Patsy Murray

by Douglas E Roff

  “With you, it’s more like Pink 1.5. Let’s us figure this out for you. I think you should order us to complete our assignment quickly and punish us for poor performance if we’re tardy. You decide when ‘tardy’ is. And don’t go easy on us. No fun in that. May take us a while to get you even close to being on the same page with us. Then, of course, we’ll have Beta test it. One regimen for Cia, one for Patsy and one for me. Could take ages.”

  “All right. You’re in charge, Eene, so I think tonight we’ll test some new forms and methods of castigation, so you have a basic direction. Could take weeks of testing, though, and a thorough review of implements and devices. Patsy will go last as her harshest punishment will probably be me scolding her.”

  “Maybe so, but I don’t mind watching – and performing for an audience.”

  “This’ll be better than I thought,” said Adam.

  A woman’s voice came on the speaker. “Same old Adam; still can’t punish properly. You always were a pussy. You may need my assistance. All you need to do is ask, you know. I owe you.”

  “Saldana Ri, is that you? Where have you been the last ten thousand years of my lives? I’ve missed you terribly. How are you? What are you? And what flavor? Evil, bad girl, switch hitter, good lass. Naughty as ever?”

  “Oh, a little of each. You ruined me for outright evil, so that’s off the table, but I’m still kinda the same girl I was in our first life together.”

  “It was a good life with you. I loved you madly.”

  “And I betrayed you. And paid for it.”

  “I didn’t order that. You carried our child. I was annoyed for quite a while with Tar and Kendra. But let’s forgive and forget. We can’t change what happened. Is that even possible?”

  “If you would only say you love me again, I would do anything for you. This time I will be faithful. But there are complications to take into consideration. Bad behaviors I never thought would bring us together. I thought you hated me.”

  “Never. I wasn’t happy with the whole Paulo thing, but I forgave you. I will say anything to have you back with me again if you need to hear those words.”

  “I do. I have stayed away from you for millennia for fear you would say you hated me. I would rather be alone and miserable than to hear those words. I want you to love me again. I want to be with you, near you, be your slave if that’s what you desire.”

  “Friday night dress ups? Slave girl in chains?”

  “Stop it! I'm serious. I need you to love me again and let me make this right. Prove that I am not the woman I once was. I need you back in my life. And we need to meet. I need to tell you things, and I need your help to be free again. But there are complications, and they’re serious. There are some evil women in my life, and I’ve done some horrible things. But if you help me, if I know you’re there for me, we can fix this and make the world right.”

  “The world?”

  “She’s back.”

  “Who?”

  “Liara.”

  “Oh shit.”

  “And she now knows about you thanks to my two daughters. They aren’t very nice. My third is a doll. She wants to meet you. Can we please?”

  “I need to talk it over first with my wives and my fiancé, but yes we can meet. You will forgive me if I’m cautious. The last time I trusted you, I was almost assassinated. What assurances do I have that this isn’t a trick?”

  “Anything you want. But deeds rather than words are a better test. You tell me where to go. Give me three or four locations with your finest and meanest men or women, then pick a place at the last minute to pick me up. Search me, make sure I’m not being tracked, then take me anywhere. I’ll do whatever you want. A strip search would be more fun with you; just a thought. And, wherever we go, wherever you take me, I’m yours to command. No tricks, I promise.”

  “You always could bend me to your will. My head says no way; my heart says go ASAP.”

  “Go with your heart like you always do. Anything you want for protection, any way you want to arrange it; bring guards. I have information and surprises; one you’ll particularly enjoy the most. But I want you also to meet my other daughters. Then you’ll understand why I need you. Think it through and let me know what you want.”

  “Liara dead.”

  “Eventually. She’s lost most of her powers, but she’s still strong. And she’s not full Immortal. We can talk more when we meet. I promise, no tricks, only truth, and an enormous surprise. Just temper the good with the very, very bad; not me, mind you, but those close to me. They aren’t much fun.”

  “I’ll call tomorrow. Can you get a secure Sat phone?”

  “Got one, just in case.”

  “I can’t wait to see you, my love.”

  “Miss me?”

  “It’s been ten thousand years since we ...”

  “Made out?”

  “That too.”

  “Still, do the same mind thingy?”

  “Yeah. Still can.”

  “How long can we stay?”

  “As long as you want. I’ve missed you. I’m bringing my wives and my fiancé.”

  Saldana gave Adam her number to call. “I’ll be waiting. Call me same time tomorrow, and no mistakes. If I don’t answer, I’m being watched. If so, call me in exactly twelve hours from the planned start of the call tomorrow. I’ll be waiting.”

  ***

  “What did he say,” the girl asked.

  “He said yes, he’ll meet me. You’ll come too. We’ll all be together very soon.”

  Saldana wasn’t alone, and the ears listening to her speak weren’t sympathetic ears. They were treacherous ears with cruel intentions. Saldana and the girl would go and so would two others surreptitiously.

