by R. S. Smith
Jessie escorted the naked Ashley across the room. “You have a nice body, honey. I love these soft breasts,” she said, toying with her new plaything. “Have you and your boyfriend made love on this loveseat?”
“No, we've never done it. We were planning it for later tonight,” she shyly admitted.
“Oh, fresh meat, my friends will love that. Here's the deal, honey,” she whispered into her ear, “Our contract is for only the family. If you want to live, you need to become my friend. To be my friend you need to make me smile. Do you know how to do that?”
“Yes, I'd like to be your friend, but everybody is watching.”
“I don't mind, dear.”
Once their audience was seated, with grandpa moaning from the corner, Ashley provided the entertainment at some length.
“You're a keeper, sweetie. You've almost earned yourself an option,” she whispered. “You can join them all in a nudists' leap, or you can leave here with us. Here's your next step, lure Johnny out onto the balcony. Find a way to get him standing next to you on that bench next to the railing. When I give you the signal, be a good girl and push him off. If you don't, I can guarantee you'll be joining him.”
She nodded her agreement, went over and took the young man by the hand. “She says we should have sex out on the balcony, darling.”
Jessie took Danny and Renée aside and whispered, “She has agreed to push him off the balcony when I give her the signal. We'll act shocked and follow the others out to see what happened. As they run out, we'll give them a little added nudge and call it a nudists' leap. How does that sound?”
“It works for us.”
“One thing though. I promised to take her with us if she does it. She's fresh meat; they've never even done it. Okay?”
“We can't let her go, you know.”
“Maybe we could keep her for a few days of fun, then sell her,” suggested Jessie. “She looks like a spinner, Danny.”
“Laura has contacts for selling her, I bet,” said Renée.
“Maybe we could trade her to Laura in exchange for the balance of my mom's bonus debt to her.”
“Your mom would regret saving you if she ever learned you traded Ashley away for a life a sex slavery to save her from one afternoon with Laura,” said Danny. “Besides, if she does this, she too is guilty of murder. We may have ourselves a new recruit. Okay, give her your signal, kid.” They watched with excited anticipation as they moved closer to the glass door.
Jessie could see that both were standing together on the bench by the railing. When Ashley glanced back nervously, Jessie gave her the nod and they watched as Johnny went over the edge screaming.
“Oh my God!” they exclaimed. “What happened?!”
Grandma raced out onto the balcony, peered over the railing, and was promptly airborne, too.
Renée raised up her arm, aiming her pistol at Misty and Benny. “Get out on the balcony, you two!”
The trio forced them up onto the bench. The two of them held hands.
“Mr. Cicero sends you an early wedding present. He thinks you two will love sky-diving lessons.” She and Jessica gave them each a shove.
“Finish off grandpa, kid.”
Ashley was the only remaining nudist. Once grandpa was dead, the three assassins gathered around her. She eyed them anxiously, silently praying for life.
“Get dressed. Ashley. You're coming with us.”
Renée then called Cicero with the good news, and he told them a five hundred thousand dollar thank you would soon be on its way.
Their visit had passed by more quickly than they had realized, and the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon.
“Let's take Ashley to the beach for a sunrise chat,” said Danny. “We need to figure things out.”
His associates agreed and soon the group relaxed on blankets, listening to the surf as daylight broke.
“Ashley, we have a problem. You witnessed us murder four people. Although we saw you kill one, too, we can't simply let you walk away,” he said.
“I understand, but you do realize I can't afford to tell anyone, right? I murdered Johnny for you, you have my driver's license. You could easily find my email addresses and cell phone contacts and find and murder my family just like last night. I know how you work. Trust me, my lips are sealed, sir.”
“That's the logical assumption, but logic doesn't always prevail in these circumstances,” he said. “What do you suggest we do, Ashley?”
“I don't know, sir. Please don't kill me.”
“Are you willing to do whatever we say?”
“I've already shown that in front of an audience, haven't I?”
