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The Apprentice by Karen Blayne 
Oh by the way red tape first. 
Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus they are not suitable for you so put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.
They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author.  All copies must be of the complete document.  ©2018 Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.
Luv Karen
 
I was on my back on some sort of board on wheels trying to free whatever it was I’d sprayed with penetrating oil an hour ago.  I could do this.  It was just a matter of finding the magic word.  I heaved with all my strength and finally it gave way.  “Julie?  Has anyone seen her?”  Steve pulled me out.  “Oh good you’ve found her.”  Ms. Devonshire looked down at me.  “Well there is a certain resemblance to her.”  I put my tongue out and refrained from uttering the unladylike word that most of the other apprentices used when freeing rusty nuts.
 
“Julie one of the summer students was murmuring something about it didn’t feel right when he was doing a spreadsheet for me.  Could you spare a minute and set him right?”  Could I?  Why not the most junior member of the apprentices always got the jobs no one else wanted.  I slipped off my gloves, at least these ones I’d found meant I didn’t get ingrown oil and grease and followed her upstairs.  “What’s the problem?”  “I’m not sure. Roland is a bit of an oddity.  One of the tutors called and asked me if I could find him a placement as he was intelligent but didn’t have a lot of people skills.  He didn’t fit in too well where I put him first.  Something to do with the second day he came in and announced the inspection process was flawed something to do with the sampling rate.  Well you know about our policy of listening to people.”  “Oh the feel good policy?”  “Yes that one.  Well he was right but the manager didn’t like the way he expressed himself.”  “You mean no tact?” I got smiled at.  “So I sat him in the corner to go through and verify the travel claims which have got a bit behind.”
 
“So what’s the problem?”  “Well this hotel travel claim from five years ago is for a course but is for a week later than the course.”  I looked at him.  Was he for real?   “It doesn’t feel right.”  Feelings male university students have feelings?  “Show me.”  He showed me.  “If I could dig a bit deeper I might find out why.  It’s probably nothing but it niggles me.”  OK to keep him quiet I signed on and pulled up the underlying data.  “This looks confidential.  Will we get in trouble for accessing it?”  “Apprentices get dumped in all sorts of odd places.  HR had too many people on vacation so I got roped in.  I still have the clearance so as long as I’m here its OK.”  Rolland started to type. 
 
“That’s odd there were two of them on the course and one has the right dates on the hotel and the other doesn’t.”  “Let me guess the air travel dates return is for a week after the course?”  “Yes odd that.”
 
“Can you see who else went on the course and what other courses the people concerned went on?”  He went quiet then asked what information did we have.  I pulled up the chart with lots of names and so forth that showed our databases and their field names.  Rolland started to type and in a couple of minutes there was our suspect having taken the same course five years running each time accompanied by a second person.  He brought up the second person. They were both temps which was odd we don’t normally send temps on training courses and certainly not to the Caribbean in winter.  Rolland typed in the course code and up came a basic introductory word processing course that I recognised having taken it.  Five times and he’d taken it in the Caribbean during January?  He’d taken a winter holiday at company expense.  Once it was a mistake, twice a coincidence but five times sharing a bedroom with some young temp?
 
Rolland dug again in to the HR database.  “I recognise the name of the University it was in a report about fake degrees for sale.”  The company doesn’t even require managers to have degrees for heavens’ sake.  I peeped over his shoulder as he brought up the temp’s details.  A Ph.D. working as a temp?  Well it looked an obscure subject certainly.
 
“When I worked in audit, they had what they called suspicious values.”  I pulled up the set of values they used.  Rolland worked his magic something to do with inner and outer joins.  There were a number of transactions he’d signed off on that came within 1% of the suspicious value figure.  Almost as if he knew how the system worked and was gaming it.  I looked at Rolland “There’s probably a very simple explanation.  Shall we go and ask him?”  Rolland shrugged.  I logged out and went off to find Ms. Devonshire.
 
We’d take the sleeper from the Railway station.  We stood in line and I asked for two sleepers with my hand on my money belt.  “No one will do.”  Rolland pulled out his student id and asked for a student discount on a family sleeper.  Was this guy crazy?  He doesn’t even ask me if I want to share.  Still a shared family sleeper on student discount was a lot cheaper than two single sleepers.  OK I’m miserly.  I can live with that.  I thrust a bunch of hundreds into his hand.
 
We breakfasted at McDonalds.  Not my favourite food but whatever, when we reached the office I was relieved to see Frank on the door.  “Hi Frank we were just passing and I thought I might drop by.”  “Miss Julie.”  He acknowledged me.  His hand went down to the phone.  “No warning phone calls Frank it’s a surprise visit but you can escort us up there if you like.”  I like Frank he’s ex-military and one of Ms. Devonshire projects.  Apparently he suffered from PTSD when he first joined but once Ms. Devonshire got to work on him and made him open up apparently he’s been much better.  “Let me call a replacement for the front desk.”  I nodded and a minute or two later we were in the elevator.  
 
