Chapter 1

John Stevens pulled off the highway into the lot of the combination gas
station and miniature market. He drove forward to the pumps and turned
off the aging van. The silence roared loudly in his ears. He had been
on the road since just after dawn, it was now late afternoon. He
stretched and then eased his tired, cramped body down out of the
drivers seat.

Setting the gasoline pump nozzle to fill his tank, he headed towards
the store. A sign pointing to rest rooms diverted him to the side and
he cured a large portion of his discomfort. Some time later he squoze
the last few drops of gas into his tank and replaced the nozzle into
the pump.

Heading back to the market, he noticed how each of them had begun to
resemble one another all across the country. With only minor
variations, such as in places that allowed gambling or lottery's. This
one sported a large lottery printer next to the cash register. He
picked through this stores version of pre-made tasteless-sandwiches,
grabbed a bag of generic potato chips and refilled his travel mug from
the coffee pot. Gathering up his selections, he moved to the counter. A
cute blonde girl in her early twenties looked up from her book. She
seemed to shrink back into herself at the sight of John. Another
portion of John's discomfort stabbed at him momentarily.

"Is that all?" asked the blonde, looking at the gas counter instead of
at John.

"No, give me a lottery *quick pick* too," mumbled John. The girl poked
a button on the lotto machine and it spit a ticket out the top. The
girl pulled it out and handed it to John.

"That will be $24.56 with the gas," said the girl. John fished a twenty
and a five out of his wallet and handed them to the girl.

"Oh, can I get a receipt for the gas?" he asked. The girl frowned but
nodded. She grabbed a gas voucher pad and scribbled out the receipt by
hand. Making certain to exactly fill in the price of the fuel. She
handed it to John along with the coins from his change and instantly
went back to her book. John fumbled with his change and selections and
managed to make it back out to the Van. The girl hadn't offered him a
sack to make the task easier. He got the door open and leaned in to set
his load on the center console. He spilled some of his coffee in the
process and cussed as he set about wiping it up. He finally hauled
himself into the driver's seat and started the van. He pulled off to
the side of the lot to eat his lunch where he would be out of the way.
He thoughtfully watched the girl in the store as he ate.

"One of these days, you'll get yours!" he mused to himself. He didn't
mean it. John had never gotten along with women very well. The few he
had had dealings with had only taken advantage of him and then left. He
had an ex-wife and a child who didn't know him, or care to. He pushed
the thought out of his head, finished his lunch and hit the road once
more. Days later John was reclining on a motel bed several states away.
He was browsing through a publication that offered surplus government
property and real estate for *re-sale*. He'd picked it up from a free
dispenser from yet another market. You could probably get any of the
property it listed cheaper, but you'd have to know how. Some of it was
quite amusing:

   {One 50 acre plot of land with obsolete missile silo dead center,
   $562,000} The ad included a general location and contact numbers.

'That would be kind of neat,' thought John to himself. "Complete with
*High Speed* Sunroof!" He chuckled at his own joke and reached over to
turn out the light. He had another long day of driving to do the next
day. John fell asleep wondering what someone would want with a used
Missile Silo. At 4:26 A.M. his eyes slammed open and he knew.

He fumbled for his pack of smokes as he thought about the concept
flooding into his psyche. A missile silo... good god, it must be over a
hundred fifty feet deep and forty to fifty feet in diameter. Talk about
room! The majority of it resided in earth that remained at a constant
56 degrees year round, talk about energy efficient! It was bound to be
out in the middle of nowhere, talk about privacy! If there were only
some way for him to pull it off. John's credit wasn't the best on the
planet. Several corporate downsizes and a marriage downsize had left
him flat ass busted. He owed people in six different states, not to
mention the IRS and several State tax commission's. His ex-wife was
threatening him with hard time for his arrears.

"But what a neat place to live!" he mumbled to himself as he stabbed
out his smoke and looked at the clock..... He moaned a bit at the
thought of an early wake-up call. He flicked off the light and tried to
force himself to sleep as his mind raced along full of budding
construction plans and ideas about solar heat and power. The morning
found him groggy as he stumbled to the shower. His mind already back
working on the idea of the silo as a house. Two days and several more
states later, John was listening to the only thing a radio will pick up
in the wide open spaces of the West; staticy AM.

The stations format was that of a right wing talk show. On a news break
there was a story about a State lottery worth fourteen million dollars
that some idiot hadn't claimed at yet. They only had three more days
before they lost it. John punched in a well worn oldies tape to kill
the static. Five miles down the road he suddenly swerved to the side
and slammed on the brakes.

His hands were shaking and his breath came in gasps as he searched
through his wallet for the ticket he had purchased almost a week
previous. He found it rumpled and sandwiched between gas receipts and
business cards. He was shaking so hard he could barely read the
numbers. He checked them off one by one as he could remember them from
the news broadcast; "14, 23, 33, 31, 45 and 27 as the bonus".

John let out a holler like a kid on his first drunk; he was a
millionaire! After he screamed himself hoarse and then smoked himself
relatively calm once more, he suddenly sobered. He had a piece of paper
that was worth fourteen million dollars in his wallet. He was a day and
a half's drive away from the state he had purchased it in, and had
about forty-three dollars and change to his name.

He reached under the seat and pulled out the old .357 Python he
traveled with. He had mostly forgotten about it. He felt a pang of fear
over the serious trouble it could have caused him all the times he had
gotten speeding tickets and had forgotten that it was even there. He
cracked it open and checked it. Live bullets in five of the six
cambers. Just as it should have been. He carefully lowered the hammer
onto the empty cylinder and stashed it back, but within easy reach. He
looked in back of the van at the selection of electronics equipment
from his sales route.

"Fuck that shit!" he chuckled to himself. He managed to pull back out
on the highway. His mind was racing much faster than the odd car that
came careening around him as he toodled along at a slower speed, safer
for the old van. John hated lawyers with a passion. He had never had
what could be termed "*a pleasurable experience*" with any of them.
Still, he was no fool. He knew he needed a good tax lawyer... and right
now! As he drove along he formulated plans on what to do, and how to do
it best. He had calmed down considerably, but his driving still wasn't
the best.

When he pulled into the first 100,000 plus population city on the way
he stopped at the first phone booth. He found what he was looking for
in the yellow pages under "Banks". He selected a bank that was a well
known chain in the West, but hadn't pissed him off *too* much in the
past. He looked up the address of the main branch in town and scribbled
it down. It never occurred to him how he looked.... or smelled. The
previous night -to save money and make up time on his route- he had
slept in his van at a rest stop rather than a motel.

When he walked in and asked to see the manager, the teller turned kind
of white and half reached for the alarm button. John's clothes were
rumpled, dirty and food stained. His hair greasy and straggly. He had
several days growth beard on his face and a wild look in his eye. When
the manager came out he reacted much the same as the teller.

"Could we talk privately about a serious banking problem?" John asked,
almost casually. The Manager motioned the teller with his eyes to keep
a close watch as he led John to a glassed office enclosure.

"What can I do for you then, Uh.. Mr....?"

"Stevens," John replied, sinking uninvited into a seat.

"So what's this problem you need so urgently to talk about, Mr.
Stevens?" the manager persisted. (The sooner he got this guy out of his
office the better, the smell of old sweat and unwashed clothes was
beginning to make him ill.) John bided his time as he looked about the
office. He was savoring the thought of the change he knew he was about
to see in this asshole.

"Well... I just suddenly came into a bit of money and I kind of need
some investment help and tax advice, I think that maybe your bank is
*big* enough to handle it."

"I see," said the manager, putting his hands together, "Perhaps you
could be better served by one of our investment counselors. Shall I see
when I can book you an appointment with one? Just how much money did
you ... uh come by?"

"Uh... fourteen million dollars.. but if you're too busy, perhaps I'll
just pick another bank," John said softly.

"Perhaps that would be..." The manager abruptly stopped talking. He
turned half white and cleared his throat. Out at the counter the teller
poised her finger over the alarm button. Finally he said, "Excuse me,
but I thought I heard you say fourteen *million* dollars."

"You heard right," said John, chuckling. "Now, do you have the time to
talk to me, or should I pick another bank?"

"Well, no. Of course I have the time to talk to you. I try to make time
for *all* our customers...... Forgive me, but if you don't mind my
asking: Just how did you come by this sum of money?" he managed to
croak out. He was still dubious, but the sum in question demanded he
treat the matter seriously.

"I won the lottery..." John replied, grinning like a saber toothed
tiger.

"The lottery... We don't have a lottery in this state," replied the
manager curtly. He started to turn a bit red, thinking he had been led
on.

"Didn't say I'd won it here," replied John, looking at his fingernails.
He happened to notice how dirty they were and it reminded him of his
overall condition. He sat up straight and reached for his wallet. The
manager leaned back suddenly like John was reaching for a gun. The
teller's finger descended on the button and all hell broke loose.

"What the hell's that?" asked John swiveling around in his chair.

"You'd be well advised to give it up now," the manager gasped out. He
didn't realize that his own action had spooked the teller. He thought
that maybe the teller had seen John reaching for a gun or something
that he couldn't see.

"What the hell are you talking about?" demanded John, puzzled, looking
around anxiously.

"The police are already on their way. You'd be well advised to give up
quietly?" stuttered the manager, rolling his chair back away from his
desk and John.

"What the fuck are you talking about? I was just reaching for my
lottery ticket to show you," stammered John. Just then the police
descended on the bank. The teller pointed to the manager's office and
within seconds, John found himself thrown roughly face down on the
carpet. The carpet burned his cheek and he hit his head on the door jam
as the two burly cops slapped the cuffs on his wrists. "What the fuck
is going on?" shouted John.

"You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an
attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney......." one cop recited from
long weary memory.

"What happened here?" the other cop demanded of the Bank Manager. The
manager was pale and speechless. His gaze rested on a lottery ticket
strewn with the other papers from John's wallet when the cops had
ripped him out of his seat.

"I think that maybe there has been a *very* big mistake made here," he
finally croaked out.

"Yeah! and you made it, fuck head!" John spat into the carpet.

"Shut the fuck up, you!" said the cop on top of John, putting his knee
on his head and driving his nose further into the carpet.

"No! No! Please let him up! He's done nothing! I think one of my
tellers just misinterpreted the situation!" the manager cried.

"What?" asked both cops at once.

"MR. STEVENS is *valued* customer at this bank! Please let him up!" the
manager said, authority returning to his voice... for perhaps the last
time.

"FUCK YOU! If you think I'd do business with this bank now!" John
mumbled into the carpet.

"I told you to shut up!" said the cop on top of him. Kneeling harder on
his head.

"So this guy didn't try to rob your bank?" asked the other cop.

"No, he didn't. It was all a big mistake. NOW PLEASE, LET HIM UP!"

"O-kay... " said the cop on John's head, slowly getting up but putting
more pressure on it as he did so. He reached down and began to undo the
handcuffs, straining John's aching arms up higher on his back as he did
so. John slowly lifted his head. Six more cops now waited just outside
the office, guns drawn, waiting for the slightest good reason to shoot
him. John didn't give them one as he slowly got to his knees. Blood ran
out of his nose and into his mustache. His head throbbed where he had
hit the door jam. He slowly gathered up his papers and wallet, gripping
the lottery ticket tightly when he found it. He stuffed the rest into
his pockets.

"I'm so sorry about all this, MR. STEVENS!" moaned the bank manager, "I
hope this won't influence your decision to do business with our
institution." John slowly looked at him as he pulled out a handkerchief
and applied it to his nose.

"Fuck You!" he said simply.

"Hey, watch your mouth!" said the cop who had been on John's head. John
looked at him and then looked around at the other cops who were putting
their guns away, slowly, with a disappointed look on their faces.

"Who's in charge here?" John demanded.

"I am! It's my case," said the cop who had been talking.

"There is no case, so you aren't. Who's your watch commander?" John
demanded.

"I am," said one of the disappointed ones. "You'll have to make any
complaints through the Attorney General's office though."

"I've got no complaints... *yet*. I just want your protection while I
walk across the street to another bank," John said.

"Why would you need protection to do that?" asked the commander.

"Because this here Lottery ticket is worth *fourteen million dollars*!"
said John, holding it up. There was a gasp and then a sudden silence in
the crowd of police and on-lookers.

Finally the watch commander recovered himself and said, "I'd be glad to
accompany you, SIR."

"Yeah, I thought you would," John mumbled.

"But Mr. Stevens, this was all just a big mistake. You don't have to go
elsewhere," stammered the Bank Manager. Everyone ignored him as they
followed John out the door. Suddenly John was a celebrity who needed
protection. The cops fanned out and stopped traffic for him like he was
the President. Scanning the rooftops for unsuspected lotto terrorists.
John didn't care that this particular bank had once pissed him off with
an outrageous overdraft charge.

He walked straight up to the manager's desk with the watch commander at
his side and giving the manager no time to utter a word, stated: "This
is the winning lottery ticket for a fourteen million dollar State
lottery. I'd like your assistance in collecting it."

"Certainly, Sir!" stammered the Manager, jumping up. "If you'll just
have a seat!" Back in the first bank the other manager looked after the
parade of police spread out around the doors and then down at the blood
stains on his carpet. He could sense the upward motion of his career
had come to a screeching halt.

"Shut off that god damned alarm!" he yelled to the teller.

Chapter 2

Two days later a much cleaner looking John posed for television
camera's as he received a check that was physically the size of the
fish that got away. The check was only a token for the camera's. He
wasn't about to really get the whole amount in one lump sum. If he had,
the IRS would have gotten most of it anyway. The bank had actually set
him up with a *very* good tax attorney *team*. He had spent most that
day with them and expected to spend several more.

The first action of the second bank manager was to phone the State
lottery commission in question and let them know he had a prospective
winner. He faxed a copy of the ticket to them for preliminary
evaluation. Once the ticket was verified as *probably* legitimate, the
bank had advanced him five thousand dollars in travelers checks and
flash processed a gold credit card with a fifteen thousand dollar
limit. After locking up the ticket for the night in a safety deposit
box, the bank manager had personally escorted him to the nicest hotel
in town. A few of the cops rode along side, *just in case* ....two
actually escorted him onto the plane (courtesy of the bank).

The bottom line worked out to a lump sum -after taxes- of $287,353.42,
with a like amount to be paid each year, for basically the rest of his
life. The lawyers set up a trust account for his long lost child that
suddenly "missed him dearly" and a $28,000 lump cash settlement for his
ex-wife (who fired *her* lawyer because he had convinced her that John
would "never amount to much" and that it wasn't worth haggling over the
dollar-a-year alimony that John was opposed to when they got divorced.)

John's ex-wife was *suddenly* in love with him all over again. He told
her *and* her fickle fledgling to fuck off, that he never wanted to see
either of them again. He bought the requisite sports car and new
clothes. At what had been his local watering hole he bought the house a
round... most all night long. Several of the women who wouldn't have
given him a second glance before, became seriously infatuated with him.
He alternated nights at his old rental between the two cutest of them
for about a week before they started hinting that he ought to move up
in the world (and take them with him). This reminded John of the
missile silo. Two days later he was looking at it *without* the gold
diggers. A week later it was his.

John was pretty well ready for a break from the world when he purchased
the Silo. From the time he entered the work force, he had quickly
worked his way up through the ranks in the electronics world. Starting
off repairing amplifiers and receivers. As a technician he worked his
way up through various jobs until he topped out as a prototype
technician in a microwave lab. He was hired contingent against a large
government contract for a NATO base, which the company wasn't granted.
Fifteen minutes after this was known, he was on the street unemployed.
There was no place else for him to go in his home town. Refusing to
take a down in his career, and the emotional crisis of his divorce
still fresh within him, he headed for the mythical Mecca of Silicon
Valley.

Silicon Valley; The land of the Pro's. A magical feeling in the very
air of the place, millionaires springing up like weeds around garage
companies. . John spent months parked in his uncle's driveway, sleeping
in his old V.W. bus. Living off his last unemployment checks from his
home state while he went from company to company leaving résumés.
Nobody wanted to hire him, as he had no *local* experience. Finally he
accepted a position as an entry level technician in a calibration lab
of a defense contractor, as his funds were virtually exhausted.

John had expected his climb in Silicon Valley to be a hard one. This
*was* the *land of the Pro's*. Much to his surprise and delight, his
previous broad experience made him one of the best technicians in the
valley. Within six months he was promoted to Sr. Technician. Eighteen
months later he was in an engineering aide slot. A year later he held
the title of acting engineer. He wasn't just good at his job, he was
the best. As an engineer he quickly took on and acquired new talents
that the then burgeoning Defense electronics industry was hungry for.

Within half a decade, he was a full systems engineer specializing in
automated instrumentation. His seemingly lofty title: Metrology
Engineer. (Metrology being the science of measurement.) A shift to
another growing company netted him the title of Sr. Metrologist. Then
in the late '80's Détente arrived. Defense spending plummeted and the
market was flooded with unemployed engineers. Non-degreed engineers
were among the first to go. Especially if they took their positions
seriously enough that they talked about recalling product because an
out-of-tolerance was discovered in a company standard. John was a very
*ethical* man. Which made him a natural target.

Starting his own, one man consulting firm, John subsisted on meager
earnings from consulting contracts which were quickly diminishing. He
skinned his nose real good pulling up from the resultant dive in his
finances. John finally had to give up his company and accept a position
as a field sales engineer. Which barely paid him enough to survive, not
in Silicon Valley, with its inflated real estate, but back in his home
town. He spent almost eleven months of the year on the road. His vast
experience in automated instrumentation making sale after sale
possible. But he didn't get the commissions. He designed the systems
based upon the customers' needs, then the real sales force would waltz
in and present the companies with a completed solution to their needs.
They got the commissions.

It wasn't what you really were, but rather what you appeared to be that
mattered the most. Despite twenty years of experience, John had no
degree, so he couldn't possibly be qualified for the positions he
actually held. John's dissolution with the world continued to grow.
What he wanted most, was a comfortable hole to crawl into and pull the
cover over it. The lottery provided him with the means to fulfill this
wish. The silo was the perfect vehicle for his desire.

Working on it supplied him with the solitude he desired. He threw
himself into the work for the sake of it, building his retreat from the
world. The firm John purchased the Silo from, had also been taken by
the size of it. They had picked it up at auction for a mere $17,000.
They had visions of building a retreat hotel in it, until the cost of
conversion and the realization that few people wanted to "get away from
it all" into a hole in the dessert sobered them to the fact that they
were out $17,000.

One of the more sobering facts, was that the concrete used on the silo
walls was among the hardest man made rock substance on earth. The cost
of drilling the walls to hang umpteen floors was way out of their
budget. They didn't bother to mention this to John, but he noticed
anyway before the deal was closed. The $562,000 the owners were asking
diminished fast. The land *was* in the middle of the desert, surrounded
by BLM land. The only access was across 32 miles of bad dirt road. He
made the purchase outright for $47,000 *cash*.

Three concrete cutting firms made estimates he quickly rejected. He
purchased several diamond drill bits and the equipment to run them
himself. Next he called around the country till he found the cheapest
load of steel I-beams that he could find. More calls located a used
winch motor used for *Jig Pole* radio tower installations. The first
project was mounting the winch motor to the concrete pad on the
surface.

The Silo was one hundred seventy feet deep by forty-five feet in
diameter. It was located roughly dead center of a fifty acre plot,
which was fully enclosed with a razor wire topped fence with impressive
looking signs about the use of deadly force on intruders. John left the
signs up. The gate got a digital controlled garage door mechanism.
There was another shaft descending parallel to the Silo, but off to the
side for the main elevator. This descended to a group of rooms that
were probably the launch facility. Between the elevator and silo, a set
of cement stairs zigzagged downwards.

A small cement boxed stairway ran down from the surface to a heavy
single door hatchway which opened into a large hallway staging area.
This hallway led some thirty five feet away from the silo and then
doubled back. to a smaller staging area. A communications room with a
small bathroom, an environmental control room and an elevator shaft led
off this area. Then a small hatchway led to a narrow hallway which
circumnavigated the top of the silo. There was a main transformer room
off the environmental control room. Here the three phase power lines
terminated in a bank of three large transformers. These fed a series of
main panels that fed out to sub panels throughout the silo. There was
also a switch over panel to interface with a diesel standby generator.

John found maintenance stops on the main elevator which opened into
small box rooms at half a dozen points on the way down. Each room had
hatchways opening into inspection tunnels like the one on the top level
and a small terminal and utility room which each contained a sub-main
power panel. A large heavy, tapered hatch opened into the silo from
each of these stops. From these one could access the four small service
elevators which hugged the walls. Each little more than cages on a
track. John fancied these up a bit to make them safer and more
convenient. There were also hatchways at mid-points between the
maintenance stops, accessible from the stairs.

The Silo came complete with an ISDN phone *trunk line* 132 pairs of
high quality phone lines - and an underground power feed which was
source metered, as it was the only customer on the line. He negotiated
activation of power and a portion of the trunk line for phone service
and Internet access. The power company was particularly thrilled as the
line was just wasting away. A small satellite dish supplied him with
entertainment when he got bored. A standby diesel generator purchased
from a used construction equipment firm rounded out his basic
necessities.

One of the first problems John encountered, was that the original
construction plans were "CLASSIFIED, SECRET, NOT AVAILABLE". After
repair and activation of the elevators, John spent most of a whole
month just surveying exactly what was, and wasn't there. The firm he
had purchased from had done considerable damage to wiring and
environmental equipment by ripping it out for salvage. He replaced what
he needed to, to get power and heat into a small apartment which had
probably been the launch control facility (based upon the amount of
wiring and the size of the door.).

He bought every appliance known to man for his apartment in the
meantime. His computer would have spun circles around many of the main
frame models of just a generation earlier. He used it to design his
hideaway and track the burn rate on his money. After a few months he
realized the burn rate was way too fast. A final purchase of a Hot tub,
washer, dryer, freezer, refrigerator and range finished up his major
expenses for a while, with the exception of an old flatbed truck he had
refurbished to safe running condition.

John mostly spent his days drilling walls. It was slow and dirty work.
Each hole had to be lubricated with water as it was drilled. Gray dust
filled most the silo. Gray streaks lined the walls. John worked hard
all day guiding the bit and breathing the dust, which was abundant,
despite the lubricating water. He finally realized that particle masks
had been invented years before. A cement chip zinging past an eyebrow
brought safety goggles and finally a face shield into usage.

The hardest part, was the lack of help. He could have easily hired
labor to help him, but he didn't feel like it. He spent hour after hour
planning how he would move each steel girder and plate. How he would
align heavy connections and manipulate beams while he fastened them
together. He purchased the necessary gear and converted his winch to a
radio controlled unit. He could drop a beam a quarter inch at a time if
need be, while sitting on it. Finally he got the I-beams in place for
the first floor. This actually gave him two as there was a concrete
floor already in place at the bottom. He welded corrugated iron sheets
on top of the I-beams and then topped that off with heavy particle
board.

When he started drilling holes on the second floor, he realized his
error. Water from the drilling process started down the walls toward
his new floor. He pulled the particle board back up and moved the whole
operation up to the top floor drilling location. This way he could move
*down* as each floor was completed. This lasted all of a day before he
realized he would lose positioning ability on his crane when he sealed
off the top. He spent a whole week replanning the whole thing. In the
end he went back down to the bottom to drill. As each layer of I-beam
frames was set, they were left uncovered.

Towards the end of the year the Silo resembled a big inside set of
*monkey bars*. However any one of the frames would have easily
supported a D-9 Caterpillar tractor. Next step was to run plumbing and
wiring to each stage. He pulled the corrugated iron back off the first
level to plumb and wire it as well. Next came heating systems. The most
logical for this set up was a hot water system. Almost by accident John
discovered several ducts running up and down the entire length of the
silo, but deep in the walls. They had probably been used to cool the
concrete when it was being poured.

On a hunch he searched the walls with a metal detector. He found the
water pipes he'd suspected running through the walls. They had probably
cooled the inner surface of the concrete while it set. He grinned ear
to ear thinking of their usage for solar heat. He had a major hunk of
land on the surface that was basically worthless for anything except
making solar heat. Using the metal detector he carefully marked the
position of every pipe within the walls. In the process he found
several unidentified metal traces. One group of these seemed to line up
almost exactly with the positions of each level he had chosen for a
floor anchor. A small perfect 1/2" hole marked each one. Careful
drilling around one of these revealed them as some sort of pressure
gauge, probably used to evaluate thrust on a missile if it was
launched. Each one however was on its own large conduit. He searched
out the other ends and found them terminated in the mass of wiring
which led into the launch room (his apartment.)

Each conduit contained a multi-cable capable of a dozen full bandwidth
video channels. He discovered how lucky he had been with the anchors;
almost any of them could easily have pierced either a water of wiring
conduit. Many of them passed within bare inches, but luckily, all
missed. He tried plotting the exact location of the air ducts using a
laser site, but he wasn't certain that they ran exactly vertical. He
solved the dilemma by lowering a coil of wire down each duct. He pulsed
a signal into the coil and detected it from the other side of the wall.
This allowed him to mark the path close enough to miss any pipes or
conduits. He drilled multiple one inch diameter holes into each of the
ducts on each level. This alone took an additional two weeks time.
However when he was finished, he used multiple blower fans at ground
level to removed much of the dust which had been building up. He ran
all of them at full speed while he descended to each level with an air
hose and thoroughly cleaned each one. Next he washed the whole silo
down from top to bottom.

The water and cement mud gathered in the cement bottom of the silo.
When it didn't drain anywhere he pumped it into 55 gallon barrels and
hoisted it by crane to the top. Then it struck him. Drain anywhere? The
bottom of the silo was a good 170 feet deep! Where would it drain to?
In fact, *how* did his toilet in the apartment drain? A two day survey
tracing pipes located a grinding pump on the lowest level which pumped
effluent up to ground level into a septic tank. A booster pump was
located halfway up in one of the maintenance closets.

Another day with a metal detector traced pipes from a leach field
running into two corners of the property. There were *two* fresh water
wells located in the opposite corners of the property. One was
seemingly just a capped pipe. He opened it and dropped weighted line
down till it hit water. Water level was a good 15 feet *above* the
floor of the silo. This meant one thing; the cement in the silo was
*totally* waterproof. This had to be so, or the lower part of the silo
would have been flooded from seepage from the outside. No seepage from
the outside meant no seepage from the inside.

He drilled more holes to anchor a platform and equipment, cleaned up
the whole thing spotless. Several layers of swimming pool paint were
applied and allowed to dry. Then he pumped fresh water in and he had a
swimming pool. One *damn cold* swimming pool! This he solved by
separating the wall cooling pipe system below the first level. A
separate pipe led from this section up to the solar collectors. He
installed automatic controls which regulated his pool at a much more
comfortable temperature.

Perhaps it wouldn't stay that warm come winter, which was fast
approaching, but he seldom used more than around 18% of the potential
from the array of solar heat panels he had installed. He pumped most of
the heat around the system and had to defocus the panels most of the
time. With all the natural insulation around the silo, it just didn't
take that much heat to make it comfortable. This was a good thing, as
John didn't think about the expansion of the concrete as it warmed. Had
he warmed it too quickly, it would have cracked, allowing the water
table outside to seep in, inundating the lower portion of the silo. It
was blind luck that it didn't.

He had a few ideas about how to improve things topside, but he was
running out of money. He realized the closeness to winter just in time
to finish up the top floor and move most the equipment down to it. He
ran snorkels out for his winch and generators to keep the fumes out and
noise down. A final trip into town on a mad buying spree for provisions
and equipment made a good number of the local merchants very happy.
They knew nothing about his retreat out in the desert. John had no
intention of telling anyone. On a whim, he bought a case of .357 and a
case of 38 special ammo. He could fire the 38's out of his Python,
according to the man at the gun shop, and they were cheaper.

He was intending to find out how well he could live in total seclusion.
During the summer he gave it no thought, he could always go to town if
he wanted to. But winter would be a different thing entirely; the road
which led to the silo wasn't exactly on the snow plow routes. The snow
could get up to three feet deep in this area, and drift over six. Just
in case, John bought a used snowmobile.

He made one trip to deliver a full load and stow it, then went back for
a load of carpentry power tools and lumber so he could work
uninterrupted through the winter. Finally he used the flatbed truck to
roll the launch roof back into place. (It spent most the time open, or
hastily tarped against any approaching storm.) Last step was having a
truck deliver enough fuel to run his generator for the winter. It was
the first time anybody had gotten near the silo since he had the steel
delivered. For some reason it made him uncomfortable to have anybody
know about the existence of his retreat.

He stretched a large tarp over the launch roof to disguise the true
nature of the place. All the driver would see would be a tarp covering
a platform like lump and the sturdy out buildings John had built to
house his car and snowmobile and keep a large supply of lumber dry. The
tank was buried to one side of the road coming in, intended for the
original standby generator that had been scrapped out. When the driver
showed, John was waiting in his car, like he had just driven out to
meet him. He ushered the driver to the fill point.

"Kind of a strange place for a fuel tank," said the driver, looking
around.

"Gonna be a Solar Research facility," John said.

"What's the fuel for?" asked the driver.

"Gotta run a generator to drive the solar panels," John replied.

"Huh," the driver grunted, "That's progress for ya."

"Well... Gonna mount a steam generator on the cells after they figure
out how much heat they will generate... I just go where they tell me,"
John said. He walked away to effectively cut off communication. The
driver shrugged and went on with his filling. John busied himself
tarping over the snowmobile and trailer. The driver waved to John when
he had topped off the tank. John walked over and signed for the fuel.

"Seems like a lot of fuel to power solar cells," commented the driver.

"Long term project... you know the government," said John.

"Yeah, don't forget to add stabilizers to that fuel if it's gonna sit
very long," the driver said, climbing back into his truck. John watched
the fuel truck pass into the distance. It seemed odd, but the driver
was probably the last human being that John would see until sometime in
spring, yet he had felt relieved when he was gone.

John locked the gate and made a further check of the topside assembly's
and equipment. He hitched his car to the snowmobile trailer and pulled
it into one of the sheds. He held off winterizing the car for now. He
did pour some diesel fuel in the truck and ran it till it died, then he
took out the battery, drained the radiator and tarped over the cab.
Finally he was satisfied that all would survive the winter. He took one
last look at the setting sun and then descended through the heavy hatch
-under the edge of the tarp- down into his refuge. He latched it from
the inside. He was alone and alive with a curious feeling of freedom.

Chapter 3

John spent most of his time laying corrugated iron on the framework and
welding it in place. He prepared meals at his leisure, but seldom took
more than an hour or so away from the work of building the silo to his
satisfaction. One of the tasks he placed priority on, was building a
workshop on the second level down. Once the floor was in place he moved
the woodworking tools he had purchased onto the level. Once the shop
was set up, the job of cutting and fitting fixtures for the other
levels was streamlined greatly.

Four bales of hay purchased from a farm on the main road leading by the
silo road provided him with a rudimentary firing range. Once a day he'd
practice his shooting. Wearing an old set of headphones because he'd
forgotten to purchase hearing protection. He got pretty good with the
old Python. He'd practice swinging to the side and hitting a bulls eye,
just for fun.

He didn't ever expect to have to use the gun. He just did it to give
him a break from the monotony of work. It became a daily exercise.
After a solid month of this he could hit the bulls eye seven out of ten
shots. He gave it up when a slug passed through a bale and ricocheted.
It zinged past his head on one side, ricocheted off the curved wall and
zinged past his head on the other. He shuddered to think what would
have happened if he'd been shooting the higher velocity .357's, instead
of the 38's.

"That's about enough of that shit," he told himself. He re-applied
himself to the problems of the silo. He solved the problem of lowering
heavy objects to lower levels through the use of trap doors on each
level. It was weeks before John cracked the hatch again. One day he got
a hankering for a drink of scotch, but discovered that he was out. It
seemed like as good an excuse as any to go to town.

John cracked the hatch and emerged from his refuge to find a light
skiff of snow coating the world. He squinted at the bright sun
reflected off the white landscape and shivered a bit from the cold. A
quick trip back inside brought him out again wearing a parka and
sunglasses. He had to jockey the snowmobile trailer around and unhitch
it to free the car, but he should have done that in the first place.
Finally he was fishtailing down the road into town. It occurred to him
that he needed a better winter driving vehicle, but his dollar supply
was getting low. He was down to a paltry $38,000, and the next year's
allotment wouldn't come in for months. The absurdity of the thought
struck him like a rock. $38,000 was more than he had earned the entire
year before.

When he got to town he bought a whole case of *good* scotch, and
searched around for a good -used- four wheel drive. He located a fairly
nice mid-seventies Toyota Land Cruiser that had a Chevy 350 CID V-8
engine shoe horned into it. He test drove it, but didn't like the gear
ratio. He bought it anyway and arranged for a shop in town to install a
Chevy 5-speed tranny to match the engine. He lined up several other
modifications with several shops and negotiated with each to deliver it
to the next one. When he came back into town he would have a deluxe
four wheel drive waiting for him.

It was evening by the time he was through in town. He sought out a good
steak dinner and then headed home with his case of scotch and a few
bags of groceries. John's mind was on his new vehicle as he headed out
of town. He was almost to the turn marked only by the lonely single set
of tracks leading to the silo, when it happened.

Entirely without warning, there was suddenly somebody waving their arms
in front of the car. John slammed on the brakes. The anti-lock kicked
in, but even that wasn't enough. He was still traveling faster than a
walk when he thumped the body off his fender onto the side of the road.
John just sat there for a moment and shook. Had he killed the
hitchhiker? There was only one way he could find out. He forced himself
out of the car and walked over to the ditch, fearing the worst.

To his surprise he found it was a girl. The tight jeans told him that
much. She was lying face down in the snow, unmoving. He gently rolled
her over and found a pretty young face, about 15, eyes closed and
unresponsive. A scuff on her forehead from the rock her head had hit.
His heart sank. A quick check of her pulse sent a wave of relief over
him. She was probably okay, but might have a concussion from the way
she had landed. He checked all her limbs and found no broken bones. Her
hip would probably be bruised real good from where the car had bumped
her.

Why the hell had she done it? He would have stopped for *anybody* this
far out.... What the hell was she doing out here in the middle of
nowhere? All these questions would have to wait. She may have needed
attention right then. If she was worse than he was equipped for at the
silo, the drive back into town would be too far anyway. Getting her
warm was probably the best way to stabilize her until *real* help could
arrive if needed. His silo was the best answer, if for no other reason
than to get her out of the elements and get to communications. He
mentally vowed to get himself a Cellular phone, even if he never needed
it again.

He carefully picked her up and carried her to the car. He noticed that
her clothing and body stank like she had been *on the road* for a long
time. He didn't care. He wasn't about to leave her out in the cold to
die. John pushed it to the limit all that way back to the silo. He hit
the brakes as he triggered the gate closer remote. He climbed out and
opened up the hatch. He did his best to carry her inside. From the way
the entrance was configured, he ended up using a fireman's carry to get
her inside. His hand on her legs to balance her.

Once inside the elevator, he set her down. A quick check of her pulse
and a once over in the light told him that she was in no *immediate*
danger. He left her propped in the corner of the elevator, then went
back out and retrieved his scotch and grocery's and put away the car.
He sealed the hatch and then sent the elevator on its decent to the
apartment. On the way down he studied her.

Under a dirty face she seemed to have the vestige of a black eye. It
seemed more like a fresh wound rather than an older one. This girl had
had a hard time of it. The elevator arrived at the apartment level. He
picked her up again and was going to put her on the bed when his nose
reminded him how much she stank. Instead he carried her to the bathroom
and set her down on the toilet. She was wearing tennis shoes, tight,
worn jeans, an oversized T-shirt and a light jacket. John wished the
hell she were awake to wash herself, but he wasn't about to put her in
his bed while she smelled that bad.

Feeling guilty, he began stripping off her clothes. Bruises on her arms
looked like they probably came from a strong grip holding her. He had a
hell of a time removing her tight jeans. When she was dressed in only
her sports bra and panties, he drug a resin patio chair into the shower
and set her in it. Her skin was cold from exposure. Just to be on the
safe side he went and dug into his medical kit for a blood pressure
cuff. She was okay, but shivered slightly. He adjusted the water to a
comfortable temperature and then a bit warm. She needed to get warm
fast. He stripped down to his shorts and turned the stream on her. She
didn't respond consciously to the water, but seemed to stop shivering a
bit.

John began to soap up her body. She seemed to be quite dirty, probably
hadn't bathed for days. He shampooed her hair and finally decided that
what she really needed was the hot tub. To keep soap out of the hot
tub, he stripped off his shorts, then her bra and panties. She had
medium-large breasts for her age, but they had bruises on them too. He
felt a pang of guilt as he stripped off her panties and saw the small,
blonde tuft of pubic hair. His growing member reminded him of how long
it had been since he had seen female flesh exposed, let alone flesh as
young and firm as this. His erection grew as he felt her tender body
against him while he carried her to the tub. The hot tub had several
seats built into it, which solved the problem of what to do with her.
He propped her up in one, and then sat back himself to soak.

He couldn't help himself as his eyes returned to her nude young body
again and again. He half expected her to wake up screaming, but she
showed no signs of movement. His erection screamed at him to take
advantage of the situation, but he didn't. He just watched her as he
let her soak a good twenty minutes. When her face showed a flush from
the heat, he finally lifted her out. He set her in the resin chair as
he carefully toweled her and then himself dry. His erection was as hard
as he ever remembered it as he carried her to the bed. He pulled back
the blankets and set her in it. Then he sat for a while examining her
nude body.

She appeared to be about fifteen, but could have been anywhere between
thirteen and seventeen. Her hair was blonde, cut short. She had blue
eyes, which were responsive to light, but with slightly uneven pupils.
Her breasts were probably a firm C-cup. Her waist narrow and her hips
just starting to reach their full spread. Her small tuft of pubic hair
was soft and blonde as well. Her legs were long and sleek. She was
lovely, *too* damn lovely.

John dug out an oversized T-shirt and pulled it over her, then pulled a
pair of his jockey shorts onto her. They were *way* too large, but the
elastic would keep them up. At least she was covered. John put her
under the covers and softly kissed her forehead. A little seepage of
blood from her forehead prompted him to the first aid kit for some
antibiotic ointment and a gauze patch. Once she was doctored he went in
search of his scotch. He sat back in a terry cloth robe with a Scotch
on the rocks and looked at her for a long time.

Why the hell had she been out there? Why had she jumped in front of the
car? Where did her black eye and bruises come from? They would probably
explain why she was out there. Some asshole had hurt this tender child.
What she needed now was help. John decided he would do his best. He
finished his Scotch and pulled on a pair of Jockey shorts himself
before he climbed into bed beside her. He usually slept in the nude,
but she might come to in the night and freak out. He was painfully
aware of her tender body in the bed next to him. His erection didn't
subside at all before he slipped into sleep.

Chapter 4

John awoke with an arm draped over him and a young body against him.
This was a *good* sign, if a bit uncomfortable for him. She appeared to
be just asleep, but didn't wake as John extracted himself from the bed
and headed into the bathroom. His hard-on seemed like it hadn't
diminished a bit during the night. Emptying his bladder in a ski
jumper's pose helped some. John put on his robe and a pair of slippers,
then went off to the kitchen to make some coffee. He decided on
breakfast and on a hunch, made double.

About the time John was finishing up the last batch of French toast, a
soft female voice tentatively called out, "Hello? Is anybody here?
Where Am I?" John loaded up a tray with coffee and food and headed into
the bedroom. The girl was sitting up surveying her outfit when he
walked in. She seemed to shrink into the bed when she saw John.

"Hello, my name is John. You're in my uh.. *house*. You jumped in front
of my car last night and bumped your head. Are you feeling up to
breakfast?" John talked as he crossed the room. The girl seemed a
little relieved, but not much.

"Who undressed me?" she asked.

"I did. You stunk!" John replied simply.

"Well, I guess I probably did. Haven't had a chance to shower for a
long time." She was studying John hard as she fingered the T-shirt and
felt under the covers at the Jockey shorts she wore.

"Don't worry, I washed you, but that's all. Your virtue is intact,"
John said.

"Not unless you operated too," she kind of chuckled. "What have you got
to eat?"

"Whatever you want, but I've made French toast, bacon and scrambled
eggs. First off, how are you feeling?"

"Okay I guess, kind of dizzy really, but starving!" she said.

"You got a bad bump on the head. Let me look at your eyes."

"What for?" said the girl, pulling the covers up and shrinking back.

"To check how bad your concussion is. I don't want you choking on a
piece of French toast and convulsing in my bed."

"Okay... I guess." John picked up a small pen light from the dresser
and bent over her as he checked each of her eyes. A small difference in
pupils, but not too bad. He smiled at her and nodded to the food. She
jumped at the bacon and wrapped it in a piece of French toast. It was
in her mouth before John could blink.

"Take your time, lots of food here and take it easy. You're well enough
to eat, not to do gymnastics." John chuckled. The girl eyed John
suspiciously and forced herself to chew a little slower. She noticed
that the T-shirt had become twisted around her, clinging to her
breasts. She pulled on it to hide her form. John noticed her discomfort
and dug into the closet for another robe. He handed it to her and she
pulled it around her shoulders and kept on eating.

"Coffee?"

"Yuk! Got any milk?"

"Sorry, long way to the store. Soda pop or Water?"

"Pepsi if you got it...Just how far to the store? Where are we?"

"In the middle of nowhere, about thirty miles from where you jumped in
front of me," John said as he headed into the kitchen for her soda.

"Where was that?" the girl called after him.

"You don't know where you were?" asked John, returning with her Pepsi.

"Not really. Some jerk kicked me out 'cause I wouldn't suck him," said
the girl. She took her Pepsi and drank a swig to wash down the three
pieces of French toast and five pieces of bacon she had wolfed down.
She eyed John for a minute then said, "So what do you have in mind for
me?"

"Nothing, actually. You jumped in front of my car last night, I tried
to stop, but you didn't give me enough time to avoid you. You bounced
off my fender and into the ditch. You bumped your head on a rock and
knocked yourself out. I picked you up, brought you here, bathed you,
doctored you and put you to bed. I have no plans for you. You're
welcome to stay until you feel better and can leave anytime you want.
I'll give you a ride back to the nearest town, which is about eighty
miles away. Besides that I don't even know your name yet."

"Theresa. Eighty miles? You live eighty miles from town?"

"Yes, glad to meet you, Theresa."

"Glad to meet you, I think. Why do you live so far out?"

"Because I like to."

"Who else lives here?"

"Nobody, just me." Theresa chewed on another bacon French toast roll up
(she shoveled some egg into this one.) as she studied John from the
corner of her eye.

"You say I can stay a while, what's it gonna cost me? I don't have any
money."

"Nothing. Stay as long as you want. I don't need money."

"What do you need?" she asked suspiciously.

"Not a thing in the world. You can stop worrying. You're *far* too
young for me. How old are you anyway?"

"Uh.. Seventeen."

"How old?"

"Sixteen....Okay.... Fifteen, but I'll be Sixteen next month..... What
do you mean I'm too young for you? How old are *you*?"

"Probably old enough to be your mother's father. I'm forty-three."

"Forty-three? I guess that's not too old.... Say, how come you got no
windows in here?"

"Cause you're about one hundred and sixty feet below the surface."
Theresa stopped chewing and looked around kind of scared like.

She swallowed hard and asked, "What *is* this place?"

"I told you, my home! It just happens to be underground."

"Why?"

"Cause I like it that way. I don't pay a dime in heating bills. The
whole place is solar heated. I got the whole place plus fifty acres of
land for less than the price of a half acre plot in the city."

"Whole place, these three rooms?"

"No, this is just the temporary living quarters I first set up while
I'm working on the rest."

"So how big is it?"

"One hundred seventy feet deep by forty-five feet in diameter. I've
divided that into fifteen stories."

"Fifteen stories, forty-five feet in diameter, that's damn big! What
was it, and old mine?"

"No, it was a missile silo."

"A missile silo, like Atomic?"

"Yup. Like Atomic. But don't worry, they took that part out before they
sold it."

"Huh... kind of neat. But why?"

"I told you. I like it."

"All alone, by yourself? What are you some kind of hermit?"

"I hadn't thought about it much, but I guess I am. I don't care much
for the cities."

"But how do you live? What do you do?"

"Just work on my home."

"No, I mean for a living. Don't you have to work?"

"Nope."

"Why not, you rich?"

"Yup, guess I am."

"Really? How much you got?"

"More than enough. I won the lottery."

"Really?"

"Yup, really. Fourteen million dollars." Theresa stopped chewing. Her
mouth hung open, food and all. "Close your mouth. It looks awful." She
snapped her mouth shut and swallowed hard.

Then jumped up on the bed and said, "You've got fourteen million
dollars?" The robe fell off her shoulders. The Jockey shorts almost
fell off as she bounced.

"Yup, not all at once, but enough to get by on. Now, come on. Let's
find you some clothes before you fall out of those." Theresa snatched
at the sagging Jockey shorts and pulled them up. This just outlined her
attributes better and made John *very* uncomfortable. He started
digging in drawers and closets. Theresa watched him wondering what he
was doing. He came up with a pair of stretch warm up pants that had a
string closure. He handed them to her and turned away. She giggled but
pulled them on. By rolling up the legs, they fit her okay. John found
another pair for himself and pulled them on. Theresa watched him
without looking away. John looked at her in annoyance.

"I figure that *you* got to see a whole lot more of me," she chuckled.

"I guess that's true, but that was different. You didn't have much
choice about it, but I assure you I was strictly business about it."

"So you said.. You still got to see the whole thing. It's only fair
that you show me too." John was suspicious of her motives. Her sudden
interest in him had arisen *after* he disclosed his financial position.

Even so he said, "I guess by rights you're welcome to see anything you
want. I got nothing to hide... at least not much."

"Show me then!" she said defiantly, daring John to reveal himself. It
seemed wrong, but John shrugged and dropped the warm ups. He pulled off
his robe and pushed down his Jockey shorts. His penis was at half mast.
He stood naked before her. She looked without shame.

"Not bad for an *old coot*," She chuckled.

"And you don't look bad for a *little girl*. Now can I get dressed?"

"If you want. I don't care," but her eyes still surveyed his body. The
months of hard work and irregular meals had left John trimmer and
firmer than he thought of himself.

"I do. I'm kind of chilly."

"I could warm you up."

"No doubt, but you were terrified at the thought before you found out I
was rich," John said as he pulled up his shorts and warm-ups. He dug
out an old favorite sweatshirt to match.

"That's not true... I liked you before that. I just didn't know you."

"You still don't," John said, digging out some socks and tennis shoes.

"Oh... you're okay," Theresa said.

"You know the difference between a weirdo and an eccentric?" John
asked.

"No, what?"

"About a million dollars...or fourteen million in my case," replied
John. John carted the food tray back into the kitchen. He sat down and
finished off what remained of the meal (one strip of bacon, some eggs
and half slice French toast with Coffee.) He told Theresa where her
clothes were and where the washing machine was. She went off to do a
batch and find her shoes. She came back a while later, barefoot. She
seemed kind of distracted, like she was deep in thought. John pointed
to her feet and raised an eyebrow.

"Decided my shoes stunk too much. They're in the washer too."

"No argument from me. See if you can fit any of my shoes."

"I don't need any, really. My feet aren't cold."

"Not the cold, I was gonna show you around if you feel up to it."