  ***

  Adam said, “I think Eene and Cia know about Saldana from some previous discussions about who and what I am, but this is probably new news and shocking to you Patsy. So, I will briefly explain Immortality and who and what Saldana is. Her name is Saldana Ri, and I met her in my first lifetime long ago. She is older than I, having lived many lifetimes before meeting me. She wasn’t always a good girl, and when she was a creature known as a Gens, she was quite ruthless. I defeated her and her army, fell in love, and we married. When she died, she was pregnant with my child.

  “In the Immortal world, there are full Immortals, those who have lived billions of years or more. Their kind is loveless, emotionless and without compassion. I was married to several, over the millennia, who lived as an Immortal indentured to me. They became mortal in their thinking, finding love and being loved in return. With them I had children, but in time they preferred to return to the Immortal life, but the children are mine. The draw of full Immortality is strong, sometimes overpowering even happiness.

  “Hecate was born half mortal and half Immortal. Her infidelity is without precedent, so I have no explanation for her behavior except to say that she broke our vows and has been sent home to the realm of Immortals.

  “There are Immortals like me who we call ‘Cyclical immortals’ who are born, live, die and are reborn into an Earth in a different Universe. There are those who are born into the first lifetime that is attached to one Cyclical Immortal, such as myself and follow me in my journey through eternity. Some recall at least some of their past lives; some do not. Most of my family and friends are attached to me. Not every one of these Cyclical Immortals, especially the ones who remember past lives, are included in each of my lives. They may have a life in a Universe all on their own.

  “There are Cyclical Immortals who are recurring but aren’t always in each of my lives, or even very often. Beata was with me in my first lifetime, and so was Alana. Cia and Eene are often with me. But neither has often wed me, though I believe our Lord will grant my wish to be with them through eternity if I request it and if Cia and Eene wish it too. JoJo is new, and her fate may not belong to me. It is unlikely I shall ever see her again. Alana has always been with me and imp
ortant in my life, while Beata has risen prominence.

  “And, just so you know, Patsy, you were in my first life too.”

  “Really? Who was I?”

  “Not important now, but you are not a Cyclical, though you are occasionally with me in a lifetime. I will try to change that if you want.”

  “Will I remember my past lives?”

  “Some. Not old lives unless you are Immortal or allowed to remember, like me.”

  “Can you tell me about me?”

  “Of course. But remember, no one is bound forever to be with me or any other person in the realm of our Lord. Three of my wives have left and permanently. They may return for a while or never again.

  “My close wives and women of my first life haven’t always been close to me through the eons. Their fates are to cross paths with me but not always happily so. I am presently missing my wife Nocera Lee and have no reason to believe I will see her in this lifetime. She’s here on the planet, but for all I know she’s married with five kids and living happily in the ‘burbs.

  “Each life can change the rules of Immortality. Every life for me is new, is an adventure and is without precedent. I believe it is as the Lord intends.

  “Saldana has always been with me but has chosen not to reveal herself to me until now. We will soon find out why.

  “I desire to see my wife again and know she is happy, but she could be but a ploy to trap and kill me. I do not believe it is so, but when we meet, I will know for sure what her intentions are. I have other powers I have not used, nor do I intend to do so, unless it is against other Immortals who wish us harm.

  “So, if you so desire, I invite you to come with me and meet the very dangerous and treacherous Saldana Ri. If not, stay here. I shall not be gone long.”

  Patsy said, “You told her she could stay a long time.”

  “If she lies, I will kill her and whoever is with her. If she speaks the truth, I will bring her home to the Island.”

  “I have informed Misti that she may come to dwell with us, but will not be permitted to know our location. She will be searched and x-rayed and put under an MRI. If she is true, she may dwell with us here or elsewhere.”

  “Elsewhere?”

  “I have bought other nearby islands, bigger islands for those who will choose to follow. Misti may be required to reside there under guard. We shall see. I will speak to Saldana Ri tomorrow night or the following day. If you desire to come along, let me know.”

  The three women all looked at each other and said they were coming without question.

  “Now you all have a project to complete, and I expect to see something before bedtime.”

  Patsy complained that was only in two hours.

  Cia and Eene were delighted. They whispered in Patsy’s ear.

  Patsy said, “In that case, complaint withdrawn. I would very much like a new experience; then I would very much like to watch and entertain you if you would like to watch me alone.”

  The ladies said, “We shall see. We may have other plans for you too. Adam commands it so.”

  “You’re going to do naughty things to me, aren’t you?”

  “Most definitely. Most definitely.”

  Chapter 22

  Misti and the family arrived not long after the call with Saldana. Adam met the group and asked them to go to their assigned living quarters down below the residence. They would be taken there by Octavio who had already arrived with Bella. The Twins were there too. But, the three men said, family aside, they would follow Adam’s orders and that any attempt to circumvent his rules would be treated as an infraction. They advised their family to do as they were told, and all would work out well. The situation was dangerous, and Adam led. The security men would not accept any substitute for Adam’s decisions.

  As they left, Adam singled out Misti.

  “You stay behind. I wish to speak to you.”

  “What now. Bread and water? Chained to my cell?”

  “We found eleven devices with GPS devices attached. All fed to a URL registered to you. What say you?”

  “Guilty as charged.”

  “Are you trying to provoke me?”

