The Gilded Mirror

by L. M. Somerton

  “Why do I love it when you tell me off?” Landry asked. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

  “Because every now and again you need to be reminded who’s in charge. Your need to submit responds well to punishment, especially when you know you deserve it.”

  Landry snuggled against Gage’s chest. “I made all your favorites for dinner to make up for being naughty.”

  “So you admit it? You knew exactly what you were doing.”

  “Uh, I think it might be safer if I plead the fifth.”

  Gage grunted. “Something makes me think I’ve been played.”

  Landry batted his lashes and widened his eyes. “I have no idea what you mean.”

  “Fuckety fuck. Feed me before I get the urge to go find my favorite cane.”

  Landry extracted himself from Gage’s hold then scampered to the kitchen. Canes weren’t his idea of a fun time.

  By the time they’d finished eating and were snuggling on the couch with mugs of cocoa, Landry was finding it hard not to yawn. “Pineapple, pineapple, pineapple.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?” Gage asked.

  “Someone told me once that if you say pineapple over and over again, it stops you yawning,” Landry said.

  “I think it’s supposed to stop you sneezing, not yawning.”

  “Now I come to think about it, you could be right. My bad. I didn’t want you to think your company was boring me.”

  “It’s been a long day for both of us. I need to talk to you about something.”

  “Does it have anything to do with Carson hanging around the store all the time?”

  “You spotted that?”

  “I realize he and Petey are in the throes of first love, and it’s all about the passion, but every time I look up Carson’s there. I’m guessing you had something to do with that, so tell me what’s going on.”

  “You’re right, I did ask him to spend more time at Treasure Trove. I meant to tell you last night when you and Petey were together but between dinner, treasure hunting and mind-blowing sex, it slipped my mind. I’d prefer that neither you nor Petey be left alone in the store at the moment. There’s a possibility that Petey might be at risk.”

  “Is this something to do with one of your cases, or because he got mugged?”

  “Both. We think the two may be connected.” Gage sipped his cocoa. “An old-school method of money laundering is through the purchase and sale of precious gems. The business Petey was delivering his package to is, or rather was, a jewel trader.”

  “Was?”

  “They’ve gone. Sancha and I paid them a visit yesterday, and they’ve cleared out—from the look of things, in a hurry. If the package Petey was delivering contained jewels and the robbery interrupted the chain of the money laundering scam we’re investigating, then some very powerful people are going to be interested in anything Petey witnessed. They won’t be happy if valuable gems went missing.”

  “But he didn’t see anything, did he? He was unconscious in a dumpster.”

  “They don’t know that. To whoever was behind the robbery, he’s a loose end. To those involved in money laundering, he’s a potential source of information.”

  “So the gem traders have made a run for it…why? It wasn’t their fault Petey got robbed.”

  “Do you think the kind of people behind money laundering will care about that? They’ll want compensation.”

  “Oh, I get it. They’ll want their money one way or another, but how would they find out about Petey?”

  “These organized criminals have sources everywhere. They’re like fucking fungus. There were people around when we went to get Petey, then you’ve got paramedics, hospital admin staff, nurses, doctors, journalists checking into the story, anyone Petey told about what happened… The list goes on.”

  “Okay, I get the picture, but he’s moved here since then, changed jobs, new address…”

  “I’m not saying I think anything will happen straight away, but he’s hardly invisible and until we solve this case the two of you need to be careful. I’m going to talk to Mr. Lao about cutting the store’s opening hours temporarily so that you finish earlier in the evening. I’m not so concerned during daylight hours when there are customers coming in and out all the time, but after dark when it’s quiet, it’s riskier. I’ve got a couple of personal alarms for you both, as well.”

  Landry debated protesting but Gage’s protective streak was kind of hot. “Okay.”

  “What, no smart-mouthed protests?”

  “Would I?” Landry snuggled against Gage’s chest. “You know best, my love.”

  Gage spluttered into his drink. “Sucking up to me is not going to get you out of chastity tonight, you know.”

