Cynthia Martin
© 1991, 1999 by Morgan.  All rights reserved.
Chapter 1
	It was a lovely May day in Chicago.  Janice Stewart, Jennifer Chapman, and their mother, Allison Clifford, entered the headquarters of Chicago Trust Company.  Formerly one of the most conservative banks in the country, Chicago Trust had an old-line clientele composed of high-net-worth individuals and corporate customers.  For nearly ten years, though, it had been under new management.  Because the management had vowed "to get the bank moving again," the bank's personality had changed dramatically.  Although total assets had increased enormously, profits were down sharply.  It was Chicago Trust that had sold the Illinois Technologies note to Hugo Bingham who was now on his way to a Federal penitentiary.
	The three women were stunning.  They were all very tall: Ali and Jennifer were five feet eight, while Janice was an inch taller.  They all had golden hair, beautiful blue eyes, and magnificent slender figures.  All were impeccably dressed and appeared wealthy.  They were.  Allison was married to Bill Clifford whose net worth was well over $4 billion and rising fast; Jennifer, in addition to being the Clifford's daughter, was married to Steve Chapman whose father was number eight on the Forbes list.  Janice had recently been adopted as the Clifford's daughter and as a result was now also very rich.
	Jan opened the door for the others.  "Mom, why do you suppose I'm looking forward to this so much?  Am I a sadist, do you suppose?"
	"No, dear.  You're a girl who was made to suffer inhuman mental torment because some idiots in this institution became so greedy they forgot some basic principles of banking."  Then she grinned at the others and said, "Well, shall we have some fun?"
	The three walked to the elevator bank and went up to the executive floor.  Going up to the receptionist Ali said, "Mrs. Clifford and daughters to see Mr. Horace Paterson, please."  Paterson was the chairman and chief executive of the bank.  It was under his regime that the bank had changed its character so dramatically.
	The receptionist was used to overawing visitors but swallowed hard as she looked at the three women standing in front of her desk.  Although she did not identify the Clifford name, it was obvious that money was dripping from these women.  She smiled faintly and called Paterson's office.  Quickly and as quietly as possible she explained to his secretary that the chairman had visitors who appeared to be important.  The secretary buzzed the chairman who happened to be in his office and relayed the story.  The Clifford name rang a faint bell in the back of his mind, but he couldn't place it either.  He told his secretary to bring them back to his office.
	Paterson came out from behind his desk to greet the women.  He was astounded by their appearance: he had never seen three more beautiful women in his life.  Paterson was a tall distinguished-looking man with silver-gray hair.  He was the personification of the dignified banker and liked to think of himself as a lady's man.  Preening like a peacock, he greeted them effusively.  They took seats in front of his desk while his secretary disappeared to get coffee.  They exchanged pleasantries while they waited for it.
	"Now what may I do for you lovely ladies this morning?"  Paterson asked after the coffee was served.
	Ali Clifford smiled warmly and said, "You can vacate your office immediately."
	Paterson was stunned.  He couldn't reconcile the warm smile with the harsh words.  "I beg your pardon?  What did you say?"
	"I said you can vacate your office immediately.  You see, Mr. Paterson, you're no longer chairman of this bank.  Or you won't be this afternoon after a special election of directors is held."
	He couldn't believe his ears.  "Madam, surely you're joking!  What's this nonsense about a special election?  We had our annual meeting almost two months ago."
	"That's true, Mr. Paterson.  However, the election of directors took place before we bought the bank."  Ali smiled brightly and added, "Why don't you ask the corporate secretary to check with the transfer agent for the stock?  I think he will find that there are three families that now own virtually all of it."  She looked at Jan and said, "Jan, you're the finance whiz.  How much do we own?"
	"Mom, you and Dad own 51 percent, the senior Chapmans own 20 percent, Pete and I only have five...  And Mom, it's not fair!  Why do Jen and Steve have ten?  Oh!  Chip and Connie have 10 percent, too.  But we don't really own the bank.  There's still nearly 4 percent outstanding.  For example, I think Mr. Paterson owns half a percentage point or something like that."  She looked over and smiled brightly at Paterson who had turned gray, "I'm sorry, sir.  I rounded off the numbers, but I didn't think you cared about hundredths of a percentage point."
	Suddenly, Horace Paterson, who had turned pale at Jan's recital, brightened visibly.  He had just remembered his golden parachute.  The agreement had been ratified at the annual meeting; it would pay him nearly $10 million.  "I guess I don't have much to say then, except good day.  When will I receive my check?"
	Ali appeared to look puzzled but she knew exactly what he meant.  She replied, "Your check?  Oh!  Of course!  You must be thinking about that silly severance agreement, aren't you?  I'm terribly sorry.  It doesn't apply.  You see, Mr. Paterson, your termination is for cause.  It's to save the institution a great deal of money that would otherwise have to be paid for massive lender-liability damages."  She brightened again and said, "Of course, you could assert your rights."  Her face fell again.  "But that wouldn't be too smart.  You see, as chairman and chief executive, you would be personally named.  In the transaction in question you expressly signed off on the arrangements."
	Paterson was baffled and scared.  He didn't know what this woman was talking about.  To temporize he picked up the phone and called the corporate secretary.  The women looked at one another with their eyes sparkling.  From the way his face was turning gray again, he was obviously hearing about the new stock ownership of the bank.  When he hung up the phone, his hand was visibly shaking.  "What's this nonsense about a lender-liability action?  Whose action?"
	"Mine, Mr. Paterson," Jan answered quietly.  "You see, I am vice president and half-owner of Illinois Technologies.  We borrowed $20 million on a demand note from this bank for new tooling.  Although our credit is impeccable, you sold the note to Homer Bingham, then the chairman of Argus Computing and our principal competitor.  Bingham will testify that he told you he was intending to call the note immediately in spite of it being fully current and in conformance with all of its loan covenants.  The reason I know this is it cost him money and he's still a little pissed off at you.  He offered you a 10 percent premium on the note, but when you learned he intended to call it you held out for twenty.  He paid it, but he didn't like it.  Bingham is now on his way to Federal prison, as you probably know.
	"You see, Mr. Paterson, he wanted me to be his slave.  There is a certain amount of mental anguish to which my mother and sister, as well as others, can — and will — testify.  Are you sure you want to contest our action?  It could get quite expensive, as well as quite painful.  You see, I am prepared to initiate a criminal complaint against you, as well.  Mom, isn't it 'Federal conspiracy involving white slavery,' among other things?"
	"Yes, dear.  Of course the list of criminal complaints could be quite long.  You see, Mr. Paterson, Bingham is prepared to testify that you knew of his plans.  That would make you an accessory before the fact, which, in turn, would make you a principal in his crimes.  You know where he's now going.  Do you wish to push your luck?"
	Paterson had one slim hope and he tried it.  "But Mrs. Clifford, I had no idea Mrs. Stewart was your daughter!  She was just a prostitute.  Why should I care?"
	Ali just shook her head sadly.  "Please look at Janice, Mr. Paterson.  Yes, she was a prostitute.  However, she's also the sweetest, kindest, most loving, most considerate person it has ever been my good fortune to meet.  For that reason my husband and I adopted her as our daughter last month.  You're familiar with the name, David Chapman, perhaps?  I believe he may be the wealthiest man in Chicago.  My daughter, Jennifer, is Dave's daughter-in-law.  He and his wife, Judy, love Jan almost as much as they love Jennifer.  Now, Mr. Paterson, what are you going to do?"
	"Resign?"  he said with the question obvious in his voice.
	"That's a wonderful idea!" Jennifer said.  "Mom, you have the paper for him to sign, don't you?"
	Ali reached into her thin portfolio and pulled out a letter.  She quickly checked to ensure it was the correct one then passed it to Paterson.  He read it quickly and signed.  His secretary was asked to witness his signature.  As they looked at him, he appeared to be on the verge of a heart attack or a stroke.  Sweat was pouring off his brow as he looked up.  "Is there anything else?"
	"As a matter of fact, no.  You're excused.  If you don't mind, we will use your office.  You may take any personal things with you now, if you wish," Ali replied.  Paterson took some items from his desk drawer, put them into his attaché case, and left the office.
	His secretary, Mary Thomas, was standing in the office looking completely dumfounded.  Ali introduced herself and the girls, then said, "Mary, my daughter, Jennifer, will be the new chairman, at least for the time being.  I think there are some things she would like you to do."
	Mary looked at Jen who said, "Mary, I believe there's a vice president here in the bank named Cynthia Martin.  Would you see if she's in the bank today?  Then I believe there's another senior lending officer named Donald Martin.  If he's in, would you ask him to come up right away?"
	Moments later the phone buzzed.  Cynthia Martin was in the bank and Mr. Martin was on his way up.  Mary also reported diffidently that Cynthia had been elected a senior vice president at the Annual Meeting.  A few minutes later she ushered in a tall man who she introduced as Donald Martin.  The women introduced themselves and the four took seats around a conference table in the office.
	Jennifer began: "Mr. Martin, I am the new chairman of Chicago Trust Company.  Frankly, we don't like the way the bank has been run for the last ten years or so ever since Mr. Paterson has been here.  He resigned this morning and his resignation has been accepted.  Mr. Martin, what's your title in the bank?"
	Don Martin was stunned.  He had spent his entire working life at Chicago Trust Company and had been a senior vice president and lending officer when Paterson was brought in.  As a result of fighting against his changes, he had been demoted and was now only a vice president.  The only reason he had not been fired was there were still a number of wealthy customers who had made it very clear that if Don Martin left, they would leave, too.  He replied, "I am a vice president, Mrs. Chapman."
	Jen smiled her brilliant sunshine smile.  Don thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  Then he looked at the other two and was not so sure, but decided he liked her very much.  She said, "Don... May I call you Don?  Or do you prefer Donald?...  As of now, you are president and chief executive officer.  Your first job will be to tell the former president that he is the former president.  Will you accept the position?"
	He just shook his head in utter amazement.  He couldn't believe this change in fortune and then could only nod dumbly.  Finally, he was able to ask, "What do you want me to do?  And almost everyone calls me Don."
	Jen smiled and asked, "First, how do you think this bank should be run?"
	"A bank makes money by offering facilities to its customers.  We have... had... an excellent customer base.  We should try to take care of their financial requirements the best way we can.  I don't mean we will always offer the lowest rates, but we must always be competitive.  That means that sometimes we will be the lowest; other times we won't.  I don't think we should try to match other banks' promotional specials, for example.  I think the whole concept is dumb.  On the other hand, we must manage for low total costs.  All we have is fee income and our net interest margin.  That's not really a big spread to work on.  What we must do is ensure a base of quality customers and then back those customers with top-quality service."
	Then he looked at Janice and said, "Pardon me, but did I hear your name correctly?  Janice Stewart?"  Jan nodded and smiled.  His face turned sad.  "Mrs. Stewart, I would like to apologize on behalf of the bank.  I only learned what had happened after it was all over.  What this institution did was an utter disgrace!  I haven't spoken to my daughter since."
	Jan was startled and asked, "Is Cynthia Martin your daughter?"
	"Yes, she is.  I told her she should resign from the bank rather than allow a customer's note to be sold at all, let alone on the terms she knew existed.  Instead, she was promoted."  He smiled wryly.  "She outranks me now.  Or she did until a couple of minutes ago."
	Jan carefully explained what was planned for Cynthia.  As she did, she was watching the girl's father carefully.  When she had fully explained her plan, he understood what was in store for Cynthia and he smiled sadly.  When she finished he said, "I don't know whether it will kill her or cure her, Mrs. Stewart, but I guess I don't care which it is.  Go to it!"
	Jan smiled her own sunshine smile and said, "Mr. Martin, I wish you would call me Janice, or, better yet, Jan.  Everyone does."
	He returned the smile and said, "Fine, Jan, but only on the condition you call me Don.  Now if you will excuse me, I think I am going to have a busy day.  I will ask Mary to send Cynthia up here.
Chapter 2
	Cynthia Martin was feeling on top of the world as she walked into the bank.  She was on her way!  Only twenty-six years old, she was already a senior vice president of one of the most prestigious banks in Chicago.  To celebrate her promotion she had recently purchased a penthouse condo on the lakefront.  She made a small face thinking of all the money she had already spent to decorate it.  But it didn't matter; she was making bundles of money and would soon make even more.
	When she received a summons from Mary Thomas to come up to Mr. Paterson's office, she had just finished a staff meeting with her division officers.  Idly, she wondered if she should use her feminine wiles on him.  I wonder if he would like to take me as his mistress?  The woman he's with now is starting to show her age.  The morality of it never crossed her mind.  As she went to the elevator, she examined her assets.  She was an honors graduate of Northwestern University and University of Chicago business school.  She was five feet eight, with brilliant blue eyes and long wavy golden hair worn, as usual, in a severe bun.  She was a very slim 120 pounds and had beautiful features.  Regular workouts at her health club kept her in trim.
	When she got to Paterson's office, Mary looked at her oddly, but motioned her to go right in.  Cynthia decided she was looking just the way she wanted to look for the meeting.  Entering the office she received a surprise and then a shock.  Instead of Horace Chapman there were three women in the office seated around the chairman's conference table.  The shock came when she realized one of them was Janice Stewart!  Her pace slowed as she continued into the office.  Janice rose and extended her hand.
	Cynthia took it in her normal grip which now was limp.  She used to have a firm handshake but her new friends on the lakefront made it known in the clearest terms that one kissed, one did not shake hands.  If one did have to shake hands, one did it by merely placing one's hand in the other's.  Cynthia saw an expression of distaste flash across Jan's face.  Then she said, "Cynthia, I would like you to meet my mother, Allison Clifford, and my sister, Jennifer Chapman."
	Cynthia was stunned.  She didn't know the name, Clifford, but she remembered seeing an article earlier in the year about a Junior League meeting in Northbrook.  Jennifer Chapman was mentioned as the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country and the daughter-in-law of Dave Chapman.  My God!  she thought, Allison Clifford is... is the wife of William H. Clifford.  And she's Jan's mother!  "How do you do?"  Cynthia said as she shook hands with the other women.  They're fantastically beautiful, she thought.  And they look so much alike.
	Taking a seat at the table that was offered, Cynthia tried to control herself.  She was feeling sick to her stomach.  Whatever the reason for the meeting, it couldn't be good.  Where is Horace Paterson?  she wondered.
	Jennifer Chapman started off.  "Cynthia, first of all, Horace Paterson resigned this morning.  He has already left the bank.  I am the new chairman of the Board of Directors.  You see, some of us are unhappy at what was done to our sister.  Can you imagine selling yourself into slavery?"  Cynthia said nothing. Jen persisted, "Can you!?  Please answer the question!"
	"But it wasn't like that at all," she said mildly.  "It was a straight business arrangement.  She could have merely repaid the loans.  What's the big deal?"
	Jennifer spoke very quietly.  "How would you react, Cynthia?  You do know, it was Bingham's intent to whip my sister, and both mentally and physically torture her.  You knew that, didn't you?"
	"Well, I think you're being overly dramatic.  She could have just paid off the loan."
	"Wonderful!  In that case, I'll give you the same choice.  You repay yours.  I have here your personal notes totaling about $60,000.  They are also on a demand basis.  I now own them and demand payment.  According to the terms of the loans, payment must be made within thirty days from the date of demand.  You have thirty days to come up with the money."  Jen looked like she suddenly remembered something.  "Oh, I nearly forgot!  You're no longer employed here at the bank."
	Cynthia turned gray.  Suddenly, her stomach turned over and she felt like she was going to vomit.  She rushed to the wastebasket and vomited up everything she had eaten that morning.  Then she just collapsed on the floor with her head over the wastebasket as her vomiting turned into dry heaves.  There was nothing left in her stomach but still she continued to retch.  Then she broke out in a cold sweat and sat on the floor with her head resting against the side of Paterson's desk while holding onto the wastebasket for support.
	She heard Janice say quietly, "I guess that's how I felt when I got the letter from Bingham, but I was better able to control it.  And Cynthia, there wasn't even a photograph of you with a bleeding back to remind you what his whippings were like.  Isn't your reaction... a little dramatic?  After all, it's only $60,000, not $20 million.  What's your problem?  By the way, would you please empty the basket in the ladies' room?  Please clean it out, too.  And you'd better clean yourself up, while you're at it.  You're beginning to stink."
	Cynthia staggered off in the direction of the ladies' room with the basket in her hand.  While she was gone, Jan looked at her mother and said, "Ali, that poor thing!  I'm afraid this has gone too far already.  We're destroying that kid."
	"That kid is older than you are, Janice Stewart.  And I disagree.  What we intend to do might just make her.  I think she's tougher than she looks.  After all, she is Don Martin's daughter."  They continued their conversation and then heard Cynthia returning.  Her very expensive and fashionable dress showed water marks as well as traces of paper towel where she had tried to wash off the vomit that had sprayed parts of it.  Her hair had come partially loose and there were streaks of mascara on her face.  She had obviously been crying.
	She stood in front of them and asked, "Is there any choice?"
	Ali said, "Yes, there is, Cynthia, and it's this:  You could become Janice's house slave for the next six months.  Unlike Bingham, she'll only beat you for disciplinary reasons.  You will do whatever she tells you to do.  In return, although you won't receive a salary, we will pay your current bills including the mortgage payments on your condo and will keep your loan payments current.  That's our offer.  On the other hand, you could just quit your job and look for another.  You're bright and personable.  I'm sure you could get a job at another bank — perhaps as a loan analyst.  I doubt if there are many jobs for twenty-six-year-old senior vice presidents, though."  Ali smiled but her eyes did not.  "Take all the time you wish — as long as we have an answer within five minutes."
	There was nothing to think about.  Cynthia said, "I accept.  What do you wish me to do now?"
	"Cynthia, it's up to you," Ali said softly.  "Personally, though, I think an apology to Janice is in order, don't you?"
	Cynthia didn't know what came over her at that instant.  She found herself on her knees in front of Jan, crying.  "Jan, oh God, please forgive me!  I tried to tell myself I didn't know.  I did.  I will never forget the look you gave me when you came into the bank that day.  I forgot what I said.  I do remember I felt like crawling into a crack in the floor like a roach, or into a crevice, like a rat.  Either would have been appropriate."  She looked up at Jan's face.  Despite the tears flowing from her eyes, she tried to smile.  "Jan, I really think being whipped by you would make me feel a great deal better about myself."
	Jan reached out her hands and took Cynthia's, helping her to her feet.  "Come on, Martin, we've got a lot to do.  First of all, please give Mary Thomas a list of your debts and due dates.  She'll take care of the payments.  Then go back to the ladies' room and clean the rest of the war paint off your face.  When you finish those tasks, let's get out of here."
	While she did, Jan kissed Ali and Jen goodbye.  Ali was staying with Jennifer and Steve and would be going back to California the next day.  Then Janice and Cynthia went down to the garage where Jan had left her car, a brand new BMW 750iL.  They got in and got on the freeway to the Tollway, then headed north towards Deerfield.  As they drove, Cynthia studied the girl beside her.  She realized Janice Stewart was the most self-assured woman she had ever met.  Finally, she said, "Mrs. Stewart, may I ask you a question?  But first, how do you wish me to address you and Mr. Stewart?  Mistress and master?  What?"
	Jan chuckled softly.  "I guess we don't really have to overdo the slave thing.  Mostly, I answer to Jan.  I don't think I've ever heard Pete called anything else.  Except when I get furious at him and it becomes Peter.  But I don't think that was the question."
	"No, ma'am, it wasn't.  The question is about you.  I realize now that you're completely self-assured.  How do you do it?  I envy you."
	"Self-assured?  Me?"  Then Jan chuckled.  "I think what you're seeing is a very well-loved woman.  Cindy...  By the way, what are you called?"
	"I prefer Cynthia, Mrs. Stewart.  Cindy sounds so... so common."
	"Sorry about that.  It's going to be Cindy, or Cin.  I'm basically lazy.  I would get too tired having to call you Cynthia all the time.  So Cindy it's going to be.  You'll just have to get used to it.  But anyway, back to your question.  Cindy, the only thing that really counts in my life is Peter Stewart.  I absolutely adore the man.  There is absolutely nothing I will not do for him.  For me, life is very simple.  If I think he'll like it, I do it.  If not, I don't.  I guess that's really all there is to it."
	"But... But, your personhood!  You're allowing him to dominate you!  Now with Jeffrey, it's different."
	"Who's Jeffrey?" Jan asked.
	"Jeffrey Campbell.  We have a relationship.  He's my significant other right now.  He's really a dream.  He empathizes with me and respects my feelings.  We enjoy the same things.  I met him at an origami class at the museum.  Jeffrey has such feelings for women!"
	"Oh," Jan said impassively.  "Tell me more.  If you'll pardon my saying so, he sounds like a sweet fellow."
	"He does it with men purely out of respect for my personhood.  Normally, he'll have a man before we go out on a date.  That way he's relaxed and can concentrate on the real me and not be caught up in superficialities.  He treats me so tenderly, just holding my hand and talking.  Once... Once I went up to his apartment to surprise him.  A man was taking him in the ass.  Do you know what he did?  He held my hands while he was bent over being reamed.  Wasn't that sweet?  Then he washed and we went to a concert."  Then she blushed and added, "But his partner was using safe sex.  Jeffrey doesn't want me to get AIDS.  Isn't he wonderful?"
	"Holy shit!" Jan murmured under her breath.
	"I beg your pardon?  Did you say something?"  Jan started shaking her head and then began to giggle.  "I'm sorry, Mrs. Stewart.  What's so funny?"
	With an effort, Jan got herself under control.  Cynthia could see her eyes were dancing with merriment.  "Cindy, I am afraid you're going to be in for a major shock.  First of all, you will not be wearing clothes.  I'll want you naked at all times around the house.  Lest you think I'm picking on you, I'm not.  It's because Pete and I are naked — or nearly so — whenever we're home.  Sometimes I'll put on something: a transparent teddy, or a peignoir that doesn't reach to my hips.  That's just to serve to attract him more.  Usually, though, I am just as bare as the moment I was born so he has easy access to all of my bodily openings.
	"Listening to you talk about Jeff getting plugged is amusing.  You'll see me getting plugged in the ass more or less regularly.  When I was a prostitute, a number of customers, particularly including Mr. Bingham, used to take me in the ass.  Hugo did it to try to hurt me, I know.  In any event, the night of our wedding I had an idea.  I needed to be exorcized from my days as a prostitute.  To do this I wanted Pete to do to me the things I had been forced to do.  I forced him to take me in the ass as a form of penance.  Believe it or not, and in spite of the fact that Pete's sex is enormous, I loved it.  There's a problem with it, though."
	Cynthia had been listening with her mouth agape.  She had never thought of having to be naked.  But now she heard this beautiful girl talking about anal intercourse.  And she liked it!  "What's the problem, Mrs. Stewart?"
	They had just passed the last toll before the Deerfield exit on the Tollway.  Jan chuckled and asked, "Have you heard the line about women as a depository for a man's sexual fluid?  You know, spread your legs and let the guy get a little exercise?"
	"Of course.  That's true, too."
	"No, Cindy, it's really not.  But that's another subject.  The problem I was referring to is that I'm a lousy depository.  Pete cums so much inside me I can't ever keep it all in, even with his huge weapon acting as a giant cork in my cunt.  When he takes me in the ass, there's good news and bad news.  The good news is I can absorb huge quantities of his cum in my rectum.  The bad news is there's no plug in my cunt to hold in my own juices.  As a result, I flood out the poor bed with my love syrup.  I just run rivers."  She glanced over at the girl and added, "One of your duties will be changing the bed, the pad, and so forth.  Normally, it will be several times a day.  Then, of course, you'll have to do the laundry, ironing and that sort of thing."
	They had left the Tollway and were driving through the town of Deerfield.  Finally, Jan drove up a long driveway to an isolated house set well back from the road.  The property was heavily wooded in the rear.  The two girls got out and went inside with Cindy following Jan into the living room.  Jan sat down and said, "Take off all your clothes please, Cindy."
	The girl just stood petrified.  Even though she knew it was coming she couldn't bring herself to do it.  She just stood there.  Jan smiled wryly and went upstairs.  She came back a few moments later.  Standing behind Cindy she said, "Get down on your knees.  Fold your arms and put your head down on them.  I want to see your tail sticking up in the air.  You might also want to take off your pants.  It might be easier."
	Cindy couldn't guess what this was all about.  There had been some talk about punishment at the bank, but she had forgotten about it.  She knelt down in the position described.  She couldn't bear to take down her pants, though, and didn't.  Jan shrugged and tried to lift the girl's skirt but found it was too narrow to pull up around her hips.  Going into the kitchen, she found a sharp knife which she used to slit the skirt up the back, then ripped it with her hands up to the waistband.  Cindy was shaking in terror, but remained on her knees.
	"Cindy, there's another thing I forgot to mention.  Please don't scream.  Although we're pretty isolated out here, you might disturb the neighbors.  If you do scream, there will be two extra strokes for each sound.  Do you understand?"  The girl nodded.  Jan asked again, "Are you sure?"  Again the head nodded.  "You will get ten lashes for disobedience."
	Jan stood back and lashed the girl's buns with the whip.  When the lash landed, it cut right through the girl's pants.  She applied the strokes carefully to cross the cuts and be sure to cover her entire bottom.  By the fifth stroke Cindy couldn't take it any more.  She screamed.  The result was ten strokes for disobedience plus twelve more for six screams.  When it was over, the girl was still on her knees crying uncontrollably.  "You may get up now, Cindy," Jan said quietly.  "When you do, please take off all your clothes."
	She left the room without bothering to see if Cindy obeyed.  The girl got to her knees and then stood up.  The pain in her rear end was so agonizing she could scarcely move.  As quickly as she could she shed her clothes.  When she went to take off her bikini, she found the only pieces left were the elastic and a few shreds of fabric.  She could see that where the rear had been, the shredded material was now soaked with her blood.  When Jan came back into the room.  Cindy was astonished to see she was now naked, too.  She smiled at Cindy and said, "Thank you, Cindy.  Now lie down on the floor, face down.  Let's see if we can fix you up a bit."
	This time the girl did what she was told instantly.  She almost screamed again when Jan applied an antiseptic to her buns in spite of Jan's warning that it would sting.  Then she felt Jan gently smoothing on a soothing ointment that contained a local anesthetic.  It felt marvelous on her injured ass.  "Oh, God, that feels so good.  Thank you so much, Mrs. Stewart."
	Jan put the materials away and then said, "Cindy, it's time to get going.  I'll want you to prepare lunch for the two of us.  What are you going to make?"
	"Make?  Do you mean you want me to cook?  But... but I can't!"
	Jan just shook her head in dismay.  "This is going to be tougher than I thought.  As an incentive for your to learn how to cook, I'll make a deal with you.  For every day I have to make a meal for you, two days are added to your indenture.  Fair?"
	Cindy was about to protest.  Her mouth was open to speak, but then she shut it and just nodded, replying, "It's very fair, Mrs. Stewart."
	"Cindy, how did I indicate you were to address me?  I did tell you to call me Jan, didn't I?  When are you going to start?  Damn!  I knew I forgot something.  In the future when you're disciplined you're to kiss the whip and thank whoever administered punishment for helping you to learn.  Okay?"
	Again the girl nodded.  They went out to the kitchen and Jan told her to sit down on a stool while she prepared lunch.  "I'd rather stand, Jan, thank you," she said.
	"I said sit down on the stool.  You don't want me to say it again, do you?  I don't recall asking what you wanted."  The girl quickly pulled out a stool from under a dining counter and sat down.  With her weight now on her lacerated and still-bleeding buttocks, the pain was excruciating, but obviously she had no choice.  She watched in amazement as Jan moved quickly and surely around the kitchen.  She found she liked just watching Jan move.  There was not an ounce of fat, and as she moved Cindy could see Jan's muscles moving smoothly beneath her skin.  French onion soup came out of the refrigerator.  She poured it into two crocks, positioned a large crouton on each and applied a thick layer of gruyère cheese.  Her hands were moving so fast Cindy could hardly follow them.
	In no time the lunch was on the counter.  They were having onion soup gratinée, omelettes fines herbes with pommes frites, and delicious crunchy french bread.  It was served with a magnificent Chablis.  She took a spoonful of soup.  Breaking through the cheese released the most marvelous smell that wafted up to her nostrils.  Cindy sighed with contentment, but then jerked up.  "But, Jan, all the cholesterol!"
	Jan just looked at her and said, "Enjoy it.  You don't have a heart condition, do you?  You're a little young to be worrying about it already.  Besides, you'll need the energy.  Eat it."
	Cindy heard the order in the last sentence.  She felt strangely relieved.  In some way being ordered to eat made it all right.  She finished the soup as the omelette appeared.  Cindy took a bite and said, "My God!  Jan, this is the finest omelette I've ever had in my life.  It's absolutely delicious."  By now she realized she was very hungry, having vomited up everything she had eaten since the night before.  Jan was eating everything in sight as well.  Finally, she pushed back from the counter and looked down at her now-rounded belly.
	Jan looked at the girl critically.  "Cindy, present your body to me, please.  I guess that's something else I forgot to mention.  Start with your tits, please."
	The girl didn't know what to do, but she rose from the stool and cringed when she saw its seat was now covered with her blood.  Finally she cradled her breasts in her hands and said, "These are my breasts.  They're nicely shaped and full.  The nipples are small and pink and upthrusting."
	"You have tits or boobs, dear.  Slaves don't have breasts.  Which do you have?"
	"These are tits, I guess.  Do you approve, Jan?"
	"So far, so good.  You're learning.  Keep going," she replied with a small smile.
	"My legs are good.  My buttocks are firm.  My hair is its natural color.  I don't know what else."
	Jan was shaking her head, feigning sorrow.  "Cindy, first, you don't have buttocks, either.  You have a tight little ass — now pretty bloody — or buns.  Second, let your hair down completely.  I want to see it that way."  The girl did.  Her hair fell below her shoulders and was naturally wavy.  Jan was impressed by its beauty.  "Finally, you forgot to present your cunt.  Incidentally, you don't have a vagina, either.  Show me your cunt and your cunt hair.  I didn't hear about that, either."
	The girl blushed bright red but did as she was told.  She spread her legs and thrust out her pelvis.  Using her long slim fingers, she parted her nether lips and said, "This is my cunt.  It has not been used very much.  My opening is too tight for men to penetrate.  It hurts me.  My cunt hair is slightly darker than the hair on my head and is curly.  Is there anything else?"
	"No, honey...  Oops, I almost forgot.  Your posture: you slump, and it looks terrible.  You have beautiful tits and I want to see them.  That means you're to stand up straight and thrust your tits out.  If you can, and I'll show you how, try to keep your nipples erect.  The last thing is your complexion.  I want you tanned.  Most of your body looks like yucky white library paste!"
	"But... But the sun is bad for you.  Pale is in this year."
	Jan grinned and said, "Not around this house, it isn't.  And I guess Pete and I don't give a shit about what's in or out.  Do I look so awful?"
	"You?  My God, you look like a golden goddess!  I should look so awful."
	"Great!  That's settled.  You're going to be golden, too.  Last point.  Please neaten up your bush.  You have your pubic hair growing all over."  Jan reached out and ran her fingers through the dark gold hair.  "It's really lovely: thick and curly.  Neaten it up, will you?
	"Now why don't you sit down again and I'll tell you what's in store for you.  First, you do not have bathroom privileges.  We have had an outhouse put in for you.  You'll find it easily enough, and it's care is up to you.  We recommend you learn about outhouses.  Since you can't take a bath or shower, you'll have to use the swimming pool.  It's brand new and pretty nice: a full 25 meters in length.  Do you swim, by the way?"
	"Of course I swim," she replied.  Cindy thought it was the first patronizing comment she had heard from Jan.
	"Are you good?  There's a certain incentive here.  I like to swim and I guess I'm pretty good.  What we're going to do is this: I'll race you.  There will be a stopwatch on the table at the pool deck.  If I beat you to the deck, I'll start the time.  You'll get one lash for every two seconds I'm ahead of you.  If you beat me, one week comes off your indenture for each second.  Is that fair?"
	The girl's eyes widened when she heard the penalty.  All she could do was nod her head.  Jan grinned and said, "Come on then, let's see how you do."  They went out the back door and followed a gravel path towards the pool.  On the way, Jan pointed out a large-diameter round post about eight feet tall set in the ground close to the kitchen door.  There was a circular bed of gravel surrounding it.  "That's the whipping post, by the way."  Jan mentioned as they passed.  Going up on the deck, Cindy let out a low whistle.  Clearly, Jan had not exaggerated.  The pool was Olympic length, but with only six swimming lanes instead of eight.  "Are you ready?" Jan asked.
	Cindy swallowed hard and nodded.  She was so scared she didn't trust herself to speak.  "Okay, then.  We'll start off easy: just 200 meters.  That's eight lengths.  Good enough?"
	Again the girl nodded.  They went to where starting blocks were positioned.  Good heavens!  she thought, Jan doesn't just splash around in a pool!  They got on the blocks and Jan gave the starting count.  "Take your mark... Get set... Go!"  At her last word, she launched her body in a flat racing dive.  Cindy was clearly beaten off the blocks but dove in.
	She realized with a shock that Jan was a far more practiced and powerful swimmer than she was.  Nevertheless, she tried her best.  In fact, she tried too hard.  She forgot that eight lengths was far more than she was accustomed to swimming.  Furthermore, she was in agonizing pain caused by the chlorine contacting the open lacerations on her buns.  When she finally pulled herself out of the pool and looked at Jan, she was sitting on a pool chair looking at the stopwatch and shaking her head sadly.  Cindy looked at the digital face of the watch and almost vomited again.  It said one minute, forty-eight seconds.  That would be 108 seconds or fifty-four lashes with the whip.
	With eyes downcast she just walked back down the path to the whipping post and wrapped her arms around it.  She looked at Jan with tears streaming down her face and asked, "Jan, please try not to whip my face?  And I would really appreciate it if you could tell me to turn my head depending on which direction you're swinging from."  Jan swallowed hard and went into the house for the whip.  When she returned she saw the girl was standing as she had left her, still hugging the post.  Jan swung and the lash cut across her left shoulder and down her back.  Again it struck, this time across her back.  Yet again, angling down from her shoulder blades.  Blood started flowing down her back from the cuts.
	Cynthia was in agony.  Then she remembered what Bingham was going to do to Jan and remembered he hated her.  Why is it I think she actually likes me? she wondered.  Each time the whip struck it was like a white-hot wire scoring her body.  Dimly she heard Jan suggest she turn her head the other way.  She did and felt the lash cut from the opposite direction Cindy wasn't even counting.  She would be unconscious long before Jan got to fifty-four, so what difference did it make?  Idly, she wondered if Jan would turn her over while she whipped her on the ground.
	Jan went up to the girl and touched her gently after six lashes.  "Come on, Cin.  Let's try to clean you up."  The girl reeled away from the post and tears of pain were streaming from her eyes.  In spite of her agony she hadn't made a sound.  She lifted the end of the whip and could see her red blood dripping from its tip.  She kissed it and then said, "Thank you, Jan, for helping me to learn."  Just then her knees collapsed as she fainted.
	When she came to, she was lying on a cool surface, the floor of the family room off the kitchen.  She looked up and found Jan kneeling beside her gently stroking her hair.  "Hi, Cin.  Do you feel all right?  I decided to stop after six.  Clearly the contest wasn't as fair as we thought it would be.  We'll have to work out a different handicapping system," she said with a grin.  "Now hang on, Hon.  This is really going to sting!  You're pretty badly sliced up.  Can you take it?"
	Cindy looked up at Jan and there were tears in her eyes.  "Why did you call me 'Hon'?  You did, didn't you?"
	Jan smiled warmly and nodded her head.  "I guess I did.  Hon is short for honey.  In spite of the whip, I think I'm beginning to like you, Cindy Martin.  You're a lot tougher than you give yourself credit for being — and a lot nicer, too.  Are you ready?"  The girl nodded and smiled warmly.  She gasped as the astringent burned the whip cuts; her back arched involuntarily.  She started to get up to go back to the whipping post when she felt Jan's cool hand on an uninjured part of her back pushing her back down.  "That wasn't a scream, Cin.  Please, just relax."
	The astringent continued to burn but then it was all over.  When Jan started gently to apply the cooling ointment, she heard herself sigh involuntarily with pleasure.  When she finished on her back, Jan put more on the cuts on her buns.  By this time, Cindy was almost asleep.  "Come on, lazy bones.  You have work to do.  My lord and master will be home soon and we haven't done a thing.  You can start cleaning while I try to do something to avoid starvation.  First, change the bed in the master bedroom — I'm sure it's still soaking wet from last night.  Then clean the bathroom.  All the supplies are in the broom closet in the kitchen.  Now get going."  Cindy got up and stretched.  It did lovely things to her breasts.  She found herself grinning at Jan as she went off to clean.
	In spite of what she had said, Jan could prepare a full-course meal for ten people in less than an hour from a standing start.  She went to the refrigerator and poured herself a glass of iced tea reflecting that it was unseasonably warm for May.  After waiting ten minutes, she went upstairs to see what was going on.  Standing at the doorway to the bedroom, it was all she could do to keep from breaking up with laughter.  It was obvious poor Cindy didn't have the first clue about what to do.
	"Cindy, I think you need some help.  You said Jeffrey was sympathetic.  Did his sympathy extend to making your bed for you?  I'll show you how it's done."  Jan went to the opposite side of the bed and quickly showed her how the bed should be made.  Then she took her into the bathroom and showed her how to use the various bathroom cleaners.  "How much time do we add to your indenture for this?  Lady, do you know anything?"
	"I can analyze a credit.  I can finance the merger of Ford and General Motors if they ever want to.  Do you mean there's more to life than credits?"  Cindy replied with a broad grin.  "In answer to your question, I've been here about four hours now.  I guess my indenture is six months going on five years.  By the end of the week, I'll be a lifer."  Jan left her happily cleaning up a storm.  Awhile later she returned to the kitchen for the vacuum cleaner.  Jan sat and read a book in the library and listened to the sounds of the girl working.  She called Pete at the office and told him their plan was unfolding and looked like it would work.  "Pete, she's really a very beautiful girl.  I'm starting to get worried about letting you near her."
	"Darling, after you every other girl is bland.  You spoil me rotten.  There can be no better wife alive than you.  And since you aren't in the office, can I start salivating at the thought of one of your spectacular meals?"
	She smiled and replied, "I'll try to keep you from starving.  You haven't lost a lot of weight since we've been married, have you?"
	"No, but I sure as hell am getting a lot more exercise.  I need the calories."  She said she would keep him from starvation and hung up.
	She went out to see how Cindy was doing and found she was doing an excellent job.  Obviously, she was very intelligent: it was only necessary to tell her something once.  When she finished, Jan was in the kitchen making dainty canapés.  She looked up when Cindy came in and smiled.  "I'm about finished.  I want you to watch carefully and see how this is done.  If you aren't sure, ask.  Would you like to try?"
	Cindy came around and Jan showed her how to hold the knife and gave her tips on technique.  Jan almost laughed as Cindy's tongue protruded from the corner of her mouth as she concentrated intently on her task.  Finally Jan said, "Now comes the most important thing.  If you get this right, you can get away with a lot.  If you get it wrong, your life won't be worth living."
	Cindy looked up with concern showing in her face.  "What's that, Jan?"
	"Making a martini.  Pete loves them and I've learned to love them, too.  Do you know how to make them?  My guess is no.  You're the original white-wine-and-Brie kid, aren't you?"  Cindy just nodded sheepishly.  After very careful instructions, and after practicing with ice in the glasses and pouring tiny quantities of dry vermouth, Cindy thought she had it.
	Now, though, she had to go to the bathroom.  Jan said she would show her where the outhouse was.  They went out past the pool.  There, standing alone, was a tiny shed without a door.  There was just a board with a hole cut in it and a small stack of newspaper stacked beside it.  Jan told her it was for use as toilet paper.  On the other side was a booklet on the care of outhouses.  Cindy swallowed hard and sat over the hole.  She blushed as Jan just stood there, watching.  When she was finished relieving herself, she used some of the newspaper and then they walked back to the house.
	Later, Jan said she was going upstairs to dress for dinner.  She wanted Cindy to clean the bathroom completely again when she was finished.  Awhile later she reappeared wearing a transparent peignoir that didn't reach her hips.  "You thought I was kidding, didn't you?  I am dressed for my husband.  After taking a shower, I drench my boobs and my slit with musk oil.  He loves it!"  Cindy went up to clean up the bathroom.  Jan had told her to prepare the bed while they were eating dinner and then gave her a blanket to use while she slept on the floor.
	At five-thirty, Cynthia heard the sound of a car coming up the driveway.  She hurried to the entrance hall to greet Peter Stewart when he came in.
Chapter 3
	Cynthia went to the door.  Before opening it she straightened her back and thrust her breasts out.  Then she opened it and waited.  Peter Stewart was coming up the walk.  When he looked up, he saw the girl standing naked in the doorway waiting for him.  Smiling, he said, "Hi!  I'm Pete Stewart.  You must be Cynthia Martin, my wife's new..."
	"...slave, Mr. Stewart," she finished with a smile.  "I'm your wife's bond slave."  Suddenly, she appeared flustered.  Cindy had been prepared to take Pete's hat and coat but realized he didn't have one.
	He closed the door and looked at her closely.  "Turn around, please?" he asked.  She did as she was told.  Pete let out a low whistle as he saw the cuts scoring her back and buttocks.  "What happened to you, Cynthia?"
	She turned back to face him and said softly, "The cuts on my ass were for disobedience.  Those on my back are the result of my arrogance."
	"Arrogance?"
	"Yes, sir.  I was arrogant enough to think I could keep up with your wife in her own pool.  Actually, she was very kind."
	"Kind?"
	"There should be fifty-four.  There are only six.  I guess she took pity on me."
	Just then Jan appeared wearing her shorty peignoir.  Cindy watched as she just melted into Peter's arms.  She was astonished because she could almost see the electricity flowing between them.  When they parted, Pete looked down at his wife and smiled, "Good evening, wife.  You look lovely today.  But aren't you a bit... overdressed?"
	Jan grinned and said, "Honey, normally you'd be right, but now that we have a maid I can take the time to dress for dinner.  Aren't you pleased?"  She turned and looked at Cindy who was just standing and watching.  "Cin, aren't you forgetting something?"
	The girl almost jumped with surprise.  She had been fascinated just watching the Stewarts together.  Retreating to the kitchen, she carefully made two martinis and brought them, along with the first plate of canapés, out to the living room.  In the meantime, Pete had picked Jan up and carried her in his arms to his favorite chair.  He sat down and she snuggled against his chest.  "Darling," she whispered, "This is the most fun of all!"
	"Is it more fun than making love?"
	"It's not as exciting, but it's more fun.  Remember, Darling, when we make love you just use my poor body for your pleasure.  You make me destroy myself.  This is fun."  She tried to burrow into his shoulder.  Then she heard Cindy making a small noise nearby.  Jan looked up with a sigh and reached her hand out languidly.
	Cindy carefully put the martini into Jan's hand and said in imitation of a British lady's maid, "Does milady wish her servant to bring the glass up to her lips?"
	Jan's eyes flashed but she replied in a languid voice, "Thank you so much, Cynthia, but I believe I can drink it by myself — at least for a while."  Then she kissed Pete softly and said in a stage whisper, "We got a comedienne, for God's sake."  While they sipped their drinks, Cindy knelt on the floor at their feet holding the canapés for them.  When the first plate was finished she went back to the kitchen for another.
	As she knelt, she concentrated on keeping her back up straight.  In spite of the terrible pain from her lacerated buttocks resting on her ankles, she didn't move.  While she was out of the living room, Jan whispered, "Darling, I can't believe this girl!  You saw what I did to her poor buns?  But she sits on them as if nothing happened.  Pete, she has to be in agony!"
	He just whispered, "Jan, I think she'll do."
	When she returned with the second platter, she also refreshed the drinks.  Pete had a sip of the second and nodded, "Darling, I think we'll let her stay.  It's not as good as I make, of course, but it's an acceptable substitute."
	Jan winked at him and turned to Cindy.  "What my husband means is it's the finest martini he has had in his life.  Thank you."  She smiled at the girl and added, "Why don't you try a canapé?  You have been looking at them longingly all day."  Cindy did and found they tasted as luscious as they looked.  Finally, Jan got off Pete's lap and went into the kitchen.  In just a few moments Cindy announced to Peter that dinner was ready.  He went to the dining room and was surprised when Cindy held his chair for him, then seated Jan at the opposite end when she emerged from the kitchen.
	Dinner that night consisted of a magnificent antipasto, followed by spaghetti with white clam sauce, and then veal scallopine Marsala, smothered in mushrooms.  Cindy knelt beside Jan's chair except when she was serving or pouring the wine.  She served cheese for dessert along with cream sherry and coffee.  As Jan had instructed her, she brought the cigar humidor to the table after pouring coffee.  She was astonished to find Jan taking a thin light panatella from the box.
	"Cindy, please light my husband's cigar for him and then light mine," Jan said quietly.
	Cindy's eyes widened.  She had only the vaguest idea what to do.  Taking his cigar, she daintily bit off the end and then rolled it in her mouth.  She remembered hearing somewhere that the flame should not touch the cigar.  She rolled it in her mouth as she held the flame beneath it.  As she held the cigar out to him, she almost choked on the cigar smoke she had inadvertently inhaled.  Then she repeated the process with Jan's panatella.  She was surprised to find she liked the taste!
	Kneeling beside her chair, she was amazed again at how self-assured Jan was.  She and her husband were having an animated conversation about the company while she appeared to savor her coffee, sherry, and cigar.  Cindy couldn't understand it.  Everything she knew said that Jan was subservient to her husband.  Yet she sat at the table regally in spite of being virtually naked.  My God, she thought, Mrs. Clifford is right!  She is a princess or a queen!  I'm such a fool!
	Finally, the Stewarts were ready to leave the table.  Cindy held the chair for Jan who smiled and winked, whispering, "Eat your dinner, Cin, before it gets ice cold!"
	When she stood at the counter to eat, she found the food was the finest Italian cuisine she had ever tasted.  She made a mental note to ask Janice how she had learned to cook.  After eating, she carefully cleared the dining table and did the dishes.  When she finished, she padded into the library where she found the Stewarts necking.  Mr. Stewart was caressing Jan's tit; its nipple was turgid from his biting it.  As she entered she heard Jan whisper, "Pete, you're creating jealousy.  Don't you like my other one?"  He grinned and teased the other with his lips while she writhed with pleasure.  When she turned toward Cindy, her eyes were glazed with passion.
	"Is there anything else you would care for now, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart?  What would you like me to do?"  She had remembered to turn down the bed and ensure the bathroom was spotless.
	Pete looked at his watch and found it was almost ten.  "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to bed.  I have to work my fingers to the bone without any marketing or finance support."
	"Marketing?  The production turkeys can't produce a fraction of what marketing has already sold.  Finance?  All I do is invest the money and that takes ten minutes.  Stewart, the tough part is spending it, and I'm working hard.  Now knock off the shit, please!" Jan said with a grin.
	He bent down to pick her up and Jan said, "Cindy, this is absolutely the best part of my day.  Pete picks me up like I'm a feather and carries me upstairs to bed.  I feel his huge muscles just crushing my body to his chest and I feel like I'm about four feet ten, and weigh about 80 pounds.  He makes me feel tiny!"
	"Just remember, lady.  You're warm and wet and cuddly and cute.  Particularly wet.  Darling, I love you."
	Jan looked over Pete's shoulder at Cynthia and said, "Cin, I think you were right.  I'm just his sex object and plaything.  Oh, the things poor weak women have to put up with!"
	Without turning around, Pete said, "Cindy, remember those cuts on your back and ass?  That was the poor, weak woman."  When he got Jan into the bedroom he gently eased her onto the bed.  She lay there while he carefully untied the single ribbon at the neck that held the peignoir on.  "My God, the things women wear these days!  Body armor!  It takes forever to get down to the woman hiding under all the shit."  Cindy giggled listening to him.  Not only was it so short it scarcely reached her hips, but it was essentially transparent.
	She started to laugh when Jan made a major production of taking it off after Pete untied the bow.  She acted as if she were fully dressed.  It was apparent to Cindy that, not only were they lovers, but they had fun teasing each other.  Pete muttered, "That's what comes of marrying a Yale lesbian.  Incidentally, Jan, you never did tell me which lesie group you belonged to."
	Arching her eyebrow, Jan said, "To think, I've come to this!  The best I could do was a refugee from the Widener Library at Harvard."  While she was saying it, her eyes were dancing.  She turned to Cindy and said, "There's a lesson here for you, young lady.  After being a prostitute you have to take whatever you can get."  Then Cindy saw her ease two fingers into her cunt and bring them up to his lips.
	Pete licked and said, "Yum!  Cunt juice.  Why don't you serve it for dinner, sometime?  You know how much I love it.  I guess you just don't love me any more."
	Rolling on her stomach, Jan pulled her knees up and raised her ass high in the air.  "Pete, do me a favor?  Please take me in the ass?  I have an idea I want you to try."
	"What's that, Hon?"
	"Put your glorious cock in my cunt first.  That should cover it with juices.  It should be almost as good as spitting on my asshole."  Meanwhile, Pete was getting undressed.  Cindy took his clothes as he took them off and put them away or into the laundry.  Finally he was naked and she gasped.  His sex was huge and throbbing in a massive erection.  Jan said, "Cindy, I guess I have to rate Pete's cock as... adequate.  That's it!  It's definitely adequate.  God, I love it.  Hurry, Darling, I'm about to float away."
	Cindy didn't know what to do so she sat on a chair in the corner and watched.  It was like nothing she had ever seen or imagined.  Pete eased his giant weapon into his wife's cunt, then withdrew it.  He spit on her tiny hole and positioned his huge weapon.  It appeared that he just eased forward while she pushed back.  Jan screamed once, and then he was in.  She heard her tell Pete how glorious it felt to have his massive weapon reaming out her ass.  They started to move in a tempo, with her pelvis moving in a rotary motion while he moved in and out in incredibly long strokes.  Cindy could see sweat start to appear all over Jan's glorious body.
	They kept it up.  She could see Pete's huge cock start to vibrate after what seemed like hours of motion.  When he slammed it in to the root causing his balls to slam into Jan's cunt, she screamed in pleasure as his massive balls emptied into her rectum.  Meanwhile, Cindy could see fluid pouring in a flood from Jan's cunt as her pelvis jerked uncontrollably.  My God, she wasn't kidding!  She's flooding the bed, she thought.  As she was watching, she felt an itching in her cunt.  Without thought, she leaned back in the chair ignoring her own pain and began to tickle her clit with her fingertip.  I'm masturbating!  she thought, My God!  I've never done this in my life!  What's wrong with me?  Suddenly, her own pelvis started to jerk uncontrollably.  She cupped her hand under her cunt to catch the fluid spilling out.  Cindy didn't know what to do so she licked it off her hand like a cat.
	Jan had collapsed face down on the bed, and Pete was lying beside her.  Cindy watched as their breathing slowly returned to normal.  When Jan turned her head towards Pete, there was a grin on her face.  "Darling, that was wonderful.  There's only one thing..."
	"What's that?" he asked.
	"I can't decide how it compares to having you in my cunt.  Let's see, can we?" she asked with an impish grin.
	"I work my fingers to the bone all day and then come home to my nymphomaniac wife.  Oh, okay," he said with reluctance in his voice but laughter in his eyes.
	Janice flipped over on her back with her legs spread wide.  Cindy's eyes widened as she saw her lift her pelvis off the bed to give Pete the easiest possible entry.  Her cunt was gaping wide and her erect clitoris was plainly visible.  Pete knelt between her legs and eased his cock in.  Jan put her legs behind his neck and crossed her ankles to give him the deepest possible penetration.  Soon she was screaming as she reached an orgasm, but Pete didn't even slow down.  He moved in and out like a piston with a stroke that seemed to go forever.
	Cindy watched as sweat started to pour from Janice's lush body.  Then the girl realized that Jan had no body fat at all.  All she could see were her muscles moving beneath her satin-smooth skin.  Now her head was flopping back and forth while her arms moved like a rag doll's.  Clearly, all her sensations were concentrated in her loins.  Then Cindy saw something she had never even heard of before.  Jan was in continuous orgasm!  Pete's control is utterly incredible.  He's destroying that girl!  she thought.  Yet it continued with Jan going higher, and still higher.  There was no way a person could do it and live.  Finally, she saw Pete's cock start to throb.  He buried it in her cunt, driving his cock into Jan's uterus.  The sensation was devastating.  She couldn't take it any longer and fainted.  Pete could feel her vagina throb as it tried to suck him dry.  Meanwhile, Cindy saw fluids gush out of Jan's cunt in spite of Pete's massive cock plugging her.  She wasn't kidding!  She does come in a flood.
	 Jan was flopped on the bed as Pete withdrew and looked at Cindy.  "Cindy, will you give me a hand?  I want to do something that may amuse you.  While I'm cleaning up Sleeping Beauty here, would you mind changing the bed?"
	Cindy instinctively knew what he intended and first padded into the bathroom and started to run the water into the tub.  As she left, Pete was carrying Jan in his arms and placed her in the tub.  While she changed the bed, he was gently washing her body.  Cindy finished changing the bed and went back to the tub.  This is fun! she thought.  She knelt on the floor and began to brush Jan's hair while Pete finished washing her.  Pete lifted her out and held her up while Cindy carefully dried off her glorious body, and then he carried her back to the bed.
	He grinned when he saw the pillows all plumped up at the head of the bed.  Carefully he positioned her head on the pillow, got into the bed, put her head on his shoulder and cradled her breast in his hand.  For no reason she could think of Cindy knelt on the bed and separated Jan's legs.  Lowering her head, she began to lick the girl's cunt.  The taste was marvelous!  In spite of just having had a bath, her cunt was still swimming in their juices.  Cindy's tongue went in like a tiny snake to lick up all the juice she could find.  As she finished, Jan brought her thighs together, trapping Cindy's head.
	When Jan awakened, she felt a glorious sensation in her cunt.  Looking down, she saw a golden head and a lacerated back.  The head was moving in her cunt.  Jan smiled and trapped the girl's head between her thighs.  "My!  Look what I found, Pete.  What is this, do you suppose?  Whatever it is, it feels wonderful.  By the way, what happened this time?  One of these days, husband, I'll retain consciousness.  So far, it's only happened once!"
	Cindy flipped her head and used her long golden hair to dry Jan's glorious cunt.  Then she lifted her head and sat back on her ankles, again ignoring the agony of her ass.  "Was that adequate, Jan?  I've never eaten a girl before.  But if they all taste like you, I may become a lesbian.  You're absolutely delicious!"
	Jan grinned and snuggled closer to Pete.  "That's Pete, not me.  It does taste pretty good, doesn't it?  But Cindy, what you just did with your hair was exquisite!  Thank you.  Now why don't you go to bed."  Then Jan's face fell.  "I'm sorry, Cin.  No bed for you tonight.  Can you make it all right?"
	The girl grinned and hopped out of bed.  "I'll be fine, Jan.  Sleep tight."  She scampered out of the bedroom carefully closing the door behind her.  Then she went down to the kitchen and made her way outside to the outhouse where she nearly froze as she again sat on the board relieving herself.  When she returned to the house, she locked the door and made sure all the lights were out.  Then she lay down on the floor in the family room and carefully put the blanket over herself.  Because of all the cuts on her back, she could only sleep on her stomach and tried to be as careful as possible not to scrape the scabs on her back and buttocks with the blanket.
	Cindy smiled to herself as she thought about the day.  This morning she had arisen from her decorator-special king-size bed in her penthouse condo, then had spent hours on her makeup and grooming.  Now, her back and ass had been shredded with a whip and she was sleeping on the floor.  Instead of a pillow, her cheek was resting on the bare floor.  I'll have to be sure it's as clean as possible, she thought, as she dropped off to sleep.
	Later that night, she had a strange dream.  In the dream Jan had come padding downstairs, removed the blanket from her body and carefully applied more ointment to the cuts on her back and ass.  Cindy wriggled her body against the cool floor as she savored the feeling.  Then Jan carefully spread a wonderfully crisp sheet over her battered body and followed it with the blanket.  Finally, she lifted her head and put a wonderful cool pillow under her face.  When she was finished, Cindy felt soft lips on hers in a lovely kiss.  The dream was so wonderful.
	The next morning, Cindy was awakened by sunlight streaming in the windows.  She stretched and felt stiffness on her back from the scabs.  In spite of sleeping on a bare floor, it hadn't been so bad after all.  With the pillow and the crisp sheet...  Good heavens! she thought.  It wasn't a dream.
Chapter 4
	Cindy made the coffee and carried a tray upstairs.  Carefully, she opened the door, trying not to make any noise.  But just the sound of the latch turning was enough to waken Jan.  She looked at Cindy and winked.  She's wide awake!  And she's not bleary eyed or fuzzy.  She's beautiful even when she awakens!  Janice Stewart is unreal, she thought.
	Cindy saw Jan's hand squeeze Pete's which was cupping her breast.  His eyes opened instantly.  Jan's face was turned towards his and she heard her whisper, "Good morning, my husband!  Did you sleep well?"
	He kissed her softly and then more passionately.  Jan rolled over on top of him and was laying face-down while their kiss continued.  Then Jan raised her torso slightly and started to move her nipples around his chest, creating a glorious sensation for both of them.  While she did it he said, "I slept about as well as could be expected, considering what I have to put up with every night.  Woman, why can't you just snore like a normal person?"
	She continued to move her nipples while she grinned at him.  "I know I don't snore.  What do I do?"
	"You keep me awake with happy noises.  I squeeze your boob — just once, mind you — and you're going for the next twenty minutes with these happy noises from deep in your body.  Wife, what are you doing?"
	"Right now I'm digging up your chest.  Soon it will be as bloody as poor Cindy's ass.  But they'll be mostly superficial wounds.  As for the sounds, I am keeping you awake.  What did you think I was doing?"
	Pete put his arms around her and squeezed.  Jan made a wonderful sound deep in her body as she felt his large muscles bulge around her.  Then with a quick movement, Pete had her on her back and was between her legs.  With a joyous cry, she spread her legs and put his raging cock inside her.  This morning, as usual, their lovemaking was slow and easy.  Pete just took her to her orgasm and let go.  She fainted as her cunt pulsated futilely trying, yet again, to empty him.  A few moments later, she regained consciousness.  "Good morning, Cindy.  How are you this morning," she asked brightly.
	Cindy just shook her head and poured the coffee.  Fortunately, she had brought it in a Thermos carafe; otherwise it would have been ice cold already.  She grinned and replied, "I'm fine, thank you.  A guardian angel came to me in the night.  She put more ointment on my cuts, covered me with a luscious crisp sheet, and lay my head on a wonderful pillow.  The best part, though, was the kiss at the end.  It was just like my mother's.  She's been dead for years, but it was exactly the same."  She looked at Jan with her eyes dancing but with a puzzled look on her face.  "There's one trouble, though.  I always thought angels were men."
	"They are," Jan said.
	"This one was female, five feet nine inches tall, golden hair, a figure a sculptor couldn't dream of, with a sexual performance that's beyond belief.  Does it sound like anyone you know, Jan?"
	Jan grinned and looked at Pete.  "She's describing Jill Gordon!  Only she's five feet ten... but I guess in the middle of the night it's easy to be off an inch or so."  She sipped her coffee and sighed.  "Darling, I think there's a real future for slavery, do you know that?"  Cindy grinned and padded out of the room back to the kitchen.
	Once again, Jan prepared breakfast, this time making croissants that were so light they almost floated off the plate.  Then Pete left for the office, leaving the girls alone again.  Jan put more ointment on Cindy's back and ass after inspecting the cuts closely.  They were already beginning to heal up.  She took Cindy to a room the girl had never seen before that was fitted out as a gym.  Then she put her on a Nautilus machine to develop her chest and firm her tits.  Once again there was a contest, but Cindy didn't know it until later.  "Young lady, you'll have to do one more each day until you're up to me.  Otherwise..."
	Cindy had been astonished at Jan's incredible physical condition.  She moved the equipment without apparent effort in spite of very heavy weight loads.  She said, "Jan, I'm truly embarrassed.  I thought I was in good shape.  I belong to a health club and I'm the best-conditioned girl there.  But you would just utterly blow them away.  The funniest thing is they make so much noise about eating this, eating that, don't do this, don't do that.  You appear just to enjoy yourself, but your body:  It's a work of art!"
	Jan just grinned.  Later they went out to the pool where Jan gave Cindy swimming pointers and had her start to swim fast laps.  Finally, Jan was satisfied with her base time for one hundred meters.  She pointed out that it had to come down by one quarter of a second each day until she reached Jan's standard.
	They spent a great deal of the day with Jan teaching the girl how to cook.  Jan had prepared an utterly gorgeous cherry pie and it had just gone into the oven.  As the girls were sitting in the kitchen sipping iced tea, Cindy asked, "Jan, how did you ever learn to cook?"
	"I was a prostitute, Cindy.  I was in graduate school and prostitution was the way I supported myself.  It was also the way I was destroying myself.  Realizing I could never be any good for a man in bed — you see, I couldn't have an orgasm — I figured my only hope was to become a good cook.  So I guess I did.
	"Couldn't have an orgasm!?  My God, lady, what I was seeing last night and this morning had to be the greatest imitations in the world.  You're kidding!"
	"No, Cindy, I'm not.  It wasn't until a friend brought me to my first orgasm that I realized there might be some hope.  Then I met Pete.  He was a virgin, and he tricked me into marrying him.  Now, I guess I believe he really does love me.  God knows, I worship the man!"
	"Tricked you?" she asked, "How did Pete trick you?"
	Jan smiled wryly and replied, "The same way women have been handling men for centuries until we got at least one degree too many and lost our sense.  You see, he made love to me on the beach at Maui.  It was utterly exquisite.  I guess he took me three times over a span of about two hours without ever withdrawing.  He just remained hard.  After spending gallons inside me, he softened a little but then just became hard as a rock again.  Cindy, in the vernacular, Pete is hung!  He's a woman's dream, and he's all mine!  Anyway, he said he wouldn't sleep with me until I married him.  Since I had to sleep with him if I was to go on living, I had to marry him."  She grinned and added, "And here we are."
	To Janice's surprise, tears started to stream from Cindy's eyes.  She jumped off the stool and padded out of the kitchen.  She came back with the whip, gave it to Jan, knelt down and arched backward as far as she could go.  "Please, Jan, whip me!  I need it desperately.  What I did to you is beyond belief.  I wanted to force you to go back to that beast...  My God, Jan, it was going from Heaven to hell!  I'm ready."
	Jan put down the whip and helped the girl to her feet.  She kissed her softly on the cheek and whispered, "Stop showing off!  Just because your tits still show when you're in a position where every other woman alive is as flat as a board...  Now get with it!  I was about to paddle your bottom, but given its condition, you might prefer me to use the whip on your chest."
	They continued the lessons and Cindy prepared lunch with a lot of coaching from Jan.  When they were having a second cup of coffee, Cindy asked, "You said something about a friend bringing you to orgasm.  What do you mean?"
	Jan smiled as she remembered.  "Honey, I had escaped from Hugo Bingham and been taken in by Bob Gordon and Jill Peters.  She's Jill Gordon now, and my best friend in the whole world.  Anyway, Jill told me about a bet she made with Bob.  She bet him ten dollars he couldn't get her to beg him to fuck her."  Jan grinned and asked, "Could you follow all those pronouns?  I think I got them right.  Anyway, she lost.  It seems Bob has almost the same touch as Pete.  He brought Jill repeatedly right to the point of her release... and stopped.  This went on all night.  He slept but she couldn't.  Anyway, she finally broke down in tears and begged him to give her release and he did.
	"She told me about it and bet me ten dollars, as well.  I thought it was the easiest money I had ever made because I had never had an orgasm in my life.  Anyway, I knelt on the bed and Bob started to caress me.  At first, it just felt nice, but he continued.  After a while I was reacting to him.  Then he started to work on my cunt and my clit and it really began!  Bob started to play me like a yo-yo.  He would take me to the crest... and stop.  Over and over and over... I have no idea how many cycles he took me through.  Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.  I was screaming in pain and begging him to release me.  Then he took me back up and then over."
	She looked at Cindy and said, "But it wasn't over yet.  He worked on my cunt and I started to cum.  He just used the same touch that he had used to bring me to the edge to keep me over the edge.  All I remember is collapsing face down on the bed with my knees up under me but spread wide so he had easy access to my cunt.  And I just ran rivers.  I flooded the bed as if I was urinating.  It wasn't urine, it was my vaginal syrup, stored up for God knows how many years, just pouring out.  When he got tired of it — there was no sport at all; for him it was easy — he let me come down gently.  I still remember stretching out my legs on the bed.  In spite of being in a pool of my juices, I just lay there while he softly caressed my buns and let me cool down.  Finally, he pulled the covers over me and just let me sleep.  That's how I learned I could have an orgasm."
	Cindy looked puzzled.  "But I don't understand.  You said Bob was almost as good as Pete.  How could Pete possibly be any better?"
	"Do you really want to know?" Jan asked with a wry smile.  "I'll tell you, because it wasn't that long ago.  It happened the night after we settled Mr. Bingham's hash.  I was in Los Angeles at my mother's apartment.  My new parents brought Pete over as a surprise.  He was pissed!  He was furious because I had planned on becoming Bingham's slave if I couldn't get the money we needed.  He said he loved me more than life itself, and I should have let Bingham have the damned company.  Then, to punish me, he did what Bob had done only much, much worse.  I was screaming uncontrollably and writhing on the bed but he refused to release me.  I was shaking like a leaf with my bottled-up passion.  Finally I promised him anything and everything if he would only release me.  Then he took me and the result was similar to what you saw last night except probably longer.  My mother says she timed my orgasm at seventeen minutes.  I guess I believe her."
	She looked at Cindy and said, "You aren't so stupid you're thinking of challenging him, are you?  Believe me, it would get terribly painful."
	"Don't be silly, Jan," the girl said, and then blushed.  "To tell you the truth, I had the first orgasm of my life last night, watching you.  I didn't know what I was doing but while Pete was pounding you, I was masturbating.  I didn't even realize it!  The next thing I knew, you were cuming and I was, too.  I had to put my hand under my cunt to catch the fluids spilling out and then licked them up like a cat."  She smiled wryly and added, "That reminds me: I better check that chair.  I might have missed some."
	Jan just grinned and said, "Don't worry about it.  There's love juice all over the house and over everything in it.  I don't think there's a square inch where Pete hasn't taken me at least once.  A little of yours won't make any difference at all.  By the way, thank you for going down on me last night.  It was heavenly for me and a first for you, wasn't it?"
	Cindy just nodded and blushed crimson.  "Yes, it was.  I'm sorry, Jan."
	"Sorry?  About what?"
	"It's such a disgusting thing to do, is all.  But I just wanted to do it."
	"Honey, if you hadn't done it, Pete would have.  He told me all about it.  Frankly, I think you owe him an apology, not me," Jan said with a grin.  "He claims you stole his midnight snack."
	"You're kidding!?" Cindy exclaimed.  Jan just grinned and shook her head, no.  "Midnight snack, indeed!"  Then she grinned and said, "It tasted great, though, and it's very high in protein, I understand."
	The girls continued to work around the house.  Cindy soon found that Jan was an inveterate tease.  She found herself being teased about everything and was having a wonderful time in spite of it.  Later, she brought up the subject of begging for release again.  "Jan, you said it would be very painful.  What did you mean?"
	Jan just shook her head and said, "The moth and the candle.  Cin, you'll be destroyed.  I'm warning you.  If you beg for release, there will be a Dutch auction.  Do you know what that is?"  Cindy shook her head, no.  "Pete will start at a high number: fifty or higher.  The longer you can take him the fewer lashes you get.  As the time goes up, the number comes down.  You can trade one lash in your cunt for ten normal strokes."  Jan's face was very serious as she looked at the other girl, "Cin, I beg you: please don't try it.  Oh, I nearly forgot.  There are still penalties for screaming.  Please don't do it!"
	Cindy just smiled and changed the subject.  That night the girl cooked one of the dishes herself while Jan made the rest of the dinner.  Again, Cynthia greeted Pete, served canapés, and then served the meal.  Sitting on her heels at the dinner table, she found she was liking the Stewarts more and more.  They were a delight to be around.
	After eating her own dinner she cleaned up the kitchen then joined the others in their bedroom for their nightly lovemaking.  Again, after they finished she changed the bed and helped clean up Janice, then rushed downstairs and came back with a small silver tray.  On it were after-dinner mints and two small snifters of cognac.  When Cindy returned to the bedroom, she found Jan and Pete sitting up against the pillows.  As usual, Jan's head was resting on Pete's shoulder while he softly caressed her breast.
	Her eyes were half closed when Cindy came back into the room.  She said, "Cindy, this is worth getting married for.  It's even worth the physical abuse I've just been through.  I can't tell you how wonderful Pete's hand feels right now.  Even though he's so strong he can bend reinforcing steel, he can be as light as a feather.  That's the way he is now.  I think you said something about Jeffrey and sensitivity.  Compared to Pete, I'm sure he can't even spell the word."  She grinned and added, "And what, may I ask, do you have on that tray, young lady?"
	Cindy grinned and sat on the edge of the bed, proffering the tray.  "Jan, at all the good hotels they leave a mint on your pillow.  I forgot.  I'm sorry."
	Jan and Pete each had a couple of mints and sipped at the cognac.  Jan looked up at Pete's face and said, "Darling, I think we should keep her.  She's showing real promise."
	Cindy had screwed up her courage and said, "Pete, Jan was telling me about how you can make a girl beg you to bring her to orgasm.  I told Jan I only had one in my life, and that was last night.  It was nice, but nothing too much.  I'll bet you can't do to me what you did to her."
	"Oh, God," Jan sighed, "The moth and the flame.  Cindy, do you know what I mean?  The moth is attracted to the flame and is then destroyed by it."  She turned to Pete and said, "Honey, I warned her.  Maybe you should try.  I've decided I like her and I really don't want to see her hurt.  Pete, she could get herself killed!"
	"Cindy," Pete said softly, "You heard what Jan said.  It goes for both of us.  You're really a very nice girl.  How about if we all just go to sleep?  Okay?"
	Cindy's stubborn streak was aroused.  "Not okay.  It's my body, Pete, and you've both been very clear.  Would you feel better if I signed a release or something?"
	Pete looked at Jan and just shook his head.  She shrugged and said, "Darling, she has been warned.  Isn't there something about not being able to save a damn fool from himself?  I think that applies here.  I guess it's up to you."
	He looked at the girl and just shook his head.  Then he said quietly, "Cindy, Jan will keep time.  We'll start at fifty lashes.  From the time you say you want release, she starts a countdown stop watch.  Every thirty seconds, the number drops by one so you only have to hold on for twenty-five minutes.  If you go beyond that, we start taking time off your indenture, one week for every thirty seconds.  Fair?"
	"It's more than fair," Cindy said with a grin.  "Let's go!  What do I do?"
	"Kneel on the bed between us facing me.  Put your weight back on your heels and spread your legs wide.  That's all.  Ready?"
	Cindy jumped on the bed and did as she had been told.  Pete started to fondle her in what appeared to be an idle fashion.  Cindy didn't understand.  There was nothing to it!  Then his fingertips stroked the inner surface of her thighs.  It felt heavenly!  His hand continued to move almost by itself.  He caressed her stomach and then went up to her breasts.  As he toyed with her nipples they instantly hardened — and kept getting harder!  Cin didn't understand it.  She was moaning softly, completely unaware of doing it.  Her torso started to move in time with his strokes.
	It was heavenly!  She closed her eyes to enjoy the sensation more.  Then he started to work on her cunt.  Surprisingly, it was already soaking wet.  She didn't realize it until his finger penetrated up her tight vagina.  Then the finger came back and found her clit which instantly stood at attention to welcome him.  When she opened her eyes to look at Peter, she found him looking at Jan and talking to her quietly.  He didn't even seem aware of what his hand was doing.  Again she closed her eyes as his fingers left her cunt and stroked her inner thighs.  He asked her to move up on the bed slightly.  Her eyes opened with a start when she felt his finger touch her tight asshole.  He was so careful, he hadn't even touched her tortured buns.  Still he continued to move.  Now she could feel her respiration speeding up.  Never in her life had she felt so good with a man!
	Sensitivity?  Peter Stewart invented the word.  She thought about her friends on the lakefront and started to laugh.  Her laughter interrupted Jan's conversation.  "What's so funny, Cin?"
	She opened her eyes and said, "Jan, my friends on the lakefront just flat out could not believe this!  All they talk about are insensitive men.  Obviously, they've never encountered Peter Stewart."  She smiled and looked at Pete.  She realized she was talking as a device to try to retain control.  "Pete, is it true you were never with a woman before Janice?"
	"Sure is," he said with a smile.  "She gave me lessons.  Cost me a lot of money, too.  Cindy, you wouldn't believe what these New York call girls charge by the hour."  He looked at Jan and said, "Right, hon?"
	Jan hit him in the arm as hard as she could.  His arm didn't move a fraction of an inch.  Pete pretended to be hurt and said, "Janice Stewart, what did you hit me for?"
	She stuck out her tongue and said with a grin, "Because now I remember you never paid me!  You deadbeat!  I was raped!"  All three of them laughed.
	Cindy appreciated the respite, in spite of the fact that Pete's hand had been working on her all the time they were talking.  She could feel herself going higher and higher but was doing all she could not to let him know how close to her release she really was.  She could feel it was only moments away.  It was closer... closer... almost...  Then he stopped.
	"Cindy, wouldn't you feel better if you took a couple of deep breaths before we start again?" Pete asked quietly.
	Her eyes popped open and she saw Jan shaking her head sadly.  "Darling Cin, how about if we call it off.  We'll call this a demonstration.  You were just about to get off and you thought Pete didn't even know you were close.  My guess is you were within one second or less.  Honey, this is a game you just can't win.  How a turkey from Harvard and MIT, for Heaven's sake, ever got this feeling for women is beyond me, but he has it.  Please quit!"
	Cindy had been taking deep breaths and now felt better.  It had left her shaking a bit, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Jan had described it.  In fact, it felt wonderful until he stopped.  She was going to win.  "I'm okay, Jan.  But thank you for the offer — and for the use of your husband.  I think I learned something, though.  If Stewart hadn't been a virgin, there would have been a harem of women rioting in... Cambridge, isn't it?  He's marvelous!  Pete just shook his head and went back to work.  Soon Cindy began to feel like a yo-yo.  She bitterly remembered Jan's metaphor.  Now sweat was pouring from her body and she was beginning to shake like a leaf when he stopped.  She completely lost track of time.  All Cindy knew was the only thing that mattered in the world was to get sexual relief.  Finally she cried, "I give up!  Please release me, Pete.  Please?"
	Pete nodded to Jan who was now looking frightened.  She quickly started the stopwatch with its countdown timer beginning at twenty-five minutes.  Pete said softly, "Cindy, the clock has started.  Now we're playing for real.  Do you understand?"
	The girl could only nod her head.  She realized her long hair was now a sweaty mess.  She was sitting on her tortured ass but was completely unaware of it.  Quickly she ran her fingers through her long hair.  Somehow, she thought if she didn't look like a mess, she wouldn't be one.  As Pete began to play with her cunt again, she felt her body slump, but with an effort of will she straightened her back.  Her breasts were thrust out proudly and her nipples were so hard they actually hurt.  At that moment, Pete touched them and she screamed.  She couldn't believe they could have become so sensitive.
	Well, that's two strokes for screaming.  But I guess I can handle that, she thought.  He brought her up to her peak again...  And stopped.  And again...  And stopped.  Now she was kneeling up straight with tears pouring from her eyes.  She could see nothing anymore.  She gasped, "How much time, Jan?"
	"Honey, it's still twenty-two minutes.  That's still forty-four lashes.  Hang on, Cindy.  You're doing incredibly well!  Far better than I did.  You can do it!" Jan said encouragingly.
	It was harder to stay upright.  All she could feel was her cunt and his fingers moving in and around it.  He took her through two cycles and then two more.  One more! she thought, I can hang on for just one more.
	Finally, she could take it no more.  She screamed, "I give up!  Release me, Peter, please!  You must!  You promised!"  She fell on her face with her legs still spread.  Again, she remembered Jan's description of her morning in New York.  Tears were pouring from her eyes.  She tried to lift her head, but couldn't.
	Then she felt Peter's fingers again.  "Pete, you promised!" she screamed.  "Just release me!"  This time he used the same sensitivity to bring her quickly to the brink of her release.  He's going to stop again.  He's going to kill me! she thought.  Instead, he kept going.  Her pelvis began to jerk spasmodically as her cuntal juices began to come in a flood.  Now Pete showed the same sensitivity to her at her crest that he had demonstrated in getting her to the edge.  He maintained pressure and her loins continued to jerk and thrash.  Sweat was pouring off her body in rivers.  She knew her vaginal juices were pouring from her cunt in a steady stream, but there was nothing she could do about it nor was there anything she wanted to do about it.  It just kept going and going and going.  Soon she was only semiconscious with all her feeling in her cunt.  The exquisite feeling was the only thing in the world that mattered to her.  That and the wonderful fingers playing her body like the keyboard of an organ.
	Jan had reset another face of the elaborate stopwatch.  She just shook her head and said, "Stewart, there ought to be a law against you.  You're absolutely unreal.  You've had that girl in an orgasm for twenty minutes now.  What in hell are you doing?"
	"Honey, she's going to get clobbered.  We both know it and neither of us like it.  She's getting something to remember first.  Let me know when we hit twenty-five minutes."  Jan smiled and nodded as he continued.
	Finally, she whispered, "Time."  He slowed down his motions and let the girl come down from her peak.  Now he just gently stroked her as he could feel her body relax.  Carefully, he stroked her back avoiding the cuts.  As he did he marveled at how similar to Janice she was.  Her skin was also like satin although now it was soaking wet with her sweat.  He moved slower and slower until finally he stopped.  Her breathing had slowed to normal and soon she was asleep.  Pete looked at Jan with a question in his eye.  She sadly shook her head.
	He said, "Cindy, are you with us?"
	The girl slowly raised her head and then lifted her body from the bed.  Finding herself lying in a pool of her cuntal juices, she just shook her head, pulled herself out of the bed and left the room.  Coming back, she held out the whip.  "What was the time, Jan?" she asked quietly.  Instead of answering, she showed her the watch with the time still showing: eighteen minutes or thirty-six lashes.  She stood up straight and tried to smile.  "I'll try three in my cunt.  That only leaves six more, right?"
	"Come on, hon.  Let's go down to the kitchen," Jan said softly.  The three trooped downstairs and went into the kitchen.
	Cindy looked at Jan and said, "Before you begin, could I do something first?"  Jan was puzzled but nodded her head in agreement.  Cindy went up to Pete and kissed him softly on the lips.  "Thank, you Pete.  That was utterly exquisite.  I think it was worth what's going to come."  Then she kissed Jan, hugged her, and whispered, "No hard feelings, Jan.  Honest!  You warned me but I wouldn't listen.  Please don't forget to remind me to kiss the whip tonight, okay?"  She tried to grin in spite of what she knew was to come and said, "Let's do it.  But what do I do?"
	"You spread your legs and stand with your back to me."  The girl did as she was told.  Jan measured the distance with her eye, moved towards Cindy a bit, and then uncoiled the whip with her wrist.  It unrolled between the girls legs.  With a sharp motion, Jan cracked it backwards.  Its tip came up and back and took Cindy right along the length of her slit.  She let out a piercing scream of pure agony and collapsed to the floor.  Jan and Pete just looked at each other as, incredibly, the girl struggled to her feet.  When she did, they could see blood pouring from her cunt.  The whip cracked a second time and then a third.  Both times Jan, with incredible control snapped it just to the right and then just to the left of Cindy's slit.  Nevertheless, she screamed involuntarily both times as it felt like a white-hot wire was searing the most sensitive part of her body.
	Tears were flowing from her eyes but she still tried to grin.  Seeing it almost caused Jan to cry.  She had never seen a girl as brave as Cindy Martin.  "I guess we can go outside now for the rest.  There are twelve more: six to make thirty-six, plus six for three screams.  Is that right?"
	Jan couldn't even talk.  She just nodded and followed Cindy outside.  The girl put her back to the post and wrapped her arms around it causing her breasts to thrust out.  She turned her head away from the whip and waited.  It cracked across her body a total of eight times, with Jan swinging four times from each side.  Then Jan motioned for her to turn around.  There were four more lashes across her back.  Each time the lash hit, there was just a gasp from the girl as it cut into her body like a white-hot wire.  With the last stroke, she just crumpled to the ground.
	Attempting to rise, she pulled herself up on the post and found it was sticky with her blood where her bleeding breasts and belly had been in contact with it.  Then she staggered over to Jan and took the whip — this time it was dripping with her blood — and kissed it.  Dropping to her knees in front of Jan she said, "Thank you, dear Jan, for trying to teach me.  You tried and I refused to listen.  Next time I'll pay better attention.  Darling, you're a very effective teacher."  With that she pitched face down in the dirt and lay sprawled there, unconscious.
	"Honey, that's all for the training for a while," Jan said to Pete.  "This girl is in bad shape.  Let's get her in the other bedroom.  I want her to be close to us tonight, Darling."  Pete nodded, lifted Cindy in his arms and carried her upstairs.  Jan ran ahead and started to run the bathtub with warm water.  As soon as Pete put Cynthia in the tub, the water started to turn pink from her blood which was still flowing freely from her cunt and the cuts across her battered body.  Jan decided Cindy was beyond caring.  With a lot of help from Pete she was able to wash the girl's hair.  As she did, she noticed how lovely and long it was.  They carefully washed her body off and then helped her out of the tub.
	By now Cindy was semiconscious.  Pete carried her into the bedroom and lay her on the bed as gently as he could, but it was impossible to handle her anywhere without touching one of the terrible cuts.  All she did was gasp when he did.  Janice started to work on her with the astringent.  She had found a small piece of hard rubber that she gave her.  The girl took it with thanks and put it in her mouth to bite on.  Jan treated all of the cuts but didn't have the nerve to look at the girl's cunt.  Finally, she did.  It was awful.  Blood was pouring from a deep cut in her slit and had already soaked the bed.
	Janice got a large professional first-aid kit.  She took out some materials and went back into the bathroom to wash up.  Pete knew what she intended and had sterile gloves waiting for her.  She put them on and carefully sutured up the gaping wound.  Without anesthesia, there was nothing for Cindy to do but bite down even harder.  While she was there, she sutured the deep cuts on both sides of her slit as well.  Before she could do that, however, she had to use a surgical razor to shave the edges of the girl's pubic hair.  As she did, she heard Cindy chuckle.  "You said my bush needed to be made a little smaller.  Isn't there an easier way of doing it, though?"
	Jan looked at Pete and whispered, "What can you say about a girl like this?  Pete, she is utterly amazing.  This is the very last time Cindy is ever whipped.  I started off just two days ago hating her guts.  Now I love her.  Is that strange?"  Pete just smiled warmly and shook his head.
	They both carefully spread the anesthetic ointment on the cuts.  With no good way for her to lie on the bed — she was cut all over — they decided she would be more comfortable on her back since the most serious cuts were across the front of her body.  Ignoring the blood, Jan carefully placed a sheet over the girl and then a light blanket.  Pete had already turned out the light when she bent over and kissed the girl softly.  As she did, the girl's hand held the back of her neck and she returned the kiss passionately.  "Thank you, Mom," the girl whispered.  "I love you, Janice Stewart."
	Tears were flowing from her eyes as Jan got into bed with Pete.
Chapter 5
	When Cynthia Martin regained consciousness the next morning, it was like rising through a red fog of pain.  She finally worked up enough energy to open her eyes.  When her eyes opened, the first thing she saw were Jan's brilliant blue eyes looking at her.  She tried to smile and almost did.  Realizing she was in a bed, she tried to get up, but Janice's hand gently held her down.  Cindy was amazed at how weak she was; she couldn't overcome even the slightest pressure.  Jan said softly, "Where do you think you're going, young lady?"  Jan's tears were flowing as she spoke.  She could see the pain in Cindy's eyes.
	"I'm trying to get up.  I'm a slave, remember?  Slaves don't sleep in beds.  What am I doing here, Jan?  What happened?"  Then it all came back to her.  As gently as she could, she tried to run her fingers over her body.  When she came to her cunt she touched the first cut and fainted from the pain.  Jan started to cry in earnest when she saw the flash of pain in Cindy's eyes and then nothing.
	She went down to the kitchen and came back with a bowl of soup.  When she returned to the girl's bedside, Cindy's eyes were blinking open.  Again, she tried to smile.  Jan said, "Honey, I'm going to ask you to try to do something if you can.  Do you think you can sit up a little?  I'd help you but you're so badly beaten I'm afraid to touch you.  I can hold your arm, but that's about all."
	Lifting her body off the bed was agonizing, but Cindy did it.  As soon as her weight was off the bed, Jan slipped some pillows under her head.  She lay back with a sigh of relief and Jan started to spoon the warm chicken broth for her.  As she did, she saw tears appear in Cindy's eyes again.  "What's wrong, honey?  Why are you crying?"
	"Because of you, Jan.  Why are you doing this?  Why are you being so kind?"
	"Kind!?  Me?  Hon, you have to be thinking of three other people.  Who do you think it was wielding that whip last night?"
	This time Cindy did smile faintly.  "Jan, you held it, but I wielded it.  It was gross egotism on my part.  I thought I was tougher than Janice Stewart.  Stewart, if there's one thing I should have learned in the last forty-eight hours it's that you're the toughest female alive.  So it cost me a little."  Her brow furrowed and she asked, "How much is it costing me to be in this bed?  How am I ever going to pay you?  I assume it just adds on to my time, but that really isn't good enough, is it?"
	Jan just shook her head sadly and said, "Look, let's just concentrate on getting you back on your feet, shall we?  We'll worry about that nonsense some other time."
	Cindy smiled this time.  "Speaking of getting back on my feet, I'm lying here trying to figure out which is worse: trying to walk or wetting the bed.  I decided I'm too old for that, not to mention what the urine would feel like on my cuts."  She moved in the bed and her eyes dimmed with the agony of it.
	Jan just shook her head and then, as gently as possible, lifted the covers off the girl.  When she did, she became almost physically ill.  The cuts all over her body now looked raw and ugly.  Since her legs were apart she could see the three vicious cuts coming up her back and into her cunt.  She didn't know what to do so she leaned over the bed and extended her arm.  Cindy cried out as scabs on some of the cuts on her back pulled off.  Some had bonded to the bottom sheet while she slept.  Nevertheless, she eased her legs out of the bed.  Leaning heavily on Jan for support, she tottered into the bath room and then collapsed on the toilet seat.
	Jan was standing beside her for support.  Cindy moved her head and kissed Jan's belly softly.  "Thank you, dear Janice.  You're a lifesaver."  Jan didn't know what to say or do.
	When she was finished, Cindy sat there with her head reeling.  Jan asked if she could make it alone for a few minutes, and the girl nodded.  As quickly as she could, Jan changed the bed in the girl's room.  Then she took advantage of the girl's position to apply more of the salve to her cuts.  As she did she noticed tears in Cindy's eyes.  "What's wrong, Cindy?"
	"Nothing's wrong — except me, maybe.  Janice, you're much too kind.  I really can't take it any more."
	"Kind!?  Young lady, do you want to try to look at yourself?  If you were younger, I would be headed to prison for child abuse!  Now, are you up to trying to make it back to bed?"
	"That's the other thing, Jan.  That bed is too much.  Even if I weren't such a battered wreck, I don't think I would get out of it for a month!  It's absolutely scrumptious."  Jan held out her arm and helped her back to the bed.  She could see that every movement was torture for the girl.  When she finally was back in bed, Jan put more salve on the worst cuts which were in her loins.  While she carefully applied it, Cindy moaned with pleasure.
	As she finished she heard the door open downstairs.  "I think you have a visitor, honey.  Are you in shape for it?  For that matter, I had better put something on."  Jan scampered back to her room and put on a flannel bath robe.  She was standing barefoot at the head of the stairs when Pete appeared followed by a slim young man.
	Pete performed the introductions.  "Darling, I want to introduce you to your brother, Bill.  He tells me that in the family he goes by Billy to differentiate him from his dad.  You have already met his wife, Joan."
	Jan gathered Bill Clifford in her arms and gave him a big kiss.  There were tears streaming down her cheeks when they separated.  "Hi, Bill.  I can't thank you enough for coming."  She grinned through her tears and said, "I remember Joan talking about you on the fateful day of my presentation to your mother.  I guess you were on duty the previous night and Sandy was teasing her about it.  How did you get out so fast?"
	"Mom called last night around midnight.  She said my sister needed some special medical help, so here I am."  He held Jan away at arms length and smiled, "Damn!  My sisters are more beautiful every time I look at them.  And they keep multiplying, too.  Of course, I did get a wife out of the deal, too, so I guess I shouldn't complain."
	Smiling warmly Jan asked, "How's Joan, by the way?  I love her!  She's a living, breathing doll!"
	"My wife!?  You have to be thinking of someone else.  It must be the air high in that building or something.  All I know is every time I come home, I'm attacked.  I'm supporting the Clifford & Jamison Husbands' Protective Association."
	Jan grinned and said, "You're not looking too bad, Brother.  I think you'll probably survive.  By the way, how does Joan attack you?  You're bigger than she is."
	"She attacks me with her body.  Of course, she's not as big as you girls, but she is tough.  If I ever recover from her lovemaking enough to do it, I'm going to ask for help."  He grinned and then his face turned serious.  "Pete explained what happened.  I guess you have a pretty sick girl here.  May I see her?"
	They went into Cindy's room.  Her eyes were closed and the covers were up under her chin, but she looked beautiful.  When they entered, her eyes opened and she smiled.  Jan said, "Cindy, this is my brother, Bill.  He's a doctor and he just flew in from Los Angeles to look at you.  Do you mind?"
	Cindy smiled warmly and said, "Of course not.  Doctor Clifford, thank you so much for doing this.  There's really no need, though.  I'll be fine in a couple of hours.  Janice is taking wonderful care of me."
	Bill noticed immediately that her skin was flushed.  He opened his bag and put a thermometer under her tongue.  When it beeped, he took it out and looked at it.  It read 103 degrees and he didn't like it.  Very gently he pulled down the covers exposing the girl's body and then let out a low whistle as the extent of the damage became more apparent.  He looked at Jan and his voice was angry.  "What in hell were you doing to this girl?  Trying to kill her?"
	Tears were already flowing from Jan's eyes but before she could reply, Cindy spoke up from the bed in a very weak voice, "Leave her alone, doctor!  She did nothing.  It was all my fault, not hers."  Bill spun back towards the bed and was astonished to find Cindy glaring at him.
	"What do you mean, lady, your fault.  How was it your fault?  Did you hit yourself with a whip?"
	"Doctor, you could say Jan is responsible for my sore ass.  On the other hand, it was direct disobedience and I deserved it.  My back was caused by my arrogance: I thought I could beat your sister in her own pool.  The rest is gross egotism, stupidity and bullheadedness.  She and Pete both begged me not to be so stupid.  Doctor, some of us are slower learners than others, that's all.  Now can you help me get back on my feet?  I have to cook dinner tonight."
	Bill just shook his head in amazement.  "Miss Martin, not tonight.  In fact, not this week, or maybe even this month.  Right now you're a very sick young lady."  He carefully examined the cuts on her body.  Then he took a tube of ointment from his bag and carefully spread a little on one of the worst cuts.
	Cindy winced at his touch and said softly, "If it's all the same to you, could you let Jan spread that stuff?  She has the touch of an angel.  You, Doctor, have the deftness of a truck driver!"  She tried to smile to take away some of the sting from her words.  Bill just shook his head and gave the tube to Janice.  When Jan started to apply it, Cindy sighed with pleasure.
	Bill looked at Pete and whispered, "That's one fine girl.  And she's right, too.  Jan has the lightest touch I've ever seen.  It's almost as if she isn't touching the skin — just getting as close to it as she can without actually touching it."  He looked at Cindy and said, "I want to give you some penicillin for your fever.  I think you've developed a secondary infection.  Then I'll give you a shot of morphine..."
	Cindy's eyes blazed.  "You will like hell!  There's nothing wrong with me that a day or two and some of Jan's chicken soup can't fix.  I will take an aspirin, though, if you have one.  It might deaden the pain a little."
	"But, Miss Martin, that's what the morphine is for.  It's..."
	"...a narcotic — an opium derivative — and the answer is no!"  By this time Jan had finished spreading the ointment.
	Bill asked Cindy to spread her legs and he looked at the cuts in her loins.  He took out a pair of magnifying eyeglasses and looked at the sutures in her slit.  Then he whistled softly and asked, "Who did the sutures?"
	"Your sister," Cindy replied.  "And it hardly hurt at all.  I haven't seen them, but I'll bet it's a very professional job."
	"What did she use as an anaesthetic?" Bill asked.
	"A whip.  After she was finished I really didn't feel much of anything.  Now, Doctor, if you're quite finished I feel rather exposed and I'm getting cold.  May I have my covers back now?"  Again, Bill just shook his head.  He asked Jan to cover the patient and she tenderly raised the covers up to Cindy's chin.  Looking at her, she saw a wistful look in the girl's eyes so she bent over and softly kissed her on the lips.
	Cindy beamed.  "Thank you so much, Jan.  I'm so sorry to be such trouble."  The girl's eyes closed and she was sound asleep.
	They left the room and went down to the kitchen.  After Bill wrote out prescriptions for the ointment and for penicillin, he reached into his bag and gave Jan a vial of codeine pills.  "Sis, that's some girl you have upstairs.  Please take good care of her.  I'm leaving you this codeine.  It's not nearly as effective as morphine, but I guess she wins on that one.  She's in agony, she's burning with fever, yet she cracks jokes.  She is a very brave girl."
	Jan agreed and then made lunch for the three of them.  Then Pete left with Bill to take him back to the airport while Jan took the prescriptions to the pharmacy to be filled.  Returning home, she checked on Cindy and found she was still sleeping.  Jan had called Don Martin that morning and told him what had happened.  He said he would be out in the afternoon.
* * *
	The doorbell rang and Don was standing there.  He smiled at Jan and said, "How's my daughter making out?  I'm not sure after her recent behavior at the bank if I still have one."
	"You certainly do, Don.  In just forty-eight hours I've come to love that girl.  She is the most courageous person I've ever met."  Jan proceeded to tell him in some detail what had happened.  By the time she was finished with the story, he looked gray.
	"May I see her now?" he asked quietly.  Jan took him up to Cindy's room.  The girl looked lovely as she slept.  Occasionally she would move slightly and scream from the pain the movement caused her but didn't wake up.  Don brought a chair to her bedside, sat down and watched her.
	 It was as if Cindy could feel her father's eyes on her.  She blinked and her eyes opened.  She saw her father and smiled lovingly.  "Hi, Dad," she whispered.  "I haven't even had a chance to tell you how happy I am that you took over the bank.  Congratulations!  The bank is now in great hands."  She frowned and said, "This is your new daughter speaking, Dad.  Just two days ago, I was nearly destroyed when I learned that Horace Paterson was out.  Now I see what a wonderful move it was.  But what brings you all the way up here to Deerfield?"
	"You do, Darling.  You're my only child and I love you very much.  I'm making arrangements to have you transported to a hospital in Chicago.  There are specialists for things like this.  They can give you the best..."
	"Dad, I'm not leaving."  Tears were flowing from Cindy's eyes.  "I never knew what love was until I came here, Dad.  I'm not going to give it up.  I'm staying... if Jan will let me."
	Don Martin began again, "Look, honey, I know you were a bitch..."
	"You got that right!  Righter than you'll ever know."
	"...but you've changed.  Look, I'll pay off your indebtedness to Jennifer..."
	"You will like hell!" she said emphatically.  Too emphatically.  She screamed in pain as she inadvertently moved on the bed.
	"Honey, Jennifer is really nice.  She's funny, too.  The first thing she asked me — as seriously as she could be — was could the bank balance her checkbook for her."
	"I heard that," Jan said entering the room.  "I certainly hope you told her to go to hell.  Because if you didn't, I'll take it up at the next Board meeting."  She ran to Cindy's side as she screamed again.  Jan took a cool wet cloth from a bedside tray and gently wiped Cindy's forehead.  "I'm sorry, honey.  What happened?"
	Cindy opened her eyes and they were gleaming brightly with humor.  "Since you asked, Mrs. Stewart, you happened.  I guess I'm not in the greatest shape for laughter.  Could we restrain the comedy for a bit?"  She tried to grin and finally made it.  "Taking your sister's checkbook to the Board of Directors indeed!"  Then her eyes grew serious and she said, "Jan, may I please stay with you?  I'm begging you!  Please let me.  I would be on my knees, but that's a little hard for me to do right now.  Dad wants to take me away."
	"Janice, Cynthia..."
	"It's Cindy or Cin now, Daddy.  Jan has a speech impediment.  She can't pronounce Cynthia and I don't want her to feel badly."
	"Now who's cracking jokes, young lady?"
	"As long as it's me, it's different.  Just you don't."
	"My God, the quality of slaves has really gone to hell lately.  Have you noticed it, too, Don?  Give them an inch and they're running your life."
	Don Martin just shook his head.  "I guess it's a dead issue, Mrs. Stewart.  I am worried, though.  Could I send a doctor out to see her?"
	"Daddy, a doctor saw me just before you got here.  Jan's brother flew out from California this morning just to take care of me.  He did and Jan is.  If she can take it, I certainly can.  She's the one who is doing all the work."  Cindy's eyes started to close, but then they opened as she said, "Dad, thank you so much for coming all the way out here just to see me.  It was wonderful.  And Dad, I'm so proud of you.  You're where you have always belonged.  You're going to make Chicago Trust the great bank that it was and should be again.  All you have to do is get rid of a few more kid senior vice presidents..."  Then she was asleep.  Don went to her and gave her a very gentle kiss and left the room with Janice.
	They went downstairs and he looked at her with worry on his face.  "How is she, Jan?  Will she be all right?"
	Jan started to cry and he took her in his arms.  That was all it took.  She began to cry her eyes out while he held her to his shoulder.  Finally, her tears slowed and her shaking stopped.  She looked up at his face and he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.  "Don, I feel like such a shit!  What happened to your daughter is beyond belief.  Yet you saw her and heard her.  All I can say is I promise she'll get the finest care available.  Nothing bad will happen to that girl if there is anything I can do about it.  That's all I can tell you."
	"Jan, a couple of days ago I said your plan would kill her or cure her and I remember saying I didn't care which it was.  I think the answer is that you nearly killed her, but you effected a cure.  She talked about me restoring the bank.  I think you have done something even harder.  You have restored my daughter."  He smiled at her and added, "Needless to say, if there's anything you need, just ask.  And thank you so much."  After he left the house, Jan sat down on the sofa and began to cry again.
Chapter 6
	It was two weeks later and Cindy was making a remarkable recovery.  She was out of bed and moving, although gingerly.  A week earlier Jan had removed the stitches from her crotch and found the most serious cuts were healing nicely.  Now Jan was out of the house running errands.  She had a lot to do that had been let go during the time Cindy needed constant care.  It was early afternoon, and Cin was taking a nap.  She awakened when the doorbell rang and then she heard the door open.
	She heard a woman yell, "Hello, Cindy.  It's just me.  I'm Anita Collins.  May I come up?"  Without waiting for an answer, she heard light footsteps coming up the stairs and then a young woman came into her room smiling.  "Hi, Cindy, as you heard from my parade-ground bellow, I'm Nita Collins.  I'm the editor of everything else for The Deerfield Times.  Can I do a story on you?  It's not every day I get to interview a real live slave."  She was grinning and her hand was extended in greeting.
	Cindy eased herself up in the bed and stuck out her hand.  She took Nita's in a firm grip.  Her dead-fish handshake was a thing of the past.  In sitting up she exposed her breasts and some of the cuts across her chest.  She grinned and said, "Nita, I think you're just the person I wanted to see.  You should know who's the local chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Unnecessary Cruelty to Slaves.  You do, don't you?"
	Anita had gone pale when she saw the cuts.  She asked, "Cindy, do you mind if I look at you all over?"
	"Of course not!  I'll need some help, though.  It would be a lot easier if you could lift the covers off me.  That would save me a bit of pain."
	Anita carefully lifted them off exposing Cindy's body at full length.  The cuts were all healing, but were still very prominent.  "Would you roll over?  Can you?"
	"Of course," Cindy replied, and carefully rolled over on her belly.  She let out a little gasp as pressure came on the abdominal cuts which were the worst of them all.  Her back and buttocks, while clearing up, were still crisscrossed with lacerations.  Carefully, Cindy rolled over on her back again.  Anita, now looking very pale, carefully lifted the covers up after first plumping up the pillows and getting Cindy another.
	Cindy leaned back and sighed.  "That feels so good.  Thank you so much.  Now, aren't you going to ask me about the cruelty?  But you better pull up a chair, though.  This is going to take awhile.  Would you like some refreshment?  There's iced tea, cookies, cake, candy... almost anything."  Anita looked puzzled.  "It's right behind you.  There's a tiny refrigerator there.  Please help yourself."  Anita found a pitcher of iced tea and poured glasses for herself and Cindy.
	She took out a pad and pencil and said, "Now, about that cruelty?"
	Cindy savored her iced tea and then said, "Thank you very much for pouring.  The cruelty: Well, do you know what Jan did last night?"  Nita shook her head.  "She served tournedos Rossini again.  She really did.  That's three times in two weeks.  Where's my rice?  Slaves are entitled to their daily rice ration, but she won't give me any."  She said as she shook her head sorrowfully.  "Slaves sleep on the floor, right?  Ask anybody.  It's our right.  I ask you, Mrs. Collins, does this look like a floor to you?  Just because I'm weak and can't object, she takes advantage of me.  Bathroom privileges?  We get to use an outhouse, right?  I don't.  I have to use a private bathroom, for God's sake."
	She looked at Anita who was amazed to see tears rolling down the girl's beautiful cheeks in spite of her eyes gleaming with amusement.  "Can't you use the power of the press or something to make sure I get my rights?"
	Anita grinned and said, "I'll try, Cindy.  But seriously, what about those... souvenirs you're wearing?"
	"The stripes?  That's me.  What's the question?"
	Anita looked puzzled.  "But I thought Jan did that to you?  She told me she did."
	"She lied then.  I did them to me."
	"I don't understand," the reporter said.
	"Nita, there are twenty-two on my fat ass for disobedience.  There are six on my back for gross arrogance, and the rest are for unbelievable egotism and stupidity.  It's all me."  She then told Nita the story of what had happened.  Finally she asked, "How's the weather outside, by the way?  I'm getting cabin fever stuck in this room."
	"It's a glorious May day.  I guess the temperature is already over 80."
	Suddenly Cindy looked like a little girl planning on playing hooky.  "Anita, if you give me a hand, we can go out to the pool.  Will you?  Please!"
	Anita was genuinely shocked.  "Cin, get serious.  You almost died.  You can't get out of bed!"
	"The hell I can't!  Just watch."  With that Cindy carefully eased her long legs over the side of the bed.  She sat on the edge and waited for her dizziness to pass, then carefully stood up and made her way towards the door.  Anita realized she was serious and jumped up to go with her.  She was utterly astonished to see the girl carefully making her way downstairs.  Leading the way, Cindy went through the kitchen, grabbed two big towels from the laundry and then carefully padded out on the path to the pool.
	The reporter followed, watching in amazement.  When she got up to the pool deck, Cin brought over two mats and gingerly lay down on her back.  Hearing Anita come up, she said, "Nita, could you do me a huge favor?  I forgot the suntan cream.  I would really appreciate it if you could get it.  It's in the laundry on a shelf right by the door.  Do you mind awfully?"
	Anita Collins went back and retrieved the lotion.  She had been to a businesswomen's luncheon and was wearing a blouse and a linen suit and now found the sun very warm.  When she got back to the pool deck, Cindy opened one eye.  "You're not going swimming in that are you?  I suspect it'll shrink.  And even if it doesn't, the chlorine in the pool will do some very nasty things to the color."
	"Are you suggesting..." Anita began with a grin.
	"I'm not suggesting, I'm telling!  Strip, lady.  Take it all off.  I suspect you have a passably fair body under all that armor.  Since I haven't worn any clothes in weeks, I'm something of an expert."  Anita grinned and quickly took off her clothes.  She was only five feet four but her body was magnificent.  Her breasts were remarkably full and firm.  She took the suntan lotion and very carefully began to spread it on Cynthia's body and then applied it to her own.  Incredibly, even with her wounds, Cindy came over and put lotion on her despite the pain her movements caused her.
	The two women lay in the sun idly talking.  After a while, Cindy propped herself up on her elbows and just looked at the pool.  Nita looked at the girl and knew what she was thinking.  "Oh, no you don't, young lady!  Jan will probably take off my hide for letting you get this far.  If you go in that pool..."
	Before she could finish, Cindy, in an astonishingly smooth and quick motion, was diving head first into the pool.  The chlorine burned her cuts as she knew it would, but she didn't care.  She started to lazily swim up and down.  The cuts in her cunt were tortured by the movement of her legs, but she ignored the pain and just kept going.  In a moment she heard a splash as Nita dove in.  Cindy just kept going easily up and down the twenty-five meter pool.
	Moments later she heard another splash and the water was churned to a froth.  A hand came up and drove her head under water.  She came to the surface coughing and saw Jan beside her.  From the sound of her entry, Cindy had known it was her.  "And what in hell do you think you're doing, young lady?" Jan demanded.
	Cindy stuck out her tongue and said, "I decided to leave that prison you have me locked up in.  And I complained to the authorities about the abusive treatment you're giving me.  Nita is writing an exposé.  It will tell how I've been systematically denied my rights as a slave.  Boy, are you going to be sorry!"
	The girls got out of the pool with Jan giving Cindy a hand.  Jan went for a towel and Nita pulled up another mat for her.  Before lying down Jan carefully smoothed more lotion on Cindy's body as the girl moaned with pleasure.  In addition to providing protection from the sun, the lotion felt very soothing on her cuts that were now so irritated from the chlorine.
	When she was finished, Nita got her notebook and read Cindy's list of complaints.  "Now, Mrs. Stewart, in the best journalistic tradition of trying to get both sides of the story, I'll review Miss Martin's accusations — I guess the story should read Slave Cynthia, though.  First, she claims to be denied her ration of rice.  She is right, you know.  Every slave is assured a scoop of rice every day.  She claims you're forcing her to eat tournedos Rossini.  Do you have a comment?"
	"Of all the ungrateful...  Mrs. Collins, I'll have you know I serve a bowl of rice.  She chooses not to eat it.  I can't be responsible.  What should I do?  Force-feed her?  Of all the nerve!  What's next?"
	"Well," Anita continued, trying to control her giggles, "Slave Cynthia claims you don't allow her to sleep on the floor.  She is right, you know.  A slave has the right to sleep on the floor."
	Jan just shook her head.  "Well," she said, "There is some merit to that one.  But have you looked at her body?  Do you realize how hard it is to get blood off a vinyl floor?  On the other hand, we just drop the bed linen into the washing machine.  However, I'll take that complaint under advisement.  What else?"
	"She claims she's deprived of outhouse privileges.  She's forced to use a private bath?"  Nita's face was in a frown, although her eyes were dancing with laughter.  "What about that?"
	"That's unfair!" Jan protested.  "It's not my fault.  It's the damned EPA!  They have some problem with outhouses and water tables and junk like that.  Anyway, they made us take it down.  I asked if she could just fertilize the flowers, but they didn't like that much better.  Anyway, this is what they made us do.  If Slave Cynthia has a problem, it's not with us!"
	The exchange continued.  As it did, Anita realized the depth of Cindy's love for Janice and the extent to which it was returned.  Finally, she said, "Except for about one inch difference in height and the length of Cindy's hair, you two look like twins."
	"Twins!  Of all the nerve," Jan exclaimed.  "Have you ever seen my skin look like that... that library paste?  Look at those tits!  They flop all over the place.  Mine are firm.  A twin, indeed!"
	They all laughed.  Then Cindy came over and kissed Jan softly on the lips.  "Library paste, indeed!  I can't help it if I'm kept locked in a cell all day."  Then she whispered, "Jan, I love you."
	The girls had a very enjoyable afternoon in the sun.
* * *
	On Saturday afternoon, a young man wearing khaki pants and a tee shirt came up the drive.  He was holding a small bouquet of flowers in his hand as he rang the doorbell.  Janice opened it, smiled and said, "Hi!  May I help you?"
	"Mrs. Stewart?"  Jan nodded and he held out his hand.  "How do you do?  I'm Dan Burke, a friend of Cynthia's.  I heard she wasn't feeling too well and I came out to see her.  Is she home?"  Jan was both puzzled and interested.  Dan was a new name.  The only man Cindy had ever mentioned was Jeffrey and as far as Jan was concerned the less said about him the better.  Dan was big with muscles bulging under his tee shirt.  He appeared to be about six feet three and to weigh over 200.  His sandy hair was very short — a semi-crewcut, and he had brilliant blue eyes which were very friendly.
	"Please come in, Dan.  Cindy is taking a nap.  Let me see if she still is."  He followed her inside and sat down in the living room to wait.
	Jan went upstairs and carefully opened Cindy's door but even the small sound was enough to awaken the girl.  Jan grinned and said, "Cindy, you have a male visitor.  May I show him up?"
	The girl looked both surprised and puzzled but instantly agreed.  She went down and told Dan he could see her.  He followed her upstairs to Cindy's room and went in.  When he entered the room, the covers were up around her neck and she looked lovely.  When Dan came in, she jerked herself upright in the bed.  Jan saw a lovely smile come over her face as she said, "Dan!  What are you doing here?"  When she sat up she exposed her bare breasts and some of the cuts on her chest.  But because of all the time spent nude, she was not even conscious of what had happened.
	Jan didn't say anything.  She quietly withdrew from the room, leaving the two alone.  Dan said, "Cynthia, you're looking better than I've ever seen you.  And I can't ever remember seeing so much of you, either!"
	The girl glanced down and suddenly realized she was nude.  She blushed scarlet and dove under the covers, pulling them up to her chin.  She looked very cute just peering over the top of the crisp sheet.  "Dan Burke, you are terrible!  You have a hell of a nerve looking at me naked."
	He smiled and put up his hands in a sign of surrender.  "I'm sorry, Cynthia.  Actually, I'm not, but I guess that's what I'm supposed to say."  He smiled and said, "How about a peace offering?  I have something for you."  He held out the flowers to her.
	She took them and tears came to her eyes.  "Dan, thank you so much!"  She looked at the small bouquet and sniffed the floral perfume.  "They're so pretty, Dan.  But why did you do it?  I know you can't afford it.  Your education loans are rivaled in size only by the national debt!"
	He shrugged and said, "That's why I walked.  I couldn't afford both a cab and the flowers, and I thought you would like the flowers better."
	"Do you mean to say you walked all the way out here from the station!?  Dan, it's miles!  Why did you do it?"
	He shrugged and replied, "I thought you would like the flowers.  You do, don't you?"
	"Oh, Dan, they're lovely!  Thank you so much."
	Janice came back to the room and saw Cindy with the covers pulled up to her chin.  Immediately she suspected what had happened.  Standing behind Dan, she shook her head and grinned.  Seeing Jan, Cindy glared at her and exclaimed, "Don't you dare laugh at me, Janice Stewart!  Why didn't you warn me?"
	"Warn you of what?  I told you there was a gentleman here to see you.  What else was I supposed to say?"
	"The least you could have done was warn me that I wasn't dressed!"
	"Oh!  I'm sorry, Cin.  I thought you would have known it, though.  It's your body, after all, not mine."  Cindy grinned and shook her head.  Jan said, "Dan, it's a beautiful day.  If you would like to swim, my husband has a bathing suit you can use.  Your friend will have to make do."
	She got him the trunks and showed him where he could change.  Returning to Cindy's room she asked, "What are you going to do?  Do you feel like trying a bathing suit?"
	"I did," she replied.  "I can wear one but I still look like hell.  The cuts don't hurt much any more, but they sure don't look very good.  Any other ideas?"
	Jan grinned and left the room returning a few minutes later with a short unisex terry robe.  "How's this?  It covers your body but it will certainly show off your legs.  Want to try?"  Cindy got out of bed and put on the robe.  She looked exquisite after she brushed and combed her long hair.  As she was working on her hair, Jan asked, "Who is Dan Burke, by the way?  A new country heard from.  The only man you ever mentioned to me before was Jeffrey."
	Before Cindy could answer, Dan was back.  They went out to the pool and relaxed on lounge chairs.  The afternoon passed swiftly with Jan and Dan spending a lot of the time swimming.  A couple of times Dan walked away so Cindy could do a couple of laps nude.  Listening to the conversation, Jan learned that Cindy and Dan had met in the bank's credit training program, and had worked as credit analysts together afterward.  However, Cynthia went out to a lending unit and a series of rapid promotions while Dan remained an analyst.
	Cindy said, "Are you still in credit analysis, Dan?  Aren't you in a district yet?"
	He grinned and shook his head.  "I'm still analyzing credits.  I'm getting pretty good at it, too."
	Cindy said, "Jan, you're a director of the bank.  Why don't you do something about it?  With Dad running it now, I'm frankly amazed he hasn't moved, and I want to know why.  Dad was the only other person in the bank who looked at credits the same way Dan did."
	Jan didn't say anything, but the conversation rang a bell.  Just the day before she had received advance information for an upcoming directors meeting.  She remembered that one item of business was to elect Daniel P. Burke as executive vice president, chief lending officer and a member of the board of directors.  She asked Cindy, "What do you mean by that?  How many different ways are there to look at a credit?"
	Cindy replied, "Ask Dan.  We used to fight about it all the time.  He believed in looking at the company and its people.  The rest of us were big on the 'what's hot and what's not' school of lending.  The only thing that could be said for my way was when we went in the tank — which was often — we had a lot of company among the other lending banks."  She shook her head sadly and said, "God, how could I be so damned dumb!  It was far more important to look right than to be right."  Her face fell as she added, "Then of course, there were other fee income opportunities that came along from time to time.  For example, there was a little company around here somewhere that borrowed $20 million.  I was able to pick up a fast $4 million for the bank by selling its note at a premium.  There were a couple of odd things about the deal but money is money."  She shook her head and continued, "That's how I got to be a senior vice president.  Mr. Paterson says I'll get a big bonus, too."
	As she finished, her face crumpled and she started to cry.  Jan went to her, but she pushed her away.  Her head was up while tears streamed down her face but she would not even lower her head.  In spite of the tears she continued, "Dan heard about what I was doing.  He stormed into my office screaming.  He had a hell of a nerve.  Imagine!  Screaming at a senior vice president.  He said it was criminal.  I laughed.  He said he never wanted to speak to me again.  I said, 'Good!'"  She turned to Dan even though the tears were blinding her so she couldn't see him and asked, "Why did you change your mind?"
	Dan had been looking at Cindy without saying a word.  His heart turned over when she began to cry.  When she spoke to him he said, "Maybe it's because I don't think you'd do it the same way today.  But maybe I'm wrong.  Am I, Cynthia?"  He looked at her as she wiped her eyes and nose with the back of her sleeve reminding him of a little girl.  Her nose was running, she wore no makeup, her cheeks were tear-streaked but she looked utterly beautiful.
	She said, "No, Dan I wouldn't.  By the way, unless you really like Cynthia, please call me Cindy or Cin."  She smiled a little smile and said, "Janice has a speech impediment.  She can't pronounce Cynthia so I go by Cindy now so she doesn't feel badly.  As for the rest, you should know it's the reason I'm here.  Dan, I was such an unmitigated little shit, I don't know why you ever talked to me.  God, I was awful!"
	He said very quietly, "I didn't think you were.  Actually, you were one of the good ones?"
	She looked up, genuinely shocked.  "Good ones?  My God, if I was a good one, what does that make the rest?"
	His face was absolutely impassive as he replied, "Worthless."
	Pete had been working at the office helping with the installation of the first of the new machine tools needed to produce the Peters Drive.  As they returned to the house they heard him drive up.  After showering, Cindy was back in the kitchen with her wet hair tied back in a pony tail.  She had put on a cotton dress with an empire waist that pinched in just beneath her full breasts.  It was cut full so it didn't bind on her healing cuts.  Jan was wearing a tee shirt and skin-tight jeans, which was what Pete was wearing, as well.
	Pete opened three boxes of pizza he had brought home with him.  The four sat around the kitchen table playing drinking games and eating pizza.  About eleven o'clock, when they ran out of pizza, Jan got up and worked at the counter for a while.  Later she sliced another pizza and served it.  Cindy had been watching but didn't say anything.  Since Dan's back was to Jan, he hadn't been able to see what she had been doing.  When the pizza was served, Dan took a bite.  He did a double take and asked, "Where did this come from?  This is the finest pizza I have ever eaten in my life!"
	Cindy said, "Pizzeria Janice.  Haven't you ever been there?  It's the new 'in' place on the near North Side."
	He just shook his head.  "I guess that's why I've never been there.  I can't stand 'in' places and couldn't possibly afford them if I could.  I may have to make an exception in this case, though.  How much is one of their pizzas, anyway?"
	"Not much.  Six months of involuntary servitude.  Disciplinary action is at no additional charge."  Dan's head jerked up and Cindy grinned.  "Dan, Jan made it in the last thirty minutes starting from scratch.  It is great, isn't it?"
	They continued their games until nearly four in the morning.  By that time they were singing college drinking songs off key but Cindy thought it was the most wonderful evening she had ever spent.  In spite of their entreaties, Dan insisted on sleeping on the sofa in the library.  He said, "Look at it: it's genuine leather.  It may be the only chance in my life to sleep on a real leather-covered sofa."  Cindy brought a blanket to him.  Even though she was reeling with fatigue, she held her chin up.  He held her chin and very lightly kissed her on the lips.  Their kiss was breathtaking.
	The next morning, Pete drove Dan back to the train.
Chapter 7
	Over the next weeks things slowly returned to normal.  Cindy's body had now healed:  There were now only red lines marking the cuts on her body which were fading fast under her golden tan.  One day Pete returned home driving a new car, a bright red Mazda 323 GTX.  He parked it next to the garage and Cindy came out to look at it.  "What happened to the BMW?  Get a little too close to a tree?"
	"Oh, this?  No, it's yours.  I left mine at the office," he replied.
	"Mine!?  What do you mean, mine?  Pete, there's no way I can afford a car.  I'm indentured to you and Jan for at least the next ten years as it is."
	"I know that.  That's why I got the car.  Jan's getting a little tired of doing all the shopping, the heavy lifting — all that sort of stuff.  Since she thought it would look a little funny for a slave to be driving a BMW, I bought this for you.  After all, you said yourself you'll be around for ten years anyway, so it should be pretty well worn out by then.  Do you like it?"
	Cindy had been looking at him while slowly shaking her head.  Then he gave her the title and registration, both made out in her name.  She looked at them and said, "What's this?  If you bought the car, why is it in my name?"
	"Do you think for one minute, lady, I want your reckless driving on my insurance record?  No way!  You're stuck with it.  I'm sorry."
	She just shook her head again and then her tears started to flow.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a warm kiss.  He could taste the salt of her tears as she kissed him.  "Peter Stewart, you're terrible!"
	"That's what Jan says all the time, too.  Since you both say it, I guess it must be true.  Now let me go, lady, before my wife sees you.  She's jealous and she's tough!"
	Cindy loved her little car.  It handled like the turbocharged rocket it was.  From then on she handled all the family shopping.  One morning she was getting the shopping list together and Jan emptied a small box on the kitchen counter.  "Would you kindly keep your own shit, lady.  My purse is cluttered enough as it is."
	Cindy looked at the materials that dumped out.  Jan said casually, "By the way, I thought you were the banker?  Don't you know enough to sign your credit cards?  Anyone could pick one of these up, sign your name, and use it."  Cindy looked at the cards.  There was an American Express card, a MasterCard, and a Visa card.  In addition, there was a checkbook from Chicago Trust Company.  The checks were imprinted 'Cynthia K. Martin' and showed the Stewart's address in Deerfield.
	Cindy looked at the check register and found it was completely blank.  She looked at Jan and asked, "What's this for?  High-priced notepaper?  I don't have a penny nor any source of income.  In fact, I owe your sister $60,000 or so, plus accrued interest."
	Jan looked bored.  "Oh, there's no balance showing because it runs off our account.  Try to keep track of what you spend, though, will you?  I have enough trouble trying to reconcile my own damned account."
	Cindy started to cry.  "Do you mean to tell me, Janice Stewart, that you and Pete are giving me signing authority on your entire bank account?"
	"Don't be silly.  You can only sign on yours.  Incidentally, they have your signature on file already, so there are no dumb cards to sign.  And here is your ATM card; I almost forgot."  She looked at the girl with love in her eyes and a fake frown on her face.
	"No, I can't sign on your account.  I can write a check of any size on my account and your account covers it.  Is that the way it works?"
	"Well... sort of, I guess.  Why, what's the trouble?  There will be enough to pay for the groceries and the dry cleaning."
	Cindy shook her head and smiled wryly.  "Mrs. Stewart, if I put this card in an ATM and withdrew — say — ten dollars, what do you suppose the bank balance would read?"
	Suddenly Jan was embarrassed.  This was something she hadn't thought of.  She blushed and stammered, "It would be enough to get you your ten dollars."
	"Times about one million?  Care to bet?" Cindy insisted.
	"Higher than that," Jan said, speaking so softly Cindy could hardly hear her.
	"How much, Stewart?  All I have to do is go to an ATM and find out."
	"Something better than $15 million, unless Mom and Dad pulled their usual dirty trick," Jan said softly.
	"Dirty trick?"
	"Yeah.  Periodically, I'll do what you mentioned — get some cash from a teller machine.  Then I find that the account is high by ten or twenty million.  They do it just to cause trouble.  Why do you think we have the pool and will soon have the tennis court?  We have to do something with it."  Suddenly, Jan's attitude changed.  She said very brightly, "Cindy, I did it because I love you.  Can we let it go at that?  Please?"
	Cindy kissed her softly, whispered, "I love you, too," and scuttled out the door with her shopping list.
	That night Cindy celebrated.  She had prepared the entire meal herself for the first time.  As she was getting ready to serve, Jan came into the kitchen and said, "Cin, you're missing a place setting at the dinner table."
	"I'm sorry!  I didn't know you were having a guest.  Should I put the dinner away to keep warm while we wait?"
	"What's the trouble?  Aren't you hungry enough to eat yet?  Pete and I were talking while you were finishing up out here.  He pointed out how dangerous it is to eat when the cook doesn't.  So as your punishment you have to eat with us from now on."  Jan's eyes were dancing as she added, "And you can bet your last dime that if you don't eat something, we won't eat it, either."
	When they sat down to eat, Pete got up and brought out a special white wine they had been saving and poured it.  Taking his seat again, he raised his glass and said, "I would like to offer a toast: To a wonderful girl and a wonderful person.  To a girl who has shown us what courage is really all about.  To you, Cindy, with all of our love."
	Jan said, "Amen."  They drank the toast while Cindy just stared down at her plate.
	Cindy then raised her glass.  "To the Stewarts: the finest, most loving family on the face of this earth.  If I ever amount to anything or ever achieve happiness in marriage, it will be because of you.  You have shown me what married love can be but almost never is.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
	"Speaking of marriage, Cin, have you heard from Dan?  We had a great time when he was out here.  Will we see him again?" Jan asked.  "Incidentally, how did you meet him?  The exchange you had going with him was getting interesting."
	"We've talked a couple of times.  As a matter of fact, he's asked me out.  I begged off.  As for meeting him, I guess it was funny.  We were in the credit training program together.  Dan was the odd one.  He was older than the rest of us and I now see so clearly he was the only one with his head screwed on straight.  God, did we fight!"  She looked down and said softly, "I guess we were the smartest ones in the class.  I looked down on him because I had gone to Northwestern and Chicago while he went to a mere state school."  She grimaced and continued, "God, I was a pill.  The more I think about it, the less reason I can come up with for him letting me live.  Jan and Pete, I couldn't have been a more obnoxious rich bitch.  I looked down on him."
	She looked up at Jan and tears were flowing from her eyes.  "Do you know what?  Dan was wounded three times.  He has three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, and the Navy Cross for service in Vietnam.  He paid his way through Illinois and was Phi Beta Kappa.  He was tops in his class at the graduate business school.  I know you two understand.  Jan, you were Yale and Columbia.  Pete, you were Harvard and MIT.  I think it says something about something.  You two are the top of the heap academically, but no one would ever know it.  I was just a bitch."  She mumbled something and ran from the dining room.
	Pete was bewildered as he looked at Jan and asked, "Honey, what do you make of that?"
	"That, sweetheart, is a girl who finds she's in love.  Unfortunately, she feels unworthy of the guy she's in love with.  Does that sound like anyone you know?" she asked with a wry grin.
	"As a matter of fact, it does.  There was a girl I met one time...  I think it may have been in Hawaii.  There was something about her job or profession or something.  I never learned what it was.  It was boring," Pete replied.  "But why do you ask?"
	"No reason.  Excuse me, Darling, I want to see what's going on."  She left the table and found Cindy curled up in a ball in a chair in the study.  She was crying like her heart was broken but her face was buried in her arms to try to muffle the sounds.
	Jan went over and knelt on the floor beside her.  "What's wrong, honey?  Why the tears?"
	Cindy sat up in the chair.  Her shoulders were still shaking and her eyes were red from her tears.  "It's all my fault.  Telling you and Pete about it at the table reminded me of some of the things I did and said.  Jan, they were on a par with me selling your note: the same level of sensitivity and high moral standards."
	Jan had an idea and changed the subject.  "Cindy, the fourth of July is next week.  Have you heard from Jeffrey?  Why don't you invite him out?  Maybe for a cook-out on Thursday night and then we could play it by ear.  Any interest?"
	Cindy brightened and said, "Are you sure?  Jan, I'm not even the hired help.  What do you mean by letting me invite a guest?"
	"Cynthia Martin — see, smarty, I can too say it; I just don't like to — let's face facts, shall we?  You're a beloved house guest.  Of course you do more than your share of the housework, but on the other hand we don't charge for room and board.  But yes, you're welcome to invite anyone you wish."
	She grinned and said, "I'll give Jeffrey a call.  Are you sure it's all right?  I'm not sure you and Pete will like him."
	"Then it's a good thing he'll be your date, not mine, isn't it?  Go to it," Jan said with a smile.
	Cindy made the call and found him in.  They talked for a while with her filling him in on her activities of the last few months and catching up on goings on in Chicago.  When she finally hung up, she was shaking her head.  "Jan, I don't know how this is going to work out, but what the hell.  It's only one night."  Then she changed the subject.  "Were you serious about me being sort of a house guest?"
	"Completely.  Why?"
	"Could... Could I go out Friday night?  I promise I won't be out late," Cindy asked diffidently.
	"Of course!  What are you going to do?" Jan asked.
	"Well, I told you Dan has called a few times and I've been ducking.  It's because I haven't had the guts to tell him what our arrangement really is.  Anyway, he asked if he could come out on Friday evening.  He thought we could go to a movie or something."  Cindy smiled softly and said, "I think I'd like that."  Jan thought it was a great idea and Cindy picked up the phone again.  When Dan answered, Jan could see Cindy blossom as she talked to him.  They quickly made arrangements for her to meet him at the train, get a bite to eat and go to a movie.  He could get a late train back to Chicago.
	On Tuesday evening at the dinner table it was obvious to both Jan and Pete that something was on Cindy's mind.  The dinner was perfect and Jan complimented her on it.  "Cin, you're really starting to make me look bad.  I couldn't make a dinner like this in a million years.  Now that the compliments are out of the way, what's troubling you?"
	Cindy's eyes were downcast as she said softly, "Is there any way I could make some money in the next couple of days?  And I didn't even ask permission to use the car on Friday night, either.  I realized that Dan will be spending all of his money on train fare getting out here.  We're going Dutch, and I don't have any money to pay my share.  What can I do?"
	Jan was puzzled.  She asked, "Cindy, could I see your checkbook, please?"  The girl was startled by the request but retrieved it and gave it to Jan.  She looked at the check register and whistled softly.  Then she went to Pete's end of the table and showed it to him.  "Honey, have you ever seen anything quite like this?  There are deposits for 73¢ and $1.17.  Cindy, where did those come from?"
	The girl was obviously embarrassed.  "With sales tax and stuff I don't always know how much cleaning or pharmacy items will be.  Since some of the places don't take checks or credit cards, I cash a check or get some ATM cash.  Then I redeposit the change."
	Jan laughed and shook her head.  "Cynthia Martin, I thought you were a banker.  Don't you know we're charged 75¢ per deposit?  It cost 75¢ to redeposit the 73¢.  In other words, we lost 2¢ on the deal.  For Heaven's sake, why don't you just put the damned change in your pocket?"
	"I can't, Jan.  It's not my money.  It wouldn't be right!  I'm sorry about the charges, though.  Please just add it to what I already owe you."  Then she smiled brightly and said, "I'll just give you the change in the future."  Her face fell again.  "But it still doesn't solve my problem for Friday, though."
	Jan had an idea.  She left the dining room, made a phone call and came back smiling broadly.  "I solved your problem," she said.  "There's a family with two small children, the Johnsons.  I happened to hear they're always looking for a baby sitter.  Are you interested?  They will use you tomorrow night if you're willing.  The pay is three dollars an hour; they would like you at seven-thirty if it's okay."
	"It would be wonderful," Cindy exclaimed.  "There's only one problem.  I'll have to hurry your dinner.  Could I go a little later?"
	"Honey, Pete is looking at me kind of funny.  I think he's starting to wonder what, exactly, I do for a living.  Aside from making my cunt available to him, of course.  I think I can handle dinner for one night.  Do it!"  Cindy agreed and Jan made another call to confirm the arrangements.
* * *
	On Thursday morning, Cindy was working in the flower beds when the doorbell rang.  Jan went to the door and found it was Sally Johnson.  Sally was bubbling with excitement.  "Jan, Cindy is the finest baby sitter in the world!"  Her face fell as she continued, "I didn't lie to you the other night, but I certainly didn't tell you the whole truth.  My two are terrors!  We have Eddie who is almost two and Kathy who is four and a half.  Believe it or not, last night was the first night since Eddie was born that we weren't called home by the sitter.  We have even had sitters leave before we were ready to go out.  I don't know what she did with them.  All I know is when Ed and I got home, the two kids were sleeping like little angels.  This morning, all Kathy could talk about was the angel who stayed with her last night!