"Okay... maybe a little." Theresa dug into the closet and came up with
a pair of tennis shoes she could lace up *real* tight to keep them from
falling off. They got about a third of the way into the tour when John
noticed Theresa leaning shakily against a beam, with a large fall
beneath her. He gently guided her back to bed. "Not coming in?" Theresa
asked, groggily.

"Nope. Got work to do."

"Suit yourself," Theresa said sleepily.

"I do," John said on his way out. In fact John did very little work at
first. He was upset with himself by how tempted he was to accept the
offers of the little darling in his bed. The memory of her nude body
from the night before was driving him crazy. Eventually the task at
hand distracted him long enough to forget her. Soon afterwards he was
virtually absorbed in his work.

About two in the afternoon he got hungry. He made himself a sandwich
and a cup of coffee. A check on Theresa found her sleeping soundly.
John sipped at his coffee as he surveyed her form in the bed. She was
breathing regular. She rolled over and emitted a soft whimpering cry in
her sleep. At the same time her body sort of flinched back.

"What happened to you, girl?" John asked himself, softly. He finished
his coffee in a gulp and went back to work. About seven o-clock that
evening, he smelled food cooking. He finished up what he was doing,
then washed up. Theresa was in the kitchen. To John's discomfort, she
wore her sports bra as a halter top. Thankfully, the baggy warm-ups
still covered her lower body.

"How was the nap, what's cookin?" John inquired, averting his eyes.

"Pretty good. Don't know why I'm so tired. I just woke up hungry. I
heard you banging around out there so I started digging. Sit down and
rest, It's almost done."

"You're tired because of your concussion. It's the body's natural
reaction to getting thumped around."

"I got thumped around lots before, it never made me feel like
sleeping."

"Want to talk about it... The black eye and bruises?"

"What's to talk about? My stepfather alternated between beating and
pumping me."

"That why you were out on the road? You ran away?"

"Pretty much."

"How long has that been going on?"

"Since I got my tits, when I was twelve."

"He's been abusing you since you were twelve? Why didn't you call the
cops?"

"Thirteen actually. He forced me to suck him before that.... Cops
didn't seem like a good idea. My mother loved the guy.... I guess more
than me. She sort of helped him."

"Ouch!.... So where are you headed? Do you have friends somewhere?"

Theresa was quiet for a while before answering, "I don't know where I'm
going. I just, had to get out... "

"I can understand that."

"Can you?" Theresa asked sharply.

"Maybe not," John replied softly.

"Sorry, you didn't deserve that," Theresa said.

"No problem. I didn't take it personal."

"Good..... You're about the only friend I've got right now."

"No others?" John asked.

"Oh, I guess my friend Cindy, but she's in a situation as bad as I was,
maybe worse."

"So what's eats?" John asked to change the subject.

"Parmesan Chicken with Broccoli, I couldn't find any *fresh*
vegetables."

"You can cook! Sorry but it's a bit far to the market."

"Yes, I'm a good cook. My mother wasn't much good at it so I had to
learn."

"Seems your mother wasn't good at much."

"Oh, at some things...." Theresa trailed off. She busied herself
setting the table. "What to drink?" she asked.

"Well, I don't suppose it would hurt you to have a little wine. You're
pretty much grown up already."

"That would be nice. I saw a bottle in the fridge."

John chuckled, "No, for this meal I'll pull out a special one. I use
the one in the fridge for cooking. It's not a very good one."

"I wouldn't know the difference."

"I do. Learned that before I ever got rich." John went in search of a
bottle from the unheated area where he kept it. He returned with a
light Chablis. Theresa watched in fascination as he uncorked it. He
examined the cork, but didn't sniff it. He poured barely a mouthful in
two wine glasses. He swirled his glass around and then lifted it to his
nose. He sniffed it and smiled, then sipped a bit. He sloshed it around
in his mouth and finally swallowed. He smiled once more and nodded to
Theresa.

She did her best to follow his example. When her own smile spread, John
poured a larger amount into both of their glasses. The meal proceeded
nicely. Theresa had a tendency to gulp her wine, but that would change
with time. John found himself thinking he would like her to stay
around. Theresa was thinking along the same lines. Neither said
anything about it at the time. The food was excellent. Theresa was a
*good* cook. After dinner John bussed the dishes, loaded the dishwasher
and started it. Theresa found containers and stored a few leftovers.
She was a little bit tipsy. John was too.

"So what's to do around here for entertainment?" Theresa asked,
slurring a bit.

"TV in the communications room up by the first floor. Haven't found a
path to string all the lines down here for the satellite control yet."

"You've got *satellite* TV?"

"Yup," chuckled John, "and high speed Internet access too."

"I heard something about that, but I don't know what it is."

"Come on, I'll show you."

"Any wine left?"

"Another bottle of the same... I guess that it would be alright." John
snatched the other bottle and opened it. Then they rode the elevator up
to the communications room. John had put a large comfortable sofa in it
where he could lay and watch TV. Instead of cranking up the TV, he
fired up the computer. He showed Theresa how to get access to anything
she wanted.

"But I don't know what's out there, so I don't know where I want to
go," Theresa said.

"Oh, there is that. Most the time it's just fun to pick a subject and
do a search on it. Like this.... Pick a subject."

"Sex!"

"Too big, you need to be more specific."

"Uh... I'll have to think about it. How about Sex and Wine."

"That should narrow it down a bunch. Let's see..... 287 hits, narrow it
some more."

"Sex, wine and older men," Theresa said, her hand on John's collar.

"Behave yourself.... That brought 23 responses."

"Let's see." John clicked on each and every entry. They read a history
of Wine making and the use of sex in advertisement. There were graphic
postings in the news groups about erotic encounters between older men
and younger women under the influence of wine. There was a site that
was devoted to the evils of wine and sex. They stumbled over a support
group for victims of incest. John set a marker on that and showed
Theresa how to recall it. She changed the subject by jumping to a
different location. They bounced all over the world, chasing any
tangent. Theresa was having a ball.

"Doesn't this cost you a bunch?" she asked.

"Not really. You can get slower service for as little as $15 a month."

"Really?"

"Yeah, There just happened to be a high speed line already run to here
when I bought the place. Otherwise it would have cost me a fortune to
get the same service."

"Neat... Show me how to work the satellite."

"Okay... What do you want to watch?"

"Let's find a nice sappy movie." John fired up the satellite and poked
around a bunch of channels he knew of. He stumbled on a romantic comedy
he had seen before. Theresa stopped him there. They both sat on the
sofa. Theresa leaned back against John like he was her boyfriend. He
didn't *seem* to notice, but he was *very* aware of her young body
leaning against his.

They downed the rest of the wine over the course of the movie. John
became more reclined and Theresa more snugly as time passed. Finally
they were both laying flat out, side by side on the sofa. Theresa's
head tucked into John's arm. They both couldn't help but be aware of
the bulge in John's pants. The movie ended with the couples heading off
to bed. John started to get up to do the same. Theresa pushed him back
down.

"Talk to me," Theresa said.

"What about?"

"Well... *Us*."

"Us?"

"Yeah... Look, I know you don't really like me."

"What on earth gave you that idea?" John interrupted.

"'Cause I've virtually thrown myself at you since I woke up here. I can
tell by your pants you're not dead, so you must not like me!"

"I can assure you, that's not the case. You're just 15 years old."

"But I'm really good in bed."

"You may well be, but I'm almost three times your age."

"Shut up and let me talk."

"Okay."

"Like I said; I think I'm really good in bed and... you said yourself
at dinner that I was pretty much grown up. .... Well what I'm trying to
say is that I'd like to stay around here for a while, but I don't have
any money to pay you with. So how about I *do* you whenever you want,
and you let me stay here awhile." Theresa finished her speech bravely,
but dropped her eyes at the end.

"Can I talk now?"

"Yes.......," she said meekly.

"Okay, Item One. I think you're gorgeous, just too young. Two. You're
welcome to stay as long as you'd like. I don't need any money."

"But I don't want to owe you."

"Shut up, you said I could talk. You wouldn't owe me. And you don't
have to *do me* as you say. You're welcome to stay with no strings
attached."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"I knew you didn't like me.... Okay, I'll leave tomorrow," Theresa
said, starting to sob.

"What the hell are you talking about? If I didn't like you, would I
have asked you to stay?"

"You won't sleep with me!"

"You're *fifteen!*"

"And you're forty-three. So what? In ten years you'll be fifty-three
and I'll be twenty-five, nobody would bat an eye over us."

"That's in ten years! I'm talking about now."

"Look, what's worse; me freely giving myself to you, or my stepfather
taking me at his leisure and beating me for it?"

"Uh... "

"See."

"I'll tell you what. You want to stay, I want you to stay. You don't
want to owe me, I need a cook. You can cook. You're hired. As of this
evening's meal."

"Okay... but I still want to sleep with you."

"You don't have much choice, I've only got one bed."

"You know what I mean!"

"Yes I do, No! Do you want the job or not?" Theresa looked at him a
moment and nodded. "Good. Welcome aboard. I can afford to pay you...
let's see, a private cook in a remote location. How about twenty-five
thousand a year for starters?"

"Twenty five thousand? That's too much."

"That's what the job pays, take it or move on."

"Well since you put it that way. I'll take it."

"Good, let's go to bed."

"You mean you've changed your mind?"

"No, I'm tired."

"Damn!" They stumbled to the elevator in each others arms. When they
reached the bedroom, Theresa unceremoniously stripped nude and hopped
in bed. John sighed. Finally he shrugged and did the same. Theresa
snuggled to his side. John felt himself growing again but tried to
ignore it. The wine helped him slip away before he had to deal with it.
He woke once during the night. Theresa was shivering and whimpering in
her sleep. John pulled her gently to him and held her till she was
breathing easier. Then fell asleep that way.

Chapter 5

John awoke horny as hell in an empty bed. The light was on in the
kitchen. He could hear Theresa humming to herself. John made a quick
trip to the bathroom and relieved himself. Then jumped back into bed.
Theresa rounded the corner with his breakfast.

"Breakfast in bed? I hired a cook, not a slave. I'll come to the
table."

"No you won't. This is just to pay you back, for bringing it to me
yesterday." Theresa was wearing her skimpy bikini panties, her sports
bra and her tennis shoes. She had a small apron on in front that hardly
hid much.

"Nice outfit."

"Nobody here but us chickens. You did a good job with the heating. This
feels comfortable. Even got my shoes on so we can finish the tour after
breakfast... If you *want* to, that is."

"Fine with me. If you want to run around half naked, who am I to
complain?"

"No, I'd like to run around *all* naked. But if you're not going to
take advantage of it, what's the use?"

"Suit yourself."

"*I do!* Now eat before it gets cold." John knew when he was beaten. He
dove into his breakfast. Afterwards he gave her the grand tour, taking
special care to take her topside in the skimpy outfit. It was in the
low 40's outside. John took his time showing her each of the unheated
outbuildings and the solar array. Her nipples looked like small marbles
under her sports bra when they finally went inside, but she never
uttered a peep of complaint.

John explained his plans as he went along; A *complete* workshop where
you could make *anything*. A deluxe communications center. Food storage
area, farming equipment storage. Huge Bedrooms, semi-huge bedrooms.
Library, game room. Railed Shafts would bring sunlight down to any room
from a tracking mirror on the surface. Theresa went nuts over the pool.
She peeled off her shoes and jumped in. She shrieked from the
temperature. John kept it cool to keep the algae down until he finished
the filter system.

John fought himself every night for the next three days. Theresa turned
out to be a pretty good cook. Otherwise he tried to stay away from her.
She slept a lot, which made this easier to do. When not asleep or
cooking Theresa amused herself at the computer or watched the
television. It took Theresa just those three days to get her wish. That
night they lay snuggled together. They were both nude. John over half
drifted into sleep. Theresa was fully aware of his male body snuggled
to her.

Theresa wiggled her behind a bit against his manhood and John began to
grow. She continued her motions until he was fully erect. She gently
pushed him onto his back and moved over him. She guided his now larger
member into herself. She was a full dozen strokes into it, when John
finally awoke to find himself erect and Theresa riding his hips. Her
warmth around his member and firm young body were too much for him to
resist. He pulled her down into a deep kiss. She really wasn't too bad
for her age.

After that John didn't fight it. He didn't play the puppy love games
during the day, but he also didn't resist her during the night. After
the first time, he did insist that they use prophylactics until he
could get to town and have his tubes snicked. This would have to be
soon, as he only had a couple of dozen. Purchased just after he'd won
the lottery. Actually they were going to have to head to town earlier
to fulfill her feminine product needs. About the time Theresa started
getting bloaty and ornery, John realized the trip was mandatory.
Luckily it was between storms so they could get the sports car down the
road.

"If anybody gets curious, call me daddy," John said.

"Oh please don't spank me, daddy! Can't you hurt me that other way
instead?" Theresa snickered.

"Behave yourself, or I'll leave you in town!" John said.

"Yes, Sir!" Theresa snapped to attention.

"Oh god, just don't get me hanged..... and please don't mention
anything to anybody about the silo. I *like* not being known."

"Okay, you got it." Theresa fell asleep before they made it off the
dirt road. The mud was getting thick enough that John planned on
picking up the Landcruiser. He woke Theresa when he got into town. They
made a stop at the store for her needs first, then stopped in a
restaurant for lunch. Theresa headed for the bathroom and John for the
phone booth just after they ordered. John made an appointment for later
in the day with a local doctor, and checked on the Landcruiser. It was
ready. They ate a leisurely lunch and then went to pick up the
'Cruiser. She was a beauty! Even Theresa thought so.

She had her fun moment when she jumped up and down and shouted, "Oh
thank you, Daddy!" threw her arms around John and kissed him hard on
the lips. The guys in the shop raised their eyebrows. John smacked her
butt with an audible slap. She yelped and behaved from then on out.
Next stop was to pick up the license tags. The shops had done all they
could in this direction, but they couldn't sign the papers for John. He
wasted a full hour in the DMV. It was time for John's appointment when
he got out. Theresa couldn't drive yet so she had to wait while the
procedure was being done. He was in the office a long time.

The doctor told John, "The more you use it, the quicker it will feel
better."

"Don't think that will be a problem," said John paying the bill. As
John walked *slowly* out, the doctor looked past him to the girl in the
passenger seat of the Landcruiser.

He muttered to himself, "I'll bet. Damn good thing he got them cut."
Next stop was to the Mall for a shopping spree for Theresa. John
walking slowly along as Theresa flitted back and forth between the
stores. He had given her an advance on her wages, mostly cause she
hadn't been there very long and an advance was the only condition
Theresa would accept it under. Even so they somehow ended up with
several -of each- of the things that Theresa liked. She didn't seem to
notice. They couldn't think of any way to pull off a joint trip into
Victoria's Secret, so she wrote down her sizes and they walked in
separately. She selected a few things. He selected a lot. The sales
lady eyed him with dissatisfaction. He ignored her. It was none of her
damned business what he bought with his money. Whether she approved or
not. He hung to the side counting his change while Theresa made her
purchases.

Then he said to her, "How'd you like to come over to my place and try
some of these on for me?"

Theresa smiled at him and said, "I think I'd like that!" as she picked
up her package from the speechless saleswoman. They walked out arm in
arm. Busting out laughing as soon as they rounded the corner. John
directed her into a top quality dress shop and bought her one that she
looked nothing less than dynamite in. Next he took her by a well known
chain store and stocked up on shorts, jeans and basic wardrobe items
that every girl her age needed in quantity. Their purchases amounted to
well over a thousand dollars. They carted them out to the 'Cruiser and
headed for the grocery store.

They bought every canned, frozen and fresh vegetable known to man. Plus
a great deal of beef, chicken, turkey, pork and lamb. Next came massive
quantities of every type pasta, rice, beans and grains and finally
basic stocks of flour and other baking goods. Just for the hell of it
John purchased one each of every type spice. Theresa took a basket and
raided the soup section. The cruiser was loaded to the roof by the time
they finished. Just for safety, John bought an entire case of the
tampons Theresa had purchased earlier, and four dozen rubbers he
intended to use until he was certain he was shooting blanks.

Lastly John rented a car tow trailer. The kind the front wheels ride
in. Then it was back to the shop to pick up the sports car. It was
almost dark, they got a to-go meal as they had to get the frozen foods
into the freezer. They headed out of town with a *full load* test of
the new engine modifications. John was very pleased with the new gear
ratio.

Theresa fell asleep once again on the way out of town. She woke up in
time for the last five miles of dirt road. The old four wheel drive
never faltered, even towing the sports car. John had locked in the hubs
when they hit the dirt road. Theresa unloaded while John stowed and
winterized the Sports car. He tarped it over and moved the Landcruiser
into the garage. He added a dip-stick heater and then joined Theresa
inside. She was all over him the second the door opened on the
apartment.

"What the Hell?" gasped John.

"The doctor told you the more you used it, the better!"

"Later, we've got things to put away."

"Done."

"Okay, all that stuff to pack into the freezer."

"Done."

"But what about your period?"

"Light flow. We'll do it in the shower if we need to!"

"We've got to..."

"Done! No excuses. I want you bad! Strip off now!" Theresa commanded.

"Oh shit..." John muttered as he resigned himself to the situation.
Theresa hardly let him out of the bed for the next week.

Chapter 6

One of the first projects that Theresa asked John to work on - when she
finally let him get back to work- was the swimming pool. John wanted to
work on the woodworking for the kitchen, but he postponed it long
enough to explain to Theresa what needed to be done. She jumped in with
both feet and was soon fitting pipes and drilling mounts.

John stopped by often enough to keep her out of trouble, but pretty
much let her do it for herself. He worked on the filter unit himself.
He didn't want to treat the water as he intended it to be an emergency
water source. Instead he filtered it through charcoal filters and then
passed it through a strong ultra violet light to kill any bacteria.

Theresa smiled from ear to ear when the pool showed signs of warming
up. John didn't bother to tell her about the instant jump in humidity
inside the Silo, nor about his efforts to deal with it. He had to
totally redirect the airflow pattern for the whole silo to get rid of
it, while still maintaining fresh air and heat to the rest of the
place.

Finally he got back to the kitchen project. Theresa dealt another blow
to progress when she stopped by to model one of the outfits John had
selected from Victoria's Secret. He took her on the floor of the
kitchen, amid sawdust and wood chips. She didn't seem to notice. She
had all the symptoms of really being in love for the first time. He met
her with breakfast in bed for her sixteenth birthday. He produced a
bunch of trinkets she hadn't *seemed to* notice him buying on their
buying spree. She kept him in bed the whole day. The first chink in
their happiness came when Theresa made a call to her girlfriend Cindy.
She came back shaken and mopey.

"Okay, what's wrong?"

"Uh, John. Can I hire an assistant?" she said absently.

"What? Am I working you too hard?" John asked, chuckling.

"No silly. It's my friend Cindy. She *really* needs to get out of
there. I thought that maybe I could hire her and pay her out of my
salary."

"You want to bring her *here?*"

"Uh-huh. She doesn't really have any place else to go either."

John was quiet for a moment before he answered, "Theresa, this isn't a
home for wayward girls, you know. I could get into serious trouble just
for having you here."

"I know, but I'm just so worried about her."

"She doesn't have any relatives who would take her in?"

"No, not really. Not that wouldn't be worse."

"What's the problem with her folks?"

"They're abusing her!"

"Sexually?"

"Sexually, physically, mentally. And they're her *real* folks. At least
with me it was *mostly* my stepfather."

John said, "Well, let me think about it, Okay?"

"..*Please!*"

"I told you, I'd think about it." John did think about it. For two
whole days. He could see that Theresa wasn't going to like it too much
if he told her no. He wasn't likely to like it if he said yes. Finally
he gave her an answer.

"If you let me finish the kitchen, then the two of us can work on a
room for her.... and you can't let her know exactly where this place is
till she gets here."

"I still don't exactly know myself."

"Fine, she will meet us in a different city and take a long twisting
ride all the way back here."

"What for?"

"Because I said so. But mostly because I'm not about to leave my future
in the hands of a sixteen-year old girl I never met. She's going to
have to run away to get here. We can send her money to do it, but
she'll have to run away none the less. It's against the law for me to
harbor a run away."

"But you *harbor* me!"

"Not the point. I know you, *now!* It was a total fluke that you're
here at all. If she comes it will be deliberate. Not the same thing at
all."

"But.."

"Those are my terms, take them or leave them."

"Okay... I guess. When can she come?"

"Not for at least a month."

"A MONTH! But... "

"That's life! I didn't create her situation. I'm going out of my way to
solve it for her."

"She didn't create her situation either."

"I don't have the emotional energy or resources to be responsible for
everybody in a bad situation. Do you accept the terms?"

"I guess I have to." Theresa glared at him and stomped away. That night
she was cold to his advances.

"This is bullshit!" John told her, "I'm not the bad guy here. I've gone
out of my way to make things right for you. Now you're asking me to do
the same for another. I'm going to do it. But I don't like it. I'm not
a charity organization."

"I told you I'd pay her."

"To do what? What's she skilled at?"

"To help me!"

"Fine. I told you I'd let her come. Either stop moping or forget the
whole thing." It took a few days for Theresa to come around. She found
him working in the kitchen.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"That's okay."

"No it's not. I thought about what you said. You're not a charity. This
is your dream house. I'm just here 'cause I happened to jump in front
of you."

"That's why you were here to start with. That's not why you're here
now."
  
"Why am I here now?"

"I guess because you want to be."

"And what do you want?"

"I want to finish my house and live in it in peace. But if you're
asking why I let you be here, I guess..... it's because I love you."

"You do?"

"Yes." Theresa broke out into tears. John took off his work apron and
carried her down stairs. They made love for the rest of the afternoon
and well into the night. Theresa rested her head on John's shoulder and
traced her fingernails in small circles upon his chest. His one hand
rested on her back, the other lay around one of her breasts. He
breathed the slow regular breath of sleep.

Something had changed in their relationship. Something serious. She was
somewhat surprised to find herself in love with the man. She hadn't
intended to be. She hadn't given it all that much thought really. She
had told herself that it wasn't really the money - which it was that
had led her attraction to him. But each day her fondness for him grew
stronger. Now it held her like a chain.

John had changed himself during this time. His lovemaking had changed
with him. He was more aggressive. That night he had been in total
control. He lifted her to a higher level of passion than she had even
guessed could have existed. Then he kept her there for hours. Each
climax built upon the last. Each time he held her on the edge until
every nerve ending in her body screamed for release. When his actions
began to border on cruelty he would trigger one massive orgasm after
another. Then he was there on the other side to catch her fall with his
soft caresses and kisses. His tongue knew every inch of her now, and he
could use it mercilessly. He controlled her body and soul.

Theresa felt afraid; she didn't have a clue where to begin to return
that sort of passion. She had never had to -or even wanted to- before.
Certainly not with most others she's had sex with. With them it had
been a release; for them usually. Before John she had only known an
orgasm as a form of torture from...... She shivered. John pulled her
close to him and she wept against his shoulder.

The next day, after she cooked breakfast, John went to work in the
kitchen. Theresa went directly to the communications room and logged
onto the Internet. She began searching for information on how to please
a man. There really was surprisingly little. Among the best she found,
was an old translation of the Karma Sutra. She also found a few
articles in the news groups about eastern sexual techniques. some made
reference to some exercises that women can do to develop better control
of their vagina's.

'Control of their vagina's?' Theresa pondered. The most exotic things
she knew how to do, was to climb on top and ride a man till he popped
off. Or give him fellatio .... - she had thought before her reading.
Some of the articles talked about oral sex techniques she had no clue
about. She got so enthralled she forgot about time and missed making
John's lunch.

"Hey, Cutie. Do I have to hire me another cook?" John said when he
located her. Theresa near jumped right out of her skin. She hastily
closed the files she was reading and jumped up to make his lunch. He
caught her as she tried to rush past and kissed her as passionately as
she had ever been kissed. After the things she had been reading she was
more than receptive. John's lunch had to wait even longer.

Progress on the kitchen went well considering that John's sexual
*appetite* seemed to be getting stronger every day. Theresa thrived on
it. She also studied the new information that she had downloaded *real
hard*. Their lovemaking became more intense with each session. John
seemed thrilled with Theresa's *sudden* new talents. Finally the
kitchen was completed and the two of them descended to the second story
above the pool. The first would be *their* bedroom; the *whole* floor
(with a trap door into the pool). A portion of the second would be
Cindy's, shared with a new laundry room and a large bathroom.

The two of them worked shoulder to shoulder to complete the floor.
Theresa definitely understood the need for a separate bathroom. It
didn't take too long to lay the floor and partition the level. Then the
whole silo reeked for days after they painted Cindy's room. John had
made a trip to town to return the car trailer and picked out a queen-
sized water bed and some furniture. He had to re-commission the flatbed
to pick it up.

Once the silo was aired out and their headaches went away, John told
Theresa to make the arrangements with Cindy. Theresa showed her
appreciation by treating him to two days worth of her new studies in
one session.

Chapter 7

John softly cupped a breast and gently kissed the nipple. Theresa
stirred in her afterglow. It was actually a week later. Her and John
seemed to sense their coming reduction of privacy, and thus had each
tried to murder the other with sex. They had just finished a marathon
bout, consisting of twelve hours of mixed sleep and sex, and were both
*bombed* on natural endorphins. Neither one of them could speak very
well.

"Huey Yu, tim tu wag up." John mumbled. His tongue sore to its roots.
(He had a tendency to get a little over zealous in its use, trying to
extend it farther than it wanted to go. The result was a ripping of the
skin membrane on the underside. This wasn't extremely painful, but it
did make it harder to talk.) This statement elicited only a soft moan
from Theresa. John responded by softly sucking at the nipple he had
been kissing. He repeated his message between sucks. "Huey Yu, tim tu
wag up."

Theresa smiled in her sleep. John forced his sore tongue to lick around
the nipple and then shift sides so the other one *wouldn't get lonely*.
Fat chance, as both of their nipples and their genitals were getting
quite raw from the past week's usage. Theresa half giggled in a light
sleep. John sighed. He finally mustered up the energy and began to lick
his way down. He made a left turn at her navel and then followed along
her left hip bone into the natural turnpike straight down to happy
valley. He wasted no time with the scenic route as he zeroed in on her
love button.

Normally he would have taken his time approaching the area. Now he
delved in without mercy and thrashed it from side to side with the tip
of his tongue, diverting from this attack just long enough to take
several long, slow, full lengthwise swipes at it. Theresa sat halfway
up in an involuntary gasp of pleasure.

"Hey you, it's time to wake up!" John repeated. (The calisthenics
seemed to have loosened his tongue a bit.) Theresa grabbed him by the
hair and held him there as her gasp subsided. John responded by
providing her with another... then another..., continuing on
mercilessly till her gasps turned into pleading screams.

John tripped her over the edge with a final flurry of flicks from his
ferocious tongue then sat back and slipped into a redneck vernacular
and said, "*Yo! You awake yet, bitch?*"

Between sobbing gasps for air Theresa managed to say, "Yes... dear,...
I... guess....so.... {gasp, sob}."

John kind of chuckled to himself and said, "I was just kind of
wondering... Just to give you some kind of warning that we *have* to
leave sometime in the next couple of hours. If we don't, Cindy's gonna
land in a strange city with nobody to meet her." It took about two more
gasps for it to register on Theresa.

Suddenly she gasped hard one last time and sat up saying, "TWO HOURS!
I've got to get ready!" She attempted to jump out of bed, but she
couldn't stand very well, let alone walk. John grabbed her hand and
pulled her back into his arms. She fought a bit, but realized finally
that she was in no condition to rush. She settled back into his arms
and pulled his head into a kiss. Her own aroma filled her nostrils. She
quivered a bit involuntarily from the memory it triggered.

He kissed her tenderly as he caressed her body back into a state that
was capable of hurrying. The man was phenomenal! Theresa thought to
herself. She felt the love rushes charging through her body. She was
hooked solid. John held her long enough to reach the best compromise
between sleep and excited once more. Then he guided her into the
shower. He would have lots of time for his while she decided what she
would wear.

He walked nude into the kitchen and poured a mug of coffee, savoring
the aroma from his mustache between sips. He poured and doctored one
for Theresa - who had acquired a taste for it - and slipped it onto the
counter in the bathroom. He sipped his own and again savored the aroma
from his mustache as he admired the slim, firm body behind the glass.
He set his down and went to join her.

Two hours and *fifteen minutes* later they were scooting down the muddy
road towards the main highway. The drive to Salt Lake City where they
had booked Cindy to fly into, was far enough away that John easily made
up the fifteen minutes once they made the highway. He opened up the
Landcruiser and let it sail, not flat out as the engine modifications
were still breaking in, but fast enough to make Theresa a little
nervous.

She rode with her fingers in the back of his hair. Her eyes mostly on
him. Her thoughts were of him, as well as what her life was like before
him. Every so often her thoughts would drift to Cindy. Would John
change Cindy's life as much as he had hers? Did she *want* him to?
Should she tell John about her and Cindy?

An hour or so before John *roused* Theresa to consciousness, Cindy had
silently slipped out of her house. Her few prized keepsakes and some
clothes stuffed into a backpack. She had made her way as directed to
the Western Union office where she received some traveling cash. She
then caught a cab -her first ride- to the airport. She gave her name at
the counter and received a pre-paid ticket. Half an hour later the
plane boarded. Twenty minutes later she was in the air, leaving the
city of her birth, bound for a destination she didn't know. Tears
streamed down her cheeks as she looked out the window, but she trusted
her friend. They had *too much* in common not to. The tears didn't
last. A stewardess inquired over her needs, but Cindy just shook her
head and looked out the window.

John and Theresa pulled into the airport just about the time Cindy's
plane set down. They parked in short term parking and the two of them
walked up to the gate, passing easily through the metal detectors.
John's knowledge of this particular airport saved them the hassle of a
missed connection. They were standing by the side as Cindy walked off
the plane, carrying her only bag. She spotted Theresa and rushed into
her arms. The two just hugged each other for a long time. Tears
streamed down both their cheeks. Finally Cindy pulled back to look at
Theresa.

"I didn't really believe it was true, until the moment I saw you. And
Damn, you're looking fine, girl!" Cindy said.

"Yeah, love does that," Theresa mused.

"Love?" inquired Cindy, looking over at John. John stood to one side,
slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah, love. Cindy, I'd like you to meet my very good friend and
mentor, John."

"Nice to meet you, Cindy," John said, extending his hand.

"Nice to meet you too," Cindy replied, but looking dubious. (Who the
hell is this OLD MAN? she was thinking. Theresa had said he was
*older*, but this old?)

"Any luggage?" John inquired.

"Just this," Cindy replied, proffering her backpack. John offered her
his hand and Cindy reluctantly handed her backpack into his keeping.
She kept an eye on him though, as she walked arm in arm with Theresa
through the airport. John was doing his best *not* to keep an eye on
Cindy. She was *too* cute. She was just sixteen, but had full firm
breasts and a slim body accentuated with a very sexy widening of her
hips. This didn't seem to affect the size of her backside, which seemed
to be nigh on perfect. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders
and breasts. She shook it back as she walked. Her face was adorable.
John wondered how he was going to be able to live with her and Theresa
wandering around the Silo.

When they got to the car, John turned to Cindy and addressed her,
"Originally I'd intended that you should be blindfolded. I don't really
want to do that, and I doubt that you want it either. In exchange I
will accept your word, that you will never reveal to another person the
location of our home to which we are taking you." Cindy studied him for
a minute. She still didn't trust him, even though he had made possible
her escape from her own private hell. She distrusted his motives in
doing so. Now he was offering to *trust her*. She looked to Theresa for
guidance. She however was strangely distant, but she nodded to her.

"OK," Cindy said.

"I have your word?" John persisted. Cindy looked once more to Theresa.
She could tell that they were both serious. She wondered what the
outcome would be if she refused. She shivered a bit at the thought of
being sent back.

She took a deep breath and said, "You have my word, that I shall never
reveal the location or existence of your home to another person." John
looked at her a moment. He wasn't so sure that she understood how
serious he thought the situation was.

He explained, "Consider my point of view; you are a minor. No matter
what bad situation you were in, I've just conspired for you to run
away. Because of my age, and yours, the law would probably consider
this an abduction. My home is my dream. I value both my freedom and my
happiness. I don't mind helping you out of a bad situation, but I do
not wish to give up my home or my freedom as a result of that. Theresa
has chosen to stay with me of her own free will.

"You have absolute freedom to do as you please as well. Instead of
accompanying us, if you wish I will give you some money and you are
free to go your own way, without obligation to either myself or
Theresa. Should you choose to accompany us however, all I ask is that
you keep the location and existence of where we take you a secret. A
*permanent* secret. Now do I have your word?" Cindy was quiet for a
moment. His offer of money and freedom had changed her image of him
considerably. Also the mention of Theresa's freely staying with him.

She nodded her head and said solemnly, "Yes, you have my word."

"Fine. Let's go," was all John said. Theresa climbed into the back with
Cindy as there wasn't room for three up front. "Feel like something to
eat? I do," John said. The other two nodded. They were already chatting
away like the two teenagers that they were. The chatter made John feel
decidedly old and wondering just how the hell he'd gotten into all
this. As it would be a while before they got back to town, John made a
stop at the grocery store for a supply of Cindy's preferred female
products and a few extra items for the kitchen.

This was different, thought Cindy. Nobody had ever *asked* her what
brand of toilet paper or vegetables she preferred before. Chinese to go
was a bit hard to eat on the road, so they got burgers and fries to
stave off their immediate hunger and a large order of Chinese to go for
when they got home. Cindy and Theresa hardly stopped their chatter the
whole way. When John finally pulled onto the dirt road in the middle of
nowhere, Cindy was a bit regretful she hadn't paid more attention to
the landscape. Theresa now had a general idea where the silo was, but
Cindy didn't have a clue where they were. Even with her promise, John
had taken a long twisting path back that was more monotonous. By the
time they had passed through the nearest city, it was well after dark.

When John pulled into the razor wire fenced compound and drove up to
the small structures, Cindy wondered just what she had gotten herself
into. When they descended into the silo however, she was amazed and
lost in wonderment. The kitchen was the nicest she had ever seen, with
every luxury device known to man. A trip down to her room further
changed her feelings. It was lovely... but somehow lonely. It was
roomier than her bedroom at home and much nicer furnished. There was a
large supply of very nice clothing in the closets and drawers.

Still, it seemed somehow more like a cell than a room. She finally put
her finger on it when she realized there were no windows. Of course
not, it was underground. She wondered idly if she would ever get to see
the sun again. Theresa distracted her by dragging her on a tour of the
rest of the Silo. John retired to the kitchen to re-heat the Chinese
food. He knew that the girls needed time alone to talk. He *intended*
to give them all the privacy they needed.

Almost as soon as they were out of earshot, Cindy blurted out, "So what
the hell's the deal with John?"

"What about him?" Theresa replied.

"What about him?! Well first off, he's *OLD*!" Cindy exclaimed.

"Not that old, he's forty three."

"Forty three! You're only sixteen."

"So? I love him."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

"Well... I don't know. He's just so... *old*," Cindy replied.

Theresa just chuckled, then said, "I thought so too, at the first. But
he was such a dear gentleman I just fell for him head over heels. I
guess it didn't hurt that he's rich, though."

"How rich?"

"Fourteen Million," Theresa replied absently.

"Fourt.... did you say *MILLION*?"

Theresa chuckled, "Yup."

"Well... but he's still old."

Theresa kept chuckling but said, "Look, I love the man. I'd love him
even if he didn't have any money. He's an incredible lover too, and so
gentle. He'd never hurt a soul. He's also the reason that you are here.
You knew that before you came. So cut him some slack, will ya?"

"I'm sorry.... I guess I just didn't expect this," Cindy said.

"What did you expect?" Theresa asked.

"I don't know.. anything. As long as it was different."

"This is about as different as it gets!" Theresa chuckled.

"I can't argue with that." They both had a good laugh over that.
Theresa showed Cindy the pool. She went nuts over it. "Can we go for a
swim?"

"Anytime, but let's eat dinner first. Come on, I'll show you our
apartment. We stay there while we work on the rest of the place."

"We?"

"Yes, we. John is showing me how to do carpentry. I'm helping him, but
I think I'm mostly in the way. He's a patient dear though."

"You really *do* love him, don't you?" Cindy asked.

"Yes. This is our bedroom, over there is the old kitchen and in there
is the bath," Theresa said the last with a little smirk of a smile. She
was remembering just before they'd left to retrieve Cindy. She turned
to her friend, pulled her into her arms and said, "Now, my sweet. Do
you think that you'll like staying here?"

"That depends..." Cindy said, reaching down to cup Theresa's ass
cheeks.

"And what would that depend on?" Theresa said as she descended to
lightly kiss her friend.

As she pulled back, Cindy replied, "Why on this of course," and pulled
Theresa back into a deeper kiss. This one lasted a long time.

Finally Theresa pulled back and said, "Well?"

"Yes, I think I'm gonna like it here. I might even develop a taste for
*old men* myself," Cindy teased.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Theresa said, half joking. She
hadn't really thought about Cindy and John. The concept was new to her.
She wasn't sure how she felt about it.

"Just teasing, *lover*," Cindy said, but she wasn't really. She pulled
Theresa back into another deep kiss to cover her thoughts.

When they finally parted, Theresa said, "Come on, we'll have lots of
time for this. Let's go eat." John had set the table and had all the
food set out when they entered the kitchen.

"Not so sure about this assistant deal. Two cooks and I end up doing
the preparation," he teased.

"Huh?" said Cindy, looking between them.

Theresa explained, "Officially, I'm the cook. You are my assistant. I
pay you out of my salary."

"Pay me? What for?"

"'Cause your gonna help me keep this *old man* fed," Theresa chuckled,
but her eyes were filled with love for John as she said it.

"Let's eat," John said, ignoring the dig. Over dinner Cindy and John
got better acquainted. She found that he had a fast wit and a disarming
manner. John was talking about his plans for the Silo. Theresa's hand
strayed to John's on occasion, as if to establish her territory. This
wasn't lost on Cindy. She didn't mind. She'd bide her time. '*Fourteen
million*... and not *too* old,' she thought to herself. After dinner
Theresa jumped up to clean up. John stopped her saying that he'd finish
as it only entailed loading the dishwasher and throwing the rest away.

Theresa gave him a giant kiss for a thank you and said, "Cindy and I
are gonna take a swim, Okay?" her eyes told him she meant *alone*.

John chuckled, but took the hint, "Sure, I'm gonna go Net surfing. Come
on up to the Com room when you're done. And be careful, you just ate."
Theresa kissed him again -again as thanks- and tugged Cindy by the hand
towards the pool. As soon as they were out of sight, her hand dropped
to Cindy's ass. Cindy's hand found hers. They reached the pool and
Theresa started to strip off her clothes.

"No suits?" Cindy inquired.

"What for? John won't bother us. He knows we're gonna swim in the nude.
That's why he wouldn't bother us, because you're here."

"All the more reason why he *would* bother us," Cindy said,
sarcastically.

"You don't know John."

"No, I don't," Cindy said, stripping off her own clothes.

"You will," Theresa replied, and dove in.

Cindy looked after her and mumbled, "That's for sure and the both of
you together too." She watched Theresa's lithe body in the water and
dove in after her. She came up under her and the giggling started. It
hardly stopped for quite some time.

Chapter 8

John was being considerably less honorable than Theresa gave him credit
for. He was a little suspicious of Cindy. He didn't log onto the
Internet. He fired up some circuitry that Theresa didn't know about.
When John bought the silo he discovered that the government was far
more paranoid than any individual. The entire silo was wired for both
sound, and vision. There were camera's hidden in the walls, between
pipes, under overhangs and anywhere else somebody could think of to put
one. The road into the silo had sensors buried in it almost all the way
back the thirty miles to the main road and there were personnel sensors
surrounding the silo for three miles in all directions.

John had reactivated some of the circuits before Theresa ever came
along. He could tell if a car got within ten miles of the silo. He
wasn't paranoid enough to bother with the personnel sensors that were
buried in a perimeter around the place. If anybody wanted to walk
across the desert to sneak up on him, then let them.

John activated the internal surveillance cameras and scanned through
the channels until he found the lower silo segments. He made a note of
correct channels whenever he stumbled on one. Some of the cameras had
actually been covered over by his construction. Others showed useless
views. Several of the cameras were actually below the water level of
the pool.

The cameras themselves were buried deep in the wall, with a fiber optic
bundle leading to the surface of the Silo. A tiny dot was all that
showed of them. The system must have cost a bloody fortune. The cost of
repairing a bad camera was the only possible reason for the vast number
of them. John had actually dug one out. It was a miniaturized miracle.
Totally solid state with top quality CCD technology. They must have
been updated and replaced just before the government sold the silo.
Each unit could resolve well into the infrared region. John supposed
that some of the mass of wiring he didn't know the use for led to
infrared emitters mounted in the walls for illumination. He didn't need
any of this as visible light illuminated every area he wished to view.

He reached out and punched in a tape to the VCR, which recorded
whatever he was looking at. John had the right channels picked out long
before Theresa and Cindy arrived at the pool. He casually watched as
Theresa stripped off her clothes. He noted with curiosity how Cindy
watched Theresa as she disrobed. Feeling a little guilty, he watched
*very* closely as Cindy stripped off her own clothes. He barely
listened to their conversation. His gaze fixed on Cindy's sleek, nude
body.

She was as lovelier than he'd imagined. Her breasts large and firm. Her
nipples dark and erect. A dark triangle between the apex of her legs.
Uncovered, her ass was easily as cute as he'd imagined it. When Theresa
dove in, Cindy watched her a moment and dove in herself. She came up
underneath Theresa. John flipped to an underwater camera and was
greeted with the shock of his life as Cindy's head moved between
Theresa's shapely legs.

He watched in shocked amazement for the next hour. He had no idea that
Theresa had those sort of leanings. He sat in rapt fascination as the
two girls writhed together like mating snakes. Reversing now and then
to please the other one. By the end of the hour he was drenched with
sweat. He was fuming with anger and jealousy and fascinated beyond his
control. He wanted to dominate Cindy, to make her beg for him. His
desire for Theresa was somewhat diminished, but he would need her as a
tool to control Cindy. The girls languished on the deck, their hair
plastered to their heads like they were bald. They kissed and caressed
each other playfully. When Theresa got on her knees before Cindy, John
switched off the monitor, but left the VCR running. He had seen enough.
He was burning with *desire*, as well as anger.

He shut down the lights in the Com room and headed for the apartment.
He hardly noticed his erection as he walked. He poured himself a large
Scotch and carried it into the shower with him. No temperature of water
seemed to relieve him. He toweled off and climbed into bed. Theresa and
Cindy didn't bother with clothes as Theresa walked her to her room. She
tucked her in and kissed her tenderly. She was tempted to spend the
night. Cindy didn't want to let her leave. Finally Theresa pulled
herself away.

She went up to the Com room to find John, but found it dark. While her
session with Cindy had satisfied many hidden desires, it had only
kindled others. She needed John bad! Theresa located him in their bed.
She climbed in. John was seemingly asleep, but erect. She climbed
aboard as she had the first time.

John stirred in his sleep. The session became at once rough and
passionate, just like Theresa wanted it to be. Both their orgasms came
fast and hard. John hardly breathed an extra breath before he was
asleep once more. Theresa barely noticed as she played her nails over
his chest. She felt *completely* satisfied for the first time in her
life.

Cindy lay in her bed and thought about the day. Her session with
Theresa had left her languid with endorphins. Her bed was soft and
comfortable. She knew that the winter winds raged on the surface above
the silo, but her room was warm and comfortable. She realized with a
start that she felt safe for the first time in years. Nobody would be
coming to her bed this night. She could sleep alone and safe. Tears
rolled from her eyes. They were still flowing when she slipped away
into sleep.

Chapter 9

Theresa was the first person awake in the morning. She softly kissed
John on the cheek and then slipped out of bed. She found a light satin
robe and made her way to the bathroom. Seeing herself in the mirror,
she smiled. She seemed to be glowing from within. Making her way to the
apartment kitchen, she put on some coffee, knowing the aroma would
rouse John. Then she made her way to Cindy's room to awaken her to make
breakfast.

Cindy felt a set of soft lips on her own and opened her eyes to
Theresa's face pulling back. She smiled and pulled her friend into a
hug. Theresa only put up a token fight until Cindy's advances became
more *advanced*, then she jumped up and out of range.

"Oh no you don't! Come on, *Assistant!* We've got breakfast to make,"
Theresa said. Cindy sat up and rubbed the sand from her eyes. The sheet
slipped from her body and Theresa felt a desire to return and caress
what she saw. Instead she told her she would be in the kitchen and to
come up as fast as possible.

Cindy watched Theresa exit, she shrugged and made her way to the
bathroom. She took a quick shower and then started digging through the
clothes in her room. She settled on an outfit that would turn the
Pope's head. She had on white spandex shorts -with nothing under them-
and a white knit tube top that hugged her topside as tight as the
spandex hugged her buns. She finished off her outfit with a set of
white jogging shoes. She dried her hair and brushed it out. When she
showed up in the kitchen, Theresa just stared at her for a minute. She
didn't know who Cindy had dressed to tease, but it didn't matter; the
effect would be universal.

"Damn girl, you're dressed for bear! No need for that kind of ammo out
here in the middle of nowhere," Theresa said, mockingly.

"You must like it. You bought it for me," Cindy chuckled.

"I didn't picture your wearing both those things together," Theresa
chuckled.

"Should I change?"

"Not on my account and John may as well get used to you from the
start.... Make some wheat toast and whatever kind you like." Cindy
jumped into the swing of making breakfast. Theresa did her best to
*not* watch her. John awoke in an empty bed. He barely had his eyes
open before the previous evening flashed through his memory. Oddly, he
no longer felt much anger. The desire for Cindy had remained though. He
remembered his session with Theresa when she had climbed in bed. He had
rolled onto her the instant he became aware of her presence. He
dominated her in a way that felt strangely satisfying. He was looking
forward to doing the same thing with Cindy. He smelled coffee and this
roused him out. He poured a cup and took it with him to the bathroom.

John wandered into the kitchen with his coffee mug in his hand. His
eyes popped out of his head when he saw Cindy. Theresa was just
finishing up his eggs. He kissed her on the cheek, but his eyes
followed Cindy around. Theresa didn't miss this fact.

John commented to Theresa as she served him, "So, seems you're the last
one dressed."

"That's debatable," replied Theresa sarcastically, glaring at Cindy.
She kissed him on his forehead and excused herself to go dress. There
was an uncomfortable silence between John and Cindy. His eyes hardly
left her body.

"So, what are you going to do today?" John inquired, diving into his
breakfast.

"Don't know. What is there to do out here?" Cindy replied. She poured
herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table with him.

"Oh, more than you would imagine. Theresa can give you the grand tour
while I check my e-mail."

"e-mail? What's that?" Cindy inquired.

"Electronic Mail," John said and launched into an explanation. Cindy
had no interest in what he was telling her, but she seemed to be rapt
in fascination. Theresa started to pull on some panties, but was struck
with an idea and pulled them back off. She routed around and found an
identical outfit to Cindy's. If Cindy wanted to flaunt her wares, then
Theresa was going to fight fire with fire. She found Cindy and John
laughing like old friends at the table. Both John and Cindy noticed her
outfit.

"Damn, Theresa. *Twins*?" John said.

"It just looked comfortable to me," Theresa replied.