  Landry pouted. “You can’t blame me for trying. But seriously, I would never want anything to happen to Petey, and Carson can’t be around all the time. Solve the case quickly, though, I don’t like my harmonious existence upset by the criminal fraternity.”

  “Since when has your existence ever been harmonious? You’re made of snark. Cut you and you bleed sarcasm.”

  “You wouldn’t have me any other way. I make your life interesting. Talking of, would you like to take a trip out to Bellingham on Sunday? I’d love to take a look around and see if we can find any more clues.”

  “Sure, it’s not that far, and we haven’t been out of the city for a while. I’ll do a bit of research and find us a decent place to take a hike. I don’t want to leave too early, though, because I was planning to take you to Scorch tomorrow night.”

  “Ooh, yes please! I can shake my booty in those new latex shorts you bought me.”

  “There will be no booty shaking. You can kneel demurely at my side and fetch my drinks then I intend to strap you down and give you a nice public spanking.”

  Landry gulped. In its prison, his cock jerked. He worked the plug in his ass, lips parted, tongue sticking out.

  “That’s not going to get you anywhere,” Gage said. “But watching you squirm is entertaining.”

  “There’s no need to sound so smug,” Landry retorted, shifting uncomfortably. “My dick will be searching online for voodoo dolls to get its revenge.”

  “I wasn’t aware your dick was a sentient being in its own right. Regardless, anything it gets up to is your responsibility, and I have no problem keeping it locked up for a really long time.”

  “It has undue influence over my thought processes. I can’t help it. If I don’t get to come the self-preservations bits of my brain short-circuit.”

  “I saw something intriguing online myself. There’s a cock cage you can get that comes with a butt plug and urethral sound. Could be interesting.”

  Landry gulped. “I guess I could suspend his Internet privileges…”

  “I suggest you do. Have you finished your drink? I have a really powerful urge to paddle your ass. Can’t imagine why.”

  “Do I get to come?”

  “Your innocent optimism is a thing of beauty.” Gage put their mugs on the side table then pulled Landry toward the bedroom. “The only bit of you that is innocent.”

  * * * *

  The next day, Saturday, was always busy in the store. Landry had no opportunity to send Petey out for coffee until nearly eleven by which time he had a serious case of the jitters. Petey delivered his extra-tall, extra-hot skinny cappuccino with double chocolate sprinkles, and Landry sank into a battered leather club chair with a sigh.

  “It’s good to take the weight off my feet for a few minutes.” He took a long gulp of coffee while Petey settled onto a padded velvet ottoman next to him. “I’ll be sad when we sell this chair. It’s so squishy.”

  “I like when it’s busy, and Carson said not to leave you alone unless there were plenty of people around.”

  “You mean you like all the old ladies fawning over you, and Carson is as bad as Gage. Did he tell you what all this Dommy over-protectiveness is about?”

  Petey nodded. “He did. I love how much the
y care about us and I do like all our older ladies. I never knew my granny, she died before I was born. I need surrogates, and our customers are cool.”

  “When my grandparents retired they turned into a pair of beach bums and bought an oceanfront place in California,” Landry said. “My seventy-six-year-old grandpa still surfs, and my grandmother makes cupcakes with some very dubious ingredients, guaranteed to make the grumpiest person happy.” He chuckled. “I aspire to be just like them when I’m old and wrinkly.”

  “They sound fabulous. I think Carson will age well, don’t you? He showed me a picture of his dad and he’s a real silver fox. Looks just like an older version of Carson, too. Still has his hair.”

  “I love that you’re thinking about a future with him. You guys are great together.”

  Petey blushed. “I know we’re still new, but it feels right. He’s warm and funny and kind. He sees me, you know? Seems to instinctively know what I need. I used my safe word the other day because there was a spider crawling across the bed, and he didn’t get cross at all. He stopped everything, took the creepy crawly outside then gave me a long cuddle.”