	"The other thing is we cheated Cindy.  We paid her $3 an hour.  The fact of the matter is we have used professional services at over $10 an hour and not a single one of those women made it through the evening!  Not one!  To top it all off, Cindy was going to walk home and it's over two miles.  She didn't want Ed to bother driving her; she said she could easily walk — at three in the morning!  We don't understand it.  She has that cute little red car I see her in.  Why didn't she drive?"
	Jan said, "I really don't know.  Why don't we ask her?"  She went outside and called Cindy who came running.  She wiped her hands on her blue jeans and flipped a lock of hair from her eye with the back of it.  It was a very hot day in late June and her shirt was soaking wet with her sweat.  The kitchen was cool with the house fully air-conditioned.  She greeted Sally Johnson and looked concerned.  "I hope there was no problem from last night?  Your children are a real delight."
	Sally just shook her head.  "I would swear you were at the wrong house when you say that, but I saw you myself.  I just told Jan the truth about my children.  What did you do with them?"
	Cindy was genuinely puzzled.  "I just held Eddie."  She looked a little embarrassed and added, "I let him suckle at my breast.  It felt strange to feel his little teeth biting on my nipple, but he liked it, and then fell asleep.  Then I did a few things with Sally and put them both to bed.  They were great.  Is there any problem?"
	"Yes, Cindy, there is.  But the problem is with us, not with you.  Ed and I talked it over and we have something for you.  I gather you need some money, so here."  She gave the girl a $50 bill.
	Cindy was reaching out for it when she saw the denomination.  She snatched her hand back as if it had been burned.  "I can't possibly accept this.  As a matter of fact, I owe you money.  The agreement was for $3 an hour.  I guess I was a little sleepy.  For seven and a half hours, that comes to $22.50.  Mr. Johnson gave me $25 and I didn't notice he overpaid.  I'll get you your change."
	"You will like hell, young lady.  You will accept this money.  Period.  I just told Jan it was the first time since Eddie was born we weren't called home.  I almost killed Ed when I learned he only gave you $25.  Seven and a half hours at $10 an hour is $75 and that's what you're going to take."  Cindy shook her head and held her hands behind her back.  "Cindy Martin," Sally insisted, "Jan told me you need the money.  We would love to have you back anytime you can make it... but only if you take this money.  If you don't, we can't use you again."
	Cindy's face fell and she looked at Jan.  "What can I do?  She's cheating herself."
	Jan smiled and shook her head.  "I think you should just take the money.  Did I understand correctly?  You let the baby nurse at your breast?"
	Cindy was embarrassed and concerned.  "I washed my breasts and swabbed them with alcohol first.  I didn't hurt him, did I?  He seemed happy to snuggle."
	"Honey, I think what I'm hearing is that what you did was far beyond the call of duty.  Take the money."
	Cindy finally did, with thanks.  She accepted the money and Sally Johnson left.  When she did, Cindy gave the $50 bill to Janice who asked, "What on earth is this for?"
	"That's a down-payment on what I owe you.  Since I'm your slave, anything I earn is yours.  I would like to keep the $25 and owe it to you, but I can give you the $50 now."
	Jan just shook her head.  "Look, lady, did you tell me you needed money for Friday night?  Yes or no?"  Cindy nodded yes.  "When did you last take money from a cash machine?"
	"Yesterday.  I needed some cash for the dry cleaning."
	"Do you still have the machine receipt?"  Again, Cindy nodded.  "May I have it, please?"  Cindy found it in her purse and gave it to her.  Jan glanced at it and said, "Damn!  Now, Cynthia Martin, you're a banker.  What's the amount showing as 'Available Balance'?"
	Cindy looked at the small slip and said softly, "$35 million and something."
	"Mom outdid herself, I guess.  This time it must have been $20 million transferred in.  Are you getting a picture?  Would you please kindly keep your own damned money?  I have enough trouble trying to spend my own."  She grinned and said, "Now get your fat ass in gear!  I'm going to clean your clock on my brand-new tennis court."
	They went out on the court and played.  Although Jan beat Cindy badly, the girl was improving steadily as the match progressed.  By the end of the day, Cindy was winning games.  Jan grinned and said, "A few more like this, and I'm going to have you wear a ball and chain, slave.  Slaves don't beat their masters on their master's own tennis court!"
Chapter 8
	On Friday the doorbell rang at noon.  Jan went to the door and found a man standing there with a large bag in his hand.  He asked, "Are you Janice Stewart?  You look like the description your mother gave me.  I'm Henry Hall, your mother's hairdresser.  She said you have a friend staying with you who has a big date and she asked me to come out and fix her hair."
	Jan's jaw dropped.  When she was in Los Angeles she commented on the fact that all of the girls in the Clifford & Jamison office had beautiful hair.  She recalled Ali saying they had a private hairdresser, Henry Hall, who was an Academy Award-winning hair stylist.  She invited him into the house and he set up in the kitchen.  It turned out that he carried everything he needed in his bag.
	He went to work on Cindy and then did Janice's hair.  When he first saw Cindy's, he let out a low whistle and said, "Cindy, you take the grand prize.  I've been in this business a very long time.  But never have I seen a woman with hair as glorious as yours.  I thought Ali was the all-time champ, but your hair makes even hers look drab.  My God!  It has length, fullness, body, natural wave — everything."  He smiled at the girls and said, "This trip is on me.  It's worth every dime to be able to work on hair like this."
	Cindy thought he was kidding.  Then, to his embarrassment, Jan told her who and what he was and the fact that Ali had flown him out from California just to make sure her hair looked good.  When he finished, he borrowed a large mirror and held it so Cindy could see herself.  "My God!" she exclaimed, "That can't be me.  It just can't!  That's gorgeous."
	Henry just shook his head and said, "Cynthia, if you ever pay a hairdresser to work on your hair, I'll shoot you.  Either they're totally incompetent and don't know what they're working on, or they're bandits.  They should pay you for the privilege!"
	Jan's hair, being shorter, was easier to do.  Cindy told him to try to get it so it wouldn't look like a fright wig after she was loved by Pete.  The girls and Henry teased one another until he left for his plane back home.
	That evening, Cindy dressed very carefully for her date with Dan.  She didn't really understand why she was doing it.  Because it was a very warm day she was wearing a plain shirtwaist dress that was crisp and cool.  When she came downstairs, Jan put a double strand of pearls around her neck.  They were set off beautifully by her golden tan.  "How do I look?" she asked anxiously.  She felt like she was tottering on her heels, since she had spent almost the entire time since early May nude, and even when dressed, she was normally barefoot.
	Cindy didn't understand her feelings as she waited for the train from Chicago.  After all, it was just a movie date with an old friend.  Nevertheless, she had a wonderful sense of anticipation as she saw the train approach in the distance.  When it arrived, she saw Dan get off from the last car.  Again he was wearing khakis along with a golf shirt and was walking down the platform when he saw her.  He grinned and ran over to where she was waiting.
	Shaking her head, she said, "Dan, it's much too hot for running."  Then he surprised her by taking her in his arms and giving her a warm kiss.  She was rocked by the kiss but tried not to let on.  Her relationship with Dan had been one of almost constant fighting.  She had long ago concluded they didn't agree on the time of day or anything else.
	She looked at him and said, "Guess what, turkey?  I have some money.  We can actually eat tonight.  What do you think about that?  And I have a surprise for you, too."
	She took him to her car and he whistled.  "Where did this come from, young lady?  Whose is it?"
	"It's Pete's, but he insisted on having it registered in my name."  They got in and she drove to a small restaurant Jan had suggested.  Dan enjoyed the performance of the small car and was almost asleep when they got to the restaurant.  It turned out to be a new establishment specializing in French cuisine.  After they had eaten, the chef came out and asked how they enjoyed the food.  Dan was amazed when Cindy started making suggestions for improvement.  The chef, who was also the owner, was startled at first but then asked the reason for the changes.  Cindy gave him her reasons in detail.  Realizing she knew a great deal about haute cuisine, he found a pad and pencil and started to make notes.  The cognac which was served with the coffee was on the house.  When the bill was presented, Cindy paid it herself.  It took forty of her seventy-five dollars.
	Then they went to a movie.  Cindy was startled when she felt Dan unbutton a couple of buttons on her dress and put his hand on her bare breast.  He was shocked when her only reaction was to say, "Squeeze it.  It's nice and firm.  Do you like my tit, Dan?"  Instead of answering, he squeezed it gently and kissed her lightly on the ear.  She enjoyed the feeling of his hand cupping her breast for the rest of the movie.
	When they got out of the movie, she realized there was over an hour until it was time for his train back to Chicago.  She knew of a small park and drove to it.  Since the night was still and very warm, she kicked off her shoes and left them in the car.  Although the park was popular with lovers, it was still early in the evening when they walked to the bank of a small pond where they were hidden from view from cars in the parking lot.  She lay back on the cool grass and sighed.  Dan lowered his lips to hers and softly kissed her.  She held him behind his neck and returned it.  Then he lay down beside her and together they looked up at the moon.
	"Cindy, you're a strange girl.  Do you know that?"
	"You're right, of course, but what makes you say so?"
	"You're so different from the way you were.  Thank you for the dinner, by the way.  You spent all your money tonight, didn't you?"
	"No, smarty," she replied, "I have almost ten dollars left."  She chuckled softly and added, "It's more money than I've had for over two months.  I feel rich."
	Then she rolled over on her stomach with her head above his.  Gently she lowered her head and kissed him.  She was right.  She did feel electricity flowing between them.  Dan looked up at her and whispered, "May I see your breasts?  They felt absolutely perfect in the theater."  She went down on her knees, unfastened all the buttons down to her waist and shrugged off the top of her dress.  Except for her pearls, she was now nude to the waist.  Leaning forward she asked, "Do you like them?"  He said they were beautiful and gently caressed them.  As she knelt beside him she saw his pants start to bulge at his crotch.  Without conscious volition, she unbuckled his belt, opened his pants, and unzipped the fly.  Reaching in, she freed his cock from the restraint of his underwear.  It was enormous in size — as big as Pete's — and his balls were large and full.  Dan was so utterly dumfounded he didn't say or do anything.
	"Dan, you have a magnificent cock.  It's a woman's dream," she murmured.  He didn't believe what he was hearing.  The next thing he knew, her tongue was licking its tip daintily, causing it to become even harder.  "The poor thing," she murmured.  Then she took it in her mouth and started to suck hungrily the way she had seen Jan do so often with Pete.  In moments, she had the line and her mouth was moving up and down on him; she was taking him in to his full length.  Dan didn't know what to do.  It had been years since he had been with a woman and the oral stimulation was too much.  In just a few minutes he could feel his cock start to throb; he was about to cum.  He went to lift Cindy's head, but she just bit lightly on the base of his cock.  She could feel the cock start to throb.  Her mouth had taken it all in; the tip was in her throat.
	Carefully, she started to squeeze his cum-laden sack.  It was all that he needed.  He began to cum in her mouth in a series of ejaculations.  Breathing through her nose, she began to milk his balls with both hands to get as much of him in her mouth as she could.  He could see her swallowing rapidly.  With her mouth acting like a vagina she continued to suck as hard as she could.  When his pulsations slowed and then stopped, she released him and slowly raised her head.  With his cock free of her mouth, she began to lick it carefully to get all the cum off.  Finally, she flipped her head, draped her hair over his glorious cock, and used her hair to dry it.  Carefully, she tucked his now-flaccid penis back into his underwear, buttoned the pants, zipped up the fly and refastened the belt buckle.  Then she whispered, "Was I any good at all, Dan?  Did you like that?"
	He took her in his arms.  In spite of her struggles, he brought her mouth to his.  She tried to avoid kissing him, but he was much too strong.  She murmured, "Please don't, Dan!  I have a mouth full of your cum."
	"I know," he said softly, and kissed her.  His mouth forced hers open and she could feel his tongue probing her mouth.  Her arms went around him and she savored the wonderful feeling.  When he released her, they were both breathless.  "What did you just do, young lady?"
	"Dan!  You were a marine.  You know damned well what I did.  It's called a blow job or going down on a man.  I guess I like 'going down' better.  What about you?  Dan, was I any good?  I've never done it before and probably screwed it all up."
	He was shaking his head in utter amazement.  He whispered, "Cindy, if had been any better I wouldn't have lived through it.  You were trying to drain me dry!  And using your glorious hair to dry my cock.  Unbelievable!"  He lightly kissed the tip of her nose.  She wiggled it and grinned, so he kissed it again.  Then he asked, "Why did you do it, Cindy?  I would have never dreamed of asking you."
	"I know that.  I guess that's why I did it.  Dan, you taste wonderful.  I loved it.  Can I do it for you again sometime?"
	He grinned at her, not knowing what else to do.  Then he replied, "Sure, but on one condition."
	"What's that?" she asked skeptically.
	"I get to eat your cunt first."
	"What!?  Daniel Burke, that's disgusting.  It would make you sick.  You'd hate it."
	"Why?  How do you know?"  He smiled warmly and added, "I've never done it, but you never went down on a man before, either, did you?"  She just shook her head.  "Is it a deal?"  She reluctantly nodded.  Then he asked, "Cindy, you still didn't answer my question.  Why did you do it?  And why to me?"
	She shrugged back into the top of her dress, lay on her back on the cool grass and looked up at the moon.  She spoke so softly he could scarcely hear her reply.  She said, "Because I've been such a shit to you for so long.  I wanted to do something to try to make it up to you.  Tonight, when I kissed you, I saw your pants start to bulge.  I thought you might like it, so I did it."  She turned her head towards him and said, "Dan, it was truly heavenly.  Honest."  Then she glanced at her watch and jumped to her feet.  "My God, we have to dash, or you'll miss your train!  It's one hell of a walk back to Chicago."
	They walked back to the car and she sped to the train station, arriving just as the train was pulling in.  She kissed Dan before he boarded and asked if he had any plans for the 4th of July.  He said he had none and she grinned.
Chapter 9
	The following Thursday afternoon, the third of July, Cindy again drove to the station, this time to meet Jeffrey Campbell, and arrived just as he was getting off the train.  The first thing he did was to hurt her feelings by commenting on her ugly little Japanese car.  She had come to love the thing.  Driving out to the house, Jeffrey made a point of telling her that he had relieved himself with a new boyfriend before getting on the train.  This time his remark turned her stomach.  When they arrived, there was a cook-out in progress with Pete doing the cooking while Jan was heckling him.  She was only wearing a pair of short shorts and a bikini halter top; her feet were bare.  It was obvious Jeffrey didn't approve of Jan or her appearance.  Jan had told Cindy it was as much dressing as she intended to do.  When the couple arrived, Cindy noticed a speck of moisture on Pete's fly.  While Pete and Jeff were talking, she said softly to Jan, "You didn't lick his cock carefully after you took him.  Some spilled.  If it had been me, I would have been whipped unmercifully!"
	Jan just grinned and whispered, "Why did you make it back so damned fast, turkey?  I just might discipline you, anyway.  You're getting much too fresh for a slave."
	Cindy was wearing shorts and a sleeveless top.  She kicked off her shoes, too, and went inside to bring out the salads she had prepared.  Each was a work of art in both taste and appearance.  While she was inside, she called Dan's apartment.  He was home and she asked him if he could come out the following morning and stay for the weekend.  He instantly accepted her invitation.  She asked him to bring his bathing suit and a pair of tennis shoes.  If he had a tennis racket, he could bring that, too.
	The whole evening was thoroughly miserable.  Jeffrey was the same as he always had been and Cynthia recognized that fact.  Nevertheless, almost everything he did now annoyed her intensely.  He ate almost nothing.  Cindy didn't know if the salad greens were grown organically, and couldn't care less.  A few months earlier, she would have cared.  Similarly, she didn't know if union farm workers had picked the vegetables.  As for the meat, it had cholesterol and all sorts of bad stuff.  She just shook her head.
	Cindy called the railroad — or pretended to.  Then she ran out to tell Jeffrey that the late train had been canceled that night so he had to get the early one.  She careened down to the station, scaring him to death in the process, and skidded to a stop just as the train pulled in.  He went to kiss her but she turned her face away causing him to kiss her cheek rather than her lips.  She waved as the train pulled out and then breathed a sigh of relief.
	Returning to the house, Cindy was stripping off her clothes as she walked in the door.  Padding out to the back yard, she found Jan taking Pete in her mouth.  As she expected, they were both naked now, too.  Cindy went back inside to the cigar humidor.  Carefully, she lighted a corona for Pete and a panatella for Jan and then carried them back outside.  She gave the cigar to Pete with the comment, "If a girl can smoke while a man is eating her, I guess he can have a cigar while she's going down on him."  Turning to Jan whose mouth was going up and down on Pete's raging sex, she asked, "Does it taste as good as it looks?  While you play, I'll keep your panatella going for you."
	She sat down next to Pete who took advantage of her proximity to squeeze one of her tits.  She said, in a very bored-sounding tone of voice, "Oh, damn.  I guess I'm just another sexual plaything."  Then she turned to Pete, grinned and asked, "How does it feel?  Nice and firm I hope?  Do you think Dan will like it?"
	"Dan?" he asked, "I thought Jeffrey was the man of the hour."
	"The last hour.  God, he was awful!  But it worked," she replied.  Meanwhile, Pete had cum and now Jan was kneeling between his legs carefully licking off the last drop.  Then she ostentatiously moved between Cindy and Pete and kissed him softly on the lips.  As usual, their kiss didn't remain soft.  Her kiss lingered and Cindy heard the happy noises from deep in Jan's body.  Jan leaned back against his chest as he cupped one of her breasts with his hands.
	Jan looked at Cindy and said, "My panatella, please.  If you insist, you can get your own damned cigar."
	Cindy just grinned and told them about inviting Dan for the weekend.  Her face fell and tears came to the corners of her eyes.  "I never asked you if it would be all right.  Is it?"
	"Of course, honey," Jan replied.  "As a matter of fact, we both like Dan very much.  What did you think of Jeffrey this time.  Are you sorry you asked him out?"
	"It served its purpose," Cindy replied.  "I thought I had changed but this was the litmus test.  I passed.  I figured if I could still stand the jerk, I hadn't changed nearly enough.  Since I couldn't stand him, maybe there's some hope.  By the way, do we have room for Dan?  I don't think it would be fair to have him sleep on the sofa all weekend."
	"Dear, it may have escaped your attention, but there are three more bedrooms.  He can have a different one each night.  Now that we have a house slave, I don't even mind the extra laundry," Jan replied, sticking out her tongue.
	The next day Cindy was again at the station waiting for Dan.  All she was wearing was a bikini top and short shorts as well as a pair of moccasins she wore for the drive.  Looking down, she liked what she saw.  Her legs were long and smooth with a deep golden tan, The last of the whip marks had disappeared leaving her skin satin-smooth and unblemished.  She had spent time working on her hair to replicate the hairdo Henry Hall had done for her.
	Few people got off the train.  It was the 4th of July and most of the people traveling on the weekend had already arrived at their destinations.  This time Dan carried a canvas locker bag with him.  When he saw her, he stopped short and whistled.  To his surprise, Cindy stuck out her chest, put her hand around her hair, and duplicated a pinup pose.  He took her in his arms and kissed her.  "Cindy, you look gorgeous!  I've never seen you look better.  But what was that action a moment ago?  Just a few months ago, you would have taken a swing at my head.  What happened?"
	She grinned and replied, "I finally recognize the whistle for what it is.  It's a whistle of admiration, isn't it?"
	"It sure is, but so what?  It always has been, but that's not the way you would have reacted."
	She said softly, "I guess it goes to show how damned dumb I was.  Anyway, do you like the way I look?  Honest?"
	"Vanity, thy name is woman!  You look good enough to eat."  He smiled softly and added, "And that reminds me..."  To his surprise, she licked her lips and winked.
	They drove out to the house.  When they arrived, the difference in attitude was palpable.  Cindy kicked off her shoes and went outside after showing Dan to his room.  He came down a few minutes later wearing only his bathing trunks.  Pete and Jan greeted him warmly.  Then Jan raised an eyebrow and said, "Slave, where is the guest's beer?"
	Cindy grinned, ran inside and ran back out with a beer in her hand.  Sliding on the grass on her knees, she offered the beer to Dan with her head down.  He helped her up and then put the ice-cold bottle against her ribs.  She squealed and jumped, then looked at him with a hurt expression on her face but with her eyes dancing.  "Why did you do that?" she asked.
	"I just wanted to be sure it was cold enough."  He grinned and added, "It is."  She stuck out her tongue.
	The day was perfect for July 4th.  There was not a cloud in the sky and the temperature quickly passed ninety.  In spite of the heat, they were soon on the court playing tennis.  Playing against Pete and Jan, Cindy and Dan were beaten badly.  Then they changed to the men against the women.  This time the women won.  At Jan's insistence, they played barefoot.  The women had changed to identical bikinis.  Both were just tiny scraps of white against their golden skin.  Playing tennis, in no time the bottoms had sagged below the line of their pubic hair but neither of the girls cared.  Finally, Jan decided the bra was restricting her stroke so she took hers off and Cindy did also.  Cindy grinned at Jan and said, "Partner, we've got them now.  Dan is going to be watching other things bounce beside the tennis ball."  Jan just winked.  The girls beat the boys handily.
	When the match was over, the four sprawled on the grass drinking beer.  Cindy had her head resting on Dan's stomach, and he idly toyed with her breast.  She twisted her head around so she could see his face and asked, "Are they big enough for you?  Do you like firm tits?"
	Dan had been caressing her gently, just running his fingertips over her satin smooth skin, now slippery with sweat.  At her question, he cupped one of her breasts and seemed to weigh it.  As he did, he gently pinched her nipple causing it to become pebble hard.  She just moaned softly and said, "Quit handling the merchandise, mister.  Look but don't touch.  Or at least don't touch if you don't intend to keep going... and it's too early for that."  He just grinned.
	After their exercise in the morning, they spent a lazy afternoon by the pool.  Jan and Cindy refused to put their bras back on so the men spent a lot of the time handling their readily-available breasts.  Cindy decided she liked using Dan's stomach as a pillow.  She was almost asleep in the sun when she felt his fingers playing lightly over her breast.  She murmured, "You're waking me up.  That's not fair."
	"If you use me as a pillow, this is the price.  Cindy, you have beautiful boobs.  I just can't leave them alone."
	He heard her make a soft, happy sound deep in her throat and whisper, "I guess it's not too high a price to pay.  I've done a lot worse."
	Again, her reply surprised him.  "You mean you don't mind me fondling you like this?"
	"Of course not!  In fact, it makes me feel wonderfully warm and wet."
	"Wet?  Where?"
	She turned to look up at his face and whispered, "Where?  Where the hell do you think?  In my cunt, silly."
	"Good heavens!  I didn't think Cynthia even knew those words," he teased.
	She had gone back to her previous position with her head resting on his hard stomach and her eyes closed.  Without opening them she said, "Cynthia is a drip.  Cindy is a little more forthright with her language."
	They swam in the pool and had a fine time.  Again, they had a cook-out.  After dinner, the foursome lay on the grass and watched fireworks exploding in the sky.  Cindy was again in what had become her favorite position, using Dan as a pillow.  He watched, amused, as she exclaimed whenever a rocket exploded.  Finally, he said, "I'm surprised, Cindy.  I would have thought fireworks would be too plebeian for you, but you seem to like them."
	"Sure do!  I always have.  I love them!  But you're right, Dan.  It's like so much else.  It was seldom what I liked or I thought; it was what I was supposed to like and supposed to think."  She rolled over and put her head back on his stomach, but found she had to bend her head too far back for comfort.  She pondered it for a moment and then did what she had seen Jan do so often with Pete.  She lay down on top of him and rested her chin on her folded hands.  "Mm, this feels good.  Dan, I love your hairy chest!"
	"Why?"
	"So I can do this," she murmured.  She lifted her torso off his body and started to move her nipples in small circles around his chest.  Almost instantly her nipples hardened like small pebbles.  She just continued and began to make soft, contented noises.
	"What are you doing?" Dan asked with amusement audible in his voice.
	"I don't know, but Jan does it with Pete all the time.  It hasn't seemed to have hurt either of them yet.  Does it hurt you?"
	"It's terrible!  It's sexual assault.  You have to stop unless you pay the toll?"
	"What toll?"
	"You have to give me a kiss."
	She grinned and moved up on his body until her mouth was over his.  Then she lowered it until her lips barely made contact with his.  She darted her tongue into his mouth and savored the contact.  It was truly electrifying; it was as if a charge of electricity was passing through them.  She heard bells ringing in her ears and loved it.  Easing away, she folded her arms high on his chest, this time, leaving her face inches above his.  She just lay there looking down at him.
	"What are you looking at?" he asked.
	"You.  You're really kind of nice.  Thank you for the kiss.  I loved it."  She gently moved a lock of his hair from his forehead and saw a scar that ran back on his head through the hair line.  "What's this?" she asked quietly.
	"That's what comes of being dumb.  I didn't have my helmet on.  I thought it was too hot.  It turns out the stupid things are useful, hot or not."
	"Where are the others?" she asked quietly.
	"What others?"
	"Your other scars.  I know you were wounded three times.  The one in your head is one.  Where are the others?"
	He grinned and replied, "You're not very observant.  There are a couple of holes in my left shoulder."  She looked down and saw the depressions in the skin left by the healed bullet holes.  Since her nipples were still turgid, she moved her torso and fit her nipple into one of the depressions, then into the other.  "What, in hell, are you doing now?" Dan asked.
	"Oh," she replied vaguely, "Just checking.  I didn't know they gave Purple Hearts for being stabbed by a girl's nipple."  Then she looked up and smiled brightly, "I know!  They must have found out that she was a VC so it counts as enemy action.  Is that what happened?  That's two.  Where is the third?"
	"It's covered by my shorts — shrapnel.  It's all out, though."
	"Thank you, Dan," she said softly, while still moving her nipples around his chest.  "I was such a fool!  What you were doing was right, damn it.  I was one of the idiots carrying signs around the high school.  You were doing a job that we should have had the guts to do more completely."  She leaned down and kissed him again.
	"Look, young lady, what are you doing?  You've been crushing me under your weight for hours now.  Now that your dad's president, I'm going to write him a letter describing your un-banker-like behavior.  Where did you ever learn this stuff, anyway?  From your near-North Side girl friends?"
	Cindy acted shocked, but her eyes were dancing.  "From them!?  You've got to be kidding!  I don't think they know what nipples are for.  No, Dan, I got this all from watching Jan and Pete.  She does things like this all the time and it doesn't seem to have killed him.  You're about as big as he is and I'm not quite as big as Jan so you ought to be able to take it."  Then she started to laugh.  It felt strange to feel her body shake with laughter while she was lying on top of him.
	"Now what's so funny?" he asked.
	"I was just thinking about what you said: my near-North Side friends?  It's truly funny.  They would look at me now and say I was setting the cause of women's rights back centuries!"
	"Well, aren't you?"
	"Yes and no.  In their terms, yes.  In reality, no.  Dan, what do you think of Pete and Jan?  She has been nearly naked all day.  Do you think she's been making a play for you?  Is she trying to embarrass Pete?"
	"You have to be kidding!" Dan exclaimed.  "I'm not even sure she even knows I'm here half the time.  She's just totally wrapped up in him."  He looked up at Cindy with his brows knitted; something was troubling him.  "Would you answer a question for me?"
	"If I can, I will.  What's the question?"
	"Does Jan always concentrate on Pete this way?  Or is this just company behavior?"
	"It's company behavior.  If you weren't here, she would be wearing nothing.  Have you seen her moving on him?  I know the signs.  They're going to disappear in a matter of seconds.  Her cunt is driving her absolutely wild.  It's flowing with her juices and she desperately wants Pete inside her.  If you weren't here, he would have taken her at least a couple of times this afternoon and this evening."  She smiled warmly and repeated, "I'm sure.  It's company behavior."
	Meanwhile Dan had been caressing her body.  He had moved her tiny bikini bottom down to her thighs and was lightly running his fingertips over her scarred buttocks.  He made a little face and asked, "Cindy, what are these strange lines on you ass?  They feel like little ridges under my fingers."
	"They're almost all gone.  It's what the whip did.  I guess you saw some of it the first day you came out to see me.  Thank you very much again, Dan, for coming all the way out here to see me that day.  It was so lovely.  That beautiful little bunch of flowers made me feel so good.  I wish you hadn't done it, though."  Then Pete and Jan quickly said goodnight and disappeared into the house, leaving Dan and Cindy alone.  "See, I told you.  Now I can get comfortable."  With that, she quickly untied the tiny scraps of material and pulled off the bikini bottom.  Now she was totally naked.
	"What whip, Cin?  How did it happen?"  She quickly told him the story and finally told him she was Jan's slave.  Then she lowered her head and kissed him softly.
	"How do you feel now?" he asked.  "It doesn't seem to bother you and you don't seem to hold it against Jan at all.  In fact, you appear to love her."
	"I don't hold it against her at all.  In fact, she has made me what I am.  Do you know something, Daniel Burke?  I like myself a hell of a lot more now than I ever used to.  Do you like me better?"
	He just smiled.  Then he wrapped his arms around her and quickly rolled over.  Cindy was now lying on her back on the damp grass.  He noticed it didn't seem to bother her at all.  She lay there with her long blonde hair spread around her head like a fan just watching him.  He knelt between her legs and looked down at her.  The moon was full and the lawn was filled with moonlight.  Shaking his head, he thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  Now revealed was a small, dense patch of pubic hair that appeared to be slightly darker than the hair on her head.  He reached out and gently ran a finger up her slit.  He saw her make a quick face and then spread her legs a little wider to open herself up to him.
	"What's wrong?" he asked.  "I saw you wince.  Did I hurt you?"
	"Of course not," she replied softly.  "Dan...  There's something you need to know.  You may just run for the train.  When I first arrived here, I was all-galaxy stupid.  My ass was scored: you saw that.  My back was scored, too.  That was my egotism; you certainly know about that.  Then there's my cunt: Honey, I was sliced open.  It took a bunch of stitches to close me up.  I was bleeding like a stuck pig."  She grinned and said, "It was much worse than my period, even.  Anyway, would you try to be careful?  Why don't you look for yourself?"
	He moved closer and examined her groin closer.  He saw the two lines paralleling her slit and ending in her pubic hair.  Very carefully, he parted her cunt lips.  He saw another line paralleling the other two, but this one on the moist inner flesh of her vagina.  Her clitoris looked different in some way and he asked her about it.  She chuckled and said, "I think I was circumcised, but I'm not sure.  If you would stop looking and start doing something, maybe we'll both know.  Do you like my cunt, Dan?  Is it attractive to you?  Is there any way I can make it nicer?  Shave off my pubic hair, perhaps?"
	Again he looked up, startled.  "Cindy, what are you saying?  Nice girls would never say things like that!"
	"You're absolutely right.  That establishes another fact.  Dan, I am not a nice girl.  And where you're concerned, I have no intention of ever becoming one.  I hope I'm a good girl, though.  Specifically, Daniel Burke, I hope I'm a good lay for you."  She smiled again and said, "Dan, if you don't do something pretty soon, I will.  My mouth is still watering thinking about last Friday when it took your wonderful cock.  You said something about eating me.  I'm waiting patiently — but my patience is wearing very thin.  Besides, my cunt is getting cold exposed to the night air like this."
	He knelt between her legs and kissed her belly.  Then he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips.  She held his head and pulled his head down hard, crushing her lips with his.  As they parted, she whispered, "Dan, I'm not breakable.  Honest!  If I were, I would be broken by now and I'm not.  Now damn it, my cunt is running rivers and you promised!"
	He moved down her body slowly.  When he came to her breasts he began to kiss them and suck on her engorged nipples.  She cried out softly as he continued to work on them.  Then, to his surprise, he saw her pelvis jerk involuntarily as an orgasm overtook her.  He was driving her crazy and he knew it.  She began to sweat and her body became slick with perspiration.  He kept it up as she had another orgasm, and another, and still another.
	Finally, she could take it no more.  She took one of his hands and put it against her cunt.  "Damn it, Burke, this is my cunt.  You're handling my tits.  I like it, but my cunt is dying.  I know you're an ignorant marine, but I thought women's cunts were listed in the Manual!"
	Dan knelt at attention on the grass.  Quietly, but in a parade-ground fashion he said, "Sir!  A marine is issued all he needs in his seabag.  A woman is not a part of a full seabag, sir!  A marine just needs a cunt once in a while.  Sir, why isn't a cunt in a full seabag, sir?"
	She was laughing at his performance and just shook her head.  Still lying flat, she spread her legs wide and then used her long slender fingers to part her nether lips.  She said, in the same tone of voice he had used, "This cunt is part of your seabag, Marine!  Now get your face down on it and learn how to use it."
	He knelt down and kissed the parted lips.  Then he raised his head and looking stupid said, "How do I use it, sir?"  He decided the time for teasing was over.  He gently ran his tongue over her exposed clit.  As soon as he did, she instantly had another orgasm.
	"I guess it's circumcised.  God, is it sensitive!" she whispered.  "For God's sake, Dan, please don't stop!"  He ran his tongue up her tight vagina.  As he did, his tongue was greeted by her love juices accumulated from her orgasms.  Putting his whole mouth over her opening, he licked and sucked, occasionally tonguing her clit.  Her loins were shaking as she repeatedly released quantities of her cum.  After the least experimentation, he found the point and worked to maintain her in continuous orgasm.
	Cindy was in Heaven.  Now all her sensation was concentrated in her loins.  It was exactly like the night with Pete, only even better.  She was losing consciousness; she didn't think she could take it any more, but Dan was unrelenting.  Finally, he lightly bit her clit with his teeth.  She screamed and fainted from her sensory overload just as she felt herself release gallons of love juice.
	When Cindy regained consciousness, she was in her bed with her head resting on Dan's right shoulder and his hand cupping her breast.  She snuggled her body as close to his as she could and looked up at him.  "What did the dumb spoiled bitch do this time?  How did I get in my bed?  And for that matter, you big lug, what are you doing in here with me?"
	He looked at her and grinned.  "Cindy, your hair..."
	She reached up and felt it; it was in sweaty strings.  "...is a mess.  So what?"
	"But I thought women..."
	"Dan, I'm not a woman.  I'm your hot cunt.  As long as it functions and I'm not so ugly I scare you away, I'm happy."  Again, Dan was surprised at her reaction.  It came as a complete shock.  Meanwhile, her hand had been gently moving over his body.  He was naked in bed beside her so she could feel his skin in contact with her body and loved the feeling.  He was so masculine!  She flipped the covers off them, then got to her knees and watched as his cock started to engorge.
	She moved down and took it in her mouth, licked it, then kissed its tip and then looked up at him.  "Dan, it's truly lovely!"
	"How do you know?" he asked with a grin.  "Are you and expert on male sex organs?"
	She grinned back and just shook her head.  Then she lay down on top of him again, with her chin resting on the back of her hands which were folded on his chest.  "This is fun," she said softly.  "A man of my own to play with all weekend!"  Then she slowly slid down his body, kissing it as she moved, until she felt his massive erection.  Then she eased herself up, positioned it at her cunt, and slowly lowered herself on it.
	Cindy had long ago decided she had a very small vagina.  One of the reasons she had so little experience with men was the set of attitudes she had developed.  However, she was honest to herself and admitted that the severe pain which always accompanied penetration was a significant factor, too.  Now she was taking advantage of the beatings she had suffered.  Comparatively, nothing Dan could possibly do would hurt her.
	Nevertheless, she was glad she had taken the initiative.  She could work to ease the pain as much as possible.  Gently she lowered herself and felt him go deeper.  She started to rotate her hips and almost screwed herself down on him.  Rocking back and forth, she felt him penetrate deeper each time.  Remarkably, it still didn't hurt.  In fact, it felt wonderful as she could feel her flooded vagina stretch to accommodate his huge weapon.  Leaning forward she gasped as the movement brought his weapon in contact with her clit.  The feeling was ecstatic.  She could hear herself moan with pleasure as she continued to move on him.
	Finally she relaxed.  When she did, she was shocked to realize she had him inside her to his full length.  She beamed with pride and said, "Dan, I did it!  I took you all inside, and it didn't hurt a bit."  She leaned forward and he pulled himself up to kiss her.  "Honey, this is the first time in my life I haven't been in agony.  I can't understand it, either, because you're by far the biggest man I've ever had.  How can that be?"
	Dan was just lying on his back feeling utterly marvelous.  His cock was trapped in the most wonderfully tight wet glove imaginable.  He reached out and cupped her breasts which were utterly exquisite.  He loved handling them.  They were round, very full and very firm with tiny pink nipples tilted upward.  He played with the nipples for a moment and then they were fully erect again.  He looked at Cindy's face and could not believe his good fortune.  Since the first day he met her, he had felt strongly attracted to her and the attraction had remained even through their fights and even through his storming out of her office.  Now she was the most fulfilled and fulfilling woman he could imagine.  It was like a dream.  He frowned while his eyes were dancing and said, "Okay, lady, now what?  I'm not paying to watch you sit!  Let's see you move that fat ass."
	Instantly, she began to move her pelvis in a spectacular manner.  At the same time she started to move her jaws as if she were chewing gum.  "All right, mista!  What the hell do you expect for ten bucks, Mae West?  Geez, can't you do anything?"
	"For ten bucks, hell no!  You're getting paid.  You work," he said with a grin.
	Cindy started to move in full strokes, using her legs to lift herself almost completely off him and then using her weight, dropping on him to impale herself on his sex.  She could feel herself going higher and higher.  She had felt a small release from the cock inside her several times, but she could feel him getting even longer and fatter inside her.  She didn't believe it was possible, but that was what was happening.  She reached an orgasm, and another, and still another, each more violent than the one before.  Still she held on and kept moving in spite of the fact that she was making involuntary sounds whenever he reached full penetration and despite feeling like her loins were moving independently of her mind and the rest of her body.
	Then she felt his cock begin to throb.  She fell on it and used muscles in her vagina she didn't even know she had to squeeze the pole inside her rhythmically.  Then he started to cum in a flood.  She had bent forward bringing her clit in contact with his now-pulsating cock.  She screamed as her loins started to shake in a massive orgasm.  She was resting on her hands which were beside his body as she fought to retain consciousness.  She just managed, but her arms couldn't support her body and she collapsed on top of him while her cunt was still trying to milk him dry.  She rested on top of him while trying to regain her breath.  Meanwhile, Dan was lightly running his fingertips over her back and buns adding to her pleasure.  Finally she was recovered enough to look up.  "Thank you, Dan.  It could not have been better.  It just couldn't!"  She put her cheek on his chest and nuzzled against him enjoying the man-smell of him.
	Dan had never had such an experience in his life.  As full as his balls had been, he was now almost drained.  He was secretly amused as he thought of his promise to Don Martin to look after Cindy.  I don't think this is quite the sort of looking after he had in mind, he thought.  He grinned and said, "Lady, why don't you move your ass?  You're on top of me and you're not as light as you used to be."
	She grinned back and surprised him yet again.  "I'll move my ass, but you better put something in it.  It's your turn, big boy."  Then she knelt on the bed with her ass in the air.  Her knees were tucked under her body and her face was on her folded arms.
	"Cindy, what are you doing?" he asked in astonishment, his little game forgotten.
	"I'm waiting for you to ream my virginal asshole, Dan," she replied quietly.  Then with a grin, "What does it look like I'm doing?  Now just spit on it and put that monster in me.  Please?"
	"Cindy, you're crazy!  I'll kill you.  The answer is no."
	"I didn't ask you, I told you.  Now do it before I cut it off and stuff it in myself!"  Her grin took the sting out of her words.  Dan didn't know what to do.  He had never taken a girl in the ass before in his life.  Nevertheless, he knelt on the bed behind her.  She said, "Dan, why don't you put it in my cunt?  As usual, it's dripping.  You can use my juices to lubricate your entry."  He did as she suggested and again found his way into her exquisitely tight vagina.  He withdrew and positioned himself against her sepia hole.
	When Cindy felt him at her anus, she tried to relax her sphincter muscle and suddenly pushed backward as hard as she could.  She screamed in pain as the head of his cock penetrated her anal ring, but then she felt a warm sensation like nothing she had ever felt or imagined.  "You feel wonderful.  Dan, please wait a moment and let me catch my breath.  It didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would."  As she was talking she felt a warmth in her rear as she became used to the feeling.  She rocked backward as he moved forward slightly.  His huge organ penetrated deeper; it was now in nearly half its length.  "Dan, you're great.  Let's try it easily if we can."
	Dan was astounded at the sensation of his cock squeezed by her tight anal ring.  He pulled out, then moved in gently, and found himself in deeper.  Meantime Cindy was rotating her hips and getting him in even more.  "What are you doing now," he asked softly as her hips continued to rotate.  From his vantage point he could see lines crisscrossing her back.  He ran his fingers over her body and realized how perfect it was.  It was all muscle and satin-smooth skin.
	She replied, "I'm screwing myself in the ass, Burke.  What does it feel like I'm doing.  For that matter, I could use some help, too."
	He smiled and increased the length of his stroke.  Soon he was in to his full length.  When he hit bottom, his balls swung forward and struck her exposed clit causing her to scream in a combination of pleasure and pain.  "Oh God, Dan!  It feels so good.  Please don't stop!"
	Continuing to move in her, he reached around and grabbed her tits, now hanging beneath her.  She moaned with pleasure as he squeezed them hard.  Soon, he was moving faster and she was gyrating her hips and screaming involuntarily every time he hit bottom.  It felt like his cock reached to her stomach.  Suddenly, when his balls hit her clit, she had a violent orgasm.  It was followed by another and then a third.  Her pelvis was moving out of control when she felt the massive weapon inside her start to pulsate.  Again she screamed when she felt the hot cum flood her insides.  It took her over her crest causing her love juices to gush from her cunt and down her legs.  Almost immediately, she could feel his cock start to lose its hardness.  Carefully withdrawing, he collapsed beside her with his face towards hers.  She extended her legs and then lifted them in the air.  She smiled at him and said softly, "Thank you, Dan.  I hope it wasn't too bad for you."  Then she moved her head enough to be able to kiss him.  With an impish grin she said, "Do you suppose we're friendly enough to neck?  I might even let you get a little fresh."
	Dan just shook his head.  "Cindy, you continue to astonish me.  What ever happened to the squared-away little banker who always struck me as being a bit on the prissy side?"
	"She got lost in the lavatory or something."  Then her face became serious.  "The fact of the matter is it was beaten out of me.  Dan, the best thing that ever happened to me was to lose my freedom — particularly to Janice.  I can't tell you how much I've learned.  I think there may be hope for me yet."  Then she grinned and said, "Come on!  Let's take a shower.  I feel yucky and the less said about the condition of your poor prick the better."  She hopped out of bed and almost fell on her face when her legs gave way under her.  She grabbed the dresser to keep from falling, then got up carefully and looked back at Dan who was still lying on the bed and now grinning.  She looked at him ruefully and said, "Dan, you have just destroyed me!  I thought I was in great shape, but my legs collapsed.  Please take a shower with me?  I'll kill myself in the bathtub if you don't."
	Going into the bathroom, she ran the water and then got into the shower.  A few moments later, Dan joined her.  They had fun soaping each other's bodies.  When he finished, he got out leaving her alone to wash her hair.  Ruefully, she ran her fingers through it and found it was stuck together with her sweat.  After washing and conditioning it, she padded out to the bedroom with her hair wrapped in a towel.  She took clean sheets from the linen closet and returned to the bedroom.
	Dan was in bed under the covers but she couldn't tell if he was really asleep or just pretending.  When Cindy yanked the covers off him, Dan huddled in a ball.  Then she started tickling his ribs which caused him to turn on her and begin to tickle hers.  She quickly found out she was even more ticklish than he was; she ended up rolling off the bed and thumping on the floor.
	As she was rubbing her bottom, Dan peered over the edge of the bed and grinned.  "That's what you get for a sneak attack.  Now why did you do it, anyway?"
	"Honey, I just wanted to change the bed.  I want tonight to be wonderful and the bed is soaking wet.  May I change it, please?"
	He smiled and offered her a hand.  When she took it, he pulled her up and grinned.  In no time there was a clean pad and new sheets on the bed.  Cindy went back to the bathroom to dry her hair.  When she finished and was satisfied with her appearance, she found Dan genuinely asleep as she slid into the bed next to him.  When she did his hand reached out to her.  Putting her head on his shoulder, she felt his hand come around and cup her breast.  After molding her body to his, she was instantly sound asleep.
Chapter 10
	Dan Burke never got over his time in the Marines and its tradition of early rising.  When he awakened, it took him a few moments to orient himself.  He was in bed with Cindy Martin and cupping her breast in his hand.  As he marveled at how warm and vibrant it was, he must have moved his hand the slightest bit.  He watched as she held it more firmly with her own and snuggled even closer against him.  She had molded her body to his; he was conscious of the satin contact over the full length of his body.  It was absolutely delicious.  Very gently, he squeezed her breast to see what would happen.
	Instantly, her eyes opened and she turned her head to look at his face.  Dan blinked in surprise.  Cindy was fully awake and looking beautiful in spite of being sound asleep only an instant before.  She smiled warmly and said, "Good morning, Daniel Burke.  Thank you for the most thrilling night of my life.  Darling, you were magnificent."  Then she smiled impishly and said, "Are you ready for a good-morning fuck?  I know I am."
	Again he was amazed.  She looked like an angel and yet there was fire in her loins.  He grinned and rolled over between her legs which she instantly spread wide to welcome him.  She took his now-fully-erect cock and positioned its head at her vaginal opening.  Gently he eased the head in and found her cunt already soaking wet with her fluids.  This morning it was lovely: slow and gentle.
	When he reached full penetration, it felt to Cindy like he was probing into her uterus.  Knowing how Jan acted, when he withdrew so the head of his cock was almost out, she moved her legs quickly and loosely linked her ankles behind his neck.  She let out a little scream each time his balls banged against her still-tender ass.  He kept moving in her as she reached her first orgasm.  He took her to another and yet another.  They were coming more frequently now and each was taking her to an even higher level.  Dan reached the point where her orgasms were continuous.  Now she was moaning constantly and screaming each time he hit her bottom.  The pressure of his cock on her clit was driving her wild.
	Dan concentrated on keeping her at her peak.  Her whole existence was now concentrated in her loins and she had never felt so wonderful in her life.  She hoped it would just go on forever and Dan seemed to be making it happen.  Finally she could feel his iron-hard rod inside her begin to throb and it took her over the brink.  She fought and barely managed to retain consciousness as she felt the spurts of hot cum sear her insides and flood her cunt while her vagina pulsated to empty him out.  Finally, she could feel his cock start to soften and Dan lay down on top of her.  She held him close and ran her fingertips over his back.  When she reached a place below his hip she felt skin irregularities.  Obviously, it was the location of his shrapnel wound.  She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him softly.  "Good morning, again, Dan.  Thank you!  I've never enjoyed anything so much.  And thank you for letting me use your shoulder as a pillow.  Did you mind?"
	"How much do you weigh, Cin?  About 120?"  She nodded.  He grinned and said, "I guess I can stand it."  He rolled off her body and lay beside her.  She put her head on his shoulder again and he cupped her breast.  "Let's see," he continued.  "She has golden hair and the bluest eyes in the world.  A figure... well, it's a dream — if I ever had a dream this good, and I never did.  I feel satin skin against my body all night long."  He grinned at her and said, "I guess I can take it."
	Cindy stretched and Dan noticed there was no fat anywhere on her body.  She was as sleek as a cat.  She kissed him and said, "The joys of slavery, Darling.  I have a lot of things to do, so I have to get going, but why don't you just go back to sleep?"
	He just shook his head, partially in negation and partially in puzzlement.  She went into the bathroom and took a quick shower after first padding down the hall to the room where Dan had left his small bag.  She slipped on a terrycloth robe while he was still shaving and went down to the kitchen to start breakfast.  A few minutes later Dan joined her.  "What can I do to help?  I'm the freeloader around here."
	"If you really wouldn't mind, could you start skimming the pool?  I'll be finished here in a couple of minutes and then we can start on the tennis court.  Playing barefoot really tears up the surface."
	They were sitting at the breakfast table when Jan appeared wearing only her bikini bottoms.  "What are you dressed up for?" she asked Cindy with a gleam in her eye.  "Is there a formal affair somewhere?"  Cindy slipped off the robe she was wearing and was nude.  Jan looked at her and shook her head in dismay.  "My God, what a beat-up looking body!  By the way, what were all those screams last night?  I thought you were going to be quiet when someone was beating you?"
	"Guess what?" Cindy replied.  "When you wrapped the whip into my cunt you circumcised my clit.  I never dreamed I could enjoy anything as much as I enjoyed making love to Dan last night."  Then her face became serious.  She added, "Jan, how can I pay for your hospitality to Dan?  Can you add the charges to my indenture?  Please?"
	Jan just shook her head.  "We'll figure out something.  Dan, you look like the cat that swallowed the canary.  How was your evening?"
	"It was okay.  There was this small thing that kept assaulting me, of course.  But it does have its compensations," he replied with a grin.  Cindy daintily stuck out her tongue at him.  "In answer to your question, though, I got a call from your father, Cindy.  He says there's a buyer interested in your condo.  Would you be willing to sell?  Then you could use the proceeds to reduce your debt."
	Cindy agreed in an instant.  "I can't see myself living there, now.  I really can't.  I... I guess I like it here very much."  She grinned and added, "Since I'm going to be here for about ten years, I guess it's just as well."  She said she would call her father on Monday and tell him to go ahead with a sale.
	Dan watched as Cindy prepared breakfast.  She moved around the kitchen with no waste motion and he decided he loved just to watch her smooth muscles moving under her skin.  She served omelettes, bacon, and waffles.  By the time she was ready to serve, Pete had appeared.  Like Dan, he was only wearing a pair of shorts.
	As they were finishing breakfast, the phone rang and Jan answered it.  It was Sally Johnson for Cindy.  Sally asked if, by any chance, Cindy could baby-sit for them that evening.  Cindy agreed but said she had a guest and asked if she could bring him, too.  Sally said, "Oh, Cindy, I'm so sorry.  Look, I didn't know you had a guest.  Let's do it some other time, okay?"
	"Mrs. Johnson, I do need the money.  I would love to sit for Eddie and Kathy if you'll allow my lover to come, too.  Would it be all right?" she replied.  Sally agreed and they settled on seven-thirty as the time.  While they were talking, a car came up the driveway and the doorbell rang.  Jan went to answer it, slipping on Cindy's robe.  Looking through the glass she saw it was Jennifer and Steve Chapman.  Jan opened the door and hurled herself into her sister's arms.
	After the initial greetings, Jen said they had decided to take a ride and took a chance that the Stewarts would be home.  She was wearing a pair of short shorts and a halter top, while Steve wore slacks and a golf shirt.  They all went out to the kitchen.  When Steve saw Cindy standing at the gas range naked, he let out a low whistle.  "And who is this?" he asked.
	She came over with her hand outstretched.  "How do you do?  I'm Cindy Martin.  You must be Steve Chapman?"  He grinned and nodded.  "I'm your sister-in-law's slave.  I hope my appearance doesn't bother you too much.  Jan likes me this way."
	While they were talking, Jen, who was behind Steve, had quickly stripped off all her clothes, too.  She tapped him on the shoulder and said, "Hey, you!  Remember me?  I'm Jennifer Chapman, referred to by some as your wife.  Why don't you concentrate on the merchandise you already own?"  Jennifer's body was exquisite.  Except for hair that was shorter, her body was a virtual duplicate of Cindy's.  Both girls were five feet eight.  The only other difference was that Jennifer had no pubic hair; her mound had been plucked bare.
	Steve took his wife in his arms and she melted him with a kiss.  Her arms were around his neck and Cindy could see that she was supporting herself with them.  When they parted, she asked Jen about it.  "Oh, that," she replied casually.  "The answer is simple.  Whenever I kiss this lug my joints turn to water.  If I didn't hold on to him, I'd be sprawled out on the floor."  Cindy was going to laugh, but then she realized it was the simple truth.
	Saturday was a replay of Friday, but with the addition of the Chapmans.  They played doubles tennis in the morning.  During a match between the Chapmans and the Stewarts, Cindy and Dan were on the sidelines watching.  Something that had been nagging at Cindy came into focus.  Dan had been introduced to Steve, but not to Jennifer.  She asked him about it and he said he had been introduced to her at the bank one day.  He grinned and said, "It was one of those 'meet the peasants' sort of things.  Actually, she's very nice.  Jennifer reminds me very much of Janice.  She seems to care about people — particularly the little people.  The folks in the bank love her."
	During the day, Dan regained his skill at tennis.  He finally admitted he had played a lot in college but had scarcely held a racket since.  He was playing with a racket he borrowed from Pete.  Cindy persisted and he finally admitted to playing number one singles for the University of Illinois.  Cindy and Dan won the round-robin match, and Jan presented them with their 'trophy' — a tiny basket used for party favors for children's parties with six gumdrops in it.  Then she frowned and shook her head, but her eyes were dancing as she said, "Martin, your life won't be worth living next week!  You beat your master on her own tennis court.  I think this comes under the heading of winning the battle and losing the war."
	In the afternoon they soaked up the sun and swam.  They even had swimming races with the couples swimming against one another.  They elected to compete at 400 meters, sixteen laps of the pool.  Jan beat Pete handily.  Cindy marveled at the way the girl flowed through the pool like a dolphin with the same smoothness and power.  Steve just touched out Jennifer.  He had a big lead at one hundred meters but she began to chew into it as the race progressed.  He had swum competitively and really beat her on the turns.  He stuck out his tongue and said, "You cheat, lady.  I have this damned bathing suit on while you even pluck your cunt hair to reduce drag."  Jen just stuck out her tongue.
	Then it was Cindy's and Dan's turn.  Cindy had a big lead at the halfway mark, but she realized the time spent recuperating in bed had taken its toll.  He kept closing on her in the second half of the race, but she held on to win.  He took her wet body in his arms and kissed her.  She grinned and said, "It's my damned hair.  I think I'll shave it all off.  Hauling it through the water wore me out!"
	He kissed her softly and then kissed the tip of her nose.  "You do that, young lady, and I'll take off your head.  It really is your crowning glory.  I absolutely adore it."
	In the late afternoon, Cindy served appetizers and drinks with Dan acting as bartender.  He was very skilled; it turned out he had worked as a bartender in school, and still did to earn extra money.  They excused themselves and went inside.  Again they shared a shower, dressed, and drove to the Johnson's house, arriving on the dot of seven thirty.
	Dan was introduced to Sally and Ed.  While he was shaking hands, he noticed the children rushing to Cindy.  She scooped them both up in her arms, hugged them and kissed them both.  The two children obviously loved her.  Kathy Johnson was beaming.  She said, "Hello, Angel!  Mommy says you're going to stay with us tonight.  Are you really?"  Her little brother just said Angel, or a two-year-old's approximation of the word.
	Cindy walked out to the car with the Johnsons.  While Ed was backing it out of the garage, Sally said, "He's the one, isn't he?  Cindy, you positively glow!"  Her eyes were dancing in spite of the frown on her face as she added, "Don't you dare get your love juices all over our sofa!"  She squeezed Cindy's hand and got in the car.  The girl returned to the house.
	Eddie was starting to nod and Cindy picked him up, then slipped off her top revealing her breasts.  The baby tried for her nearest nipple but it was still flaccid.  Cindy pinched it erect and the baby took it in his mouth, using it as a pacifier.  She loved the feeling of his baby teeth chewing on her nipple as his tiny hands patted her firm breast.  In minutes he fell asleep.  Dan had been watching in amazement as Cindy looked so happy snuggling the baby at her breast.  After putting him in his crib, she came back and played some games with Kathy until she started to doze off.
	Now it was Cindy's turn to be surprised.  When she said it was time for bed, the little girl held out her arms to Dan who picked her up and hugged her.  He carried her into her bedroom, put her in bed, and gave her a kiss.  Cindy carefully tucked her in and kissed her softly.  They stood there and watched her eyes close and a little smile form on her face.  Closing the door, they went back downstairs.  They sat on the sofa and Dan put his arms around her.  "Cindy, you never fail to amaze me, do you know that?"
	She nuzzled his cheek and replied, "No, I don't know that.  Why do I amaze you?"
	"Cindy, I've never seen a baby react the way Eddie did to you.  But I've never heard of a baby sitter offering her own nipple as a pacifier, either."
	"Dan," she asked softly, "do you like children?"
	"Lady, I'm Irish.  I have to like children.  But why do you ask?"
	"Because, Dan, I want dozens.  I don't have the first clue what we're going to use for money, but I want them.  Do you mind?"
	He kissed her softly and said, "If it means I get to see that look on your face, I guess we'll have a few."
	Then she frowned at him and said, "By the way, I'm jealous.  You don't kiss me the way you kissed Kathy.  And why did she go to you, not me, anyway?"
	"She knows the difference between boys and girls already.  What can I tell you?  Cindy, you're absolutely wonderful with those kids.  You seemed to genuinely enjoy playing on the floor with that little girl.  I guess you really do want children, don't you?"
	"I sure do," she replied.  Then she looked at him and said, "Dan, can I say something awful?  When Eddie was chewing on my tit I was wishing it was you.  Will you?"  She stripped off her shorts and lay on her back on the floor.  He stripped and joined her.  They spent the next couple of hours making love in every way they could think of.
	When the Johnsons returned home, Cindy was asleep with her head on Dan's lap.  He eased her off him and greeted them quietly.  He said softly, "Don't mind Sleeping Beauty.  I think she's worn out.  I hope you don't mind?  I was checking on the kids."
	Sally had checked the children and found them both tucked in and sleeping like angels.  Ed Johnson smiled and gave the money to Dan.  Again, it was $75 and he explained why.  Dan picked Cindy up and carried her out to the car.  He took the keys from her purse, drove home, and carried her up to bed.  She was still asleep so he undressed her and lay her on the bed.  After using the bathroom, he got in bed beside her, moving as gently as possible to avoid waking her as he placed her head on his shoulder.
	He turned out the small light and closed his eyes when he heard a quiet chuckle from Cindy.  She kissed him softly, then with passion and said, "Thank you, Darling.  I knew you could manage to get me home without me having to move!"
	He shook his head and grinned in the darkness as they fell asleep.
Chapter 11
	The next morning after their lovemaking, Cindy dragged Dan out of bed.  Along with the Stewarts, they went to church early and then returned home to another breakfast Cindy prepared.  With her heart in her mouth, she made croissants which turned out to be as light and flaky as Jan's best.  She served them with omelettes which were also masterpieces.  Jan just shook her head sadly and said, "Pete, it's all over.  I used to think I was a passable cook, but there's no way I could do this."  
	Cindy went over to Jan and hugged her saying, "Oh, you poor thing!  Isn't it lucky you have such a talented house slave?  Just think!  I'm the only person that stands between poor Pete and starvation.  You can boil water though, can't you?  With the boil-in-a-bag dinners they make now, you can probably survive," she replied with her eyes dancing.
	Jan took the opportunity to spank Cindy but hurt her hand in the process.  She glared at Cindy while she shook her hand; her eyes were dancing, though, as she said, "Damn it, slave, make your ass soft when I want to spank it.  You hurt my hand."
	"I'm so sorry, mistress.  But why didn't you tell me you wanted to spank me?"  It was all she could do to keep from laughing as she added, "I'm just a poor dumb slave, though, not a mind-reader."
	"Damn it, Pete," Jan said with a grin.  "Why aren't there any decent slaves available any more?  I guess the British blockade of the Slave Coast must really be affecting the supply."
	They played in the sun all afternoon.  Dan's tan was getting darker while Jan and Cindy looked like sprites with their golden tans, golden hair and blue eyes.  When Dan gave Cindy the money from the previous evening, she grinned and said, "Thank you, Darling.  I appreciate your handling the financial arrangements.  How about if we celebrate by dining at Chèz Nous again?  I think I can get time off."
	Jan was lying with her head on Pete's stomach.  She had seen Cindy using Dan as a pillow and decided it looked like a great idea.  Without even opening her eyes she said, "Beat it!  And get out of my sun."  Dan and Cindy again took a shower together.  While she was fixing her hair, Dan put the few things he had brought with him back in his bag.
	When they arrived at the restaurant where they had eaten ten days earlier, they were greeted by the hostess who then went back to the kitchen.  Moments later the chef appeared to personally show them to the best table in the restaurant.  In spite of it being Sunday night, the place was crowded.  As they were being seated, he introduced the hostess as his wife, Marie, and himself as Marcel Legrand.  He retreated to the kitchen and Marie smiled and asked, "May I bring you something to drink?  Marcel was in such a rush — you can see we're very busy — he forgot to mention that you are our guests this evening."
	Cindy looked puzzled and asked, "But why?  You already gave us that lovely cognac when we were here last time.  Why should Dan and I be your guests tonight?"
	She replied, "You see how busy we are.  This is all due to your help."  She smiled and said, "There is an ulterior... is that the right word?...  motive.  He would like to sit with you later to see if you have any other ideas."
	They ordered dinner and the change was instantly noticeable.  The quality of the food was substantially better than it had been the week before.  Dan ordered a bottle of white wine for them from the very short wine list.  While they were waiting for their appetizers Marie brought out a small basket with two croissants and stood by the table while Cindy tried one.  It was not very good — in fact it was rather soggy.  She excused herself from the table.  Instead of going to the ladies' room as Dan expected, she went back to the kitchen.
	When she didn't immediately reappear, Dan just shrugged and took some papers out of his bag and started to review them.  After an absence of fifteen minutes, she reappeared and sat down again.  She didn't tell him what she had done and he didn't ask.  A few minutes later, Marcel appeared with another small bread basket.  He signaled to Marie who came over to the table to join them.  In the basket were four croissants.  He offered one to Dan and one to Marie.  Dan broke his and the steam came out.  It was as light and flaky as the ones Cindy had baked that morning.
	Dan didn't say anything.  He watched Marie break one and take a bite.  Her eyes widened and she took her husband in her arms and hugged him, exclaiming, "Marcel!  C'est fantastique!  Never have you made such a thing.  My darling, it's superb!"
	Marcel just grinned and then kissed Cindy on the cheek, causing her to blush.  "Marie, it's not me.  It's this young woman who made them.  Have you ever had better?  Anywhere?"  Marie admitted she never had.
	When the Legrands left the table, Cindy said, "Dan, these kids need help... financial help.  The kitchen is a horror show!  No wonder it's such a problem cooking well.  And the wine list needs help, too.  Marcel and Marie have every dime they have scrimped and saved in this place.  He has access to some very fine wines, but no money to buy them.  How can we help them get some money?"
	Dan had been enjoying the meal immensely.  In fact, the weekend had been the most wonderful three days he had ever spent.  Not only was Cindy the most beautiful girl in the world but she was also one of the smartest.  The biggest change was in her attitudes and view of the world.  Where formerly they didn't agree on the time of day, now they disagreed on almost nothing.  He took the opportunity to tease her.  Still looking at his plate he said casually, "Why don't you just lend it to them?"
	"Daniel Burke, you're crazy!  And you're mean!  You know damned well I have about $80 to my name.  The seventy-five from last night plus about five bucks left over from last week.  I could lend them about enough to buy five pounds of flour!"
	"You can do a bit better than that," he replied casually.  He reached into his pocket and brought out a bank document he had intended to show her.  It was a confidential internal credit memo listing bank officers and their lending limits.  They were listed alphabetically by rank.  Under senior vice presidents, Cynthia K. Martin was listed at $50 million, the highest personal lending limit of any officer listed; the listing for "current assignment" said "leave of absence."  He passed it over to her without comment.
	While Dan was rummaging through his papers, Cindy was trying to puzzle out how she could get the Legrands $25,000 which was her estimate of what it would cost to fix up the kitchen and improve the wine cellar.  When Dan passed her the paper she was preoccupied with her thoughts and didn't pay much attention until her own name caught her eye.  She read it and then reread it.  When she looked up at him, her eyes were wide with amazement.  "What is this?  Some kind of joke?" she exclaimed.  "I'm fired.  My current occupation is slave.  What gives?"
	"Did you ever resign?" Dan asked quietly.
	"Resign?  I was fired!  As in, 'You're no longer employed here at the bank.'  God, I'll remember Jen's words forever!  Then I got violently ill."  She looked at Dan with love in her eyes.  "Honey, you missed it.  It was not one of your mistress's better performances.  In fact, I was disgusting!"
	Dan appeared to be bored by the whole thing.  "What's the problem?  Are you sure of the wording?  The exact wording?"
	She smiled wryly, "I'm absolutely sure.  Those words are engraved in my mind as if they were carved in stone."
	He shrugged and said, "I guess that explains it then.  You're no longer employed at the bank.  You have been working at Deerfield rather than downtown Chicago.  But you are still a senior vice president and senior lending officer, though."  He looked at her and shook his head, adding, "But you don't look like most of the senior vice presidents.  And I don't know if they would approve of your preferred attire these days."
	"Preferred attire?  Burke, have you lost it completely?  My attire is my skin.  What do you mean?"
	"Usually Chicago Trust Company senior vice presidents are so conservatively dressed it's disgusting.  Honey, you're usually naked."
	Suddenly Cindy grinned.  "That's okay.  Yesterday I hope you noticed the chairman of the board?  Madam Chairman with the bare mound revealing her beautiful cunt?  Let's see...  You also saw Jan — all of Jan.  She votes her parents' shares and her own.  That's about 56 percent.  Then Jen votes her shares and the Chapman's.  That brings the total to about 85 percent.  Then their sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Chip Cartwright, own another ten.  That gets us to about 96 percent.  Since Connie was a stripper for years she won't complain, either, so I guess I'm okay."  She looked at him with a hurt look on her face although her eyes were dancing, and added, "Don't you like the way I dress?  I thought you liked to have immediate access to all my bodily openings?"
	Dan's face was impassive as he just nodded vigorously.  "Cindy, do you want to do it?  Lend them the money?"
	She smiled and said, "Hell, the bank can only say no.  Let's try!"
	It was after nine o'clock and the restaurant had nearly emptied when Marcel came out from the kitchen.  Marie brought over coffee and cognac for the four of them.  Marcel looked at Cindy with respect in his eyes.  He said, "Madame, if you were to open a restaurant nearby, I would close up immediately.  You're the finest chef I have ever encountered.  How long have you and monsieur been married?"
	Cindy smiled and said, "We're not.  I'm Dan's mistress.  Besides, I know almost nothing about cooking.  Actually, I'm a banker."
	Both of the Legrands' jaws dropped at her announcement.  "A... banker?  You mean, you work in a bank?"
	Dan smiled and said, "The fact is Cindy is a senior lending officer at Chicago Trust Company.  In that capacity she has a proposition to make to you."
	Cindy proceeded to outline what she had in mind.  Marie, who kept the books, left the dining room and came back with the financial records.  While they were waiting, Marcel told them the reason for the croissants was they were thinking of opening for breakfast.  When he heard it, Dan asked, "Have you and Marie had dinner yet?"  Marcel said they had not.  Dan smiled at Cindy and said, "Hon, Marcel cooked for us.  Would you mind making a couple of omelettes for them?"
	Cindy nodded her head, grinned, and disappeared into the kitchen.  Marie returned with the financial records and Dan started to review them and list their cash requirements.  It turned out that the store next door was vacant and the landlord had made a very attractive offer to the Legrands to take it over and join the two shops together.  It would more than double their seating capacity since the kitchen, particularly with the new equipment, could handle both rooms.  Dan made very careful notes as they talked.
	Cindy reappeared with onion soup gratinée and a bottle of white wine for the Legrands.  It was like the soup Jan had made her first day she was at the house and was superb.  When the crust was broken, they both savored the aroma.  A few minutes later she reappeared with omelettes, souffléd potatoes and two salads, and sat down again at the table.  After taking a bite of the omelette, tears came to Marcel's eyes.  "Cindy, this is the finest omelette in the world!  You must be an outstanding banker because you could make a fortune as a chef!  No one is in your class.  No one!"
	Cindy just shook her head and said, "Thank you, Marcel, but it isn't true.  Janice Stewart is far better than I am.  She taught me all I know about cooking which is only a tiny fraction of what she knows."  Then she reviewed the restaurant's financial numbers with Dan.  When they finished, she kissed him softly on the cheek and said, "Honey, if I had a division I would take you into it as a senior lending officer.  No one can analyze financials the way you do."  Finally Cindy said, "Marcel and Marie, on behalf of Chicago Trust Company I am prepared to lend you $125,000."  She indicated the terms and conditions and then looked at the two, waiting.
	The two young people were dumbstruck.  Finally Marie said, "A bank would lend us money?  So much money!  But you can't, Cindy.  We... We're not even citizens.  No one lends money to immigrants.  No one."
	Cindy took Dan's hand and squeezed it.  "Marie, there's an analyst at Chicago Trust who spent a couple of years trying to educate me.  With some help from others, what he was trying to teach me finally sank in.  You have wonderful food.  Your business has picked up in just the last week.  When you add breakfast service and enlarge the restaurant, you'll do even better.  We would like to help you, if you'll accept our help."
	Suddenly, Marie jumped into Marcel's arms and kissed him passionately.  "Mon chèr, it's true!  The streets in the United States are paved with gold!  My darling, could you imagine this ever happening in France?  Could we go to a bank and borrow five francs?"  She sat on his lap and he cupped his hand under her full breast.  Suddenly, both Legrands blushed as they realized what he was doing.
	Cindy got up from her chair and sat across Dan's lap.  He took her breast in his hand and she moaned with pleasure.  "Doesn't it feel wonderful to have your lover squeeze your tit?" she asked Marie softly.
	"Tit?  I don't know the word, tit," the girl said with a puzzled look on her face.  Cindy grinned and cupped her breasts saying, "Tits, Marie.  Or boobs, or breasts."  Since she was not wearing a bra, her nipples showed prominently under her dress.
	The French girl blushed, but then grinned.  Finally she just shook her head and said, "We must close up now.  Marcel and I are going to just float home.  Thank you so much.  But what do we do now?  Do you think we might get the money?  How long does it take?  Two or three months?"
	Cindy smiled warmly and said, "I think it will be faster than that."  They kissed and left the restaurant.  While they were waiting for his train, she asked, "Did I do the right thing, Dan?  I hope that memo you showed me wasn't someone's idea of a sick joke.  Marie and Marcel would be absolutely crushed!"
	Instead of answering directly, Dan replied, "How did you analyze the loan?"
	"Two young people working extremely hard trying to make a life for themselves in a new country.  Honey, in the kitchen I saw a pile of English books.  They want so badly to succeed.  They deserve the chance.  The numbers are okay, I guess, but it's a loan to them, not against their assets.  What would you have done?"
	Dan took her in his arms and kissed her.  Again she heard bells and felt the electricity flow between them.  When they parted he stroked her hair and held her close, murmuring in her ear, "Made the loan, of course."
* * *
	The next day there was a Board meeting at the bank.  It was a scorching hot day so Janice decided to wear a shirtwaist dress in a light blue shade that complimented her eyes.  At breakfast Cindy told her about the events of the night before while Jan just listened carefully with her face impassive.  When the girl finished the story she said, "Jan, it will destroy those young people if I can't get them the money."
	Jan smiled warmly and said, "You can.  If worse comes to worst, write a check yourself.  Our account can cover $125,000 without any strain.  Okay?  Happy?"
	Cindy took Jan in her arms and kissed her warmly.  "Janice Stewart, I love you!  If the loan goes in the tank, it only adds ten more years to my indenture."
	"Ten years?  Are you kidding?  Make it twenty-five.  Who ever heard of a slave making $12,500 a year!"  Jan stuck out her tongue and Cindy laughed.
	When Jan got to the bank, she took the elevator up to the executive floor.  As she went towards Don Martin's office, the receptionist said, "I beg your pardon!  Madame, visitors must be announced."
	Jan stopped short and went back to the reception desk.  A beautiful Black girl was sitting there with the regular receptionist sitting beside her.  The regular receptionist, Jean Robbins, was blushing beet red and looking like she wanted to disappear into the woodwork.  The Black girl looked up at her attentively and asked, "May I help you?  Do you have an appointment with someone?"
	Jan smiled at the regular receptionist and said, "Jean, relax.  This girl is only trying to do her job."  She extended her hand and said, "Hi.  I'm Janice Stewart.  You must be new here.  Welcome to Chicago Trust Company!"  The girl was beautiful.  Her skin was the color of light cocoa.  She had lustrous brown eyes and exquisite black hair worn in a shoulder-length page-boy.  "Wow!  We must have hired someone with some judgment in Personnel recently.  You're the most lovely thing to appear in this bank in years."
	The girl took Jan's extended hand and was surprised at the firmness of her grip.  She was puzzled.  The name, Janice Stewart, was not on any list of officers.  In fact, she couldn't recall seeing the name, Stewart, on anything.  She had spent almost the whole previous night studying lists of names to try to avoid the kind of situation she had obviously just created.  She smiled shyly, and said, "How do you do, Mrs. Stewart?  I'm April Jefferson, the new relief receptionist."
	At this point Jean Robbins said, "April, Mrs. Stewart is a bank director, along with her sister, Mrs. Chapman.  Here comes Mrs. Chapman now."
	Jennifer had been trying to sneak up behind Jan's back.  When Jan spun around, the girls kissed and then Jen frowned at Jean.  "Jean Robbins, I thought you were my friend.  I was going to goose my sister and you went and spoiled it!"  She extended her hand to April and said, "Hi.  I'm Jennifer Chapman.  I think you have my name on your list somewhere.  Welcome to Chicago Trust!"  Turning to Jan she said, "Come on, sis.  We're keeping the overpaid executives waiting."  The two disappeared through the door toward Don Martin's office.
	When the door closed behind them, April exhaled loudly.  "Wow!  What was that?  They have to be two of the most beautiful women in the world.  Who are they?  I know Mrs. Chapman is Chairman of the Board, but who is Mrs. Stewart?"
	Jean Robbins had finally recovered.  She smiled and said, "April, Janice Stewart controls the votes on about 61 percent of the bank's stock.  If you said she owns the place you wouldn't be far wrong.  Incidentally, not only are they beautiful but they're both smart as hell and the nicest people I have ever met.  Maybe now you understand why things are changing so fast for the better around here."
	One of the first changes made at Chicago Trust was to shrink the size of the Board of Directors.  Now there was only Jen, Janice, Don Martin, Dan Burke, and Harry Simpson, the corporate secretary and general counsel.  Because of the small number — the prior board had numbered twenty-five — they converted the former board room to a large conference room and used a small conference room separating Don's office from Dan's for Board meetings.  Jen had given the Chairman's office to Don and used the conference room on the infrequent occasions when she was in the bank on business.
	As they approached Don's office, Mary Thomas rose to greet them.  Jan stopped short and looked at Mary closely.  "Mary Thomas, what's happened to you?  You're looking younger and...  Are you free for lunch today, by any chance?"
	The woman was baffled but nodded her head.  "Great!" Jan said.  "Get us a private dining room for three people, will you?  We'll eat as soon as we finish with the regular meeting of the Mickey Mouse Club."  Mary just smiled and shook her head.  She was becoming used to the irreverence that characterized the two sisters.  She had no idea what they were thinking about but she made the reservations.
	After greeting Don Martin, the three went into the conference room and Dan joined them.  Jan grinned and shook her head.  "You look like you got some sun over the weekend, Dan.  Did you go to the beach?  And by the way, don't you ever two-block your tie?"
	Dan was tired from his weekend with Cindy.  He was wearing a new suit but, as usual, his coat was off, his shirt cuffs were turned up, his collar was unbuttoned, and his tie was pulled down.  "As a matter of fact, no.  I spent the weekend serving alternately as a punching bag and a pillow.  I did see a great deal of our directors, though," he said with a grin.  The two girls daintily stuck out their tongues and then laughed.
	The meeting went very quickly.  Don Martin now knew that Janice Stewart had an MBA in marketing and finance from Columbia and was a Phi Beta Kappa from Yale.  Her sister, Jennifer, was also Phi Beta Kappa at Princeton and had a Ph.D. in political science.  Although she didn't have a business degree, she knew a great deal of economics.  Both young women asked excellent questions.  He knew he had the best board in the banking industry.  When they completed the agenda items and adjourned the formal meeting, Harry Simpson excused himself to prepare the Board minutes leaving the four alone.
	Dan's hands were folded on the table.  He looked down at them and said, "Don, I think I should resign."
	"What!?" Don exclaimed.  "What's that supposed to mean?"
	"It means that I spent the weekend in bed with your daughter.  You asked me to keep an eye on her and I said I would.  I'm sure that's not what you had in mind.  I breached your confidence, so I better get the hell out of here."
	Jan and Jennifer protested.  Jan said, "Daniel Burke, you'll do no such thing!  Do you know how much Cindy loves you?  That's the correct word, but it's so inadequate.  I know the signs well, and so does Jen.  Dan Burke, if you told Cindy you wanted one of her boobs for breakfast, all she would do would be to ask you how you wanted it cooked.  And I don't want to bruise your male ego or anything, but she seduced you.  And I have never seen a girl so happy in my life!"
	Don asked quietly, "What are your intentions towards my daughter, Dan?"
	Dan looked up for the first time and looked directly into Don's eyes.  He said, "Don, I love her more than life itself.  I want to marry her.  I want her to be the mother of my children.  I saw her with a small baby Saturday night.  She nursed him at her breast and looked gorgeous and gloriously happy.  She wants a lot of kids, too.  May I have your permission to court your daughter?"
	Don jumped from his chair and took the younger man in his arms and hugged him.  Then he gripped his hand and said, "Dan, it should come as no surprise to you to learn there is no one, no one, I would rather have as a son-in-law than you.  When is it going to happen?"
	Dan grinned wryly and said, "You better ask Jan that question.  She owns her."
	Jan grinned and said, "How about January?  Chicago is impossible in January.  You two will love it in Hawaii then."  Dan just shook his head.  Then Jan changed the subject.  "However, I understand you're using my slave for unauthorized purposes: making loans.  What do you think of the Chèz Nous credit, Dan?"
	"I think Cindy is the best lending officer this bank has.  And I say that with my personal feelings for her put aside.  Don, with your permission — and yours, Jan — I would like to give her some special lending assignments.  You know, banks are always criticized for not supporting the local community, and particularly for not making credit available to small business.  The reason is simple.  We don't know how to do it.  As bankers, we always retreat to the numbers... and those companies never have good numbers.  We talk all the time about character loans but we never make any.  Janice Stewart, I'll bet you $10,000 Cynthia Martin can and will."
	Jan's face was impassive.  She said, "How can she do the analysis?  And speaking of things we don't do, who is April Jefferson?  She seems very bright."
	Don and Dan looked at each other and Don said, "Jan, that's Dan, too.  She has her degree from a local college and is enrolled in a banking program nights.  Of course our personnel people don't believe she has the right educational credentials, but we hired her anyway.  We're going to put her in the credit program, but you know what a rat's nest that is.  But why do you ask?"
	"Could she do the analysis for Cindy?  I'll bet Cindy could train her if you're willing.  I'm sure she would be a hell of a lot better than some stupid classroom teacher.  How about if I drive her out and introduce them?"
	Don grinned and said, "It's your money, ladies.  What can I say?  Particularly when my chief credit officer says yes.  By the way, Dan, what did Cindy say about your new job?  Does she approve?"
	Dan looked embarrassed and said, "Don, I didn't tell her.  She thinks I'm still a lowly credit analyst and I like it that way.  Can we leave it like that?  She doesn't know I'm buying her condo, either.  Do you know what Cindy is doing?  She's reading apartment ads.  She intends to be a wife and mother, so she's trying to work out how we're going to live on what I make as an analyst."  He smiled warmly and shook his head.  "God, I adore that girl!"
	They left it that Dan would tell April about the new assignment.  Jan asked him to see if it would be all right for Cindy to drive her home after dinner... about ten o'clock or so.  He said he would find out.  Then the two girls left for their lunch date with Mary Thomas.
	The three women were ushered into a small private dining room, one of several used for important clients of the bank where business could be discussed in private.  After they were seated and had ordered, Mary looked at them attentively.  Jen didn't know what Janice was thinking about, but she had a pretty good idea.  She left it to Jan.
	On one hand, Mary was very puzzled.  On the other hand, even though she had been with the bank for twenty years, she had never eaten in one of its private dining rooms so it was a real treat for her.  She was looking at the two girls and thinking again how incredibly beautiful they both were.  Then she almost fell off her chair.  Janice Stewart had just asked her, "Mary, how long have you been in love with Don Martin?"
	"For years," she said quietly.  "At least fifteen, I guess."  Mary suddenly turned beet red.  "But... But... I never said it out loud before!  Ever.  Not even alone in my apartment."  The woman's face crumpled and she began to cry.  She looked up at them with the tears streaming down her cheeks and said, "I'll type my letter of resignation as soon as I get back."  She started to get up from her chair, and said, "If you will excuse me, I'll leave now."
	Jan and Jen kept eating their soup.  Janice looked up and said, "Where are you going?  You haven't had your lunch yet."
	"I told you.  I'm going back to the office to resign," she said as her sobbing intensified.
	"What for?  And why are you crying?" Jan asked kindly.
	The question came as a shock.  It startled Mary so much she stopped crying.  She replied, "Well, I confessed that I love Don Martin..."
	"And I love Peter Stewart and Jen loves Steve Chapman.  So what?  Jen and I are very much alike.  Whenever we think of our husbands our cunts start running rivers.  In my case my nipples become as hard as pebbles and I immediately think of our most recent lovemaking.  I love it and I love him.  Now what does that have to do with anything, least of all why you would want to resign your position."
	"But you're married!" Mary wailed.  "That's the difference."
	"Oh!" Jan said with a grin.  "So when are you going to marry Don?"
	Mary looked at her as if she had lost her mind.  "What are you saying?  He doesn't even know I'm alive!  I'm just a piece of office furniture except I've been around the office longer than any of the furniture."
	"Well, let's fix that, shall we?"  The girls talked through lunch.  When they were finished, Jan asked about a health club that was supposed to be in the building.  Mary knew about it.  It was very expensive, she said.
	They went down to it and Jennifer paid for memberships for herself and Mary.  The girls went and stripped, putting on leotards Jen had purchased for them at the club's shop.  As they changed, Janice noticed that Mary was very pretty but should lose about twenty pounds; her posture needed work, too.  They took Mary to the weight room and put her on a machine between them.  Mary looked on in amazement as the two young women moved weights with no apparent effort.  She realized they were both in perfect physical condition without a single ounce of fat on either of their bodies.
	They swam in the pool, showered, and prepared to return to the office.  It was almost three o'clock.  Jennifer grinned at her sister and said, "Okay, sis, I guess I have the assignment.  I think she'll be a beautiful bride, don't you?"
	"Sure do," responded Jan with a grin.
Chapter 12
	April Jefferson was feeling good when she returned to her desk after an early lunch.  She was scheduled to relieve Jean at the reception desk at twelve-thirty.  She was very pleased with her new job at the bank.  The people were very nice and things were starting to work out for her.  Looking at her desk she found a note to see Mr. Burke immediately.  Suddenly, her heart was in her mouth.  It must have been that trouble with the two women this morning, she thought.  But they seemed so nice!  I hope he'll give me another chance!
	She went to Mr. Burke's office and knocked on the open door.  She really liked him.  She had learned that his door was almost never closed.  People — little people — from around the bank were always dropping by to talk with him.  He looked up from his desk and grinned.  "Hi, April.  Come on in and close the door, would you please?"
	At least he's kind enough to rip my ass in private, she thought.  Closing the door, she sat down, sitting up as straight as possible.  Oh, God, she thought, This makes my tits stick out.  What will he think? He smiled and leaned back in his chair.  She thought he looked tired and said so.  What's wrong with me?  He'll think I'm offering to take him to bed!
	Dan leaned back and grinned.  "That's part of the problem that maybe you can help to solve.  April, you don't want to be a receptionist, do you?"
	"I beg your pardon, sir?" she asked softly.  Dan liked the musical quality of her voice.  She was a very well-spoken young woman.  "I like it very much.  I'm very sorry for what happened this morning.  If you give me another chance, I promise it will never happen again."
	"What will never happen?" Dan asked, obviously puzzled.
	There's nothing else to do but tell him, she thought.  Here goes nothing!  "This morning I challenged Mrs. Stewart at the reception area.  I didn't think I was being rude...  At least I tried not to be.  I realize I should have known who she is, but I didn't.  I'm going to study the lists even more carefully again tonight," she said softly.
	Dan started to get the picture.  He smiled warmly and said, "April, I'm sorry.  I didn't call you in to bawl you out.  I asked you in to see if you would like a new job... one more in keeping with your ability and education."
	Now the girl was shocked.  "I beg your pardon, sir?"  Then she started to cry.
	Her mother had spent her life telling her how ladies behaved and insisting that she act like one, so she kept her head up straight even though tears were rolling down her cheeks.  "Do you know what it's like for a Black girl like me to have a job in a place like this?  Mr. Burke, I'm a refugee from welfare.  I went to city schools in Chicago.  I went to a lousy college.  The only job I'm qualified for is to be a cleaning woman, cleaning offices and washrooms.  I guess that's what I'll go back to."
	Dan rose from his chair and went around the desk when she started to cry.  He was down on one knee beside her and reached out and held her.  It was the last straw.  When April began to cry like her heart would break, he just held her close, feeling her warm body.  As she wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in his shoulder, he could feel her body shaking with her sobs.  As she began to regain control, Dan reached in his pocket and gave her a clean handkerchief which she used to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.  Then she realized with a start what she had done.  "May... May I take this home and wash it tonight, please, sir?  I'm so sorry...  I guess I'll go look for some other job.  Thank you, sir."
	Dan was down on one knee.  He said, "April, we're having a real communications problem this afternoon.  Look, instead of beating around the bush, maybe I should just tell you straight out what we have in mind.  Okay?"  She looked at him and nodded, utterly bewildered.  "April, we would like to use you in special credit analysis reporting directly to one of our senior vice presidents.  Do you think you would like that?"
	"I beg your pardon, sir?  I don't think I heard you correctly.  Would you mind repeating what you just said?"
	"We're forming a special lending unit under a senior vice president.  She needs help with credit analysis.  Would you take the job?  She'll give you all the training you'll need.  Are you interested?"
	"Credit analyst?  Me?  Oh, Mr. Burke, I can't believe it!  I hoped...  Oh, God, did I hope!  I hoped some day I could get into credit, but I knew, deep down, it could never happen.  But you say it did!  The answer is yes, of course.  What do you want me to do?  I'll do absolutely anything to get such a job!"
	Dan went back behind his desk and smiled.  "Great!  Now we're getting on track.  Let me start at the beginning now that you know how the story is going to come out.  First, the whole idea was Jan Stewart's.  Obviously, you didn't insult her this morning.  She was impressed by you and asked for you specifically.  As you may know, she and her sisters effectively own the bank.  Do you like her?"
	"Like her?  Good heavens!  Mr. Burke, sir, she is a lady — a real lady.  My mother worked for a family when she was very young.  She told me about them.  She's the one who insisted I speak properly and act properly.  She was always saying that was the way real ladies act."  Her eyes began to tear again as she continued, "The other thing she used to say was that real ladies were kind and understanding.  They respect other people.  I guess that's what I think about the sisters."
	Dan had been listening carefully.  When she finished, he said, "April, I think you're absolutely right.  I didn't think of it in those terms, but I think you have it right.  She is a real lady.  In fact, she's really more like a princess or a queen.  But that's another story.  You'll be working with Cynthia Martin.  She's the daughter of the president and my fiancée but she doesn't know that yet.  If I look a little tired, it's her fault."
	As he spoke about Cindy, Dan's face just beamed.  She said, "You love her a lot, don't you, sir?"
	"More than life itself, April.  Look, there are a couple of things that are strange about this job.  First, she is, in terms of personal lending authority, our most senior lending officer.  Second, she's shown on the officer roster as being on a leave of absence.  You'll know it soon enough, so you might as well know it now.  She's Janice Stewart's house slave."
	"What!?  Did you say, slave?" April exclaimed.
	"I sure did, and she is.  I'm sure Jan or Cindy — it's Cindy, by the way, not Cynthia — will explain it to you."  Dan's face had been very friendly and relaxed.  Suddenly it became very serious as he continued, "April, I have a favor to ask.  I have no right to ask it, and you have every right to tell me to go to hell.  Your answer has absolutely nothing to do with the job I mentioned.  Regardless of how you answer, you have the job if you still want it.  Understand?"
	"Yes, sir.  And the answer is yes.  I don't care what the question is, either.  What is it?"
	"I want you to tell a lie for me.  I want you to tell Cindy, if she should ask, that I'm still a credit analyst.  You can admit to knowing me or not as you chose.  She doesn't know I'm the executive vice president, and I would rather she not know."  Dan was looking down at his desk, not even wanting to look at the girl.
	April got out of her chair without thinking and went around the desk.  She kissed him lightly on the cheek and said, "Of course, Mr. Burke.  I thought you wanted something else, like me joining Miss Martin in slavery.  The answer to that's also yes.  Do you understand?  There is absolutely nothing I won't do for you, sir.  Nothing!  I see you love her deeply, but why is it a secret?"
	Dan looked at her and saw the warmth in her eyes.  He replied, "April, I really don't know."  He smiled and said, "I guess I'm having fun with Cindy, teasing her."  He explained that Cindy was looking for inexpensive apartments where they could live and have lots of babies.  "We're going to have dozens, I guess.  She adores the little things and I'm sure she'll be a world-class mother."  He grinned and said, "I'm going to work to try to support the family while she stays home, barefoot, and pregnant with a baby nursing at her breast.  I can see her now, and it will be great!"  April just smiled warmly.
	He moved along with the conversation.  "There's a stack of files here for you.  I took the liberty of buying you a briefcase because you'll need one in the job and Jean Robbins said you didn't have one."  He pulled out a beautiful woman-size attaché case which he slid across the desk to her.
	April opened it and her eyes widened.  Inside it was fitted out with the best hand-held financial calculator available, as well as a woman's gold Cross pen and pencil set.  Files were neatly arranged in a file folder attached to the lid.  She looked at him and asked, "Do you deduct something from my pay each week until this is paid for, sir?  It's absolutely beautiful!  I would never have purchased anything so fine, but I realize that representing the bank I should look the part."
	"April, it's a gift from me.  After all, you're compromising your integrity for me.  And one more thing: the name is Dan.  It's really all I ever answer to.  When I was in the Marines, I was a platoon sergeant; no one has ever called me 'sir' and I don't want people to start now.  The files are to review with Cindy.  Tell her it's her father's idea.  The last thing is the manilla envelope that's in the case.  That's all the material she'll need to close a loan tomorrow."  He smiled and said, "I guess that about does it...  Whoops!  I almost forgot.  Can you stay late tonight with Cindy?  Would it be all right if you didn't get home until about ten?"
	"That's fine, sir... Dan.  I'll call my mother, if I may.  Here's a quarter for the phone call..."
	"April Jefferson, how long have you worked at this bank?"
	"Sir?... Dan?  For almost six weeks.  But why do you ask?"
	"How much money have you seen go down the drain in that time?  Thousands?  Millions?"
	"I don't understand, Dan."
	"Young lady, when the bank asks you to work late, the damned least we can do is pay for the phone call to tell your family you'll be late!  Cindy will drive you home.  Now beat it!  And don't forget your attaché case!  Jan Stewart will be by to pick you up in a bit."
	April was waiting just off the reception area when the women returned from the health club.  Jan asked for April and she came right out.  Extending her hand she said, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Stewart.  Mr. Burke said you wanted to see me."
	"April, I know damned well Dan told you to call him Dan.  I go by Jan, Janice, or 'you hot cunt.' Very occasionally I answer to Mrs. Stewart.  Okay?"
	April grinned and said, "Fine, Jan."
	"Let's go.  I'm parked downstairs."
	They went to the basement garage and Jan reclaimed her car.  Soon they were on their way out to Deerfield.  April luxuriated in the leather upholstery and the feel of the car.  She said it was the most beautiful car she had ever been in.  Jan grinned and said nothing.  As they drove, Jan said, "April, I guess Dan probably told you that Cindy is my slave.  Did he tell you why?"
	"No, ma'am... Jan, he didn't.  He said you or Cindy or both probably would."
	"Jan, I was a prostitute until I got married.  How that happened is another story.  Anyway, my biggest customer was a guy named Hugo Bingham.  Bingham hated my guts.  My husband and I obtained the manufacturing rights to a new computer hard disk.  We're about to start producing them any day now.  At any rate, we needed money for tooling.  I borrowed $20 million from the bank.  My account officer was Cynthia Martin.  Less than a month later, the bank sold the note to Hugo Bingham who immediately called it.  Suffice it to say, I was not happy.  He wanted me to return to him as his slave.  We settled his hash but I was not too happy either with the bank or with Cindy.
	"My family bought the bank and fired the chairman.  My sister, Jennifer, bought some notes Cindy had outstanding.  She did to her what almost happened to me.  She gave Cindy the choice of immediately paying the notes or becoming my house slave.  That's what she elected to do.  Because of some things that happened, I have come to love that girl.  She's the most courageous person I've ever met in my life.  She endured the most agonizing pain it's possible to conceive without a murmur.  Anyway, she thinks she'll be my slave for about ten years.  Please don't wise her up."  Jan grinned and added, "There's one more thing.  Please don't tell Cindy that Dan is the executive vice president.  It's his secret.  Can you keep it for him?"
	"I already promised him I would, Jan," April replied.
	As Jan pulled into the driveway, Cindy was using the lawn tractor to cut the grass in the front yard.  When she saw Jan had company, she shut it off and came over to the car.  "Cindy," Jan said, "This is April Jefferson.  Your father has assigned her to work for you as a credit analyst.  She has some material to go over with you, and she'll be staying for dinner.  You two can go over her stuff after we eat and then you can drive her home.  Okay?"
	"Of course," Cindy replied.  She extended her hand and said, "Hello, April.  I'm delighted to meet you."  April took her hand in a firm grip.
	"What can I do to help, Miss Martin?  Mrs. Stewart explained the situation.  I said I would do anything to be able to work with you, including selling myself into slavery.  Can I help you?  Please?"
	April was wearing a cotton cord suit.  The day was very hot — well into the nineties.  Cindy shook her head saying, "You don't know what you're volunteering for!  Why don't you just wait out back.  I'll be finished here in front in just a couple more minutes.  Then maybe you can help me."
	She got back on the tractor while Jan escorted April into the house.  She looked around and said, "Jan, this is a small palace!  It's so lovely."  She told Jan about her mother and the family for whom she worked.  She said, "This reminds me of something else she said.  She said that real ladies have homes that are beautiful, decorated in good taste, and yet are very homey and welcoming."  She smiled at Jan and said, "I never understood what she meant before.  But now I do.  She was speaking about your home and about you.  You are truly a lady!"
	"Lady, hell!  I'm a partially reconstructed whore," Jan exclaimed.
	"No, ma'am.  You're a lady.  More like a princess or a queen, actually, but 'lady' is pretty close," April insisted.
	Jan looked into the girl's warm brown eyes.  She saw tears in the corners of them but not a trace of sarcasm.  On impulse, Jan took the girl in her arms and kissed her warmly.  "April, I'm looking forward to meeting your mother.  You're the one who was born a queen or a princess."
	April went outside in the back yard and waited for Cindy to appear.  She saw the tennis court and the swimming pool and realized how big the yard was.  It was completely private, shielded on all three sides by woods.  It was beautifully landscaped with beautifully cared-for flowers and shrubs.  Cindy came around after putting the tractor away in its shed.  She grinned and said, "What would you like to do, April?  I still have a lot of work, but it doesn't concern you."
	The Black girl smiled and said, "It sure does!  You're my boss.  If you're a slave, I guess I'm a junior slave.  What do the slaves do around here and where are the slave quarters?"
	"That's part of the problem.  I'll tell you about it.  Let's go."  She took April up to her room.
	"Oh, Cindy, this is beautiful!" the girl exclaimed.
	"See, I told you I have a problem!  We're not treated properly around here.  Everywhere else, slaves get their ration of rice.  Here, it's gourmet dining.  Slaves have a right to sleep on the floor.  They make me sleep here.  I don't even have an outhouse.  They make me use my private bath!"  While she was talking, she was shedding her clothes and then turned to face the girl.
	April's eyes widened and she exclaimed, "Good heavens!  Cindy, you have the most beautiful female body in the world!  No wonder..."
	"No wonder what?" Cindy asked.
	The girl smiled and said, "You know Dan Burke, don't you?  He came in this morning looking like he'd been in a train wreck.  I heard someone ask him and heard him mention a name: Cindy.  That's you, isn't it?"
	Cindy grinned and said, "I certainly hope so, unless he has two of us."  Then she said, "Were you serious?  Do you want to help?  You're welcome to take a nap until dinner."  April said she was certain, so Cindy told her to take off her clothes.  "We can't handle banker's clothes.  Besides, I'm wearing the slave uniform around here."
	April grinned and stripped.  Cindy noticed that the girl's clothes were inexpensive but very well cared-for.  In moments, she was bare.  Cindy whistled appreciatively.  "Lady, did I hear you say something about women's bodies?  Yours is exquisite!"  She went up to the girl and touched tiny marks on her abdomen and looked at her with a question in her eyes.
	April answered the unasked question.  "Stretch marks from my pregnancy.  I'm a mother and like so many Black girls, unmarried.  Do they show very much?"
	Cindy shook her head and said, "April, I pray I can look half as good as you do after my first child."  The girl was slender but with very full breasts.  Her narrow waist flowed out to slender hips and down to beautiful legs.  Her pubic thatch was a small patch of silken black hair above her nether lips.  "Come on, let's go."
	They went outside and the two girls worked on the tennis court and then the swimming pool.  When they were finished, Cindy dove in and the girl followed her.  April was only an adequate swimmer so after four laps she climbed out and just watched as Cindy surged up and down the pool.  She looked like a trapped porpoise and moved through the water as fast and as smoothly a one.  Finally Cindy pulled herself out of the pool and squeezed the water out of her hair.  She pulled over two mats and lay down in the sun.
	She looked at April and grinned.  "Do you lay in the sun?  You have a permanent suntan, I guess."
	April said, "It can always stand some improvement."  As Cindy lay with her eyes closed, the girl took the opportunity to study her closely.  She could see tiny lines on her body and realized there were lines paralleling her slit that appeared to be surgical scars.  She asked about them.
	Cindy just lay on the mat with her eyes closed.  "They are reminders of my runaway ego," she replied.
	"But what are they?" April asked.
	"They're whip cuts.  The worst doesn't show.  It's in my cunt."  She smiled and said, "It circumcised my clit which has turned out to be fun."
	"But who did this to you?" April insisted.
	"April, I did it to myself.  When it was over, I kissed the whip and thanked the person holding it.  I meant it, too.  I'm starting to feel pretty good about myself."  Cindy looked up at the sky and estimated the time.  "Come on.  We have some more work to do."
	They went inside and took turns in the shower.  Then they went down to the kitchen where Cindy started the dinner.  As usual, she prepared canapés and got the materials together for drinks.  At five o'clock, Jan came into the kitchen wearing only her tiny black peignoir.  Cindy kissed her on the cheek and said, "Dressing for dinner, I see."
	Jan winked and looked at April.  "Good heavens, girl, what a body!  You're magnificent."  April had been looking at Jan.  With only the transparent peignoir which ended at her hips exposing her pubic area completely, she was magnificent and April said so.  "I guess I've recovered from my career as a prostitute," Jan said wryly.  Then she grinned and said, "April, are you game for some fun?"  The girl quickly agreed, so Jan asked her to open the door when Pete came home.
	They heard the car come up the drive.  April was waiting at the door and opened it as soon as Pete reached it.  "Good evening, sir," she said softly.  "I'm Slave April.  I'm assisting Slave Cindy this evening."  Pete's eyes bugged as he looked at the beautiful girl standing in front of him.  She seemed to welcome his inspection and said, "I have full tits, sir, although they're not as firm as the mistress's or Slave Cindy's.  Would you like to feel them?  I'm slim and have a firm ass.  It's also available for your inspection.  The mistress believes I may be strong enough to become a field slave someday."  While she was going through her recital, her eyes were dancing.
	Pete just shook his head and ran upstairs.  He took a quick shower and soon returned wearing only a pair of shorts.  This time Jan went to him and melted in his arms.  He picked her up, carried her into the living room and sat down in his favorite chair with Jan sitting across his lap.
	The two girls brought in the drinks and hors d'oeuvres and both knelt on the floor with their trays resting on their breasts.  Jan took her drink which was frosting on the outside of the glass and put it between Cindy's breasts.  The girl didn't move; there was just a tiny shudder as the icy glass came in contact with her tender skin.  "Is it cold enough, Slave Cindy?" Jan asked with her eyes sparkling.
	"I think milady will be pleased," Cindy replied in a flat tone of voice but with her eyes dancing.
	The dinner was magnificent.  The two girls ate at the table.  As they were finishing, Pete just shook his head.  "April, this is torture.  Can you imagine what it's like to sit here looking at three of the most magnificent pairs of tits in the world?  Woman of the house, your lord and master is horny.  What are you going to do about it?"
	"Let's go up to the playroom," she suggested, leading the way upstairs to the master bedroom.  The bed was turned down on both sides.  Jan unbuttoned Pete's shorts and dropped them.  Following her request, he got on the bed and she knelt between his legs.  "Slaves, your master wishes to fondle tits.  I'll be occupied so he'll use yours."
	Pete was in the center of the bed.  Cindy got in beside him and rested her head on his shoulder.  His arm came around and cupped her firm breast.  April watched what Cindy did and climbed in on the other side and did the same thing.  Each of Pete's hands was cupping a beautiful tit.  Meanwhile, Jan had gotten between his legs and began to work on his cock.  She slid up his body and kissed him passionately.  Sliding down his body, she worshiped it with her lips and fingertips.  Finally she took his cock in her mouth and started to work on it.
	April watched the woman in amazement as she took it into her mouth to its full length.  Where did it go?  she wondered.  It can't possibly fit in her mouth.  It's gigantic!  Jan's head was going up and down as it acted like a vagina.  Finally, the girls could feel Pete's body shake as he came in a flood.  The sexual excitement caused Jan to reach an orgasm of her own, and she collapsed on the bed.  Cindy moved down on the bed to where Jan was lying sprawled in exhaustion.  She started to lick the girl's cunt and tasted her wonderful love juices.  April, seeing what Cindy was doing, went down on Pete, carefully licking his cock and getting the last traces of his semen.  When they finished, the two girls returned to Pete's arms.
	Again Cindy had a thought that had first occurred to her when she saw April nude for the first time.  She leaned across Pete's body.  April wasn't sure what Cindy was thinking of, but had a good idea.  She met her halfway, and the two girls kissed.  Cindy's tongue darted out and April had a taste of Jan's love juice that was still on Cindy's mouth, while Cindy reached across and stroked April's full breasts.  The beautiful Black girl moaned with aroused passion.
	Jan had disappeared from the room and returned while the two girls were kissing.  She had a corona lighted for Pete and a panatella for herself.  Climbing into bed beside him, he cupped her breast and she moaned softly.  "Why don't you slaves entertain us?  Drink each other's nectar."
	Cindy whispered quickly to April who first looked startled but then nodded.  Cindy lay on her back and April knelt over her face with her legs spread wide exposing her cunt to Cindy's mouth.  The girl leaned forward and Cindy's legs came up to wrap around her neck, raising her cunt so the girl could reach it with her mouth and tongue.  Cindy's tongue darted out and began to probe the girl's vagina.  She found her clit and licked it, then bit it gently with her teeth.  April shuddered as she had an instant orgasm — the first of her life.  Meanwhile her mouth was active in Cindy's love box.  Her eyes opened wide when she saw the cut Cindy described that ran across her clit.  She tongued it and bit it with her lips, being rewarded with a flood of cuntal juice which she carefully licked up.  The two girls maintained it through what seemed like dozens of orgasms until they both collapsed.  Jan and Pete had been watching and were just shaking their heads.
	Finally, they left the room and returned to Cindy's.  Cindy gave the girl a pair of shorts and a tank top and put on similar clothes herself.  Going downstairs, they cleaned up the kitchen quickly and then sat down at the kitchen table.  April told her what had happened during the day.  "Cindy, first, thank you.  I have never in my life gone down on a woman.  If someone had told me to, I would have vomited at the thought.  However, if my first sexual experience had been with you, I would probably be a lesbian.  You have a delicious cunt!"  The girl smiled wryly and said, "Isn't that a terrible thing to say?"  Then she looked at Cindy with a question on her face but with her eyes dancing.  "There's only one thing.  I thought white girls were supposed to taste like vanilla?"
	"April, your cunt is delicious, too!  I think Jan called it nectar, and yours is."  She grinned at the girl and asked, "But why doesn't it taste like chocolate?  I thought all Black girls did.  Regardless, I loved it!  Now, can we play banker just like the big kids?"
	April retrieved her new attaché case and put it on the table.  Before she opened it, she just looked at Cindy and said, "I told your father I would do anything for the opportunity to work with you.  I was only thinking of the opportunity of getting into lending.  Now I see that I was more right than I could possibly know.  Cindy Martin, you're a wonderful person.  Do you know something else?  You don't treat me like I'm Black.  I'm not talking about discrimination, either.  I've had the experience of seeing the nice people check off the little box that says 'Black'.  I can see another tick mark on some chart somewhere for affirmative action.  You treat me like a person.  You seem to be interested in me, you kid, you joke — you're just very nice.  I'm really looking forward to this."  The girl became very serious and added, "Cindy, I'm going to ask you for a favor.  It's a very big one but it's within your power to grant.  Will you grant me my favor?  Please?"
	Cindy smiled softly and said, "Of course, darling April.  Anything.  What's the favor?"
	"Promise to fire my Black ass out of your unit and out of the bank if I don't hack it."  She looked into Cindy's eyes and waited.  She saw an expression of shock and then... love?
	Cindy stuck out her hand and said, "It's a deal.  I promise to fire your Black ass if you don't hack it.  I also promise to see you get the biggest damned bonus in the bank when you do, though.  And I'm sure you will."
	"Cindy, thank you.  I should warn you, though, I don't know very much.  The schools I went to through college were uniformly lousy.  You've heard how bad the Chicago schools are?  The stories you hear are the truth toned down in the interests of believability."  She reached into her new case and took out the envelope Dan had given her.
	Cindy opened it and found the loan documents for the Legrands along with a check for $125,000.  It was ready to go.  All she had to do was sign it as lending officer and authorized signatory.  She also found a smaller envelope and opened it.  It contained the results of pre-employment tests given to April at the bank.  The IQ was reported as 140, the low end of genius.  Other tests were similarly impressive.  She asked April to come around the table and look.  She showed the numbers to the girl and said, "April, you can do it, and I'm sure you will.  Now let's get going."
	They spent an hour going over the loan files.  Cindy had a pad and made a list of things she wanted April to do for each one.  There was a machine shop, a grocery store, a dry-cleaning establishment, and an auto repair shop.  April took careful notes.  When they were finished, Cindy said, "April, do you understand what I want?  How long will it take you to get this stuff and finish the analyses?"
	"I'll have it done by Wednesday morning, first thing," the girl replied.
	"You will like hell!  I just gave you at least a week's work young lady.  What are you trying to do?  Kill yourself?  Don't forget, your little boy needs his mother, too."
	April just looked at her steadily and repeated, "Wednesday morning.  Do you want me to bring them out to you?  Could... Could I rent a car?  I have a license."
	"April, you said you know Dan Burke.  You do, don't you?"  The girl nodded her head.  "Tomorrow, see Dan.  Tell him I said you need the full array of lending officer plastic.  Oh, and tell him to get you business cards.  We'll start you as an assistant vice president.  Is that okay?"
	April's jaw dropped.  "But you can't!  That's... That's an officer.  An officer of the most prestigious bank in Chicago.  I can't be an officer!"
	"Slave April, you're now an officer!  Shall I get out the whip?  You saw what it can do.  I'm an expert on the receiving end, but I think I can figure out how to use it from the handle end, too.  Do you want to try me?"
	"No, I guess I don't.  But I want you to know a couple of things, Cynthia Martin.  First, I love you.  There's nothing I won't do for you, understand?  Absolutely nothing!  The second thing is I won't fail you.  I give you my solemn oath on that.  You have just stuck your neck out for a slum Nigger.  Why, Cindy?  Why did you do it?"
	Cindy's eyes were bright with tears.  She said, "April, I love Dan Burke very much.  We used to fight all the time — I mean constantly!  It's very simple.  He was completely right and I was totally wrong.  He said you lend to people.  That's our job.  To lend to people you have to learn to judge them.  I'm doing that.  I judge that you're an outstanding person and will be an outstanding loan officer for Chicago Trust Company.  The fact that you're female and Black has nothing to do with nothing.  I'm judging you as a person, April, and you passed the test with flying colors.
	It was getting late.  It was already almost eleven and it was an hour's drive to April's home in Chicago.  Cindy checked her watch and said, "April, please call your mother.  I'm sorry it's so late.  Your little boy is going to miss you, and I don't want your mother to worry."  The girl smiled and placed the call.
	They went out, got into Cindy's little car and headed south.  "This is a beautiful little car," April exclaimed.  "And the seats are so comfortable.  They're special, but I don't know just why."
	"They're Recaros.  They claim to make the best sports car seats in the world.  It's kind of fun, isn't it."  They sped south, headed downtown and then went to South Chicago.
	It was obvious April was embarrassed by where she lived but didn't say anything.  When Cindy pulled in to the curb where April indicated, there were a number of men standing around.  It was a very hot night as they immediately realized when they got out of the air-conditioned car.  April nodded towards the car and the biggest man just returned the nod.  She had seen a light on in their apartment and knew her mother was still up.  "Cindy, I know it's late, but would you like to meet my mother?  I know she would love to meet you."
	"I would love to, April.  Lead the way."  April led the way up to a third-floor apartment and rang the bell.  It was opened instantly by an older Black woman.  She looked younger than Cindy expected, appearing to be in her late thirties.  She hugged April and kissed her, then extended her hand and said, "I'm Mary Jefferson, April's mother."
	"I'm Cindy Martin, Mrs. Jefferson.  I'm very pleased to meet you.  I apologize for keeping April out so late.  However, she has just been promoted to a new position at the bank and I guess I'm her new boss.  I needed to brief her on her new duties, but I'm very sorry it took so long."
	"Mother, Miss Martin is a senior vice president of Chicago Trust Company.  I'm working for her.  She says I'm now an assistant vice president, but I don't believe that."  She smiled at her mother and said, "Do you suppose we could have some tea?  It's a long drive down from Deerfield and Miss Martin has to go right back.  I wanted her to meet you, though."
	Mrs. Jefferson hurried into the kitchen while April went into the bedroom.  She came out holding a sleeping baby boy in her arms.  She whispered, "This is my son, Cindy.  He's a year and a half.  Isn't he handsome?"  The baby stirred and opened his eyes.  Instead of crying, he saw his mother and smiled.  She held him close and kissed him softly.  After the baby nuzzled her shoulder and went right back to sleep, April put him back in his crib.
	A few minutes later Mary Jefferson was back with tea cups and then carefully set the table for three.  She went back to the kitchen and brought back a teapot and a small plate of cookies.  The women sat at the table while Mary gracefully poured.
	April looked at her mother and tears came to her eyes.  "Mother, do you remember telling me how good people lived?  What their homes were like?  I didn't believe you.  Now I do.  I was in such a home today.  Mother, it was exactly like you described it.  The woman, Mrs. Stewart, owns the bank.  She really does!  But she's so beautiful and kind.  She treats me like a person — like she's really interested in me.  Thank you, mother, for trying so hard to teach me."
	Mary Jefferson had been looking at Cindy closely.  She spoke to April while looking at Cindy.  "What do you think of Miss Martin, April?"
	"Mother, she and Mrs. Stewart could almost be twins.  They have the same color hair, the same eyes, and are almost the same height.  I guess Mrs. Stewart is slightly taller.  Oh, and Miss Martin's hair is longer.  Isn't it beautiful?"
	"That's not what I meant, April," Mary said softly.
	"Mother, she is a lady.  A real lady.  Exactly like you described: a gentlewoman.  Is that what you were asking?"
	"Yes, dear, and you're right, of course.  Miss Martin, it's a real privilege to have you visit our apartment.  Thank you for giving my daughter her opportunity.  I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
	"Mrs. Jefferson, I'm sure you're right.  I have only known April for a few hours, but I love her.  I really do.  I'm looking forward to working with her."  The women talked for a while longer and then Cindy got up to leave.
	When April walked with her back down to her car, she nodded at the big man who had been joined by two others.  It was obvious they had been watching Cindy's car to be sure nothing happened to it.  Cindy opened the door and heard April whisper, "Thank you, Sam."  She drove off and April went back to the apartment and found her mother waiting for her.  "What did you really think, mother?"
	"Honey, I think you're absolutely right.  She is a real lady.  She has been hurt, hasn't she?  Physically, I mean."
	"Yes, mother.  Tortured, I think.  I have seen her naked, though, and I can't imagine a more perfect body.  She's in love with another officer at the bank who is a wonderful gentleman.  I'm sure they're going to be very happy together."
Chapter 13
	The next morning Jan went into the office of Illinois Technologies with Pete.  Cindy learned they were planning to change the company name to The Peters Drive Company.  By now she had become so expert in cleaning she finished her work in the house by ten, and then put on a pair of tight Levi's and a chambray shirt she borrowed from Jan.  As a result of her workouts on the gym equipment, her own clothes were now all too tight in the shoulders and too full on her hips.  Getting in her car, she drove to Chèz Nous.  Since the restaurant had not yet opened for lunch, she knocked on the door and waited.
	She was greeted by Marie whose face instantly turned apprehensive.  When she said she had come about the loan, Marie ran back to the kitchen and returned with Marcel.  From the way she was holding on to his hand, it was easy to see she was frightened.  Marcel took her to a table and Marie brought over coffee.  She sat next to Marcel and held his hand again, as if trying to draw strength from him.
	"What... What's the problem, Cindy?  Do they need more information?  Or did they just say no?" Marcel asked nervously.
	Cindy reached out her hands and held Marcel's free hand in her left and Marie's in her right.  Then she smiled and said, "I apologize.  I know how important this is to you and I'm sorry it took so long.  I have your check here with me.  If you'll loan me your pen, there are some things for you to sign and then you get your check."
	The Legrands were stunned.  Marie stammered, "Our check!?  You mean, they said yes?  They really did?"
	Cindy's eyes were moist as she said, "I said yes, Marie.  I said it on Sunday.  I have the authority to lend a great deal more than this.  It's important for you to understand that I'm lending to you and Marcel.  The money is for your wine cellar, to fix up the kitchen and that stuff, but it's not why the bank is making the loan.  I'm making the loan to you because I believe in you two.  Do you understand?"
	She opened the manilla envelope and pulled out the papers while the two just looked at each other.  Marcel just shook his head.  "Do you mean, Cindy, that Dan was not teasing us?  You're really a senior banker?  But you can't be!  The way you dress..."
	Cindy looked down at herself and then asked, "What's wrong?  I'm dressed."  Then she grinned and said, "Oh, damn!  I forgot to wear my senior-banker suit.  Don't worry about it.  The money spends anyway."  Then she looked crestfallen although her eyes were dancing as she added, "I didn't think I looked that awful."
	Marie jumped up from her chair, came around the table and hugged Cindy saying, "Oh no, Cindy!  We didn't mean to hurt your feelings.  You are magnifique!... magnificent, no?  We're so very sorry.  It's... it's just that in France...  Well, there are no bankers like you in France.  None!"
	She took them through the papers and explained them.  In minutes they were all signed.  Finally, Cindy took out the check, signed it and gave it to them.  She smiled and said, "In a short time, I'll be back to see you.  I'll want you to think about using Chicago Trust Company as your bank.  I hope you'll give us serious consideration."
	This time the Legrands were just wide-eyed.  "Do you mean... Chicago Trust Company would like us as... as customers!?" Marcel exclaimed.  "But that's silly!  It's only for the biggest companies and the wealthiest people."
	Cindy smiled softly and said, "Marcel, in case you didn't notice, I just gave you $125,000 of my bank's money.  You're a customer of Chicago Trust right now whether you like it or not."  The Legrands just beamed and said anything they had or would ever have would go to Chicago Trust.
	When Cindy left, she felt great.  She didn't even wait to go home.  Instead, she found a pay phone and called Dan at the bank.  He answered on the first ring, "Burke."  She didn't know that he had kept the extension he had when he was in financial analysis as a special line on his new phone.  Mary Thomas was instructed — and, in turn, told all of the other secretaries — that if it were answered it was only to be "Credit Analysis, Dan Burke's phone."  Cindy was the only person with the extension number; it was not listed on any bank directory.
	"Dan, it's Cindy," she said softly.  "I called for two reasons:  First, I wanted to thank you for the most thrilling three days of my life.  I love you, Darling.  The second reason is to tell you I delivered the check to the Legrands.  I couldn't even wait to get home to call you.  Honey, it was my greatest day in banking!  Those two are so happy, they're floating.  I feel so great about the bank and about myself.  That's what you have been trying to tell me for so many years, isn't it?"
	Dan smiled as he listened to her voice.  "It is great, isn't it?  Cindy, you've changed, you know.  You're the nicest person on the face of the earth, and I love you so much.  I really do.  I'm just sorry I have trouble telling it to you face-to-face.  It sounds so dumb to me when I say it.  Cin, I really do love you.  Did you mean what you said a few moments ago?  About loving me?"
	"Isn't it pretty obvious?  By the way, I was assigned the most delightful person the bank has hired in years, April Jefferson.  Do you know her?  She knows you, and I asked her to see you this morning.  Did she?  She needs all the paraphernalia of a bank lending officer.  Incidentally, Dan, can I get you in my unit?  First, I want you.  You're the finest credit analyst in banking.  Second, I'm trying to promote her to assistant vice president and she's only been in the bank six weeks.  Darling, it's not fair to you!  It's just not."
	Dan smiled to himself.  When Cindy's call came in, he had emptied his office of a group of senior lending officers so he could talk to her in private.  Then he said, "Look, Cindy, let's face facts.  You claim to be in love with a guy who has made a career of stepping on people's toes around this place.  Your father has been able to keep me here, but he can't afford a revolution.  I'll tell you what I think I can do, though.  If you need help on analysis, I can probably spring loose to help.  Fair?"
	"It's better than nothing," she said, "But it's not fair.  I'm going to talk to Jan and Jennifer.  They'll fix it!"
	"Honey, please don't.  I thought you were getting used to having a low-paid analyst as the father of your children?"
	"Damn it, Burke, you're being screwed!  And I don't want anyone to screw you, do you understand?" she exclaimed.  "Except me, of course," she added in a small voice.  "What about the officership for April?  Will it go through?"
	Dan laughed and said, "It just did.  Incidentally, I hope you know it requires the approval of the Board of Directors to elect an officer?  The Board was polled by phone and it was unanimous.  She has personal lending authority to $500,000.  That was your father's idea.  He's a great believer in having people sign their own names."  He laughed again and said, "Hon, if it's okay with you, we're only giving her a car-rental credit card today.  Your father says there's a messenger coming out with material for Jan this evening.  He'll bring the rest of the gear with him.  He wants you to give it to her and I think it's only right.  Incidentally, do you really like her?"
	"She's a wonderful person, Dan.  Beyond that, though, she's going to be a great lending officer."  Her voice changed timbre as she asked, "Will I see you this weekend, Honey?  I miss you terribly.  It's funny.  I only sleep really soundly now when my head is on your shoulder."
	Again Dan chuckled.  "I'm glad to hear it.  I, on the other hand, scarcely get any sleep at all.  If you're not assaulting me sexually, you keep me awake with all the noise you make."
	"Noise?" she protested.  "What noise?  I certainly don't snore, Daniel Burke!"
	"No, Cynthia Martin, you don't snore.  And I'm teasing you, too.  Actually, honey, you do make noise, though.  You make the most wonderfully warm happy noises deep in your throat.  Remember the Chatty Cathy doll?  You pulled a string and she would say something?  With you, I just squeeze your boob ever so gently and I hear those wonderful noises."
	"Wonderful, Daniel Patrick Burke!  I'm like a windup doll.  Except instead of pulling a string, you squeeze my tit!  Thanks a hell of a lot!"
	"Cindy, is there an Irishman lurking on your family tree somewhere?"
	"If you're asking me if there is any Irish in the family, the answer is hell, yes!  A lot.  Why?"
	Again he laughed, this time with gusto.  "Honey, there had to be!  With your temper...  Oh, well, I guess that's why Irishmen are usually big.  We have to be to survive our wives.  Darling, life with you won't be dull!  But back to your kind invitation, I would love to come out, if you still want me.  How about if I bring some string?"  He laughed and hung up, just as she was about to explode again.
	She stood there on the street looking at the telephone receiver.  Finally, she just grinned, shook her head, and put it back.
	That evening, as promised, the messenger from the bank brought out all of April's materials.  The next morning she heard the crunch of gravel as April come up the driveway.  She knew it was April because the car was being driven so slowly.  It was clear that the girl was being very careful.  April came up the walk and Cindy opened the door for her and gave her a kiss.  As usual, Cindy was naked.
	When she closed the door, April gave her a light pinch on the ass.  Then she said, "I've heard of tight asses before, Miss Martin, but yours is as tight as they come."
	Cindy stuck out her tongue and said, "Thank you, Miss Jefferson.  Is that what they taught you in school regarding getting along with superiors in business?  Pinch their unprotected rears?"
	April was a picture of wide-eyed innocence and she made tears come to her eyes as she said woefully, "Miss Martin, I told you the Chicago schools were lousy.  You mean we're not supposed to pinch the boss?  But I'm sure I have something about it in my notes, somewhere!"  Cindy just laughed.  April followed her up to her room and waited while she took a shower and dressed, again putting on her Levi's and chambray shirt.  The girls went down to the kitchen and Cindy poured coffee for them.
	Taking the package delivered from the bank, she changed her demeanor.  "April, I have some things for you.  I was asked to give them to you personally."  She first gave her engraved business cards which said, "April Jefferson, Assistant Vice President, Chicago Trust Company," along with the address.  Cindy put out her hand and said, "April, let me be the first to congratulate you.  You were elected an officer yesterday by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.  I don't know if you know it or not, but it takes a vote of the Board to elect an officer.  The reason is officers have the authority to commit the bank.  You have personal approval authority to $500,000 per loan.  It's not given to everyone nor given lightly.  Do you understand?"
	April was just shaking her head, stunned.  She whispered, "Do you mean I'm an officer of the bank?  A real one!?"
	"You sure are," Cindy replied, "And the approval authority is real, too.  It means you can lend up to half a million dollars on your exclusive say-so.  Incidentally, there may be a few noses out of joint.  You skipped the rank of assistant treasurer.  And your salary is now $60,000 per year."  She grinned and said, "That was Jan's doing, I found out.  She said otherwise she would have to pay you overtime for last night, and she hates paying overtime."  She then gave the girl her cards including a corporate American Express card.  Cindy was having fun watching the girl who could not believe her good fortune.  It made Cindy feel very good just to watch her.  She noticed that April had dark circles under her eyes; she was obviously very tired.
	"Let's get to work, April.  How are you coming on your assignments?" Cindy asked.
	The girl smiled and opened her case.  In it were neatly labeled files for each of the loan applications.  April took the files out and, one by one, reviewed them with Cindy.  Inside each folder was the list of questions Cindy had raised on the application, the answers, and a neatly written recommendation for action.  They went over the recommendations one at a time.  When they finished, Cindy leaned back in her chair and said, "Wow!  You did it.  April, I wasn't kidding on Monday.  I did give you at least a week's worth of work and many officers would take a month.  I was serious when I asked to review your progress.  Never in the world did I think you would have it all done!  It's great.
	"Now, young lady, it's crunch time.  You're a lending officer.  Do we lend?  If so, why?  If not, why not?  Incidentally, none of them is looking for even half a million, so these are all yours.  What are you going to do?"
	April just sat there, stunned.  Suddenly, the authority given to her began to sink in.  I can say yes or no.  Me!  All by myself.  That's what Cindy is waiting for.  My God!  What do I do?  she wondered.
	She took the file on the grocery store first.  "I lend the money to these people.  The owner is Korean and his whole family works in the store.  They have fair prices and excellent produce.  The loan will enable them to expand.  They are good people."  She looked at Cindy and waited for questions.  Instead, Cindy just nodded impassively and asked for the next file.
	"On the dry cleaner the answer is no.  I asked around and their reputation is mixed to poor.  The quality of their cleaning is not very good.  I don't think they're aware of air-quality problems with dry-cleaning solvents, either.  I'm not sure they care that much about their customers."  She looked directly at Cindy and said, "I think it's some kind of a front.  I don't think they need the money and I'm not giving them any."  Again Cindy nodded and asked for the next file.
	April sat up even straighter in her chair as she opened the file on the auto repair shop.  She looked defiant as she said, "The analysis says no, but I say yes.  The owner is an ex-con; he learned auto mechanics in prison.  Two other ex-cons work with him.  They do beautiful work at fair prices.  They're respected in spite of their backgrounds.  Incidentally, they served time for armed robbery, burglary, and auto theft respectively.  They're all Black and it's a Black neighborhood.  They were turned down by the SBA on moral grounds.  Sam wants the money to buy a new lift and an engine diagnostic machine.  The total is $85,000 and I will personally guarantee the note."  She looked at Cindy who just nodded and asked for the last file.
	"This one I don't know about.  It's a machine shop and I don't know anything about them.  The numbers look okay and the owner checks out okay, but I need to know more," she said.
	Cindy spoke for the first time.  She asked quietly, "What do you need to know?"
	"I need to look him in the eye," the girl responded.
	Cindy still didn't say anything.  Asking April to wait in the kitchen, she went to the library, called Dan, and again he picked up at once.  She was so excited, she bubbled, "Dan, I love you!  And I love April!  That girl is so good!  Here's what I want you to do..."  She gave him the information on the Korean loan for $125,000 and the loan to the auto repair shop for $85,000.  She asked for the checks to be ready within an hour; they would drive by the bank.  Then she said, "Dan, the lending officer is April Jefferson.  She's using her personal authority.  Honey, she has the knack!  Honest, she does.  Do you have any more Aprils hiding there?  I'll use them."  They talked a few more minutes and made arrangements for the weekend.  She returned to the kitchen and returned the files to the girl.
	April looked like she was waiting for the ax to fall.  She had a handkerchief in her hands which she was twisting in her fingers from nervousness.  Cindy realized she was being cruel so she grinned and said, "Thank you, April.  That's taken care of.  The checks will be ready in an hour.  How about if we go by the bank, get the checks, have some fun, and then look at a machine shop?  Dan tells me Dad has some more files for us, too.  Are you game?"
	The girl looked at Cindy in utter amazement.  "But... But... But what about the loans?"
	"Honey, you just made two and rejected a third.  What's the big deal?  That's your job."
	"But..."
	"I told you, April, you have personal authority to $500,000.  Those two loans are yours.  Do you understand?  Your analysis was unbelievably good, by the way.  How were you able to do so much so fast?"
	The girl beamed at the praise.  She reached out and hugged Cindy and kissed her softly, whispering, "Oh, God, thank you.  Cindy, you have done everything you said you would do.  I just didn't believe you or believe it could happen to a girl like me.  But you made it come true."
	"No, April.  You did.  There's a great deal of very hard work in those files.  I'm so proud and so happy for you."  She grinned at the girl and said, "I'm thinking of a new uniform for our unit.  It's what I'm wearing now.  What do you think?  I don't think that lovely cord suit would last six seconds in a machine shop.  Care to join me?  I'm sure we wear the same sizes — except for your oversize tits, of course."
	April was now relaxed and she grinned, "Look, honkie!  I can't help it if you're flat-chested.  My man likes his woman to have tits he can grab hold of!"  Then she shook her head and said, "Cindy, that's the worst lie I have ever told in my life!  Flat-chested?  Even I can't buy that one."
	The two girls went up to Cindy's room.  April quickly stripped and put on an outfit identical to Cindy's.  It fit her perfectly.  They drove the rental car to a local outlet where April turned it in, then stopped at a store for a belt for the Levi's and a pair of moccasins.  The girls then headed downtown.  Cindy waited in the car while the Black girl ran in to the bank.  She was back in fifteen minutes, grinning from ear to ear.  She looked very cute in her tight jeans.
	When she was back in the car, she couldn't wait to tell Cindy what had happened.  "I ran into one of our more pompous young officers — an assistant treasurer.  He was appalled at my attire and was going to take it up with personnel.  Then your father came along.  He pointed out that, first, I outranked the guy and an apology was in order.  Furthermore, he happened to know I was going out to see about a loan to a machine shop and my dress was most appropriate."  She smiled warmly at Cindy and added, "I really like your father!"
	She gave Cindy directions to the grocery store.  They found a place to park and the two girls walked in.  By now Cindy's tan was almost as dark as April's skin.  They were a lovely pair, one with silky black hair and the other a golden blonde.  They entered the store and asked to see the owner, Mr. Kwan.  A man about forty years old came out from the back room, looking very attentive.  April extended her hand and shook hands with him.  She said she was from the Chicago Trust Company and they were there to talk about his loan application.  He ushered them into his back room where a corner served as his office.
	April then introduced Cindy and said, "Mr. Kwan, we're here about the loan application you filed with us last week."
	"Ah, so.  You need more information.  What would you like to know?" he asked.
	"No, sir.  It's not that at all.  The bank has approved your application.  I have your check with me.  We're looking forward to working with you and I want to thank you for your business," April said quietly.
	The man's jaw dropped.  "Approved?  But... But who approved it?  Chicago Trust Company?  There must be some mistake.  That bank doesn't lend to small stores...  To immigrants."  He stammered and shook his head and added, "I only filed an application Chicago Trust because the SBA requires bank loan rejections before they will consider helping.  It's all a mistake."
	At this point Cindy entered the conversation.  "Mr. Kwan, there is no mistake.  The loan was approved by Miss Jefferson here.  She's an assistant vice president and approved it herself.  She exercised her personal authority.  She'll be your contact at the bank if there are any questions."  Cindy smiled warmly and continued, "I'm a senior vice president; Miss Jefferson works for me.  I came with her only to assure you that we do want your business.  After all, everyone in the United States came from somewhere else — or their ancestors did.  This even includes the Indians.  Are there any questions?  If not, Miss Jefferson will ask you to sign some forms and then give you your check."
	The poor man was stunned.  Finally he pulled himself together and ran to tell his wife.  The woman came back along with three teen-age children.  With great ceremony he introduced his family to the officers of a major bank that was lending money to them.  While Mrs. Kwan hurried off to prepare tea, her husband signed the loan papers and April took out the check.  Using her brand new Cross pen, she signed the check and passed it to him.