"Depends on for whom," John muttered to himself. He excused himself to
check his e-mail and made his way to the Com room. He stalled at the
door on the way out to drink in the sight as Cindy and Theresa started
to clean up the dishes. When he got to the Com room, he punched out the
tape and replaced it. He punched up the kitchen channel in time to
catch Cindy come up behind Theresa. She kissed her on the back of the
neck as her hands moved around her and began to explore her front.

Theresa moved back into Cindy's advance. She didn't fight it when
Cindy's fingers traced over the spandex and between her legs. John
watched, again in fascination. He got an idea. He ran a line from the
Video to the frame grabber input on his computer. Then started
programming. He needed to build a control interface to make it work,
but that wasn't too tough with his previous design experience.. In the
meantime he manually controlled the input. Theresa turned to Cindy and
they kissed. Her own hands explored in return. Finally she pulled away.

"Cindy, John might catch us!" she said.

"So?" Cindy questioned.

"So, I haven't told him anything about our relationship. I don't know
how he's going to take it."

"Maybe it's time he found out. You don't really expect to hide it too
long, do you?"

"I don't know... Not yet. Let me break it to him in my own way."

"It's not something you can break to somebody slowly. Either they can
handle it, or they can't. But you're the *boss*. It's up to you. We'll
do it your way. So what shall we do, boss? John said you'd give me the
grand tour," Cindy said, once more taking Theresa into her arms.
Theresa giggled but fought away.

"Not a bad idea. Let's do the Silo from the top down."

"Okay," said Cindy, causally flipping her top down. She again
approached Theresa, who chuckled and did the same. They merged their
breasts as they kissed. John paused in his programming as he watched
the girls. Then he returned to the task with renewed passion. He dug
out some data books and then headed for the workshop, pausing long
enough to kill the active monitor.

John spent most the day running between the workshop and back to the
Com room to punch up whichever channel the girls were on. Finally he
had a functioning breadboard and he ran back to connect it. Together
with his software it kept whichever channel the girls were on selected
up for the video recorder. The frame grabber sampled each channel, did
a coarse check sum on it and then stored the value. Whenever the girls
moved into a new area their presence would shift the averaged value of
the picture. The program simply selected whichever channels were
different from their previous average within a certain tolerance. He
set this to run in the background and then actually got around to
checking his e-mail.

He was about to trash the whole lot, mostly electronic junk mail, when
one item caught his attention. A message from his brokers. It seemed
that the next year's allocation of funds had been deposited in his
account. They were requesting instructions -if any- on what to do with
it. John sat back and shivered. Damn, a whole year had passed. He
reflected idly on how his life had changed in that little time. His
Silo dream was now a reality and was well on its way to completion.

He glanced at the monitor and thought about how he had *two*, scantily
clad, nubile females at his beck and call.... almost. He shook off the
thought and dialed up some graphs of some stocks he had been following.
He selected a couple and then composed a message to his brokers to
split the sum up between the stocks and some mutual funds. No one price
failure could seriously hurt him.

He had paid close attention to his advisors; diversity was the answer.
The thought took a different meaning when he glanced at the monitor.
The girls were on the way into the Com room. John killed the monitor
and checked for any tell-tails of his actions. There were none, except
the bulge in his pants. The girls walked in and John feigned surprise.
He did his best to watch Theresa most, but his eyes kept wandering back
to Cindy. When the two of them bent over the satellite controls, he
felt the bulge in his pants growing. The spandex did nothing to hide
which quarter inch of flesh was connected to which other one. Finally
Theresa turned to him and came and sat in his lap. She noted the state
of his pants and raised an eyebrow in question.

"You two walk around dressed like that and this surprises you?" John
whispered in her ear. She chuckled and kissed him deeply. She didn't
miss that he had said, *Two*.

"Perhaps Cindy could rustle us up some lunch?" Theresa said, half
commanding. Cindy chuckled and saluted smartly. Causing her breasts to
jiggle. John noticed her headlights were on *High beam*. Almost the
instant Cindy was out of the room, Theresa dropped her top as before.

"Let's do something about this problem of yours," she said, sinking to
her knees. John closed his eyes in ecstasy, but his mind was on Cindy.

Cindy purposefully took her time with lunch. She knew very well what
Theresa was up to. That was fine with her. She was willing to bide her
time. She'd noticed what John was looking at whenever she was around.
John and Theresa joined her in the kitchen after a rather longer time
than Cindy expected. After lunch John said he was going to take a swim.

"Mind if we join you?" Cindy asked.

"No, not at all," John replied.

"You two go ahead, I'm gonna take a nap," Theresa said. She gave John a
quick deep kiss. His eyes questioned her. She glanced at Cindy and
nodded her OK. John raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. Theresa wandered
off.

"I'll join you later," Cindy said, and followed Theresa. John shrugged
again and headed for the pool.

"So what gives?" Cindy asked Theresa when she found her in the
bedroom..

"About what?" she asked innocently.

"You know, about you taking a nap and I swimming with John."

Theresa sighed heavily before answering, "Look, I know what you had in
mind. I'm not stupid. I also saw what John was looking at whenever you
were around."

"I don't know what you mean," Cindy said.

"The fuck you don't!" Theresa snapped.

"So if you're worried about it, why would you want to leave us alone?"

"To get it over with. May as well be now, as later," Theresa said,
somewhat angrily..

"Your choice, babe. You don't want me to, I won't." Theresa looked at
her friend for a while, then stared at the floor. Glancing back to her
friend every now and then.

Finally she said, "You really would hold off?"

"If you really want me to. He's your man, not mine." Theresa pulled her
friend into her lap and kissed her softly.

"No, you go ahead. Maybe it is best to get it over with."

"I don't want it to be this way!" Cindy cried.

"Just how do you want it?" Theresa asked, tentatively. Now Cindy was
quiet. She buried her head in Theresa's hair.

Finally she replied, "I want... both of you." Theresa studied her
friend while she thought about it.

"I guess I want that too. It just didn't occur to me that that meant
you and him together as well." She pulled Cindy back into a great hug.
Then she kissed her and said, "Well, you better get on with it. Come
wake me later."

Cindy said, "Look babe, I want both of you. But not at the cost of our
friendship." Theresa found tears welling up in her eyes. She hugged her
friend fiercely.

"That's not in danger, I guess. NO, you go ahead. I'll be fine."

"I don't think you will. I'm gonna go swimming with him, but that's
all." Theresa hugged her friend some more.

"Whatever you think is best," she said.

"I think you're the best! Without you my life would be shit."

"You would have found a way out," Theresa said.

"Maybe, but not as quick. Now are you going to come with me, or do I
have to drag you?" Cindy asked.

"No, you go ahead." Cindy looked at her friend and then bent over. She
grabbed Theresa and threw her over her shoulder in a fireman's carry.
She could barely walk. Theresa was giggling and fighting her, which
didn't make it any easier.

"Okay, okay. Just put me down!" Theresa giggled. Cindy gratefully
complied. They shared a hug and kiss and then headed off hand in hand
towards the pool. John was floating on his back, nude when the two
girls entered. They looked at him and then each other. Then both
stripped off their clothes without comment.

"Change your mind?" John inquired of Theresa.

"Cindy changed it for me," Theresa said. John shrugged and watched the
two nude girls. Both jumped in. Cindy swam to the other end of the pool
and Theresa swam up to John. He raised an eyebrow in concern. She shook
her head and moved against his body. She kissed him deep enough to
start the arousal process. John inclined his head towards Cindy as he
pushed her back. Theresa giggled and shrugged her shoulders. John
looked back and forth between the two, wondering what to do.

Theresa solved his dilemma by dunking her head beneath the water. She
stayed down for a long time. John looked longingly at Cindy before he
closed his eyes to the inevitable. Cindy watched. John was better hung
than she'd expected. He responded like a much younger man as well. She
swam to the ladder and climbed out slowly, knowing his eyes were on
her. She turned and matched his gaze frankly. He smiled and then turned
his attention to Theresa. Cindy sat on the edge of the platform and
watched the whole thing. Afterwards the three of them lounged around
the pool in chaise chairs.

"So, what do you think of my lover?" Theresa asked Cindy.

"Pretty impressive performance, especially with an audience," Cindy
remarked.

"Figured you better get used to it. We usually run around here wearing
just the minimum."

"So how do I fit into this?" Cindy asked.

Theresa looked at John with concern and said, "I guess that's up to
you." John could tell he was cornered. He pulled Theresa into an
embrace and kissed her tenderly.

"No," he said, "it's up to YOU. You have squatters rights if nothing
else."

"Are you telling me you don't have a preference?" Theresa demanded.

"Of course I have a preference. That preference is to exist in peace. I
didn't choose any of this........ I love you. That's my main interest.
I also think Cindy is cute. I think *you do too*. How you *two* work
out the dilemma *you* two have created is up to *you*. Just let *me*
know what you decide." With that said, John stood up and walked out.
Cindy and Theresa were silent for a long time.

"Look, I don't want to come between you.... but it seems that John
already has an inkling about us two."

"It would seem so."

"He seems to have dumped it into your lap."

"*Our* lap," Theresa said.

"No, *Yours*. Squatter's rights, remember." Theresa studied her friend
for a little while. Tears formed in her eyes.

"Damnit! I love you both!" she cried.

"So... what's the problem then?" Cindy asked, moving to her friend.
Theresa was quiet and yielding in her friend's arms. "So what is the
problem?" she was asking herself. She felt Cindy's body next to hers
and sighed.

"No problem, I guess."

"So how do you want to go about letting him know?"

"Let me think about it for a few days."

"You're the boss," Cindy said. She slipped her hand into a place where
most employees were very unlikely to touch their boss. Theresa yielded
to her friend without comment. Later in bed Theresa discovered John's
attitude about the day's events.

"Just what the hell was all that about today?" John asked.

"All what?" Theresa replied as innocently as possible.

"You know damn well what. Cornering me into making love to you in front
of Cindy, that's what!"

"Cornering you? I just thought you didn't mind she was there."

"Bullshit, you did it on purpose."

"Why would I do that?"

John sighed..... "To establish your territory."

"My what?"

"Look Theresa, you downright begged me to have Cindy here. But now
you're panicked because you're afraid I'll like her more than you. You
want me to show my gallant side and say I'm not interested in her at
all... But I've never lied to you before and I won't start now. I *am*
interested in Cindy. Men have always been a bit polygamist in nature.
Every time man gets a chance to, he's always ended up with more than
one mate. In nature this is more standard than monogamy. The alpha male
rules the roost. The big buck guides the herd."

"You've got a compound dilemma; *you* also want Cindy. Add to this that
you don't exactly know whom you're jealous of. You want me all to
yourself and Cindy *too*. Yet, you don't want Cindy and I together.
Why? Both of you are here temporarily. You knew this. Having Cindy here
hasn't changed that one day either way. Perhaps it lengthened it, as
the length of your stay depends on your happiness. *I* made certain
that wouldn't last when I had my tubes snicked. No baby is going to
play a part in that decision.....

"Actually it probably will; by insuring that I couldn't father a child,
I also insured that you'd probably move on eventually. You are young
and so is Cindy. I fully expect both of you to get tired of living in
the middle of nowhere with a grumpy old man. In the mean time whichever
way we can all get along best is what *I* want. If you don't want Cindy
and I involved with each other, then maybe her being here is a bad
idea. But now we're sort of responsible for her. I can give her a
start, money wise, that's not the problem. No emotional support would
be the problem if you ousted her," John said. Tears had begun to well
up in Theresa's eyes almost from the instant John started talking.

"You don't love me!" she cried.

"Yes I do, but you're confusing love with physical attraction. Somehow
you got the impression that one precluded the other. That's just not
so. Do you love me? Of course. Don't you also feel an attraction to
Cindy?"

"What do you mean?" Theresa cried. (Had John been spying?)

"You can drop the innocent act, babe. I've been eating pussy since I
was your age. It has a very distinctive aroma. When you have a little
love fest with Cindy and then come plant a big sloppy kiss on me, I may
as well have been there myself. You and Cindy made it the first night
she was here. I have no doubt of it." Theresa was crying hard. She half
shivered with fear.

"So what are you going to do?"

"That's the question I asked you."

"But what about Cindy and I?"

"What about it?"

"You don't mind?"

"At first I was furious. But not because of your relationship, rather
because you didn't tell me about it. You and Cindy didn't *just* get
together when she arrived here. Your relationship has been ongoing. You
never mentioned a word about that to me. But it could affect *our*
relationship seriously. That pissed me off. I don't really care about
the relationship itself. It's society's rules that are opposed to that.
I don't care much for society's rules. That's one reason why I chose to
live in the middle of nowhere when I could have lived almost anywhere I
wanted. Besides that is the fact that it's none of my business."

"What do you mean, not your business?"

"Why would it be? You knew her before you met me. You've shared things
I will never understand. You have lots in common; your ages, your
family situations. Why would I have anything to say about what your
relationship is with her?"

"I don't understand you! You say you love me, but say it doesn't matter
if I love another. You say you love me and say you're attracted to
Cindy."

"No, You don't understand me. You also don't understand yourself at
this point. You haven't figured out that there can be more than one
love in your life; *at the same time!* You've been programmed with this
*one true love, white house with picket fence, 2.3 kids and a dog*
image since you were old enough to understand pictures on the
television. Every day in your life you were surrounded by people
telling you that was the way it had to be. That was the way it was
best.

"But if you'd look, the fact is that you were really surrounded by
examples of how this *wasn't* always the best; your divorced parents;
your abuse at your stepfather's hands; Cindy's similar situation. It
doesn't surprise me a bit that you and Cindy got together. It may have
surprised me more if you hadn't. You both sought a comfortable place
where you were understood. You found it in each other.

"You are fighting your own feelings because of some bullshit set of
rules you didn't sign up for. You didn't create them, not even your
parents created them. They are just held over by social momentum, the
product of centuries of people bending their actions to conform with an
image of how *other* people thought *they* should live.

"I don't buy those rules. I didn't sign up for them either. Whatever
relationship I choose to have with anybody else is none of society's
business. Whatever relationship you choose to have with anybody else is
none of my damn business. However, you placing me in the middle of your
conflicting feelings and expecting me to decide for you, is my
business. The dilemma is yours, not mine. The decision is yours, not
mine. I will not make the decision for you. You're going to have to
figure out for yourself what *You* want to do." Theresa was too
confused to respond. She snuggled to John without talking, sobbing
occasionally. Eventually she drifted off to sleep.

John let her simmer, Cindy too. Hardly a word was spoken by either to
John about the question of relationships. Each acted like the question
had never come up. They went about their cooking tasks with cool
efficiency. Over this time John let the automatics he had developed
track and record the girls. He noted from the computer log that they
paired about once or twice a day, but he didn't listen to any of their
conversations or watch the tapes.

The girls did however continue their competition in the clothing
department. The spandex shorts and tube tops became almost the most
modest thing they wore. Sometimes they even appeared topless, acting
like it was perfectly natural, which it was. John neither paid undue
attention nor ignored this -as if he could have-. He looked openly at
either of them whenever they were around. Theresa didn't seem to be
doing anything to hide her relationship with Cindy. If anything she
sort of started to flaunt it. She seemed to seek out John wherever he
was and kiss him after a session with Cindy. John accepted this without
comment, but never failed to recognize the aroma.

Theresa did however stop initiating sex at night. This was okay with
John. He held her gently when she snuggled to him. Basically he just
bided his time. When they weren't cooking -or pairing- the girls
watched TV or swam. They even investigated the library and read some.

Chapter 10

One day several weeks later a soft gong sounded throughout the silo.
The girls were alarmed, not knowing what it was. They met John heading
for the elevator, wrapping a robe around himself from the shower. He
was grinning from ear to ear.

"What the hell's that?" cried Theresa in alarm.

"That means it's time to make some money!" John exclaimed. He didn't
explain any further as the three of them rode the elevator to the Com
room. John turned on the computer monitor and called up his stock
market screen. The NASDAQ had taken a sudden liking to some Internet
stocks John had selected. The gong was an alarm he had set to notify
him in case of a certain change. He grinned from ear to ear at the
change in the graph. He called up some comparison graphs and then typed
out a message to his broker: *Sell this now, re-buy it after the other
profit takers drove the price down. Sell this other and buy this other
instead.* When he finished he sat back grinning. The girls looked at
him expectantly. He said nothing.

"So what the hell was that all about?" Theresa demanded.

"I told you. I was making money."

"I thought you had money."

"I do. The best way to keep it is to make more."

"So how much did you just make?" John picked up a hand calculator and
poked in a bunch of numbers. When he finished he looked up and
announced, "about another hundred thousand." Both girls stood there
with their mouths open.

"A hundred thousand dollars?" Theresa exclaimed. John nodded. "What
for? In how much time?"

"In a couple of weeks. Just after Cindy arrived I got my next year's
allocation and invested it. The stocks went up a lot and I sold some
off. I'll buy them back when they're cheaper."

"So.. for just letting your money sit, you made a hundred thousand
dollars?" Cindy remarked sarcastically.

John looked at her a moment before replying, "No. I *risked* over a
quarter of a million dollars of *my* money in an investment of my
choice. I chose wisely and was rewarded with a larger return than I
expected. Had the market gone the other way the last two weeks by just
the same amount, I would have *lost* one hundred thousand dollars."
Cindy seemed to think about this a bit.

Then asked, "Could you teach me to do that?"

"And me!" Theresa jumped in.

"I can teach you the basics. You'll have to do the work after that.
You'll also have to risk your *own* money. But you can play with
imaginary money till you feel confident enough to risk it."

"Will you teach us?" Cindy asked more solemnly.

"Be glad to." John smiled. For the next month John spent an hour a day
with the two of them in the Com room going over each business day's
stock trends. Otherwise John spent his time working on the Silo.
Theresa had initiated sex once since his lecture. She was like a hungry
animal. John returned measure for measure. Theresa took to bringing him
snacks and cups of coffee at the oddest times. By now neither girl
bothered wearing a top -except when cooking bacon-. The shorts
alternated between spandex and terry cloth, but always tight. John
stayed with warm-ups or shorts, T-shirts and sandals or tennis shoes.
When he swam, it was nude. He slept the same way.

The girls seemed to be getting restless. They swam more and made
several short trips outside, short, as winter storms had left a
covering of several feet of snow on the landscape. John knew this from
his sensors and cameras, but he let the girls find out for themselves.
He could tell that they were getting *Cabin fever*. But there didn't
seem to be much John could do about it. The road had just too much snow
on it to chance the 'Cruiser. He only had one snowmobile, which would
have carried two of them to the main road, but then the problem of
getting to town still existed.

A note from his brokers to spend more or give it to the government
spurned John into action. He contacted his brokers, some contractors
and a bunch of retailers. He spent several days surfing the Internet in
search of what he wanted. Then proceeded to spend a large chunk of
change. Not the least of it was the logistics of shipping. He arranged
with a helicopter service to have his purchases delivered to them.
After all the crates arrived, they loaded up and called him.

John told the girls he was going to do some work outside. They offered
to help, but he declined, saying he would need their help later. He met
the helicopter on the ready made pad of the Silo roof. (He had to
shovel the snow off it first.) It took several trips for the copter to
complete the delivery. The pilot wondered about the equipment delivery
to the middle of nowhere and John's safety. But the existing structures
looked sturdy and warm enough.

After the copter pulled away for the last time, John summoned the girls
to help him. The girls were excited over the crates, but John wouldn't
tell them anything until they had lowered the ones John designated down
to the utility level. Then he made them leave him and the crates alone.
They persisted, so did he. Uncharacteristically he locked the utility
level and the exit door. The girls couldn't get at any of the crates
even when he was asleep (they tried and got angry he didn't trust
them.) Each morning after breakfast John went off by himself, locking
the doors behind him. Theresa and Cindy responded by keeping to
themselves. Theresa even took to sleeping in Cindy's room. John didn't
*seem* to notice.

"What the hell is he up to?" Theresa wondered aloud one afternoon.
Cindy reclined on the bed, nude, reading a book.

"You know about boys and their toys," she replied without looking up.
Theresa looked down at her and continued looking for a long time. Cindy
looked up, raising a questioning eyebrow over Theresa's gaze. Theresa
met her gaze and then dropped her own. "What's wrong?" Cindy asked.
Theresa was quiet a moment before she answered.

"I've been thinking."

"Oh, oh," giggled Cindy, "About what?"

"About us."

"What about us?"

"No, not us, you and I. About *Us*; You and I and John."

Cindy put her book down and said, "Oh.. and what have you been thinking
about *Us*?"

"What both of you said."

"We both said something?"

"Yes, almost the same thing."

"What was that?"

"That neither of you could see a problem." Cindy shook her head as if
to clear it.

"Will you make sense! What the hell are you talking about?"

"About you and John being together!" Theresa shouted.

"We haven't been!" Cindy replied softly.

"I know.. but you both *want* to be."

"I won't deny it," Cindy said.

"He doesn't either... I love you both, I want to be with you both. Why
does it bother me that you two also want to be with each other?"

"So why does it?"

"I don't know. I guess I just didn't want to lose him to you. But if I
don't, I might lose you both," Theresa cried.

"You're not making much sense. Why would you lose either of us, no
matter what happened between John and I?"

"I don't know. I guess I was just raised to think that way. Like John
said; I'm programmed to it."

"Oh.. I don't know if that's the case. I was subject to the same
*programming* you were. I don't feel that way. I think you just want it
all for yourself." Theresa looked sharply at her. "Oh, don't get me
wrong. I'm grateful to you. I don't mean you're being stingy with...
anything. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I know that. But
you invited me here. You should have realized that I would feel
something for John and he for me. It's natural for any two people who
spend time close to each other."

"That's what John said too... Maybe you're both right. But it still
bothers me." Cindy reached out a hand and pulled Theresa to her.
Theresa was receptive but distant.

"Okay, love. What is it about it that bothers you?"

"I don't know."

"Oh, come on. Think about it. Would you care if we kissed?"

Theresa thought about it for a moment and replied, "Well, no. I guess
not."

"So would it bother you if he touched these?" Cindy said as she drew
Theresa's hands to her breasts.

Theresa felt the soft skin under her fingers and the firmness beneath
and replied, "Well, no. I guess not." Cindy got a mischievous look in
her eye. Theresa wasn't quite fast enough to stop her.

"How 'bout if he did this?" she said as she tickled Theresa's sides.

"NO!" Theresa giggled, pushing her hands away. "In fact I'd rather he
did that to you than me!"

"So, has his *thing* got a warranty on it? It wears out if he uses it
too much." Theresa giggled.

"No. Of course not. In fact it seems to work better the more he uses
it," she concluded absently.

"So you're afraid that *mine* will wear out then?"

Again Theresa giggled, but added softly, "No... no more than mine."

"So what's the problem then?" Cindy asked softly.

"I.... I don't know... maybe there isn't one. It just takes some
getting used to the idea."

"Take your time, love. I'm in no hurry," Cindy said, pulling her friend
into a soft kiss. Theresa melted into it and abandoned herself. The
next morning John awoke them early. He was wearing a white beard.

"Merry Christmas!" he hollered.

"What, What?" Cindy asked groggily.

"Christmas?" Theresa asked confused.

"Don't you two even know what day it is?" John laughed. The two girls
pulled on their shorts and John tugged them by the hands.

"Just a minute, I've *got* to go!" Theresa protested.

"Me too!" Cindy said, breaking away.

"Well, 'make 'er snappy!" John barked, laughing. The two girls ran to
the bathroom. Theresa beat Cindy who danced around till she was done.
Both relieved, they headed up the elevator with John. John had things
all laid out all around a small tree. There was way too much to fit
under it. Each girl got her own top of the line computer. There were
clothes for everybody. There were aerobics machines and a tread mill
and a complete weight machine.

The girls abandoned themselves to trying on clothes. Stripping off
their shorts and pulling on outfit after outfit. Oblivious to John's
presence. There was sexy lingerie for each of them, and dresses and
pants suits. There were complete spandex jump suits. The girls went
nuts over them. When they opened the packages with the snowmobile suits
in them though they looked up confused. John giggled. He had them put
on skirts and sweaters over their jumpsuits and then put on the
snowmobile suits. Next he pulled out boxes with cold weather boots,
stockings, gloves and goggles. The girls protested but John was
insistent. He donned his own clothes and cold wear. Then led them
outside.

Squinting in the bright sun reflected off the pearl snow, the girls
noticed that there were *three* snowmobiles lined up in a row. The
girls jumped up and down and kissed John on the cheek. John climbed on
each and started it. He showed the girls how to work the controls.
After a few practice turns around close to the Silo, John led them out
the gate and down the snow covered road. They each wore a helmet. The
girls discovered the purpose of the wire leading from them when John's
voice sounded in their ears. He made the error of telling them how to
work the controls to talk. He hardly had a silent moment all the way
down the road.

As they approached the paved road there were some short dirt berms
through which the silo road switch backed. Just out of sight from the
main road there was a small shed structure that was new. No snow clung
to it. A combination lock on the door opened to John's first attempt.

"What the hell is this? This wasn't here."

"Had it built."

"When?"

"Last week."

"How?"

"By phone."

"But how? I thought you just owned the land around the silo."

"Bought the land. Found out there was a small lot here that some guy
owned. Made him an offer he didn't refuse."

"But why?" John grinned as he opened the door. Inside was a twin
Landcruiser to the one back at the Silo.

"So we can go to town... for lunch."

"But it's Christmas! Everything will be closed."

"Not everything. Come on. After I pull out, pull in your snowmobiles."
The girls complied. Theresa jumped off hers and onto John's and pulled
it in as well. They left their helmets and snowmobile outfits in the
shed in a wardrobe. The girls found fancy winter coats inside. There
was one for John as well as dress boots for each of them.

"How the hell did you get our sizes?" Cindy mumbled, pulling on her
boots.

"That was the tough part. Had to measure your footprints after you got
out of the pool before they dried."

"You sneaky, lovable jerk!" Theresa exclaimed. She threw her arms
around him and gave him a giant kiss. She didn't bat an eye when Cindy
did the same. John locked up and they headed into town. Along the way
they listened to a multi-disc CD player loaded with the latest music.
John tolerated it, the girls loved it.

He explained just before they got to town, "Now behave yourselves.
These people think that I'm showing up with my *daughters*."

"*Daughters*?" Cindy asked.

"Oh thank you Daddy, will you spank me later? I've been *so bad*!"
Theresa mocked.

"Yes you have, not a bad idea! But no joking around these folks. Unless
you want to get sent back home." Both girls sobered and nodded. They
drove up to a deserted restaurant. John knocked on the door and a
moment later it opened.

"You John?"

"Yup."

"Come on in. Nice looking kids," the older man said.

"Yeah, they keep me busy."

"I can imagine," the man said knowingly. "Well, your lunch is just
about ready, glad you're prompt. I've got a family of my own to get
back to."

"Well, we won't keep you long."

"Oh, stay as long as you want. You paid me well enough... can't figure
out why though."

"We don't get to town very often," John concluded. The man seated them
at the only table that was set up. Warm bread, breadsticks and dip
waited them. Shortly afterwards steaming coffee and hot chocolate were
brought to the table. Afterwards Salads, spaghetti and linguine showed
up at just the right moment. The food was outstanding. Everybody ate
their fill and then some. The girls laughed and joked with each other
and John as they ate. Finally John ordered a Frangelico coffee. The
girls sipped Pepsi's while they waited for him. As they were about to
leave, the owner carried out a large cooler unit.

"This should keep things as well as possible for you till dinner. You
watch them claws!" the man said.

"Thanks," John said.

"No, thank you, Sir. You've made my Christmas for me."

"Thank you anyway. Merry Christmas to you." The girls wished the man
Merry Christmas as well. John carried the cooler out and put it in the
back of the second 'Cruiser. The girls regretfully climbed back in. The
man came running out and handed them a big bag full of hot French bread
and breadsticks. They thanked him again.

John took a drive around town just to show the girls that it really was
closed down for the day. It wasn't that big of a town anyway. The girls
noted a few shops they would have liked to investigate. Finally they
headed back out of town. On the way back Theresa sat up front and Cindy
in back just behind John. Theresa's hand rested on his collar like
their first trip to town. She reached back and intertwined her fingers
with Cindy's. She smiled at her and nodded. Cindy grinned fiercely and
nodded back. John never had a clue as to what had just transpired.

When they got back to the dirt road, John opened up the shed and
started the machines. With the girls help he backed them out of the
shed and then parked the second 'Cruiser. They changed back into their
winter togs and John loaded the cooler on the back of his machine and
tied it down. Theresa found a cargo net and insisted on taking the sack
the man had brought out to them. John lowered the temperature controls
in the shack so that the 'Cruiser wouldn't freeze, but that was all the
heat that would be needed. A dipstick heater supplemented it as well as
a trickle charger for the battery. They started back to the silo.

John kept to the outgoing trail, as he had the cooler on his machine,
but Cindy and Theresa began to test their new skills and jumped
hillocks and drifts of snow. John cautioned them against getting too
rowdy, as it was still a long way back, but they mostly ignored him and
he let them have their fun. Cindy did a flip over the windscreen and
buried herself and her machine in a deep snowdrift, it brought them to
their senses. John and Theresa dug her and her machine out and they
traveled the rest of the way back without incident.

They unloaded and put the snowmobiles away. John hauled the cooler to
the kitchen. He wouldn't let the girls in, telling them to go take a
swim. They shivered and instead hauled their clothes to their
respective rooms. John called them for dinner in a half hour. The girls
discovered the contents of the cooler. Prime rib roast, now heated to
perfection and lobsters just coming out of the pot. Theresa sliced and
heated some fresh bread and John pulled out several bottles of Wine.

Dinner was outstanding. Both girls had stripped down to their
jumpsuits. The zippers were low, leaving their assets half covered.
Theresa and John showed Cindy how to drink wine. They all got a little
tipsy. John insisted on cleaning up, chasing the girls off to the hot
tub. Theresa gave him a big hug and deep kiss before backing off. Cindy
followed suit. Theresa watched with *apparent* detachment. They went
off hand in hand as John cleaned up. He found them in the hot tub,
kissing.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked.

Theresa looked exasperated and said, "I'll be pissed off if you don't!"
John shrugged and stripped off his clothes. He climbed into the tub and
Theresa moved into his arms. She kissed him deeply and then reached out
her arm to Cindy.

Cindy asked, "You sure?" Theresa nodded and got *that* exasperated look
once more. Cindy shrugged and moved into the circle of her and John's
arms. Theresa kissed her deeply and then John once more. Then she
pulled back and kind of pushed the two of them together. She only
trembled a bit as they kissed deeply, but briefly. Afterwards things
seemed to loosen up a bit. Theresa moved behind Cindy and rubbed her
body against her backside as she reached around to cup her breasts.

John moved in on the front side. His growing erection slid between
Cindy's legs as they kissed. Theresa lowered herself and moved between
them. She moved back and forth between the two of them administering
well placed licks. When John (and Cindy) were well prepared she guided
him into her. Their union seemed to melt away any lingering trepidation
Theresa felt. She was suddenly all over both of them.

John moved up out of the tub and the two girls jointly licked him back
to readiness. Theresa moved to impale herself as John guided Cindy over
his head. The two girls were breast to breast and eye to eye when their
mutual orgasm sealed John's future fate. It was the first of many that
night. The three of them moved off to John's bed arm in arm, kissing
all the way. They didn't bother with towels, leaving tracks the whole
way. They fell arm in arm into the bed.

"What a fool I've been!" Theresa cried. John and Cindy didn't let her
get another word out as they moved to reassure her. They hardly got out
of bed except to eat over the next week. The girls dressed to the nines
for New Years Eve. The clothing didn't last long.

Chapter 11

Cindy basically moved in with them. John insisted on keeping the
bedroom available should one of them, including him - wish privacy. He
set up their computers for them in the Com room. He brought out another
one of his own and set it up. Four top of the line units now crowded
onto the long counter. The girls remained persistent in their stock
tracing.

When they thought they were ready, John set up an actual account for
them with his broker. He didn't tell them he had made a fairly large
deposit to cover them if the need should arise. It wasn't needed. John
kept the video recorders running for some reason he couldn't define,
but now any activity they recorded would likely include himself. He had
purchased extra equipment so that the girls never knew what was going
on back in the closet when one machine ran out of tape and the computer
automatically switched to another machine. John modified the program to
recognize sleep activity and to do reduced sampling to save tape.
Still, he was using a minimum of two tapes a day and usually three.
These he coded and stored in a locked closet off the Com room.

The girls took to wearing random outfits. It wasn't unusual for one to
walk around at lunch in lingerie, or at dinner wearing only tennis
shoes. Sometimes they would dress up fancy with make up and all, only
to seduce each other and peel it all off again. John did his best to
keep a normal diurnal schedule. He spent the majority of his *free*
time working on the master bedroom.

The girls' cabin fever seemed to have faded with the change in
relationships. John asked about another trip to town but the girls both
shrugged and said, "Maybe later." They kept John well fed and
exercised.

One day Cindy said to Theresa, "I'm kind of worried one of us is going
to get pregnant!" Theresa started giggling. "What's so funny?"

"If you were planning on it, you better change your plans. John got his
tubes cut before you ever got here."

"A vasectomy?"

"Yup!" Theresa giggled.

"Shit!" Cindy said. Theresa looked at her startled.... and then busted
out laughing. A moment later Cindy did the same. John did his best to
stay out of the middle of any intrigues. Which wasn't an easy thing to
do with two teenage girls hatching various plots almost daily. If
anything the clothes parade would have seemed almost comical if they
hadn't been so damn seductive.

Despite the girls' *help* he managed to finish the master bedroom. The
girls actually did help when it came time to move in. From the time the
relationships changed, he had changed the design so that there were
*three* large closets. It cut down a bit on space, but the bedroom was
really huge to start with; occupying a whole floor with the exception
of the master bath. The hardest part had been routing the plumbing in a
manner that would remain trouble free, yet efficient.

The bedroom was *still* huge. Even so it barely seemed large enough to
John with Theresa and Cindy sleeping there. The bed was the biggest
water bed John could find; a California King. The first night in
residence the girls tested the limits of the seams, not to mention
John's limits. John solved the problem of where to put the exercise
equipment by moving the new equipment into the old apartment. It was
perfect for it really, with its own shower and hot tub. The kitchen was
a bit much, but was nice to have there to keep orange juice and such
cold. John turned the girls loose to finish a floor of their own. He
had other projects in mind.

"I'm not ready!" Theresa protested.

"Then ask about what you don't understand how to do," John replied
simply. The girls jumped in with both feet. They spent a great deal of
time examining other floors and deciding how to do things, but that was
okay with John. He stopped by from time to time just in case. After the
structural materials were in place, the worst they could do, would be
cosmetic damage, or damage to themselves. John had patiently instructed
both of them how to safely use power tools. (Emphasising the distance
to a hospital and the hassles a trip to one would involve.)

In the meantime John took to converting half the top floor to a
solarium observatory. The stars were really quite stunning out there in
the desert, away from city lights. But it was cold and windy as well.
John built a rotatable frame which held clear Lexan panes. The roof
could be retracted half way to let in the sunlight or stars, yet still
retain the heat inside. John had purchased a pair of heavy duty winches
which now served the purpose of moving the roof. He had figured out one
of the secrets of happiness; stay busy! He applied this to both
himself, and the girls. Each time they would complete one project, John
always had another waiting for them to do. The girls put up token
resistance to this, branding John as a slave driver. Even so, within an
hour or two they would be hard at work on the new task, laughing and
joking with each other as they worked.

John completed the tracking mirror assembly which brought sunlight onto
any level. This contributed a lot to the girls having a more jovial
nature. John couldn't have been happier himself; Theresa seemed to have
taken to the broader relationships very well. She didn't even make
jesting protests. It was as if it had always been so. John didn't push
his luck though, he made certain that he paid just a bit more attention
to Theresa than he did to Cindy. His influence on the girls was
probably good as their vocabularies picked up a bit, but he was getting
concerned over their long term education. Neither had graduated High
School. He approached them on the subject.

"School? What the hell for?" was their mutual reaction.

"So you won't be considered ignorant and unemployable when you decide
to leave me."

"We're not leaving, are we?"

"Someday. I have no doubt of it. As it stands now, neither of you has
even a high school diploma. You won't be able to get a job at a Burger
King without one."

"I don't want to work at Burger King anyway," chuckled Cindy.

"Not the point. Let's say that somehow the feds got wind of my little
underage harem in the desert. They send me away to a hole darker and
deeper than this and seize my assets. You two either go back to your
families, such as they are, or hit the streets on your own. Now do you
want to go home or starve?"

"Neither, but I get your point," Theresa muttered.

"I do too... but how would they find out about us?"

"They probably won't, but what if the helicopter pilot sits down in
that restaurant where we had dinner, with the mechanics who did the
'cruisers and the lady from Victoria's secret. They get talking about
weird deliveries, expensive toys and perverts, then I could become a
love toy for two weight lifters with self applied tattoos."

"That's not going to happen," Theresa said.

"Probably not, but it could. The information is out there. If the right
people ever start to compare notes, I'm toast!"

"Can we butter you?" giggled Cindy.

"Maybe later.... In the mean time I'm serious."

"I was just joking," moped Cindy.

"So, how do you plan to send us to school? You can't very well walk up
to the school registrar and say; I found this girl on the road and
abducted the other one. I'd like to register them for school. Besides
it's a bit far to walk," said Theresa.

"He didn't abduct me, I ran away!" quipped Cindy.

"In the eyes of the law; I'm Godzilla and you're Bambi's mother. But
you don't have to go to *the* school, just to *a* school," John said.

"I don't follow."

"Me neither." John smiled six yards wide.

"Simple. I obtain the material you need to learn from the Internet. You
study it and take your GED tests. By the time you're ready to take the
test, you will be eighteen and legal to do whatever or live anywhere
you want."

"I was sorta glad to be away from school work," Theresa moped.

"Me too," Cindy said, "But it won't be as bad as going to regular
school. We can study here."

"As an extra incentive, I intend to present each of you with a little
graduation present when you get your GED certificates." Both girls'
interest was piqued.

"What?" they queried.

"Matching Land Cruisers."

"But neither of us can drive!"

"A situation I intend to remedy this coming summer when the road dries
out. We've got thirty miles of safe road to practice on."

"You're going to teach us to drive?" Theresa gasped.

"Sure."

"And if we get our GED's you'll give us our own Landcruiser?"

"You got it!"

"OK!" Cindy said, jumping up and hugging John.

"Count me in too!" Theresa said, moving into the huddle. They didn't
let up after a quick hug. John mused that it was getting so any little
event of excitement led to an orgy. He was smart enough not to
complain.

Chapter 12

John was nowhere to be found. Theresa searched everywhere for him.
Starting in the exercise room, and moving to the pool and the Com room.
Cindy looked up from her studies in the library, "Haven't seen him in
quite a while." He wasn't in the workshop. She considered checking each
maintenance stop on the outside elevator when she heard muffled music
coming from above. She finally located him reclining in the dark in the
solarium listening to classical music while he looked up at the
incredible star field visible from the middle of the desert.

It had never occurred to the girls that the solarium was useful at any
time other than daytime, when they peeled off what little they normally
wore and soaked up some rays. (John was mildly worried a pilot would
fly over and get a coronary from the two nude nymphs under glass in the
apparent shallow pit in the desert.)

"What are you doing in the dark?" Theresa asked, flipping on the light.
John suddenly squinted and covered his eyes.

"I WAS looking at the stars, but now you've ruined my night vision."

"Oops, sorry," Theresa said, turning the light back off.

"Too late now. What do you need?"

"Nothing, I was just curious where you were. But dinner's about ready."

"I'll be down in a bit."

"Sorry I spoiled your star gazing."

"It's okay," John said. Theresa looked at him a moment and then moved
off. She knew it *wasn't* okay, that John was just being nice. She
didn't understand though why anybody would *want* to be alone. Solitude
was exactly what John was thinking of. He had bought the Silo with
solitude in mind. Lately he got little of it.

Once over their initial shyness, the two girls had taken to sex with
the passion of an Amway salesman at a mud slide. It seemed like one or
the other of them would corner him several times a day with carnal
intent. He had a hell of a time convincing them of the concept that he
wasn't always interested. No, nothing was wrong. He just wasn't
interested in sex at the moment. Finally they accepted the idea that
nothing was wrong (telling themselves it was because of his age).
Sometimes they would go find the other one to console themselves with.
(From the camera's John knew they didn't even need the other to console
themselves.)

Outside the wind was picking up, blowing in a winter storm. The wind in
front of it had cleared some of the dust out of the upper atmosphere
and the *seeing* had been good. Now it pushed high clouds in to obscure
the stars. John sighed and pushed himself to his feet. He tripped the
control to roll the roof completely shut against the coming storm and
made his way down to the kitchen. For all the problems they created, it
was still very nice to have the girls around.

With a little instruction concerning his tastes, Theresa had turned
into an excellent cook. Cindy was coming right along. In the short time
since John had talked to them about it, they had both taken to their
studies with a vengeance. They would be ready for the test long before
they were eighteen, but John just couldn't figure out a way for them to
safely take it with the exception of going home long enough to take
their exams. Both girls had vetoed that idea.

The Silo was fast becoming the underground mansion that he had
envisioned. There were only six out of the fifteen floors left to
complete. John didn't presently have any clue what to use them for. He
already had all the space he needed. He decided to at least finish off
the structure of the floors and the utilities for each level. Space was
something that always ended up being used in the long run. One of the
problems he applied himself to were the hatchway openings into the silo
from the main elevator. It was a real pain to climb through the service
ports and the main elevator was much nicer than the small service
elevators running up and down the walls.

John made arrangements for a concrete saw with a diamond dust blade.
Between drilling, cutting, air chiseling and grinding he managed to
enlarge the ports to real doorway size. They wouldn't have the same
blast integrity as the originals, but that was okay with John. He
didn't intend to be launching any missiles from within his silo. He
started with the kitchen level and did the most commonly used ones
next, moving on eventually to all the floors.

He had figured out early on that he would need vertical access to each
floor. As such, each floor had a trap door which could be opened. When
all were opened, he had a straight shot with the winch cable from the
utility floor all the way down to the pool. He had ended up moving most
the heavier furniture items that way. Most of them wouldn't have fit
through the service ports even if he could have gotten them into the
main elevator.

When he was finished with the concrete cutting, the main elevator
became so much more useful, he sealed off three sub elevator accesses
except between adjoining floors. This meant the main elevator serviced
major floors with the sub elevators serving between stops. One sub
elevator served the whole silo, hatchways opening and closing behind
it. It *could* be used as a dumb waiter. Mostly, they used the stairs
between the main elevator stops.

The girls' investments slowly grew. Their studies proceeded better than
John had ever intended. The winter snow was the only thing holding up
their driving lessons.

Chapter 13

John reclined nude in the solarium. It was warm and sunny under the
clear covering. On the surface the winter wind howled and blew clouds
of snow crystals around. The girls entered and stripped off their
shorts. At first they just laid out and listened to the music. They had
learned barely - to tolerate his taste in music. Sly glances between
the girls worked into a conspiracy against John. He had his eyes closed
as he lay back. The girls approached him from both sides. They squirted
oil on their hands and proceeded to rub him down. Down wasn't the
direction he went.

Afterwards, Theresa managed to move herself to another lounge chair.
Cindy remained snuggled atop him. Theresa hadn't noticed the growing
intimacy between John and her friend. She was more than satisfied; she
was satiated. After a time, her regular breathing notified the other
two she was asleep.

John and Cindy shared each other's gaze. John pulled her down into a
gentle kiss. This grew in intensity as their hands began to explore
each other once more. As their tongues swirled around each other, the
trend of John's member reversed. Cindy looked at him in joyful
surprise. Together they moved towards another incredible orgasm. This
one the deepest, most intimate either had ever experienced.

Some time afterwards as John caressed Cindy towards sleep she whispered
softly in his ear, "I love you." He whispered the same in return and
still inside her, he shortly followed her into sleep. John awoke to a
slight chill. It was evening and the sun no longer penetrated the
solarium. Cindy lay snuggled as a blanket atop him. To his great
surprise he discovered he was still inside her. His hands began to
explore her firm nubile body. The thought that they had both slept
peacefully while he remained within her excited him. So much so he
began to grow once more.

Cindy moaned softly and then lifted her head to gaze into his eyes. She
suddenly became aware of John growing within her. Again she looked at
him with both surprise and joy. She bent to kiss him deeply which
helped speed the process of his growth. Once the progress was
sufficient, they began to move together, their eyes wide open and
locked together. This time their orgasm was soft and gentle. Somehow
intensely intimate.

Once again they whispered an intimate vow of love. A final sensual kiss
and Cindy reluctantly moved off him. A glance to the side showed
Theresa had pulled a robe around her as a blanket and gone back to
sleep. At the sound of movement she stirred and smiled at the two of
them. They finished off the day with a leisurely soak in the hot tub.
Afterwards John volunteered to make dinner.

Chapter 14

The girls spent much of the next few days stark naked. Somehow Cindy
rebelled from the intense session with John by showering her attentions
upon Theresa. John luxuriated in the brief respite, using the time to
work on various projects around the silo. For one thing he refined his
video interface breadboard. The new one was smaller and more reliably
built. The collection of video tapes had turned into a virtual library,
outgrowing the closet. John solved this by carting them off to one of
the many inspection tunnels that circumnavigated the silo. He stacked
them chronologically along the inside wall around the back side of the
silo in tunnel six. He also took to locking the access hatches lest the
girls stumble on them by random chance while wandering.

He was running low on tape as well as other non-food supplies. He made
up a shopping list and notified the girls to plan on a shopping foray.
The girls were ecstatic. They jabbered back and forth about what shops
they wanted to hit. It was now late January. A semi-warm stretch had
left the road passable by Cruiser, but muddy. John made sure that he
had chains and extra cable in case he got stuck. Just in passing he
threw in a folding shovel. He told the girls to pack a change of
clothes. They looked at him like he was crazy, but complied. By the
time they reached the road they were grateful for them. They changed in
the second 'Cruiser's shack, wishing for wash facilities. A visit on
the Internet had informed John of a new storm front, a big one, due in
just two days.

John turned the girls loose with a wad of cash at the Mall with a
reminder to be discrete and careful. They were both subject to being
picked up by the law. They promised and each stole a long deep kiss in
the relative privacy of the parking garage. They scheduled a rendezvous
and John drove off on his own shopping spree.

The girls would not have been at all interested in the stores John
found captivating. He visited surplus and supply houses. A trip to a
local wholesaler for multiple cases of video tape. Electronics parts
houses. A trip to a large merchandiser netted a small utility trailer.
He splurged many thousands of dollars on esoteric gadgets. He was in
seventh heaven. He solved the problem of security by renting a storage
garage and parking the trailer in it while he went to meet the girls
for lunch. He had one more stop to make first. He spent a whole hour
searching out just the right person on the local college campus. The
person was reluctant to deal with a person of his age, but a wad of
cash overcame his fear and John left with a small package tucked away
in his pocket.

When he met the girls they were laden with packages from almost every
store. He cringed inwardly as they were a walking beacon of trouble.
John helped them load the packages and then made a trip to the storage
unit to stow them while they went out to eat. At lunch the girls were
fairly oozing with sexual energy. The shopping spree had left them in a
sort of sexual frenzy. John managed to remind them to behave
themselves. They almost obeyed. John knew he was in for a hot night
anyway.