“One time is different than forever, and this would have to include your joining us in our future endeavors, without question. I know that is asking a lot and that's why we brought you here to discuss it in a relaxed environment. This must be a lifetime commitment for you.”
“I'm a survivor, sir. I'll agree to whatever you ask. Besides, I guess I can admit to you, I did get of thrill out it,” she hesitantly confessed, “all of it.”
“We're alone on the beach,” said Danny. “Show us each that you're committed to this, and we'll decide this morning what to do with you.”
A while later he said, “We're persuaded. We'll take you back to Jessie's mother's house with us. You will never speak with her regarding any killings. We'll explain to her that you're someone whose life we saved, and that in the morning we will be taking you to Colorado for a new start. Do you understand?”
“Yes, can we stop by my place to pick up some stuff first?” Ashley asked.
“No, we'll buy you a new toothbrush. I'll even throw in some mouthwash, too,” Renée said with a snicker.
They arrived at Joanna's estate in time for breakfast, giving her their story.
“Oh my God, you're Joanna Jennings!” marveled a surprised Ashley. “You're my favorite celebrity. I loved you in 'The Sinclair Affair'! It's a cult-classic.”
The next morning, the foursome bade a temporary farewell to Jo and took Ashley to Colorado with them.
Ashley was impressed with Danny's modest mountain cabin. He took her for a walk, showing her the woods and beautiful lake. After a filling dinner, they sat around the fireplace and lit up another joint to pass around. Ashley was sent to the kitchen for some munchies and returned with chips and bananas. She peeled hers and toyed with it suggestively as Danny spoke.
“Tell us about yourself, Ashley,” he requested.
“What do you want to know?”
“What skills do you bring to our group?”
“I have my Master's Degree in Criminology. I did my thesis on 'Made-men and Hit-men'.”
Everyone's eyes locked onto her.
My research ended up focusing on two men, Sonny Sinclair, out of Chicago, and Charles Cicero in New York. Hey, Renée has a Brooklyn accent and I saw New York plates on your truck, maybe you guys know him.”
“Why do I get the feeling you already know the answer to that?” asked Danny with the hint of a scowl.
“I'm a naughty girl, huh?”
“How naughty are you?”
“Okay, I confess, I did a lot of research on my thesis. Nearly everytime I saw a photo of the man, I noticed the same petite redhead in the background. I had to know more. Our meeting wasn't by accident; it was by design.”
“Go on,” chimed in a now curious Renée.
“It was tough finding stuff on you guys, but I stumbled across things on the Mexican gun-cartel and found Danny mentioned in a story, then there was that Special Forces stuff. I became insatiable, and the harder it became to find more information, the more I wanted it,” Ashley explained.
“And this brought you here how?” Danny asked.
“Well, I'm so glad you asked. During my snooping, I crossed paths with Misty. I figured she might prove a good source of information if handled properly. I wanted to be closer to her without making her suspicious. When she offered to line me up on a date w
ith her brother, I jumped at the chance.”
“So this was all a part of some grand plan of yours for a Masters' thesis?”
“At first. I finished my paper, but didn't satisfy my curiosity. I watched as Misty got involved with Benny. What a piece of white trash she was. I couldn't believe Mr. Cicero proposed to her. When I learned that she went into Witness Protection, I saw my chance.”
“What chance? Chance for what?” Danny asked, becoming more interested than ever in her story.
“I'm fascinated by crime. I even did an internship with the FBI. It wasn't for me, but I got some good training. When that gun-cartel bitch got what she deserved, I became determined to meet the people I knew were behind it.”
“You're walking an extremely dangerous path here, Ashley.”
“What happened to what bitch?” asked Jessie.
“I'm an adrenaline junky, Danny. I couldn't believe my luck when I saw Renée downtown a few days ago. That's why I persuaded Misty to break the WITSEC rules and bring Benny home to meet the family. I made sure Cicero found out about it, and I knew he had no other people on this coast that he could use on such short-term notice. You two are so elusive, I determined the best way for me to meet you was to have you come to me.”