	"But you... you can sign an official check?"  A girl... and Black?"
	Cindy said quietly, "Miss Jefferson is one of our brightest young officers.  April, please give Mr. Kwan your card so he'll know how to reach you."  April took one out of her brand-new card case and gave it to him.  Mrs. Kwan returned with the tea and served it with ceremony.  The boys brought chairs for everyone.  The Kwan's oldest child was a girl, Nancy.  When she joined them, her father showed her the check and April's card.
	The girl's eyes widened.  She asked diffidently, "Miss Jefferson, you look quite young.  You have been to graduate school?"
	April smiled warmly and said, "No, Nancy, I have not.  I came out of the Chicago schools.  I've been at the bank for only a short time.  However, I'm convinced that the bank is a wonderful place for someone who is willing to work."  She nodded towards Cindy and said, "Miss Martin is also quite young.  She does have a graduate degree.  She also has the highest personal lending authority in the bank.  If you're interested, when you finish school, please call me.  We're expanding our activity with small business and I'm sure you could help us."  She smiled warmly and shook hands with the family.  Finally, Cindy welcomed them as customers of Chicago Trust Company.
	When they were back in the car, Cindy asked, "Well, how did it feel?  You made your first loan."
	The girl was leaning back in the seat with her eyes closed.  They were headed towards her neighborhood in South Chicago.  Still with her eyes closed she said, "Fantastic!  The family was so happy!  Cindy, I think I did the right thing.  What do you think?"
	"Honey, I told Dan I thought you're on your way to being the best lending officer the bank has ever had.  That's what I think.  By the way, tomorrow, write a letter to the dry cleaner denying the loan.  They're tough to write sometimes.  Would you like me to do it for you?"
	"No, thank you.  I can do it."  She opened her eyes and looked at Cindy and asked, "Could you have dinner tonight with my mother and me?  I think we will want to celebrate.  Do you think Jan and Pete would mind?  I would love it if you could.  There are a couple of nice places we could go."  Cindy agreed and said she would call Jan later.
	Following April's directions, Cindy pulled up at a small auto repair place.  It was obviously converted from a service station and the apron was used to park cars awaiting repair.  As April got out, a big man came out from the service bay.  Cindy recognized him as the man who had looked after her car on Monday night.  April wasted no time.  She shook hands and introduced Cindy who thanked him for watching her car.  He said quietly, "That's a mean machine.  We don't want anything to happen to it.  What brings you ladies down this way?"
	April said, "Sam, I came to give you the loan you applied for at our bank, Chicago Trust Company.  Can we go into the office and handle the paperwork?"
	The big man was stunned.  He said, "April Jefferson, that's not nice!  You're a good girl, and that's the first mean thing I have ever heard you say.  What's got into you, child?"
	April just walked into the office leaving Sam sputtering on the apron.  Cindy walked in and found a chair to sit on while Sam reluctantly followed them inside.  April still had not said anything.  She placed her case on his cluttered desk, moved some papers to the side and laid out the loan agreements.  Sam just watched.
	In a flat tone of voice she said, "Sam, sign at the marks and date it today."  She gave him her pen which he looked at quickly and then signed.  Now he had an amused expression on his face.  He was playing along with her little joke.  She checked the signatures and then took out the check, carefully signed her name and gave it to him.  "Thank you for your business, Sam.  I want to welcome you as a customer of Chicago Trust Company!"
	It was as if someone had hit Sam behind the knees.  He sagged to the floor and sat there looking at the check.  He murmured, "It's an official check, made out to me for $85,000.  And you signed it, April!  What's going on around here?"
	"Mr. Smith," Cindy interjected, "it's real.  April is an assistant vice president of Chicago Trust Company."  Turning to April she said, "You better give Sam one of your cards."  Turning back, she continued, "April works for me.  I'm a senior vice president and division head.  I want you to know that this loan is being guaranteed personally by April.  In spite of the SBA turn-down, she thinks you're going to make a go of it.  The bank is backing you and she's backing the bank.  In other words, Sam, she's trusting you.  Are you going to be worthy of her trust?"
	 In the meantime April had handed him one of her cards.  He looked at it, studied it, and then jumped to his feet.  He ran into the shop and came back a few moments later with his two men.  One of the men with him had also looked after Cindy's car.  Sam Smith quickly explained what had happened.  Then he asked Cindy if he could have the keys to her car.  She gave them to him, looking puzzled.  Sam was now beaming.  He just shook his head and finally said to Cindy, "It is Miss Martin, isn't it?  That's the name?"  Cindy nodded.  "Miss, I've known April Jefferson for years.  In spite of everything I've done — and I'm sure not proud of it — she's trusting me, is that it?"
	"Yes, Mr. Smith, that's exactly it," Cindy said.  "I want to join April in welcoming you as a customer of Chicago Trust Company."
	Sam looked around outside the building and then returned.  "This is really on the level, isn't it?"  The girls nodded.  He shook his head again and added, "Usually, the only way things ever happen around here is with a TV crew around recording the good deed for the evening news.  There is none, is there?  This is a straight business deal, based on trust.  You're trusting me."  To their amazement, the big man — he was almost six feet six — sat down and started to cry.
	April jumped up and knelt on the greasy floor beside him.  She hugged him and asked, "Sam, what's wrong?  Did we hurt you in some way?"
	He looked up at her.  In spite of the tears, there was a beaming smile on his face.  He said, "Get up child!  You'll ruin your clothes with this grease."  She said it was why she was wearing jeans.  He continued, "It's the first time in my life anyone has trusted me with money.  April, I will repay it on time and in full.  I can't thank you enough!"  Then he went and got coffee for the girls.  They drank their coffee, chatted, and then got up to leave.  As they went out the door, the Mazda was being backed out of a service bay.  It had been washed and Sam said the oil had been changed.  Everything else was fine.  He was insulted when Cindy offered to pay him.  The three men waved as they drove off.
	They found the machine shop and walked in.  The owner was a big man named Henry Kowalski who spoke with a heavy Polish accent.  When April introduced herself and then Cindy, she made sure quickly to give Henry a card.  Cindy took the lead.  She said with a smile, "In spite of our appearance, Mr. Kowalski, we're bankers.  Miss Jefferson gave you her card; I forgot to bring mine.  I'm a senior vice president and division head at the bank.  You have requested a loan of $250,000 for new tooling.  Frankly, neither Miss Jefferson nor I know a darn thing about machine tools.  Nevertheless, we have come to talk about the loan.  Will you show us around?"
	When Henry took them into the shop, the girls noted that everything was very clean and orderly.  Kowalski gave them safety glasses and showed them the machine tools and how they worked on metal.  There were two Poles and two Black apprentices working.  The two workers spoke little English.  They went back to the office and he explained exactly what the new tools were used for and how they would be used in the business.  As they were talking, a pretty young woman came in who was introduced as his wife, Trudy.  She kept the books for the company.  When the four sat down in the tiny office, it was apparent Kowalski was very uncomfortable.  Finally he said with a note of sadness, "I'm afraid you cannot loan us the money.  We understand.  Trudy and I are not even citizens.  You can see my two countrymen do not speak English very much, and I don't speak it very well.  We were hoping, is all."
	April caught Cindy's eye and slowly nodded twice.  Cindy surreptitiously made a "thumbs up"  sign.  April rose and held out her hand.  "Thank you for your time, Mr. Kowalski.  It has been very interesting.  Chicago Trust Company is prepared to lend you the $250,000 you applied for.  If you still wish to go ahead with the loan, I can be back with a check tomorrow.  Is that soon enough?"
	The Kowalskis were stunned.  They looked at each other and then at the girls.  He stammered, "But the committees... the paper work..."
	Cindy said quietly, "The committee, Mr. Kowalski, is Miss Jefferson.  She's making the loan to you on her personal authority.  She has just committed the bank.  The decision is official and final.  I hope you'll accept our offer and become a customer of Chicago Trust Company."
	"But... she can commit the bank?  By herself?"
	Cindy smiled and said, "She sure can.  So can I, and in even larger amounts of money than she can.  It's the way we like to work at our bank.  Do you think Poland has benefitted from its bureaucracy?  Scores of people filling out forms and signing them, sending them everywhere for one more signature or one more stamp.  Has it been good for Poland?"
	He gathered his wife in his arms and kissed her.  She started to cry with happiness.  He then kissed each of the girls and said, "I knew it would be wonderful for us if we could get to the United States.  You have made it more wonderful than we ever hoped."  He looked at the two girls and added, "That's another difference.  You must be the two most beautiful bankers in the world.  Thank you so much."
	Cindy asked for permission to use the telephone.  She called Jan at the office and explained she had been invited out to dinner.  Then she quickly told her about the events of the day.  Jan said, "Cindy, I couldn't be happier!  And I get to use my beautiful kitchen and cook something good for a change.... I think we'll have hot dogs.  I don't always burn them too badly."  She chuckled and hung up.  The girls headed for April's apartment.  It was nearly four o'clock.
Chapter 14
	When they reached April's apartment, Mary was out with the baby.  The girls sat at the kitchen table while April skimmed through the mail.  She came to one letter, opened it and quickly skimmed it.  Then she crumpled it in her hand and started to cry.
	"What's wrong, honey," Cindy asked.  "What was in the letter?"
	The girl looked up and said, "It's that time again.  I hate it!"
	"What time?  What do you hate?  Who is the letter from?"
	"It's from Ron Jackson.  He's my baby's father.  He's Ronald Jackson, Jr.  It was a great concession for Ron to acknowledge paternity... as if I ever slept with another guy.  He sends $100 a month in child support."
	"'That time'?  What time?" Cindy persisted.
	Tears were flowing form April's eyes.  "Ron plays football.  Have you heard of him?  I doubt if you have."
	"There's a Ron Jackson who plays free safety for the Bears.  That Ron Jackson?"
	April was startled by Cindy's knowledge.  "That's him.  The defensive players have a beauty contest with their women every year at the end of training camp.  God, it's awful.  It's like a slave auction with each guy pointing out the best points of his girl.  We're all naked, of course.  They give demonstrations fucking us in front of all the others.  We're supposed to like it, I guess."
	"How have you done?" Cindy asked quietly.
	"I won the last two years.  Ron is assuming I'm going to defend my title.  Last year he featured the milk in my tits.  He had me feed Ronnie way before we left.  He wanted my jugs to be loaded with milk.  Then he made me drink brandy and offered my milk to his teammates.  He said it was a Brandy Alexander.  It went on all night, with two of them hanging on my tits while Ron fucked me when he thought of it.  The previous year I was three-months pregnant.  He demonstrated how to fuck a pregnant woman.  It's absolutely disgusting!"
	"Why do you do it?"
	"It was a condition of his admitting paternity.  Now I'm stuck with it, I guess."
	"The hell you are!  April Jefferson, you're a queen and you let that bastard treat you like a slut.  You detest it and he can't really like it.  Just tell him no!"
	"But Cindy, I think I still love the son of a bitch!  I can't help it... I do."
	Cindy could see that April was miserable.  Finally she asked, "What leads up to it?  What do you do?"
	The girl looked startled.  "Mom will take care of Ronnie while I move in with Ron.  It's the way it's worked.  Why?"
	"Why do you move in with him?"
	"Because he wants to fuck me."  The girl's face was expressionless as she said, "That's the right word, too: fuck.  Not make love.  Just fuck, as in fuck my ass off.  You know what?  He really isn't very good, either.  He just gets himself off and will often go out for a beer with the other studs who brag about how they just fucked the asses off their women."  The girl began to cry like her heart would break.  "It's such a disgusting scene and many of the girls aren't much better than whores, if they're any better at all."
	"April, it's your life.  If it were me, though, I would tell him to get lost.  I would stay right here.  If he wants to go out on a date, fine.  Anything else, shove off.  He's left you with a lovely baby.  But his level of support compared to what he earns is ridiculous.  Honey, why don't you stop it right now?"
	Just then Mary Jefferson returned to the apartment.  April brightened immediately as she told her mother about the events of the day including her title, her big raise — she had been making less than $18,000 a year — and the loans she had made.  She finished by saying, "Mom, it's working out!  You said I could make it and I'm starting to.  I'm thrilled."
	Cindy said quietly, "You are making it, April.  Please take the opportunity and break it with Ron."
	Mary Jefferson became angry and asked, "Did you hear from that bum again?  April Jefferson, your father would roll over in his grave!  He died fighting for his country... to protect us.  And to protect that trash.  Ron Jackson needs a good kick where it would hurt him the most.  Cynthia Martin and her father have given you the chance of a lifetime.  It's your opportunity.  You don't need his lousy hundred dollars.  Please, honey?"
	They made arrangements for a neighbor to come and look after the baby while the three women went out to dinner.  The place they went served very good food and they had a fine time.  Cindy saw that, indeed, Mary Jefferson was a lady.  She had been appalled at the degrading acts April had been forced by Ron Jackson to perform.
	Cindy used the dinner to get on April.  Finally, she asked, "April, do you really love Ron?"
	"I used to.  I did at first, but God, he's changed.  He used to be sweet but now he's all caught up in that macho shit.  Remember the other night?  We were used by Pete and Jan, I guess.  But it wasn't the same thing — it wasn't even close.  Cindy, there was love in that room running rivers.  When it ended, I felt wonderful.  With Ron and his friends I feel like a piece of meat.  What can I do?"
	"Honey, as the anti-drug folks say, 'Just say no!' Make it simple.  If he wants to see you, it will be on your terms.  Make him take you out on dates, to dinner, dancing, the movies.  But don't you dare sleep with him!  If he wants to sleep with you — and if you decide you want him — I'm sure you can find a church somewhere."  Mary Jefferson just nodded.
	"But, Cindy, he expects me to sleep with him," April protested.
	"You're wrong again.  He expects to fuck you... to get his rocks off.  You said it yourself: He goes out for beers with the boys after fucking you.  Incidentally, do you cum too?"
	"Me?  Of course not!  Girls don't..."  Suddenly her eyes widened and she exclaimed, "But we do!  Cindy, you and I... we came dozens of times.  It was so great!  But... But you can do that with a man, too?"
	"With Dan, I've cum for over fifteen minutes straight.  Of course I look like a discarded rag doll when he's through with me...  No, that's not right.  I look like a discarded rag doll that's been left out in the rain.  I'm wringing wet, the bed is soaked with my sweat and my cum...  I'm swimming in it."
	"But what do you do?" April asked puzzled.
	"I change the bed, put on clean sheets and go to sleep on his shoulder.  It's great.  Now will you promise?  You'll really try?"
	The girl looked skeptical but promised that she would.
Chapter 15
	It was late August and the weather forecast was for very hot and humid weather.  There was a director's meeting at the bank so Jan put on what she referred to as her banker's suit.  In the last few weeks she had not seen much of Cindy except at night and on weekends.  She was now fully occupied with her banking activities.  In spite of it, though, she was taking care of the house and garden, as well as doing all of the cooking.
	She had agreed to have lunch with Jen and Mary Thomas again.  When she walked by the receptionist, Jean Robbins gave her a cheery greeting.  When she got to Mary Thomas's desk she stopped short.  Mary was beautiful!  She had lost the extra twenty pounds she had been carrying and looked like she had also lost nearly twenty years in age.  Jan just grinned and walked into Don Martin's office.  He welcomed her and they chatted a bit.  When Jennifer joined them, they all went into the conference room.
	The directors meeting moved along the way it always did.  Jan and Jen always did their homework.  The questions they asked — which were usually numerous — were always sharply focused and to the point.  When the meeting concluded, Henry Simpson withdrew to prepare the minutes, leaving the four alone.
	Don Martin moved back from the table and slumped down in his chair.  Then he just grinned at Dan.  "Burke, is there a bank board like this one in the country?  And just think, we even get paid!  We sit with the two most beautiful bank directors in the world.  But that's not all.  They always keep us on our toes and keep reminding us what we're in business for: maintaining our strategic focus."  He looked at the sisters and his face became serious as he added, "I'm being absolutely serious.  The greatest service directors can perform is to hold management accountable: to make sure we know what the hell we're doing.  I don't think there's a board in the world as good as this one.  Thank you for the privilege of working with you."
	Jennifer was going to make one of her usual jokes but didn't.  Instead she said, "Don, thank you very much.  That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.  I appreciate it very much, and I'm sure Janice does, too.  We're very flattered."
	Dan said, "Please don't feel flattered.  Don was telling the simple truth.  You two are the best there are.  May I thank you, too?"  Then he grinned and said, "Speaking of thanking, Jan, how can I thank you for your hospitality all summer?"
	"Don't thank me, Dan.  Thank Cindy.  It's been her body that's been so hospitable to you.  But are you ever going to make an honest woman of her?"  She turned to Don Martin and said, "That was not for your ears, Dad.  To you, she's the very model of deportment."  She looked at Martin and asked, "Don, it's none of my business, of course, but what ever happened to your wife?  I've never heard you speak of her."
	When Don looked up she saw a look of pain in his eyes.  He said, "She was killed by a drunk driver fifteen years ago.  She was standing on the sidewalk at an intersection waiting to cross the street and got clobbered."  He smiled softly and said, "Jan, thank you for what you've done for my daughter.  There are no words I can say except thank you."
	Just then the phone rang in the conference room and Dan answered it.  He listened for a few minutes, told the caller he would call back and hung up.  Then he started to laugh.  His laughter grew in intensity until he almost fell off his chair.  When he finally controlled himself, tears of laughter were running down his cheeks.
	The other three were looking at him as if he had lost his mind.  "Okay, Burke, now what's so funny," Don asked.  "The least you can do is let us in on the joke."
	While he was laughing, he just pointed at Jan and Don and continued with his gales of laughter.  Finally he controlled himself enough to talk.  Dan wiped his eyes and shook his head saying, "The joke's on all of us, I guess.  It seems word is getting around town about credit availability for small business at Chicago Trust.  An enterprising reporter from the Tribune just called our public relations people.  (We're going to have to clean house over there, too.)  Anyway, since we never said anything, they didn't know anything.  They just regurgitated the usual pompous bafflegab about how we're a bank for top corporations and wealthy individuals.  The reporter was stunned.  Usually, whenever a big city bank makes a $5,000 small-business loan there's a press conference called to announce it."  Dan nodded to himself and said, "I guess that's only fair, too.  What's the old reporter's adage, 'Dog bites man is not news; man bites dog is.'?  For most big banks small-business loans are sufficiently rare to rate a press conference.  But at any rate, what do you want to do?"
	Jan and Jennifer instantly understood the PR problem.  Jan said, "Should we announce the program and be flooded with applications, or should we just go along with the word of mouth?  Incidentally, Dan, how is the program going?"
	"I'm prejudiced, Jan.  Because it's Cindy's and I love the girl, I can't be very objective.  However, let me put it this way:  She has made over 150 loans in about six weeks.  Of course, most of them are not yet due for their first payment, but I checked this morning, anyway.  Over 125 have been paid.  That means people paying early.  It's really funny.  Some of these people come in — I met a Mr. and Mrs. Kowalski yesterday.  He has a machine shop.  For some reason, the guard sent them up to me.  They were looking around the lobby in awe.  They came to thank me for the faith we had in them and to thank us for having such wonderful lending officers.  They couldn't stop talking about the remarkable twins who visited them.  They were talking about Cindy and April, of course.
	"Anyway, they wanted to know if the bank had any money left.  I assured them we still had a couple of bucks.  They said they have some friends who they would highly recommend, but they didn't want them to be disappointed.  They gave me all the information and I passed it on to Cindy."  He shook his head and said, "By any measure, it's a smashing success.  At least I think it is."
	Jennifer spoke up for the first time.  She said, "Dan, I talked at length to my parents and Steve's, as well as to my sister, Connie.  Their opinions are the same.  This program is to be maintained and expanded.  Dad and Father Chapman said the same thing.  However, they're concerned about what the bank examiners might say.  If there is the least question about any of the loans, they will buy them at their face value and pay a fee to the bank to service them.  This program must continue at any cost!  Does that convey the wishes of the owners of the bank... or at least 96 percent, or so?"
	Dan was looking down at the table top.  When he looked up at Jen, she could see tears in his eyes.  He said softly, "What I just heard is the Cliffords, Chapmans, and Cartwrights are backing the small-business loans with a 100-percent cash takeout, if necessary.  Is that correct?"  Jen just nodded.  Dan looked at Don and asked, "When do you think a thing like this last happened?"
	Don got up, went to Jen and kissed her warmly, then kissed Jan.  He replied, "We just witnessed the first time in the history of banking.  Burke, how does it make you feel?  This is backing that's utterly without precedent.  The owners of the bank are saying the risk is totally theirs — not the FDIC's, not the depositors' — theirs!  Ladies, all I can say is, speaking for Dan and the entire management of the bank, thank you for your support from the bottoms of our hearts!  You make me feel very humble."
	They decided to let the PR people continue in ignorance because they didn't want to make a big deal out of what they were doing.  As they were about to break, Dan asked, "Jan, I have a favor to ask.  You know I bought Cindy's apartment.  Could you tell her the buyer is a bachelor banker who wants it redecorated?  Just tell her to do it the way she would like it.  I'll bet my last dime she wouldn't do it again today the way it's done now.  Tell her she'll get standard decorator's fees.  Since she's always looking for money I think she'll take the job.  Will you ask her, please?"  Jan replied that of course she would.
	The girls left for lunch, picking up Mary on the way out.  When they were seated, Janice looked at Mary and said, "Wow!  You're gorgeous.  Now when is the wedding?"
	"Wedding?" Mary responded with a grimace, "A better question is when is the first date?"  She looked at Jan with a question in her eyes and asked, "Do I really look all right?"
	"Mary Thomas, you're exquisite!  Now how are you going about trapping him?"  The woman looked puzzled; she didn't know what Jan was talking about.  Jan continued, "I guess you don't know it, but I used to be a prostitute.  May I give you some tips?  There have been more men in my bed and in my cunt than I can count, so maybe I can help you.  First, are you experienced with men?"
	Mary just laughed bitterly.  "Experienced?  I heard you use the word 'cunt' a moment ago.  I hardly know what the word means, let alone what it's used for.  For all practical purposes, I guess I'm still a virgin.  Isn't that disgusting?"
	Jan just grinned and said, "I think it's kind of cute.  But are you sure you want to catch him?  Because I guarantee you will if you really want to.  Do you?"
	"Jan, you could have my breasts for breakfast if I could catch Donald Martin.  I adore the man."  The woman grinned wryly and shook her head.  "That's a problem, though.  In fact, it's a conundrum.  Right now I would happily trade my breasts for Don.  On the other hand, when I get him he would probably want to use them for the first time ever.  What should I do?"  There was a puzzled look on her face but her eyes were dancing.
	Jan said she would take care of it.  Jen signed the check and they went down to the health club.  This time, when they worked out, Mary was using the same weight loading and doing as much as they were.  They swam nude and she realized the older woman had a perfect figure, with a small patch of curly pubic hair.  Her breasts were full and very youthful-looking with tiny tip-tilted nipples like a nineteen-year-old's.  Jan just shook her head sadly.
	Mary's eyes widened with concern.  "What's wrong, Jan?  What did I do?"
	Jan grinned and said, "That wasn't for you, Mary.  It was for Don.  The poor soul doesn't have a prayer!  It's going to be like shooting fish in a barrel."  Again she shook her head sadly.  "Mary, it's going to cost you your hunting license, you know?  What you're going to do meets anyone's definition of unsportsmanlike conduct!"
	Instead of going back to the office, the women went to a fine department store.  When Janice asked her about underwear, Mary just shrugged.  She wore serviceable briefs and bras.  Jan wrinkled her nose and bought a number of very low cut bikinis that didn't fully cover Mary's pubic hair.  Then she bought three bottles of expensive musk oil in the largest size the store had.  Carefully, she explained to Mary exactly how to use it and what to do.  Before leaving her she said, "One more thing: When you get back, go to the ladies room, put on a new bikini and throw away your bra.  Your tits are absolutely gorgeous.  Flaunt them!  Now get with it, and good luck!"
	Mary blushed when she heard what Jan said.  Then she whispered, "But Jan, my nipples will show!"
	"They sure will, won't they"  Jan agreed.
* * *
	Late the next morning, Janice received a call from Mary Thomas.  The woman was bubbling.  "Jan," she exclaimed, "It worked!  Oh God, did it ever work.  I'm utterly destroyed, but I feel like I could conquer the world."  Jan asked what happened and Mary said, "I did exactly what you said.  (Incidentally, all my bras are going in the trash tonight.) I drowned my slit and my boobs — Don calls them boobs — with the musk oil.  We were working late, as usual, and I asked Don to come over to my desk for a minute.  There was some dumb thing in the typewriter I was working on.  He leaned over me to read it and got a whiff of the musk oil, or me, or whatever.  Anyway, he asked, 'What's that wonderful fragrance?' I said it was probably me and if he kissed me, he might like it even better.
	"He did, Jan, and it was exactly the way I've dreamed it for fifteen damned years.  There were bells and electricity and I just melted.  I felt a wonderful wetness in my cunt — that's what he calls it so that's what it is.  Then I kissed him again, got up, went into his office, locked the door and took off my clothes.  When I slipped off my skirt, I was only wearing that tiny bikini you made me buy.  He reached out his arms and I came to him.  Oh, Jan, he took me and took me..."  She sighed and continued, "We went to his apartment and it went on all night."
	She laughed and added, "Today was the first time in twenty years I wore the same outfit two days in a row.  I felt so deliciously wicked!  All the girls on the floor just look at me.  I feel so proud.  It's a riot!  I'm the CEO's secretary and one of the most senior people in time of service, so no one dares to say anything.  So they look at me and I just laugh.  Oh, Jan, I feel so great!  Now I know what a cunt is for!"
	"Mary, I told you.  By the way, I won my bet.  You got him into bed with you the first night."
	"What did I lose?  Am I your slave now, too?  I don't mind, of course.  I'm just asking," she said with a merry little laugh.
	"I'll deduct it from your wedding gift," Jan replied.  "Incidentally, was there any discussion of marriage?"
	"There sure was.  That's another reason I called.  Don wants to know if he can rent your slave tomorrow evening.  He wants to get married a week from Saturday.  He claims we've lost almost fifteen years already and he's not prepared to wait another fifteen minutes.  Anyway, he wants to ask his daughter's permission at dinner.  Dan will be joining us.  Can you spare her?"
	"That's the silliest question I've ever heard!  Of course.  What time and where?"
	"Could she come by the office?  Her father would like her to see his office and I would, too.  Is that okay?  At six?"  Jan agreed immediately and Mary raised another question.  "Did you have a chance to ask her about decorating Dan's apartment?"  Jan said she had and Cindy was looking forward to it.  "Maybe you could suggest she borrow Dan for a couple of hours late tomorrow afternoon.  She can try out her decorating ideas on him.  Is that possible?"  Jan said she thought it was and hung up.
	That evening, when Cindy got home, Jan passed on her father's invitation to dinner the following evening.  Cindy was excited so Jan said, "Incidentally, since you're going to be downtown, why don't you see if you can borrow Burke and try out your decorating ideas on him?  He's male and a banker.  Does that make sense?"
	Cindy grinned and immediately called Dan.  They agreed to meet at her old apartment at four o'clock.  Then she continued to prepare dinner.  In spite of her work schedule with the bank, she refused to allow Jan to do anything that she considered to be a slave's duties.
	The next day at four she found Dan sitting by the door of her former condo, waiting for her.  She still had her key and opened the door finding the apartment exactly the way she had left it months before.  As she walked through it, she felt ill.  Finally she said, "Dan, what was I thinking of?  This place is absolutely awful!  She grinned at him and said, "There's one thing, though.  The carpet is pretty thick.  Since everything is going into the trash anyway, could you take me on it first?  This way it doesn't matter if our juices flood the damned thing."  While she was talking she was stripping off her clothes.  In moments she was standing naked before him.
	Dan quickly stripped and picked her up in his arms.  Then he carried her to the floor-to-ceiling window and laid her on the carpet.  He whispered, "Darling, your charms are exposed to anyone in Chicago who cares to look.  Does it bother you?"
	"Not as long as they can see that magnificent weapon of yours at the same time, Darling.  Let them eat their hearts out."  Their lovemaking in the afternoon was wonderful, and Cindy was soon asleep in Dan's arms.  He had taken a blanket from the bed and spread it over them.
	At five-thirty, he squeezed her breast and her eyes opened instantly.  He whispered, "Do you want to take a shower or sleep a few more minutes?"
	She snuggled closer to him and whispered, "Sleep.  I can take a shower anytime.  You can just eat out my cunt later so I don't leak all over Dad's furniture."  She closed her eyes again, and a few minutes later woke up with Dan's tongue probing her cunt.
	Exactly at six, they walked back to the corner office.  Don had correctly estimated that anyone who might inadvertently tip off Dan's new job would be gone by then.  Mary Thomas was sitting at her desk and, when Cindy saw her, she stopped so abruptly Dan walked into her back.  She looked at the older woman and said, "Mary Thomas, what have you done?  You look younger than I do, and you're simply beautiful.  Can we have lunch together, soon?  I want to know what you did."  Mary nodded and smiled warmly as the young couple walked on in to Don's office.
	She kissed her father and he showed her the office.  Not much had changed since Horace Paterson had left but now it had a totally different feel.  Then she realized what it was.  Now it was a working office that fit her father like a glove.  He was at home in it.  With Paterson, it had always seemed to be more of a stage set.  Surprisingly, her father seemed nervous.  When he left the office, he didn't even take his attaché case with him which was a first as far as Cindy knew.  They went to the best restaurant in Chicago with Mary Thomas joining them, but her father still had said nothing.  They were immediately seated, with Mary sitting at her father's right.  His nervousness appeared to be increasing by the minute.
	Don Martin wasted no time.  As soon as the maître d' withdrew, he said, "Cindy, I asked you to have dinner with me for a reason.  I would like your permission to marry Mary Thomas.  I hope you'll approve."  His eyes were down on his service plate and he didn't even look up.
	Cindy looked at her father in amazement.  He was sitting like a schoolboy waiting for his report card and expecting the worst.  Mary Thomas was also looking down at her plate with her hands folded in front of her.  Cindy could see her knuckles whiten indicating the tension the woman was under.  Moments passed and the tension built.  Cindy then jumped up from her chair, went to her father, hugged him tightly and said, "Dad, I'm so happy I could cry.  Do you mean after all these years I'm going to have a mother again?  And, Dad, you couldn't do better.  You just could not!  Mary Thomas is the nicest person I know."
	She kissed him quickly and went to Mary who stood up when she came around the table.  Mary was looking hopeful but there were tears in the corners of her eyes.  Cindy took her in her arms and kissed her.  Suddenly, Mary broke down and started to cry.  Cindy heard the woman whisper, "Oh, my darling daughter!  Thank you so much.  May... May I be your mother?  It would make me the proudest person in the world to have such a beautiful young woman as my daughter."  As she held her, Cindy realized what a perfect figure she had.  Mary Thomas was utterly exquisite.  Cindy returned to her seat and sat down.
	Don Martin signaled the head waiter for the champagne he had ordered.  Before anything else could be said, Mary said softly, "Cindy, you may change your mind.  I must tell you that I have slept with your father.  I let him... fuck me!  I did, and I tried to help him as much as I know how.  I have to admit that isn't very much, yet.  But I had to tell you, and you may not wish your father to marry a woman who would do such a thing."  Again, Mary's eyes were focused on the service plate in front of her.
	Cindy's reaction took her completely by surprise.  She started to laugh and her laughter grew in intensity.  Soon tears were rolling down her cheeks.  She wanted to take Mary in her arms again and hug her.  Instead she just shook her head.  She said, "Mary, Dan fucks me so often I can't keep count.  Only it's not fucking, it's making love.  I'm sure Dad made love to you, didn't he?  When you kiss him, do you feel electricity?  Do you hear bells?"  The woman was looking at Cindy with surprise on her face while she slowly nodded her head in response to her questions.  Cindy continued, "When he looks at you, your cunt starts to flood with your juices.  You want to wear a pair of plastic baby's pants so you won't soak your chair, don't you?"
	Now Mary was just grinning and nodding.  She said, "You mean I didn't invent this?  It's happened before?  Cindy, I love your father so much!  I can't get enough of him, or get close enough to him.  I guess that's why I love it when he's inside me.  It's as close as we can get."  Mary blushed beet red and said, "Regardless of where he enters me, too."
	"When did it happen, Mary?  It couldn't have been very long ago," she asked.
	"The night before last.  We would have had dinner last night but... but I didn't get home the night before to change."
	Cindy's father had just been watching the exchange with amazement.  Finally Cindy just grinned and said, "Hurry up and get married, Mom and Dad.  Someday I'll be released from slavery and Dan and I will get married.  It's great to learn that there will be someone who knows how it's done."
	At that point Don reached into his pocket.  He took Mary's left hand and gently slipped a diamond ring on her third finger.  She looked at it and squealed, "Oh, Don!  It's magnificent!"  He stood up and she rose, too.  In spite of the crowd that was now filling the restaurant, when he took her in his arms and kissed her, their passion just flowed between them.  Mary had her arms around his neck for support as her joints turned to jelly.  When they finally parted to breathe, there was applause from the people in the restaurant who had been watching.  Mary then both surprised and delighted Cindy.  She just waved to the crowd.  The applause had not bothered her a bit.
	When they were seated again, Cindy raised her glass in a toast.  She said, "To my father, Donald Martin: a man — a gentleman — who tried to teach me what it really means to be a banker, and to Mary Thomas: the most beautiful, kindest and nicest person I know: May you be as happy together as you deserve to be.  Mary, I haven't had a mother for more than half my life," Cindy continued with tears beginning to run down her cheeks.  "I was only eleven years old when my mother was killed.  Dad saw me through puberty, through dating and through college.  He tried to be both a mother and a father to me.  Now, though, as I contemplate marriage and all that means, I can look forward to having a mother to talk to, to counsel with, to confide in, and to love.  Mary, I only hope you'll learn to love me a little bit as much as I already love you."
	Mary had been looking down at her service plate while Cindy offered her toast.  When she looked up, there were tears streaming down her cheeks.  She said softly, "Cindy Martin, I couldn't love you more if I nurtured you in my womb and nursed you at my breast.  I love you, darling daughter, very much.  Thank you for being so generous, so welcoming, and so sweet."
	Don said very quietly, "Thank you both so very much."  Dan blinked back tears in his eyes and smiled at both of the women very warmly.
	While they were eating dinner, Mary asked Cindy to be her maid of honor, while Don asked Dan to be his best man.  Cindy took the opportunity to ask her father why it was Dan was still in credit analysis instead of in a division.  Don repeated what Dan had told her previously: "Honey, I love Dan and respect him.  However, when diplomacy and tact were being passed out, he was hiding behind the door.  We can't run the bank by ourselves.  If I tried to promote Dan, there would be a revolution.  I did get him a raise, though.  Doesn't that help?
	"Incidentally, Daughter, congratulations on the job your division is doing.  It's spectacular.  And I have two pieces of news for you:  The first is the owners of the bank are backing your lending with their personal net worth.  I've been instructed to continue your activities regardless of what the bank examiners think of the credits.  They will buy any loans that may be questioned at their face value and pay us a servicing fee besides, but we will not call them.  Do you know what that means?"
	Cindy was stunned.  "It means I'm lending their personal money, in effect.  Not the depositors; their own.  Is that right?"
	"It sure is.  I have never heard of that happening anywhere.  You can't get stronger support than that.  The other news is I'm assigning a new girl to your unit, Katherine Chang.  She's fluent in about a dozen languages including three dialects of Chinese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Vietnamese, and a bunch of others.  She's also a mathematical genius and a delightful girl.  Maybe she can extend your culinary abilities."  Her father grinned and added, "I have it on good authority that you have learned how to boil water.  And, I understand, you even get it right at least two times out of three."
	He agreed to send Kathy out with April the next day.  Before they left, Cindy joined Mary on a visit to the ladies' room.  While there she told the older woman about sleeping with her head on Don's shoulder and his hand cupping her boob.  Cindy put her hand inside the woman's blouse and squeezed.  Her breast was very firm and full.  Mary just moaned softly and said, "That feels so good, Cindy.  Almost as good as your father doing it."  Her eyes flashed as she said, "I can't wait!  And I promise to let you know how your tip works."
Chapter 16
	Cindy heard April's car come to a sliding stop on the gravel driveway at nine-fifteen the next morning.  She heard running steps and was waiting at the door to open it.  April was standing there, breathless.  There were tears in her eyes as she said, "Cindy, I'm so sorry!  We came as fast as we could.  There was a mix-up on instructions.  Kathy was told to meet me at eight and not seven.  It's not her fault.  Please be nice to her?  All the fault is mine, and as the senior I take all the blame."
	Looking at her impassively, Cindy asked, "What action should I take, April?  You're fifteen minutes late."
	April ran up to Cindy's room and picked up the whip she knew was in the closet.  She ran downstairs, gave the whip to Cindy and then walked out the back door to the whipping post.  Cindy followed her, still without saying anything.  "I think fifteen lashes would be fair, one for each minute.  Could you split them, please?  Eight on my back and seven across the front?  Please try not to cut my nipples."  The girl stripped off her clothes and stood with her back to the post and her arms wrapped around it, forcing her full breasts to protrude.
	Cindy took the whip and just dropped it on the ground.  Then she took the girl in her arms and kissed her softly.  "You would have done it, too, wouldn't you?  Why?  Why on earth would I think of beating you?"
	"To show me the meaning of promptness," the girl replied simply.  Cindy motioned her away from the post and spanked her once on her firm bottom.  April squealed and asked, "What was that for?"
	"That's for showing off your oversized tits.  I'm jealous and you know it, so it serves you right!"  Cindy grinned and stuck out her tongue.  April smiled and began to get dressed again.  A simply gorgeous Eurasian girl was standing in the doorway.  From the look on her face, she was completely baffled by what was going on.  Cindy went over to her with her hand out, "Hi, I'm Cindy Martin.  You must be Katherine Chang.  Welcome!  Now let's get inside out of this heat."
	The girls went inside and gathered around the kitchen table having coffee.  When they were finished, Cindy led the way to the private gym.  She and April had been using it daily for weeks.  Kathy watched as the two girls stripped and started on the exercise machines.  As Cindy moved against the weights, the girl was amazed at both the total weight she was moving, the ease with which she was doing it, and the extent of the girl's muscle development.  There was no fat at all.  After working for five minutes, she turned and said, "Kathy, this is a game any number can play.  Or do you have a doctor's excuse?  Get your ass in gear!"
	The girl grinned and stripped off her clothes.  As instructed, she was wearing the "divisional uniform"  of skin-tight Levi's and a chambray shirt.  After she stripped, she stood posed for Cindy's inspection.  The girl just whistled softly.  She had lustrous black hair, improbably green eyes, and very full breasts.  Her body had the grace and sleekness of a cat and at five feet six, she was quite tall for an Oriental woman.  But except for her head, she was virtually hairless.  Her mound was bare.  Cindy showed her the array of equipment and she began to exercise, too.  After forty minutes, they quit and went swimming.  April had improved dramatically and Kathy was very good to start with.  The three moved up and down like porpoises.  Finally they pulled themselves out of the pool and flopped on mats to dry off.
	Cindy looked at Katherine and said, "Do Orientals tan, Kathy?  My Black friend here is just soaking up the sun for the hell of it.  Do you?"  The girl said yes and smiled.  Cindy looked at her and said, "How was the bank lucky enough to get you?  I've seen your credentials and they are spectacular.  What are you doing in the bank, and what are you doing in my unit?"
	The girl blushed and looked very cute.  She spoke softly with an intonation that was at once very musical yet with overtones of British speech.  She said, "I've heard so much about you, I felt I must try to work with you.  April tells me that you're a slave and she's a junior slave.  Does that make me a second assistant slave?"
	"We'll work that out," Cindy said with a grin.  "But you interest me.  You said you've heard so much about me.  What could you conceivably have heard?  And where?"
	"Miss Martin, perhaps it's my Hong Kong heritage, or perhaps it's an accident of nature.  Whatever it is, I have an ear for languages.  I pick them up very easily.  It has become a sort of hobby of mine.  The nice thing about Chicago is there are people here in some numbers from almost everywhere in the world.  So I spend weekends in these foreign-language communities.  It was in these communities I began to hear of the 'twins who aren't.' It seems there are two girls who are the most beautiful girls in the world.  They travel around in a small red car that's now quite famous.  They dress the same, they move the same, they are the same height and weight.  Except one twin is gold and the other is brown.
	"It seems these twins are senior executives at the most important bank in Chicago.  Nevertheless, they seek out people to help.  It doesn't matter who you are or where you are.  If you're working hard and struggling to succeed, they will find you and give you the money you need to prosper.  It's the American miracle.  The streets are not paved with gold, but there are the twins.  Everyone prays the twins will visit them, someday.  It is said there are guardian angels that look after the twins.  They can go anywhere in Chicago safely.  They are revered as living saints."  Kathy smiled warmly and added, "One more thing:  They're always reported as being kind and friendly and warm.  Never do they look down on people.  People are always treated with the greatest kindness and respect.  I suppose that's why they are so loved."  She looked at Cindy and said, "Obviously, you and April are the twins.  Now that I've met you, I'm sure the stories are true.  Thank you for giving me a chance to be in your unit.  I hope I will be worthy."
	Cindy looked at April and said, "Wow!  What do you think, partner?"
	"She's correct, Cindy," she replied quietly.  "I know it's true.  I can see it at home.  I can go anywhere, at any time, in complete safety.  I don't have to worry about my mother or Ronnie.  It's as safe as church.  As for Kathy, what can I say?  She's outstanding... and beautiful, of course."
	Cindy swallowed hard and told the girls what she had learned from her father.  She finished by saying, "Last night I had dinner with my father.  He told me we have the full backing of the Cliffords, the Chapmans and the Cartwrights.  That's about five and a half billion dollars."  She explained what was meant and Kathy started to cry.  "What's wrong, hon?  I thought it was good news?"
	"Miss Martin, you're telling me that three of the wealthiest people in the United States are willing to back us with billions of dollars of their own money so we can help immigrants, Blacks, and God-knows-who!  Why on earth would they do such a thing?  It's unheard of!"
	"It's because they feel they were lucky and want to help others without making it charity or making a big deal out of it.  That's simple enough."  Then she quickly told of the family backgrounds, ending with Janice Stewart.  "This is her house, of course.  I adore the girl.  She's also the smartest person I have ever met — and the most beautiful."  She stretched and Kathy saw her muscles ripple under her skin.  She said, "Let's go, troops.  We have money to give away."
	Late that afternoon the girls swung by Henry Kowalski's machine shop.  He had recently taken delivery of his new tooling and had asked them to come by and see it.  The girls walked into the office with Cindy in the lead.  When Henry saw her come in, his eyes lighted up like a Christmas tree.  Then he called to Trudy who came running in.  After kissing Cindy and April she quickly retreated.  The other men from the shop came into the office, too.  One of the Poles put his hand out and murmured something in Polish to which Kathy immediately responded.  The man looked astonished.
	In no time Henry and his two countrymen were all talking at once in Polish.  Kathy held up her hands, smiled, and said something quickly in Polish.  The two machinists took turns with rather lengthy speeches.  Kathy merely nodded.  After the first spoke, she translated for Cindy and April and then did the same for the second.
	"The men are delighted to be able to personally thank you and thank the bank for the wonderful tools they now have to work with.  They are the finest the men have ever seen; they have never worked with anything nearly so good.  Now they will produce to the highest quality standards in the world!  They swore it!  It will be made in USA!"  There were tears in her eyes as she finished.  She said to Cindy, "These men are so proud!  They told me how hard they're studying English.  They can't wait to become citizens of the greatest country on earth."  At that, she started to cry and Cindy held her tightly.  The girl looked up and whispered, "They're right, you know?  It is, and you're the greatest American of them all.  They love you, Miss Martin."  With that the girl kissed Cindy softly on the lips and then recoiled in shock.  She exclaimed, "My God!  I didn't mean...  Oh, I'm so sorry!"
	Cindy gathered the girl in her arms hugged her, and kissed her softly, murmuring, "I'm not sorry at all.  It was a delicious kiss, and I love you already, Katherine Chang.  But for Christ's sake, the name is Cindy or Cin or Slave.  It's rarely Miss Martin.  Clear?"
	The girl grinned and wiped her eyes.  Then they were served little sweets that Trudy Kowalski had made along with coffee.  When they left, the entire staff was in front of the building to wave goodbye.  As they drove off, April said, "Kathy, while you were talking to the Poles, I was talking to the Black boys.  First, one is out of reform school and the other is a school dropout.  Second, they love their jobs.  The Poles are really top machinists — the very best in the world.  They're very proud of their skills and are really working with the boys.  The boys are working with them on their English.  They wanted to say thanks, too.  Their last words were that your money is very safe."
	The loan volume picked up to such a degree Cindy got April a car like her own.  They needed more transportation and she decided the red GTX had become a bank trademark.  Volume climbed in terms of both number of loans and average dollar value per loan.  Meanwhile, Kathy Chang proved to be invaluable because of both her analytical and language skills.
	Late one afternoon, Cindy met April in a small luncheonette in South Chicago for coffee.  April reported on recent events with Ron Jackson.  It seemed that Ron had been calling.  He couldn't believe she was not going to defend her title.  Finally, he waited outside the apartment for her one day and grabbed her when she came out.  It turned out not to have been a smart move.  "Sam Smith took him from behind.  He told him that if he ever grabbed me like that again he would be eating his balls for breakfast."  April grinned as she added that, even though Ron was a football player, he was a defensive back who stood six feet one and weighed 195.  "Sam is six feet six, weighs about 275, and it's all muscle."
	"What happens now?" Cindy asked.
	"He asked me out for a date," she replied.  "He was sort of cute.  Sam asked me if that was all right with me, and I said I would have dinner with him if he promised to behave himself."  She grinned and said, "He didn't answer, Sam did.  He said Ron would certainly behave himself or it would be the last thing he ever did in his life.  Anyway, Cindy, would you and Dan join Ron and me for dinner at the Pump Room?  Ron's buying, by the way.  I said you would come and chaperon.  He doesn't know what the word means, but he does know he's paying the bill.  Will you?"
	"Partner, it's a deal!" Cindy exclaimed.  "When will we do it?"  They scheduled it for the following night.  Ron would pick them up at April's.
	The next evening Cindy went over to the Jefferson's.  April wasn't home yet, so she talked with Mary and played with the baby who was already starting to toddle.  April arrived with Dan shortly before five-thirty and disappeared into the bathroom to shower and change.  A little before six she reappeared looking very nervous.  Cindy looked at her and whistled softly.  She said, "April, you look devastating!"  The girl was wearing a new dress she had bought for the occasion.  It was perfect on her, looking at once very demure and very sexy.
	Dan looked at her and just shook his head.  Mary looked at him with a question in her eyes.  Dan said, "Mrs. Jefferson, all I can say is they just are not making bankers the way they used to.  No one has ever whistled at me."
	Cindy said with a warm smile, "That's just because you're beat up, battered and generally shot to hell.  Aren't you lucky that you keep me in such a constant sexual daze I don't even notice?"  She leaned over and kissed him softly and lovingly on the lips, making warm sounds deep in her body while she did.
	"Did you hear that, Mrs. Jefferson?" Dan asked plaintively.  "Those noises?  I can't get any sleep with her.  All I do is squeeze her breast lightly and she makes those noises for at least the next twenty minutes."
	"Right, fink!  The Chatty Cathy doll," Cindy interjected, poking him sharply in the ribs with her elbow.  "Mrs. Jefferson, do you recall a little doll where you pulled a string and it says something?  This creep says he squeezes my tit and I start making happy noises for the next twenty minutes.  I ask you?  Then he says he's going to bring out a string next time, and does!  How would you like to be compared to a windup doll?"
	Mary Jefferson smiled warmly, held up her hands and shook her head saying, "You keep me out of this, young lady!"  Then she said, "I hope you two have many children.  You make me so happy just watching you.  I have never seen two people as deeply in love or as attuned to each other as you are.  It's truly wonderful to see."  With her face serious she added, "Mr. Burke, I think it's wonderful what the bank has done for April.  The opportunity Miss Martin has given her is beyond belief.  My husband fought and died for this country and there were times I was very bitter about it.  I didn't think Black people were given a fair chance.  Now I think Tom is smiling, wherever he is.  His daughter is succeeding beyond our wildest dreams.  Thank you both."
	Mary had seen a warning in Dan's eyes when she started to thank him.  She didn't know what was happening, but she didn't say exactly what she had started out to say.  When she changed the direction of her remarks, she saw him relax.  He replied, "Mrs. Jefferson, I'm just an analyst at the bank.  On the other hand, I've been around the bank for quite a while now, so a lot of people talk to me.  The talk in the bank now is about the brilliant young assistant vice president who is minting money for us.  No one knows who she is, where she came from, or exactly what she's doing, but whatever it is, it's great!"
	Just then there was a knock on the door.  April opened it and admitted a very good-looking young man who looked like the trained athlete he was.  She introduced Ron Jackson to Cindy and Dan.  Mary Jefferson just nodded.  Dan noticed that both Mary's and Cindy's eyes were cold as they looked at Ron.  There was none of Cindy's usual warmth in her greeting; she was very distant and formal.
	Ron Jackson was very uncomfortable.  He was wearing a suit and tie and it was obvious he wasn't used to it.  He held the door and they went downstairs.  Reaching the sidewalk, Cindy noticed Sam Smith standing close by, watching.  Ron was driving a big Mercedes SEL sedan that he had borrowed for the evening.  He self-consciously held the door for April who gracefully got into the car.  Dan assisted Cindy and they pulled away smoothly.  Almost nothing was said as they drove to the Ambassador Hotel, the site of the Pump Room.
	When he drove up, a valet parking attendant opened Ron's door while another opened the passenger-side doors.  Seeing April and Cindy, the young man's eyes widened.  He motioned to the doorman and instantly they were greeted like royalty.  Ron thought he had been recognized but then he saw the doorman salute and say, "Welcome to the Pump Room, Miss Martin and Miss Jefferson.  We're honored!"
	When they reached the maître d'hôtel's stand, there was a flurry of activity as their table assignment was being changed.  The maître d' personally seated them at the best table and asked, "Miss Martin, I hope this table will suit?  You may have any table in the house if you would prefer another?"
	Cindy smiled warmly and thanked him.  The maître d' was Black.  He went up to April, extended his hand and said, "My name is Howard Washington, Miss Jefferson.  Thank you for what you're doing.  You're a credit and an inspiration to Black people everywhere."
	April shook hands and replied, "You're too kind, but it's Miss Martin you should thank.  She's my boss and my inspiration.  Mr. Washington, the credit is hers.  She's the one who taught me what little I know.  Then there are the owners and the top management of the bank.  Miss Martin's father is president.  They gave me my chance.  Please thank them."
	The man beamed and said, "Thank you all.  Please consider yourselves guests of the Pump Room this evening.  We're grateful you would think to come here."  With that he disappeared.
	Ron Jackson had been watching with increasing bafflement.  When Washington withdrew he asked, "What's that all about, April?  What's going on?  You're my woman and I have a right to know!"
	April sat up straight in her chair and there was fire in her eyes.  "The hell I am and the hell you do, Ron Jackson!"  She looked at Dan and said, "You could tell Cindy and my mother were not delighted to see Ron.  Has Cindy told you anything about Ron and me?"
	"Only that he's the father of your little boy.  That's about all," Dan replied quietly.
	"Well, that's a good place to start.  I was on the pill but Ron made me stop.  He wanted me to become pregnant to prove his manhood!"  Turning to Ron she asked, "Have you had your contest yet?"  Ron nodded.  "Who won?"
	"Kelly's woman.  God, was she great!  She took three men at once: Kelly in her cunt and another guy in her ass and a third guy in her mouth, all at the same time!"
	"Dan," April said, "That's the contest.  I won the last two years.  All the girls are naked, of course.  Last year I had just given birth to Ronnie.  Ron made me drink a lot of brandy and wouldn't let me feed my baby.  By the time we got to the party my breasts were aching with all the milk in them.  But that didn't last long.  I was the life of the party!  I served Brandy Alexanders all night long — from my nipples, of course.  There was usually a smelly jerk hanging from each tit, sucking up a storm.  All Ron did was to fuck me occasionally and a couple of times hit me across the face because my jugs weren't refilling fast enough — his teammates had to wait!
	"Dan, could you imagine doing that to Cindy?  I could imagine you giving her the brandy.  I could imagine her nursing you at her tit."  She smiled warmly and said, "In fact, I could see the idea going through her mind when I told her about it the first time.  Her thought was that it was something you would enjoy.  It would be another way for her to give herself to you.  But a meat market?  It would be over your dead body, wouldn't it?"
	Dan had been sickened by the recital.  He just nodded once and held Cindy's hand.  He lifted it to his lips and kissed it.  Still holding her hand he looked in her eyes and saw incredible warmth and love.  Without making a sound he saw her lips form the words, "Thank you, Darling."
	Ron was sitting abashed.  He said, "But April, that's not it at all.  It's just a way for the guys to have some fun.  We spend all that time at training camp and it's a way to blow off steam."
	"Fine, Ron," she said quietly.  "Why don't you do what most of your teammates do, then?  Hire someone."  She started to say more, then stopped and started again.  "I was about to say I would do it if the money were good enough, but I stopped.  There's no way in hell the money could ever be good enough.  I would die first."
	"But why did you do it then?" Ron asked plaintively.
	"Because I thought I loved you and you wanted me to.  Now I realize you can't love me.  Ron, you just love yourself.  Incidentally, I see you're having problems on the field.  You're getting beaten too often.  I don't know if you're losing a step or if you're giving your moves away.  Are you working hard in practice?  Have your coaches said anything?  Does anything show in the films?"
	Ron was taken by surprise.  He didn't realize April knew anything about football.  As a matter of fact, it had never occurred to him that she knew anything at all.  He looked at her for the first time and was shocked.  Suddenly, he realized how beautiful she was.  But there was something else that he didn't understand.  The behavior of the people at the Hotel Ambassador was completely beyond his experience.  They were talking to girls!  Then a new thought occurred to Ron.  He asked April, "What do you do, anyway?  I guess I heard you're with some bank.  But what do you do?  Clean?  Receptionist?  What?"
	"Mr. Jackson," Cindy replied coldly, "April is an assistant vice president and lending officer of Chicago Trust Company.  She works for me.  She's well on her way to becoming the finest lending officer the bank has ever had."  Cindy was disdainful as she continued, "I've heard of male chauvinist pigs in my time, but you are the absolute worst!"
	Jackson was stunned.  "She's... She's an officer?  In a big bank?  What is this, anyway?  Is this 'affirmative action comes to Chicago,' or some kind of shit like that?"
	"I thought it was, Ron," April interjected, "But it isn't.  As a matter of fact, I consider Cynthia Martin to be my closest friend and confidante.  The first time I reviewed loans with her, she didn't say a word.  She just looked over my presentations and asked me what I was going to do.  She didn't ask what I thought she should do, mind you.  Cindy... Miss Martin asked me what I was going to do.  I told her.  She still didn't say anything.  I thought it was all over for me at the bank.  I asked her what we were going to do.  She said, as matter-of-factly as she could, 'We're going to pick up the checks, silly.  You just made two loans.'
	"Ron, I can't tell you how she made me feel right then.  I felt I was ten feet tall.  You saw Sam Smith watching you tonight?  He has one of the first two loans.  He served time in prison for armed robbery.  No one would lend him ten cents.  Chicago Trust Company lent him $85,000."
	"April Jefferson loaned him $85,000," Cindy corrected.  "It's one of the best loans on our books.  His business is booming now, I'm delighted to say.  And it's all April!  Now, Mr. Jackson, what are you doing with all of your money?  Let's forget the $1,200 per year you're contributing to support your son.  That's an utter disgrace, by the way.  You're making something in the neighborhood of six hundred to seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year.  How much do you save?  What are you going to do when your career in football is over?  What else can you do?"
	Ron was shocked.  He told them his agent took a lot of it.  When April asked how much, he said it was about half when everything was added in.  She said, "Ron, you need a keeper!  You give your son one hundred dollars a month and your agent about twenty-five thousand!  For what?"
	Ron Jackson was abashed and said nothing.  Cindy and Dan had gone out to the dance floor.  He nervously asked April if she would care to dance.  She rose gracefully from her chair and they went out on the floor.  He took her in his arms and was surprised when she maintained a separation between them.  He looked around and noticed that the busboys and the waiters were watching them closely.  It's almost as if they're her bodyguards, he thought.  The music was slow dance music.  He had never danced to music like this before but found April moved like a dream in his arms.  He whispered, "April, you look absolutely beautiful tonight.  I've never seen you look better!"
	She looked at him, smiled wryly, and said, "Ronald Jackson, you have never seen me, period!  You saw a hot cunt.  I was a conquest.  You made me do things to myself that are disgraceful and disgusting.  I still almost vomit thinking about some of the things I did because you asked me.  I don't think you have ever thought of me as a person at all!"
	Ron didn't know what to say.  Finally he said, "April, we play at home on Sunday.  Would you and your friends like to come to the game?  Could we try to start over?"  He smiled at her and she smiled back.  He continued, "They are really friends, too, aren't they?  Who is Dan Burke, by the way?  What does he do?"
	April's eyes sparkled.  She asked, "Can you keep a secret?  If Cindy finds out, I'll kill you, understand?"  Ron nodded, puzzled.  She said, "Dan is executive vice president of the bank and Cindy's boss.  The only thing is, she doesn't know it.  She thinks he's just a credit analyst!  And Ron Jackson, if you even hint at his position, I'll murder you!"
	She smiled warmly and moved closer to him.  He could smell the perfume coming up from between her breasts.  Ron said, "What's that wonderful smell, April?  Your perfume is overpowering!"
	"It's me, Ron.  I'm wearing something called musk oil.  It enhances natural smells.  It's just me," she said softly.  Then she looked up at him and said, "Were you serious?  Would you like to start over?"  He said absolutely yes.  She continued, "In that case, fire your agent.  Send all your money to me at the bank.  We will set up an investment account for you and I will pay you an allowance.  You'll get $2,000 a month."
	He moved away from her and there was an expression of shock on his face.  "April, are you crazy!?  The payments on my Porsche are more than that!"
	"That's easy enough," she replied, smiling sweetly, "We'll give it back to the leasing company.  I'm sure they'll be happy to have it."
	They continued the discussion at the table.  Ron fought, but April was adamant.  It was her deal or no deal.  Finally, he said with the greatest reluctance, "Okay, April.  It's a deal.  But who's going to tell my agent?  I don't have the guts."
	"I guess I'll do it," April said.  "By the way, there's an agent's fee you'll be paying.  It's 5 percent off the top and goes to Ronnie's education fund.  When the season is over, I expect you to go back to school and get your degree.  We'll talk about a career for you later."
	"But, honey!" he protested, "That's a lot of money.  I don't know what 5 percent is, but it's a lot of money for a baby."
	She again smiled sweetly and said, "There are two points in what you just said:  First, you damned well better learn what 5 percent of your salary is.  Second, education is expensive and getting more so.  Your son is smart as a whip and he's going to get the best education possible.  Daddy, you're paying!"  She said, "By the way, I need to see the existing contract.  Do you have a copy?"
	Ron sheepishly reached into his coat pocket, pulled out an envelope and passed it to her.  It was the proposed new contract with his agent.  April skimmed it and then read a couple of the paragraphs closely.  She whistled softly and passed the contract to Cindy.  After reading it quickly, she shook her head and said, "Ron, I thought you used pistols to commit highway robbery.  Obviously, I was wrong.  That's the most outlandish contract I've ever seen!"
	"What's wrong with it?  It's better than most of the guys have.  I think it's pretty good," he protested.
	By this time Cindy had passed it on to Dan.  When he finished reading it, he asked Ron, "Are you serious?  Is this really better than most of your teammates'?"  Ron assured him it was.  Dan grinned at Cindy and said, "There's a great new-business opportunity I'm going to pass on to your father.  We're going into the sports agency business.  Even our normally extortionate trust division pricing is only a fraction of this!"  He looked at Ron again and said, "What you're hearing, Ron, is envy.  I always thought our fees for trust services were out of sight, but this guy really knows how to price.  It's an interesting split: You take the career risks and he takes the money."
	April took a small notebook from her purse and wrote for a few minutes.  When she was finished she tore out several sheets and gave them to Ron to sign.  "What's this?" he asked.
	"It's my contract as your agent," she replied.  It consisted of three sheets torn from her purse-sized notebook.
	Ron looked at it and asked, "When do I get the real one?  I'm used to having a contract."
	April just shook her head sadly and looked to Dan for help.  He said, "Ron, it is a contract.  It doesn't need to be long or typed or anything else.  Just sign it and Cindy will witness your signature.  Someone from the bank will be in touch with you soon.  I was very serious about helping the other ball players, too.  Your contract is the worst I've ever seen and far worse than I would ever have imagined."
	Ron was very quiet for a while.  Then he looked up and asked, "There's something else, though.  All the people — the busboys, the waiters, the car-jocks — treat April like she's a queen or something.  What's going on?"
	Dan looked down at the table and then looked at Ron.  He said, "Ron, I'm an analyst at the bank.  April is senior to me, now.  However, I have been there awhile and maybe I have a friendly face."  Cindy rolled her eyes and then grinned as he went on: "People talk to me about a lot of things.  The word on the street is 'the twins who aren't.' They are referring to Cindy and April.  The girls dress alike, they're the same height, and they're both beautiful girls.
	"Cindy is a division head in the bank.  Her division is new.  It specializes in what we call character loans.  A character loan is one where you're lending to the person more than to the company.  Bankers talk about them a lot, but no one ever does much.  Cindy and April don't talk.  They lend money.  Apparently the word is spreading among the minority communities about them."  He grinned and said, "Cindy runs around in a little red rocket.  Rumor has it she just got one for April, too.  It seems that it's the most famous car in Chicago.  She could leave it anywhere with the motor running.  If anything happened at all, it would be someone turning off the ignition to save her gas.  Apparently, that's what you saw tonight.  These people know what the girls are doing.  They may have helped a friend or a relative.  All I know is they are the best lenders this city has ever seen."  He smiled at Ron and said, "Does that answer your question?"
	Ron just shook his head.  "Do you mean April lends money?  Real money?  I thought they just took applications and some committee said yes or no."
	"In some banks I guess it works that way.  In fact it's the way it used to be at Chicago Trust until Cindy's father took over the bank.  He believes that people should make loans, not committees.  He said one time that a loan committee is just a device to syndicate the risk.  If a loan goes bad, it becomes the committee's fault, not any person's.  Since you can't fire a committee, nothing happens.
	They finished up the evening and Ron drove them back to April's.  When he got there, he moved to kiss her but she just backed away.  At this, he blew up.  "April Jefferson, what is this shit!?  I've fucked your ass off, girl, and now you won't even kiss me?"
	April just looked at him coldly and said, "No, I won't.  Good night, Ron.  Send the tickets to me at the bank.  And thank you for the evening.  It was nicer than I thought it would be."  She got out of the car and joined Dan and Cindy who were standing on the sidewalk.
	They went up to the apartment.  As soon as the door was closed, April broke down in tears and went into Cindy's arms.  Cindy held the girl tight and just listened to her cry, while Dan, like all men, was baffled in the presence of tears.  Mary Jefferson took him over to the table and poured him a cup of tea which he accepted gratefully.  Meanwhile, April was slowly regaining control.  With tear-filled eyes she looked at Cindy and said, "I lost him, didn't I?  I'll never see my baby's father again!  He'll just call me in the morning, cancel the contract and tell me to go to hell!"  She began to cry again, even harder than before.
	Cindy helped her to the sofa, sat down with her, and just held her.  She murmured, "No, you didn't lose him at all, Honey.  Ron saw you for the first time tonight.  You were absolutely correct in what you said to him.  You were just a hot cunt — a trophy for his wall.  Now he doesn't know what to make of you, but you're a lot more important to him than you ever used to be.  Can you stay out of his bed?  Please?"
	"Cynthia Martin, I hate you," April said while trying to smile through her tears.  "Just because you have a man who is a woman's dream, you ruin it for the rest of us.  Damn it, Cindy, there are only two people like your father and Dan.  Mary Thomas has one of them and you have the other.  What are the rest of us supposed to do?  We have to make do with ordinary humans."  
	"Oh, you poor thing!  You have the world's most precious little baby to keep you warm.  Besides, have you ever taken a good look at Burke?  He's a wreck.  Aside from the fact that when he touches me I turn to mush, I can't figure out what I see in the guy.  April, you're a mother and you're making $60,000 a year.  How am I going to make it being barefoot, pregnant, with one baby nursing and a toddler pulling at my skirt made from a used flour sack?  Hell, I'll bet you make double what he makes and there will be five, then six, seven, eight... all trying to live."
	April kissed Cindy softly and said, "Mother, would you please explain to Miss Martin the ins and outs of welfare and food stamps?  She's going on the dole, poor thing."
	Cindy's face was sad although her eyes were sparkling as she said, "I was thinking about serving Dan a Brandy Alexander, but we can't afford the brandy!  What can I do?"
	April looked thoughtful and finally suggested, "Use rubbing alcohol?  It's cheaper."  Cindy poked her in the ribs and laughed.
	The next day, April went into the bank.  She was amused at the physical arrangements.  Her office was next to Cindy's — an office Cindy had never seen and didn't even know she had.  While everyone else in the bank was wearing the most approved business attire, she was wearing her now-famous uniform of tight Levi's and a chambray shirt.  Kathy Chang's office was next to hers.
	They both used Cindy's secretary, also a girl Cindy had never met.  The girl initially resented working for a Black female assistant vice president claiming that she was a senior executive's secretary.  April pointed out sweetly that she had three choices: First, she could remain Cindy's secretary and work for Kathy and her; second, she could take a demotion and a cut in pay and become her secretary and handle Kathy's work, too; or third, she could quit.  The girl elected the first option.
	April went into her office to call Ron's agent, Jack Scott.  Then she reconsidered and told the secretary to make the call.  The girl was very good at telephone tag.  Her phone buzzed; the secretary said Mr. Scott was on the line.  She picked up her phone and said, "Good morning, Mr. Scott.  It's good to talk to you.  I'm calling about Ron Jackson's contract.  I'm now his agent and will be taking over his affairs.  Please also send over his Bear's contract and any other contracts to which he is a party."
	Scott was stunned.  "Who is this?  The secretary said something about a bank, but I didn't catch it."
	"I'm sorry, Mr. Scott.  I'll speak to her about it.  She should speak more clearly.  My name is April Jefferson.  I'm an assistant vice president of Chicago Trust Company.  I have been named as Mr. Jackson's new agent."  She paused a moment and then added, "I believe you heard the rest of the conversation."
	"But... But that's impossible!  I'm Ron's agent.  I gave him the new contract just yesterday.  It's all agreed."
	"I'm sorry, Mr. Scott.  It's neither agreed to nor signed.  Frankly, we're thinking about turning it over to the District Attorney.  There are statutes regarding both theft and fraud.  That's the most outrageous contract I have ever seen in my life.  Now, can we keep this pleasant?  Please just send over the materials by messenger this morning.  You have made more than enough on Ron's services to afford it.  Are there any questions?"  Scott sputtered but agreed.
	Then April called the Chicago Bears office and asked for the general manager.  She introduced herself as Ron's agent and she could almost hear the man choke.  He said, "Did you say you're Ron Jackson's agent?  A girl?  I can't believe it!"
	"It's true nevertheless, Mr. Clancy.  Ron has had a good career with the Bears.  The reasons I called are twofold:  First, to introduce myself.  Second, to ask you how Ron is doing.  There are two parts to that:  First, the better the Bears do the better Ron can do.  Second, you're in a very competitive sport.  Your players wear out, grow old, get injured.  You have to have a fresh supply.  I want to know how many more playing years you think he has."
	"Miss Jefferson, if you don't mind, I would like to call you back.  Can I reach you by calling the switchboard at the number listed for Chicago Trust Company in the phone book?" Clancy asked.
	"Of course you can, Mr. Clancy.  I think it's a fine idea, too.  Please do," April responded and hung up.
	The phone rang moments later, but April let her secretary answer.  She heard the girl say, "Good morning, Miss Jefferson's office.  May I help you?"  A moment later her phone buzzed and she picked up.  The girl said, "A Mr. Clancy from the Chicago Bears, for you, Miss Jefferson."
	"Hello again, Mr. Clancy.  Thank you for being cautious.  Are you satisfied?  While I was waiting for your call I asked my secretary to type up my agent's agreement with Ron.  The original is handwritten and executed; I could send that along, too.  I'm sure you need it for your records."
	Clancy acknowledged and then relaxed.  "Miss Jefferson, may I speak frankly and off the record?"  She agreed instantly and he continued, "In honesty, we're not too happy with Ron.  He's getting beaten too badly and too often.  If things don't improve in one hell of a hurry, I'm not sure if he'll be back at all next year.  Is that honest enough?"
	"It certainly is," April said.  "Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Clancy.  That's about the way I had it figured, too."
	"You did!?" Clancy exclaimed.  "You're kidding!  You did say you're his agent, didn't you?"
	"That's right, and I'm also the mother of Ron's son.  Nevertheless, I do watch football games and I think his play is lousy.  Not being an expert, though, I wanted your opinion.  You gave it and it conforms to my own.  What's the problem?  Let's face it: football — for the players, at least — is hardly a lifetime career.  I'm planning for the future for Ron, or trying to."
	"Miss Jefferson, may I ask you a personal question.  Are you the April Jefferson I've heard about?  The girl who won the defensive players' beauty contest last year and the year before?"
	"Yes, I am.  I was expecting Ron's baby the first year, and had recently given birth last year.  That's how I was able to serve Brandy Alexanders from my tits.  I suppose that's what you were referring to."  Clancy said nothing.  "Since then I joined the bank.  I didn't see Ron from the end of the season last year until last night.  That's neither here nor there.  The important thing is that I'm now his agent and would like to make certain arrangements regarding his finances.  When would it be convenient to go over them?"
	"How about right now, Miss Jefferson?" he asked.
	She agreed and drove right down to Soldiers' Field where the Bears had their office.  When she parked, her car was recognized by some men working on the grounds.  Instantly, a man detached himself from the group and sat down to keep an eye on it.  She winked and waved, then ran into the office.  She had just introduced herself to the receptionist when Clancy came out.
	He looked at her attire, then looked through the glass doors and saw her red GTX in a visitors parking spot.  Clancy's eyes widened.  He stuck out his hand and said, "Jim Clancy, Miss Jefferson.  Won't you please come back to my office?  Would you like some coffee?"  She accepted and they stopped by a small canteen, poured two cups and took them back to his office.
	When they were seated he looked at her thoughtfully.  April was sitting up straight in the chair, just looking at him.  Finally he shook his head and said, "It's absolutely none of my business, Miss Jefferson, but why did you do it?  You're a queen or a princess.  Why did you allow yourself to be degraded like that?"  April heard genuine personal concern in his voice and realized he was not pursuing a prurient interest.
	She replied simply, "I thought Ron loved me, Mr. Clancy.  I know now I was just used... degraded is an excellent word.  But... But it was even worse than that.  He forced me to degrade myself!  I did it.  He just asked."  With an effort, she smiled warmly and said, "Enough of that.  Would you please call me April?  I prefer it.  All my clients do."
	He grinned back and held out his hand across the desk.  "It's a deal, April, if you call me Jim."  He looked at her and said, "Now I really see what they mean.  You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen.  And you're one of 'the twins who aren't.' I'm right, aren't I?"
	"Yes, Jim, I am.  Does it matter?" she asked quietly.
	"In one way it does, April.  I can be certain you're acting in the best interest of your client.  All I hear on the street are people who are in love with the 'twins who aren't.' You two have done more that's good for this city than any thousand politicians around.  Incidentally, do you like football?  Would you like to come to a game?"
	She grinned and said, "As a matter of fact, I love it.  Ron asked us to come out on Sunday for the first game.  We said yes, but come to think of it, I don't know where he'll get the tickets."
	Jim made a call and spoke quietly into the phone.  He hung up and grinned.  "The owner, Mr. McCaskey, would like you to be his guest on Sunday.  You referred to several.  Who are the others?"  April said it would be Cindy and Dan Burke.  She quickly explained who Dan was and the position Cindy thought he had.  Clancy said, "I'm sure Mr. McCaskey would love to host the executive vice president of Chicago Trust Company.  I hear great things about Dan Burke, too."
	April quickly made arrangements for Ron's paychecks and arranged to dump all the expensive toys Ron had leased.  Clancy just shook his head finally and said, "God!  Would our life ever be easier if all the agents were like you.  I'm delighted.  But are you prepared for Ron crying when they come and take his toys away?"
	April said, "Jim, I thought about that a lot so I brought something for you to give him.  It's Ronnie's and it usually works with him."  She took a baby's pacifier out of her pocket and gave it to Jim without cracking a smile.  Clancy saw what it was and howled with laughter.
	When she rose to leave, he kissed her and said, "April Jefferson, you're a piece of work!  Could I possibly refer other players to you?"
	She smiled and said, "According to Dan Burke, we're going into the business as a service of our trust department.  Cindy thinks he's going to suggest it to her father.  The fact is, it was decided by him last night."  She grinned and said, "Please preserve our little secret?  It really is kind of cute."  Clancy quickly agreed and walked her out to the car.  The man watching it rose to his feet and saluted when she came out.
* * *
	It was the day before the Labor Day weekend and Kathy was riding with April as they visited customers and prospective customers.  April asked Kathy what she had planned for the holiday weekend.  She and Cindy had noticed that the girl never spoke of her private life except for her hobby of visiting foreign-speaking enclaves in the city.  The girl replied quietly that she had no plans.
	"Kathy, I happen to know Cindy and Dan are going to be in Deerfield over the weekend.  She does absolutely everything out there.  I know it's not Jan, either.  It's Cindy: she insists.  I intend to be a slave over the weekend and do her work for her.  Do you have any interest in helping?"
	"April, would Cindy mind?" Kathy asked.  "I would love to if it was all right with her."
	"Honey, there's one more thing: I'll be naked all the time.  Since I've done it before under far more degrading conditions, it doesn't bother me at all.  I don't think it's fair to you, though."  April glanced over at Kathy and said, "Please forget I said anything, will you?"
	"No, April, I won't," Kathy said with more determination in her voice than she had ever heard before.  "I've done many worse things in my life, too, and I love Cindy.  Please?"  April smiled and agreed.
Chapter 17
	Early Saturday morning, Cindy was awakened by Dan gently squeezing her breast.  It had become a game with them to see how little pressure awakened the other.  She smiled because she never woke up during the night but instantly awakened when he was ready to take her.  Now she was on her back with Dan moving between her legs.  Quickly he brought her to orgasm and was keeping her there.  She dimly became aware of someone else in the room but was beyond caring at this point.  As usual, she fainted as Dan came inside her.
	When she awakened, she found Kathy Chang standing by the bed.  The girl was exquisite in her nudity.  She smiled and held out a coffee mug to Cindy, saying, "Good morning, Slave Cindy!  How do you feel this morning?  Since it's the Labor Day weekend, Slave April and I decided you needed a weekend off.  I have coffee for you and breakfast will be served when you're ready.  How do you feel?"
	Cindy ran her fingers through her sopping-wet hair and moved to a dry place on the bed.  Leaning back against Dan's shoulder she said, "I feel like a truck just ran over me, since you asked, and I'm sure I look like a survivor of a shipwreck."
	Meanwhile, April had done the same thing with Pete and Janice.  She marveled at the way the two were attuned to one another.  Pete took a shower with his wife and then left her alone with April who said, "Mrs. Stewart, I have never seen anything like that in my life!  How do you feel?"
	Jan stretched and grinned, saying, "April, I couldn't feel better!  What a way to start the weekend.  On the other hand, what a way to start any day!  And it's Jan, not Mrs. Stewart.  Remember?  Now that my brain is getting in gear, April, what are you doing here, anyway?"
	April told her that since it was Labor Day, Slave Cindy should have some time off.  She and Kathy Chang were substituting, and breakfast would be served soon.  Since the weather was supposed to be sunny and very hot, Jan padded downstairs nude.  She found everyone was naked, including the men.  They ate a wonderful breakfast the two girls had made and were quietly sipping coffee.
	April was looking at the scars on Cindy's loins.  They were fading fast but were still visible.  Cindy had never told her what had happened, but had said only that it was her own fault.  She raised the question again, and Cindy ran her fingers over the scars.  She told them about the dumb bet that Jan and Pete had pleaded with her not to make and its outcome.  April and Kathy just looked at her in amazement.
	Kathy said, "Are you saying, Cindy, that a man can get you to beg for release?  That's silly!  I've been worked on by experts and it's never happened to me."
	"The only orgasm I have ever had in my life was with you, Cindy," April chimed in.  "And that's only because you're a woman and know how we're built."
	"Are you two innocents saying it can't happen to you?" Cindy asked?  The two girls looked at each other and then nodded in unison.  Cindy looked at Jan, rolled her eyes and shook her head sadly.  Then she said, "Jan, do you feel like starting the weekend with a bang?  I'll make a bet with you.  Fifty dollars against another month on my indenture.  The bet is that Dan can get one of the girls begging for release before Pete can."  She grinned at Dan and kissed him softly.  "The big lug is really coming along, too.  You have heard of Irish foreplay, haven't you?  'Brace yourself, Bridget?'  Dan is really learning."  She grinned at Jan and asked, "Do you want to make the bet?  Frankly, it will make my agony worthwhile to see a couple of volunteers go through what I went through."
	Jan reached over and shook her hand.  "It's a bet, Slave Cindy.  Now, which guy gets which gal?" They flipped and Dan got Kathy while Pete would work on April.
	The two girls were excited about the prospect while the men looked at the two luscious bodies.  Dan looked at Pete and said, "The things we're forced to do sometimes: being forced by our wives and mistresses to handle other women."  He looked at Kathy's perfect body with her remarkably full breasts and shook his head.  "Pete, war is hell!"  They agreed that since the day was so beautiful, they would play by the pool.
	They all went out to the pool and pulled up the mats.  Pete and Dan had talked and decided to get revenge.  Since Jan and Cindy had used them as pillows all summer, they agreed that since they had to do all the work for their women's bet, the women would be the pillows for a change.  Cindy lay down across Dan's mat and he rested his head on her belly.  Although he had shaved that morning, when he turned his head and nuzzled her satin skin he scratched her with his beard stubble.  She winced and looked at Pete and Jan; Pete had done the same thing.  Jan lightly stroked Pete's cheek and sighed, "The things we have to do for money, Cindy.  Isn't it awful?"
	The two men laughed and the women grinned.  Responding to instructions the two girls knelt alongside facing the men.  Cindy grinned and just shook her head sadly as Dan began to move his fingers lightly across Kathy's body.  The girl's skin was smooth and as soft as satin.
	Kathy didn't know what to expect.  She had never fully told her story to anyone at the bank, or, indeed, to anyone else in the United States.  Cindy and April thought she was from Hong Kong and indeed that was where she had been when she was able to get an entry visa for the United States.  Actually, she was a native of Shanghai where her mother had been a prostitute.  She had taken her small daughter south and later died in Vietnam.  Kathy, while only ten years old and an orphan, had her first sexual experience.  She was enslaved by the North Vietnamese and was used with a prisoner.  She still remembered him vividly: an American who they believed had information of value to them.  He had been hideously tortured, and the Vietnamese used Kathy against him.  She was made to fondle him and sexually arouse him without allowing him release.  Several times she was beaten bloody when she gave him the release he needed so desperately.  And finally she managed to take him inside her just enough to lose her virginity.  It was the closest she ever came to cuming and was the last time she had ever been close to a man.  Remarkably, she had never used her body since, even on occasions when she was starving.  She was amused because she knew she was physically incapable of achieving orgasm.
	Dan's fingers continued to move lightly over her body.  It felt so good!  She was kneeling in the bright sunlight with people she really liked.  Dan and Cindy were talking quietly about the apartment Cindy was working on; he seemed totally unaware of what he was doing.  At his request she spread her knees farther apart making her slit more available to him.  But he seemed to ignore it.  To the extent he was concentrating on anything, it was her breasts.  His touch was so gentle and soothing!  She found she loved it.  Once in a while, his fingers would move to her slit and fondle her.  It was like the touch of flower petals: It was so soft and light, it was as if she was imagining rather than feeling.
	Strangely, she found that she was breathing faster.  Her nipples had hardened and she heard herself making small noises she was completely unaware of.  Dan was returning to her cunt with increasing frequency now and she was amazed to find she was now wet there.  When his fingers entered her cunt now, she made soft welcoming noises and tried to move her loins to take him into her even deeper.  What's happening?  she wondered.  This feels so good!  She could feel a strange sensation in her loins she had never felt before.  She felt as if he were taking her up a wonderful mountain; she desperately wanted to reach its crest.  Glancing over at April, she saw the girl with her eyes closed and her back arched causing her magnificent breasts to protrude still more.  Her nipples were engorged and she was moaning softly.
	Kathy could feel herself reach the crest.  She screamed as she achieved release.  But she hadn't.  Dan had stopped.  She realized her eyes were closed, and she opened them with a start.  She looked at Cindy who was propped up on her elbows, watching.  Her friend just shook her head sadly and murmured, "Fun, isn't it?"
	Kathy tried to return the smile but couldn't.  It hurt too much.  Dan began to move his fingers again.  This time it was much faster climbing the mountain.  To her astonishment, when he touched her nipple, she screamed in pain and ecstasy.  She couldn't believe it could have become so sensitive!  He continued to work on her with unbelievable gentleness.  Now she realized she had truly become a sexual plaything.  He was just playing with her!  Yet he somehow seemed to know exactly what she was feeling.  She lost count of the number of times she reached her crest.  She tried to look at April, but couldn't bring the girl's face into focus.  Her whole being was concentrated in her loins.
	Astonishingly, she realized she was weeping.  Although she was still upright on her knees, tears were flowing from her eyes in a continuous stream.  She was sobbing and didn't know it!  She was saying things but she didn't know what.  Finally, at her highest crest, Dan stopped again.  It was the end!  She screamed, "Please release me, Dan!  Oh God, please!  You must."  She collapsed face down on the mat with her knees under her body.  Now she was crying like her heart would break.  She didn't know what she was saying or doing.  All she could do now was feel and all feeling was in her cunt.
	Again, he touched her nipples and again she screamed.  Her scream rose to a wail as she cried, "Don't Dan!  Oh, please don't!  It hurts so much."  She could feel her tears pouring down on the mat as he took her back up her mountain.  She was just babbling now.  Again she was at the crest but this time he took her over!  Her loins started to shake and fluid started to pour out of her poor cunt in an increasing flood.  She didn't know what she was doing.  She even forgot where she was.  All she knew was she was feeling an exquisite sensation in her loins that didn't stop.
	Moments after Kathy started to spend, Pete had April over the edge.  Both girls were in the same position.  Cindy and Jan could see the sexual juices pouring out of the two girls' cunts in a flood.  Cindy winked at Jan and said softly, "I win!  That's fifty dollars and all it cost me this time was a belly chafed by Dan's whiskers.  It was a lot easier than the last time!"
	Jan just shook her head but said, "I love you, darling Cindy."  Meanwhile the men had the two girls in continuous orgasm.  Minutes passed and Dan could see Kathy was about to pass out.  Her loins were still jerking involuntarily; the girl was shaking herself to pieces.  Dan pinched the girl's clit, and that did it.  She collapsed in a dead faint.  He turned, kissed Cindy softly, and asked, "Do I get half?  I had to do all the work."
	She raised an eyebrow and said, "Since when do you call that work?  She's exquisite, isn't she?"  He just nodded and smiled.  Then he got up, went inside, and returned with two light blankets.  April hadn't fainted.  Pete had let her down slowly from her crest and was now gently caressing her beautiful buns.  She was just making warm happy noises.  She had carefully stretched out her legs and was now lying face down on the mat.  The fact that she was lying in a pool of her own juices didn't seem to bother her a bit.  Jan took the light blanket and lay it over the girl.  Then she kissed her softly on her cheek.  April just murmured happily and went to sleep.
	Cindy gently straightened Kathy's legs and covered her, too.  Then the four went over to the tennis courts, leaving the two girls asleep.  When the wetness Kathy was feeling finally awakened her, all she could remember was the most extraordinary set of sensations.  She opened her eyes and realized where she was.  She saw April lying nearby and got up to go to her... or tried to.  Her leg collapsed under her.  It was as if the muscles in her groin wouldn't work any longer.  She lightly rubbed her abdomen and found she hurt.  Her muscles were so sore!  Finally, she got to her feet and went over to April.
	The girl was just awakening.  When Kathy's shadow came over her, she looked up, smiled weakly, and asked, "Who won?"
	Kathy sat down quickly and said, "I think Cindy did.  How do you feel?"
	"Like a truck ran over me."  April replied ruefully.  "How do you feel?"
	"Not that good," Kathy replied with a grin.  Then she said, "Just remember, Assistant Vice President Jefferson, who got us into this.  I just follow the lead of my seniors."
	"Right!"  April grinned.  "And how many times has Cindy told you to think for yourself?  You just followed me right over a cliff!  I hope you learned something.  I know I did."
	Kathy became serious and asked, "What did you learn, April?  I learned I'm still a woman.  That's worth a lot to me.  How about you?"
	"Pete made me cum.  I didn't think it was possible.  Believe it or not, Kathy, the only other time I ever did was with Cindy eating my cunt," April replied softly.  She looked up at the girl's face and said, "Can you imagine?  A girl like Cindy eating a Black girl's cunt?  It was utterly unbelievable."
	Kathy helped April up.  The girl rubbed her groin and said woefully, "I'm not sure childbirth was this bad.  I think I was in better shape an hour after Ronnie was born."  Then she grinned and said, "But I feel great in a strange sort of way."  The two girls hobbled over to the tennis court.
	Jan saw them come over and said, "And what are you two slaves doing?  The least you can do is wash off the pool deck.  Then go to the slave quarters and take a shower.  You two are wrecks!"  Kathy saw Jan's eyes dancing as she gave them the orders.
	They washed off the deck and their mats and then went up to Cindy's room.  Kathy was pensive and April asked her about it.  The girl looked at her with her eyes bright.  "April, please don't take it the wrong way, but could I find out what a Black girl tastes like?"
	April looked at her and smiled softly.  "Provided I can find out what an Asian cunt tastes like, too."  The girls grinned and climbed on Cindy's bed.  Kathy took April in her arms and kissed her lips.  The girl was wonderful, and she lightly stroked April's breasts and body, while April caressed hers.  In no time the girls were licking each other's cunt.  They were both surprised at the amount of vaginal juices they were licking up.  When they finished, April said, "Why don't you taste like soy sauce?  I thought everything Chinese did?"
	Kathy grinned and said, "Why don't you taste like chocolate?  I thought all Black women did."  The two laughed and April told her it was the same thing Cindy had said.  They shared a shower, washed their hair and went back to the pool.  April set up the barbecue and began to cook hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch.  Kathy went inside and brought out beer in an insulated chest, as well as an Oriental salad she had made.
	She watched the two couples in utter amazement.  Here there were six people, all naked.  The men just stroked their women who purred like cats.  After lunch to her surprise, Dan took Cindy on the lawn.  She watched as Cindy first took his magnificent sex in her mouth, then spread her legs wide to welcome it inside her.  It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
	About two o'clock, there was a call from the house.  It was Don Martin and Mary Thomas who had driven out from Chicago.  Don saw that they were all nude.  Kathy turned beet red as she realized she was naked in the presence of the president of the bank.  Don just shrugged and began to undress Mary.  When he was finished, she undressed him and they went over to the pool.  Cindy went up to Mary and kissed her warmly saying, "You look great, Mom.  I hope you don't mind our homemade nudist colony?"
	Mary replied, "Honey, a few weeks ago I would have passed out in shock.  If someone said I should take off my bra, let alone all of my clothes, I would have died of shame.  Now I guess I'm proud of my body.  Your father likes it and I hope you do, too."
	"Mom, if my friends knew how beautiful my mother is they would not believe it."  She grinned and said quietly, "But unless you want to hear a grown man cry tonight — and be unable to have you touch him, let alone be able to enter you — you better put some sun protection on him.  For that matter, unless you really want a fried ass and fried boobs, you better get him to put some on you, too."  She grinned at Mary and said, "I wonder what fried boobs would taste like, anyway?"
	Mary returned the grin and replied, "Better than broiled buns, I think.  Thanks for the tip."
	A little later, Jennifer and Steve Chapman arrived.  The group spent a lazy afternoon swimming.  At the end of the afternoon, they had a series of swimming races.  To everyone's surprise and Jan's chagrin, Cindy won at 1,000 meters.  Dan had used a stopwatch and timed the race at a respectable time for an AAU race.  Pete won among the men.
	Jan said to Pete, "See what happens when you work my fingers to the bone at the office?  I get beaten in my own pool!  By my own slave!  What is the world coming to?  My God!  The next thing you know, she'll be wanting her freedom."
	Later, they served dinner cooked outside.  When Mary Thomas came up to Kathy, she looked at her and began to laugh.  The girl was wearing a light windbreaker... and nothing else.  She looked at Mary with her eyes dancing, but with a rueful look on her face.  "I can't help it.  I'm cold," she said.
	"Did you think of clothes?" Mary asked.
	The girl brightened and said, "My!  What an original idea!  I'll have to think about that."  Then she said, "We've never met before, ma'am.  I'm Kathy Chang."
	Mary smiled warmly and took Don's arm saying, "Darling, there's someone here you need to meet.  This is Katherine Chang."
	Don put out his hand and Kathy took it in a firm grip.  He said, "Kathy, I'm Don Martin.  I guess you work for me.  I hope you'll pardon my... informal attire?  Anyway, it's a great pleasure to welcome our newest assistant vice president.  Like April, you now have personal lending authority of $500,000.  Recognizing her experience, though, we're upping her to $1 million."  He smiled warmly and said, "All I hear are truly outstanding reports about you.  Thank you for joining us."
	To his shock, Kathy's face crumpled and she ran to Cindy, sobbing like her heart would break.  Cindy was shocked but took the girl in her arms and held her while her shoulders shook with her crying.  "Please help me, Cindy," she cried.  "I can't be an officer.  I just can't."
	Mary looked at Don meaningfully.  He retrieved his clothes and slipped on his pants and a shirt.  As he did he saw Dan doing the same thing.  They went over to where Cindy was sitting on the grass still holding the girl in her arms.  When Dan took her in his arms, Cindy ran to get dressed.  With one hand he zipped up the jacket the girl was wearing and waited as her sobs faded.  Then he asked softly, "What's wrong, honey?  Why can't you be an officer of the bank?"
	The girl looked up and there was a look of near-terror in her eyes.  "Because an officer is a respectable person.  I'm a fraud!  You think I'm from Hong Kong.  In one way, it's true.  But I'm really from Shanghai.  My mother was a prostitute and I was a whore.  I even worked for the North Vietnamese.  You can't want a whore like me.  You just can't!"
	Jan Stewart overheard what Kathy said.  She looked at the two men meaningfully and they withdrew.  She took the girl in her arms and held her.  Kathy looked up and saw great warmth in her eyes.  Jan said, "Kathy, I was a prostitute, too.  Only I didn't do it to live; I did it just for the money.  You couldn't have been very old.  How old were you when you were a prostitute?"
	The girl whispered, "I guess I was just a whore.  I had sex to try to survive.  I never got any money.  Sometimes I would get a few grains of rice."
	"How old were you?" Jan persisted.
	"I was almost ten when it began.  I guess it lasted until I was thirteen.  Then I escaped.  I made my way north and finally I swam to Hong Kong."
	"You poor thing," Jan cried.  "Katherine Chang, you're going to be an officer of Chicago Trust Company, do you hear?  My God!  A child survives in a war-torn land — several, in fact — and manages to reach the United States.  She gets an education and performs brilliantly.  She's one of the most exquisitely beautiful women its ever been my fortune to lay eyes on.  Her performance as a lending officer is outstanding."  She turned Kathy's head and made the girl look at her.  She said, "Katherine, what's it going to take to get you to accept the promotion.  I will not accept no as an answer.  Do you understand?  How about an immediate cash bonus of 100 percent of salary?  Will that do it?"
	A kaleidoscope of emotions passed over Kathy's face.  She said, "Do you mean you want me in spite of all I have been?  I can't believe it!"
	"No, Kathy.  You misunderstand," Jan said with great warmth in her eyes, "It's because of everything.  What you achieved is beyond human understanding.  The obstacles you have overcome...  I can only stand in awe.  Isn't the bonus big enough?  I'll double it."
	Kathy just slowly shook her head.  Then she hugged Jan tightly and said, "Oh God!  Mrs. Stewart, I can't thank you enough!  No wonder Cindy is your slave.  May I be your slave, too?  I can't tell you how honored I am to be offered such a position.  Of course, a bonus is out of the question.  I'll accept the position, though.  I won't pretend I understand why you're doing this, but I'll take it.  Thank you."
	Finally it was settled.  When the people started drifting home, April gave Kathy her car to use.  She was staying overnight and was going to the Bears' game the next day.
* * *
	Sunday was also bright and clear but not as warm as the day before.  A cold front had come through and the temperature was only in the upper 70's.  Dan, April and Cindy all squeezed into the little car and drove to Soldiers' Field and up to the special clubhouse gate.  As a sort of joke, April and Cindy were wearing their "uniforms."  The combination of the car and the girls' dress caused them to be immediately recognized.  They were waved into the special parking area and greeted by Jim Clancy.  He escorted them up to the owner's box high above the field.
	There, the three were warmly greeted by Mike McCaskey, owner of the Bears.  When he was sure Cindy wasn't looking, he winked at Dan with whom he served on a couple of civic committees.  The girls sat down to watch the game.
	To Clancy's surprise, the three guests were genuinely interested in it.  Dan and April focused their binoculars on Ron whenever the Bears defense was on the field.  Late in the second quarter, Dan whispered something to April who nodded.  Then she said, "pass," then "run," then "pass," then "pass."
	Clancy had been watching with increasing interest and surprise.  Finally he said, "Would you please tell me what you're doing?"
	April put down her binoculars, smiled at him, and said, "I was just calling the play Ron was set for.  He's tipping it every time.  Jim, if Dan and I can see it from here, it's damned certain the quarterback a couple of yards away can!"  She then explained what Dan had picked up.  Jim watched for what she had told him.  He didn't need binoculars.  The three started announcing the play Ron was expecting in unison.
	Then Jim went to Mike who was talking with Cindy and explained what they had just found.  Jim then picked up the phone and called the defensive spotter in the press box.  He relayed their findings to the bench.  Jim just shook his head and asked April, "How much do we owe you?  My God, how could we have missed it?  Maybe because it's so damned obvious, I guess.  Now let's see what happens."
	When the defense came off the field, they saw the defensive-back coach take Ron aside and speak to him.  With the binoculars, April could see the expression of amazement on Ron's face.  Then she could see him get mad.  The second half was totally different.  Ron had made the Pro Bowl two years earlier, but in the second half he played even better than he had in his Pro Bowl year.  He made six unassisted tackles and intercepted two passes.  He was named the defensive player of the game.
	April, Cindy, and Dan were waiting for him when he came out of the locker room.  April went up to him and kissed him softly on the lips.  When he tried to take her in his arms, she backed away.  She smiled and said, "That's enough of a reward.  Hell, it was only one decent half of football in the first game of the season against a nothing opponent.  As a matter of fact, a kiss is too much."
	Ron just shook his head but took them out to dinner at a small Italian place.  They had beer and spaghetti and then parted.  April took a cab home while Cindy and Dan went back to Deerfield.  Ron was left standing on the curb without even another kiss.
Chapter 18
	It was a Monday in mid-October when Jan's phone rang.  Cindy answered it and found it was Jennifer Chapman trying to reach her.  Jen was both excited and upset.  Without any preliminaries, she said, "Cindy, you have a Chinese girl working for you who has an extraordinary language capability, don't you?"
	"She's Kathy Chang.  She's astounding!  I don't think even she can keep track of the number of languages she speaks.  But why do you ask?"
	"Honey, I need to borrow her.  I'll fix it with your father, but it's terribly important.  Have you heard of Connie and Chip Cartwright?"  Cindy said the names were familiar, but she couldn't place them.  Jen said, "Connie is my stepsister.  She's married to Chip Cartwright who may be the wealthiest young man in the world.  It seems Chip has a younger brother, Bill, who was only eighteen when he was sent to Vietnam.  He was captured late in 1974 and was never heard from again.  There are a whole mass of medals waiting for him, starting with the Medal of Honor.
	"Chip never gave up looking for him.  He finally found him and got him out of Vietnam.  The Army has just released him from the hospital, but now Chip is in worse shape than when his brother was a prisoner.  Bill says nothing.  Not a word.  Not to anyone.  The psychiatrists at the Army hospital had microphones in his room.  They kept the tape recorders running twenty-four hours a day.  The only thing they ever heard sounds like some Asian language.  The problem is that not even the experts at the Foreign Language School at Monterey could identify it.  Everything has been tried including high-speed re-taping, computer analysis... everything!"
	Jen was crying now as she said, "Cindy, it's very important.  Chip is the nicest guy in the world as well as my brother-in-law.  I know it's one hell of a long shot, but could you please ask Kathy to go out to Los Angeles?  There is no price Chip Cartwright will not pay.  None!  He'll pay Kathy absolutely anything she asks.  He knows it's less than one chance in a million, but he wants to take it.  Could you persuade Kathy to go out?"
	Cindy said she would call Kathy immediately and did.  She reached her and quickly explained the situation.  All Kathy did was ask when the next plane to Los Angeles left O'Hare.  She would be on it.  She was leaving immediately.
	When Kathy got the call and heard what Cindy had to say, her heart leaped into her throat.  Bill.  Bill Cartwright.  His name was Bill, too, she thought.  No, it's impossible.  But maybe I can help someone.  She was wearing her uniform, but now because of the cold weather, was also wearing a leather jacket.  She raced out to the airport and just had time to call Cindy and give her the flight information.  Cindy said she would be met at Los Angeles International Airport.
	As she cleared security in Los Angeles, Kathy saw a tall silver-blonde who was dressed the same way she was.  The girl came running up and said, "Kathy?  Kathy Chang?"
	Kathy extended her hand but the girl took her in her arms and kissed her warmly.  She said, "I'm Connie Cartwright, Chip's wife.  We can't thank you enough for coming out.  Can I have your baggage checks?"
	Shaking her head Kathy said wearily, "This is it, I'm afraid.  Cindy said it was important so I didn't take the time to go back to my apartment to pack.  Could we stop somewhere so I could buy a toothbrush?  I have some money..."
	Connie looked at the girl closely and whistled softly.  "My God, you're beautiful!"  Then she frowned and said, "Forget your money.  If Jen and Cindy didn't make it clear, this is the most important thing in the world to my husband.  We never had a chance even to talk, but would $5,000 a day for your time be adequate?  I understand you have a language capability that surpasses human understanding.  Maybe that's not enough?  $10,000?"
	"No money.  I wouldn't hear of it.  I'll let you buy me a toothbrush and toothpaste, though.  And could you also call Mr. Martin's office and ask if I could take my week's vacation this week?  I'm just leaving the bank in a lurch."  Connie was using Bill Clifford's limousine and driver.  She picked up the telephone, made a quick phone call, and then told Fred, the driver, they were going to the hotel.
	Kathy was utterly exhausted.  She had been working eighteen-hour days for weeks.  Although they had more analysts in the unit, and she now had a car of her own, the business was growing far faster than the three lending officers could handle it.  As the limousine sped towards Los Angeles, Kathy fell asleep and was awakened by the sound of the car door being opened.  Then she heard Connie being greeted by name by the doorman at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel where Ali and Bill Clifford lived and which they now owned.  She was taken up to a suite by Connie, who rang the bell.  The door was opened by a young woman about her own age, who looked very familiar.
	Connie hugged the woman and Kathy heard her say, "Hi, Mom!  You're looking great, as usual."  Kathy saw a woman who looked very much like Janice and Cindy.  She was deeply tanned, with golden hair and brilliant blue eyes.  The girl wore no makeup and needed none.  She, too, was wearing skin-tight Levi's and a chambray shirt.
	The girl looked at her, then took her in her arms, hugged her, and kissed her softly.  "Welcome, Katherine Chang."  She held Kathy at arm's length and said, "Don't the stores sell any other clothes for women these days?  Do you realize we're all wearing the same thing?  I'm Ali Clifford, by the way.  Come on in and meet my husband, Bill.  Chip Cartwright will be here any minute.  We're going to get acquainted, have a couple of drinks and then eat.  You can start work tomorrow."
	They were seated after Kathy was introduced to a tall man of about thirty-five who was prematurely gray at the temples.  Like Ali, he was deeply tanned.  He made martinis for the other three and asked her what she would like.  Kathy had never had a martini, so she decided to try one.  When she had a sip, she found it was very strong, but she liked it nonetheless.  A few minutes later, another very big, tall man arrived.  She didn't know why but he reminded her of someone.  He made himself a drink and they all sat down.
	Ali said, "Kathy, I apologize to you.  There is one problem in this group that you'll soon recognize.  We're all hopeless when it comes to teasing people.  While you were coming in from the airport, Bill was talking to Dave Chapman.  Among us we own 96 percent of the stock of Chicago Trust Company.  I'm the mother of Connie, Jennifer, and Janice.  As far as Don Martin is concerned, there will be no talk of vacation.  This is a small leave of absence at the request of the Board of Directors — Jen is chairman, of course.  Your pay will be $5,000 a day."
	Kathy was just shaking her head slowly from side to side.  This is impossible!  She's Connie, Jennifer, and Janice's mother!?  It's impossible, she thought.  She said, "But you can't be!  You're not as old as I am and I'm only twenty-five!  No woman can give birth at the age of five!"
	Ali laughed, jumped up from her seat and pounced on Kathy, giving her a kiss full on the mouth.  She said, "Katherine Chang, I love you!  I may adopt you, too."  She grinned and said, "Kathy, I'm thirty-seven years old.  The girls are not my natural daughters... I wish they were, though.  Jennifer is Bill's daughter by his first wife.  The love of my life is pushing fifty.  I try to make sure he gets his rest and plenty of exercise."
	Bill interjected, "The problem is, Kathy, she wants the exercise when I want the rest.  The only exercise she really likes is on her back with her legs spread.  The woman is insatiable!"
	Ali stuck out her tongue and said, "It hasn't killed you... yet!  Clifford, you really don't look half bad, either."
	Kathy was utterly aghast.  "But that means you're William H. Clifford?  But you're... you're..."
	"You have a couple of bucks, Dad," Connie interjected.  "I'm pretty sure that's what she's trying to say.  And I guess that's true, too."  She looked at Ali and said, "Are you really sure Kathy is good with languages?  She seems to have some problem with English."  Connie shrugged and added, "Oh, well, I guess I read somewhere that it's a very complex language.  Maybe she does better with easier ones."
	Everyone laughed at Kathy's expense.  Kathy just giggled until Bill came over and gave her a check.  It was made out to her for $35,000.  Her eyes widened and she gasped when she saw the amount.  Carefully, she tore it into small pieces and put them in an ashtray.  Bill just shrugged, took out his checkbook and wrote another check.  This one was for $70,000.  When he gave it to her, she looked at it and then looked up at him.  Tears were in her eyes and she said, "Please stop, Mr. Clifford.  Maybe I'm tired, but I can't really take this.  Why are you doing this to me?"
	Bill took a chair and pulled it close to the girl.  He took her hand and looked into her startling green eyes.  He said softly, "Kathy, I'm sorry.  You were warned about our teasing, though.  You see, the problem with us is we kid with money.  Ali, along with everything else, is probably the world's finest money manager.  Try as we might, our money just grows like a weed.  Please help us out and take some?  I'm very serious.  Please?"  Kathy reached out her arms and Bill folded her in his.  As he held her he could hear the girl crying.  He just held her close, then lifted her from her chair and sat her across his lap.  The girl slowly stopped crying and grew still.  She had fallen asleep.
	He lifted her up in his arms and carried her into the second bedroom.  Ali followed him in and pulled down the bedspread and then the covers.  Bill put her on the bed and went back to the sitting room.  Ali undressed the girl, pulled the covers up to her chin, and kissed her goodnight.
	When Kathy awakened the next morning, she didn't know where she was.  She was naked in bed and it was the most luxurious bed she had ever slept in.  It reminded her of Cindy's bed in the "slave quarters."  Getting out of bed she went to the bathroom and found everything she needed laid out for her.  After taking a shower, and washing her hair she returned to her room.  There was a note on the dresser saying clothes were in the drawer.  When she looked she found more chambray shirts and stone-washed jeans that fit her perfectly.  After dressing, she went out to the sitting room where she found Ali and Bill, wearing white terry robes, eating breakfast.
	She said, "When do I meet the patient?  I'm sorry I missed breakfast.  But why didn't you just awaken me?  What happened last night, anyway?"
	Bill grinned and said it must have been the martini.  Ali glared at her and said, "You're eating breakfast, young lady!  Why the hell do you think we bought the damned hotel?  First, I can't cook to save my life.  Second, they cook when I want to eat.  Now order!"  She passed her the room service menu and Kathy ordered a huge breakfast, realizing she hadn't eaten since breakfast the day before.  She had slept through the meal service on the flight out from Chicago, too.
	After eating, Connie came by and drove her to a private hospital where they found Chip in the lobby looking very nervous.  They went up to a private suite of rooms and were met by a nurse on duty who merely shook her head.  Going into the next room, Kathy was surprised to see that it looked more like a hotel than a hospital room.  Even the bed was a normal one, not the mechanical marvel normally found in a hospital room.  The room was dimly lighted but she could see a man in the bed.  She knew why she was there so she tiptoed to the bed and saw that he was asleep.
	When she got a good look at him, she almost fainted.  She quickly sat down on the edge of the bed to keep from collapsing on the floor.  Then, ignoring the others, Kathy stripped off all her clothes and slipped into the bed beside him.  She found he was wearing pajamas, so she carefully eased them off his body.  When she got to his groin, she was shocked.  His penis and his testicles had withdrawn up into his body.  Only the tip of his penis showed.  Then she remembered how they loved to torture his genitals with wires and flame while she held him and was forced to watch.  She winced as she remembered his screams of agony.  Bending down, she took the tip of his penis in her lips and sucked.  Dimly, she was aware of the others withdrawing from the room.
	With her mouth encircling the tip of his organ, she gently sucked on it.  She heard him moan and then start to speak.  Moving up in the bed beside him, she just lay with her body partially on his.  She could feel the hair on his chest chafe her nipple and it was exactly the way she remembered it.  His free arm came around and held her as she fell asleep on top of him.
	Later, she awakened and could feel his eyes on her.  He whispered to her in the obscure Laotian dialect they had discovered they both knew but which no Vietnamese spoke or understood.  She looked at him and pulled herself up so she was lying on top of him.  He looked in her eyes and she could see the pain that was in them.  He said, "When are they coming, Little Flower?  How much time do we have this time?"
	"Bill, we have forever, my darling.  They're gone for good.  You're home.  You're safe.  Darling, you're in the United States and I'm here with you."  Then she carefully lowered her lips to his.  The kiss was the one for which she had been waiting for almost fifteen years.  Never did they allow her to kiss him.  For that matter, they regularly put a red-hot blade between his lips to be sure he couldn't kiss her anyway.  She could feel the remnants of the scar tissue still on his lips and started to cry.  "My darling, they've hurt you so badly!  But you're all right now."  Then her eyes glowed as she said, "Bill, you haven't looked at me yet.  I was a child when you took me before.  Now I'm a woman.  Do you like me now?"  She was still speaking Laotian.
	He went to lift her from him and saw his eyes widen.  Then he eased her back down on top of him; he seemed to enjoy the feeling of her lying on his body.  She lifted herself up again and whispered, "Bill, my name is Katherine now, or Kathy.  Do you like my new name?"
	He whispered, "Darling, you're a dream come true."  She moved down on his body to his tortured sex organs.  She took his penis in her lips and began to kiss and suck it and used her fingers gently to manipulate his balls that were retracted up into his pelvis.  She heard him cry out in Vietnamese, "Don't!  Not again!  Please don't!" and then he began to cry.  She moved up on his body and kissed him softly again saying, "Bill, it's over, Darling.  It's over!  They aren't coming.  I adore you, Bill.  I always have."
	He murmured softly and looked at her.  She heard strange sounds in his throat and then heard him whisper in English, "You're beautiful, Darling."
	She hugged him close and cried on his shoulder.  She whispered, "My darling, you'll be all right!  You will, Darling, you will!  May I play with your cock again?  Do you remember what it was like?  I was only ten years old and so tiny for such a huge organ.  Darling, you were the only man who has ever taken me.  Ever!  And you took my virginity at the age of twelve!  But I'm a big girl now.  Do you like my body?  My breasts are far bigger than I thought they ever could be.  When I took you, dear, I didn't have any.  Do you remember?"
	Bill had been running his hand over her hair and smiled gently.  He whispered, "You were just a small child...  Kathy?  Is that your name, now?  Kathy?"
	"Yes, Darling, it's Kathy.  May I work on you again?  Could you make me happy again?"
	He looked at her and nodded.  He even smiled and said, "You were always persistent.  I love you, Kathy.  You kept me alive all these years.  And now you've found me.  When do you have to leave?  When will they take you away?"
	"My darling, I'll leave when you tell me to leave.  I'm your woman, Bill.  I exist for you to use in any way you wish, for anything you wish.  Anything, Bill.  May I try again?"  He grinned and the grin was becoming real, now.  She went down on him and massaged his penis with her mouth, sucking as hard as she could.  She was prying his testicles down from his groin with her long slender fingers and could feel them start to loosen.  Whichever muscles were holding them in his pelvis started to lose their grip.  She could feel his prick start to emerge.  As gently as she could she dug his testicles out; it was not gentle enough.  Bill screamed in agony and she stopped.
	Then she saw his hand moving, indicating for her to continue.  She looked up at him and he grinned in spite of the pain he was suffering.  "Darling, you always caused me pain, but God, it was worth it!  Please don't stop."  She continued to work and could feel sweat pouring off his body.  It reminded her of Vietnam, too.  Suddenly, the adhesions or whatever it was, let go.  Bill screamed in agony and fainted, but his cock and balls were back in their normal position.  She went back up on his body and held him close.
	After a while she could feel him stir and she kissed him again.  She whispered, "Are you ready for your Eurasian cunt, my darling?  You haven't even felt it.  I'm hurt.  I thought you liked my tiny cunt.  It's still hairless because you liked it so much that way.  I have never forgotten."  His hand moved on her body and she could feel his finger gently enter her.  It was utterly exquisite.  She could feel herself come to life under his hands.  Then she went down on him again.  This time she took his now-liberated cock in her mouth and tenderly kissed it.  She could feel it swell under her touch and again Bill screamed in agony.  It was his first erection in years.
	She didn't stop.  She continued to move her mouth up and down on his organ and then up, sucking as hard as she could.  He was getting bigger and bigger and she took him deeper and deeper into her throat.  Then she could feel it start to vibrate and he screamed his release.  Kathy sucked and swallowed his cum as fast as she could.  When his pulsations stopped, she licked it off carefully, and moved up to kiss him on the lips.  "Darling, that was one of the things they would never let us do.  I was so small, my darling, I'm not sure I could have done it if they had let me."  She grinned at him and said, "I sure would have tried, though."
	He laughed softly and kissed her.  Then he said, "That's for sure!  I never knew a braver person than you, Kathy.  And you were just a child!"
	She pouted and said, "I was a young woman!"  She grinned and added, "A very young woman!"  Then she slid down his body and was delighted to find he had regained his erection.  She closed her eyes.  This was what she had waited fifteen years for!  Raising her pelvis, she took his now-raging cock and placed it at her entrance.  Lowering herself, she could feel it start to penetrate her still-very-small vagina.  Kathy moved her body in a series of rotary motions and could feel Bill's magnificent weapon enter her.  She looked down and could see his eyes were closed, although his hands were groping.  "Would you like a tit to suck on, my darling?  I could never give you one before.  I didn't have one to give."  She leaned over and managed to bring her tit to his lips.  He took it in his mouth and started to gently bite it.  She just moaned with pleasure.  Then she kissed him on the lips.
	It was better than she ever dreamed.  She could feel electricity flow between them, causing her cunt to flood as she felt him penetrate even deeper into her.  "Oh, Bill, you're so good, my darling."  She concentrated on the cock inside her and was amazed to find she had it all the way in to its root.  She squeezed the iron-hard rod with her internal muscles and leaned forward to kiss him again.  As she did, he cupped her breasts and pinched her nipples between his fingertips.  Now she screamed as her nipples were so sensitive to his touch and suddenly felt her hips jerk with her first orgasm.
	She moved up and down on him as he smiled with his eyes closed just savoring the sensation.  She took herself to one peak after another, cuming each time, while she felt the pressure build in Bill's glorious cock.  She tried to remember what Dan had done to her and finally reached the level she had been searching for.  Cuming continuously, she was only semiconscious, moving on instinct.  Finally, he could take it no longer and released what seemed like quarts of hot semen into her raging cunt.  She screamed and collapsed on top of him, unconscious.
	Bill carefully pulled the covers up over the girl and gently stroked her satin-smooth skin as she lay on top of him.  Kathy finally stirred and opened her eyes.  Bill was so glad she had those improbable emerald-green eyes.  The Vietnamese used to make fun of the gangly young girl with the green eyes.  She had changed so much, but those lovely eyes were just the same.  He smiled at her warmly as she asked, "Darling, was it good for you?"
	"No, it wasn't," he replied with his face impassive.  He saw the hurt look come instantly to her eyes and he hugged her tight.  "Since I just died and went to Heaven, it's no better than I expected."  Then he grinned as she beamed at him and said, "I have two questions, though.  First, where are your wings?  Do you keep them in those glorious tits?  Second, I never heard of a green-eyed Oriental angel before."
	She just grinned and held him tight.  Finally she pushed away from him and asked, "Darling, how are you feeling now?  Are you up to meeting a couple of people?"
	He kissed the tip of her lovely nose and said, "Honey, I can take on an army right now.  What do you want me to do?"
	"I want you to take a shower with me first.  Darling, all I remembered were the foul smells because they wouldn't let you wash or go to the bathroom.  You were just chained to the wall whenever they sent me in to you.  Do you remember?"
	He got out of bed, moving easily.  He was still thin, but recovering.  They went into the shower and delighted in playing with each other's body.  Kathy kissed each of the scars she could find on his body.  There were many, reflecting fourteen years of torture.  For his part, Bill delighted in just running his hands over her soap-slick beauty.  When he put a finger up her rectum, she yelped and then melted.  She kissed him and said, "Darling, it's still virginal for you.  You can take at least some of my virginity."
	He kissed her nose and said, "I will have taken it all.  I love you, Kathy."  She just grinned and kissed him.
	They returned to his room and she got dressed.  Bill looked baffled for a moment, so she gave him back his pajamas with a grin saying, "Bill, you need a keeper."  Then she tilted her head and grinned impishly, "Can I apply for the job?"
	He looked skeptical and asked, "Do you have any qualifications besides a hot cunt?"
	"I have a talented mouth, and I bet I have a great ass.  You'll love to ream it, Bill.  Is that enough?"  She went to him and kissed him warmly and then with increasing passion.  He held her tight and just stroked her silken hair.  It was enough.  Much more than enough.  Bill loved this girl with all his heart.  Kathy went to the closet and found a beautiful new cashmere bathrobe and a pair of slippers.  She held the robe for him and then knelt on the floor to put the slippers on for him.  She looked up at him and asked, "Does my master approve of his Eurasian slave girl?  Does she please him?"
	He lifted her up and melted her with a kiss.  She went to the door with his arm around her shoulder and hers around his waist.  When the door opened, she laughed.  Connie and Chip were pacing the floor like two people waiting for the birth of a child.  Kathy said, "Bill, do you remember this guy?"
	"Chip!  Oh, God, it's you!  Chip!"  Chip had spun around when the door opened and was looking hopeful.  When Bill recognized him, he gathered him in his arms in a bear hug.  Bill could hear his brother crying and he pushed away.  "Chip, what's wrong?  What did I do?"
	Chip Cartwright couldn't speak, he was so happy.  He just clutched his brother with tears streaming down his cheeks while his younger brother was just baffled.  Then Bill said, "Can we get something to eat around here?  I'm starving to death!"  Before that morning, Bill had slowly regained some weight.  Although he was awake, he was in the equivalent of a coma.  He didn't recognize anyone or done anything.  Most of his nutrients had been administered intravenously because it was so hard to get him to eat.  Connie ran for the nurse and told her the great news.
	Chip had finally regained control.  He said, "Bill, I want you to meet your new sister-in-law, Connie.  Even though she doesn't look it, she's carrying your first niece or nephew inside her.  Do you approve?"
	Bill looked at Connie who was a vision.  She had silver blonde hair and emerald eyes exactly like Kathy's.  He spread his arms and she ran to him.  Then he could feel her tears on his cheek, and could feel her mash her body to his.  "Hey, what's wrong?" he protested with a grin.  "Why does everyone look at me and start to cry?  Do I look that bad?  Should I change my brand of soap?"
	Connie moved away and beamed.  "Darling kid brother, Bill, I'll tell you something about women.  We always cry when we're happy.  Of course, we cry when we're sad, too.  That's principally to keep you jerks off balance!" she said with a grin.  She squealed when he reached out and started to tickle her.  In no time she was huddled on the floor in a ball with Chip just laughing.  She said, "Chip, make your brother go back to bed.  He's safer that way."  She got up, brushed herself off and stuck out her tongue.  Bill took her in his arms and kissed her softly on the lips and then on the tip of her nose.  She wiggled it like a rabbit, and he kissed it again.
	"You're cute, Connie Cartwright.  But brother Charles always did have exquisite taste."  Kathy had been hanging back, quietly rejoicing in their happiness.  Bill took her by her hand and pulled her close so he could put his arm around her.  He asked, "Where, in Heaven's name, did you find Kathy?  She's the girl who saved my life in Vietnam.  She's the girl whose memory kept me alive for fifteen years."  He turned and kissed her passionately, then looked back at the others who were looking on in utter astonishment.  "I took her virginity in a prison when she was only twelve years old.  Her love has kept me alive.  I just adore this girl."
	Just then the nurse had a table wheeled in with food for all of them.  Following Connie's suggestion, they served hamburgers.  She was delighted when she saw Bill's eyes light up.  He ate his in no time and Kathy gave him hers, so Connie ordered three more.  Bill ate two of the next three as well.  After they had eaten, he pushed back from the table and said, "Where am I, anyway?  And when can I get out?"  It was explained that he was in a special convalescent hospital and he could leave at any time.  "Is right now soon enough?" he asked.
	Chip picked up a phone, and in no time an orderly brought in underwear, pants and a shirt.  The pants were very big on him, but Bill just grinned.  Chip noticed his brother almost never let go of Kathy, and she seemed happy just being held close.  He still couldn't get over what had happened.  A phone call from the front desk announced that their car had arrived.  They walked out to the front door.  In spite of all the time in bed, Bill found he could move all right, and his movement seemed to get easier with each step he took.
	When they got in the car, he insisted on having Kathy sit on his lap.  She just grinned and sat on him with her arms around his neck.  When they reached the hotel, they went right up to the Clifford's suite.  Kathy was in Heaven.  She was in Bill's arms again, and he was in one piece.  He still had his arm around her when he was greeted by the Cliffords.  She sat on the sofa with his arm around her as he told the others how they had met: "There was no one as brave as Kathy.  I remember once they were doing something to my testicles.  I was screaming like a baby.  I think the Vietnamese had the idea I would lose face in front of a young girl by screaming.  She never looked at what they were doing.  She just focused her eyes on mine and poured out her love.  She was saying she knew it was agony, she understood, and she loved me."  He looked at Kathy and asked, "Do you remember?"
	She nodded with tears in her eyes and said, "Yes, my darling.  That's exactly what I was trying to communicate."  She smiled at the others and explained that the language Bill was speaking was an obscure Laotian dialect.  "Bill was working with the tribesmen who spoke it.  That's how he knew it.  I have no idea how I knew it, but I did.  It was the way I could talk to him to try to give him strength while the guards were there torturing him.  I guess they originally wanted to learn the location of the tribal village.  Later, they just wanted to break Bill.  They never could," she finished simply.
	She saw there were tears in the eyes of all of the others.  Ali brightened, and Bill looked at her carefully.  Finally, he said, "You aren't Ali McGrath, are you?"  She smiled and nodded.  "But you can't be!" he protested.  "I loved your movies and once I saw you in Vietnam entertaining the troops.  That was years ago, but you look younger now than you did then."
	"It was me, Bill.  Did you like the show?" she asked.
	Tears came to his eyes and he said, "I wouldn't have made it without you, Ali.  When Kathy wasn't there — and she was only there when they were torturing me — I thought of you.  I thought, 'That girl cares about us and what we're doing.  With her caring, damn it, I will make it!'  And I did.  Thank you, Ali, for everything you did."
	Tears were streaming down her face now as Ali said, "Thank you, Bill.  You have just made a great deal of personal suffering worthwhile.  I appreciate it very much."  She went to her husband, sat in his lap and snuggled.  Kathy thought she was an extraordinarily beautiful woman.  She still couldn't believe Ali was thirty-seven, but obviously she really was.
	Chip said, "Bill, I know it's only been hours, but what do you want to do now?"
	Bill smiled and shook his head.  "I don't have the first clue.  I don't have a dime, and I have a wife to support.  Or I will have as soon as I can get Kathy to the altar."
	Kathy spun her head around in amazement.  "What did you just say, William Cartwright?  Did you say something about marriage?  To me?"
	He squeezed her tightly and said, "You always did have sharp ears, Darling.  That's exactly right."
	"No way!" Kathy exclaimed.  "Bill, I'll be your mistress, your whore, your concubine... anything you want me to be.  But I won't be your wife.  You need a beautiful girl, who is educated, smart, from a good family...  You need a Caucasian girl, Bill.  There are millions.  When you find her, then we'll decide.  I have some friends..."
	"My wife!" he insisted.
	Connie hadn't said much, but now she entered the conversation: "Bill, you haven't seen this girl in years.  But let's take the list she just recited: Beautiful?  It's self evident.  She's utterly stunning.  Educated?  University of Chicago and an MBA from University of Chicago.  Smart?  Phi Beta Kappa and number one in her class at the B school.  Good family?  How is the Clifford family?  She's going to be adopted and then she'll really be sorry.  Caucasian?  What in hell for?  Genetically, the best thing to do is breed out, not breed in.  What would she give your children?  Not a lot besides brains, beauty, courage... and love!  There's more, though.  Sensitivity, compassion, warmth, love, humanity...  Bill, I could go on, but is there any need to?  I think you're the luckiest man in the world, Bill Cartwright, to find the girl you lost half-way around the world.  What do you think?"
	"I think my beautiful sister-in-law just said it all.  In fact, Connie, you said it so well, it almost made me feel sorry for tickling you earlier."  Bill grinned and said, "Notice, I said 'almost'.  It gives me a good chance to fondle a pregnant woman.  Incidentally, they're sure making pregnancies different these days.  I can remember in the old days when women used to bulge."
	Connie glared at him although her eyes were dancing.  "Okay, buster, I gave all the reasons why you should marry her.  Can you give me one reason why she would want to marry you?  You're old, beat to hell, and not good for much.  Why in hell would she consider you?"
	"Because I adore him and always have," Kathy interjected with tears starting to stream down her cheeks.  "Because I watched him bleed for me.  Because I've seen him suffer agony.  Because I've seen him tempered in fire.  Because he's the strongest, kindest, sweetest man in the whole world.  Because I can't possibly live without him.  Because I will have him on any terms he'll accept me.  Because there is absolutely nothing I won't do for this man!" Kathy said, and then repeated softly, "Because I adore him and always have."
	There was not a dry eye in the room when she finished.  Bill turned her face to his and kissed her softly, then passionately.  It was like nothing that had ever happened to either of them before.  Suddenly Kathy's loins were on fire and her nipples had hardened.
	He whispered, "Will you marry me, Kathy?  Please?  You said there's nothing you wouldn't do for me.  Please marry me and be the mother of my children."
	She looked at him with adoration in her eyes.  She said softly in their Laotian dialect, "Are you sure, Bill?  Are you absolutely sure?  I can be the mother of your children without marrying you.  Darling, I'm frightened.  What will people say?  It will be awful for you."
	He replied in the same dialect.  He hadn't forgotten it.  He said, "Awful?  How awful can it be, my darling?  Is it as awful as having my balls squeezed with red-hot pincers?  Is it as awful as being made to put my lips on a red-hot knife blade so I couldn't kiss you?  That awful, my darling?  Or worse?  Having you watch me live in my own filth?  Having you wipe the shit off me before you could find my skin to touch?  How awful, Darling?"
	She had no answer.  What can I say?  He loves me!  Oh, God, thank you!  Bill loves me!  she exulted.  It was as if he could read her mind.  He whispered, still in Laotian, "Thank you, my darling.  You have just made me the happiest man in the world.  Now shall we tell the others?"  She kissed him and nodded, then buried her head in his shoulder.  He said to the others, "It took some doing but Katherine Chang has agreed to become Katherine Cartwright.  Could we get some champagne?  I guess I have some back pay coming, if someone can loan me a few bucks until I get it."
	Bill Clifford scrambled for the phone.  While he was ordering, Chip said, "Bill, I've got bad news for you.  You're already rich...  Stinking rich, I guess."  He smiled warmly at his younger brother and said, "Bill, Mom and Dad were killed a year or so after you disappeared.  They never recovered from your loss, so I guess they didn't mind dying very much.  Anyway, I was the executor of the estate.  I guess my net worth now is around half a billion dollars.  Since I couldn't be bothered running two investment pools, I kept it simple.  Whatever I bought for me, I bought for you.  Actually, though, you have more money than I do.  I have a wife to support; you haven't spent a thing.  You have well over $500 million.  It will buy a couple of bottles of champagne.  Even the good stuff!"
	"Oh boy," Kathy murmured, "A rich husband!  Just what I've always wanted."  Then she kissed him softly again and said, "Darling, I have some time off from work.  What would you like to do now?"
	Before he could answer Ali said, "Spend two weeks on Maui with you, Kathy.  Soak up the sun on the nude beach, swim, eat, make love.  How does it sound?  I think Bill needs some rebuilding, don't you?  I booked a suite down the hall for you.  I thought you might like some privacy.  By the way, Kathy, I have a couple of forms for you to sign, if you would."  She went to a drawer, pulled out a couple of forms which the girl signed where Ali indicated.  The champagne appeared along with a tub of caviar to celebrate the engagement.  Before long, Kathy could see Bill start to wobble.  She looked at Ali who made a quick phone call.  A minute later the manager on duty appeared to show them to their suite.  Minutes later, they were together in bed.
	Kathy did what Cindy had mentioned to her.  She lay on Bill's right side, rested her head on his shoulder, put his arm around her and put his hand on her boob.  She put her hand on top and turned out the light.  After snuggling as close to him as she could get, they were almost instantly asleep.
Chapter 19
	Kathy woke up when she felt a pressure on her breast.  She looked up and found herself looking into Bill Cartwright's blue eyes.  "Good morning, my darling," she whispered.  "Are you ready to make love to me yet this morning?"  Bill kissed her passionately and then rolled over between her legs.  She positioned his cock and soon she could feel him moving inside her wetness.  It was better than it ever had been.  Soon she had her first orgasm, and then more with increasing frequency.  Finally she could feel the iron-hard shaft start to vibrate and then she felt his hot cum flood her insides.
	The sensation was almost more than she could take, but she retained consciousness as Bill collapsed on top of her.  Gently, she ran her fingertips over his back.  As she did, she could feel marks from the tortures he had undergone.  He pushed himself up a little to see her better and whispered, "Darling, I'm out of shape!"  Then he smiled and rolled off her body, placing her head gently back on his shoulder.  He looked into her incredible green eyes and shook his head.  "That was the most marvelous night I have ever spent.  All night long I could feel the most exquisite body next to mine.  If I moved my hand on your breast you did the same thing every time."
	"What did I do?" she asked with worry in her eyes.
	"You snuggled even closer and made the most wonderful happy sounds.  It must have lasted at least twenty minutes each time.  I guess I woke up frightened.  They were coming back.  Darling, you were wonderful!  And I can have this for the rest of my life?"  She kissed him softly and watched his eyes close again.
	It was only six o'clock, but it was already eight in Chicago.  Kathy eased out of bed.  After washing, she slipped on a hotel robe and went out to the sitting room to call Cindy and reached her as she was about to leave the Stewart's.  She started to explain what had happened, when Cindy interrupted.  "Kathy, I know all about it.  Connie and Ali called Jan last night.  I can't tell you how happy we all are for you and for Bill.  How is he and how are you?  Did you have a good night together?"
	"Oh, Cindy, I couldn't imagine a better one!  Last night I did what you suggested: I slept with my head on his shoulder and it was wonderful.  Bill loved it too."  She grinned ruefully and said, "But guess what?  I'm another Chatty Cathy doll.  Bill said I kept him awake for at least twenty minutes at a time making happy noises.  But he loved it... at least the first night.  Cynthia Martin, what are we going to do?"
	"Buy them ear plugs?" Cindy replied.  "Kathy, everything is under control here.  The owners of the bank adore you.  What you did with Bill and for him is utterly beyond belief.  I didn't know just how bad it was until last night.  You did something in two hours the doctors didn't think could happen in less than ten years!  Honey, Ali says you're going to Hawaii.  Have a wonderful time."  They talked about loans Kathy had in progress and then she hung up.
	As soon as she did, the phone rang.  It was Ali.  She said, "I have you and Bill booked on a two o'clock flight to Maui.  All the arrangements are made.  He's still sleeping, isn't he?"  Kathy was baffled.  She said he was but asked Ali how she could possibly know.  With a small chuckle Ali said, "Honey, there are a couple of advantages to owning the damned hotel.  When I ask for something, it happens.  I asked them to let me know as soon as you used your phone.  Knowing Bill's condition, I knew it had to be you.  Look, I made an appointment for you this morning.  Can you eat and be ready to go in thirty minutes?  Your breakfast should be there right about now."  As soon as she said it, there was a knock on the door.  Kathy said she would be ready, hung up and opened the door for the room service waiter.
