anyone should, it's her and her parents. She has to face the music for this."
"But if..."
"Stop it!” she shrieked. “How many times do I have to tell you I have never blamed you? My God, Reed, I love you."
"Chels..."
"She's driving us crazy. Between the phone calls and breaking in ... My father equates it to being in a forest of mirrors—no matter where you look, you see no one but the threat is there."
He pulled her tight against him, wanting and needing to protect her from the world threatening them. He felt her shaking knowing something else upset her.
"Chelsea, what's wrong?"
"There are several messages on the machine and that came in the mail earlier,” she said, pointing to an open envelope on the table in the center of the entry hall. Reed picked it up and winced.
It's me or her and I will win.
"Did anyone besides you and me touch this?"
"No."
He put the piece of paper down then, without letting go of Chelsea, he called Nicholson.
"What did he say?” she asked after he hung up.
"He's on his way over."
"How soon?"
"You have something in mind?"
"I want to change. I don't think you want someone else seeing your wife in this outfit,” she told him, referring to the ultra sheer gown she wore which left nothing to the imagination.
"You're right about that,” he agreed. “Oh, these are for you."
"They're gorgeous,” she exclaimed, sniffing the crimson blooms. She made sure each one had a small tube of water and put them down on another table so she could put them in a vase later. They went upstairs, Reed's arm protectively around his wife. He did not like her being upset like this at all.
Once in their room, he slipped her gown off, loving how it showed everything off. Being the weekend with the staff gone, Chelsea usually wore some of her more erotically sexy outfits knowing how they would drive Reed crazy but with Nicholson coming over, no way.
"God, you are beautiful, Mistress,” Reed said, cupping her breasts while his thumbs played over her constantly aroused nipples. Whether from the piercings, the clothes she wore or Reed's touch, Chelsea's nipples remained firm and ready. She lifted one to his waiting lips, moaning when his tongue gently laved it. She wanted more only the sound of the doorbell brought them back to earth.
"Go meet your friend and I'll be down after I dress."
"Wear something low-cut,” he commanded. “I have something for you."
"Yes, Master,” she said, loving his take-control attitude. She smiled knowing he had shifted into overdrive in order to make sure no one hurt her.
"Tonight I want to tie you up so every nerve ending calls to me."
"Shibari?"
"Yes, I've done some reading..."
"Then I wish to bind your cock first."
"Anything, now let me go see who our visitor is before we wind up misbehaving."
* * * *
While Reed went to meet Matt Nicholson, Chelsea dressed in a black jumpsuit. Crossing her breasts at the right point to show her off but not too much, the neckline sat low as Reed wanted. The bodice hugged her body, showing off her curves while the pants flared out from her hips. The sheer overlay added a hint of mystery to the outfit especially when she wore extremely high heels. She checked her look, brushed an errant lock of hair out of her face then went to join her husband.
As she left the room, her cell phone vibrated. Looking at it, she saw the number for the gallery in the caller ID.
"Chelsea,” she answered.
"Hi."
"How are you tonight, Jeanne?” she asked the woman she'd hired to oversee the gallery while she recuperated from the attack. Even though she knew she could physically handle returning to the store, emotionally she couldn't go inside it because she saw the attack all over again in vivid detail each time she tried. Because her recovery time had been uncertain due to the head trauma she suffered, it had been agreed to hire Jeanne Thomas. The woman's credentials impeccable, Chelsea felt relieved and lucky to have found her.
"I'm fine."
"The gallery?"
"We sold the Matisse and your New York client will be in at week's end to pick up another painting."
"Outstanding,” Chelsea praised. “You've done a wonderful job keeping the gallery afloat."
"It's my pleasure. I've had several customers wanting to know when you might be back."
"It's still up in the air plus the maniac who did it is still walking around free as a bird. I'll be honest—she scares me."
"That reminds me—a messenger delivered a box with no return address on it."
"Hold on a sec,” Chelsea said. While on the phone, she'd been going down the grand staircase to join Reed and his friend. Once she did, she handed the phone to Nicholson and let Jeanne tell him about the delivery.
"What's wrong?” Reed asked.
"Someone sent me a gift at the gallery with no return address and by private messenger."
"You're not thinking..."
"The bitch scares me."