After lunch John made a purposeful stop at the storage unit. With the
door pulled down, the girls released each other's tensions under the
single dull light bulb of the unit. They abandoned themselves in each
other's bodies, hardly noticing the unheated condition of the storage
unit. When they were finally spent, the girls donned some of their new
purchases.

Finally on the road again, John made a stop at a large book retailer
and the girls collected study material for their GED's. John went about
pulling computer and physics books from the shelf. The book store cost
almost as much as the girls had spent in the Mall. Last on the agenda
were stops at the grocery and liquor stores. Back to the storage unit
to get the trailer. Now tarped over and bulging at the seams.

A stop at the restaurant where they had eaten on Christmas, parking the
'Cruiser where they could keep an eye on it while they ate. The owner
greeted them warmly and they had a veritable feast. Once again the
owner presented them with fresh bread as they left. Encouraging John to
bring his daughters back soon, as they seemed to be growing up quick.
John looked skyward and the owner nodded his supposed understanding.

They were barely out of town before the girls were back at each other.
John made them keep their clothes on in case he got pulled over. They
complied but every fastener was wide open. He made them climb in the
back and stack some of the things into the front so he didn't have to
watch them. They were distracting him from the driving. At the shack
they all changed into scrungier clothes for the return trip over the
muddy road. A good thing as the 'Cruiser got stuck three times with its
load of the heavily laden trailer. They were all plastered with gooey
cold mud by the time they reached the Silo.

John got the girls to help unload the perishables and then they parked
the rest in the garage to unload later. Once inside and warm, the girls
turned the mud into a sexual game. They went straight into the shower,
clothes and all. The hot steamy water slowly ablating the bone chilling
mud. In surprisingly short time they were squeaky clean and hotter than
ever. They followed the shower with a long soak in the hot tub. John
joined them but they seemed to sense his mood and left him unmolested
as they sat opposite from him and kissed every few minutes. They wore
short terry robes to keep the chill from returning as they sat around
the kitchen sipping coffee. Now that he was warm and clean, and the
worries over logistics and perishables were past, John was in a more
receptive mood.

He gazed at the line of Cindy's legs as they entered her robe. She was
preparing a light snack. Each time she stooped for a dish John got a
little more excited. When she bent into the fridge it turned into full
blown lust. Theresa caught his gaze and followed it. She smiled and
stepped up beside Cindy, bending into the fridge with her. She
whispered something in her ear and Cindy giggled. Then they kissed with
their heads in the fridge. Theresa's hand sliding up inside Cindy's
thigh.

John sat there enthralled. The vision of the two tight backsides before
him almost too much to bear. He approached them and ran a hand over
each shapely mound. The three of them went off arm in arm, stripping
clothes off as they went. Hours latter they all lay satiated. The girls
were sleeping soundly. John was as restless as ever.

He arose quietly and dressed. He made his way up to the surface and
began hauling boxed items down into his workshop. When he had the last
of them carted down, he began to open them up. For the next couple of
weeks the girls saw very little of John. They amused themselves between
their studies and their various carnal activities. Even when their
periods started, it hardly deterred them much more than the depth of
their probes into each others bodies. As usual, John stayed away from
them during their periods.

Chapter 15

John was blissfully busy anyway. As he completed assembly of them. he
moved various components of his project onto one of the unused floors.
The result resembled a mad scientist's lab. There was a padded table
with restraining straps and various arms hung about it. Kind of a cross
between a barber's chair and a gynecologist's table. Bundles of cables
ran to a computer set up on a table. This was surrounded with video
monitors and recorders. There was a second table with a sort of frame
atop it, also fitted with various arms and accessories. Another bundle
of cable ran from this to the computer table. Various tanks and
containers of chemicals were stacked under the second table and
connected to the arms by tubes. All in all, the set up looked
intimidating, to say the least.

John did his first tests on a Styrofoam head and an inflatable doll.
The scanner table faithfully scanned every square millimeter of each.
The results echoing on the computer screen. Then John tried phase two,
in which he produced an exact duplicate of the head. Lastly he produced
a "slip cover" for the head. He didn't bother to reproduce the doll,
the chemicals were expensive. But he was satisfied.

Now came the hard part; talking the girls into it. He might have to
wait a while to catch them in just the right mood. Right after their
periods wasn't necessarily the right time. Just before was better.
That's when the girls seemed most receptive to new things. They seemed
game for anything. They had even initiated anal sex once or twice when
they were in that frame of mind. John would bide his time. He locked up
the area and started hanging around the girls once more.

Over the next couple of weeks John talked a bit about his ideas for
some inventions he was working on. Probing the girls about how they
would feel about being scanned. Neither seemed really reticent about
it, but neither seemed enthusiastic either. When John shifted the
concept to custom clothing this changed. The girls had settled into
comfortable, but fairly sexy clothing as their normal mode of dress.
They alternated between terry skin tight shorts with tank tops and
their spandex suits. Both hugged their lithe frames like a glove.
Showing off each delicate curve. When they started to respond to John
and each other several times a day, John knew the time was right. He
helped set them up by preparing a special dinner. This of course was
accompanied with several bottles of wine.

When the girls became a bit tipsy and started caressing John and each
other, he led them to the scanner floor. When they entered they tensed
up a bit. John moved in, caressing and teasing them both till they
loosened up again. He had had the foresight to add space heaters to the
floor so that it was a bit too warm and very comfortable. He talked
Cindy into being first.

She giggled a bit as Theresa and John stripped off what little she was
wearing. Theresa helped a bit, attacking various erogenous zones as
they were revealed. Finally John got Cindy strapped down on the table.
Then with Theresa on his knee -being caressed to keep her comfortable-
John started the scanner. Cindy tensed a bit as the various arms
started to move in on her. When the first two didn't touch her at all,
she settled back. The next one however was more than she bargained for.
She yelped and giggled suddenly.

"Hey! This thing's feeling me up!" she giggled. "And not doing too bad
a job of it...." she added a moment latter.

"Just relax. It'll be over with pretty soon."

"It better, it's getting pretty personal... hey careful there! That's
sensitive," she giggled.

"Okay, first side done," said John as he released her straps. He kissed
her deeply and caressed her firm body to encourage her. Theresa looked
on suspiciously. John managed to get Cindy strapped down again, face
down on the table. Her cute bun cheeks begging one final caress before
John moved off to start the scanner once more. Once again the first
couple of scans were non-contact, but Cindy moaned with delight as the
next few traced over every square centimeter of her body. That is until
the probes delved between her ass cheeks.

"Hey! Now it's getting VERY personal!" she yelped.

"Just hold still, dear. It'll be over soon," John said without looking
up. Theresa thought it was mildly amusing. She moved close and watched
with fascination when the last arm moved in and tiny fingers carefully
probed Cindy's entire pubic area. This part Cindy didn't seem to mind.
John had to remind her to keep still as she started writhing around in
response to the multiple gentle fingers. She giggled a bit, but managed
to keep reasonably still. This didn't last when the fingers started
probing the bottoms of her feet. She started jerking and laughing till
tears rolled down her cheeks. John decided he had enough and turned the
machine off.

Cindy's reaction upon being released was to vent her tension upon John.
She basically took him to the floor and raped him. Theresa helping.
Seldom had John seen Cindy so hot. By the time she cried out in ecstasy
for the third time Theresa was eager for *her* scanning. She stripped
off her remaining garment and had herself half strapped down by the
time John got free of Cindy to complete the task. Even then Cindy was
all over him as he tried to run the scanners over Theresa.

When she yelped a bit Cindy commented, "You might try warming that
group of probes if you really have to probe there!"

"I'll say! That's cold!" giggled Theresa. "And damn personal!"

"Just lay still, dear," John said.

"Okay... but we're gonna scan you when this is done!" Theresa
threatened. Cindy nodded her agreement and John shrugged.

"Sure, why not. It's only fair," he said. He got Theresa turned over
and Cindy moved in to watch as the fingers probed her backside and
between her legs. She seemed a bit contemplative but didn't say
anything then. Theresa was as wild as Cindy had been upon her release.

When the girls were finally through with John and each other, Cindy
piped up, "Your turn!" John resigned himself to his fate and showed the
girls how to run the scanners. Mostly he just had to remind them of
what they had seen him doing while he was scanning them. He prayed for
leniency as they strapped him down. If they didn't run it right the
probes would not only get personal, but painful.

The girls shared the chair as they started the scans. They could still
hardly keep their hands off each other. John gritted his teeth and
didn't dare say a word when the probes got personal. The girls were
right. That set of probes could use a heater. To his surprise he was as
hot as the girls when his scanning was done. He was fully excited. He
grabbed the first girl that got close to him.. Which turned out to be
Cindy. He took her on the floor. Theresa busied herself anywhere he
wasn't paying attention to. Between them, Cindy's orgasm came swiftly.
John wasn't done himself, he grabbed Theresa and entered her with the
same intensity.

When Cindy recovered she moved off to study the machine as John and
Theresa became fully preoccupied. When the two lay side by side on the
floor Cindy came back and guided each to their feet. She led them to
the master bedroom and got Theresa bedded down. John came back from the
bathroom and Cindy waylaid him, guiding him back to the scanner.

"I need to talk to you," she said.

"About what?"

"Oh, about the other attachments that you didn't use," she said.

"Uh..."

"Don't play games with me, I'm not stupid! I figured out what they're
for!" she said.

"Uh... I didn't intend to use them on you."

"Why not?" she said. (To John's great surprise.)

"Uh... well, I didn't know how you'd feel about them."

"You want a complete scanning of me don't you? Isn't that's what
they're for? To measure my insides too?"

"Uh... yes."

"So why didn't you just ask?"

"Like I said. I didn't know how you would feel about it. If you thought
the other probes were personal you damn sure would think these were."

"I figured that out... Look, silly. I love you! You're welcome to probe
my eyelashes if you feel like it." With that she pulled him into a deep
kiss. Her hand traced down his bare abdomen and over his manhood. His
responded by moving his over her breasts and backside. When they
finally pulled back, she said, "So... let's do it!"

"Okay, if you say so. I haven't really tested them. Not really
something that's easy to test. Really a matter of keeping the pressure
low enough to not be uncomfortable while high enough to get a good
reading."

"Come on..... perverted old man that you are. Let's probe my ass and
pussy! If it's not too bad I'll figure out a way to talk Theresa into
it too." John was bright red in his embarrassment, but he allowed
himself to be led. Cindy was tugging him by his manhood anyway so he
wasn't really fighting it. Cindy kissed him deeply once more and then
hopped up onto the table. She wore a smirking grin as John strapped her
down. To cover his embarrassment he talked about what the machine would
do.

"I couldn't really figure an easy way to take accurate measurements of
the inside. So what I figured to do, was to inflate a condom inside...
uh... the subject, with a setting foam agent. My biggest concern is
that the foam gets hot when it sets. So I added small cooling tubes
which I can run cold water through if it gets too hot. You'll have to
let me know if it gets too hot."

"Oh, believe me. I will!" Cindy giggled. As the other scans were run,
John fitted the vaginal probe right off. He smeared the area with K-Y
jelly and Cindy giggled in response. He got the probe started into her
vagina and then kissed her before moving to the computer. When John
started the foam Cindy gasped half in surprise and half in pleasure.
The foam expanding to fill her every crevice. It was HOT, but not
uncomfortably so. John asked her if he should start the cooling and she
threatened him with bodily harm if he did.

She was enjoying it! Never had she felt so full and so hot! Her body
convulsed involuntarily. John worried about the measurement. He hadn't
thought about what an orgasm would do to the readings. But finally as
the foam began to cool Cindy settled down as the foam began to set up.
She was awash with endorphins and content to remain still. John moved
over and kissed her. She responded by giving him a tonsillectomy.
Finally John judged the foam to be set up and moved to extract the mold
from within her. To Cindy it felt huge as it was extracted from her.
She experienced another involuntary shudder as a result. Then John had
the straps off her and she was all over him once more. John held her
off as he deemed now was the time to finish the other side while she
was so hot.

Cindy didn't bat an eye as he queried her about her last bowel
movement. Just a few hours before, she informed him. She was almost in
a state of sexual frenzy when he strapped her face down on the table.
Her hips moving involuntarily to his touch. Moving back in anticipation
of the last probe. John teased her pubic area to keep her receptive as
he smeared the lubricant on her and the probe. He carefully worked it
in and surprisingly, Cindy moved her hips in rhythm with his movements.
She moaned softly in pleasured response until it was fully implanted.
John wiped his hand on a towel and moved to the controls. He eased the
pressure up slowly. Cindy gasped even so as the hot foam entered her
anus. Separated from the delicate tissue by only a thin latex rubber
membrane.

In spite of Cindy's threats John added some cooling. The effect wasn't
lost on Cindy as she felt a mingled HOT and COLD growing within her
backside. Her hips started convulsing involuntarily. She strained at
the straps on her wrists and ankles. Her breath came in gasps. Goose
bumps appeared randomly all over her body and seemingly ran in waves
over her soft skin. Then without any warning she convulsed heavily once
and was still.

John checked the readings just to be sure that the condom hadn't
ruptured. He had used quite a bit more volume than he had expected. No,
the condom was intact. A quick check of her pulse relieved his concern.
She had just passed out. John let the foam set up completely before he
backed the probe out of her. He wiped it off with the towel as he
extracted it. Then he tenderly wiped her clean. He unstrapped her from
the table and cradled her in his arms. Sitting on a chair as he
caressed her back to consciousness. Slowly she opened her eyes and
smiled at him.

"Make love to me," she said huskily. "All of me, just like the
machine." John moved to carry her downstairs, instead of disturbing
Theresa, he entered the guest bedroom. He lay her gently on the bed and
she pulled him to her. Her hands in frenzied exploration of his body.
Later she lay sprawled unconscious atop him. Her body twitching a bit
involuntarily.

John had never known such a passioned attack upon his body. Cindy had
been like a wild animal, possessed and wild with passion. He rolled
Cindy off to the side and lay still while he caught his breath. Their
sweat mingled and ran together as they lay side by side. Finally he
pulled the blanket over her and moved off to the bathroom. He washed
himself and then carried a warm wet washcloth back with him. John
completed his cleanup, rinsed the cloth out. Then he crawled in and
snuggled to Cindy. She opened her eyes just a slit and pulled him into
a great passionate kiss. She pulled herself atop him and hugged him
fiercely, like she would never see him again. She acted like she was
trying to pull herself right inside of his body. John caressed her back
and sides. Goose bumps arose on her skin wherever he touched.

Cindy clenched him tight with her whole body and gasped, "I love you!"
in his ear. John responded in kind and her whole body quivered atop
him. He continued to caress her and after a time he felt her teardrops
dripping upon his shoulder. Her body quivered atop him. He pulled the
blanket over them and caressed her tenderly until they both fell to
sleep.

In the night, John woke several times to find Cindy clutching him with
her whole body. Her legs wrapped around him like her arms. Both madly
clutching him. Each time he caressed her gently and she snuggled to him
as she relaxed under his touch.

Chapter 16

"Well, well, so this is where you two got off to," John heard. "If I
knew whom to be jealous of, I might be mad!"

Cindy lifted her head and said, "Oh Pooh! Get your ass over here so I
can kiss it!"

"I'd rather you started with my lips!" Theresa chuckled as she moved
into bed with them. John knew how dangerous the situation could be, so
he put his heart into helping Cindy attack Theresa. Their hands were
all over her. Theresa was overwhelmed by the attack. But she felt less
slighted as a result of it. She started to giggle as Cindy's fingers
played over her body. John's lips on her throat were almost enough to
convince her into staying. But she pulled back laughing.

"No, I'll start breakfast. You two are *much* too hungry. I'd better
feed you out of self defense. You two play while I make coffee." She
kissed the two of them quickly. Not quite quick enough as Cindy left a
purple hickey on one of her ass cheeks while she was kissing John. She
pulled away trying to look at her ass in the mirror.

"Damn, you're after my blood now! Marked for life! I don't know what
got into you two, but you can show me after breakfast!" Theresa half
giggled as she left the room. "Why don't you two rape each other or
something, but don't show up in the kitchen until I'm safe!" she called
back over her shoulder. John trotted to the bathroom. Cindy right
behind him. She caught his hand as he went to leave as she plunked down
on the toilet. She held him as she urinated, pulling his hand to her
face and kissing his palm then pulling it down to her breasts. John
stood before her, not knowing what to do. Slightly embarrassed by the
situation. Bathroom privacy was something he had always honored around
the girls.

Cindy had her own thoughts on the matter. She pulled his hips forward
and sucked his member into her warm mouth. The surprise of the attack
and the slight edge of the forbidden took him without warning and his
member grew quickly. Cindy took a free hand and grasped a wad of paper
to dab at herself. Then she moved off the toilet, still holding John in
her mouth. Her hand moved back to flush and she moved back against the
sink. Lifting her legs to either side of him, using her heels to pull
him forward. She guided him with her hands to the opening of her vagina
and pulled him forward into her. Moaning in pleasure as he entered her
tight vagina. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him like
she had never kissed him before. Somehow driving her tongue deeper into
his mouth as her legs clamped around his hips.

John was taken aback by the sudden onslaught. Not knowing what to do,
he began to move himself inside the young girl. Slowly at first to lube
himself on her juices, which were in abundance. She was hot and ready.
She started to bounce ferociously on his hips. Driving his half dry
member into her. Loving every painful stroke. John got an idea and
moved around to open the shower door. He reached in and somehow
adjusted the water with this lithe girl bouncing in a frenzy on his
hips. He walked her back into the warm spray. Her lips locked upon his.
Her fingers clawing at his back as he moved her against the cold shower
wall. He drove into her as her body felt the mixed sting of hot water
and the cold of the tile on her back. John got an idea and cupped her
ass cheeks in his hands. The tips of his fingers playing over her
tender anus, washing it as he moved. She went crazier. Screaming in his
ear as her body convulsed against the wall.

John lowered her to the floor. Holding her upon her feet as her legs
hardly seemed worthy of the task. He moved behind her and bent her
over. Again stroking into her vagina as the water splashed over the
back of her head and down over her body. John stroked another dozen
strokes to insure he got enough of her juices on himself and then he
pulled her back out of the stream. Spreading her ass cheeks as he moved
back. She instantly understood and moved her hips back into his. He
positioned the head of his unit against her now tender but yearning
anus. He had to fight her movements to keep her from forcing him in too
quickly. Even so it was too dry.

Against his better judgment John moved his penis back into her vagina
to pick up more lube. The effect was not lost on Cindy as she began to
buck wildly in front of him. Once again John pushed against her anus
and this time she moved back a little too suddenly. She screamed in
mixed pain and pleasure and she rammed back upon him. John grabbed her
hips and held her firm to him until she got used to it. He stood her up
and grabbed her tits with one hand while the other found her clitoris.

Cindy was crying in between her frenzied gasps. Tears ran freely down
her cheeks and mingled with the shower water. Slowly a feeling of
warmth and fulfillment came over her. Never had she known the feelings
of passion and pleasure she felt at that moment. When John felt her
relax he began to slowly move within her. Furiously rubbing her
clitoris and pinching her nipples to distract her from the pain. He
kissed her on the neck and her body shuddered back against him. She
twisted her head around and he kissed her deeply over her shoulder.

Now they began to move together in unison. The fiery poker of his penis
all that Cindy wanted to feel. The touch of his hands upon her body.
The feel of his tongue sliding around hers. John kept the movement slow
and rhythmic. Kept them out of the stream of water lest they wash away
the precious natural lubrication. Cindy felt something growing inside
her like she had never felt before. Not like the night before when it
had been a hot driving passion that had driven her to abuse herself.
This was a soft tingling feeling that encompassed her whole being. A
warm sort of numbness flowed out over her whole body.

John thought he could gauge where Cindy was at, although he was now
into an area where he himself had no experience. Driven by instinct
which told him to move slowly and let his passion grow along with
Cindy's. Feeling the warmth of her body sliding over his member.
Feeling her lithe body under his fingertips. Her young tongue searching
within his mouth. They moved together slowly to the biggest (and yet
not somehow) orgasm either had ever experienced. They had entered a
world of pure, gentle passion that was beyond ether's realm of
experience.

When John's orgasm hit it was a slow, welling up burning that consumed
his whole being. Cindy moaned with delighted pleasure as her whole body
became one big goose bump. Something exploded within the two of them.
John's semen like liquid fire within her, almost burning her and yet
warming her soul like nothing ever had. Somehow they separated and
moved together into the stream of water. Sometime later they became
aware that they were washing each other's bodies. Rubbing together and
languishing in the feel of each others skin as the slid against each
other. They shared a deep, soft kiss that seemed to last a week. Then
they washed each others hair and rinsed off. Kissing once more tenderly
as they left the spray for the warmth of dry towels. Somehow they
managed to dry each other off. Not a word was spoken from the time they
had entered the bathroom. Now they moved off to find what little
clothing they needed to stave off the chill of the moisture evaporating
from their satiated bodies.

John had to go down to the master bedroom for a terry jumpsuit. Cindy
still had clothes in the guest room. Cindy encountered John in the
elevator on the way to the kitchen. She pulled him gently to her and
kissed him softly. She pulled back and their eye's shared a look
neither really understood. All they knew was that something significant
had happened. Each in their way knew that they should seldom let it
happen again. It was too intense. The feelings way too much to handle
verbally. John nodded to her and they shared another soft kiss. Then
the door opened and they moved off to join Theresa in the kitchen.

Chapter 17

Theresa looked up at the two of them as they entered. She looked back
to the French toast, and then suddenly jerked her gaze back to the two
of them. Something was different. She looked long and hard trying to
pin it down. Neither seemed to be paying any particular attention to
the other. But there was some undefined .... *power* between them.
Theresa felt a wave of jealousy and a pang of loneliness at being left
out of whatever it was.

John came over and kissed her tenderly on the neck.... too tenderly.
His arms encircled her waist and pulled her back against him. He hugged
her to him and moved off, kissing her once more as he pulled back. Next
came Cindy who didn't fool around about pulling her into a full body
hug. Her lips descending upon hers tenderly... too tenderly. Part of
Theresa's loneliness faded, but part of her psyche heard the scream of
alarm bells. Whatever it was, they both seemed to be willing to share
it with her. But neither seemed anxious to tell her what had transpired
between them.

Cindy pulled back a bit and whispered, "I love you," in her ear.
Theresa was startled. They had each carelessly tossed "Luv ya's" at
each other in the past. But this was the first time Cindy had ever said
it so clearly... or so seriously. The clanging of alarms got louder
within Theresa. All she could do was nod and accept the lips that
kissed her too tenderly before she could speak. Her body was quivering
with desire and fright when Cindy finally moved off.

"So what's for breakfast?" Cindy queried absently looking at the French
toast. Theresa stood there a moment dumbfounded.

"What the fuck happened to you two?" was all she could say.

John looked up from his coffee, "Why? What do you mean?" Cindy just
looked at her puzzled. Theresa didn't know whether to cry or scream.
She stammered a bit and then calmed herself down.

Composing her thoughts she said, "Well, let's see. About forty-five
minutes ago I awoke *alone* in bed. You two were nowhere in sight. I
found the two of you snuggled in the guest room. When I woke you the
two of you seemed hell bent on sucking my blood. Now forty minutes
later you both come out like two dweebed out zombies and touch me as
softly as a piece of crystal that would break. That's what I mean what
the fuck happened to you two!"

"Oh... Well, last night after you went to sleep I got to feeling
frisky. Rather than disturb you we used the guest room," Cindy said
absently. Her eye's flicking to John for support. Theresa noted the eye
movement and turned to John.

He shrugged and said, "And you told us not to enter the kitchen until
you were safe. So Cindy and I made love in the shower. I thought that's
what you meant when you told us to *rape* each other," he concluded
wryly. Theresa looked back and forth between them. Half knowing they
were telling the truth... and completely knowing that it wasn't the
whole truth. Finally she shrugged and turned back to the French toast.

Cindy poured herself a cup of coffee and began moving things to the
table. Theresa was half way to crying, but she didn't understand why.
All she knew was that something had transpired between John and Cindy.
Something important. Something that didn't include her. There was an
uneasy silence as they ate.

"I think I'll see if the snow has cleared enough to roll back the
solarium," Cindy said absently.

"I think I'll take a swim myself," John said. "Wanna join me?" he asked
Theresa. She looked startled... but dropped her eyes and nodded. Just
what the hell was going on? she asked herself. They all helped with the
clean up and then Cindy moved off to the solarium. John grabbed a
carafe of coffee and a mug, queried Theresa with his eyes to see if she
wanted a cup. She shook her head but tagged along behind him down to
the pool.

Once there he poured himself a half a cup and took a sip. Then setting
the carafe and his mug down he turned to Theresa. She stood there not
having the vaguest idea of what she was doing or why. John unzipped his
jumper and stepped slowly out of it, like he was stripping for her,
then he moved to her.

Theresa trembled as his hands moved around her. He pulled her to him
and kissed her tenderly... again too tenderly. John could feel her
quivering and deepened the kiss. His hands felt her body through the
soft material of her clothes and then stripped off her tank top and
terry shorts. She stood naked and shivering against him as he kissed
her. It seemed right to her... and yet not. Like he was afraid he'd
break her. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and John kissed
at them. Next thing she knew she was sobbing against his chest.

"Hey, easy girl. No need for that!" he tried to comfort her. He walked
her back to a lounge chair and sat down with her on his lap. Theresa
continued her sobbing. John didn't know why she was sobbing, but knew
enough to keep caressing her. As he did so he continued to kiss at her
tears. When his mouth found hers she was suddenly hungry for it.

In moments their passion rose. Theresa was tearing at his back with her
nails. She hadn't noticed the welts on it from Cindy's earlier attack.
John responded the best he could to her passion. Returning it measure
for measure. Sensing this was no time for tender foreplay, he entered
her roughly. It was the exact thing that Theresa wanted at the time.
Theresa feeling half relief, half fear, desiring nothing but his
manhood inside her. When her climax came, it was hard and wild. She
bucked about with abandon as her body convulsed beyond her control. She
felt John's inert seed enter her, and she lost all thought.

She slowly came back to find herself once more upon his lap. He was
caressing her softly. She lifted her head to him and he kissed her
tenderly. Now just the right degree of tenderness. While he kissed her
he lifted her in his arms as he stood and moved to the edge of the
pool. He stepped off the edge without lifting his head from the kiss.
The warm water enveloped them and they broke the surface, still
kissing.

John kicked back and Theresa naturally extended her body against his as
they treaded water, still kissing. John slowly swimming backwards until
he bumped into a floating lounge chair. He pulled himself up into it
and pulled Theresa into his lap once more. She snuggled against him and
they floated that way for a long time without speaking. The warm water
lapping at them as they caressed each other. When he was firm enough
she shifted her position and they moved slowly to an open eye, face to
face orgasm. Theresa collapsed against him and they floated together
for a whole hour with him still within her. Her snuggled to his chest.
Finally she kissed him softly and slid off his lap. Swimming to the
edge of the pool, she pulled herself out.

John watched her lithe body as she pulled herself out and dried off.
Then he swam to the edge and pulled himself out. She moved to him with
a towel and he pulled her into a wet embrace. She giggled but moved the
towel to dry him as he kissed her. When she pulled back, she smiled at
him. Everything was right with the world she thought... at least with
John.

John renewed his coffee, frowned at the now cold liquid and pulled on
his jumper. He reached for Theresa once more, but she giggled and moved
off after giving him a quick peck. John shrugged and headed for the Com
room to check his E-mail, by way of the Microwave in the kitchen.

Chapter 18

Theresa squinted into the solarium. Her friend was nude upon her
stomach as the sun warmed her shapely backside. She was lying on a
double wide chaise, a little to one side. The shapely bulges of her
breasts peeking out from beneath her. The sun felt good as Theresa once
again stripped off her scant outfit. She stood nude in the warming rays
admiring her friend's backside. Cindy stirred a bit and squinted up at
her. She smiled at the sight of the lithe nude blonde above her and
patted the chaise next to her.

"Rub some oil on my back?" Cindy queried.

"Just what I had in mind," Theresa said playfully.

"Yeah, I'll bet that's all you had in mind, my darling little minx,"
Cindy murmured good naturedly

"Do you object?"

"Looking forward to it, lover." The word caught Theresa off guard. She
didn't know why. She *was* Cindy's *Lover*. Why should the statement
bother her? She didn't know. But somehow the statement pleased her. She
knelt on the chaise and squirted way too much lotion onto her hands.
She was looking forward to working it into Cindy's soft skin. She felt
a wave of desire as she reached out and began to rub the lotion onto
her friend. At first she covered Cindy's back, then her legs. Finally
where she wanted to rub in the first place, over the soft smooth mounds
of Cindy's ass. She felt the passion rising within her as the soft
flesh yielded under her gentle touch. Her fingers dipping between the
cheeks and Cindy winced a bit.

"Careful there dear, I'm a bit tender there right now."

"Why's that?" Theresa asked absently.

"'Cause that delightful man of *ours* reamed me real good this
morning," Cindy replied tentatively.

"Back there? Did you want him to?" Theresa asked in surprise.

"God yes, back there! It was incredible. And yes, I wanted him to!"

"Why? Did you really like it? Is that why you were so strange at
breakfast?" Cindy chuckled, then sat up.

"My turn! I mean your turn!" she said devilishly. Theresa moved to lay
face down, but Cindy caught her half way and kissed her deeply. Her
hands found Theresa's breasts and caressed them as they kissed.
Afterwards Cindy pushed her down onto her stomach and squirted cool oil
all over her back and between her ass cheeks. Theresa giggled as Cindy
began to work the oil into her skin. It probably needed it after the
long soak she had had with John. She pictured herself looking like a
prune. Cindy saw a different picture and she rubbed her hands over the
tight blonde's soft skin. So perfect she thought, admiring Theresa's
backside. Her hands freely explored the young blonde's body as she
worked the oil into the skin. Then she indulged herself as Theresa had
as she rubbed the oil over her soft ass cheeks. Her fingers moved along
between the girl's legs and up against her vulva. Theresa moaned softly
in pleasure.

Cindy kept delving deeper with one hand between the blonde's legs while
her other hand explored the crack of her ass. The slick finger tip
sliding gently over her anus, teasing it. Rather than a direct frontal
assault upon the blonde's tender backside, instead Cindy squirted oil
upon her large breasts and knelt down and began to rub them all over
the girl's back, paying particular attention to her buns, but rubbing
essentially her whole body with her front side.

Theresa moaned with delight over the sensual massage. She could feel
Cindy's hard nipples surrounded by her large soft breasts sliding up
and down her backside. Now Cindy added her fingertips to caress the
blonde's sides. Adding a tongue sliding down her neck and behind an
ear. Theresa was becoming more aroused by the moment. To feel the firm
brunette's body sliding sensually over her body. Every so often a slick
hand would slide beneath her and over her nipples or between her legs.
Just as often it would slide over her vulva or tease her anus. Theresa
found herself desiring to be touched there more and more.

She didn't fight it when Cindy rolled her over onto her back. She
suddenly felt oil squirted over her breasts and down her abdomen then
between her legs. Cindy first spread the oil with her fingers and then
lay atop her and began to squirm against her. Caressing her whole body
with her own. Their lips met and their passion grew. Cindy's large firm
nipples sliding sensually over Theresa's, now as hard in response. Her
tongue began to explore Theresa's ears and neck. Sliding down over her
nipples and back and forth sensually across her stomach.

She knew how to sneak up on her prey, just like John did. Her tongue
tracing the line from her hip bones down the natural crevice and around
her clitoris. The tongue explored seemingly at random, slowly zeroing
in on her love button. All the while Cindy's fingertips were exploring
the rest of her body, tweaking her nipples or sliding under her ass to
tease her tender anus. Without Theresa being aware of it Cindy had
zeroed in not only on her clitoris with her tongue, but upon her anus
with her fingertips. Her one hand moving back and forth between
Theresa's nipples.

Cindy guided Theresa's hands to her own nipples. Which freed her hand
up to explore the rest of her body. It slipped between her labia lips
and a finger began to explore inside her. Knowing instinctively how to
rub and turn and twist to find and caress Theresa's G-spot. Cindy's
tongue found Theresa's clitoris in earnest as her fingertips began
probing inwards on her anus.

Everything felt like a natural progression in their lovemaking. Theresa
hardly noticed when a finger snaked inside her tender orifice. It
seemed a natural thing. Her mind awash with the passion of the assault
upon her tender body. Her hips writhing in response to Cindy's
attentions. Her anus opening to the further assault of an additional
finger, then another. Cindy's other finger tweaking her G-spot as her
tongue lashed rhythmically at her clitoris.

Theresa was now gasping for every lung full of air. Never had she known
this deep an assault from her lover. Had she thought of it, never
before had Cindy done any more than just a cursory probe of her
backside with a little finger. Now her fingers were deep inside both
her pussy and her anus. Theresa was consumed with what Cindy was doing
to her. She was totally abandoned to whatever her lover wanted to do to
her.

Cindy knew exactly what she was doing to the young blonde. She sensed
every quivering muscle in the girl's body. She could feel the tension
of orgasm quickly building. Too soon. She backed off slightly from each
of her probes until she held her friend right on the very precipice of
orgasm. She kept her there until Theresa was begging for release. Cindy
held her there with her tongue and the fingers in her backside as she
withdrew the fingers from inside her. She used them to bracket and peel
back the skin over the clitoris so she would have the most control. She
snaked a little finger back into the tight vagina as a reference for
the blonde's muscle tension. She brought Theresa to the edge again and
again, holding her there mercilessly.

Tears streamed down Theresa's cheeks. Her whole body burned for
release. She didn't understand what Cindy was doing to her. Never
before had she tortured her so. Every nerve in her body was alive and
tingling. Every single one screaming for release. Now Cindy carefully
increased her attention upon Theresa's tender anus. She wouldn't know
what had happened to her. But the body wracking orgasm when it came
would be centered not upon her clitoris or vagina, but rather upon her
tender anus.

Theresa felt random nerves firing all over her body. This was not like
any orgasm she had experienced before. Random goose bumps ran in waves
over her body. Her lungs gasped for every wheezing breath. She felt
herself building to the most massive orgasm of her life, yet it felt
like no other. She couldn't pin down what the difference was, but she
liked it. When it came it was like a hot poker had been crammed up her
backside. Her body convulsed as one tight muscle. Her mind awash in
ecstasy.

At that instant Cindy dove in and bit upon her clitoris. Three fingers
left and reentered Theresa's backside again and again. The scream from
Theresa's lungs like that of a tortured animal. The firm young blonde's
hips rose off the chaise high in the air. Cindy crammed all three
fingers in as deep as they would go and wiggled them. Then all hell
broke loose in Theresa's body. Her ass was on fire. Her body convulsed
again and again. She wanted nothing more than whatever Cindy was doing
to her. It consumed her mind and body. Suddenly the fingers were gone,
the tongue was gone.... and Theresa was gone.

A soft white light seemed to surround her. Her body was floating.
Random convulsions ran over her abdomen. Goose bumps came and went. She
shivered in the warm sun. She snuggled to the lithe body now caressing
her back and sides. She felt tender lips upon her neck an then her
lips. Slowly Theresa responded to the movements. A tongue slid over
hers and she tried to chase it, only to have it touch elsewhere on her
body. Fingertips touched her there, and there and there... Warm skin
against hers. Nipples against hers. All felt perfect, all just a part
of the limbo she floated in. Her own fingers searched the softness and
found the warmth they sought. Her tongue sought out and found another.
She moved her nipples around and found the hardness of others. Her
fingers found a warm sticky place and began to explore it.

Finding the spot her mind told her was right, she began to rub it in a
manner she knew was right. She moved over the object beneath her and
caressed it with her body. Her tongue found spots her mind sent it to
hunt for and tasted them in a manner she knew was right. A rich womanly
aroma filled her nostrils and she followed it in abandon. Then a rich
nectar of love was upon her tongue. Just then a matching fiery probe
found her own nectar.

Each movement of her fingers was mirrored upon her body. Each flick of
the tongue an assault upon her own womanhood. She abandoned herself to
pleasing herself. When the next wave hit she lost all feeling and
thought for a long time. Slowly Theresa became aware. The sun was warm
upon her body. There was a warm soft leg draped over her and a soft
warm body snuggled to her side. Eventually her mind identified it as
her lover... and all was right with the world..... She slept a
contented sleep.

Lips were upon hers. A voice was speaking tender words in her ears.
Theresa opened her eyes into the eyes of her lover. Lips met hers once
more, soft and tender, like they should be. And then the words began to
take meaning.

She slowly sat up and said, "Yes, I'm starving!"

Cindy chuckled and said, "Welcome back, lover. Have a nice trip?"

"Um.... delightful. ...... What the hell did you do to me?" Theresa's
eyes came wide open in question. The lithe nude brunette before her
just chuckled and kissed her tenderly. As she had that morning. Theresa
thought ... and then it all made sense... sort of. Cindy chuckled and
stuffed a part of a sandwich into Theresa's gaping mouth and handed her
a Pepsi. Theresa nodded her thanks as she began chewing.

"I suggest you shower part of all that oil off before you slide away.
I'm headed there now if you'd like to join me." Theresa nodded her
accent and continued chewing as Cindy moved her tight body away from
her draping a towel over her shoulder. The oil glistening off her tight
backside as her dark hair cascaded down her perfect back.

It took another few minutes of chewing and sipping at her soda before
Theresa smiled and headed after her.

Chapter 19

Cindy welcomed her into her arms when Theresa stepped into the shower.
The shower was a mixture of tender kisses, caresses and a soapy,
sensual squirming together. Theresa luxuriating in the feeling when
Cindy washed her hair. Her head tipped back between Cindy's breasts.
They finally dried each other off and then by unspoken mutual consent,
donned their Spandex jump suits. Cindy never did explain what she had
done to her. It didn't matter. She was her lover.

The girls found John just finishing up his business in the Com room.
They each tenderly kissed him and then moved to their own machines to
check their stocks. Later they snuggled together and watched a movie
off the satellite. John volunteered to cook pizza and the girls sort of
melted together after he left. Nothing serious. Just enjoying the
closeness of each other. John returned with a huge combo pizza, a bag
of plastic plates and napkins and a small cooler of soda's. Just then a
great old movie came on and the three of them lounged and ate pizza
while they enjoyed each others closeness. Each kissing each other from
time to time or caressing a lock of hair or feeling a breast.

Somehow the time passed. They noticed it was now late evening and they
all headed arm in arm towards the bedroom. They seemed to undress for
each other by mutual consent. They made soft, tender love to one
another and then caressed each other to sleep. Theresa had never known
such happiness before in her life. She was no longer worried. She had
two lovers who loved her completely. She loved them with all her being.

The next morning she awoke with a smile on her face. Cindy grinned and
told her to snuggle while she made breakfast. She gave her a quick peck
on the lips and moved off. Theresa snuggled to her man as she watched
her woman snake into some terry shorts and a tank top, then head for
the kitchen. All was right with the world. She turned to gently kiss
her man awake.

Slowly over a week's time Cindy related the story of the extra probes
on John's machine. Theresa didn't feel the least bit threatened when
she consented to the additional probing. After Cindy's prepping,
Theresa responded much as Cindy had, almost hurting herself in her
abandon. The second wave of passion the morning after, followed by the
feeling that it was all *too* much. Within a few days their lovemaking
was pretty much back to normal. Anal intercourse forgotten by unspoken
mutual agreement, but a new stronger bond of love between the three of
them.

The digitizer and casting table were forgotten for the moment. It was
several months before they came up again.

Chapter 20

For the next few months life was roses. John was happy, Cindy was
happy, and Theresa was happy. Outside the snow was melting and the
ground was turning green. Now the roof was rolled back almost all the
time. The girls accompanied John on his surface forays just to get over
their growing cabin fever. He laid out sections of the property in
preparation for planting. Lots of corn and other vegetables. They made
a welcome trip into town for provisions and a small tractor for the
garden.

Driving lessons for the two girls and gray hairs for John. Not so bad
as if they were out on the road. They retrieved the second 'cruiser
from the storage shack and soon the two women could be seen cycling
back and forth down the dirt road as they practiced their driving
skills. Then more gray hairs on John's head as he got them each up to
speed out on the highway. He was a good teacher for all the worry it
brought him. His biggest worry was out on the highway. If they got
pulled over he was going to jail. Somehow they never encountered a
highway patrolman. A very lucky thing. Both girls then just sixteen.
With Cindy the eldest at just a few months older than Theresa.

They had a bit of a spat about the women getting their licenses. John
patiently explaining the law to the two of them. Then making them look
it up themselves when they wouldn't drop it. In the end the women
relented. Forcing themselves to be contented driving the thirty-two
miles of dirt road out and back. At least they got to drive. John made
their studies a condition of their driving practice, but at this point
either could have easily passed their GED's. John obtained some
advanced courses for them without telling them that they didn't need
them for their GED's. No harm in learning more than they needed and
giving them a head start on College.

In the mean time both girls were maturing drastically. Their bodies
filled out even sexier. The big surprise was when Theresa actually
passed Cindy in breast size. The girls' hips finished their spreading
and both of them, all things considered, turned into stunningly
beautiful young women. They were also turning out to have a bunch of
business savvy. Under John's tutelage their investments grew at an
awesome rate. Within a few years they would be financially secure
themselves. John actually dreaded that time. What would hold them when
they no longer needed his money? It would turn out to be the least of
his worries.

Spring passed on into summer. The women worked side by side with John
on the garden. Grudgingly wearing at least minimal clothing when they
were above ground level. They would strip down to nothing almost the
instant they moved inside. John suggested that they hang shorts and
halters by the door, like he did his work gloves. They chuckled over
the idea, but eventually took him up on the idea. The rest of the time
indoors they lounged around in mostly nothing.

John bought them each sexy bikinis, but it was a hard task getting them
to wear them. Whenever they lay out in the solarium it was completely
nude. (The solarium was the only place John would let them go nude
while exposed to the sun.) As such their tans filled out... completely.
With just the hint of tan lines where they wore their work shorts and
halters. They quit their arguing with him the day the man from the BLM
showed up.

He drove to the gate, honked and waited. The women scrambled down the
stairs all excited and roused John out of his work room. Himself
wearing just shorts, T-shirt and sandals. He told the women to stay
close to the garden while he walked out to talk to him. He didn't open
the gate until he was all the way up to it.

"Howdy!" he called to the BLM man. Noticing the stenciling on the side
of the pickup.

"Howdy... and who might you be?" the BLM man asked suspiciously.

"John Stevens, I *own* this land. Who's asking?" John shot back.

"John Fisher, BLM. That's who."

"Hello John, what can I do for you?"

"Just a wondering, noticed a bit of rutting on the road. Don't get much
travel on these roads out here. Don't like to see erosion get a start."

"Well, not much chance of that, this being mostly *flat* land. But
since you mention it I've got a ninety-nine year right of way from the
government to use the road. I'm the only one that's got any business
out here so don't worry about it. Whenever the road starts to get too
bad I'll pay to have it graded."

"All thirty miles?"

"Yup."

"You have any idea how much that would cost?"

"Yup, the price of a grader and at least two weeks of my time."

"You'd do it yourself?"

"Maybe, if need be. What's all this about anyway?"

"Just curious like I said. Like to know what's going on in my
district... what are you doing out here anyway?"

"Gardening. For now."

"What kind of gardening?" he asked suspiciously.

"Vegetables. For eating."

"What about the silo?"

"What about it?"

"What you doing with it?"

"Not much, the sucker leaks like a sieve. Got a dandy well for my
garden though, if I needed it. Got enough water in that damn hole to
water a golf course if I had a mind to. Got shafted real good by the
guys who sold me the property."

"Yeah, talked to them a while back. They're the ones who got me
wondering what you're doing out here. Thought I saw them two kids go
down into the silo to get you."

"The top floor is above water table, hung a few floors in the walls
before the water rose up last winter. Flooded out two months hard
work."

"Who are those kids anyway?"

"Just my nieces. Their mom sent them out to work for me for the summer.
Mostly they're a pain in the ass. Always bored and wanting to go to
town. I let them practice their driving up the dirt road and back. But
won't let them onto the highway till they get their licenses."

"I don't envy you."

"I don't envy me.... Listen, anything else you want to know?"

"Naw, I was just curious what was going on out here. Vegetables, you
say?" John sighed.

"Guess you'd better come take a look so I don't get the drug sniffing
dogs out here in the middle of the night."

"I didn't imply anything of the sort!"

"No, but you was thinking it. Come on. May as well walk." The BLM man
shrugged his shoulders and then followed John. The plants were all high
enough for him to identify as vegetables. He looked carefully down each
row. Much more carefully in the direction where the women were weeding.
His eyes popping wide out of his head as he strained not to look *too*
closely to their shapely bodies, their lithe forms quite clearly
defined in their halter tops and shorts.

"Tammy, Charlotte Ann, come over here and meet Mr. Fisher of the BLM,"
John called. The women wiped their hands on their butts and walked over
with as little interest as John hoped they would. When they got close
enough John said, "John Fisher, these are my nieces Tammy, the blonde
and Charlotte Ann." They looked at him suspiciously and shook his hand.
Now they were up close, Mr. BLM was fairly drooling.

Cindy turned to John and said, "Uncle John, it's hot out here. Can we
go get something cool to drink and maybe play Nintendo or something
till it cools off? Maybe take a swim?"

John jumped in, "I told you girls that water was too deep and cold!
You'll get a cramp and drown and your mother will never forgive me. I'd
end up dredging a hundred feet of water just to find your body. If
you're finished with your chores you can go in and cool off, but stay
away from the edge of the water!" Cindy kind of shrugged and headed off
with Theresa in tow, before she could speak.

"Come on Tammy, afore he thinks of something else for us to do!"
Theresa looked thoughtfully over her shoulder at the BLM man. And
thankfully followed Cindy down the stairs.

"Nice kids," the BLM man said, watching them the whole way.

"Pain in the ass to get any work outta," John said.

"Yeah, know what you mean. Probably hard on them out here in the middle
of nowhere."

"They can lump it through the summer. I take them into town every now
and then."

"Don't envy you, having to *watch* them two." John just looked at him
in mock disgust.

"Nothing wrong with them a little bible learning and hard work wouldn't
cure," John said. (Having no idea how prophetic his words could be.) At
the mention of the bible the BLM man turned and started back to his
truck.

"Guess you're all right out here. Let me know if I can do anything for
you... and keep an eye on that road erosion."

"Yeah.... fix it myself if I have to."

"Might check out the price of a grader before you get any ideas about
that."

"Might do that. Thanks." John walked him back to the gate and watched
him drive off before he triggered the control to shut it. He casually
walked back to the silo before he walked inside and fired up the road
sensors; Which placed the BLM truck just over the nearest hill. John
grinned to himself as he rounded up the women and explained the
situation. He kissed each of them in thanks before he herded them
outside, barking unheard commands at them and pointing to different
unseen flaws in the garden. He climbed aboard his little tractor and
started to smooth out the roadway inside the compound.

John caught the flash of binoculars in the sun a while later and then
noticed the cloud of dust as the BLM man headed finally down the road.
He waited a bit and then went inside to verify his absence by the
sensors. He watched them for a long time, to be sure he didn't turn
back. Something told him that he hadn't seen the last of Mr. BLM. He
set about wiring the sensors into a computer interface. When he was
finished the computer would let him know if Mr. BLM got within ten
miles of the place. He could have made it farther. He next wired in a
bunch of the personnel sensors all around the silo property. When he
was done, nobody could get within miles of the place by ground without
John knowing about it. If anybody should touch the fence, all hell
would break loose. John tested it with sticks and rocks. Throwing hunks
of sagebrush up against it. Nothing gave any false triggers. One touch
of a human hand would set it off though. '*Nice hardware* the
government had spent his money on,' John thought.