	A short time later, Ali Clifford came by the suite.  What followed took Kathy by surprise.  Ali asked her to strip and then used a tape measure to take all kinds of measurements.  She was on her knees and looked up at the nude Eurasian girl.  She said, "Bill is a very lucky guy.  Kathy, you are gorgeous!"  Standing up, she asked Kathy to dress again while she made a quick phone call during which she referred to the notes she had taken on the measurements.  Kathy followed her down to her car and they went to a movie studio.
	Kathy was surprised when she was taken to a hair stylist who was introduced to her as Henry Hall.  Then she remembered something that Cindy had said: He was the one who had been flown out to Chicago.  Henry looked at her hair and just shook his head.  "At last, Ali, you found one!  A true brunette with the most beautiful hair around."  Ali spoke to him quietly for a moment.  He smiled and began to work.  A short time later, he whipped off the sheet and spun her chair around so she could see herself in the mirror.  Kathy gasped.  Her hair looked the same, but different.  She thought she had never looked so good and said so.  He just smiled.  While he was working, she had also been given a manicure and a pedicure.
	As they drove back towards the hotel, she asked Ali about it.  The woman just smiled and said, "A girl should look her very best on her wedding day."  Then she told Kathy about the small church where Jan and Pete had been married, and the priest there, Father Collins.  She said, "You're going to get married anyway, so how about this Saturday?  You can have the wedding in the middle of your honeymoon."
	Kathy agreed, but was not happy about it.  She had begun to think of a church wedding with her friends around her, particularly Cindy and April.  Ali knew what she was thinking and said, "It's just a start, honey.  Marriage is for always.  I'm sure they'll love you just the same."
	When they reached the hotel, they found Bill waiting for them.  He had one small bag and Fred was waiting to take them to the airport.  Suddenly, Kathy's eyes widened.  She said, "My God!  I just remembered.  I have nothing to wear!  I'm wearing everything I brought out with me."
	Ali said, "Some of my people got a couple of things together for you.  They're already at the airport and Bill has the claim checks.  Now move it!  You'll miss your plane."  They were driven to the airport and found they had first-class sleeper seats to Maui.  When they arrived, they were met by another limousine and driven to their hotel.  Their suite was spectacular with a view of the ocean.  When her luggage was delivered to the room, Kathy's eyes popped as she found a full collection of resort wear, none of which she had ever seen before, but all of which fit perfectly.
	They checked with Father Collins at the church and found arrangements for their wedding were all set for noon on Saturday.  When he asked about Janice and Pete, Kathy told them they were more deeply in love than any two people she had ever met.  He smiled warmly and asked to be remembered to them.
	The next days on Maui were glorious.  She found she could tan after all.  It must be the European part of Eurasian, she thought.  Taking a tip from Jan, she gloried in spreading sun protection on Bill's body when they lay on the nude beach.  She took up golf and found she liked it; she and Bill were both good at it.  They played tennis, they ate, but mostly they made love.  By Saturday morning, she had a glorious tan that Bill adored.
	She was looking at her new dresses trying to decide which one to wear for her wedding, when there was a knock on the door.  She opened it and squealed with delight when she found April and Cindy standing there, with Cindy holding a white gown on a hangar.  Then she saw Chip standing behind the girls grinning.  Chip took Bill away for a short bachelor's party while the girls came into the room.  Cindy said, "You didn't for one minute think you were going to get married without us, did you?  We couldn't decide who is going to be the bridesmaid and who is the maid of honor, so it's up to you."  There was another knock on the door.  This time it was Ali, along with Janice Stewart, Jennifer Chapman, Connie Cartwright, and a smaller girl Kathy had never seen before.  She was introduced as Billy's wife, Joan.  The girl looked like a pixie.  Kathy was dumbfounded and just stood there, gaping.
	Ali took charge saying, "Honey, I could see you were disappointed because your friends weren't going to be with you for your wedding, so we brought a couple of people out with us."
	"And how, exactly, did you do that?" Kathy asked suspiciously?
	"How else would Mom do it?" Jan replied airily.  "She chartered a plane in Chicago that made a stop in Los Angeles.  You wouldn't believe how hard it can be to get a few seats on short notice.  So she just gets her own plane."  Then she shook her head and smiled wryly.  "I'm surprised at you, Katherine Chang.  You're a banker and yet you sign blank forms!  For shame."  Kathy just looked blank.  She didn't know what Jan was talking about.  "Young lady, you signed blank adoption papers.  But don't worry about it.  I did, too, so we're now sisters.  You're now the legally adopted daughter of William H. Clifford and Allison M. Clifford.  I thought I ought to tell you, though.  You'll be going down the aisle on Dad's arm.  I hope you don't mind."  Jan took Kathy in her arms and kissed her warmly.  "Welcome to the family, Darling.  Your new family couldn't be happier!"
	Kathy was stunned.  Before she could even move, Connie gathered her in her arms and kissed her.  She was beaming with happiness.  "Now I have a sister who is also my sister-in-law!  Bill is a very lucky guy, sis."
	Kathy was in a daze as the girls stripped off her clothes and then slipped the gown over her head.  She was seated in a chair while her sisters fixed her hair.  Finally, she stood up and saw herself in a mirror.  She couldn't believe her eyes.  The white wedding gown was magnificent.  As she stood at the mirror, Ali put a triple strand of priceless pearls around her neck, then kissed her.  "My darling, they are also pearls from the Orient.  They're exquisite, but I'm sure they look much better on you than they ever did in the oyster.  It's just a small token from your father and me."  Kathy laughed when the girls tried to decide whether extreme measures were called for.  She looked at them, not understanding what they were talking about.  Then she realized they were discussing whether or not she should wear lipstick.  She settled the issue by carefully putting some on.
	When she walked down the aisle, Kathy couldn't believe her senses.  She was on the arm of her new father, Bill Clifford, realizing she didn't even know who her real father was.  He whispered in her ear, "My daughter, you can't believe how proud you're making me today!  I can't believe that I could possibly have a daughter as beautiful as you are."  At the altar, Cindy lifted her veil and she looked into Bill's eyes as Chip stood in the background.
	In no time she heard the words she never dreamed of hearing: "Do you, Katherine, take this man, William, to be your lawful wedded husband?"
	She replied as fervently as she could, "Oh, Father, I do!"
	Moments later, she heard, "I now pronounce you man and wife."  Bill took her and she melted in his arms.  She was so happy, her tears were flowing and she needed his arm on her elbow to guide her down the aisle.
	At the reception, everyone she knew was there.  Don and Mary Martin kissed her.  They looked marvelous, having only recently returned from their own honeymoon.  There was April, and her new brothers and sisters.  Finally, Dan Burke was standing in front of her asking softly, "May I kiss the bride?"  She nodded shyly, and he kissed her solidly on the lips.  He whispered, "Kathy, it couldn't happen to a nicer girl.  I can't tell you how happy Cindy and I are for you.  Now will you introduce me to your husband?"
	Bill and Dan shook hands.  It was the first good look Dan had had at Bill Cartwright.  Bill looked at him and simultaneously each recognized the other.  Dan grabbed Bill in a bear hug and shouted, "It's you!  My God!  You saved my life!"  All of the people — only the closest friends and family were there — turned as they heard Dan's cry.  He put his arm around Bill and said, "It's a very small world.  This is the man who saved my life and the lives of all my men.  We were about to be wiped out when this guy appears with a bunch of Laotian irregulars and started to wipe up the floor with the North Vietnamese.  We couldn't call for help because all of our radios were out.
	"Bill set up a landing zone and covered us while the choppers he called in pulled us out.  He wouldn't come out with us.  I saw him take a couple of hits, but I saw him kill a bunch of the enemy.  It was the last time I saw him until today.  I never even knew his name.  It was just 'Bill in Special Forces' until now."  He looked at Bill and said, "There's a medal waiting for you at the Presidio when you get back, Bill.  It's the Medal of Honor."  By now tears were streaming down Dan's face as he said, "'Greater love hath no man than he who lays down his life for a friend.' That's exactly what Bill Cartwright did that day so many years ago.  He gave his life for me and my men.  I didn't know who he was at the time, but on the way out to Maui, I learned some of the ways he was tortured for so many long years.
	"Bill, if there is anything I can ever do for you or your family — absolutely anything at all — I'll do it.  I can't tell you how wonderful I feel right now.  I heard about a small girl who helped you.  That small girl is one of the finest human beings I have ever met.  Since you're the guy to whom I owe my life, I couldn't be happier or prouder for you both."  He raised his champagne glass and said, "Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom.  I know it's the best man's prerogative to offer it, but I'm taking his place.  Katherine and William Cartwright: Never have there been two people so deserving of every happiness.  Never have I seen two people so deeply in love.  Never have there been two people who have suffered more on their way to the altar.  Kathy and Bill, thank you, and may God bless your marriage with every happiness and many children.  If your children have the tiniest fraction of the courage and bravery of both of their parents, they will be credits to you, to the family and to our country!  May God bless you both!"  He raised his glass as did everyone else in the room.
	The next day, Kathy and Bill were lying on what they had come to think of as their spot on the nude beach.  They were just recovering from their best lovemaking yet, when a shadow fell over them.  They were lying in each other's arms with their eyes closed.  Kathy opened her eyes and saw Ali and Bill Clifford standing in the sun.  She gasped as she saw Ali's nude body.  It was utterly exquisite and she said so.  Her father, who she first thought to be thirty-seven, looked to be Bill's age when she saw his semi-erect genitals.  Ali saw where she was looking and casually cupped his massive balls in her hand and said, "He is kind of nice, isn't he?  I guess it keeps us young.  And yes, Kathy, a man can have a tanned cock.  Do you like your father's?"
	To her amazement, Ali dropped to her knees and took it in her mouth.  In moments she had it in a raging erection.  Kathy could see he was close to cuming when she dropped on her back, lifted her pelvis, and smoothly took him inside her glistening cunt.  Soon, Ali reached a massive orgasm and Kathy could see Bill cuming into her mother's gaping cunt.  After resting on the sand for a few minutes, Bill withdrew and Ali began to lick off the love juices from his cock.  She started to get up when Bill said, "Not so fast, young lady!"  She just grinned and lay back with her legs spread wide.  Bill knelt between her thighs and licked the juices from his wife's lovely cunt.  When he was finished, she pulled him up to her and they kissed lovingly, exchanging the fluids they had absorbed.  Finally, he got up and helped Ali to her feet.
	"In case you're wondering, that's just to show you that you didn't invent anything new.  If you look up and down the beach, you'll see there's a lot of it going around.  We love watching Don and Mary Martin.  They are newlyweds and so deeply in love, we could put them on stage making love and I don't think they'd know the difference."  With that, Ali and Bill walked off down the beach hand in hand.
	"Darling," Kathy whispered to Bill, "Will we ever be like that, do you suppose?  Could you believe what you just saw?  They are so in love and so attuned to each other!  I thought it was beautiful."  Bill just smiled at her and kissed her softly, assuring her he would sure try.
* * *
	When their plane landed at O'Hare, they were met by Cindy and Dan and driven into Chicago.  Kathy had only mentioned briefly the fact that she worked at Chicago Trust.  She never told Bill that she lived in a very small one-room apartment.  Although Dan and Cindy knew where she lived, they were driving a different route.  As he drove the car he rented for the occasion, Dan asked Bill what he planned to do.
	Bill just shook his head and said, "I don't have the first clue, Dan.  First, though, thank you for being at the Presidio last week.  I was surprised but very pleased to see you there, particularly as a part of the ceremony."
	Bill had received the Medal of Honor, as well as the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart at a ceremony in San Francisco.  Although he had been an eighteen-year-old staff sergeant when he was captured, he wore the uniform of a master sergeant when he received his award.  At his insistence, Kathy was by his side when the awards were made.  Dan had been present, too, representing the marines whose lives he had saved in the action for which the Medal of Honor was being awarded.  Bill was now a master sergeant, U.S. Army (retired), being retired on a disability pension.  He joked that if he stayed in a couple of more years, he would qualify for a twenty-year pension; all his time in prison counted as active service.  He also joked that all he had to show for his time in captivity were a couple of medals and big-time tax problems.
	With respect to his future, all he knew was it centered on Kathy.  He told Dan that since it was clear she liked what she was doing, she was going back to work while he figured something out.  Dan asked, "Bill, I know you don't need the money.  (We would like to have you as a depositor, though.)  But would you consider working with us?  Working in Cindy's group with your wife?"  He smiled warmly and said, "I see a little of you dying whenever she's out of your sight.  Would you like to work with her?  I talked to Don Martin, the president, and he said he'll agree to any arrangement you wish."
	"It's a deal, Dan," Bill replied.  "Right now I feel like I'm freeloading on my wife.  Let's do it!"
	Dan had driven into the garage of an apartment building close to both the lakefront and the bank.  As they passed the parked cars, Kathy saw a red one that looked exactly like hers.  They parked in a space and took the elevator up to the lobby and another to the top floor.  Kathy didn't know what was happening, but she knew Cindy had an apartment around here somewhere that she had sold and was redecorating for the new owner.  Cindy opened the door to an apartment and walked in.  Kathy and Bill followed and Dan brought up the rear.  The apartment was large and airy with a large balcony overlooking the lake.  The view of the lakefront was spectacular.  The unit was the most beautifully furnished apartment Kathy had ever seen, and she said so to Cindy.  Cindy showed the couple around and Kathy made appreciative noises.
	Bill said, "Honey, this is exactly the sort of place we ought to have.  Chip wasn't lying about my money.  I guess we can afford it, too.  Would you like to look for one like it?"
	"Oh, Darling," Kathy exclaimed, "Could we?  Cindy, you have another career as a decorator.  I don't know who the owner of this place is but he or she is going to love it!  Could... Would you do ours when we get one?  Your taste is just perfect!"  While she was talking, she was opening cupboards in the kitchen and found the apartment was completely equipped.
	Cindy reached out her hands to each of them.  Looking puzzled, Kathy and Bill held out their hands and Cindy dropped gold keys in each of them.  "I'm glad you like it.  Since you like it so much, this one is yours.  It's a wedding present from your new sisters, Jen Chapman and Jan Stewart.  You two own it; the papers will be delivered tomorrow.  I did the decorating because I needed some practice before I do the other apartment for real.  There's a fee, though.  You have to give me a list of the things I forgot.  Now don't forget.  You owe it to me as my decorator's fee."
	"Ours!?" Kathy exclaimed.  "Bill's and mine?  All ours?"
	"It sure is, Honey.  And that was your car in the garage.  You have two spaces down there.  The other one is empty."  She looked at Dan and said, "Come on, Burke.  These two are newlyweds.  Kathy is desperately trying to get us the hell out of here so she can christen her brand-new bed."  Kathy blushed prettily, but Cindy and Dan left quickly.
Chapter 20
	Shortly after Labor Day, Emily Amelia Hardwick made up her mind to go down to her bank.  Emily always thought of Chicago Trust Company as her bank.  After all, her great-grandfather was one of the original investors when it was founded, and the Hardwicks had been banking there ever since.  Emily made up her mind to see Donald Martin and find out what was going on.
	Over the last few weeks Emily had noticed that she received particularly good treatment from small merchants whenever she gave them her check on Chicago Trust.  Many were immigrants, she knew.  Yet they spoke of "their bank"  and "the twins who aren't."  Clearly, she thought, something very strange is going on.  She asked Charles to bring the car around and she set off to see Donald Martin.  Donald had been her banker for years.  Emily had almost started a revolution when she heard he might be fired.  She liked Donald Martin, even if his daughter, Cynthia, was a snippy little pill.
	Emily Hardwick was sixty-eight years old and the last of the Hardwicks.  As a spinster, she realized that when she died, her family would cease to exist.  This inevitability didn't bother her.  What did bother her was the money.  Normally, when money was made, it was dissipated by the pyramid-shaped structure of generations, with each generation far more numerous than the one before.  Even the largest fortunes could rarely survive the combined onslaughts of inheritance taxes and proliferating progeny.
	Not the Hardwicks.  Its family tree had been diamond-shaped.  It began with the fur trade in the early eighteenth century and became most numerous around the middle of the nineteenth century.  Since then it had been contracting.  She had grown up in the family mansion on Chicago's Near North Side, but a few years earlier had sold the property on which now stood a huge office building.  People in Chicago had wanted her to make the family home a museum but she would not hear of it.  It had served the family and she didn't want strangers traipsing through it.  Now she was amused by the extent to which the land sale had added to the family fortune, now greater than $200 million.
	The reason the money bothered her was she had no one to leave it to.  Her lawyers advised her to establish a charitable foundation and name it as her beneficiary.  She considered the idea but didn't like it.  She knew of too many foundations devoted to "good works" which translated into supporting all of the trendy and with-it causes.  Moreover, too often these were causes and organizations whose purposes were antithetical to the source of the money supporting them.  She knew of one famous foundation in which a senior family member resigned because of policy disagreements with the foundation's Board of Directors.
	Emily was different from most of her social friends.  Unlike them, she had investigated her family's background in depth.  This provided her with an awareness of the risks that had been taken to amass and build the family fortune.  She realized that, had any of a wide range of events unfolded differently, on a number of occasions over the years the family would have been financially wiped out.  Her research surfaced the names of dozens of people associated with her ancestors who had taken different tacks and had been financially destroyed.  This went back to financial panics in the nineteenth century.  It was nothing new.
	Emily Amelia was gray-haired and gray-eyed.  Her eyes were her most striking feature: they were as sharp and piercing as an eagle's.  Her carriage was erect and her body appeared spare.  She was a person who knew who she was.  Arriving at the bank, she asked a guard where Mr. Donald Martin could be found.  Upon being told, she took the elevator to the executive floor and marched up to the receptionist.
	Jean Robbins saw Miss Hardwick marching up to her desk.  Oh, oh, she thought, Here's trouble!  Miss Hardwick hasn't been here in months.  She smiled and said, "Good morning, Miss Hardwick.  May I help you?"
	"I'm here to see Donald Martin.  Is he in the bank this morning?" she asked politely.  Emily was always polite to everyone.
	Jean buzzed Mary Thomas.  Oops!  she thought, It's Mary Martin, now.  "Mary," she said, "It's Miss Hardwick to see Mr. Martin!"
	Mary knew Don had no visitors so she ran out to the reception area.  Her hand was outstretched in greeting as she approached Emily Amelia.  "Good morning, Miss Hardwick!  It's so good to see you again.  It's been such a long time!"
	Emily looked at Mary and her eyes widened.  She said, "Why Mary Thomas, what has happened to you?  You're beautiful!  I haven't seen you look so good in... my heavens, it must be twenty years now."  She took Mary's hands in hers and looked at the woman and saw the love in her eyes.  She asked softly, "Who is the lucky man?  I can see the love shining in your eyes."
	Mary didn't even blush.  She said, "Thank you so much.  I'm very glad it shows.  It's Don.  I'm Mary Martin now."
	Emily beamed and then frowned.  "Mary Thomas, why was I not informed?  You two are my most favorite people in this bank.  I must send you something nice.  Now, shall we see Donald?"  Emily was pleased by Donald Martin's appearance as well.  He and Mary both looked so much younger and so vibrant.  She congratulated him and then immediately went to the business at hand.  Emily Amelia didn't beat around the bush.  She demanded to know what was happening between the bank and the small merchants.  Why was she now being greeted so warmly?
	Don smiled and told her very briefly about the bank's new lending program.  He didn't mention that Cindy was in charge.  After he completed his explanation, Emily said nothing.  She just asked if an officer in that unit was in the bank.
	Don looked at Mary who left the office.  She was back a moment later to say that Miss Jefferson was in her office.  Emily nodded firmly, asked directions to Miss Jefferson's office and then marched out.  Mary asked if she should call April and warn her.  Don smiled and shook his head saying, "Darling, six hours wouldn't be enough time to warn her about Emily Amelia Hardwick, and two minutes would only alarm her.  Let's just keep our fingers crossed."
	April was working at her desk when her secretary buzzed and said there was a Miss Hardwick to see her.  She didn't have an appointment, but Mr. Martin had suggested she talk to April.  She was ushered in and April came around her desk to greet her.  In spite of her protests she had been promoted to vice president and her office had been enlarged.  She shook hands firmly with Miss Hardwick and offered her a seat on the new sofa that was part of her new vice-presidential office.
	Emily studied the young woman sitting attentively in front of her.  She was surprised.  First, the girl was a Negro; then she remembered they were now called Blacks.  Donald had said that she was a vice president.  A Black female vice president!  she thought.  My, how things are changing.  But that wasn't all.  The girl was sitting upright in her chair with her hands folded in her lap.  It has been years since I last saw that!  I wonder who raised her?  Clearly, her mother trained her to be a lady.  And even though she's only wearing blue jeans and a work shirt, she sits in that chair like a queen.
	She asked the girl about the small merchants and was told quickly and lucidly about the lending program and on whom it was focused and how it worked.  Emily nodded her head quickly.  Then she asked, "Are you in charge of the program, Miss Jefferson?  You appear... rather young."
	The girl smiled brilliantly and said, "Oh, no, Miss Hardwick.  The program is run by our division head, Miss Martin.  She's a very experienced banker."
	Emily asked, "Do you mean that ninny, Cynthia Martin?  If that's true, then why are you dressed the way you are?  If she saw you, she would fire you on the spot.  That girl doesn't care two hoots for people.  She just plays to images and impressions.  Well?" she demanded.
	April replied, "I didn't know Cindy... Miss Martin... before I joined the bank.  She says she was awful and should have been drowned at birth.  I can't say.  I can only say she hired me, trained me, taught me everything I know, and promoted me.  As for the uniform," she said with a warm smile, "— it's the uniform for our division, by the way — it's all she ever wears.  When she's wearing clothes at all, which isn't often."  Suddenly, Emily saw the girl's naturally warm brown eyes grow cold.  She said, "I would give my life for Cindy Martin.  I adore the girl.  I worship the ground she walks on.  Am I making my feelings clear?"
	Emily made a mental note to see Cynthia Martin again.  Clearly she inspired enormous loyalty, and the old Cynthia could never have done that.  Then she asked, "Tell me about yourself, Miss Jefferson.  Do you live with your parents?"
	"I live with my mother and my son, Miss Hardwick.  Why do you ask?"  The coldness was out of her eyes now.
	Emily mentally nodded, realizing what a beautiful young woman this was.  She had an idea which she put into action immediately.  She said, "Miss Jefferson, I would like you to have lunch with me.  I'm sure you have no idea who I am or why there might be any circumstance by which you would care to dine with me.  That's neither here nor there.  If I could presume to use your office for a moment, would you please call Mr. Martin?  Then, when he tells you to join me, please see if your mother and your son could join us for lunch, too."  She gave April the address and the girl left the office to use another phone.  Emily called her apartment and told the cook there would be four for lunch at twelve.
	April called Don Martin's office and Mary answered.  The woman said, "Congratulations, April!  I'm glad to hear you're still alive.  What did you think of Emily Amelia Hardwick?"  April exhaled loudly and asked who she was.  Mary filled her in quickly, ending with the admonition that she was the bank's single most important customer.  "April, the rule in the bank is, 'What Emily wants, Emily gets.' I'm sure there is a reason for the question, though.  What is it?"  April told her about the luncheon invitation and Mary whistled softly.  She said to do it if it was humanly possible, adding that Don Martin was the only person from the bank to dine with her in living memory.  After hanging up she called the apartment and quickly told her mother about the invitation.  Her mother said she would get Ronnie dressed and would meet them at twelve.
	She went back to her office and made quick excuses to Emily, then took a hangar from behind her door and went to the ladies' room.  When she returned a few minutes later, she was the picture of a female banker on a warm September day.  She was wearing a simple, beautifully-tailored dress that set off her face and showed off her beautiful figure.  Emily looked at her and thought to herself, Better and better!
	When they returned to her apartment, Emily asked that dry sherry be served.  She chatted with the young woman and was increasingly impressed.  The girl was very well informed, very smart, very beautiful and very ladylike.  Emily found herself liking her more every minute.  The butler announced Mrs. Thomas Jefferson and Ronald Jackson, Junior.  Emily rose to greet Mary Jefferson and again was impressed.  Clearly, this is the woman who trained April, she thought.  The little boy was handsome.  Although April had said he was not yet two, he was already walking.  Moreover, it appeared that training pants had already taken the place of diapers.  Mrs. Jefferson whispered to Ronnie to say hello.
	Ronnie toddled over to where she was sitting and put out his hand.  Emily took his tiny hand and carefully shook it.  The little boy stood there in front of her, studying her face carefully.  Emily could feel the sinking feeling in her stomach again.  Normally she terrified small children.  This little boy just stood studying her face carefully.  Then he pointed to her and turned to his mother saying, "Lady!"  Then he turned back and smiled the warmest smile she had ever seen on a child's face.  He said, "Nice lady!"  He came closer and held out his arms.
	Emily picked him up and found him wrapping his little arms around her neck and giving her a big kiss.  When she put him down again, he backed up a little and said softly, "Nice lady."  He wanted to sit down and she lifted him onto her lap, where he gently fingered the beads she was wearing.  Then he just leaned back against her arm to listen to the grownups.
	Emily looked at the other women.  They might have been nervous about Ronnie's behavior but they didn't show it if they were.  Emily asked about Mr. Jefferson.  Mary said, "He died defending our country, Miss Hardwick.  He left me with April who has been a wonderful daughter to me.  I still miss him terribly, though," she finished simply.  April explained the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy and Ronnie's birth.  She spared herself nothing as she told of the contest and serving punch from her tits.  As she did, Emily noticed, she didn't lower her head nor turn away from her gaze.
	Emily knew about her own reputation.  She knew that she was famous for her piercing gray eyes that could see through steel.  In fact, she cultivated both the look and the reaction.  She was increasingly impressed with this family.  When luncheon was announced, they went into the dining room and were seated.  In spite of his diminutive size, little Ronnie sat in a booster seat at the table.  He waited for the others and ate as neatly as a small child possibly could.  Emily watched for a few moments, then picked him up and sat him on her lap.  She helped him with the rest of his meal.
	When they were nearly finished, she turned to Mary who was sitting at her right and asked, "Mary Jefferson, I am very impressed.  'Manners' is a term that's nearly extinct.  Nonetheless, you display an elegance and a breeding I haven't seen in fifty years.  What did you do?"
	Mary Jefferson sat up even straighter in her chair, or tried to.  Her backbone was already ramrod straight.  She said, "Miss Hardwick, I began working when I was eight years old.  My mother served a family in Virginia... a very old family.  They were members of the First Families of Virginia — the FFV — on both sides.  We were never told how to behave.  I just watched.  I saw what ladies and gentlemen did and how they behaved.  I've tried to raise my daughter the same way.  I tried to get her to understand what the term, lady, really means."  She looked at Emily straight in the eye.  Emily realized Mary's brown eyes were every bit as piercing as her gray ones were.  "I believe I have succeeded.  I'm very proud of April, and I think my husband, Tom, is very proud of her, too."  Suddenly, Mary's face started to crumble.  She murmured her excuses and fled from the table.  Emily gave Ronnie back to April and went after her.
	She found Mary in the living room trying desperately to muffle her tears with a dainty little handkerchief.  Emily went to the powder room, grabbed a hand towel and returned to the living room.  Pulling up a chair, she sat down next to the woman and said softly, "Mary, that tiny thing is useless at a time like this."  She gave her the towel and drew her into her arms.  It was as if a dam had broken.  Mary's body was racked with sobs while Emily comforted her.  Finally, she regained control and looked up at her with tear-reddened eyes.  Then Emily realized how truly beautiful this woman was.
	Mary said softly, "I'm terribly sorry.  I apologize.  I'll leave at once!  My behavior is inexcusable."  She tried to smile as she added, "Ronnie makes his grandmother so proud of his behavior, and then she comes apart like... like... I don't know what."
	"Like a widow who is missing her husband at a very important moment for the family.  It hits you like a knife blade, doesn't it?  It cuts into you utterly without warning," Emily said very softly.
	Mary looked up in surprise.  "But... but how did you know?  It is 'Miss', isn't it?"
	"Yes, it is, and my virginity is still intact.  His name was Mike... Mike Casey.  I met him during the war.  He was a Navy pilot and I loved him so very much.  He... He asked me to marry him.  He had his whole leave ahead of him.  He had just completed advanced pilot training and was going out to the Pacific to join his carrier.  But I wanted a big church wedding and a white gown and the full array, so I said we should wait.  He was killed in action."  Suddenly, Emily's face crumpled and she began to cry.  She began to sob and tears began to pour from her eyes.  Now it was Mary's turn.  She held the older woman close.  April came running from the dining room.  Still holding Emily, she told April to get the butler.
	The man came in and carried Miss Emily to her bedroom and laid her on her bed, still weeping uncontrollably.  Mary shooed April away and undressed the woman, slipping her under the covers nude.  She was amazed at the beauty of the elderly woman's figure.  She stripped off her own clothes and got into bed with her.  She took her in her arms and just held her close.  Finally, sheer exhaustion caught up with her and Emily fell asleep in Mary's arms.
	It was nearly six o'clock when she awakened.  Emily was shocked.  She was undressed in bed and in the arms of another woman.  She looked at Mary Jefferson and remembered.  Then she took her fingers and gently stroked the lovely body beside her.  Mary's eyes opened quickly.  She smiled at Emily and suddenly looked startled.  She jumped out of bed like she had been stuck with a pin and started to look around for her clothes.  Emily said softly, "Mary Jefferson, get your lovely Black ass back in this bed this second.  You'll catch your death!"
	Mary got back in the bed but remained as far from Emily as she could.  Emily grinned and moved close to her to hold her in her arms again.  She whispered, "That does it!  Mary Jefferson, I have a proposition to make to you.  You have a small apartment.  I have a very large one.  It's too large, really.  I want you, April and Ronnie to come and live with me."  She pretended to glare and said, "And if you call me Miss Hardwick one more time, I'll kill you!  The name is Emily."  With that she slipped out of bed and went to a jewelry box.  Opening it, she took out a tray revealing a cavity below.  She scooped up the contents, brought them back to the bed and turned on a light.  Then she gathered up armfuls of pillows and with a grin threw them at Mary's head.
	Her eyes were full of love as she said, "Mary, I haven't done this in nearly fifty years.  I was in college.  I would get a letter and my roommate would climb into bed with me while I read it to her.  May I?  Please?"  Mary looked and again was startled by Emily's figure.  Remarkably, it was almost girlish, with skin that was still as smooth as satin.  She climbed into bed and Mary came close.  She carefully unfolded the first letter and began to read.  There were a series of letters from a young man going to war.  He described daily activities and told her what it was like to serve aboard an aircraft carrier — in Mike's case, the Enterprise.  In each letter he recalled caressing Emily's full breasts and telling her that he couldn't wait to take her to his marriage bed.  Each letter had an intimate detail of their very short time together.
	She came to the last one.  Mike told her that a major battle was in prospect.  "The brass say it's one we have to win."  They were gathering near a small island he was sure she had never heard of if he told her its name nor would she ever hear of it again.  "Darling," he said, "If anything happens to me, I'll wait for you, dear Emily.  I'll wait for you forever.  You are the love of my life."  It was signed, "With all my love, forever.  Mike."
	"He was wrong about one thing, Mary," Emily said softly with her voice breaking.  "The island was Midway.  I was named as the next of kin in his will."  She took out three small boxes.  "This is what the Navy gave me.  The boxes contained the Navy Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart.  She looked at Mary and said, "Please help me, Mary.  Will you?"
	"Help you?  By living with you?" Mary asked, puzzled.  "How can that help you?"
	The woman looked at Mary and shook her head.  There was great warmth in her eyes as she shook her head saying, "That's not it at all, Mary.  The truth is, it's the money.  There is only one thing left for me to do, and that's to make arrangements for an heir."  As she sat there resting against the pillows, Mary realized what a beautiful young girl Emily Hardwick must have been.  There would have been no problem now, but for events in 1942 off Midway Island in the Pacific.  Emily would have had many children by the love of her life, Mike Casey, but it was not to be.  Emily continued: "I have been advised to create a foundation but I don't want to.  I've searched for years for an individual.  I even ran advertisements.  I've talked with young women of every conceivable kind and description.  All were bright, well-educated, and wanted me to create a foundation so they could direct it and do good works."  She grinned — an improbable event, making her look very cute in spite of her age — and said, "It translates into supporting all the trendy causes.  I want someone to enjoy the money and use it with judgment.  I want someone who will add something to the world.  Mary, I think you're the person I've been searching for.  Please tell me about Tom.  That's what triggered the water works for you."
	Mary told her about a career soldier who loved his country.  He had been killed in the early days in Vietnam saving a trapped patrol.  "All I have are some letters and some medals.  Tom won the Distinguished Service Cross along with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart."  She smiled warmly at Emily and said, "I think the DSC and the Navy Cross are equal in rank."  She looked at Emily and said, "What would you like me to do?"
	Emily gave her a brief outline.  The next day the Jeffersons moved in to Emily's apartment.  April was skeptical about Ronnie but she found that Ronnie loved Emily.  He finally settled on calling her Aunt Em.  When April returned from work, she usually found Ronnie and Aunt Em playing on the floor.  She soon decided that the woman loved her son dearly.
	Emily found Mary Jefferson to be a perfect companion.  She insisted that Emily get exercise so the two women joined a health club.  In no time, Emily was feeling better than she had in years.  The real fun came with the charitable and artistic organizations.  Emily was a board member of all of the most prestigious arts organizations in Chicago and was avidly courted by many others striving to move up in rank.  Mary began to accompany her to all of the meetings, concerts, recitals, and openings.  Emily was utterly delighted.  She found that Mary had even less tolerance for nonsense than she did.  The two women quickly developed a shorthand.  One would raise a thumb, the other would nod, and they would both get up and walk out.
	What passed as modern art was the worst of all.  They joked that they had never seen even half of an exhibition and more commonly only about one-quarter.  One day they went to a gallery opening.  Mary took one look at pictures of homosexual men coupling and she turned around and walked out.  On the sidewalk the two women encountered a man sketching.  He looked at Emily and his charcoal started to fly over his pad.  They were walking down the street towards where their car was waiting.  when he came running after them with his sketch in his hand.  He said, "Ladies, I have something for you.  It's a gift.  Please at least look at it."
	Mary looked at him, prepared to tell him to leave them alone as their chauffeur-bodyguard ran towards them.  Mary glanced at the sketch and then looked at it more closely.  She then looked at the man who was tall and thin with sandy hair and warm brown eyes.  The sketch, done in just a few strokes, caught the look of eagles in Emily's eyes.  Mary showed it to Emily and asked the young man, "Do you do anything besides sketches?"
	He grinned and said, "I try.  Unfortunately, people aren't too interested in what I do.  If... If you could give me a dollar or so for the sketch, I would appreciate it.  It's not necessary, though."
	"Where do you live, young man?" Mary asked.  He told her and she gave him her address.  Then she gave him twenty dollars and said, "Please bring your tools over to the apartment.  I would like to commission a portrait."  He thanked them profusely and said he would be there in about an hour.
	The two women returned to the apartment.  Almost exactly one hour from the time they separated, the receptionist in the lobby announced two visitors for Mrs. Jefferson.  They came up and the butler showed them into the library where Emily and Mary were playing gin rummy.  It was the artist along with a female companion.  Mary looked at the girl closely and rang for the butler.  She ordered club sandwiches to be served to the guests immediately.  The butler was embarrassed to tell her that the cook was off for the afternoon.  Mary excused herself and left the two young people talking with Emily.  She went to the kitchen and returned in a few minutes with two crocks of French onion soup.  She set places for the guests at the card table and held the girl by her shoulder.  When the girl smelled the aroma of the soup, she almost fainted.
	She returned with refills and then with two massive ham and cheese omelettes with soufflé potatoes, a salad and a loaf of french bread.  She noticed that the food just evaporated.
	When they were finished, the girl stood up.  Emily and Mary could see tears rolling from her cheeks.  She said, "Thank you so much.  We have not been introduced.  I'm Kerry Casey, Jim's model.  He's Jim Vance, who I think is the finest artist in the world."  She smiled wryly and added, "Unfortunately, I may be the only person alive who holds that opinion.  We were starving to death when we arrived here today.  I like to think that Jim is perceptive.  Clearly, he's not the only one."  She held out her hand to Mary and asked, "To whom do I owe my life?"
	Mary introduced herself and Emily.  At the mention of the name, Hardwick, Kerry's eyes widened.  "Are you Emily Amelia Hardwick?" she asked softly.
	Emily nodded and looked at the girl strangely.  "Are you Jack Casey's girl?" she asked.  The girl said she was.  Emily continued, "Mary, Jack would have been Mike's nephew if he had lived.  Just think: I would have had this lovely girl as a grandniece."  The girl was about five feet six with dark hair and lovely blue eyes.  She was wearing blue jeans and a loose shirt.
	While they were talking, Jim had been studying Emily.  He moved her chair slightly and began to sketch.  Kerry went around behind him and the two spoke quietly.  He continued working for four hours until six o'clock.  As he began to put away his materials, Emily stretched and came around to look at the canvas.  Her eyes widened and she gasped.  Although it was not nearly finished, the outline of the painting was very clear.  She was sitting in the chair with shelves of books behind her, the way they appeared in the library.  There were things in the painting, though, that were not present in the room.  On a bookshelf Jim had sketched in a small shadow box.  In it were a naval officer's cap device, gold Navy pilot's wings, the Navy Cross, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.
	But sitting next to her on the table in his picture was a book of matches.  There was nothing on the table she had been sitting beside.  She looked at it closely and gasped, then ran from the room.  Mary was amazed.  Jim had caught the piercing look in her eyes, but so much more.  Mary whispered, "Jim, it's perfect!  She is a lady, isn't she?"  Jim just nodded and Kerry held his hand tightly.
	Emily reappeared in the library with a matchbook in her hand, still visibly shaken.  She said softly, "Maybe you should use the real one."  She put it in his hand and then broke down in tears, going to Mary who seated her on the sofa and comforted her.  Finally she regained control and said softly, "Jim Vance, how could you possibly know?  That matchbook in your picture shows the logo the Pump Room used in 1942.  You showed this match book.  Open it, please, and look at it."  He did as she added, "Mike was educated as an engineer.  I used to tease him about his very neat printing."  Inside the cover of the matchbook was neatly printed, "LTJG Michael P. Casey, USNR, Scout Bomber Squadron 8, FPO, San Francisco, California."  She said, "He used this matchbook to write his address for me the last day we were together."
	Suddenly the anguish disappeared and she looked at Mary with excitement in her eyes.  She looked like she had shed fifty years of age as she said, "Dear Mary, Mike is so close to me now!  I can feel him and hear him.  I'll be with him soon, I just know it!"  Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "Can I lose my virginity in Heaven, do you suppose?  Oh, God, I love him so!"  Mary just held the older woman tightly and then suggested she take a nap before dinner.  Emily left the room, leaving Mary alone with the young people.
	Mary said, "Do you two drink?  I believe we're finished for today, aren't we?"  They said they did, and she relayed the order to the butler who served them drinks along with a platter of canapés.  Jim looked at Mary and saw tears flowing down her cheeks.  She said, "We haven't talked about a fee, Jim.  How much do you charge for a portrait?"
	Before he could answer, Kerry said, "It's five hundred dollars, Mrs. Jefferson.  If it's possible, we would like an advance payment of one hundred dollars with the balance when the commission is accepted."  Mary nodded and went to the desk drawer.  One of the first things Emily had done was to make Mary a signatory on her bank account.  She carefully wrote out a check and gave it to Jim.  It was for $1,000.
	He looked at it and choked.  Finally he was able to say, "Mrs. Jefferson, there has been a mistake.  This check is for one thousand dollars!"
	Mary replied, "You're right, Jim, there has been a mistake.  The mistake was Kerry's.  The fee will be five thousand with 20 percent in advance.  Jim Vance, that portrait is priceless.  Frankly, I'm sure Emily is going to be angry at me for cheating you so badly."  She smiled at the two young people and asked, "Could you stay for dinner?  I have a feeling you don't have much to eat and we have a very great deal.  It would be a favor to us if you would."  She smiled and went back to the desk.  Opening a drawer she took a small sheaf of bills and gave them to Kerry.  "I think this is about a thousand or so.  Consider it a gift to Mike Casey's grandniece.  We would appreciate it very much if you would bring some of your other paintings with you.  We don't dress for dinner."
	The two left the apartment in a daze.  A few minutes after they left, April returned home and Mary told her what had happened.  April played with Ronnie for a while and then went to her room to shower and change.  At seven-thirty Jim and Kerry returned.  Jim was now wearing a jacket and tie while Kerry was wearing a lovely dress that was quite loose on her.  Clearly, she was now much thinner than normal.  They were each carrying a stack of canvasses.  April and Ronnie came out and were introduced to them.  After Jim looked at the Jeffersons and Ronnie, he asked them to sit in the living room.  He posed them with April sitting on a chair with Ronnie on her lap and Mary standing behind.  He worked with his charcoal and sketch pad for a few minutes.  While he was sketching, Emily came up behind him to watch.  Her eyes widened as she saw what he was doing.  He finished and smiled.
	The butler brought more drinks and they started to look at his oils.  The first was a figure study of Kerry, but it was so much more.  April looked at it and said softly, "I didn't think a man could love a woman that much!"  She looked more carefully at the painting and then at Kerry.  "You're incredibly passionate, but you're still a virgin, aren't you?  Once I saw it in the portrait, I can see it in you.  It's true, isn't it?"
	Kerry just nodded.  She said, "I guess we would have been eating more regularly if Jim wasn't so good.  He sees people.  Would you like to see his sketch of you?"
	April instantly agreed and Jim shyly opened up his sketch pad.  She saw the charcoal and gasped, "My God, Jim!  What did you do?"  In just a few strokes he caught Ronnie's intelligence, warmth, and friendliness; he caught Mary's sadness, intelligence and determination and the fact she was a lady.  April looked beautiful, elegant, sexy, intelligent, and hurt.  April murmured, "Dorian Gray!  You see it all, don't you?"
	Jim just shrugged.  Most of the other pictures were of Kerry.  As a group, they displayed enormous love and appreciation for the woman whose body was utterly exquisite.  She appeared completely at home with her nudity.  At dinner Emily asked, "Why aren't you two married?  I have seldom seen two people who are more in love."
	"My father forbids it," Kerry said quietly.  "He's convinced Jim can't possibly support me.  Jim won't let me support him, so we starve together.  He won't let us marry, so we just live together.  I adore the man and it's agonizing for him to sleep with me without touching me.  I think it's even worse for me.  Can you see that in the pictures?  My wanting?"  April kissed the girl and hugged her close, feeling the tears of frustration flowing down her cheeks.
* * *
	Before they had moved in with Emily Amelia, Cindy had been dropping in at the Jefferson apartment with increasing frequency.  The visits stopped when they moved in with Emily until April assured her she would be welcome.  One day she had to see April about a loan and called at the Hardwick apartment.  When she asked for April, the butler showed her in.  Only then did Cindy realize she was still wearing her Levi's and work shirt.  Uh, oh!  she thought, I guess it's too late to change clothes now.  He showed her into the living room where the family was gathered.  As she stood at the archway into the living room, Ronnie saw her and gave a little yelp.  He ran over to her with his arms outstretched crying, "It's Aunt Cindy!"  He gave her his usually beaming smile as she scooped him up in her arms and gave him a very warm hug and kiss.  She had come to adore this incredibly handsome little boy.
	As she carried him in her arms into the living room, she began to tickle him.  It was something Ronnie loved.  He began to laugh uncontrollably as she gently set him on the carpet while continuing to tease him.  She was on her knees as he got up on his sturdy legs and came back into her arms.  It was only then that she realized Emily Amelia was sitting in a wing chair watching her with her very stern eyes.  Standing Ronnie on his feet, she jumped up and squared her shoulders.  "I'm terribly sorry!  You must be Miss Hardwick.  I'm Cynthia Martin and I want to apologize for my disgraceful behavior just now."
	Emily Amelia just looked at her with her hawk-like gaze, the one that could see through steel.  Cindy stood there with her hands at her sides feeling that this woman was looking right through her.  Finally, Emily just nodded.  Turning to April who was also wearing her Levi's she said, "April, would you mind standing beside Miss Martin?"
	April went to Cindy and stood with an arm around her waist.  The two girls just looked at Emily who finally murmured, "Of course!  'The twins who aren't'!"  Then with a small smile she said in her normal voice, "It's so clear, now.  You're the same height, the same weight — except for the color of your skin, eyes and hair — you are twins."
	In just the few days the Jefferson family had been with Emily, April had come to love her.  She knew Emily had a remarkable sense of humor so she said, "I beg your pardon!?  Her twin?  Emily, this girl is flat as a board while I have real tits!  Pretending to frown she added, "I'm... I'm... insulted!"
	Improbably, Emily grinned and asked Mary to tell the butler she wanted privacy for a few minutes.  Mary Jefferson rose and took Ronnie out of the room with her.  Then turning back to Cindy she said, "Would you mind taking off your clothes?"  Although she looked puzzled, Cindy slipped off her jeans and her shirt.  Gracefully stepping out of her bikinis she was now bare.  While she did, April did, too.  Again the Black girl put her arm around Cindy's waist.  This time she smiled warmly at Emily and said, "That was a terrible lie about Cindy, wasn't it?"  Both girls' breasts were full and very firm although April's were very slightly larger.
	"Would you come closer, please?" Emily asked Cindy.  When she did the woman lightly ran her fingers over the scars across her breasts and belly.  Turning around in response to another request, Emily let out a low gasp as she saw Cindy's badly scarred buttocks.  The woman whispered, "Does it still hurt, Cindy?  It must have been agonizing!"  She motioned and the girls dressed again and took seats.  Mary looked in, saw the girls were again dressed, and asked the butler to take their drink orders.
	"They don't hurt at all, Miss Hardwick.  But it's very thoughtful of you to ask, though."
	"How did it happen?" Emily persisted.
	"I was disobedient, arrogant and stupid.  I did it to myself," Cindy replied softly.  Emily raised her eyebrows in disbelief, but Cindy insisted.  Then April, over Cindy's strenuous objections, told what had happened.  Going backward in time, Emily wanted to know about the slavery in the first place.  Cindy, sitting up straight in her chair but with tears streaming down her cheeks, told her about the Illinois Technologies loan, its sale, and the aftermath.  Then she said, "I understand, Miss Hardwick, that the first time you met April you indicated I was a nasty little bitch who cared nothing for people.  Of course, you were absolutely right.  I really should have been drowned at birth.  But, Miss Hardwick, I am trying.  Really, I am.  The scars you were looking at remind me of what I was and could easily become again if I'm not very careful.  I know you consider my father a friend.  I would appreciate it very much if you would keep an eye on me so that I don't forget who I am and how I got to be the bitch I was.  Miss Hardwick, I have come to love April, Ronnie and her mother very much.  Please try to believe me when I say it is sincere."
	For the first time, Emily smiled at Cindy with love in her eyes.  She said, "Miss Martin, I do believe you.  I believe you have changed dramatically for the better.  You see, there is one person whose judgment of people I have come to trust completely: Ronnie.  He never misses in his judgments and he loves you.  You can't know how happy I am now, because your father and your new mother are people I have come to love very much.  I hope you'll allow me to love you as well.  Finally, I want to thank you for what you have done for April."
	When Emily held her arms out, Cindy went into them, hugged the woman and kissed her warmly.
* * *
	Jim Vance completed the portrait of Emily in only a few days of intensive effort.  When it was finished, they had a small party in the evening to celebrate.  The next night, Emily said she was tired and was going to retire early.  At nine o'clock, Mary heard her call out and went to her.  The woman was in bed lying with her head on her pillow.  She looked very young and very beautiful.  April, sensing something was happening, picked up Ronnie and went into the room, too.
	Emily said softly, "Goodbye, dear Mary.  Please kiss me.  I'm going to Mike now.  He came for me and is now waiting.  May I kiss you all?  Please?"  Ronnie went to her and kissed her warmly, followed by April.  "Take care of your mother and Ronnie, darling.  They are both wonderful people.  I only regret I won't see what a wonderful young man he'll grow to be."  Finally, Mary went to her and could see Emily's eyes glistening, "Darling Mary, it's happening.  I even became a Catholic for Mike.  Now he has come for me..."  Her eyes closed and her face formed a beatific smile.
	April went to call an ambulance while little Ronnie said softly to his grandmother, "Pretty lady, Grandmom.  She's so happy now!"  Tears were streaming down Mary's face as she agreed that she was.
Chapter 21
	The funeral for Emily Amelia Hardwick was held in the Cathedral the week following Kathy and Bill's return from their honeymoon.  They had heard about Emily very briefly from April when she came out for their wedding.  At the wake Mary was the next of kin receiving condolences.  While they were there, April introduced them to a young couple, Jim Vance and Kerry Casey.
	Jim looked at Bill and recoiled.  Then he looked at Kathy and said, "My God!  May... Please may I do your portrait?  Never in my life have I seen such..."
	"...suffering, Darling," Kerry finished.  "Jim is an artist.  He completed the portrait of Emily over there a week ago.  Would you sit for him?  Please?"  The Cartwrights went to the casket to pay their respects.  Then they saw the portrait and looked at it, stunned.  Jim was still at their elbow when Bill turned and asked, "How much do you...  Forget it.  You have a commission.  Do we give you a deposit?  Kath, you're the banker.  Give the nice man a check.  A big one."
	Kathy took out a checkbook and wrote a check for ten thousand dollars and gave it to Kerry.  She looked at it and almost fell over.  Then she handed it back saying, "You don't understand.  Jim wants to do you as a study.  Never have we seen two people who have undergone greater torture to achieve their happiness than you two.  It's his gift.  Please accept it."
	Kathy was puzzled and looked it.  She insisted that they accept the check which Kerry did, reluctantly.  Then Kathy asked, "How do you know?  It's not true for me, of course, but it's true of him.  But how do you know?"
	Jim put his arm around Kerry's waist and she turned her face up to his for a kiss.  Then the two young people began to speak alternately yet as if with a single voice.  It was almost like two people sharing a single brain.  They said, "No, Kathy, you weren't tortured.  Much!  As a very young girl — about ten years old?  — you held Bill while he was being tortured.  They made him put his lips against a red-hot knife blade to prevent him from kissing you.  He doesn't know that they did it to you, also.  He doesn't know that you volunteered to be whipped unmercifully to try to spare him some agony.  He doesn't know you saved some of your food and tried to smuggle it to him while you were starving.  You went through the jungles of Southeast Asia by yourself when he was moved to Hanoi and you couldn't follow.  You swam to Hong Kong... about ten miles, wasn't it?  You almost starved to death rather than sell your body."  The two young people were looking at Kathy who was aghast.  No one knew what they had just said, but it was all true.
	Then they looked at Bill and said, "And you, Bill: Chained to a wall for fourteen years.  Tortured daily.  Red-hot pincers frying your testicles.  Constant whippings.  For what?  First, to find out where your Laotian friends were.  That was good for thirty days or so.  Then it was to confess that America was using germ warfare and waging genocide.  Everyone signed that garbage, but you would not.  Then it was just to defeat the American.  They could not.  They tried everything.  And it didn't end until just a few weeks ago, did it?"
	Bill was pale under his tan.  He said, "But how could you possibly?..."  Then he turned to Kathy and said, "Honey, whatever you made the check for, double it.  This is a painting I really want to see!"  They made arrangements to meet later and then parted.
	After the funeral, Emily's will was read.  Aside from $250,000 bequests each to James Vance and Kerry Casey, and bequests to her staff, the entire estate was left to Mary Jefferson, who was now the wealthiest woman in Chicago.
	When Bill and Kathy met Jim and Kerry in their apartment, Jim looked at them and asked, "Could we do two portraits?  Sort of two for the price of one?  I would like to do one with the two of you nude.  Would you mind?"
	Kathy was startled and looked at Bill.  He said softly, "Honey, we've spent most of our time together naked.  I don't mind.  Do you?"  She smiled warmly and started to strip off her clothes.  Jim posed them with Kathy seated in a chair with Bill standing behind her.  Kathy's body blocked his genitals from the picture.  He put his hand on her shoulder and she gripped it while Jim started to sketch.
	Because of the work with Jim, the Cartwrights now took an interest in art.  One Wednesday they were near city hall and saw a group of ten men, apparently artists, arranging an exhibit, so they walked across the street to take a look.  When they got close, Bill's stomach started to turn over.  They were urinating on one flag, burning a hole in another, and desecrating a third with a Viet Cong flag.  This was more than Bill could take.  He went up to them and asked what was going on.  The apparent leader asked, "What's it to you?"  Looking at Bill he said with a sneer, "You must have been one of those Americans who were terrorizing the poor Vietnamese.  You murderer!" he screamed, swinging at Bill with a piece of heavy lumber.
	Bill sidestepped and the man missed.  Suddenly, several of the men came at Bill from as many directions.  One was about to hit him over the head from the rear when Kathy kicked him as hard as she could in the balls.  Bill turned just as the leader hit her behind the ear with the club he had first tried to use against Bill.  As Kathy collapsed to the ground, he went berserk.  Dimly he heard police whistles, but he took the man who had hit his wife with a karate knife to his midsection.  When the man folded, Bill killed him with a chop to the side of the neck.  He waded into the others like a man possessed.  When the police finally arrived in force, all of the men were on the ground and three of them were dead.  Bill cradled Kathy's head in his lap, while he checked her pulse and found she was still alive.
	A policeman had observed the entire event from close range.  Because of the numbers involved he had radioed for help which finally arrived.  Kathy was taken to the hospital while Bill was taken to headquarters.  The assailants were taken to the prison ward in an ambulance, while a few were headed to the morgue.  At the station he called Jennifer and found her at home.  She said she would get a lawyer down to the station right away.  Because of the policeman's statement, though, Bill was treated as a hero by the police.  While he was giving a statement to the police, a lawyer appeared and introduced himself.  Bill went before the magistrate who heard testimony from the police officer that the leader, now dead, had swung at Bill's head with a club.  When Kathy saved him from being struck down from behind, the leader had hit her.  He described how Bill became a berserker and put all of the attackers on the ground in one way or another.
	Bill was released and immediately went to the hospital where he found Kathy in bed with her head bandaged.  She smiled warmly when he arrived and said, "That's the last time I try to be a hero for you, Bill Cartwright!  All I got out of it was a headache.  I'll let you be the hero in the family.  Now can you get me some clothes so I can get out of this dump?"  The attending physician said there was no danger and signed a release, so they went home together.
	Later, a grand jury indicted the seven survivors on counts of aggravated assault, flag desecration and a host of other counts the district attorney was able to come up with.  While awaiting the criminal trial, though, Bill received a civil summons.  He was being sued in Federal court by the seven survivors and the estates of the three dead men for damages!  Joining in the suit was a well-financed left-wing organization always identified with court cases for radical causes.  He told Kathy who then called her new mother.
	When she reached Ali Clifford on the phone, she told her about the recent events.  Ali asked her to wait a moment.  A few minutes later, she was back on the phone.  She said, "Our litigation partner, Sandy Benson, will be out there at once.  She's probably the best trial lawyer in the state of California.  She wants to represent Bill.  Please allow her to.  I think this is going to be fun!"
	When Sandy arrived at their apartment, Kathy and Bill liked her at once.  She was a beautiful tall girl with a sparkling personality.  Bill reviewed the events and showed her the legal papers that had been served.  He looked at Sandy and realized there were tears in her eyes.
	She said, "Bill and Kathy, before I go any further, there's something you need to know about me.  My husband, Jack, insists I tell you.  As usual, he's right.  I used to be one of those people yelling, 'Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh!  The Viet Cong is going to win,' and similar bullshit.  While I was doing that in the cozy confines of a college campus, those bastards were torturing you daily.  I was wrong.  I know it.  But Bill, it doesn't make up for what I did, or for the torture you suffered.  You should tell me to get on the plane or a broomstick or something, but get the hell out of your life."  She sat there with her head up straight but with tears running down her cheeks, waiting.
	Kathy spoke before Bill could reply.  She said, "Bill, there are a few things you should know about Sandy.  First, she's the finest trial lawyer in the State of California.  That's not a shabby recommendation.  Second, my mother filed for divorce against my father.  You know how desperately they're in love?  Jennifer told me how she tried to break up their marriage and almost succeeded.  Ali refused to come between a father and his daughter.  She was prepared to destroy her life for the man she loved.  Sandy Benson handled Mom's case and deliberately lost it.  She resigned the next day from the firm.  She was going to resign from the bar and go to prison because she protected my mother from her own actions.  Bill, she was going to go to jail.  You were, weren't you Sandy?"  The girl just nodded her head.
	Bill said, "Sandy, what can I say?  I never heard of any one-girl demonstrations.  If you were involved, I'm sure you had a lot of company.  I would like you to represent me if you're willing."
	The girl's face lighted up.  "Willing?  Oh God, Bill, thank you!  This is the best thing that's ever happened to me."
	Bill asked, "Sandy, what are your fees?  How big a retainer would you like to start?"
	Sandy shook her head sadly, "I'm sorry, Bill.  I wasn't clear.  There will be no fee.  This is a very small effort on my part to try to make amends.  I'm also covering my own expenses.  Now let's go."  They fought about it, but Sandy was adamant.  She refused to accept a penny for the work.  Then she explained what she was going to do:  As a first step, she was filing a counter-suit alleging infringement of Bill's civil rights.  The organization financing the action against Bill was included as a defendant in her complaint.
	The case was quickly scheduled for trial.  The plaintiffs' attorney, a notorious defender of far-left causes, tried to establish for the jury that his clients had been assaulted by Bill and Kathy.  It was clear to Sandy that the jury was skeptical.  Sandy introduced the testimony of the police officer-witness that the leader, now dead, had swung a club at Bill's head.  It was only after Kathy had been knocked out that Bill went berserk.  Plaintiffs introduced testimony that Bill had been in Army Special Forces and was therefore a highly-trained killer.  The attorney argued that it was all Bill's fault.
	Sandy called Kathy as a witness.  She told how she had tried to keep Bill from being clubbed from behind and then was struck down.  Then Sandy changed her line of questioning.  She asked, "Kathy, when and where did you first meet Bill Cartwright?"
	Kathy told how she had been forced by the Viet Cong and later by the North Vietnamese to participate in Bill's torture.  She told how they learned to communicate in an obscure Laotian dialect while he was being tortured almost every day.  Tears were rolling down Kathy's cheeks as she told how it had gone on for three years with her watching.  Bill was living in his filth but would not give in.  In response to another question, Kathy finally said she was only ten years old when she first saw Bill Cartwright.
	Then Sandy said, "With the Court's permission, I would like my client to take off his shirt.  I would like the witness to show the jury some of the things that happened to him."
	Bill was taken completely by surprise.  He took off his jacket and tie, then took off his shirt and went to stand by the witness box.  Kathy pointed out a mark on his chest where he was pinched with red hot pincers.  She showed the traces of scars on his lips where they used a red-hot blade to sear his lips to prevent them from kissing.  Sandy said, "They did that to you, too, didn't they?"  Kathy admitted they did, but only once.
	She described in detail some of the ways he had been tortured in her presence.  Once, the court had to recess suddenly.  A juror had become violently ill listening to her story and seeing Bill's scars.  Finally, Kathy said that most of the scars didn't show with Bill dressed because they concentrated on his genitals.  She described how he screamed in agony but never broke.
	"What were they after, Kathy?" Sandy asked quietly.
	"For a short time, it was to find out where his Laotian friends were.  After that, it was to get him to admit to American war crimes.  Bill refused.  He would do nothing against his country or its flag."  Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she told of making her way overland, swimming to Hong Kong, and finally reaching the United States.  When Sandy asked her why she had come to the States, she replied with tears streaming down her cheeks, "Any nation that could inspire Bill Cartwright to endure years of agony in its name had to be a wonderful place.  I had to come to America.  It's very simple, really."
	"So Bill Cartwright fought and suffered for the flag he saw being desecrated that afternoon?  He saw it trampled, urinated on, and defiled with the flag of the Viet Cong he had come to detest.  Is that right?"  Kathy agreed that it was.  "Then these men attacked you, is that correct?"  Again, Kathy agreed.
	Finally, Sandy asked, "What happened at the Presidio in San Francisco a few weeks ago when you were there, Kathy?"
	Kathy sat up straight in her chair and said, "I saw the government of the United States recognize my husband, Bill, for what he had done.  I saw the President of the United States award him the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor our country can give.  Everything I have and all I ever hope to have, I owe to him.  I think the nation still owes him a great debt of gratitude."  Plaintiffs' counsel immediately objected and the objection was sustained.  Sandy smiled and agreed that the reference to the nation's debt to Bill should be stricken.  She had no further questions.
	The opposing counsel didn't ask any questions.  In summation, Sandy restated what had been elicited in testimony:  Bill had served his country and defended its flag.  He suffered agonies for fourteen years because he wouldn't say anything against it, even to save his own life.  Then he was attacked by a group of thugs who were defacing that very flag.  The case went to the jury.  Bill asked her how it looked and she whispered, "It's a big win for you, Bill.  I know it.  The only question is how big it'll be."
	It took the jury only ten minutes to reach a verdict.  The judge addressed the foreman of the jury and said, "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?"
	"We have, Your Honor," the foreman replied.
	"What is your verdict?"
	"On plaintiffs suit, we find unanimously for the defendant.  On the countersuit, we find for William Cartwright.  We adjudge damages as $100,000 real and $10 million as exemplary punitive damages, your honor.  Further, we assign the damages jointly and severally to all of the plaintiffs.  Finally, we humbly wish to thank William Cartwright for all he has done for his country, Your Honor.  There are no words to describe our admiration and respect for this man and what he has endured for this country."
	The judge thanked the jury and dismissed it.  He immediately endorsed the verdict and the damage award.  Sandy took Bill in her arms and kissed him solidly.  "Bill, thank you.  This has been my very best day in court.  Ever!  It couldn't happen to a nicer guy.  Ali will be so pleased!  You're one of her most favorite sons-in-law."  Bill tried to get her to take a fee but she refused.  She looked at her watch and said, "I have to dash.  There's a plane at O'Hare I can just make."  She grinned and said, "My real sacrifice wasn't giving up a fee... Ali sees to it that I'm very well paid.  The real sacrifice has been being away from my husband, Jack, for so long.  My cunt has been aching for days!"  She winked and ran out of the courtroom for a cab.
	That night Kathy prepared a gourmet meal for Bill and they spent the rest of the night making love in their bed.  He found he could not get enough of Kathy's beautiful body.
* * *
	In a couple of weeks, both portraits were finished.  When Jim and Kerry came to present them, Kathy and Bill just held hands and looked at them.  Finally, Bill said, "Jim, I can't look like that.  I just can't.  That's not the guy I see in the mirror shaving."
	Kathy said quietly, "It's the guy who makes love to me every day, though.  It's the girl who is the problem.  No human can look like that.  It's just not me."
	Bill said, "To paraphrase a good friend of mine, it sure looks like a girl I make love to every day, though.  Isn't that you?"  They looked in each other's eyes and, moving almost in a trance, embraced tightly.  They turned to the young couple agreeing it was the finest set of portraits they had ever seen.  The nude version was hung in their bedroom while the clothed one went to a place of honor in the entrance hall.
Chapter 22
	Jan came racing down the stairs reacting to the smell of smoke and the banshee scream of a smoke detector.  Running into the kitchen, she found Cindy crumpled on the floor while eggs were turning to carbon in the skillet.  She turned off the range and put the smoking pan in the sink.  Ignoring the scream of the detector, she knelt beside the unconscious girl, now very pale in spite of her tan.  By this time Pete had come down, too.  He opened windows and turned the exhaust fan to its highest setting to draw off the smoke.  While Jan called the doctor, he carried the girl up to her room and put her to bed.
	The doctor arrived only minutes later.  By this time Cindy was reviving and trying to get up.  Pete wouldn't hear of it.  He said, "Young lady, you were sprawled on the floor, trying to burn the damned house down.  Are you still trying to get us into the new house next door?"  She just smiled weakly.
	After examining her the doctor looked at her and demanded, "How much sleep have you been getting, young lady?"
	Cindy looked guilty, but tried to hide it.  She replied weakly, "Lots and lots, Doctor.  Honest."
	"What's a lot?  Two hours?  Three?  I'll bet you ten dollars you haven't averaged as much as three hours for the last three weeks, have you?"  Cindy just looked guilty and her eyes closed.  Exhaustion had taken her again.  The doctor left the room with Pete and Jan and went down to the kitchen.  He said, "The good news is there's absolutely nothing clinically wrong with that young lady.  She's in perfect physical condition, considering!  No one can operate on no sleep, and that's what that girl has been doing.  What's going on?"  Janice just shook her head but said she would find out.
	Pete left for the office.  At eight o'clock, a car drove up followed a few minutes later by another.  Jan welcomed first April and then Kathy.  Alerted by what had happened to Cindy, she looked at the girls closely.  Both looked worn out; both were going on nerves and determination, and each carried in arm-loads of files.  Janice ordered them both to bed in spare bedrooms.  She found it very significant that neither girl had the strength left even to argue, and both were asleep almost instantly.
	Jan called Dan Burke at the bank.  When he came on the line she said, "Burke, what's going on?  I've heard of men killing their wives with overwork, but usually they marry them first.  Furthermore, Cindy is my slave.  You're only borrowing her.  It's pretty damned clear she's working two jobs for you and about one and a half for me.  Since that takes twenty-eight hours, it's a little hard to do it all in just twenty-four!"  Then she told him what had happened, as well as the condition of Kathy and April.  He promised to check and call her back.  Jan stayed home that day to keep an eye on the three girls.
	He was as good as his word.  At noon, Dan called and said, "Jan, you were right.  Good heavens, how could we be so dumb!  Those three girls have processed two-thirds of the total loans the bank has made in the last three months.  They're doing the work of about thirty people!  How are they now?"
	"They're all sleeping like babies, why?" she asked.
	"Because Don is coming out there this afternoon.  He'll be there with Mary about five.  Bill Cartwright will be driving out with them to drive Kathy home and Mary Jefferson will send her chauffeur to drive April back along with someone to bring back her car.  There will be a staff meeting at your house at five.  Finally, I've told our personnel people to get them more help immediately.  I think they got the message this time."
	At four-thirty the girls started to drift down the stairs.  Since it was Jan's house, they came down wearing their usual attire at the Stewart's: nothing.  Jan looked at the three fondly.  In spite of the sleep still in their eyes and their woebegone expressions, they were beautiful girls.  Jan gave them coffee and shooed them upstairs to get dressed because they were meeting with the president of the bank in twenty minutes.  The girls just nodded and disappeared.  She heard the showers running and a few minutes later they reappeared with their hair still wet, all wearing their Levi's and work shirts.
	Don and Mary Martin arrived with Bill Cartwright.  They gathered in the kitchen with Don sitting at the head of the table.  The three sat like schoolgirls who had just been sent to the principal's office.  All of them sat quietly, just looking down at the table top.  Bill looked at his young wife and his heart turned over.  She was so cute but looked so apprehensive.
	Don looked around the table and said, "I guess it's time to review the results of the first three months' operation of our Special Lending Division.  It's a pretty simple review, really.  There is a question the bank examiners raised, though, that I'll take up at the end."  When she heard her father mention "bank examiners," Cindy's heart leaped to her throat.  He continued by listing the number of loans made and their total dollar value.  Then he said, "Now, loan performance: loans classified as non-performing, none; loans delinquent, none; loan payments late, none; loans paid in advance of contract, 45 percent.  This brings me to the examiners: they question why we're reserving anything at all against this portfolio in view of the payment record.  We gave them some double-talk.
	"Then the senior examiner said it's obviously the result of our bank's focus on rich individuals exclusively.  He asked why we don't participate in the community lending pool with the other banks.  Our participation is supposed to be $1 million.  I told him we would pass.  Our exposure — the term doesn't really fit in this case — is now north of $50 million and rising fast."  Then Don smiled and turned to Mary and said, "Mary, you have been around the bank for twenty years.  What do you think?"
	"It's unheard of, Darling!"  Then Mary grimaced and punched him lightly on the arm.  She said, "Donald Martin, my time in the bank is our secret."  She grinned and said, "Yesterday there was a new receptionist filling in for Jean.  She asked me when I started at the bank.  She said she had been at the bank for six months herself and thought she knew all the new people.  Then she told me about a new singles bar for people in their twenties that's supposed to have some really neat-looking men!"  She looked at Don and said thoughtfully, "I wonder how much I could get for you on a trade-in?"
	Don was now looking very young.  He grinned ruefully and shook his head saying, "That's what I get for marrying a girl who is forty going on eighteen!"  She stuck out her tongue and then kissed him softly.  Cindy clapped her hands in glee.
	Then he looked at her and said, "That's the problem, Cin.  Your mother is now looking younger than you do.  You three girls are killing yourselves.  If it hadn't been for Jan's call this morning, no one would have realized how much work you people are doing."  He winked at Jan and said, "This morning the Board of Directors approved the payment of bonuses to your group.  Each of you will receive a cash bonus of 100 percent of salary, payable immediately."
	Cindy looked puzzled and asked, "Dad, how can I get a bonus when I don't get a salary?"
	He looked at her quizzically and replied, "Cindy, aren't you the girl who was first in her class at Chicago's business school?  What's 100 percent of nothing?"
	"Nothing," she answered.
	"Then what's your bonus?"
	Cindy just grinned and shook her head sadly.  Then she looked at Jan and said, "I want to apologize for this morning.  I guess the doctor's bill will just add to my indenture like the rest of the stuff, won't it?"  Jan just smiled.  Then Cindy started to rise from the table to start dinner.
	Jan said, "Slave Cindy, what are you doing?"
	The girl was startled.  She said, "I'm preparing dinner, Jan.  It's my job.  I really can't afford any more time added.  I want so desperately to be married and be a mother!"  Jan's heart turned over as she heard the girl's words.  Clearly, this slave thing had already gone much too far.  But since it was early November already, it would soon be over.  She told her to remain seated.
	Then Jan glared at the girls and said, "Slaves, your assignment this evening is to try to act like guests.  I want to see if you know how.  As for dinner, I think I can cope with a little help from Mary."  Then she turned to Don and asked, "What are we going to do now, Don?  How does the story come out?"
	He replied, "Good question.  Our personnel people have an incentive to hire some new officers for Cindy's unit... three to start.  The incentive is they get to keep their jobs.  Cindy, there will be candidates for you to interview in the office at nine o'clock tomorrow.  Be there!  This meeting is adjourned."  Then he looked at the girl and asked, "Could you get a jacket and take a walk with your dad?"
	Cindy Martin slipped on a jacket while he put on his coat, and then they went out the back door.  Without even thinking, she went to the left towards the new house under construction next door.  Work had begun in late September and it was now framed out.  She and Dan went through it every weekend and Cindy adored it.  It was a rambling house with six bedrooms, what was shaping up to be a formal living room along with a huge family room with a fieldstone fireplace.  Her father held her hand as they walked.  Finally he said, "Cindy, are you happy?"
	She turned to him, startled.  "Dad, I almost couldn't be happier.  Things are really working out.  I've changed.  I think I'm a much nicer person now... at least I like myself a lot more.  I'm loved by a man I adore.  Our sex life together couldn't be better.  The only thing I want is for Dan to get some recognition.  He's the best banker alive with the possible exception of you.  The only other thing is it's getting harder and harder on me for us to be apart.  I so want to marry him, live with him, and bear his children."  She stopped and looked up at her father.  "Dad, can you believe it?  Hearing from your liberated daughter that all she really wants is to be pregnant?  God, now I finally know what a cunt is for.  I know what a uterus is for.  I know what breasts are for.  They combine with a man you love to create and nurture children.  I want it so badly!"  She looked down at the ground and said softly, "I guess it sounds pretty dumb, doesn't it?"
	Don took his daughter in his arms and held her tight.  He whispered, "No, Honey, it doesn't."  He kissed her softly and said, "I am regretting the whole slavery idea, though."
	She smiled warmly and shook her head.  "I'm not," she said firmly.  "Just think, Dad, where I would be if this hadn't happened.  First, I would still be an insufferable bitch dating a fairy, for Christ's sake.  Dan wouldn't be speaking to me.  I would be hanging out with those Lakefront airheads.  I would be looking down my nose at my dumb father who doesn't understand what's new in banking."  She smiled and said, "On the other hand I wouldn't have an ass that's covered with scars and I wouldn't have a circumcised clitoris.  Circumcision with a whip is not the way to go."  She hugged him tight and said, "What I do have is a father who loves me, at least in part for who I am and what I am, rather than in spite of it.  I have a man who is my idea of perfection: smart, big, strong, funny.  A man who makes my cunt gush with fluids just talking about him.  I have a wonderful new mother and a group of new friends any one of whom is worth more than that whole pack of idiots I used to hang around with.  Dad, a couple of scars is a very cheap price to pay."
	She grinned and added, "I'm also an excellent housekeeper, cook, and mother.  I find I love babies."  Then she looked at her father and said, "Dad, am I strange?  I don't want Dan to be in the labor room when I deliver.  Giving birth is really woman's work.  I would like Mary or April with me to hold my hand, but I want Dan pacing the floor outside, not in the labor room feeling guilty.  Is that dumb?"
	Her father kissed her softly and they started back towards the house.  He said softly, "No, Pumpkin, it doesn't sound at all dumb to me.  Can I tell you a secret?  Mary came into my office a few days ago in tears.  She had just been told she couldn't have a baby.  Can you imagine?  She's over forty, but she wanted desperately to have my child.  She says it's what our lovemaking is all about.  Do you really like her, Cindy?"
	"No Dad, I don't," she replied and saw his face fall.  She squeezed his hand hard and said, "I adore her.  Dad, I can't tell you what it's like to have a mother with a sex life as active as my own.  Would you believe it?  Do you know what she asked me?  She and I compared notes on anal intercourse.  She's always thinking of new ways to take you.  She talked about making her breasts bigger so you could put your cock between them.  I talked her out of that one.  She has enrolled in a school for strippers, though.  She's planning on putting on a show for you alone.  She was so funny!  The instructor rates her as the top student in her class; she can get her work professionally.  What do you think about that?"  Don just smiled and shook his head.
	That night the three girls were guests for the first time at the Stewart's.  When Don and Cindy returned to the house they found Janice and Mary nude and serving the others in the living room.  Mary was as unselfconscious in her nudity as Jan and looked exquisite.  When Janice presented Cindy her martini, she was on her knees with the tray resting on her beautiful breasts.  Cindy casually placed the frosted glass between Jan's tits and saw the girl involuntarily shudder.  Jan winked and said, "I think milady will find it sufficiently chilled."
	At eight-thirty the next morning, Cindy parked her car in the bank's basement garage.  She noticed she had an assigned parking space with the senior officers and was amused to think of a slave as a senior officer.  She went up to her office floor and saw her corner office for the first time.  April and Kathy were with her as she looked at it.  All she said was, "Wow!  Just like a real banker.  Maybe someday..."  The secretary brought coffee and the girls chatted.  They all looked better after having spent most of the previous day sleeping.
	At nine o'clock they went to the conference room.  Cindy chuckled to herself thinking of the three of them — all senior officers — in blue jeans.  As they walked down the hall she asked Kathy where Bill was.  The girl grinned and shook her head.  She said, "Do you know what that bum said?  He said he survived fourteen years with the Vietnamese, but he's wearing out after just a couple of months of me!  He said he prefers me worn out.  When I'm exhausted I'm not as tough on him!  Then this morning, the bum takes me and then rolls over and goes back to sleep!"  The girl licked her lips as she said it.
	"What was that lip-licking bit, Mrs. Cartwright?" Cindy asked with her eyes dancing.
	"That was thinking about the meaning of the phrase, 'taking me,' Miss Martin.  Of course, being single, you couldn't possibly understand!"  She daintily stuck out her tongue and rubbed her groin.
	When they arrived at the conference room they met a tall young woman who had her hand out in greeting.  She said, "Miss Martin?  How do you do?  My name is Kelly McBride.  I'm the personnel officer temporarily assigned to your division."  Cindy thought the girl looked very harried as they entered the conference room.  The three girls from the division sat on one side of the table while, one after the other, candidates appeared for interviews.  Kelly was sitting in the corner behind the applicant's sight line.
	Cindy found a monotonous sameness to all the candidates.  All were well educated.  All had MBAs and most had majored in banking.  Yet all were airheads with no apparent knowledge of people coupled with near-religious belief in numbers produced by analysis.  The girls took turns questioning candidates.  When specific loan applications were discussed, without a single exception they focused on the wrong points and came to the wrong conclusions.  Cindy had been watching Kelly.  It was apparent the girl had the correct answers in mind.  She saw the girl cringe as she heard the candidates give answers to the questions and shake her head in dismay.  Cindy was amused to see the girl draw a line across her pad, usually after the second or third answer.
	At twelve o'clock, she looked at her watch and said, "Let's take a break.  April, isn't there a senior officer's dining room in this dump?  How about if we eat there?  Then the bank can pay and you know where I stand on money.  Can our girl make reservations?  Kelly will be joining us."
	The girl was shocked.  She was used to being treated on a par with the janitors by the banking officers.  April left to check on reservations, first calling Dan Burke to be sure he wouldn't show up in the dining room.  They went up to the officer's dining room and were being shown to their table.  When Cindy appeared, every officer in the room rose to his feet and began to applaud.  The applause continued until they were all seated.  Cindy, who had blushed beet red, asked, "What was that all about?"
	Kelly said, "Miss Martin, it was a tribute to the officer who has done more for this institution than almost anyone else.  They are impressed."
	Cindy looked at the girl and said, "The name is Cindy, unless you prefer Slave.  I answer to that, too.  When you say Miss Martin, I look around to see who you're talking to."  She looked at the girl thoughtfully and asked, "Why don't you apply for the job, Kelly?  Aren't you interested?  And by the way, why are you our temporary personnel officer?"  Kelly was a beautiful girl with wavy auburn hair and brilliant green eyes.  She was very tall at five feet ten.
	The girl looked at Cindy and shook her head sadly.  She said, "Miss Martin... Cindy... as for the job, I don't have qualification number one!  I'm sorry.  As for being temporary, it's a battle that I lost.  Like all the Irish, though, I never know when I'm beaten so I keep fighting anyway.  As a result, I'll be leaving the bank on Friday."
	"Why?" Cindy asked.
	The girl's green eyes flashed and she replied, "I thought that was standard procedure when one has been fired."  She smiled ruefully and added, "To show you how dumb I am, the head of the department asked for my resignation.  I refused.  I told him he would have to fire me, so he did.  I guess it's a first for the bank."
	Cindy excused herself and went to a phone.  She called her father's office and found him in.  "What kind of idiots do we have in Personnel these days, Dad?" she demanded.  Then she quickly filled him in on what had happened.
	Don Martin just sighed and said, "Why can't I have an airhead daughter like all of my friends?  Why does she keep finding more problems for hard-pressed top management to handle?  Cindy, why can't you just spend your time roaming through the dress shops like normal girls?"  Then she heard his quiet chuckle and he continued, "Okay, Pumpkin, there will be a new personnel director this afternoon.  Happy?  Does your Miss McBride want the job?"
	"I'm not going to give her the chance, Dad.  I'm hiring her for my division, if it's all right with you.  Maybe she has a couple of friends."  Cindy paused and sighed, "I guess we really do need some help.  I'm sorry we're costing you so much money, though.  I'll try to make it up to you, Daddy.  Honest."
	"Damn it, girl, don't you ever hear what I say?  You and your unit are absolutely minting money for us.  If you tripled your damned spending you would be spending one-half of what everyone else does.  Are you starting to get the picture?  Or should I get Jim Vance to paint one for you?"  She said she understood and returned to the table.
	The girls were waiting for her and a waitress was at the table.  April had just said they were not drinking when Cindy said, "Yes we are!  I'll have a Bloody Mary.  We're celebrating, girls.  You too, McBride.  I trust you imbibe on occasion?  This is an occasion."  The girls looked surprised but all joined Cindy in Bloody Marys.  When the drinks came, Cindy lifted her glass and said, "Kelly, to your last days in Personnel!"
	The girl looked puzzled but drank to it.  Then Cindy asked her about her plans.  The girl sat up straight and said, "I have a couple of things.  There's an opening for a waitress here in the dining room I'm going to apply for.  Then I have a job lined up as a cocktail waitress that tips well, and I'll go back to another job I work at from time to time."
	Cindy noticed the sparkle in her eyes faded as she mentioned the third job.  She asked, "Why so many jobs?"
	Again Kelly's eyes flashed.  "You probably don't know about them, Cindy, but there are things called education loans.  I have a pile.  I guess I made a blunder and now I have to live with it.  I'll make out," she said as her voice cracked.  She excused herself and ran from the table.
	April went after her to the ladies' room following a signal from Cindy.  As they both expected, she found the girl standing in a corner crying her eyes out.  She took the girl in her arms and held her closely, murmuring in her ear.  As Kelly regained control, she looked into April's eyes.  All she saw was enormous warmth and compassion.  April said, "Kelly, there are a couple of things you should know.  I'm telling you because Cindy never would.  First, she has been working free!  You complain about low pay?  How would you like no pay?  That's what she gets.  I think you got some idea this morning of what we do and the way we work.  Do you think she could do that if she had no feeling for people?  She's the warmest, loveliest person alive.  She's also a lot of fun.  I think I know what's coming, and I'm not going to spoil it for her.  But I just want to warn you about one thing.  You know Dan Burke, don't you?"
	Kelly said, "You mean the executive vice president?  No, I don't know him.  Are you kidding?  He wouldn't even know I'm alive!"
	April shook her head sadly and said, "Don't bet on it.  Dan is Cindy's lover.  She thinks he's a credit analyst which is all he was just six months ago.  Dan knows almost everyone in the bank, particularly the little people.  Ask the elevator starter, a cleaning woman, an operations clerk.  Pick anyone.  Ask about Dan Burke.  If they have ever had a serious personal problem, they know him.  He takes care of people and they all love him.  All I ask is one thing: don't even hint that he's a top executive."  April's eyes were blazing now as she said, "If you haven't gotten the message yet, we love that girl.  There is absolutely nothing we will not do for her.  But we don't want her to learn about Dan.  Understand?"
	Kelly saw the look in April's eyes and knew she meant it.  Carefully, April cleaned up the girl's face noticing that, like the rest of them, she wore no makeup.  They returned to the table where the waitress was waiting to take the rest of their order.  Cindy ordered a salad with the wry comment that they couldn't screw that up too badly.  Kathy commented that just because Cindy was a gourmet chef was no reason to knock the poor peasants who had to make do with normal food.
	Kelly was much more cheerful now.  She asked, "Food?  You mean corned beef and cabbage with boiled potatoes, don't you?  What's a salad?  What's 'gourmet' mean?"
	The girls laughed and Cindy looked at Kelly and said, "Just before you turned on the waterworks, you were telling us about your plans.  Why do you want to leave the bank?"
	Kelly looked at her intently and saw a gleam of amusement in the girl's eyes.  She had also seen that the girls were always kidding one another.  Still, she had no idea what Cindy was driving at.  She replied with a wry smile, "I thought that was the expected behavior when one has been fired?  Of course, I never went to business school, so I can't be sure."
	"Where did you go to school?" Cindy asked softly.
	"I graduated from Notre Dame.  Unfortunately, I majored in English and philosophy.  There isn't much call for that."  Cindy asked how she did academically and Kelly replied, "Summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in my junior year.  I guess I did okay."
	The waitress had taken the drinks away but Cindy had ordered a bottle of white wine.  She shook hands with each of her colleagues noticing their nods.  Turning back to Kelly, she raised her glass and said, "To Chicago Trust's newest assistant vice president, Kelly McBride!  Congratulations."
	Kelly sat in her chair, thunderstruck.  Assistant vice president?  Me!?  she thought.  She said, "Is this a joke, Cindy?  Frankly, I'm not in shape for any jokes today."
	Cindy reached across the table and took Kelly's hand.  She said warmly, "It's not a joke, Kelly.  I guess there are a couple of things you should know about me.  First, my father runs the bank.  Second, I'm enslaved to the owner of the bank.  When I left the table earlier, I called Dad and told him what I was doing.  You saw the hostess bring a slip of paper to the table a few minutes ago?  Maybe you should see what it says."
	She passed the note across the table, and Kelly looked at it.  Her eyes widened as she read, Kelly McBride has been unanimously elected an assistant vice president with an approval authority of $500,000.  Are there any others?  She slowly shook her head.  "What does this mean," she asked.  What is this authority?"
	Cindy said, "That's the size of loan you can make on your own authority without checking with anyone else."  She smiled and said, "By the way, Kelly, what's the total of your education loans?  How much do you owe?"  The girl replied that it was nearly fifty thousand dollars.  Cindy said, "Fine.  This afternoon, pay them all off.  Chicago Trust will refinance them for you at 3 percent interest.  Our Oriental genius here will tell you what the payments will be and we'll set up a payroll deduction, if that's all right.  If you owed an even fifty thousand, I think the payments would be a little less than three hundred a month over twenty years.  Is that all right with you?"
	The girl's jaw dropped.  All she could do was nod vigorously.  They left the dining room and returned to Cindy's office.  She grinned at the girls and sat in her chair for the first time.  It was a high-backed executive swivel upholstered in leather.  Cindy spun around in it with her legs out straight like a little girl.  Kathy and April grinned while Kelly was surprised again.  "Having fun, boss?" April asked sardonically.
	"Sure am!" Cindy replied cheerfully, bringing the spin to a stop.  The girls took seats with Kelly sitting in front of the desk.  Cindy asked her, "How many more people are we scheduled to see?"
	"I have ten more, Cindy, but forget it.  I already called the office and canceled the interviews.  They're just like the ones you crossed off this morning."  She shook her head and said, "You need help in this division desperately.  I know it and so does everyone else in the bank with half a brain.  Of course, that excludes my former colleagues in Personnel...  Excuse me: Human Resources.  Regardless of the name, they're just as dumb."
	Kelly was warming to her subject now.  She continued, "Cindy, have you ever heard of a zero-pass filter?  It's a filter nothing can get through.  That's what we have here.  Personnel won't let you see anyone you would seriously consider hiring, and you wouldn't touch one of the people that clear their filter with a ten-foot pole.  The result is what you have:  You're killing yourself with work, and can't get a drink of water in spite of being afloat in a freshwater lake.  There are lots of great people coming into Personnel all the time.  They just get turned away with monotonous regularity."
	"Before we get in deeper, Kelly, how much do you make?  We'll be taking over your salary now."
	"It's not a big number.  I make $15,500 a year," she replied.
	"That's impossible!" April exclaimed.  "I was hired as a relief receptionist at eighteen.  You can't make less than that."
	"I sure can... and do," Kelly replied with chagrin.  I remember when you were hired."  She grinned and said, "I know the job well.  I applied for it but was turned down because I was over-qualified.  Over-qualified, hell!  I needed the extra money."
	"Two questions, Kelly," Cindy said.  "First, do we have anyone in this circus competent to run Personnel.  Second, are there some candidates in Personnel's reject pile we should be talking with?"  Kelly gave her the name of an experienced woman and answered the second question in the affirmative.  She left the office to see if she could get a few of them in that afternoon.  When she returned, she said three people would be coming in with the first expected in an hour.  Cindy called her father, gave him the name Kelly recommended and told him what she was doing.  She mentioned salary to him quietly with her back to her desk so Kelly couldn't overhear.
	She hung up and spun around again.  Then she shook her head sadly and said, "Kelly, we may be getting ahead of ourselves, though.  You haven't taken your physical yet."  The girl looked puzzled and Cindy looked at April, while Kathy got up and closed the office door.
	April said, "Kelly, there are some tough parts to this job.  You see, Cindy is Janice Stewart's slave.  Since she's our boss, that makes us junior slaves.  Since we use the Stewart's as our office — Cindy never saw this one until this morning — we have to perform every once in a while as assistant slaves.  It's sort of fun, except for the uniform.  You see, Cindy's uniform is nudity.  I don't know how long it's going to last, but you have to be prepared.  Are you willing to be bare-assed?"
	Kelly started to take off her clothes.  When she was naked, she put one leg in front of the other and struck a model's pose, holding her head up straight.  She was utterly magnificent.  Her body was as good as any of the other girls and she still had a beautiful all-over tan.  There were no suit marks showing anywhere.
	Cindy asked her about it and the light in her eyes died.  She replied, "My boss insists."  She dressed again quickly and appeared to be ready to leave the office.  She said, "I said I applied for a job as a waitress here.  It's true.  As a cocktail waitress, I'll be working topless.  That's okay, because as my third job I'm a stripper.  The manager doesn't like the girls to show suit marks.  I've been doing it for years."  Tears came to her eyes and she almost choked as she said, "Thank you so much for your confidence in me, but I'm sure you can see why I don't belong in a bank like this one.  I will give my resignation to you, Cindy Martin."
	"Where in hell do you think you're going?" Cindy demanded.  "You know how desperate we are.  Young lady, come back here and sit down!"
	She then told Kelly about April's background and then about Kathy's.  When she told her about Kathy finding Bill again, tears were streaming down Kelly's face.  Finally she said, "I spend most of my time nude, Kelly.  I certainly don't mind your being a stripper."  She looked at the girl and said softly, "It's not the nudity, it's the leering, isn't it?"
	The girl looked startled, but then smiled, "You're right, of course, Cindy.  I like my body and like to show it off, particularly to..."  She stopped and started again.  "I don't like the leering and the innuendos, though.  As for being a junior slave, I would love it!  Now, when do I start?"
	Cindy shook hands and said, "You already did.  You have been making $60,000 a year since this morning.  I'm sorry."
	The girl was astonished.  "Cindy, that's almost quadrupling my salary.  Are you crazy?"
	"No.  And the reason I apologized is you're still the lowest-paid assistant vice president in the bank," Cindy said.  Then April pointed out that she just missed a divisional bonus of 100 percent of salary but assured her there would be more opportunities.
	That afternoon two more women were hired.  Cindy called the Mazda dealer and ordered three more red Mazdas.  Then she took Kelly to meet Mary Martin and to give her some tips on stripping for her father.  Cindy noticed that Mary took very careful notes.
Chapter 23
	Susan Bradford went to the reception desk in the lobby of the posh apartment house and asked to see Mrs. Jefferson.  She thought that it must be the most deluxe building in Chicago if they could afford a receptionist in addition to a doorman.  The woman smiled, pointed out the penthouse elevator, and told her to go right up.  She took the elevator to the penthouse and was greeted by the butler who showed her into a room that appeared to be the library.  Walking through the apartment, she was impressed with both the excellent taste and the money evident in the furnishings.  Then her heart sank as she saw that there were three women already seated and obviously waiting to be interviewed.  She checked her watch and found it was after four o'clock; she had to be at work by six.
	While she waited, four more women were ushered in and took seats.  Reflecting on the ad she had answered several weeks earlier, she was hoping against hope.  She needed the job desperately.  Waiting on tables paid the rent but that was all.  She was already behind in repaying her student loans, and she had to earn more money.  With a lot of luck, the schedule might permit her to work both jobs.  Periodically, she saw a very attractive Black woman come to the door, call a name and then disappear into another room.
	While she was waiting and wondering if it would be appropriate to take out a book, a little boy entered the room.  He was the most handsome little boy she had ever seen.  His skin was the color of chocolate milk, but his hair was wavy rather than kinky.  He walked from one woman to the next.  At each woman he would stop, look into her face, smile and then move on to the next one.  Some of the women smiled at him, one just looked at him impassively, while a couple ignored him.  Finally, his tour of the room brought him to Susan.  He repeated his procedure.  He looked up at her and appeared to study her eyes.  Susan always felt her appearance was very plain.  When she was feeling down, she considered herself ugly.  She had wavy brown hair and brown eyes.  Often, she had considered tinting her hair blonde but had always rejected the idea.  The boy continued to study her and then he smiled.  Susan smiled back.
	His behavior changed.  She realized he had a drawstring cloth bag clutched in his left hand.  Instead of moving to the next woman, his smile changed to a beam of sunshine.  It was the brightest smile she had ever seen — the little boy was joyous!  Then he said, "Pretty lady!"  Susan beamed back at him.  He held up his bag and asked, "Pretty lady play with me?"  He sat down on the floor in front of her chair and emptied the blocks in the bag out on the carpet.
	Susan went down on her knees on the floor and watched as he played with his blocks.  Although Susan didn't think he was even two years old, he told her the colors and the alphabet letters on each block.  After stacking them he started testing Susan, asking her for blocks by letter.  It was obvious to her that he really knew them because he caught her instantly when she tried to trick him.  He grinned infectiously when she did.  Getting to his feet, he came to her with his arms outstretched.  She was kneeling on the floor with her weight back on her heels.  In that position he was almost as tall as she was.
	He wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a big kiss, saying, "Nice lady!"  Susan was thrilled.  She held him tight and kissed his baby-soft cheek.  He beamed at her again and murmured, "Ronnie likes pretty lady."
	Meanwhile, it was growing late.  Susan was dismayed to see that some of the women who had arrived later than her had already been interviewed.  Oh, well, she thought, They're undoubtedly better qualified than I am anyway.  I guess I was made to be a mother.  Then she thought wryly, All I need is a man to be the father.
	The only other woman waiting had been called.  Susan was now alone with the little boy named Ronnie.  Remarkably, when he grew tired of playing with his blocks he carefully put them all back in his bag and held out his arms to her again.  She took him in her arms and sat back in the leather-covered armchair.  The boy snuggled in her shoulder and just went right to sleep.  She was still holding him when the woman she had been seeing came for her.  Carefully, she lifted Ronnie from Susan's arms.
	As soon as he was moved, his eyes opened and he reached for Susan.  He wrapped his arms around her neck and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.  Then he said, "Goodbye, pretty lady.  Thank you for playing with me."
	The woman stood him on his feet and he took his bag and toddled off while the woman watched him fondly.  When he left the room, the woman put out her hand to Susan who rose from the chair and took it in a firm grip.  The woman led her into another room off the library obviously used as her office.  It was almost like the library, but it contained a desk.  She said, "Welcome, Susan Bradford.  I am Mary Jefferson.  You applied for a job as my secretary.  You're white.  Do you have a problem working for a Black woman?"
	Susan was startled by the woman's directness.  She said she did not.  Then the woman said, "Susan, you minored in art at Smith College.  I want your opinion of this painting."  She indicated the portrait of Emily and said, "That's Emily Amelia Hardwick.  What do you think of it?"
	Rising to her feet, Susan looked at the portrait and gasped.  She said softly, "It can't be!  It just can't."  Mary asked her what she was seeing.  Susan replied, "I see a lady.  I see a woman who appears elderly but at the same time very young — about twenty.  She's a virgin."  Then tears came to her eyes as she saw the medals in the background.  She went close to it and studied its details carefully.  Then she returned to the chair in front of the desk.  Holding her head up straight she said, "Emily had dinner at the Pump Room in Chicago, probably during the second World War.  She ate with a naval officer, a pilot.  He never came back.  He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart, probably posthumously.  She was madly in love with him but they never slept together.  When that portrait was done, she was still a virgin.  Yet she was waiting for him, and felt he was very close."  She looked at Mary whose face had been utterly impassive and said, "That's what I see, Mrs. Jefferson.  I have never seen such a fabulous portrait in my life.  Whoever did it defines the term, artist.  He or she found the person under the skin.  I'm sorry if I sound like a fool, but that's what I see in this portrait."
	Mary nodded and said quietly, "Emily went to Mike.  She asked me if he could take her virginity in Heaven.  She was beaming when Mike came to take her."  Tears were flowing from her eyes when she finished.  "He was killed at the Battle of Midway, Susan, defending our country.  His name was Mike Casey and he swore he would wait for Emily forever.  She went to him less than a month ago."  Mary smiled and said, "There is another one, Susan.  What do you see in it?"  She took the girl to her family portrait.
	Susan looked and gasped, then she looked at Mary.  She said, "You lost your husband in the service of our country, too, didn't you?  I see a woman standing...  No!  I see a lady standing.  A lady with honor, dignity, strength and integrity.  I see a woman who deeply grieves, even today, the loss of her husband.  It's been years, too.  Then I see the most beautiful young woman I've seen in years.  She has been badly hurt.  She did things — degrading things — that she regrets.  She's a lady, also, in the model of her mother.  Finally, I see the most beautiful little boy I have ever laid eyes on.  He has a smile that lights up a room.  Mrs. Jefferson, you're very fortunate.  Will your daughter marry Ronnie's father?"
	Mary whistled softly and shook her head.  "I don't know about you, Susan Bradford.  You see too much.  The answers to your questions are, first, I don't know if April will marry Ron.  She will if he changes enough.  As for me, I do still miss Tom terribly.  At times my loins ache because he's not between my thighs."  Mary looked at Susan and asked, "Does that sound terrible, Susan?"
	The girl shook her head and said, "The difference between you and Emily is you had Tom in your bed.  You gave birth to a daughter who would make anyone proud.  She, in turn, gave birth to the most wonderful little boy I have ever seen.  I know she has to love him, and you do, too."
	"Come back and sit down, Susan.  I have some dictation for you.  Do you take dictation?" Mary asked.
	The girl's head was up straight as she said, "I lied, Mrs. Jefferson.  I fake it with a form of speed writing I used in college during lectures.  I'm not a trained secretary.  I apologize for wasting so much of your time.  I enjoyed talking with you and hope to be able to see the portraits again somewhere, someday."  She rose to leave.
	"Sit down, Susan!" Mary said sharply.  The girl was startled, but she sat down.  "Why were you leaving?"  Mary asked with her kindness now audible in her voice.
	"Because I'm a fake and a fraud, Mrs. Jefferson," she replied with tears starting to stream down her face.  "You need a good secretary.  I am not one.  I already apologized.  Do you want me to get down on my knees?  I must go now or I'll be late for work.  I need the job to pay the rent."
	"You have a job," Mary said, checking her watch.  It was almost five-thirty.  She said, "You're now my secretary.  Come on, Susan, we're late.  Move it."  The girl was baffled, but followed the woman out of the room to another equipped as a gym.  To her surprise, Mary stripped off her clothes and stood there nude.  Susan was astonished to see the woman's figure was essentially perfect.  Mary waited impatiently for her to strip.  Blushing beet red, Susan did.
	When she was naked, Mary walked around her looking at her body carefully.  Finally, she shook her head and said, "Bradford, you have all the raw material, but it sure needs a lot of work!  Let's go."
	While they were side by side using weight machines, Mary said, "Two things, Susan: First, the name is Mary.  My daughter's name is April and you were playing with Ronald, junior, or Ronnie.  He hired you, you should know.  You had the job before we ever shook hands.  That little boy has an uncanny instinct for people.  He never misses.  You saw him today:  He smiled at all the women which means no one failed.  He beamed at you, though.  Ronnie fell in love with you right off the bat.  I have never seen a girl your age as good with him as you are except possibly his mother.  And notice, I said possibly.  I'm not even certain of that.
	"Second, I have taken the liberty of telling the restaurant you won't be working there any longer.  Our working hours can be a bit strange sometimes.  Finally, get that flabby ass of yours in gear.  I can't stand a flabby ass on a girl."  She grinned and added, "Maybe it's a Black prejudice.  We tend towards round firm buns, at least when we're young."  She looked at the girl straining with the weights and said, "Bradford, you have not even begun to work out.  My daughter handles five times the weight you have and she hardly breaks a sweat.  My secretary is going to be in shape, damn it!"
	By the time they finished in the exercise room, Susan was reeling with fatigue and her body was slick with her sweat.  Mary took her in her arms and kissed her saying, "There's a long way to go, but I think you'll make it.  There's no sense in buying you a wardrobe yet because your sizes will change a lot and change fast.  I think you'll be pleased with the results, though."  The women shared a shower and got dressed again.  Going back to the office, Mary showed her a computer that caused her eyes to pop.  It was the most powerful personal computer she had ever seen.
	Mary said, "One last thing: I would like you to do a letter.  Why don't you start up the computer and do it right on it."  The girl started up the machine and found it used the word processing software with which she was most familiar.  Because of the speed of the computer, however, it ran far faster than any she had ever seen before.  Mary said, "The letter is to Mr. Donald Martin, President, Chicago Trust Company."  She continued with her dictation telling him that Susan was hired, provided her social security number and finished by saying she was earning $60,000 per year to start.
	When Susan heard the number, she just stopped and looked up at Mary aghast.  "But that's impossible," she protested.  "That's more than three times what I'm worth!"
	Mary corrected her.  She said, "That's incorrect, Susan.  It is correct to say it's three times the market.  It most assuredly is not three times what you're worth.  I'm paying only a fraction of what you're worth, and a small fraction, at that."  The laser printer hummed and the letter was finished.  Susan thought it looked good and Mary did, too.
	As they were finishing up, the beautiful girl from the picture came into the office with Ronnie in her arms.  Ronnie saw Susan and said, "Pretty lady play with me, Mommy.  Pretty lady is nice lady."
	The girl extended her hand and Susan took it in a firm grip.  She said, "I'm April Jefferson.  I gather you have met the love of my life, Ronald Jackson, Jr.  As he just made very clear, he likes you, and that means you like him.  Thank you for playing with him."
	Susan looked at April and said, "The portrait is very accurate.  That artist is fabulous.  Through the portrait, I saw things about you that I now see in your flesh.  But they are things I would never see without having seen the portrait first.  April Jefferson, you're the most beautiful young lady it has ever been my pleasure to meet.  And I want to stress the word, lady."
	That night Susan was invited for dinner.  It was served by the butler in a formal dining room.  She was impressed at the way the Jeffersons took it in stride.  Clearly, they both were ladies with impeccable taste and manners.  As she was getting her coat on, April quietly gave her a small roll of bills and said, "You'll need some money to get going on.  The chauffeur will be out front with the car to take you home.  If it fits your schedule, he'll pick you up tomorrow morning at eight.  I hope that's not too early."  Susan just shook her head and went home in a daze.
	 For Susan the next weeks went by in a rush.  She found she spent most of her time exercising and swimming.  Mary would exercise with her for a while and then drive Susan harder and harder.  There was also a tanning room that Mary insisted she use.  The woman joked that hers was permanent, but since Susan wasn't so lucky she needed to work on hers.  After three weeks, Susan was again increasing the exercise machine's weight loading again when Mary asked, "What are you doing that for?  Take a look at yourself in the mirror."  There was a full-length mirror used for checking on exercise technique.  She looked at her image and gasped.  Looking back at her was a girl she had never seen before.  Her shoulders appeared broader, her breasts were a bit larger but much firmer, and her figure was perfection.  She now had an all-over tan and there were golden streaks showing in her hair.  Susan smiled at the image in the mirror.  
	Finally, Mary took her shopping and purchased a wardrobe for her.  Susan had never had such beautiful clothes in her life.  She had also given up her apartment and was now living with the Jeffersons.  She had an exquisite room and bath to herself, and found she loved the small family with whom she was now living.  Wherever Mary went, Susan accompanied her.  They attended concerts, gallery openings, plays, and the openings of new restaurants.  Wherever Mary went she was courted because, as Susan quickly learned, her employer was the richest woman in Chicago.
	One morning, Mary asked Susan to sit in on a meeting she had reluctantly scheduled.  It was with Horace Washington, director of SHOVE, ostensibly a civil-rights organization organized to empower the poor of Chicago.  When Washington was shown in, Mary rose to greet him.  As he entered the room, Susan could see instantly that Mary didn't like this Black man.  He was under six feet in height, quite heavy and was wearing a lot of jewelry including a very ostentatious diamond ring.  He sat in an armchair in front of Mary's desk and almost overflowed it.
	After cool initial pleasantries were exchanged, Washington came right to the point.  He said, "Mrs. Jefferson, I want you to contribute $50 million to SHOVE.  It will make up for the injustices Black people suffered at the hands of the Hardwicks for so many years.  We were delighted to hear that a Black female will be handling the money now."  He smiled conspiratorially and said, "Soon, of course, we will want it all signed over to us.  We have big plans for you, too, of course.  We can get you on the lecture circuit to talk about the abuse you suffered at the hands of that honky bitch.  We will also consider it reparations for that Oreo-cookie daughter of yours."  His eyes were cold as he continued, "Imagine!  A Black girl working in that disgraceful bank, Chicago Trust Company.  She's tokenism at its worst!  Pretending to be an officer!"
	Mary's eyes were cold as ice.  She turned to Susan and said, "You investigated SHOVE, Susan.  What did you find?"
	Susan replied, "SHOVE has received over $20 million in Federal money alone over the last four years.  There are records of less than $2 million going to the poor, and almost all of that in the form of loans carrying interest rates of 20 percent or higher.  There is no record of the other $18 million, but it's gone.  The total income, including donations, is unknown.  There's a consortium of Chicago banks that assembled a loan fund administered by SHOVE.  The total amount of the fund's lending and its recipients are also unknown."
	"She's a honky!  What can she possibly know about bloods?"  He rose to his feet and said, "Enough of this bullshit, sister!  We want the money and we want it now.  We can cause a lot of trouble and will if we don't get it right now!"  Turning to Susan he said, "Who in hell is this bitch, anyway?  Why don't you have a Black girl in this job?"
	"Because Miss Bradford is the best-qualified person.  She's also my friend, confidante, and a member of my family.  Mr. Washington, you are a disgrace!  You have been stealing our people blind and I will not give you one dime.  Good day, sir!"
	The remaining shreds of Washington's facade collapsed.  He screamed, "You can't do that to me!  I'm a civil-rights leader.  No one talks to me like that.  Now for the last time, give me the money!"
	As he was about to move towards Mary, a hand came down on his shoulder and gripped it like a steel vise.  He couldn't move.  Washington heard a low-pitched voice behind him say, "It is time to leave, Mr. Washington.  You are no longer welcome here.  I will see you to your car."  Horace tried to turn and saw a Black giant standing behind him.  He was marched to the elevator and then out to the street.  The giant opened the door of his limousine and shoved him in, slamming the door behind.  Without a backward look, he returned to the apartment.
	When John Smith returned to the office, Mary Jefferson smiled a greeting.  He said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Jefferson.  That will never happen again."  Then he murmured softly, "Trash!"  He turned to Susan and said, "On behalf of my people, Miss Bradford, I want to apologize.  That man is a disgrace to his race."
	John Smith was a former All-Pro defensive end with the Green Bay Packers.  He was six feet seven, weighed 265 and had been hired on the recommendation of a halfway house where he was recovering from cocaine addiction when Emily's butler retired.  His coke habit had cost him all the money he had made in pro football.  Susan had seen him exercise in the weight room.  He loaded all the weight the machines had and moved it effortlessly.  Mary had patiently trained him until now he was the finest butler in Chicago.  He also worshiped the entire family, now including Susan.
	Mary called April at the bank.  She was amused when she heard the call being transferred to the mobile phone in April's car.  When the girl answered, Mary told her about Washington's visit and his capacity to cause trouble for the bank.  She ended the call by saying, "He hates Chicago Trust Company.  I'm not sure why, but he certainly does."  April immediately relayed the warning directly to Dan Burke.
	Ron Jackson was scheduled to come to dinner that evening.  April thought of him with a smile.  A few weeks earlier she had received a letter from him and immediately noticed two things.  First, his handwriting had improved dramatically.  It used to look like an uncoordinated fourth grader's.  The second was the politeness of his note to her.  He enclosed a copy of his college grades.  Although it was the middle of the football season, he was taking four courses and had A's in all of them.  She was pleasantly surprised to see they were all good courses.  Maybe, she thought, just maybe we may make it again.  April was now acting as agent for twelve members of the Bears defensive unit.  Already past the midpoint of the season, the team had only lost two games, and was in first place in the division with the best record in the NFC.  Jim Clancy gave her the credit.  He claimed the defense was working harder and playing better, both individually and as a team, than it had in memory.  He said the players were really focused on football now because she handled their personal problems and finances.  When she invited Ron to dinner, he had asked if he could bring a guest with him.  He told her it was an offensive player who was looking for a new agent.
	Promptly at six, two guests were announced.  Smith showed them to the living room where April, Mary, and Susan were waiting.  That evening Ronnie was dressed up in anticipation of seeing his father.  But Susan noticed that Ronnie was reserved with him.  Remembering Mary's comment about his unerring instinct for people, it seemed he was withholding judgment.  Susan was surprised at the identity of Ron's companion.  It was Mike Cassidy, the Bear's quarterback.  As they were shown into the living room, both men were awed by John Smith looming ahead of them.
	Cassidy looked up at him and said, "Wow!  Did you ever play pro ball?"
	"Green Bay for nine years," John said softly.
	Cassidy grinned and put out his hand saying, "You had to be a defensive end!  I know the look.  You guys look at a quarterback like he's your next meal!"  He looked at Smith intently and said, "John Smith, isn't it?"  Smith nodded.  "I remember you.  You retired just about the time I came to the Bears.  Frankly, I'm glad you did."  He looked puzzled and said, "But how..."
	"Two things, Mr. Cassidy: cocaine and a thief for an agent."  He smiled and said, "I think Miss Jefferson can do a lot for you.  Now, may I take drink orders?"  He did and withdrew.  Immediately after, April, Ron and Ronnie disappeared in the direction of Ronnie's room, leaving Cassidy alone with Mary and Susan.
	Mike Cassidy looked at Susan but didn't know what to make of her.  She was wearing a plain green wool dress shaped to her figure.  He thought he could see her nipples but couldn't be sure.  Her only jewelry was a gold circle pin.  During college and after, he had bedded more women than he could count, usually thinking of them as trophies for his wall.  He decided that Susan would make an interesting plaything for a day or two, so he turned on his charm.  However, he realized he was at a disadvantage.  First, because he was wearing a suit and tie, he was uncomfortable.  Second, he was in an apartment such as he had never dreamed existed.  He was often invited to appear at functions of all kinds, many given by wealthy people in Chicago and so was accustomed to very expensive decorator-modern furnishings.  This apartment was completely different.  Trying to figure out what was different about it, he was looking around the room.
	Susan looked at Mary who smiled warmly and nodded.  She said, "Mike, I think it would be easier if you just let me show you around.  Would you care to see our apartment?"
	Startled, he looked up at the girl who was now on her feet waiting for him.  Then he realized what it was.  Susan had the same quiet elegance the apartment had.  He rose and they left the living room.  He realized she had a perfect figure and a beautiful face.  What was so different was that she was treating him like... like... a guest!  She wasn't making a play for him at all.  This had never happened to him before.  She ushered him in to Mary's office and stopped at the painting of Emily.
	Mike glanced at it, then looked again.  Usually, one picture was like any other to him.  In general, art was a giant con job as far as he was concerned.  This painting was very different.  He looked at it closely and then murmured, "She's beautiful!  And she's a virgin, isn't she?"  Then he noticed the medals and pieced the story together.
	"You're remarkably perceptive, Mike," Susan said softly.  He loved the soft, musical quality of her voice.  It was a pleasure just to listen to her.  Then he was jolted by her next comment: "Maybe I've been too harsh on you.  I thought your only feelings were in your groin and in your passing arm."
	"What are you saying?" he asked, genuinely shocked.
	She grinned wryly and said, "Mike, if you get me in your bed you would have no idea where I would number among your conquests.  First, you couldn't possibly remember all the girls you've slept with, and second, I don't think you can count that high."
	Cassidy was utterly stunned.  She's right of course, but how could she know?
	As if she was reading his mind, she said, "Women know, Mike.  At least some of us know."
	She showed him the picture of the Jefferson's and he whistled softly.  He said, "Ron can't forgive himself for what he did to April.  She still feels it, doesn't she?"
	"How would you feel playing milk cow to a bunch of animals?  Of course she feels it.  The worst of it is, she blames herself.  April knows she could have refused, but she didn't.  He made her degrade herself."
	"The poor kid," he murmured.
	Cassidy found he loved the apartment.  For the first time he was getting a glimmer of the idea that there was money and money.  This was established money:  Money that did not need to make its existence prominent to make its presence felt.  He studied the girl but couldn't figure her out.  Her eyes were dancing with glee as she said, "There's one more picture I want to show you."  He followed her back to the living room and she showed him a painting over the fireplace.  There were two women: one was Kerry Casey and the other was Susan herself.  Both girls were nude.
	He looked at it and shook his head, murmuring, "Two virgins.  That other girl is wanting so much, she hurts.  She wants him terribly.  Who is he?  The artist?"  Susan nodded.  She and Kerry were posed with their shoulders touching in a semi-reclined pose The girls were holding hands; Susan could remember Kerry gripping her fingers tightly and later apologizing for it.  She said posing for Jim was becoming harder for her.  She could feel his love but could get no relief herself.  When his pressures mounted, she would take him in her mouth but there was no relief for her.  Susan's body was perfect.  Jim even caught the tight curls in her pubic hair and its golden highlights, as well.  Her breasts were full and perfectly shaped with tiny pink nipples.
	"If it will save you a lot of wondering, Mike, it's a good likeness of my body.  Do you like it?"
	He looked at her and saw glee in her eyes.  To his surprise, she pulled his head down to hers and kissed him softly.  Then she said, "Thank you, Mike.  I've dreamed of doing that for years."
	"You what!?" he asked, amazed.  "What are you saying?"
	"When you were playing for Illinois, Mike, I was in high school in Bloomington.  We went to all your games.  Once I got within a few feet of you when you were walking off the field after a loss.  You looked so sad!  I wanted to take you in my arms and make it better."  She smiled and said, "If I remember, I had braces on my teeth and all the curves of a piece of straight stick.  You would have just walked over me."  Cassidy, utterly baffled by Susan's behavior, said nothing.
	John announced dinner.  Mike was sitting at Mary's right with Susan beside him while April was at the other end of the table with Ron on her right and Ronnie sitting next to him.  Susan smiled as she saw John subtly indicating which of the many items of tableware to use with each course.  Mike looked at the women and was amazed.  The dinner was more formal than any he had ever eaten, yet the women maintained the conversation and appeared to enjoy themselves.  Even little Ronnie sitting across from him was eating carefully sitting on the chair in his booster seat.  Mike thought the boy looked very handsome in a blue suit with a white shirt and an Eton collar.
	He heard Susan ask him with a giggle in her voice, "Are you all right, Mike?  You look very uncomfortable.  I'm sorry if you are.  The food is really very good."  He continued just to watch.  He was amazed to hear the women's discussion ranging across the widest variety of topics, from local politics, to national events, to international affairs.  The conversation swung to art, to music, and finally to football.
	At that point, Ron said, "April, I want to do something for Ronnie.  I would like to increase his support to $500 a month."  He looked down at his plate, and Mike realized he hadn't been eating.  Ron continued, "There is no way I can make up for what I have done to you.  I know some of my teammates wrote you letters to apologize for their behavior.  They did, didn't they?"
	April nodded and smiled, remembering.  Most of the men were not even adequate writers, let alone good ones, yet they wanted to tell a woman who behaved like a queen that they had behaved like animals and were ashamed.  She said, "Most did, Ron.  Some of them are my clients now, too.  It's funny.  Charley Hodgins is a man-mountain and a client, but he can't bring himself to look me in the eye.  He says he's still too embarrassed.  They're awfully nice, Ron."  Then she looked at him and asked, "Can you afford it?  It will be out of your allowance."
	"I'll make out," he said softly.  Then he looked at her and tears were running down his face.  He said, "I didn't give you anything when you were starving to death and I was rich.  Now, your mother is the richest woman in Chicago and $500 is like five cents.  I give it to you when you don't need it.  Please accept it, April.  I need you to, even though you don't need the money."
	He tried to smile as he continued, "There's something else I want to say, though.  You and your mother and Miss Bradford are so at home in this setting while I don't even know which fork to use.  Even my baby son makes his father look like a fool, completely by accident of course."  Suddenly, Ron broke down completely.  He was sobbing and April went to him and held him close.  He said, "Oh, God, April!  Please forgive me!  I'm begging, now.  There is no reason why you should and every reason why you should tell me to go to hell.  What I did to you was utterly inhuman!"
	She held him close and patted his back.  Finally he looked up and she said warmly, "Ron, there's nothing to forgive.  I did it to myself.  You just asked.  But why don't you ask your son?"
	Ron was startled but turned to Ronnie who had been watching his father closely.  Ronnie had his arms out and Ron took him in his and held him tight.  He heard Ronnie say, "Don't cry, Daddy.  Ronnie loves his Daddy."  Ron held the boy away and saw the baby beaming at him.
	Ron saw his boy's glorious smile and smiled back.  "Daddy loves you, too, Ronnie.  God, I love you so much!"  He hugged the little boy who had his arms tight around his father's neck.  Then Ron sat him on his lap and put his arm around him.  The baby promptly went to sleep against his father's shoulder.
	Mary smiled at Ron for the first time since she had first met him.  She said, "I guess that's over.  Ronnie just made up his mind.  He loves you, Daddy.  If you're good enough for him, I guess you're good enough for me, too."
	He looked at April and saw a light in her eyes he thought had disappeared forever.  He said, "Alleluia!  April, will you continue to go out with me once in a while?  Did you get my grades?"  She nodded and smiled.  "Honey, I promise I'm going to make myself worthy of you.  Then I'm going to ask you to marry me and... and...  April, will you... are you willing to have... more children?"
	Susan saw an intense warmth appear on April's face.  She said simply, "Ron, Ronnie is as good a baby as there is.  There's no sense stopping when you're on a winning streak.  Besides, you never tried a Brandy Alexander and neither did I.  I guess I'm looking forward to it."
	The conversation shifted and April told Ron she had a new contract for him with a lot of incentive clauses.  Then Mike interjected, "What makes you think you can represent me, April?  You're smart, but I have a quarterback contract.  It's a lot bigger and more complex."
	April looked at Mike, smiled politely and said, "I have no interest in representing you at all, Mike.  You're not my type.  Why don't you just stay where you are?"
	"But... But I can't.  I told the bandit who represents me to get lost.  I... I... I thought you were going to be my agent.  I told everyone you were."
	"That's a shame," April said blandly.  "I guess I'm not everyone, because you certainly didn't tell me."  She turned her attention back to Ron, ignoring him.
	"What can I do?" he asked, turning to Mary Jefferson.  "Why did she turn me down?"
	"Did you hear what you said?  You started by saying she's not competent to represent you," Mary replied.  "Of course, being her mother I'm not completely impartial, but I think she's the best agent in the business.  On the other hand, she's killing herself at her regular job so she certainly doesn't need the extra aggravation."  Mary looked pensive for a moment and then, looking across Mike, said, "Susan, what about you?  Could you help Mike out of his jam?"
	"I already have a job that I love, thanks to you, Mary.  Why on earth would I want to work with this egotist sitting beside me.  I'm not a women's libber, but about twenty minutes with this guy would make me one."  She smiled at the older woman and said, "There is one thing, though.  I would love to have Jim paint Mike's portrait.  It would be the definitive male chauvinist pig."
	"But... But... Sue, you don't know a damn thing about being an agent!" Mike exclaimed.
	"Absolutely nothing," she replied blithely.  "That's another reason I have less than no interest in the job."
	"Damn it, Susan, you have to take it!  You owe it to me and you owe it to the Bears.  I need top-flight representation!"
	"I don't owe you one damned thing, Michael Cassidy!" she exploded with fire in her eyes.  "I owe the Bears even less.  As far as needing top-flight representation, go get it.  You already said I'm incompetent."
	"Why do you have to throw my words back at me like that?  You know I didn't mean it," he said plaintively.
	"You damn well better not be as casual throwing a football as you are throwing out words, Mr. Cassidy.  I was educated in an environment where people are presumed intelligent and are responsible for what they say.  If they don't mean it, they don't say it.  Clearly, your education went off the track somewhere.  Incidentally, where do you stand with respect to your degree?  Do you have one?  If so, in what?"
	He mumbled that he was missing a few courses.  It turned out that "a few"  was two and a half years worth.  His degree, if he ever got it, would have been in outdoor activities.  Susan hooted with glee while Mike reddened with embarrassment.  Finally she said, "Okay, Cassidy, with Mary's permission I'll represent you as your agent.  My fee is 20 percent off the top."
	"My God!" he protested.  "Do you know how much that is?  Do you know how much I make?"
	"It's about $300,000 a year if you have a decent year.  On the other hand, that's all I'll charge you.  Right now April tells me you're paying your agent about 60 percent when all the pieces are added up.  There are four conditions: First, you get an allowance of $5,000 a month.  Second, you complete your degree — a good one — within the next three years.  Third, I don't pay bills for your whores.  Their charges are out of your allowance.  Finally, if you don't get a degree within three years, my fee doubles retroactively back to today.  Clear?"  Mike was stunned but slowly nodded.  Susan put out her hand and said, "Fine!  Now I'm your agent."  Mike was startled at the firmness of her grip as they shook hands.
	After dinner Ron asked Mary if he could take April out dancing.  She smiled and suggested he ask April; he did and she quickly agreed on the condition that Susan and Mike come and chaperon.  John Smith drove them in the Jefferson limousine while the men left Mike's sports car in the garage.  They went to a good hotel that had a combo playing for dancing.
	Ron immediately took April out on the dance floor leaving Susan alone with Mike.  She was still glaring at him, or pretending to.  Mike was baffled.  He had never met a girl like Susan in his life and didn't know what to make of her.  He realized most of the girls he dated were airheads while Susan was probably much smarter than he was.  The other girls fell all over themselves to get in his bed; she ignored him.  Finally he asked, "Susan, how did you know so much about me and my agent?  It isn't common knowledge."
	"Jim Clancy told April," she replied without comment.  "By the way, how are your auctions coming?  Any good action?"
	Mike turned beet red.  He stammered, "What do you know about my auctions?"
	"I hear you get together all the girls that are interested in bedding you.  First, they take off all their clothes.  I guess a bunch wash out right there after you see them naked.  Then you have an auction with the ones who are left.  The one who will accept the most extreme arrangement wins.  The last one I heard about had the girl accepting thirty lashes with a whip administered by the jealous second place girl before she could come to your bed.  How did that work out, anyway?  Could she still perform in bed for you after thirty lashes?"  Susan said it in a completely dispassionate tone of voice.  Her question seemed to be borne of pure scientific curiosity.
	"How could you possibly know that?" he asked bemused.  "The fact is I spent the night treating her cuts.  The poor kid could only scream in pain.  They were all over her body so there was no position she could be in without putting her weight on some of the cuts."  He looked at Susan and she could see his eyes were wet.  He said, "You're a very strange person, Susan Bradford.  You seem to hate me, but I don't think you really do."
	Susan smiled and changed the subject.  What she said next amazed him: "When did you develop that hitch in your passing motion?"
	"The what!?" he exclaimed.
	"Let's dance and I'll show you," she said.  He took her out to the dance floor.  When she was standing, she quickly demonstrated what he was doing.  People were looking at them strangely as Mike moved his arm in his usual passing motion and realized she was right.  There was a hitch in it.  He took her in his arms on the dance floor and found she moved like a feather on the floor.  She also refused to dance close to him.  There was a distinct separation between them and he asked her about it.  "I'm not giving you a cheap thrill tonight by letting you crush my tits against your chest.  You'll live."
Chapter 24
	On Saturday morning, the girls got a phone call.  It was an unusually warm Indian summer day in November and the Bears were playing at home the next day.  The pre-game practice wrapped up at noon so Ron and Mike asked if the girls cared to prepare a picnic.
	They went out to a park near the lake front.  The men had a football with them and were throwing it around.  While sitting on a blanket they ate the picnic lunch the girls prepared.  Mike was amazed at the change in Susan's appearance.  Today, she looked totally different from the way she did on their first meeting.  The night before she had been poised and elegant; today she looked like a hoyden.  She was wearing skin-tight Levi's, a Smith College sweatshirt, and had her hair tied back in a pony tail.  Mike remembered the magnificent female body he had seen in the painting.  He could see the painter certainly got her legs right.  He hoped the rest of her was as accurately depicted.
	When they finished eating, Susan challenged the men to a two-man touch football game.  To even it, it would be two hands for the men but only one for the girls.  Mike and Ron slapped hands and agreed at once.  As a further concession, they gave the ball to the girls and agreed the men couldn't rush the passer at top speed.  Susan whispered to April and she nodded eagerly.  They had marked out the four corners of a fifty-yard field and put it in play on the twenty yard line.
	Mike was up close to the ball while Ron was playing his normal safety position a little off the line.  When Susan centered the ball to April, Ron was poised on her right.  April started to run left and Mike moved to head her off.  Before he had taken two steps, Susan cut him down with a block on his ankles.  He went down on his face.  Meanwhile, Ron had slowed figuring Mike would catch her.  He chased her, but April was running like a scared deer and easily outran him to score a touchdown.  Susan sat up and wiped dirt off her face, laughing.  Mike sat up and sheepishly wiped himself off.  "What did you do, young lady?" he asked with a sheepish grin on his face.
	Susan's eyes were dancing as she said, "It's called a cross-body block, isn't it?"  She rubbed her side ruefully and added, "It hurts."  Mike just grinned and shook his head, then extended his hands to help her up.
	On his first possession, Susan gave him fits.  On the first play, she tagged him for a loss; on the second, she batted the pass away; and on third down he overthrew Ron because he had to throw so high to clear her upthrust arms.  She daintily stuck out her tongue as he punted the ball.  Although he did no kicking for the Bears, Mike was an excellent punter.  He boomed the ball far past the end of the field and was told to go and retrieve it for his troubles.
	Getting the ball back, April centered it to Susan who sidestepped Mike's rush.  She lofted a perfect pass that April took on her fingertips running at full speed and ran in for another touchdown.  By this time other people walking in the park on the brilliant late fall day were stopping to watch.  Several thought they recognized Mike Cassidy, but no one was sure if it was him.  When they finally quit, the women were ahead by three touchdowns.
	Susan hobbled over to their blanket.  In spite of the time of year, she and April had been playing barefoot.  April took four beers from their cooler and passed them out.  Mike collapsed on his back and Susan used his stomach for a head rest.  He looked at her and just shook his head.  "Where in hell did you learn to throw a football?  You're really good.  God, I wish I had your timing.  For that matter, I would give my left arm for a receiver like April.  How long have you girls been practicing, anyway?"
	"This is the first time I've ever thrown a football with April," Susan replied with a grin.  "On the other hand, I've seen her nude body often enough to know that she's nothing but satin skin over highly-conditioned muscles.  There's not an ounce of fat on her.  I figured she might be fast, and she sure is, isn't she?"
	Mike raised his voice and said, "Ron, you have to marry April.  Can you imagine trying to cover her if some other team finds out how good she is and drafts her?  Isn't there some league rule that husbands and wives have to play on the same team?"  Looking down at Susan, he said softly, "I'll have to marry you, too.  I'm not worrying about another team.  I'm worrying about the Bears.  Susan, you're a better quarterback than I am.  You're more agile, you're faster and you throw the ball better.  How did you learn?"
	While he was talking he had put his hand on her sweatshirt and cupped her breast in his hand.  It was a very firm handful and she was not wearing a bra.  She ignored it except for making a small happy noise deep in her body.  "Aren't you going to say anything?" he asked softly.
	"About your hand on my tit?  No, not unless you complain about my head on your stomach.  Besides, it feels good."  She looked up at him and said, "If a girl is not going to sleep with a guy, she had better learn to run fast.  I do.  As for passing, I picked it up by studying my favorite quarterback."
	"Who is that?" Mike asked.
	"Michael Cassidy," she replied impassively.  "He used to play at Illinois and is playing in the pros now.  He used to be pretty good."
	"Used to be!?  Come on, young lady.  Let's see if you can catch the ball."  Mike picked up the football and trotted back on the field with Susan following.  Mike was utterly astonished at what followed.  She ran pass patterns perfectly, whether a hook, a post, a fly, or a sideline.  She caught one sideline pass on her fingertips with only the toes of both feet still in bounds.
	Then she said, "Now let's see if you can run with that big beer gut.  And be careful.  The quarterback has his image to protect: never getting his uniform dirty."  By this time Susan's clothes were covered with dirt, leaves, twigs, and a little mud where she slid on a wet spot.  She looked absolutely beautiful.  Again, he was astonished at her performance.  She took a pro drop, looked straight down the field and put the ball in his hands wherever he was.  She never appeared to look at him.  Even when he ran fly patterns at full speed Susan put the ball lightly on his fingertips.  Once he took her pass in one hand because she threw such a soft pass that was so easy to catch.  On one pass that dropped incomplete, he was supposed to take five steps and took seven.  The ball was right where he should have been.  Finally, with Mike gasping for breath, they quit.  Mike had his hands on his knees and was breathing hard.  He gasped, "You win.  Susan, you are great."
	"Terrific!  If I won, you have to carry me back to the blanket."  He picked her up and found she felt wonderful in his arms.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on his shoulder.  When they got to the blanket, April looked up and said, "What's this?  Who is that urchin you found, Mike?"
	He grinned and replied, "I'm not sure, but she's the best damned passer in Chicago, bar none!  Did you see what she was throwing?  And catching?  Ron, we should do so well."
	Ron's head was on April's lap.  He opened one eye and said, "She's fine with me.  I'm defense.  We're always in favor of good quarterbacks.  Of course, it's not my job she's taking."
	After showering at the apartment the men took them out for pizza.  At dinner Mike was moving his shoulder.  He said, "Susan, thank you.  You helped me a lot today.  You really did.  I watched you and saw me when I was good.  It reminded me of changes I have to make.  Are you coming to the game tomorrow?"  She said they were planning to.  Susan didn't say that they were guests of the owner and would be watching from his box.
	That night at the door of the Jefferson's apartment, Mike took Susan in his arms and kissed her.  It was like no kiss either had ever had.  There was sweetness and warmth, but at the same time there was electricity flowing between them and bells.  When he slowly released her, she slapped his face hard, glared at him and exclaimed, "I am not in your damned meat market, Cassidy!"  She slammed the door in his face and then leaned back against the door to try to recover from his kiss.  Meanwhile, Mike was whistling brightly as he walked to the elevator, rubbing the bright red mark her hand had left on his face.
	The next day at the game, Susan was introduced to Cindy and Dan Burke who were also the owner's guests.  Dan sat in the back row talking quietly with Mike McCaskey while the girls watched the game.  Chicago was playing the Vikings; in their first meeting Chicago had won 9-0 on three field goals.  The Bear's record was now 10-2; through the first half of the season, the team won with its defense.  If an opponent scored two touchdowns, the Bears were in trouble.  The offense had been a no-show through the season to that point.
	The Vikings received the opening kickoff and sustained a drive the length of the field.  Dan shook his head; there was nothing the Bears could do.  The play pattern consisted of running plays interspersed with short play-action passes.  The Bears defense was playing furiously, but the Viking quarterback was six for six in the drive.  Before the Bears got their hands on the ball, they were trailing 7-0.  It looked like it was going to be a very long afternoon.