Reed pulled her close, slipping his finger along the edge of her bodice then down her spine. Heat flowed between them, Chelsea wanting him more. He relaxed her nerves while driving her crazy. He found a way to make her teeter on the edge and hold her like that—how she didn't know and had no intention of questioning.
"Don't touch it any more than you already have. I'll be over within the hour."
"Matt?"
"I don't want to take any chances with it. I'm going to have the bomb squad meet me there."
"Bomb Squad?” they both said at the same time, shocked.
"Reed, you know it's a precaution. Your crew will be standing by—as always. Now, do me a favor—stay here and wait for my call. If she's in the area, I want you two out of harm's way."
"Why would she...” Chelsea began to ask.
"Stalkers like to see their schemes come to an end. She wants to hurt you both and I want to stop her before she does."
* * * *
After Nicholson left, Reed held his wife while she trembled.
"Slave, I want you to stand in front of this mirror, your hands behind you and watch what I'm about to do."
"Yes, Master,” she said, grateful he knew when she needed his dominance. Their bond unique and rare, Chelsea feared losing it for any reason. She stood in the position he'd commanded, waiting for what her master would do.
"Very nice, slave, but for this, I need just a little more of you exposed,” he said, sliding his fingers along the edge of the bodice. Without warning, he pushed it to her waist, her breasts released to his touch.
"Does Master want me naked?"
"Soon, slave, soon."
Reed teased her firm buds, loving the fact they remained in a constant state of arousal. Her breath caught when he pinched them then applied a gentle pressure to each diamond stud.
"How do you feel, slave?"
"I need to come for you. I feel like fire is racing through my body from your fingertips to my..."
"Excellent,” he complimented. “Now, continue to play with your nipples and do not lose the feeling. I want you to watch yourself in the mirror."
Eagerly, she obeyed, her long nails exacting the right amount of pressure on her sensitive nipples. While she did, he walked behind her. She saw him pick up a velvet pouch then take out a necklace made up of at least a dozen strands of gold, diamonds and crystals. The varying lengths created a collar which dipped to the top of her breasts.<
br />
"I collar my beautiful slave for the rest of her life unless she wants to end this unique relationship. By accepting this collar, you submit your gorgeous being to me as I have submitted mine to you. Do you accept this as my mark on your exotic being?"
"Yes, I do."
"Good,” he said as he entangled his fingertips in her hair, gripped it and pulled her head back to roughly kiss her. Returning his kiss, she pricked her nipples, her body rocking from the orgasm created. She whimpered, their tongues dancing. He pulled her closer, holding her tight against him.
She melted in his arms, praying he'd strip her clothes off to ease the raging blaze overtaking her senses but instead, he lifted her up and somehow carried her to their playroom, their kiss unbroken.
He broke it long enough to lock the door, needing to be alone with her without the threat of interruption. Her eyes locked with his, her body trembled as she continued to obey his last command. Before she realized it, she got her wish.
"Thank you, Master,” she gasped. “The heat..."
"Good,” he said, “I want you hot and horny."
"I am, I swear, Master..."
He removed her shoes, Chelsea standing under a spotlight in all her glorious beauty.
"I'm going to bind you in the ancient way we discussed earlier. If I hurt you, you will tell me."
"Yes, Master."
With great care and meticulous skill, Reed bound Chelsea's breasts, while she continued to play with her nipples before he bound her wrists then pulled them above her head and over a hook. Next, he used ribbons and created armbands, the remaining lengths going between her legs and over her clit then back over the length of her body to set on her swollen nipples before being tied around the back of her neck.
"Are you all right?"
"No, Master."
"What's wrong?” he asked, worried.
"I need to come for you."
"Not yet, my beautiful slave,” he said. She watched him kneel before her then bind her thighs and calves, all his bindings designed to put her body on the edge. He spread her legs then stepped back.
"Are you ready, my love?"
"Yes."
Reed lapped at her nipples, her breath catching from the sensation. Her body jolted, the movement pulling the ribbons tight over her pussy. She trembled, holding her reactions until her master allowed her release. He ran his fingertips over her skin, Chelsea soaring to a new level of arousal then he moved behind her, capturing her hair in order to pull her head back. Laving her exposed neck, he watched her fight to obey his silent wishes.