This short story is an entry in the 2002 Soc.Sexuality.Spanking Summer Short Story Contest and is copyright by the author and commercial use is prohibited without permission. Personal/private copies are permitted only if complete including the copyright notice. The author would appreciate your comments
Category: First/Last
Situational Ethics
By
Mara Maharakshasa <MaraMahaRakshasa@aol.com>
'Everybody always lies.'
I've been tempted to have such a sign over the entrance to our firm. But it might upset some clients. You know the type? The hypocritically religious, the corporate maharajahs, the obsessed politicians, to name a few. No, they never lie.
A case in point: Our friend Martha. The Feds are closing in, because ... Well, no reason at all. She's guilty by association, for doing business with a sleazy guy. But she compounded it by telling a transparent lie, then trying to persuade a few lowly beings to back up her story. Now, faced with the prospect of being busted, they're singing like canaries.
It's the lie that will undo her.
She's due to visit today, to hear advice on how to proceed.
It's almost a shame to take her money, because there's little left to offer.
I listen with growing impatience, my hands folded, trying to retain a serene expression. Finally, I interrupt. "Listen, I had this same problem with Clinton. Bill, that is. Lots of 'he said, she said,' the press all over the story. I advised him the best defense was 'Yeah? So what?' But, dressed up as a public apology. He didn't really get it."
"I can't do that!" she explodes, "They all hate me!"
"They'll hate you more, if this drags on. You just say 'sorry,' and give the dough involved to a charity. Maybe a bit more, so they don't scream 'tax dodge.'"
She pinches her face into a mean expression, and I think, yes, that's the real problem. She's cheap, despite all the money.
"They'll crucify me, whatever!"
"Listen ..."
"No, you listen! I've got nothing to hide!"
"Which is why you listen to other lawyers saying 'plead the fifth?' Excuse me for a little cognitive dissonance here."
She glowers. A few moments of silence follow.
"That's my advice, anyway. Apart from my special therapy package, that's all I can offer."
She looks out the window. "Okay, you got me. What's the 'special therapy' package?"
"A way of making you accept the situation better."
"Not some New Age crap, I hope?" she sneers.
"Not at all."
"Shoot, then."
"You say you have 'nothing to hide'?"
"Yes."
"Then take your clothes off."
She doesn't know whether to laugh or throw a fit. Thin- lipped, she replies: "Are you serious?"
"Perfectly."
I wait patiently as she removes the stylish gray suit, the blouse, the figure-shaping corset. She's nervous as she unfastens her bra, and awkward as she rolls off her tights. She won't look at me as she slips off her panties, but there's a 'not as bad as you thought, huh?' look on her face. And she's right, considering her age.
"Now what?" she asks.
"Bend over my desk," I tell her, pulling a fat leather paddle from my bottom drawer.
"Oh."
"That's right. Having your bottom spanked will remind you what a naughty girl you've been. Call it a lesson in humility. You'll listen to advice from now on, Martha."
The End
© Copyright by Mara Maharakshasa, 2002. All rights are reserved by the author. Do not retransmit, store (except for personal use) or publish without permission.
Reviews
Tami <tamishy(at)webtv(dot)net>
Ok, so I admit it, I missed the punchline. This story is completely imaginary, I believe. I really don't know any client who would agree to this without having a hidden agenda. But, then again, maybe she did.
Anne <Ladyanne60(at)aol(dot)com>
This is a story that will grab everyone's attention. And that's a good thing! This drama has a lot of merit, that could stand on its own without the high profile character in question. Why take her money, when she has a flair to spruce up his office decor. There is a whole lot of scheming going down in this office, that has nothing to do with colors.
Owen Williamson <ashthorn(at)maildulf(dot)com>
I have to presume that this is based round some American political intrigue that hasn't percolated over to this side of the Atlantic. Not knowing the background makes it a little difficult for me to follow the story.