	On the first play from scrimmage at the Bear's 8 yard line — the Bear's had been called for holding on the kickoff return — Mike Cassidy faked into the line, rolled to his right on a bootleg and completed a pass to his fleet wide receiver flying down the left sideline.  The pass covered more than 60 yards in the air.  The receiver, Sammy Johnson, took it on his fingers without breaking stride and crossed the goal line untouched.  It was the longest play from scrimmage the Bears had run in more than five years.  Susan was on her feet screaming as soon as Mike unleashed the pass.  She was jumping up and down as Johnson just ran away from the covering cornerback.  The safety had taken the play fake and had come up to assist against the expected run so the corner had no support.
	Mike had his best game at quarterback in three years.  He threw for only 280 yards, but completed twelve of the fourteen passes he threw.  By the time the game was winding down Susan was hoarse from screaming.  April looked at her, shook her head, and said, "Susan, you're not behaving in a very dignified fashion."  She turned to Cindy and asked, "Slave Cindy, what do you think?"
	Cindy had been screaming, too.  She had come to like Susan very much in just the very short time they had known each other.  Her eyes were dancing as she said, "I guess it's what I would do if Burke were out on the field.  Of course, April, it is rather unprofessional for an agent to behave that way, too, isn't it?  I'm sure you bruised your left hand.  Every time Ron makes a play, you slam your right fist into your left hand and make atrocious noises!"  April just grinned and Susan shook her head.  The game ended with the Bears winning their biggest victory of the season, 42–7.  There was an immediate impromptu party in the owner's box to celebrate.  After a few minutes, April and Susan excused themselves to go to the locker-room door.
	Ron came out looking for April.  As soon as she saw him she went to him and then into his arms.  When he kissed her this time, her arms were around his neck.  For the first time there were bells and electricity flowing between them.  April could feel her knees weaken as she held on for support.  When they separated, Ron looked at her with his eyes glistening.  He said, "Is that what I can look forward to if I have a good game, Darling?"
	April had recovered by now and stepped back, saying, "That was an agent congratulating her principal on a very good game.  Ron, you played beautifully!"
	He grinned and said, "It's all your fault, you know?  Yours and Susan's.  Yesterday afternoon was the best practice Mike and I've had in years."  His eyes became serious as he added, "Honey, I'm really serious.  I'm not kidding at all.  Mike said his throwing with Susan and watching her throw fixed him up.  He wants to keep it up, if it's possible."  They had walked away from the crowd milling around the locker room entrance.
	By now almost all the players had come out of the dressing room.  Now there was just Cassidy's meat market; a host of young women ranging in age from about eighteen to their early-thirties.  Although it was cold, some of the women started to shed their coats to better show off their charms.  Several surreptitiously pinched their nipples to make them show through their tight sweaters.  Meanwhile, Susan was standing off to the side by herself.  She was wearing blue jeans and a sweat shirt under a warm duffle coat.  Despite the fact that it was very cold and snowflakes were starting to appear — a cold front had moved through the previous night — the girls in their tight sweaters and micro-minis were anticipating Mike's appearance and the start of the weekly meat market.  This was the first phase of the competition.  Susan counted more than fifty women crowded around jockeying for position close to the door.
	Susan moved farther away from the crowd and pulled up the hood of her coat.  Finally, Mike appeared amid a chorus of squeals and cries from the women crowded around.  The more aggressive ones tried to grab him but Mike kept them away.  Then he held up his hands, the first stage in his market.  Mike surprised them all by saying, "Sorry, girls!  The party's over.  I'm out of business and so is the competition.  I hope it's permanent."  Meanwhile he was looking around and finally saw Susan in spite of her face being almost completely hidden by the hood of her coat.  Mike pushed through the crowd and finally reached her.  Putting his arm around her, he said, "I have to meet my agent, my passing coach, and my girl friend.  Here she is, Susan Bradford."
	With that he took her in his arms and kissed her slowly and lovingly.  He felt an instant response from her lips which were so beautifully soft and warm.  He was trying to probe her mouth with his tongue when Susan backed off and smacked him across the face with her hand.  Mike ignored it in spite of the perfect outline her hand left in red on his left cheek.  He put his arm around her and said, "I'm making progress!  If she was really mad, I would be unconscious.  Girls, this is Susan Bradford, the love of my life.  Now all I have to do is shape myself up and then persuade her to marry me."
	One of the girls yelled, "What does she have, anyway?  She's not your type!"
	Mike still had his arm around Susan and she was not resisting.  He whispered to her, "Susan, please take off your hood.  Let them see you.  Please?"  She glared at him but pulled down the hood and shook out her hair.  He said, "She really is.  She is my type.  I only hope that I'm hers, but only time will tell.  Unfortunately, I have a lot of work to do before I'll know."
	The women looked at Susan and didn't know what to make of her.  It was apparent she was wearing no makeup at all, yet she looked beautiful.  One yelled, "Does she have a figure?  All I see is a shapeless coat."
	Mike said, "Yes, she does, and it's perfect.  I've never seen it, but I did see a picture she posed for.  She's exquisite.  But that's not it.  I want her to be the mother of my children.  I hope to become good enough for her to accept me as her husband.  Now why don't you all just go home and celebrate the Bear's victory?"  Mike looked around as the crowd started to break up as the women left alone or in small groups.  One girl hadn't moved.  She had been on the edge of the crowd but was now standing all alone.  Even from where he was standing Mike could see she looked forlorn as tears starting to flow down her cheeks.  He went to her and brought her back to where Susan was waiting.
	He said, "Susan Bradford, this is Kristin."  Turning to the girl, he said, "Kristin, I'm sorry.  I don't even know your last name.  Sue, Kristin was the girl who won the competition and was whipped.  Could she join us for a while?"  Susan nodded and the trio walked to a nearby bar.  Mike was immediately recognized and they were given a booth in the back.  When they sat down with Kristin sitting across from them, Susan looked at the girl and saw tears in her eyes.
	"What's wrong, Kristin?" she asked kindly.  "Why the tears?"
	The girl held her head up and said, "It's all for nothing.  Now Jack won't have me."
	"Who's Jack?"
	"He's my boyfriend.  He said he wouldn't take me unless Mike Cassidy fucked me first.  He was pretty proud of what happened a few weeks ago.  But he was pissed that I didn't get fucked.  He said that my blood and the pain I suffered would have made the fucking even better.  He showed me off to all his friends."
	Susan was appalled at what she thought she was hearing.  She asked, "What do you mean, showed you off?  What did he do?"
	"He had me strip to the waist and show them the whip cuts across my back and breasts," she replied softly.  "He was real nice, though.  He didn't ask me to strip for them and show the cuts in my cunt and on my ass.  That was just for him."
	"Is that why you did it, Kristin?  Because Jack wanted you to?" Susan asked.
	"Of course.  He's my boyfriend and I love him, in spite of what Charley says," the girl replied.
	"Who's Charley?" Mike asked.
	"He's just a guy," she said.  "He wouldn't let me do what Jack asked and now Jack is really mad."
	Susan began to feel sick as the girl talked about her sadistic boyfriend.  She was almost afraid of what the answer would be.  "What did Jack want?"
	The girl lifted her head and shook it to throw back her heavy blonde hair.  She said, "He wanted me to put dirt in the cuts to make the scars permanent.  Jack really liked the ones across my breasts."  Tears came to her eyes as she said, "Now he's going to whip me again and do it himself.  He says no one will know that they aren't the Cassidy scars."
	Just then a slightly-built young man came up to the table.  He was about five feet ten, appeared to weigh about 155, and was obviously very angry.  As he approached the table, Kristin saw him and turned pale.  "Oh, God!  It's Charley."  Mike got up from the table as the young man reached them.
	"You stay away from Kristin!  She's a good girl."  With that he launched a telegraphed roundhouse right at Mike's jaw.  Susan saw it coming and was amazed at Mike's reaction.  She knew he could destroy the much smaller man and could easily block the punch.  Instead, he moved his head with the punch and dropped to the floor.  In an instant Charley was grabbed from behind by others in the lounge.
	Mike saw a police officer coming over.  From the floor he yelled, "Leave that man alone!  He's a friend."  The men who had grabbed Charley were astonished, but let him go.  Mike rubbed his jaw and put out his hand.  "My name is Mike Cassidy, Charley.  We haven't really met, but will you join us?"
	The young man was shaking like a leaf as he sat down in the booth.  It was so obvious that he had used every ounce of courage he possessed to attack the much bigger man.  Mike said, "Charley, thank you for taking care of Kristin.  You love her a great deal, don't you?"  The man just nodded.  Looking at Kristin, Mike said, "Look, will you do me a big favor?  Would you please have dinner with Charley tonight?"  The girl was looking down at the table, astonished at what had happened.
	Cassidy said, "Kristin, look at me!"  The girl looked up at him, startled.  "Kristin, have you ever taken a good look at Charley?  You told Susan and me about Jack.  Frankly, he sounds like a sadistic creep.  I suspect he's bigger than Charley, isn't he?"  The girl nodded.  "Can you see Jack doing what Charley just did?  I have him by about six inches and sixty pounds.  I suspect I'm in better condition, too.  You know what he did, don't you?  He was trying to protect you regardless of the cost to himself.  Kristin, I don't know what you call it, but I see a man who loves you very much.  Will you give him a chance?"
	Kristin was looking at Charley and saw him blushing as Mike made his speech.  When he finished she asked, "Charley, is that true?  Do you love me?"
	He looked at her and swallowed hard.  Then he said, "Of course it's true, Kristin.  I always have and always will."
	"But why didn't you ever say anything?" she asked.
	"Because I'm not good enough for you," he replied humbly.
	"And Jack Schmidt is?" she asked softly.
	"Of course not, but you love him," he said.  "It doesn't make sense to me, Kristin, but the most important thing in my life is for you to be happy."
	Mike took out his wallet and emptied it.  He had almost five hundred dollars which he pressed into Charley's hand.  "Why don't you two go somewhere and have fun.  And good luck to you both."  The two left the place hand-in-hand and with stars in their eyes.
	Turning to Susan, Mike said, "I hope you have a couple of bucks.  I just gave Charley every cent I have.  I forgot to keep out enough to pay for our beers!"
	Susan hadn't said anything.  Mike realized her eyes were glistening as she said, "Michael Cassidy, there might be some hope for you yet.  That was the nicest thing I have ever heard of you doing in your life.  Honey, I'm so proud!"  She turned and kissed him softly.  Mike returned the kiss with one loaded with his love.
	When they moved apart, he grinned and said, "I'm making progress.  You didn't even clobber me this time."  There was great warmth in his eyes as he added, "Susan, I was being very honest today.  You could have decked me out there if you really wanted to.  I also meant it when I called you my passing coach.  That's true, too.  Could you do me a great favor?  Could you come out to Anaheim next week when we play the Rams?  Please?"
	She smiled and said she would think about it.
Chapter 25
	Jack Casey was ill at ease sitting in front of Mary Jefferson.  It is not that she's Black, he thought, It's her eyes!  They look right through you.  It's as if she can see through steel.  He had heard of Mary Jefferson, but had never met her.  She was Emily Amelia Hardwick's heir and the richest woman in Chicago.  She had asked to see him, but he still didn't know why.  As the president of Northern National Bank, the biggest bank in the city, he couldn't afford to take chances.  It might be a chance to take some business away from Chicago Trust which had been the Hardwick bank for generations.
	Finally Mary came to the point.  She said, "I'm carrying out an expressed wish of Emily Amelia Hardwick, Mr. Casey.  First, I should tell you some history.  Have you heard of Michael Casey?"  Jack slowly shook his head.  It was such a familiar name, though, he thought.  She said, "Mike Casey would be your uncle if he were still alive.  Emily finally joined Mike after nearly fifty years apart.  He's the reason she never married and the Hardwick family died.  In her very last days she met your daughter, Kerry, and came to love her deeply.  Mr. Casey, I invited you over today to ask you to give your permission for your daughter to marry Jim Vance.  Will you give it?"
	"I have no daughter," Casey replied stiffly.
	Mary just shook her head sadly and said, "You are so wrong, Mr. Casey.  Your daughter is one of the most wonderful young women it has ever been my pleasure to meet.  She is a real lady."
	Casey exploded, "Lady!  Posing nude?  Living with a man when they aren't married?  That's a lady!?"
	"Mr. Casey, Kerry lives with Jack and sleeps with him.  Nevertheless, she's still a virgin."  She turned to Susan who was sitting off to one side and said, "Susan, you know Kerry Casey.  What do you think of her?"
	"Mary, you said it all.  She's a lady in the finest sense of the word.  She's a virgin still.  Mr. Casey, for reasons that completely escape me, she loves you, respects you and will not go against your wishes.  There's absolutely no legal reason why she can't marry Jim Vance today, but she will not marry him nor have they ever had sex together.  It's killing that poor girl.  We have been very fortunate in our acquaintances.  Many of our friends are deeply in love.  Yet no couple represents the union of two people the way Jim and Kerry do.  It's truly remarkable."
	Casey had folded his arms.  It was apparent he was not listening and nothing could move him from his position.  Mary said, "Thank you for coming to see me today, Mr. Casey.  There's one more thing I would like you to do.  Would you please accompany Susan and me to an art exhibit that just opened?  It's one Susan is sponsoring and has done all the work on.  It's our first effort and we would appreciate your opinion.  The exhibit is entitled, Couples and Women.  It should only take a few minutes of your time and I would be obliged if you would accompany us.
	With ill grace, Casey agreed.  They all rode in Mary's limousine, with Casey's following.  Mary had been amused at Susan's arrangements for Jim Vance's first show.  She wanted the show to be at a museum rather than a commercial gallery.  Mary had listened to her on the phone and it was all she could do to keep her giggling from being overheard.  When arrangements were complete at the second-ranking art museum in Chicago, she had said, "Susan Bradford, for shame!  You were lying like a rug!"
	While she was saying it, Susan could see the barely-suppressed laughter in Mary's eyes.  In her haughtiest manner, she replied, "I beg your pardon?  I merely said that Mrs. Jefferson would consider it a personal favor if a museum accepted the show.  She's considering her annual contribution to the arts this week."  Susan grinned and said, "What's wrong with that?"  Mary just giggled.
	The big car pulled up to a stop at the main entrance of the museum.  Mary was impressed with the size of the turnout.  When the three walked in, the first portrait they saw was that of Emily Amelia Hardwick.  Casey stopped short and looked at it.  His eyes widened as he saw the medals and the expression on her face.  "My God!  She's a virgin!  And... it's Uncle Mike, isn't it?"
	Mary said softly, "She's with Mike Casey now, Jack, in Heaven.  She was so happy.  She asked me if I thought she could lose her virginity there.  Mike came for her."  She saw that Jack Casey's eyes were moist.
	They looked at portraits of the Cliffords and their families.  When they came to the clothed portrait of Kathy and Bill Cartwright, Casey murmured, "My God!  The suffering they have undergone!  And yet they look so happy now.  Why?"
	Mary explained about the fourteen-year separation and Casey just shook his head.  When he saw the portrait of Ali and Bill Clifford, he shook his head in disbelief.  "It's impossible!" he said.  "Two people can't possibly love each other as much as they appear to."
	Finally they came to the nudes.  There were six showing Kerry.  Jack just looked at them in amazement.  He whispered, "She is a virgin!  The poor kid.  The wanting!  I can feel it."  Then he came to a semi-reclining nude portrait of Ali Clifford.  Her slender fingers were on her slit, and her eyes were focused to the left of the artist.  He asked, "What happened here?"
	Mary laughed and said, "Bill was standing where she's looking.  It was a long sitting, I understand, with frequent breaks for their lovemaking."
	Finally, they came to the picture of Kerry and Susan, reclining back-to-back, and next to it, a figure study of Susan.  He looked at them and then looked at the girl.  He shook his head and said, "But... But you're a lady.  And a virgin, aren't you?  Why did you pose?"
	"It's a Christmas present, Mr. Casey.  My boyfriend has had more slaps in the face than kisses.  I don't want him to get too discouraged.  The picture is what I think of as incentive.  If he behaves, he gets the real thing," Susan said with a broad smile.  "Do you like it?  I think it's much too flattering."  Casey disagreed.  He thought, if anything, she was even more beautiful than she appeared on canvas.  She gave him a brilliant smile.
	As they walked toward the exit, Mary said, "You remember the portrait of the couple and the woman alone, nude?  Do you know who they are?"  He shook his head.  "They are Bill and Allison Clifford.  You may have heard of William H. Clifford?  I believe his net worth is pushing $5 billion."  Casey's jaw dropped.  She continued, "I think you passed over the portrait of Dave and Judy Chapman.  Incidentally, Judy is planning on posing nude and giving the painting to Dave for Christmas.  You have heard of the Chapmans, I trust?"
	Casey was in a state of shock.  He said, "You're telling me that Jim Vance did all of those portraits?  You're also telling me that they include portraits of some of the richest people in the United States.  Is... Is he making a living?"
	"Do you remember the portrait of the two young people you commented on as having suffered so much?"  Casey did.  "They are Bill and Kathy Cartwright.  The painting you saw is one of a pair.  The other is the same pose with the two young people nude.  It hangs in their bedroom.  I happen to know Bill Cartwright has a personal net worth of about $500 million.  They paid $50,000 for the pair.  I think it took Jim almost a month to do them both."
	Casey's jaw dropped.  "Do you mean to say he can make $50,000 in only one month!?"
	"Sometimes he does better than that," Mary replied.  She stopped and turned to him and asked, "Have you changed your mind about Jim Vance?"  Casey just shook his head in bewilderment.  He was utterly stunned.  Mary smiled and said, "In that case, will you please come for dinner this evening?  Cocktails at six?"  She looked at him with her piercing eyes and added, "Kerry and Jim will also be invited."  Jack Casey was still in a state of near-shock and could only nod his head.  He went out to his waiting car.
	Promptly at six, Casey was announced by John Smith.  When Mary greeted him he appeared recovered but was still shaken.  A few minutes later, Smith announced Miss Casey and Mr. Vance.  Jack rose to his feet as his daughter entered the room.  Suddenly, something snapped and he rushed to take her in his arms.  It had been almost four years since he had last seen her.  As he hugged her, Kerry could feel wetness from his tears on her cheek.  He whispered, "Kerry, I'm so sorry!  God, I've been such a pigheaded fool.  Can you forgive me?"
	Kerry pushed away and Jack saw she was crying but trying to smile at the same time.  "There's nothing to forgive, Daddy.  You didn't think Jim could make it and you were almost right."
	They sat down and talked.  As they talked, Jack Casey realized how truly beautiful his daughter was.  And she was a lady.  He remembered some of the portraits which showed her very thin.  In one, her ribs showed.  She just shrugged when he mentioned it and said, "Waitressing doesn't pay very much... I had lost too much weight on top to be able to work topless... and artists' materials are expensive, Dad."
	Then Casey remembered something else.  He said softly, "Kerry, I just realized something.  You never failed to remember my birthday, Fathers Day, and Christmas."  The tears began again and his voice cracked as he said, "You and Jim had nothing yet you always sent me something.  It was always a very thoughtful gift, too.  And I gave you nothing, ever!"
	Jim Vance hadn't said anything.  Finally he said, "Mr. Casey, I've never had the opportunity to meet you before now.  Now that we've met, I would like your permission to marry your daughter, Kerry."
	Jack looked at Jim and saw a very good looking young man.  In spite of all he had done to the young people, there was no apparent bitterness.  He got to his feet and went towards Jim who rose from his chair to meet him.  Jim didn't know what to expect.  What he received was a surprise.  Jack took him in his arms and said, "I now know how much my daughter loves you, Jim, and I can see in your paintings how much you love her.  I've been such a blind fool!  Jim Vance, there's no one I would rather have as a son-in-law than you."  The two men shook hands, and Jim beamed with pleasure.
	Kerry jumped to her feet and kissed Jim passionately, saying, "Darling, at last!"
	Then Jack Casey surprised everyone by saying, "Jim, could I commission a series of paintings?"
	Jim looked puzzled but said, "Of course, Dad!"  He looked embarrassed and said, "I hope you don't mind if I call you Dad?"
	Casey beamed again and said he loved it.  Then he said, "The paintings I want are a series showing Kerry monthly through her first pregnancy.  They will be the definitive work showing mother love.  I want her nude, of course.  I want to see her belly swelling with my grandchild.  Will you accept the commission?"
	Kerry smiled and said, "Dad, we're getting married on Saturday.  Jim can do the first painting next week.  I have a feeling I'm very fertile and I've been dreaming for years of carrying his children."  Then she grinned and said, "But Dad, you didn't ask how much Jim is going to charge."
	Casey replied, "You're right.  I didn't.  I assume you'll send a bill, and I'll send you a check."
	After congratulations were exchanged all around and champagne was served to celebrate, Kerry said she was very serious about getting married on Saturday.  There would be only Jack, himself, and a handful of very close friends.  She said, "Dad, I'm asking Mary Jefferson to be my matron of honor.  She literally saved our lives, built Jim's career, and has now arranged for the wedding to take place.  I can't tell you what I think of this woman.  I owe her my life and our happiness."
	Jack Casey studied his daughter and liked what he saw.  She was a real lady.  From the pictures he had seen it was apparent she was a wanting virgin.  Finally he asked, "Kerry, I was totally wrong about Jim Vance, and you were completely right.  You're an adult.  Why didn't you just marry him?  I haven't given you ten cents in years, so it wasn't money.  What was it?"
	"You're my father," she said simply.  "You said I couldn't marry him, so I didn't.  Dad, thank you for giving your permission.  Perhaps it's just as well we waited," she added shyly.  "I think my wanting is going to make me love him even more.  Although honestly, I don't think that's possible."  Jack swallowed hard and looked down at the table top.  There was nothing he could say.
	Then Mary said, "Mr. Casey, I believe one of the Ten Commandments says 'Honor thy father and thy mother.' That's what Kerry has been doing."
	Jack just shook his head and his tears were now very visible.  He said, "How could I be so wrong about my only child?  She's a far better person than I deserve.  It makes me feel so humble."
	Later, at dinner Kerry said diffidently, "Dad, there's something else you should know.  We bank at Chicago Trust, not Northern National."
	"It's a fine bank," Jack replied, "But why?"
	"Because it's Mrs. Jefferson's bank.  She arranged it.  Also, the owners of the bank are all clients of Jim's.  They have been very good to us."
	"Well, when you're introduced by the richest woman in Chicago, it's no wonder they're good," he commented.
	Mary Jefferson started to chuckle and slowly shake her head.  "Kerry didn't explain it quite right, Mr. Casey.  I'm not Mary Jefferson at Chicago Trust, I'm April's mother.  Nothing is too good for April Jefferson or her relatives and friends.  I don't think most of the people there think I have ten cents!"
	Kerry grinned and said, "Dad, it's really true."
	For the first time, Jack Casey paid attention to April who was sitting at the end of the table.  He had only met her for the first time that evening and had been preoccupied with Kerry and Jim.  Now he looked at her and realized for the first time what a beautiful young woman she was.  He asked, "I gather you work at Chicago Trust, Miss Jefferson.  What do you do?"
	"Please call me April," she said with a warm smile.  "I'm a lending officer," she said with no further explanation.
	"April, if you will excuse me for saying so, with a Black female lending officer, I'm surprised Chicago Trust isn't in the community lending consortium with the rest of us."  He grinned and said, "What's wrong?  Can't you come up with the million bucks?"
	Susan entered the conversation.  She said, "Mr. Casey, could we consider this entire evening to be off the record and completely confidential?"  He instantly agreed and asked her to please call him Jack.  She continued: "First, that's the SHOVE consortium you're referring to, isn't it?"  He said it was.  "Jack, do you know what they do with the money?  I don't know what they do with yours but I do know there is about $18 million in Federal taxpayers' money that's unaccounted for.  Let's face it: SHOVE is a get-rich scheme... a very successful one, in fact... for Horace Washington.  Frankly, it's a copout for you and the other banks.  The only bank that's really working with the little people is Chicago Trust.  I think their portfolio is above $50 million right now and rising fast.  That's what April does, Jack.  She makes real loans in large numbers to small people all around Chicago.  That's why they all love her."
	"'The twins who aren't,'"  he murmured almost to himself.  Then he looked at April with new respect and said, "It's not a rumor?  There really is such a group...  One of them is you!  Who is the other?"
	Just then John Smith came into the dining room carrying a struggling Cindy Martin in his arms.  She was pleading, "Put me down, you big ape!  I'm not a little kid!"  He gently and effortlessly set her in a chair and she kissed him softly on the cheek.  He winked and kissed her back.
	April was just shaking her head.  As usual, Cindy was only wearing her Levi's and work shirt.  She greeted everyone very warmly and then noticed Jack Casey.  She blushed and sat up straight in her chair.  She turned to Mary and said, "Mrs. Jefferson, I want to apologize for my outrageous behavior just now.  I didn't realize you had company.  I'm very sorry and will leave at once to spare you any further embarrassment."
	"You will stay in that chair, Cindy Martin!" Mary exclaimed with a gleam of humor in her eye.  "And quit showing off, too.  You know my name is Mary, and you know you're like another daughter to me.  This is Jack Casey, Kerry's father.  He has just given permission for Kerry and Jim to wed."
	Cindy went around the table and shook hands with Jack who looked at her closely.  He murmured, "Of course!"  Then speaking normally he said, "Cindy, you're the other twin, aren't you?"  Cindy looked apprehensive until Susan reassured her that everything was completely off the record and in confidence.  Then she smiled and nodded.  Jack's brow knitted and he mused, "Martin?  You aren't related to Don Martin, are you?"
	"Slightly, Jack.  He's my father," she replied with a grin.
	At this point April entered the conversation again.  "Jack, I think you're about to make another big mistake," she said.  "When Cindy Martin was elected a senior vice president, she outranked her father.  She has the biggest personal lending authority in the bank and she's my boss and my division head."  She smiled warmly at Cindy and added, "And I love her like a sister.  Except, if she were my sister, we would fight more."  Turning back to Jack she said, "You saw what happened when Cindy came in?  Or, more accurately, was carried in by John Smith?  Do you know why?  I'm not supposed to know, but I do.  I guess it's okay for my mother to know, now, too."
	Tears came to the corners of her eyes.  She said, "John Smith's mother was very ill.  She died a short time ago.  When she was very ill, he called Cindy at the bank.  She's never there, of course, so he just left a message.  First, she returned the call as soon as she got it.  Let's face it, Jack, the name John Smith is pretty common.  She called him without knowing a thing about him.  She met him and he told her about his mother.  He said he needed money for her medical bills and needed it fast.  Do you know what she did?  She made a loan to him on the spot!  She was a little embarrassed, he told me later.  She gave him her personal check for $5,000 and asked if he could pay her back when she got the official check from the bank the next day."  She looked at him and said, "Do you know why he loves her?  Because she lent him money on a business basis.  It was not charity!  He knew damned well mother would give him the money if he asked her.  He didn't want her to.  He wanted to take care of his mother himself.  Would you like to ask him about Cindy Martin?"
	Jack was fascinated and nodded.  April called John in and said, "John, I want your honest opinion of Cindy Martin.  What do you think of her?  Just remember, she's a white girl and you're certainly a Black man."
	John Smith looked at her as if she had a screw loose.  He spoke to her in a way no one had ever heard him speak before: "April Jefferson, I want you to apologize to Miss Martin this instant!  I'm Black.  So what?  Miss Martin defines understanding, brains, and compassion.  She knows what it means when a man wants to help his mother.  Do you know what she did?  Do you!?"  His voice was raised and was booming around the room.  He was a giant who normally spoke very softly.  "She took me in her arms and comforted me.  She said she would pray for my mother.  Then she just asked me how much I needed.  No terms.  No cosigners.  No nothing!  She knows me and knows my drug record.  April Jefferson, I know what she's done for you!  How many people would do for you what she did?  I can think of three others...  No!  four.  There's her father, there's Mrs. Stewart, there's Mrs. Chapman, and there's Mr. Burke.  And they are all connected with that one bank."  He glared at April, and said, "I'm waiting to hear you apologize.  Of all the nerve!"
	April rose from her chair, stood up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.  She said, "I'm terribly sorry, John.  But I wanted Mr. Casey to hear your honest opinion of Cindy.  You sure gave it to him.  As far as I'm concerned, John, like you, I worship the ground she walks on.  I apologize."  He glared at her then slowly smiled and shook his head, returning to the kitchen.  Turning to Jack Casey she said, "Does that answer your question?"
	He shook his head and said, "It certainly does!  But it creates a problem for me.  What I just learned is while the rest of us posture, you two young ladies are out there lending real money to real people."  His eyes became serious as he continued, "It is very interesting, too.  Yesterday I learned of a big move SHOVE is sponsoring to save the steel mill on the lake.  Do you know anything about it?"
	"I heard about it," April said quietly.  "It's the reason Cindy came over tonight.  We wanted to talk about it."
	"If I swear not to do anything without your approval, may I sit in?" Casey asked.
	They agreed.  April reported on their preliminary investigation.  She and Kathy along with Kelly had looked over the mill.  It was a total ruin.  It turned out that Kelly knew a great deal about steel and steel making.  Her reaction was to tear it down and start over.  Then they walked around to the north end of the giant facility.  The blast furnaces and open hearths were on the south end of the site.  There they found some men and the biggest pile of steel scrap they had ever seen.  It turned out there were a number of men and they had an idea.
	"What's the idea?" Cindy asked.  Casey was impressed by the professionalism of the two young women.  Clearly, Chicago Trust didn't believe in charity under the guise of lending.  Moreover, the bank had no interest in government loans or guarantees.  As far as they were concerned, a loan was good or it wasn't, regardless of who was taking the risk.
	April looked at Cindy with her face blank.  She said, "Boss, how big a risk are you interested in taking?  Could you see $500 million?"
	Cindy let out a low whistle and her eyes widened for an instant.  "I'm listening," she replied quietly.
	Swallowing hard, April said, "Boss, we want to finance the start up of an electric furnace and mill.  We will literally dynamite the whole front end of the plant, replace the iron- and steel-making capacity with an electric furnace running scrap and process it in the back-end mills.  They're still usable.  The problem is the cost of steel at the rollers right now is ridiculously high.  Do you know the United States is in steel balance?  It is.  Our scrap equals or exceeds the amount of new steel we use.  In other words, we don't need the basic capacity at all.  We could run the mill for at least five years with the scrap already sitting on the damned site!"
	"Who would run it?" Cindy asked.  April had answers and they went into the details of the financing.  Finally Cindy shook her head and said, "The problem is, April, it can't be all debt.  We need $50 million in equity, minimum."
	"Kathy and Bill will put it up if you'll go for it, Cin," April said quietly.  "They were thinking about seventy-five, though."
	"I'll match whatever they put up, to $50 million," Mary said quietly from the end of the table.  "Cindy, it's your decision, young lady.  If you say it can work, you can have my check right now."
	Cindy leaned back in her chair and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.  "Has everyone lost his fucking mind!?" she demanded.  You're telling me that our closest friends are willing to put up $100 million on the opinion of a stupid 26-year-old slave who only learned what banking is all about less than six months ago?  Is everyone crazy?"
	"Northern National will take a 40 percent participation with Chicago Trust, if you would accept it.  I'm prepared to go higher or lower.  It's your decision, Miss Martin.  If Chicago Trust would like company, we will go with you," Jack Casey said quietly.
	Cindy was shaken.  She said she would talk it over with Dan.  She reminded April that Dan had said he could spring loose to help out if she ever needed any special credit analysis.  "This sure fits that bill," she said.
	The conversation changed direction and Cindy found herself sitting next to Kerry.  She found she was very fond of the lovely girl.  While the talk around the table continued, Kerry said softly, "Miss Martin, I need your help."
	Cindy was startled.  She didn't know the girl well, but knew a lot about her.  "Of, course, Kerry.  If I can, I will," she replied.  Then with a glare she added, "And it's Cindy, or Cin, or Slave, or Dan's cunt, or... but you get the idea?  It's not Miss Martin!"
	Kerry grinned and nodded.  She said, "Cindy, Jim has a special commission.  He has been asked to do a portrait of you, April, and Kathy together wearing your uniforms.  Will you model for us?  In addition to that, though, every time Jim sees you, he tells me he wants to paint you.  You're the loveliest and most interesting girl he has ever seen."
	Cindy was thinking and finally said, "Kerry, would you consider some sort of deal?  I would love to give Dan Burke a portrait of me for Christmas.  But I couldn't pay Jim enough to buy a tube of paint.  Could we do something on the installment plan or something?"
	Kerry shook her head sadly and asked, "Cindy, how much do you think I paid Jim to do all those studies of me?"  Cindy just slowly shook her head.  "You have heard of paying models, haven't you?  It's done every day," she said with a grin, "Or at least people say it is.  Cindy, Jim wants to paint you.  I'll make a deal with you.  He'll pay standard model fees and throw in a portrait for you.  Agreed?"  Her face fell and she almost whispered, "I forgot.  Jim wants to do you nude.  Will you pose that way?  The fee is one hundred dollars an hour."
	Cindy just grinned and stuck out her hand.  "That's a great deal!  I forgot to tell you that I wanted my portrait to be nude, anyway."
	Just then Mike Cassidy and Ron Jackson appeared looking elated.  Kerry grinned and whispered, "Cindy, watch what happens now!  It's a riot!"  Susan jumped up and ran to Mike's arms.  He put his arms around her and kissed her soundly.  Cindy could see the electricity flow between them and could see Susan's knees buckle as her arms around Mike's neck supported her weight.  Gently she took her lips away from his and regained the strength in her knees.  Then she slapped him hard across the face.  There was a bright red outline of her entire hand on his cheek.  Meanwhile, Kerry had her hand across her mouth to muffle her giggles.
	Mike's eyes had widened at the slap.  He rubbed his cheek and said, "Honey, that's not fair!  That's a lot harder than usual.  Why did you hit me so hard?"
	"It's all your fault, Michael Cassidy.  You know the rules.  If you have been very good, you get a kiss goodnight.  This is not goodnight.  At least, I hope it isn't."
	"But why so hard?" he persisted.
	"For causing my knees to turn to water," she answered softly, "And for making me all wet inside.  It serves you right.  We're not even engaged, let alone married.  That's the way you'll kiss me when we're married."
	Cindy just shook her head.  She found she was starting to love Kerry, and Susan was a delight.  The girl's relationship with Mike Cassidy was something else.
	Mike turned to Mary and said, "Mrs. Jefferson, do you think that was fair?  Or do you think Susan exceeded the rules?"
	Mary's eyes were twinkling.  She loved Susan like a daughter and was coming to love Mike, as well.  In fact, Mary Jefferson was already taking steps to adopt Susan as her daughter.  Purely to cause trouble and to see what he would do, she said, "Mike, I think it was unnecessarily harsh.  She should not have hit you so hard."
	Mike nodded, gratified.  Then he grabbed Susan around the waist, put her over his knee, gave her one hard spank on her bottom and then let her go.  She stood up and tears were starting to flow down her cheeks as she slowly rubbed her injured ass.  Her eyes were very big as she said, "You hurt me, Mike."
	He took her in his arms and just held her.  He whispered, "I'm sorry, Susan.  I never want to hurt you.  Was it that bad?"  He had his arms around her and was gently stroking her beautiful hair.  Susan just rested her cheek against his chest, then slowly pushed away.  He looked down and saw an impish grin on her face.  He grinned back and kissed her nose.  She wiggled it and he kissed it again.  She told him he was forgiven and they went off to find April and Ron.
Chapter 26
	The first thing Cindy noticed when she drove on to the property of Chicago Steel Company were the other two red Mazdas.  She had talked with Dan Burke and he agreed to meet her at the plant.  Checking her watch, she found she was fifteen minutes early.  After parking her car, she walked over to watch a workman signaling a crane operator who was moving scrap.  She stood aside and watched in fascination as very small hand movements from the flagman were translated instantly into very small motions of the giant track-mounted gantry crane.
	The flagman gave a shutdown signal to the crane operator and started walking toward Cindy.  While still about ten yards away, the hard hat was lifted off and beautiful auburn hair came spilling out.  My God!  she thought, it's Kelly.  The girl grinned as she walked over and wiped her face with her sleeve, spreading a big black smudge on her cheek.  Cindy just stood there shaking her head with a wry grin on her face.  "Don't you think this is taking customer service a bit far?" she asked.
	Kelly grinned and said, "I just wanted to see what's under the top layer of junk.  Want to join me?"  She flipped Cindy a hard hat and put hers on again.  They made their way through a narrow path the gantry had cleared and reached the center of the pile.  Kelly whistled softly as she saw what had been uncovered.  The girl pointed out what were obviously parts for steam locomotives commenting they had to have been put there no later than the 1940's and likely much earlier than that.  As they made their way out of the scrap pile and headed towards the office shed, Kelly told her that the electric mill was operating on the north end of the property and the company was currently only handling scrap sales.  Arrangements had been concluded to put in a small electric furnace and test the suitability of the reworked steel for further processing.
	The diversified corporation that owned Chicago Steel was favorably disposed towards a management buy-out of the facility.  Although nominally quite valuable because of its lakefront location, as a practical matter the facility had been written down to a value of zero on the balance sheet.  Moreover, there were grave hazardous-waste concerns affecting the salability of the property.  As a result, the facility was considered a millstone around the corporation's neck and its executives were delighted at the prospect of getting out from under it.
	Walking into the shed, Cindy was glad she was wearing a sweater.  It was cold.  There were only a couple of electric space heaters trying to warm the building which was so flimsy it was almost porous to the cold wind blasting in off the lake.  As she entered, Cindy saw April sitting in the corner going over financial information with a man she assumed to be the chief financial officer.  A tall brown-haired man came forward with his hand outstretched.  "Hi!  I'm Ted Collins and you must be Cindy Martin.  I've heard so much about you."  Turning to Kelly he said, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure."  Kelly introduced herself and turned as a cold blast of air came rushing in when the door was opened again.  Cindy saw Kelly's eyes widen as a huge man came through the door.  He was over six four and pushing 250 pounds.  He had black hair, piercing blue eyes and a very friendly smile.
	Ted Collins grinned and said, "Kevin, I'm really glad you could make the meeting.  I wanted these folks to meet you."  Turning back to Cindy he said, "I'm very happy to introduce you to Kevin Cavanaugh.  I understand from April you're quite a Bears fan.  If you are, I'm sure you recognize the name."  Cavanaugh was the Bear's starting tight end, and was known as a fearsome blocker.  Cavanaugh grinned and shook hands quickly, but it was apparent his attention was drawn to Kelly.
	He walked over to her and Cindy was fascinated by the girl's reaction.  She appeared to be shy and almost fearful.  Ignoring the others, he took both of her hands in his.  Then he released a hand and gently moved a stray lock of her beautiful auburn hair away from her face.  "Hi, Irish!  I've been waiting for years to meet you," he said.  Then he tipped up her chin and kissed her softly and gently.  The girl's arms appeared to reach out automatically and link behind his neck.  Electricity just flowed between them.  Both Cindy and April were smiling warmly as they watched.
	They both winced a moment later when Kelly stepped back and then slapped Kevin's face with all her might.  "You have one hell of a nerve, you big ape!" she exclaimed with green fire flashing from her eyes.
	Kevin Cavanaugh just shook his head and smiled.  "Well, the name is certainly accurate," he said.  "Only an Irish girl would greet her true love with a roundhouse right."  Kelly started to sputter, Kevin began to laugh, while both April and Cindy were trying to stifle their giggles.
	Cindy had never seen the tall red head look so beautiful.  "I'm not sure it's safe to ask, but where did you two first meet?" she asked.
	"I have never met this ape before in my life!" Kelly exclaimed, "but I did see him drop a bunch of passes in South Bend before Notre Dame gave up on him and sent him to the Bears."
	Cindy found she liked Kevin Cavanaugh very much because he reminded her of a bigger Dan Burke.  Kevin grinned and shook his head sadly.  "Is that the way to speak of the future father of your children, Irish?" he asked innocently.  "The fact is there are a number of the Bears who will testify that I announced I was going to marry you months ago.  I go down to Calumet City all the time just to see you dance.  You're great!  And you have a magnificent body, too."
	Suddenly Kelly blushed red as a beet.  "Do you mean to say you have seen me... strip!?" she demanded.
	"Well, I thought it would help you keep your job if there were customers in the joint.  I thought you were doing it for customers.  I mean, you don't need such a public place to strip just for me.  Isn't that the way you keep your job?  Pack the place with customers?"  He grinned at her and asked, "And is this all the thanks I get?"
	The others just laughed and Ted Collins told them that, aside from being a professional football player, Kevin was a metallurgical engineer from Notre Dame, had his master's degree and was well along in his course work for his Ph.D.  He was considered to be the foremost authority on electric steel-making and electric-furnace quality control.  Furthermore, he had been elected to Tau Beta Pi, the engineering equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa.
	Kelly murmured, "Oh great!  A guy who can only communicate in equations."
	Kevin looked at the three women together and quietly whistled.  "You have to be the three most beautiful women in the world!"  He grinned at Cindy and said, "Miss Martin, as beautiful as you are, and in spite of how much I love blue-eyed blondes, I'll have to take a pass.  You aren't quite tall enough for me."  Turning to April, he shook his head and said, "Unfortunately, you share Miss Martin's height problem, and I happen to know Ron Jackson is a very jealous man."  Kevin looked sad as he continued: "He's won too many games for us this year.  I can't afford to destroy his morale by taking you away from him."  He looked at her with his eyes wide and said, "I hope you're an understanding person, April?  Everyone on the team says you are.  You do know, it's just in the interest of team unity, don't you?"  April's eyes were dancing as she very solemnly said that she appreciated the great sacrifice he was making.  He smiled a beaming smile and said, "I'm so glad you two girls are so understanding!  I guess that leaves me stuck with Irish, here.  At about five feet ten, she's more my size, anyway.  You do have a name, don't you?  Something more than Irish?"
	Kelly just glared daggers at him.  Cindy said, "I'm terribly sorry, Kevin.  I would like to introduce you to Kelly Kathleen McBride.  Like you, she's a graduate of Notre Dame.  She majored in English and philosophy and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa."  She grinned and added, "Isn't it wonderful the way God works?  Here she is, particularly strong in the area in which she believes you're weak.  She can even explain the meanings of some of the big words to you.  I think it's neat.  By the way, Kevin, have you named your first six children?"
	Kevin looked at Cindy very solemnly and said, "Only the first four.  After all, the mother should have some input, don't you think?  I thought I would let her name the next four and then we'll collaborate on names for the rest."
	Kelly just glared at him and sputtered with rage.  Finally, she said, "Kevin Patrick Cavanaugh, I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on Earth!  My God!  You don't want a wife, you want a brood mare."
	The byplay between Kelly and Kevin stopped suddenly when Dan Burke entered the tiny office.  Dan looked around and again noticed how beautiful all the girls were.  He noted there was a new addition to their costume.  All three girls were wearing identical heavy gold link chains around their necks like slave collars.  He had heard the story from Janice.  She had had one made in 18-carat gold for Cindy, claiming all slaves should wear collars.  The chain was a wide chain-link necklace that was very heavy because of the weight of all its gold.  Then Kathy Cartwright insisted all the junior slaves must have slave collars, too.  The result was April and Kathy formed a small club.  The catch on their necklaces was engraved with the ornate letters C and S.  Kathy explained with a grin it stood for Cindy's Slaves.  It was presented to every girl who served naked as a slave at the Stewart's.  Dan found out that Kathy, April and Janice split the cost and they were presented to all of the girls who qualified.  He knew they were worn proudly as a part of the uniform.
	April took the lead in presenting the investment proposal to Dan.  When she finished the numbers, he was astonished to hear Kelly giving a detailed operational explanation of the way the steel-making operations would work.  In response to a question from Cindy, she said she had worked a couple of summers in a steel mill during college because it paid so well.  That was when she became skilled in controlling a crane with hand signals.  She grinned and said, "I was always so damned hot, maybe it got me into stripping.  Coupled with the fact that the guys on the crew would work stripped to the waist and razzed me because I wouldn't."
	Kevin said, "Why not, Kelly?  You have a beautiful chest.  What were you ashamed of?  Or didn't you have your full bust development then?"
	She glared at him and continued with the explanation.  Ted Collins then introduced the management team, explaining that Kevin was a critical ingredient because of his knowledge of electric steel-making.  Cindy watched with pride as her people made the entire presentation.  Dan then proceeded to comb it out, asking every kind of question he could think of.  Finally, he turned to Collins and asked, "Ted, is this something you and your people really want to do?  Do you or your people have any questions?"
	"I don't, Dan.  We do have one, though.  People: We have enough people to get started, but I'm a little concerned about staffing up.  Do you have any ideas?"
	Cindy smiled and said, "That's not a problem.  One of my other officers, Kathy Cartwright, can line up three full staffs if you ever need that many.  She has a line on top steel men from Poland, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom.  There are some Poles she has spoken to who can't wait to have the opportunity to make the best damned steel in the world in the best country in the world!"  She smiled and added, "They are really good steel men and good workers.  Are you interested?"
	"Sam Smith can get you up to 500 Blacks he'll personally vouch for.  They will work!" April added.
	Cindy explained Kathy's language fluency and guaranteed the men would be ready as soon as they were needed.  Then Collins said, "I guess that takes care of the staff, then.  Now all we need is the money."
	Cindy said, "The deal we're offering is $500 million.  $100 million will be for 80 percent of the equity; there will be two investors.  The remainder will be bank term debt.  Chicago Trust will put up $400 million, but there's another Chicago bank that may participate with us.  You'll have 20 percent for your management team and we will want to know how you're going to divide it.  You'll have the opportunity to increase the management holding to a total of 40 percent within ten years.  How does that sound to you?"
	"It sounds like I'm dreaming," Collins replied.  "How long will it take you to line up the money.  And where, in Heaven's name, are you going to find two people to put up $100 million?"
	"That's the easy part," Cindy said with a smile.  "I mentioned Kathy Cartwright, who is also in my division.  Half of the money is hers.  The other half is coming from April's mother."  The bankers smiled as they watched Ted's and Kevin's jaws drop.
	Kevin recovered first.  He looked at April speculatively with his eyes dancing and said, "April, maybe I was a little hasty.  The more I think about it, the more I realize you're really not that short.  I realize now I wasn't being fair.  A guy should make allowances for the less fortunate.  And hell, a guy can carry this team loyalty stuff too far."
	April just frowned and shook her head, but her eyes were dancing with glee.  "You're too eager, Kev... and too late.  Now I see you only love me for my money.  I'm sorry.  You had your chance and blew it."
	Kevin pretended to be crushed.  Ted had recovered by now and was looking down at the table top, slowly shaking his head.  He looked at Cindy and said, "I don't know what to say.  You're telling us that two investors and a bank are willing to put up half a billion dollars!  And the investors are close personal friends, to say the very least.  Wow!  What a responsibility!"  He shook his head again and asked, "What's the next step?"
	Cindy looked at Dan.  "Dan Burke is the best financial analyst in the business, Ted," she said.  "Dan, I want to make the loan.  What do you think the reaction will be in the bank?"
	"Instant approval.  This is a win-win-win sort of deal.  We do something for the community, for the region and for the people.  How can we lose?"  The discussion became more general with Kevin discussing the economics of electric steel-making.  It appeared they would be able to sell at a profit with a price just slightly more than half the delivered price of competition.  Then they took a tour and watched through dark goggles as the electric furnace turned out a small batch of steel.  Cindy was impressed with Kevin's knowledge and, surprisingly, Kelly's.  As they were preparing to leave, Kevin took Kelly in his arms and kissed her again, soundly.  Cindy shook her head in amusement as she saw the unmistakable signs of the girl's knees giving way.  Again, they all winced at the sharp sound as she slapped his face and stalked away.  She saw Kevin slowly rub his cheek as he watched Kelly stalk away and noted the love in his eyes as he watched her go.
* * *
	It was now mid-December and the Bears were playing their last regular-season game against the Dolphins in Miami.  Surprisingly, Jan and Peter Stewart decided to go down to see it.  Because Miami was out of play-off contention and its stadium was so large, getting tickets was not a problem.  They had chartered a plane and planned to take Dan and Cindy, along with Susan and April, down with them.
	In spite of her size, Cindy thought Kelly looked very cute and woebegone when she came into the Stewart kitchen early one morning the week of the game.  They were meeting to review the loan proposal in its final form before sending it forward, but Kelly had arrived over an hour ahead of the meeting.  As usual, Cindy was wearing no clothes and Kelly quickly shed hers.  They sat at the kitchen table with coffee and Cindy waited for Kelly to say something.  It was obvious something was bothering the girl.
	Finally, still looking into her cup and idly stirring the coffee, Kelly said, "Cindy, I have a great favor to ask: Could I come down to Miami with you?  I would be happy to pay my own way."
	"Of course you can, Honey!" Cindy replied, "but that's not what's on your mind, is it?"
	"It's Kevin," she said softly.  "What should I do?"  Cindy noticed that tears were rolling down her cheeks.  In spite of it, she looked lovely.  Then she started to cry in earnest.  "Cindy, I'm a filthy stripper!  Everyone and his brother-in-law has seen me, has seen my cunt, and I've tempted them.  I don't deserve a guy like Kevin!  But, God, I love him so!"
	"How long have you been in love with him?" Cindy asked quietly.
	"Since the first time I laid eyes on him," she replied with a bitter laugh.  "In spite of the way I acted and what I said, I always saw him when he came into the club.  He's pretty hard to miss," she said with a tiny smile.  "I think those were my very best nights.  Whenever he came in I danced for him alone.  I would think about going to bed with him and having him make love to me."  She looked at Cindy for the first time and said, "I think our lovemaking will be exactly the same as yours.  You and Dan are so beautiful together!  When are you going to get married?"
	Suddenly Cindy's face crumpled and she started to cry.  The younger girl took her in her arms and Cindy buried her face in Kelly's shoulder and just bawled.  Kelly just held the girl and could feel her shoulders shake with her sobs.  Their breasts were in contact and Kelly realized what a strange sensation it was.  Both girls were in perfect physical condition and had very full, firm tits.  Slowly Cindy regained control and said, "I don't know when we can get married, Kelly.  Years from now, I'm afraid.  I'm going to be a slave forever!"  Then she brightened and said, "But I apologize.  I have him in my bed every week and the experience is exquisite.  I guess I'm better off than you are."  She eased away and looked into Kelly's green eyes and said, "You're still a virgin, aren't you?"
	Kelly's eyes widened for an instant and then she nodded her head.  "I'm a complete virgin, Cindy.  I have never had a man anywhere."  Then she looked at her boss and said, "Cindy, I've been thinking.  When I come out here as a slave, I should be paying you.  You and Dan give a course in lovemaking.  What amazed me is the way you take him in your mouth and in your ass.  Both appear so easy for you, yet he's so huge!  I didn't think it was possible.  You really like it, too, don't you?"
	Cindy nodded and smiled.  "I sure do!  It's funny, Kelly.  The first time I took Dan, it was in my mouth.  I think it was almost like doing penance or something.  We used to fight like cats and dogs, and I thought he was the dumbest banker in the world.  Then I found out he's really the smartest, and I wanted to make it up to him somehow.  Then I used to see Peter Stewart taking Jan in her ass.  She actually seemed to love it, so I insisted Dan take me that way, too."  She looked at Kelly and smiled saying, "Now I want him any way he'll take me.  All I know is he can play my body like an organ.  I guess it keeps me in shape.  The other thing I can't live without is sleeping with my head on his shoulder.  I just adore it."
	Kelly just smiled softly, shook her head and said, "I just can't wait!"
	Then the others started to arrive and soon after they began their review of the lending agreement.  While April was concluding the presentation, Cindy's mind wandered.  When the girl finished, Cindy just shook her head and smiled, although her eyes were gleaming with tears.  "You three are too much," she said finally.  "There's not a lending unit in the industry as good as you are.  I just sit around, practice my cooking, and nod wisely once in a while.  I just thought it was about time to acknowledge what you all are doing."
	She turned to Kelly and said, "As for you, McBride, you're receiving a raise to $85,000 a year.  You also get a bonus of $60,000 and a promotion to vice president."  She shook her head and added, "It's a good thing you're an English and philosophy major and don't know a damn thing about banking, or I'd be out of a job."
	April looked at the girls beside her and then reached across the table to take Cindy's hand.  "Cindy, you're too much.  You really are!  'Nod wisely once in a while' I think you said?  Speaking for myself, I didn't know what a loan was when I started work with you and that was less than six months ago.  Kathy has less time than I do, and Kelly even less than that.  Kathy is the only one with any training."  She turned to her friend and asked, "Kath, how much of your graduate education have you used?"
	"Used!?  You two had a big advantage: You started off knowing nothing.  I had to start by unlearning most of what I thought I knew!  All I know about lending you taught me, Cindy.
	"But there's so much more!  You know Jane Keller was transferred to the Trust Division.  Did you know she set a requirement for accepting a transfer?  She did.  In spite of skipping her from assistant treasurer to vice president, she would only take the job if she could wear a modified Special Lending Division uniform.  She wears a jean skirt and a jean jacket along with her slave collar.  At the first opportunity she tells anyone who is interested what it is and what it means.  It means she's one of Cindy's girls!  That's the highest distinction in the bank.  Incidentally, she stood the Trust Division on its ear.  She has at least half of its customers clamoring to be assigned to her, including all of our very largest.  Why?  Because she learned from you what customer service means."  Kathy looked into Cindy's eyes and said, "Are you starting to get the picture?  You're the finest senior officer in the whole bank.  How do you measure performance?  Loan production?  We're tops by a mile.  Loan quality?  The next dime we lose will be the first.  People?  You have the best people in the bank and they all love you.  Promotability?  Our only problem is retention because Cindy's girls are in such demand around the bank.  On the other hand, it takes dynamite and double promotions, usually coupled with a few threats, to get them to move.  Leadership?  Cindy, you're one of a kind.  Your people, top to bottom, love you and worship the ground you walk on.  They would follow you anywhere."
	April picked up and said, "Cin, I don't think I ever told you this: Emily Amelia called you a little twit the first day I met her.  Before she died, she told me how much you had changed and what a wonderful person you are now.  She couldn't believe the torture you so obviously suffered with no bitterness at all!  I came to love and deeply respect that woman, Cindy.  I can only agree that you changed between the time she first formed her opinion and the time I met you.  I guess you know I love you like a sister, except as I told someone, if you and I were sisters we would fight one hell of a lot more."  There were tears streaming from April's eyes as she concluded, "I love you, Cin."
	By this time Cindy was crying.  She looked at April and said, "Do you remember a promise you made me make to you when you started?  You made me promise to throw your Black ass out of the division and out of the bank when you couldn't cut it?"  She straightened up in her chair and said, "Well damn it, Jefferson, it isn't going to happen.  You know why?  Because you're the best damned lending officer in the bank and, while technically you're deputy division head, we both know you run the whole damned division in your spare time.  April, thank you.  The bonus I promised you is in the works.  It will be one of the biggest bonuses the bank will give this year.  I promised, remember?  There's still a problem, though.  I want yours to be the biggest bonus in the bank, but Dad and the directors will only agree to one of the biggest."
	Then, with an effort of will, she grinned, dried her eyes, and said, "Thanks, guys.  You're too kind to me.  You really are.  But what the hell, it's supposed to be fun, isn't it?"
	Kathy smiled and said, "Speaking for all of us, Cin, I don't know if it's supposed to be, but it certainly is fun working for you."  She grinned and added, "Bill is starting to worry.  He says I'm much too eager to leave his bed in the morning.  He thinks I have something going on the side.  I guess he's right, too.  I have a golden-haired, blue eyed dream that I love to be around.  Cindy, you're a lot of fun!"
	After the review, Cindy signed the loan recommendation along with April and sent it along to S.  Stratton White, the senior vice president in charge of the heavy-industries lending group.  It was going to him for information since the present corporate owners of Chicago Steel were his customers.  From there it would go to the Board for final approval.  There was no decision yet with respect to a participation for Northern National.  Cindy had decided not to make a recommendation, but to leave it up to the Board for a top-level funding decision.
* * *
	The weekend in Miami was bright and clear.  By now the Saturday afternoon touch football games with April and Susan playing Mike and Ron had become well known to the team and around the league.  A Bears assistant coach had made inquiries and the Dolphins had found them a small park with a field suitable for their game.  Because it was sunny with the temperature in the 80's, the girls decided to buy white bikinis to wear for the game.  Kelly was with them at the store and bought one, too.
	When they met at the park, Kevin Cavanaugh was waiting with the guys.  Mike said to Susan, "I'm tired of trying to throw to a guy who's trained to bat passes away.  I want a guy who's paid to catch them for a change."
	Sue introduced Kelly who asked, "If that's the case, Mike, what did you bring this ape for?  Notre Dame finally fired him when he couldn't catch one.  Since he's so damned big and takes up half the field, I can see how he might be useful as a blocker once in a while, though."
	When asked, Kelly immediately agreed to play.  Susan knew that all of Cindy's girls were in fantastic physical condition and she had heard about Kelly and Kevin Cavanaugh.  The game shaped up to be fun.  The girls whispered together, and Sue grinned.  On the first play, Sue rolled right after an apparent fake to Kelly who loped out to the left flat.  Sue appeared to get in trouble.  Her feet slipped and Mike and Kevin pounced, but she didn't have the ball.  Just then Kelly lofted a left-handed pass that reached April running in full stride.  She had appeared to slow down when Sue was in trouble, but then blew by Ron to catch the pass and take it in for a touchdown.  When she scored, there was a great cheer from the sidelines.  Almost the entire Bears defensive unit was there to cheer for April.  The cheers were mixed with whistles because of the beauty of the girls revealed by their tiny white bikinis.  The girls gaily waved to the sidelines provoking even more cheers.
	The afternoon was a long one for the guys.  Susan was in Mike's face all afternoon, disrupting his timing.  When he did get the ball away, too often it had far more loft than he wanted but he had to throw high to clear her up-stretched hands.  On one of his lofted passes, Kevin had to stop to wait for the ball.  As he prepared to catch it, Kelly leaped high, batted the ball with her finger tips and then caught the deflection.  She easily outran Kevin down the field.  As Ron was about to tag her, she lateraled off to April who ran it in the rest of the way for a touchdown.  It turned out Kelly was as adept as April at catching the ball and ran just as fast.  The result was disastrous for the men.  Sue had a great time with two targets to throw to instead of only one.  The result was the men's worst loss of the season: when they stopped the game, they were down by five touchdowns.
	As they were relaxing with their beer after the game, Mike looked at Susan with real respect.  He asked, "Sue, I'm serious now.  How in hell did you set up those pass plays?  When we were back, you threw in front of us.  When we played tight, you threw the bomb.  How in hell did you know what we were going to do?"
	"I didn't," she answered with a grin.  "We just set it up the way you described.  If a guy was playing tight, I threw by him and if he was playing back, I threw short.  Isn't that what you're supposed to do?" she asked innocently.
	That night the guys hosted the girls at the girls' victory dinner.  Mike grinned at Kevin and said, "Cavanaugh, welcome to the team.  You joined us just in time to pick up your share of the check.  In fact, Ron and I decided your share is half.  We're poor.  We have these two vultures for agents.  How would you like to try to live on two dollars a week?"
	The girls laughed and Sue said with a sniff, "It's good for you.  It keeps you out of the bars and out of trouble."  Then she took Mike's hand and said, "Because this is a special night, Mike, I'm even making a special rule.  I won't even smack your face tonight.  Aren't you lucky?"
	Mike grinned and winked.  Kevin said, "Thanks a hell of a lot, Sue.  That gives my Irish terror a license to really work me over.  As it is, she has nearly broken my nose and loosened two teeth!"  He leaned over and kissed Kelly gently.  He heard her make warm, happy sounds deep in her throat and then very lightly tapped his cheek with her hand.  "What happened," he asked.  "I know damned well you can hit harder than that."
	She smiled and looked at him with love in her eyes.  "I'm sorry, Kevin," she said softly.  "That's the best I can do tonight."
	The three couples were later joined by Cindy Martin and Dan Burke and the four couples spent the rest of the evening dancing.  Because the game was not scheduled to start until four o'clock the next afternoon, the men didn't even have to be back at their hotels early.  The first time Kevin held Kelly in his arms on the dance-floor, it was like Heaven.  She was very light on her feet and just rested her cheek against his shoulder.  Finally he asked, "Are you happy, Kelly?"  She just murmured softly and snuggled against his chest.  "I love you very much, Darling," he whispered.  "I always have.  Do you think you could ever come to like me?  At least a little?"
	She looked up at him and her eyes were glowing.  "Kevin Cavanaugh, I have always loved you.  When you came to see me dance, I was dancing only for you.  I wanted you to know how badly I wanted you — how badly my body needs you.  Like you?  Cavanaugh, I love you desperately."  Then she buried her head in his shoulder and started to cry.
	Kevin eased her towards a dark corner, stopped dancing and just held her close while he felt her shoulders shaking.  Finally, she looked up at him and he gently wiped her tears away and asked, "What's wrong, Darling?  Why the tears?"
	"Because I'm being too easy.  You know I'm a stripper and that's at least two strikes against me.  Honey, I really want to sleep with you tonight.  I can't tell you how badly."  She tried to smile, but her tears had started to flow again.  "But honey, I'm a virgin.  I really honest-to-God am.  I want to save it for our wedding.  Do you mind?  I've dreamed of you taking me on our wedding night for years."  Then she managed a small smile and added, "What are the names you picked out for our first four kids?  I already had my four picked out.  I wonder if there are any duplicates?"
	He grinned and just shook his head.  "I thought you accused me of wanting a brood mare?" he asked with his eyes dancing.
	"I did," she replied softly.  "I guess it's because that's what I want to be.  Honey, I so desperately want to carry your children in my belly.  She looked at him and just shook her head.  "Can you imagine a basketball team of our very own?  With our genes, the kids will all be giants."  Then she winced and rubbed her abdomen.  He asked what was wrong and she replied, "I can see them now weighing twelve pounds at birth.  Oh, my aching birth canal!  But what the hell, this way I can buy maternity clothes in wholesale quantities."
	"Maternity clothes?" he asked in mock astonishment.  "What maternity clothes?  What's wrong with flour sacks?"  He leaned down and kissed her softly and then harder.  Her arms locked behind his head as she crushed her lips against his.
	When he released her she whispered, "I'm sorry!  I lost my head.  Naked, barefoot, pregnant, and with at least one child nursing at my breast.  Kevin, I'll love it!"  She looked up at him and whispered, "Isn't that a terrible thing to say?"
	He just grinned and slowly shook his head.  "I think it's wonderful, Kelly.  I really do."  Then he shook his head sadly and it was her turn to ask what was wrong.  "What chance do the poor kids have?  They'll be born with the map of Ireland on their face!  By the way, I love the name, Kelly, for a girl."  He pulled her tight and kissed her again.  He could feel the electricity and the love flow between them.  God, I love this girl!
	The next day the Bears demolished the Dolphins.  Mike connected with Kevin for five passes, three of which he took in for touchdowns.  It was his best game as a Bear, and established him as yet another offensive weapon.  The defense held the Dolphins to just one field goal and were very annoyed when they got that late in the game with a near-record 58-yard attempt.  A very happy group of Bears and their fans headed back to Chicago.
Chapter 27
	On the Friday night before the Dolphins game John Smith was in the pantry studying.  He had come to love the Jeffersons deeply in the months he had been working for them.  Knowing how bright and well-informed Mary and April were, he had vowed to complete his college degree.  Tonight was a very different night at the apartment:  For the first time he was alone with Mary.  April had gone to Miami and even Ronnie was away for the weekend.  The little boy had been invited to spend the weekend with Kathy and Bill Cartwright.  Instead of going to the zoo, a movie or the circus, they planned to spend the weekend walking around the ethnic neighborhoods where Kathy was so much at home.  Quite by accident, they discovered Ronnie had a facility for languages and loved the strange sounds and smells of the ethnic neighborhoods.  He alternately walked or was carried in Bill's strong arms.  Smith smiled at the thought.
	Then he heard a strange sound coming from the library.  It sounded like a woman crying.  He thought about putting his butler's uniform back on but decided against it.  Wearing slacks and a sweat shirt, he padded through the apartment to find out what was wrong.  As he moved toward the library he heard the sounds more clearly.  His first thought had been right: It was Mary Jefferson crying.  He found the door almost closed, but pushed it open quietly with a feeling that he was prying into her personal affairs.  Looking around the door, he saw her huddled in a leather chair.  She was wearing a bathrobe that had opened wide at the bottom fully revealing her beautiful slender body below her waist.  As he watched her long slim fingers running up her slit, the tortured sound of her weeping caused his heart to turn over.  She was so lonely and so wanting.
	Almost without conscious volition, he went into the library.  It was significant that in spite of his giant size, Mary seemed to be unaware of his presence as he came towards her.  Hearing her tortured sobs was tearing him up inside.  This woman, more than anyone else, had saved his life.  He would do anything for her, including sacrificing his own life if necessary.  John went to his knees in front of the chair and spread her bathrobe wider.  Gently he stroked her skin.  As he knew it would be, it was like chocolate-colored satin, vibrant and warm to his touch.  Gently he stroked the sensitive flesh of her inner thighs and watched her legs spread wide for him.  He had no clear idea of what to do, so he just continued to stroke her thighs.  In no time he could see her breathing speed up.  In moments, her pelvis started to jerk as his mere touch on her sensitive flesh was enough to bring the poor woman to orgasm.
	Watching, he saw moisture appear between her cunt lips.  He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  She was clean limbed and almost hairless except for a very small dense patch of silken pubic hair.  He touched it with his fingers and found it did feel like silk.  Letting his fingers roam, he gently ran them down her slit, evoking a gasp from the woman.  By now Mary knew what was going on, but was powerless in the face of her wanting.  Without thought she reached down with her slender fingers and parted her nether lips for him.  Revealed now was her beautiful pink slit and her clitoris, now rigid and waiting.  With a soft wordless cry he lowered his mouth to her crotch and started to lick her slit and tongue her clit.  Whenever he made contact with her clit, she cried out with wanting.
	John Smith had never gone down on a woman before.  He had grown up in a macho ghetto culture which held women to be subservient to men.  It was up to the woman to prove her fertility and her womanhood by becoming pregnant.  With welfare, marriage was never even considered.  Now with Mary, his world was turning upside down.  He wanted to worship her.  Dimly he recalled reading about tribes in Africa headed by women.  In the tribe, the men served the queen and Mary seemed like such a queen.  He continued to lick her cunt and found it was exquisite.  It was so clean and sweet-smelling, and her juices tasted so good.  She came again and again and again.  Finally, as she approached an even higher peak of sexual excitement, he bit her clit lightly.  As her cunt exploded in a flood of juices, Mary screamed and fainted.  Very carefully, he licked out the juice and chased down every drop.  Then picking her up like a baby, he carried her to the sofa.  Then he sat down and rested her across his lap.  After carefully closing her robe, he just held her close and gently stroked her hair.
	After a few minutes, he saw her blink and look up at him with a weak smile.  What came next amazed him.  She pulled his head down and kissed him softly on the lips.  It was like no kiss John had ever imagined!  It was soft and gentle, yet filled with unleashed passion at the same time.  He could feel electricity flow between them.  Gently she disengaged, got off his lap, and knelt on the floor between his legs.  Then she loosened his belt and waistband, unzipped his fly and worked his pants off him.  John was shocked when she carefully removed his underpants and released his giant cock, now in a raging erection.  It had been years since he had been with a woman and the previous events hadn't helped.  She just looked at it and whispered, "John, you're beautiful."  Then she lowered her head and began to worship his sex with her mouth.  He couldn't control himself.  Try as he would to control himself, he still had an involuntary release of semen.  Although it embarrassed him, Mary seemed to relish it, licking it all off the head of his penis.
	Then she started to use her mouth as a vagina.  She started to move her mouth up and down on the giant black rod.  It was so big around, she could scarcely get her mouth around it.  Nevertheless, she worked with a will.  To his astonishment, she finally had taken him in to his full length, and began to run her mouth up and down its length.  To him it felt like a vagina except he could feel the suction as she worked on him.  He could feel himself nearing release, and didn't know what to do.  He would choke her, he feared.  Meanwhile, Mary was gently kneading his testicles and relishing the feeling of all of his semen trapped in the sac.  When she thought he was about to explode, she squeezed his balls and started to knead his testicles hard.  He exploded!  In spite of swallowing as fast as she could, some of his cum still forced its way out of her mouth and began to run down her chin.
	After what seemed like hours, his pulsations slowed and then stopped.  She rocked back on her heels and looked up at him with a woeful look and said, "I'm sorry, John.  I thought I could swallow it all, but I couldn't.  I hope you don't mind too much?"
	He lifted her up like she was a baby and put her back on his lap.  Then he began to lick the cum off the side of her face that her tongue couldn't reach.  "Mrs. Jefferson," he asked softly, "Why did you do that?  It's not right for a queen like you to do a thing like that."
	She just nuzzled his shoulder and said very softly, "John, thank you.  I apologize to you.  I'm sorry you heard me weeping, but I couldn't help myself.  It's been so long — over twenty years — since I've been with a man.  Tom was a real man and you are, too."  She looked up at him and said softly, "Will you take me to bed now?  I had almost forgotten what it feels like to be a woman.  And John, please call me Mary."
	John was nonplused.  He didn't know what to do.  He rose from the sofa and easily carried her into her bedroom.  She shrugged off her robe and she lay on her bed waiting for him.  For his part, he just looked.  She was utterly spectacular as she lay there looking at him.  He realized she had the body of a girl twenty years younger.  She lay back on the pillow with her legs spread and reached out to him saying softly, "Please, John?  Please take me."
	He got into bed with her and she took him in her arms.  Moving between her thighs, she put his rod between her legs at the entry to her vagina.  Lifting her hips, she moved her body downward in the bed and partially impaled herself.  He could take it no longer and began to move inside her very tight cunt.  The feeling was like nothing he had ever experienced in his life before.  Mary was feeling sensations she had forgotten even existed.  She started to move her pelvis in tempo with John as he drove into her and finally buried his shaft to the hilt.  Slowly he started to move in and out of the woman.  In almost no time at all she was reached her first orgasm, then a second, and a third and a fourth.  Soon, Mary realized her body was drenched in sweat as her muscles moved out of control.  Finally, she went over the crest and could feel a flood of hot semen flood her vaginal cavity.
	When they recovered, she kissed him slowly and lingeringly.  Then she asked him, "John, could I try something April told me about?  It's the way the Stewarts always go to sleep.  Mrs. Stewart puts her head on Mr. Stewart's shoulder.  He cups her tit with his hand, and she just snuggles close.  Could we try it?"
	It sounded like fun to the big man, but beyond that, he was incapable of saying no to Mary Jefferson about anything.  They turned out the lights and she rested her head on his broad shoulder.  When his hand cupped her perfect breast, she just made warm sounds of pleasure.  In moments, they were both asleep.
* * *
	With the late start of the Dolphin's game, it was long after midnight when April returned to the apartment.  Ronnie was going to be brought home by Kathy Monday morning on her way in to the bank.  The apartment was dark as she opened the door, but she heard sounds from her mother's room.  Making her way quietly, she found the bedroom door ajar.  She saw her mother on her knees taking John Smith's enormous cock in her ass.  The noises she was hearing were sounds of intense pleasure.  Smiling, she carefully closed the door.  Her mother was happy again at long last.
Chapter 28
	When the Stewarts and Cindy returned home to Deerfield, there was a package waiting for Jan from the bank.  She opened it and flipped through the material.  Most was routine, but there was a sealed envelope for Cindy which Jan passed over to her.  Cindy opened it and scanned it quickly.  It was from S. Stratton White, saying that the loan to Chicago Steel had been turned down.  He indicated he would be available to talk about it at two o'clock Monday afternoon.  Cindy was furious as she got ready for bed.
	The next morning she confirmed her meeting with White for two o'clock and then called April and Kathy.  She asked them both to be ready for the meeting.  Cindy was starting on her chores around the house — she could now do everything in about an hour — when Jan asked her what she was going to wear for the meeting.  Cindy was taken aback.  She hadn't given it any thought at all.  "Are you suggesting our uniform might not be appropriate?" she asked.  Then she just shook her head and said, "It doesn't really matter much; I don't have anything else to wear, anyway."
	Jan grinned and disappeared, returning a few minutes later with a lovely blue dress.  "Try this on, Cin," Jan said.  "I think the color will look good on you."  As usual, and despite the fact that it was almost the first day of winter, Cindy was naked.  She slipped the dress over her head and Jan zipped it up for her.  Looking at herself in the mirror, she saw the color exactly matched the blue of her eyes.  She smiled at her image in delight, but then frowned.  "Where did this come from, Jan?" she asked.  "I can't recall ever seeing you wear it."
	"It's something I picked up for my older sister, Cin," Jan replied softly.  "Since it's early in the day and your brain isn't functioning too well yet, she is you."  Smiling warmly she added, "Pete and I don't know what we're going to do when you leave.  You've spoiled us, you know.  Cindy, you're the most giving person we have ever seen or heard of."  Tears came to her eyes.  "Honey, I wake up sometimes crying.  I think of what I did to your glorious body.  You'll carry those scars forever, and it's all my fault.  Can you ever forgive me?"  Now Jan began to cry in earnest.
	Cindy took the woman in her arms and held her close, whispering, "Jan, Dan and I talk about it, too.  He touches the scars and I tell him how happy I am that they're there.  Without them I would still be in the running for the title of the world's most obnoxious bitch.  Except I probably would have retired the trophy by now.  Darling Jan, you changed me for the better.  I'm still skeptical, but a lot of people are saying they think I'm pretty nice now.  I just hope they aren't all wrong."
	Then she eased Jan away from her and grinned.  "But if you don't turn off the damned waterworks, you're going to get tears on my beautiful new dress.  Then I'll really kill you," she said.  "You know something?  There's something to be said for being naked all the time.  I never have to worry about tear stains."
	Jan worked on Cindy's hair and fixed it the way Henry Hall had done it months earlier.  When she was finished she grinned at Cindy and said, "Slave, you cheat!"
	"What did I do now?"
	"You're using makeup.  At least, you're using two bobby-pins which are practically the same thing," she replied with a grin.  "Cindy, Henry Hall said it all.  Your hair is truly exquisite and all you do is wash it, brush it, and hold it in position with just two dumb pins."
	Cindy frowned and then shook her head sadly.  Running her fingers lightly over Jan's golden hair she said, "Oh, the poor girl!  Jan, you're right.  If your hair were not the color of new-minted yellow gold, if it didn't have its glorious body and wave, and if it didn't straighten itself when you just look at it, it would be dull, mousy and uninteresting.  You poor thing!"  She rose and hugged Jan saying, "Janice Stewart, I love you very much!"  Cindy then called the other girls and told them she was wearing a dress that day for the meeting.  When she was ready to leave, she was a vision.  She was delighted that the neckline complimented the only jewelry she was wearing, her gold slave collar.  When Jan asked her about it she smiled warmly and said, "It reminds me of whom I belong to."
	Driving into Chicago, Cindy focused on the upcoming meeting.  She hadn't seen Stratton White since the fateful day in what was then Horace Paterson's office.  White was one of the division heads Paterson had brought in to the bank.  She remembered that she had considered him to be the model corporate lending officer at the time.  Then she reflected on the way her opinions were now 180 degrees away from what they had been in the spring and wondered what the meeting would be like.
	April and Kathy were waiting for her in her office.  She looked at the two girls and began to laugh.  "You two should see yourselves," she giggled.  "You look like two 8th-graders going to their first dance with boys.  Two girls who are far more at home in jeans, finally putting on dresses for the first time!"  The girls looked sheepish and then grinned back.  Both looked like they could pose for a bank advertisement showing female lending officers at work.  Kathy was wearing an expensively-simple gray wool dress, while April was wearing a tan cashmere suit.  Cindy thought of the image and started to laugh.  When April asked what was so funny, Cindy said, "Just look at us.  We could pose for a bank ad for affirmative action or some such bullshit.  Three women: one Black, one Oriental, and one white."  She laughed and said, "I ask you?"
	The girls looked at one another and then joined in her laughter.  April smiled softly and said, "Cindy, you do know that's what we love so much about you, don't you?  I really haven't thought about being Black or even female since I started to work for you.  I'm convinced that you don't know or care.  You care very deeply about the kind of job I do.  I have learned more in six months or so with you than I could have in ten years anywhere else."  Even though there were tears in her eyes, she smiled and said, "Cindy Martin, you're just plain great!"
	Kathy said, "I don't know about that!  I admit you're senior to me, April Jefferson, but what have I received from this deal?  I mean, after all, I do have an MBA.  All I have to show for my four months is a vice-presidency, a husband who I adore and who adores me, a few hundred million dollars, and an incredible family.  Where are all the benefits we were supposed to get?  I'll never be a success at this rate!"
	Then her expression changed and she said, "Cindy Martin, it's all your fault, too.  I have one question, though.  Bill asked me about it.  We want to name our first child after you but Bill and I agree that Cynthia would sound a little strange as the name for a boy, even if the poor kid is going to be Eurasian-American to start with."  Then she appeared to brighten and said, "On the other hand, odds slightly favor it being female and Cynthia Cartwright will be a lovely name for a girl, don't you think?"
	The girls went up to the Heavy-Industries conference room.  Cindy was in the lead and was the first to see Stratton White.  When she did, her stomach turned over.  He now appeared to be overweight, obsequious, and a man who hid behind committees — in short, all of the things she had come to detest.  She shook hands and was introduced to the group of people he had assembled.  In addition to all of his senior executives that she expected to be present, there were representatives from Public Relations and Community Relations.  White was seated at the head of the table with all of his people sitting down the table to his left.  They reminded her of a group of penguins arrayed in their pecking order.  She sat between April and Kathy to his right, and across the table from his staff.
	He began the meeting by sliding the loan recommendation down to Cindy.  He smiled a hearty smile and said, "Cynthia, I'm sure it's obvious to you why this proposal cannot be approved.  It's ridiculous.  It makes no sense at all."
	"It is not obvious to me, Stratton," she replied coldly.  "Suppose you tell me why you feel it makes no sense."
	"Well... I mean...  What will the other banks think?  What will the mayor think?"  Then looking at her meaningfully, he added, "What will SHOVE do?"
	April Jefferson replied, "Why do we care what other banks think?  They're competitors.  What does the mayor know about anything besides ward politics?  And who gives a damn about SHOVE?  Mr. White, perhaps you should know that my mother threw him out.  Civil-rights leader?  Hah!  He's great at enriching himself at the taxpayers expense."  Cindy glanced at the girl and saw that her eyes were steely as she continued, "Suppose you tell me what the bank should do?"
	"Well," he said with an expansive smile, "That's easy, and it's what the bank is going to do!  We're joining the SHOVE consortium that's going to reopen the entire steel-making facility.  It's going to provide jobs for welfare people, maintain our city's steel-making capacity..."
	"That's bullshit, Mr. White," Kathy Cartwright interjected.  "What you mean to say is you hope to line up government guarantees and at least get an origination fee out of it.  We both know there's no chance of operating the steel-making side of that facility again, ever!"
	White had recoiled at Kathy's statement.  "Who in hell are you, young lady?  I expect an apology, immediately!"
	Cindy began to laugh and shook her head.  "I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Strat.  Who is she, you asked?  Her name is Katherine Chang Cartwright.  She may be the largest depositor the bank has.  If it's not her, it's her sister, Jennifer Chapman, or her other sister, Janice Stewart, or possibly her mother, Allison Clifford.  Let's just say she's directly related to the ownership of about 96 percent of the bank.  Now what was that about an apology?"
	The man turned gray, verging on white.  He just sputtered.  Just then, Homer Biggs from Community Affairs said, "But we have to back SHOVE!  If we don't, they'll picket the bank.  They're standing by and their pickets will appear at three o'clock unless I call Horace and tell him we'll go along.  I have to call within the next ten minutes."  The man was so nervous, he was visibly sweating.
	As he was speaking, the door opened and Dan Burke came in.  His first words were, "Then I guess we'll have some people picketing outside, won't we?"  Turning to White he said, "Sam, we're making Cindy's loan.  The board of directors unanimously approved it this morning."  As he was speaking, he stood behind Cindy's chair and started gently to massage her neck, although his fingers were hidden by her long hair.  She was stunned.  She knew from his first words that the speaker was Dan, but with his strong hands holding her she was unable to turn around to look at him.
	Dan continued, "Sam... I should apologize, Sam.  I know you like S. Stratton these days, but to me you'll always be Sammy.  Anyway, your actions over the last couple of days have cost you all your jobs.  Don Martin and I were wondering what you folks... all of you folks... have been doing for a living lately.  Now that we find out, we don't like it at all.
	"Sam, do you realize the profit from Cindy's division substantially exceeds your gross divisional revenue?  It does.  Don and I are old fashioned.  We believe in backing winners, so let's look at the track records, shall we?  First, loan production:  Starting from zero, her loans for the last six months exceed your total for the last three years.  Loan quality?  The next dime we lose on one of hers will be the first.  I don't want to embarrass you by talking about yours.  People?  Cindy has the finest staff in the bank.  Every person was handpicked and personally trained by her or her senior deputies who are here with her today.  They tell me she trained them personally.
	"When one division head attempts to overrule the decision of another in the other's field, he's sticking his neck out.  He had better be right!  Sam, you couldn't be more wrong, so you're finished as of today.  You may clean out your desk now.  As for public relations and community relations, Cindy handles those in her spare time with no additional effort.  She just performs.  Therefore, gentlemen, you're also expendable."  Turning to Biggs he said, "Homer, maybe Horace Washington will give you a job.  I hope so.  Good-bye."
	The heavy-industries people and the others filed out of the room in a state of shock.  April winked at Dan and left with Kathy, leaving Cindy and Dan alone.  He pulled up a chair beside her and held her hands.
	She looked at him and tears were streaming from her eyes.  "Who the hell are you, Daniel Burke?  What just happened here?"  She reached for him and he lifted her onto his lap.  She nuzzled his shoulder and softly sobbed while he stroked her hair.
	Finally she looked up at him and he said, "Cindy, will you forgive me?  I guess I have been terribly mean.  The fact is I'm executive vice president and chief lending officer.  You have been working for me for quite a while now.  I just didn't want you to know it.  Do you mind terribly?"
	Her eyes glinted as she said, "Do you mean to say that all my work trying to find an inexpensive apartment has been wasted?  You're really making enough to support a wife?  You have been all along?  Even when I bought dinner, and felt sorry for you when you walked all the way out to the house because you spent all your money on my flowers?"
	"Honey, I have never lied to you," he protested.  "I really did walk out because I didn't have any money."  He grinned and said, "I didn't tell you there was none in my bank account, though.  I really did spend all the money I brought."
	He kissed her lovingly and added, "As for the rest, you've been doing such an incredible job all by yourself.  I thought it would be a boost to your self-confidence for you not to ask me for advice.  Do you really mind?"
	"Not really, Daniel Patrick Burke," she replied with an impish grin.  "Just remember, though, I will get even.  I don't know how or when, but I will.  Bet on it!"
	Just then the conference room phone rang.  She answered it and found it was a call for Dan.  He picked it up and in a moment his face turned serious.  He said, "Just watch the doors.  I'll be right down."  Turning to Cindy he said, "Biggs didn't lose any time.  Washington and his pickets are starting to gather across from the bank right now.  The first television news crew just arrived."  When they reached the lobby, through the glass doors they could see numbers of people gathering across the street with professionally-prepared picket signs.  Then they saw something else:  People of all types were starting to gather in front of the bank.  They just stood and faced the pickets across the street.  As Dan and Cindy watched, the crowd continued to grow.
* * *
	Across the street from the bank's main entrance, Conrad Jensen, the evening anchor for Channel 7's Eyewitness News program, was at his microphone.  He was describing the unfolding events.  They were taping, but an engineer was standing by in the newsroom at the studio prepared to interrupt regular programming with a live report.  He had just finished describing Horace Washington and his SHOVE people, and said they were about to move into position to surround the bank.
	Then he noticed a change.  Speaking into his microphone, he said, "Something very strange is going on here in front of the headquarters of Chicago Trust.  People — hundreds of people — are gathering in front of the bank.  More are arriving as I speak to you.  I have never seen anything like it.  They are people from all walks of life standing shoulder to shoulder and surrounding the bank.  They look like... like they're protecting it!
	"Wait!  I see a group of very big men all wearing Chicago Bears warmup jackets.  I recognize Mike Cassidy, the quarterback, but he has a lot of company.  I see steelworkers, mechanics, grocers...  Folks, I don't know what's going on!  These can't be customers of this bank.  Jane Edwards is here with me and is moving in the crowd.  Jane, can you hear me?  What's going on?"
	The picture cut to Jane Edwards, a Channel 7 reporter, standing with Henry Kwan, the Korean grocer.  She said, "Conrad, I'm here with a man named Henry Kwan.  He's a Korean immigrant who claims to be a depositor at Chicago Trust.  He's here to protect his bank.  Mr. Kwan, why do you call it your bank?"
	Henry Kwan was very dignified as he replied, "Miss Martin and Miss Jefferson trusted me.  They loaned me the money I needed to expand my business.  They are friends of small business.  Miss Martin is a division head and Miss Jefferson is my lending officer."  He beamed with pride and added, "She was recently promoted to vice president.  My family is very pleased."
	"But Mr. Kwan, Chicago Trust doesn't lend to small business people.  It only lends money if you don't need it... if you're rich.  Horace Washington says..."
	She was interrupted by Sam Smith who towered over her.  He said, "Horace Washington doesn't know (bleep)!  That's wrong:  He sure knows how to take care of Horace Washington."  He looked at the reporter and said, "You're Jane Edwards, aren't you?"  She nodded and he continued, "My name is Sam Smith.  I served time for armed robbery.  I'm sure not proud of that fact, but I sure am proud of April Jefferson, Cindy Martin, and the whole damned Chicago Trust Company.  Would you lend money to an ex-con?  They did."  Tears came to his eyes as he said, "Do you know what just happened?  I'm now a trust customer of the bank.  They're managing my retirement plan.  Can you believe it?  An ex-con with a bank like this helping me set up my retirement?  And they really are!"
	Edwards was visibly shaken.  She moved to where she had seen Bears' warmup jackets.  She found Charley Hodgins, the giant 290-pound defensive tackle of the Bears, and introduced herself.  She asked why he was at the bank.  With the camera whirring he said, "Because it's my bank.  My bank officer is April Jefferson."  He beamed and said, "She's my agent, too.  She's really taking care of me and so is the bank.  I heard they needed help, so I came down."
	Just then the SHOVE group started to cross the street to where microphones had been set up for the "spontaneous" demonstration.  The group around the bank building gave way only enough to allow Horace Washington to reach the mikes.  He didn't know that his supporters, many of whom were being paid to come out, failed to follow, so when he began his speech he realized he was completely surrounded by unfriendly faces.  His eyes widened as he realized his people were still across the street.  As he watched, some put their signs in nearby trash bins and started to steal away from the scene.  But Horace Washington hadn't worked himself into his present position by walking away from a fight.  Whatever else he was, he was not a coward.  He began his speech: "Today we're here to protest the racist, elitist lending practices of Chicago Trust Company.  This bank deals only with the rich.  The people of Chicago made this bank.  What has it done for the city lately?  All it does is hold the money made by generations long dead for the benefit of people who are the parasites on our economy.  They just take — never give!
	"We wanted them to help with the reopening of Chicago Steel's great mill on the lake.  Would they help?  No!  Would they talk with us?  No!"
	Washington was standing with his back to the building, facing the TV cameras on news trucks parked across the street.  As a result he didn't see the crowd part behind him, forming a corridor from the main entrance of the bank to where he was standing.  Cindy had returned to her office when she saw the crowd gathering.  Finding April and Kathy waiting for her, she quickly told them what was happening and they changed into their uniforms.  Because of the cold weather, they were all wearing parkas.  When they came out of the door of the bank, there was an immediate murmur of recognition from the people nearby.  Guessing what Cindy intended, they moved back to create an aisle for them.
	Cindy was standing on the steps of the bank as Washington started to speak.  She heard the first words of his speech and guessed what he intended to say.  The hood of her parka was down and her golden hair was flowing free as she walked up behind the speaker.  As they walked, Ron Jackson and Bill Cartwright emerged from the crowd and followed them.  When Washington stopped for an applause line in his speech — because his supporters had left, there was none — Cindy spoke up.  "I beg your pardon, Mr. Washington.  Did I hear you say our bank has made no loans to the people of Chicago?  My name is Cynthia Martin.  I'm a senior vice president and head of our Special Lending Division.  I think I see a number of our customers all around us."  Speaking into the microphone she shouted, "Would anyone who borrowed money from Chicago Trust in the last year please raise his hand?"
	Suddenly, almost every hand in the crowd was raised.  There was a tremendous cheer from the people as they did.  Washington was visibly shaken.  She continued, "Did we give Mr. Washington money ostensibly to reopen that museum of steel-making on the lake?  Hell, no!  What we just did, though, was to make available $500 million to install an electric furnace and start making steel from scrap.  I want you all to know that Chicago Trust arranged the entire financing package with no government money or guarantees.  Not a penny!  I want you to hear from my deputy, April Jefferson.  April is a vice president and my deputy division head.  She led a group that did all of the work to create a modern steel-making facility here in Chicago.  April?"
	April went up to the microphone and looked around at the crowd.  She asked, "How many of you have received financial help from SHOVE?"  There was no response.  She persisted, "Surely someone here in Chicago has received money from the organization.  I know the Federal government alone gave them almost $20 million.  The other banks provided millions more.  Didn't anyone here get any?"
	A middle-aged Black man pushed his way through the crowd to the microphone.  April glanced at Washington and saw he was looking scared.  The man said, "I borrowed money from SHOVE.  They were charging me 30 percent interest paid weekly.  They had bone-breakers who would come around and collect.  I have a little furniture store in the community.  We sell inexpensive things the people can afford.  Miss Jefferson, you came in one day.  You lent me the money to pay off SHOVE.  I'm paying the bank a floating rate three points over prime."
	Looking around the crowd he asked, "How many of you know what three over prime is?"  There was no response.  He continued, "I didn't either.  It started with Miss Jefferson who bailed me out of a jam.  I couldn't afford the interest I was paying.  Then her people came around.  They worked with me on my business.  They explained what a floating-rate loan is.  They helped me!  You all know who they are.  They all dress like these women here.  They all drive those red Mazdas."  He paused and then stood between Cindy and April and put his arms around them both.  He shouted, "Who are these young women!?"
	There was an immediate response from hundreds of voices.  The media didn't know what was going on, but they heard an immediate roar, "The Twins!"
	The man continued, saying, "I'm Henry Jones.  You all recognize these women.  They are 'the twins who aren't'!  Have you ever seen two more beautiful women together?  One is white and the other is Black.  Have you ever seen a hint of racism?  Have you ever seen a hint of charity?  All I've ever seen is a sincere desire to help.  Do they make money?  I hope so."  He held his head up and said, "Do you know what makes me feel so good?  The money is not charity!  It's not because I'm Black or in spite of being Black.  It's because they think it's good business.  I can't tell you how proud this makes me, and looking around I can see a lot of others who are just as proud!"  He turned around and said, "Horace Washington, you're a disgrace!  What do you have to say for yourself?"
	To the astonishment of the crowd, Washington, his eyes burning with rage, started to swing at April Jefferson.  Before his arm could come more than halfway around, Ron Jackson had interposed himself.  He blocked the swing and leveled Washington with a right cross to the chin.  As Washington was falling, Ron took April in his arms and held her tight.  Turning to the mike he said, "No one hits the Twins!  No one!"  There was a thunderous roar of approval from the crowd.
	April turned and said, "Thank you all for coming down here this afternoon.  We appreciate your support very much."  Then with a grin she added, "Now why don't you get back to work?  How are you going to make the money for next month's payment?  We need the money!"  The temper of the crowd changed instantly.  With a great cheer, they started to break up and move away.
	April took Ron in her arms and kissed him tenderly.  "Thank you, Ron darling," she whispered.  "You saved my life.  He could have taken my head off."
	Just then Conrad Jensen and Jane Edwards pushed their way to the impromptu podium with their microphones.  Jensen asked, "What's this news about Chicago Trust and its lending?  Why didn't you tell us you were lending to the minority community?  Why weren't we informed?"  As he spoke, numbers of people started to gather around, drawn back by the news people.
	"I beg your pardon?" Cindy queried.  "We don't customarily call a news conference to announce that we made a loan.  I believe in your business, that's called a 'dog bites man' story.  It isn't news.  Mr. Jensen, lending money is our business.  To whom we lend is private between ourselves and our clients."
	"But it's news when you lend to minorities," Jensen insisted.
	"Why is it news?" April asked.  "We lend to qualified borrowers who we believe will benefit from the money in an economic way.  We seek out businesses which need money to grow.  When we make these loans, we both benefit.  They make more money from their business and we make more money for our depositors."
	"But... But you're Black!  And I heard you introduced as a vice president..."
	"I noticed that fact several years ago, Mr. Jensen," April interjected dryly.  Miss Martin is white and Mrs. Cartwright is Oriental.  So what?"
	"But, you're in community relations..."
	"I'm a vice president in a Chicago Trust lending division.  I lend money.  That's all I do.  What passes for community relations is just a device to create jobs rather than create value.  I like to think I help the bank to grow and prosper.  When I do that, I can grow with it."
	Jensen and Edwards were in shock.  People pressed close trying to tell their individual stories.  The TV news shows that night on all three network stations opened with a feature on Chicago Trust and the destruction of SHOVE.  Late in the afternoon, the Federal attorney for Chicago had announced a grand-jury investigation of SHOVE to try to find millions in lost Federal money.  It also turned out that Chicago Trust was the biggest money source to both minority groups and small business of all kinds in the area.
	Cindy and Dan were watching the show from the leather sofa in Dan's office.  They had just made love on it and she was resting with her head on his shoulder, after teasing him about having a leather sofa to sleep on every day.  As they watched the newscast, Dan pretended to be sad and said, "Well, you really did it this time!  Now how are you going to work twenty-four-hour days here and still take care of Jan in Deerfield?"
	Cindy just snuggled closer and said, "I have a friend who's a big wheel in the bank now."  She lifted her head and looked at him asking, "You are my friend, aren't you?"
	He smiled and caressed her breast.  She snuggled closer and smiled happily.  Dan frowned and shook his head.  "I don't know...  I guess so," he said sounding reluctant.  "But what have you done for me lately?  After all, Cin, you're getting kind of worn..."  He brightened and asked, "By the way, does your father provide a warranty for parts and labor?  False teeth, orthodonture, cosmetic surgery... that sort of thing?"
	She poked her elbow into his ribs and then looked up at the wall over the sofa.  There was an old portrait of a senior officer of the bank from many years earlier.  She smiled and said, "Dan, I have something for you for Christmas.  I want you to promise you'll hang it right up there."  She pointed to where the portrait was hanging.
	Dan looked skeptical and asked, "And what, may I ask, am I supposed to hang there?"
	"A portrait of your mistress, silly!  And it's an original Vance, too."  She looked up and said, "Promise?"  Dan just smiled and hugged her.  Before long, they were making love again.
	They both received smiles from the guards on duty when they finally signed out of the building late that night.
Chapter 29
	It was only a week before Christmas when Cindy called April and asked what the Division was going to do for a party.  Hanging up the phone, April immediately called the dining room and asked about scheduling a Christmas party for the division.  By now the unit numbered sixty people and it was still growing rapidly.  The initial response was laughter.  She was told in no uncertain terms that the facilities had been booked for over six months.  Hearing the news, April was ashamed.  It was the first thing she had overlooked in the nearly six months she had been working with Cindy and she knew her friend would be crushed.  Thinking she would try some local restaurants, she idly mentioned to the hostess that she would like to leave her name in case there was a cancellation or something.
	The woman laughed and said it was most unlikely but then she asked, "To whom am I speaking?  What unit do you represent?"
	"I'm April Jefferson, vice president and deputy head of the Special Lending Division," April replied, giving her extension number.
	Suddenly, there was a pregnant pause at the other end of the line.  The woman said, "Oh, dear!  I'm terribly sorry, Miss Jefferson.  I didn't recognize your voice.  When would you like to have your party?  I'm sure we can accommodate you."  April was amazed, but asked the date of the senior officer's party.  Told it was at noon on December 23, April asked for five o'clock that day.  The woman said, "Oh, that will be fine!  May I send up a menu recommendation?  We're so looking forward to having you."
	Being the girl she was, April called Cindy right back.  "Cin, something very strange is going on," she said.  Then she reported the strange conversation with the manager of the officers' dining rooms.  "First, she as much as laughed me off the phone.  Then when I told her who I was, suddenly she could handle us anytime we want — or at least that's the impression she gave.  What's going on?"
	Cindy chuckled and said she would check.  Hanging up, she called Dan's number.  Now that the truth was out, she delighted in teasing him about being a credit analyst.  Nevertheless, he always picked up if he was in his office.  Today he was and he did.  Picking up the phone he said, "Hi, doll!"
	"I beg your pardon, sir!" Cindy said imperiously.  "To whom do you think you're speaking?"
	"A blue-eyed, golden-haired cunt," he replied in a bored tone of voice.  "They are the only ones with this phone number.  On the other hand, which one are you?  There are a significant number these days."
	"I'm the one with the scarred ass and circumcised clit.  Does that sound like someone familiar?" she asked acidly.
	"Oh, sure!  I remember," Dan exclaimed.  "Let's see...  I'm pretty sure your name begins with a C.... Charlotte?...  No.  Candy?...  No!  Cindy!  You must be Cindy!"
	"Right," Cindy replied, drawing out the word.  "Daniel Patrick Burke, you do know I'm going to get even, don't you?  I still owe you for pretending you were still an analyst...
	"Incidentally, I went to a NOW meeting.  It was a waste of time," she finished.
	"Why was it a waste?"
	"Because you hear so much chatter about women as a receptacle for a man's fluids?  Well, I went to find out how a girl does it.  I'm tired of being made to destroy myself with my orgasms.  When I told them that you keep me in orgasm for over fifteen minutes at a time, and then finally persuaded them it was true, the meeting broke up.  The women bailed out to try to find you, I think.  And they never answered my question, either," she pretended to grump.
	Dan laughed at her story and said, "I'm sorry, Hon.  Seriously, though, why the call?  What's on your mind?"
	Cindy quickly told him about April's report and he laughed again.  "Well, what do you know!?" he exclaimed.  "I think we must finally be getting through.  Your father and I have been on a two-man campaign to try to get you and your unit some recognition.  I guess someone must have been paying attention.  Anyway, are you all set?"
	"Yes we are.  The reason I called was there are two questions: First, can we get a combo in to play if we pay for it ourselves?  Second, we scheduled it for five o'clock on the twenty-third and I want to invite you to come, assuming we get some music.  You know, Burke, I can't remember you ever dancing with me.  You do dance, don't you?"
	Dan chuckled and replied, "I sure do.  With all the grace and charm of a trained bear dancing on its hind legs.  It's what I remind people of, too.  Incidentally, knock off the shit about paying for the band.  It's a bank charge.  As far as dancing is concerned, are you sure you want to take your life in your hands?"
	"I'll take the chance, Darling," she replied and hung up.
* * *
	The evening before the parties, Cindy received a call from Mary Martin.  She said, "Cin, would you do your father a big favor tomorrow?  Please wear your division uniform to the senior officers' party.  I guess you'll be there with April, Kathy, and Kelly, won't you?"  Cindy said she would and was asked to tell the girls to wear their uniforms, too.  Finally, she was puzzled when she was told that there would be assigned seating at the luncheon.  The hostess would have the seating chart.
	The next day the four girls looked at each other and started to laugh.  They were identically dressed complete with their matching slave collars.  When they arrived at the executive dining room, expanded to its largest capacity for the occasion, Cindy was a little embarrassed to see everyone else dressed up while her group was wearing their customary Levi's and work shirts.  They found themselves seated at a table immediately in front of the head table.  As the luncheon was being served, Cindy was surprised to see Jan Stewart and Jennifer Chapman come in and take seats at the head table.  Her father was sitting between them.  When she was seated, Jan looked over at Cindy and winked at her.
	When the meal was finished, Don tapped his water glass for attention and then stood up behind the rostrum.  When the room quieted, he said, "Welcome and Merry Christmas!  Today we're doing a number of things that are different from what we have done in the past.  There are several reasons for this, not the least of which is that the bank is now a very different institution than it was as recently as last year.  First, I want to announce that this year is shaping up to be the most profitable year in the bank's history.  Second, on your tables under the centerpiece you'll find envelopes with each of your names on them.  Please pass them out and open them now.  They represent year-end bonus payments."
	Cindy reached under the flowers and found envelopes and passed them out.  Opening her own she grinned wryly as she saw that she had qualified for a bonus of 200 percent of base salary.  Since the base salary was zero, so was her bonus.  From the looks on the faces of the girls they were receiving comparable bonuses but with real money.  She studied the bonus stub more closely and found that the bonus formula was divided into two pieces: divisional bonus and bank-wide bonus.  Each could be as large as 100 percent of salary.  When she caught Jan's eye, she daintily stuck out her tongue and Jan laughed.
	Meanwhile Don Martin remained standing at the rostrum waiting.  When the sounds died down he continued: "I hope you all looked at your bonus stubs carefully.  The information is highly relevant to what's coming.  You see, today we're doing something else that's new: We're announcing a new bank-wide award, the Clifford Prize.  This is a prize donated by the owners of the bank: Mr. and Mrs. William H. Clifford, Mr. and Mrs. David Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Chapman, Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Cartwright, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Cartwright, and Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Stewart.  Since the Cliffords are the largest shareholders, the award is named after them.  The Clifford prize is to be given each year to that division with the greatest achievement against plan.
	"Before I turn over the rostrum, I want you to look at your stubs carefully.  For some of you, virtually the entire bonus is a result of bank-wide results.  Well, when you're considering the degree to which you should applaud the winner, I thought you should know that 90 percent of the bank-wide profit was generated by the winning division.  Expressed another way, this division has contributed nine out of every ten dollars to the bank-wide portion of your bonus.
	"It is now my great pleasure to introduce the chairman of the board of directors, Jennifer Clifford Chapman, to make the presentation."
	Jen was wearing a very simple but elegant wool dress in Christmas red.  She stood at the rostrum and acknowledged the applause after winking at Cindy.  When the room quieted she said, "It is my great pleasure to present the first Clifford Prize to Cynthia K. Martin and the Special Lending Division.  Cindy?"
	As Cindy rose to her feet, all the officers in the room also rose and began to applaud and cheer wildly.  She went behind the speakers table and stood at the rostrum with Jennifer while they waited for the applause to die down.  While they were waiting, an easel was set up behind them and a veiled painting was put on it.  When the applause diminished, Jennifer went to the picture and lifted the cloth covering it.  It was a portrait of Cindy, April and Kathy wearing their uniforms.  Cindy was seated while the other girls were standing behind her.  Again there was loud applause for the portrait that Jim Vance had done.  Jennifer announced, "This portrait of Cynthia Martin, April Jefferson, and Katherine Cartwright will hang in the lobby of the bank.  It's a tribute to them and to the people in their division, as well as to what they have achieved.
	"Obviously, the unit has been very profitable.  But there's more.  There was some concern about the reaction of our old-line customers.  There should not have been.  They have been tremendously supportive of our efforts.  We — and they — are both very pleased and very proud."  Jennifer then took Cindy in her arms and pulled her close.  "I would like to add a personal note.  There's no person alive for whom I have greater love, admiration, and respect than Cindy Martin.  It's fair to say we didn't start off as the best of friends.  Now I like to consider her one of my very dearest friends.  I would like to close by saying this award could not possibly go to a finer person than Cynthia Martin."
	Don Martin returned to the rostrum and Cindy returned to her seat.  He said, "There are a couple of additional remarks I would like to make about her Division's results.  First, loan losses: There are none.  However, there is something all of you should know.  When the special lending program was very new and before we had any experience with it, the owners were concerned about what the bank examiners might say about the loan quality.  Do you know what they did?  They personally guaranteed all of the loans.  They were ready to buy the entire special loan portfolio from the bank at its face value and pay us a servicing fee.  In other words, any risk in this portfolio ran directly to the owners of this bank personally!  Have you ever heard of such an endorsement?  Incidentally, the backing was to their entire personal net worth, a sum of money that totals nearly $10 billion!  The bank, the other depositors, and the FDIC couldn't possibly lose.
	"On the other hand, we did have problems with the examiners regarding this portfolio.  It's not quite the problem we anticipated, however.  You see, the examiners questioned why we have any loan loss reserves, pointing out — correctly — that we have not yet lost a dime!  However, I don't want you to think my daughter has no problems.  She certainly does.  Her problem is keeping her loans on the books.  The first loan she made was about six months ago.  It was a five-year term loan to fix up a restaurant in Deerfield."
	Turning to his daughter, Don said, "Cindy, I have bad news for you.  The Legrands are here today."  Turning back to the group he said, "Please welcome the very first customers of the Special Lending Division, Marcel and Marie Legrand."  The two came in arm-in-arm.  Cindy noticed that Marie's abdomen was starting to bulge — obviously she was now expecting a baby.  Don Martin greeted them both warmly and then said, "Cindy, this concerns you.  Come back up here, please."
	Again she made her way up to the rostrum and was greeted warmly by the Legrands.  She whispered congratulations to Marie who kissed her warmly.  Marcel went to the microphone and said, "Joyeaux Noel — Merry Christmas!  It was about six months ago when a very handsome couple came into our restaurant.  The young woman had obviously been trained as a cordon bleu chef because she critiqued my menu.  A few days later they returned and noticed the improvements we had made as a result of her suggestions.  Then I was shocked.  She prepared the finest croissants I have ever eaten followed by an omelette that was a true masterpiece.  We listened to her advice and then she offered to lend us the money we needed to make our plans a reality.  We didn't believe it.  Who ever heard of a banker who could cook?  But then two days later, dressed as you see her now, she returned with a check."
	Turning to Cindy he said, "Today I have something for you."  With that he presented her with a check paying off the loan in full.
	Cindy accepted the check and gave it to her father.  "What are you going to do now, Cin?" he asked with his eyes gleaming.  "What if all your customers repay us way in advance?  How can we make any money?"
	"Dad, I guess I'll just have to prospect harder for new customers," she replied.  She kissed the two Legrands and congratulated them both on the success of their restaurant and the forthcoming birth of their child.
	At this point Marie Legrand went to the microphone and addressed the group: "As some of you can see, Marcel and I are expecting our first child.  We're overcome with excitement.  Our child will be a native-born American!  He or she might become president of the United States.  I want you to know how proud we both are to be in this country.  Marcel and I have talked about it often because nothing like this could ever happen in France.  A banker coming to our restaurant to lend us money?  Impossible!  It would never happen.  But in America it does... and it did."  Turning to her friend she said, "Cindy, thank you!  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you."
	Don Martin returned to the podium and Cindy returned to her seat.  He said, "There's more to this group, though.  Cindy has the outstanding group of lending officers in the bank.  As a matter of fact, I guess we're rethinking the qualifications to be a lending officer in this bank.  You see, her deputy division head started work at the bank less than nine months ago... as a receptionist!  I have a few bones to pick with April Jefferson, though.  Not only is she the finest lending officer the bank has ever had, she even develops a little business on the side.  You all have heard about banks supporting civic activities?  Well, April got a little carried away.
	"What really builds civic pride?  A winning major-league sports franchise, right?  What's the biggest sports event of the year?  The Super Bowl.  And who's going to the Super Bowl?  The Chicago Bears... courtesy of April Jefferson.  She was doing it in her spare time, of course.  Here with me today is Jim Clancy, the general manager of the Chicago Bears to tell you about it.  Jim?"
	As he finished speaking, Jim Clancy entered the room and strode over to the podium.  He greeted Don and Dan Burke warmly, as well as Jan and Jennifer who he had come to know as guests of the McCaskeys.  He addressed the group: "A few months ago I received a call from a young woman who introduced herself as April Jefferson.  She told me she was Ron Jackson's new agent and asked if she could come over and meet me.  I soon found out that, in addition to being Ron's agent, she was one of 'the twins who aren't.' Who are they?  Well, I guess the group is much larger now.  A few months ago, it was just two young women.  They were utterly beautiful and drove around Chicago in a red Mazda.  The word was on the street that if you were a small business man who needed some money to grow, the Twins would find you.  They would provide the you with money, advice... anything.  April Jefferson is one of the twins, of course, and Cindy Martin is the other.  One white, the other Black.
	"At any rate, when I met April, we got along pretty well and I asked her if she would be interested in representing some of the other players.  She was and did."  Turning towards the door he said, "Hey guys!  Come on in."  Virtually the entire Bears defense came in wearing their warmup jackets.  Trailing in behind the group were Mike Cassidy with Susan Bradford and Kevin Cavanaugh.  They formed a semicircle behind the speakers rostrum as Clancy continued.
	"April Jefferson turned around our defense.  For the first time in memory they had no off-the-field problems so they could — and did — concentrate on their work.  Did she stop there?  Oh, no!  Not her.  For the first half of the season, our offense was a no-show.  April didn't think that was fair so she takes care of our quarterback.  How?  She introduces Mike Cassidy to her sister.  Her sister, Susan Bradford, is now Mike's agent, quarterback coach, and fiancée.  She's here with me now.  Susan, will you say a few words?"
	Susan went to the microphone and said, "Thanks, Jim.  And thank you for the introduction."  Looking out at the crowd, she said, "Jim introduced me as April's sister.  As you can see, she has a deeper suntan than I do."  There was laughter from the group.  "However, I think it says something about the bank and its people.  I studied the painting behind me as Jim was speaking.  It sort of looks like 'affirmative action comes to Chicago,' doesn't it?  There are three women: one white, one Black, and one Oriental.  It's anything but.  I happen to know that this institution and its people are truly color-blind.  I live with April, her mother, and her son.  I'm now an adopted member of the family and love it... and love them.  Now I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine.  I'm trying to teach him how to throw a football and he's starting to get the hang of it.  I would like to introduce my friend, Mike Cassidy."
	Cassidy, after acknowledging the applause, told of the weekend football games.  He said, "I don't really understand it.  It looks like we're going to the Super Bowl, but I don't know how we can.  You see, we do all right against the NFL teams, but there is another team we have a big problem with.  It's composed of several young ladies with my friend here as the quarterback.  Her other team members are vice presidents of this bank.  Not only can't we seem to beat them, we keep getting worse!  The last time out I think we lost by about five touchdowns!
	"We've given some thought to enlarging our squad but have been advised against it.  You see, we're up against some real squad depth.  I have been told that there are a few other girls — Cindy, Kathy, Jan, Jen — who may be even better than the ones playing.  All I know is they kill us.  But the funny thing is the worse we do against them, the better we do against the NFL teams.
	"There's a little more, though.  Susan is my agent.  As a condition of her accepting the assignment, I have to get an education.  You see, she's a Phi Beta Kappa from Smith College.  In addition, she's the most beautiful girl I have ever met.  With a lot of luck, she'll marry me someday and be the mother of my children.  Maybe the kids can get some coordination from their mother, as well as some brains."  He grinned and added, "The problem is I can't really think of what I bring to the party.  Oh, well.  It's said 'love is blind.'  Maybe Susan won't notice."  With that he waved, then took Susan in his arms and kissed her soundly.  When he released her, she started to slap his face but then just kissed him back to cheering from the crowd.
	When Don went back to the rostrum, he held up his hands for quiet, then continued: "There's more.  I would like to introduce another district head in the Special Lending Division.  Before I do, though, I should tell you we haven't been able to figure out how Cindy organizes her division.  We can't figure out what a district really is.  It may have something to do with language capability, but that doesn't seem to work, either.  You see, another district head is Kathy Cartwright.  Kathy comes to us by way of Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Shanghai.  If there's a braver person alive than Kathy, I've never heard of her.  She made her way here after having been enslaved and tortured for three years beginning when she was only ten years old.  Kathy, it seems, now speaks so many languages I don't think even she knows how many there are.  The number is somewhere upwards of twenty, though.  More about her in a minute.
	"But back to the Division.  Kelly McBride, will you please come to the rostrum?"  Kelly was surprised but rose gracefully and joined Don.  He looked at her and just quietly whistled.  Then he said, "I told you how April Jefferson was a receptionist?  Kelly applied for that job to earn more money but was turned down.  She was a personnel officer at the time.  Anyway, my daughter took her into the division a short time ago and she's also now a district head.  What has she done?  Not much.  Her first loan was for $500 million for the new steel facility on the lake.  Don't argue with her, by the way.  She really can make steel.
	"Dedication?  It seems there's one person absolutely critical to the process: the metallurgical engineer.  So what is she doing?  It's my understanding she's going to marry him."  He turned around and motioned Kevin Cavanaugh to join them.  Kevin stood behind Kelly and put his arms around her waist.  She made soft sounds and leaned back against him.  Don said, "Have you ever seen anything like this?  Kelly is five feet ten, by the way.  You can see how big Kevin Cavanaugh is.  In his spare time he's the Bear's tight end.  I have it on good authority that my daughter told Kelly she didn't have to marry Kevin just to keep an eye on the loan, but she said it was too important to take a chance."  He shook hands with the two and they both returned to the table with Kevin pulling up an extra chair for himself.
	"Finally, I want to introduce Kathy Cartwright and her husband, Bill.  Poor Bill is one of the few men in the division.  However, he, too, has an extraordinary language capability.  Bill was in Special Forces in Vietnam.  He was imprisoned for fourteen years!  He was returned to the States only this year and was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award our nation can bestow for gallantry in action.  Incidentally, the action saved the lives of Dan Burke and his men.  I can't tell you how proud we are of these two young people.  It seems they met when he was imprisoned and Kathy was only ten years old.  They fell in love and were married a few months ago.  All I can say is if their children have only a small fraction of the courage of their parents, as a nation we're in pretty good shape."
	He looked up from his notes and concluded by saying, "That's the Special Lending Division.  I'll make only one final remark.  It's headed by my daughter, Cynthia.  Speaking for her brand-new mother and myself, all I can say is we could not be more pleased nor more proud of her.  She has done it by herself under conditions which are not to be believed.  Thank you all, and Merry Christmas!"
* * *
	A little before five, April had changed into her dress for the party and gone up to the executive dining floor where the division's party was scheduled to be held.  She wanted to check with the hostess to ensure that arrangements were all set.  The woman was standing with a number of her staff and a heated argument seemed to be in progress.  Seeing April, the woman came rushing over with her hand outstretched.  "Miss Jefferson, I'm Patricia Barnes.  I'm so happy to meet you and we're so happy you're having your division's party here with us this evening."  April just looked at the group of staff people still standing around and waiting for Barnes to return.
	The woman blushed and shook her head saying, "I'm sorry you saw that, but I think you may be getting the wrong idea.  You see, it's close to Christmas, so we don't like to order our staff to stay late for a function.  We usually ask for volunteers, but that created the problem.  You see, I made the mistake of telling them that it was the Special Lending Division's party."  April's brow knitted in puzzlement.  She didn't know what the woman was talking about.  Barnes blushed even deeper and said, "Good grief, I'm really making a mess out of this.  You see, the entire staff volunteered.  To discourage them, I said there was no set time for the party to end, and from what we hear about the people in your division, I expect it to run until all hours in the morning.  The result is that the people who are working are not accepting any pay.  The people over there who were protesting are the people who weren't chosen."
	April was stunned.  She said, "Do you mean to tell me that those people are complaining because you won't allow them to work for nothing!?"  The woman just nodded her head.  "I don't understand.  How could that be?"
	Now the woman smiled easily and April saw she was a very attractive woman.  She replied, "Miss Jefferson, surely you know where we get our restaurant staff?  Many are immigrants or children of immigrants.  It seems that we don't have a person on the staff who doesn't have at least a good friend that your division has helped.  Most have a family member.  The feeling is that it's the least they can do after all you have done for them.  Then, of course, there's the Christmas bonus.  In the envelope, there was a note from Mr. Martin saying that 90 percent of the money to pay the bonus was generated by you people, so they feel they have already been very well paid."
	Again the woman reddened slightly and showed April the menu.  She said, "I know you and I went over the menu, but our chef didn't think it was nearly good enough.  He has made some substitutions.  Incidentally, there's no charge.  It seems that you have also helped almost all of our food suppliers over the last six months and they insisted on making it a Christmas gift."  She looked into April's eyes and said, "I hope you and Miss Martin will take this the right way.  It's not a bribe or anything.  They just want to say, 'Thank you!' I hope you don't mind?"
	April just shook her head.  A few minutes later the people from the Division — almost entirely female — began to arrive with husbands and boyfriends.  What followed was conceded to be the finest party ever held at the bank in its history.  Drinks were served with a seemingly endless supply of hors d'oeuvres.  A trio was playing softly during the cocktail period.  Then they sat down to a banquet.  At Cindy's insistence, April was acting as mistress of ceremonies while Cindy and Dan sat at the very end of the head table.  Cindy was trying to be as unobtrusive as possible.
	When the dinner was served, April tapped on her glass for attention and rose to her feet.  She raised her wine glass and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a toast.  We're gathered this evening for a Christmas celebration and also to celebrate our very successful year.  As you know, our division is really not even six months old.  At noon today we heard that we have had a very successful year.  Because of your performance, I believe it has been a personally successful year for each of you as well.  Now I want to offer a toast to the person who did it all... who made us the success we are.  I want to tell you something else tonight that almost no one else knows.  This person, who is responsible for our success has been doing it for no money!  None!  Not a dime!  I happen to know she even uses money she makes babysitting to pay for the gas in her car, as well as parking, tolls, and the rest of it.
	"I want to offer a toast to the finest division head the banking industry has ever seen: Cynthia Martin!"  Turning towards the end of the table she raised her glass and added, "Cindy, we love you!"
	Instantly there was pandemonium in the room as everyone jumped to their feet and began to applaud and then cheer.  Meanwhile at the end of the table, Cindy first looked down at her plate and then tried to hide in Dan's broad shoulder.  He whispered in her ear, "Honey, you have to go up there and say something.  This is a tribute to you and, damn it, you deserve it!"
	She rose from her chair and went to the center of the table where April was waiting for her.  As she came closer, April took her in her arms and gave her a warm kiss, whispering, "Cindy, I love you...  We all do!"
	Cindy stood at the microphone and waited for the applause to die down.  When it did, she said, "Thank you, April.  I don't deserve this.  I really don't.  The people who deserve the applause are April herself, Kathy Cartwright, and Kelly McBride.  They're the ones who really make the division go.  But most of all, the one who deserves it is my lover, Dan Burke.  All I know about banking and making loans... what little that is... I owe to him.  A little of what he tried to teach me about banking finally sank in."  She turned and looked back towards where Dan was sitting and raised her glass saying, "Darling, thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
	Again there was applause and cheering as she returned to her seat.  Dan was on his feet waiting for her to return.  When she did, he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately.  As her knees started to turn to water, Cindy was dimly aware of redoubled cheering.
	Later they danced together.  In spite of what Dan had said, she found he was an excellent dancer and she just loved being held in his arms.  It was the best party she had ever attended.
Chapter 30
	The next day, Christmas Eve, April inadvertently almost started a riot in the Division.  She casually mentioned that there was going to be a big Christmas party the next day at the Stewart's and it would be nice if a couple of the girls would be willing to work.  She said she realized it was Christmas, but...  Everyone in earshot immediately volunteered.  In moments the word had spread and virtually the entire Division — who were almost all present in the bank because it was Christmas Eve — volunteered.
	April managed to avoid a mutiny by using one of the Division's computer experts to set up a system using a random-number generator to pick out five numbers.  Those girls whose numbers matched were the ones who would work.  However, it turned out that only four volunteers would be able to work — the last of the five girls selected was left out because Kelly McBride pulled rank and insisted that she would work on Christmas herself.  April grinned wryly, shook her head, and put her in charge of the detail for the next day.
	Meanwhile, Cindy hadn't gone in to work at the bank.  Rather, she was in Deerfield preparing for the feast on the following day.  The whole Clifford family was gathering at the Stewart's for Christmas.  While she was working in the kitchen, Janice Stewart came in and lightly ran her fingers over the scars on Cindy's buttocks.  When Cindy looked over her shoulder, Jan kissed her softly and lovingly.  Cindy was surprised to see there were tears in the girl's eyes as she said, "Darling Cin, I have a favor to ask.  The favor is for Pete and me both."
	"Of course, Jan.  Anything.  What is it?" she replied.
	"May we have a plastic surgeon remove these terrible scars I inflicted on your body?  Of course Pete and I will pay for it.  We have a surgeon in Los Angeles all lined up through Mom.  He's reputed to be the very finest in the world at this sort of thing."
	There was love in her eyes, but Cindy just shook her head stubbornly and said, "Jan, anything else.  But that's something I just can't do, even if it means extending my indenture to you some more, or even accepting more lashes for disobedience."  Tears appeared in her eyes but she tried to grin as she added, "Dan says the scars on my ass provide a non-slip surface.  If they were removed he wouldn't have anything to hold on to anymore.  He says I always get slippery with my sweat when he's making love to me."  She looked into Jan's eyes and said, "Darling Jan, I need the scars.  I really do.  They're a constant reminder of what an unmitigated little shit I used to be and they also serve as a warning that if I'm not careful I could become again.  If that happened, I would lose Dan, first of all, and you know I couldn't go on living if that happened.  Then I would lose all my friends: you, April, Kathy...  I could go on and on but you get the idea.  Jan, please don't ask me!"
	Jan held Cindy close and started to cry.  She whispered in the girl's ear, "You don't know what seeing those scars does to me, though!  Cindy Martin, you're the most beautiful girl in the whole world.  What I did to you was utterly beyond belief."  Tears were streaming down her face as she continued, "I still remember that terrible night here in the kitchen.  You stood right over there with your back to me while I uncoiled the whip between your legs.  Then I cracked it and you let out the most ungodly scream.  I almost cut you in half in the most tender, most sensitive part of your body.  You collapsed to the floor but then just got back on your feet again.  Darling, blood was pouring from your cunt but you just stood there.  I would have been curled up in a ball on the floor, if I could have taken even one stroke!  To this day, Pete and I don't know how you were able to do it."
	Cindy stroked Jan's hair and whispered, "Darling Jan, it may have been the making of me.  I also remember you caring for me in bed for the next weeks.  Every time you removed the covers I thought you would become violently ill from having to look at the pus and ooze on the horror-show that was my body.  Instead you just put on more ointment and kept putting cool cloths on my forehead.  No one else could possibly have been so gentle!"
	"No one else could possibly have been so cruel in the first place," Jan responded.  "You forgot something: You never mentioned the fact that all you would take was aspirin.  You were in the most excruciating pain but you wouldn't let me give you anything for it.  I did take advantage of you a couple of times by substituting codeine for the aspirin."  Cindy pulled back, looking startled.  Jan continued, "Honey, I had to.  You were in such agony.  You even screamed in your sleep.  There has never been a braver person than you!"
	Cindy just shook her head.  The girls then continued working together preparing for the Christmas celebration they had planned.  While they were working, Cindy asked with feigned casualness, "Jan, have you ever met the people who are building the house next door?  Do you even know who they are?  Dan has been trying to find out but hasn't been able to."
	"They are a very nice young couple," Jan replied.  "I met the girl and she's really very sweet.  They don't have any children yet, but they want a large family.  You'll really like them, I'm sure."
	"Jan," Cindy asked, her casual pose forgotten, "Do you think they would be willing to sell us the house?  Dan and I absolutely adore it, and now he got a very big bonus so we even have some money.  The bum is making a very good salary, too, so we could carry a pretty good mortgage.  Do you think they would?  We love the house... and the chance to live next door to you and Pete is an opportunity that's almost beyond belief.  By the way, when are you and Pete going to start a family?"
	"We already have," Jan replied with a grin.  "You mean you can't tell?  I'm already starting to swell.  The doctor confirmed it a couple of days ago.  It looks like I'll be a mother sometime in the summer!"
	Cindy squealed and spun around to look at Jan as soon as she heard the words.  As usual, Jan was utterly exquisite in her nudity and there was not the least sign of any swelling.  She was standing with the warmest smile on her face that Cindy had ever seen.  Tears came to the girl's eyes as she took Jan in her arms and hugged her, saying, "Oh, Jan!  I'm so happy.  I always knew you would be a world-class mother and now it's going to happen.  What does Pete think?"
	"Shh!" Jan replied, "I haven't told him yet.  It's going to be a part of my Christmas present to him."  Tears of joy started to come to her eyes as she continued, "It takes care of my last fear, Cin.  Since I was a whore and allowed anyone to do anything if the money was right, deep down I was scared that something might have happened to my reproductive system so I couldn't have kids.  I guess it didn't.  The doctor just whistled when I undressed...  How unprofessional!...  and said he had never seen a woman as well equipped for motherhood.  I don't know if that's a comment on me or a comment on his lack of experience.  Anyway, I'm thrilled."  She looked at Cindy and asked, "Please don't tell Pete?  I want it to be my surprise."
	Cindy immediately agreed, but then said, "You never answered my question about the house, though.  Do you think the owners might be willing to sell?"
	Jan's face fell as she just shook her head and said, "I'm afraid not, honey.  Besides, the place is a junior-grade palace.  I'm sure it's costing well over a million.  Even with Dan's salary, it would be a very big number."  Then she brightened and said, "But I'm sure you and Dan will find a neat place of your own."
	"I have another favor to ask, Jan," Cindy said.  Jan looked at her quizzically.  "Would you and Pete allow me to become pregnant now, too?  That way I could take care of your baby and nurse it at my breast.  Jan, nothing would make me prouder than to be a wet nurse for your baby.  May I?"
	Jan looked lovingly at the girl she had come to think of as a sister.  Although her heart turned over at Cindy's offer, she said, "Let me think about it, okay?  I'll talk to Pete and see what he thinks, too."  Then she grinned at Cindy and asked, "Speaking of houses, how is your apartment redecorating coming?  I haven't heard you speak of it in weeks."
	"I think it's going very well," Cindy replied.  Then she looked at Jan with a hopeful expression on her face and asked, "By the way, the owner wants to christen it with a New Year's Eve party.  I got a message from him inquiring about caterers and stuff.  Would you mind if I worked for him that afternoon?  I have gotten to be pretty good with hors d'oeuvres and that sort of thing.  Jan, I need the money, and he's been very nice.  He even advanced a part of my fee so that I could buy some Christmas presents.
	Jan's heart turned over as she heard the words.  She had recently learned from April that Cindy was using her baby-sitting and decorating money to pay for gas, tolls, and other expenses incurred working on bank business.  She also knew that, in spite of having no money, she had wonderful presents for Pete and herself as well as Dan, April, and her parents.  She replied, "Cin, of course you can."
	She looked at the girl and tears came into her eyes as she said, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again:  Cindy Martin, you are a dream!  You're a beloved sister.  I just don't know what I'm going to do when you move out.  One thing's for sure: The quality of the food served in this place will go downhill."  She appeared very serious as she looked at Cindy and said, "I'm not kidding at all, now, Cin.  We both know you couldn't even boil water when you came here six months ago.  Now you're truly a far better cook than I am.  Pete and I were talking about it a couple of days ago.  He's noticed it too, and he's the guy who loves me.  We concluded that I learned to cook to try to hide from being a prostitute.  You learned to cook with love and thoughtfulness.  There's a lot of 'you' in everything you serve.  You're giving yourself to us, aren't you?"
	Cindy looked embarrassed and dropped her eyes, but nodded her head and said softly, "I really try, Jan.  Let's face it: about the only people who regularly eat my cooking are you, Pete, and Dan, three of the people I love most in the whole world."
	Jan smiled, kissed Cindy and hugged her tight.  Then she pretended to frown and said, "That's as it may be, but in the meantime you're my house slave so get with it!  Do I have to do all the work myself?"  Cindy just grinned and returned to her preparations.
* * *
	On Christmas morning, Kelly McBride very carefully opened the door to Cindy's room.  The girl was carrying a large Thermos jug of coffee on a tray along with three coffee mugs.  As usual, she was completely naked except for a large Christmas-red bow in her hair and a smaller one pinned on her pubic hair.  In addition, of course, she was wearing her gold slave collar.
	Even the slight noise of the latch turning was enough to waken Cindy.  When the door opened, Kelly found herself looking into the girl's brilliant blue eyes.  Dan was beside her in bed with his hand, as usual, cupped over her breast.  Cindy smiled warmly and her lips formed the words, "Merry Christmas, Kelly!"  Then she squeezed Dan's hand awakening him instantly.  Aloud, she said, "Good morning, Darling!  Merry Christmas!"
	Dan's eyes opened, he groaned and said, "Do you mean it's morning already?  It seems like I just got to sleep.  Woman, you wear me out!"  As he was speaking, though, he rolled over between her widespread thighs.  In moments his now-erect cock was entering her vagina.  Kelly just watched in amazement as his immense cock just slid smoothly into Cindy's body.  As often as she had seen it, she was still astonished at how attuned to each other Cindy and Dan were.  She continued to watch as Dan moved in long, slow strokes in and out of the girl while she made wonderful noises and then began to toss on the bed.  Soon she reached her first orgasm and Kelly saw the girl's pelvis moving in a frenzy of motion.  All Dan did was to slow his movement to give her time to recover and then pick up the pace.  When he did, Cindy smiled lovingly and reached up to pull his head down to hers to give him a loving kiss.  Still he moved steadily inside her while he gently ran his fingers over her now-sweating body.  Then, when he lightly touched her nipples, she screamed in ecstasy.
	Soon it was over.  Dan took her to her vibrating crest and just held her there while her lower body moved in a frenzy.  She collapsed as Dan discharged inside her and then lay on top of her while he tried to regain his breath and before easing his body off hers.  Meanwhile, Kelly had placed the tray on the dresser.  When Dan rolled off, she got on the bed, gently spread Cindy's legs and began to run her tongue up the girl's cunt.  It was the first time Kelly had ever gone down on a girl, but she had heard from both April and Kathy that Cindy's vulva was as sweet as honey.  Spreading Cindy's nether lips apart with her fingers she saw for the first time the scar that ran up its length right across her clit.  She cringed, thinking how incredibly painful the whip cut must have been.  Then she carefully began to tongue the girl's circumcised clitoris.  As she moved her tongue to lap up the succulent juices, she felt Cindy's hand stroke her hair and heard her moan with pleasure.  Finally she finished by swinging her head so that her lovely auburn hair was over the girl's slit.  Kelly used it to dry the last drops and then straightened up, rocking back on her heels.
	"Kelly, that was beyond belief!  Thank you so much, but why did you do it?" Cindy asked.  Kelly smiled and just shook her head; she really didn't know why she had done it.  As Cindy was speaking she pulled herself up to a sitting position next to Dan at the head of the bed.  He put his arm around her and hugged her tight, again causing her to moan with pleasure.