  “No. But I don’t like rules in general and, especially, your rules. So, what now? I’m expelled?”

  “No. I have a better idea. Truthfully, it was the idea of my fiancé, Patsy Murray. She has a lot of ideas about you that I think are nonsense; she says I don’t understand women. She’s correct, of course. But also consider she doesn’t like fighting but thinks the only way to settle this between two type “A” asshole personalities for dominance is for us to fight. Winner takes all. If you win, Misti, do as you please but still no GPS. If I win, you’re my second in command and do as I order, to the letter.”

  “When do we start?”

  “Now. Downstairs in the gym. Cia and Eene will referee and judge. Patsy will watch. Loser taps out, gets choked out, breaks a bone and can’t fight, or is dead. Those events end the match. Agreed?”

  “Agreed.”

  Adam stripped down to his boxers, while Misti to her skimpy underwear, then taped he breasts.

  “No rules?”

  “No rules.”

  The fight was good and produced a lot of blood. A few people wandered in to watch; none wanted a piece of either contestant. The men and some of the women didn’t mind watching Misti at all. She was gorgeous, quicker than a cat and with moves that blurred as she tried to strike Adam. After what seemed an hour, but wasn’t, Adam pulled Misti through a punch as she tired. He then put her in a rear naked choke and down she went. Adam, always the gentleman covered her up for modesty’s sake.

  To the others witnessing the fight, he said, “She’s my new second in command. And she’s meaner than a snake. If you don’t need to talk to her, I would avoid her.”

  Misti awoke a few minutes later, disoriented.

  “What happened?”

  “Caught you off guard and choked you out. You lose.”

  Patsy approached from the sideline and asked Misti, “Why’d you throw it?”

  “I’ve never thrown any fight to any man. Ever.”

  “Perhaps. But you threw this one. All you had to say is that you loved him, and you wanted to reconcile. He would have said yes. You two need to stay here and talk. I’ll clear the wives and riff-raff out. Be honest. Welcome back to the family. When you have time, I want to talk to you too. Will you make time for me?”

  “As my only friend and supporter so far, I have all the time in the world for you.”

  Patsy turned to Adam. “Let Misti come with us tomorrow. I would feel safer with her watching over me. And the prohibition on snuggling with her is canceled.”

  “Done.”

  ***

  “Well?”

  “Well, what? I lost now what am I supposed to do.?”

  “Nothing. Rejoin the family. Drop the hostile attitude as much as possible around the women I love, especially Patsy. She likes you and is very fragile. And be civil to everyone else under your command and who lives here. Let them know who you are. Smile at the wives and kids, and pet the dogs. You’re Misti, a friend of the boss. What a kind and nice lady. Always has a moment to talk.”

  “Patsy one of your projects?”

  “No. And please don’t ever say that again. I love her as I loved you. And you’re no cup of tea or a project. One might consider you a failed project. You’re unkind, arrogant and thoughtless. You’re not an example of a fine human being.”

  “Sorry. I may need your help. I’m new at this ‘nice’ thing.”

  “Just ask. Spend time with Patsy. She’s always nice, even when people are rude to her. We’re all on your side. And mine.”

  They were quiet then Adam asked, “Do you love me? Did you ever?”

  “Yes, and yes. Always; I never stopped. Why?”

  “I’ll try to remember the best of us; how it was, how it felt. Please try to think that way around all
of us too. That’s your only training.”

  “I might not learn so quick. I’m out of practice, and I have a temper. Anger issues.”

  “Me too. We have a gym. Day and night.”

  “I never cheated. I just made that up. And never afterward either. Then I lied to the family.”

  “Our rule here now is never to look back. Only forward and to do what you used to tell us when you were a kid: make each day a little better, a little happier. We try, we fail each day. But the arc is always forward.”

  “You remembered.”

  “I remembered every moment of us. Twelve years of therapy.”

  “Still sexy?”

  “Sexy? You decide. Horny, around you? Always.”

  “Been a while. Only women. Out of practice with the male joystick.”

  “Let’s go. Time to evaluate your other skills.”

  Misti asked, “Now then. What are my first orders?”

  “No orders with you. Not now, not ever. But there is a significant change. We discuss everything with our group. You too, unless it’s an emergency. Protect Patsy at all costs. She’s immensely valuable but doesn’t know it yet. If she did, she’d live in constant fear. Cia and Eene get a vote as does Patsy. Beata, JoJo, and Alana get input only. They are involved in some conversations, but not others. Beata and Alana challenge my thinking and my authority, then do what they want. Not permissible anymore. Not a free-for-all and not a democracy.

  “What does Patsy do?”

  “She’s our new Hana.”

  “Roger that. Now about that sex thing. Can we go now?”

  “The wives and Patsy will want to watch and join in.”

  “Lead the way!”

  ***

  One of the harshest things that could be said about Adam as a mate was that if breakfast was to begin at seven in the morning sharp, then, in fact, it started at seven in the morning sharp. The women, especially Misti could cavort all night long and not tire out until five or six in the morning. Sometimes later. If they wanted his special cooking and weren’t roused until mid-morning, they got corn flakes.