The girls were kind of spooked by the whole thing. Theresa was silly
enough to ask why John had introduced them as his nieces Tammy and
Charlotte Ann? John looked at her in exasperation as Cindy rolled her
eyes.

"Well darlin', guess I could have introduced you as two runaways that I
keep around 'cause they're cute when they're nude and are real good at
sex for their ages..... " John mocked. Theresa blushed bright red.
Cindy busted out laughing.

"Look, sorry. But if he should choose to look, he will find I actually
*have* a step-brother who has two girls about your ages named Tammy and
Charlotte Ann. Real hellions last I saw of them, they both ought to
have juvi records by now. Come to think of it, it may have been a
mistake to name them. They both may be on the lam for who knows what by
now."

"Oh..." Theresa said, still blushing.

"Listen sweeties, I don't think we've seen the last of Mr. BLM. So when
the road sensors go off we're going to have to *look* like a hard
working family for the time being. In the meantime I'm gonna go over my
paperwork about the road. So go play and let me think," John said.

"But why did you try to give him the impression the silo was flooded?"
Theresa asked.

"Cindy, why don't you go explain capital gains, real property
appreciation and taxes to her while I work this out," John mused,
digging into his safe for the papers.

"Come on Tammy, afore he thinks of something else for usn to do!" Cindy
said with a smirk as she took Theresa by the hand and led her out. "My,
what a cute 'lil ass you're getting, gal!" she said, cupping it in her
hand as she rounded the corner. John spent the next few days reading
the fine print on his title and right of way lease. Several times the
sensors went off and when Mr. BLM's glasses flashed in the sun, all he
saw was the three of them working on the garden.

About the time it started getting old, John found what he needed; The
*government* was responsible for *all* road maintenance as a condition
of the lease. The lease was fully transferable by the government to
whomever held title to John's property. As long as it was duly noted
with all named agencies. John got on the phone with his lawyers to
verify that all parties had been duly notified. Yes, all parties
mentioned and a few more for good measure.

John got onto the phone with the regional BLM office. He identified
himself and read off a lease reference number. The regional director
got onto the phone and asked what he could do for John. John mentioned
as how a very nice Mr. John Fisher -BLM representative extraordinare-
had made a trip or two out to his place to tell him how he was worried
about the road condition and so John had looked into the price of a
grader -and golly it really was a lot-, but when he got to looking at
his right of way lease, he had found that according to paragraph such
and such of said lease agreement, wasn't the government responsible for
those *thirty-two miles* of road if they was really getting *so* bad?

Mr. Regional director could only stammer that he would look into the
situation and would let John know what he determined. John asked if he
wouldn't be nice enough to notify his Lawyers with such and such law
firm if there was any further question about the matter. Mr. Regional
director duly noted the name and promised he would take care of the
situation. Next time Mr. BLM drove past John's road he cringed
internally. No matter what kind of kinky funny stuff those people were
into it wasn't his business. He felt like he had been reamed by a
freight train!

The Regional director himself had him in his office for two solid hours
making it VERY clear that he should not set foot within ten miles of
that road. Let alone let his-self be seen by the current land owner,
lest he remind the current owner that the *government was, in fact,
responsible* for road maintenance, out of *his* budget, from which Mr.
Low level BLM man's salary was *also* derived.

When Mr. BLM had tried to defend his butt by bringing up funny goings
on and scantily clad nubiles, Mr. Regional Director had made it VERY
clear that he *didn't give a rat's ass if a devil worshipping puppy
lovers cult was growing poppies on the property and performing ritual
sacrifice of hamsters to appease the spirits*. When Mr. BLM had
persisted that the silo was made of the toughest concrete on the planet
and shouldn't have leaked *that* bad, Mr. Regional director had asked
him to estimate the approximate cost of maintenance over that
particular road.

"Oh, about seventy thousand dollars to run a grader over it once a year
and truck in needed gravel." Mr. Regional director had then presented
Mr. BLM with a like statistic relating to his salary along with
associated benefits, federal retirement plan etc. Now, Mr. *low* level
BLM representative, guess *exactly* where the money will come *from* if
it's needed to perform maintenance on *that* particular stretch of
road? Mr. BLM had finally gotten the point.

Mr. Regional Director decided he'd better cover his ass just in case.
He had drafted a letter to the law firm John had mentioned stating that
the road was not all that bad, but that the BLM would keep an eye on
it. Should the owner feel that the road needed service then he should
let the BLM know. He carefully miss-labeled the address by one zip
code. A phone call to a friend in the post office insured that the
letter would be intercepted. It was indeed and was returned marked
"*Party not at stated Address*". The letter was duly filed in the
folder with the local copy of the lease.

The Director then made an inquiry with a friend in the FBI. A quick
check of Mr. Stevens yielded that he did indeed have two nieces named
Tammy and Charlotte Ann... and that Mr. Stevens was VERY well financed.
Satisfied with the information and his actions, Mr. Regional Director
promptly forgot the matter.

Several weeks later John reclined in the Solarium, sunning himself.
Theresa came out and proceeded to strip off her shorts and halter. John
patted the chaise in front of him. Theresa smiled and moved to join
him. Laying back with her head on his chest. John enjoying the view
down between the young blonde's breasts. He moved his hands around to
gently cup them. Theresa moaned softly at his touch.

"You think this is safe?" she questioned.

"Quite. I think we've seen the last of Mr. BLM."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Oh.. I trust the bureaucratic way of thinking. See, I found that the
*Government* was actually responsible for maintenance of the road. I
made a phone call to the office of the regional director and made
mention of my discovery.... emphasizing my concern over Mr. BLM's
assertion that *I* was responsible for it. I would say that right now
the BLM's main plan is for me to forget all about the ruts in our road
and that Mr. BLM wishes that he never heard of this section of the
county."

"You really think so?"

"Yes... for no other reason than I also trust in human nature; Mr.
BLM's eyes near popped out of his head when he met you and Cindy. He
would have been back with his binoculars trying to catch a glimpse of
your tender bodies if he hadn't been scared off."

"Think you're smart, don't you!"

"Know so," John replied, softly running his fingers over Theresa's
nipples. They responded immediately and she turned her head to meet his
lips.

Chapter 21

The summer passed way too quickly. The crops grew. The women grew firm
and tan. John continued to *grow* despite his age. He began to wonder
if the legendary dysfunction of age, came from living with older women
who seemed to lose interest in sex, for sex sake, after their child
bearing years had passed. He didn't ponder it too deeply. He was, for
all intents and purposes, a happy man.

The women around John -as that was what they really were now- seemed
happy as well. They had purpose -their studies and their investments-
they stayed physically active and healthy. In fact they seemed to have
boundless energy -perhaps simply from youth. When they weren't working
in the garden, swimming or working each other and John into a sexual
frenzy, they worked out in the gym. Putting endless miles on the
treadmill.

Each afternoon they studied, *really* studied. Then it was sunning in
the solarium followed by another swim. In the evening they would all
meet for a while on the deck and watch the sun go down and the
incredible desert stars come out. Then they would retire to the kitchen
where they practiced their cooking skills. Trying out recipe's they
found on the Internet. While dinner was cooking John would sometimes do
some star gazing through his telescope, or retire to the Com room to do
some research on companies for investment. Sometimes he would tinker in
his workshop.

They would all gather together for dinner. John instigated the practice
of actually getting fully *dressed* for the evening meal. The women
didn't object, in fact they came to enjoy it. It gave them a chance to
wear the clothes they had been so hot to buy on their shopping trips.
After dinner they usually retired to the Com room and searched out a
movie off the satellite. Usually towards the end someone would start
feeling frisky.

It was seldom, that of the three of them at least two weren't feeling
amorous. But the relationship was now comfortable enough that even if
two weren't, it was OK. Even when not interested in sex, they were all
always cuddly and sensual. Life was good. Perhaps too good to last. The
trouble seemed to sneak up on them in the early fall.

Once Harvest came, all worked pretty hard picking and preserving the
vegetables. Theresa being physically tired from her garden work, took
to surfing the Internet, instead of her afternoon workout. After
several weeks of this she began to get kind of moody and reserved. John
stumbled on the reason quite by accident, when his computer was tied up
he used hers to search for something. When he called in her bookmarks
he found a whole list of religious references.

"Oh Shit!" he said to himself. He held back his fears and began to
follow the thread of the bookmarks chronologically. Reading the
information presented and developing a mental picture of the path that
Theresa had taken. He was shaking with fear upon completion of the
mental journey. He cornered Cindy.

"*We've* got a problem," he told her.

"Oh? Aren't we giving you enough love?" she asked, mischievously
reaching in his shorts.

"Hardly... Stop that. I'm serious," he giggled. Cindy pulled back in
mock dejection, pushing her bottom lip way out.

"OK, what's our problem?"

"Theresa's getting religion."

"Huh? Is that bad?"

"Maybe the worst. It could destroy our whole relationship." Cindy sat
back and looked at him. He was quite serious, but she didn't understand
why.

"How so? Isn't that her business?"

"Of course, but it could affect us both drastically as well. That sort
of makes it our business too."

"Have you talked to her about it?"

"Not yet.. Haven't you noticed her moods lately?"

"Yeah, figured it was just a phase."

"Well, I just found out why.... She's been surfing religious
information on the Internet."

"And you think that's bad?"

"I think you'd better follow the path I just did and decide for
yourself. Just follow her bookmarks chronologically from about two
weeks ago. In the meantime I think I'm gonna have a talk with her."

"Without me?"

"No... I guess not. Maybe we better talk about it again after you read
what's got me spooked."

"You're really serious about this, aren't you?"

"Yes.. very serious. It scares me to death."

"OK, I'll go see for myself.. Think you can keep her busy for a while?"

"Maybe...I'll try." Cindy hugged him reassuringly and then moved off to
see what all the fuss was about. John moved off to distract Theresa. He
found her in the library, studying. "Hi ya, toots. What's shakin?"

"Oh, Hi John... Just studying."

"Feel like a swim?"

"Not really, kind of bushed from working."

"And what a cute bush it is," John teased. Theresa frowned at the pun,
but put her book down and looked contemplative at John. "What's on your
mind, love?" John asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. Just my life and the way it's going."

"Not happy with your direction?"

"No, I'm not *un-happy*. But it seems like something is missing." John
was silent for a time, formulating his response. He knew the signs,
having been through them himself and having watched it again and again
with friends and people around him. There comes a time when a person
starts to ask himself the meaning of life. The eternal questions: Is
there more, what does this mean? Why is life this way? How should it
be? All valid questions, but not necessarily with tangible or easy
answers.

"Perhaps your life has required you to grow up a little too fast. A
person doesn't usually get that feeling till they're in their twenties.
Some people never seem to notice."

"Notice what?"

"That yearning you're starting to feel for answers to questions you
don't know."

Theresa kind of nodded, but asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh.. I think you know. Listen, love. I want you to know one thing."

"What's that?"

"That Cindy and I love you very much. And there's nothing you can't
talk to us about." Theresa dropped her eyes and kind of swallowed
before she spoke. Her words came hard to her, her voice soft and
strained.

"I know that... I love you both too...."

"But?" She just shook her head. John moved to her side and hugged her.
Theresa half let it happen, half hugged back fiercely. "Okay, Kitten. I
won't push. When you're ready to talk about it, just remember that we
both love you. Don't be afraid to talk to us about it. We may just
surprise you." Theresa hugged him a bit more, then turned back to her
studies. John sighed and moved off. After he left, Theresa looked after
him, staring into space. A kind of shudder passed through her. Cindy
was just leaving the Com room when John walked out of the elevator. She
kind of rolled her eyes at him.

"Just gonna take a swim, care to join me?" he said. Cindy nodded and
they silently trekked down to the pool. They both stripped off and dove
in. John swam a few laps and then found a floating chair. Cindy kind of
waited for him and then climbed up into his lap. For a time they just
hugged each other. Cindy lay her head upon his chest, tracing her
fingers through his sparse chest hair.

"So, what do we do?" she asked finally.

"I don't know that we can do anything other than just be there when she
decides she wants to talk about it. I just hope that it's not too late
when she does."

"But why is she even interested in it?"

"Oh... that's sort of just a natural part of growing up. A person
starts to look for direction in their life. Religion is an easy trap
for a lot of people."

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Oh...not necessarily. There are a lot of sound principles of life at
the foundation of a lot of religions. I just never cared for the
bullshit rules that went along with them."

"What principles?"

"Oh... ethics for example. Although most people confuse ethics with
morals. Ethics are when a person is inherently good when nobody is
looking. Morals are a set of rules that religion intends to govern
everybody's' lives, because they say so. I'm a *very* ethical person,
but many people -perhaps most- would not think of me as a very *moral*
person. In fact most would probably think of *us* as very immoral. But
when a person is looking for meaning and direction in their life,
religions can supply a ready set of guidelines that are easy to follow,
which may by happenstance result in an ethical lifestyle." Cindy kind
of nodded against his chest.

"I found my direction when I came here," Cindy said, snuggling tighter
to John. John just listened. "Before I came here I had no direction. I
didn't give a shit about school. I didn't respect myself or anybody
else. I didn't appreciate work, or self fulfillment.... I had no self-
fulfillment. I didn't care about anything or anybody. I was just out
for whatever I could take from the world...... Even in my attitude
towards *you...*. I was out to take you for whatever I could get. Even
with as generous as you were. You saved me from a living hell, and I
was out to... " She fell silent.

"I know. You were kind of a bitch at times, back then. Not too bad
though."

"You don't think so now?" Cindy asked, fearfully. John pulled her face
around and looked into her eyes.

"Listen, Lady. I'm so proud of you I could bust. No. I don't hold your
attitude when you came here against you. People learn from those around
them. You never had any opportunity to know any better. You were a
mirror of what your life had been like. We all are. But when you were
given a real opportunity to change and grow, you embraced it. I didn't
expect it to happen overnight. I'm amazed that it took so little time,
really. Some people never change. But you did. You dived in with both
feet and took control of your own destiny. When the time comes for you
to move on, I know you will do well."

"What if I don't want to move on?"

"Well, that's more than I could hope for.. or would wish for. There's
too much of life out there that you haven't experienced yet. I wouldn't
want you to cheat yourself out of it."

"So you'll kick me out?"

"No, Never! I won't have to. A time will come when you will *want* to
move on."

"Are you so sure?"

"Yes.. . right now you love me. You may always love me - I hope you do.
I know I will always love you. But I've come to see the *woman* you are
becoming as well. I expect great things out of that woman. You don't
accomplish great things in a hole in the desert."

"You have."

"What? I got lucky. I took the proceeds of that luck and I made a fancy
hole and crawled into it."

"Maybe, but you've profoundly affected two lives while doing it. And
what about your tinkering?"

"Just addressing my basal perversions and fears," John kind of
chuckled.

"How so?"

"Well... at this point I have you and Theresa digitized, physically
that is. When you *and* her move on, I could still build dolls to your
exact specifications that I can snuggle to on long winter nights." John
*half* joked.

"So, deluxe sex toys huh?" she giggled.

"I guess..."

"I don't think so. I've been investigating your work. There's more to
it than you've let on."

"How so?"

"Oh... articulated mannequins, custom clothing, life-like artificial
limbs."

"Hey... You have been investigating!"

"Yup. You're a fraud. A big phony. You act like you don't give a shit
about the world and then go off by yourself and work on something that
could profoundly change it."

"Nice that you think so."

"Oh... I'm pretty proud of you too."

"Are you now?"

"You know it. I think you're a wonderful, caring, generous person and
I'm damn glad I got to know you."

"Aw shucks, little lady."

Cindy turned her head to him, "Kiss me, and treat me like that woman
you *think* I am."

"My pleasure, Ma'am." The kiss started gentle and sweet. They made love
face to face, looking into each others eyes. When Theresa found them
they were snuggled close together, floating blissfully around the pool.
Happy and satiated. A man and a woman in love. Part of her smiled at
the scene. Part of her screamed internally.

"Dinner!" is all she said and she turned and left.

John sighed, then said, "For the next little while, I think we should
sleep one of us on either side of Theresa. So she'll wake up between
us."

"Why?" Cindy inquired.

"Just so she won't forget that we both love her." Cindy nodded. They
kissed softly once more and then made their way to the edge of the
pool.

Chapter 22

John and Cindy dressed for dinner and then went up. Theresa was
dressed, but more casual than usual for dinner, wearing Jeans and a
sweatshirt. She nodded curtly to John and Cindy as they entered. She
declined any assistance with the meal. The tension in the air seemed
thick.

"Have a nice swim?" Theresa asked after a time.

"Very nice," Cindy replied.

"I'll bet," Theresa murmured quietly.

"You mad at me about something?" Cindy inquired.

"No, what would I have to be mad at you about?" Theresa mocked.

"I don't know. You tell me," Cindy replied. Theresa shrugged and poked
about her rice and vegetables. John could see a confrontation coming
up. He reasoned that Theresa would feel crowded if it happened so soon
after his attempt to draw her out. He caught Cindy's eye and shook his
head. She nodded. The meal lapsed into a long drawn out silence.

"I've been thinking about what you said about my machines, Cindy," John
said. Theresa looked up puzzled. John briefly explained about Cindy's
observations about his experiments.

"So what about it?" Cindy queried.

"Oh, I thought it might be fun to try some fashions. That is, if you
two are game?"

"Great!" said Cindy.

"I guess that could be fun," Theresa replied, non-enthusiastically.
After dinner John led them off to the lab. He called up their images on
the computer, one at a time, beginning with Cindy (on purpose). He
showed them how he could rotate the image and look at it from any
angle. The image was incredibly lifelike. Like a camera was viewing
Cindy's body, real time. She had him scan beneath her and zoom in. Her
vulva presented itself in lifelike similarity. As often as the others
had viewed this, she still blushed a bit. Theresa seemed even more
uncomfortable. John quickly changed view.

He called in a series of different pictures and mapped them over the
scanned image of Cindy's body. This elicited an excited response from
both women. Soon they were mapping landscapes, starscapes and even
faces over parts of their anatomy. A fun one was when John mapped the
visual scans of one woman's images over the physical scans of the
other. For some reason these images appealed to both women. Cindy
appeared to have Theresa's nipples. Theresa, Cindy's darker pubic patch
and shade of skin. However neither liked it when the facial images were
mapped upon their features.

"So how do we make the clothes?" Theresa inquired.

"Well, if you think of the clothes like a negative image of the body,
then first we have to make a positive image to map over. Kind of like
how a photo is made. So first I have to make mannequins of you two."

"Oh, I get it.... I think," Theresa said.

"I get it," Cindy said, "So how do we do that?"

"That is the easy part. I can even color them correctly. You two sure
you won't mind having doubles around?"

"As long as they don't talk," Cindy joked.

"Not yet..." John replied.

"I guess not," Theresa said. John moved to the tank table and made some
preparations. Then back to the computer. He called in a program and
started it up on Cindy's image. The women watched in fascination as the
arms moved back and forth building layer upon layer of her body. Cindy
noticed when it started to replicate the lower body cavities and wisely
distracted Theresa to some other images on the computer. (At this point
John had hooked up several computers in the work area.) Slowly the
machine replicated Cindy's body. Starting on a foundation of cables
John had strung between multiple points off where the fingers, feet,
hips, shoulders, and head would be. The chemical smells drove the lot
of them out to the solarium.

Cindy stopped by for a bottle of wine. John and Theresa were snuggled
in the double chaise when she showed up with the bottle and some
glasses. She pulled another chaise close and poured the wine. John had
installed dim red utility lights to preserve his night vision for
astronomy. The conversation was quite a bit less tense. John and Cindy
let it stay that way. They sipped their wine and enjoyed the Autumn
sky. It was cool and Theresa snuggled closer to John. Cindy retrieved
some knit afghans for them. John pointed out different stars and
planets. Occasionally John and Cindy joined hands. Theresa didn't seem
to notice. When Cindy slid her hand over Theresa's leg, Theresa sat up.

"Let's go check on the machine," she said. She jumped up and moved off.
Cindy looked after her and sighed.

John took her hand and said, "Just give her time... and a little
space."

"I know.. but it feels like I'm losing my best friend."

"I know.. I hope not. *Let's go see what I've created*," John finished
in his best Peter Lorry impression. Cindy rolled her eyes. Theresa was
bent over the image, studying it. When John and Cindy entered she swung
around excited.

"It's fantastic! It looks just like Cindy!" she gasped.

"But it's having a bad hair day!" Cindy observed.

"Have to work on that. Probably a wig. Didn't think that either of you
would go for shaving your head though, so I kind of faked it."

"Can I touch it?" Theresa asked.

"Uh... sure. I think so. Try the bottom of the feet first. I'm not sure
how fast the coloring dries on the foam."

Theresa tentatively poked at the foot. "My god, it feels like a foot!"

"It should, I scanned for softness and varied density of the mixture
based upon the readings. Won't be exact though as it doesn't account
for bones." Theresa checked her fingers. The coloring layer was dry.
She probed at "Cindy's" hip bone.

"Yeah, not quite right... but pretty close!" Cindy traced her fingers
down over her "breasts". She shivered a bit.

"Kind of spooky. Like touching yourself without feeling it. Seems my
nipples are going to be perpetually hard though."

"Have to scan you while you're asleep, huh?" John joked.

"Let me see," Theresa suddenly said.

"What?"

"Your breasts. Let's see if they look the same." Cindy looked hopefully
at John as she smirked and opened her blouse. Theresa began to look
back and forth between the mannequin and Cindy. Without thinking she
reached a hand out to each and ran her fingers over them. Cindy's
nipples changed instantly to match the mannequins. Theresa absently
squoze a breast in each hand. Cindy kind of closed her eyes in
pleasure. Theresa was distracted by her investigation. She didn't seem
to notice the effect she was having upon Cindy.

"So.. do they feel the same?" Cindy asked huskily. Theresa seemed to
realize what she was doing and dropped her hand from Cindy. She seemed
a bit embarrassed but kept squeezing the mannequin.

"Almost.. Certainly more real than any mannequin in a store," Theresa
answered, self-consciously. She pulled away from the breasts and looked
sort of longingly at the rest of it. She ran her finger tips over the
face and kind of shivered. Cindy took Theresa's hand and pulled it to
her face. Theresa didn't seem to mind this. She smiled at her and
continued her comparison. "Remarkable," she concluded, pulling her
hands away from both. "So what about clothes?"

"You used to like me best like that," Cindy smirked. Theresa frowned a
bit, but let it pass.

"Sure," John jumped in. He explained as he went about forming thin
tissue paper over the mannequin and spraying it with a light oil: "This
will keep the next layer from bonding, I just tell the computer how
thick to make it and what materials to use. I can duplicate many of the
synthetics. I have to work out spun fabrics and cottons. But I can
simulate a light nylon spandex by inserting a crosshatch pattern with
gaps between rows." He elevated the figure a bit to work on the back.
The whole frame tilting up, lifting the figure with it. It was like
Cindy was tethered in the frame from multiple points. She kind of
shivered. When he layered the pubic area he grinned back at Cindy.

"Feels pretty real to me." She blushed a bit. So did Theresa. He
finished up the top layer and moved to the computer, calling up a
program. "What pattern?" he asked.

"How about just a flesh colored suit to start with," Cindy suggested.
John shrugged and entered some data. The machine started up again and
began weaving a pattern over the mannequin. "How will you do the back?"
Cindy inquired.

"The machine will lift it," John replied. The progress was slow. Soon
the monotony of the repetitious arms became boring. Cindy started to
yawn. "Why don't we let it run and call it a day." The others both
nodded. "Oops!" John said. He momentarily stopped the machine and made
some quick adjustments to the program.

"What?" Theresa asked.

"Oh, just forgot to add a way in and out. It would have fit perfectly,
but I would have had to cut it off the mannequin and sewn it onto
Cindy."

"Oh..," Theresa nodded. He started the machine up again. Now as the
arms passed over the top of the shoulders it connected front to back by
single thread lines along the top, spaced out every half inch.

"Have to put some kind of closure along there, or seam in some Velcro
or something." Cindy watched for a bit and nodded. Then yawning again
she kind of tugged Theresa by the hand.

"Come on Tammy, afore he thinks of somethun else for us'n to do," she
joked. Theresa chuckled, but let herself be led. John watched them
leave. Then turned and watched the progress for a while. After a time
he move to the mannequin. The arms were busy on the top end. He
carefully peeled back the tissue over the pubic area. He ran a finger
down over it and pushed inwards. A tiny membrane of foam resisted his
finger and then parted. His finger slid into the vaginal cavity. He
felt around a bit, nodding to himself.

"Not a virgin anymore huh?" he muttered to the replica. "Feels pretty
real to me. But could use some lube." He withdrew his finger and
replaced the tissue carefully. He looked longingly at the replica and
then made a check of fluid levels and such. Then shut down the lights
and headed for the bedroom.

Cindy kept hold of Theresa's hand as she led her to the bedroom.
Theresa didn't seem to mind. Once there Cindy turned to her and pulled
her into a hug. Theresa at first let this happen, then returned it
fiercely. Cindy just returned it as seemed fit at the moment. She
kissed Theresa softly and then started to remove her clothes. Theresa
seemed hesitant, but then began to disrobe. Cindy could sense her ill
ease and didn't press. Not particularly watching Theresa. She moved off
to use the bathroom and brush her teeth. Theresa entered and with just
a brief hesitation sat on the toilet and used it. Cindy seemingly self
absorbed with her teeth. She finished and rinsed and then moved off.
Theresa finished and then brushed her own teeth. John entered the
bedroom.

Cindy looked at him and whispered, "Give us some time alone."

John nodded and as Theresa left the bathroom commented, "Think I'll
catch a shower and then maybe check my E-mail. Don't really feel sleepy
and I've got a bit of a head-ache from the chemicals." Theresa nodded
at him and gave him a quick hug and kiss. John headed for the shower.
Theresa slipped into bed with Cindy. Cindy dimmed the lights out from
the headboard and Theresa moved to snuggle to her, laying her head on
her shoulder. Cindy gently caressing her. Theresa absent mindedly
feeling her friend's skin under her fingertips. They lay this way for
some time, just caressing each other.

"Cindy... " Theresa said softly.

"Yes, love?"

"Do you ever think about our relationship?"

"Quite a bit actually. Why?"

"Oh... What do you think about?"

Cindy snuggled to her and said, "Well.. I think about how much I love
you. And what a difference you made in my life when you talked me into
coming here. And how nice and sexy you are... I kind of have my
favorite spots on your body. I've always liked this area where your
breasts curve out of your ribs." Theresa giggled as Cindy caressed it.
Then kind of caught the hand and intertwined her fingers.

"But... does it ever bother you?"

"In what way?"

"Oh... I mean loving another woman?" Cindy hardly hesitated.

"No. It doesn't bother me at all. I love *YOU*. Not because it follows
a set of rules that somebody else made up. You've been my *best friend*
for years. You've been my lover for years. It's kind of like you're
like an old comfortable sweatshirt."

"Oh Thanks!"

"You know what I mean. I'm comfortable with you. I love lots of little
things you do. I'm used to having you there to talk to. Seems like I
love you more every day."

"But doesn't it bother you that I'm a woman?"

"No... Does it bother you that I am?"

"...... I.... I .. don't know."

"What's not to know...? Look lover; I enjoy the special kind of love we
have *because* you're a woman. We *understand* each other's bodies in a
way John never can. As kind and gentle as he is, and as talented a
lover as he *is*, he can never *feel* the same things we do. He never
had menstrual cramps. He doesn't know what a tongue feels like on a
clitoris. When I make love with you... it's like making love to myself.
I know exactly what you will feel when I do a certain thing. I know
exactly what it feels like when I touch you a certain way or in a
certain place." Theresa kind of nodded against her shoulder and was
quiet for a bit. Cindy gave her time.

"But.... does it ever feel.... *wrong* to do it?"

"No.. why would it?"

"Cause..... we *are* both women. We're not supposed to feel this way."

"Why not? Who said?"

"Maybe 'cause....... God said."

"God?" Theresa was quiet for a bit and then nodded. "Did *God*
personally tell you this?"

"Well... no. But it says in the Bible." Cindy sighed.

"Look, love.. That was written by *MEN* thousands of years ago... *if*
it was even translated correctly. Men who *said* that God talked to
them....At that time conditions were a whole lot different than they
are now. There weren't *five billion* people on the planet. It was
important then for the population to grow. There was strength in
numbers. And presenting things that way kept men in control. I don't
know how much of that stuff I believe... but I have to take a good hard
look at it and think about it before I buy any of it. Personally, I
don't think that God would object if I show affection to someone I
dearly love. I do know that society objects to anything that threatens
their narrow little niche of thinking. They like things to stay the way
they are. Women loving women, or men loving men just rubs them the
wrong way. But who are we hurting?

"If the way we *are* was known by society, it might make some of them
uncomfortable, but they don't live their lives for me. They don't know
what my life is like. Why should I live my life for them? It's *my*
life. I'm not ashamed of my love for you, or for John. Society would
take almost as dim a view of that too. I love you both dearly. And with
the exception of how it would affect our lives, and our ability to live
our lives the way we want to, I don't really give a shit what society
thinks about the way I live. If I want to feel the softness of my
lover's breast, in private, it's none of society's damn business."

Cindy ran her hand softly over Theresa's breast. She trembled a bit
under her touch. Cindy pulled her head back and ever so gently kissed
her. Tears welled up in Theresa's eyes, but she responded to the kiss.
Cindy made love to her as gently as she knew how.

Theresa's desire grew like a flame. When her orgasm came it was
accompanied by a sob. Theresa needed the love she felt, but was more
confused than ever. She clung to her lover as they caressed each other
softly.

Cindy said quietly, "I... think you ought to talk to John about this
too. He's a whole lot smarter than we may give him credit for. I know
he loves you dearly. He's a whole lot better at explaining things than
I am too." Theresa just nodded against Cindy's breast. They continued
to caress each other to sleep.

John found them snuggled together, sleeping, but just. Their bodies
still damp from the perspiration of their passion. He snuggled to
Theresa's side and gently kissed her on the shoulder before nodding off
himself.

Chapter 23

The next morning Theresa awoke between her two lovers. She smiled to
herself about the feel of them against her body. Then something began
nagging at her. One of the bodies was another woman. The other was an
older man. Neither was her lifetime mate. She was married to neither of
them. The rules said that it was all wrong.... so why then did it feel
so good? She thought about the words Cindy had said the night before.
At the time they had all made sense. She had found herself nodding in
agreement with almost every sentence.

As she tried to reconcile them with other things she had read, they all
seemed twisted and perverted. How could they be both things at once?
Which one was true? She gently kissed her friend on the forehead and
then turned to her man. She felt the firm muscles of his chest against
her breast and the protrusion of his manhood against her leg. She
kissed him on the forehead as well and then carefully extracted herself
from between them.

She stood at the foot of the bed looking back down at the two of them.
They seemed to sense the vacuum between them and in their sleep seemed
to roll towards each other. An arm moved searching over Cindy's side
and sort of pulled her towards him. She responded in her sleep and
rolled to meet him. Once together they suddenly seemed content once
more. The gap closed. It had all been totally sub-conscious. Something
was missing and they had moved to fill the gap. Now they were whole.
Without her.

Theresa stood there looking at them feeling like a fifth wheel. Like a
spare tire hanging on the back in case it was needed. It didn't occur
to her that what was missing between them, was her. That they had moved
to compensate for her absence. All she saw, was a whole made up of the
two of them, that didn't include her. She shivered a bit in the morning
coolness. A vast empty, lonely feeling swept over her. She felt a
thickening in her throat and a stinging in her eyes. She turned and
hurried to the bathroom. Perhaps she could find some reference of
stability in her morning bathroom routine.

She found little. In the shower tears flowed from her eyes and merged
with the falling spray. She cried herself out and then stepped out of
the shower. Drying herself, she caught her reflection in the mirrors,
partially obscured by steam. She wiped them off with the towel and was
surprised by the image that was reflected to her.

She was torn by what she saw; one, an image of a beautiful young woman.
Firm of body, yet sensually soft. Her breasts high on her chest. Her
nipples puckered up in arousal. Her soft, blonde pubic mound cleft in
the middle by the protruding glistening peak of her clitoris. Her hips
wide, yet svelte. The sleek line that traced down her side and over her
thigh into her leg.... Yet, Secondly she saw an emptiness in her eyes.
A pout on her lips. A scowl on her face. Why the scowl? If she was
actually *that* lovely woman who's image looked back at her, then why
should she not be ecstatic with life?

She turned away from her reflection. She dried her hair and combed it
out. Trying to see the details to guide the mechanics of her actions
without actually looking at the reality of the whole image. She moved
to the wardrobe and again stopped herself from consciousness. Without
thinking she selected sheer, light panties, a tight short skirt and a
clingy, satiny blouse. When she viewed the result in the mirror, she
gasped at herself. The satin material of the blouse clung to every
curve of her breasts. The dark circles of her nipples clearly defined
down to the goose bumps that the image invoked.

She returned to the wardrobe and added a satin bra underneath the
blouse. Examining herself once more she found a stunning woman looking
back at her. She shook it off and searched out a pair of stockings and
suitable shoes. Averting her eyes away from the many mirrors, she
stealthily crept out of the bathroom and through the bedroom. She
lingered once more in the dim light of the room, viewing the couple
snuggled against each other. A part of her mind now placing the sleek,
firm woman reflected in the mirror between the two of them. For some
reason, it fit perfectly. Now they seemed less than whole without that
image between them.

She smiled at them and moved the comforter over the sleeping pair,
careful not to disturb them. Feeling a warm, comfortable feeling inside
herself. A glowing warmth from the love she felt for each of them. She
longed to crawl back in between them. Instead she crept out and made
her way towards the kitchen. She navigated automatically. Her mind
elsewhere. Without thought she passed by the kitchen and found herself
in John's laboratory. She turned on the lights and made her way to the
second table. There she stood gazing at the beautiful image before her.
The machine had completed it's task during the night. Cindy's
Doppelganger now resided suspended within the metal frame. Now a knit
body suit clung to her every curve and crevice. The dark firm nipples
clearly defined even through the oiled tissue beneath the sheer,
delicate fabric.

Theresa found herself becoming aroused by the sight. Her hands drawn to
the figure before her. They moved over the replica lightly, feeling the
softness beneath the light fabric. One hand moving up to caress a
perfectly packaged breast. The other down over the abdomen and over the
soft mound of Venus and between the legs. Deciphering the ridges of the
labia beneath the light, woven fabric. Her breath caught in her throat.
She stopped her investigation only when she caught herself moving
towards the face of the image. She had actually been going to kiss the
replica!

The realization brought her to her senses... sort of. She looked
longingly once more at the mannequin and then finally actually made her
way to the kitchen. She set about making breakfast. Again without
really thinking. She knew what she was going to prepare, without ever
consciously thinking about it. John's favorite breakfast was Monte
Cristo sandwiches with dark, rich coffee and champagne orange juice.

John awoke snuggled to a warm body. Without thought he moved a hand
slowly to a breast and softly cupped it. As good as it felt, something
was wrong. He opened his eyes. It took him a moment to realize what
*could* be wrong with waking to the feeling of a firm breast in one's
hand. It was the *wrong* woman's breast. Not that there was anything
wrong with the woman whose breast it was, but John had purposely
bracketed Theresa between them when he had crawled into bed. Now she
was gone! Cindy responded to the hand on her breast and rolled towards
him as she opened her lovely green eyes.

"Good morning," she smiled at him.

"Good morning," he smiled back. They tentatively moved into a light,
reserved, morning kiss. As if on cue, Theresa appeared at the door
laden down with a giant serving tray.

"Oh good, you're awake!" she bubbled, setting the tray down on a
dresser.

"Damn, Theresa. It was my turn to cook! Gonna have to flog you if you
keep this up!" Cindy said, looking up, then to John, "That is still the
punishment for an uppity servant isn't it? Flogging?"

"I take the fifth. Never actually flogged anybody in my life," John
replied.

"No biggie, I just woke up before you and felt like doing something,"
Theresa said, selecting two mugs of coffee and handing them to the pair
in bed.

"Felt like doing something.... Damn, you look fine, girl! How long have
you been up?" Cindy asked.

"Oh.... an hour or so, I guess," Theresa replied. John nodded his
thanks. Took a sip and slipped out of the bed heading for the bathroom,
mug in hand.

"Great coffee!" he called over his shoulder. Theresa watched his bare
backside retreating then turned to Cindy, who was studying her closely.

"An hour huh? .... And showered, fluffed, primped and packaged like a
million bucks, then made breakfast in your spare time," Cindy mocked
knowingly.

"Oh.. maybe a bit longer," Theresa demurred, sipping from her own mug
of coffee.

"OK... But you can't fool me. I know better. Thought I'd worn you our
last night. Must be losing my touch."

"Not that I'd noticed," Theresa replied absently, rolling her eyes.
John returned from the bathroom. Theresa's attire had prompted him into
a terry wrap around robe. He handed one to Cindy, who nodded her
thanks. Slipping into it as she slipped away to the bath.

"Breakfast in bed?" John inquired.

"For my man, only the best," Theresa replied quietly, "Besides, I think
I owe you one." She was thinking of the first morning after she had
arrived. John looked at her a moment and then moved to kiss her
lightly.

"You look nice," he said, pulling back.

"Oh... just felt like something different," Theresa said. John eyed the
tray.

"Monte Cristo's? Champagne orange juice? Dressed to Kill? Different
huh? OK... who am I to argue with Nirvana."

"What's Nirvana?" Theresa inquired.

"Hindu Heaven... A place of ultimate happiness. The epitome of
Pleasure," John said, selecting a Monte Cristo half. Theresa looked
thoughtful.

"Maybe I should read up on it." Perhaps that was the way, thought John.
Expose her to all religions.... Better yet..... A history of religion
showing how beliefs diverged and merged. To Theresa he just nodded.
John moved a small, short table over next to the bed and moved the tray
to it. Then climbing back onto the bed, he scootched back against the
large padded headboard. Motioning to Theresa to sit by him. She smiled
and moved to his side, kicking her shoes off first. She snuggled to his
side and sipped at her champagne orange juice as he selected another
Monte Cristo half. Cindy exited the bath and crawled up next to
Theresa's other side.

"Now that I've brushed my teeth, may I thank you properly for breakfast
in bed?" she said. Theresa turned to her and they melted into a deep,
searching kiss. Theresa's breath catching in her throat. She enjoyed
the kiss much more than she felt comfortable with, but she didn't fight
it. Rather she returned it in good measure.

"Now that's more like it!" Cindy said softly when they finally parted,
smiling at Theresa. Theresa blushed a bit. John's hand casually traced
up the inside of Theresa's leg as he chewed.

Swallowing he remarked, "Almost seems a shame that you did such a nice
job covering up. Makes me want to rip it all off again. Perhaps it's
safer for me that you girls haven't seemed to notice that clothing can
be much sexier than full nudity."

"She does look sexy, at that," Cindy agreed. Theresa blushed even more,
but enjoyed the attention she was getting. She sipped her orange juice
and leaned back between them. Her other hand tracing softly over
Cindy's leg. "Can I have some of that food?" Cindy requested. John
passed her the plate of sandwiches and held it while she selected one.
Then passed her a champagne orange juice. She took a sip and then
twisted to place it on the headboard.

"Kind of like this breakfast in bed thing, gonna have to think up a
better tray system though. Maybe trays that can hang on the sides and
swing out over the bed."

"Always the inventor," Theresa chuckled.

"Speaking of which, I wonder how my outfit turned out?" Cindy said.

"Incredible..... I poked my head in and looked at it before I made
breakfast," Theresa replied.

"Really?"

"It will fit you like a second skin..... Maybe John's right about
clothing being sexy. The sight of it made me want to rip it off. That
damn mannequin is almost too damn real."

"That's what I had in mind," John remarked.

"I'll bet.." Cindy muttered to herself knowingly, then louder, "I can
hardly wait to try it on if it's that sexy.... And maybe let Theresa
rip it off."

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," John said, "This could cost me a
fortune in materials. Might be worth it though."

"Damn, you look fine, girl!" Cindy said suddenly. "Haven't seen you all
dressed up like this for a long time. Didn't realize just how beautiful
you were getting." John nodded enthusiastically.

"Both of you are getting sexier every day. Wish I could have scanned
you both when you first arrived. Then I could show you just how much
you've both changed."

"Don't think I was ready for that damn personal machine probing my
smallest niches when I first got here. Probably would have run
screaming out of the place and turned you in at the nearest town."

"If you'd made it. It was damn cold if you'll remember," John remarked.

"Yes... I remember. You were the first *gentleman* I ever met. You were
so damn respectful I thought you didn't like me."

"Just how *did* you two get together?" Cindy asked, "Theresa never told
me how she happened to be here."

"I ran over her on the way back from the liquor store. Figured it was
safer to keep her hidden than to turn myself in," John joked.

"No, I'm serious!" Cindy remarked.

"So am I," John replied.

"You ran over her?" Theresa nodded.

"You tell her, I'm eating," John remarked. Theresa poked him in the
side and then snuggled to him as she started to tell Cindy the story of
how they met. Her eyes dreamy as she related the story. Despite his
chewing, John filled in details from when Theresa was unconscious
between bites. Theresa listening intently to these parts herself.

"You mean you stripped and bathed this lovely creature and didn't lay a
hand on her?" Cindy asked.

"One of the hardest things I ever did. I was so damn horny I thought my
dick would pop. Probably a good thing she stayed unconscious. If she
had woken up and seen my raging hard-on I don't know what she would
have thought!"

"Probably would have attacked you. I was pretty horny myself at the
time. When I did finally wake up, down in what's now the gym, I didn't
know where I was. My clothes were all gone. I was clean, and I hadn't
been. I had on these damn giant jockey shorts and a man's T-shirt.
Didn't know what to think. All sorts of things passed through my head.
Then this nice *old man* brought me breakfast in bed. Felt like an
episode of the Twilight Zone."

"But how did you happen to be out here in the first place?" Cindy
asked.

"Oh... Caught a ride with this damn cowboy. God, he was ugly. He waited
till we were way out of town and then started to feel me up. I tried to
fight him. He punched me in the eye. He pulled over and unzipped his
pants and pulled out this pitiful little, ugly cock and told me to suck
it or walk. I got out. He shrugged and drove away. Took my backpack
with him. Everything I owned at the time. It was night and real cold
and I didn't have enough on. I walked along for a whole hour without
seeing a car. Then this fancy sports car came flying around a corner
and I just ran in front of it trying to flag it down. I realized too
late that he wasn't going to stop in time. Next thing I knew I woke up
in the Twilight Zone."

"Did you actually run her over?" Cindy asked.

"No... I got slowed down to five or ten miles an hour. Trying to swerve
at the same time. I caught her hip on my right fender. Threw her a good
twenty feet off the side of the road. She hit her head on a rock when
she landed. I thought I'd killed her, but she had a pulse. All I knew
was that I had better get her warm. The silo was the closest place.
Both to get her warm and to call for help if she needed it.

"I didn't even think about the case of scotch in the car. Probably
would have put me away for thirty years if she had died. But I hadn't
been drinking at all. I never do drink and drive.. anymore. I think
back from when I was young. God, I was stupid. Could have killed myself
and a whole lot of other people. If I'd been even slightly drunk when I
hit Theresa, I probably would have killed her. Even full sober I just
barely missed doing so."

"I'm glad you didn't," Cindy said, snuggling to her friend.

"Me too," Theresa chuckled.

"So how come you woke up in the gym?" Cindy asked, not thinking about
the master bedroom not being finished when she arrived.

"Oh... This wasn't finished. John was living down there, had it set up
like a little apartment. He gave me a tour of the place after I was
able to get around. Seemed more Twilight Zonish all the time. This
place was just a bunch of steel girders hanging in a cement tube.
Couldn't imagine for the life of me why somebody would want to live way
out here in a hole in the ground. Seemed like a nice old coot though.
And harmless. Seemed like a good place to hide out for a while."

"Nice *old* coot? *Harmless*?" John protested, "Why I should have
ravished you for a week and left you out for the coyotes."

"But you didn't.... and that's why I'm still here.... and in love with
you.... I still kind of think you're a nice *old* coot. But not quite
so harmless."

"Well, alright then. As long as you realize I'm not *that* harmless....
But I'm not that old!" John said, finishing the last of his coffee.
Cindy had been listening.

Now she inquired, "You mean that you've done all this work in that
short of time?" John and Theresa nodded.

"He did most all of it himself. I only started to help when we started
to work on your room. But I did all the plumbing to heat the pool."

"Almost all of it... I never did tell you how much I had to do to the
rest of the silo to deal with all the humidity you stirred up when the
water started getting warm," John said.

"But that's incredible. When I first saw this place I pictured
construction crews working on it for years!" Cindy said.

"Once he gets his mind set, John's an industrious little beaver,"
Theresa said.

"So what were you doing while John was doing all this work?"

"Oh, he set me to slaving away in the kitchen, but mostly I just
watched TV and played on the Internet."

"And plotted the best ways to seduce me while I was working! I still
remember that day in the workshop when she showed up wearing sexy
lingerie. Took her on the floor on a pile of sawdust."

"I had sawdust in my hair for days.... and it got into *everything*!
Itched like hell! But it was worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
He didn't try to fight me off much after that."

"Meet me in the workshop in ten minutes," John said.

"Oh no," said Theresa, extracting herself off the bed, "Time for you
two to get your lazy.... lovely... butts up. I've been up for hours
slaving away on your breakfast. Now Cindy, kiss me and then head for
the shower. I know you must feel like I did when I woke up. We got
pretty sweaty last night. John, put some clothes on, real clothes. I'll
be wanting you to take me for a walk around the estate after you and
Cindy are finished with your playing in the lab..... that ought to take
several hours.

"Cindy, you can dress casually till you and John are finished with your
play time. But then I expect you to dress properly..... for our walk.
Make it practical, but make me want to tear it off. OK? I'm gonna go
clean up this mess." Cindy and John just nodded to her in astonishment.
But didn't move.

"What, no morning loving for me?" John managed to stutter.

"NO....... Maybe after our walk I'll let you prove to me that you're
not *all that harmless*. Now move it!" Cindy bounced out of bed, her
robe flying open by the action. She moved to Theresa who pulled her
into a hug and then kissed her deeply. John climbed off the bed and
headed for the wardrobe dejectedly.

"I'll meet you in the lab after I load the dishwasher. I wouldn't miss
your trying on that outfit for anything. Now get in the shower!"
Theresa told Cindy, giving her bare buttock a resounding slap. Then
caressing where she had slapped.

"Yes, Boss," Cindy mocked, as she moved away rubbing her glowing ass
cheek. Theresa watched her move, noticing how lovely the curves of the
cheek were before she turned to gather the dishes back onto the tray.
She lugged it back to the kitchen after she replaced her shoes.

Chapter 24

Cindy gasped at the sexily clad mannequin, "God, she wasn't kidding.
That's *me* there and *I* want to rip it off with my teeth."

"Me too, but instead let's slit these threads along the top. Damn,
forgot about the cables. Have to patch the holes there. Maybe
compensate for body sag if I just suspend from the fingers, toes and
head."