	"Honey," he asked, "I have a question for you:  What do you do with your girls?  Looking at Kelly kneeling on the bed reminds me again that you must hire the most beautiful young women in Chicago."
	"Is that against EEOC rules or something?" Cindy asked with a grin.  "Actually, though, it's all the girls.  They insist on working out.  Just look at Kelly.  Last week Kathy was teasing her because her breasts have become so firm she can't swing tassels with them anymore.  And I know she's gotten bigger across the shoulders: She was complaining about the fit of her clothes."
	Cindy looked at Dan and said, "You were a Marine.  I hear that the guys who go through the Officers' Basic School in Quantico complain about the same thing.  After going through the school their uniforms don't fit anymore, either.  I gather it's become an occupational hazard with my girls, too, because of the workouts."  Turning to Kelly she asked, "Kel, would you mind sliding up here so Dan could know what you feel like?  For that matter, I want to feel you, too."
	Kelly moved up between the two and Cindy weighed one of her breasts in her hand, rolling the nipple between her fingers causing it almost instantly to become erect.  Kelly moaned deep in her throat and had her eyes closed enjoying the sensation as Cindy stroked her tits and Dan ran his fingers over her satin-smooth skin.  Then she opened her eyes, looked at the two people and asked, "Cindy, could you do something for me for Christmas?  Or, really, ask Dan to?"  Whatever the question was, it was obviously embarrassing to the girl because she started to blush with the blood moving up her body, flooding her breasts, and moving on up to her neck and face.
	Cindy grinned at the spectacle and said, "Dan, isn't it wonderful to see a nude girl blush?  You see it all, don't you?  Kelly McBride, you're exquisite and the answer is yes.  Now what's the question?"
	Kelly took a deep breath and blurted, "Could Dan bring me to orgasm?"  She looked fearful as she asked the question and then hurriedly explained, "Cindy, you know I'm a virgin.  You may not know that I have never even been touched by a man until just now.  I'm desperately in love with Kevin and we're going to get married soon... probably right after the Super Bowl.  Anyway, I was talking with Kathy and she told me how Dan brought her to orgasm on Labor Day.  She says it's the reason she's so happy with Bill now: She didn't think she could ever have an orgasm.  She did, though.  So when she met Bill she just recreated what she remembered you doing to her, Dan, and was in Heaven!  She says she owes much of her happiness to you."  Then she added with a grin, "That's the part that she doesn't owe to Cindy, of course.  She says that without Cindy she wouldn't have ever joined the bank in the first place.  Then she would never have come to the attention of Jen, who never would have called her to come out to California, and so she would never have met Bill again.  What it comes down to is she claims she owes everything she has to you, Cindy, as well as everything she'll ever have in the future!"
	"Anyway, this is a long way of asking if you'll allow Dan to do to me what he did to Kathy?  Could it be my Christmas present?  I so want to be good for Kevin and good to him.  This way, I can be sure.  Please Cindy?  Will you let him?"
	Instead of answering, Cindy turned to Dan and said, "Darling, I have a part of your Christmas present for you: a virgin of your very own to play with."  Turning to Kelly she said, "Slave Kelly, please present yourself to your new master."
	Kelly smiled warmly and moved up the bed a little more so she was between Dan and Cindy.  She was still kneeling with her back up straight and her weight back on her heels as she cradled her beautiful full breasts and pinched her nipples so they were fully erect.  Then she said, "Master, I am Slave Kelly, and I'm a part of Cindy's Christmas gift to you.  As you can see, I have auburn hair and green eyes.  My facial features are regular.  My breasts are full and firm with small pink nipples.  Would you like to feel one?"  She leaned forward and allowed her breasts to hang down.
	Dan reached out an cupped one with his hand and then gently caressed it with his finger tips.  He noticed that her small nipples became even harder as he did.  She moaned softly as he gently squeezed her firm tit.  "Your tits are very nice, Slave Kelly.  Continue your presentation," he said softly.
	Kelly sat up straight again and spread her knees wide.  Using her long, slender fingers, she spread her nether lips and said, "This is my cunt, Master.  I took extra care to make sure it was clean and sweet-smelling for you this morning.  As Slave Cindy told you, it has never been used or even touched by a man before."  Then she leaned forward again, this time raising her buttocks high in the air.  "This is my ass, Master.  My asscheeks are tight and very firm.  My hips are slender, but I have a large pelvic opening in spite of that.  My doctor says I was made to carry babies.  I so hope I will.  Does my Master approve of his new Christmas present?"
	Dan smiled and pretended to be bored.  "Cindy, she's... very nice... I guess.  But couldn't you come up with a more original gift?  Of course, I haven't ever received an auburn-haired virgin before, so...  Well, I guess I'll try her out."
	Turning to Kelly he asked softly, "What do you want me to do, Kelly?  Are you asking me to do to you what I did to Kathy?"
	"Please, Dan, will you?  Do exactly the same things.  Please?"
	"Kel, did she tell you she was in tears, crying like her heart would break before she came?  Did she tell you exactly what I did?"  Kelly looked fearful and just shook her head, no.  "Hon, it was a contest with April.  The two girls bet that Pete and I couldn't get them to beg for release.  They both lost.  In fact, that's how my love got her most painful stripes: She bet Pete couldn't make her beg for release, either.  She really lost.  Are you sure that's what you want me to do?"
	Still kneeling, Kelly replied, "I guess Kathy has forgotten that part of it.  I don't know what you did, but her memory is one of the most delicious pleasure.  If there was pain before, it must have been drowned out by the pleasure that came later.  I guess that's what I would like to do if you're willing."  She grinned and said, "Master, I bet you that you can't get me to beg you to release me, no matter what you do to me."
	Dan just smiled, shook his head, and got her into position where he could reach her easily.  He began to talk quietly with Cindy.  She told him about her conversation with Jan regarding the house next door.  "Honey, it's a young couple that are building it," she said.  "They want a lot of children and the house is very big as we both know.  They love it and it's very expensive so I'm afraid we'll have to find something else."  Meanwhile Dan was lightly running his fingertips over Kelly's body.  He looked at her and could see her start to writhe involuntarily as his fingers moved on her body.
	Although her knees were spread wide to expose her cunt, he seemed to ignore it, concentrating instead on her breasts and inner thighs.  Kelly found his touch was heavenly!  He was so slow and gentle; it was almost as if she was imagining rather than feeling.  The girl was surprised to feel her respiration speed up and to find she had begun to perspire.  Dan seemed to be completely unaware of what he was doing to her or the effect he was having on her.  He seemed to be concentrating on his conversation with Cindy rather than on what his hand was doing.  To her surprise, she could feel her passion rise higher and higher.  After focusing his attentions on her thighs, he returned to her breasts.  When he touched her nipples this time, she screamed in pain and ecstasy.  They were so sensitive now that they hurt!  This was something she never dreamed could ever happen.
	Higher and higher she went to the point of achieving the release she had only heard of.  Then she went over the edge.  But I didn't!  she thought.  She was amazed to see that she was gasping for breath and sweat was pouring off her body.  Dan asked very quietly, "Do you want to take a couple of deep breaths, Kel, before we start again?"
	Kelly ran her hands through her hair and found it was soaking wet.  Then she ran her fingers over her body to wipe off some of the sweat and then knelt up straight, smiling.  She said, "Dan, I think I'm starting to get the idea.  You're absolutely unreal!  Are you sure you're Irish?  No Irishman can possibly have either your sensitivity towards a woman or your extraordinary touch.  But you sure do!"  Then she looked at Cindy and grinned, saying, "Now I guess I know why you always look so well loved!  It's just because you are."  Cindy just grinned back, nodded her head vigorously and then snuggled closer to Dan.
	His stroking began again.  This time, he took her up faster — Kelly realized she was still sensitized.  Again he took her to her crest...  And stopped.  Remarkably, he still had not even touched her cunt.  Now he did.  His finger entered her slit and she spread her legs even wider for him.  She could feel him find her little love bud and stroke it gently.  Kelly realized she was making noises but had no control over it.  In fact, she had no control over anything.  All sensation was concentrating in her cunt.  Again he took her right to the point of release, and again he stopped.  This repeated through more cycles than she could count.  She was shocked to realize she was crying!  Tears were streaming from her eyes.  Vaguely she realized she must look like a complete mess but didn't care about it at all.
	Finally, she could take it no longer.  She screamed, "Please, Dan!  Please release me.  I'm begging you!"
	He asked softly, "Are you sure, Kel?  You'll lose the bet, you know.  You really don't want to do that, do you?"
	She completely lost control.  She began to cry uncontrollably and screamed, "Please, Dan!  I'm begging you.  I'll do anything for you... absolutely anything!  Please!"
	Dan's hand began to move on her again.  This time he took her up to her release point and then over.  Suddenly, Kelly could feel a release of fluids in her cunt that gushed out as if she were urinating, flooding his hand.  Now he pinched her clit and instantly she had another orgasm.  He had not altered his tempo, but now had her where he usually had Cindy: in a continuous orgasm.
	Kelly couldn't take it.  She was crying and screaming while her pelvis was shaking uncontrollably.  Then she pitched forward on the bed with her knees under her body but still spread wide to provide Dan with easy access to her cunt.  All sensation was in her loins.  She had never dreamed there could ever be such an experience.  In spite of her total absence of control, she didn't want it ever to end.  Gasping for breath, she could scarcely even breathe.  After fifteen minutes of ecstasy, Dan pinched her clit hard.  It was the last straw.  Kelly felt an explosion in her loins as her body seemed to be trying to empty out her love juices.  She couldn't take the additional sensory stimulation and fainted.
	Cindy said softly, "She's such a beautiful girl!  What did you think, Dan?"
	He grinned and said, "When are you going to let me do that to you?"
	"I get the whole cock, Darling, but the result is the same.  She is exquisite, isn't she?"
	"Honey, Kevin Cavanaugh is going to be a very lucky... and very tired... man!  She's utterly spectacular!"
	With a grin, Cindy scrambled down to the end of the bed.  With help from Dan she rolled Kelly on her back and knelt between her legs.  Lowering her head, she began to lick the love juices that now flooded the girl's vagina.  Then she raised her head, licked her lips and said, "Yum!  Dan you have to try this.  I'll bet you've never had the chance to eat a virgin cunt before.  Merry Christmas, honey!  I hope you like it."
	Dan grinned back and took Cindy's place.  He quickly agreed that Cindy was right.  Kelly's juices were a wonderfully sweet nectar.  He raised his head and motioned to Cindy who grinned and agreed to change places.  Then Dan lay on his back between Kelly's widespread legs while Cindy knelt over him and lowered her cunt to his mouth.  Now, while she was eating Kelly's cunt, Dan was eating hers.  Cindy ran her tongue carefully up and down the girl's slit and then into her vagina.  Meanwhile she was feeling the most exquisite sensations from Dan's work on her.  She began to tease Kelly's now-erect clit with her tongue and heard the girl moan with pleasure.
	Kelly had regained consciousness and loved the exquisite sensation.  Looking down, she saw Cindy kneeling between her legs while further down on the bed Dan was on his back licking at Cindy's cunt.  Cindy bit down gently on her clit and Kelly suddenly came again in a flood.  Again Cindy licked up all of the delicious fluid and then flipped her head to use her long golden hair to dry Kelly's crotch.  Kelly grinned as she saw a look of surprise on Cindy's face followed instantly by her scream of ecstasy; obviously, Dan had taken her to orgasm, as well.
	Cindy straightened up.  She was straddling Dan's body so she spun around and then moved further down to be able to kiss him.  After she did, again feeling the normal electricity flowing between them, she said, "Thank you, future husband.  That was marvelous."  Looking up at Kelly she said, "Kel, you're absolutely delicious!"  Looking thoughtful she added, "I'm giving serious thought to becoming a lesbian.  Do you suppose Kevin would mind if you had a live-in girl friend?  You taste so sweet and you don't destroy me the way this big lug does."  Then she daintily stuck out her tongue at Dan who just grinned.
	Kelly went to pull up her legs and winced in pain.  She looked down at Dan and asked, "What did you do to me?  I thought I was in great shape, Dan, and all you did was run your fingers over me.  What happened?"  Then she grinned and said, "I lost the bet, though.  What was it?  Am I now your slave?"  She ran her hands through her hair which was now tousled and wet with perspiration, then ran them down her still-sweaty body.  She looked woebegone as she said, "I guess I'm a real mess, aren't I?  Dan, I'm not even sure you would have me as your slave."
	Dan sat up in the bed, smiled at the girl and asked, "Kel, how was it?  I guess you found out you can have an orgasm.  And I think you look lovely.  You're like a redheaded Cindy: a true natural beauty.  All I can say is, Kevin Cavanaugh is a very lucky guy."
	The girl just rolled her eyes and said, "Thank you, Dan.  And I really mean it, too.  I never knew anything could possibly be this good.  Ever!  And this was without you even getting near my vagina.  Can it possibly ever be any better?"
	"Much!" Cindy replied emphatically.  "Kelly, I think you're going to be a simply gorgeous bride!  When you're in bed with the man you love, it is simply joyous.  Just think, you're trying to make a baby.  Kelly, I agree with your doctor:  You're going to be one hell of a mother!"  Then she frowned and said, "Slave Kelly, did you come in here this morning for some worthwhile purpose?  Coffee, perhaps?"
	The girl let out a little yelp and jumped out of the bed, finding her legs almost collapsing on her.  She recovered and poured coffee for Dan and Cindy who had both returned to the head of the bed.  Kneeling by the bedside, she served them both.  Cindy said, "Slave Kelly, bring your cup and join us.  And Merry Christmas!"
	They drank the coffee with Kelly sitting on the bed.  Then she looked down and found the little bow she had worn on her pubic hair was missing.  Cindy and Dan both laughed as the lovely redhead crawled around the bed on her hands and knees searching for it while her lovely little ass was sticking up high in the air.  She let out a little yelp when she found it and pinned it back in her pubic hair.
	Then she smiled warmly at Cindy and Dan and asked, "Cindy, are you sure it's better with a man?  With a cock in your cunt?"  Cindy just furiously nodded her head.  With a wry smile she said, "I guess I had better be a little more careful slugging Kevin, then.  He might get discouraged, and if its better than what I experienced this morning, I can't wait!"  With a broad grin she jumped off the bed and raced into the bathroom to take a quick shower and wash her hair before going downstairs to see about breakfast.  Her hair was still wet when she ran from the room.
	Cindy and Dan shared a shower, then dressed and went downstairs.  As they were dressing, they had noticed it had started to snow and the ground was already white.  They found Kelly had supervised the preparation of a sumptuous breakfast which they ate together with Jan and Pete.  The four were all hugely amused by the sight of four beautiful girls all on their knees serving while Kelly cooked and supervised.
Chapter 31
	Cindy reveled in driving Jan, Pete and Dan to church in her Mazda GTX.  With its four-wheel drive and snow tires, it was remarkably surefooted on the snow-slickened roads.  She teased the Stewarts about being so dumb as to buy BMWs which couldn't handle snow or ice under any conditions.  Jan just stuck out her tongue and said it was fortunate they had a house slave to handle details like that for them.
	When they returned home they found the snow had accumulated and was falling even harder.  Cindy ran in to change into her blue jeans and chambray shirt.  Today, though, she also put on a heavy white sweater.  Putting on a parka, she went out to the shed and started up the lawn tractor, now fitted with a snow blower.  In minutes she was clearing the driveway.  Dan came outside also wearing a parka.  She grinned and told him to get his own toys to play with.  He grinned back, took out a snow shovel and shoveled the walk while she finished plowing the drive.
	Christmas at the Stewarts was shaping up to be a very big party.  Allison Clifford had organized a family reunion with the whole family gathering there.  Cindy knew most of the people but was introduced to Dave and Judy Chapman, Steve's parents, as well as Brian and Karen Clifford, Bill's son and new daughter-in-law.  She learned that Karen was Swiss and that the two were still in college.  Finally, Ali arrived with Bill Clifford.  Cindy was wearing a lovely Christmas-red wool dress with her slave collar.  Dan had brushed her hair after they shared another shower, telling her he loved to feel it.  She thought she looked very good as she made her way downstairs.
	When everyone was sitting in the living room, Ali looked meaningfully at Jan who nodded and then asked Cindy to join them in the library.  She followed Ali and Jan into the room and Jan closed the door.  As they sat down Cindy had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach remembering the first time she had met Ali Clifford: the fateful day at the bank.  She had also encountered her at Kathy's wedding on Maui, but because of the circumstances, Cindy didn't think that counted.  Ali was looking at her closely and then said, "Slave Cindy, undress, please.  I wish to examine your body."
	Jan nodded and Cindy rose from the chair, unzipped her dress and slipped it over her head.  Then she slipped off her bikini and stepped out of her pumps.  Ali asked her to approach closer which Cindy did.  She was scared.  Ali's face was expressionless as she studied Cindy's body and then lightly ran her fingers over the scars.  Then she commanded, "Show me your cunt, Slave Cindy."
	Spreading her legs, Cindy rocked her pelvis forward and used her slim fingers to separate her nether lips.  She could feel that she was blushing with embarrassment at the inspection.
	Then Ali said softly, "Daughter Janice, you really did a job, didn't you?  Billy told me about it.  He had never seen a person so badly beaten in his life and from what I can see, he wasn't kidding."  She looked up at Cindy's face and for the first time smiled warmly saying, "Cindy, you better get your clothes back on or you'll catch your death."  The girl quickly got dressed and was then startled when Ali proceeded carefully to brush her hair and then comb it out.  When she finished she said with a grin, "Jan, I see what you mean.  Slave Cindy does cheat.  She uses two bobby-pins in her hair.  That's almost the same as wearing tons of makeup, isn't it."
	Cindy returned to her seat while Jan used the telephone intercom.  A few moments later one of the slave girls appeared with a tray and three cups of egg nog.  As she entered the room, she squared her shoulders and straightened her back causing her breasts to thrust upward.  The girl was one of the newest hires in the bank and didn't yet have her slave collar.  Like Kelly, she was just wearing a big red bow in her hair and a small one pinned to her small neat patch of dense and curly pubic hair.  Her name was Cathy Collins.  She was five feet eight with brown hair, gray eyes, and lovely features.  The girl was about to leave the room when Ali said, "Slave, present yourself to me."
	Startled, the girl stopped and returned to a position in front of Ali.  She said, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Clifford.  I'm Slave Cathy.  I'm the newest person in Slave Cindy's group at the bank."  She had put her tray down and now cupped her breasts with her hands, saying, "These are my tits.  They are not yet full enough and they are much too flabby but I've only just started to work on them.  My cunt is not well developed, but I don't have a boyfriend yet, either.  My ass and hips need work but I think I'll make it."  The girl stood up straight and finished by saying, "I'm so proud to have been selected for the Special Lending Division and to have the opportunity to work with Slave Cindy."
	Ali asked, "Do you like Slave Cindy?  Can she manage a division?"
	The girl looked genuinely shocked and replied, "Like?  Love is more like it.  She's the most wonderful person I've ever met."  The girl's smile was beautiful as she continued, "Who ever heard of hiring an English major as a banker?  Cindy did.  As a matter of fact, Mrs. Clifford and Mrs. Stewart, you could save yourselves a great deal of money.  Not only are we overpaid, most of us would work for nothing and some of us would even pay you for the privilege.  'Can she manage?' I think you asked?"  The girl was standing up straight and Cindy was so proud of her as she said, "I can't answer that.  All I know is everyone in and out of the bank worships the ground she walks on.  Just look at her!  She's the most exquisitely beautiful human being I have ever met, yet she's always kind and helpful.
	"When I joined the division, I was assigned to Kelly McBride's district.  Do you know what she does?  She constantly teases me about numbers.  She says English majors don't know from numbers.  Of course, she majored in English and philosophy and is one of the sharpest bankers alive."
	The girl grinned and added, "Mrs. Clifford, I know you own the bank so I really shouldn't be saying this.  But ma'am, this isn't a bank, it's a club!  You can't believe how proud I am today, because now I'll be one of Cindy's slaves!  I've only been in the job a few weeks, but Kelly said I'll be getting one of the beautiful collars like the one Cindy is wearing now.  You can't believe what a badge of honor that gold collar has become!
	"I was with one of the more senior girls last week who had qualified.  (I should add that if you qualify, you always wear it.) We were going down the street just shopping.  It was the funniest thing I have ever seen... and the most moving.  We would go into a little shop and the storekeeper would see Janet's collar.  Instantly, nothing was too good for us or too much trouble.  They couldn't be nicer.  I guess I've heard about the Twins in at least twenty different languages.
	"Mrs. Clifford, I know you're from Los Angeles, so maybe you don't know about 'the twins who aren't.' It was a term created on the streets for Cindy and April when the division first started.  Now we all wear the division uniform: Levi's and chambray shirts, and if you're really good, the slave collar.  We drive red Mazdas like Cindy's out front.  All I can say is we have an enormous responsibility.  Cindy started something and built it until its the biggest thing in Chicago.  I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say Cindy and April are worshiped in this city!
	"Can she manage?  Cindy Martin is the greatest asset Chicago Trust has!"
	Then the girl started to blush as she thought she had been carried away.  Ali Clifford reached out her hands and the girl took them, then looked at Ali's face.  What she saw surprised her.  She saw enormous warmth and love.
	Ali said softly, "I can relate to that, Slave Cathy.  I'm senior partner in a law firm in Los Angeles that's the same way.  Of course, we're much smaller.  But one of the new girls referred to it as more of a family than a firm.  We have a lot of fun there, too!"  She smiled warmly and said, "Slave Cathy, welcome to Chicago Trust!  I'm personally delighted to have you with us."  She grinned and added, "Cathy, I want a photograph of you taken three months from now.  You'll be a knockout!"  The girl retrieved her tray and left the women alone.
	Now Ali turned her attention to Cindy and glared at her — or pretended to.  She said, "Slave Cindy, I thought I had seen everything, but you take the cake.  First, you know we bought Chicago Trust just to fix your wagon, but boy, did you ever get revenge!  Cindy, do you know what my biggest problem is?"  The girl just shook her head, obviously puzzled.  Ali answered her own question: "It's trying to spend all the damned money we accumulate.  I know you've heard Jennifer complain about it, and I'll bet Jan has, too.  So what do you do?  You personally make sure that the biggest moneymaking investment I've ever made in my life was to buy Chicago Trust!  Girl, you really know how to get even, don't you.  Now what are we going to do with you?"
	While Ali was speaking, Jennifer Chapman had slipped into the room joining her mother and her sister.  Ali continued, "I guess the only thing we can do is to try to cut our losses."  She looked at Jennifer.
	Jen reached into her purse and took out some papers which she passed to Cindy saying, "Cin, these are your notes marked 'paid in full.'  Darling Cindy, I almost get sick every time I see those terrible scars on your body.  You certainly did pay in full."  Then she grinned and added, "The real reason we're giving the notes back is that the last thing we want is any more money.  By the way, this fully discharges your indenture to Janice, too.  I guess you'll want to be leaving tonight, won't you?"
	Cindy was in a state of shock.  She didn't know what to do.  Suddenly, her little world had been turned upside down.  Tears started to stream from her eyes but she got up and stumbled over to the sofa where Jan was sitting and went into her arms.  Suddenly, she started to sob like her heart was broken.  Jan held the girl tightly and said, "Sis, it's going to be fine.  You don't have to go now if you don't want to.  It's just that you're free to go whenever you wish.  Cindy, you do know I love you, don't you?"  Cindy just snuggled in Jan's arms.
	Tears came to Ali's eyes as she watched the beautiful girl.  Jan's right, she thought.  This girl is really something very special.  Then she said softly, "Cindy, there's more.  I know Jan talked to you about those scars.  Cindy, please!  I'm personally begging you.  Let us pay for an operation to have them removed.  You're the most beautiful girl it has ever been my good fortune to see.  I can't stand to be reminded of what we did to you.  Please?"
	The Clifford women were startled by what followed.  Cindy disengaged from Jan's arms and ran out of the room.  Moments later she returned with the whip coiled in her hands.  It's tip was still stiff from all her blood that had soaked into the leather during her brutal beating in May.  Giving it to Ali, she quickly stripped off her clothes again and knelt on the floor with her scarred ass up high.  With her head cradled in her arms she said softly, "Mrs. Clifford, the last time I was disobedient I received ten lashes.  Does twenty sound right?"  Ali could see tears flowing from the girl's eyes as she added, "Unless you would rather I go outside to the whipping post, of course?"
	Ali dropped the whip, jumped from her chair and dropped to her knees next to the kneeling girl.  She took Cindy in her arms and held her tightly.  As she did, Cindy could feel a wetness on her cheeks that was not from her own tears.  She moved away and found the older woman was crying like her heart was broken.  "Please, Mrs. Clifford," she whispered.  "Please don't cry.  What did I do?  I really can't have the scars removed for reasons I explained to Jan, but I am being very disobedient."  She smiled wryly and said, "Actually, that was the beginning of my change for the better.  Maybe I would be much better off if you did whip me.  It certainly helped the first time."
	The older woman replied softly, "Cindy Martin, damn it, the name is Ali.  Whenever you say, Mrs. Clifford, I look for Bill's mother, but she's dead!"  She grinned at Cindy and added, "Back at the office in LA we have a whip for slow learners.  A slow learner is defined as anyone who calls me, Mrs. Clifford, or my partner, Ginger, Mrs. Conrad!  And, damn it, I'm not above using your whip for that purpose!"
	Cindy looked at the woman on her knees next to her.  She knew from Janice that Ali Clifford was thirty-seven, but she looked to be in her early twenties.  She remembered seeing her at long range on the nude beach at Maui and knew her figure was perfect.  She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and smiled, then stuck out her hand saying, "I'll make a deal with you.  I'll call you Ali if you knock off the shit about the scars.  Okay?"
	Ali grinned and took her hand in a firm grip saying, "Okay, damn it, it's a deal."  Then she shook her head and said, "However, we're not finished with you yet, young lady.  Somehow, I am going to get even."  Ali was tremendously impressed with the girl and decided she loved her like another daughter.  They rejoined the others in the living room.
	When the group gathered to open their Christmas presents, there were some surprises.  Cindy gave Dan the nude portrait of herself that Jim Vance had painted.  She pointed out that she would be keeping an eye on him in his office.  She had entered Dan's office with Jim one night and he had taken careful measurements of the wall and the location of Dan's desk.  The result was that her eyes in the portrait were focused precisely on the point behind his desk where his eyes would be when he was seated behind it.  She liked the portrait because Jim had caught and depicted her love for him and the wanting for him that she always felt.
	Judy Chapman presented a large box to her husband, Dave.  Opening it he found it was a Vance portrait of herself.  Similar in pose to others, she was semi-reclining and nude.  Steve Chapman looked over his father's shoulder and whistled saying, "My God, Dad!  Mom looks delicious.  I hope you're enjoying her charms."
	Dave looked up and grinned.  He said, "Son, it's mostly your wife's fault.  She's been working out with Judy at the health club and this is the result."  Looking across the room at Jennifer he said, "Daughter, you're the best thing to happen to the Chapman family in years.  My son gets the most beautiful girl in the world as his bride, and I enjoy the greatest sex life since I first met Judy."  He looked at his wife and said, "Darling, thank you... for everything!  What do you think?"
	Judy sat on David's lap and put her arms around his neck.  Then she kissed him with ever-increasing passion.  Pulling slightly away, she had her head on his shoulder and whispered, "Darling, the best will come tonight.  Do you like the picture?  I do.  I think it shows my love for you... at least, I hope it does."  Dave just held his wife tightly and heard her make wonderful happy noises.
	Janice gave Cindy and Dan two packages, a tiny one and another somewhat larger attached together with a small ribbon.  The larger was for Dan while the smaller was for her.  He opened his and found one hundred hundred-dollar bills — $10,000 in cash.  Along with it was a note indicating she was paying her wager from months before when he had bet her that Cindy would be able to make character loans.  Jan agreed that she certainly could.  When Cindy opened her tiny package, she laughed.  In it was a lump of coal along with a note from Jan saying, "When my house slave costs me $10,000, what the hell can she expect?"
	Peter opened his gift from Janice.  It was also in a small box.  Opening it, he found a tiny pair of baby booties she had knitted.  He looked at Jan and she nodded her head while there was a beautiful smile on her face.  Pete's jaw dropped as he instantly understood the significance of the gift.  He hugged her and kissed her warmly.  She whispered, "Darling, I'm really your wife now.  I guess the past is finally past and buried.  We're going to have a baby in the summer!"
	Pete lifted her effortlessly in his arms and sat down with her seated across his lap, then kissed her with increasing passion.  "Darling, I couldn't possibly be happier!"
	The others came crowding around to congratulate them.  Connie Cartwright, now in the sixth month of her pregnancy, was only beginning to bulge.  She kissed them warmly and whispered to Jan, "Sis, you're a copycat."
	Jan gently ran her fingers over the girl's swelling abdomen and said, "Connie, I only hope I can carry as well as you.  How do you feel?"
	"Simply marvelous!" she replied.  "So far it hasn't interfered with our love life."  She grinned and added, "It does feel odd, though, to have Chip inside me and to feel the little guy kick at the same time!  I'm getting it from two directions at once, but it is kind of nice."  Connie Cartwright was a silver blonde with brilliant green eyes.  She had paid for much of her education by working as a stripper on Sunset Strip.  Because she spent so much time lying naked in the sun, she had a perfect golden tan, while her hair had been sun-bleached almost white.
	She looked at Jan and smiled warmly saying, "I can't tell you how glorious it feels, Jan.  I really can't.  In spite of... or maybe because of... the swelling, Chip now likes to rest his head on my abdomen and listen to the baby.  While he does it, of course, his fingers are playing with my cunt."  She looked at Jan and added, "You know, this is what it's all about.  For months he has been putting his magnificent weapon into my vagina, and now in just a few months the product of his sex and mine will come out and greet the world.  When all the career bullshit is stripped away and we really go back to nature the way the tree-huggers advocate, isn't this really what we're made for?  Do you know, Jan, I have never felt so good in my life and Chip claims I have never looked so beautiful.  I can't wait, and neither can he."
Chapter 32
	The last-minute preparations were all set for the feast Cindy had planned and prepared.  Although Jan had cooperated with her on the hors d'oeuvres, the dinner was entirely Cindy's.  She had planned it, purchased the food with her own money, and prepared it.  In spite of her teasing, it turned out that Kelly was a very good cook and, working with Cindy, had become much better.  Kelly was going to personally handle the final preparations so Cindy could remain seated.
	The girls who were going to serve lined up in front of Cindy for inspection.  She noticed that Cathy Collins put her shoulders back and thrust her breasts out.  When she looked at the girl with a raised eyebrow Cathy said, "Cindy, I'm not yet used to being naked in front of people.  My body isn't yet in the shape it ought to be and I guess I'm not proud enough of it.  I'll just have to try harder."  Then she grinned and added, "Looking at my friends provides a lot of inspiration.  My coloring is sort of ordinary, though.  My God!  I look at Kelly and just shake my head in amazement.  She's absolutely glorious!  If I had a body like hers, I don't think I would ever put on a stitch of clothing, even when it's snowing the way it is now.  No wonder she looks so proud!"  She looked at Cindy and asked, "Do you think there's any hope?"
	Cindy just grinned and said, "I think I'm going to make an addition to the Division's uniform.  Collins, I think you should wear your Phi Bete key pinned to your left nipple.  I found out the other day that about two-thirds of our people were elected to Phi Beta Kappa so it will generally apply.  What do you think?"
	Cathy just shook her head sorrowfully, cupped Cindy's breast through her dress and said, "I thought it was a fine idea at first, Cin, but you have the most beautiful tits in the world with the most lovely little nipples.  It would be a shame to put a pin through the left one.  And of course, if we had to wear our keys, you would, too, wouldn't you?"
	Cindy just shook her head, grinned wryly, and then inspected the other girls.  Finally, after confirming all of the arrangements with Kelly, she went into the dining room where she found that the seating plan had been rearranged.  She was seated to Peter Stewart's right in the place of honor.  When she protested, Jan insisted.  Looking around the table she realized that it was the entire Clifford family, along with her parents and Steve Chapman's.
	The first course was glacéed breast of pheasant stuffed with foie gràs served with a lovely Chardonnay.  The entree was filet of beef Wellington with a beautiful 1959 Chateau Mouton Rothschild.  After everyone was served, Ali Clifford, who was seated in the middle of the table, raised her glass.  She said, "I would like to offer a toast.  To Cynthia Katherine Martin: Cindy, never have I seen or heard of a person like you.  I owe you a little explanation, though.  I know, for example, that you were fighting to ensure that April Jefferson received the highest bonus awarded in the bank this year.  I know why you wanted it.  The fact is she has received one of the highest bonuses paid.  We couldn't give the highest bonus to her, Cindy, because we had to give it to you.
	"Without you, Cynthia Martin, there would be no Special Lending Division.  April is the first person to say so, too.  Yesterday she told me what I know she has said in public many times before: 'Cindy Martin is the best there is!'  She went on to say that you have taught her everything she knows.  I don't for a minute want to take anything away from April, or, for that matter, from my daughter, Kathy, or Kelly McBride.  But they all say it: You train, coach, encourage, but most of all, you set an example.  I hear it over and over.  'We try to be like Cindy.  We can't, of course, but in the process of trying, we become far better than we ever dreamed we could be.'
	"There's more:  I happen to know that all of the money you've spent on gas, tolls, parking, and everything else, has come out of your baby-sitting money."
	Now tears were flowing from Ali's eyes.  She was standing at her place looking down the table at Cindy.  She grinned wryly and said, "Martin, this is absolutely ridiculous!  As a result, I have a few things for you.  First, there's a small check for back pay.  You're now earning $350,000 a year, as of December first.  With the calculation of your bonus on your actual salary, there's another $700,000 representing your year-end bonus.  Since you were making $110,000 in May when the fun began, we charged you with one week's vacation, then a raise on July 15 to $150,000, on September 15 to $200,000 and then to $350,000 on December 1."  She glanced down at the checks in her hand and exclaimed, "Whoops!  I almost forgot.  In November there was a 100 percent bonus paid, so here is a check for another $200,000.
	"That's not all, Cindy.  I desperately wanted to adopt you as a daughter, too.  Unfortunately, you not only have a father, but you have a brand-new mother, as well.  (Their love for each other makes Bill's and mine look like puppy love.)  So that isn't going to work.  It was a puzzle, but Bill and I solved it.  If you can't be our daughter, we'll settle for your being our daughter-in-law."
	Now Ali grinned and with an expression of glee said, "What's wrong with you bankers, anyway?  Don't you ever read anything before you sign?"  She looked at Dan who had been looking increasingly puzzled and said, "Burke, you signed a few things for Jennifer at the last board meeting.  One of them was this."  She reached under her napkin and took a single sheet of paper and passed it down the table to him.  "You signed it, and now it's official.  Dan, welcome!  You're now the adopted son of William H. Clifford and Allison M. Clifford."
	She hurried around the table to stand next to him as he rose from his seat with an expression of utter amazement on his face.  Ali said softly, "Dan, will you please give your new mother a kiss?"
	Dan took her in his arms and kissed her sweetly.  When he released her, her eyes were glazed and she was unsteady on her feet.  She shook her head and exclaimed, "Wow!"  Then she grinned and said, "I'm beginning to think I've been wasting my time adopting daughters.  If I knew mothering boys was so much fun, we would have done this more often."  While she was speaking she returned to her seat.  Then she looked at Cindy and said, "Young lady, we're not through with you yet.  You see, we need to avoid nepotism, and I told you earlier I would find some way to get even.  Well, our idea isn't great, but it's the best we could come up with, so I guess it will have to do.  Cindy, I have something else for you."
	She passed a paper down towards the girl and said, "This is a stock certificate for 15 percent of the stock of Chicago Trust Company.  It's yours.  We have now acquired all of the previously outstanding shares so about four percentage points are the newly-acquired shares and the remaining eleven were Bill's and mine.  You're now the third largest shareholder and the largest individual owner, since ours and the Chapman's are in joint names.
	"One final point: I seem to have heard something about a promised bonus.  The story I heard was that there was a loan transaction last Spring involving some small company in the area.  I gather it was a $20 million loan sold for a premium of 20 percent, or $4 million.  You were supposed to get a bonus and it was never paid."
	While Ali was speaking, Cindy's face fell and her tears started to flow.  Then Ali slid a check down to Cindy in the amount of one million dollars, one-quarter of the purchase premium.  Cindy looked at the bonus check, but then broke into uncontrolled sobbing when she saw the amount.  She tried to focus on Ali but, with her tears blinding her, could see nothing.  Nevertheless she said, "Ali, this is typical of the morals and ethics of Cynthia Martin.  Thank you for reminding me."  She tried to smile but couldn't even manage a weak imitation as she continued, "Ali, I understand now what you meant about getting even.  You just did.  I would far rather have you whip me to a bloody rag than to torture me with this.  What did I do?  Not much.  I just arranged for the nicest person in the world to be sold into slavery to a man she detested, giving up her husband who she loves more than anything in this world."  In spite of her anguish, Cindy's head was held up straight.  The others at the table could feel the pain the beautiful girl was suffering.
	Cindy jumped up from the table and ran into the kitchen, returning moments later with a pen.  The others looked at her with facial expressions ranging from sympathy to amazement.  She looked down the table at Janice and asked quietly, "Jan, what's your favorite charity?"
	Jan's eyes widened as she realized what Cindy intended to do.  She exclaimed, "Cindy, you can't possibly!  That check is for $1 million!  Honey, this is a joke.  We didn't want to hurt you.  Mom thought it would be a small way of repaying you for all of the wonderful things you've done for the bank and for us over the last six months.  Please?"
	By now Cindy's tears had stopped flowing.  She had just looked at Jan impassively while she was speaking and then quietly repeated, "Your favorite charity?"
	"Catholic Charities, I guess, honey.  But please don't!"
	Cindy carefully endorsed the check to Catholic Charities of Chicago and put it under her napkin saying, "I'll mail it tomorrow, Jan, with a note that it is a gift in the name of Janice Carson Stewart.  Jan, I'm so sorry!  Can you find it in your heart ever to forgive me?"
	Jan rose from her seat and hurried to the end of the table.  When she went to her knees, her head was level with Cindy's and she held the girl tightly to her, whispering, "Darling Cindy, forgive?  What's to forgive?  I got a new mother and a husband who I now know loves me.  I'm going to be a mother.  Darling, most of that's your fault, too.  Cindy, we love you so very much!"
	Cindy smiled at Jan weakly and said, "Jan, there are no words to express my love for you and my gratitude for all that you and Pete have done for me.  I really don't want the money.  I'm going to do it anyway.  Maybe it will help some people who need help."
	Still standing at her place, Ali had watched the scene without saying anything.  Now she said, "Cindy, Jan and Pete are absolutely right.  You're a great person.  For myself, I want to apologize to you.  It's well known in LA that while our hearts are usually in the right place, we often have the sensitivity of clams."
	She smiled warmly and continued, "Now a personal word.  When Billy came back to Los Angeles after treating you he was almost physically ill.  He had never seen a person whose body had been as abused as yours with the possible exception of Bill Cartwright.  But he pointed out Bill had been getting it for fourteen years.  You got yours in just two days.  Nevertheless, while you were lying in the bed in utter agony, you insisted it was all your own fault.  The look you gave to Janice was one of incredible love."  She looked across and asked, "Billy, do you want to say anything?"
	The young doctor looked down the table at Cindy and said, "Yes, I do.  Cindy, I'm focusing now on trauma as a result of treating you.  I know how agonizing your pain was.  Yet you wouldn't let me give you morphine.  In fact you wouldn't take anything stronger than aspirin.  Cindy, to this day I don't know how you did it.  Your bravery and courage has been a constant inspiration.  I just want you to know that."
	Ali continued: "Then you organized the Special Lending Division.  Dan said you could do something that has never been done effectively in banking before, and you did it.  We know we have the most effective group of banking professionals in the industry.  We know you recruited them, trained them, and inspired them.  Finally, a word about this dinner:  I fell in love with Janice in Los Angeles, in part because of her cooking."  She looked at Jan with an apology and then said, "Jan prepared a dinner like this for Bill, Pete, and me out there.  Cindy, this is better.  I don't know how it could be, but it is.  What did you do?"
	Janice spoke up from the head of the table before Cindy could respond.  "Mom, it's simple.  This is a work of love for Cindy.  I don't know why, but she loves me and loves us.  Because we give her nothing except scars, she has limited ways for expressing her love.  This is the way Pete and I have been eating for months."  She looked at Ali and tears were flowing from her eyes as she added, "That's right, Mom!  Months!  And during those months she was organizing and managing the Special Lending Division.  She refused any help.  Not only did she do everything she had previously done, there were always little surprises for Pete and me.  Mom, this dinner is an expression of her love and that's why it's so much better than I could do.  Finally, I guess you all know now that Cindy has been receiving no money at all for any of the work she has been doing, either here or at the bank.  Nevertheless, she not only prepared this dinner, refusing any help at all, but she paid for it all from her baby-sitting money."
	Ali said, "I guess that's about it.  Except there's one other small thing... I guess it's a sort of a present.  Dan?"
	Dan got up from his seat and went to Cindy.  He went down on one knee and said, "Darling, I know this is a little public, but these are all people who love you.  Honey, I think I love you most of all.  I adore you, Cin, and want you to be my wife and the mother of my children.  Cindy, will you marry me?"
	Cindy had been in a daze.  She couldn't fully absorb the change in her fortune.  Now Dan was down on one knee beside her.  She reached out and took him into her arms and hugged him tightly saying, "Oh, God, Dan!  Of course I will.  But Honey, are you sure?  I'm beat up, and I used to be a gold-plated bitch.  I'll marry you on one condition:  We'll keep the whip and you must promise me you'll use it if I ever need a reminder of what I was.  Will you promise?"
	"I promise, Darling," he whispered as he held her tight.  Then he released her and reached into his pocket.  He took out a magnificent diamond solitaire ring and slipped it on her finger.  Then he took her in his arms and kissed her.  The kiss achieved a new dimension as their love for each other flowed between them.  Dan brought his chair down so he could sit at the end of the table beside Cindy.
	She said, "Dan, thank you."  Then she pretended to glare at Ali, saying, "It's all very well for you to talk about my dinner, Allison Clifford, but in the meantime it's getting cold!  Can we eat now?"
	When the magnificent dinner was over, Kelly looked out the window and then turned on the radio to an all-news station.  As she had feared, the snow storm had developed into a major blizzard and the highway department was urging all motorists to stay off the roads.  Accordingly, it was agreed that everyone would sleep at the Stewart's.  Fortunately, Jan had a number of new double sleeping-bags so there were enough for everyone.  Because of the storm, the evening was shaping up to be fun.
	Over their protests, Ali and Bill Clifford were given one of the spare bedrooms with Jan insisting that now that they were about to become grandparents, they needed their rest.  Cindy picked up on the comment and whispered in Jan's ear.  The girl grinned gleefully and then spoke quietly to her sisters.  The result was that at eleven o'clock, after everyone had retired, the girls carefully opened the door to Bill and Ali's room.  As they expected, they found the two making love.
	Cindy's eyes widened as she realized how exquisite Ali's body was: she looked like a girl in her early twenties rather than a woman of thirty-seven.  Bill took Ali to her peak and, as usual she fainted.  At that point the girls made their presence known.  Jan jumped on the bed, spread her mother's legs, and then began to lick out the juices from her cunt.  While she did, Kathy Cartwright went down on her father to clean him off.
	Initially, Bill was surprised when he realized the room was full of beautiful naked women.  Then he just leaned back and enjoyed his daughters' attentions.  As Ali began to recover consciousness, she sensed something out of the ordinary.  Although Bill usually lapped up her cunt, this felt different.  Looking down, she saw Jan's golden hair while the head moved on her loins.  Ali reached down and stroked Jan's head as she came suddenly to another orgasm.  After licking up the new cuntal flow, Jan sat back on her heels and grinned, saying, "Mom and Dad, we have something for you, in view of your advancing years.  In the interests of our children, we need to protect their grandparents."
	As she said it, Joan Clifford, who had worked her way through Cal Tech as a topless cocktail waitress, came forward with a small silver tray.  On it were two glasses of warm milk and a little plate of Christmas cookies.  She said, "Mom, I understand that it gets harder to fall asleep as you get older and the libido fades, so we want to take care of you.  We understand elderly people fall asleep easier after a glass of warm milk."
	Ali had pulled herself up to the head of the bed and was resting against Bill's shoulder.  She just shook her head in mock sorrow and said, "Darling, I'm afraid it's all over for us.  We have now been formally certified by our daughters as being over the hill!"  She looked at him warmly and asked, "Bill, promise you'll push my wheelchair next week?"
	Then her expression changed dramatically as she looked at Bill and, to the amazement of the girls, tears came into her eyes.  She said softly, "Darling, there's one more gift I have for you, but it won't be delivered until next summer.  Do you mind?"  Her face fell and she looked apprehensive as she added, "Darling, I didn't have the nerve even to mention it to you before."
	Bill looked at her, puzzled.  He had never seen this new look in Ali's eyes before, yet it appeared to be a look of incredible love.  He replied, "Of course I don't mind, Darling.  Can you tell me what it is, though?"
	Her flow of tears had, surprisingly, increased.  She said, "Darling, I don't know how you're going to take this, but I'm going to be a mother.  The delayed gift, Bill, is a baby."  Now the tears were really flowing as she asked very softly, "Do you mind very much?"
	When he heard the words, Bill Clifford lit up like a Christmas tree.  He said, "Darling, you're not kidding are you?"  She shook her head.  "It's really true?"  This time she nodded vigorously.  He took her in his arms, hugged her tightly, and kissed her with incredible love and passion saying, "My darling, I don't know what to say!  I'm overjoyed.  But why didn't you tell me?  What happened?"
	Ali eased away from him just enough to be able to focus on his face.  Then she said, "Bill, when I saw Connie start to blossom I made up my mind I had to try to become a mother so I stopped taking my birth-control pills.  I saw the doctor just before we left and he confirmed it."  Then she brightened and laughed, "Guess what?  He started to change the date of birth on my chart.  He thought the year was a typo: he had my age as twenty-seven, and said he didn't believe I was even that old.  Can you imagine?  He said I look like I'm in my mid-twenties."  Then her face became serious as she said, "You know what it means, though, don't you?  We will have a grandchild older than our own son or daughter.  Incidentally, the doctor asked me about running a test to determine the sex of the baby.  Honey, I said no.  I want it to be a surprise.  Do you mind?"
	Meanwhile the girls had been looking on in utter amazement at the revelation.  Then they started to crowd around and kiss and hug their parents.  Finally, Ali looked up at Connie who, being nude, showed the expanded abdomen of her pregnancy.  Ali asked her to get up on the bed and she did, kneeling between her parents.  Gently, Ali ran her slender fingers over the bulge and asked Bill to do the same.  She said, "Darling, this will be me in a few months... I hope!  Isn't she beautiful?"  Bill agreed she was.
	Ali continued: "Connie, I heard you say earlier something that was utterly beautiful and so true!  You said this is really what it's all about.  Bill puts his magnificent weapon inside me and comes in a flood.  Then after nine months, the product of his sperm and my egg, now a baby, comes out the same way his cock went in."  Looking at Bill she said, "Darling, I'm so glad you're not angry."
	"Angry!?" he exclaimed.  "How, in the name of God, could I possibly be angry.  Ali, you have just made me the happiest man on earth!  Honey, I love Jen and Billy and Brian very much.  On the other hand I love you to a degree that surpasses understanding.  Occasionally, late at night, I'll wake up and wish you could have a baby.  With your brains and beauty, I thought a baby from your loins would be very special.  Now we're going to see.  Darling, thank you."
	The girls left the room even happier than when they went in.
	On the way back to her room Cindy peered out the window at the snow still falling heavily outside.  It was now being driven by a rising wind and was drifting heavily.  Now that the forecast blizzard had arrived, no one would be going anywhere the next day.
Chapter 33
	The Stewart home was quite large with five bedrooms, of which only two were normally in use, the master bedroom and Cindy's.  Because of the large number of guests, Bill and Ali Clifford had been given one of the spares, Don and Mary Martin had another, while Dave and Judy Chapman — Steve's parents — had the last.  The rest of the younger guests and the girls who were working at the house unrolled sleeping-bags on the first floor.  The girls from the bank were sleeping in the kitchen with Kelly and Cathy Collins sharing a sleeping-bag.  When the girls zipped up the bag, Kelly who was lying on her back, stretched luxuriantly.  Cathy asked, "Why do you look like the cat that swallowed the canary?"
	Kelly smiled warmly and replied, "Because this morning I reached the first orgasm of my life!  It was heavenly!"  Turning on her side to look at the new girl she said, "Can you believe a woman can cum for fifteen minutes!?  It's true.  I've seen Cindy but I thought it was just her.  This morning Dan Burke worked on me and I did it, too."  The tall redhead stretched again.
	"But Kelly," Cathy protested, "I thought you were a virgin and were saving it for Kevin?"
	"I am and I am!" she replied.  "That's one of the things that's so amazing.  I don't think Dan even touched my vagina.  He just stroked my breasts, my inner thighs and my slit.  Of course, he certainly did work over my clit!"
	The new girl looked at her in amazement saying, "Do you mean... But... I thought you had to... with a man...?"
	Now Kelly began to giggle and hugged Cathy closely.  She found that the girl smelled sweet and fresh with her only perfume being that of her body.  She kissed the girl lightly and whispered, "Do you feel like trying an experiment?"
	Cathy looked puzzled but nodded shyly.  Although there were no lights on in the kitchen, there was enough light reflecting in from the snow-covered ground that she could see a grin on Kelly's face as she said, "Great!  We'll do it first thing in the morning.  From the looks of the snow and what they're saying on television, we'll be staying here for a while."
	The next morning Kelly stretched in the sleeping-bag and found that she felt great.  Looking over at the girl beside her she smiled warmly seeing the very innocent look on the girl's face.  After savoring the warmth of the sleeping-bag for a few more moments, she gently stroked the body of the girl beside her.  Cathy's eyes instantly opened.  She blinked and smiled, then stretched.  Cathy said, "Kelly, that was really great!  I can't recall sleeping so well in years."  With a small grin she added, "Can I give you a letter of recommendation as a sleeping-bag companion for a cold winter's night?  But should I address it to Kevin or 'To whom it may concern'?"
	Kelly returned the grin and poked the girl in the ribs.  "Collins, the world really doesn't need another smart-ass!  Come on, let's get to work.  There's a lot to do today."  She unzipped the bag and quickly started to make coffee.  When a tray was prepared, she and Cathy went up to Cindy's room.  Again, just the slightest sound of the door latch turning was enough to awaken her.
	Cindy opened her eyes and saw Kelly and Cathy entering the room.  As usual, Dan's hand was cupping her tit.  When she gently squeezed it, he opened his eyes.  Cindy was still wearing her engagement ring and held her left hand out straight to admire it.  Then she rolled over to lie face down on Dan's chest.  She lowered her mouth to his and kissed him warmly and then with increasing passion.  "Good morning, my husband," she whispered.  Then she grinned and added, "Of course, now that I have my diamond, I don't really need you anymore.  I already have all I really want out of the deal shining on my third finger."
	Dan's eyes were dancing as he gently ran his fingers over her scarred buttocks.  As he did, Cindy made happy noises deep in her throat.  He asked, "Can a ring do that for you?"
	Picking up on his game, she replied, "Of course not.  But I'm just making myself available to you.  It was part of the price I had to pay to get the ring.  After all, I'm just accommodating your male sex drive."  Adopting a haughty look she said, "And, Daniel Patrick Burke, it's a well-known fact that women don't need sex.  We just accommodate men."
	Dan just shook his head sadly, saying, "Cindy Martin, here I thought you were a smart girl, but I guess you're a slow learner, though.  Young lady, kneel on the bed facing me."
	Kelly whispered to Cathy, "My God!  You're going to see what happened to me yesterday, but it's going to be much, much worse for Cindy!  Just watch!"
	Cindy knew what Dan had in mind and what was in store for her, but she did exactly what Dan had asked.  She knelt on the bed holding her back up straight, but with a very bored look on her face.  Placing her left hand on her thigh, she appeared to be concentrating on the diamond on her finger, moving her hand slightly to cause the diamond to catch and refract the light.  While she did that, Dan gently began to stroke her body.  As he caressed her he said, "Do you realize I've never done this to you?  As a matter of fact, it's fun.  Darling, you have an utterly magnificent body!"
	Cindy continued her playacting.  While Dan continued gently to stroke her body, she shook her head and then combed out her long golden hair with her fingers, pretending to be bored by the whole thing.  She was trying to avoid giving any sign of her increasing passion.  As she knelt beside him, she realized what fun this was.  She and Dan had become incredibly attuned to each other over the previous six months.  Each knew every inch of the other's body and what the other liked and responded to.  Cindy could feel herself being taken up and up while she fought to maintain the bored expression on her face.  It's so much fun trying to trick Dan, she thought.  She could feel herself about to reach her crest yet he had not even touched her cunt.  All of his attentions had been on her inner thighs and tits.  Now he was stroking her thighs and it was like Heaven.  But just as she was about to achieve her release, he stopped.
	Trying to avoid swallowing hard, she concentrated on still trying to look bored.  Dan was amused because, try as she might to conceal it, he could still see her rising passion in her eyes.  He took her through a second cycle and then a third.  The fourth time he lightly stroked her nipples and she screamed.  They had become so sensitive that now his touch was almost painful.  Now he began to work on her in earnest as his fingers entered her slit and began to work on her circumcised clitoris and the mouth of her vagina.
	Cindy gave up the pretense of boredom and tried to grin.  Shaking her head she said aloud but seemingly to herself, "Martin, when will you learn?  Even a small child knows that a hot stove burns!"
	As he worked on her body, all of her sensations were now concentrated in her loins while her body was writhing in anguish from its unsatisfied longing.  The girls, now standing across the room, heard her moan incoherently and periodically scream whenever Dan touched her nipples or her clit.  Cathy looked on in amazement when she realized that Cindy's body was nothing but evenly tanned skin over smooth rippling muscles.  There was not an apparent ounce of fat on her body.  Noticing the scars, she whispered to Kelly who replied that she would tell her about them later.  After trying to maintain her upright kneeling position, she no longer could and allowed her body to sag forward.  Now tears were streaming from her eyes and it was obvious that she was in an agony of wanting.  Finally she screamed, "Stop, Dan!  Please stop.  You're killing me.  Please release me, Darling..."  Her voice just faded away into her tears.  Dan ignored her and kept working on her body.  Then he stopped and waited for her to regain some control.
	Cindy slowly became aware of her position: she was folded forward at the waist and, although still on her knees, was collapsed almost into a ball.  Painfully, she raised her head revealing the tears still streaming down her cheeks.  There was a desperate wanting in her eyes as, trying as hard as she could to control her voice, she said, "I give up, Dan.  I'll do absolutely anything.  I can't stand it, Darling.  I need you so much...  Please, Dan?"  Then she reached down and pulled the ring off her finger and gave it to him saying, "Dan, I don't want your ring.  I just want you.  I need you.  I can't live without you.  Please?"
	Dan wasn't finished with her yet.  He said, "Cindy, that's a very valuable ring.  And women don't need sex, right?  We both know that.  Let's see...  You said you would do anything...  Slave, I need you to fuck my cock with your mouth."  Still crying, Cindy scrambled between his legs and began to work on his cock, now massive in its full erection.  While her mouth began to move up and down on it, he went back to caressing her body, again bringing her up towards the crest of her orgasm.  Because of all of his stimulation he quickly spent in her mouth.  Meanwhile, she was again going crazy.  When she had swallowed his cum and licked off the last drops, she dried his cock and balls with her hair, looked up at him and whispered, "Oh God, please...  Dan, I really can't take this anymore.  I'm destroyed."
	He motioned to her to kneel beside him again.  This time he quickly took her to her peak.  Kelly knew that this time he was going to take her over so she moved quickly.  She jumped on the bad, rolled over on her back and positioned her mouth below Cindy's now-gaping cunt.  Dan worked on Cindy and took her over to her orgasm, then just maintained her there.  Like the night with Pete, Cindy just slumped forward with her knees still under her body but with her head and shoulders now resting on the bed as her vaginal juices just ran from her cunt in a steady stream.  Kelly was positioned to catch the juices in her mouth as it just continued.  As much as she caught with her mouth and tongue and swallowed, even more sprayed her eyes, nose and hair.  Kelly was soaked with the succulent fluid.  Finally, Dan pinched Cindy's clitoris.  The overwhelming sensation overpowered her brain and she lost consciousness.  Kelly lifted her head slightly and proceeded to lick out the girl's cunt with her tongue.  When she finished, she used her long auburn hair to dry the girl and then slid out from beneath her.  Finally, she gently straightened out Cindy's legs and then smiled at Dan.
	Dan took Cindy under her arms and pulled her up to the head of the bed with him and then rested her head on his shoulder.  With the bedcovers now up around them he looked at Kelly, grinned, and said, "On behalf of my bride-to-be, thank you, Kelly.  That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen."  Then he raised an eyebrow and said, "But did you come in just to watch, or..."
	Kelly grinned back, winked, and poured a mug of coffee for Dan.  He took it in his left hand while his right was again cupped over Cindy's breast.  He looked down at her and smiled.  Her cheeks were still tear streaked, her hair was matted with sweat, but he thought she was still the most beautiful girl alive.  Finally she blinked, opened her eyes, and looked into his.
	He whispered, "That was fun, wasn't it?"
	She snuggled against his shoulder and then kissed his chest.  Then she looked at him and asked, "Darling, next time please just whip me?  It's really much less painful."  Then she shook her head, grinned wryly and added, "I guess I'm really a slow learner."  She looked down at her now-bare finger and then back at Dan.  She said, "Darling, will you promise me something?"
	He said, "Of course!  What?"
	"Honey, will you please get me just a plain gold wedding band?  I would settle for brass, even.  Darling, I'm just your hot cunt.  In fact, I guess there's no need even to marry me.  I'll proudly carry your children and you could adopt them if you really like them."  Tears started to flow again as she said, "I'm really dumb, Dan.  Jan was forced to marry Pete because he wouldn't sleep with her unless she did.  Since you have all the milk you could ever want, there's no need for you ever to buy the cow, is there?"
	She was amazed to see tears come to Dan's eyes.  He said, "Darling, I have to marry you.  I have the world's most beautiful woman in my arms right now.  She's intelligent, funny, warm, exciting...  Of course, some day she's going to wake up.  Cindy, that's what I can't afford to allow to happen.  Some day you're going to take a good look at me and you know what?  You said it a few months ago: 'Burke, you're old, beat up, and generally shot to hell.' You were right, of course."
	Now tears were streaming from her eyes as she said, "Beat up?  I guess you are, Dan.  You got beat up defending our country.  You're handsome, strong, incredibly gentle, smart, funny...  Darling, I can't wait until I can carry your children in my belly.  I just hope they get their brains and judgment from their father, though, and not from their mother."  Then she just rubbed her cheek against his hairy chest.
	Dan motioned to Kelly who poured coffee for Cindy and then cups for Cathy and herself.  The two girls sat on the edge of the bed while Dan pulled Cindy around so she was again next to him at the head of the bed.  First, he gently slid the ring back on Cindy's finger, then he looked at Cathy Collins who had been watching events wide-eyed and asked, "Cathy, what do you think?"
	She just shook her head and said, "Mr. Burke, I don't know what to say."
	Dan began to laugh and said, "Cathy, I ask you?  When a guy and three girls are all bare-ass naked on one bed, do you suppose it's asking too much for you to call me Dan?"
	The girl laughed merrily and said, "I'm sorry, Dan.  It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  I may be prejudiced, but I think you're a pretty lucky guy to get Cindy, too."
	The girls were about to leave the room when Kelly glanced down and saw her small bow was missing from her pubic hair.  Again the tall girl scrambled around the bed and the bedcovers with her tail in the air until she found it again.  When she found it, Cindy, trying to control her giggles, said sarcastically, "If you didn't insist on wearing so damn many clothes, you wouldn't be losing bits of them all the time.  Now, Miss McBride, if you're finished, I would appreciate having my bedcovers back.  Burke is getting old so he doesn't keep me as warm as he used to.  I'm cold!"
	Dan pretended to glare at her and said threateningly, "Young lady!?"
	A look of fear came into her eyes as she hugged him and whispered, "Dan, I'm sorry!  Really I am.  Will you forgive me?"
	Dan looked at her with an eyebrow raised.  Then he looked at Kelly and said, "Slave Kelly, before you leave would you please get me the whip from the closet."
	Cindy snuggled even closer to him and sighed, "Darling, you're so good to me!  As long as it's just the whip."
	As the girls were going out the door, they saw Cindy and Dan wrapped in another passionate embrace.
* * *
	After breakfast, Cindy started up the tractor-mounted snowblower and attempted to clear the driveway.  During the night the snow had turned into a full-bore Midwestern blizzard, leaving drifts up to four feet high.  With all the cars parked in the driveway, though, it was difficult to maneuver the tractor around them all.  Dan and the other girls came out and used shovels to dig around the cars, while Cindy used the powerful blower to dispose of the shoveled snow.  Although the blizzard had died down, snow was still falling lightly.
	Cindy reached the snow still piled high on the road.  Since town plows hadn't yet reached the neighborhood, there was no place to go even with the driveway cleared.  As she headed back up the drive she found that a snowball fight had started, pitting Dan against Kelly, Cathy, and the other girls from the bank.  Cindy grinned and joined Dan to even up the odds.  In no time, they were completely snow covered and rolling in the new-fallen snow like little children.  Laughing, they went back into the house and stamped off the snow.  Jan greeted them with a pretend frown saying, "Children, now hang up your coats and come out to the kitchen."  To their surprise, Jan had made a huge pot of cocoa which was wonderful after the severe cold outside: the temperature was still down in single digits.
	When they finished, Cindy took a shovel and began to clear a path out to the swimming pool.  Although it was an outdoor pool, it was heated and Pete and Jan had had a bubble put over it.  The others helped, and in a short time they had cleared off the pathway.  Then, to the astonishment of Cathy and the other girls, Cindy returned to the kitchen, calmly stripped off her clothes and, in spite of the sub-freezing temperature, ran outside naked, up the path and into the bubble.  Kelly knew what she intended to do and was right behind her.  In no time the two girls were powering up and down the pool.
	The other girls were right behind.  Soon they were all swimming laps.  Cindy would periodically stop and give pointers on technique to the girls.  When they finished, they ran back to the house.  This time Cindy led them to the gym and the exercise equipment in it.  Cathy watched in amazement as Cindy moved very heavy weights with no apparent effort.  On the other hand, she could see the girl's muscles bulge as they worked.  Cindy set up Cathy on a machine to build up her shoulders, her pectoral muscles, and to develop her breasts.
	In almost no time, the girl was sweating and close to exhaustion but kept going following Cindy's and Kelly's example.  Cindy called a halt when she thought the girls had had enough.  The girls were puzzled when they were told to wrap themselves in blankets.  They had no idea what was next.  Kelly and Cindy took the girls two at a time and began to massage their bodies.  Cindy was working on Cathy Collins' body and the girl just made happy noises as her boss worked on her now-aching muscles.  Looking over her shoulder she said softly, "Cindy, I don't know how you do it.  You're the most perfectly conditioned female I have ever seen.  What do you do?"
	"Do you really want to know?" Cindy asked.  The girl nodded and Cindy said, "It's three things.  First, I guess I work out my legs and arms in the pool.  My shoulders and chest develop on the machines, but the best part is my lower body.  That's Dan.  When I'm cuming, I'm shaking my lower body to pieces.  Maybe that's why the muscles there are so firm."
	Cathy rested her head on the massage table and shook it sadly.  When Cindy asked her what was wrong she replied, "I guess it means I'll have to lose my virginity if I ever want to have a body like yours."  Then she turned and grinned, asking, "Are there any more guys like Dan?  If there was one, he could manipulate me to orgasm while I'm still a virgin.  That's what happened to Kelly, isn't it?"
	"Sure is," Cindy responded with a grin.  "What did she think of it?  Did she say anything to you, Cath?"
	"She said it was like Heaven.  She also said that if doing it with a man is any better, she'll have to quit clobbering Kevin.  He might get discouraged and that's the last thing she can afford to allow to happen.  She still doesn't know exactly what Dan did, though, but she never felt so good in her life before."  When Cindy finished the massage Cathy felt better than she could recall ever feeling in her life.  To Cindy's surprise the girl motioned for her to get up on the table.  Looking puzzled, Cindy did.
	Cathy took some massage lotion and began to work on Cindy's back and shoulders.  Although Cindy knew the girl normally had a very light touch, now her fingers felt like steel rods as she very expertly worked on the muscles.  Cindy groaned with pleasure and murmured, "Catherine Collins, you've been holding out on us.  Where on earth did you ever learn to give massages like this?"
	The girl smiled and said, "I was an assistant trainer at Carleton College.  Maybe that's why I'm not as embarrassed being nude around men as I ought to be.  I guess I've seen a lot of naked men and worked on many of them.  Carleton is a pretty small coed school so we don't always have the right number of men and women to go around.  Anyway, I was the assistant men's trainer.  Does it feel all right?  If you were a man, I would be more confident.  For example, do you know if I should massage your breasts?"
	Cindy just murmured sleepily, "You're doing great!  You figure it out."  When she rolled Cindy — now sleeping — on her back she just gently caressed her full firm breasts with the massage fluid.  Cindy just smiled in her sleep and sensuously wriggled her body.
	Later that night the girls were back in their sleeping-bags.  Cathy asked Kelly again what had happened the previous morning.  Kelly looked at her new friend speculatively and asked, "Cath, Cindy says a virgin cunt tastes delicious.  This morning you saw me under Cindy while she was cuming in a flood.  What did you think?  Were you shocked?"
	The girl just smiled warmly and said, "Kelly, it was like nothing I could even imagine.  As much as you were lapping up, even more was splashing all over your face: your eyes, your nose, your hair.  What was it like?  You seemed to enjoy it."
	Rolling on her side Kelly looked at Cathy and said, "It was delicious!  Does that sound crazy to you?  Cath, everything about Cindy is exquisite, even her love juices."  Then she looked at the girl and asked, "Would you like to try?  Cindy and Dan both say I taste like nectar — whatever that tastes like.  I guess you represent my only chance to taste a virgin cunt, too."  She just looked impassively at the girl beside her.  Again, the only illumination came from the moonlight coming into the kitchen reflected off the piled snow outside.
	Cathy swallowed hard and said, "Could we do it fast?  Before I lose my nerve?  Please?"
	Kelly quickly unzipped the sleeping-bag and then put her arms around the girl beside her.  She really didn't know what she was doing, but she pulled the smaller girl close and kissed her softly.  To her surprise, Cathy pulled her close and mashed her own soft breasts against Kelly's firmer ones, then kissed her lips hungrily.  The girls then reversed positions on the sleeping-bag so they were now head-to-foot.  Kelly gently spread Cathy's legs to gain access to her nether lips.  Meanwhile she could feel Cathy doing the same thing to her.  The next thing she knew, she could feel the girl's tongue lick up and down her slit.  The sensation was exquisite.
	Meanwhile, the other girls in the kitchen were watching the two girls with great interest.  Finally, Kelly rolled over on her back with Cathy now kneeling astride her.  She lifted her hips to provide easier access and at the same time pulled Cathy's groin down over her face.  She nibbled at the girl's clit and then heard her scream as she came in a small flood.  Her loins were in spasm now and luscious liquid was beginning to run from her vagina in a small flood.  Moments later Kelly lost interest in the girl's sex as she was also taken over in a flood.  Suddenly Cathy jumped off her and reversed her position.  Now she was between Kelly's legs and put them over her shoulders.  From this position the girl could concentrate on licking and sucking her sex.  Kelly came again and again and again.  Finally Cathy reached exactly the right level of sexual stimulation and maintained Kelly in orgasm exactly as Dan had done.  The girl was now sweating and her arms were thrashing as her loins just continued to jerk spasmodically.  For her part, Cathy continued to lick up and swallow the luscious juices that were pouring from Kelly in a flood.  Finally, Cathy bit down on the girl's erect clit.  This was more than Kelly could take.  She screamed, exploded in another flood, and lost consciousness.
	When she regained consciousness, Kelly found her head on Cathy's bare shoulder while the girl had her hand cupped around her breast in exactly the way Dan always slept with Cindy.  Kelly ran a hand through her wet hair and whispered, "Wow!  Cathy, that was utterly spectacular.  Thank you so much."
	Then she lifted herself up and did to Cathy what had just been done to her.  She had found out that Cathy's cunt juices were very sweet.  Now concentrating her full attention on the girl she was able to reciprocate.  Cathy came in a flood and soon reached the point of continuous orgasm herself.  For an instant Kelly was fearful that the girl could hurt herself with her thrashing but then remembered that it was exactly what she had been doing earlier.  In addition to eating the girl's cunt, she used a hand to caress her breasts and tweak the girl's nipples.  With her heightened sensitivity, soon every time she touched them Cathy screamed with pain and ecstasy.  Finally, she bit the girl's clitoris causing her to lose consciousness, too.
	It was a mirror image of the earlier situation with one difference.  When Cathy regained consciousness her head was on Kelly's shoulder and Kelly's hand was cupping her breast.  The difference was that the other three girls were now kneeling around them.  One of the other girls, Gail Swanson, asked softly, "How was it, Cath?  Did that feel as good as it looked?"
	Cathy just stretched languorously and looked up at Kelly.  Then she pulled the girl's head down to kiss her softly on the lips.  "I guess I'm going to be a lesbian," she replied with a grin.  "McBride, you should be illegal, too.  I thought the Irish had no feelings?  I saw what Dan Burke did to Cindy and I felt what you did to me.  Are you sure it's better with a man?  It almost can't be."
	Kelly replied, "Do you realize what's happening to us?  We're around a group of people that have to be the greatest sets of lovers in the world.  Have you ever seen Kathy with Bill Cartwright?  They absolutely worship each other.  It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen... and that ignores the way they met.  Then there's Cindy and Dan, Jen and Steve, Ali and Bill...  Good heavens!  There's also Don Martin and Mary and even Dave and Judy Chapman!  Do you realize that the last three couples are all middle-aged?  My God!  I hope my love life with Kevin is ever as good as theirs is all the time.  What an education!"
	The girls returned to their sleeping-bags leaving Kelly and Cathy alone.  With her head still on Kelly's shoulder, Cathy rolled onto her side facing the taller girl.  She proceeded to stroke her skin with a petal-light touch.  Then she moved to her breasts but maintained the same touch.  After a while she could see Kelly start to writhe in the bag and make wonderful happy sounds deep in her throat.  Cathy had an idea and finally made it happen.  Again Kelly's pelvis started to spasm as she came in another flood.  Cathy jumped down and began to lick up the wonderful flow.  When it stopped, she flipped her head and used her still-damp hair to dry Kelly's cunt and then returned to her shoulder.  When she did, she was grinning and said, "I did it!  Kelly McBride, I made you cum without ever touching you below the waist.  McBride, you're too much!  You're sinfully sensitive.  If this were the Bay Colony 300 years ago, you would be in the stocks or on the ducking stool."  The girl appeared to frown as she added, "Kelly, if I didn't know better I would almost think you liked sex!"
	"Who?  Me?  Surely you must be confusing me with someone else," Kelly protested with a grin.  Then she did to Cathy what had been done to her.  That, coupled with the sounds of the sexual experimentation going on around them, caused the girls to be very tired when the sun rose the next morning.
	It was two more days before the roads were plowed enough for anyone to leave.  When it was finally time to go, Cathy was wearing her Levi's and work shirt along with a parka.  She hugged and kissed Jan and then Cindy.  As she kissed Cindy she whispered, "Cindy, this has been the very best Christmas of my life!  Thank you so much for having me.  As she went out to her car, now cleared of snow, she felt around her neck the heavy weight of the solid gold slave collar that Kathy had just presented to her.
Chapter 34
	Late in the afternoon of December 31, Cindy drove into the garage of her former apartment building and parked in one of the two parking spaces assigned to her old apartment.  The other space was still empty.  With help from the doorman she carried platters of cold hors d'oeuvres up to the apartment and used her key to let herself in.  Then she made another trip to the garage to bring up shopping bags full of materials for hot hors d'oeuvres that she was planning on making there.  With all of her materials now on hand she called out, but no one was in the apartment, so she began her final preparations.  When everything was complete, she took the opportunity slowly to walk around the penthouse apartment and look it over for the last time.  As she did, she was surprised to feel her cheeks wet with tears.  Suddenly she realized the extent of her love that was contained in the furnishings.  The apartment was now simply exquisite and she loved it.  She had achieved perfectly the feeling of warmth and comfort for which she had been striving.
	Sadly, she shook her head.  Now, even though she and Dan had loads of money, the Division's work load was so heavy and was continuing to grow so fast, she knew she couldn't possibly take the time to decorate another apartment for themselves the way she had done this one.  Her father had told her the apartment's buyer was really a nice guy and was very highly regarded in Chicago banking circles — he was felt to be a real comer.  Her brow furrowed as she realized he had never mentioned his name, though.  She puzzled over this because, during the last few months with all her work involving the steel mill and Northern National Bank, she thought she might have met him somewhere or at least heard of him.
	Jerking out of her reverie, she ran to the liquor cabinet but then relaxed when she found it had been fully stocked with very good brands, while the bar refrigerator was loaded with chilling bottles of Dom Pérignon.  Clearly, the new owner had fine taste in champagne and the money to satisfy it.  With everything prepared ahead of time that could be, she sat down in an easy chair and closed her eyes.  Almost instantly she fell asleep.
	She was still sleeping when she felt Dan's lips on hers.  Without opening her eyes she put her hand around his neck to hold him in position while she returned his kiss with all the love and passion she could muster.  Suddenly, her eyes opened with a start as she remembered where she was.  Dan?  Here!?  she thought.  When her eyes opened, she confirmed what her lips had already told her.  It was Dan!
	"What are you doing here, Darling?" she asked, now wide awake.  "You never told me you knew the owner."
	Dan, seemingly without effort, lifted her out of the chair and into his arms.  Then he turned around and sat down again with Cindy now sitting across his lap.  He kissed the tip of her nose and grinned saying, "Darling, of course I know the owner."  She looked puzzled and he added, "I am the owner.  And you're the co-owner."  Her lips formed into an "O" of amazement as he reached into his pocket and took out a gold key.  "Darling, your key to our first home together."  Now his teasing stopped as he hugged her tightly saying, "Cin, it's so obvious that you put all your love and thoughtfulness into this apartment to make it truly exquisite.  Honey, there really is another career for you as a decorator to go with your career as a chef.  This place is so warm and comfortable!  I absolutely love it...  almost as much as I love you.  Thank you, Darling."
	Cindy had been shaking her head.  Finally she said, "Do you mean to say this is ours?  Honest?"  He nodded his head vigorously and said, "I have something else to get for you.  Just a minute."  Again he effortlessly rose to his feet with Cindy still in his arms, turned around, set her down in the chair, and disappeared into the library.
	He came back with a fat envelope which he emptied out on a table.  He began to give her a series of things beginning with a checkbook.  She looked at it and realized it was for a joint checking account in the names of Cynthia K. Martin and Daniel P. Burke.  Then he gave her a new MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card.  Finally, he leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips.  Again, the electricity flowed between them.
	When he moved away he said, "Darling, I hope we can be married pretty soon.  How would it be if we got married the weekend after the Super Bowl?  I know there are some people who are going to be pretty busy until then.  Of course, you might want to buy a dress or something...?"
	Cindy still couldn't believe it.  She said, "Darling, you're not teasing?  This is really ours?  And you're asking me to marry you in just a month?"
	He smiled and kissed her softly saying, "It sure is and I sure am.  Honey, I don't know why you still speak to me with all of the nasty tricks I play on you.  But I'm awfully glad you still do."  He squeezed her tightly and heard the wonderful happy sounds she made whenever he did.  Releasing her he said, "Cin, the guests will be here any minute.  Do you want to change?"
	"Oh, my God!  Burke, you bum!  Of all the damned nerve!  We give our very first party in this magnificent apartment and I look like a tramp," she exclaimed as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes.
	"When are you going to get it through that thick head of yours that there are a lot of people who love you dearly?" he asked quietly.  "Honey, you provided a lot of fun and amusement for your friends including Mary, Jan, Jen, and my new mother, Ali."  He looked into her eyes and asked, "Honey, do you like her?  She really loves you very much.  What do you think of her being pregnant... about to become a mother?"
	"Oh, Dan!  I love her.  I really do!  I couldn't imagine a greater look of love and adoration than I saw on her face last week when she told Bill she was expecting a baby.  And beauty?  Ali Clifford defines it!"  Her eyes lighted as she continued, "But can you imagine how the libbers would react?  On paper, Ali is their ideal: brilliant, educated, the senior partner of the best law firm in California, the finest money manager in the world...  And she doesn't care two hoots for any of it.  All she cares about is Bill and her family... and now her baby.  Honey, that child is going to be exquisite."  Then she glared at him and said, "But, Burke, you just asked me that to distract me.  The fact remains I'm dressed like a tramp and Deerfield is over thirty miles away.  I can't possibly drive all the way out and try to find something of Jan's to wear and get back here in time."
	Dan just kissed her again and then set her on her feet.  Still holding her hand he took her into the master bedroom.  "Darling," he said, "I told the women that it would work because you're not nosy.  You have a very strong sense of personal privacy.  It would never occur to you to go through drawers.  Let's look."  She opened the huge master closet and saw a collection of beautiful woman's clothes arranged on the hangers.  At a glance she could tell that they would all fit her perfectly.  She quickly selected a sleeveless dress in black silk that set off her magnificent coloring to wear for the evening.
	Then he showed her a jewelry box in a top drawer.  She opened it and gasped.  It was filled with neatly arranged jewelry that collectively must have cost a large fortune.  Dan smiled softly and said, "Honey, these women know you better than you know yourself.  Here's a little note from my mother."  He passed her a folded slip of paper and Cindy read it.  It said, "Darling Cindy — I think diamonds would be the appropriate thing to wear with the black sleeveless.  You'll look spectacular!  All my love, Ali.  P.S.  There's a watch in the drawer for you, too.  I hope you like it."
	Cindy looked at Dan while she was stripping off her clothes.  He gave her three similar boxes of different sizes.  Opening the largest box first she found a magnificent diamond necklace.  The next largest contained a matching bracelet, while the smallest had diamond ear studs.  Cindy realized that the diamond studs were perfect diamonds larger than two and a half carats each.
	She exclaimed over them while she stood naked in front of him.  Looking at him lovingly she asked, "Would you help me dress, Darling?"  He nodded and she gave him a bottle of musk oil she had found and said, "This is supposed to be applied as liberally as possible in my slit, between my tits, and any place else that appeals to you."  He asked her to lie on the floor and lightly poured some directly in her slit, spreading it behind her nether lips.  While she was still reclined he poured more between her breasts and then put still more behind her ears and at her throat.  Helping her to her feet, he even put some in the crack between her ass cheeks.  Then he just stood back and looked at this woman who was going to be his wife.  Cindy was standing up straight just looking into his eyes.  He cocked his head, looked pensive, appeared to have an idea and then put the necklace around her neck and even managed to attach the earrings.  Finally he put the bracelet on her wrist.
	Standing back, he just looked at her.  Now the diamonds were sparkling against her golden skin as she stood with her back straight and her breasts upthrust looking at him with love in her eyes.  Then he took her in his arms and kissed her with mounting passion.  As he did he smelled the wonderful aroma of Cindy's body now heightened by the musk oil.  She ran her fingers lightly over the bulge in his pants and whispered, "Not now, Darling.  We have company coming."  With a grin she added, "Tonight it takes precedence over your cuming!"
	Dan gently ran his fingers over her golden hair and asked, "Cin, would you do me a favor?  Could I brush your hair before you get dressed?"  She kissed him softly and nodded, then went to the dressing table.  Dan loved brushing her golden hair.  It gave him a sensual pleasure.  Finally he combed it and carefully placed the two little pins which were Cindy's "makeup".  Looking at her reflection in the mirror, he concluded she was the most beautiful woman in the world.  Then he left her for a moment and came back with a box in his hand saying, "This is another thing my new mother left for you, honey.  She referred to it in her note.  Will you open it?"
	She did and found it was a gold woman's Rolex watch identical to the ones Janice, Jennifer, and Ali herself wore.  Turning it over, she saw the tiny engraving on the back which said, 'To my darling daughter Cindy: The bravest, warmest girl in the world from her mother who loves her desperately, Ali.' Dan whispered in her ear, "She really means it, Darling.  Honest."  Then he helped her on with her stockings, deriving a sensual pleasure as he rolled them up her thighs.  Finally he helped her slip on the dress.  Now fully dressed, she looked exquisite.  Taking her by the hand again, he took her to the hall closet saying, "Your Mom and Dad didn't want to get left out so there's something hanging here for you.  Mary made me promise to get you to try it on."  He turned her around so she couldn't see what he was doing and then helped her on with a mink coat.  He turned her around so she was now facing a full-length mirror installed on the back of the closet door.  Then he raised the collar around her neck and let her snuggle in the fur.
	Cindy now had tears in her eyes as she said, "Darling, it's gorgeous!  Is it really for me?"
	"Of course, Honey!  It looks wonderful on you and I'm very glad you like it.  Your parents will be very pleased."  Just then the doorbell rang and Cindy went to open it still wearing her new coat.  Her jaw dropped when she found it was Cathy Collins standing at the door, looking embarrassed.
	"Good evening, Cindy," she said softly.  "I heard you were having a big party tonight so I came over to help.  Will you permit me?"
	Dan took the girl's coat and the two were surprised to find Cathy was wearing a maid's uniform that looked lovely on her.  She reached into a small bag and took out a small white headpiece which she carefully positioned on her head.  Turning to Cindy she asked, "Could you show me around?  All I need to know is what you're planning to serve.  I can make drinks and... and... Janice is coming with the dinner."
	Cindy wheeled on Dan and said, "Burke, what are you doing to me anyway?  Just what's going on tonight?  For openers, who's coming?"
	Dan pulled her to him and kissed her softly.  Then he helped her off with her coat and Cathy hung it up again.  He said, "Darling, this is a young people's party.  There will be Pete and Janice, of course.  Then Jen and Steve, Kathy and Bill, Kelly and Kevin, April and Ron, Susan Bradford and Mike Cassidy.  Oops!  I almost forgot: Jim and Kerry Vance will be here, too.  What do you think?"  Then he winked and added, "There are a few things more we have to prepare."
	Just then the doorbell rang again.  This time it was a group of workmen who quickly set up a small dance floor at the end of the living room and as quickly departed.  Unnoticed by Cindy and Dan, Cathy took the opportunity to bring in some luggage that she had left in the hall and put it in a spare bedroom.  To Cindy's astonishment, Cathy quickly opened up the dining room table and began to set it up for a buffet dinner.  Obviously she knew far more about the plans for the evening than Cindy herself did.
	The first guests to arrive were Janice and Pete, each carrying armloads of food.  Cathy ran back with them for a second trip to the car.  Cindy realized that it was a buffet dinner that Jan had prepared for her.  When everything was in the apartment, Cindy took Jan in her arms and pretended to be angry saying, "Janice Stewart, what did you do?  For that matter, how did you do it?  I've been in that house and saw no signs of a feast in preparation.  What did you do?"
	"I just helped my sister with her surprise party, is all," Jan airily replied.  "As for how, I do have another sister in town.  Although she can't cook to save her life, she does have a very well-equipped kitchen."  As they were talking, Jennifer arrived with Steve Chapman and even more food.
	"I heard that, Janice Stewart!" Jen exclaimed.  "There you go picking on me again.  I'm going to tell Mommy on you.  Just because you have all the beauty and brains in the family and can cook, too, is no reason to make fun of the less fortunate."  Cindy giggled as Jen was able to cause tears to flow from her eyes adding, "Besides, it's a lie!  I can too boil water..."  Making a little face she added, "...most of the time.  Often, it even comes out right, too."
	Instantly her tears were replaced by a big grin as she took Cindy in her arms and kissed her.  Stepping back to be able to look at her, she just shook her head and said, "Cindy, I have never seen you look more beautiful!  How do you like your new apartment?  Jan and I have never seen anything more magnificent."
	Cindy just smiled and thanked them for all of the things they had provided.  Then Dan put his arm around her and she just melted her body against his.
	The party was a spectacular success.  Everyone agreed it was the finest New Year's Eve party they had ever attended.  Early in the evening, Cindy found herself talking to Kerry and Jim Vance.  The couple looked at each other and nodded, then turned back to Cindy.  Cindy continued to be amazed at the way the two people seemed to share a single brain when a painting was being discussed.  They asked if they could do a matching pair of portraits for Dan and her the way they had done them for Kathy and Bill Cartwright.  Cindy raised her eyebrows knowing how much Kathy and Bill had paid for theirs.  Kerry, looking better than Cindy had ever seen her, grinned and said, "We forgot something, Cindy.  They're already paid for.  They will be a housewarming gift to you from Kathy and Bill.  Please let them do it?"
	Cindy quickly agreed and then studied Kerry carefully.  Finally she said, "Kerry, you look utterly exquisite.  How can you possibly look so beautiful?"
	Kerry smiled the warmest smile Cindy had ever seen and replied, "Two reasons, Cin.  First, lovemaking with Jim turned out to be so much better than I imagined in even my fondest dreams.  I just adore the man.  The second reason is that I'm now expecting a baby!"  She went on to tell Cindy about the series of paintings Jim was doing for her father.  She finished by saying, "I told my father that I thought I was very fertile.  Obviously, I was right.  Cin, I just can't wait!"
	Later, when the guests had served themselves at the buffet and were seated around the living room, Janice Stewart tapped on her wine glass for attention.  Almost instantly the room became quiet and she said, "There's an announcement I would like to make.  As you all know, Cindy Martin has been my house slave for the last six months.  The first day I met her at the bank almost a year ago, I didn't like her very much.  I thought she was a little shit!"
	"You sure got that one right!" Cindy interjected.
	Jan, ignoring the comment, continued, "The next time I saw her was after our loan had been called by Hugo Bingham.  Never have I encountered such callousness on the part of one person towards another."  Cindy just nodded and there were tears in her eyes as she remembered the events of the past Spring.  "That situation was taken care of, so in May, Mom, Jen and I visited the bank.  It was time to get revenge.  I thought it would be so sweet.  Cynthia came in to the office and Jennifer told her that her personal loans were being called.  She came apart: she vomited out her guts into the wastebasket in Horace Paterson's office.  I wanted to cheer.
	"Then Jen told her she had one possible out: She could become my slave which is what she chose to do.  We drove out to Deerfield.  Within minutes of arriving I was whipping her to within an inch of her life.  Cindy just took it.  In spite of being in physical agony, she was cheerful and tried to help me for the rest of the day.  'Maybe there's more to this girl than I suspected,' I thought.  Within another twenty-four hours this girl had been tortured worse than anyone I know of with the possible exception of Bill Cartwright.  But Bill was worked on for fourteen years.  It all happened to Cindy in less than thirty-six hours.
	"A funny thing had happened, though.  Within a matter of just a few hours I suspected I really didn't hate her.  Within a few more I realized I loved her.  And I did.  And I do!  I now know Cynthia Martin is the finest, bravest human being alive.  I refer to her as my sister."  Looking at April she said, "April, I've heard you say you love Cindy like a sister except if she were your sister you would fight a lot more.  That's about right, isn't it?"
	April nodded vigorously and replied, "It certainly is, Jan.  I could go on and on about Cindy but I'll only say I worship the ground she walks on and would cheerfully give my life for her.  Does that answer your question?"
	Continuing, Jan said, "It sure does.  Of course, the same thing is true of my sister, Kathy Cartwright.  She claims she owes Cindy all the happiness she has or ever hopes to have.  Kelly McBride adores you."  Then looking at Dan she said, "Then, of course, there's that big lug, Burke.  But hell, he's only a man.  What can he know?"
	Holding her head up even straighter Jan continued: "I guess that brings us to Pete and me.  We have come to utterly adore this girl.  She's beautiful, witty, the finest cook in the world, and the finest banker.  Every time I thought about Cindy leaving us, I started to cry.  Well, Pete has always been smarter than I am, anyway.  Maybe it's his engineering background.  While I was feeling miserable and selfish — I couldn't stand the thought of her not being around — just crying myself to sleep, Pete took care of the problem.
	"Well, I guess the fact is that Pete and Jen did it together," she said with a grin.  "My sister, Jennifer, used the only talent she has: signing checks.  Of course, Pete had to print the checks she signed on our computer, but what the hell.  She really did sign them herself.  She didn't even use the check signer Steve gave her for Christmas last year."
	Jan went over to where Cindy was sitting and Jen joined her.  She said, "Cindy, you asked about the people building the house next door.  I told you that they were a young couple that want a large family.
	"You do want a large family, don't you, Cin?"
	Cindy's jaw dropped.  She said, "Janice Stewart, are you trying to tell me..."
	"...that it's your house?" Jan finished.  "I sure am!  Did you think for one minute Pete and I could live with anyone else next door?  Besides, young lady, I have it all figured out.  By the time I have my baby you'll be well along in your first pregnancy.  I don't think even you could beat me in the pool at 1,000 meters with a baby swelling your belly."  She looked at Cindy with a hopeful look on her face and added, "You can't, can you?"
	Cindy had jumped to her feet and was hugging Jan while tears poured from her eyes.  "Oh, Jan!  Thank you so much!"  Turning to Jen to take her in her arms she was surprised to see tears in her eyes.  "What's wrong, Jen?  What did I do this time?"
	Although tears were streaming from her eyes, Jen tried to grin as she hugged Cindy close whispering, "Darling Cindy, I'm so happy for you!  You can't know how wonderful this makes me feel.  Do you really like the house?  We so hope you do!"
	By this time Dan was on his feet hugging his new sisters and kissing Cindy.  When he released her he said, "Darling, I had to go along with this.  They only told me this afternoon.  You see, they pointed out that you can't decorate a new apartment and a new house."  Jennifer produced a sheaf of papers including the deed to the house and gold keys for Cindy and Dan.
	Later as they danced, Dan asked her in a whisper, "Darling, are you happy?"
	Her eyes were gleaming as she said, "Darling, I couldn't possibly be any more happy.  If I were, my heart would burst.  Oh, sweetheart, it's so wonderful!"
	They saw Susan and Mike Cassidy dancing beside them and Cindy, with her head resting on Dan's shoulder said, "Hi, folks.  Had any good fights lately?"
	Susan raised her head from Mike's shoulder and he took the opportunity to kiss her softly and then with mounting passion.  As usual, Susan's eyes glazed and her knees melted as she hugged him close.  Then she looked at Cindy and just shook her head saying, "Cindy, I can't anymore.  I'm a failure!  Now when I go to slug him I end up kissing him instead.  What's wrong with me, anyway?"
	There were stars in Mike's eyes, too.  Still holding Susan tightly he said, "You won't believe this, but Sue is going to marry me.  We're going to get married right after the Super Bowl.  Can you believe it?  I haven't even finished my degree, either.  God, I love this girl, but why do you suppose she changed her mind?"
	"I don't know, Mike, but I think I can make a pretty good guess," Cindy replied.  "Sue is going crazy with an itching in her cunt that she can't scratch.  I'll bet her cunt is running rivers right now, and if she's not careful she'll flood my lovely brand-new carpet with her love juices."  Smiling warmly at Susan she asked, "Sue, am I close?"
	Looking very cute, Sue stuck out her tongue at Cindy and said, "I won't flood your carpet, Cynthia Martin!  You're mean!  The fact is I'm wearing a super tampon to soak it up.  Of course you may have seen me disappearing every few minutes to the ladies room.  That's just to change it for a new one."  She grinned and added, "My God, Cin, if this were my period, I would be white from the loss of blood right now."
	She put her arms around Mike's neck and kissed him passionately.  Separating again she said, "Could I make a confession?  I told Mike I was very close to him when he came off the field after a losing game at Illinois.  I was just a stick, of course, but I decided right then that I was going to marry him, and would be a virgin when he took me on our wedding night.
	"I'm still a virgin and I hope I'll be able to hold out for another month or so.  Cindy, thank you!  It's an involved story, but you know most it, and I'm sure you can guess the rest.  Suffice it to say, if it weren't for you this could never have happened."  She released Mike and put her arms around Cindy, kissing her warmly as she whispered, "Thank you, Cynthia Martin, for all of my happiness — now and in the future.  It's all you!"
	When she released Cindy, Mike said, "May I thank her, too?"  With that he took her in his arms, kissed her, and then released her with a whistle.
	As he did, Sue gave him a poke in the ribs saying, "That's what I get.  Cindy Martin, you're the most beautiful girl in the world.  They say love is blind and Mike claims to love me.  I sure hope he does because it's my only chance.  Cin, I feel pretty good about myself: my face and my body.  But compared to you...  Absolutely no contest!"  She went back into Mike's arms and they moved off on the small dance floor.
	Late in the evening, Dan and Cindy found Kelly and Kevin in the library.  Kelly was on Kevin's lap with his arm around her.  She was wearing a strapless cocktail dress in a shade of green that exactly matched her eyes.  It was obvious to Cindy that the dress had been unzipped in back down to her waist and Kevin's hand was under the bodice cupping her breast.  When they looked at Kelly they could see her eyes were glazed.  "Hey!  Knock off that stuff, Kevin.  What do you think this is, anyway?"  Cindy exclaimed, pretending to be upset.
	Kevin looked up from a kiss and asked, "What stuff?  I'm just inspecting the merchandise."  Looking down at Kelly he kissed her softly and said just loudly enough for Cindy and Dan to hear, "You have the most perfect tits in the world.  I have a question, though.  Can I have a Brandy Alexander after the baby comes?"
	Kelly stretched luxuriantly, popping her breasts free of the bodice.  She kissed him softly and said, "Of course, Darling!"  Then she looked at him speculatively and asked, "Honey, if you drink a lot of chocolate milk do you suppose your spend will taste like chocolate when I swallow it?"
	"Kelly McBride!  Why I never..."  Cindy exclaimed.  Kelly and Kevin just went back to their necking, ignoring Cindy and Dan.  Dan just shook his head and with a grin ushered Cindy back to the living room telling her she was too young to see such goings on.  She just kissed him softly.
	When they left the room, Kelly looked up at Kevin's face and asked, "Kev, do you really like my tits?  They're much firmer than they used to be.  Maybe you remember: I used to be able to rotate tassels with them in a show I did years ago?  I can't do it anymore.  They're too firm.  Do you mind?"
	Kevin just shook his head and stroked them softly.  Now when he touched her nipples, Kelly had to bite her lip to keep from crying out.  He asked her about it and she told him about her experience on Christmas day with Dan.  "Darling, I have now been touched.  I guess that's why I'm so happy with you stroking my body.  But Darling, I still haven't been penetrated.  That's for you, but I know I can cum!"  She rolled her eyes and added, "Oh Lord, can I ever cum!"
	With a few breaks for food and dancing, they spent the rest of the night happily necking.
Chapter 35
	The next morning Cindy stretched and wriggled her body on the bed.  It had been one of the most wonderful nights of her life with Dan.  Now her quiet movement was all it took to awaken him.  He leaned over and kissed her warmly and then with increasing passion.  When they separated he asked, "And how would my bride-to-be like to make love this morning?"
	She reached for his cock and balls and found that he had his usual massive erection and his scrotum seemed to be full.  She looked at him and pretended to be thinking hard about the question.  Finally she brightened and said, "Would my husband-to-be take his woman in her ass?  Darling, I don't know why or how, but you're still so full...  But I can take an almost limitless quantity of your spend in my ass.  Will you?"
	He grinned and she rolled over on her stomach, raising her lovely ass high in the air.  He got into position behind her on their king-size bed and had just entered her when the door opened and Cathy Collins appeared in the room naked.  Without saying a word she got on the bed and positioned herself on the bed lying crossways to them.  She scooted backward and was able to position her mouth under Cindy's love box.  By this time Dan was moving in long strokes inside her and could feel her now-stretched anal ring grip his cock as he moved in and out.
	As he moved inside her Cindy became aware of the girl beneath her gently stroking her breasts.  Her nipples were now as hard as pebbles and she screamed whenever Cathy's fingers made contact with them.  Finally Cathy sensed that Dan was near his release.  Cindy's vaginal fluids had been running and now they came in a flood.  Even though she raised her head to have her mouth over Cindy's vaginal opening, the flood still soaked her hair and went into her eyes and nose.  When she felt Dan release inside her, Cindy also released a flood of her own.  As she did, she lowered her body to make it easier for Cathy.  Dan withdrew and Cindy rolled over off the girl.  Cathy just got up and knelt over Cindy using her tongue to lick up the last fragrant drops.  Finally she used her hair to dry Cindy's crotch.
	With a grin, she got up on her knees on the bed.  Holding her back up straight she smiled warmly and said, "Good morning, Mistress.  Good morning, Master.  I'm Slave Cathy.  I will be your house slave at least until your marriage."  She jumped off the bed and went to the door.  She returned with a whip coiled in her hand which she gave to Cindy saying, "This is a new whip, Mistress.  I hope it has been properly prepared.  Would you like to discipline me this morning?"
	Cindy heaved the whip into the corner of the room, took Cathy in her arms and asked, "Catherine Collins, what is this nonsense?  What are you doing here, anyway?"
	Cathy smiled and climbed back on the bed.  Her face was serious now as she replied, "Cindy, it's for me, not for you.  Although I have only been at the bank a few weeks, all I've heard is what a marvelous person Cindy Martin is.  Then last week, I had my first chance to observe you closely."
	The girl looked plaintive as she continued, "I don't know anything and you know everything.  I have never seen anything more beautiful than you and Dan together.  But there's so much more!  You're the best cook in the world, the finest housekeeper, and the best lover, but you'll need help getting ready for the wedding.  May I please stay?  I took the liberty of bringing my things over here last night.  If you don't mind, I'm using a spare bedroom.  Of course, if you would rather, I would be happy to sleep on the floor in the kitchen."
	They argued about it for hours but Cathy had answers to all of their objections.  Finally, with wry grins, Cindy and Dan agreed to give it a try.
	In the days that followed, Cindy was pleased but increasingly puzzled by Cathy.  First, the girl developed at a rate that Cindy found astonishing.  She remembered what Ali had said:  She wanted a picture of Cathy taken ninety days later.  The way Cathy was going it would be nine days rather than ninety.  Cathy was the same height as Cindy, five feet eight.  Since the apartment had a weight room similar to the one at Jan's, the two girls worked out together.  Cindy realized that in only a few days Cathy was up to the same weight loading she used.
	So, too, in swimming.  The two women swam at the health club in the bank building.  In no time, responding to Cindy's coaching, Cathy was able to pace her as they swam laps.  It was amusing, Cindy found.  Typically, they would go to the pool and find it crowded with other swimmers.  The two would dive in adjacent lanes and roar down the pool.  By the time they finished their laps they would be the only swimmers left; all of the other women would be standing at the pool side just watching in amazement.
	Cathy turned out to be both very smart and very personable.  Cindy found the girl was as much fun to have around as Jan Stewart was.  One puzzling fact remained: Cathy never talked about herself or her personal life.  It seemed she didn't have one.  Every waking hour was spent working in the apartment, working at the bank, or working out in the gym or in the pool.  The one exception was time spent soaking up the sun in a special reflective tanning system installed as part of the apartment's gym.  The result was that Cathy's tan soon matched Cindy's: the two girls were shades of gold.  There were now very attractive blonde streaks sun-bleached into her hair.  Like all of the other girls, Cathy never wore any makeup.
	Dinners in the apartment took on overtones of a constant celebration.  Almost always the two girls were naked at the dinner table.  One evening Dan looked at them and just shook his head.  "What are you two doing to me?" he asked plaintively.  "Do you know what it's like to eat every evening looking at two of the most beautiful pairs of tits in the world?"
	Cathy and Cindy looked at each other and giggled.  Turning towards Dan they said in unison, "The poor man!"
	Even the nights were fun.  All they knew was that Cathy was still a virgin.  Nevertheless, she delighted in just watching Dan and Cindy together and she took advantage of every opportunity to play with them.  She proved to be very inventive with sex games.  On the second night she asked Cindy to introduce her to a man's sex organ.  She told Cindy that she had never seen a flaccid cock before, in spite of all the time she had spent around men at Carleton College.  Cindy teased her that it was a tribute to her beauty: the cocks were rising to salute her.  Cindy asked Dan to lie on his back on the bed and she tenderly manipulated his cock and balls, finally asking Cathy if she would like to handle him, too.  She did, tentatively at first, and then with increasing confidence.  Cathy found she loved the feel of Dan's erect cock and the softness of his wonderful sac.  She caressed it gently, while fondling his balls.
	Then, on impulse, she bent over and kissed it saying, "Dan, it's so beautiful!  I couldn't resist."  The girls were naked on the bed and were kneeling facing each other across Dan's body.
	Cathy looked up at Cindy and grinned, challenging her to get him to spend.  "I've never seen what a cock looks like when the man is cuming.  All I ever see is Dan shaking when he cums in you, Cin.  I'll make a deal: we take turns going down on Dan.  You go once, I go twice, you go three times, and so forth.  We keep it up until he cums.  Want to play?"
	Cindy grinned and agreed.  Dan protested that no one had asked him and Cindy stuck out her tongue and said he didn't count.  He was just a sexual plaything for a couple of oversexed women so he might as well get used to it.  The final arrangement was that if Cathy was able to get Dan to cum in her mouth, she would let his spend shoot over her body.  The two began.  They asked Dan to stand while the girls were on their knees in front of him.  For Dan it was exquisite torture.  Cathy watched Cindy carefully as they took turns.  Usually they rested between turns.  But it was obvious to Cathy that, when her turn was finished, Cindy had him on the verge of spending.  Cathy immediately started to work on him.  She caressed his cum-laden sac and then squeezed his balls.  It was enough.  He came in spurts.  Cathy's eyes widened as she saw the monstrous organ start to vibrate and then release pulsations of milky liquid.  Cathy took the first spurt in her mouth and swallowed it, then she used his spurting cock as a hose to aim the discharge at her eyes, her breasts, and then down her body.  When his jets slowed and then stopped, she took his cock that was now slowly subsiding, licked it carefully and then dried it with her hair.
	When she was finished, Cindy had her lay back on the carpet and proceeded to lick all the cum off her body.  When she finished she said, "Yum!  And just think, Catherine Collins, all that glorious cum is mine!"
	They then played a similar game on the bed taking turns eating cunt.  Cathy was able to use her mouth to get Cindy to cum for her, while Dan was rewarded with Cathy's virginal nectar.  That night, at Cathy's insistence, she slept on Dan's left while Cindy snuggled on his right so Dan had two gorgeous tits to fondle instead of just one.  For her part, Cathy had never felt anything so glorious as being able to form her body to a man's while feeling her tit cradled so gently.  Like Cindy, Cathy just made wonderful noises deep in her throat, snuggled even more closely to Dan and went to sleep.
	Illustrating the girl's dedication, it was quite by accident that Cindy found that the girl was adjusting her time sheet at the bank to have her pay docked because she was arriving late.  She insisted on feeding breakfast to Cindy and Dan and then thoroughly cleaning the apartment before going to the office.  When she found out about it, Cindy talked to Dan and they adjusted their schedule, leaving much earlier than usual so Cathy could finish her work and still arrive on time.  When Cindy pleaded with her about the pay adjustment, Cathy flatly refused to change the sheet or even to talk about it.
	Late in January on the Monday after the Bears won the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco Forty-Niners and with the Super Bowl less than two weeks away, Cindy took Cathy shopping.  Cathy had teased Cindy that by living with them she was saving a ton of money on rent and food.  There was nothing for her to spend her salary on.  As Cindy knew would be the case, Cathy's sizes had changed significantly.  She was now a physical near-duplicate of Cindy with breasts very slightly larger, but just as firm.  Cathy loved her new wardrobe, although about the only clothes she ever wore were her division uniform with her proudly-won slave collar.
	On Tuesday at breakfast, Cathy very diffidently asked for the evening off.  Kelly had asked her to join in a small victory party for the Bears.  Cindy grinned and took the girl's hand saying, "Honey, there's something else you can celebrate.  Yesterday you were elected an assistant vice president with an approval authority of $500,000.  Congratulations!  You're doing brilliant work and Kelly says you're the very best person in her district.  I hope you realize what high praise that is?  Kelly doesn't say things like that lightly.  "Incidentally, Jan and Jen join in congratulating you, too.  I told Jan what you have been doing and she asked me to tell you that maybe she was wrong.  In spite of me, the quality of available slaves is definitely improving!"  Cindy kissed the girl who now had tears of happiness in the corners of her eyes.
Chapter 36
	Ken Bradley was standing in the corner of J.J. Murphy's Saloon in the Loop of downtown Chicago nursing a beer and watching the patrons with some amusement.  Bradley was six feet three inches tall and weighed 190 pounds.  Although to a casual observer he appeared to be in good physical condition, he didn't look like what he was: a professional football player on the NFC-champion Chicago Bears.  Earlier in the season, when Sammy Johnson had suffered a knee injury and was put out of action for the rest of the year, Ken had joined the team as a wide receiver on a trade from Atlanta.  In the time he had been with the team his rôle had steadily increased in importance, although he was not yet Mike Cassidy's favorite target.  That designation now belonged to Kevin Cavanaugh, Ken's best friend on the team.
	Bradley was a rarity in the NFL, a player who had played his college ball for an Ivy League school, in his case, Yale.  Perhaps because of that or because he kept to himself, he didn't have many friends on the team.  His closest friend was Kevin who was also very well educated and very smart.  Through Kevin he had become friendly with Mike and a defensive back, Ron Jackson.  To his surprise he found Mike and Ron sought him out to ask his advice about their college courses.  He didn't understand it, but it seemed to have something to do with their girl friends.  The big surprise was Mike Cassidy.  Mike was famous — or notorious, depending on one's point of view — around the league for his womanizing.  Even in Atlanta he had heard about Cassidy's Meat Market and some of the stories surrounding it.  Now, all he ever heard from Mike was about his agent, Susan, with whom he was romantically involved.
	As he nursed his beer, Ken thought about his past and his future.  His professional football career was being pursued over the violent objections of his father who wanted him to settle down, marry and join the family investment business.  For that matter his father had been after him to meet some particular girl.  Unfortunately, all he ever heard from his father was how wealthy her family was and how advantageous a merger it would be.  Ken's attitude was that dynastic marriages went out with the Treaty of Vienna in 1815.  He wanted no part of it or of her.  In spite of frequently being dismissed as "just a football player"  by a number of females of his acquaintance, he was a Phi Beta Kappa at Yale with a degree in economics, and had received his MBA from Harvard the previous June, graduating as a Baker Scholar.  The only result of his football playing was that it had taken him three years to get his graduate degree instead of the normal two.  His degrees and his academic accomplishments were both things that he kept quiet.  They were not secrets exactly, but he certainly didn't advertise them.
	He smiled to himself thinking about his dealings with the press — or more accurately, his lack of dealings.  The one thing that worried him was the upcoming free-for-all in New Orleans, the site of this year's Super Bowl.  Although this was the first time for him, he certainly knew enough and had seen enough to know that the press swarmed all over the Super Bowl venue and everyone remotely connected with it.  His work was going to be cut out for him if he expected to maintain his privacy.  Certainly, the two touchdown passes he caught plus his 170 yards receiving in the championship game were not well-calculated to maintain his anonymity.
	Once again his attention was drawn to a girl standing at the cash register talking animatedly to a guy Ken figured had to be the owner.  He tried to analyze his feelings but couldn't.  He had been watching her from a distance for almost an hour now.  She was tall — about five feet eight — and very attractive.  Looking at her, he tried to figure out why he felt the way he did.  She was wearing only Levi's and a work shirt, so he could see she had great legs, but it was hard to tell what was on top.  The oddity was a very heavy-looking golden collar around her neck that he glimpsed when she turned in his direction.  She had sun-streaked brown hair that was uncommonly long, reaching below her shoulders.  It was wavy and he noticed the very natural way she would occasionally get it off her face with a quick shake of her head.
	That's it!  he thought.  That's what it is: she's so natural.  I guess she's a real beauty but she acts like she neither knows nor cares.  She looks like the kind of girl I'd like to meet someday.  Unfortunately, she's undoubtedly an airhead.  All I would hear would be the air rushing between her ears.
	Cathy Collins was sipping a beer and talking to Jack Murphy at the cash register.  Jack — or J.J. — was her first customer at the bank.  He had called the bank the week before Thanksgiving looking for money.  His call was referred to Kelly who had given it to her as her first assignment.  With some trepidation she had gone into the establishment early one morning and met J.J. before the tavern opened to the public for lunch.  Wearing her Levi's as she had been told to, she was unprepared for her reception.  Jack had come out from the back, saw her attire and rushed over with both hands outstretched saying, "My God!  You're from Chicago Trust?  You're really going to talk to me?"
	After assuring him she was, he took her to a table and began to talk about his plans for the place.  Cathy found she liked him immediately.  As an English major, she had no idea what sorts of financial numbers she should be looking for so she talked about his patrons, the way he was building his clientele and his hopes for the future.  When she returned to the office, she wrote it up carefully and then submitted it with great trepidation to Kelly.  She knew the ax was going to fall when she arrived at work the next day and found a note on her desk to see Kelly immediately.  Knocking on the open door, Kelly motioned her in and asked her to close it.  Then the tall girl leaned back in her chair and put her feet on the desk.  Her first words were, "Collins, what in hell do you know about Irish saloons?"
	Quickly admitting she knew nothing, nonetheless Cathy started to talk about his hopes and dreams — and his plans.  Kelly looked so bored it appeared that her eyes were about to close.  Opening her eyes, she cut off Cathy's explanation asking, "How much?"
	"How much?  How much what, Kelly?  I don't understand," Cathy had replied.
	Frowning — or pretending to — Kelly said, "How much money, turkey?  You do know, Miss Collins, that this is a bank?  We lend money?  Sometimes we even get it back.  How much money does he want?"
	"Ninety thousand dollars, Miss McBride," Cathy remembered replying diffidently.
	"When?" she asked.
	Again Cathy was confused and asked, "When what?  I don't understand the question."
	"When does he want the money?"
	"I don't know," she replied.  "I forgot to ask him."  Suddenly, Cathy's face crumpled and her tears started to flow.  Blinded by her tears, she got to her feet and groped for the door.  Instead of the door, she found herself in Kelly's arms.
	"I'm sorry, Cathy," Kelly whispered softly.  "Honest I am.  I think your whole analysis was just great.  You found the real J.J. Murphy under all the bullshit.  Cath, that's what you're paid for.  We have computers that can run any conceivable set of numbers in a second — and the results aren't worth the paper they're printed on.  The loan is approved and a check will be ready for you at two this afternoon.  Why don't you take the afternoon off, bring J.J. his check, and let him buy you a few beers?"
	It turned into a real party that afternoon with Cathy introduced to all comers as "the best damned banker in Chicago."  She dimly remembered singing old Irish ballads when the pub was closing the next morning.  J.J. personally escorted her back to her apartment after closing up.
	Now she was talking to him about his plans and his progress.  When she had come in, J.J. had looked at her and then cocked his head askance.  "What's happened to you, Cathy?" he asked.  "You look different.  You have a tan — obviously you've been in the sun — but it's something else.  You're moving... easier!  That's it!  You're more relaxed.  What happened?"
	She grinned and said, "Thank you, Jack, for noticing.  I am more relaxed and less uptight."  She grinned and added, "I don't think I've ever felt better in my life."  They talked and she told him she was meeting some friends.  "I've got to do something to be sure you'll have the money to cover your loans," she said with a grin.
	"Go on with you now," he responded with a grin.  "You know very well your money is no good at J.J. Murphy's, and that goes for your friends, too.  Who's coming?"
	She smiled back and affected an Irish brogue.  Cathy was a gifted mimic and her accent was near-perfect as she said, "There will be my boss, Kelly Kathleen McBride.  She's a daughter of Erin and a graduate of Notre Dame as well as being a vice-president of Chicago Trust.  I guess she's allowed in here, isn't she?"  J.J. grinned and nodded his head rapidly.  "She'll be here with her fiancé, Kevin Patrick Cavanaugh, another Notre Dame alumnus and the current tight end for the Bears.  Is he welcome, too?"  Again the rapid nod.  "Then there will be Susan Clark Bradford.  I'm not sure about Sue.  I do know she's the best passer in the city of Chicago.  If you don't believe me, ask her fiancé, Michael James Cassidy, whom I suppose you've heard of?  Finally, there will be one of 'the twins who aren't,' April Jefferson, with her fiancé, Ron Jackson.  Supposedly there will be something in pants for me, too, but you can never be too sure.  What do you think, J.J.?"
	Instead of answering, he called his duty manager over and told him to set up a table for eight in the corner.  He stressed that there would be no check and he — J.J. — would personally cover the server's tip.  He told him excitedly that they were going to be hosting the stars of the Chicago Bears that evening, including the quarterback, the high-scoring tight end, and an All-Pro defensive back.  Furthermore, there would be two vice presidents of Chicago Trust Company including the deputy division head of the unit that was lending them the money to improve the place.  Then he turned back to Cathy and, to her surprise, took her in his arms and kissed her soundly.
	Cathy reddened but smiled and asked, "What was that for?"
	"That was for doing the most you possibly could to build my business.  Young lady, do you know what it's worth to me to have the word out that the top players on the Bears come in here for a beer?  My God!  No amount of money can buy that publicity.  The place will be packed to the doors!"
	While Cathy was talking to J.J., she had become aware of a tall young man standing in the corner watching her.  She had glanced in his direction and from what little she could see at a glance, he seemed more than presentable.  Unfortunately, he couldn't possibly put two sentences together back-to-back, she thought.  Why are there too few men like the ones Cindy and Kelly found to go around?  She turned back towards J.J., in time to see his face light up as he looked toward the entrance.  Turning to see what had caught his attention, she saw that her friends had just arrived.  She rushed over and for some reason — relief, maybe — went into Kelly's arms and hugged her, then gave her a kiss.
	Kevin kissed her lightly and Susan Bradford gave her a hug and a kiss.  Mike Cassidy held her at arms length and said, "I think I like your other uniform better!  Then he kissed the tip of her nose.  By now she was blushing like a school girl as April and finally Ron greeted her.
	Meanwhile, Kevin had found Ken standing in the corner.  Ken had been reluctant to come down for the party but figured there was no graceful way out of it.  They had just won the championship, after all.  His eyes widened when he realized he was being brought over to meet the girl he had been looking at for the last hour.  Kevin said, "Ken, I would like to introduce you to one of my fiancée's best friends, Cathy Collins."  Turning to Cathy he said, "Cath, this is Ken Bradley, our wide receiver."  Then he looked at both of them and grinned saying, "I think this is going to be funny!  I think you're both going to be in for big surprises."
	Ken put out his hand and found it taken in a very firm handshake.  Cathy said, "Hi, Ken.  Congratulations on a great game yesterday.  You still seem to be in one piece.  I saw one play — a deep crossing pattern — where you caught the ball and held on even though you reminded me of a walnut at Christmas time: right in a nutcracker.  With the free safety hitting you from the front and the corner hitting you from behind, I thought you would end the play in two pieces."
	Ken looked at her in utter amazement.  He said, "You know football!?  My God, I didn't think there was a girl alive who knew what a crossing pattern was!"
	Susan Bradford joined them with her hand out.  She grinned and said, "Hi, Ken!  I'm Sue Bradford, the girl Cassidy laughingly refers to as his fiancée.  I'm very happy to meet you.  You're one of the few guys who can catch his horrible passes and make it look like he knows what he's doing.  Of course we both know that, for example, on that crossing pattern Cassidy might throw it fifteen yards deep or fifty.  It's up to the receiver to figure out where the ball will go when he chucks it.  Congratulations!"
	Then she looked at him carefully and chuckled saying, "This is going to be a very funny evening.  Cath, in spite of having his brains scrambled, Bradley is smart — or at least he used to be.  He was Phi Beta Kappa at Yale with a degree in economics and now has his MBA from Harvard.  The poor thing was a Baker Scholar up there."
	Turning to Ken she said, "Cathy, here, is only a poor English major from Carleton College.  Of course, she was also Phi Beta Kappa and valedictorian of her class — in all honesty, it was a much smaller class than Yale's, though."  She grinned and added, "I think I'll get out of the way and just laugh.  Excuse me."  With that she went over to Mike and the others who were being seated at the table and welcomed by J.J.
	Ken just looked at Cathy and slowly shook his head.  Then he grinned and started to chuckle.  "What's so funny?" she asked.
	"The situation," he replied.  "I've been watching you for the last hour and feeling sad because with your beauty you had to be an airhead.  I can recall thinking I would be able to hear the air whistling between your ears.  Can I check?"
	She grinned and cocked her ear in his direction saying, "I'm afraid I have to let you.  You see, I lost a bet with myself, too.  I bet that you couldn't put two sentences together back-to-back and you already have.  So listen away."
	He gently pulled her soft hair back from her small ear and pretended to listen but then turned her chin towards him and gently kissed her on the lips.  Without conscious volition, she put her arms around his neck and returned the kiss.  It was sweet and warm and wonderful.  More than that, she could feel the electricity flow between them and could feel her knees turn to water.  She tightened her hold around his neck to keep from falling to the floor.  Slowly they separated and Ken whispered, "Wow!  What was that?"
	"That, Mr. Bradley, was the most perfect kiss I've ever had in my life," she replied softly.  "Now that we've been introduced, do you suppose you could get me a beer.  And could we join the others now?"  He smiled and led her to the table.  When they arrived, they found the others had already scattered.  Nevertheless, a server was waiting to take their order.  Ken was surprised when the girl ordered a beer.
	He had his head cocked, supported on his hand, and just looked at her.  Finally he said, "You're a very strange girl, Catherine Collins.  Ordering beer?  How plebeian!"
	Cathy just looked him straight in the eye and said, "I like beer.  Tough shit!"
	"Tch, tch!" he said with a grin.  "I thought an English major could be more creatively obscene than that!"
	"I know some absolutely wonderful Elizabethan obscenities," she replied with a grin, "But I don't know how to translate them into equations to communicate them to an economics major."
	He grinned back and changed the subject.  "Cath, I don't understand that outfit you're wearing.  Isn't that necklace... a little gaudy... to wear with jeans?  I didn't know they made costume jewelry like that."
	With her face impassive she leaned forward and asked, "Would you like to feel it?"
	He reached out and put his fingers under it.  It was a collar — there was not much slack between it and Cathy's neck.  Nevertheless, he didn't believe what he found.  He asked, "Would you mind taking it off?"  She reached behind her neck, unfastened the catch and then dropped it in his hand.  His hand dropped almost to the tabletop with the addition of the unexpectedly heavy weight.  Then he looked at it carefully and saw the ornate letters, C and S intertwined on the catch.  Turning it over he saw tiny engraving that read 'Catherine Collins'.  Still without a word he gave it back to her and she put it back around her neck.
	Finally he shook his head and apologized, "I'm sorry, Cath.  I guess I was right, though.  They don't make costume jewelry like that.  On the other hand, costume jewelry isn't made of 18-carat gold, either.  That thing must cost a small fortune — at about $350 an ounce, that thing must weigh half a pound or more.  It must be worth thousands!  Do you wear it often?"  Cathy impassively told him she wore it every day.  Ken added, "I only caught a glimpse, but don't April and Kelly have similar necklaces?"
	"They're not similar," she replied impassively.  "They're identical."
	"What does 'C S' stand for?"
	"Cindy's slaves," she replied.  "Maybe you might meet Cindy sometime."  She smiled and said, "I'm starving to death.  How about you?"  He said he was pretty hungry so she told him there were only two choices: steak or corned beef and cabbage.  He thought he would have the corned beef so she just nodded and excused herself, motioning to the waiter to bring Ken another beer.  Cathy whispered a few words to J.J., then went over to Kelly who was at the dart board with Kevin, Mike, and Susan.  Meanwhile, April and Ron had returned, so Ken moved down to their end of the table.  He just listened to their conversation and then studied April.
	Finally she looked at him and asked, "See anything interesting, Ken?"
	"I'm sorry, April, for being so obvious," he said.  "The answer, though, is yes: you.  You're a queen.  I know it's none of my business, but what do you do?"
	"April is a vice president and deputy division head at Chicago Trust Company," Ron interjected.  "In her spare time she's my agent and the agent for most of the Bear's defensive unit.  Then she's also the full-time mother of my son, who, thank God, got his looks, brains, and personality from his mother.  She also serves on the board of trustees of half the charitable organizations in Chicago and is the daughter of the richest woman in the city.  Beyond that, I adore her and hope that she may agree to marry me someday.  She's also one of the most beautiful women alive and is known to almost everyone in Chicago as one of 'the twins who aren't.' Does that cover it?"
	"My God, it's not just talk?  The 'Twins' are real?  I guess I heard something about it just about the time I joined the Bears, but I was too new.  You lend money to minority business or something?  Some Federal program or other?"
	Mike and Susan Bradford had rejoined the group and Sue interjected, "Wrong again, Mr. Bradley.  There is no program except for what Cindy Martin and my sister created.  They're the program.  The money is a very interesting arrangement.  It seems that the owners of Chicago Trust were concerned about what the bank examiners might think.  The bank was running unprecedented risks so they figured a way out.  You see, there is a standing personal guaranty from the owners to take the bank out on any loan that might be classified and to pay the bank a service fee for continuing to process it.  The entire risk runs directly to the owners."
	"But what can that be worth?  And who is your sister?" Ken asked.
	"I guess the answer depends on the owners.  In the case of Chicago Trust the answer is $10 billion or so.  My mother has wanted to get into the act but Bill Clifford, Dave Chapman and the Cartwright brothers won't let her.  My sister, of course, is April.  She's a little darker than I am — she has a more permanent tan.  Her mother — my mother — is Mary Jefferson."
	Tears were flowing down Susan's face and Mike held her closely as she continued, "You can't know what it's like to live in a setting where the love flows like water.  Ken, everything I have and everything I may ever have I owe to Mary and April Jefferson.  They're welcome to everything I have including my life which I would give them gladly.  Am I making my feelings clear enough?"
	Ken just shook his head sadly and said, "I apologize.  There's nothing else I can possibly say...  Wrong!  There is.  I was thinking that we would be going out tonight with some football groupies or some hot, beautiful airheads.  My God!  The truth is that these guys somehow managed to luck into the most beautiful, most intelligent girls in the country!"
	"I'm hot, aren't I, Ron?" April asked him, giving him a very warm kiss.
	With tears in his eyes but with his head up straight Ron told Ken what he had made April do for the defensive team.  He finished by saying, "Can you imagine asking your wife to act like a milk cow for a bunch of drunken bums?  I did, and April did.  I think your first comment was that she looks like a queen.  You're partially right.  She doesn't just look like a queen, she is a queen!  So is her mother who is, if anything, even more of a lady than she is.  They have a butler, John Smith, who was an All-Pro defensive end for Green Bay.  Now he's headed for the Hall of Fame.
	"John told me one time that there are some African tribes run by women.  The men just serve the queen.  That's the way he feels about Mary Jefferson.  He utterly worships the woman.  Do you know what else?  He'll finish his degree this year.  He covered three years in one and then he's going on to law school.  As his graduation present, Mary Jefferson is going to marry him.  He doesn't want her to, but she insists.  He feels unworthy of her.  Can you imagine?  Now you can put into better perspective what I did to her."  His tears were really flowing and now he could hardly speak as he added, "But she loves me and is going to marry me anyway.  Can you believe how I feel?  Can you believe that for me the sun rises and sets in April Jefferson.  My God!  She's going to be April Jackson pretty soon!"
	While they were talking a waiter put a small tent card on their table.  Sue idly picked it up, read it, and then giggled, passing it to April who was drying tears from her own eyes after wiping Ron's and kissing him warmly.  April glanced at it and laughed merrily saying, "Damn it, there has to be some limit to our customer service!"
	Ken looked and laughed himself.  The neatly hand-printed card said, "New at J.J. Murphy's: Kelly McBride's corned beef and cabbage and Cathy Collins' steak frites."  Just then Cathy returned to the table followed by the waiter with a tray.  He served Ken the corned beef and Cathy her own steak.  Ken tried it and found it was the best corned beef he had ever tasted.  He caught the waiter before he left and ordered a steak frites, having admired Cathy's.  The others also ordered while Ken looked at Cathy and asked, "Is this a joke?"
	"Is what a joke?" she replied.
	"Your steak and Kelly's corned beef."
	"The steak is my recipe and the corned beef is Kelly's.  She personally made yours.  If you like it, it would be nice of you to tell her so."
	Ken looked down at his plate and then at Cathy.  He was feeling uncharacteristically chastened.  He had thought that he was the big time Ivy leaguer slumming with the peasants.  What he found couldn't have been farther from his expectation.  Then he looked closely at Cathy who, ignoring him, was concentrating on her steak.  Suddenly he realized he had just made a terrible mistake there, too.  She wasn't playing with her food, she was really eating it.  It was another first in his experience.  He just watched her as she cleaned off the plate and signaled the waiter for coffee.  Turning to him she asked, "Aren't you eating?  I thought you were the guy who had to have two dinners?"
	Ken shook his head as if to clear it, held out his hand and said, "Cathy, my name is Ken Bradley."
	She extended her hand and she again took his in a very firm grip saying, "How do you do, Ken?  I'm Cathy Collins.  I'm very glad to meet you... particularly after that kiss.  Thank you very much, by the way.  It was simply wonderful."
	He continued to study her and finally said, "Cath, you're an incredibly beautiful girl.  You're wearing no makeup at all, are you?"
	"That's not true!  I am, too.  At least I'm wearing the same thing Cindy wears and she says it's makeup.  Since she's my boss, it must be true.  Isn't that right?"
	"I guess so," he replied.  "What does she call makeup that you also wear?  I don't see a sign of any."
	"Bobby-pins, smarty!  I have two of them: one on each side.  That's makeup isn't it?" she asked with a grin.
	"You're serious, aren't you," he asked with a very warm smile this time.  "You're wearing two bobby-pins."  He looked over her carefully and said, "That's in addition to a chambray shirt, the necklace I already examined, Levi's, a belt and a pair of mocs.  That's all, isn't it?"
	Daintily she stuck out the tip of her tongue and said in a little-girl tone of voice, "You're wrong, smarty!  I'm wearing a bikini, too.  So there!"
	Ken just shook his head.  "You're too much, Catherine Collins.  Tell me about yourself.  I know something about the others, but what about you?  What do you do?"
	"I'm a brand-new assistant vice president and lending officer at Chicago Trust Company.  Kelly is my district head and April is the deputy division head.  Right now I'm also working as Cindy Martin's house slave.  Cindy is our division head and the nicest person in the whole world.
	"House slave!?" he exclaimed.  "You've got to be kidding!"
	She shook her head with a very small smile and said, "Remember the engraving on my collar?  It's a collar, by the way, not a necklace.  Specifically, it's a slave collar.  It's worn by girls who have worked with Cindy at Jan Stewart's.  You see, Cindy was truly a slave up until a couple of weeks ago.  When she organized and built the division, she was a slave and ran the banking activities in her spare time.  I happen to know for a fact that she did absolutely everything around the Stewart estate alone.  That included the cooking, housekeeping, gardening, and care of the swimming pool and tennis courts.  Cindy's Slaves began with April.  She insisted on helping out and that made her an assistant slave.  Anyway, it just continued.  Along with three other girls and Kelly, I was out there over Christmas.  It was absolutely the most fabulous time I have ever had."
	"What did you do?  What does a slave do?" he asked, now genuinely interested.
	"Mostly, we wore no clothes.  It was funny, really.  You should have seen Kelly with her glorious auburn hair and green eyes absolutely naked except for a big red bow in her hair and a little one pinned in her pubic hair.  She has the most beautiful tits in the world, too."
	"But what was so much fun?  What did you do?" he persisted.
	"We cooked, we served, we helped out, but mostly we had fun.  It was utterly exquisite!"
	"What do you mean, 'had fun'?  What did that consist of?"
	Her eyes gleamed and her smile just beamed but she said, "We had fun.  Some day I may tell you what we did.  Then again, I may not."  She licked her lips and repeated, "We had fun!"  Ken just shook his head and changed the subject.
	He finally did eat the steak frites, a pan-grilled steak served with french fries, and found it luscious.  He complimented Cathy on the recipe.  Meanwhile, the others were fitting right in at J.J. Murphy's.  A darts tournament had been organized and Ken and Cathy challenged the winners.  Again Ken raised an eyebrow as he saw that Cathy was very good.  Moreover, she appeared to get better with every dart she tossed.  In just a couple of rounds she reached the point where she almost never missed.  They defeated Sue and Mike and then defended against other bar patrons until it was nearly closing time.  Ken noticed that Cathy mixed easily with any set of challengers; he had never met a girl who was as unselfconscious as she was.  She also kept drinking the beers that they were winning from the losers with no apparent effect.  Cathy had been paying no attention to the time and suddenly realized it was almost two.
	She raced to a phone and called the apartment, with her heart in her mouth.  Cindy answered and didn't even sound sleepy, let alone like someone who had been wakened from a deep sleep.  Cathy apologized and quickly told Cindy where she was and that she would be back in just a few minutes.  To her utter astonishment Cindy told her to ask Ken to come up for a nightcap.  She and Dan would be up and dressed.  She hung up the phone shaking her head.  When she left the phone booth, Ken asked if he could take her home.  She smiled and thanked him, telling him they were less than three blocks away.  They got their coats and set off.
Chapter 37
	When they left J.J. Murphy's, snow was falling.  Again, Cathy surprised Ken.  It was very cold and the wind was swirling the snow around the street lights.  But instead of huddling into her coat like all the other girls he knew, Cathy held her head up straight and seemed to enjoy the sensation of the snow flakes melting on her face.  Unselfconsciously, she took his hand and held it as they walked down the street.
	It was only a few blocks to the apartment, Cathy had said.  They had gone less than two blocks when two men wearing ski masks and brandishing guns rushed out of an alley and accosted them.  One of the men exclaimed, "This is a holdup!  Give us your money and jewelry!"  When Cathy opened her coat to reach for her money, it revealed her gold collar.  The assailant's eyes widened behind his ski mask and he asked her to open her coat.  She did, and he saw the jeans and chambray shirt she was wearing and also got a better look at her gold collar.  He said, "Oh God!  You're with that bank, aren't you?  You're one of them?"  Cathy just nodded and he continued, "We're terribly sorry!  This has been an awful mistake.  Good night, and please be careful."  With that they ran back down the alley from which they had appeared.