  “Excellent domming,” Landry said. “Safe words were designed for spiders. I think Gage will stay hot too. I don’t think he’ll change much, just get grumpier probably. He’ll still be spanking me when I’m in my seventies.”

  “And you’ll still deserve it.”

  “Maybe my gran will give me her secret cupcake recipe.”

  “Landry! Gage is a cop!”

  “He’ll be retired by then. How much did Carson tell you about why we need to be careful? I’m not talking about the kind of care that involves latex here.”

  “He got all serious and stern then gave me a lecture about being alert to my surroundings, keeping an eye out for strangers, that kind of thing. He said it was something to do with a case Gage is working on and what happened to me.”

  “Gage didn’t tell me much more, but I think we should be prepared to defend ourselves.”

  “What do you mean? I’ve got no idea how to use a gun and I don’t want to learn.” Petey shuddered. “I don’t like them. They scare me.”

  “The only gun in this store is that ancient flintlock in the second aisle and that hasn’t worked since about 1732. However, there are two sword sticks in the stand near the door so we could move them closer to the cash desk. Somewhere in the bric-a-brac cupboard there’s a big jar of glass marbles—we could roll them all over the floor if anyone tries to get you.”

  “Sounds like Home Alone 7.”

  “Were there that many sequels?” Landry asked.

  “Who knows? They seem to be permanently on TV.”

  “How many Sharknado films are there?”

  “Uh…five?” Petey wrinkled his nose, deep in thought.

  “That’s another movie marathon we need to have.”

  “Sharknado or Home Alone?”

  “Sharks!” They both spoke at the same time. “We got off track,” Landry said. “We need more weaponry.”

  “I know!” Petey sprinted across the store, returning clutching a carpet beater. “This delivers quite a whack!”

  Landry snorted with laughter. “We’re doomed.”

  Petey sighed. “We’re lovers not fighters.”

  “Submissives, not subversives.”

  “Oh, I don’t know…you can be rebellious when you want to be.”

  Landry gaped. “You wound me!”

  “And you talk a big steaming pile of horseshit.”

  The front door bounced open making Landry jump, and Petey gasp. A draft of cold air reached them seconds later.

  “It’s just Ken, the mailman,” Landry said, attempting not to sound as relieved as he felt. He didn’t get up. “Hey, Ken. You’re late today. It’s nearly lunchtime.”

  “The danged truck had a flat. Took me a while to get it changed over. You two look cozy.”

  “Taking a break. We’ve been rushed off our feet all morning.”

  Ken handed over a pile of mail. “I’ll be back on my day off. My mother-in-law loves costume jewelry and it’s her seventieth birthday coming up. She wears brooches—maybe you could look out something nice for me?”

  “Sure. We have a few. I’m sure we can work out a deal,” Landry offered.

  “I appreciate that,” Ken said. “Gotta run. Some businesses aren’t as accommodating as you are when it comes to getting their mail late.” He trotted down the central aisle, departing with a wave.

  Landry shuffled through the small stack of envelopes. “Mostly bills and flyers. Wait, there’s a postcard. I wonder who it’s from.” The picture on the front of the card was of an imposing building that Landry didn’t recognize. He flipped it over. “The National Portrait Gallery, London.” The store’s address was handwritten in block capitals. On the other side of the card in the message space, there were only two words. “Hide it.”

  “Who’s it from?” Petey took the card.

  “It doesn’t say.” Landry only knew one Englishman likely to send him a cryptic card. “But I’d put money on it being from James fucking Ellery.”

  “The Brit that got you tangled up with the Yakuza?” Petey asked.

  “I’d bet this week’s commission on it.” Landry frowned. “What does he mean hide it? Hide what?”

  “Jesus, Landry, you can be dense. What’s the most recent addition to your life?”

  “My new lucky cat and the mirror I got from the flea market… Oh! The map. How the hell can James Ellery know anything about that?” Landry’s gut churned.

  “You should call Gage,” Petey said

  Landry gave himself a shake. “That can wait until this evening. I don’t want to bother him about something so insignificant. He’s handling a really heavy case at the moment, remember?”