I smiled sweetly “Hi I’m here to see Mr. Emberson.”   “He’s very busy in conference at the moment I could make an appointment if it’s very urgent.”  Rolland wandered past us and tripped by the door falling on to it and pushing it open.   Mr. Emberson was seated at his desk with a blonde head bobbing up and down.  Both Frank and Rolland being typical males looked on fascinated.  I turned to the executive assistance or whoever she was and picked up her phone calling Cathy in HR.  “Julie here, I’d like a union rep here and someone from staff relations in Mr. Emberson’s office as quickly as you can please.”
 
“Just who do you think you are barging in like this?”  I stepped into the office followed by the assistant.  “I tried my best to stop them.”   Mr. Emberson stood up and tucked himself back inside.  The girl had backed away to the wall and was looking sick.  “We just wanted you to clear up a few minor points about a five-year old travel claim.”  He roared there was no other word for it.  The swearwords that came out would put my fellow apprentices to shame.  Followed by “Do you know who I am?”  The gentleman from staff relations came in followed by a middle-aged lady.
 
Frank took charge.  “Mr. Emberson seemed to be being given a blow job by the young lady.”  The middle-aged lady stepped forward to the girl.  “Say nothing until we’ve talked.  I’m a union representative.”  She looked to Frank who nodded she could take her back into the outer office.  Frank turned to me.  “You next.”  I turned to Rolland who pulled out his printouts and laid them on the desk.  “You seem to have taken the same course five times in January in the Caribbean we just wondered why when it was available locally.”  “Was it?”  I glanced out the door and saw the girl stiffen and slide outside.  “It’ll be fine.”  “It will all come out and I’ll lose my job.”  The union rep looked fierce.  “Not whilst I’ve got breath in my body.”  “But I’m only a temp.”  “We’ll make you permanent.  Know anything about these courses?”  “Oh we’d pop in on the first day and register then for half an hour on the last day to get our certificate to say we’d been on the course.  It was my job if I didn’t go.”  “Shut up you stupid bitch!” came from the office.  The Staff Relations guy picked up the sheets that Rolland had placed on the table.  Rolland had wandered off out of the office.  I quietly said the words since no one else looked brave enough.  “Mr. Emberson you are dismissed on the spot for violating the company’s policy on harassment, Personnel will send you a formal letter which will also mention fraud relating to your courses and additionally after evidence of suspicious transactions the auditors will be going through your work.”   “They weren’t suspicious.  They were under the suspicious transaction limits.”   Everyone in the room including himself fell silent at his words as he realised what he had said.  Frank called up reinforcements and soon the office was crowded with security personal.  I slipped away to the outer office where the girl was sobbing away as Mr. Emberson was lead away.
 
“Does anyone know what he does?”  The guy from Human resources asked.  “Not much and I’ve been doing it for him for the last two years.” The union rep spoke up “So you could do his job until the dust settles?”  “Well yes, I suppose so.”  “Acting pay of course.”  The rep stated towards HR who nodded not knowing what else to say.  “So why don’t you step back into your corner office?”  I asked.  She looked around the office as if seeing it for the first time.  “You mean this is mine?”  “With the salary to go with it.”  Added the rep.  She sank into the big leather chair behind the mahogany desk.  “Oh my.”
 
She looked fine to me.  “Is there anyway I can repay you?”  I felt like splurging for once in my life.  I wrinkled my nose.  “You don’t have a kitchen by chance?”  She nodded.  I pulled out a sheet of paper and started to write down a list of ingredients then gave her a couple of notes from my money belt.  “If you could pick these up for me and let me loose in your kitchen that would be wonderful.  I suspect no one would mind if you were to sneak off early today since it’s been a bit stressful.”  She looked down at the list.  “I’ve a best china set that I got as a wedding present if that would help?”  I grinned, at least we wouldn’t be eating at McDonald’s tonight.
 
I picked Rolland up in the outside office.  “Got your student discount id handy?”  His nose twitched.  “It’s either McDonald’s or we sit down to dine on my cooking and china plates and I’ll need a new dress for that.”  He actually pretended to think about it for thirty seconds before saying “I’ve never actually tried Mcnuggets.”  “Careful you might regret saying the next few words.”  “Your cooking can’t be that bad.”  I glared at him.  “Let’s start on the shops then since I assume you’ll want to visit every dress shop within the city.”  I counted to ten before elbowing him in the stomach and stalking off to the elevator.
 