	Cathy closed up her coat and shivered.  It appeared to Ken that her shivering was purely a result of the cold and had nothing to do with the attempted holdup.  As far as the attempted crime was concerned, it was as if a passerby had asked her for the time of day.  He stopped, took her by the shoulders and then just looked down at her upturned face.  "What was that all about, Cath?  My God!  I've never seen anyone look so cool in my life."
	"I'm not cool, I'm cold!" she replied.  "Ken, would you hold me for a minute, please?"  He tipped her chin up and kissed her softly.  He confirmed what had happened at Murphy's: Her lips were as sweet as sugar and he could feel electricity passing between them.  He could feel her arms moving around his neck as she molded her body to his.  Breaking off the kiss she just snuggled in his shoulder while he held her tight and thought how beautifully she fit against him.  For the first time he realized that she was a very tall girl and fit perfectly in his arms in spite of wearing flats.
	"Feel better?" he asked softly.
	He could feel her head nod quickly and she looked up with a warm smile and replied, "Much!  Thank you, Ken.  That was a wonderful kiss."  Then she added, "We had better get going, though.  I talked with Cindy and she asked me to bring you up for a nightcap.  Will you join us?"  He quickly agreed and they moved off again.  Now he noticed how easily she moved and remembered that his normal experience was to have to walk at what was for him a snail's pace if a girl was with him.  He realized that Cathy had long, very shapely legs and matched him stride for stride.
	When they reached the apartment building, Ken let out a low whistle and said, "Clearly, Cath, you're not a slave in the low-rent district!  What does one of the apartments in this place go for, anyway?"
	She grinned and replied, "I have no idea.  Besides, Cindy and Dan have the penthouse which I guess is even more money.  Let's go."  She let herself in and they rode up in the penthouse elevator.  She had called up on the house phone from the lobby so Cindy, also wearing Levi's and her work shirt, was waiting at the apartment door when the elevator arrived.
	Cindy had a wry grin on her face and said, "The drunks come staggering home.  I'm so glad you could make it, Slave Cathy," she said acidly, "I thought you were going out for just a couple of hours?"
	"Mistress, it's not my fault!  What can I do when I'm in an Irish bar with people like Kelly and Kevin.  For that matter, your deputy wasn't much better.  What can I do when I'm with my boss?  I can't very well just walk out, can I?"  Turning to Ken she said, "Mistress, I would like you to meet Ken Bradley.  Ken, this is my boss, my owner, and my inspiration, Cynthia Martin."
	The two shook hands and entered the apartment.  Ken's eyes had widened when he first saw Cindy.  In spite of everything he had heard about her that night, he still wasn't prepared for the reality.  Saying that Cindy Martin was beautiful was like saying the Pacific Ocean was big.  The statements were true, but inadequate to describe the reality.  Then he was tempted to let out a low whistle as he entered the apartment.  Never in his life had he seen a home as beautifully or as warmly decorated.  Cindy brought him into the living room where Dan was waiting wearing khakis and a University of Illinois sweatshirt.  He shook hands with Ken, greeting him warmly.
	He asked about drinks and Cathy said she had better stick to beer.  "Speaking of which," she added, "I think I'm about to float away.  Would you excuse me, please?"  She left for the powder room while Dan went for the beer, leaving Ken alone with Cindy.
	"You're an incredibly beautiful young woman, Cynthia Martin.  I also find you have a very large fan club in this town.  As a matter of fact, I think you saved me some money a few minutes ago," Ken said and then went on to quickly describe their experience on the street.  He finished by saying, "The funny thing is that I had the sensation of being followed.  I really think they escorted us here from a distance.  Does that sound completely nuts?"
	By this time Dan had returned with the beers.  He gave one to Ken and put the tray on the coffee table.  Effortlessly, he picked up Cindy, then sat down in the chair with her now sitting across his lap.  She had been talking with Ken and didn't even miss a word while it was all going on.  Still apparently paying no attention she retrieved her beer and Dan's from the tray and just snuggled against his shoulder.
	Ken looked at her and grinned, asking, "Do you always do that?  Do you always sit on Dan's lap?"
	With a perfectly straight face she replied, "Kenneth Bradley, haven't you heard about world overcrowding?  Dan and I are just getting prepared.  This way we don't occupy so much space.  Don't you think we're being thoughtful?"  Ken just grinned in response.  Then Cindy asked him, "What do you think of our resident virgin house slave, anyway?"
	His eyes widened and he exclaimed, "You're kidding!  She can't really be a virgin.  Can she!?"
	Cindy's eyes gleamed as she responded, "Let's see: you were at J.J.'s with Kelly, Sue and April, weren't you?"  He nodded, puzzled.  She grinned and continued, "I'll give you a hot clue.  Sue and Kelly are also virgins and April has made love to only one man in her life, Ron Jackson, who is the father of her little boy.  If you're looking for promiscuity, you'll have to look somewhere else."
	"But... But... I don't understand.  They don't act like virgins!"
	"Oh?  How do virgins act?"
	"Well, you know," Ken replied, obviously flustered now.  "They're not at ease around men."
	"Oh, I see!" replied Cindy with sarcasm dripping from her voice.  "They always wear white and cover their boobs with one hand and their crotch with the other.  Is that it?"
	"No, Cindy, and you're not being fair.  You know exactly what I mean.  Virgins are... innocent!  They can't feel comfortable around men.  Besides, I thought virginity went out of style with the death of Victoria."
	"Tell that to Cathy," Cindy replied.  "Here she comes now."
	Just then Cathy returned to the living room.  She looked at Cindy and Dan, and then shook her head in apparent disgust, muttering, "Lovers!  Of all the nerve!"  Turning to Ken she asked, "And what, exactly, are you supposed to tell me?"  With that she picked up her beer from the tray and sat across Ken's lap.  As she did she made a little face and bounced a little, then snuggled into his shoulder and took a sip of beer.  Looking at Cindy she asked, "Are men always so... hard?  Why isn't he softer to sit on?"
	"If you had a broad beam and a well-padded ass, maybe it would feel softer.  You were the one who insisted on tight little buns, remember," Cindy said without sympathy.
	Cathy put her beer down and faced Ken.  She ran her fingers over his upper arms and said, almost to herself, "Well, his muscles seem okay."  Then she squeezed one of the powerful thigh muscles she was sitting on and made a warm noise deep in her throat.  Finally, speaking to Ken as if she were his doctor giving him a physical, she said, "Squeeze me tight against you.  Squeeze as hard as you can."
	Ken put his arms around her and squeezed.  As he did he could feel Cathy's very firm breasts mash against his chest.  Again he heard the warm, happy noises coming from deep in her chest.  She seemed to be just savoring the feeling.  He relaxed his pressure and she moved away from him just far enough to unbutton the top buttons of his shirt.  To his surprise he felt her slender fingers running over his bare chest.  Then he heard her say, "Yum!  Cindy, he's nice and hairy, too.  Are you sure it's fun just to rub your nipples over your guy's hairy chest?"
	"It sure is," Cindy replied.  "God knows, you've seen me do it to Dan often enough."  Cathy just grinned and leaned back against Ken's shoulder, snuggling tight.
	Meanwhile Dan had just been watching the exchange with mounting amusement.  Finally, he said, "Ken, give it up.  Just accept the fact that we're sex objects.  They only love us for our bodies and use us for whatever sexual gratification they can derive!"
	Cindy pretended to look puzzled.  She asked, "But what else could you possibly be good for, Darling?"
	By this time Ken was completely befuddled.  The exchange he had just heard was like nothing he had ever experienced.  Before he could respond, Cathy said vehemently, "That's not true!  Women just plan ahead.  I'm just auditioning Ken as a possible father of my children.  After all, one must be concerned about genetics, mustn't one?"  She looked Ken over carefully and then turned back to Dan saying, "So far, so good.  He appears to be passable."  Turning around to face Ken she asked, "By the way, when I came in I heard Cindy say something about 'telling Cathy.' 'Telling Cathy' what?"
	Ken reddened but replied, "I was supposed to tell you that I didn't believe you were a virgin because you certainly don't act like one, and that virginity went out with the death of Victoria."
	She looked at Cindy with a question in her eyes.  "Cath, I won't bore you with the details, but I think Ken would feel better if you kept one hand in your lap to protect your crotch."
	Cathy giggled, put her arms around his neck and looked at Ken closely.  She asked, "Ken, do I scare you?  I don't mean to.  But I am a virgin, even though I don't act the way you think I should.  Do you mind?  Would you prefer me to be more experienced?"
	"Catherine Collins, you're too much!" he exclaimed.  "I have never seen a group of girls so... so..."  Then he brightened and finished, "...comfortable with themselves."  With a note of discovery in his voice he said, "You are, aren't you?  You're at ease."
	She kissed him lightly on the tip of his nose and said, "I'm trying to be.  Of course, if you think I am, just look at my boss over there: she's really relaxed!  Of course, her sex life is the very best in the world.  She's about to marry a guy who is a girl's dream come true — in spite of her bitching about him being beat up.  But there may be even one better: Janice Stewart.  Cindy was Janice's slave.  Cindy, can you imagine anyone happier than Jan Stewart?"
	Smiling warmly, Cindy responded, "If anyone were, they couldn't live.  They would just explode."  Looking at Ken she continued, "Jan is my idol.  She has also just learned she's going to be a mother.  The woman positively radiates happiness because she's going to give birth to Peter Stewart's child.  Since to Jan the sun rises and sets in Pete, she couldn't possibly be more happy or more fulfilled.  It's the same with me and Dan.  I'll be happier when we're married and much happier still when I'm carrying his child.  You see, Ken, all women worry deep down inside about whether or not they can conceive a child.  My doctor says I was made to carry children.  I hope he's right because I plan on carrying a whole bunch.  The thought of creating little Dan Burkes is the most exciting thing I can imagine.  You see, Dan is the smartest, warmest, most loving, most sensitive, and most courageous man alive.  I was teasing you before.  The reason I'm sitting on his lap is that I always want to be as close to him as I possibly can.  I prefer it if he's in me and it's a good thing you came as late as you did.  You see, while you were drinking, Dan was making love to me for hours on end.  It was heavenly!  That's all I really care about."  At this point Cindy glanced at her watch and frowned.  She said, "It's now three-thirty and tomorrow is a working day.  My house slave has a lot to do so she'll need her rest.  Incidentally, Ken, she doesn't know it yet but she's preparing a banquet for tomorrow night.  Would you care to join us for dinner?"  As she spoke the last sentences, Cathy jerked upright in alarm.
	Ken agreed immediately and Cathy reluctantly got off his lap to permit him stand up, then she helped him on with his coat and walked him to the door.  In the meantime Dan and Cindy had picked up the glasses and turned out the lights in the living room.  At the door Cathy tipped her chin up towards him.  Ken took her in his arms, squeezed her tight and kissed her softly and gently but then with mounting passion.  He could feel her weight hanging from her arms around his neck.  When he released her, she continued to hold on until she thought her knees could again support her weight.
	She opened the door and he said, "Cathy, this has been the most wonderful evening of my life.  Thank you for everything."  He kissed the tip of her nose and left, closing the door behind him.  Cathy just leaned back against the door and started to cry.
	Cindy heard the sounds and came out to investigate the trouble.  "What's wrong, Hon," she asked with her concern audible in her voice.
	Cathy looked at her and Cindy could see tears streaming down her cheeks.  All Cindy would say was, "It's a personal problem, Cin.  Could I tell you about it some other time?  Please?"  Cindy kissed her warmly and went to bed.
Chapter 38
	The next morning, when Cindy regained consciousness after her morning lovemaking with Dan, she found herself, as usual, with her head against his shoulder.  Reaching up, she pulled her tangled hair back from her face with her fingers and turned her head to give Dan a kiss.  Making a small face she asked, "Dan, should I be worried, do you suppose?  I think I've been unconscious at least twice a day every day for weeks.  I wonder if it does any lasting damage?"  While Dan was thinking of an answer she just shrugged and leaned back against him saying, "It doesn't matter, anyway.  I couldn't live without it so I guess I'll just have to live with the risk."
	Looking down she saw Cathy kneeling at the foot of the bed.  She looked at her and raised an eyebrow saying, "Slave Cathy, are you forgetting your most important duty of the day?"  Cindy had noticed that Cathy's cheeks were tear-streaked and her tears were still flowing.  Cathy gave her a weak smile and poured coffee for the three of them.  As she did she realized this was her favorite time of the whole day.  It was the time when she had wonderful talks with the two people she had quickly come to respect... and love.  Kneeling on the end of the bed with her back up straight and her weight back on her heels, she idly stirred her coffee, then looked at Cindy.
	Cindy's face fell as she realized that, for some reason, Cathy was in real pain.  She said softly, "Cath, what's wrong?  Do you want to tell us about it now?"
	Swallowing hard, Cathy knelt up even straighter on the bed.  Looking at Cindy she said, "Cin, do you know anything about me?"
	"I know you were an honors graduate of Carleton College.  I know you're very beautiful and looking even more beautiful every day.  I guess that's about all, though.  What are you driving at?" she asked.
	"Cin, Kathy Cartwright told me about Jim and Kerry Vance.  I have never seen a more beautiful girl than her.  But she told me how Kerry lived with Jim for years without his ever touching her because her father would not permit them to marry.  I've seen some of the portraits he did of her during the period before they were married and I have never seen such wanting in my life."
	Cindy saw real anguish in the girl's eyes as she continued, "I heard that she was taking the Commandments very literally: 'Honor thy Father and thy Mother.' Even though she was a legal adult she wouldn't marry Jim without her father's permission.  Cin, that's my problem.  In my case, though, it's not that my mother won't let me marry, it's that she wants me to marry a particular guy.  Except what she's talking about isn't a marriage, it's a merger!  All she talks about is how financially advantageous it would be.  The problem is I can't stand the pompous jerk she wants me to marry!"
	Trying to regain control, she tried a small grin and added, "I guess it wouldn't be too bad if it could just be a marriage of convenience and I was free to take a lover while he had a mistress."  The grin became more real as she continued, saying, "I guess, as we allowed our social morés to change, we changed the wrong ones."
	She looked down at the coffee cup she was holding in her hand and idly stirred her coffee again.  Then she looked up and said, "I guess a major part of the problem has been what's happened over the last few weeks."
	"Exactly what has happened and why is it a problem?" Cindy asked softly.
	"Because I've been exposed to love of a kind and to a degree I didn't think existed outside of fairy tales," she replied.  "When I volunteered to work as your slave on Christmas, Cindy, I volunteered only because everyone else was."  She grinned and said, "It was like being in grammar school all over again:  Everyone waving her hand, screaming, 'Pick me!  Pick me!' Do you remember what it was like?
	"Anyway, I was one selected to serve.  At first I was delighted!  I had been picked.  Then I got scared.  I realized I never would have thought to ask if it hadn't been for the excitement sweeping through the department.  I almost backed out, and it would have been easy because Kelly preempted another girl who was supposed to work.  I could have been a fine fellow by giving that girl my place.  The only reason I didn't was that Kelly was going out to Deerfield, too.  Even though I'd only been in her unit for a few weeks, I already had great respect for her.  I figured that if she could do it — and she really wanted to — it couldn't be too bad."
	As she told her story, Cindy could see that Cathy was visibly relaxing.  Being able to talk about it was already helping.  Cathy continued: "Of course, I knew that slaves wore no clothes, but I guess that didn't really register.  When we arrived very early on Christmas and Kelly very casually shed her clothes, I was shocked and scared.  But I did it anyway."  Cathy smiled saying, "I'm sure you saw it when I brought egg nog into the library.  You heard Ken last night?  A virgin should cover her cunt and her tits?  That's exactly what I wanted to do!"  Her smile changed to a grin as she added, "And if I hadn't been carrying that damned tray, I would have, too!"
	She knelt up straight on the bed, stiffening her back and forcing her breasts up and out.  "Then Ali Clifford spoke to me and I started to relax.  Suddenly I became aware of what was going on in the house: I was in a sea of love.  Cindy, they all really do love you, and of course I do, too.
	"That's the problem, you see.  Now I've seen what goes on around the extended Clifford family and then I compare it to my own experience.  I guess it's the difference between Heaven and hell."  She looked at Cindy and again tears started to flow.  She said, "I think I'm in love with Ken Bradley.  I certainly don't know, of course, but I do know I feel electricity when he kisses me.  You do with Dan sometimes, too, don't you?"
	"No, Cathy," Cindy replied, "All the time, every time!  My God, it's what keeps me going.  I know it has to be boring for you to hear it, but for me the sun rises and sets in Daniel Patrick Burke.  There is nothing I won't do for him or to him or allow him to do to me.  Nothing!  The short response is I absolutely adore the man.  Does it show?"
	"Oh God, Cindy, of course it does!" Cathy exclaimed.  "But what should I do?"
	Cindy now had some understanding of Cathy's problem.  She replied, "Look, Cath, I'm not going to tell you to go against your mother's wishes, but let me ask you a few questions:  First, do you receive money from her?"
	"I used to," the girl replied, "But not since my junior year.  Since then I just keep tearing up the checks and sending back the pieces.  Why do you ask?"
	"So you're fully self-supporting?  You don't get any help from her.  What happened to your father, by the way?"
	"No, I don't get anything from her.  And Dad was killed a few years ago in a plane crash."
	"Just out of curiosity, who does your mother want you to marry?" Cindy asked.
	"The son of a very rich guy who's a widower, I think."  Suddenly Cathy brightened and clapped her hands in glee.  "Of course!" she exclaimed.  "That's the answer!  If she wants the damned merger so badly, she can marry the dumb father.  Cindy, thank you so much!"  Now with a smile on her face she asked, "What about tonight?"
	Cindy jerked upright as if she had just thought of something.  She had.  Looking very cute with her buttocks high in the air, she scrambled for the phone and placed a call.  Since Cathy could see that she had used only a two-digit number, it had to be someone Cindy called frequently.  In a few moments the phone was answered and Cindy brightened and said, "Hi, Sis!  How's the morning sickness?  Are you still green this morning?"  Cindy made a cute face, put down the handset and punched the speaker button on the phone.  Cathy and Dan both grinned as they could hear the sounds of passionate lovemaking, particularly Jan's involuntary screams of ecstasy as Pete held her in orgasm.  Then there was a single scream of ecstatic joy which Cindy instantly recognized as the scream Jan let out when Pete was cuming inside her.
	This was followed by a period of silence during which Cindy just shook her head in mock disgust.  Then she heard Jan's voice, still filled with passion, say, "I beg your pardon?  Morning sickness?  The only morning sickness I suffer from is passing out cold every morning.  By the way, have you found a cure?  I know damned well it's a sickness you suffer from, too."  They heard a low chuckle and Jan continued, "Anyway, what's on my sister's mind?"
	Cindy quickly filled her in on the events of the last day.  Then she said, "I suddenly realized that you're a Yale graduate, too.  Did you ever know a football player there named Ken Bradley?"
	There was silence for a few moments and when Jan spoke again, her tone of voice had changed dramatically.  From being bright and funny, she now sounded guarded.  It sounded as if she was thinking out loud when she said, "I know of him.  It was in my last semester at Yale when I realized I could support myself on my back.  That was when I became a prostitute."  They could hear her swallow hard but then say, "What the hell!  Everyone knows what I was.  Yes, Cindy, I know him.  What's the question?"
	Cindy invited Pete and her for dinner that night and Jan accepted, although with obvious reluctance.  Then Cindy hung up the phone, looked at Cathy and said, "Now that's settled.  What about you, though?  What are you going to do?"  Then she interrupted herself and started to laugh, thinking about the way Cathy had inspected Ken the night before.  Instead of talking about the dinner she said, "Slave, on your feet.  Your master and mistress wish to inspect you."
	Cathy's eyes widened but she jumped off the bed and stood up straight.  Cindy got off the bed and stood with her chin in her hand appearing to study her.  She said, "Dan, I think I need your opinion.  What do you think?"  She reached out and cupped one of Cathy's tits in her hand and idly toyed with the nipple bringing it almost instantly to an erection.  She said, "The slave's tits are good, don't you think?  Of course, being a man, your opinion counts for more."
	Dan instantly understood the game Cindy was playing and entered into it.  He cupped the other tit and then stroked the underside saying, "It's size is okay.  Firmness is all right, too.  Skin texture and smoothness is... adequate."  He walked around behind the girl and ran his fingers lightly over her buttocks and then squeezed her hard.  Involuntarily, Cathy yelped.  Dan said, "There's a problem, though.  Her ass cheeks have a rather slippery surface.  When she's sweating, what could a guy hold on to?  Don't you think she needs to be... worked on a bit?"
	Cindy's eyes gleamed.  She winked, kissed him softly and whispered, "Thank you, Darling.  But are you sure you don't want my scars removed?  I don't, but you might.  Do you?"
	Dan grinned and replied, "Of course not!  This way the new stripes that I put on won't even show.  You did say you preferred the whip to my... attentions?"
	"Oh, Darling," she exclaimed with measured sarcasm in her voice, "You're so good to me!  Thank you."  Turning back to Cathy who was grinning at their exchange, she said, "Slave, what are you grinning at?"  Then to Dan she said, "What do you think of her muscle tone?  Do you think she's... durable enough?  And what should we use her for?  Field work?  House work?  How about for breeding purposes?"
	Dan appeared to look skeptical and said, "Isn't she a bit... scrawny... for breeding?  And I don't know about her muscles for field work."
	"Slave, show your master your arm and shoulder development!" Cindy ordered.
	Cathy had entered into the spirit of the little play.  She bulged her biceps and let Dan squeeze it, then demonstrated the muscle development in her shoulders.  Then she said, "Master, like Slave Kelly, although I don't have broad hips, I've been assured that I have a large pelvic opening.  I believe I can carry and deliver babies easily."  Then she brightened and added, "My tits are well developed, master.  Even if you don't want the baby, I could serve as a wet nurse for my mistress if she'll allow it."
	Cindy's eyes gleamed and she said, "Slave, soften your ass cheeks.  I wish to spank them and don't wish to hurt my hand."
	Cathy crossed her eyes causing Cindy to giggle, but did soften her buttocks.  Cindy gave her a light spank and stuck out her tongue saying, "It serves you right for not taking this seriously!"  Then she looked at the clock and said, "Good grief, Dan, do you realize what time it is?"  She yelped and dashed for the bathroom, their little game forgotten.  When she came out to the kitchen wearing her uniform, Cathy was folding an omelette out on a plate for her.  Dan joined them a few moments later.  The omelettes were superb and Cindy said so.  Then she murmured, "Maybe a house slave..."
	They agreed on the menu and agreed that Cathy would not wear a maid's uniform since Ken was coming.  Cindy found one of her dresses that looked beautiful on Cathy particularly when worn with the slave collar she refused to take off.  She also refused to take any time off from work to do the shopping saying she would take care of it on her lunch hour and did.  Cindy had helped her work out a spectacular menu and she swallowed hard thinking of the responsibility, knowing that Cindy and Janice Stewart were among the best cooks in Chicago.
	At six-thirty the door bell rang and Cathy greeted Jan and Pete.  Jan held her by the arms and looked at her saying, "Cathy, I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't seeing it with my own eyes!  My God, woman, you're beautiful!"  Then she grinned and asked, "How is the slave business these days, anyway?  I think I'll have to mention to Cindy that the quality of available slaves has dramatically improved since I was forced to settle for her."
	Cathy took the drink orders and had just served them when the door bell rang again.  Cathy went to the door and found Ken there.  She said formally, "Good evening, Mr. Bradley.  Welcome!  May I take your coat?"  Ken raised an eyebrow, but played along.  He gave her his coat and was ushered into the living room where he was greeted by Dan and Cindy.
	Cindy then took him over to where Jan was standing with Pete.  She said, "Ken, I don't know if you ever met Janice Stewart when you were at Yale.  She was Janice Carson then.  I don't know your graduation year, but I'm sure you overlapped."
	Ken looked at Jan and his jaw dropped.  "I remember you, Janice.  We were in the same class.  I was in awe of you."  He frowned and added, "I heard something about you shortly after graduation, but I can't remember what."
	Jan smiled and said, "You probably heard that I was a prostitute in New York.  If you did, it was true.  I'm sorry, Ken.  I do remember you.  You're looking very good."  Then she grinned wryly and said, "The result of my prostitution was I was forced to settle for a refugee from Cambridge.  I would like to introduce you to the love of my life, my salvation, and the father of the child I'm now carrying, Peter Stewart."
	Ken shook hands and whistled softly.  He said, "Janice, things are coming back to me now.  I remember you were five feet nine.  I'm six feet three, and I was afraid ever to ask you out because I didn't think I was tall enough for you.  Looking at Pete I realize I was neither tall enough nor big enough.  Are you sure he's a refugee from Widener?"
	Jan, beginning to relax a little, said, "It's worse than that, Ken.  He went on to get his doctorate from MIT in — would you believe — computer science?  I ask you: can you imagine a bigger nerd than a computer scientist from MIT?  Doesn't that define an all-galaxy nerd?"  She smiled at Ken and added, "Please call me Jan.  Everyone does."
	Ken shook his head and said, "Jan, I refuse to respond on the grounds that Pete might take my head off.  Is he really as big across the shoulders as he looks?"
	Jan looked at Pete and raised her arms.  He easily lifted her off the floor and held her in his arms, then he squeezed her close to him.  Again he heard the wonderful loving sounds she made deep in her body.  Pete said, "Ken, I think every man needs a wife who is small, cute, cuddly, warm, wet...  A nice armful, but nothing big you understand."  Grinning, he added, "Don't you think Jan is cute?"
	Ken just shook his head in amazement.  It was obvious from Pete's muscles that he could see bulging under his shirt that his first appraisal was correct: Peter Stewart could take his head off.  Then Jan tapped Pete on the shoulder and said, "You can put me down now.  The show's over."
	Pete just shook his head.  Jan grimaced and said, "Oh, all right!  I'll pay your damned toll."  With that she wrapped her arms around Pete's neck and melted her lips against his.  Pete slowly went to his knees while still kissing Jan who was now on her knees as well.
	Finally he released his tight hold, but still had her encircled by his arms.  Then he kissed the tip of her nose and whispered, "Janice Stewart, you're the love of my life."  Then he stood up, helping Jan to rise at the same time.
	Cathy was standing next to Ken whose eyes were wide.  He said softly, "I didn't think it was possible for two people to love one another to the degree you two do.  It's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!"
	Cathy took his hand and said softly, "That's my problem, Ken."  
	He turned towards her and saw tears rolling down her cheeks.  He picked her up off the floor the way Pete had done with Jan and held her close.  When he did, she wrapped her arms around his neck and he could hear her crying and feel her body shake with her weeping.  Holding her, he marveled at how light she felt and how wonderful it was just to hold this beautiful girl tightly in his arms.  He moved his head enough so that he was able to kiss her.  When he did, he could feel her mold her lips to his and again he felt the wonderful sensation of electricity flowing between them.  Holding her he asked, "What's the problem, Cath?"
	With tears still flowing from her eyes she said, "The love that flows among these people.  If love were a liquid, these two couples alone would raise the level of Lake Michigan by feet.  You can't believe what it's like just to be around them.  I feel so damned insignificant."  She tried a lopsided grin and said, "It's really worse than that, though.  When I'm with them, I have a marvelous time.  It must be a reflection of their love or something.  It's only later when I'm alone that I start to feel miserable as I realize what I've been missing all my life."
	Just then Cathy heard Cindy say, "Slave Cathy, are you a guest tonight or...?"
	Ken immediately put her back on her feet and Cathy quickly took drink orders from everyone.  Cindy winked at Jan when she asked for a club soda with a lime.  Cathy was back in a moment with the drinks and then returned to the kitchen for the hors d'oeuvres she had prepared.  Each was a tiny work of art.  When she returned to the living room she found that Jan was in the middle of telling Ken about her career as a prostitute and how she met Pete.  She finished by saying, "Ken, he did to me what women have been doing to men for centuries: I couldn't have the milk if I didn't buy the cow.  Since I couldn't live without him, I was forced to marry him.  So here I am."
	Ken looked at her and just shook his head.  He said, "Jan, I can't imagine two people more in love than you two.  I gather from an earlier remark that you're expecting a baby.  I remember you as being beautiful at Yale, but your beauty now puts your former beauty in the shade.  You positively glow!"
	At that point Cindy said, "Ken, maybe that's what Cathy is doing, too.  But I know for a certain fact that she is a virgin.  What do you think of her?"
	Cathy was sitting next to Ken on the sofa.  Putting his arm around her, he gently pulled her close to him but then kept his arm in position.  He looked at her and said, "Pete, you're absolutely right.  It's great to be able to hold a girl who is small, cuddly and cute in your arms."
	Cathy crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out from the corner of her mouth.  Before she could move he kissed her softly and then with increasing passion.  Her playacting was immediately forgotten as she melted in his arms.  When he released her she just snuggled close to him making wonderful warm noises deep in her body.
	Hearing her, Dan shook his head and said, "Uh, oh!  Ken, if you get serious about that young lady I had better warn you now, you're in for it!  She's exactly like Cindy and Kathy Cartwright.  First, for some reason best known to them, the only way any of these girls can go to sleep is with their head on their man's shoulder, his arm around her, and his hand cradling a boob.  You can get used to that."  He looked at Cindy and winked at the annoyed expression she was trying to maintain on her face.  Continuing, he said, "That's okay.  In fact, I'll be honest: It's better than okay.  Cindy has the most beautiful hair I've ever seen.  It's silken gold.  I absolutely adore it when her hair spills over my shoulder."
	She gave him a quick kiss to thank him for the compliment.  "The problem arises if you move your hand on her tit — and it's almost impossible not to.  The problem is what happens next: she spends at least twenty minutes making the most wonderful happy noises exactly like what you just heard from Cathy.  As if her insatiable lovemaking isn't enough, she keeps me awake for the rest of the night with her happy noises."
	Cindy hit his shoulder and said, "Thanks, Burke.  The Chatty Cathy doll!  Ken, do you remember a doll on the market a few years ago named Chatty Cathy?  You pulled a string and she would say something.  That's what Burke calls me.  Except instead of pulling a string, he just squeezes my tit.  The result's the same in both cases, though.  He claims I make those noises for the next twenty minutes.  Anyway, he's probably right.  I'll bet any amount of money that Cathy will do the same thing."  Then she grinned and added, "However, she's a hell of a lot smarter than I was.  I'm afraid you're probably going to have to marry her to find out if she does or not.  I understand she's not favorably disposed to test drives."
	Ken looked at Cathy with a question in his eyes.  She just nodded rapidly, grinned, and disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.  A few minutes later she announced dinner.
	When they were served the first course, Jan made a little face and said, "Cindy, is this the same old breast of pheasant glacéed with foie gràs and truffles?  Isn't this getting a little... tired?  Overworked?"  Then she took a bite and then another.  She looked up and said, "Slave Cindy, confess!  You didn't make this, did you?  As good as yours is, this has reached a new plateau of magnificence.  Is this from your house slave?"  When Cindy nodded with a grin, Jan exclaimed, "Pete, I knew it!  I told you the quality of available slaves would have to improve.  With Martin we were really scraping the bottom of the barrel.  Well, tasting this, it obviously has."
	The pheasant was accompanied by a Chardonnay that was magnificent.  Ken chuckled listening to Jan until he had a bite himself.  Then he looked up and said, "My God!  What is this!?  This is the finest thing I have ever tasted in my entire life."  Cathy told him that it was what Jan had said: stuffed glacéed breast of pheasant.  Ken then asked, "Teasing aside, Cathy, did you really make this?"
	Before she could answer Cindy said, "She certainly did!  And I could kill her, too.  Not only did she prepare it, but she selected the pheasants and paid for the entire meal out of her own pocket."  Then she looked at Dan and said, "Oh, shit!  Now we're in for it.  I can see a complaint from the damned Illinois Department of Slave Affairs bitching about our failure to provide adequate rations."  Looking at Cathy she asked, "You did remember to prepare your rice ration, didn't you?"
	Cathy looked puzzled and Cindy looked back at Dan and said, "It serves me right, too.  I was the one who heightened their awareness when I screamed to them last summer.  Nita Collins took my case to them, remember?  I screamed about Jan's cruelty to slaves and now it's going to come down on our heads."
	Jan grinned and said, "It serves you right, too!  Ken, you won't believe the grief I caught from the Society for the Prevention of Unnecessary Cruelty to Slaves.  I finally persuaded them that it was necessary for good order and discipline, but it was a real pain in the ass at the time!  Damned bureaucrats"
	By this time Ken was feeling like the spectator at a tennis match played with an invisible ball.  He was hopelessly lost.  Cathy quickly tried to fill him in while trying to keep a straight face.  She excused herself and served the main course, Tournedos Rossini.  When it was served and a fine Bordeaux was poured, Ken realized that, joking aside, this girl was a truly spectacular cook.  He told her how wonderful the meal was and then asked when she started to prepare it.
	Again, Cindy answered before Cathy could.  "She bought all the food on her lunch hour and began the preparations when she got home from work.  Of course, she only worked half a day: She knocked off at about five-thirty."  She shook her head sadly and said, "Slave Cathy, you'll probably be beaten to within an inch of your life tonight.  In less than three weeks you're a far better cook than I am, and you started from scratch.  Collins, if I didn't love you so damned much, I think I would hate you!"
	The talk around the table became more general.  Jan and Ken talked about Yale.  Being classmates, they turned out to have a number of friends in common.  After listening to them for a while, tears started to roll unchecked down Cindy's cheeks.  In the middle of a sentence, Jan noticed the tears and asked her what was wrong.  Cindy just shook her head but the tears continued to roll.  Jan finished her thought and just looked at her, saying nothing.
	Finally Cindy said, "I was thinking of myself less than a year ago.  Then I would have been so impressed: You and Ken graduated from Yale!  Of course there's also Pete from Harvard and MIT."  Trying to grin through her tears she interjected, "In spite of what you say, Janice Stewart, they really aren't bad schools."  Going back to her subject she said, "That's not really the problem, though.  It was the corollary:  If you didn't go to an Ivy League school, you're an idiot.
	"I guess I have learned something.  Dan Burke is the smartest man I know — and that's with a tip of the hat to you, Peter Stewart:  You're pretty smart yourself.  Now I meet a girl from a little school I barely heard of, Carleton College.  Cathy defines bright: She's aware, extraordinarily well-read, but most of all, she thinks."  With her tears flowing in a stream now, she looked at Jan and asked in an anguished voice, "Why didn't you just kill me last spring?  It would have done the world a favor.  God!  I didn't deserve to live!"
	While she was speaking, Cathy was quietly clearing the table, avoiding the pain so obvious in Cindy's eyes as she did so.  Meanwhile, Jan responded, directing her remarks to Ken: "We all know about Cindy, Ken, but I guess you don't.  You've heard the kidding about Cindy's slavery.  There is so much more.  If she were to undress you would see a series of scars across her body.  I did that to her."  Now tears were flowing from Jan's eyes.  "Remember me?  Janice Carson, girl prostitute?  The girl who would allow anyone to do anything to her and who would do anything to herself or someone else if the price was right?  After all that, and after all the money I made, my body is unmarked.  But I ripped Cindy's body to shreds.
	"She says I should have killed her.  I damned near did!  Did she hate me?  She should have but I don't think she ever did.  Would you believe it?  Just before I beat her to within an inch of her life she kissed me — and apologized!  When I finished whipping her, she kissed me again and then just collapsed.  That woman at the end of the table is the most beautiful, most loving, and certainly the most courageous person I have ever met.  We joke, but it's not a joke.  There is no way I could love her more nor is there any possible way she could be a finer person."  Then she looked at Cindy sitting at the end of the table and pretended to glare, saying, "And as for you, shut up, already!"
	Meanwhile Cathy had rolled out a service cart and served crèpes Suzette.  This was followed by cheese, and then by cognac and coffee.  She brought out a cigar humidor and for the first time in her life took one of the light panatellas that both Cindy and Jan smoked.  Finally, Cindy just shook her head sorrowfully, looked down the table at Dan and asked, "Do you want to trade me in now?  I'm a failure.  I couldn't make a dinner this good in a million years.  On the other hand we do have a very talented house slave.  What's your pleasure, Darling?
	"I think maybe this is a part of what we were fighting for," Dan replied.  Then he raised his cognac glass and offered a toast: "To Janice Stewart, a woman who showed me what love could sometimes be; to Cathy Collins, a woman who in just a few weeks I have come to love, a woman whose love for us was the primary ingredient of the incredible meal we have just finished; and to Cynthia Martin, the woman I love above all others.  Cindy, when you're near me, you're the only thing that appears in color.  The rest of the world is black-and-white.  You have made my life; you are my love.  Darling, I can't live without you.  If anything should ever happen to you I will die."  He looked at her with his great love shining in his eyes and added, "That's not hyperbole.  It's the simple truth.  I adore you, Cindy Martin.  I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to know that in just a few short weeks we will be married and, if God permits, you may carry my children.  I love you."
	While the others went into the living room to relax with more cognac, Ken joined Cathy in the kitchen to help with the dishes.  He was astonished at her efficiency.  In only a few minutes the dishwasher was running and everything had been put away.  He took her in his arms and hugged her tight, then kissed her softly.  Finally he said, "Cathy, I know this is going to sound stupid since I met you only yesterday, but I love you so very much.  Will you marry me?"
	Cathy couldn't believe her ears.  She looked into his eyes for some sign of teasing.  All she saw was the most tender love.  Then she utterly astounded herself, hearing her voice say, "Of course, Ken.  Anytime you'll have me."  Then she leaned back against his encircling arms and said, "Before we go any further, Ken, there's something I must tell you.  First, you heard Dan talk about the Chatty Cathy doll?  He's not kidding.  He's a gentleman and would never say it but the fact is I have slept in their bed using his shoulder for a pillow and with his hand cupping my tit.  I know that during the night I would feel his hand move on my breast and make those noises.  Then I would just mold my body even closer to his.  I have also had his cock in my mouth."
	Ken just listened and looked at her with love in his eyes.  Surprisingly, he asked, "Was it fun?"
	She smiled warmly and said, "Ken, I've just told you the sum total of my sexual experience with a man.  I'm still an intact virgin and hope still to be one on our wedding night when you take me.  I found out two things, though.  First, I'm intensely passionate.  I guess I should warn you about that.  Who knows?  Maybe I really am a nympho.  Second, sleeping with a man the way they describe is absolute Heaven.  Last night I was only partly teasing you.  Mostly I was really thinking what it would be like to sleep with you.  You're a slimmer Dan.  One thing all of Cindy's slaves have discovered is why women are so much more supple then men.  We use our suppleness to mold our bodies to yours.  I think you'll like it."
	She just stood there looking into his eyes.  He held her tight and then melted his lips on hers.  It was like no kiss Cathy had ever dreamed of.  She found she utterly adored this man who had just asked her to be his wife.
Chapter 39
	The next morning Cathy was in her new office as an assistant vice president of the bank when her phone rang.  To her surprise she found it was Sue Bradford inviting her to join the girls' team against the guys in the "featured game of the Super Bowl weekend."  As in the past, the Bears, this time working with the New Orleans Saints, had found a field for them to play on but this time it was not merely a grassy area in a park.  Susan, as bright-spirited as ever, said, "After all, this is our Super Bowl.  What the hell did you expect?"  This time it was going to be a real football field at a private school in Metarie, just across the city line from New Orleans.  Susan went on to say, "Mike has been bleeding all over the floor!  He claims the reason we always win is he needs a full field to work in and needs another good receiver.  Since he's going to use Ken as his additional receiver, will you play with us?"
	"Sue, I'd love to, but I can't play football!" Cathy wailed.
	"Cathy Collins, you're one of Cindy's girls, aren't you?  I told Cassidy I could take any group of Cindy's girls and use them to kill him.  You're not going to let me down, are you?"
	Cathy reluctantly agreed to play and then Susan told her they were going to wear uniforms.  The girls were getting the most worn-out pair of Levi's they could find and were cutting off the legs to make short shorts.  In addition they were going to wear worn-out chambray shirts with the sleeves cut off at the shoulders and with the team name, Cindy's Slaves, stenciled on the back like the numbers on the back of a convict's shirt.  "As a matter of fact, I think convicts wear those shirts in a lot of states, too," Susan said.
	During the rest of the week Cathy Collins saw Ken every night, usually at J.J. Murphy's.  She found she truly adored this tall, good-looking man with gray eyes that were the same shade as her own.  They found themselves talking about their hopes and dreams for the future.  Ken still didn't fully know what to make of her.  She was like no girl he had ever met in his life.  Diffidently, he raised the subject of children.  Most of the women he knew considered children to be an obstacle in their career paths.
	When he asked Cathy, she replied, "Ken, I want lots and lots — and as soon as I can have them."  She regarded him with a quizzical look and asked, "If you fuck me silly often enough, do you suppose we could make the first baby in less than nine months?  Just think, Bradley, if you did it enough I might only be pregnant for a month or six weeks!"  Ken grinned and shook his head, then hugged her tight and kissed her softly.
	Meanwhile, J.J. continued to treat Cathy like a beloved daughter.  He reserved a small booth in the back just for them.  The night before Ken was to be leaving for New Orleans and the pre-Super Bowl media carnival, they were sitting side by side just talking.  Cathy found she frequently had to leave the table for the ladies room.  Finally Ken asked her about it and she grinned wryly and said it was his fault.  He asked why and she told him, "It's something Sue told me about.  If you think I'm bleeding all over the place having my period, I'm not.  It's you, damn it!  Ken, when you just put your arm around me, my cunt starts to run rivers.  Since it would look pretty tacky for me to have a soaking-wet crotch, I'm wearing a super tampon to soak up my love juices.  The problem is the damned thing soaks through in no time anyway, so I have to keep changing it.  Bradley, you're becoming a real pain in the cunt!"
	Ken still found it hard to get used to Cathy's frankness.  He had found that all these girls behaved the same way: Regardless of the question, they told the truth.  There was no coyness about her and he found he loved it.  He replied, "Is that what it's going to be like on our wedding night?"
	"Darling, there will probably be a little pool of blood after you've entered me.  I'll scream with the pain but then will just melt with the joy of having you inside me."  She looked at him with a little smile and said, "Ken, do you remember asking me what we did at Jan's that was so much fun?  The answer is that Kelly ate my cunt and I ate hers.  God knows, neither of us is a lesbian.  I just wanted to find out if I could cum."  The smile turned into a wry grin as she said, "I sure as hell can — in a damned flood!  That was what was so much fun.  You probably wouldn't like eating my cunt but Kelly insists my love juices are as sweet as sugar.  I know hers certainly are."  She just looked in his eyes and said, "You can withdraw your offer of marriage, Ken.  You have a right to expect a level of innocence to go with my virginity that I just don't have anymore.  I did, but it disappeared in the last thirty days or so."
	Ken smiled warmly and said, "It sounds like you had fun."  Changing the subject he said, "Mike Cassidy asked me to play for them in the big game next week.  He says that you'll be playing with Sue and the girls.  Are you going to?"  Cathy grimaced and said that she was.  He continued, "What are we playing for?  Do you know?"
	Now she grinned and said, "I think it's the winner's choice within reason.  I was talking about it with Kelly and April.  We were trying to decide between making you guys cut out paper dolls or playing with dolls.  Kelly said you don't have the coordination necessary to cut out doll clothes.  She says you can't cut on the lines."  Her dimples showed in a happy smile but she tried to keep her voice serious as she asked, "Do you have a preference?"
	He didn't answer her question directly.  Instead he asked, "But what if you girls lose?  What do we get?"
	"You jest!" she responded.  "You don't have a chance of winning and never have."
	Ken just shook his head and then said, "Cathy, there's something important I meant to tell you before.  I'm an only child and no longer on speaking terms with my parents.  Do you mind?  And for that matter, there is a small matter of a career I want to talk to you about, too."
	Cathy's face became serious, too.  She said, "That sounds familiar."  She put her hand out and said, "I'm not speaking to my family, either.  As a matter of fact, I guess we'll have to send out the invitations in our own names.  I was thinking of a tiny wedding because it's all I can afford, but then Dan said that he and Cindy were going to pay for it.  He says he owes me for the work I've done.
	"As far as a career for you is concerned, I have an idea.  What would you think about joining the bank?  Ken, you know that Cindy, April, and Kelly are all getting married in just a few weeks, and of course Kathy already is.  Like me, they all want to get pregnant."  She smiled and said, "Cindy says she has a brand-new house she has to fill up in a big hurry.  Jan's already expecting."  Returning to her subject she continued, "The point is the bank stands to lose the entire top management of the Special Lending Division.  Those girls all have the same priorities:  Their families are numbers one through ten."
	She smiled warmly and said, "You should hear Kelly!  You may or may not know it, but she worked her way through Notre Dame as a stripper.  When I ask her about Kevin, she just rubs her groin and says, 'Oh, my aching birth canal!  Can you imagine how big our children are going to be?  And we want at least a dozen!' And she does, too.  Anyway, I guess I understand why men do better in business.  You can't get pregnant.  Would you like to talk to Dan?  I know he would be very interested in having you join us."  Then she rested her chin on her hand and asked, "Darling, do you mind supporting our children and me?  I'll cook and clean and change the diapers.  I'll even save money by nursing our babies at my tit.  Will you mind?"
	Again, he took her in his arms and kissed her softly, rejoicing in the feeling of electricity flowing between them.  When they separated, he said softly, "Cathy, nothing could make me happier.  And I couldn't imagine children luckier than those who have you as their mother.  The only thing is you might drown them in your love."  Cathy just smiled warmly and kissed him again.
	Then her eyes gleamed as she changed the subject saying, "Incidentally, Dan said that the next time you're over I have to wear my slave uniform: a bow in my hair and a little one in my pubic hair.  Will you mind?"
	Ken licked his lips and said, "Do you mean to say I'll get to see my bride nude before the wedding?"  She smiled and nodded.  "But won't you be embarrassed to have Dan see you that way?"
	She shook her head and replied, "Remember me?  The slave?  I told you I slept with him a number of times and we're always naked.  He claims he has it all: Cindy on his right and me on his left.  Two naked women each molding her body to his to keep him warm at night.  He says he loves it.  Hell, Dan never even saw me with clothes on until the New Year's Eve party at their new apartment.  Darling, your bride-to-be has no modesty at all.  None!  In fact, it's really getting worse.  I'm developing some pride in my body, even if it still can't hold a candle to Cindy's."
	He kissed her softly and whispered, "I can't wait to see it!"
	Cathy now concluded that she was desperately in love with Ken Bradley.
* * *
	When Cindy, Dan and Cathy arrived at the Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Cathy was impressed with the size of their suite.  She teased them because she had her own bedroom.  She had a hurt look on her face but her eyes were gleaming with suppressed laughter when she said to Dan, "You don't like me anymore!  I thought you liked me keeping your left side warm."
	Dan just looked at Cindy and grimaced saying in a disgusted tone, "Women!"  Then he added with a grin, "Besides, this is the Deep South!  It doesn't get cold down here."
	Super Bowl Week in New Orleans was as hectic as usual.  Cathy was able to see Ken only a couple of times and then only for very short periods.  The Bears were playing the Los Angeles Raiders and because of the sizes of the respective cities, fans of the two teams were packing the city.  In addition to other club owners, along with NFL officials and their invited guests, there were the myriad representatives from every news-gathering organization imaginable.  As usual, there were interviews conducted by everyone of everyone covering every subject imaginable.  During the week, Ken was able to get away only once for dinner with Cathy.  To his disappointment she was fully dressed when he called for her at their suite.  She just stuck her tongue out and said, "Eat your heart out!"
	Their game was scheduled for the Saturday morning before Super Bowl Sunday.  The girls went out to the school together to warm up rather than going out with the guys.  It was the first time Cathy ever had a chance to really handle a football except to pick them up and fool around with one when she was a college trainer.  The girls grinned at one another in their new uniforms.  Sue, who was the last to arrive, gave a wolf whistle seeing the three sets of lovely long legs.  They didn't waste any time sitting around because the weather was cold for New Orleans — in the high forties — and very raw.  There was a heavy overcast and the weather forecast called for rain possibly becoming heavy at times.  The girls had talked about it and decided to play barefoot, regardless.
	At game time, they were surprised to find that there were hundreds of spectators in the stands and on the sidelines including people from TV and the press.  The games were no longer a secret.  There was even a television camera crew set up.  The young people kidded about the cameras and said it was a commentary on how hard up for news all the media people were who had flooded into the city for Super Bowl week.  Cindy and Dan were also there, along with Jan and Pete Stewart.  They climbed the wooden bleachers to the top row in order to get a good view of the field and were sitting there with golf umbrellas they figured they would need before they got back to the hotel.  They were talking about the threatening weather, when they were joined by Mike McCaskey, the owner of the Bears.  He winked and sat down next to them saying he was there to scout some outstanding new talent he had been hearing about.  A couple of minutes later he was joined by his general manager, Jim Clancy, and then by the Bears' head coach, Mike Ditka.
	As usual, the entire Bears' defensive unit was present to tease the men and cheer for April and the women.  This time, though, most of the offensive unit was there, as well.  Cathy teased April that it was mandatory for the defense to come out and cheer for her or she would wreck their careers in the next contract negotiations.  April's response was to stick out her tongue.
	 Because they were using a full-sized football field, Mike asked if they could have kicking in the game.  To his surprise, Susan agreed.  What followed amazed everyone.  The men won the toss and elected to receive.  Then Ken Bradley's jaw dropped when he saw Cathy line up as the kicker.  He was the deep receiver and was standing at the fifteen-yard line prepared to run forward to take an even shorter kickoff.  After all, he thought, there are even professional kickers whose kickoffs don't reach beyond the ten-yard line.  His jaw dropped even further when, kicking barefoot, she boomed the ball over his head into the end zone.  He ran back and downed it for a touchback.  The men put it in play at the twenty.
	On their first play from scrimmage, Sue sacked Mike for a loss as he tried to pass but found his receivers covered.  On the second, Kelly outleaped Kevin and batted the ball away from him just as the pass was settling into his hands.  On third down they tried a reverse which April stopped for a ten-yard loss.  Mike, remembering his embarrassment in the first game when he booted the ball beyond the end of the field and had to retrieve it, dropped back deep in the end-zone to punt.  To his utter amazement, Cathy came flying in and blocked the punt off the end of his foot, and then, moving as quick as a cat, fell on the ball in the end-zone for a touchdown.  With Susan holding, Cathy then boomed the football between the uprights for the extra point.  With only seconds gone in the game, the girls were already leading 7-0.
	Then it began to rain.  When Mike started jogging off the field, Susan called him back pointing out that football was played in the rain.  The men just shrugged and went back to receive the girls' kickoff.  This time Ken was standing back on the goal line to receive it.  Not only did Cathy again have the distance, she also had great height on her booming kick.  The result was April tagged him at the two-yard line before he could even take a step.
	Mike McCaskey had been shaking his head in utter amazement.  Sitting next to Cindy, he asked her who the new girl was.  Cindy grinned and said, "That's my new house slave, Cathy Collins.  She's really good, isn't she?"
	All McCaskey could say was, "Wow!  I guess so!"
	By this time the rain was coming down hard and had turned into a semi-tropical deluge.  Fortunately, there was little wind so it was coming almost straight down, but with the rain the temperature rose into the 50's providing some consolation to the players.  Remarkably, the girls seemed to take it all in stride.  Ken looked at them in utter amazement.  The girls' clothes were now soaking wet.  As a result, their work shirts were now clinging to their bodies like second skins.  For all the concealment the wet shirts provided, they might as well have been stripped to the waist.  In every case their beautiful bodies were now fully revealed with their nipples standing erect, but they appeared completely unaware of their near-nudity.
	All of the girls' hair was also soaked.  Because they all had naturally wavy hair, the water just accentuated its curl.  None of them seemed concerned about the rain, the cold or their appearance in the least.  On the men's first play, a pass to Ken who was flanked on the left sideline, Cathy, who had been lurking deep, darted across, picked off the pass and coasted in for another score.  Again her try for extra point was good, putting the men down 14-0.
	Mike Cassidy realized that the very heavy rain had reduced visibility to such a degree that he hadn't even seen Cathy.  On the other hand, the performance of the girls was uncanny.  Several times Sue fired long passes catching her receivers in full stride at such a distance that he was sure she couldn't possibly have seen them through the downpour.
	Watching from the stands, Cindy just shook her head in amazement.  The field, damp to begin with, had now turned into a sea of mud.  It didn't seem to faze the girls at all.  Their toes dug in and they were maintaining their footing much better than were the men who were playing in sneakers.  The game moved along, with the men essentially unable to advance the ball out as far as their own thirty yard line.  They soon found that Cathy's kicking ability was not confined to place kicks.  The first time she punted, the girls' line of scrimmage was at the forty and Cathy was kicking from her twenty-five.  In spite of the soaking-wet ball and the slippery footing, she boomed out a terrific spiral that turned over, hit on the ten and kicked out of bounds at the four.  Again, it had soared over Ken's head while he was standing deep to receive it.
	Because there was no timekeeper at the game, they were playing thirty-minute quarters with the time running.  When they changed ends at the quarter, the men were already starting to tire.  Mike decided that his idea of playing on a full-sized field was not the best idea he had ever had in his life.  Susan's play continued to be utterly spectacular.  It turned out that Cathy could run and catch as well as kick.  On one play, looking tired, she half ran, half jogged down the field from her starting position on the left flank.  Ken was covering her and figured that she was strictly a decoy on the play, but was too tired even to go through the motions.  Then when she got close to him, she turned on a burst of blazing speed.  Sue put a long pass through the pouring rain right into her hands as she was streaking at full speed.  When Ken tried to wheel to chase her, his feet slid on the mud and he went flat on his face, while Cathy, laughing now, coasted in for another score.
	One play brought McCaskey to his feet, shaking his head in utter disbelief.  Cathy, again positioned as a flanker, faked a crossing move on Ken who was covering.  He had quickly come to recognize that she was exceptionally good, so he was covering her tight.  The men were now playing a man-to-man defense having been repeatedly burned by Susan's pinpoint passing when they played a zone.  Ken took the fake and slipped in the mud while Cathy blazed by him on a fly pattern.  As she started to streak down the field, Sue unleashed another of her perfect passes.
	Although he was out of position, Ken hadn't become a first-string wide receiver on a championship team by being slow.  He saw the ball in the air and flew down the field after it.  An instant before it would settle into Cathy's hands, he leaped and tipped the ball on his finger tips and then went down on his face.  The play wasn't over, though.  Susan had been leading Cathy, racing at full speed, perfectly.  It appeared that Ken's tip had deflected the ball beyond her reach, but suddenly she dove out straight with her hands extended and caught the ball.  Somehow she pulled it in and held on to it as she slid through the mud on her chest.  Ken was flat on the ground watching as she then jumped to her feet and jogged in for a touchdown.
	McCaskey screamed when she made the catch and then said, "I'm going to find out how much that cameraman wants for his tape.  If he caught this play I want it to show our people what concentration really means.  That girl is unbelievable!"
	The next time they lined up, Cathy was right across the line of scrimmage from Ken.  He called time, stepped across, and took her in his arms.  Her face was covered with mud, along with her legs and arms, and water was dripping from her hair.  Gently, he moved a lock of her hair out of her eye, tipped her head up and kissed her.  The Bears on the sidelines cheered them on.  He held her close and could feel her body shaking from the cold.  Looking down at her he whispered, "Darling, do me a favor?"
	In spite of the cold and the rain, Cathy's face was glowing.  It was the fun and excitement of the game, coupled with her joy at the kiss.  She said, "Of course.  What?"
	"Promise to teach our little boys how to play football?  Cathy Collins, you are unbelievable!  Where did you ever learn to kick?  Why didn't you tell me you were a world-class sprinter, for that matter?  And who ever heard of a group of girls with hair soaking wet who don't even seem to care?"  He looked down at her chest.  With her shirt soaking wet and muddy, it was plastered to her body like paint.  Her breasts were beautifully shaped and her nipples were engorged.  He whispered, "Darling, you have beautiful tits."
	She grinned up at him and then pulled his head down for another kiss.  When she recovered she whispered, "Thank you, Darling!  I'm glad you like them.  I hope you don't mind if they're very firm?"  He just shook his head and kissed her again.
	The others thought that was a fine idea so they all did it too.  Mike looked down at Susan and saw her shirt was plastered to her skin like the other girls.  He said, "I guess Jim Vance was right.  Susan Bradford, you have gorgeous tits!"
	She kissed him again and then daintily stuck out her tongue saying, "Let's get this show on the road!  You can admire my boobs later when we're someplace where it's warm and dry."
	At half time, the men were heading for the lockers.  Kelly reminded them it was cold and they had no dry clothes to change into, so she asked if they could just keep playing.  The men agreed.  The second half was very much like the first.  The girls just pulled further and further out in front.  Once April was skidding on the ground and cut her arm on an exposed piece of rock.  She just pulled her shirt out from her shorts, ripped off the shirttail at a point a few inches below her breasts and Kelly, who had seen it happen, used the wet material as a bandage and wrapped it around April's bleeding left arm.  Later in the third quarter, April was the ball carrier on a quick reverse.  Cathy, whose assignment was to block Ken out of the play, received a hard kick in the ribs.  She knew when it happened that she had been hurt — she thought it was a cracked left rib.  Nevertheless, her block on his ankles put Ken flat on his face, springing April for a 70-yard scoring run.  When Ken helped Cathy up, he saw her wince.  She just winked at him and said it was nothing.  The next time the girls had the ball, Cathy again appeared to be a decoy on the play and was favoring her injured rib.  As she reached Ken who was backpedaling, she seemed to shift gears.  Blazing by him, she caught Sue's pass on her fingertips while running in full stride and then coasted in for another touchdown.
	By the time the game ended, several TV cameras were rolling with the reporters filing stories on the remarkable game they had witnessed.  What had started as a joke ended up as anything but.  It was apparent that exceptionally good football had been played.  Both Mike McCaskey and the coach were astonished at Susan's passing skill, April's speed, Kelly's speed and agility, and Cathy's all-around ability.  Watching Susan, Mike McCaskey snapped his fingers.  He realized that Susan was a picture-perfect passer and that, remarkably, Mike Cassidy had improved by becoming more like her!  Coach Ditka had thought attending the game would be a joke but ended up cheering for the girls and the quality of their play.  When the game was over, all the Bears at the game came spilling from the sidelines and small groups carried each of the girls back to the locker rooms on their shoulders.
	Susan was waiting for the men by the girls locker room door as the soaking-wet men came straggling in.  She said, "Okay, turkeys, it's time to settle up.  You all come in here!"  She had looked and luckily no one had followed the men in.  All of the spectators who had not already headed back to the city were congregating in the lobby of the field house where the locker rooms were located.  Ken followed Mike not knowing what to expect.  When they entered the girls' locker room, they saw the girls were in the process of stripping off their soaking-wet clothes, which, because of their worn-out condition at the start coupled with the strenuousness of the play, were now little more than soaking-wet rags.
	He was astonished as the incredible beauty of the girls' bodies was fully revealed.  All had smooth all-over golden tans in spite of it being late January.  They seemed completely unconcerned and were elated at their smashing victory.  The scene was like nothing Ken could have imagined.  The odd thing was it seemed so natural.
	Cathy came up to him and said, "You guys are going to give us showers.  Come on!"
	They trooped into the shower room with the men still dressed.  Ken stood in front of Cathy who was now completely naked.  She motioned towards his clothes and said, "All off.  Take them off!"
	Ken stripped off his clothes while Cathy turned on the shower.  She let it get as hot as she could stand and then just soaked, starting to feel warm for the first time in hours.  When Ken was stripped and standing in front of her he looked like a Greek god.  She whispered, "Darling, you're a woman's dream.  May I touch you?"  To his surprise, she reached out and cupped his balls tenderly in her hand and then took his now-engorging cock.  Looking up she said, "Ken, you're beautiful!  Your balls are so wonderfully soft and full.  How long do you think it will take me to drain them?"  With a little grin she asked him, "What are you waiting for?  You're supposed to be giving me a shower.  You have to make me nice and clean for you."
	She gave him a bar of soap and he used it all over her lovely soap-slick body.  Running his fingers over her, he realized that her skin was as smooth as satin and utterly flawless.  Then he touched her left ribs and she gasped in pain.  He looked at her side and could see for the first time the place where, in spite of her glorious tan, it now showed a fiery red.  "What happened, Cath?  You're hurt, aren't you?"
	She whispered, "Ken, I'm afraid a rib is cracked.  I'm fine, though, really.  It's even on the correct side for dancing, too.  That's not the side that's normally close to you."  Then she looked up and said, "Don't you know how to wash a girl?  There's a slit down here that we wash carefully.  I expect you to do a very good job!"
	When she turned her back to him, he put his arms around her and pulled her close.  Gently he ran his fingers up her belly and then cupped her breasts in his hands.  He thought they were utterly exquisite.  Then he gently pinched her nipples between his fingers and delighted in feeling them extend and harden.  Cathy spun around in his arms to face him and pulled his head down for a kiss.
	She whispered, "Ken Bradley, you're killing me!  I don't want you to stop because it feels so good, but I know damned well I'll want you inside me."  She grimaced and said, "That's a terrible lie!  It's not future, it's present!  God, I so want you inside me.  If we weren't in the shower with water pouring off us, you would see my love juices pouring from my cunt."  Looking up at him she asked, "Ken, do you really like my body?  Am I good enough for you?  I know I'm really sort of ordinary looking, but I'm trying very hard to do the best with what I have.  Do you like it?  Do you like my chest?"
	"Darling, you have beautiful breasts," he replied softly.
	She stuck the pink tip of her tongue out at him and said, "Breasts?  Why not call them mammary glands?  Get off it, Bradley!  What word do you like?  Tits?  Boobs?  Jugs?  What?"
	Ken just shook his head in amazement and amusement, but then said, "I guess I like tits.  How about you?"
	She just nodded and continued, "Okay.  I guess I have a pair of tits now."  Then she put her finger in her slit and asked, "What's this?  A cunt?  A love box?  A quim?  What?"
	Pulling her close to him he kissed her softly and lovingly, then replied, "It's a gorgeous cunt."  Then he ran his finger up her slit and she held on to him tightly so she wouldn't fall.  Making little sounds of pleasure she said, "Oh, God, Ken!  I can't wait for you to be able to do this all the time.  And I'm so glad you like my body."
	As she soaked in the warm water stream, he just admired it.  She was utterly exquisite with her golden all-over tan.  Her pubic hair was a very small but dense curly patch while her hips were slim and flowed down to utterly beautiful legs.  Again he turned her so that her back was to him and went back to soaping her carefully.  She took one of his moving hands and put it in her slit.  When he contacted her clit she just held it in position and said, "Play with it please?  It feels so good."
	"But..."
	"It's my clit, Ken, and it feels so good.  This is called masturbating.  Since I can't let you take me, this is the next best thing.  It's called getting off, and I need it desperately.  Just keep stroking my love-bud and we'll see what happens.  Now work!"
	He manipulated her clit and suddenly she let out a scream as her loins started to shake convulsively.  Susan Bradford looked across the shower room and asked with a giggle, "Cathy Collins!  What's he doing to you?"
	Cathy was leaning back against Ken, feeling her body slowly return to normal.  She said in the most matter-of-fact manner possible, "He just got me off.  What the hell did you think he did?  What's wrong, Bradford?  Are all Smithies sexually retarded?"
	Susan just laughed.  She turned and insisted that Mike do her, too.  In an instant his finger was manipulating her tiny love-bud.  She gasped with delight and said, "Mike, I never dreamed it could possibly be this good!"  In just moments, she was leaning backward supporting herself against him feeling the glorious sensation in her loins.  Then she felt her pelvis shake as she released a flood of juices with her cuming.  Meanwhile, Kevin and Ron were doing the same thing to Kelly and April.
	When she came, April turned and put her arms around Ron's shoulders and whispered, "Darling, I hope that's the first of many.  Do you realize that was the first time you ever made me cum?  Did you like it?  I just totally lose control.  You also have an exquisite touch on a woman's body.  That's new, too."  Ron just smiled warmly, kissed her and then held her close feeling her gloriously smooth body mold itself to his.
	Cathy took a bottle of shampoo and gave it to Ken saying, "You're not nearly finished."  With that she went down on her knees so he could shampoo her hair and massage her scalp.  Meanwhile, she had taken the bar of soap and was carefully washing his cock and balls.
	Ken had never felt such an exquisite sensation in his life as her slender fingers caressed him and gently kneaded his sac.  Looking down at her with her head covered with suds he said, "Cath, if you don't knock that off, I'm going to spend all over you!"
	She just looked up and grinned, saying, "So what?  We're in the shower anyway.  It's just a little more liquid to rinse off."  Then making a little face she said, "What a waste, though!  I would far rather take you in my mouth."  But she continued to work on his now-vibrating cock and he soon began to spurt with the first ejaculation hitting her right in the face.  She ignored it and just kept manipulating his cock and balls to drain as much as possible.  When his cum stopped, she felt his balls and then looked up with a woeful look on her face.  Ken thought she was gorgeous with his spend showing as milky white streaks down her body.  "Ken," she said softly, "You're going to have to give me lessons.  There's so much left, I guess I didn't do it right."  Then she grinned eagerly and added, "But Cindy says I'm a very quick study!  I can learn really fast, if you show me what to do."  Ken helped her up and held her in a passionate kiss as the warm water continued to flow over their bodies.
	Meanwhile, after manipulating Kelly's clit to bring her to orgasm, Kevin had continued working on her.  The two giants were standing together as he ran his fingers lightly over her body saying, "Kelly, you're too good to be true.  I have a question, though?  If this is what happens when we lose, what would we have gotten if we had won?"
	Kelly's back was to him and she moved as tightly against him as she could, feeling his erect cock trapped in the small of her back.  She said, "Kev, you can't know how wonderful it feels to have your glorious weapon in my back while your hands roam over my body.  The answer to your question is that this was our secret weapon.  If we had been trailing at halftime we would have told you then what we were going to do.  We figured it would have been an incentive for you to throw the game to us!"
	She turned around and went into his arms now feeling his cock folded back against her belly.  Looking up into his eyes she whispered, "Kevin, I really can't wait!  I hope you like what you see?  I really wasn't too worried, though, because you always came to see me in Calumet City.  April did tricks so Ron has seen her bare before, but just look at Sue and Mike!"
	Susan had her back to Mike and was just leaning back against him as his long fingers continued to ostensibly wash, but in fact caress, her slit.  She turned her head and looked up at him with worry in her face.  "Are you disappointed, Darling?  Am I attractive enough for you?"
	Mike just shook his head and said, "Sue, I'm going to Jim Vance and demand my money back.  He didn't come close to doing you justice!  Lady, you're simply beyond belief!  You're a man's dream come true."  He turned her to face him and pulled her close.  She gasped as she felt his fully-erect cock fold back against her stomach.  Looking up, her eyes glowed with her love as she said, "What a stupid idea this was!  Darling, I told you I wanted to be a virgin on our wedding night.  Will you promise me something?"
	"Of course, Sue.  Anything.  What?"
	"Mike, regardless of what I say or do, please promise not to take my virginity until we're married?  I'll be honest, Darling.  I don't have the willpower anymore.  When I saw you nude in here for the first time, it was all over.  Mike, I want that glorious weapon inside me everywhere it can possibly go!  Oh, God!  I can't wait!"
	Then she looked up at him and said, "Darling, remember Kristin?  Knowing what I know now, thirty lashes would have been a cheap price to pay to have you in bed.  And you know something else?  I think I'm tougher than she is.  I would have had you take me anyway, bleeding cuts and all.  Isn't that a terrible thing to say?"  She smiled warmly and added, "I guess it's a good thing I stayed a virgin.  I had no idea what I was missing until just now."  Then she had another thought and asked, "Mike, would I have made the first cut at Cassidy's Meat Market?  Is my body good enough?"  He told her she had a body beyond his wildest dreams, and kissed her again.
	She looked across the shower and realized that April still had the shirttail wrapped around her forearm.  Disengaging from Mike, she went over and untied the knot, then carefully unwrapped it.  The others came over to look.  Gently, she exposed the cut and saw that it was a long and deep gash.  Covering it again, she looked at April and said, "Sis, this is not a Band-Aid item.  We're getting you to the hospital!  Are you okay for now?"
	"I'm fine, Sue, but I think you're right about the hospital."  She smiled warmly and said, "There's really no rush, though.  This is more fun than I've had in years.  Have you ever in your life seen anything like this?"
	Susan at five feet six was the shortest while Kelly at five, ten, was the tallest.  All of the girls had magnificent bodies.  The men were also tall, big, very well developed, and very good looking.  As they watched, they saw Cathy and Kelly still moaning in ecstasy as Ken and Kevin continued to stroke their soap-slick bodies.
	Cathy and Ken were the first to leave the shower.  Ken was about to go back to the men's locker room to get his clothes when she told him that, first, he wasn't finished; and second, his clothes were in the locker next to hers.  She handed him a big fluffy towel which he wrapped her in and blotted her body dry.  She even sat on a bench to let him dry her hair with the towel.  He started to open his locker when she said, "Ken, you're still not finished.  You have to make me up and then dress me.  After that we'll see about you.  But first, come here."
	He didn't know what to expect.  Cathy took another towel and used it to dry off his body.  She went down on her knees to dry his genitals which she did with an exquisitely gentle touch.  He asked her about it.  She grinned and replied that a good deal of her future happiness was contained there so she was taking very good care of it.  Getting back on her feet she told him, "First, there's make up."  She gave him a bottle of musk oil, told him what it was and how it worked, and then gave him free rein to put it anywhere he wanted.
	He asked her to lie on her back on the narrow dressing-room bench and carefully applied it to her nether lips, her breasts, and finally to her neck at the arterial positions.  Again, he leaned over and kissed her softly.
	As Cathy held his head in position she felt her passion rise as their kiss held.  When she released him she said softly, "Now smell."  He did and asked her what the marvelous scent was.  "I guess it's me, Darling," she replied.  "That's the way the stuff is supposed to work."  When he helped her to her feet he found that what he was now calling his sexual torment was not yet at an end.  "Now you have to dress me," she said with a little smile.  "I know you know how to undress a girl.  This time you get to go the other way."
	He looked at the tiny lacy bikini she gave him.  She sat on the bench while he put her feet through the leg openings and worked the gossamer up her thighs.  Ken took the opportunity of caressing her inner thighs as he did and was again rewarded with deep sounds of pleasure.  He helped her to her feet and positioned them low on her hips.  Looking at her wearing only the tiny scrap of material he said, "Honey, it doesn't even cover your pubic hair!"
	She looked down and then asked him, "Would you rather it show or should I shave it off?"  She looked at him with love in her eyes and asked, "Darling, would you prefer me to be bare?  Kathy Cartwright is completely bare and I know Bill adores it.  Would you prefer me that way?  For that matter I could have all of my body hair removed if you want."
	Ken just shook his head and ran his fingers lightly through her bush.  "I adore you just the way you are.  I think your beaver is absolutely darling.  I love it!"
	She looked at him with a little grin then looked down at her groin while she ran her fingers through her bush.  "Beaver?  I like that!"
	Looking around the locker room Ken realized it was like no locker room he had ever been in in his life.  There was a feeling of joy in the air.  Kelly must have done something to Kevin because she was squealing as he chased her around the room.  Sue was teasing Mike about the way he was working on her hair, while April, now fully dressed, was murmuring as she gently ran her fingers over Ron's cock and balls while he held her close.  She wouldn't let him get dressed yet because she was enjoying the sight of his nakedness too much.  Finally, the horseplay came to an end and they left the locker room.  The girls were now all wearing their bank uniforms; Sue was the only one who was not wearing a gold collar.
Chapter 40
	Fortunately, the men's and women's locker rooms both opened onto a single corridor which ended at the field house lounge.  Going through the swinging doors together, Ken was surprised to see Mike McCaskey and Coach Ditka talking with Dan, Cindy, and the Stewarts.  When they entered the room, Ditka went up to Susan, shook her hand, and then congratulated the other girls individually on their play.  When he looked at the men, though, Ditka appeared just to glower.  They were standing behind their women when Ditka said, "Jackson, how many of your interceptions this season came from reading the quarterback's eyes?"
	Ron, feeling sheepish, answered softly, "Most of them, Coach."
	"Well, what happened today?"
	"I couldn't do it," Ron admitted.
	"We couldn't either," Ditka replied shaking his head.  "This was a very interesting game.  I came out sort of as a joke.  It ended up as anything but.  I stuck around to do something you may have never seen me do: to apologize."
	"Jackson, where was the quarterback looking on the pass plays today?"
	"Where she always seems to look, Coach.  Straight down the field towards the goal posts."
	Ditka nodded and then turned to Ken.  "Bradley, what in hell were you doing when this girl beat you for a touchdown?"  He had nodded at Cathy who was standing in front of him.  She had backed into him and he had his arms around her, just holding her close.
	"I was trying to stop the pass, Coach.  She beat me," he replied with his head up.
	Again, Ditka just nodded.  Then he asked, "Where should you have been playing on the kickoff?  She put the ball over your head."  Ken just shook his head.  He had no answer to that question.
	"I don't know, either," Ditka admitted.  "Mr. McCaskey and I were laughing at you.  You were so deep we were wondering if you were even in the game.  Then the ball goes soaring over your head."  He just shook his head and focused on Mike.  "Cassidy, of course you're not a punter, but what in hell were you doing when this young lady — Collins, isn't it?  — blocked your kick."
	"I just don't know Coach.  I'm planning to ask Tom Forbes, our punter."
	"Don't bother," Ditka replied.  "I already did.  He has no clue.  Neither does Howie Fleming, our special-teams coach, nor Tom Cameron, our kicking coach.  Fleming just shook his head and said a few are going to be blocked.  He said that was the most perfect punt-blocking rush he has ever seen."  Looking at Cathy he asked, "Miss Collins, are you all right?  Cassidy has got a very powerful leg — far stronger than any of us ever knew."  Cathy replied that she was fine.
	Turning to Sue he said, "Miss Bradford, on that pass play to Miss Collins, what was Miss McBride doing?"
	"She was going down the right side, but she was covered by Kevin all the way," she replied.
	"And Miss Jefferson?" he asked.
	"She went over the middle and stopped.  She was the outlet.  If I had to throw to her, we had a certain first down, but I wanted it all if I could get it," Susan said.  She didn't understand the coach's line of questioning.
	"Where do you look, Miss Bradford?"
	"Sort of towards the goal posts, I guess," she replied.
	Then Mike Ditka uncharacteristically grinned and asked Susan, "Miss Collins, on that move you gave Bradley, what would you have done if he hadn't taken it?"
	"I would have gone on a slant toward the opposite corner of the field."
	"Which way was Miss Bradford going to throw?" Ditka persisted.
	"Whichever way I went," Cathy replied, confused.
	Turning back to Sue, Ditka asked, "Why did you throw to Miss Collins?  She was covered."
	Susan shook her head and said, "No, she wasn't.  Ken had slipped taking the fake.  I never thought he could recover in a million years."
	"I didn't either," Ditka conceded.  Looking back at Ken he asked, "Bradley, what did you do wrong on that play?"
	Ken just shook his head and said, "I really don't know, Coach.  I have it in mind to ask Ron later."
	"Let's ask him now," Ditka said.  "Jackson, how should Bradley have handled that play?"
	Ron pulled himself up even straighter and looked Ditka right in the eye.  He knew he was on the spot with his entire team.  The players had been waiting for the girls outside, but when they saw them start to talk with the coach they had quietly come in and were standing on the side just listening carefully.  He said, "He played it exactly right, Coach.  That was the greatest recovery I have ever seen in my life.  I didn't think he had a chance in a thousand of deflecting the ball."
	"But they completed the pass for a touchdown," Ditka protested.
	"They sure did, Coach."  Ron took a deep breath and could feel his football career going down the drain.  Notwithstanding, he was not going to lie.  If this is what the coach wanted, so be it.  He continued, "And they will every time they have a receiver with the most incredible concentration, speed, and reflexes I have ever seen.  That last-instant deflection will break up the pass every time."  He smiled wryly and added, "Except after what Cathy did, now I'll have to say almost every time."
	Again Ditka nodded.  Then he asked Susan, "Miss Bradford, which way was that pass going?"
	She was puzzled.  It was the same question Cathy had already answered.  She said, "If it went to Cathy, it would go whichever way she went."  Ditka just nodded and reached out towards Mike McCaskey.  He had taken a ten-dollar bill from his wallet and gave it to Ditka who just stuck it in his pocket.  Then he grinned and said, "Thank you, Miss Bradford.  As you just saw, your answer cost our owner ten bucks."
	Then he smiled and looked at the other team members standing along the wall.  He said, "Guys, we owe these men an apology.  An abject apology!"  He looked back at Susan and said, "And we owe you and your friends a great vote of thanks.  Personally, I think you all deserve winner's shares of the play-off money.  Now I see that you girls are the primary reason we're down here right now instead of being at home getting ready to watch the Super Bowl on television.
	"You know, it's a funny thing.  For the first time in a long time I realized today how much fun football can be.  Furthermore, when there aren't all the giants on the line of scrimmage — when the only players on the field are in what we laughingly refer to as skill positions — you can see a lot more.  Well, did I ever.  Let me tell you what I saw.
	"I saw the most remarkable quarterback I have ever seen perform in my life:  A passer who can throw long, short or anything in between; a passer who looks only one place, down the field, and yet who sees everyone on the field.  You heard her answer to the question I asked regarding where her other players were?  Well, she's right.  How do I know?  Because I asked three other people and among us we had been watching them all.  She's one person and she was watching them all, too.  Furthermore, like an outstanding bridge player who remembers every card played in every hand, she remembers where everyone was on every play.
	"I saw a...  Miss Collins, I'm sorry.  I don't know how to characterize you.  All I can say is you can kick better than our kicker, punt better than our punter, catch a football better than any receiver, and block — and block kicks — better than anyone else.
	"I spoke of Miss Bradford.  But what the hell!  It's not all her.  I mean any quarterback can look pretty good provided he can reach his receivers when they're world-class sprinters."  He shook his head.  "That's a lie!  There are damned few quarterbacks who can reach real burners, particularly when they're going at full speed.  You can and do and do it perfectly, every time.  And under conditions of driving rain where we didn't think you could see your receivers, let alone get the ball to them, least of all hit them in full stride.  We marveled at your touch."
	"Bradley, I apologize.  That defensive play of yours was the best we've ever seen — and it didn't work!  Ron Jackson was absolutely right!"  He looked at Ron and said, "And Ron, I apologize to you, too.  I don't know what your plans are for the future — after you end your active playing career, I mean — but I'll tell you right now you have the job as defensive back coach whenever you want it.  There aren't many people with the guts to tell me something they don't think I want to hear.  You did."  Turning back to Ken, he said, "Never have we seen the speed, concentration, or agility Miss Collins showed.  She reminded me of a cat changing direction in midair.  That ball could not be caught!  There was absolutely no way!  But I guess she doesn't know enough about football, so she caught it anyway."
	He looked over the group who were all standing the same way.  Each girl was in front of her man and his arms were around her.  He asked a general question: "You're all getting married soon, aren't you?"  They all nodded happily.  "Do you want children?"  This time the women nodded vigorously.  Ditka turned to McCaskey and said, "Boss, do you suppose we could get an option on their children's football contracts?  I'll tell you right now I'll sign a long-term contract to be sure I'm still coaching the Bears when their children are ready to play.  Can you imagine?  Just look!
	"Look at Cavanaugh and Miss McBride!  Can you imagine what their children will be like?"  His eyes gleamed as he added, "And I don't know if I'm cheering for boys or girls, either.  The girls will all be Irish goddesses."  He looked and just shook his head.  "Never in my life have I had the good fortune to meet four more beautiful or more athletically-talented women in my life.  On the other hand, I have it on very good authority that you're all brilliant, too!"  He shook his head sadly and concluded, "The world just isn't fair.  Why should a handful of young women have absolutely everything?"
	Turning back to his players standing along the wall he said, "We're going to destroy the Raiders tomorrow.  I was a little worried, but now I'm more confident than I have ever been of anything in my life.  Why do I say that?  Because now I understand the real meaning of these games.  You defensive backs:  I'll tell you right now you'll never see a quarterback who can do absolutely everything the way Miss Bradford can.  After covering her — and being run ragged — our Sunday game is just a romp in the park for Ron Jackson.  Cassidy?  He spends the day picking up tips from Miss Bradford.  Every game I could see more of her in him.  It's just that I didn't know what I was seeing until today.  Cavanaugh and Bradley?  They get to watch — and try to cover — the fastest, most agile, and smartest receivers in football.  They're both smart as hell, so they learn a lot, too."
	Turning back to the girls he said, "I have one question, though.  It was such a miserable day, why did you play at all?  Then when it started to rain, why didn't you stop?"
	Cathy looked at the other girls, then held her head up straight and replied, "Because we're getting married to professional football players, Coach Ditka.  Our husbands have to play football in far worse than this.  I guess... I guess we wanted to show our husbands that we know what they have to do and... and their wives wouldn't quit on them."  She held her head up straight and said, "Coach Ditka, I can't tell you how much I love Ken Bradley because there's no vocabulary adequate to communicate it.  I want to carry his children.  I know how courageous he is.  There's no way I could run a crossing pattern through traffic and jump to take a high ball knowing I was going to get creamed before my feet came down.  I wanted him to know that he wouldn't have to worry about his children being cowards.  I wanted him to know that, while I'm certainly not as tough as he is, I'm not going to quit on him and neither will his children.  That's why we kept on playing."
	Ditka's eyes just bore into hers.  Finally he said, "You cracked at least one rib out there when you blocked Bradley, didn't you?"  Her eyes widened but she just shrugged.  "You didn't even take time out to catch your breath.  You're still in great pain.  Your ribs are on fire, aren't they?  It's agonizing."  She just nodded and her face reddened with embarrassment.  Ditka nodded and said, "I know because it's happened to me.  Lady, I left the game when I cracked mine.  You didn't."  He looked at Ken and said, "Bradley, you're a very lucky man!"  Then he glared at April and said, "Let me take a look at your arm please, Miss Jefferson."
	April had been holding her arms so that her hand covered the shirt that she was still using as a bandage.  She just shook her head and said, "I already agreed with Ron that I ought to have it looked at.  We were on our way."
	Ditka nodded and then looked at the men.  He said, "Guys, I think I made an apology for all of us.  There's one more thing, though.  What did the rest of you think of the game?  Was that a kind of playground touch football?  Or was it something else?"
	The giant tackle, Charley Hodgins, raised a fist and said, "Coach, that was the highest-quality football I have ever seen.  And that was my agent out there, April Jefferson.  Coach, I don't have to tell you we're playing so much better because of what she does for us off the field.  Coach, I guess we love these women."  Then he yelled, "Three cheers for the girls!  They got us to the Super Bowl!"  In the confined space of the lounge, the three thunderous cheers from the players shook the plate-glass windows.  Then the girls were mobbed by the players who all wanted to tell them what a great game they played.
	Ditka looked meaningfully at McCaskey who nodded.  He went to a pay phone and made a call, then found April and said, "Come with me.  We'll use my driver."  Then turning back to the girls he said, "We're trying to get you all sideline passes for the game.  Would you rather watch from there or from Mr. McCaskey's box?"  They agreed they would let the team know through the guys.
	When they reached the hospital, they were met by a doctor who they had been assured by the Saints organization was the finest plastic surgeon in New Orleans.  It took fourteen stitches to close the cut in April's arm but he assured her it would leave no scar.  When they were ready to leave, he shook his head and said, "Miss Jefferson, this has been a real privilege.  You're the most beautiful woman I have ever treated in my life.  I'm very glad I received the call.  You're far too beautiful to have any scars, even one on your arm."
Chapter 41
	In response to Cathy's suggestion, Ken was well dressed when he rang the bell at the suite where Dan, Cindy and Cathy were staying.  When the door was opened he found his fiancée standing there with her face impassive but with her eyes dancing with laughter.  All she was wearing was a large black bow on the back of her head and a tiny black bow clipped in her pubic hair.
	She said, "Good evening, Mr. Bradley.  Won't you please come in?  My master and mistress are waiting for you in the sitting room."  He winked and followed her, delighting again in watching her trim ass undulating slightly as she did.  Both Dan's and Cindy's eyes were dancing as they greeted him and took seats.  Cathy took drink orders and moments later returned with his drink which she served to him while on her knees.  Ken noticed that every movement Cathy made had the grace of a ballet dancer.  She rose and went down on her knees again to serve Cindy and Dan.  Cindy had asked for a martini.  She took the frosted glass and put it in the valley between Cathy's breasts and left it there.  Cathy choked off a gasp but then just smiled sweetly and said, "Mistress, I believe you'll find it well chilled."  Cindy giggled, winked, and gave her a tiny pinch as she rose to leave.  Cathy impassively returned the wink.
	She brought over a tray of hors d'oeuvres the hotel's banquet department had prepared.  After offering them first to Ken and then the others, she knelt on the floor in front of Ken with the edge of the tray resting on her breasts.  He reached under the tray and cradled one of her breasts from below.  Although Cathy didn't move, he saw her eyes widen for an instant and then saw a look of love in her eyes.  Without making a sound she moved her lips and formed the words, "Do you still like them?  I so hope you do."  Ken just nodded rapidly.
	If Cathy was tired from the football game played in the rain and cold, she gave no sign.  In fact she appeared tireless as she refilled glasses and served more food.  Since she always served on her knees, Ken couldn't keep track of the number of times she went down on her knees and then stood up again.  She appeared to be totally unaware of the strain this created.  Meanwhile Ken was talking seriously with Cindy and Dan about the possibility of joining the bank.  After a great deal of discussion it appeared to be a good thing to explore in greater depth after the season, but tentatively he agreed to join Chicago Trust Company.  Finally Cindy said, "Slave Cathy, that's enough for this evening.  You may go to your room.  We will not need you any more tonight."
	This was apparently the end of the playacting.  Cathy stretched and rolled her hips to work the kinks out.  It was apparent that she had been suffering but had given no sign.  Cindy grinned and said, "Cathy, you were utterly superb.  I was never as good as you were tonight.  How in hell did you keep from jumping when I put that icy glass between your tits, though?"
	Cathy grinned and replied, "Blame that on your sister, Jan.  She warned me that she had done it to you, and it was the thing you did to her one night when she served you.  I knew it had to come so I just tried to prepare for the shock.  I guess the lousy weather at the game helped prepare me, too."
	Then she turned to Ken and said, "All right, Bradley.  The loafing is over.  Off your ass, on your feet, and come and do something productive."  Ken didn't know what to expect but he followed Cathy into her room and she shut the door behind her.
	Then she went to him, pulled his head down to hers, kissed him warmly and then with increasing passion.  Releasing his head she murmured, "Wow!"  As she looked at him he could see tears start to appear in her eyes at the same time he could see enormous warmth in them.  She said, "Ken, I love you so damned much it hurts!  It really does, my darling."  Then with a winsome little grin she asked, "Do you like my uniform?"
	Ken was becoming as relaxed with her as she already was with him.  He replied, "Isn't it... a little formal?  Don't you get awfully hot with all those clothes?  Would you like me to help you undress?"
	She grinned and pretended to be thoughtful and then nodded quickly.  He took off the big bow from her hair and then got on his knees in front of her.  Pretending she was wearing an elaborate costume, he looked all over her loins apparently trying to figure out how the tiny bow was attached.  Then he spread her legs and did something he had never even thought to do.  He asked her to lie down on her back and then proceeded to work on her virginal cunt with his tongue.  Lying on her back, she put her legs over his shoulders to provide him better access to her love box.  Kneeling on the floor he studied her gaping cunt.  She was watching him and asked, "Isn't it sort of ugly?  All gaping and raw-looking?"
	"Darling, it's absolutely gorgeous!" he replied.  He continued to work on her vagina and clitoris with his tongue.  Soon the flow of her cuntal juices had begun and he carefully licked them up.  She's right he realized, Her love juices are as sweet as sugar!  When he bit down on her tiny love bud, it triggered an instant orgasm.  Then he moved his tongue up her vagina like a tiny cock.  Cathy's loins were writhing on the floor in a fever of passion while her head just tossed from side to side.  He could feel her passion approach another crest and he bit her clit again, triggering a flood of cuntal fluid which he again licked up.  Finally, using his fingers to move aside her nether lips, he licked every drop, then he moved up and covered her body with his.  Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her passionately.  He released her suddenly when he realized she was crying.
	"What's wrong, Darling?  Did I hurt you?" he asked with concern in his voice.
	She shook her head while trying to smile.  Finally she said, "Of course not, silly.  It was so incredibly wonderful, though.  Darling, I just can't wait until we're married and you can have all of me for anything you want to do."  Her eyes gleamed and she looked utterly beautiful with her hair spread beneath her head like a fan.  Then she said, "Honey, I hope you like anal intercourse — or at least are prepared to try it.  You see, another element of being Cindy's slave is that I have seen her taken in every way imaginable — and believe me when I tell you she's very imaginative.  There's nothing she won't do for Dan nor is there anything I will not do for you, to you, or allow you to do to me.  Nothing!"  Then she shook her head and added, "I was wrong, Ken.  I should not have said allow.  If I even think you might want something, I'll do it."
	He lifted himself off her body and just reclined beside her, resting his back against the bed.  Her body was absolutely exquisite and he loved just to look at it.  He began slowly to move his fingertips over its satin-smooth surface while she lay with her eyes closed just savoring the feeling.  He began to stroke her breasts and nipples with the lightest possible touch and watched as her pelvis began to writhe involuntarily with her passion.  He just maintained his tempo and finally she let out a scream as her pelvis jerked uncontrollably in orgasm.
	When her movements stopped she opened her eyes, looked at him sadly and said, "Ken, I'm a real mess.  I'm about to soak the carpet with my juices."  He just grinned, moved between her thighs, and licked her dry again.
	When he finished he went back to his position beside the bed and began stroking her body.  She opened her eyes and looked at him with her love beaming from them.  Then she raised her head and propped herself up on her elbows and watched as he slowly ran his fingers over her body.  Finally she said, "Kenneth Bradley, what are you doing?"
	"I'm doing a figure study by the braille method.  What in hell does it look like I'm doing?"  Ken decided that Cathy was fun to be with as well as being so beautiful and fun just to talk to.  "I read a book once that said a man should learn about a woman's erogenous zones.  I'm not sure exactly what it means but the context suggested it was fun."  He was watching her response and had seen her nipples harden.  When he gently touched them, she let out a small scream — her breasts were now so sensitive, they hurt!
	"Darling, you ought to know by now that I'm five feet eight inches of erogenous zone," she said softly.  Meanwhile he had bent over her body and ran his tongue lightly over her nipples.  Cathy didn't know what to do.  The feeling was at once beautiful and agonizing.  Then he moved his fingers down and just stroked her inner thighs.  Again, there was the wonderful feeling.
	At that point Cathy jumped to her feet and padded into the bathroom, returning a moment later with a large bath towel.  He watched, puzzled, as she carefully folded it, put it on the carpet under her small bottom, and then extended her body the way it had been before.  She stuck out the tip of her tongue at him and whispered, "You can go back to your playing now.  Meanwhile, this will keep my juices from flooding the carpet."  Then she looked at him and added, "Why are you doing this, Ken?  You're torturing me, you know."
	Leaning forward he kissed her softly on the lips.  When he did, she held him with one hand behind his neck and let herself lie flat on the floor.  Her tongue darted into his mouth like a little snake and he bit it gently.  When he released her, her eyes were glazed with passion.  Then she said, "Thank you for staying dressed, Darling.  If you were naked, too, I would die.  I'm only about two feet from the most glorious pleasure imaginable on that bed.  If you were naked like you were this afternoon, I couldn't help myself.  Ken, I would have to get you to take me."  Her eyes could focus now and she said, "You look very handsome this evening, too.  I guess that's the genuine Ivy-League look, isn't it?"  She smiled with great love and asked, "Darling, are you sure you like my body the way it is?  I'll try to make it into anything you want.  What would you like me to change?"
	Shaking his head he said, "Absolutely nothing!  Catherine Collins, you're utterly magnificent.  You can't believe how much fun it is just to run my fingertips over your skin and feel the muscles beneath it respond.  You're my love, Cathy.  I adore you the way you are."  He grimaced and said, "You can't believe how much fun it is to have a naked virgin of my very own to play with.  Honey, you're utterly exquisite!"  Then he frowned and said, "But didn't you say something about eating?  Food, I mean, not just your cunt?  I've heard a man's semen is very high in protein, but I don't know if a woman's love juices have ever been tested for food value."
	She smiled warmly and said, "I'll be ready in just a couple of minutes.  But first, you have to clean up the mess you just made."  He looked at her puzzled.  He didn't know what she meant.  Then she slowly spread her thighs, used her fingers to part her nether lips, and said softly, "Just look what you did!"
	He looked and could see that the towel she had placed under her bottom was already wet.  He knelt between her thighs and used his tongue again to lick up her succulent fluids.  Each time he gently bit her clitoris he could hear her gasp with pleasure and pain.  Cathy couldn't believe she could ever be as sensitive as she was now.  He finished, knelt with his back up straight while still between her legs and just looked up the length of her gorgeous body.  Cathy was again propped up on her elbows and smiled warmly at him.  He just shook his head and said, "God, what a sight!  Catherine Collins, you're female perfection.  I could spend the rest of my life just looking at you like this!"
	Cathy stretched her arms over her head and purred like a big cat.  "Ken, this is glorious, even if the floor is a little hard.  I guess I'll have to take another shower and we'll take it from there."  She picked up the towel and disappeared into the bathroom while Ken sat in a lounge chair and stretched out his long legs.  To his surprise, it was only moments later when he heard the sound of a hair dryer and a few minutes more when Cathy came padding out.  He motioned her to lie on the bed while he gently applied musk oil to her body the way he had earlier in the day.  Then, following his directions, she sat in front of the dressing table while he carefully brushed her silken hair.
	She looked over her shoulder after he had been stroking her hair for a few minutes and asked, "Ken, what are you doing?  You don't have to do this and you can't possibly like it."
	"Why can't I?" he asked.  "Darling, you're a rarity: a girl with hair that reaches below your shoulders.  It has texture, wave, and the most beautiful coloring ranging from brown to gold to almost white.  I adore it... and I adore you."
	Then he slipped on her bikini taking the opportunity to run his fingers through her beautiful bush.  Before he did, though, Cathy decided to have some fun.  She reached into the dressing table drawer and handed him a super tampon saying, "You can do something useful.  Do you think you can insert this without costing me my painfully-maintained virginity?  Darling, after all I have been suffering for the last week, it would be tragic to lose it to a piece of cotton!"  She lifted one leg to cause her vagina to gape open, and then guided his hand inside her.  When it was in place and the applicator removed, Ken breathed a sigh of relief while she grinned and winked at him saying, "Thank you, Ken.  I knew you could do it."
	He continued to dress her, finally helping her put on a beautiful white strapless cocktail dress.  She pointed out that it was an advantage of having very firm tits.  She could keep it up even though it didn't have the normal built-in bra.  Then following her directions he combed out her hair.  Finally she reached into the dressing table drawer again and took out three boxes.  They contained the diamonds that Ali had given to Cindy and which Cindy had insisted she wear.  When she opened the box containing the necklace, Ken gasped and said, "My God!  These are real!  They would cost me a year's pay — and I'm paid pretty well."
	"They're Cindy's," Cathy said softly.  "She insisted that I wear them tonight.  How do they look on me?"
	He shook his head while his love for her shown in his eyes.  He said, "Darling, I think I understand what Cindy was doing.  Anything less impressive would just disappear against your beauty.  Cathy, you look exquisite — almost as beautiful as when you're naked."
	When she stood up and lifted her head, he bent over while keeping his hands at his side and kissed her on the lips as lightly as he could.  Cathy delighted in his understanding.  Her hands were at her sides, too, as they maintained the lightest possible contact with their lips.  Again, her tongue darted into his mouth, and then his entered hers.  Finally, they broke the kiss.  Cathy said, "Darling, that was so wonderful.  Thank you for being so understanding."  She cocked her head and smiled warmly saying, "That's one of the things I love about you, Ken.  You seem to know instantly what I want to do.  Now, shall we go?"
	Returning to the sitting room, Cindy looked up at them.  She was sitting on Dan's lap, necking, and her eyes were glazed as she said, "What, in heaven's name, were you two doing in there?"
	With an angelic look on her face Cathy said, "Nothing at all, Cindy.  At least, nothing I haven't seen you do with Dan."
	"Catherine Collins, you didn't!?"
	"Cindy, I was a very good girl.  At least Ken said I was very good."  Then she winked while Ken draped a mink stole over her shoulders and escorted her out the door.
	They had a table next to the window in the hotel's top-floor dining room.  Because of the flat delta country, there was a view for miles in all directions.  The rain had ended, the sky had cleared, and there was now a full moon shining down casting a soft light over the Mississippi Delta land.  When their drinks appeared, Ken toasted: "Darling, to us!"  Then he said with a warm smile, "Honey, I think we should start over.  Catherine Collins, will you marry me?"
	She took his hand and squeezed it saying, "It would make me the happiest girl in the world to be your wife, Kenneth Bradley.  Yes, I will marry you."  Then she winked to show that she recognized his playacting for what it was.  Reaching into his pocket he took out a magnificent diamond ring which he slipped on her third finger.  She gasped at its size and beauty, then took him in her arms and melted him with a kiss.
	When he released her she said, "Darling, I have a confession to make.  Cindy thought you might have this in mind for tonight so it's why she insisted I wear her diamonds.  Do you mind?"
	"Of course not," he replied.  "It confirms what I already knew: My future wife is a very perceptive woman."
	They had a fine dinner but Ken just shook his head.  Cathy asked him what the trouble was and he replied, "You!"
	"Me!?" she protested.  "What did I do now?"
	"You have utterly destroyed me, woman!" she replied with a grin.  "Up until two weeks ago I would have rated this as one of the best meals I had ever eaten in my life.  But now, after eating your cooking, I find it very ordinary.  Wife, you spoil me for everything else."  Then he just looked at her and shook his head slowly, adding, "You know, as I said it I realize it's even truer than I initially thought.  It's not just food — it's everything.  My darling, you're a banquet for the senses!  I can't wait until I can have you all."
	She kissed him softly and then rose to her feet saying, "Damn it, Bradley, you're still doing it!  Now I have to change the damned tampon before I ruin this lovely dress."  She winked and disappeared.
	Later Ken asked her to dance.  When they reached the dance floor he remembered her rib and was very careful how he held her.  She said, "Damn it, I'm not breakable.  I thought we settled that earlier."  Then she smiled warmly and added, "Darling, this is funny.  You've handled every square inch of my body but you never danced with me before."  She widened her eyes and said, "And I already said I would marry you, too!"
	It came as absolutely no surprise to Ken that Cathy moved in his arms like a dream.  He looked down at her and shook his head with a wry smile on his face.  Cathy showed concern and asked, "What's wrong, Darling?"
	He just continued shaking his head and said, "Cathy, you really know how to hurt a guy, don't you?"
	"What did I do this time?" she asked, with her concern deepening.
	"Honey, you may not have noticed, but I make my living as a professional athlete.  How do you think it makes me feel when I'm holding a dream in my arms and praying our children get their athletic ability from their mother!  Honey, you're the most perfectly coordinated person I have ever met in my life."  He smiled warmly and she relaxed again in his arms.  Then he said, "You never really handled a football in your life before today, did you?"  She snuggled closer to him and then just shook her head.  He asked, "Why did you play, then?"
	Looking up at him she said, "Darling, I want to do whatever you do.  I know that football is important to you — and I don't mean just as a source of money, either.  You play because you enjoy it — you want to.  You're different from most of the other guys who are playing because for them it's the best possible career choice if they're good enough to make the pros.  It's true of you and it's true of Kevin.  You're both very smart and very well educated.  You could do all kinds of things.  But you both play because you want to."  She looked at him and he saw the love shining in her beautiful gray eyes as she continued, "I said it to Coach Ditka today:  I think you're very courageous.  I just wanted to show you that you don't have to worry about your children.  They're not going to be namby-pambys.  Besides, I don't think I did anything special."
	He rolled his eyes and said, "Darling, you were so incredibly good, you don't have the first clue how good you really are."
	Now she smiled warmly and said, "Darling, I wanted you to know that I think what you're doing is important to me.  I can't stand these girls whose husbands or boyfriends are athletes and they don't even understand the most basic elements of the game their men are playing.  I do know something about football and I wanted you to know that, too.  I wanted you to be able to talk to me about practice and the games without thinking you would have to explain what all the words mean.  Do you believe me?"
	Disregarding the other couples on the dance floor, he stopped dancing, held her tightly and kissed her passionately.  "Darling," he said, "You certainly do understand the game of football.  And I was serious before, too.  Our children can get brains, beauty, loyalty, courage, coordination... everything!  — from their mother.  The problem is what can I conceivably bring to the party?"
	"The most incredible cock I've ever seen.  A feeling for me and my body that's uncanny.  A desire in me to have as many children by you as I physically can.  As well as being smart, handsome, kind..."
	They just danced together for a while with Ken just savoring the feeling of having her in his arms.  Then he said, "Honey, this has been the most perfect day of my life.  You know something else?  I'm going to ask for my Super Bowl ring in your size.  Darling, you will have won the game for us — and we are going to win the game."  He glanced at his watch and winced.  It was the witching hour — he had to get back to the team's hotel.  When he left her at the suite, he gave her a kiss that was loaded with all the passion he could possibly communicate.
	Going into the sitting room, Cathy found Cindy waiting up for her so she could see the ring.  Sitting down beside her, Cathy showed her the ring and then just leaned back saying, "Cin, the only day that could possibly be better than this one is my wedding day.  Then Ken can really take me.  I can't wait!"  Cindy just smiled and kissed her warmly.
Chapter 42
	Bob Costas was in the screening room going over the tapes of the most remarkable football play he had ever seen.  Costas was the star of the NBC pre-game shows for its NFL schedule.  Since NBC was the network with this year's Super Bowl, he was handling the expanded multi-hour pre-game show before the five-thirty (Eastern) kickoff.  The video tape he was viewing had been made at a game played the day before between four Chicago Bears and four girls.  He had been told that they were the men's fiancées.  Technicians had been working almost all night long running, rerunning, and endlessly editing a single play: the pass Sue had completed to Cathy after Ken had almost broken it up.
	It was amusing to think about what had happened.  Virtually every scrap of high-tech video equipment the network had was now in New Orleans.  As a result, they had retaped the original in ultra slow-motion, then used the latest in electronic editing equipment to produce synthetic close-ups.  Costas was watching the final tape.  There was no end to the technical talents the network could bring to bear under conditions such as the Super Bowl.  For example, using the painted yard markers and sophisticated timing equipment, they determined that the receiver was running at the rate of a 4.0 to 4.2 second forty-yard dash.  This would make hers the fastest time of its kind ever clocked.  Of course, it relied on the yard markers being precisely measured and on a precise running speed of the battery-powered camera used, both of which were improbable assumptions.  Nevertheless, she had been flying.  Now he was watching an ultra-slow-motion shot of the final instant of the play.  In the upper left-hand corner of the screen, there was an inset of a clock reading to hundredths of a second: the clock was showing real time that matched the slow-motion image.  He didn't believe his eyes.  From the instant when Bradley deflected the pass until it settled into the girl's arms after she dove was less than one-quarter of a second.
	He shook his head and asked for a rerun.  As the technician was setting up, the phone rang.  It was a female network reporter, Jane Janis.  Janis said she had located the girl from the tape, Catherine Collins, and wanted to know if he would like to see her to do an interview.  Costas thought for a minute and said, "Is there any chance you can get her down to the studio?  Would she do an interview here?"  Jane said she would get right back to him and did, only minutes later.  Miss Collins had agreed and it was scheduled for later in the morning.
	Cathy had been surprised when she received the call at the suite from the NBC reporter.  She had agreed to see the young woman and talk with her.  Then, when she received another call inviting her to come to the studio and meet Bob Costas, she was both puzzled and flattered.  She had watched enough football on television to both know him and respect him as a reporter and interviewer.  After consulting with Cindy she was wearing a camel's hair suit in natural tan with a hunter-green cashmere sweater.  She also insisted on wearing her gold collar.  Going down to the lobby, she met Jane Janis whose eyes widened when she saw Cathy.  Jane hadn't realized before either how tall or how perfectly proportioned Cathy was.  She led the way outside to a waiting limousine which took them to the studio facilities in the Superdome.
	Costas was on his feet waiting for Cathy when Janis ushered her in.  She took an offered seat and he began to talk with her to put her at her ease.  Then he stopped in mid-sentence, just shook his head and grinned.
	"What's wrong?" Cathy asked, puzzled.
	"Absolutely nothing at all," he replied.  "Except maybe with me.  Miss Collins, the purpose of these first few minutes is normally to put the interview subject — you — at ease.  The person to be put at ease today, though, is me.  You're the most incredibly beautiful and most self-assured young lady it has ever been my privilege to meet."  He then explained the reason for the interview: "Miss Collins, let me show you a video tape made during the game you played yesterday.  Incidentally, what appears to be haze in the picture isn't.  It's falling rain.  That was the heaviest rain I've seen in years and it only makes the achievements of you and your friends even more remarkable."
	He first ran through the tape at its normal speed.  The cameraman caught Sue perfectly, looking, as always, right down the center of the field.  Cathy winced when she saw Ken taking her fake, slip and slide while she blazed by him.  Then it caught Ken recovering his balance, flying down the field trying to overtake her, and then leaping and tipping the ball with his fingertips.  But Cathy stretched, caught the ball on her fingertips, then pulled it into her chest, and slid along the ground in the mud.  Then it caught her grin as she jumped to her feet and jogged in for the score.  "Remember that play, Miss Collins?" Costas asked.
	"I sure do.  But since I've watched you for years on pre-game shows I would feel strange calling you Mr. Costas.  I feel like you're a friend of the family.  Please call me Cathy so I can call you Bob?"
	Costas grinned and nodded.  "Cathy it is, then.  What did you think of the play?"
	"I was very lucky to catch it," Cathy replied.  "Ken's very fast and made a brilliant play on the ball."
	"It was a brilliant play," Costas said.  "But now look at this."  The tape rolled in ultra-slow-motion with the clock in the corner.  Costas narrated, "There are a number of things we did with this tape.  My people tell me that they haven't had so much fun with a piece of tape in years.  First, notice Miss Bradford.  She's in the perfect posture for a passer looking right down the middle.  There's no way a defender can follow her eyes.  Now watch.  Here you fake to the inside.  But it really wasn't a fake, was it?"
	Several cameramen were taping the whole interview scene.  It was clear that they would put the show together by cutting from one camera angle to another.  Cathy replied, "Not really.  If he hadn't taken it, I would have gone for the corner."
	"We thought so," Costas said.  "Incidentally, a couple of former NFL coaches want copies of this tape.  They claim it's the ultimate football pass play — on both sides of the line.  No one knew that Ken Bradley could play such brilliant defense — and he really did.  You just demonstrated that a defender can't be in two places at once.  If he took your fake — as he did — you beat him on a fly pattern.  If he doesn't, you're free going for the corner.  And on a field that was a sea of mud, to boot.  It was a classic case of the advantage being with the offense.  The receiver knows where he's going."  He looked at Cathy and asked, "How did you keep your feet, by the way?"
	She grinned and said, "I guess I have long toes like an ape.  I just dug them in."  Costas looked closely at the tape and said, "My God, how could we be so dumb!  All the girls were playing barefoot and we never even noticed.  We saw you kicking barefoot, but there have been some barefoot kickers from time to time.  I guess we just never looked.  People don't play football in January barefoot."
	Cathy laughed and said, "Sane people don't play football barefoot.  We did."
	"Back to our tape.  Now look at the pass she threw.  We timed it.  It has as much speed and spin as any we've ever seen thrown.  As I said, our people had a lot of fun with this.  One of the things we did was take out old material on the best passers in the history of the game.  None was better.  None!  Now watch the time in the corner of the picture.  Here comes the ball.  Incidentally, the coaches were drooling just looking at you.  Your eyes are on the ball.  'Looking it into your hands,' they call it.  Furthermore, they tell me that the position of your hands — up to cradle the ball — is also right out of the book.  As one said, though, 'It's a shame almost no one ever reads the damned book!'  Now, here's Ken tipping the ball away.  Notice the time.  You change direction and somehow dive for the ball.  Even at this speed we can't figure out how you did it.  It was all done in about one-tenth of a second.  No one has reflexes this fast — except you.  Now watch.  Your body is fully extended and you take the ball on your finger tips, cradle it into your chest, hit the ground, slide in the mud, pop up and coast in.  Cathy, that's the most remarkable play we have ever seen.  How long have you been playing football, and how did you start?"
	She grinned and shook her head, then looked at her watch and said, "About twenty-two hours ago.  'How' is pretty simple.  I went out on the field and played.  From what you have been saying I guess I didn't screw up too badly."
	Costas just whistled and then asked, "Why, Cathy?  Why yesterday?  Why in such awful weather?"
	Susan straightened her back and looked down at her hands which were folded in her lap.  Then she looked up at Costas and said, "Because I'm going to marry Ken Bradley.  Because I wanted him to see his wife isn't a quitter — that the children I hope to bear for him won't be wimps."  She looked at him and he could see the love in her eyes as she continued, "Bob, I don't know how much you know about Ken Bradley.  You probably know he graduated from Yale.  You probably don't know that he was Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude.  He was also a Baker Scholar at the Harvard Business School where he graduated last year.  Let's face it:  He can make a very good living outside of football.  But Ken plays pro ball.  He plays it because he likes it.  It's an important part of his life.  I wanted to demonstrate that I can relate to anything that's an important part of his life — that I'm not a football illiterate.  I adore the man.  I guess it's that simple."
	Costas just shook his head.  Then he said, "Cathy, you certainly are not a football illiterate.  Several coaches — very seriously — want you to work with their players.  This includes kicking, punting, receiving and pass defense.  Can you throw the ball, by the way?  No one thought to ask, but my bet is that you can, and probably as well as you do everything else with it."
	Cathy laughed and said, "Susan Bradford, as you saw, is as good as they get.  Why would I want to challenge her?  Besides, she's a buddy."
	Now Bob changed the subject and asked, "Cathy, what about you?  Where are you from and what do you do?"
	She told him about Carleton College and said, "I'm an assistant vice president and lending officer at Chicago Trust Company.  Incidentally, April Jefferson and Kelly McBride are vice presidents.  Kelly is my boss.  Sue Bradford is executive director of a major charitable foundation in Chicago as well as being April's sister."
	Costas' jaw dropped.  "Sister!?  But... but April is Black."
	"She really is, though," Cathy said with a grin.  "April's mother, Mary Jefferson, is the richest woman in Chicago and she adopted Susan.  Sue kids that the only difference between them is that she has to keep working on her tan while April's is permanent, and if they were natural sisters they would fight a hell of a lot more."
	Bob Costas had built his career by being very well-informed on a wide variety of subjects including many far beyond sports.  He snapped his fingers and said softly, "'The twins who aren't'... is April?..."
	Cathy grinned and nodded, saying, "She sure is.  The other is my owner, Cynthia Martin.  Cindy is the senior vice president and head of the Special Lending Division at Chicago Trust.  April is a vice president and the deputy division head, while Kelly is also a vice president and my district head.  We have a lot of fun."
	Costas just shook his head and then said, "Cathy, could I ask you a personal question?  You were kind enough to come down to talk to us, so we didn't want to bother you with a lot of TV nonsense.  Usually, though, we run our guests through makeup.  When Jane Janis brought you in here today, my first reaction was that makeup had done a smashing job on you.  As I look at you, though, I'm certain you didn't see them.  Furthermore, I'm almost certain you're wearing no makeup at all.  Are you?"
	Cathy reddened and said, "I'm sorry, Bob.  I guess I'll have to look like a witch if this tape ever runs.  It's too late to do anything about it now, I guess."
	Shaking his head, he started to laugh and said, "Cathy Collins, you're too much!  'A witch,' she says."  Looking across to where Jane Janis had been listening to the interview intently he asked, "Jane, you're a pro.  What do you think?  Do you think Cathy will look like a witch on the air?"
	Jane laughed and said, "Bob, I've been trying to hide.  She's the most beautiful woman I have seen in years.  And in spite of her charm, I'm trying very hard to hate her guts.  It's not fair!  Costas, I have to get up and go to work on my face for at least three hours before air time to try to look respectable.  This... This thing washes her face and is ready to go!  It's... It's a disgrace!"
	Cathy laughed and said, "That's not true, Jane.  I use makeup and so does Cindy Martin.  I have two bobby pins in my hair.  Honest!"
	Jane grinned, then stuck out her tongue and said, "That does it!  I hate you!"  Then she shook her head sadly and continued, "Collins, damn it, you're a disgrace to women everywhere.  Bob was too nice to focus on a little bit of tape the technicians really had fun with.  I don't know if you remember when, on the play following your 'miraculous reception,' Ken Bradley just took you in his arms?  Our people sure do!  They made it a two-shot, and Collins, you're a disgrace.  There you stand in the pouring rain after sliding in the mud.  What do we see?  We see a woman with so damned much natural beauty that it's got to be illegal!  Water is streaming from your hair, your shirt looks like a coat of paint, and Ken Bradley carefully pushes a lock of hair off your face and burns you with a kiss.  Damn you!  If that had been me, first, my face would have run off in the rain after the first few drops.  Then my hair would have taken its natural course: it would hang in strings; and my body — well, we'll just forget about that!  Collins, I hate you!"
	Cathy had been looking at Jane with a completely impassive expression on her face.  Finally, with a studied look of hurt she said sadly, "Gee, Jane, I like you."  Then she began to giggle and then to laugh out loud.  She took Jane in her arms and gave her a warm kiss.  As she did, she didn't notice that the cameras were still rolling.
	Then Jane grinned, shook her head, and offered refreshments.  As she did, she noticed Cathy's ring and called Bob over.  He looked at it and asked, "Is that new?  The way you play with it, it doesn't appear that you're used to wearing it yet."  Cathy smiled warmly and told them Ken had given it to her the previous night.  Costas smiled and said, "I know that at a wedding reception a guy gets to kiss the bride.  Do I get to kiss the fiancée, too, as long as the engagement is official?  With the size of the diamond in that ring, it has to be official as hell."
	Cathy grinned and gave him a kiss.  Then she said, "If Ken asks, I'll tell him it was insurance so you'll try your best to keep me from looking like a witch if any of this material ever airs.  Incidentally, could we ever get a copy of the game tape?  It really is interesting."
	"One of the most interesting things, Cathy, is that Ken played it perfectly — absolutely perfectly.  He couldn't have done better.  No one could.  We honestly can't figure out how he was able to catch up to the ball, but when he tipped it with his fingers, it was all over — or should have been.  Young lady, everyone who has seen the tape has the same impression: Like a cat, you changed direction in midair and did it in about one-tenth of a second.  Lady, your children will have reflexes the likes of which the world has never seen!"  He extended his hand and Cathy gripped it firmly.  Jane then accompanied her back to the hotel.
* * *
	The Super Bowl game — which Mike Ditka said would be an anticlimax — was.  It began on the opening kickoff when a Bears backup defensive back hit the Raider kick returner's arms forcing a fumble.  Another Bear caught the fumbled football in the air and ran it in for a touchdown.
	Mike Cassidy had his best day as a pro.  He completed 24 of 28 passes for over 400 yards.  Ken Bradley and Kevin Cavanaugh caught three touchdown passes each, while Ron Jackson intercepted four Raiders passes, returning one of them 65 yards for a touchdown.
	By the time the game was over, it had become an utter rout.  The Bears beat the Raiders even more decisively than they had beaten the New England Patriots years earlier.  With a total of seven turnovers against none for the Bears, the game was a Los Angeles disaster.
	Cathy began the game in the Bears' box, chewing her fingernail.  She began to relax with the Bears' first quick score.  By the end of the first half, the issue wasn't in doubt, so the four girls used their sideline passes for the second half.  Cathy thought it was neat to sit beside Ken on the bench during the short periods the defense was on the field.  He looked so huge with his shoulder pads and so menacing with the blacking under his eyes.  Ken winked at her and said, "Now these are tough playing conditions, not like that wonderful situation yesterday.  I do believe the air conditioning might even be allowing the temperature to rise a degree or two."  Cathy winked, laughed and squeezed his hand.
	When the offensive unit was on the field — which was most of the afternoon — April sat with Ron's arm around her trying to snuggle as best she could in spite of his shoulder pads.  Once, she backed off and whacked his pads a couple of times with her hand.  Of course, all it accomplished was to hurt her hand.  She made a cute face as she shook her hand while Cathy asked her what she was doing.  "Isn't it obvious?  I'm trying to soften my pillow but it didn't work!"
	Finally the game — or more accurately, the slaughter — ended.  Cathy was standing beside Ken when the final gun sounded.  The Bears had won by the shocking score of 63–0, the worst blowout in the history of the Super Bowl and one of the most one-sided games in NFL history.  Ken took Cathy in his arms and gave her a very warm kiss.  When he released her she pounded on the front of his pads with her fist and grinned up at him saying, "Damned armor!"  Ken jogged towards the dressing room while Cathy met the other girls and went back to the McCaskey box.  They had made arrangements with the men to meet at Antoine's Restaurant for the Bears' victory party later.
Chapter 43
	Evangeline Collins was unhappy.  Ed Bradley had insisted on going to a Super Bowl party that afternoon and she had been unable to dissuade him.  Vangie paid less than no attention to football or football games but Ed had said something about a special interest in this one.  The party was at a friend's duplex apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  Fortunately, Vangie found that most of the other women there shared her total lack of interest in the game so they were talking about the latest around-town gossip and decrying the state of the Broadway theater when she heard her name called.
	Carrying her drink, she found herself in front of a television set with a woman with whom she had a nodding acquaintance, Carrie Smith.  Carrie asked, "Vangie, don't you have a daughter named Catherine?"
	Vangie shook her head and said, "I used to.  Why do you ask?"
	Pointing to the television screen Carrie asked, "Is that her?"
	Vangie looked and almost dropped her drink.  She didn't recognize Bob Costas, of course, but there was Cathy on national television.  At a glance she thought how beautiful Cathy looked in the green and tan.  Her eye even caught the gold collar around her daughter's neck.  She screamed and Ed Bradley came running.  The group in front of the television set quieted down, realizing that a member of their group had a personal interest in the show.  She whispered, "Ed, that's my daughter, Cathy!"
	As they watched, Costas played the tape of the play in which Cathy had caught the ball off Ken's fingers, flopped on her face, and raced in for a touchdown.  Vangie was appalled at Cathy's appearance.  "My God," she murmured, "she's not wearing any clothes, she's barefoot and it's pouring down rain.  Ed, look at that awful mud!"
	Edgar Bradley didn't respond.  When she turned to look at him she found his jaw had dropped and he was shaking his head.  Finally he was able to speak and said, "Vangie, that's my son, Ken!  He's with your daughter."  The surprises weren't over.  The next shot on the screen, Costas said, were taken the next time the two teams lined up at scrimmage.  They saw Ken step across the line and take Cathy in his arms.  What they didn't know was this was one of the shots that the NBC technicians had worked on, creating a close-up of the young couple.  They watched as Ken tenderly moved a sodden lock of hair off her face and kissed her.  Vangie didn't know how to react.  With the shirt plastered to her body, it was apparent that Cathy was molding her body to Ken's and was returning his kiss with increasing passion.
	The room was completely quiet now as the people were absorbed in the action on the TV screen.  Then they heard Ken ask Cathy to do him a favor: to promise to teach their little boys how to play football.  They also heard him comment, "Who ever heard of a group of girls with hair soaking wet and not seeming to care?"  They showed him move back and look down at Cathy's body.  Fortunately, because of the Network's Program Practices group — otherwise known as the network censors — they omitted Ken's comment about Cathy's beautiful tits.  The next shot showed all of the men with their women in their arms.  Costas commented that this had to be a football first: a break in the action for a little necking between the opposing teams.  Then he went on to describe the quality of play.
	While he was talking, Ed Bradley had gone to a telephone leaving Evangeline Collins alone.  Vangie didn't know what to do or how to react — she was in a state of complete shock.  Before she realized he had left her side, he returned.  Taking her hands in his he said, "Vangie, will you come with me to New Orleans?  Right now?  I was just on the phone to Executive Aviation.  They'll have a Lear Jet ready to go from Teterboro in sixty minutes.  We can be in New Orleans before the game is over.  Will you come?"  He shook his head and smiled weakly saying, "Can you believe this?  We've been trying to get our two children to meet but couldn't do it.  Obviously, they did it by themselves.  I think the trip could be fun, and it looks like my son may even end up with a Super Bowl ring."
	Vangie didn't know what a Super Bowl ring was, either, but it sounded good.  She was still so stunned that all she could do was nod her head.  Just over an hour later they were airborne.  Vangie even watched the first few minutes of the game on the plane's TV set, but then went to sleep.  It was too one-sided to sustain her interest.  Unfortunately, she missed even more coverage of her daughter and her friends as the network tried to maintain interest in a game that had ceased to be a contest while still in the first quarter of play.
* * *
	When Cathy and Kelly arrived at Antoine's, they were surprised at the looks they received from the people waiting in line outside for admittance to New Orleans' most famous restaurant.  Since the Bears had a private room reserved they were walking by the line towards the entrance when a girl called out, "Miss Collins?"
	Cathy stopped and saw a young woman who appeared to be of college age — about twenty.  She smiled and said, "I'm Cathy Collins."  Then she appeared puzzled as she looked at the girl and said, "I'm sorry, but your face isn't familiar.  Do I know you?"
	The girl was about five feet three and very cute.  She was with a tall young man who was standing behind her and was obviously so embarrassed he wanted to fade into the woodwork.  She said, "No, ma'am, you don't.  I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed watching you on television today humiliating those big men!"
	Cathy and Kelly exchanged looks and rolled their eyes.  Kelly muttered, "Uh, oh!"
	Cathy just shook her head and said, "What, exactly did you see?  I was at the game so I haven't seen any television today."  The girl quickly told about Bob Costas' pre-game show and the films of the girls beating the men in the mud and rain the day before.  She finished by saying, "Boy, you sure showed them!"
	"I'm sorry you got that impression," Cathy said quietly.  "You see, nothing could be further from the truth."  As she was speaking, it was apparent from the way the people crowded around that she had been recognized by a great many of the people, but the overwhelming majority didn't feel they should impose.  Now that the girls had stopped to talk, they felt it was all right to crowd around to listen.  Cathy swallowed hard and asked, "What's your name?"
	"It's Phyllis Crowley, Miss Collins," she replied, extending her hand.
	Cathy took her hand and noticed she had a rather limp grip.  Then she said, "Phyllis, why do you suppose we played the game?"
	The girl was taken obviously taken aback by the question.  She shook her head and replied, "I don't know.  To show them up, I suppose."
	Cathy shook her head and said, "Phyllis, we did it to have some fun with our men.  Maybe there was a little more to it than that, though.  You see, we're all engaged to professional football players.  I guess it's always bothered me that too many women — including wives and sweethearts of players — don't know a damned thing about the game."  Cathy grimaced and continued, "Me, show up Ken Bradley?  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I guess I wanted to show him that first, his bride knew something about the game and could even catch a football, and second, that his children wouldn't be cowards or quitters."  Her smile was incredibly warm and beautiful as she added, "You see, that's what I really want.  I want to carry Ken's children, give birth to them, nurse them and nurture them.  That's absolutely all I want.  Do you believe that?"
	The girl was looking at Cathy aghast, "But... but you can't be serious!  You're teasing me, aren't you?"
	Cathy looked at Kelly and shrugged saying, "Do you want to try?"
	Kelly winked and said, "Phyllis, do you recognize me?  Since I was playing in the game, too, I may have appeared on television.  Did I?"
	Again the girl's eyes widened and then she smiled broadly.  "You sure did," she said.  "You were covering that huge guy, Kevin something, and giving him fits!"  Then she looked puzzled and asked, "But why did you stop in the middle?"
	Since neither of the girls had seen the films, they didn't know what she was talking about.  Phyllis said, "You know!  When one of the guys stopped the game and kissed Cathy.  Why did you stop?"
	"Oh, boy!  Phyllis, I think we have a major comprehension problem with you.  Let me just say that anytime Kevin Cavanaugh wants to kiss me, I'll stop whatever I'm doing to let him.  There's nothing I like better than being in his arms.  As far as yesterday was concerned, it was cold, it was pouring down rain and I was miserable.  Then he took me in his arms and everything was fine again."  She looked at her watch, smiled and said, "Speaking of which, he's waiting for me now, so if you'll excuse us..."  The girls made their way through the crowd to the entrance and were then directed to the private room where the Bears were having their party.  As they threaded their way through the crowd, Kelly asked, "Do you think we made an impression?"
	Shaking her head sadly, Cathy replied, "Kel, I'm afraid that poor girl didn't have the first clue what we were talking about!"  Kelly just rolled her eyes and nodded her head in agreement.
	When they entered the Bears' private dining room, the first thing they saw was a television set mounted up high in the corner tuned to NBC's post-game show.  All the Bears and their guests were silent with their eyes glued to the TV.  Bob Costas was talking about the film he had shown in the pre-game show and said that it had set new records for viewer interest.  As a result of phone calls to local affiliates around the country and to the network itself, they were going to replay the piece.  This is what the people were watching as the tape started to roll.
	Cathy turned bright red when she realized that she was seeing the interview she did with Costas that morning.  She almost couldn't bear to look.  She was watching out of the corner of her eye when Ken made his way through the crowd to her side and gave her a warm and vibrant kiss.  He grinned and said, "My fiancée is nationally famous.  Darling, you look exquisite!"  She felt much better with Ken standing behind her with his arms around her, holding her tight.  They saw the film of the catch in slow motion with Costas, supported by experts, saying that Ken's defense was perfect — it just wasn't perfect enough.  Then they saw the ultra-slow-motion replay of her looking the ball into her hands and the subsequent touchdown.
	Following was some footage Costas had not shown her.  There was slow-motion tape of her punt and her extra point.  A kicking coach used the ultra-slow speed to point out the muscle development in her legs and the perfect timing and form of her kicking.  He even noted that her eyes were on the ball at all times.  Finally, they ran it in real time against other tape of professional kickers showing that she got the ball away even faster than they did.  She wriggled happily in Ken's arms when he kissed her ear and squeezed her tight.
	Costas then played a piece from their interview when he had asked her why she played.  Not only did Cathy look beautiful, but she was beaming with happiness as she told about her love for Ken Bradley and how she was playing to show him she understood what he was doing and the risks he was running.  The tape ended and Costas was live on-camera.  He said, "That was perhaps the most enjoyable interview it has ever been my good fortune to do.  Ladies and gentlemen, I can't tell you how much I respect Catherine Collins.  I hope you could see what a true lady she is.  Moreover, she's a lady who is desperately in love with her man.  I guess I have to say that it makes Ken Bradley one of the luckiest men on the face of the earth.
	"I said one of the luckiest.  Also in the running for the honor are Mike Cassidy, Kevin Cavanaugh and Ron Jackson.  Let's take a look at Mike."  He showed films of Mike early in the season.  When under any kind of defensive pressure, he had nervous feet — that is, he danced around in a way that made it very hard to throw with any accuracy.  A coach pointed out other technical problems in his passing motion, including the hitch that was in his passing motion.  Then Costas showed tape from the day before focused on Susan Bradford.  This time the same coach stressed how she always looked straight down the field but was aware of what was happening on the entire field.  In a series of slow-motion pictures he analyzed Susan's motion — it was straight from a textbook.  Then he said, "Thankfully, Miss Bradford was not wearing equipment.  With the rain causing her shirt to stick to her, you can see her muscles at work.  She develops incredible power but with great smoothness of motion.
	Then they went to film from the Super Bowl.  In a series of supers, it was easy to see how Mike's passing motion was now so much like Susan's and so much better than his own of just a few months earlier.  Costas pointed out that not only was Susan Mike's fiancée, she was also his agent.  He ended by saying, "I guess some agents will do almost anything to increase the money they get their percentage from."  The Bears standing around the set howled with laughter.  Then Costas asked rhetorically, "I wonder if she gets a percentage of the Corvette he's receiving as the Super Bowl MVP?"
	Before anyone could say anything, Cathy heard Susan exclaim, "Percentage, hell!  I'm getting the whole damned car!"
	There was similar film of Kelly's receiving and pass defense, then Kevin's and Ron's.  Then there was a mini-feature on April, including her work at the bank, and her work as a players agent.  Finally it showed her racing down the field in world-class time.  Costas closed off the portion of the show by saying, "There you have it, folks.  What do you think?  Who deserves the Bowl?  The Chicago Bears or those four girls?  Aren't they something?  And aren't those guys lucky!"
	The show went back to a recap of the game and the people lost interest.  Mike Ditka had seen Cathy come in and pushed his way to her.  He took her in his arms and gave her a big kiss, then said, "Cathy, thank you!  Mr. McCaskey is getting a copy of that entire tape.  He wants to show your segment to all the wives and girlfriends of our players.  All I can say is, what did Ken Bradley do to get so lucky?  He's indeed a very fortunate young man to win you."
	Cathy kissed Ditka and then retreated to Ken's arms.  He just held her close and listened to the wonderful sounds she made while he held her tight.
Chapter 44
	After a little discussion, Cathy and Ken decided to leave the Bears' party and have dinner alone.  It turned out that they were both now famous in New Orleans and Antoine's management was happy to oblige them with a table in spite of the Super Bowl crowd.  They were quietly enjoying a pre-dinner drink when Cindy and Dan appeared and asked to join them.  Cindy made a remark to Ken with a wink about the uppity slaves she had to put up with these days.  After they ordered drinks Cindy just looked at Cathy and sadly shook her head saying, "Now what are we going to do with you, Slave Cathy?"
	"Me?" Cathy replied in a little-girl voice, "What did I do now, Mistress?"
	Ignoring Cathy's reply Cindy addressed her response to Dan and said, "Do you suppose I could borrow Jan's strong right arm?  She trained me right!  She started me with over twenty lashes before I had been there for ten minutes, and I guess we got up to about fifty or so within the first thirty-six hours.  Darling, that must be the way to get along with slaves.  What do you think?"