"Body sag! There isn't an ounce of sag on this body... 'cept these
lovely parts... and they're firm!" Cindy said indignantly, cupping her
breasts.

"Yes, they are truly lovely. No, I meant the sag in the center of the
mannequin that will result from its weight if I remove the cables from
the hips and suspend it from each end."

"Oh... I see."

"Hand me that Exacto knife. I'm eager to take this off myself." John
slit the tiny threads across the top and began to peel the outfit off
the mannequin. The hip cables presented a problem. He solved it by
shielding the mannequin with sheet metal while he torched the cables
between the body and the frame. Doing both sides and then cooling the
cables in a can of water before touching them. The ends were fairly
smooth, but wouldn't unravel as they were melted together. He ran a
file over some rough spots before he pulled them through the tiny holes
they left.

The arms and legs he just unhooked from the frame and snaked them
through the large openings in the outfit. Just for fun he suspended the
mannequin from ceiling hooks after he finished peeling off the outfit.
It looked spookily like a nude Cindy hung there from the ceiling. Her
eyes closed.... having a *bad* hair day.

Cindy took the outfit and peeled off her scant outfit. She had pulled
on only some tight terry shorts and a cotton halter top after her
shower, as per Theresa's commands. Now she stepped into the skin
colored outfit and began to tug it into place. It was much tougher than
she expected. Some parts slipped into place like they had been painted
there, others were much too snug. Between her legs the light fabric
followed her almost hair by hair, hugging her labia like a second skin.
She managed to get the outfit up over her breasts, but it was *way* too
snug in lots of places. Finally, with John's help she managed to get
the outfit all the way on. It stretched enough to accommodate the tight
spots. John threaded a needle and coarsely stitched the top seam back
together. He stepped back to survey his work, and started to salivate.
Just about that time Theresa entered the room.

"God... the mannequin's walking now!... Did her hair too! God, that's
sexy! Make me one!" she said.

"Too damn tight in places," Cindy muttered, looking at herself in a
mirror John had carted in and leaned against the wall next to the
replica Cindy.

"Been gaining weight? Maybe I'm feeding you too much?" Theresa joked...
drooling a bit herself. John carefully looked back and forth between
the two images.

"No... and yes," he muttered cryptically, "The problem is that you two
have been working out...... and growing up since I first scanned you.
You've both put on muscle mass and firmed up a bunch. Not that you
weren't slim to start with, but... yes, your hips and breasts are
bigger too... Your buns more shapely."

"Why thank you for noticing! I just thought I was getting fat. Maybe
all that work for a few veggies was worth it.... it even feels sexy....
if a little oily."

"Believe me, I noticed. On both of you. It just didn't occur to me last
night. No way that Theresa's would fit her with all the lovely extra
growth she's put on, on her breasts since I scanned her. Looks like I'm
gonna have to scan you two again if we're going to weave you
comfortable clothes that won't make your nipples blue.... that is if
you're up to it?"

Cindy looked at him and said, "Darling, you're welcome to probe any
part of my body with anything you want, any time you want!"

Theresa looked at her shocked.... but sort of nodded and said, "Me
too... let's do it. I'm kind of interested in the changes myself. Can
you compare the two on the computer so I can see what's gotten bigger?"

"Sure... I can even superimpose the images and highlight the changes.
I'm interested myself. Be a learning experience seeing just how girls
grow up.... who's first?"

"Why don't you go first, Theresa. This feels so good I want to wear it
for a while. It feels so sexy I may just wear it till my nipples do
turn blue! When I move it sort of caresses my... labia. It's beginning
to make me wet... besides... I've wanted to unwrap Theresa since the
moment I looked up at her this morning from bed; standing there dressed
so sexily, like she was gift wrapped."

Theresa blushed brightly. But didn't fight it when Cindy moved to her
and began to unbutton her blouse as her mouth moved softly to her lips.
She felt herself quivering. This alluring woman in the sexiest outfit
she had ever seen, desiring to see her unclad. She pushed her doubts
and phobia's aside as she abandoned herself to Cindy's soft touch
slowly peeling the sensual cloth from her body. She was getting pretty
wet herself.

John didn't *seem* to notice as he set about making preparations for
re-scanning Theresa's luscious body. Both women were fairly dripping
with passion when Theresa climbed up onto the scan table.

"Do we have to get so personal this time?" she asked.

"No..." John said, "I don't think an internal probe is needed. I doubt
those area's have changed very much. Maybe your vagina a little bit as
your hips grew wider, but probably not much. Unless you want to see how
much, I don't think we need put you through that indignity. The outside
scan will be just as personal though. OK? That is unless you want me to
re-probe your inside?"

"No.... at least not with this damn machine. Maybe with something else
if it gets me as hot as it did last time," Theresa said, half worried,
half excited.

"I don't need to get quite *that* hot myself. This outfit is doing a
pretty good job of priming my pump *without* that hot poker growing up
inside me," Cindy muttered. She moved up behind John and caressed his
chest as he started the scanner running on Theresa. When he didn't
respond enough, she moved off and began to caress Theresa, staying out
of the way of the probing of the scanner. She shared an upside down
kiss with her, bending over the top of the table. An arm indignantly
pushed her out of the way as it went about its task.

"Humph... a lot of damn good this outfit does. Damn machine won't let
me close to Theresa and you're paying attention to the damn computer!"
Cindy grumped. John looked up at her.

"You think I haven't noticed how that outfit looks on you, you aren't
as observant as I thought. But I don't want one of those arms peeling
off one of Theresa's perfect nipples either."

"Thank you," said Theresa, only half joking.

"Why look at that! Mr. Happy *is* wide awake and standing at attention!
As much good as it does me. Maybe I should get intimate with my
mannequin. She doesn't seem to be too busy at the moment."

"Why don't you..." said Theresa suddenly... then dropped her eyes as
John and Cindy looked at her startled. "I mean... I'd kind of like to
see what you look like next to... a twin." Cindy shrugged... but a part
of her seemed anxious to touch her double. She moved around it, sort of
letting her hands touch it here and there. She moved against the back
of it and felt the soft cheeks against her pelvis. Thinking that this
is what Theresa felt when she was behind her. She moved her hands
around front of the mannequin and traced her fingers over the hips and
along the curves within them. Then pulling it back against her, feeling
her breasts against the firmly muscled back. Pressing her pelvis up
against the cheeks of *her* buns. Without thinking her fingers traced
down over the pubic area and between the legs.

Theresa gulped, trying to strain her head up to watch and out of the
way of the scanning arms. The machine had begun it's physical probe and
she was actually oozing from her vagina. John was sitting with his
mouth open, touching himself unconsciously. He glanced over at Theresa,
and noting her predicament, moved to tip the whole scan table upwards
so she could get a better view.

"Kiss me," Theresa said huskily. John waited as an arm passed and then
kissed her passionately. He barely pulled back out of the way in time
as it returned. "Mmmm, that was nice.... perhaps before our walk...."
Theresa murmured, her eyes glued to Cindy and her *twin*. Cindy now had
one hand up caressing *her* breasts. The other had found the opening in
the crevice between the legs. She was exploring herself. Becoming
hotter by the second.

"Did you include *all* the scans you made on Cindy in that mannequin?"
Theresa asked.

"Uh...yeah. I did. Not on purpose, the machine just duplicated the
whole image. Why?"

"Oh... I was just thinking... Cindy might find it..... exciting.... to
see what it looked like... when you were.... well.... inside her...."
Theresa stammered out. John grinned at her.

"I think maybe you're right... and maybe she wouldn't be the only one
who found it... exciting." Theresa blushed deep red, but sort of
nodded. John kissed her deeply and then grinning like a Cheshire cat,
moved towards the twins, stripping off his clothes. Cindy watched his
approach with hungry anticipation. She had overheard Theresa's
suggestion and was surprised how much it appealed to her. She moved to
the side as John moved up to the mannequin, then moved in as in a three
way tryst. John's hands moved about over both the real and the
duplicate Cindy, exploring and comparing. He had to admit that the
duplicate felt VERY lifelike. The lips, however were in no way
satisfying. He sought out the real thing and they shared one of the
hungriest kisses of their relationship.

Theresa watched in fascination. Her body quivering with pent-up sexual
passion. The straps on her wrists forbidding her the pleasure of
touching herself only heightened her sexual frenzy. The probing fingers
of the scanner serving to excite her even further. When an arm moved in
to gauge her vulva her body literally shook with pleasure. The machine
didn't seem to care. Routines had been written to deal with movement.
The machine just patiently re-measured... re-probed the area in search
of repeatable, consistent readings. The effect was not lost on Theresa.
To her the machine just seemed to be probing her most sensitive spots
all the more often. She strained against her straps as her body began
to writhe in orgasm.

John guided Cindy to her knees. It took her just a moment to find his
manhood with her lips. Sucking him deeply into her mouth. His erection
as solid as she ever remembered it. She fought to bottom her lips out
around his throbbing unit. Then, the figure of her duplicate drew her
mouth like a magnet.

"Damn, no taste," she muttered.

"Oh... I'll bet you have an ample supply of the real thing to draw upon
by now," John urged huskily. In a flash one of Cindy's hands found its
way to a leg opening and under the thin fabric of her *second skin*.
Finding their way between her labia, she plunged them into her vaginal
opening. Alternating fingers in a frenzied search for fluids. Her body
quivering from her own assault. Her other hand searching identical
spots out on her alter-image. After thoroughly coating all her fingers
and much of her hand, she withdrew it and moved to smear them over the
entire area of the mannequin. Even up inside where her tongue would
never be able to reach. Her fingers sought out the rear entrance and
pushing in, de-virginized it as John had the vaginal opening the night
before. A part of her mind clicked on the occurrence. Realizing that
John had explored the duplicate vagina the night before only heightened
her excitement.

Cindy's tongue followed after her fingers. As the first waif of her
womanly aroma met her nostrils and the first taste of her nectar met
her taste buds, her real body began to convulse in orgasm. This only
drove her to search deeper with her tongue. John lifted first one, and
then the other of the mannequins legs. He grabbed a bit of packing rope
he had in the corner and attached the cables coming out of the feet to
lift them. He attached the other ends to hooks he caught over the edges
of the bare beams in the ceiling. Now Cindy's duplicate image appeared
to be sitting in the air. Legs spread wide to Cindy's oral attack.

A moan from Theresa caught John's attention. Looking over he saw the
poor girl glistening in the sweat of her own excitement, her body
trembling and quivering from the machines probing and her sexual
frenzy. He grinned at her, but moved back to the two *Cindy's*. As John
moved in Cindy lay back underneath the duplicate, staring straight up
into herself. She quivered at the thought that this was how she
actually looked from beneath. Quite sexy she thought. Perhaps even
sexier than Theresa..... Her hands grabbed John's member and guided him
between the labia lips. Spreading them for him with her other hand. The
area glistened with her juices and saliva. She positioned the head
against the vaginal opening.

Between the combined juices on the area, John groaned in astonishment
at close the duplicate felt to the real thing. Pushing in and feeling
the slick foam engulf him, almost identical in all respects except
temperature. Have to do something about that, he thought. Perhaps
heating coils inside around both orifices. and maybe a reservoir of
lubricant and a mechanism to seep it into both areas. He pushed in
until he felt himself bottom out against the duplicate cervix.

Cindy was in a frenzy upon the floor, her hands running all over
herself. Her body quivering with pent-up sexual tension. The movements
of her body causing the second skin of her body suit to ride up tight
against her labia. Her fingers traveling over the area, pushing the
fabric tighter into her natural folds. Then sliding beneath the fabric
to plunge into the warmth of her vagina. Mirroring the image above her.
John began to stroke within the pseudo love canal. Cindy's fingers
matching the movement within her own vagina.

She sat up and put her head up close to the scene. The rich aroma of
her womanhood lingering in the area serving to heighten her sexual
frenzy. Scant inches from her eyes, John's penis stroked inside *her*.
Her body began to convulse once more in orgasm. Her mouth found the
underside of John's manhood, stroking back and forth against her lips.
She snaked her tongue out and tried to compete with it around the foam
opening. The taste of her nectar meeting her lips from deep inside the
duplicate.

To John it felt close enough to the real thing that he felt himself
slipping towards orgasm. With a great deal of concentration he fought
it off. This wasn't made easy by the added feel of Cindy's mouth and
tongue along with her pseudo vagina. He found no help looking over at
Theresa, writhing against the straps of the scanning table. The scan
had stopped now, leaving her without stimulation to release her pent-up
frenzy any further. She fought at the straps, her hips bouncing around
as she fought to rub herself against the folds of her own vulva by her
movements. The area glistened with the moisture of her excitement.

As he watched she succeeded in overpowering the grip of the Velcro on
one wrist. The hand instantly found her pubic area. Her fingers
fumbling between her labia lips. Her thumb rubbing furiously against
her clitoris. Her body began to convulse almost instantly in response.
She abandoned her attack just long enough to free her second hand. Then
her hands were all over her body. The fingers of the first hand now
back probing inside her. The other sliding over her large breasts,
squeezing them and pinching her nipples. John was about to lose his
battle when Cindy suddenly stopped him.

"Put it in back! I want to see how it looks!" she gasped. John pulled
out in one motion. The opening slowly shrinking back, leaving a dark
tunnel just like the real thing. He moved around behind the figure and
positioned himself against the opening. He pushed inwards as he pulled
back on the inert figure. It fought him, being too dry.

"Have to go get some lube," John said. Theresa sat up and removed her
ankle restraints.

"This is silly!" she said. Both John and Cindy looked up at her
questioningly. The whole thing had been *her* idea. (and not such a bad
one.) "That floor is cold, I'm horny as hell and Cindy's about to bust
her seams from her writhing. We have a nice big, soft comfortable bed
downstairs with a drawer full of whatever accessories we could want.
Come on. John, can you bring the second Cindy? I don't think she'll
object." The two of them nodded enthusiastically.

But then John said, "Just one idea.... since we're likely to be a
while... why don't I thread the table up and get it started on your
replica... It'll only take a few minutes. Then the machine can do its
thing while we're doing ours."

"Good idea!" Cindy said.

"Not so sure it is. Don't know how much of this sort of excitement *I*
can take. With all this fuss that started over Cindy's double, think
what two might result in!" Theresa said, rolling her eyes. But nodded
over the suggestion. John pulled himself away from the two Cindies and
moved to the computer. The girls moving together in a hungry kiss
before coming to look over his shoulder. Just for fun John called in
the first scan and then wrote a quick routine to compare them.

As they all knew Theresa showed marked growth in her breasts. But also
over much of her whole body. Her hips were wider (and sexier), her
buttocks more shapely, but firmer. Her abdomen just plain firmer. But
the surprise was how much muscle she had put on her legs and arms,
particularly her shoulders. Looking at the images side by side, it was
obvious how much she had matured into a woman. In the first image she
looked considerably younger. But in the second considerably sexier.

"Glad to see I'm improving...," Theresa mused.

"I'll say! Damn, I knew you were looking fine, but I didn't realize how
much finer you had gotten to be. I thought you looked super back then.
Now...." Cindy just shivered.

"Nice to know you feel that way..." Theresa said, but blushing just the
same. "Come on, lets get a move on!" she concluded. John shrugged and
move to thread some new cable in the casting frame. To avoid the
problems encountered with Cindy's image, he added some removable
connections to the hip locations. Then he moved back to the computer
and started the process rolling. He watched for a minute to be sure it
was working right and then moved to disconnect the second Cindy from
the beams. He carried her over his shoulder as he had Theresa the first
night. The girls snatched up what few clothing items were on the floor
and followed him down. Once there, John unceremoniously dumped her on
the bed.

"Hey, take it easy with me!" Cindy joked. Theresa passed by and headed
for the wardrobe. She returned with two silky items. She pulled a pair
of crotchless panties onto the mannequin and then added a cupless bra.
Somehow the second Cindy got sexier. "To bad she can't kiss worth a
damn. I wouldn't mind finding out how good a kisser I am," Cindy
laughed.

"Good enough for me!" Theresa said, pulling her to her to prove it.

"Guess I'd better get aquatinted with Cindy's twin," John pouted.

"The hell you are! I'm about to bust! I call squatters rights. That
brazen hussy is going to have to wait! So climb up there so I can
squat!" Theresa commanded. John brightened visibly and moved to obey.

"Oh look, Theresa. Mr. Happy's gone back to sleep," Cindy mocked.

"Not for long if I know our John," Theresa replied, climbing onto the
bed pulling Cindy behind her. The two women descended upon John's
shriveled member. Fighting a mock battle between them, alternating who
took the high ground with her lips. John's hands began exploring their
firm, young bodies. Paying particular attention to Theresa's. His hand
found her large breasts and played lovingly over them. In short order,
he was at full attention once more.

Theresa kissed Cindy passionately, then moved over John's hips. Cindy
moved hers over John's head, pulling the soft fabric of her second skin
aside. He began to lap upwards into her womanhood as Theresa positioned
herself against the head of his penis and began to lower herself. John
was instantly aware of the difference between a live vagina, and a foam
one. Theresa was warm and firm and slick with her own juices. Her
vagina slowly stretching to accommodate his manhood. She continued to
lower herself until he felt himself strike bottom against her cervix.
And then she continued her downwards pressure until her thighs were
flat against his.

John lapped upwards, Cindy leaned back against Theresa's breasts and
Theresa's hands moved over Cindy's breasts as she began to move her
hips over John's erect member. Cindy's head turned back and the girls
kissed over her shoulder. John was in seventh heaven. The firm
Theresa's vagina sliding tightly over his manhood. The rich aroma of
Cindy in his nostrils. The view up over her flat abdomen and between
the twin peaks of her firm breasts. He lapped and stroked away in
blissful abandon.

Theresa was going out of her mind with John's big member testing the
confines of her young, tight vagina. She worked her way into a frenzy,
only letting up as she felt John starting to tense too soon. No sense
wasting it. She settled down to a slow easy rhythm that eased up on
John while actually heightening her satisfaction. The strokes were long
and deep, pressing hard against Theresa's cervix at the end of each of
her down strokes.

She wished that John hadn't had his vasectomy. She longed to feel his
semen expelled right up against her cervix to begin its long swim into
her uterus. Now the fluid was there, but contained no swimmers. She
thought. The image of John ejaculating against her cervix pushed
Theresa over the edge and she began to buck wildly about in orgasm.

Theresa's sudden convulsions triggered Cindy's spasming upon John's
tongue. He lapped hungrily up to catch every drop of her discharge.
This didn't distract him quite enough to avoid his own orgasm, which
had been very near. His hips lifted high up off the bed, lifting
Theresa with him and pushing up HARD against her cervix as his seed
gushed into her. Theresa screamed with mixed pain and pleasure as her
imagined image came true. Feeling a sudden warmth up further inside her
as part of his fluid forced it's way into her uterus. She spasmed long
and hard, her mind awash in the white explosion of orgasm which sent
her away. Her body -with a mind of it's own- continued it's
contractions randomly. She fell off to the side of John, unaware of
anything.

Cindy continued her bucking upon John's face. He had a firm grasp of
her thighs with his hand. Each time her hips lifted in orgasm she
lifted John right up with her and his tongue never stopped. Five times
he rode her wild hip gyrations before he released his grip and she fell
to the other side.... right on top of herself. Almost without missing a
breath she moved her hips against the mannequin. Pushing the legs apart
and pushing her pelvis area into her doubles. She began to grind her
hips against the inert figure. Her body jerking in wild contractions.
Again and again she cried out and spasmed until exhaustion took her and
she collapsed down on the inert figure. Her hands still roaming over
the mute figure. Her head nestled between the foam breasts.

John watched in amusement for a moment, and then turned to Theresa who
was just beginning to stir. He softly caressed her body as she opened
her blue eyes to face him. She pulled him hard against her and hugged
him with all her might. Her body quivered and jerked once more
spasmodically.

When she could breathe again, she said huskily, "What was it that
character in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy said about earth.....
'Mostly harmless'." She grinned.

"Welcome back, lover. Have a nice journey?"

"Very nice.... one of the nicest. Was I gone long?" she queried.

"Not too long... missed Cindy's finale though. She raped herself till
she passed out." John chuckled. Theresa looked over at Cindy's inert
form atop the second Cindy's inert form. The top one was breathing deep
and regularly. Sweat trickled down off her face and over the
mannequin's breasts. Theresa reached out a hand and caught a drop on
her fingertip, bringing it to her lips.

"I do love that girl.... And you," she said, turning her face once more
to John's.

"I love you too," John replied. They melted into a soft sensual kiss,
accentuated by the salty drop still upon Theresa's lips. Then Theresa
snuggled to him once more.

"John..."

"Yes?"

"Do you ever think about... God?"

"Some..."

"What?... I mean what do you think about him?"

"Well kitten... One, I'm not so sure he's a he. Perhaps rather an
*it*."

"How so...?"

"Well... over the years I've developed my own theories. Think about
this: Every single particle in this universe is aware of every other
one. Perhaps not much. But some. A movement of a single particle on one
side of the universe will have an effect upon every single other
particle. Some effects may be strong, connected with either the strong
or weak nuclear force. Others much weaker, connected by the force of
gravity which diminishes with the square of the distance between them.
This may result in a minuscule effect over the distances of the
universe, but *it's not nothing*. There *is* an effect. Now... Am I
losing you?"

"No... I sort of follow so far."

"Good... Now it's been speculated by some -I can't quote who- that
intelligence is based upon levels of complexity. That when a system
becomes sufficiently complex, that it becomes aware of itself. Now I
tie in an obscure study I read about a thing called 'ordered states of
chaos'."

"Lost me there."

"Chaos is a state where there is no discernible order."

"Then how can it be ordered?"

"Well, according to the study, Certain patterns seem to emerge again
and again within many systems which were thought to be chaotic.
Indicating that it isn't really chaos, just that the pattern is not
readily discernible."

"Oh.. I think."

"Not an easy concept, but bear with me... These ordered states seem to
be natural niches that *any* system seems to *like*, for lack of a
better word. Not only that, but the states seem to be self replicating
once started."

"How so?"

"I mean that once a system drops into these states of order, it tends
to have a growing effect upon the elements of the system not yet part
of the order, until the whole system, or parts of it resemble these
states of order. Kind of hard to explain, but I get the feeling that
these ordered states are the foundation of life itself."

"Ooh... you mean that there is physical evidence explaining the mystery
of life?"

"Well... not quite yet. But I'm glad you made the connection. I don't
know if anybody else ever made the connection from this study. I have
it here in the library if you want to read about it. But I wouldn't go
so far as to say there is a direct connection just yet."

"So how does this all tie in with ... particles in the universe being
aware of every other particle?"

"Because, I think Kitten, that the universe is aware of ITSELF. Think
about the defining factors you may have read about God. Omnipotent,
Omniscient -all knowing-. In all things, through all things. My theory
fits all those criteria. And if intelligence actually does occur as a
result of a level of complexity, well what's more complex than the
universe itself?"

"Oh... I get it.... Then it really would be all powerful. If it took a
mind to, it could do... anything. So God really does exist," Theresa
said, profoundly.

"I think so.. but that doesn't mean that he takes an active part in
every little sub corner of himself. That would be like you trying to
control the growth rate of a particular toe nail, or -closer to scale-
a part of a single hair. While you may, over years of bio-feedback
training actually come to be able to minimally influence that (just for
the sake of argument), you're not likely to try. You pay more attention
to your overall health. If a pain presents itself to your
consciousness, you deal with it the best way you can.

"Anyway... All this means is, that while I do feel that God exists,
that existence doesn't have the same effect upon me that it does upon
believers of organized religions. I think that God is way too busy
going about the business of making new stars and blowing up old ones...
-which makes you and I possible as we are all made up of elements which
were once part of stars- to be bothered with whether or not I'm being a
good boy."

"But if that's the case, then wouldn't it make sense that he would
visit a few on each planet and give them rules for living?" Theresa
asked.

"Uh..... hadn't thought of it that way, but I don't think so. The thing
that makes us want to believe that sort of thing is the belief that we
are somehow special. I don't think that's so. If the rules of ordered
states of chaos are true here, then they are true everywhere. That
would make life *very* prolific. Arising anyplace that would allow
those states to exist physically. Now that is probably one hell of a
lot of places. On the order of millions to billions of planets just
like ours alone. Let alone places which may only let those conditions
to exist for certain intervals of time.... actually again just like our
planet.

"Some time in the future our sun will expand to the point where it
devours our planet. Won't happen for some billions of years yet, but it
*will* happen. There are billions of other places where those states
may exist for shorter periods of time, but they will exist nonetheless.
If God is really omniscient, and actually values *Life*, then he must
give each of them the same degree of attention that he focuses upon any
other. The result is the same. He doesn't get involved in *local
politics*."

"So that leaves us pretty small and meaningless..." Theresa said,
somewhat sad.

"Nope. Who's to say what the value of any part is compared to any other
part? You may not think you value your big toes too much, but just try
balancing without them. You may not give much thought to your liver,
but it produces all the red blood cells in your body. Your bone marrow
produces your white blood cells. Your eye's notify your brain that a
train is coming so it can tell your feet to get you off the track. One
hair on your head may tell you that a black widow spider is crawling on
you and you can swat it away before it bites you and kills the whole
system of your body. So who's to say that we have any less value to the
system than any other part. I for one don't think so.

"I know for a fact that the entire universe will be aware of the
movements of my body when I direct it to move from one chair to
another. Knowing I affect the whole universe hardly makes me feel
insignificant."

"But... I.... I...."

"Look, kitten. Do you like yourself?"

"Uh.... I guess so..."

"And do you like me?"

"You know I do... Cindy too."

"And do you feel ashamed of your relationship with me?"

"Uh.... no, not really. "

"How about your relationship with Cindy?"

"Well.... I don't know."

"Do you love Cindy?"

"You know I do!"

"Do you think she loves you?"

"Of course... and I know that she loves you too... That's not the
point."

"So what is the point?"

"I don't know.... it's just that it says in the Bible that two women
shouldn't lie together."

"It also talks about guys having 400 wives and 300 concubines. Think
that's OK?"

"Well... no."

"Actually, I do. Provided it's OK with both him and all the others. But
even if he made love to five different women a day, then each would
only get to make love only twice a year. Not very fair to the women.
Nor him. He'd be a physical wreck. But my point is.. that if it does
not do harm to another, then it is nobody's damn business what *I* do
or what anybody else does.

"I'm damn sure not going to purposefully sign up for a set of rules
that other people thought up to try to direct my behavior because they
think that I should act like them. Or even worse, like they think they
ought to but don't really act themselves."

"So you don't think the Pope is important?"

"Not to me... I think he's an important *Icon* to many millions of
people in the world. He's a point of reference in their life. His
existence makes their life easier. The symbology surrounding him lends
credence to the rules that the church has developed over the years. But
I think that those are rules thought up by men who thought it was their
duty to think up rules for people to live by. I don't think that
anybody else has the right to think up rules that tell me how to live.

"I see the need for society to have rules that govern the behavior of
individuals who seek to deny others of life or property. But that's
all. Those rules should not abridge my rights to live my life as I so
choose as long as I don't infringe upon the rights of others in doing
so."

"So.... you think that all religions are false?"

"I don't know, kitten. I'm a devout agnostic. That means that I know I
don't know, but I don't think anybody else does either. ..... Look, I
know what this is all about. I know you've been reading up about
religion on the Internet."

"You've been spying on me?" Theresa asked in alarm.

"No... I went to use your computer because mine was tied up at the
time. I stumbled on your bookmarks and got curious. I went back and
followed them forward to see what was bothering you... Because I care a
great deal about you. I love you very much. I care about what affects
you. And as I said, you have complete freedom to do anything you wish
to do as long as it doesn't affect the rights of others. I care a great
deal about you, but I also care a great deal about my freedom and
rights. The direction you were heading could have a very profound
affect upon both mine and Cindy's rights."

"How so?"

"Well, suppose you converted to Catholicism, now you're supposed to
confess your sins to a priest. Now if you think your behavior with
Cindy and I to be sinful -which it would be according to the rules of
Catholicism-, then you must confess this behavior to a priest. That
requires you to divulge to another person -whom Cindy and I have no
choice in the selection of- your behavior involving the two of us. Now
if that person is not up to the conditions of his vows -which Cindy and
I would have no control over- he might turn around and report this
confessed behavior to the local law enforcement agencies, who would
take a very dim view of all our relationships.

"Now I'm not saying that any of this will happen, but I am saying that
it very easily could. One of the rules of most religions, is that
you're supposed to rat on yourself when you break their rules. Fact is
that almost no religion in the world would condone the type of
relationship that we all share.... and I personally don't see a damn
thing wrong with it.

"I *have* been honorable in my behavior. When you first arrived, I did
not take advantage of you. In fact I was very charitable. In fact you
took advantage of me while I was asleep. Now I don't object to this
now. But I did -in fact- then. Anyway. I have been more than honorable
in my behavior to both you and Cindy. I have never forced my will upon
either of you. I have given you tasks to perform, for pay... but none
of them have concerned your morals, or ethics. Whatever behavior you or
Cindy have chosen to become involved in with me, or each other has been
a result of your own desire to do so.

"I did not try to coerce either of you into leaving home, I did not
coerce either of you to come here. You made the suggestion that we let
Cindy come live here. I told you my objections before hand. When you
insisted, I allowed it to happen. I even supplied the means for it to
happen, but I did not make the decision for her. She decided on her own
to come here. You decided on your own to stay here. You decided on your
own that you wanted to make love to me. You decided on your own that
you wanted to make love to Cindy. Cindy decided on her own when she
wanted to make love to you. She decided on her own when she wanted to
make love to me. I decided on my own when I wanted to make love to her,
but neither of us did make love to each other until you decided that it
was okay.

"Every morning you get out of bed and perform your chores. Cindy does
the same. Every day the two of you perform the tasks that we agreed
upon as conditions of your residence here. We have agreed upon
obligations to each other. We all meet those obligations. None of those
obligations involves our love lives. If anything, those obligations are
temporarily put aside when we make love. But making love with anybody
here by anybody else is not part of those obligations. Anybody is free
to decline or accept anybody else at any time.

"Now our behavior towards each other has been fully honorable according
to the sense of ethics that I govern myself by. I try to impose those
ethics upon no one else. They are mine. If one of you should offend my
sense of ethics, then I would notify you of that fact. Because it would
or could affect our relationship. If *you didn't know* that it offended
that ethic, then you would *not* have the freedom to voluntarily stop
the behavior, or argue against the ethic itself. Which by itself would
be unethical of me.

"Now I don't know if you've followed this whole discussion, but my
whole point is that I am not the least bit ashamed of my behavior. I am
not the least bit ashamed of my relationship with either you or Cindy.
In fact I am damn proud of my actions in regards to both of you. And I
am damn proud of both of your actions in regards to both me and each
other. I think that you have both grown into bright, educated, caring,
sensual and sexy women. Now most religions in the world would not agree
with what I just said, and that is why I don't have an "interest" in
most religions of the world. Clear enough?"

"Hear hear!" Cindy said from behind John. Theresa just nodded and
hugged her man.

"Did you have the consent of that mannequin for the attack you
perpetrated upon its person earlier?" John joked.

"Yup... as she is me and it's what I wanted at the time," Cindy
replied, "But she's kind of a cold motionless bitch when it comes to
snuggling. Can I come over there and join you two?"

"Okay by me," John said.

"By me too... Cindy.... my love," Theresa replied.

"So you agree with what I said?"

"The parts I understood. I'm still real fuzzy on the ordered states
thing and all that inverse square law bit, but what you said about our
behavior towards each other makes absolute sense. I feel much better
now... and I'm not ashamed of my behavior either. Except at times when
I've been .... overly possessive of each of you. Wanting each of you
for myself while denying you to each other. That wasn't fair... or
ethical. I'm sorry for that. I didn't know myself what I was doing, or
what I wanted. All the time you two just wanted the exact same thing
that I did.

"Sometimes I'm still a little envious of your relationship. I know in
some ways you're closer to each other than you are to me. But now I see
that is true because you both have honored each other's rights. You
share that mutual pleasure and that makes you feel closer naturally.
I'm going to do my best to honor your rights myself from now on. Not
only because I want to share that feeling with you, but I want to feel
it myself. I want to be proud of myself for my actions towards both of
you. I love both of you more than you'll ever know." Tears dripped
freely from Theresa's eyes. Cindy's eyes had their own leakage problem.
John pulled each of the women close to him.

"And now.... ladies... we are a *family*," he said. They lay together
caressing and kissing each other for a long time. "How about that
walk?" John finally asked.

Chapter 25

It was a good thing that Mr. BLM wasn't on the hill as they walked
about the estate arm in arm, talking about things that would be nice to
do in this corner or that. Making plans for the future. Sharing each
others company. Touching hands or other body parts or just sharing a
look. There was a new closeness between them all.

As evening drew near, Cindy said, "My turn to cook." And pulled herself
away after a quick hug and kiss from each of them. John and Theresa
continued arm in arm as they sauntered about the grounds.

"Why do you think most religions wouldn't like our... or more
specifically mine and Cindy's relationship?" she asked.

"Oh... I think that's fairly obvious. It threatens the status quo. It's
easy to think about a man and a woman together being natural. You've
got a nice warm niche, I've got a plug that fits it. When men and women
get their unique parts together, most often children arrive some time
later. Life is a wondrous, mysterious and therefore must be a spiritual
thing. To wit; men and women getting together to see if their parts fit
must somehow have something to do with spirituality, because when they
do it a mystical thing quite often happens.

"When two women get together and rub special parts, nothing so
spectacular occurs. Thus men and women doing it is spiritual, women and
women doing it isn't.. and must therefore be wrong. Of course the same
applies equally to men and men..... "

"Okay... that makes sense.... I guess."

"Well, add to that that those rules were established a long time ago.
When there weren't all that many people. There was strength in numbers.
When the same sexes got together, the tribe didn't grow. And not only
that, but the two of them fulfilled their sexual desires and thus
didn't go off and do what they were supposed to with others as well."

"Cindy said much the same thing.... it also makes sense. But what about
you and I?"

"You mean the age thing?"

"Yes.. I guess. At least society wouldn't make so much fuss about it if
I was closer to your age. It may raise an eyebrow or so over the fact
that we weren't married, but basically they wouldn't much care. But
because of the fact that I'm under a certain age... and because you're
over a certain age... well they would seem to care a great deal about
it."

"Well... I guess that rule developed as a means of protecting children.
It would be incredibly complicated to try to decide on a case by case
basis, so it becomes a general rule that applies to all people. That's
one of the problems with rules, they take on a greater significance
than the thing they were created to protect. But look at it another
way. Suppose that I had kept you here against your will. That you only
came to care for me because I had brain washed you into it. That I had
forced myself upon you. That you had been a virgin when you came and I
had raped you, and that you had no choice but to submit to me because
your only other option was to be cast out to freeze to death. Now
wouldn't the rule against our relationship seem to serve to give you
some sort of legal recourse to protect you from that? That my fear of
the penalties would serve to dissuade me from doing those things."

"I guess so.... but you didn't do any of those things."

"Ahh, but... there are others in the world who would. Those particular
rules were designed to protect you from that."

"But what if I don't want protecting?"

"Well...In Law, there's a thing called Prima Facie....Now if I
understand it right, then its purpose is to deal with exceptions to
rules. It seldom gets applied. Usually judges follow the letter of the
law. But Prima Facie is meant to deal with the spirit of the law. Many
states have Prima Facie traffic laws. Now say you get a ticket for
running a red light. You can fight that ticket if you can prove that it
was safe for you to do that. The conditions of the offense may be used
to mitigate the charge. Now it's going to make a big difference if you
ran the red light at three in the morning, after stopping completely
and looking both ways. Having full visibility in both directions for
several miles. You see no cars and cautiously cross the intersection.
That is a lot different than running a red light at rush hour, without
slowing down or looking. Society's rules, however don't always have a
prima facie clause to them. Sometimes even the hint that a person might
be breaking them is enough to garner the punishment, whatever that may
be."

"So... how does that apply to us?"

"Oh... if the authorities were to catch us... Say Mr. BLM had a cousin
who knew Cindy's folks and Mr. BLM showed a picture of her to him and
he recognized Cindy. He knows that Cindy is missing and puts two and
two together. He notifies the authorities who first talk to Mr. BLM and
he shows them pictures he took from the ridge. Now the local
authorities from your area have a missing persons report on Cindy,
listing known associates... You. And you're also missing. They have a
description of you which coincidentally matches a girl in the photo's
that Mr. BLM took. Now the authorities borrow the picture and take it
back to your home town and ask your folks if it's you. Both they and
Cindy's folks say: 'that's our little girl!' After that they take that
information to a judge who signs a search warrant. Then the commandos
and swat team descend upon our little enclave here. They haul you and
Cindy off to Juvenile hall and me off to Jail. Now they bring us before
a judge. Who will try to ascertain just why two run away juveniles are
living with an old man in a hole in the desert."

"But..."

"Let me finish.."

"OK..."

"Okay... Say the judge is a fair one. He follows the spirit of the law.
He actually asks both you and Cindy how you came to be living out here
in the middle of nowhere. You girls both tell him the truth and the
whole truth concerning your relationship with me and the fact that you
were both escaping the abuse of your folks. Now I get grilled too. The
judge is magnanimous and actually lets me talk. I point out the facts
that you're both happy and healthy. That you have not been forcefully
abused. That you have been studying diligently for your GED's and that
I have provided a financial foundation for your further education once
you obtain them. Now the judge, if he doesn't have to answer to any
local do-gooders or doesn't give a shit about re-election, may look at
the case in regards to the spirit of the law. He may give me probation
and shuttle you two off to foster care until you two are eighteen.

"But, it's highly doubtful that he will fully dismiss the charges.
Under no circumstances would he let you and Cindy back into my custody
to let you return here to live. Because by doing so, would once again
break the laws that I was charged with in the first place. Even though
it was in keeping with the intent of the spirit of the law, which was
your well being."

"So you're screwed..."

"Oh... not really compared to what could happen. Probation isn't that
tough. It just stays on my record and the local sheriff comes out here
for a look see every time some local girl shows up missing. What could
happen however is if the judge also happens to be a fire and brimstone
religious fanatic and has a whole passel of do-gooders pressuring him
to castrate me. Worst case is probably that you and Cindy are returned
to the custody of your folks, and I go to prison for fifteen years on a
charge of child molestation, which results in my demise in prison, as
prisoners take a dim view of baby rapers."

"But we're not babies! And you didn't rape us!"

"Not much time to explain that when three guys with sharpened hack saw
blades are coming at me with intent to actually castrate me... and the
guards are conveniently not listening to my screams."

"That could actually happen?"

"Could... not really likely. Now if you and Cindy were closer to
thirteen than to eighteen, then it very likely would happen."

"I didn't realize how much you were risking by having me here.... That
explains why you seemed so freaked out about it sometimes when I first
arrived."

"I don't recall freaking out."

"Oh...you know. Tense when we were together in town. Watching the rear
view mirror because we passed a patrol car going the other way."

"I call that cautious."

"Yeah, but I didn't know just what they could do to you at the time....
I didn't know much of anything."

"Oh... you weren't a total loss. If you had been I would have scooted
you off to the local authorities and dumped you on them."

"You wouldn't have!"

"Maybe.... more likely I would have just given you a little cash and
sent you on your way."

"Now that I believe. You're kind of a soft touch... you know. A nice
old.... *mostly harmless*...lovable soft touch whom I'm very grateful
to and love very much."

"Why thank you, Ma'am! You're kind of cute yourself .... for a little
girl. But I'm not that old!"

"No, you're not. But I thought you were ancient when I first got here.
You didn't have any video games and liked to work. Fact is that most
kids nowadays wouldn't give anybody over twenty-five the time of day.
Let alone get involved with them .... romantically."

"So you're romantically involved with an old man who still doesn't have
any video games."

"Yeah....I kind of like it that way too," Theresa said, snuggling to
his side.

"Think that I do too... shall we go see how dinner's coming?"

"In a minute... John... I meant what I said about you and Cindy. It
doesn't bother me anymore like it did. I was just envious of the
closeness I saw between you two. I think that's what first made me be
interested in religion. I was looking for a way to fill that empty gap
in my life. But I can't really blame you two. You weren't trying to
hide it from me."

"Oh... I guess subconsciously we did a bit. But only because we sensed
that it would bother you."

"I know that..... It's just that... well. Can I make a prediction?"

"Sure.. what?"

"Well... I picture myself going off to college next year. I want to. I
also picture myself meeting someone special to me and getting married
and having kids."

"I picture much the same thing for you. That's what I intended in the
first place... but I must admit I'm going to miss you very much."

"I know that's what you had in mind for me. I know that's why you had
your vasectomy. And I understand now why you did it. I'm going to miss
you too, but like it or not you've got a life long friend. If I can do
it without hurting my husband I would like to come back and make love
to you for your sixty-fifth birthday."

"Something to look forward to."

"And your seventieth and your eightieth and maybe once a year from now
until you die."

"Hell, maybe it won't be so bad getting old! But can you start now
instead of next year?"

"Oh..... you *like* making love to me?"

"Can't deny it. I must admit having two teenage girls who *want* to
make love with me hasn't been a bad thing for my ego."

"I think that any woman in her right mind would want to make love to
you... once she got to know you."

"Thanks.. now about dinner."

"Just a sec. I'm not through with my prediction."

"Okay..."

"I picture myself going off and doing those things.. But not Cindy. I
think she'll want to stay with you."

"I want her to go to college too."

"That she may do... but she'll come back. You two.... well ... *fit*
each other."

"I don't know if that will happen. Yes, I love Cindy very much. And we
do have much in common. But she may want to have kids sometime. That's
not going to happen with me."

"Well... She may surprise you.. That's the way I see it, anyway."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"That's precisely what I'd like to see happen. When I come back I'd
like to make love to *both* of you every year. She may need it more
than you if she hangs around. You might just start to slow down when
you reach seventy or so. She might get pretty horny."

"There in lies the problem of the thirty year difference between us.
Otherwise your prediction sounds just fine by me."

"Good. Glad to see you've got an open mind about it."

"Didn't say that..."

"Well... shall we go see how our lovely little wench is doing with
dinner?"

"Okay... Thanks, Theresa.."

"For what?"

"For taking the time to understand about how I feel about Cindy."

"No problem boss... Wanna beat me after dinner?"

"You deserve a good tongue lashing!"

"Ooh! Can't wait!" They walked in arm in arm. Theresa stopped before
they went in and gave him a soft passionate kiss and a warm hug. She
was brimming with joy. Life was good.

Chapter 26

Life *was* good. Theresa's mannequin was complete. Her statuesque body
suspended within the casting cage. Somehow sexier than ever. It made
John want to crawl up and make love to it. Instead, after dinner he
prepped it and selected some images of his own and set the machine
about the task of weaving Theresa a dynamite outfit. Cindy still had
hers on. She had pulled a light brown pair of terry shorts over the
bottom and added some shoes. But it was still distracting as hell to
have her breasts so accurately packaged at the dinner table.

"Aren't your nipples turning blue yet?" John had teased.

"You would know it with this outfit," Cindy chuckled.

"We get to tear it off with our teeth after dinner. She's got to be
scanned again," Theresa joked.

"Oh God... don't know if I'm up to that much excitement in one day!"
Cindy said, rolling her eyes.

"No hurry. You can tear the outfit off with your teeth if you want to,
but I plan to have the computer busy with an outfit for Theresa. One
that will *fit*. So we can do Cindy's scan tomorrow. I think we've had
our quota of frenzy for one day," John said.

"Seconded!" Cindy said, raising her hand.

"The motion has been made and seconded, are there any opposed?" Theresa
asked, jumping into the fun. John shook his head. Theresa realized that
John making the motion and Cindy seconding it, left her as the only
possible opposed.

"The motion is carried. I get to remove Cindy's outfit with my teeth.
John will make a froth at the mouth outfit for me after dinner and
Cindy's damn personal probing is postponed one solar cycle or a hearty
portion thereof," Theresa concluded.

"Hey! I like this outfit! Do we have to shred it?" Cindy asked.

"No... I guess not. I like it too. That's what makes me want to shred
it," Theresa quipped.

"How about you cut the top tack threads, and pull it off with your
teeth?" Cindy asked. John finished his dinner and after listening to
the debate a bit tried to excuse himself to fulfill his part of the
motion. Theresa caught his hand and pulled him down into a kiss. She
squeezed his hand a bit and then let him go. John looked up at Cindy.
She gave him a quick hug and kiss. Smiling at him over the change in
Theresa.

"We'll be in the Com room when you get free. I have some bookmarks to
throw away. Maybe I can talk Cindy into helping me," Theresa said.

"Only if you promise to leave my outfit undamaged. Maybe John can come
up with edible ones for later."

"Not a bad idea.. and if it rains?" John asked.

"Ooh.... all the better. We'll sell millions of them and not tell
anybody."

"Meet you later," John said, retreating. Cindy looked longingly after
him. Theresa observing Cindy, a half-smirk on her face.

"What?" Cindy queried, catching her look.

"Oh nothing. I kind of like the guy myself. Now about that outfit....
What if I try yanking the tacks with my teeth....." John found them
later in the Com room. Snuggled together on the sofa. Cindy's outfit
intact, but draped over a chair back. She had her terry shorts back on,
but was topless. They both were sleeping lightly, Theresa's hand
cupping one of Cindy's perfect breasts. John roused them and moved to
guide them to bed. Cindy snatched the body suit on the way out and
clutched it to her breast. She walked groggily and John and Theresa
moved to either side of her for support. Exchanging a happy look.

Once in the bedroom, Cindy stepped out of her shorts and stuffed the
outfit under her pillow as she crawled into bed. John and Theresa
kissed lightly after disrobing and then they too climbed into bed.
Theresa placing John in the middle so she could snuggle to him. Cindy
automatically spooned his backside.

"She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in *Roman Holiday* where she says:
'*Soo happy'*," Theresa said quietly. John nodded and snuggled to her.
Kissing her lightly behind the ear.

Chapter 27

"Get up, Theresa! You've just GOT to see this!" Cindy's voice rang out.

"Oh... " she moaned, "Where's Coffee?"

"Huh? What's wrong?" John asked, sitting up.

"Coffee's dripping. Come on Theresa, you've got to see this outfit that
John made for you!" Cindy repeated excitedly.

"Oh... " John said, heading for the bathroom. Theresa got to the edge
of the bed and looked around for her robe to stave her morning chill.
Cindy found it for her and flung it over her shoulders. Helping her to
her feet.

"I'm coming," she said groggily.

"You won't *believe* this outfit!" Cindy bubbled, leading her out the
door. John wandered into the lab, carrying a cup of coffee, wearing his
own terry robe.

Theresa ran to him and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him..,
"OH, Thank you!" she bubbled.

John fought to keep from spilling his coffee as he muttered, "You're
welcome." His face smirking. Cindy was still bent over the machine. On
Theresa's mannequin was an indigo blue body suit. Flaming star trails
running diagonally across it. The tails a mix of silver and flaming
yellow. One crossed from left shoulder and was mapped over the valley
of her breasts to burst around the right nipple in a splay of silver,
yellow and orange. Another started under the left arm and burst around
the navel. Yet another started at the hip bone and burst over the pubic
area. The rest of the suit was dotted with fuzzy nebula's of various
merging faint colors.

"Wait till you see the back!" John smirked.

"Oh... tip it up please!" Theresa begged.