“You're insane,” he said.
“By the way, what are the sleeping arrangements here?”
“The three of us sleep in Danny's room,” said Jessie. “You use the couch.”
Ashley provocatively peeled another banana. “Is that right, Danny?”
“We don't want you feeling unwelcome, especially on your first night here. There's room for four in that bed.”
“Jessie, I've got to tell you, I loved your line with Benny about a gentleman always reciprocates,” Ashley said. “I could barely contain myself. The same applies with us girls. A lady must always reciprocate, too. I'm looking forward to tonight, hon.”
“Ashley,” Renée interjected, “You're here to serve our needs, not us yours. Are we clear on that?”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“We could have easily killed you that night, Ashley,” Danny said. “We could easily kill you right now.”
“I know. That's what gave me my adrenaline high. I was shaking after you killed the whole family and I was the only one left. The three of you gathering around me like that was more than a little terrifying. When I heard Renée telling me to get dressed it was such a rush! Phew! As for right now, doubtful, but I am yours to do with as you please.”
The group spent the rest of the evening smoking and chatting, then headed for bed. The following weeks consisted of training for both new members of what Danny began affectionately calling his female assassin squad. Before they knew it, it was mid-July, and Jessie was dispatched to the airport to pick-up Joanna.
As soon as she had settled in, Jo said “Danny, we need to talk. Can we go for a walk? You can show me the lake and whatever.”
They headed for the boat dock a quarter-mile away, holding hands along the downhill slope.
“Danny, I've really missed you. It's been a very long month for me waiting to see you again. The time away from you has allowed me to realize I'm falling in love with you, and I'm not just telling you this because of what else I have to tell you. I haven't had my period. I think I might be pregnant. It's too early to tell, but I've never missed it before. Your birthday present appears to possibly be fatherhood. How do you feel about that?”
“It's exciting, I've always wanted to be a dad. My lifestyle just hasn't allowed it. We moved up here with that in mind, but it just hasn't happened for us.”
“That first night, Renée wouldn't let me bring you a condom. What's with that?”
“She told me before we got to your place I wasn't allowed to use one. I've learned to choose my battles with her, so went along. She thought it would be funny if we left you knocked-up after our night with you. I assumed you'd be on the pill by then anyway. None of us ever thought all our relationships would turn out the way they did, including Jessica. We've all grown close because of that night.”
“How do you think Renée will react when she finds out? Will she laugh or will she kill me, Danny?”
“Neither. She did swear she would never hurt you in front of witnesses, and she's a woman of her word as you are. Our private times together, the ones with just you and me, have been more special to me than you know. I do feel myself falling in love with you, Joanna,” Danny admitted as he pulled her close. They shared a spontaneous kiss of passion.
“Oh God, Danny, I love you so much. Let's run naked through the woods like you did with your friends. I've secretly always wanted to do that, too. Then we can make love in the middle of the forest while Bambi and friends watch.” And that is exactly what they did.
The pregnancy news quickly spread to the rest of the group. Renée was trying to cope with it, Jessie was both excited and apprehensive. Danny took his turn collecting on the sex fantasy when Jessie joined them in the bedroom that night.
“Danny, are you going to marry my mom? Would that make you my step-dad? Would that be considered incest? Will we have to stop giving you your mother-daughter fantasy?”
Her mom answered, “We don't even know for sure if I'm pregnant yet. Step-dads with daughters is not incest, just not normal. We're clearly not normal people. As long as you wish to continue sharing Danny with me in that way, it's fine. In fact, if I am pregnant, it will come in handy when I get big and fat and emotional and nauseous all the time.”
“What about Renée?” Jessie asked.
“Let's worry about those things later, once we're sure one way or the other, sweetie. Now let's give our strong, handsome man some more special attention, okay?”