I daren’t visit all the dress shops in town anyway but there were a few boutiques that Cathy had mentioned to me.  He was good and sat quietly reading his book at the till until I was done.  We saved over $50 with Rolland’s student id.  Although when it came to the unmentionables I had to mention he was a cross dresser which made the shop assistant turn almost a deep shade of red as Rolland was.  We got our 10% discount though.
 
Rolland curled up with a paperback with a lurid cover.  I’m quite certain if ever I ended up on a spacecraft I’d want something much more practical than the armour the girls were almost wearing.  Still if it kept him quiet what was I to say?
 
“They only had big tubs of sour cream.”  “That’s fine.”  I looked round at the gas range, perfect.  We chopped and blended and put the main course in the oven.  The sauces I set aside the carefully measured ingredients then started to change.  I’d just got my top off and was unhooking my bra when Michelle’s husband walked through the door.  “Out!” cried Michelle as she hustled him back through the door.  I finished getting changed and when Michelle returned she found me a large apron to protect my dress.  “It’ll look better with heels.”  She murmured and slipped out the kitchen door.  Returning with two pairs, which I tried on.  “I’ll just go and change.  No for once I’ll bring the dress in here and we can make an entrance together.”
 
I prepared the sauces with my own shoes on whilst she changed.  She stood and posed in her underwear.  “Office dress code.  Felix hasn’t seen just how bad it was yet.”  It was hopelessly impractical.  The bra was quarter cup if that.  I hoped it was a seam down the front but I had my suspicions and as for the amount of time it took to make sure the seams were straight before hooking up the black silk stockings the least said the better.  She slipped on a dress with a low neckline over the top and I helped Michelle put a brush through her hair.  It didn’t take much to make it curl nicely about her face.  Mine unfortunately is straight.  It just won’t hold a curl well without the sort of treatment I’m not prepared to undergo.  I plated up and then we were ready.   I wobbled slightly as I walked in carrying two plates.  Michelle’s husband eyes widened as he took in my dress.  Rolland bless him looked up briefly looked back down at his book then looked up again as if he couldn’t believe his eyes, from Rolland that was flattery indeed.  I felt fluttery inside.  Michelle made the most of her neckline as she bent forward to serve Rolland his supper.  Her husband grinned at me.  “She likes to exhibit her body from time to time.”  Exhibit, that was one word for it.  I ran my fingers over his shoulders working my thumbs on his spine as I stood behind him.  Michelle got the message and meekly took her seat opposite.  
 
“Well now what’s the celebration?”  “I tripped and fell against an office door and when it sprang open there was Michelle’s blonde head bopping up and down.”   I felt a desperate need for a roll of duct tape.  You’d be surprised how useful it can be to a poor apprentice.  An eyebrow was raised and Michelle blushed.  “Well since the mortgage went up 2% you know I had to do whatever to keep my job.  We did discuss it.  It’s not as if he put it in me.”  I got the feeling discussed or not this was a sensitive subject.  “One day I’ll kill the rat.”  “She isn’t working for him any more.”  I blurted out.  He looked up.  “You mean you’ve lost your job?”  Michelle looked meekly across the table “I’ve just been given his.”  “At his pay.”  Added the profit of doom from across the table.  I wondered if Felix could cope with a wife that was better paid than he was.  “It’s only acting.”  “Yes but if that union rep gets her way it will be confirmed or there will be blood.”  “Are you enjoying the food Rolland?”  I heard myself bleat as I struggled to not make things worse.  “Not bad.  Rent-a-chef was it?”  “I don’t mind a spot of blood on the carpet.”  Contributed Michelle.
 
Rolland looked puzzled.  “When it’s that tone of voice it means you’ve put your foot in it and I suspect it will be your blood on the carpet.”  Felix contributed.  “You mean this is home cooked?”  He looked towards Michelle in disbelief.  “But not my cooking.”  He looked sheepish at me.  “You really cooked this?”  I nodded planning just which bit of jugular I was going to slice into with a large kitchen knife.  “You’re amazing.”  Perhaps I might just spare his life.  “Good recovery, a couple of bunches of flowers and you might even live to tell the tale. Perhaps you should mention to her she cleans up well.” Added Felix with relish.  Well at least it had diverted the conversation.
 
The food and wine were good.  I might be only able to produce two or three different dinner party meals but I like to think they were of an excellent standard.  They ought to be after the amount of time and effort I’d spent getting them right.
 