"Just a moment," John said, sipping at his coffee and then setting the
mug down, he moved to unfasten the frame. When the frame was tipped up,
the girls gasped. Saturn lay mapped diagonally from left shoulder blade
to right kidney. But down below, a perfect crescent moon was perfectly
mapped across one bun cheek, the curve following her thigh. A half-
earth rise in the distance hung over the other.

"Oh god John, it's beautiful," Cindy gasped.

"I'm speechless," Theresa said.

"Can I have one too... just like it!" Cindy asked.

"Sure... your scanning starts right AFTER breakfast. This morning I
want hash browns and breakfast strips. Topped with two poached eggs."

"Oh John... " Theresa stammered, tears welling in her eyes.

"She really is speechless!" Cindy said, hugging her friend and heading
for the kitchen. John moved up behind Theresa and put his arms around
her. She snuggled back against him, her eyes locked on the outfit.

"I thought I'd give you something to remember me by," he whispered in
her ear.

"God, it's lovely. Thank you. Don't know where I could wear it without
getting arrested though."

"Thought about that. If you added a pair of white terry shorts, or a
matching indigo skirt with colored panty hose. That would cover both
casual and dress up."

"Hate to cover that lovely moon. How the hell did you get it to follow
my bum?"

"Oh... a matter of angle. I designed it to be looked at while it was on
your body. See on the front where this streak is mapped around your
breasts? When you look at it from the front, it's straight. It only
bends when viewed from another angle."

"I think... mister, that you have found another profession. Do you know
how many women would give their left tit for an outfit like this?"

"Hopefully not many. I wouldn't want to see a society of women running
around with only one tit. Although it worked for the Amazons. They used
to slice one off so they would be better archers."

"No. I'm serious now! There's big money in fashion."

"Don't need it," John said casually, "But making you this happy... well
*some* things are important!" She turned to him and pushing their robes
aside, snuggled her breasts to his bare chest. Her arms sliding inside
his robe and around his back.

She looked up into his eyes and said, "Mister, you've made me the
happiest woman on earth. Even without that lovely outfit. But now you
listen to me. I'm serious about this. If I understand correctly you can
put *any* picture on *any* item of clothing? It will revolutionize
fashion. You'd have women lined up around the block waiting to get in.
They can bring their own photo's of what they want on it. The outfits
will *fit*! Like nothing they ever pulled off the rack. Each will be an
original. They feel sensual to wear, they are the sexiest things that
they have ever had on. Now this is big business. You can't just forget
about it!"

"Theresa, women won't stand still for that *damn personal* probing as
both you and Cindy have called it. And it won't fit properly without
it."

"John, you've never been to the gynecologist. You have no idea what
women will tolerate. And as far as the probing goes, I know that it
doesn't need to be quite *that* personal unless you're making a sex toy
for her boyfriend while you're at it."

"You figured that out, huh?" John asked, "But think about it, Theresa.
You'd have to make a mannequin for each woman. If she put on ten pounds
it doesn't work anymore. If you sold a thousand outfits, then you've
got a thousand mannequins hanging around."

"So you charge $5000 for the scanning and then a storage charge per
month if they want you to keep it. Otherwise they keep it themselves.
Women would love to have an image of themselves when they're young and
firm to show their grandkids. They can dress it up or use it to display
the fashion they buy from us. Put the whole thing in a glass display
case."

"How many women could afford that?"

"John, you're not listening! That outfit right there would cost me a
thousand dollars if I could find it. If you only sold a thousand of
them. That's five thousand for the scanning and another thousand for
the outfit. That's six million dollars! How much would materials cost
for that?"

"Oh... I don't know. Maybe five hundred thousand."

"So you only make five and a half million, call it five to deal with
overhead of a high end location."

"But, Theresa. I don't want to be in the dress business."

"Dresses? You can make dresses too?"

"Only tight fitting ones. You'd have to do the loose stuff by hand."

"Oh god, John. You could be a trillionaire!"

"But I can't spend the money I've got now.... " he trailed off. "But
you could," he said, "And Cindy."

"What? We don't know how to do this."

"I could teach you. What if we set you and Cindy up in a partnership?
We patent the machine and the process. You could even sell franchises
all over the world."

"But John, it was your idea."

"So what? I'm set for life. You and Cindy aren't... until I die. And
then only what I've got from investments. My winnings cut off cold when
I die."

"You mean that you put us in your will?"

"Who else... but the ones I love."

"Oh John.... " Theresa snuggled to him. "Will you kiss me?"

"Sure. Anytime," he said. Theresa pulled him down into a gentle kiss.
Tears welling up in her eyes. Then she hugged him hard for a long time.

"Come on. Let's go tell Cindy we're going to be bizillionaires," she
said.

"You're going to be bizillionaires. I don't want any."

"Not going to happen. It was your idea. The only way I will accept it,
is if you take royalties. Big ones. And there will be lots of them.
You're going to have to figure out how to spend money better."

"Oh god. What have I gotten myself into?" John moaned as she led him to
the kitchen. Theresa was bubbling with excitement as she explained it
all to Cindy, who could barely finish her cooking as the excitement
grabbed her.

"God... we'll sell a million of them. At a minimum of six thousand
dollars for the first one. That's billions of dollars!"

"But who will buy these outfits? Most women can't afford that kind of
money," John argued.

"Do you have any idea how many women out there are spending that kind
of money for ill fitting high fashion in New York, London and Paris?"

"No, I guess not."

"John, can you work with Kevlar?" Cindy asked out of the blue.

"Huh? Not make it. But I could layer it into the clothing without too
much trouble."

"What's Kevlar?" Theresa asked.

"A material they use in bullet proof vests," Cindy replied.

"An outfit that's sexy *and* bullet proof? Oh god, you just got every
diplomat's wife in the world as a customer!" Theresa gasped. Cindy
served breakfast and John dove in.

After a time he said, "Okay girls, here's the deal. The way I see it,
we've got just over a year to put this together. That's when Theresa
turns eighteen. Cindy a few months ahead of that. It will take me at
least that much time to get the machines and processes patented. At
that time you two incorporate and license my patents from me. You've
both got a fair amount of capital stashed away by now, but that's for
your tuition. I expect you both to use it for such. I will agree to a
strictly royalty based licensing fee. That way if it bombs you're not
indebted to me over it. I also will purchase a large block of stock
from you. Forty-nine percent to be exact. You two will retain fifty-one
percent which you can buy from the company as your earnings allow. That
will give you operating capital to get your company off the ground.

"Between now and then we build each of you a stunning wardrobe. Which
you two will model when you have your debut fashion show. You will
model them as we have no other models, and can't really afford to have
real models around before then anyway. You'll have to watch your bodies
between now and then. No food binges. I think... god, I hope, that you
two are pretty much grown as much as you're going to."

"I'm not a model!" Cindy complained.

"You're sexier than you know," John said.

"But we don't have to model them. Except in private to just a few
people who control the fashion shows. We can hire real models and scan
them. Then make outfits for them," Cindy said.

"Personally, I think you should have your own fashion show. Don't deal
with the fashion industry as it is. They have a monopoly on things and
they aren't going to want to give it up. But if you girls hand deliver
invitations to your own show to the top critics for all the news
agencies, while wearing one of your own outfits, then I think that you
can pull off a *coup d'etat* on the fashion industry.

"If you show up at the fashion shows as a newcomer, you're going to be
like a beggar on the doorstep. Those people aren't stupid. They're
going to fight you tooth and claw. As to hiring models, I think you two
would do better. You've both got outstanding figures. You're healthy
and well built. Most fashion models I've ever seen look emaciated. You
are after the high end fashion dollar. Most women don't look like
fashion models. But a large portion of them do have bodies like yours."

"How do you figure that?" Theresa asked.

"Well... from personal experience actually. Say a man was a horny
single millionaire. What kind of women would he choose to surround
himself with?" It took a moment to sink in. Both girls busted out
laughing. Cindy caught it while taking a sip of coffee. It launched
itself out her lips and across the table. That just added to the humor
of the situation. Both girls were rolling on the floor holding their
sides. John finished his breakfast, smirking.

Chapter 28

It was a busy time. First off, they had to travel into town for winter
provisions. John hooked up the trailer and they literally loaded it to
the brim. The girls made a raid on several fabric stores that left
their inventories short and the managers smiling as they counted the
money. John focused on more practical matters like food, video tape, a
complete editing set up and as the girls would be designing clothes
like mad, practicing with the casting machine, a whole lot more of the
chemicals needed. The chemical house was followed by trips around to
several hardware houses and surplus outlets.

Lastly, as the girls went on a "mall crawl", John bought out a video
game store's stock of the latest games. He hid them away for Theresa.
Over the next few months John completed drawings of his machines and
write-ups of their principles. His yearly endowment arrived along with
a notice from his lawyers, "You're doing better, but spend even more!"
He cabled them back asking for and receiving a recommendation for the
best patent firm. He double checked with several other sources and
confirmed the recommendation. He contacted them and began the long
patent process. Next he contacted his lawyers to begin the corporate
process.

When asked why they should get it all set up, but not instigate it
until a certain date, he informed them, "Just leave the names blank,
otherwise...you don't *want* to know." Even lawyers are smart enough to
know what that means so not another word was spoken about it. John made
a last trip into town to deliver his write-ups to his patent lawyers by
registered mail. Taking the second cruiser, he had it winterized and
serviced. He made a side trip to a jewelry store while he waited.

The girls helped prepare the place for winter. The second cruiser was
returned to the storage shed and dipstick heater installed. A trickle
charger now supplemented the battery and a spare sat on its own
charger. John had bought anti-freeze while in town and he showed the
girls how to winterize their future vehicles on 'Cruiser one. To his
mild surprise they were fascinated. He then serviced the snowmobiles.
Again, they were attentive over his actions as he lubed up the track
idlers and changed the plugs. Test running them and starting them
several times to be certain they would be usable come snow. He checked
all belts and added anti-freeze lube to all cables.

The girls were going great guns on their fashion ideas. John worked out
bonding processes for zippers and fasteners. Cindy insisted he do
something about the hip cables. He compensated for them by increasing
the tension head to foot and balancing tension side to side. Making a
junction a little higher on the neck between the arm cables and the
back. Now cables ran up each leg and then joined at the neck with the
arm and head cables. A separate cable ran straight down the back and
connected to a cable connected between the two leg cables. The result
when cinched up tight flexed hardly at all when the weight of the foam
was added. However, the frame did. John beefed it up with some angle
iron and then the system worked well. This eliminated both the hip and
shoulder cables. John thought the shoulders sagged a little, but he
added a Delron cross bar woven between the three down cables and this
cured it.

Rather than having to make every little change himself, John taught the
girls how the system worked. He had computer aided programming tools
that helped immensely. Once he got the idea of three dimensions across
to them, it all seemed to fall into place. The computer drove the arms,
which knew where they were by sensors on themselves and the tables. The
scanning table used contact sensors to read relative positions of body
parts. A series of floating wheels scanned down the body gave a rough
reference which more accurate probes refined. A photo scan read skin
tone and helped locate such things as nipples. The computer mapped all
readings together to build a composite three dimensional picture of the
body which was stored in arrays.

On the casting side, the computer first determined the exact location
of the suspended cables. Then performed a centering routine to map the
body arrays around the support structure. It then made passes adding
material to the cables, one layer at a time. Making a proportional
number of passes depending on thickness at any given point. The central
structure was made up of courser material. The machine switching to
continually finer grained material as the surface was approached.
Finally it laid on a smooth skin like plastic, adding pigmentation
according to the RGB (Red, Green and Blue) values from the photo
arrays. The result was a lifelike replica. Lifelike because it matched
proportions exactly within thousandths of an inch and the exact color
values of the original master (body). As long as the replica remained
in it's frame, another coat -the clothing- was just a matter of
extending dimensions outwards from the surface. Then whatever design
was desired, was substituted for the original RGB values of the body.
Mapped over the array using a method known as "Ray Tracing".

Cindy seemed to grasp the concepts instantly. Even so John went over
each part several times. Then Cindy walked Theresa through it till she
understood completely. The rest was just using the tools at hand to
convert their ideas into fashions. Being able to design and make
changes in the computer and then rotate and look at the figure from any
angle helped a lot. John showed them how to make dresses.

"Just map the surface down to the hips, then have the computer connect
high points on the front and back of the object."

"But what supports the strand between the points while it sets?" Cindy
asked.

"The previous strand, which *has* set. Some sagging may occur, but not
much. You could compensate for it by stretching fabric over the gaps
and letting the computer bond it in."

"Good idea. Like spandex inserts, or embroidered designs," Cindy
replied.

"Uh yeah, but that's your area, not mine. I just design machines."

"Think you could design an embroidery machine for me?" Cindy asked.

"No, but I'll buy one. You can buy an off the shelf machine that you
can scan patterns into. No need reinventing the wheel."

"Maybe not, but sometimes for a different point of view," Cindy
remarked.

"Ahh, the frivolity of youth!" John muttered.

"Well, tell you what *old man*, I wouldn't mind a little frivolity
myself right now. Care to join me in the hot tub?" she asked.

"Wouldn't miss it," he said.

"Well, we won't go into that. Sometimes I think I should...." Cindy
mused.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing."

"No...What?"

"Okay,.... Sometimes I think about that time with my mannequin. I don't
know if you realized how turned on I got.... and... well I was thinking
of casting up your image," she said.

"Not a bad idea. Why don't you?"

"Me?"

"Yes, it would be good practice."

"Uh... okay... How do I start?"

"Well, we've been at this for several months now... You tell me!"

Cindy grinned, "Test time, huh teach?"

"Sort of. Perhaps if there's a surrogate available I could get more
sleep."

"Oh! Are we keeping you awake at night?" she asked indignantly. Only
half joking.

"Darlin', I've barely had an undisturbed cat nap since Theresa and you
first arrived, but I'm not silly enough to complain about it. I can
sleep when I really am old. Now how about that hot tub?" Cindy snuggled
to him about an hour and a half later. They were reclined on a double
chaise by the bubbling tub. The sweat running off their bodies wasn't
from the hot water. For some reason their love making had been
exceptionally passionate. Cindy traced her finger nails gently around
on his chest.

"John?"

"Mmm?"

"Could we make the mannequins move?"

"Mmmm... depends on what you want. Walking is pretty much out of the
question."

"How about hips?"

"Doable, why?"

"I had this wild image a while ago. I'd like to see your mannequin make
it with mine," she giggled.

"Might be trouble."

"How so?"

"Well.... might be some jealousy from Theresa's double." Cindy was
silent a moment and then busted out laughing.

"No, not if you can make mine's tongue work!" she managed to gasp out.
Now it was John's turn to laugh. Theresa found them with tears rolling
down their cheeks and holding their sides.

"Hey, what's so funny?" she asked smiling. They took one look at her
and were off again. "Okay," she finally shrugged. "Just wanted to
remind Cindy it was her turn to cook." After a moment to gather her
breath, Cindy nodded and headed for the shower. Theresa stripped off
her clothes and headed for the tub. A few moments later, John joined
her.

"Sometimes you two are sooooo odd," Theresa said.

"But you can't help but love us for it?"

"No, I can't," she said, turning to him and moving into his arms. John
did his best to repeat the performance he had done earlier with Cindy.

Chapter 29

Cindy chopped an onion for the meatloaf, then mixed in the rest of the
ingredients. She set it in the oven and then washed her hands and
checked the clock. She moved back into the lab. John was right. Time to
cut her teeth. She strung up the frame and then moved to the computer.
Pulling up the image of John. She toyed with the idea of modifying it a
bit, using her internal measurements, but no. John was just fine the
way he was. A part of her mind told her if she ever did try it out, and
she knew she would, then she wanted it to be as real as possible. She
double checked everything John had taught her and started the machine.
Looking up at a clock, she scrambled back to the kitchen.

Dinner passed sort of quietly. The three of them basking in the warm
glow of the endorphins their bodies had released earlier. John even
more so. Cindy smirked to herself over the reason. Sometimes she would
surprise herself. Like now when she thought of John and Theresa
together after she headed for the kitchen. She was glad her man was
content. The thought of him as *her man* startled her a bit. But she
smiled inwardly.

He was *her man*. She liked that. Theresa was *her woman*, she liked
that also. She would miss her when she went off to college but she
would still get to see her lots. The joint fashion venture would insure
that. In fact -at the moment- Cindy was no where near as interested in
the venture as Theresa was. Certainly Cindy had seen the potential, but
she didn't really care about that. She was on her way to financial
security through her investments anyway. Certainly not as well to do as
John was, but heading in a direction that if she worked a bit, she
could retire comfortably.

The main reason she had so embraced the fashion idea..... was John.
Before the fashion idea she had no idea what she would use for an
excuse to hang around. She wanted to stay with John...... Forever! But
John had this image of the "*girls*" growing up and heading off to
college and from there out into life on their own. Cindy didn't want
that. Yes, she wanted to go to college, probably business school. But
then she wanted to come back.... to be John's..... Wife? The word
didn't seem right. Lover?... More than that. Mate?... That sounded
right. She wanted to be John's mate.

In a way, she wanted to be Theresa's mate too. But it wasn't the same
thing. Sure, she absolutely adored making love with the lovely wench.
She got more beautiful every day. Cindy could picture Theresa being a
part of her life with John, but more like a visiting part. She could
see Theresa heading off to college, meeting a guy and getting married.
Then, besides working with Cindy on the fashion partnership, she would
stop by unexpectedly and stay the weekend. Then she would go back home
to her husband and John would be all hers for the weeknights. Maybe
barbecuing up on the silo cover, like a large patio, on a summer's
evening. Herself looking out with satisfaction at how the trees she had
planted were growing. Glancing over at John turning chicken on the
grill and smiling at him in a come hither manner.

"I said, could you please pass the carrots?" Theresa repeated.

"There's more chicken..," Cindy muttered.

"Chicken? Where the hell did you go, girl? You cooked meatloaf!"
Theresa said.

"Huh? Oh... sorry, just daydreaming. Here," Cindy said, passing the
bread.

Theresa chuckled. 'Yup, just like I told John....' she thought. John
passed her the carrots and looked thoughtfully at Cindy.

"When your plane lands I'll help you with the dishes," Theresa said.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I was thinking that we needed some trees outside."

"Trees? Girl, it's snowing out there," Theresa said.

"No, for summer time. For shade for the patio."

"Patio?" John said.

"The silo roof."

"Oh... not a bad idea. But back far enough they don't interfere with my
stargazing."

"No, I would never do that."

"I'm not so sure she's landed yet. Help me put these away, John?"
Theresa asked. John nodded. Looking even more thoughtfully at Cindy.
After the others started moving, Cindy seemed to come around more. She
cleared the table of dishes and started to rinse them. John and Theresa
put the leftovers in the refrigerator. When Cindy rinsed the same pan
twice, Theresa pushed her aside and took over.

"Why don't you go play in the lab or something. Better yet, watch a
movie. It's probably safer," Theresa said.

"The lab!" Cindy said and rushed off.

"You don't have any Marijuana around here do you?" Theresa asked,
looking after her.

"Uh... no. Maybe some seeds somewhere in my college things," John
replied.

"No.. I don't want any. It just occurred to me that Cindy had been
smoking something."

"Don't know. Don't think so. I quit trying to figure out women's moods
almost a year ago, about the time you arrived," John chuckled.

"A year? Has it been that long?"

"Not quite. You were just a month off of sixteen."

"A year.... " she said softly to herself. And then Theresa was gone.
John kissed her on the neck and headed for the Com room. Life with two
young women could be interesting at times, he mused. Theresa found
Cindy in the lab, standing as if in a trance. She came up behind her
and put her arms around her. Cindy leaned back against her, but her
gaze never left the casting table. Suspended in the frame was a
duplicate of John, right down to the erection.

"Pretty real looking," Theresa mused.

"Spooky," Cindy replied.

"So.... you going to try it out?" Theresa asked.

"Huh? What?" asked Cindy, distracted.

"Are you going to try out the mannequin?"

Cindy was silent for a bit then replied, "Oh... I don't know. Doesn't
make much sense when we have a live one around."

"Yeah, and one who's tongue works!" Theresa chuckled, "Still, it could
be interesting."

"Yeah, it could be...." Cindy replied, still distracted. Theresa's
hands slid up under the thin material of her friend's T-shirt and
cupped her breasts. Her fingers sought and found the nipples, which
were already hard.

"My, if your nipples are any indication I think you want to try it
out," Theresa chuckled. Cindy blushed a bit.

Then finally replied, "I won't deny it appeals to me."

"So why not do it?" Theresa asked, sliding one hand down and into the
waistband of Cindy's shorts. Cindy leaned back into her friend and
didn't reply. Theresa continued her explorations, sliding her hand down
over Cindy's soft pubic hair. Her fingers split and passed on either
side of her clitoris. Her mouth descended onto Cindy's neck and she
kissed it. Her other hand cupping and squeezing a firm breast. Cindy
moaned softly in response to Theresa's advances, but her eyes remained
locked upon the mannequin.

Theresa pulled back her hands and lifted Cindy's T-shirt up and over
her head. Then her fingers found the waistband on her shorts and pushed
them down. Cindy hardly seemed to notice as she now stood nude,
entranced by the image of John before her. Theresa pulled off her own
shirt and shorts. Again moving up behind her friend, her bare breasts
against Cindy's back. Her pelvis against Cindy's bare ass. Her hands
moved around her friend and over her arms. She grasped her wrists and
walked her forward. Cindy didn't resist when Theresa guided her hands
up to the mannequin.

Cindy lightly dragged her fingertips over the chest and down the
abdomen. Theresa's hands resumed their exploration of Cindy's body. Her
fingers descending down the cleft on each side from her hip bones. They
reached the apex and she pulled back at the lips of the vulva with her
fingertips. Cindy responded by opening her legs a bit more. Her own
fingers had reached the penis. Her fingers fondling it softly.

Theresa could feel Cindy's excitement on her fingertips. She was
virtually dripping. She dipped her fingers into the moistness and then
one hand returned to the clitoris, rubbing it softly with Cindy's
nectar. Her pelvis moving against Cindy's ass cheeks. Her lips once
more upon her neck and shoulders.

"Damn!" spat Cindy.

"What?" asked Theresa in concern. Thinking she had offended her friend
in some way.

"It's attached underneath it," Cindy replied. Theresa looked over her
shoulder to see what she was talking about. Cindy sort of lifted up on
the foam penis, but it resisted. A thin membrane bonded it to the body.

"Hmm... Guess we'll have to circumcise it," Theresa sort of chuckled.
She moved from her friend and sought out a razor knife. Then she moved
to the other side of the table and bent over it. She lifted the pseudo
penis to put tension on the membrane and starting at the tip carefully
began to separate it.

"Be careful!" Cindy cautioned.

"Like it was real!" Theresa smirked, "Don't worry, love. I won't hurt
it." Cindy bent to watch as Theresa completed the operation. She then
examined what would be the topside and made two or three more trimming
cuts. Then she trimmed off any edges that protruded from the body. She
thoroughly examined the penis and ran her fingers over it in test.

"That should do," she said, stepping back. "All yours. I think we
should unstring it though. Maybe put it in that chair?" Cindy nodded,
testing the penis with her own fingers. Theresa moved around the frame
loosening turnbuckles and unhooking cables. Cindy moved as an automaton
as she started to help. Once unstrung, the girls jointly lifted the
mannequin and set it astride an armless chair. The pliable foam bending
as they "sat" it down.

Cindy moved over the legs and used her pelvis to push the mannequin
back into the chair. Theresa pulled back on the hips from behind the
chair. The mannequin slowly conformed to a sitting position, the legs
sticking out straight. Theresa maintained her grip of the mannequin's
hips as Cindy positioned the foam penis against her vulva. She tried to
lower herself upon it, but in it's dry state it resisted entry and
bent. Cindy backed off and bent to lick it. Forgetting herself she deep
throated it.

Lifting her head she said, "A little roughness along the top.... could
be interesting." Theresa grinned at her friend from around the chair.
Cindy seemed to remember that the penis had no feeling. She licked it
again, leaving as much saliva upon it as she could. Then she once again
positioned herself. This time the head slid between her labia and into
her vagina. Just then Theresa got an idea. She let go the mannequin's
hips and the springy foam attempted to return to its cast position. The
effect was as if the mannequin had suddenly raised its hips. The foam
penis pushed upwards into Cindy quickly and slammed into her cervix.
She gasped suddenly in a mixture of pain and pleasure. Her knees
buckled beneath her and she collapsed, pushing the mannequin back into
the chair. Her eyes closed as she fell forward against the chest.

"That wasn't very kind," Cindy mused, her eyes still closed.

"I couldn't help myself," Theresa chuckled.

"Actually, it was quite pleasant... in a painful sort of way. Very
realistic. I think I'd like John to do that to me sometime."

"Would you now?" John muttered to himself, watching and listening from
the Com room. Theresa moved around behind her friend. Her hands
slipping around her as she moved her pelvis against Cindy's ass and her
breasts against her back. She teased the ends of Cindy's nipples
playfully.

"So.... are you just going to lay there?" she asked.

"Just savoring it. Feels just like John does. Wouldn't mind sleeping
this way and waking up feeling him inside me again, like that time in
the solarium," Cindy mused.

"I think I was asleep myself. You'll have to tell me about it later.
Sounds nice," Theresa said... feeling a slight pang of jealousy. She
pushed the thought away. 'No!' she told herself mentally. 'I don't want
to be like that!' She traced her fingers around all over Cindy's
breasts as she kissed her on the neck and ground her pelvis into her
ass. The action started Cindy's hips moving. The foam penis following
suit began to stroke within her.

Cindy moaned with delight. It felt almost identical to John, except for
the slight roughness which now played against her clitoris, heightening
the sensation. She began to increase her movements. Soon she was making
complete thrusts upon the penis, now lubricated with her ample juices.
Theresa felt her friend's back rubbing against her nipples. Her tail
bone brushing against her own clitoris. To her surprise, she found
herself quite aroused by it all. She reached down to help, grabbing the
mannequin by the hips. She held it back against the chair as Cindy
moved her hips upwards and pulled forward on each of Cindy's down
strokes.

The effect wasn't lost on Cindy. Who's breath was fast becoming a
moaning wheeze. Perspiration broke out on her forehead. A few drops
trickled down her cheek in front of her ear and was found by Theresa's
tongue on her neck. Theresa found her own passion mounting as her
friend stroked away upon the pseudo penis. She had positioned her hips
so that each of Cindy's upstrokes rubbed against her clitoris. In her
mind she could hardly wait herself for her turn upon the mannequin. She
continued to guide the mannequin's hips in perfect time with Cindy's
movements.

Cindy was now gasping for air. She hadn't expected it to feel so real.
It was as if John himself were inside her as he had been earlier. Her
hands feeling the muscles of his chest, but the arms laying inert
beside her. As if he were asleep and she had mounted him during a
dream..... as Theresa had told her she had when she first arrived. She
thought about the young blonde's body astride his hips. The thought
pushed her towards her first orgasm.

Theresa found herself approaching orgasm. Seldom had she seen her
friend so worked up. Cindy was moving her hips in a way that rubbed
against her on purpose as she lifted from each stroke upon the
mannequin. Her soft ass cheeks riding over Theresa's hip bones and
pubic hair. As Cindy's hands now had control upon the mannequin's hips,
Theresa let her fingers wander over the firm brunette's body. Finding
their way down to the base of the foam penis, she moved them to bump
Cindy's clitoris on each stroke. Her other hand squeezing and pinching
at her breasts.

Cindy was lost in abandon as she drove her hips down repeatedly against
the mannequin's hips, driving the firm foam penis into herself. Her
orgasm seemed to linger just outside her grasp until she realized what
she was waiting for. John wasn't going to tense up! Smirking to herself
she pushed herself over the edge. Her body began to drive down upon his
replica with all her might as her body began to convulse. A whimpering
moan started deep inside her and built to a scream as it left her lips.

Feeling Cindy's contracting body against her, triggered Theresa's own
orgasm. It took her by surprise as she drove her hips forward against
Cindy's shapely ass. Fighting to hold her position as her knees buckled
beneath her. Her weight descended upon the mannequin's legs, sticking
out between her legs. To Cindy it was as if the mannequin's hips
suddenly rose up in orgasm. Driving the foam penis up hard against her
cervix. Her body slamming down in response as the second wave of orgasm
wracked her nubile body. She convulsed atop it, her hips seemingly with
a life of their own continued their stroking action. Again and again
she stroked and convulsed. Her orgasm lingering much longer and deeper
than usual. Again she realized what she was waiting for; the feel of
John's semen spurting up inside her. The thought triggered another
massive wave of contractions.

Theresa slid down the legs, now pumping up beneath her and against her
vulva. Her face against Cindy's quivering back. Her ass cheeks rising
up against her face. On impulse her tongue sought between the shapely
soft curves and found the sensitive orifice within. The touch of
Theresa's tongue upon her anus sent an electric shock through Cindy's
body and triggered yet another round of contractions. Her vagina
squeezing spasmodically hard against the foam penis then ballooning out
around it. Engulfing it as her hips drove frantically downwards. It
slammed up hard against her cervix again and again. Each gasping breath
seemingly accompanied with it's own orgasm.

Theresa felt herself responding to the soft foam legs bouncing up
against her. She slid down and shifted to one side. Now a leg rubbed up
against her clitoris with each bouncing stroke of Cindy's spasmodic
hips. Her friend's gasping moans of ecstasy ringing in her ears
triggered her own second orgasm. About the time her hips began to
convulse Cindy suddenly gasped and fell forward, inert. Theresa's
counter bouncing upon the legs had once again made the mannequin seem
to come alive. It was too much for Cindy's mind to cope with. Something
inside her mind exploded and she lost all thought. Her body sagged
against the mannequin which continued to stroke up inside her for a
time. Her hips quivering spasmodically and random contractions wracking
her young body.

"Damn..... going to have to play dead I guess," John mused to himself
watching the two collapsed women on the monitor. He had never seen the
two of them so worked up together. Cindy appeared to have passed out.
John wondered what they would do with a dildo. .. A thought occurred to
him. He grinned to himself as he reached up to shut off the monitor.
'May as well go to bed. Don't think my two lovelies will be up to
anything but sleeping,' he thought. Not that he needed any further
action quite so soon himself. But watching the two women with the
mannequin had left him excited anyway.

Theresa stirred slowly. Her body quivering a bit as she slowly got up.
Cindy still inert upon the mannequin. She moved to her friend and
softly kissed her on the cheek. Cindy stirred herself. Her head turned
to find the lips that were kissing her cheek. The two girls mouths met
and they engaged in a deep searching kiss. Cindy quivering halfway
through it as she became aware of the foam penis still within her. Just
like waking up with one inside her, she thought.

Theresa helped lift her friend to her feet. She was shaky at best. She
pulled her against her and the two of them merged face to face in a
tight embrace. Then Theresa guided her friend to the bedroom. Cindy
walking mechanically on rubbery legs. When they reached the bedroom,
John was already in bed, seemingly asleep. Theresa guided Cindy into
the bed and then headed for the bathroom.

Cindy snuggled to John. She realized that he had an erection and
without a though she impaled herself upon it and then promptly fell
asleep. Blissfully happy. When Theresa came out, she crawled in. She
noticed Cindy's position atop John and then noticed with a start that
John was erect inside her. Both were asleep and both smiling
blissfully.

She pulled the covers over all of them. Cindy's arm moved around her
naturally. Theresa smiled to herself and snuggled to their sides.
Before long, she followed them into sleep.


Chapter 30

Sometime during the night, John slipped out of Cindy. Sometime later
she rolled off to the side. When John opened his eyes in the morning he
was bracketed by two firm young female bodies. Almost by instinct each
of his hands reached out to cup a firm breast. He smiled to himself.
What could possibly be a better way to wake up?

Cindy stirred first. Her eyes opened and she tipped her head to face
John. Feeling his hand upon her breast. She rolled half on top of him
as her lips sought his. Since the girls first arrived, starting with
Theresa, morning kisses were traditionally shallow. Cindy broke with
tradition as her tongue found it's way between John's lips. Neither of
them found it unpleasant so the kiss deepened.

When Cindy finally pulled back, John said, "Good morning. Did you sleep
well?"

"Mmmm.. Very well. And you?" she said, stretching.

"Never better. I just love waking up with you two beside me," John
replied, smiling.

"I think you'll find the feeling is mutual," murmured Theresa sleepily.

"Good morning, sunshine!" Cindy said, reaching out a hand to tousle her
hair.

"Who's turn to cook?" Theresa mumbled.

"Hm... don't remember. Why don't I help you?" Cindy replied.

"I've got a better idea. Why don't I cook this morning?" John said.

"Nope! I just remembered. It's my turn," Theresa said.

"Doesn't matter, I'm the boss and I feel like cooking. Why don't you
two snuggle for a while," John said.

"Yes, boss," Theresa said.

"The idea does have a certain degree of merit," Cindy smirked. John
leaned over and kissed Theresa. He broke with tradition himself as the
kiss deepened. Theresa didn't fight it. John held the kiss a long time
and then turned and repeated his performance with Cindy.

"That should get your motors running," John chuckled as he slid out
from between them. The girls rolled together to fill the vacuum between
them. John headed for the bath. Cindy's lips found Theresa's and kissed
them softly. Her hand moving to cup one of Theresa's firms breasts.

When she finally pulled back, Theresa mused, "My, aren't you a hungry
one? Especially considering last night." Cindy rolled her eyes.

"God, it was incredible. I could swear the damn thing came to life.
Perhaps it was just my imagination, but suddenly the hips rose up under
me when I was climaxing. Towards the end there, I swear it was pumping
up into me as hard as I was pumping down." Theresa busted out laughing.
"What? Think I'm crazy? I'm telling you it felt like the damn thing was
moving."

"No, that was me!" Theresa managed to gasp out.

"You? No. I know the difference. It was the damn mannequin!" Cindy
said, guiding her hand down over Theresa's abdomen and between her
legs. Theresa fought to suppress her giggles.

Finally she said, "No, it *was* me. You were rubbing back against me.
When I climaxed, I sort of collapsed down onto the legs. That levered
the hips up under you. Then when you kept going, the legs were sort of
bouncing up under me. I liked it so I sort of bounced back. That's what
caused the hips to pump up into you."

"Oh..," Cindy said, somewhat dejected.

"Aww.. I didn't mean to spoil it for you," Theresa said concerned.
Cindy was quiet for a time and then pressed her attack between
Theresa's legs.

"But that's even better," she mused.

"You're not - stop that! I've got to go! - You're not disappointed?"
Theresa said, concerned.

"Disappointed? No. Why would I be disappointed that my darling lover
made it all seem more real? After we use the bathroom I'd like to show
you just how un-disappointed I really am," Cindy said, crawling off the
bed. Once she found her footing, she offered her hand back to help
Theresa out of bed. As she stood the two of them sort of melted
together. Stealing a quick kiss, Theresa virtually sprinted to the
bathroom. John was brushing his teeth when Theresa came in and plunked
down. Cindy sort of danced around in the doorway.

"Guess I should have built a three-holer," John mused, after rinsing.

"Two would be nice about now," Cindy chuckled. Theresa finished up and
Cindy moved in. A look of relief spreading on her face. Theresa moved
to brush her teeth.

"Maybe I will install a second one. And maybe one of them Bidet things
if I'm gonna have women around much longer," John said.

"Darling, by your own plans you'll have us around for at least another
year," Theresa said, rinsing. John moved to kiss her properly now that
neither of them was conscious about their breath. Theresa hugged him
shortly. Then John headed towards the wardrobe. He stalled on the way
to try to collect one from Cindy who was headed for the sink.

"Oh, no. Gotta brush!" she giggled, pulling away.

"Fickle women!" John said, heading out the door.

"Fickle! If you weren't so adamant about cooking I'd show you who's
fickle!" Cindy called after him. "Don't know why I put up with him,"
she mused, quieter, heading for the sink.

"I do. 'Cause you're flat in love with the man," Theresa chuckled.

"Yeah, guess I am," Cindy said, finding her toothbrush.

"So am I," Theresa said quietly. She watched her friend brushing her
teeth for a moment and then headed back to bed. As she passed John, she
tweaked his ass. "Think I'd like.... French toast and bacon. Since
you're cooking," she said.

"Want it in bed?" John asked, sarcastically.

"No... I think Cindy and I will be occupied for a while. Just keep it
warm," she said with a wry smile. John chuckled as he slid on some
socks and looked for his sandals. "It was *your* idea," Theresa replied
over her shoulder.

"Just save some for me," John said.

"Some what?" Cindy asked. Stalling to get her real kiss.

"Of what you and Theresa will be doing while I'm cooking," he said. He
stood and pulled her into his arms. This time she didn't resist. When
he finally let up she was a bit wobbly on her legs.

"Oh... You're welcome to as much as you can handle I'll wager," she
said, somewhat breathlessly.

"In fact you're welcome to postpone breakfast for a while and join us,"
she added.

"No. You two go ahead. My body demands coffee," John said, heading out
the door.

"Now who's fickle?" Cindy called after him. She slid into bed once more
with Theresa and they instantly snuggled together. Cindy found
Theresa's lips once more. There was no reticence this time. Sometime
later they lay together, somewhat sweaty. They gently caressed each
other with their finger tips.

"So.... Are you going to tell him?" Theresa asked, out of the blue.

"Tell who?" Cindy replied absently.

"The Jolly green giant. How many *hims* do we have around here?"
Theresa mocked.

"Well, not counting the mannequin..- have to think up a name for
him...- just one. What am I going to tell him?" Cindy asked, her
fingers playing along the curves under Theresa's breasts.

"That you don't want to leave next year," Theresa said.

"Huh? How did you know?" Cindy asked, looking into her friend's eyes.

"Oh... I don't know. I just did. Call it woman's intuition. So are you
going to tell him?" Theresa asked, her own fingers playing around
Cindy's nipples. Cindy was silent for a time and then sighed heavily.

"Do you think I should? I don't know what he'll say or do. I don't want
to spoil it before then," she said. Theresa pulled her friend's head
around and kissed her.

Then said, "I don't see how both of you can be so stupid. You're both
madly in love with each other. John doesn't want you to leave any more
than you want to. He may say he does, but it really scares the hell out
of him." Tears welled up into Cindy's eyes.

"Do you really think so?" she asked.

"I know so," Theresa replied, seriously.

"And... What about you? What are you going to do?" Cindy asked.

"Well, my plans are pretty much what John laid out. I intend to go to
college and get my degree. I want to meet someone my own age and fall
in love, get married and have kids," Theresa replied, honestly.

"And what about me? How do you feel about me staying with John?" Cindy
asked, hesitantly.

"I love it! I think it's absolutely perfect," Theresa replied.

"And me? How do you feel about me?" Cindy asked quietly. Theresa kissed
her softly before answering.

"I love you. With all my heart. I don't ever want to lose what we
have.... The other night when you came in to cook dinner and I was
walking with John, I talked with him about it. I told him then that I
wanted to come back often. And I don't mean for just a quick visit, but
for lots of extended weekends.... I also told him that I thought you
didn't want to leave.... He said... '*That is more than I could hope
for*' to quote him. He went on to say that he didn't want to hold you
back. That he thought you would 'want' to leave.... I told him I didn't
think so. But I do know that he absolutely does want you to go to
college. He wants us both to. I think that's probably a really good
thing. But I think he wants you to come back, in fact I'm fairly
certain about it," Theresa concluded. Cindy wept quietly against her
friend's breasts for a while. Theresa softly playing in her hair.

"I.. I.. love him... I can't help it. I can't face the idea of a future
without him... I don't want to..." Cindy sobbed.

"I know.." Theresa said, hugging her friend to her. "I love him too.
And I love you.... but my dream isn't here. I want to raise kids. I
can't do that with John.... Have you thought about that?" Cindy nodded
against Theresa's breasts.

She swallowed hard and finally replied, "Yes. I thought about it.... I
don't think I have a burning need to have children.... I understand
that you do.. but for me... well, there's already five billion people
on earth.... but that's not really it. It's just that I don't want
children if it means leaving John to do it." She broke down again as
she finished. Theresa hugged her close and let her cry. After a time
she began to caress her friend. Suddenly Cindy was kissing her
fiercely. Theresa understood Cindy's need for release and returned the
kiss. Her hands moving to cup Cindy's breasts.

Later after they showered and were dressing, Theresa said, "I think it
will all work out fine... You're good for John's heart in more ways
than one. At least you'll keep him exercised."

"Thank you... lover," Cindy said softly, "And thanks for letting me cry
on you."

"No problem... just one hint," Theresa said.

"What's that?" Cindy asked.

"Just don't let John find out how *hot* crying makes you. He might be
tempted to treat you badly just to trigger it," Theresa chuckled. Cindy
chuckled too. "Come on... lover. Let's find out if our breakfast is
cold," Theresa said.

"Uh.. Can I have just one more kiss before we go?" Cindy asked.

"Always," Theresa said, pulling her into her arms.

Chapter 31

John sat drinking coffee, reading a print out. He hadn't viewed what
the girls were doing for some reason. He sensed he didn't really want
to know. Besides, the tape was running, making an accurate record he
could watch in the future should the urge strike him, it hadn't yet.

Lately his surveillance had started to nag at him. He changed the tapes
mainly out of habit. Heaven knows he certainly had much more than
enough material for any sexual stimulation he was ever likely to use
them for. But that wasn't really why he did it. On the tapes was a
history. It was a record of two women growing up. Their social
interactions between themselves, and he. Part of him hadn't really
acknowledged looked forward to viewing the tapes with Cindy when he got
old... *er*.

Perhaps the nagging feeling was a surfacing of his ethics. He didn't
examine his motivations too closely. Life was good. Not a likely time
for soul searching. He looked up and smiled at his two lovelies when
they entered the kitchen. He could tell that something important had
transpired. They were somehow different... more... content with
themselves about something. Cindy smiled at him and moved to sit in his
lap. She snuggled to him. Theresa passed by on the way to the coffee,
running her fingers through his hair as she walked by.

"So... Did you keep it warm for us?" she asked.

"In the oven. Have a nice time?" John asked, he kissed Cindy softly on
the cheek.

"Mmm.. Very nice," Cindy said, snuggling to him.

"Yes, quite nice," Theresa added, "Thank you for being such a dear."

"You asked me to keep it warm. Not too tough to put it into the oven,"
John said, lightly.

"I know... but. Well, thank you, just the same..." Theresa said. She
moved the hot plates to the table, placing one in front of Cindy.

"You're both quite welcome..." John said, snagging a piece of bacon
from Cindy's plate. He took a bite and then fed the rest to Cindy. Once
food hit her mouth, she kissed him lightly and moved to another chair.

"Didn't you eat?" Theresa asked.

"Yes, but bacon stealing is a long tempting tradition. For some reason
certain foods are fair game. Like French fries. You'd never think about
stealing an asparagus spear, but something like bacon compels your
hand." He chuckled.

"So what's on the agenda today?" Cindy asked between bites.

"Oh... not too much. I've got some legal mumbo jumbo to dig through
over the patents. What about you girls?"

"Oh.. I don't know. Thought I'd study some and I think Cindy and I need
to get moving on some fashions," Theresa said.

"I was wondering if you girls were going to clean up that mess in the
lab," John kind of chuckled. Both girls blushed crimson.

"I... I... I'm sorry John.. " Cindy stuttered.

"Relax... love. It's not that big a deal. I was just teasing," John
said, chuckling.

"I... I.. Couldn't help myself.. I saw the completed mannequin and it
looked so much like you.. and well I guess I just got carried away..."
Cindy said, defending herself.

"I said relax. I meant it. You think that I'm going to find your being
sexually attracted to an exact image of me somehow offensive.. then you
don't understand me very well," John giggled.

"Wish I could take one with me to college," Theresa mused, still
blushing.

"Why not?" John asked.

"Might cause a ruckus in the dorm," Theresa replied.

"Sweetheart, I don't know if you realize it, but you don't have to stay
in a dorm. You're well off enough now that you can afford an apartment
of your own as well as tuition," John said. Theresa looked up startled.
She hadn't thought of herself as "Well to do".

"You really are a sweetheart, John. You can steal my bacon any time you
like," Cindy said.

"Why thank you kindly, Ma'am," John said.

"Quite welcome, Sir," she replied.

"You know, you're spoiling other men for us," Theresa said, finishing
her French toast.

"My great secret plan," John said.

"It's working," Cindy muttered to herself.

Chapter 32

The girls cleaned up and headed off to clean up the lab. The mannequin
was half sprawled out, hanging off the chair, its perpetual erection
still holding an attraction for the girls. Cindy bent to pick up their
clothes. Theresa hauled the mannequin back up into the chair. It didn't
want to bend, but would lean against the back.

"Let's hang it up by the others," Theresa said. The other mannequins
hung in a row from a beam by their head cables. There was getting to be
quite a collection of them. John had made a second Cindy and an earlier
Theresa. The girls each had a pair of twins hanging before them. Not
quite twins as one of each was a slightly younger representation of
them. The difference between them was incredible. The older models had
larger breasts, wider hips and an overall firmer muscle tone. Looking
at the difference made the girls feel proud of their bodies.

As a partial attempt to make them less of a distraction, John had spun
clothes on each of them. Trying out different styles. The elder Cindy
wore a duplicate of the first outfit that John had made for Theresa
along with a short black skirt. The girls jointly strung John at the
end of the row, next to the elder Cindy. On a whim, Cindy moved the
fabric on her own double aside and "connected" them.

"You do make a fine looking couple," Theresa mused, looking at the
mannequins.

"Yeah. I guess we do. Kind of looks a little out of place though with
John not having any clothing on. Kind of looks like '*I*' discovered
him undressed and decided to rape him," Cindy said.

"So... let's make him some clothes?" Theresa suggested.

"Why not. Let's," Cindy replied. The girls spent most the rest of the
day working with different designs on the computer. They settled on a
fairly traditional tuxedo style. Except much better fitting than one
off the rack. It was with some reluctance they separated the two
mannequins to restring John into the frame. They each got a little
worked up when they set about applying the thin tissue and oiling it.
Finally they got the body covered and started the spinning process.

"Think I'll take a swim and then study some," Theresa said.

"Think I'll go check what John wants for lunch. How about you? Want me
to bring you some?" Cindy asked.

"I am a little hungry. Give me a call when it's ready and I'll come get
it," Theresa replied.

"Nonsense. If I can't wait on my lover, then I quit. I'll bring it to
you," Cindy said.

"I know, you just want to see more of my nude body," Theresa chuckled.

"Guilty," Cindy replied, tweaking a bun cheek. Theresa lifted her and
Cindy's tops and moved to merge their bare breasts together. She kissed
her friend softly and hugged her.

"God, I love you...You are more than welcome to look at any part of me,
any time you want," she said softly.

"Ditto, babe," Cindy said, "I'll look forward to it in about half an
hour." Cindy kissed her softly and then pulled reluctantly away. She
smiled back at Theresa as she left. Theresa checked on the progress of
the weaving and then -as if compelled- she moved to the hanging elder
Cindy. She lifted the skirt and sort of examined the pubic area.
Feeling herself flush with excitement, she returned the fabric over the
area and smoothed the skirt.

"I really do love you," she said quietly, looking up at the mannequin.
She reluctantly left for the pool. Cindy found John in the Com room.
She came up behind him and rubbed his neck and shoulders.

"What ya doing?" she asked.

"Oh, finishing up on the patent papers.... that feels good. This legal
shit always makes me tense," he said, leaning back into Cindy's hands.