They both loved pleasing Danny, and a mother-daughter rivalry had been forming between them to see who could do so better.
As the threesome lay together naked, Renée burst into the room. “I want to get a photo of you three sharing your carnal pleasures. Smile and try to look slutty for me, ladies.” She snapped a few shots.
“Renée, this is our private-time. Get out!” snapped Danny.
“Sorry, I'm leaving now, bye,” and she was gone.
“That woman and her damn camera are getting annoying,” said Jessie.
“Yeah, but she does have a knack for getting some arousing photos,” said Danny. “She wants me to get some of you two doing each other. I told her to go to hell, there was no way I'd do that for her.”
“Eww, that's disgusting,” said Joanna. Jessie readily agreed.
“True,” Danny conceded. “Still, it would be super-hot, though.”
He then dropped the subject, but his words 'super-hot' hung in the air. The two woman exchanged an uneasy glance, each envisioning the scenario in her mind for the very first time, each wondering how far the other would eventually be wanting her to go in order to please their man.
By fall there was no doubt Joanna was pregnant and the mother-daughter conversation resumed back in Los Angeles.
“Mom, I heard Renée deny you the condoms that night. They both essentially forced you to have unprotected sex with them. Isn't that the same as rape, maybe passive-aggressive rape? Why are you still so accommodating to both of them?”
“I spoke with our psychiatrist about it. He says it's Stockholm Syndrome. That's when a person in my situation develops positive, accommodating sentiment toward those involved. I've given it a lot of thought, Jessie. There's an adage that says 'nothing bad ever happens from which something good doesn't come'. Your abduction was clearly something bad. It led us to this situation. I've never felt so alive in my life, I'm closer to you and to your Aunt Jennifer than I was before it all happened, and I found a man I can love, so some good came from it. Danny and Renée have both their good sides and their wicked sides; we all do. Did you know she used to teach Sunday school? If we were to omit people from our lives because of faults, we'd have no one left, honey. Clearly theirs are serious, I can see that. The only constant in life is change, the
y may return to being the good people they once were. Who am I to judge them or to question destiny? What I do know is I'm happy when I'm with them, I'm happy when we're both with either or both of them. If Renée wants to be a part of our future, I've decided it's okay. How do you feel about them, Jessica Lynn?”
“I can see where you might be right. It's all so confusing. She and I have shared some of the best times of my life, in more things than sex. I get excited when I think Danny could become my step-dad. I would love that. Okay, let's continue our relationships and see how things work out. Renée may be reluctant, all things considered if you two marry, so instead of an open-ended offer, can we make it an open-ended invitation?” Jessie asked.
“That's fine with me, sweetheart, if you think that's best.”
Renée visited the next day to let her know there were no hostile feelings, reassure her of her safety, and to let her know that she and Jessie would be moving in together nearby. She thanked her for the revision to open-invitation, and let her know she planned on accepting regularly after the birth.
The next day, Joanna got a visit from Danny.
“Danny, if you marry me, I won't try to change you. I realize what type of work you all do. All I would ask is that you not bring such wickedness into our home. I won't even ask you for a prenup, sweetheart.”
“Jo, the reason I'm here is to put this issue to bed.” He got down on one knee. “Joanna Jennings, will you marry me?”
“Danny, before I answer that, I need to tell you that because of all the things that have happened, I now realize I'm bisexual. If you can indulge my wicked ways, as I'll try to do with yours, then my answer is 'yes'. Our son needs to have his father around.”
“A son?”
“Yes, I couldn't wait to find out. Is that okay?”
“Oh, wow, that's terrific! When should we do this? Where would you like the wedding, my love?”
“I have been giving that some thought. It should be a private ceremony. I'll provide the obligatory press release afterward. How would you feel about a sunrise wedding on the beach? We could invite all your friends that I've met, my sister and of course Jessie. That new girl Ashley is cute, let's be sure to include her, too.”