	"I think we should leave it up to Ken," Dan replied.  "Ken, Cindy is talking about teaching a slave about good order and discipline.  Imagine how you would feel if one day you turn on the television set and you see your own slave, bold as brass, being interviewed.  And she didn't even ask permission.  Ken, unless you want her to run your life, you need to establish the need for obedience very quickly.  There are other advantages, though.  For example, wouldn't you like to have a non-slip surface on Slave Cathy's buttocks?  I suspect she's going to be exactly like Cindy.  When you make love with these girls they just can't seem to take it.  They completely come apart.  You should see Cindy!  Her hair is soaking wet, her head flops from side to side and her pelvis is moving totally out of control.  Her own words are that she ends up looking like a rag doll that's been left outside in the pouring rain.  We could take care of the surface of her ass, if you want, so you could have something to get a better grip on."
	Ken just leaned over and melted his lips against Cathy's.  They held the kiss and Cathy's eyes flashed with laughter as she heard Cindy drumming her fingertips on the table.  Finally, she eased away, took a deep breath, looked at Cindy with her eyes dancing and said, "Does my dear mistress desire something?  Or is age beginning to catch up with her?  My mistress seems to be starting to twitch or something."
	Cindy dropped her pose.  Reaching across the table, she took Cathy's hands in hers and said, "Darling, you were absolutely terrific!  I just saw your TV interview with Bob Costas.  He claimed it was the best he has ever done in his entire professional career.  Honey, he means it.  Incidentally, I talked to Dad after the game."  She grinned and shook her head, murmuring, "Parents!"  Then she said, "Now he can't even get out of Mary's bed long enough to come down here!  Can you believe it?  They've been married for months and they're still imitating bunnies!  Anyway, he said that because he was home, he received at least ten calls from the top customers of the bank telling him how lucky he is to have such marvelous people."  Now Cindy shook her head sadly and said, "I'm afraid I can't whip you, even if it is for you own good!  Dad would kill me!"
	They continued to talk about the game and the TV show while they waited for the waiter to bring their first course.  Just then the headwaiter showed a man to their table.  Because he was approaching from behind, Ken couldn't see him.  Cathy, sitting across from Ken, looked up and saw him.  She realized immediately that he looked like a very distinguished, older version of Ken.  He winked at her and then smiled broadly.
	Jumping to her feet, she ran around the table and said, "Father Bradley?"  His smile turned into a grin and he held out his arms.  Cathy hugged him and gave him a very warm kiss that ended suddenly when she gasped in pain.  Ed Bradley had inadvertently squeezed her cracked rib.
	He was shocked to see her face whiten with pain as she put a hand down on the tabletop for support.  Grave concern was showing on his face as he helped her back to her seat.  When she sat down, she held onto the table edge with both hands and then took several shallow breaths to keep from further irritating the rib.  Edgar noticed that tears of pain had appeared in her eyes and were flowing down her face in spite of her attempt to smile.  Meanwhile, Ken had jumped from his seat with an expression of utter shock on his face.  Finally he gasped, "Dad!  What are you doing down here?"
	The senior Bradley just shook his head and said, "It appears that I'm killing my future daughter-in-law!  That's hardly what I had in mind, though."  He looked at Cathy and saw she was now able to smile and did.  She took a couple of deeper breaths and then said woefully, "Father Bradley, I'm very sorry.  I... I guess I forgot."
	"Forgot what, Daughter?" he asked kindly.
	"I cracked a rib yesterday," she replied.  "The pain had receded to an ache like a bad toothache so I had just tuned it out.  I forgot it's still pretty sensitive if its touched, though."
	"Cracked a rib?  When?  How?" he exclaimed.
	"I kicked her in the game we played yesterday," Ken replied.  "You may have even seen it on television."
	Edgar Bradley nodded quickly and asked, "Was that the play in the second half where she threw a block on your ankles, putting you on your face and springing her friend for the long touchdown run?"  Ken said it was.  "Do you mean to tell me that she played the rest of the game with a cracked rib!?  She didn't even call a timeout.  How could she possibly play?"
	"Dad," Ken replied, "It's Cathy.  She will not be a quitter... under any circumstances.  If she can still stand up, she'll keep going.  You heard her a moment ago: The pain receded to an ache like a toothache?  Who in hell can do anything effectively with a toothache.  I'll be honest: I forgot it had happened.  She moves so naturally and never lets on.  The fact is that she has been in constant pain.  She never even saw a doctor for it.  Our coach, Mike Ditka, asked her about it after the game.  He's had a cracked rib, too, and just can't understand it.  All I can say is the Cathy must have a remarkably high pain tolerance."  Then the senior Bradley went to his knees next to Cathy.  This time he made no move to hold her but rather just leaned towards her and kissed her softly full on the lips.
	When he pulled away, Cathy was beaming with pleasure.  "Father Bradley, you have made my day!  When I looked up and saw you standing behind Ken, I was looking at Ken thirty years from now.  You look so very handsome and distinguished!"  Edgar Bradley was a very trim six feet two with sandy hair now showing some gray at the temples.
	"That's what I think, too, Darling," Vangie Collins said from behind her daughter's back.  "That's one reason why I'm marrying him."
	Hearing the voice, Cathy jumped to her feet and spun around with her eyes wide.  "Mother!" she exclaimed.  "What are you doing here?"
	Vangie took her daughter in her arms and just held her tightly.  She was careful to hold her by the shoulders having just cringed seeing the terrible pain Cathy must have suffered.  Then she eased away and just looked at her.  As she did, she slowly shook her head and said, "Cathy Collins, you look good enough to eat!  I have never seen you look so good.  Of course..."  She stopped and then began to look sorrowful.
	"What's wrong, Mother?" Cathy asked sensing her mother's concern.
	"Darling, you're so tanned.  Of course you look like a golden goddess but pale is in this year.  Then your makeup..."
	Cathy instantly realized that this was something new.  Her mother actually seemed to be teasing her!  Now looking at her mother skeptically, she said, "Make-up?"
	"Yes, dear.  Bright eye shadow is in.  Black eyebrows.  Rouge spots on both cheeks...  And your figure:  My God!  You're allowing your breasts to show.  Flat is in, too."  She held her forefinger under her mouth looking thoughtful and then just shook her head and said, "Well, maybe a good dress designer could do something.  We could always bind your breasts, I guess, but Darling, yours appear to be very firm."  While she was teasing Cathy she was studying her closely.  Changing tacks, she said, "Catherine, you're wearing no makeup at all, are you?"
	"I am, too, Mother.  I really am!"  Removing one of the bobby-pins from her hair she held it out and said, "See!  Here's half of it."
	Vangie just shook her head, looked at Ed and asked, "Ed, could we get a couple of chairs and a drink?  I need to sit down to recover from this shock."  He motioned to the waiter while Vangie studied her daughter again.  Finally she said, "Let's see.  That must be one of two.  Is it?" Cathy nodded and smiled brightly.  Vangie said, "Oh, well, here's where millions more women begin to hate you, Catherine Collins.  And it serves you right!"  Smiling wryly, she continued, "I'll bet that putting on makeup for you consists of brushing your teeth and washing your face — with soap and water, yet!"
	"That's not true, Mother," Cathy protested.  "I take a shower, too."  Suddenly Cathy's jaw dropped as she realized what must have happened.  The primary reason for her rift with her mother was over her mother's insistence that she meet a certain boy.  Although Ken hadn't said much, she thought the same thing might be true with him, too.  The six were now all seated around the table and Cathy exclaimed, "Do you mean that Ken is..."
	"...the guy you've been avoiding for years?  Of course!  The man who caused you to walk out and not speak to me for nearly two years?  That, too," Vangie replied softly.
	Suddenly, Cathy broke down in tears and went to her mother's arms.  Vangie just held her and could feel her own tears rolling down her face.  Then Cathy looked at her with her love shining from her eyes and said, "Mom, I was a twenty-four-carat bitch!  I'm so sorry!  God, have I missed you!  I didn't realize how much until just now."
	Vangie shook her head and said, "No, Darling, it wasn't you.  It was me.  You were right and I was wrong.  All I could talk about was how advantageous a marriage to this young man would be... in economic terms.  I never talked about Ken because I really didn't know anything about him.  All I knew was his father's net worth, for God's sake!"  She looked at Ken carefully and nodded.  She asked diffidently, "Cathy, do you... do you want... children?"
	"Oh, God, Mom!  If it works out the way I hope, I'll be in maternity clothes exclusively for the next ten years, anyway!"  Suddenly, her face showed concern and she asked, "Does that bother you?"
	Her mother quickly shook her head and said, "Darling, a few years ago...  Shit!  Just a couple of months ago it would have.  I would have said any or all of the following:  You're much too young to be a mother, and/or, it will ruin your girlish figure, and/or, it will hurt your career, and/or 'Dahling, it just isn't done in this day and age,' and/or, 'Are you aware of the population explosion?' Pick one or more.  Now, darling Cathy, nothing could make me happier.  Children of your marriage to Kenneth Bradley will be very special people!"  Tears came to her eyes as she added, "God, I can hardly wait!  Imagine, being a grandmother and being able to spoil them all rotten!"  She smiled warmly at Cathy and continued: "I've learned a lot about you and Ken Bradley in just the last few hours."
	Then she told how they had seen the TV interview and how Ed had chartered a plane to bring them to New Orleans.  It was only then that she learned Ken was a professional football player, as well as learning of his academic background from an announcer's comment.  She rose and went to Ken.  He rose to his feet not knowing quite what to expect.  Vangie took him in her arms and kissed him softly.  Ken's eye's widened at the very warm kiss she gave him, but he recovered and kissed her thoroughly.  When he released her, her head was spinning.  She murmured, "Wow!"  Then she looked at Ed and said, "Darling, why didn't you tell me what a gorgeous man your son was?  Hell, I would have married him!"
	Ed Bradley just shook his head sadly and said, "I didn't tell you, Vangie, because I didn't know it myself.  Do you realize what a remarkable job these two young people have made with their lives... in spite of us?"
	Meanwhile, Ken was still standing.  Now he said, "Mother, I think it's about time I introduced you to our dear friends, Cynthia Martin and Daniel Burke.  Dan is executive vice president of Chicago Trust Company while Cindy is a senior vice president and is also Cathy's boss... and, I guess, her owner.  Cindy, as you undoubtedly gathered, this is my father, Edgar Bradley, and Cathy's mother, Mrs. Collins."
	Ed shook hands with Dan as did the woman who said, "The name is Vangie as you may have heard from Ed.  It's short for Evangeline.  Cindy Martin, I'm delighted to meet you."  She looked puzzled and said, "I could have sworn I heard Ken say something about you being Cathy's owner.  What does that mean?"
	Before anyone else could speak, Cathy said brightly, "It's very simple, Mother.  I'm Cynthia Martin's house slave.  I cook, clean, serve and perform other functions around the house."
	"You're her what!?" Vangie exclaimed.  "Did I hear you say, 'slave'?  I thought that was the word I heard before but I was sure it must have been something else."
	"You heard right, Mother," Cathy replied with a grin.  "It's been very good for me and Cindy is a very thoughtful mistress.  She hasn't even whipped me at all, yet.  On the other hand, now I'm a good cook, a good housekeeper, and I think I now know a great deal about making a man happy."  Her face turned serious as she added, "Because we want a large family I won't be able to work.  If I expect Ken to support me, I need to bring something to the party.  My job, as I see it, is to try to make his life as easy as possible."
	Vangie just shook her head, not fully comprehending what her daughter had just said.  Then looking back at Cindy, there was a sudden look of recognition on her face as she said, "The announcer mentioned you, I think.  Something about twins?"
	Again Cathy answered.  "Mom, Cindy is one of the two best-known and best-loved women in Chicago," she said.  "With our deputy head, April Jefferson, they are the 'twins who aren't.' If there's anyone around who knows who originated the term I haven't met them yet, but it's a term that's been around for months.  When you see the two together, you'll see it's an obvious name for them.  You see, Cindy and April are the same height and have virtually identical figures.  Of course, April is a Black girl, but, in fact, she has the most delicious-looking mocha-brown skin I have ever seen.  She also has the bearing, poise and manners of a queen.  Anyway, the two of them have been lending money to a great many small-business people in Chicago.  The word on the street is that if you're working hard, striving to get ahead, but need money to grow and prosper — regardless of who you are or where you came from — the twins will find you and help you."
	Tears had begun to stream from her eyes as she continued, "It's true, too.  One of the first loans April ever made was to three Black ex-convicts running an auto repair establishment.  Believe it or not, the bank is running their pension plan for them now.  Incidentally, she was originally hired by the bank as a receptionist.  I've been told that she made the loan after only two days of Cindy's coaching.  Moving her into lending was Janice Stewart's idea, but Cindy was the person who made it work.
	"We also have a Korean grocer.  Now he's looking for an education loan to help with college for his daughter.  The girl is as smart as a whip.  She met April, who, like her, is a product of the Chicago schools.  Now she's made up her mind to go on to college and then get a job in our bank... in Cindy's lending unit.  She claims April Jefferson is her inspiration.  Then we have a French restaurant operator — they've paid off their five-year term loan in five months, by the way — a Polish machinist, a Black furniture dealer..."  She smiled through her tears and pointed to her slave collar and said, "I'm a member of an ultra-select group, now.  I'm one of Cindy's Slaves.  We get these gold collars to wear.  Incidentally, Mom, it's eighteen-carat gold and must weigh over half a pound.  To show you how and why it's so special, the first time I met Ken we were walking home and were stopped by two holdup men wearing ski masks.  When one of them saw my collar, that was the end of the holdup."  Looking up she asked Ken, "Darling, do you remember?"
	"I sure do," he replied.  "The guy apologized and said it was all a terrible mistake.  Cathy and I are nearly certain that they escorted us the rest of the way home.  No one in his right mind touches one of Cindy's girls!  Not unless they're tired of living, of course.  Cathy herself made her first loan to an Irishman, J.J. Murphy.  She's a member of his family now.  I think J.J. thinks she's his daughter or something.  All I know is he couldn't take better care of her if she were."
	He looked at his father and his voice dropped.  "Dad," he said, "I'm talking with Dan and Cindy about joining the bank in that program.  It's the only financial program I have ever seen that's really having a positive impact in the community.  By the way, there's something else you should know.  To cover the program against the bank examiners, the owners of the bank have covered the entire portfolio of loans with personal takeout guarantees.  What it means is that if a loan is classified, the owners will buy it from the bank at its face amount and then pay the bank a fee to continue to service it.  Have you ever heard of such a deal?"
	Ed Bradley shrugged and said, "Ken, guarantees are fine but what are they worth if push comes to shove and they have to actually make good?  Where's the money going to come from to cover a default?  I'll admit it does sound good, though."
	"In this case, Dad, the guarantees are worth a great deal," Ken replied.  "You didn't ask but the owners of the bank have a combined personal net worth of about $10 billion!  That's with a B!"  Now he grinned and said, "You know your way around the Forbes list pretty well.  You've heard of Bill Clifford?  Dave Chapman?  The Cartwright brothers?  They're the owners.  But there's more: April's mother is the richest woman in Chicago.  She wants a piece of the action at the bank but they won't cut her in.  On the other hand, she sort of got even by putting up $250 million for about half the public equity in the renovation of a steel mill.  Bill Cartwright personally put up the rest.
	"Have you heard of Bill Cartwright?  I think you should know about some of the people that Cynthia Martin has attracted to her unit.  Bill received the Medal of Honor a few months ago.  He had been tortured by the Vietnamese for fourteen years!  They couldn't break him in spite of the most brutal, sustained torturing imaginable.  His wife, Kathy, is Eurasian.  She met him and helped him in prison when she was ten years old!  They're married now, and Kathy is a vice president in her unit.  She has analytical and language skills that are truly unbelievable."  Tears had appeared at the corners of his eyes as he said, "Dad, when people like that are attracted to a person, it says one hell of a lot about the person.  They could spot a phony fifty miles away!
	"Then there's Kelly McBride, another vice president and Cathy's boss.  Kelly put the steel-mill deal together using her knowledge of steel-making, would you believe?  Kelly is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Notre Dame who majored in philosophy and English.  Of course she's marrying Kevin Cavanaugh who is the starting tight end on the Bears and my best friend on the team.  Kevin is an almost-Ph.D.  metallurgist and one of the world's foremost authorities on electric steel-making."  Ken grinned and added, "Kelly claims to be marrying him to keep her eye on him.  He's the one indispensable member of the new steel plant's management team.  Of course, Cindy claimed that Kelly was taking customer service a little farther than was absolutely necessary."
	He sat back and said, "Dad, that's the Special Lending Division.  It was only started after the 4th of July last year with just Cindy alone.  Now there are over sixty people in the division with a loan portfolio, not counting the steel mill, of over $75 million.  It doesn't sound like much until you remember that almost all the loans are for only a few thousand dollars each.  It takes a lot of loans of that size to reach $75 million!"  He held his head up and said, "These people are doing something wonderful and I want to be a part of it."  As if remembering something, he added quickly, "By the way, this is not a charity operation!  The Division produced about 90 percent of the Bank's profit for last year.  They are really doing well by doing good.  What do you think?"
	Edgar Bradley was shaking his head.  Finally he said, "Do you mean to say that William H. Clifford has something to do with this?  My God!  That man is unbelievable.  Everything he touches turns to money.  And he's personally involved?"
	Cindy grinned and said, "That's mostly right.  However, Bill says it's his wife, Ali, who makes all the money for them.  They're Dan's adoptive parents, by the way.  And I guess I own a piece of the bank, now, too."
	Now Bradley's jaw did drop.  He looked at Dan and said, "You mean to say you're related to... to William Clifford?  William H. Clifford?"
	"He prefers me to call him Dad, but yes."  He looked at Cindy and said, "Honey, you'll have to help me with the relationships.  Let's see: Dad's daughter — my sister, Jennifer — is married to Steve Chapman who is Dave and Judy Chapman's only child.  The senior Chapmans along with Steve and Jennifer each own a piece of the bank.  Another piece is owned by Janice and Peter Stewart.  Jan is another sister and Cindy's owner until she gave her her freedom a month ago.  Cindy was her personal slave, believe it or not, in the same way that Cathy insists she's now Cindy's.  We'll be living next door to Jan and Pete when we get our new house finished.  Then Bill and Chip Cartwright are both married to my sisters: Bill to Kathy and Chip to Connie.  I guess Mom and Dad like to keep it in the family."  He looked at Cindy and asked, "Did I get it mostly right?"  She just vigorously nodded her head and kissed him.  Then he looked at Cathy and Ken and said, "Do we still have to pay for your wedding?  After all, Cindy and I are the poor ones.  Hell, just about six months ago I walked all the way out to the Stewarts because I didn't have enough money for flowers for Cindy and cab fare, too."
	Suddenly recognition dawned on Ken and Cathy at the same time.  Each pointed to the other and they said in unison, "You're rich!"  Then while the two young people looked dumbfounded at each other, everyone else around the table began to laugh.  Finally, Vangie said, "Dan, since they are both only children, I guess the truth is they're both stinking rich!"  She grinned at the two and said, "I think it's pretty funny."  Then she turned to Cathy and said, "Darling, when will you be coming back to New York so we can plan your wedding?"
	Cathy slowly shook her head and said, "Mom, I'm not coming back.  We're getting married at a small ceremony in Chicago on Saturday."  She looked up with tears slowly rolling down her cheek and said, "Mom, we hope you and Dad can both come.  Can you?"
	Vangie looked at her daughter for a long moment.  Then she visibly brightened and said, "Darling, that's the only truly stupid thing I have ever heard you say in your entire life!  Where in hell do you think we would be?"
	"But Mom," she protested, "I know how socially active you are and how filled your calendar always is.  I was hoping you could find the time to come out, though."
	Now tears started to flow down Vangie's cheeks but she held her head up straight.  She said softly, "Cathy, I'm sorry.  That was a very painful reminder of what a bitch I've been to you!  God, I don't deserve a daughter as fine as you are, and Heaven knows I tried my damnedest to ruin you."  Now her tears were flowing and she was sobbing.  Ed Bradley tried to take her in his arms but she shook him off.  Looking at him she said, "Ed, you should know this about me.  You should know the selfish, money-grubbing bitch you asked to marry you.  I don't know how many events that were important to my daughter... my only child, mind you... that I was too busy to attend."  Ed reached in his pocket and passed her his handkerchief.  Now her mascara had run and her face was a mess, but her true beauty showed through, anyway.
	Then Ed said, "Vangie, maybe we deserve each other.  I never asked my son what he wanted to do or what he liked.  I thought that marrying your daughter would be very advantageous to the family in business terms.  I never asked about your daughter nor did you ever ask about my son.  I learned more about both of them today on television, for Christ's sake, than I knew myself.  Would you believe I didn't know my own son was elected to Phi Beta Kappa?"  He shook his head and said, "You apologize to me?  Vangie, let me tell you how bad I was.  My secretary pays my bills and mails out all the checks.  Would you believe I didn't even know Ken went to the Harvard Business School until my accountant asked me what the check to Harvard was for?  And even then I didn't know until my secretary told me!  Performance?  I didn't know he was a Baker Scholar until Bob Costas said so today on television!  How's that for being closely involved with your children?  I guess we deserve each other," he said with a wry smile.  Then he asked, "Vangie, did you know your daughter was a member of Phi Beta Kappa?  Did you have any clue how smart she was?"
	She looked at him with an expression of amazement coupled with subtle amusement on her face and said, "Know it?  Of course not!  I'm quite sure it didn't make the society pages of the Times, though, and that's the only way I might have known."  She looked at Cathy and just shook her head, saying, "Do you know, I'm not even sure I took the trouble even to read all your letters?"  Again her tears were flowing and she said, "Darling, are you sure you want me even to come to your wedding?  It's obvious that it must be in Chicago.  That's where your friends are — all your friends — isn't it?  Those no-minds in New York?  Thinking about it, either collectively or individually, they aren't worth the powder to blow them to hell!"
	The discussion became more general and the six people finally even got around to eating dinner.  It was clear to Cathy that her mother had changed — dramatically.  She still didn't have a clue what had caused the change, but for the first time she found she really liked her.  Vangie Collins was very intelligent, very well-informed and had a caustic wit, particularly when she directed it at herself.  Finally, as the evening wore on she could feel herself close to physical collapse as the events of the previous thirty-six hours — beginning with their football game and ending with her reunion with her mother — began to catch up with her.
	She asked her mother where she and Ed were staying.  Vangie looked at Ed and Ed looked embarrassed.  He said, "Oops!  I knew I forgot something!  Vangie, it isn't really too cold.  How about if we find a nice cozy bench over in Jackson Park?"
	Ken laughed and shook his head, noticing the same thing about his father that Cathy had been seeing in her mother.  He was now far more relaxed than Ken had ever seen him.  Ken knew that if the hotel situation had arisen just a few months earlier his father would have raised forty kinds of hell to get a hotel room.  Like Cathy with her mother, he had no idea what caused the change in his father, either.  He told him that his team roommate at the hotel had already gone home so he had an extra bed that he could use.  Cathy said she had a king-size bed to herself and could make room for her mother, "...provided you don't snore," she added.
	Vangie just snorted and grinned.  Cathy noticed an all-time first for her mother:  She hadn't repaired her makeup after she had been crying; rather, she had just wiped off most of the rest of it.  The fact that she hadn't used a mirror and left streaks on her face didn't seem to bother her a bit.  Cathy thought her mother looked more lovely with the remains of the smeared makeup on her face than she had ever seen her in her life.
Chapter 45
	Returning to the Royal Orleans, they went right up to the suite and Cathy showed her mother the room they would be sharing while Cindy and Dan quickly disappeared into their own room.  Her mother looked askance at Cathy as they did and she just laughed.  "Mom," she said, "Those two can't live without each other's love.  They need to make love the same way they need to breathe."  Then Cathy disappeared into the bathroom, washed her face, brushed her teeth and reappeared a few minutes later nude.
	Seeing the interest on her mother's face, Cathy just stood still with her shoulders back.  There were just beautiful curves flowing from her slender waist to her slim hips to her lovely thighs and calves.  She asked softly, "Do you want to look carefully, Mother?  I don't think you've seen me naked since I was about eight years old."  To Cathy's surprise, her mother began to cry.  "What's wrong, Mom?" she asked.  "What did I do this time?"
	Vangie just shook her head but wrapped herself into a ball on the bed and tried to muffle her sobs in the pillow.  Cathy sat down beside her on the edge of the bed and just gently stroked her hair.  There was nothing else she could think of to do.  Finally, Vangie looked up and tried to smile.  "I'm sorry, Darling," she said.  "It's most certainly not you.  It's me!  Cath, your comment cut me like a knife..."
	"Oh, Mother!" Cathy exclaimed, "Nothing could have been further from my thoughts.  I... I didn't realize how much I've missed you.  I certainly didn't want to hurt you.  I'll try not to..."
	"You'll try nothing, young lady!  If you had let me finish, I was about to say that it hurt because it was so damned true!"  Now Vangie did smile and said, "Cath, if you don't mind too much, would you please stand up again so I can get a good look at you?  I broke down before I could catch more than a glimpse."  Cathy stood up and looked at her mother with a quizzical look on her face.  Vangie got off the bed and studied her daughter carefully.  To Cathy's surprise, her mother even cradled one of her breasts and squeezed it gently, then teased its nipple into a full erection.  Vangie was utterly amazed at what she saw.  Cathy's carriage was like a queen's.  She held her head up, her back straight, and the nipples of her proud young breasts pointed upward.  Her skin was like golden satin.  What she was seeing confirmed what she had glimpsed in the television pictures:  Cathy's body was perfect!  She just shook her head and asked, "Cathy, how did you do it?  As self-centered as I was, I think even I would have noticed it if you were as beautiful a few years ago as you are now."
	Cathy smiled warmly and said, "Mom, it's two things.  First, it's the girls at work.  We work out all the time to try to get in shape and stay there.  Of course, we use the senior officers of the Division — Cindy, April, Kathy, and Kelly — as the models we try to emulate.  They are utter perfection!"  She grinned and asked, "Can you imagine?  The top brass includes two whites, a Black and an Oriental.  And they are the nicest, most beautiful people I've ever met — anywhere!  The second is Cindy.  I'm her slave and have been since New Year's.  She has really been working me!  Now I'm up to her weight and performance levels and am going to stay there.  Do you like my body, Mother?"
	"Darling," she replied softly, "you're outrageously lovely.  Incidentally, what do you do about your tan?  You have an all-over golden color that's beautiful.  Obviously it's the sun."  Then she grinned and added, shaking her head, "You have to be the only girl on the face of the earth whose pubic hair has sun streaks in it!"  Changing the subject she asked, "Could I borrow a pair of pajamas or a nightie or something for tonight?  I don't have anything — absolutely nothing at all — and it's far too late to buy anything now."
	"Mother," Cathy replied, reddening slightly, "I haven't worn anything to bed since the week I joined the bank.  That was November 1.  Frankly, I completely forgot that people use sleepwear.  I'm sleeping this way.  Do you mind sleeping with me when I'm like this?  You can wear your bra and panties to bed, if you want to."  Then she added, "There's a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb and a brush in the bathroom for you, though.  Will that help?"
	Vangie shook her head and went into the bathroom.  She came out a few minutes later and stood where Cathy had been standing.  Cathy was now in bed under the covers.  Her mother said, "Pretty bad, isn't it?"  Standing there, she again began to cry.
	Cathy slid out of the bed and then took her mother in her arms.  "What's wrong now?" she asked.  "Why the tears?"
	"Because I'm such a mess!" she cried.  "Just look at me and then look at yourself.  Cathy, my figure?  I'm fat, I have a pot, my ass is too large and flabby, and my thighs look like a...  I don't know what, but it's awful!  My skin has all the color and attraction of a dead fish!  My hair..."  With a sardonic laugh she said, "In the bathroom I looked at it and realized I don't even know what its natural color is!  Would you believe that!?  It's true.  Cath, I was looking at my pubic hair and then at the hair on my head.  Usually the pubic hair is a darker shade of the same color.  But look at me."  Unlike Cathy, Vangie had a large patch of pubic hair, much of which was gray.  She continued, "I don't know what color the hair on my head is but I don't think it's graying... yet!  Now look at you," she continued.  "I always thought that brown hair was yucky.  Tonight I looked at yours very carefully.  Darling, it's utterly exquisite!  I've never seen such life, body and vibrant color!  You're so beautiful, my darling.  By the way, how are you in bed with Ken?  Is he good?"
	"Mother," she answered hesitantly, "I don't know.  We... I... Mother," she blurted, "I'm still a virgin!"  With that Cathy blushed beet-red with embarrassment.
	This time her mother's jaw really dropped.  She said, "But Cath, you can't be...  I mean, no girl today..."  She stopped and said softly, "Honey, I give up.  I'm hopelessly lost.  Would you like to tell me about it?"
	"I would love to, Mom," she replied with a loving smile.  "But could we get in bed now?  I'm cold, and... and..."
	"And what?" Vangie asked softly.
	"Could you hold me, Mom?  In the dark?  That way you won't see it when I blush with embarrassment."  The two women slid under the covers and turned out the lights.  Vangie didn't know what to do, but she took her daughter in her arms.  She was pleased and surprised to feel Cathy snuggle as close to her as she could and hold her in her arms.  Vangie felt the wonderful sensation of her soft breasts being crushed by her daughter's firm ones, and could even feel their pubic hair intertwined.  Cathy's body smelled so sweet and fresh.
	Then she said, "Mom, I guess this is what I have always missed.  I guess it's one reason I was drawn to Chicago Trust.  You see, I went there in the first place because the word around was that it was one of only a handful of places that would hire an English major.  Then I had an interview with Kelly and it was all over!
	"Mom, it's like a huge, very funny family.  They love each other, and they all worship Cindy.  Anyway, Kelly is like an older sister to me.  And beautiful?  You talk about my hair?  You should see hers!  It's autumn russet with fiery red highlights.  Her eyes are the emerald green of Ireland.  And her body?  She's five feet ten — a very big girl — but with a body any man would kill for.  But Mom, in spite of that — or maybe because of it — I can ask her anything at all.  Usually, I get teased but I always get an answer, too.  I guess I've become a hopeless tease, also.  One thing I love about Ken is he instantly knows when I'm teasing him — which is most of the time — and when I'm being serious.  He's even more perceptive than that, though.  He always answers the real question I want answered but am usually too embarrassed even to ask."
	"Honey," her mother asked softly, "Tell me about still being a virgin.  You could have knocked me over with a feather.  I thought your generation's girls all lost their virginity at the age of ten or something.  Isn't this the age of promiscuity?"
	"I guess so, Mother, but I don't think it's right.  Do you want to know something funny?  Of the four of us playing yesterday, three are virgins.  The fourth, April, is a mother.  She has the most exquisite little two-year-old boy who has a smile like sunshine.  Nevertheless, she has had sex with only one man in her life and that's the boy's father, Ron Jackson.  They're getting married next week, too.  Can you believe it?  Four girls in their twenties who have had sexual experience with only one man among all four!  And Mom, that's not the funniest thing.  The funniest is that Kelly worked her way through school as a stripper and continued working right through last summer.  But she's not only a virgin, she had never even let a man touch her until New Year's Eve when she let Kevin explore her upper body.  No one had ever even felt her tit!" she exclaimed.  Then she added in a voice so soft Vangie almost missed it, "No one had touched me at all until this month, either."
	Cathy could feel her mother's head shake and could feel tears running down her cheek.  Carefully — remembering Cathy's rib — Vangie held her daughter tight and murmured, "Why, Cathy?  How did I get so lucky?  Darling, I grew up in a much less permissive age than you did but I blush to think of how many men and boys knew their way around Vangie Pierce's body before your father married me.  And after his death it was even worse.  Why, Cath?  Is it AIDS?  VD?...  Oops, I guess its STD now, isn't it: 'Sexually transmitted diseases' are supposed to sound much better than syphilis or clap.  Regardless of the terminology, they're the same diseases, though.  But that's not it, is it?"
	Cathy snuggled even closer and whispered, "Mom, you know about breaking in a car?  I guess I feel the same way.  I want Ken to break me in his way.  I want everything about me to be clean and fresh and new for him.  For some reason, I used to think that I was a one-man woman.  After meeting Ken, I'm certain I am."  Her voice became a little louder as she continued, "The funny thing is that people think of virginity as synonymous with prudery.  Let me tell you that Kelly, Sue, and I are the most un-prudish virgins alive.  Maybe you could see that in what we were wearing at the game yesterday."
	Then she went on to tell Vangie what happened in the shower.  Her mother was aghast.  "Do you mean to say you let Ken masturbate you to orgasm... in public!  With other people watching?"
	"Sure did.  They thought it was a great idea so they made their men do them, too.  The greatest, though, was Ken cuming all over my body.  I just spread it around with my hands and it was great.  What a waste, though!  Whenever we do it again, it's going in my mouth, my cunt or my ass, not down the drain."  She grinned in the darkness and added, "It's much too valuable to waste!"
	"Your... mouth!?" Vangie said aghast.  "Your ass!  But... But... nice girls don't...  I mean, you spread your legs, and..."  Even though it was dark, Vangie could feel Cathy's head nodding vigorously.  She said, "You mean that you... you would..."
	"Mother, wait until you see Cindy or Jan!  It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.  I was under Cindy's cunt while Dan was taking her in the ass.  It was great for me because there was nothing to hold back her love juices that were just pouring from her cunt into my mouth.  Of course, they were going all over the place, too.  My hair, my eyes...  I just spread it over my body."
	"But... But you said you're a virgin!  How could you..."
	"No man's cock has ever been in my cunt, mother.  For that matter, not in my ass, either.  I did take Dan in my mouth in a game I was playing with Cindy."  Vangie heard a teasing note in her daughter's voice as she continued, "She wouldn't let me swallow more than the first spurt, though.  So I sprayed the rest all over my body and Cindy licked it off.  It was heavenly to feel her small tongue moving all over my body!  I would have loved to take Ken in my mouth yesterday and almost did.  It almost killed me, but I made up my mind to wait for the wedding.  Mom, I'm beginning to feel pretty good about myself and my body.  Ken really loves me!  And he's an Adonis!  His cock and balls are the same size as those larger-than-life Greek statues at the Met!  He's going to kill me, but I can't wait!  I hope he rips me in half entering me.  I really do!"
	Vangie was quiet in the bed just thinking about what she had just learned.  It was clear that her daughter's behavior was in a pattern that was totally foreign to her.  Clearly, there was no cock teasing here — there was just an intense personal honesty and a tremendous love for Ken along with a desire to demonstrate that love in any way she possibly could.  Finally, Vangie gave her daughter a squeeze and said, "That's all very well for you, Daughter, but what about me?  What am I going to do?"
	Cathy was already half asleep but she whispered, "I have an idea, Mom.  We'll try it out in the morning."
Chapter 46
	Evangeline Collins was not used to getting up before noon at the earliest so she was still sound asleep when Cathy shook her at seven o'clock.  Bleary-eyed, she looked confused for a moment and then remembered where she was.  She rolled on her back, stretched luxuriantly and then winked at her daughter.  "Cathy, that was the best night I can remember spending.  You were in my arms all night long, weren't you?"
	"Did you mind, Mom?" Cathy asked.
	Tears appeared at the corners of Vangie's eyes as she said, "Yes, my darling, I did mind."  Cathy looked hurt but Vangie smiled warmly and shook her head saying, "Daughter, let me finish!  What I minded was that it's taken over twenty years for it to happen.  Would you believe, last night was the first time in your entire life I held you in my arms?  It was.  Honey, when you were a little baby, I even had a wet nurse for you."  She shook her head and continued, "Her name was Colleen Callahan.  Her husband had been killed in the Army while she was expecting their first child.  In order to support herself and her baby without a full-time job, she applied to be your wet nurse.  I remember it all, now.  I made that poor young woman strip to the waist and I handled her milk-laden breasts like she was a cow.  She just blushed and took it.  Once in a while after I hired her — when I remembered — I would call her in to inspect her tits."  Now tears were pouring from Vangie's eyes as she said, "Maybe that was it, though.  Maybe it was her milk that made you the incredibly wonderful person you are, Cath."  Vangie made up her mind to call her attorney and ask him to try to locate Colleen Callahan and give her $100,000 as a gift.  It was a very small effort to try to make amends for her callousness years before.
	Meanwhile, Cathy had made a phone call.  When the doorbell rang, she put on one of the hotel's terry robes and ran to open it.  The room-service waiter brought in a tray and set it on the coffee table while Cathy signed the check.  As she had requested, the coffee was in two thermos containers.  Turning to her mother she said, "It's time to get to work.  Let's go."  She had shrugged out of the robe and carried the tray into Cindy and Dan's room.
	As she expected — but to Vangie's surprise — Dan was making love to Cindy.  She was on her back with her ankles loosely hooked around his neck while he maintained a steady tempo driving his rock-hard cock into her gaping vagina.  She had been making happy sounds as she felt him driving into her.  Soon, they became small screams each time he reached full penetration and stimulated her so-sensitive clit.  Then Vangie saw something that was unbelievable.  With her loins pounding, Cindy achieved her orgasm, but instead of releasing his load Dan kept going.  She realized Cindy was in continuous orgasm and could see the muscles in the girl's loins continually spasm as they tried to draw the milky fluid from Dan's balls.  "What's going on?" she exclaimed.
	"What's it look like, Mom?  She's cuming.  The only thing is that they can go on like this for fifteen minutes or more."
	"But that's physiologically impossible!" Vangie protested.
	"Oh?  Just watch!" Cathy replied.
	After about fifteen minutes Vangie could see Dan's enormous weapon begin to throb as he came inside his love.  Cindy screamed, "Dan, I love you!" and lost consciousness while Dan lowered his body to hers.  When he regained his breath, he rolled off her body while Cathy, with a wink at Dan, moved between Cindy's thighs and began lovingly to lap up the mingled juices with her tongue.  When she felt Cindy begin to regain consciousness, she bit down very gently on the girl's bare clit and instantly triggered another orgasm.  This time the taste was different since it was now only Cindy's own love juices she was licking up.
	Cindy moved her thighs together trapping Cathy between them.  Cathy looked up with a grin while Cindy tried to look sad.  She said, "Are you stealing your master's breakfast again, Slave Cathy?"
	"Yum!  I'm afraid so, Mistress," Cathy replied with a grin.  Then trying unsuccessfully to look repentant, she asked, "Am I to be punished?"
	Cindy just shook her head and said, "Cathy, Dan needs to save his semen.  He's getting worn out, after all."  She had moved up in the bed and was now in her favorite position with her head on his shoulder.  Looking at him she said, "You are over the hill, aren't you, Dear?"  Then she looked thoughtful and said, "You know, with any kind of luck one of our first children will be a boy.  Then in just a few years he can take your place."  She licked her lips and said, "Just think!  A young stud of my very own!  I just hope he inherits your physical equipment, Darling."
	Dan raised an eyebrow and asked, "Over the hill?"  Cindy grinned and nodded her head rapidly.  "Are you sure?"  Again Cindy nodded her head vigorously.
	Cathy whispered to her mother, "Uh, oh!  Watch what happens now.  I can see it coming:  Cindy is going to get her ass handed to her!"
	Peremptorily, Dan said, "On your knees, woman!"  Suddenly Cindy's eyes widened in fear.  Vangie could see the look but didn't recognize the fear nor did she know what to make of it.
	Frantically, Cindy looked at Cathy and said, "Slave Cathy, quickly!  Get the whip."  Cathy could only shake her head.  The whip was still in Chicago.  Turning back to Dan Cindy asked plaintively, "Please, Dan!  Please don't!"  Dan just pointed to the bed and she moved to kneel beside him.  It was a repeat of what had happened before, but even worse.  This time Dan would select a part of her body to work on — her breasts, her inner thighs, her cunt — and would take her to her crest but not allow her to go over.  Soon she was screaming in anguish.  When he was working on her tits she soon reached the point where she would scream in pain whenever he touched her so-sensitive nipples.  Finally, she was crying for release.  She said, "Dan, please stop!  I can't stand it any more.  You're killing me!"
	"Am I over the hill, Cindy?" he asked quietly.
	"Oh, God, no!  Oh, Dan, you're my love — my everything.  I'm sorry, my darling.  Never again!  Please!"
	"Are you sure?" he repeated.  By now Cindy had completely come apart.  She could no longer even speak coherently.  Now she was just babbling as her tears poured from her eyes in streams.  She had never experienced such agony in her life and Dan knew it.  He said, "You may worship my cock then, Cindy."  She jumped over between his legs and began to lick and suck, then carefully dried it with her hair after he had discharged into her mouth.
	During all the time she was doing it, he continued to keep her right on the edge of release without letting her achieve it.  Then he rolled her on her back and entered her.  Almost instantly, she came, achieving the release that had been denied her.  Again he moved steadily in her and again held her in orgasm while her loins throbbed, and again she passed out when he finally came.
	This time Dan moved between her thighs and carefully licked up the flood of mingled juices himself, then pulled her up in the bed and rested her head against his shoulder.  Turning to Cathy he said, "Slave Cathy, are you doing anything useful this morning?"  She grinned and quickly poured him a cup of coffee which he took in his left hand while his right continued to caress Cindy's gorgeous breast.  "While we're waiting, you may help yourselves as well."  Cathy grinned and poured coffee for her mother and herself.
	Cindy's eyes blinked open and she looked into Dan's.  She shook her head sadly and asked, "Dan, what's wrong with me?  Little children quickly learn what happens when they touch a hot stove.  Why am I such a slow learner?"
	"Darling," he replied with a wink, "It must be your Irish heritage.  We seem to be congenitally unable to learn.  Of course, we occasionally turn it to our advantage, but not too often."  Without even looking, Cindy just stuck out her right hand and Cathy put a cup of coffee into it.  She had a sip and just leaned back against Dan's shoulder while he pulled her even closer against him.  She just wriggled and made happy noises deep inside her body.
	Then she looked past the end of the bed and saw Vangie standing there holding her coffee cup.  The woman had finally recovered from the assault on her senses.  She had never in her life seen or heard of anything like what had just happened on the bed.  Turning to Cathy, Cindy asked, "Slave Cathy, who is this?"
	Cathy grinned and said, "Mistress, I thought I might take advantage of being in New Orleans, so early this morning I went down to the slave auction.  I'm sorry, Mistress, but I must have arrived late.  This is all that was left."  She went to her mother and ran her fingers over her body saying, "This... This thing cost me ten dollars, Mistress, but even at that price I think I was cheated.  You can see that she slumps, her tits are flabby, her belly protrudes, she's obviously carrying too much weight on her hips, ass and thighs and her color is atrocious.  Her skin is the color of the belly of a dead fish!"  Looking at her mother she asked, "Slave, what's your name?"
	Cathy instantly found out where her gift for acting and mimicry came from.  Her mother said, "I'm Slave Vangie, Mistress.  I'm forty-five years old, so I'm too old for breeding purposes.  I can't cook; I don't know anything about housekeeping, I have never held a baby, let alone taken care of one..."  She looked hopeful and added, "Maybe I could be developed enough to work in the fields, though?  Would that be possible?"
	Cindy looked thoughtful and then winked at Vangie.  She said, "I have a body slave who I have finally succeeded in training.  My sister-in-law, though..."  She scrambled to the phone and called Janice who was staying at another hotel in town.  Fortunately, the Stewarts hadn't checked out yet, so Jan answered the phone.  They talked quickly and then she hung up and called room service to order breakfast for the four of them.  Then she looked at Dan and said, "Darling, do you suppose you could find some other little boys and go out and play this morning?  Or whatever it is little boys do when the little girls aren't around?"
	Dan chuckled and then pulled her close, giving her a long and loving kiss.  When he released her, Cindy's eyes were glazed with passion.  She said, "Damn it, Burke, you cheat!  Why do you insist on doing that to me all the time and turning me into a glob of warm mush!"  Then he winked, got out of bed and went into the bathroom.  The women put on the hotel bathrobes and were waiting when their breakfast arrived.  Vangie was surprised at the amount of food that was delivered, the fact that Cathy ate it all, and was even more surprised to find that she did, too.
	In the meantime, Dan had emerged from the bedroom fully dressed, saying he was going to play in a golf match.  He kissed Cindy warmly and left the suite.  Cindy muttered, "Damn that man!  Every time he does it I turn to mush.  This has got to stop."
	Turning to Vangie she said, "Isn't the National Organization for Women always talking about the need for women to have control over their bodies?  Why in hell can't I have control over mine?  He just destroys me time after time after time."  Then she told Vangie about going to a NOW meeting that broke up when she told them how Dan regularly kept her in orgasm for fifteen minutes at a time.  She finished by saying, "I went there to find one of those women you hear about all the time: the type who are 'receptacles for a man's fluids.'  You know the one: lay back and let the man have his fun, and if she's really good, she can even read a book while he's playing between her thighs.  Where in hell are they all?  Do you know?"
	Vangie was giggling at Cindy's recital and Cathy was looking at her mother.  Giggling, she thought, was totally out of character for her.  But then she admitted that she no longer knew what was in character for her mother.  As they were talking, the doorbell rang and Cathy jumped up to welcome Janice Stewart.  Jan looked at the nude women and quickly shed her own clothes.  Cindy yawned and said, "Vangie, this is my pregnant sister-in-law, Janice Stewart."
	"Pregnant?" Vangie replied, "When did it happen?  Last night?  She can't be even one month pregnant, for Heaven's sake."
	"I'm about halfway there," Jan replied.  "Can't you see how I'm bulging?"  The only physical signs were her slightly swollen breasts and enlarging nipples.  There was only the slightest convexity showing in her abdomen.
	Vangie just shook her head and said, "Wow!  You're carrying so beautifully.  For that matter, Mrs. Stewart, you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!"
	Cindy said, "Jan... former Mistress Jan... my slave, Cathy, was down at the slave auction this morning.  She thinks that she was taken... and I'm inclined to agree.  She paid a full ten dollars for this... this specimen.  Slave Vangie, present yourself to Mrs. Stewart."
	Vangie didn't quite know what to do, but guessed.  She rose and stood in front of Jan and said, "Mistress, I'm Slave Vangie.  I'm not young — I'm forty-five years old — so I can't be used for breeding purposes.  I know absolutely nothing about housekeeping.  I can't cook, and can't even mix a drink."  Cradling her breasts she said, "These are my breasts.  They are soft and flabby.  Although I have only been naked for a few hours, lacking their usual support, they hurt already."
	"Slaves don't have breasts," Cathy said harshly.  "They have tits or boobs.  Which do you have, Slave Vangie?"
	"I have bags," she replied sadly.  "I'm afraid they're gone for good.  They would have to be twice as good as they are for them to qualify as tits."  Turning around, she put her hands on her ass cheeks and said, "This is my ass.  If anything, it's even worse than my bags.  My hips are loaded with lard, as are my thighs.  My skin is smooth but has no color at all.  My hair..."  She began to cry as she continued, "...I don't even know what its color is!  It's a mess.  My cunt is... a mess.  My bush is sloppy — it spreads all over my groin.  It's full of gray hair.  Even though I don't know what my natural hair color is, but I don't think it's gray."  Then with her tears still flowing, she smiled crookedly and said, "Perhaps I could become a field slave, Mistress.  Will you undertake my training?"
	"Sit down, Slave," Jan said kindly.  "Let's talk about it.  She studied Vangie Collins carefully and decided she liked what she saw.  There was real spirit here.  Jan dropped the acting and put out her hand and said, "Vangie, I'm Jan Stewart and I'm very happy to meet you.  Your daughter, Cathy, has become one of my most favorite people even though I only met her for the first time at Christmas.  Vangie, since she came from your loins it says something pretty good about you.  Before we go further, though, I should tell you that until a little over a year ago I was a prostitute in New York.  There was nothing, no matter how disgusting or degrading, I wouldn't do or allow to be done to me.  Have you seen Cindy's body?  Did she tell you what I did to her?"
	Vangie didn't say anything but looked puzzled.  Jan asked Cindy to show her the scars from her beating.  She showed the marks with pride and finished by saying, "Jan is really very good with a whip.  Look," she said spreading her vaginal lips so the scar running through it was visible, "Jan whipped me three times.  You can see that the first stroke was right in the center of my slit while the next two were exactly one inch to each side."
	Jan cried and said through her sobs, "I almost killed her, Vangie.  With blood pouring from her cunt she just got back on her feet and awaited the next stroke from the whip.  She's the most courageous person I have ever met."  Looking at Vangie she said, "Are you sure you want anything to do with a sadistic prostitute?"
	Before Vangie could reply Cindy spoke up and said, "There is another side, Vangie.  One year ago I had no right to live.  I was the worst disgrace posing as a human being on the face of the earth.  Trying to be as objective as I can be, looking back I can't think of a single redeeming quality.  Not one!  I was selfish, totally self-centered, amoral...  I was even dating a fairy, for Christ's sake.  Would you believe it?  I can recall telling Jan how considerate Jeffrey was because he would get reamed in the ass before we went out so he could concentrate on the real me!"  Now Cindy started to cry and ran to where Jan was sitting to hug her.  She released her just enough to be able to speak and said, "As Jan's slave I learned to cook — before that I couldn't even boil water — clean house, and be useful for the first time in my life.  I learned it was fun to deal with real people.  I also learned what married love could be.  The love that Jan and Pete have for each other is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life.  It was because of them that I have Dan now.  Beyond that, there are even some people who think I'm pretty nice.  I'm not sure what I think of their judgment, but that's neither here nor there.  All I can say is that I love Janice Stewart more than anyone alive with the exception of Dan Burke.  I would cheerfully give my life for her.  So don't believe everything she tells you."
	"We're going to be barred from every hotel in the United States," Jan said wryly.  "If we're not flooding out the place with our love juices, we're soaking the damned carpets with our tears.  I don't know any group of women that spill so damned much fluid around a place as we do!"  Then she grinned and said, "Back to you, Vangie.  Tell me about yourself."
	Vangie was sitting in a side chair and pulled herself erect.  "My name is Evangeline Pierce Collins," she said.  "Jan, I heard what you said.  You paid for your graduate education by prostituting yourself.  It's not my preferred choice of occupations, but you were earning money for your education.  I've spent my entire life, since infancy, spending it.
	"My family was very wealthy.  I never did anything when I was small.  Even though the second World War had just ended, if you had enough money you weren't affected.  We did and we weren't."  Tears started to flow as memories came back.  "I remember we used to hire widows of men killed in combat.  I used to terrorize them, threatening to have them fired.  We attracted them and kept them by paying them what was for the time a great deal of money.  They needed the money, and they put up with me.  I was a bitch at the age of three and just got worse as I got older.
	"I had a private education.  Through prep school I was the walking, talking illustration of the adage that if you had enough money you could get away with murder.  We did and I did.  I can't even count the number of times I should have been thrown out of school but my father always bought me back in again.  I went to college but finally got thrown out — I think it was at the end of my sophomore year.  I can't recall what stunt caused that to happen, but there were so many it doesn't matter, anyway.  And what the hell — school was getting in the way of my social life.
	"I married Steve Collins whose family was even richer than mine.  Since we were both only children, I guess it's only appropriate that we had only one of our own.  I had Cathy.  A child was something one produced to have available to dust off and bring out every Christmas and Easter.  After all, particularly at Christmas, children add a certain je ne sais quoi to the decor.  The rest of the time she was in the custody of nurses, maids, governesses and so forth.
	"This morning, I remembered a woman I hired to be her wet nurse.  We run to form in my family, I guess.  Her husband had been killed in the Army while she was expecting her first child.  In order to avoid having to take a full-time job and be away from her baby, she applied for a job as Cathy's wet nurse.  My God!  Now I remember her standing in front of me, bare to the waist, with tears trickling down her cheeks as I handled her as if she were a cow!"
	Turning to Cindy she shook her head and said, "Martin, you said you were a bitch and didn't deserve to live.  Well, lady, I can spot you hearts and spades and beat you going away.  There is nothing bad enough to say about me.  How I was so lucky to have a daughter like Cathy is one of the great miracles of our time.  She's everything I wasn't.  Maybe it was Colleen Callahan, the girl who nursed Cathy.  I can remember seeing her and I cry, remembering.  She cradled Cathy in her arms and offered her beautiful milk-laden tit, then crooned to her as she nursed.  The poor woman!  She had to use a nursing bottle with her own baby, of course, because there wasn't nearly enough of her milk for hers and mine both... and after all, I owned it, didn't I?  Isn't that utterly disgusting?
	"Then Steve was killed a few years ago in a plane crash.  After that, my behavior was a disgrace.  I would bed anything in pants.  Later, I heard about a guy named Bradley who had even more money than we did and who had a son.  I knew nothing about the boy... or about Cathy, for that matter... but I decided our families should merge.  Cathy finally walked out rather than live with the flak I was giving her all the time.  Then yesterday afternoon I find that she's engaged to marry Ken Bradley.  In the meantime, I had met Ed Bradley and... and something happened.  We're both selfish as hell, but for some reason since we've been together we've both been better."  She held up her head and said, "That's Evangeline Collins, Mrs. Stewart, and it isn't very much or very good."
	Just then the doorbell rang again.  This time it was Jen Chapman along with Connie Cartwright.  Before they could even leave the entry, the bell rang again and it was Kathy Cartwright.  Cathy had answered the door.  Going into the sitting room, the girls saw the others were nude so they quickly shed their clothes as well.
	Seeing Connie Cartwright whose abdomen was now visibly swelling, Vangie said, "Now here is a pregnant woman, Janice Stewart."  Putting out her hand she said, "I'm Vangie Collins."
	Connie took her hand in her firm grip and introduced herself.  Vangie asked when the baby was due and Connie said, "Oh, in a month or so, I guess.  I'm really looking like a mess, aren't I?"
	Vangie's jaw dropped.  "You're kidding!  You can't be expecting that soon!  What do you girls do, anyway?  You are teasing, aren't you?"
	"Would you like to feel?  It's sort of funny with the passenger kicking up a storm.  He or she is obviously getting tired of the cramped quarters down there."  Vangie stood behind Connie and, putting her arms around her, cradled her abdomen.  As soon as she did, she could feel the movement inside.
	"My God!  It's true, isn't it?  Connie Cartwright, I think I hate you.  I seem to recall being a mess in the second month of my pregnancy and just getting worse.  By the time I was ready to deliver I looked like a walking house.  Maybe that's another reason Cathy is an only child.  What do you girls do, anyway?"  She looked around at the group, softly whistled, and said, "No one would believe this.  You're the most beautiful group of girls in the country.  No wonder Cath insists on being tanned.  I feel like a freak being around all of you golden girls."
	Then she was introduced to Jen and finally to Kathy Cartwright.  She held Kathy's hands and just shook her head.  "Young lady, you're perfection!  I have never seen a girl like you.  Your breasts are so full with such a gorgeously slim figure — and those green eyes!"  Then she looked down at Kathy's bare mound and realized that Jen Chapman's was hairless, also.  Finally, she looked down at her own pubic patch and said to the group, "Do you all consult?  Never did I think I would ask it, but what should I do with my pubic hair?  Cathy, Janice, and Cindy have the most beautiful bushes I've ever seen.  You, Connie... my God!  With your tan and your hair, it's like tight curly white gold.  Then I see Jennifer and Kathy who are bare.  Meanwhile, I'm a mess!  What should I do?"
	The girls studied Vangie's pubic area carefully.  She asked Jennifer why she was bare.  Just then the doorbell rang yet again.  This time it was Ali Clifford, who greeted Vangie and then the girls.  Again Vangie's jaw dropped when she heard the girls call Ali, Mom.  She asked and Ali said, "Oh, them.  Well, Jennifer is my husband's daughter by his prior marriage.  I adopted her.  Janice, Connie, and Kathy are all mine, though.  That was before I found out what fun it is to have more sons, so in addition to Bill's two, Billy and Brian, I adopted Dan Burke.  He's neat!"
	"What brings you over, Mom?" Jennifer asked.
	"Didn't you know?  There's a major golf match in progress.  They organized two foursomes.  I understand Bill and Dan are playing against Ken and Ed Bradley in one, while Chip Cartwright and Steve Chapman are playing against Bill Cartwright and Pete Stewart in the other.  So I came looking for a hen party.  When I came in, you were engrossed in something.  What was it?"
	They explained about the discussion regarding Vangie's pubic hair and Ali grinned.   "Ask Jennifer.  She's the expert."
	Jen smiled and answered Vangie's earlier question: "I did it because my boss wanted my mound bare for my show.  I was a nude dancer on Sunset Strip in LA.  Anyway, Mom did it for me and I've kept it like this ever since.  I guess I really like it now, and I know Steve does.  How do you like its appearance?"
	"It looks absolutely beautiful on both you and Kathy.  I guess I'd like to be bare.  How do you do it, though?"
	"With an infernal machine that I even brought down here with me.  I have it back in my room," Jen replied.  Then tears came to her eyes as she continued, "Mrs. Collins, there's something you should know.  Ali did it for me after I had tried my best to destroy her marriage to my father.  I found out later that it was the same as killing her.  She can't live apart from my dad, nor he away from her.  Anyway, in spite of that she removed my pubic hair — the most disgusting job imaginable — and said she loved me.  And she does!"  Turning to Ali she said, "Mom, you're experienced.  Want to try again?"
	Before Ali could reply Cathy interjected, "She's my mother, Jen.  I'll do it for her, if you and Ali will tell me what to do.  But Mom, are you sure it's what you want?  I think you'll look beautiful, though, with a bare crotch."
	Jen quickly dressed and ran back to her room to retrieve the hair remover.  When she returned, she also had a pair of scissors and said, "Vangie, the first thing you need to do is go in the bathroom and cut your hair as short as you can with the scissors.  This machine pulls out the rest.  I have to warn you, though.  It's going to hurt like hell!  Are you sure you want to go through with it?"
	Vangie just nodded, took the scissors and went to the bathroom.  Cathy followed her and said, "Mom, sit on the side of the tub with your legs as far apart as possible.  I'll do it."  She proceeded to trim all the pubic hair.  Both women laughed at its crew-cut appearance.  Going out to the bedroom, Ali had her lie on the edge of the bed with one foot on the floor and the other spread wide on the bed.  Jen went off and found a piece of rubber.
	When she gave it to the woman, Vangie asked what it was for.  "I told you it's going to hurt," Jen replied.  "Believe me, it will.  You'll need something to bite on to keep from screaming your head off."
	Vangie looked skeptical but took the piece of rubber.  Meanwhile, Ali was giving Cathy detailed instructions on using the machine.  Finally all preparations were made and Cathy started in.  It was slow going.  It took scarcely an instant for Vangie to put the rubber in her mouth.  Several times, seeing the awful pain her mother was suffering, Cathy was going to stop but each time Vangie insisted she continue.  The girls were gathered around watching with interest and sympathy:  The woman was obviously in agony.
	Finally, it was over.  With tears still pouring down her face, Vangie tried to smile anyway.  "How does it look?" she asked.  "It feels strange — but sort of nice."
	"Mom, it looks neat!" Cathy replied.  "In a couple of senses of the word, in fact."
	Meanwhile, Ali had been running the bathtub.  The other women left the room while Cathy helped her mother into the tub and saw her sigh with pleasure as the warm water washed over her torn-up loins.  Cathy carefully washed her mother's body to get off the sweat that had been pouring off her body during her ordeal.  Finally, she helped her from the tub, dried her off, and helped her back to the bed which had been turned down for her.  When she was lying on her back, Cathy carefully spread an anaesthetic ointment over the sensitive area and heard her mother moan with pleasure and relief as she did.  Then she kissed her softly on the lips, turned out the lights and left the room, leaving her mother asleep.
Chapter 47
	When Dan reached the country club in Metarie, he found Ken and Edgar Bradley waiting for him.  A few minutes later they were joined by Bill Clifford.  Ed Bradley looked at him in amazement and shook his head.  He said, "Bill, excuse me for asking, but how old are you?"
	"I'm fifty-one," he replied with a smile.  "Why do you ask?"
	"I thought you were," Ed replied.  "But you look like you're in your early thirties."
	Just then the Cartwright brothers joined them.  Bill had overheard Ed's remark and said with a grin, "If you saw him nude, you would swear he's in his twenties.  And all he does is bitch about Ali interfering with his sleep.  I guess it's just as well, though, because his wife looks like she's about twenty."  Looking at Bill he said, "How is my mother-in-law, by the way?"
	Bill just shook his head and introduced the men to the Bradleys.  Then he picked up on the question and shook his head.  "Ed, I'm sure you'll meet my wife, Ali, later today.  I guess I should warn you about her.  You see, she does look like she's about twenty.  Hell, the first time Jan Stewart met her she was certain that Ali was younger than she was... and wait until you see my daughter, Janice Stewart!  She looks like a dream come true and is only twenty-five.  Anyway, Ali is now expecting a baby, so if I seem to float around the course today it's only because I am.  I can't tell you how happy she's made me!  You'll soon see how happy she is herself.  She's positively joyous, and when Allison Clifford is joyous she can light up a whole city by herself."
	They were soon joined by Peter Stewart and went to the locker room to change.  Bill Cartwright made a point of the fact that his brother, Chip, was paying for everything that day for the whole group.  He pointed out that Chip's loyalty to his home team, the Raiders, had gotten the better of his good sense, so the expenses of the golf outing were on him.
	Chip looked sad and said, "Thanks one hell of a lot, Brother.  Look, I'm poor!  And my wife will be losing her job when our baby arrives.  Then what am I going to do?  How will we live?  Bill, you and Kathy both have jobs, not to mention the fact that you have more money than me, anyway.  Hell, that doesn't even count your military pension!  You're rich!  You pay."
	"I'd love to, Chip, and I would, but your sister-in-law, Kathy, vetoed the idea.  She asked me how else will you ever learn if you aren't made to pay for your mistakes?  I didn't have an answer for her.  And Chip, you know her!  Nothing can get Kathy Cartwright to change direction when she makes up her mind!"
	They continued to joke and went out to the first tee.  The foursome with the Bradleys went off first.  Ken Bradley, who was a very good golfer, whistled softly as he watched Bill and Dan tee off.  Both hit tee shots that were very long and right down the center of the fairway.  He said softly, "Dad, I hope you brought a lot of money with you.  Seeing those two suggests we're about to get a very expensive education in the game of golf."
	As they walked the course, Ed asked Bill about the Cartwrights.  Bill told him about the money that Chip had made from investments after their parents died while Bill was still imprisoned in Vietnam.  He said, "You heard the byplay involving Kathy?  That's Bill's wife, of course.  When she was ten years old she was enslaved and used to help in torturing Bill.  She saved his life.  They met again after fourteen years apart last September and were married almost instantly."  He grinned and said, "And don't pay a lot of attention to Chip's bleating about money.  I guess he's down to his last half-billion dollars or so.  I think his income is in the range of a million dollars — a week!  He'll manage to cover the expenses today... somehow."
	The golf match was the best Ken had ever played in.  Bill Clifford was a near-scratch player and Dan Burke was also very good.  He couldn't help teasing Dan, though.  "When do you ever have a chance to play golf, Dan?" he asked.  "Cathy tells me you spend all the time away from work in bed with Cindy.  How can you maintain your game?"
	Dan grinned and replied, "That may be so, because that woman is insatiable.  The result is I get a lot of exercise.  Hell, the power of a golf swing is all in the body turn, right?  With Cindy, I get all kinds of lower-body exercise."  When the match was over, the Clifford-Burke team had won, 3 and 2.  They went into the grill to wait for the other foursome.
	When they were seated, Ken asked, "Dad, if you'll pardon my saying so, you've changed.  I think you're a lot nicer now.  What happened?  You seem so much more... relaxed.  As an example, last night when you remembered you didn't have a place to stay, you asked Vangie to join you on a park bench.  Before, you would have blown your stack.  The fact that it might have been your own fault would have been beside the point.  There's more, though.  I really think you would have slept in the park and she would have been with you.  What happened?"
	"You're right, son," Ed replied.  "Too right, in fact.  I have been a shit virtually all my life.  What happened?  I guess I met Vangie.  The truth is I really don't know what did happen.  She claims to be a bitch, and I guess she may have been.  But do you know what?  The two of us together seem to neutralize each other's poisons somehow.  Under all of that camouflage she's really a wonderful person."
	He looked at Ken and put out his hand.  Ken was puzzled but extended his own and his father took it in a strong grip.  "Son," he said, "I can't tell you how proud you make me feel.  Not that I had a damned thing to do with it except for providing some genes, I guess.  And Cathy!  She's an utter dream!  You're the luckiest man alive to get her, and I'm sure you know I would say the same thing if she didn't have ten cents!  You really do love her, don't you?"
	"More than life itself, Dad.  By the way, did you know she's a virgin?  She really is."  Ed Bradley's jaw dropped.  Just then the others came in from the course and they all ordered drinks and then had lunch.  Ed and Ken Bradley really enjoyed themselves.  They found that the men were among the most interesting group of people they had ever encountered.  And except for kidding about money, you would never know they had any at all, let alone being among the richest men in the country.
	Ken started to tease Pete Stewart about Harvard and MIT.  Pete raised an eyebrow and said, "You better knock off that shit!  From what I hear, I may be having your mother-in-law staying with me as a hostage."  Then his face fell and he said, "Uh, oh!  That won't work.  There's that wonderful old good news-bad news joke.  The good news is your mother-in-law went off a cliff.  The bad news is she was driving your new sports car when she did.  I guess that's not much of a threat."
	Then Pete turned to Ed and said, "Could I give you a piece of advice?  I'm being serious now, although you're not going to believe it after you hear what I'm going to say."  He looked straight at the elder Bradley and said, "I urge you to start working out at a gym or club or something.  You can talk about it with Bill Clifford.  You and he are about the same size and the same age.  I'm sure he can give you some good advice.  The reason is you are not going to recognize Vangie when she completes the program with Janice.  I won't spoil it by telling you how she'll change, but I'm sure she will."  Turning to Bill Clifford he asked, "Dad, do you agree?"
	"I sure do, Pete," Bill Clifford replied.  "Ed, I think I've lost about twenty years in age since I married Ali due to all the exercise I've been getting.  Incidentally, it's because of her, but only indirectly.  I think of Ali as perfection but she's always working to make some tiny facet of her body even better.  She's all muscle covered by the world's smoothest skin.  She has hair like golden silk and eyes that are as blue as the Pacific Ocean.  Since she's always tanned — all over, by the way — I tell her she's a vision in shades of gold!  And she is.  Ed, I think Vangie will be like that, too, and very soon.  You don't have to do anything, and I'm sure she would never say anything, but I think you would feel a hell of a lot better if you did."  Making the question general, he asked, "What do the rest of you guys think?  Your wives are all in the same boat."
	By the time they were finished, Ed was convinced that it was something he had to do.  Then he received a big surprise when Ken said, "Dad, I'll work out with you for this week, anyway.  I need to be in better shape for Cathy on our wedding day.  I'm not kidding, either.  You saw her.  What do you think?"
	"I think you're one of the luckiest men in the world, is what I think," Ed replied.  "But I already told you that.  Ken, she seems to be the personification of female physical perfection."
	That evening they rejoined the girls for what became a Clifford family party.  Vangie had joked that she had been able to send the clothes she was wearing on Sunday out to the cleaners because she wore none during the day on Monday.  She was still in a state of shock after learning that Ali Clifford was expecting a baby.  At the party, she took Ed off into a corner to talk to him alone.  When Ken and Cathy saw them go, they squeezed each other's hand.
	Vangie was holding both of Ed's hands in hers and was standing close, just looking up at him.  She was almost as tall as her daughter at five feet seven, while at six feet two he was one inch shorter than his son.  She just looked up at his face and seemed to be memorizing it.  Finally she said, "Darling, I did something today you need to know about.  I sold myself into slavery to Janice Stewart.  I'll be her house slave beginning immediately.  It may kill me, but I don't think it will.  I think it will make me.
	"But, Ed, there's something else," she said, taking a folded paper from her purse.  "This is my unrestricted power of attorney giving you total authority over my assets.  My attorney's name is listed, too.  He'll give you all the other information you need.  Darling, my money is yours.  You can do with it as you will."  Bradley was stunned at what Vangie had just done.  She had signed over to him everything she owned.
	"I don't know how long this will take," she continued.  "I guess a couple of months, maybe more.  Ed, we won't be able to communicate until its over.  Will you wait for me?  You don't have to, and I have no right even to ask.  I just want you to know, Ed, that I love you very much."  Her eyes filled with tears as she said, "I want to be the wife for you that I never was for Steve.  I want to be good for you and good to you.  I want you to make love to me in ways no man has ever taken me before.  Would you... Could you... wait?"
	He pulled her close and hugged her tightly.  Then he lifted her chin and kissed her.  It was the best kiss either of them had ever had.  There were bells and they could feel the electricity flow between them.  When he eased his hold on her, she sighed deeply and said, "Darling, I think it's already started.  Do you know why that kiss was so good?  For the first time in my life I tried to give myself to someone: you.  And I think you were giving yourself to me, too, weren't you?"  Ed just nodded.  "Darling," she said, "We're going to share our grandchildren, regardless.  Will you consider my application to be your wife, as well?  I don't want an answer now.  I'll ask you again after I finish my servitude.  We'll be together at the wedding next week, but aside from that you won't see me or hear from me until it's over.  But, Ed, you'll never be out of my heart."  She just looked up at him and said nothing but he could see tears starting to flow down her cheeks.
	"Darling, of course I'll wait," he replied.  "I hope it doesn't last too long though.  I'm really going to miss you, you know."  Then he just looked in her eyes and said softly, "Vangie, I love you very much.  Like you, I never felt like this before.  While I'm sorry I can't have more children by you, I think we're going to have a wonderful time with a lot of grandchildren."  Then he looked concerned and added, "Ken says he wants a very big family and Cathy does, too.  Vangie, I love your daughter very much.  She isn't doing it just because Ken wants children, is she?  I'll speak to him if she doesn't.  I don't want anything to happen to that girl."  He pulled her close, kissed her again, and then they just stood in each other's arms holding on tight.  In whispers, she assured him that Cathy really did want a lot of children.
	Cathy and Ken had been watching their parents from a distance.  Finally, Cathy shook her head and said, "Ken, my heart bleeds for her.  It really does.  She looks so vulnerable!"  Looking up at him she said, "Darling, I love my mother now.  Isn't that a hell of a thing to say?"
	"I love my dad, too, Darling.  I know exactly what you mean."  Looking into her eyes he said, "I can hardly wait for Saturday!"
Chapter 48
	The wedding ceremony and the reception that followed was the biggest social event in Chicago in years.  Although each of the girls had been planning for her own small wedding, in the event there was a multiple wedding in the cathedral: Cindy married Dan, Cathy married Ken, Kelly married Kevin, Susan married Mike, and April married Ron.  When the couples were lined up at the altar, everyone — even the professional photographers — agreed that they were the most beautiful girls they had ever seen.  The day was one filled with vignettes.
* * *
	Cathy was dressing in Cindy's apartment.  It had been funny with two brides dressing in a single unit.  She had just put on a pair of white bikinis and was pondering her gown when the doorbell rang.  She looked through the peephole and opened it for her mother.  Although it had been less than a week since they had been together in New Orleans, her mother already looked different.  Vangie was beautifully dressed as the mother of the bride.
	Returning to her bedroom, Vangie said, "Darling, could I look at you this once?  I only found my daughter five days ago and I'm losing her already.  Cathy, I can't imagine a more beautiful bride than you are today.  Just think!  Tonight you'll be with Ken.  Are you eager?"
	Cathy went to her mother, set herself down on her lap and hugged her.  Then she eased away and said, "Mother, there's something you should know.  I have no birth-control devices at all, and Ken promised he won't have any, either.  Does that bother you?"
	"My darling daughter, nothing could thrill me more!  It sounds like I may be a grandmother pretty soon, though."  She smiled warmly and added, "Honey, I think you're going to prove to be very fertile.  That doesn't bother you, does it?"
	"Isn't that what it's all about, Mom?  Raising a family?"  Then her face fell and she said, "Mother, I'm scared about tonight!  I think it would be better if I were more experienced."
	"Don't worry, Honey," Vangie said.  "It won't hurt too much.  Honest!"
	Cathy shook her head rapidly and said, "Mom, that's not the problem.  I'm afraid Ken is going to be disappointed.  I really don't know what to do!"  Then she brightened and added, "Of course, it could be much worse.  If it hadn't been for the last month at Cindy's, I wouldn't know anything!  Speaking of which, how are you making out with Jan?  You look good, but I can't really see the difference."
	"I think I'll survive," Vangie replied with a grin.  "I understand what you mean about lovemaking now, though.  Those two are simply beautiful together.  You can't see it, but I'm only wearing a fraction of the makeup I used to, and if today weren't your wedding, I wouldn't be wearing any at all.  It's funny, too.  They're treating me the way they treated Cindy on the first day — I sleep on the floor in the kitchen.  But I end the day so tired, though, it doesn't even matter.  I think I could fall asleep curled up in the oven."  Then she shook her head and said, "Darling Cathy, I want to apologize to you again for being such a god-awful mother to you.  Now that you're about to marry a terrific guy and go off together, I find out how wonderful you are."  Her tears were flowing as she concluded, "God!  You had to put up with an awfully sorry excuse for a mother!"
	Cathy, still sitting on Vangie's lap, put her arms around her and hugged her tightly saying, "Regardless, you're my mother and I love you very much!  Honest, Mom, I do.  I won't comment on anything else.  All I will say is that I'm the fruit of your loins.  I have to love you the same way I have to breathe.  I really do."
	Vangie's tears had stopped as she looked at her daughter with incredulity.  "You really mean that, don't you?" she said.  "God, thank you!  I certainly don't deserve the love of such a wonderful person, but I'll take anything I can get."  She grinned and said, "Now, lady, you're not getting any lighter, you know.  And you're wrecking my nice new mother-of-the-bride dress!"  Cathy winked, jumped up and finished her dressing.
* * *
	Breaking with tradition, Cindy insisted that her new mother, Mary, ride in the limousine with her father to the church.  Mary looked at Cindy and just shook her head but with her eyes gleaming.  "Darling," she said, "You're utterly exquisite today.  I have never seen a woman look so happy in my life!"
	Don couldn't resist the opportunity to tease his daughter for the last time.  "Honey," he said, "there are two things that concern me.  First, you're so nervous.  Second, will you make me a promise?"
	Cindy was completely relaxed and knew she looked it.  Raising an eyebrow she asked, "Promise?"
	"No quickie at the altar rail?  Promise?" he asked with his eyes dancing.
	"Pooh!" she exclaimed, "You're no fun!  Of course you're a banker so what can you expect?"  Then she daintily stuck out her tongue and then grinned.  As they neared the church, she took her father in her arms and hugged him tightly.  She said, "Dad, I think I said it before, but I want you to know I meant it:  A girl couldn't have a better father than you.  Will you kiss your single daughter one last time?"
	"Aren't you afraid I'll spoil your makeup?" he teased, but took her into his arms and kissed her soundly.  Then she also got a very warm kiss from Mary as the limousine pulled up to the church.
* * *
	Standing in the vestibule of the church, April looked down at Ronnie.  The little boy was being entrusted with no less than five wedding rings which were on a little pillow he was to carry.  He looked up at his mother and said, "Mommy, you look so beautiful!  Will Daddy be living with us from now on?"
	Tears were in the corners of April's eyes as she nodded and said, "Yes, he will, Ronnie.  Are you happy?"  The boy just beamed his sunshine smile.
	April looked up at John Smith standing beside her.  He was escorting her down the aisle acting in place of her dead father, and she could see he was nervous.  Smiling warmly she said, "John, thank you so much for what you're doing today.  I very know it's very hard on you, but I want you to know how much I appreciate it!"
	John was jerked out of his reverie.  He was genuinely shocked by April's words.  He shook his head and said warmly, "April Jefferson, you don't understand one damned thing!  Do you know what I was thinking?  I was thinking about the honor extended to me of escorting the most beautiful young woman in the world down the aisle on my arm.  A girl who's the daughter of one of our nation's heros, the daughter of a genuine queen, and a princess in her own right.  And who am I?  A dumb ex-jock and ex-addict.  I was wondering how I ever got so lucky?"
	April looked up at him and said softly, "John, I want to thank you for what you've done for my mother.  I used to hear her crying in an agony of wanting.  Now I still hear her cry," she said with a warm smile, "But now it's the joy of satisfied passion.  It's what I see and hear with Cindy and the Stewarts.  It's the sound of a woman's fulfillment."
	In spite of her smile, tears trickled from her eyes as she added, "She loves you very much, John Smith, and I want you to know that I do, too.  I never knew my father, but I'm sure, wherever he is, he's going to be very proud to see me go down the aisle on the arm of a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame... a gentle giant who I dearly love.  Thank you, Dad!"
	Smith was genuinely astonished.  He looked down at April and could see the warmth and the tears in her eyes.  Slowly he bent down and kissed her softly full on the mouth and then held her tightly.  He whispered, "April Jefferson, you have just made me the happiest man on the face of the earth!  That you could even speak of me in the same breath as your father is the nicest thing you could ever do.  April, I love you very much... nearly as much as I love your mother."  Then he carefully wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "A woman couldn't possibly look more beautiful than you do today.  I know you'll be very happy!"
* * *
	At the altar, Mary lifted back Cindy's veil and kissed her sweetly.  Then she gave Cindy's hand to Dan and returned to the pew.  Cindy looked at Dan for the first time that day and her heart leaped.  Why do I feel this way?  she wondered.  It's not like I haven't been sleeping with him constantly.  Why?  Dan was in a morning suit and looked incredibly handsome.  In fact, she thought, I have never seen him look so good!  He took her hand and squeezed it, telling her he understood.  There was intense love and gratitude in the look she gave him as they went, hand in hand, up to the altar for the Mass and their exchange of wedding vows.
* * *
	When the ceremony was over, there was an impromptu reception in the vestibule of the Cathedral for those who were unable to attend the formal reception.  Cathy was standing beside Ken and next to Vangie and Ed, looking over the crowd.  She realized that most of the Bears — certainly all who were still in the Chicago area — had attended.  There were also a great many people she recognized as customers of the Special Lending Division who had come to see the wedding of most of the members of the unit's senior management.
	Cathy was feeling warm and wonderful, thinking of what was to come that night.  Her earlier fears had been allayed when she saw the love in Ken's eyes when they were at the altar.  Then she heard a woman's voice with a wonderful Irish lilt in her speech say, "Excuse me?"
	She jerked herself back to the present and saw a beautiful auburn-haired woman standing in front of her.  She realized the woman was nearly as tall as she was.  When she had Cathy's attention, she extended her hand and said, "My name is Colleen Callahan.  You don't know me, Mrs. Bradley, but I knew you when you were just a baby.  I wanted to come and give you an Irish blessing for your wedding.  You're such a beautiful bride!"
	Cathy turned to her mother and said, "Mom, here's a woman you should greet.  She knew me when I was just a baby.  Her name is Colleen Callahan."  As she said it, Cathy knew the name was familiar — a name she had heard for the first time very recently but she couldn't place it.
	Vangie was talking to Ed Bradley but spun around when she heard the name.  Seeing the woman, she let out a cry, ran to her and hugged her tightly.  Tears started to flow as she kissed the woman and just held her murmuring, "Colleen!  It's been so long!  I was talking about you just a few days ago."  She moved back and held the woman at arms length and looked at her.
	Colleen Callahan was a tall, truly beautiful woman with wavy auburn hair that was longer than shoulder length, emerald-green eyes and a beautiful figure.  However, there were worry lines around her eyes.  Her clothes were very inexpensive, but Vangie realized that they were very tasteful and very well cared-for.  Moreover, she had a flair for color and accents that she used to get the greatest mileage from what she had.  As she held her and looked into her beautiful green eyes, she shook her head sadly.  "Colleen, would you believe it?  This is the first time I realized you have green eyes?  All I remember now was my disgusting behavior towards you: having you strip to the waist to inspect your tits like some cow!"  Vangie looked up and saw another young woman — a young Colleen — standing in the background.  "Who is this, Colly?  It can only be your daughter."  Again tears flowed as she added, "Would you believe it?  I don't even know her name!  She lived with us for two years but I could only think of her as competition for your milk!"
	Turning towards Cathy, Vangie said, "Darling, I want you to meet the woman who, more than anyone, is responsible for you being the way you are.  Honey, Colleen was your nurse for the first two years of your life.  She fed you, changed you and loved you!"
	Cathy didn't understand her reaction.  She went to the beautiful woman and hugged her while she could feel her tears start to flow.  Meanwhile, Vangie had gone to the other young woman and said, "Welcome!  You have to be Colleen's daughter.  You lived with me and I saw you grow from infancy, but I don't even know your name."
	The girl extended her hand and smiled, but Vangie could see there was no warmth in it.  She said, "How do you do, Mrs. Collins.  I'm Maureen Callahan, and I'm very pleased to meet you."
	Vangie ignored the extended hand and took the young woman in her arms and hugged her tightly.  She whispered in her ear, "Young lady, it's apparent that you're a great deal more objective than your mother is.  You know how shabbily I treated her.  Darling, all I can ask is that you'll give me the chance to earn your forgiveness."  Stepping back, she held the girl's hands in hers and looked into her eyes whispering, "Will you?  Please?  Maureen, I'm not asking for forgiveness.  I'm only asking for the chance to try to earn it.  Is that asking too much?"
	Maureen Callahan was completely taken aback.  Although her mother had never spoken ill of Vangie Collins, the girl had pieced together enough of the events during her infancy to have developed an abiding hatred for the woman.  She had followed Mrs. Collins in the society pages and national magazines even after they had moved from New York to Illinois.  Everything she had ever seen or read confirmed her opinion that Vangie Collins was a selfish airhead who cared nothing for anyone else.  Yet this woman's behavior today was totally out of the pattern she had observed.  She looked at her and saw incredible love in her eyes.  There was something else.  She could see the pleading there, too, as the woman just looked at her and waited.
	Maureen smiled — it was a real smile, this time — and said, "Mrs. Collins, there is absolutely nothing to forgive.  My mother has told me thousands of times how you took us in when she was penniless with a newborn infant and took care of us.  She told me that, without you, we might never have made it.  How could I possibly dislike you?"
	Shaking her head, Vangie smiled wryly and said, "Because you recognize the truth behind what your mother was saying.  You know that I was the most selfish excuse for a human being on two feet.  I suspect that even though you were only a tiny infant, you knew that your mother was being treated like an animal... a human cow.  You know that your mother was being far too forgiving to me, for whatever reasons.  You were more objective and far more accurate in your assessment."  She continued to study the girl closely and saw something in her eyes and bearing.  "There's something else, isn't there?  Your mother wants to do something that you don't approve of.  What is it, Maureen?"
	The girl's eyes widened but then she temporized.  "I didn't think you were so perceptive, Mrs. Collins," she said coolly.  Then she exclaimed, "I told her we don't need any of your damned money!"
	Vangie let the subject drop and turned towards Cathy.  Colleen was holding her at arms length and was just looking at her.  As she watched, Cathy moved close and just hugged the older woman.  She whispered, "Mom, I'm so scared!  Tonight is going to be just awful."
	"What's wrong, Darling?"  Colleen asked softly.  "He won't hurt you.  But you're not..."
	"A virgin?  Yes, I am.  But that's not it!  I'm going to disappoint him.  I'm just so plain!" Cathy cried.
	"Plain?  You?  Catherine Collins, I'm ashamed of you!  Have you no eyes, child?  You're the most beautiful woman in the world, and Ken Bradley looks like he can make you very happy.  He appears to be very well built," Colleen said.
	"Oh, God!  Mom, he's like one of those Greek gods you see in the museum.  He's absolutely gorgeous!  That's the problem.  I'll disappoint him," Cathy cried.
	Colleen just shook her head and gave Cathy a beautifully wrapped gift.  The girl slipped off the ribbon and opened it finding a beautifully-made sampler with a Gaelic blessing beautifully stitched and illuminated.  It was the finest piece of needlework she had ever seen.  With her eyes moist she said softly, "You made this yourself, didn't you?"  The woman just nodded shyly.  Cathy showed it to Ken who was by her side and said, "Darling, look at what we just received.  This is utterly priceless!"
	Then she looked at the woman and her expression changed.  She murmured something in Gaelic and Colleen's eyes widened.  There was enormous love in Cathy's smile as she said, "I learned that from you, didn't I?  It comes back from my babyhood.  You're still wearing the perfume you wore then, because you still smell of heather and herbs and clean!"  Her eyes widened and she asked, "Did you try to get me to eat something yucky while you let me play with your tit?  You wouldn't let me suckle until I ate?  Then I gobbled the slop down, whatever it was, so I could get what I really wanted: your glorious milk... so warm and fresh and wonderful... directly from your glorious tit!  Heaven was having your glorious nipple in my mouth!"
	Colleen's mouth had formed into a very surprised "O" as she listened to the bride.  Then she said, "Cathy, you couldn't possibly remember that!"
	But it's true, isn't it?  You would dangle your nipple to get me to eat?"  The woman reluctantly nodded.  "And you did teach me that little Gaelic song... a lullaby, isn't it?  Rather, I guess you sang it to me over and over."  Remarkably, memories of the infancy came back, stimulated by her olfactory memory.  "Once we were out someplace in public... church, maybe?... and I started to scream.  You opened your dress exposing your breasts so I could have your luscious tit in spite of all the people who were looking.  You did, didn't you?"  Colleen blushed, but nodded and smiled warmly.
	Vangie had been listening to the exchange.  Then she said, "Cathy, I heard you call Mrs. Callahan, Mom.  You sure got that right.  Thinking about it, I was a surrogate mother.  I carried you, delivered you, and then left you in the hands of your real mother: the woman who nurtured you, cared for you, and loved you."  Turning to Colleen, she said brightly in spite of the tears in her eyes, "Come on!  You two will ride with us.  Your daughter is going to be late for her own wedding reception."
	"But we can't possibly, Mrs. Collins," Colleen protested.  "We weren't invited.  We're not dressed."
	"If you call me Mrs. Collins one more time, Colleen Callahan, I'll kill you!  It's Vangie, damn it, or Slave Vangie, or anything else you care for.  I am not Mrs. Collins to the woman who is the real mother of my daughter.  And, damn it, you will attend your daughter's wedding reception.  Now let's move it!"  With great reluctance the Callahan women joined Vangie in her limousine.
* * *
	Because there were five brides and grooms, the reception was very different from most.  When everyone was seated April tapped on her glass for attention and rose to her feet.  She looked beautiful as she waited for quiet.  When she had the people's attention, she said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a toast to the person who, alone, is totally responsible for the event today.  Starting with myself, I was a new receptionist at Chicago Trust — and not a very good one, at that — when I was offered the job of being a credit analyst to a senior vice president.  This person trained me, coached me, cajoled me and finally persuaded me that I could do the job.  Because of her, I was able finally to reconcile with Ronald Jackson, the love of my life and the father of my son, Ronnie.  Today I became Mrs. Ronald Jackson.
	"Then we come to Susan and Mike Cassidy.  Because of the help and training the officer gave me, I became a vice president of the bank.  As a direct result I met a wonderful person, Emily Amelia Hardwick, who met me because she had heard of the lending program we were running.  My mother became her heir and then needed a secretary with some knowledge of art.  She hired Susan Bradford.  Then Susan met Mike for the first time at our apartment.  Right then I knew by looking in Mike's eyes — he looked like a pole-axed steer — that it was all over for him.  And it was.  Now Susan has him roped, hog-tied and branded.
	"Next we have Kelly Cavanaugh.  The officer I mentioned encountered Kelly McBride who had just been fired from her job as a personnel officer in the bank.  She immediately rehired her... as a lending officer in our division.  It seems that Kelly had some experience in steel mills.  She managed the biggest loan the division has ever made and one of the biggest the bank has ever done.  Recognizing that a metallurgist specializing in electric steel-making was essential, she married Kevin Cavanaugh in order to keep her eye on him.  She was told that the requirements of her job didn't extend to matrimony, but what the hell.  The Irish always overdo things!"  There was an explosion of laughter and April waited for it to die down.  April giggled when she looked at Kelly who had her eyes crossed and was sticking out her tongue in her direction.
	"Finally, we have Cathy and Ken Bradley.  Cathy claims that the officer for whom she works has taught her everything she needs to know to be a housekeeper, wife, and... hopefully... a mother.  Further, had it not been for the workout the officer gave Cathy in her capacity as house slave, she probably never would have met Ken Bradley.  This is one case in which you can do pretty well on a blind date.
	"Ladies and gentlemen, I tried to show that there is one person to whom we all owe our future happiness.  That person is, of course, Cynthia Martin Burke.  I can say only one thing more.  I would cheerfully give my life for Cindy Burke and would consider it a privilege to do so.  I adore the woman.  She embodies everything I ever hope to be.  She has served as a model not only to me but to everyone else in our Division.  Please join me in a toast to a wonderful person and extend our best wishes for her continued happiness with the love of her life and new husband, Dan Burke.  To Cynthia Martin Burke!"  She raised her glass and smiled as she saw Cindy blushing scarlet and trying to hide in Dan's shoulder.  He wouldn't allow it.  Rather, he stood with his glass to salute his bride.  Amidst great shouts and cheers, the toast was drunk.
	Then Cindy rose to her feet.  She looked incredibly beautiful in her white bridal gown which set off her golden tan, her golden hair and her brilliant blue eyes.  Raising her glass, she said, "Thank you, April.  You were lying through your teeth and I'll get even, but thank you anyway.  However, if anything you said is true, the credit doesn't belong to me.  Rather, it belongs to the woman who made me.  Please join me in offering a toast to the person who forced me to join the human race, Janice Carson Stewart.
	"Without Jan Stewart, I shudder to think of where I would be and what I would be right now.  I don't know exactly where, but I do know I wouldn't be Mrs. Daniel Burke.  None of the things to which April referred could have ever happened if it were not for Janice Stewart.  I was going to say more, but I won't.  All I'll say is, thank you, Jan!  Thank you with my whole heart and soul.  I love you, Sis!"  She raised her glass and toasted Jan who was looking down at her plate with tears running down her cheeks.
* * *
	Vangie was sitting between Maureen and Colleen Callahan at the reception.  Looking at Colleen, she asked, "Colly, Maureen said you had a fight.  You wanted to ask for something but she doesn't want you to.  Do you want to tell me about it?"
	Vangie could see tears in the woman's eyes as she said, "Yes, I do, Mrs. Collins.  Could you lend me some money?  It's for Maureen.  We managed to get her through school somehow, but now payments on her student loans are due.  She hasn't been able to get a job yet, but I'm sure she will.  We need a great deal of money, though.  We need five hundred dollars!"
	Vangie's face remained impassive even though the woman's words were tearing her heart out.  The woman's head was upright and she was looking her straight in the eye in spite of the tears rolling down her cheeks.  Clearly, it was torturing Colleen to ask for help.
	"What happened to your husband's insurance settlement?  Is that money all gone?" she asked, keeping her face impassive.
	The woman just shook her head.  "I never received any money," she said softly.  "It never came.  There was some problem or other, so it was never paid."
	Vangie rose and went around the table to where Ed was sitting and whispered in his ear.  "Darling, I need a check.  Because of my... situation, I don't have access to any money right now.  I need a check for $100,000 payable to Colleen Callahan."  Ed had been listening to the talk.  Although he hadn't been filled in on the background, his heart was torn by the plea he had just heard.  He had gathered that this woman's husband had been killed in action in the Army years earlier but she had never received any money from the government!  He just nodded, pulled out his checkbook, scribbled the check and gave it to Vangie without a word.  She returned to her seat with the check folded in her hand.  Then she asked very quietly, "Colly, how have you been supporting yourself since you left us?  My God!  That was nearly twenty years ago, now."
	Before her mother could answer, Maureen said, "She's been working as a topless waitress and as a stripper, Mrs. Collins.  It pays well and it permitted her to be home with me."  Tears began to flow from her eyes as she continued, "I didn't even know it until a short time ago.  Can you imagine?  She would get home as late as four in the morning after performing in front of a bunch of slobbering drunks, but still be out of bed at six to get me up, give me breakfast and get me off to school.  The waitressing didn't begin until I was in college.  She would always be waiting for me when I got home from school to ask how my day had been and to help with my homework.  Can you imagine?  My mother, a stripper!  It just tore her up inside and it still does."
	Maureen's head was up straight and there was fire in her emerald-green eyes as she said, "Mrs. Collins, we don't need your money and don't want it!  I just got a job stripping, and if my mother can do it, I sure as hell can, too.  It pays all the money we need.  Thank you for not laughing at us."  Rising to her feet she said, "Mother, I think we should go now."
	Vangie rose to her feet quicker than Colleen could, took Maureen in her arms and held her tightly.  The girl's self-control, which was hanging by a thread, suddenly snapped.  She started to bawl and Vangie just held her closer, stroking her hair and comforting her.  Gently, as she eased her back into her chair, she could feel the young girl's shoulders shaking from her sobs.  Finally, with an effort of will, she regained control and eased away.  There was an odd look in her eyes as she whispered, "Thank you, Mrs. Collins."
	Vangie asked if they could please stay for a few more minutes.  There was someone she needed to see.  They agreed — Maureen, with reluctance — and she went over to where Jan was sitting.  In just a few sentences she explained the situation.  Jan quickly agreed and pointed out that Pete was about to go off on a three-week business trip to Europe and the Far East so it would work out perfectly.  She gave Vangie's ass a sharp spank and grinned saying, "It's getting tighter."  Vangie just stuck out the tip of her tongue and quickly returned to the table where Ed and the Callahan women were waiting.
	With a big smile she said, "I have a proposition for you two.  You see, I'm in training under Jan Stewart.  You heard Cindy Burke say that she gives her the credit for bringing her into the human race.  Anyway, after warming up with Cindy she's now facing a Herculean challenge: me.  She needs all the help she can get, particularly now that she's pregnant.  Anyway, here's my proposition.  I'll pay you one hundred thousand dollars if you both will stay with us out in Deerfield for the next three weeks or so and help Jan with my training.  Will you?  Please?"
	Maureen's jaw dropped.  "I beg your pardon!" she gasped.  "Did I hear you say one hundred thousand dollars?  For three weeks?"
	"I knew your hearing was good.  That's exactly what I said.  Will you?  Incidentally, I have the check for you now," Vangie said, passing the check to Colleen.  The woman just looked at it, then crumpled up and began to bawl.  This time Vangie took the woman in her arms and held her tightly.  It was obvious to her that Colleen had been as tight as a coiled spring inside and the spring had just snapped.  The woman completely let go.  Vangie just continued to hold her as years of pain and suffering washed away in a flood of tears.  Finally, there were no more tears left.
	Slowly she eased away from Vangie looking ashamed.  "I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed.  "I didn't mean..."
	"To wreck my dress?" Vangie interjected with a warm grin.  "Well, you did."  She looked down at her dress which now was tear stained from both women.  "You can pay me the price of the dress from the money I just gave you.  And can I interpret the waterworks that just flooded out the place to be some strange Irish way of saying yes?"
	Colleen had been looking at Vangie closely.  She just nodded her head and said in a broad Irish brogue, "Sure, and it is!  Vangie Collins, I was right and you were wrong.  I remember you handling my breasts when I applied for the job as your nurse.  Your touch was so very tender, in spite of what you say.  You're a wonderful person who has done a fine job of keeping it a great secret for years!  Particularly from yourself."  Then she smiled and it was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.  In spite of the wreckage of her tears, Vangie realized that Colleen Callahan was an incredibly beautiful woman.
Chapter 49
	Ken closed the door to the suite and looked at his bride.  Cathy was looking hesitant... and, he suddenly realized, fearful.  She stood with her back straight and her head up, just looking at him.  Ken thought she was the most beautiful bride who had ever lived as she stood there in her bridal gown.  In a break with common practice, the bridal parties had not changed into street clothes before leaving the wedding reception.  Since they were all spending their wedding night in suites in nearby hotels, they decided to go to their hotels while still in their bridal finery.  Cathy had blushed when they entered the lobby of the Water Tower Hyatt and were immediately recognized from the Super Bowl telecast of the week before.  All the people around the lobby began to softly applaud.  Fortunately, the check-in process had been completed earlier in the day so they were immediately escorted to their suite by the assistant manager on duty.  They had the best suite in the hotel and found a platter of caviar — a gift from the hotel — along with two chilled bottles of Dom Pérignon which Ken had ordered.
	"What's wrong, Darling?" he asked softly.  "Why do you look frightened?  You're the most courageous girl alive.  You would charge hell with a fire extinguisher.  What's wrong?"
	She gave him a wry little smile and ran to his arms.  He held her tight and could feel her body shaking.  Finally she whispered, "Darling, I have an answer to my dilemma.  I just know you're going to be terribly disappointed with me when we get to bed, so tomorrow I'll call Jan Stewart.  I'm sure she knows some girls who are... more experienced and who can make you happy in bed.  We... We could have auditions or something.  How would that be?"
	Ken just stroked her hair and breathed in the intoxicating scent of this glorious girl who was now his wife.  Tipping up her head, he gently but thoroughly kissed her.  As he did, he again felt the electricity flow between them.  Easing away from her he winked, and then said with a small grin, "Lady, this has been a very expensive day for me.  I spent over ten bucks on this suit alone!  Can I see what I got for all that money?"
	It seemed to have been the right thing to say.  Daintily, she stuck out the tip of her tongue and then spun around so that her back was to him.  "The least you can do is help out, mister.  There's a zipper back there somewheres you can pull.  You do know how zippers work, don't you, mister?"
	Finding the zipper, he gently pulled it down, fascinated to find that it ran down almost to her shapely buttocks.  Then he carefully undid the hook at the top of the dress allowing it to gape open in the back.  Since the dress was strapless, Cathy just let it drop to the floor, stepped out of it, and then turned to face him.  Now all she was wearing were her shoes, white stockings, a white garter belt and a white bikini.  She looked at him with a question in her eyes.  He just whistled softly and held out his arms.  With a little squeal she ran to him.
	Lifting Cathy off the ground he carried her to the sofa and sat down with her sitting across his lap.  Then he slowly ran his fingers over her body, feeling her satin skin and the ripple of her muscles responding to his touch.  Then, while he worked on her garter belt, Cathy reached over, retrieved one of the bottles of champagne and started to open it.  She was stopped several times by the exquisite feeling of his fingers moving on her sensitive inner thighs and around her body.  Finally he had her stockings and the garter belt off, leaving only her bikini.  He had never seen a more beautiful girl in his life.
	Carefully, Cathy poured two glasses of champagne.  Giving one to Ken, she raised hers and said, "To you, Kenneth Jackson Bradley:  I give you myself — body and soul — to do with as you wish.  Ken, I exist to try to make you happy in any way I possibly can.  You're my love and my life!"  Looking at him over the top of her glass, she tossed off the champagne and broke the glass in the suite's fireplace.  Then she reached out to him and he just held her tight.
	Finally he asked, "Darling, why are you so afraid I won't be happy?"
	"Because I don't know anything!" she wailed.  "If I hadn't been staying with Cindy, I wouldn't even know where your gorgeous cock should go!"
	"What about me?" he asked softly.
	"You?  What about you?"  Cathy was truly puzzled.  She had no idea what he was driving at.
	"Lady, there was a girl in my arms about a week ago.  She played with my cock and caused me to shoot my cum all over her glorious body.  Does that sound like anyone you know?"
	She smiled and said, "Darling, that was only the second time in my life I have ever touched a naked man.  You're even more impressive than Dan Burke — and that's truly high praise indeed."
	"And you're the first naked woman I've ever touched," he said softly.  He looked into her beautiful gray eyes and watched for her reaction.
	It came immediately.  Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.  "But... But... But, Ken, you can't!  You're a man!" she exclaimed, genuinely confused.
	"I noticed that a few years ago," he replied dryly.  "Nevertheless, you're the first and only."
	She had been studying his face and finally believed him.  He wasn't teasing her at all.  What he said was true.  She looked at him and asked, "But why, Ken?  My God!  There must have been thousands of women trying to get you into bed with them.  I believe you, Darling, but it's almost impossible.  Why?"
	"For the same reason you're a virgin, Cathy.  I think I'm a one-woman guy.  You're my woman.  I wanted to be sure I was as clean and pure as I could be when we married."  Then he grinned and added, "I was expecting to get a woman who could show me what to do, though."
	"Then... Then you're untouched?  I mean really untouched?" she asked.
	"Sure am.  Now what are you going to do about it, lady?  What in hell did you think I hired you for?  You're supposed to give me a guided tour."  He reached out, cradled one of her beautiful breasts, and in the gentlest way possible, squeezed it.
	She mewed with pleasure and writhed in his arms.  Then she pretended to glare at him and said, "That, mister, is a tit.  I have two of them, as you may have noticed.  And, buddy, I'm not at all breakable.  If you want to squeeze it, squeeze it!  Then see what happens."
	He squeezed it and then stroked it.  Instantly her nipples grew as hard as pebbles.  He bent down, took one in his mouth, then bit down softly and then harder.  She cried out and he instantly let go but then felt her holding his head in place.  "Please don't stop!  It feels so wonderful," she cried.  He continued to nibble and then moved to her other tit and repeated it.  Finally, she let him lift his head.  When he did he found that she had an intensely warm look on her face.
	He raised an eyebrow and she grinned.  "Now put your finger in my cunt, Darling," she said softly.  "That's what you touched last week.  Then tell me what you find.  Incidentally, there's a hole there that you can put your finger into.  You might like that, too."  Gently he inserted his forefinger into her very tight little cunt.  The minute he touched her he realized how wet she was and he looked at her quizzically.
	She giggled and said, "You thought I was teasing, didn't you?  I wasn't.  Darling, when you're near me... let alone touching me... I start to run rivers!"  Then she glared at him and asked, "And what's that... that thing... that's sticking me in the ass?  Can't I ever sit on you comfortably?"
	He grinned and shook his head.  "It's something I carry with me, lady," he replied.  "I think it's used with women, somehow, but I'm not really sure how."
	She put her arms around him and crushed her lips to his.  Then she said, "Fair is fair.  If I have to be bare, what about you?  May I undress you, Darling?  Then maybe we can find out what's been sticking into me."
	"Of course, honey," he said with a grin.  "I think this is going to be very funny, though.  It took me hours to figure out how this monkey suit worked, so let it be a challenge to you.  You get to keep anything you find."  Responding to the challenge, Cathy shifted position to straddle him on the sofa.  One after another she figured out how the pieces of the morning suit were attached and how to remove them.
	Ken couldn't resist.  He cradled her tits and then started to stimulate her clit.  "Stop that!" she exclaimed.  "You're just cheating, now.  You didn't think I could get you out of this cage you're in, did you?  And when I start to win, you resort to underhanded tactics."  She grinned and leaned her head back as she just enjoyed the glorious sensation he was creating in her cunt.  Then she kissed him on the nose and said, "And it is underhanded, too.  Your hand is under my cunt.  I hope it drowns!"  By now she had his jacket, tie, vest and shirt off.  The rest was easy except he wouldn't even cooperate by standing up.
	Cathy just glared at him, unfastened the waistband of his trousers, stood up while still holding the ends of his pants legs and then yanked.  It almost dumped him on the floor but instead the pants finally came off.  Then he did stand up and allowed her carefully to drop his shorts revealing his huge erection.
	Now she was on her knees in front of him and just looked at it with desire in her eyes.  "Is this the grand prize, Darling?" she asked.  "Oh God, Ken, it's so massive and beautiful.  I can only hope I'm worthy."  He just shook his head, bent over, picked her up and carried her into the bedroom.
	When he had her laid out on the bed he began stroking her body and kissing it.  Hearing a giggle, he looked up and saw Cathy grinning at him.  "What's so funny?" he asked, feeling a little hurt.
	"Us, my darling," she replied softly.  "Do you realize that this is what thirteen-year-olds do these days?  Honey, I guess we're hopelessly retarded!"
	"Remember what George Bernard Shaw said: 'Youth is such a marvelous time of life.  What a shame to waste it on the young!'  Honey, there is no way you were as smooth and firm and full and golden when you were thirteen!" he replied.  "Darling, you were certainly worth waiting for.  But oh, God, you're so perfectly full and ripe now!"  He went back to his kissing and could feel her body writhe on the bed in a rising agony of her wanting.  Finally, she could take it no more.  She dove down and captured his raging cock in her hands and encircled it with her mouth.  Now they were lying head to foot and he began to kiss and lick her cunt.
	Cathy had seen Cindy take Dan in her mouth on occasions too numerous to count so she had a good idea what she should do.  Moving her head up and down on his cock, she tasted the first of his cum.  When she squeezed his loaded sac, he exploded in her mouth.  She was prepared and swallowed every succulent drop.  As she was about to lick off the last drop from his tip, she could feel her loins quiver just before she exploded in response to his oral stimulation.  Just as carefully, he licked up every drop of her sweetness.  Then he moved away and grinned at her.  "What's so funny, now?" she asked.
	"Darling," he replied, "That was something I had to do.  I need to know if a virgin cunt tastes any different from an experienced one."  Then his expression changed to one of intense love as he added, "Honey, you're not going to be a virgin much longer.  Do you mind?"
	"You won't be either, honey," she replied with a grin.  "If you don't mind losing yours, I certainly don't mind losing mine.  The fact is, it's been a terrible pain in the cunt!"
	Her cunt was still awash in the flow of her fluids.  Although she had exploded and filled his mouth with her love juices, she was still flowing freely in anticipation of his entry.  To his surprise, she scrambled out of bed and padded back into the sitting room, reappearing moments later with the platter of caviar in one hand while she wrestled with the champagne in its ice bucket with the other.  She retrieved the glasses and poured one for each of them.  After a sip she asked, "What do you think?"
	"Think about what?" he asked, puzzled.
	"This is something I learned from Ali Clifford.  She says that Dom Pérignon is perfect for washing down a man's cum.  And it is!  How is it with my love juices?"
	He seemed to ponder the question for a moment and then said, "Lady, your juices are vintage... certainly a twenty year.  I love them plain, although the champagne does add a bit of sparkle."  He looked concerned and asked, "Could you carbonate yours, do you suppose?"  She just shook her head and grinned wryly, then very carefully began to make caviar canapés for the two of them.  As she knelt on the bed with her weight back on her heels, Ken was propped up at the head of the bed just looking at her.  He realized again that her skin was an all-over golden color.  Moreover, she appeared to be totally unaware of her nudity, and totally lacking in self-consciousness as she made the lovely tidbits and fed them to him.
	Finally he said, "Darling, you are utterly exquisite.  Your figure is absolute perfection.  Did you know that?"
	She stuck the tip of her tongue out at him.  "No, I didn't, but you don't, either.  How in hell could you know?  You just finished telling me you had no experience with women," she argued.
	She giggled when he stuck his tongue out at her.  "That shows what you don't know," he said proudly.  "I went to a strip show once!  The girls in the show didn't show me much.  But then last Saturday, in the shower... now those were bodies!"
	The expression on her face changed.  "The time has come, Darling," she said softly.  "It's about time you made me a woman.  Would... Could... Would it be all right if I did it to myself?  Would you mind?"  Instead of answering, he pulled her down on top of him and kissed her softly and then with increasing urgency.  Meanwhile, he caressed her back, her asscheeks, and spread her legs so he could stroke her inner thighs.
	Cathy surrendered to his touch and mashed her body down on his.  She began to writhe on top of him from the rising torment from her cunt.  Then she slid her body down on his until she encountered his raging cock.  Kneeling astride him, she positioned it at the mouth of her vagina and slowly eased down on it.  The feeling was like nothing she had ever imagined.  She thought her cunt was small and his cock was gigantic.  Nevertheless, taking advantage of the lubricating fluids flowing from her vagina, she began to work it deeper and deeper inside herself.  Finally, she could feel it in hard contact with her hymen.  She began to gently move up and down on his rigid shaft, each time stopping when it hit.  Finally she felt her cunt was as stretched and slick as it could be.  Then she stopped and leaned forward to kiss him on the lips.  As he held her, he ran his tongue into her mouth like a snake.  She could feel the electricity flow between them as she said, "Darling, I guess this is it!"  With that she raised herself up so the head of his cock was just inside her and dropped her full weight down on it.
	"Aagh!" she screamed as she felt a moment of intense pain and a ripping sensation, but then felt herself slide down much farther on the impaling shaft.  She stopped and looked down at her groin.  "Look, Darling, it's done!  And I did it all by myself."  Ken looked down and could see her blood flowing from around his shaft as she began to work his cock even deeper inside her.  Finally, with a yelp of joy, she felt him in all the way to his root.  Again she stopped and lay on top of him enjoying the wonderful sensation.  Ken knew what she was doing.  He gently stroked her body and pulled the bedcovers over them.  She just mewed with pleasure as he gently stroked her body, then lifted her chin enough to be able to kiss her.  She lay with her cheek on his hairy chest and whispered, "Darling, could we spend the rest of our lives just like this?  With you just impaling me on your glorious weapon?"  She lifted her head enough for him to see the impish grin on her face as she said, "Penis envy?  Bullshit!  It's cock envy!  A huge piece of steel reaming my insides in a way I could never even imagine!  Oh Lord, thank you for giving me a husband who is a god."
	Then she threw off the covers and began slowly to rise and fall on his weapon.  Now she began to use the knowledge she had picked up watching Dan and Cindy.  She could feel her passion rising and then she came.  Still she didn't stop or change tempo.  Instead she kept climbing higher and higher hills, only changing her rhythm when she felt him close to his release.  Each time she slowed enough so that his need for ejaculation subsided and then she moved again.  Finally, she reached the point she never thought she ever would: She was now in near-constant orgasm.  Sweat was streaming off her body, she screamed each time she achieved full penetration, and all of her feeling was concentrated in her loins.  She could no longer control it.  She could feel the massive cock inside her begin to throb so she buried it to the hilt.  The first searing jolt of his cum put her over the edge.  She could feel her loins spasm in a frenzy of motion while her vagina pulsated to try to empty his balls as she lost consciousness from the sensory overload.
	When she regained consciousness her head was resting against Ken's right shoulder and his right hand was cupping her tit.  When she looked up at him, Ken could see concern in her beautiful face.  "Was... Was it okay?" she asked.  "At least for the first time?  Oh, Darling, I want everything to be perfect for you and I'm not.  I don't think I'm even adequate," she wailed.
	He pulled her face down and kissed her soundly on the lips, hearing the sigh and the wonderful happy noises she made as he did.  "Feel your cunt, Darling," he asked softly.  "Tell me what you feel."
	She did and then looked puzzled.  "It's... It's dry!  Ken, how could it be?  I... I think I came, but... but what happened to it all?"  Then she felt the bed and her eyes widened.  "Was I that bad, Kenneth Bradley?" she asked accusingly.  "Was I so awful that you could change the bed while I was out cold?"
	She melted under the look of adoration he gave her.  "Darling, you were utter perfection.  The answer is, yes you were out cold.  Yes, I changed the bed, and yes, I ate out your glorious cunt — love juices, blood, cum and all.  It... It made an interesting cocktail.  The blood added just the right touch of salt..."
* * *
	Susan Cassidy was resting with her head on Mike's shoulder as he rested with his back against the headboard of the bed.  Idly, she touched her blood now starting to dry on the sheet between them, showing where her virginity had come to an end.  "Were you disappointed, Darling?" she asked him.  "I... There was really nothing to it, was there?  Thank you for being so gentle when you took me."  Suddenly her face crumpled and she began to bawl.
	"What's wrong, Darling?" Mike asked softly.  "What did I do?"
	"Nothing at all," she wailed.  "It's what I did to you!"
	"And what did you do to me?"
	"I forced you to marry me under false pretenses," she cried.  "You thought I would only sleep with you if you married me.  I said that, but it was a terrible lie!  Michael Cassidy, if you had even touched me, I would have stripped off my clothes and spread my legs... regardless of where we might have been.  Do you remember the first night we met?  I showed you the painting of Kerry and me.  I was trying to be so cool because I knew that if you had the nerve to pull down the zipper on my dress, I would have been on my back on the floor with my legs spread wide to welcome you.  I was a cheat and a tease.  The fact is, Darling, towards you I'm utterly shameless.  I took advantage of you!"
	"You sure did," he said softly.  "You made me the happiest man in the world in spite of myself.  You're making me into something worthwhile — why, I don't know — and you're forcing me to become a real quarterback.  Susan, you sure did take advantage of me and I hope you keep doing it forever!"  Then he grinned at her and said, "Speaking of making things..."
	"Yes?" she asked with a lascivious smile.
	"Spread your legs, woman!  You're supposed to be making a baby."
	Susan slid down from the headboard and spread her legs, then ran her finger up her slit and put it in his mouth.  "You were saying...?"
* * *
	"Why did you do it?" Kevin asked softly.  They were in bed with her head resting on his shoulder.  There was only one small light on in the room that Kelly insisted remain on.
	"Do what?" she asked, pretending innocence.  She knew exactly what he meant.
	"The strip show," he replied.  "You had that gown made specially for the occasion, didn't you?"
	"Did you mind, Darling?" she asked.  "You're right, of course.  The answer is what I said to you months ago:  I dreamed of stripping for you alone and then having you take me."  She stretched, revealing her body for the masterpiece that it was.  Then she kissed him softly and said, "It was everything I hoped it would be... and so much more!"  She molded her body to his and closed her eyes.
	It was only much later at night that Kevin felt her squeeze his hand.  When he opened his eyes he saw her eyes focused on him.  "About being a brood mare?" she asked with a sensuous smile.  "Where's the stallion?"  He moved between her thighs and soon she was spending in torrents, flooding the enormous cock embedded in her cunt.
* * *
	Ron could feel April's silky hair spilling over his shoulder as he cradled her magnificent tit in his hand.  Even though it was dark in the room, he knew that she was awake and looking at him because of her soft breath on his shoulder.  "How was it, Darling?  she asked.  "Was it good for you?"
	"April Jackson, you know damned well that if it had been any better, I'd be dead!  Why didn't you tell me a woman could be so much fun in bed?  My God, what idiots we are!  April, I didn't know the first damned thing about loving a woman."
	"Why didn't you ever ask?" she replied with a soft, lascivious chuckle.  "Darling, will the next one be a boy or a girl?  And are you sure you like brandy?  Maybe bourbon, or cognac, or..."
	He rolled between her muscular thighs and entered her again.  She gasped, and then began to conform her movements to his in the darkness.
* * *
	"I can't believe it," Cindy murmured.  "We've been doing it for months, but this...  Dan, it's never been like this.  Why?"
	He kissed her softly and felt her move on his massive erection that impaled her.  "I think it's because you threw out your pills today, Cin.  Now it's for real.  We're trying to make a baby.  Are you glad?"
	She just screamed in ecstasy.
Chapter 50
	While they were waiting in the Red Carpet Club to board their United Airlines flight to Hawaii the next morning, Ken looked at Cathy with a sheepish expression on his face.  She leaned over and kissed him softly saying, "I think it's wonderful, Darling."
	"Wonderful?" he asked, showing his surprise.  "What's wonderful?"
	"You being selected to play in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu next week," she replied calmly.
	His jaw dropped and he just shook his head.  "But... But how could you possibly know that?" he asked.  "Coach Ditka only asked me yesterday morning."
	"I know, dear," she said, smiling sweetly, "But he asked me the night before if it would be all right for him to invite you.  He was so sweet!  He knew we were going to be on Maui on our honeymoon.  When he called, he congratulated me, talked about the Super Bowl, and then the television interview with Bob Costas.  Finally I said I would love to see you play in the Pro Bowl.  He asked how I knew it was the reason for his call.  I told him what other reason could there be, knowing that as coach of the Super Bowl team he would be coaching the NFC team in the Pro Bowl.  Of course, I'd like it better if you were All Pro, instead of just playing in the Pro Bowl."  She smiled and shook her head.  "It's funny, I guess.  That has to be the only football game of the year that everyone wants to be picked for, but no one wants to actually play in."
	"Catherine Bradley, you're too much!" he exclaimed with a grin.
	"No, I'm not," she replied with a cute grin.  "I'm not very much at all.  If I were, your balls would be drained dry by now and they're not nearly."  Her grin changed to a look of incredible love as she added, "I love you so very much, my husband!"  He just kissed her softly and held her tight.
	They were wrapped in each other's arms, utterly oblivious to the looks directed their way by the other passengers in the clubroom, when they heard someone standing nearby clearing his throat.  When Ken released Cathy and looked up, his eyes were still glazed.  He found that a ramp supervisor was standing there and said he had been asked to escort them out to their aircraft.  Ken raised an eyebrow, but then extended his hands to help Cathy to her feet.  As he did he was amused thinking that his wife had less need of help to do anything than any female alive.  Nevertheless, she smiled gratefully as he did.
* * *
	Virginia Adams, the senior flight attendant on the United 747 flight, nonstop from Chicago to Honolulu, was reviewing the passenger manifest.  She paid particular attention to a Special VIP notation on two first-class passengers, Mr. & Mrs. K. Bradley.  Noting the seat assignments, she quickly checked to make sure the reclining mechanism on each seat worked correctly and checked the seatback pockets and the area around the seats to be sure it was as clean as possible.
	Returning to the doorway, she was in time to greet the Bradleys as they were escorted down the jetway by the ramp supervisor.  As they came towards her, she was pleased that she had done the last-minute checking.  Obviously, the Bradleys were important people.  They came on board the aircraft and the supervisor said, "Mrs. Adams, I would like you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Bradley.  They will be with you on the flight out to Hawaii today."
	Cathy saw the woman's jaw drop.  She said, "But you... you're... you're Cathy Collins, aren't you?"
	"That was yesterday," Cathy said with a warm smile as she extended her hand.  Today I'm Mrs. Kenneth Jackson Bradley, and I couldn't be happier."  Ginny Adams had looked over the entertainment that was being offered in flight that day.  Often, during the football season the feature film is preceded by a short film reviewing NFL highlights of the previous week's games.  She knew the film they were carrying had Super Bowl highlights, but also included an interview done by Bob Costas.  It was a part of his pre-game show expanded with additional footage that had not been available when the pre-Super Bowl show aired.  She shook hands with the Bradleys and showed them to their seats.
	Before leaving to return to her position at the door she asked diffidently, "Mrs. Bradley, there's a film we're showing today that you might be interested in.  Would... Could I announce that you and Mr. Bradley are on this flight?  I know that you're considered very important to the airline, but..."
	Cathy smiled warmly.  "Of course you can," she replied, "But I don't know why on earth you would want to.  There's one condition, though.  The name is Cathy, and my husband's name is Ken.  If you feel you have to make an announcement, it's Ken and Cathy Bradley.  Okay?"  Ginny Adams grinned and quickly agreed.
	After taking off from O'Hare International Airport, the giant plane was climbing towards its cruising altitude.  Ginny had already spoken to the plane's captain and received his permission to change the film schedule slightly.  Before takeoff she ran the usual video tape covering seat belts and emergency exits.  The entertainment tape with the NFL game as its leader normally followed the meal service.  Today, though, as soon as the plane's wheels were up she activated the cabin PA system and announced that they would be showing highlights of the Super Bowl.  Further, she said that they were fortunate to have with them one of the stars of the champion Chicago Bears, Ken Bradley, and his wife of just one day, Cathy Collins Bradley.  She concluded her remarks by saying, "This will mean more to you after you see this tape."
	The cabin was darkened and the tape began to roll.  Cathy's mouth formed an "O" when she saw that the film was prefaced by Bob Costas.  He talked about the game — now history — and commented that they now knew something they had not fully appreciated at the time: the importance to the Chicago Bears of the weekly touch football games against the women.  Then he showed what he called "the greatest single play in the history of football," Cathy's catch off Ken's fingertips.  There was also the shot showing Sue's passing technique compared to Mike's and to the top passers in the history of football, as well as comparisons of style and speed in getting the kick away between Cathy and both placekickers and punters.  Finally, there was a shot Cathy had never seen before.
	Costas said, "I want you to watch this play carefully.  It's a routine play from late in the game.  Cathy Collins is lined up as a flanker.  Now she appears to be tired.  A defensive back would conclude, 'It's late in the game, she's a decoy on the play, but she's too tired, too cold and too wet even to go through the motions.' Now you see her almost jog down the field for a few steps.  Now watch: It looks like she kicked in the afterburner right here and blows right by Ken Bradley.  She takes another pass right on her fingertips and flies in for a touchdown.  Nice play, right?"
	Now the camera was on Costas as the play faded off the screen.  Answering his own rhetorical question, he said, "Wrong!  You see, on the girls' prior play from scrimmage, you'll see her block Ken Bradley and spring April Jefferson for a touchdown.  You see him accidentally kick her in the ribs and you can see her wince as he helps her to her feet.  He cracked one of her ribs on the play.  She scored that last touchdown — running with world-class speed — while playing with a cracked rib!"
	Again, the game film faded from the screen leaving Costas alone on camera.  He shook his head and said, "That's why the Bears killed the Raiders.  Not only were the Raiders relatively easy after playing those women, no one plays with the intensity that they do.  They're strictly amateurs.  I should say that they're playing for the love of the game.  I know better, though.  They're playing for the love of the people they're playing against.  For example, Cathy Collins will probably be married to Ken Bradley by the time you see this tape.  Cathy and Ken:  May you be blessed with children who have just a small fraction of the brains, ability, and courage you two display.  Congratulations!"
	The tape ended and the cabin lights came up.  Ginny Adams said, "Now you all see what I was talking about.  Cathy and Ken, on behalf of United Airlines and all of its people, I would like to second the comments Bob Costas just made.  We wish you a long and happy life together.  And, please, another Super Bowl for the Bears next year!"  She paused and said, "I guess I should apologize to any Raiders fans onboard.  If I forgot to say it before, this is a Chicago-based flight crew!"
	Ken just hugged Cathy and kissed her warmly.  Drinks had just been served in first class when Ginny Adams came to their seats.  Cathy looked up at her and said, "The answer is yes, Mrs. Adams.  Now what's the question?"
	Ginny reddened and said, "I'm sorry Mrs. Bradley,..."
	"It's Cathy, remember?" Cathy reminded her.
	The woman grinned and said, "Cathy, there's a girl in the back we're flying out to Hawaii.  Have you ever heard of the organization that tries to fulfil the last wish of dying children?  Well, she's one of them.  She's a fourteen-year-old girl named Kristin Crowley.  The doctors give her less than three months to live.  They don't know exactly what's wrong, but the poor kid is wasting away.  Although she's five feet seven, she can't weigh even 80 pounds.  She indicated she wanted to see Hawaii, so the organization is paying for her trip as her final wish.  She asked if she could meet you.  Would you permit it?" she asked with a warm smile.  "I think it would mean a lot to her."
	Cathy squeezed Ken's hand and said, "Of course!  My God, the poor thing.  Can you imagine not even being fifteen years old and finding out that your life is over?  Is there anything else we could do for her?  Anything at all?"
	Ginny Adams just shook her head slowly.  "Bob Costas really got it right, didn't he?" she said.  "You really are very special!  I want you to know that we consider it a real privilege to have you with us today.  As far as doing something for Kristin, maybe you could give her an autograph or something?"  Cathy and Ken just nodded and Ginny went back for the girl.
	The first time Cathy glimpsed Kristin Crowley her stomach turned over.  The poor girl was a walking skeleton.  She was wearing a nondescript sweater and skirt but they looked like they were hanging on a scarecrow made from only a few sticks.  Ginny brought her to the seats — Ken was sitting on the aisle while Cathy had the window — and Cathy leaned across Ken with her hand outstretched.  The girl took it in her own and Cathy cringed, realizing it was like shaking hands with a skeleton.  All she could feel was bone.  There seemed to be no flesh on her hand at all; there was only bone covered with skin.
	The girl's hair was blonde or brown but whatever its color, it just hung limp and lifeless around her shoulders, while her skin had the gray pallor of death.  Then Cathy saw the girl's eyes.  They were the most incredible blue Cathy had ever seen.  Now set deep in their skeletal sockets, they were so dark, they were almost a royal purple.  The other feature was that there was fire blazing behind them.  After they had shaken hands, Ginny said, "Mrs. Bradley, this is Kristin Crowley.  She says she has become a fan of yours since she saw the Super Bowl last week."  Having made the introduction, she was standing behind the girl and indicated in pantomime that she wanted to speak to Cathy.
	"Before you get too comfortable, Kristin, would you let me out of here for a moment?  Why don't you sit in my seat and look out the window?  We're flying over some interesting cloud formations."  She climbed out of the seat and Kristin took her place.  She walked toward the first-class lavatories and then let Ginny catch up to her when they were out of the girl's earshot.  She looked at the woman attentively and waited.
	"Cathy, I don't know what to say.  Did you notice her eyes?  They're the only part of her that even looks alive.  Did you see it?"
	"Indeed I did," Cathy replied.  "There's a fire that's still burning inside.  That girl is trying to make it still!"  Tears came to her eyes as she said it.  Then she saw that Ginny was shaking her head.
	"That's exactly it, Cathy!  When she boarded the flight her eyes were at least as dead as the rest of her.  When she saw the tape, she started to show some life, but she was still out of it when I asked if she might like to meet you.  That's when the fire appeared.  What should we do, do you suppose?"
	"The center-section aisle seat is free," Cathy noted.  She reached in her purse and took out her checkbook.  "What's the fare difference between what she's paying and first class?  I'll give you a check and she can ride in Ken's seat.  He can take the seat across the aisle.  How does that sound?"
	The attendant shook her head and said, "It sounds like Cathy Collins, is what it sounds like.  The fact is that Kristin is flying free.  United is covering it."  She smiled and added, "And since it's kind of hard to board additional passengers while we're cruising at 41,000 feet on a nonstop flight, it's safe to say that the aisle seat will stay empty for this trip.  It will go as an involuntary upgrade to first class."  She extended her hand and said, "Cathy, this has been a real pleasure.  You're certainly a wonderful human being!"  Then her face showed concern and she asked, "But what about you?  How's your rib?  You certainly don't act injured."
	"I guess I'm quick to heal," she replied with a grin.  "I survived my wedding night and the loss of my virginity without a qualm, so I guess it's fine now.  But thank you for asking."
	"You were a virgin until last night!?" Ginny exclaimed.  "My God!  I guess I didn't know the half of it.  Let's play it by ear, shall we?"
	When she returned to her seat she quickly whispered to Ken what she had in mind.  He did her one better.  To Kristin's surprise, Ken picked her up, sat down in the window seat and placed her across his lap.  She was surprised, but then instantly very pleased.  In spite of her condition, she actually looked happy.
	"There's a parking charge for sitting on my lap, though, Kris," he said.  "Do people call you Kris, by the way, or do you prefer something else.
	The girl positively beamed.  Again, though, Cathy cringed because the girl's smile was so akin to a skeleton's.  Then she said in a beautifully modulated soft voice, "They don't, Mr. Bradley, but it really sounds neat.  Please do call me Kris.  But what's the parking charge?"
	"It's a kiss," he replied.  "But you better be careful and not make it too good.  We only got married yesterday and I think Cathy could get pretty jealous."
	The girl smiled.  It was the first genuinely happy smile they had seen.  She put her arms around his neck and kissed him full on the lips.  Then she pulled away saying, "I guess I had better try to put on some weight in a hurry.  Kissing me must be like kissing a skeleton!"  In spite of the truth in her words, Ken had sensed real love in her childish kiss.  Then she said, "Could... Would it be possible for me to get Mrs. Bradley's autograph, though, before I have to go back to my seat?"
	"Kris," Cathy said softly, "This is your seat.  It's been changed.  You'll be flying up here with us.  I... I hope you don't mind?"
	Suddenly Kris beamed.  "Me?  Up here?  With you?  Oh, Mrs. Bradley!  That will be wonderful!"
	"Kris, would you please do us both a favor?  Neither Ken nor I are that much older than you are.  Would you please call him Ken and me Cathy.  Please?"
	The girl was struck virtually speechless.  Then Cathy had an idea.  She pushed the attendant call button and Ginny came at a run.  Kris was talking to Ken so she was not paying attention as Cathy spoke to the stewardess quickly.  Ginny just smiled and nodded.  She left and was back a few moments later with a big platter of hors d'oeuvres that she set on the tiny table separating the two first-class seats.  Ken picked one up and fed it to Kris.  The girl just wriggled in his lap with excitement and ate it.  He began to play a game with her.  When she went to take a bite, he yanked it back out of her reach.  Cathy smiled warmly at Ken and winked when Kris' attention was diverted.  She formed the words, "You're a terrific guy!  Thank you!"  He just returned the wink and continued his game.
	Again Cathy excused herself and met an elated Ginny Adams who was talking to the plane's captain.  She performed the introductions and Captain Harding said, "Mrs. Bradley... Cathy... I can't thank you and your husband enough.  Mrs. Adams has just told me what you're doing for that poor girl... and on your honeymoon, too.  Well, I was impressed with what I saw on the Super Bowl broadcast last week, but it's apparent that Bob Costas doesn't know the half of it.  I guess you heard what Mrs. Adams said about welcoming you on our flight?  After what you're doing now, all I can say is truer words have never been spoken.  It is indeed a privilege for us to have you both with us today!"
	"I have a favor to ask," Cathy said diffidently.  "What, exactly, are the arrangements for that poor girl in Hawaii?  Do you know?"
	The two crew members looked at each other and shook their heads.  Ginny replied, "I don't know what the specific arrangements for Kristin are, but I do know how it generally works.  We provide transportation, a hotel provides a room and meals, the tourist board gets involved...  You know the drill.  Normally an adult — the mother or father — comes along, too.  Because Kristin is alone, I don't know what they'll do with her.  But why do you ask?"
	Cathy swallowed hard.  She hadn't even said a word to Ken, but she thought she knew him pretty well.  She straightened her back and said, "Ken and I would like Kris to stay with us.  We have a suite at the hotel on Maui and will be out in the islands for at least three weeks.  I know it's an imposition and it may not even be possible, but could you radio ahead to Honolulu and get permission?  Or wherever you have to get permission from?"
	The woman's jaw dropped as she heard Cathy's proposal.  Turning to Harding she said, "Captain, this girl is out of her mind!  She and Ken Bradley were only married yesterday, and she was a virgin on her wedding night!  Could you imagine having a kid on your honeymoon?  It's absurd!"
	Harding had been listening to Ginny but watching Cathy.  "Mrs. Adams," he replied, "Normally I would agree with you, but I think this situation is different.  I watched the Super Bowl last week.  Do you know what I saw?  I saw a truly remarkable human being, and I don't mean just in an athletic sense."  He looked at Cathy and said, "If you really want to, I can guarantee the full cooperation of United Airlines.  But are you sure you really want to do it?"
	Cathy nodded her head and said, "I'm sure!"  Oh God!  she thought, Ken's going to have my head!  And that's only if I'm lucky!  Catherine Collins Bradley, will you ever learn to keep your big mouth shut?  Harding headed back up to the flight deck to send the messages while she returned to her seat.