After the sweet course the conversation turned back to the day’s events.  “I wonder if he’d offer a settlement?”  Rolland’s comment came out of nowhere.  “It would be blood money besides I don’t think I want to deal with expensive lawyers or even know how much to ask for.”  “Well your union rep might have some ideas.”  Michelle looked thoughtful.  “It might pay your mortgage off and discourage someone else from being naughty.”  “Oh we have a guest room with a double bed if you want to stay the night.”  The idea appealed.   Rolland looked hopeful.  “Perfect Rolland can sleep on the floor.”  He looked so disappointed. 
 
“So what really happened today?”  “As Rolland said he happened to open the office door as I was giving the rat head and no before you ask he has only ever put it in my mouth and nowhere else.”  Felix looked puzzled.  “Must be something wrong with him.”  “It’s called premature ejaculation.”  Felix pulled a face.  Michele and I exchanged a look before both standing.  I stood behind her and unzipped her dress.  She shrugged it off her shoulders and it pooled to the ground leaving her in her open cup bra and underwear.  You couldn’t call it slut underwear, expensive French designer underwear and the word slut just don’t go together.  The body parts they left exposed though are very similar.  Felix looked astounded and very attentive.  You could see Michelle respond to the gleam in his eye.  I bent forward and took one of her exposed nipples in my mouth and suckled on it just to provoke Felix.  Both Felix and Rolland were drop jawed now.  “Do you like my office dress code Felix?”  She asked giving a tiny wiggle as she did so.
 
Michelle was glowing.  There was no other word for it.  “You mean you dressed like this every day in the office?”  She nodded, “I spoke to his old executive assistant and she suggested it and mentioned just the sight of it was usually enough to bring him off.  I got changed when I got there.  The rat seemed to like it as well.  Most of the time all I had to do was undo him and brush his hardness with my fingers to make him come.  Just occasionally he lasted a little longer so I’d wrap my lips round it.  He only ever took a few seconds.”  I slid a finger down the seam of her knickers only to feel it part beneath my fingers.  Moist wasn’t the word.  She was practically dripping with moisture.  I slid my finger in and wiggled it round. Michelle’s breathing quickened.  The naughty girl was getting off on showing her body off.  
 
“Husband mine I think its time we did the plates and then we can serve coffee.”  She looked at Rolland “If you’d like to take a seat in the living area I’ll serve coffee afterwards.”  Both husband and wife walked towards the kitchen.  I picked up the plates and carried them into the kitchen behind them.  “Forget something?”  I asked.  Michelle had the grace to blush as Felix wrapped his arms round her and kissed her.  I quietly closed the door on the way back to the living area where Rolland had moved to an armchair.
 
I was going to sit on the sofa opposite him but Michelle cried out from the kitchen and for a moment I thought Rolland was going to get up and dash to her rescue so I sat in his lap to weigh him down.  “You don’t think she needs rescuing do you?”  “She has her husband and that’s what husbands are for rescuing damsels in distress.”  He frowned so I kissed him on the lips, not bad.  I slipped my still damp finger in between his lips.  “Pure Michelle.”  He looked shocked poor darling.  I moved his hand up over my breast to give him some encouragement.  “Why is my hand covering your breast?”  “Perhaps because it gives me a pleasant feeling.”  “Does it?”  “Yes.”  I covered his hand with mine and moved his thumb closer to my nipple.  “Would anyone’s hand do?”  “No I’m very particular about who is allowed to run their hands over my body.”  In fact this was just about the first time it had happened and I was thoroughly enjoying the sensations.  
 
There was a sort of smug grin on his face.“You know we work well together.  I’ll mention to Ms. Devonshire how helpful you’ve been.”  Condescending twit.  “You don’t know who I am do you?”  He looked puzzled “An apprentice called Julie?  Not that I’d hold it against you.  You seem brighter than a lot of my fellow students.”  Count to ten girl, count to ten.  I decided to push him just a little bit.  “So if we work well together and I clean up nicely does this mean we could work as a team?”  He thought about it for a moment or two.  “Not work wise as we do different things but as a couple, I think it would work.”  “For an hour, day, week or longer?”  For guy he was really having to think now.  He seemed to pick up his next few words were going to be important.  “Longer?”  He hazarded.
 
“Good answer.”  I lent in and kissed him on the lips and he slipped his arm round me.  “Now secret time.  You mustn’t let anyone know unless I say its OK.”  He looked at me with his puzzled expression on his face.  “OK.”  “Now guess why I like to pay cash, rarely fly, eat at McDonald’s, shop at Walmart, and don’t have a mobile.”  He really looked at me.  “You’re an illegal immigrant?”  “Wrong.”  “In witness protection?”  “Try again.”  “The only other explanation is you’re the owner’s only child trying to keep a low profile.”  He was so bright so I gave him a hug and a kiss at the astonished look on his face.  Perhaps I’d take pity on him and let him share the double bed with me.

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Apprentice, The - Karen Blayne