  “Well, when he’s beating your ass for not telling him, remember I was the good friend who gave you sound advice, which you chose to ignore.”

  Landry nibbled on his thumb nail, debating his level of risk. Gage had removed the evil chastity device while Landry was still asleep, and he’d awoken to the heat of Gage’s mouth around his cock. He’d come so hard he’d blacked out, and Gage had woken him again by kissing the full length of his body.

  “What are you thinking about? Your eyes just glazed over.” Petey prodded Landry’s arm.

  “Believe it or not, I was thinking about taking your advice. I think I run the risk of Gage testing out that carpet beater if he finds out I kept something from him.” Landry hauled himself out of the armchair’s grip. “I’m gonna text him then start thinking about a good place to hide the map. We’re going to need sugar, do you mind going back to the coffee shop?”

  “When do I ever mind shopping for baked goods?”

  “And more coffee.” Landry tapped a message into his cell.

  “That goes without saying.”

  Landry pressed Send and then started counting. He hadn’t even got to ten before the phone rang.

  “Gage?” Petey grinned.

  “No, it’s the tooth fairy.”

  “We have some customers, so I’m outta here.” Petey fluttered his fingers in Landry’s direction as he flounced down the aisle and out of the door.

  “Traitor!” Landry yelled after him. Sighing, he answered the call, holding his cell well away from his ear.

  “Is it possible for you to stay out of trouble for more than a few hours?” Gage growled.

  “Did you just growl at me?” Landry asked.

  “I’ll more than growl if you’re not careful.”

  “Ooh, scary… Is it wrong that I’m kind of turned on right now?” Landry kept his voice low and smiled at a customer who was giving him a quizzical look.

  “Unless you want to spend the rest of your natural life in chastity, start talking.”

  “You can’t blame me for this,” Landry whined. “Blame Ken the mailman. He brought the card.”

  “Is it signed? Are you sure it’s from Ellery?”

  “No i
t’s not, and I’m not sure but who else do I know in England? Who else is likely to send me a cryptic message across the Atlantic? Ellery has form, Gage, you know that.”

  Gage’s sigh sounded pained. “Unfortunately, I do. I have questions. A lot of fucking questions. I need to think about this. Are you and Petey safe?”

  “As houses. He’s out getting coffee at the moment but there are customers in the store and none of them look like axe murderers. It’s been busy, plenty of people around and no sign of any nefarious doings.” Landry polished his fingernails on his sleeve. “Besides, Petey and I can look after ourselves.”

  Gage’s skeptical grunt wasn’t entirely unexpected. “Call me the instant you notice anything out of the ordinary. I’ll be home as early as I can. Lock-up when it gets dark, Landry.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Landry gave himself a gold star for keeping sarcasm out of his tone.

  “When you’re obedient, I get suspicious.”

  “That’s because you’re naturally cynical and don’t have my sunny disposition. I’m a glass half-full boy whereas you’re more likely to ask who stole your drink.”

  “Go sell stuff. Stay out of trouble.”

  “Go arrest stuff. Don’t get shot,” Landry retorted.

  “I don’t… Never mind.” Gage rang off, leaving Landry chuckling and looking forward to the evening of Gage’s discipline he’d just guaranteed.

  Chapter Ten

  Scorch was packed. Saturday nights at the club were always busy, but Landry didn’t recall a night when it had been so crowded. It was hot, and Landry was glad for his lack of clothing.

  “Sometimes, wearing just a teeny, tiny pair of rubber shorts has its advantages,” he murmured from his spot on the floor where he sat cross-legged at Gage’s feet.

  “Remember our discussion about demure, attentive silence?” Gage gave Landry’s hair a tug.

  Landry batted his lashes. “I recall a lecture. No discussion took place, Sir, and I’m not good at being quiet.”

  “No shit.”

  “Unless you gag me, of course, but that’s not fun and it can be drooly.”