"Anyway I can help?" Cindy asked, playfully.

"Just keep doing what you're doing," John replied with his eyes closed.
Cindy looked down on her man as she rubbed his shoulders. His hair was
getting a little thin on top and just a touch gray at the temples. His
body was firm from hard work on the garden and silo. She watched as he
responded to her touch. A slight bulge growing in his pants. She leaned
down and gave him an upside down kiss. The top of her tongue sliding
over his. Quite pleasant, she thought. She also noticed the effect was
not lost on John. The bulge had gotten a lot bigger. She kissed him on
the neck and moved around him.

"I know just the thing for tenseness," she said, sinking to her knees
between his legs. John continued to lay back with his eyes closed as
she unfastened his trousers. As Cindy turned her attention to his
manhood, she was thinking how much nicer the real one was.

Theresa stripped off her clothes and dove in. It was sunny outside and
the tracking mirror projected a lovely rainbow across the pool area
wall. She swam on her back, several times across the pool, admiring it.
Thinking what a nice job John had done on the place. Lot's of little
nice touches everywhere you looked. Like the tracking mirror which
brought daylight into the silo. On several of the floors he had mounted
prisms which cast rainbows of color across the walls whenever the sun
was out.

She swam to the edge of the pool and grabbed a remote control which she
used to turn on some music. Then she turned about and swam several hard
laps. Finally grabbing a floating chair and climbing into it. She lay
back listening to the music and watching the rainbow.

'Not such a bad place to live,' she thought to herself. Cindy snuggled
in John's lap. She too watched a rainbow pattern creep across a wall.
She sighed contentedly.

"So what do you want for lunch?" she asked.

"Hmm... How about this breast.. and these lips... followed by roast
beef sandwiches and then maybe a taste of this..," John said. Cindy
giggled a bit and then moaned slightly over where John's fingers
were.... again. Where his manhood had been a short time before. She
quivered a bit as she reluctantly pulled herself out of his lap and
found her shorts.

"Roast beef it is," she said, bending back to kiss him. His slick
fingers found a nipple and tweaked it. He noticed the glistening
moisture and moved to lick it off. "Now stop that!" Cindy giggled, not
pulling away. "Or it will be dinner by the time I get lunch ready."
John chuckled and kissed her once more before turning her around and
lightly patting her cute rear end towards the kitchen. She snagged her
blouse and pulled it on as she walked away. John looked after her
admiring the way the terry shorts hugged her buns. Then he turned back
to his legal papers, feeling much less tense.

A little while later Cindy sat a plate and a cup of coffee next to him.
She kissed him on the cheek and left. John muttering his thanks without
looking up from his papers. Cindy carried a tray down to the pool. Her
own lunch as well as Theresa's upon it. She set it down on the table
and looked admiring at the nude blonde reclined in the floating chair.
Thinking how much more beautiful Theresa got everyday. Her breasts up
firm and high on her chest. Her stomach muscles firm and flat above the
trim little patch of golden pubic hair. Despite her session with John
just a short time before she felt herself flush with desire.

"Hey, cutie. Come eat," she called. Theresa looked up at her friend and
then slid out of the chair and swam strongly towards the ladder. Cindy
watched her firm backside sliding through the water. She held a towel
out for her friend as she climbed out. Wrapping it around her, she
pulled her into a quick kiss. Theresa held it a bit longer, then moved
to the table. Looking back, Cindy was still standing by the pool's
edge, looking after her.

"What?" Theresa asked. Cindy seemed to come to her senses and moved to
the table.

"Oh.. nothing. I was just admiring your lovely body," she chuckled.

"I knew it. Just as I predicted," Theresa chuckled, "Any particular
spot?"

"Not really. The whole damn thing is nigh on perfect. I don't know if
you realize just how gorgeous you really are," Cindy said, sitting down
and reaching for a sandwich. Theresa stopped her sandwich halfway to
her mouth. Looking a little surprised at her friend.

"No... But I know how gorgeous you are," she said softly.

"Come on. Let's eat. My pretty. Or we won't get anything else done
today but each other.... and John," Cindy chuckled.

"Thought it was a long half hour," Theresa chuckled, sipping a soda.

"Oh.. he just sort of seemed tense... so I cured it," Cindy mused.
Theresa chuckled.

Then said, "Tell me about it."

"What?" Cindy asked.

"Tell me about it. Describe how it happened. Tell me what you did. Tell
me how it felt. Everything," Theresa said.

"Really?" Cindy asked, a bit surprised.

"Really. I want to hear all about it," Theresa said, seriously.

"Why?" Cindy asked.

"Oh.. I just do," Theresa replied.

"Okay...Well.. I went into the Com room and John was sitting with his
back to me.... " Cindy began. As they ate Cindy told her all about it.
Theresa asked leading questions until Cindy was filling in all the
details. Describing exactly what things felt like and what she did.
Theresa felt herself flushing with desire. She knew she was getting
damp inside. She slipped a hand below the table and lightly touched
herself as Cindy talked. Continuing to eat and drink with her other
hand. Her face flushed and her breathing increasing.

As she talked, Cindy began to notice her friend's state of excitement.
This made her realize how excited she was becoming herself. She noticed
the absence of Theresa's hand and the slight movement of her arm. This
led her to drop one of her own hands and unfasten her shorts. The hand
slid inside and her fingers made their way between her legs, feeling
her own dampness.

The food and drinks were long gone. As Cindy concluded her story, both
girls were stroking deep inside themselves. Theresa knew very well now
where Cindy's hand was too. She openly squeezed her breasts and pinched
her nipples with her other hand. Cindy pulled her blouse off and
mirrored her actions. The two girls looking into each other's flushed
faces across the table, neither making a move towards the other one as
they excited themselves.

When Cindy described how John's orgasm felt inside her, a soft cry
emerged from Theresa's lips, she leaned back as her body convulsed in
orgasm. This triggered Cindy's own orgasm which took her by surprise.
Her body jerking in her chair. The girls were quiet for a time. Each
lightly stroking her own body as she cooled down and caught her breath.

Finally Theresa said, "Thank you.. Think I'll take a dip to cool off."

"You're welcome... but don't go in the water. You just ate, remember?"
Cindy replied.

"Oh.. yeah. Wups," Theresa said.

"Come here... I'll cool you off," Cindy invited. Theresa moved to sit
in Cindy's lap. She kissed her deeply.

"I don't think cooling me off is what you had in mind," she chuckled,
cupping a breast and lightly caressing it. Cindy's hands lightly
stroked over Theresa's soft skin.

"Actually. It was.... but if you'd rather?" Cindy said.

"Well... I wouldn't mind a little taste of desert," Theresa said,
sliding down in front of her. She pulled Cindy's shorts off and moved
between her legs. Cindy closed her eyes and moved her hips forward to
meet her friend's lips.

John flipped on the monitor to see what the girls were up to. "Damn...
at it again," he muttered. He couldn't help but find what he saw
exciting, but he also thought to himself how lucky he was that the
girls had each other. There was no way he could have kept up with their
sexual appetites by himself. He watched as Cindy's hips lifted in
orgasm and Theresa's mouth followed them... just as he had taught her
by doing it to her. He switched off the monitor and went in search of
another cup of coffee.

The girls lay on a double chaise lightly stroking each other. Now they
were languid with endorphins. Cindy even more so than Theresa.

"I may be going off to school... but I *never* want to lose this,"
Theresa said softly. Cindy kissed her lightly on a nipple.

"Shower with me?" she asked.

"Love to. But I don't think I could handle another orgasm for a while,"
Theresa replied. Cindy rolled her eyes.

"Me neither. I just like to rub bodies with you."

"Mmm... me too," Theresa said, proving it. Later they all met up in the
kitchen. Theresa started preparations for dinner. Cindy jumped in to
help her. John sitting back reading some legal papers and making notes
on a pad.

"Think you girls could do without me for a while?" he asked. Both girls
looked at him somewhat alarmed. He smiled at them... and himself over
the irony of the question considering what he had seen on the monitor
earlier. "I need to make a trip to meet with my lawyers and sign some
papers," he explained, "I think it would be pushing our luck a bit to
take you two."

"I know... he's meeting another woman and doesn't want us along," Cindy
teased.

"More like I get a break from too much loving," John said, lightly.

"Aww... Have we tuckered you out?" Theresa teased.

"Not yet. But a break to recharge my batteries might be nice," he
replied.

"I think we can make do for a while," Cindy said. Theresa nodded her
agreement.

"For how long?" she asked.

"Oh... probably just a couple of days, but maybe as long as a week.
Depends on how the meetings go," John replied.

"Sure... When you going?" Theresa asked.

"Oh... probably the first of next week," John said.

"When is that? What day is it?" Cindy asked.

"It's Wednesday, three days before your birthday," John chuckled.

"My birthday?" Cindy asked.

"Yeah, you know. Happens every year. You'll be seventeen," John
chuckled.

"I forgot all about it... You remembered?" Cindy asked, pleased.

"Apparently," Theresa chuckled, "have to bake you a cake and have a
little celebration."

"Just what I had in mind," John said, "I'd like to see you two in some
of those fashions you've been working on."

"We've been working on a little something for you along those lines,"
Cindy said.

"Oh?" John asked, "What?"

"Just a little formal wear," Theresa said.

"I can't wait... I think," John said.

"You'll love it... And I can't wait to see you in it," Cindy said.

"Well, you'll get your wish on Saturday," John promised. After dinner
the girls returned to the lab to work on John's tuxedo.

"Have to make him one that he can wear in public," Cindy observed,
looking at how clearly the outfit defined his form.

"He could get arrested wearing this," Theresa chuckled, "I like it
though."

Cindy chuckled, "Me too... But admit it. We don't want any other women
seeing him in it."

"No.. And I know you don't," Theresa chuckled.

"You don't either," Cindy said.

"You're right," Theresa admitted, "Maybe I just want John and you
together so that there will be an understanding woman here when I come
for my visits."

"You'll always be welcome.... if I have anything to say about it,"
Cindy said.

"You will..." Theresa said.

"I hope so," Cindy said. John was stargazing in the solarium when the
women found him. Cindy brought him a cup of coffee.

"Thank you, dear. That was very nice of you," John said, sipping at the
steaming cup. Cindy shivered a bit and Theresa handed her an afghan,
she pulled it over her shoulders and thanked her. Theresa was already
wearing one herself. Even with the clear barrier, it was a bit cooler
in the solarium during the night.

It was a splendid winter's night. The stars sparkling clear even
through the clear roof. The women reclined, snuggled together in a
double chaise while John looked through his telescope. A spacey style
of new age music playing on the stereo seemed to fit perfectly with the
view.

"I think we're pretty close to one of the meteor showers if I remember
correctly," John said. Just then a colorful streak passed over a
portion of the sky, bringing credence to John's words.

"Show off!" Cindy giggled.

"I aim to please," John said, nonchalantly. As if he had planned it.

"You do," Cindy said, softly. Theresa kissed her softly on the cheek
and squoze her hand. John pulled back from his telescope and pulled a
chaise over next to them.

"Have to get us a triple wide... might have to build one. Never saw one
for sale," he said.

"That would be nice," Theresa said.

"Mmmm," Cindy murmured, snuggling to Theresa.

"We could make room," Theresa suggested.

"No... Three's pretty cramped on that thing. We can snuggle in bed soon
enough," he replied, sipping at his coffee. They sat listening to the
music and watching the occasional meteor for some time. Finally John
stood and extended his hands towards the women. They rose and one moved
to either side of him. They walked together down to the bedroom. By
unspoken consent they undressed each other. John's hands each found a
breast. The girls hands moved over each other and John's chest. John
kissed each of them and then made a pit stop, the girls followed in
suit.

Cindy was first back and crawled into his arms on the bed. Theresa
crawled up behind her and began to kiss her neck as John found her
lips. Cindy lay back in bliss as they each found a nipple with their
lips. Eventually they met between her legs. Alternating between kissing
each other and mutually pleasing her. Later Cindy helped John please
Theresa.

Finally the two girls descended upon John's pubic area. When he was
more than ready, Theresa motioned for Cindy to mount him. Theresa moved
up to kiss John as Cindy impaled herself upon his hips. John pulled
Theresa's hips over his head and he and Cindy sparred tongues around
Theresa's tender spots as Cindy rocked on his hips. Later they all
snuggled together, caressing each other as they drifted blissfully into
sleep.

Chapter 33

John wore his custom tuxedo to Cindy's birthday party. The women
drooling over how it fit him. John doing his own salivating over the
outfits the women had picked. They each wore a transparent black body
suit with short white skirts and half heels. The heels just high enough
to give an extra little sexy lift to their cute bottoms. John brought
out some items of jewelry he had purchased on his last trip to town.
One, ostensibly for Theresa, who kissed him in thanks.

Cindy went nuts over the necklace John gave her. And the matching
bracelet that 'Theresa' gave her. John brought out one more package.
Cindy stared at it a little bewildered when she opened the package.

"I'll give you a hint. You need help to use it," John chuckled.
Suddenly Cindy's eyes got real big and she blushed. Theresa looked into
the package and instantly blushed. "Just a little something to keep you
two occupied while I'm away," John smirked.

"Should prove interesting," Cindy said, a little hoarsely.

"You'll find a different one deeper in the package... based upon me on
both ends, but I figured that one based upon you two's actual
dimensions would be more satisfying," John said.

"That's why it took me so long to figure out what it was," Cindy said,
"How can you tell which side is which?"

"I figured half the fun would be in finding out," John answered. Cindy
and Theresa both blushed, but glanced at each other. John could tell by
their eyes that both were eager to try it.

"What's this wire?" Cindy asked, lifting it out of the box.

"Follow it," John said. She did and at the end of some eight feet of
flexible cable a control box pulled out. She flipped the switch marked
on/off and suddenly the two foam blobs at the other end of the wire
began to writhe and snake around.

"Oh my.." said Theresa, hoarsely. Looking at Cindy and absently licking
her lips.

"And the other switch?" Cindy asked flipping it. A buzzing sound was
heard from the base of the two blobs. Upon further inspection Cindy
found the base to be a combination of two pieces which were mirror
images of her and Theresa's nether regions. With her fingertips she
located the positions of the strongest vibrations. "*Oh my*... " she
said.

"And the knob?" Theresa asked, gulping. Cindy turned it and found it
varied the speed of the writhing and buzzing. She turned it off and
examined the other side of the box. A jack on one end. She raised her
eyebrow in question to John.

"Rechargeable batteries," John answered, "I may be gone a whole week."

"And this?" she asked, pointing out a strange connector on the side.

"Oh.. I imagine you two will figure that out while I'm gone," John
chuckled.

"Do you *really* expect us to use this?" Cindy asked. Theresa nodded
agreement to the question. John kind of rolled his eyes.

"Excuse me...I'm John. Have we met?" he said.

"Huh?" Cindy and Theresa said in stereo.

"I'm sorry, I thought I was talking to *my* women. You two must be
strangers around here," John said. Theresa got it first and busted out
laughing. Cindy quickly followed suit, John lastly. Their laughter
built upon itself and soon all had tears rolling down their cheeks and
were holding their sides.

It almost wound down when Theresa managed to gasp out, "So you didn't
answer the question." Then they were all off again. One or the other of
them would glance over at the writhing foam projections and they would
be off again. This happened most the night from then on.

Cindy finally moved into John's lap and said, "Thank you, darling. It's
certainly the most *unusual* birthday gift I have ever received."

"You're welcome. I think you'll like it. If you get stumped, I've
hidden some instructions somewhere in the lab," he said.

"Instructions? Why hidden?" Cindy asked.

"Oh... I think you'll find your little toy more versatile than you
could imagine. Hidden because it's fun. Like I said, in the lab
somewhere," he said cryptically. Actually he said it because he didn't
want the two of them digging around the maintenance tunnels in their
search. Finding the tapes was the last thing he wanted them to do. He
kept the access hatches locked, but that wouldn't deter his little
lovelies once they had their mind set on something. He had banks of
VCR's that would record their every movement while he was gone, also
securely locked up in a maintenance closet where the cables passed
through. A big steel door, like only the government would think of,
securing it.

"I'll miss you when you're gone," Cindy said, snuggling to him.

"I'll miss you too, kitten. Both of you," John said, honestly.

"Do you realize we haven't been apart for a day for almost a whole
year?" Theresa said.

John nodded, "Yeah, I know. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Maybe it will be good practice for me. For when I go off to school,"
Theresa said. Cindy stayed quiet and snuggled to John's shoulder.

"How about that Cake?" Theresa said, jumping to her feet.

"And the champagne in the fridge," John said, unable to get up with
Cindy on his lap.

"I know dear... and the good glasses," Theresa called back over her
shoulder. Cindy turned her head up to him and he kissed her deeply.

"Happy birthday," he said, when she pulled back.

Her eyes began to tear up as she said, "Thanks. It's the best one I've
had for a long, long time." Theresa came back carrying a tray. On it
was a flaming cake, a bottle of Champagne and three crystal glasses.
She set it on the table.

"Come on, birthday girl. Time to blow out your candles," she said.

"First a toast!" John said, goading Cindy to her feet with his hands on
her bum.

"Better hurry, before this cake melts!" Theresa mused. She grabbed the
Champagne bottle and threw the towel over the top as she had seen John
do. Then she untwisted the wire and slowly worked the cork back and
forth through the towel until a quiet "phfft" was heard. She pulled off
the towel with the cork and poured three glasses.

"Why do you open it that way, why not let the cork fly?" Cindy asked.
John opened his mouth but Theresa held up her hand to stop him.

"Two reasons. One; You lose champagne from the overflow and Two; the
sudden change of pressure will change the taste. It actually tastes
better if you let the pressure out slow," Theresa said. "How did I do,
teach?"

"A-level," John nodded.

"I know, not as much fun," she said to Cindy, but beaming over John's
grade. She handed them their glasses. "Your toast?" she asked John.

He raised his glass to Cindy and said, "To our dear friend and lover.
Whom I never want to lose."

"Hear hear!" toasted Theresa, "To our dear friend and lover. Whom *we*
never want to lose." They carefully clinked glasses. The crystal
ringing like three bells. Tears welled up in Cindy's eyes. John and
Theresa joined together in singing happy birthday. The tears started to
flow freely from Cindy's eyes.

"Come on, blow them out before it broils the cake!" Theresa demanded.
Cindy choked back her tears and then blew out all the candles in one
breath. Her tears dripping on the cake. As she stood once more, Theresa
pulled her into her arms and kissed her warmly. Afterwards it was
John's turn. Theresa started to cut the cake while Cindy and John were
preoccupied.

"Spiced rum cake and champagne... Should be interesting," Theresa
mused.

"Nothing but the best... for the best," John said, looking Cindy in the
eyes. They ate their cake and finished the bottle off before retiring
to the bedroom.

"It's your birthday. You can have him all to yourself. I'll sleep in
the guest room," Theresa said.

"No!" Cindy said, "If it's my choice... then I choose *both* of you. I
want both of my lovers with me tonight."

"Your wish is my command," Theresa said, smiling.

"Mine as well," John said, "What would you like?"

"Well, for starters... I want you two to undress me..... but keep your
own clothes on......," Cindy instructed. John rebuttoned his tuxedo.
Theresa refastened her shorts. They each moved to one side of Theresa.
"Kiss Theresa first. I want to watch," Cindy said. John pulled Theresa
into his arms and his lips slowly descended to touch hers softly. He
continued to kiss her ever so softly, sliding his lips over hers, mouth
slightly parted. Then he began to deepen the kiss, sliding his tongue
between her lips and sucking her lower lip between his.

Theresa's breath caught in her lungs as John's tongue played tag with
her own. Now kissing her hard and deep. Then soft and light. Finishing
off by letting his lips barely touch hers, sliding slowly sideways.
Nibbling at the corners of her mouth. Lastly he let his top lip slide
gently over hers. The fine hairs on her upper lip merging with his
mustache and tickling her. His hands had slid slowly downwards to cup
her ass during the kiss. Now he lifted his head in inquiry to Cindy as
Theresa trembled in his arms, supported greatly by his hands cupping
her ass cheeks. Cindy sat back looking at the couple before her.

"You two are gorgeous!" She said, "I've changed my mind. John, undress
Theresa first. Then Theresa undress John. But keep kissing and
caressing as you do it." John turned back to the trembling Theresa. He
kissed her again, deeply, as his hands moved to find the closure on her
skirt. "Lift it up first. With her back to me," Cindy said.

The couple turned to comply. John slowly lifting the back of her skirt
revealing the moon image on one shapely cheek. Realizing what Cindy had
in mind, John gently traced the edges of the cheeks with his finger
tips. The effect was not lost on either woman. Theresa fairly quivered
in his arms. John turned Theresa around to face Cindy. He ground his
hips into her from behind as he played under the front edge of the
skirt. Lifting it slowly to reveal the V star burst on the front of the
outfit. One hand continued to lift the skirt while the fingers of the
other hand softly traced the edges of the outfit. Then holding the
skirt up with his wrists, both hands traced the edges and began to play
under them. He kissed Theresa softly on her neck.

Theresa's eyes were closed in passion as she leaned back against her
man, feeling his fingers explore around the edges of her womanhood.
When she opened her eyes they locked on to Cindy's, who was sitting
back against the headboard. Her own fingers tracing the edges of her
own outfit under her skirt. John traced his thumbs up along the edges
of the material and one hand continued up over the hip and around
behind to work on the closure of Theresa's skirt. He opened it and then
he used both hands to slowly lower it over her shapely hips. Turning
her in his grasp so that Cindy saw the moon rising above the top of the
skirt as it was lowered.

Instead of just releasing the skirt after it passed beneath Theresa's
ass cheeks, John bent slowly as he lowered it to the floor. Then his
hands traced back up Theresa's shapely legs and over her ass cheeks.
Then he turned her once more to face Cindy as he explored the front of
her body through the thin fabric. His hands cupping and squeezing her
breasts softly, tracing her erect nipples with his fingertips. Then
letting his hands explore, he kissed her on the neck. Once again
grinding his hips against her backside.

Theresa was fairly dripping by now. Her body trembled at the slightest
touch. When her eyes turned to Cindy she found her tracing her own
nipples and pubic area with her fingertips. Just then John's fingers
found their way under the fabric by her Mons Venus. They slid over the
soft blonde curls and inched their way down between her legs. With his
other hand and his teeth he found the fasteners along the tops of her
shoulders and undid them one by one. Then again using his hand and
teeth he began to slowly lower the top of the outfit one inch at a
time.

His fingers beginning to stroke between her legs in search of her
dampness. They found it and a finger worked between her labia and into
her as he lowered the outfit over her breasts. Kissing her shoulders
and neck. She leaned into his kisses and moaned softly. Her body
trembling under his touch.

Cindy watched John's hands tracing over the firm blonde's body. Her own
fingers tracing her body in unison with his. As such one of her hands
was now beneath the fabric between her legs. Stroking herself as the
other traced beneath her breasts and over her nipples. Her breath was
ragged in her throat. The fingers between her legs, drenched with her
desire.

Watching Cindy from the corners of his eyes, John withdrew his fingers
from between Theresa's legs and brought them up and first sniffed and
then licked them. Cindy did the same. Quivering as she did so. John
used both hands to lower Theresa's top slowly past her nipples and down
to her abdomen. Then he turned her once more as he continued to lower
the outfit. This time the moon distorted and rumpled as it was replaced
with smooth, tan skin. John kissed Theresa deeply, her tongue hungry
and searching in his mouth. John continued to turn them as he lowered
the outfit beneath her ass cheeks and one hand moved over her now bare
breasts.

Keeping wherever he was caressing visible to Cindy. He kissed down over
Theresa's neck and over her shoulder then down to her breasts as his
hands lowered her outfit. As his lips reached her nipples, they
diverted and kissed around the edges of her breasts, circling in until
he softly sucked one nipple into his mouth and slid his tongue over the
end. Then he circled the other breast and slowly zeroed in on its
target.

Theresa was visibly shaking now. Goose bumps followed John's fingers
wherever they touched. She felt him kissing down over her abdomen as he
lowered her outfit to the floor. She stepped out of it, her shoes still
on. Then John's fingers released the clasps on them and she stepped out
of each one in turn. John's lips just kissing to each side of her pubic
mound, the tongue dipping softly into the natural valleys to either
side. Then she felt his fingers caressing back up her legs and he
slowly worked his way back up to her lips with his, not missing any
attractions on the way.

Now Theresa stood nude before her friend. When her eyes met Cindy's and
saw the hunger there she was suddenly proud of her body. Stretching and
touching herself before her friend while John's hands traced her
abdomen and he kissed her neck. She turned to him and her fingers
sought for the buttons on his tuxedo.

When she had his coat open Cindy managed to croak, "Leave it on.... but
open his trousers." Theresa smiled to her friend, guessing what she had
in mind. She kissed John deeply and then sank to her knees. Her fingers
finding the zipper and lowering it to release the bulge behind it. Her
fingers sought inside the opening and worked his manhood out through
the trap door in his satin underwear. It sprung out at full attention
and Theresa folded the edges of the zipper away.

Like a magnet to steel her lips were drawn to his throbbing member. She
sucked it into her mouth and swirled her tongue around it. Then she did
her best to swallow it. Moving deeper on each slow stroke, she
continued to swallow it deeper until her lips met the base and her face
was against the fabric of his trousers. John groaned softly. Theresa's
mouth around him was warm and slick. The tongue sliding over the end
almost sent him over the edge. Then she totally engulfed him. He could
feel the tip sliding all the way back and into her throat. It was
almost too much. He gently pulled her off of him. Turning an eye to
Cindy in question of their next action. Cindy's body was fairly
quaking. She had two fingers deep inside herself. They pushed up hard
into her as John caught her eye.

"Lean her over the chair and take her from behind," she gasped out.
John moved to bend Theresa over a chair. There was a problem with
height, but he solved that by moving two short foot stools from the
closet area to either side. Theresa put a foot up on each one and bent
over the back of the chair. John came up behind her and kissed her on
the shoulder as he positioned himself against her vulva, working the
tip back and forth to gather her ample natural lubrication. Then once
positioned he stood up and began to push forward.

Cindy watched in fascination as John's member began to disappear into
her friend's tight vagina. She heard Theresa's moan of delight and
pushed up hard herself with her fingers trying to duplicate what she
felt. John continued to push in until he was all the way in seated up
firmly against Theresa's cervix. Then he continued to push even longer
as her vagina tried to stretch to accommodate him.

Sensing that Cindy couldn't see much, John reluctantly began to
withdraw. He backed out a scant inch at a time only to push forward
again all the way in. Each time withdrawing further only to push
forward again. As Theresa stretched out and he became better
lubricated, he pushed forward faster. Striking her cervix hard. Each
time Theresa gasping suddenly. Then without warning her body began to
quake and convulse. John had to support her hips with his hands as her
knees tried to buckle under her. She cried out as the orgasm took her
on John's next stroke. A matching cry was heard from the bed.

John pushed in hard and stayed there as Theresa's vagina alternately
gripped at him like a vise and then was suddenly loose around him. He
held her firmly by the hips so that her body didn't collapse. The front
half of her, however, slumped over the back of the easy chair. Her legs
coming up off the stools. John tipped the chair back on two legs until
it pivoted easily on them. Once again he began his strokes inside her.
This time using the chair to rock her back against him. His hands on
Theresa's hips firmly controlling the whole thing. Once again Theresa
cried out as her body shook in orgasm. John continued to pump inside
her but pushing in hard each time her body convulsed. After this had
happened half a dozen times he heard Cindy.

"Stop," she gasped. John did. He let the chair rock forward pulling
himself out of the tight blonde. He bent over Theresa's quivering,
gasping body and lifted her gently into his arms. Her body quaking as
he turned towards the bed. Still fully clothed in his tuxedo, his
manhood erect and slick with Theresa's juices before him as he cradled
the lovely blonde in his arms and kissed her gently. Her body spasmed
once more during the kiss. John lay her gently upon the bed and
extended a hand towards Cindy.

Cindy had crawled up to where Theresa lay gasping. She kissed her
tenderly and then looked up at John, his hand extended to her. His
manhood firm before him. Looking like a million bucks in his tuxedo.
Trembling she crawled over Theresa and off the bed, taking John's hand
and he pulled her into his arms and into a deep passionate kiss. Now,
when she had recovered enough, Theresa got to watch as John slowly
repeated the entire process with Cindy. Again the woman on the bed
matched the location of John's hands upon her own body. John didn't
hurry as he followed his previous actions exactly, only now with Cindy.
But Cindy was fully charged up before he touched her. When his fingers
slid between her legs, her body convulsed in orgasm. Then at each stage
where Theresa was close to the edge, Cindy went over. Each orgasm
building upon the intensity of the last. Even so John didn't hurry at
all. His manhood still hard before him.

When Cindy was finally nude she fairly attacked him. Sucking his member
into her lips, tasting her friend's juices upon it. Her body convulsing
in orgasm as she fought to swallow it all. Her fingers now playing
freely between her legs and over her breasts. Pinching the nipples
hard. Then John was guiding her to the chair back. Lifting her hips
from the ground as she fought to find the stools with each foot. Her
breath ragged in her throat as she bent over the easy chair. She felt
John position himself at the opening.

Suddenly, John thrust in hard all the way to the bottom, striking her
cervix hard. She cried out as her body began to convulse in a massive
orgasm. John just pushing in hard, holding her hips back against
himself. Her knees buckled and she slumped over the back of the chair,
which John tipped back once again to keep himself wedged firmly up
against her cervix. Holding himself there as wave after wave of orgasm
took her mercilessly. The instant they began to let up, John would pull
back a short ways and then slam forward again, triggering another wave.

Cindy was like a wild animal now. Crying out and moaning almost
constantly. Each intake of breath a gasping wheeze. Tears rolled out of
her eyes and down her cheeks. John continued his merciless pumping
inside her. Only now beginning to pick up speed. Theresa recovered
enough that she made it to her feet. She came up behind John and began
to peel his coat off. He looked back gratefully at her as the sweat
dribbled down his forehead and across his cheek.

He leaned his head back and Theresa kissed him deeply, holding one side
of the chair so that he could slip his arm out of the coat. She moved
to the other side and repeated the procedure, draping the coat over
another chair. Theresa's hands moved around him releasing catches on
his cummerbund and buttons on his shirt. She kissed at the perspiration
on his neck as she peeled the damp shirt off his shoulders. The
repeated the procedure with the chair on each side as John continued
his strokes inside Cindy.

Finally Theresa found and released the closure on John's waistband and
began to work the tight trousers down over his hips and down his ass.
Literally peeling them down his thighs as the fit was so snug. She
unfastened his shoes and pulled them off one foot at a time. Then
lifted each leg as she guided the tight trousers over his feet. When
she was finished he wore only his socks. Cindy was beyond knowing. Her
very presence filled with the action of John's penis inside her. He had
backed off from slamming into her cervix almost the exact time that her
body had been upon the verge of nausea.

Now his strokes were long and slow. He rotated his hips as he cork-
screwed inwards. Rubbing up against her clitoris as he ground his hips
into her. His hands drawing random patterns upon her back and sides or
reaching around to cup her breasts. Her body convulsing almost at
random. The number of orgasms she had experienced seemed in her mind to
almost equal the number of his strokes. In fact it was dozens while his
strokes were now in the hundreds. Suddenly he struck home again and as
the wave engulfed her once more, she was suddenly gone.

Cindy felt herself being lifted. She felt light as a feather as his
arms.... now bare.... engulfed her and lifted her against his now bare
chest. He carried her to the bed and kissed her deeply before he gently
set her down upon it. Another set of lips found Cindy's from the side
as she felt her legs spread once more. Then she felt John pushing into
her once more. Feeling like it was her very first time, this time the
very special way she had imagined it as a pubescent girl. This time not
associated with the bad memories of her actual first time. To her, this
moment would always be her real first time.

He pushed in slowly, filling her up. Her body gripping at it, wanting
it, needing it. He pushed in slowly until it softly seated against her
cervix. Then a little harder. Her legs wrapped around behind him and
she held him there as her body was engulfed by the gentlest wave of
orgasm that she had ever known. Ripples of goose bumps cascading around
her body. She felt gentle fingertips all over her. Lips on either side
of her mouth nibbling at the corners of it. Tongues sliding over her
lips and across each other on top of her lips. Then searching inwards
from each corner, meeting against hers and the three of them swirling
together softly. She felt bathed in pure love. She held on with all her
might, never wanting the moment to end.

It didn't end. It got better. John began to move slowly once more
inside her. This time the strokes were slow and penetrating. Her legs
still locked behind him pulled inwards with all her draining strength
each time he came to rest against her cervix. It felt like he would
force through it into her uterus. The strokes became longer, but just
as slow and gentle. Now feeling him almost leave her only to push
inwards slowly once more. Each stroke feeling like her mythical first
time. Each stroke accompanied by a gentle wave of contraction and goose
bumps on her body. Then only one set of lips were kissing her deeply.
The strokes picked up a bit in speed. Her hips moving in perfect unison
with her mans. His hips rotating to increase his contact with her
clitoris.

Then the lips upon hers kissed her one last passionate kiss and began
to descend down her neck. They finally came to rest upon her nipples. A
tongue softly swirling around one end only to trace a path towards the
other one. A hand slid down over her abdomen and fingers bracketed her
clitoris. Instead of rubbing it directly, it pushed it down so that it
made almost constant contact with John's large member, stroking deep
inside her.

John picked up speed even more. Now beginning to strike bottom on every
third stroke. A wave of orgasm taking Cindy with each collision. Her
breath now a gasping wheeze. Every nerve in her body fully awake and
alive. One by one lighting on fire as she was consumed by the burning
member inside her. Her orgasms began to strike at random. Now half
centered on her clitoris and half within her vagina. Somehow her legs
had gotten lifted almost back to her shoulders. The strokes were now
fast and deep. The orgasms began to merge one within the other until
her whole body felt like it was contracted.

Then suddenly a finger tip touched her anus and pushed inwards. It
seemed to coordinate her body contractions. She felt a tingling in her
toes and at the top of her head. It spread through her legs and down
her body it was matched by a distant groan escaping her man's lips.
Suddenly he was slamming into her once again. Each stroke striking her
cervix hard. The finger at her anus pushed in and twisted. Her body now
consumed in a pillar of fire centered within her vagina.

As the last strokes slammed home within her, the tingling feeling
traveling over her legs and down her body met inside exactly where the
pillar of fire was slamming into her. Her whole body became one massive
contraction that forced every bit of air out of her lungs in an
animalistic scream. That moment she felt liquid fire burst inside her
as John suddenly collapsed upon her and the finger was yanked from her
behind. A distant cry was heard from the side. The last warm wave of
love engulfed her like white cotton candy and Cindy was gone.

Later, from a great distance John heard, "I think you killed her,
boss." He lifted his head up and Theresa kissed him gently. He realized
he was still on top of Cindy... still within her for that matter. He
rolled off towards the voice and Theresa snuggled to him. Cindy hardly
moved, but a shiver ran through her body.

"Nope... she's alive! Big surprise to me," Theresa chuckled, "I swore
she was a goner." John reached down and pulled the cover over the three
of them. This time Cindy snuggled slightly to his side. "How are *you*
doing? Can I find your heart medicine?" Theresa chuckled.

"I'm..... doing .... great," John managed. He reached out and pulled
Theresa up next to him and kissed her softly, but deeply. Theresa
trembled in his arms.

When he finally pulled back she said, "You are the most incredible man
I have ever met..... and I love you dearly." Tears made their way into
her eyes and began to slide down her cheek. He kissed at them softly.

"Why the tears, love?" he asked gently.

"I... just love you so much.... and why did you have to get that *damn*
vasectomy!" she sobbed.

"Because if I hadn't I have no doubt that by now I would be a father
again, twice. Or at the very least have two *very* pregnant teenage
girls on my hands," he answered, just as gently.

"I...know," Theresa sobbed, "But you've left me no choice but to leave
you to have children. And I don't want to! I want to stay here with you
and Cindy, loving each of you to death for the rest of my life. Raising
a family with both of you." John held her as she sobbed against him.
Caressing her softly.

"Theresa, my dear love. I am almost twenty-eight years older than you.
By the time any child we had was your age, I would be sixty. Now that
just isn't fair to the child. And as much as I love you and would love
to live my life with you, I don't want to see you live your life in a
hole in the ground in the middle of nowhere. If I didn't love you maybe
I could do it. But I do love you.... so I can't," John said.

"But what about what *we* want? Cindy and I? We both want *you*! Her
even more so, but only because she doesn't feel the same need I do to
have children. And as far as living in a hole in the ground, this is
the most luxurious hole on the planet. And besides that you've got
enough money that we could live damn near anyplace we wanted to," she
sobbed.

"I guess that's true enough. And I'm really torn about letting even
Cindy stay. God Theresa I'd love to live my life out with you both
here. But it's really not fair to you. Do you have any idea how much
you two have *lost* by staying here? Do you know how much differently
you two act than other *kids* your own age? You're wasting your youth
on an old man. You only get to be young once. And you and Cindy hardly
get to do any of the things that others your age are doing.

"You're both old enough to drive, but you can't because you're here
with me. You can't go hang out with your friends in the mall. You can't
go biking in the mountains or learn to ski or even take up skydiving.
You're stuck here with a stodgy old man who's looking for vitamins
strong enough to let him keep up with all that natural energy you have.
That both of you have. I just don't have that energy any more.

"It's not my physical shape. I'm in great shape, maybe the best shape
since I was in my early twenties because I exercise daily. It's *age*.
No matter how good of shape I keep myself in, I will never be able to
keep up with even one of you. And as far as living anywhere I want
to... Well right now this is where I *want* to live. I've had enough of
cities and the world outside. I don't want to spoil that world for you
and Cindy. I don't want you to waste your lives on me," he concluded.

"That would be our choice. And it's our right to make it," a voice said
from his other side. He turned towards Cindy and she pulled him into a
passionate kiss. She wouldn't let him pull back until *she* was
finished. "Okay, you listen to me, *old* man. Perhaps we *are* wasting
our youth on you. Personally I don't think so. This is the happiest *I*
have *ever* been in my *entire life*!. I know Theresa feels exactly the
same way. Her life was no bed of roses before she came here either. But
putting all that aside, if we want to waste our lives on you, then
that's *our* business. It's *our* choice to make. And I can say,
speaking for me at least, that you're going to have to bodily throw me
out if you don't want me here. I love you with all my heart. And you
had better get used to that, cause you're stuck with me. Oh, I intend
to go to college like you want me to. But I'll be back. And you can't
build this place strong enough to keep me out of your life!" Cindy
concluded.

"Hear Hear!" said Theresa from the other side, "That goes for me too!"

"But.. " John began.

"SHUT UP!" said Cindy, "Jesus. You just gave me the most incredible
experience of entire my life and now when you could be pleasantly
snuggled to two beautiful young women who adore you thoroughly, instead
you're arguing about being too *old*. God, maybe we *are* wasting our
time on you! Now I want to be softly caressed and kissed while I fall
back to sleep in your arms, then if you have any energy left I think
you should make tender love to that gorgeous creature on your other
side. But either way I don't want to hear another word out of you
tonight unless it's 'I love you!' Got it?" John could only nod.

"Good. Now get on with the caressing part, right after you kiss me like
there was no tomorrow," Cindy concluded. He did his best. Even the part
about making love to Theresa. Nobody was disappointed.

Chapter 34

Cindy awoke in the morning feeling like she never had in her life. She
was snuggled to the side of her man. Her woman's arm draped over her
shoulder. Her body tingled with love rushes. And she remembered her
words from the previous night. She had told John that she wasn't
leaving. She had laid out the plan for her life. She would go away to
college. She would be in business with Theresa. She would live with
John until the day he died. Which she supposed was at least a good
thirty years from now.

All of which suited her perfectly fine. It would suit her equally fine
if Theresa stayed as well. But she knew she wouldn't. She would miss
her dearly... No matter how much she got to see of her. She just
wouldn't always be there to hug whenever she wanted to. Her fingers
traced lovingly over Theresa's arm. Theresa's fingertips hugged her
back as she stirred slowly awake.

"Good morning...lover," Cindy whispered. She kissed softly at Theresa's
hand before she slid quietly out of bed and into the bathroom. She was
just finishing up when Theresa entered. She hugged her quickly but
firmly before plunking down herself. Cindy moved off to brush her
teeth. Theresa moved to her side and joined her. Cindy finished up and
started away but Theresa grabbed her hand and held her there. After she
rinsed she turned to Cindy and pulled her into her arms. Just hugging
her for a long time. Then she kissed her.

"And good morning to you too, Lover," Theresa said at last. "Just
wanted to let you know how I felt about you. And to thank you."

"What for?" Cindy asked.

"Oh, I was losing the argument with John last night when you jumped in
with both feet and trounced him. I want you to know I'm behind you one-
hundred percent," Theresa said.

"I don't know... I may have over stepped myself," Cindy said.

"I don't think so. He did what you told him. That's more than I've been
able to get him to do in a year. Fact is I don't think he wanted to
win. He loves you too much," Theresa said.

"Did you mean what you said, about you not wanting to leave either?"
Cindy asked.

"Of course I don't. I never have from the first time I ever got John to
make real love to me. I don't ever want either you or John not to be a
part of my life. I guess I'll have you longer than we'll have him. But
that's a long ways away. I can't say that I won't go out and get
married to someone else though. I really want to raise a family. But
even so I won't ever get too far away from either of you," Theresa
concluded.

"Kind of what I figured.... God, I love you!" Cindy said, pulling
Theresa back into a great hug.

"I love you too," said Theresa. Their mouths found each others again.
Cindy cupped Theresa's ass a bit before patting it.

"I'm gonna go cook breakfast. Why don't you go snuggle *our* old man.
See if you can keep him out of the kitchen for a while," Cindy said.
Theresa smiled at her.

"You're the best!" she said, tweaking Cindy's ass before they parted.
Cindy stole out of the bedroom nude. Theresa gently sliding back in bed
with John. Cindy made her way to the guest room and showered then found
her favorite body suit and some hot pink spandex shorts. She felt very
sexy. She looked the part.

It was well over an hour later when Theresa and John entered the
kitchen. Awaiting them were hot Monte Cristo sandwiches and Champagne
orange juice. John came up behind Cindy and she turned in his arms. He
kissed her tenderly, Cindy didn't doubt he meant it. She hugged him a
bit and then turned back to her clean-up.

"You look mighty sexy today," John said, pouring a cup of coffee.

"Thank you, I feel mighty sexy today," Cindy dimpled.

"You both look sexy *every day*," Theresa mused.

"As do you, darling," Cindy said.

"Seconded," John said. Not a word about the previous evening was
spoken. Over breakfast John went over his travel plans with the two of
them. The snow was too deep and John didn't want to be bothered with
the drive all the way to the airport, so a helicopter would pick him up
early the next morning on top of the silo. Should the women have an
emergency, they were to call this number and give them this
authorization code and a helicopter would be dispatched for them. But
not to be used except for an emergency. The women nodded.

He was flying into San Francisco and would be staying at this number.
Yes, he would bring them back some sour-dough bread and some crabs. He
would call them nightly to check in. He was going to meet with this
firm, but would have his cellular phone with him anyway. The women
seemed a bit exasperated over his worry, but kept quiet about it.

"We'll be fine," Cindy reassured him, "You just have a good time and
see the sights."

"Won't have much time for that, I'm afraid," John said.

"Then make time. You're a rich man, remember. You go ahead and take the
whole week, even if you get done with your business before then. We
want you to realize just how much you miss us by the time you get
back!" Theresa said. Cindy nodded.

"Well... I don't know," John began.

"We do. If we see you back sooner than a week from tomorrow, we may
just lock you out," Cindy chuckled.

"I knew there was a reason I liked living single," John muttered.

"Not too many or as good as you've got now. So go have a good time so
we can welcome you home properly," Theresa said.

"Okay.... I'll try." John said. That night, by mutual agreement between
the women, they just snuggled when they went to bed. John was all
packed and slipped quickly off to sleep. Cindy slipped around him and
Theresa moved into her arms. Sometime later they too slipped into
sleep.

John awoke to his alarm and quickly shut it off. The two women were
snuggled together and barely stirred. He quickly showered and dressed.
Kissing them each lightly on the forehead. He looked down at them
longingly for a long time before heading in search of coffee. The
coffee was ready, having started to drip just after his alarm went off.
He sipped at it and toasted a pre-sliced bagel from the freezer. He
double checked his brief case contained all it should and then some.

Finished up his coffee and set the cup in the sink. He turned and Cindy
was in the doorway, clad only in a terry robe. She quickly moved into
his arms and gave him a giant hug. Then she kissed him like she would
never see him again.

"Now you come back safe... but not for a whole week.... I love you,"
she said.

"I love you too," he said. He almost made it to the door before Theresa
waylaid him as well. By the time she turned him loose, a beating noise
could be heard above the silo. John rushed to put on his coat. The
women helping him. Handing him his bags and the brief case he had left
in the kitchen. Cindy tucked his Cell phone into his parka pocket,
zipped it up and they herded him up the steps, each giving him another
quick deep kiss. He stepped out just as the helicopter set down. He
stashed his bags in the baggage storage and climbed in the passenger's
side. Strapped in and put on his headset.

"Good morning, Mr. Stevens," the pilot greeted.

"Good morning... How we doing for time?" John asked.

"Right on schedule," the pilot replied, lifting off. John was afraid
the two girls would come out and wave, but they didn't. They didn't
stick their heads out till the helicopter was headed off into the
distance. They watched it for a while and then ducked back in.

"Breakfast or loving first?" Theresa asked.

"Breakfast... and then loving," Cindy replied, sliding her hand down
the back of Theresa's robe and then up over her backside. They sat
about in the kitchen, their robes unfastened, drinking coffee. Theresa
toasted a bagel and they split it while the next one was toasting. She
glanced over at Cindy. Her firm breasts hanging out of her robe. She
moved to her and ran her fingertips lightly over them.

"Want to try out your birthday present?" Theresa asked, alluringly.

"To hell with the bagels," Cindy replied, reaching into Theresa's robe.
Theresa giggled and pulled away.

"Oh no... you said food *first*. Now we've got a whole week to play.
There's no hurry."

"Jilted for a bagel," Cindy muttered, admiring Theresa's form. But she
was right. They had a whole week.

"So which side do you think is which?" Theresa asked, when they had
returned to the bedroom.

"Well... I think this side is me... so I think we should try it the
other way first," Cindy giggled.

"Suits me fine. How do we go about this?" Theresa said, her eyes alive
with anticipation.

"Well, I think some lubrication is in order. With maybe a lick or two
first to get our natural juices flowing," Cindy replied.

"Mine already are, but it sounds like a good plan to me. Kiss me
first," Theresa said, pulling her friend down onto the bed. They kissed
passionately. Feeling each others bodies with their hands. Then by
unspoken agreement they reversed positions. Each was hot to get to the
double headed monster that John had left them. As they delved their
tongues it wasn't long before they shared their first orgasm. Then
Cindy pulled out a tube of lubricant jelly. She smeared a dollop on her
finger and worked it into her friend. Theresa following suit. Then
Cindy applied some to the monster and coated it generously. She had
Theresa lay back and lift her legs while she got it started.

"Oh God, it feels huge!" Theresa gasped.

"Oh thanks. I think that's my side," Cindy giggled. But when she moved
over Theresa and began to work her end in, her response was much the
same. It took a while to work the monster all the way into each of
them. Then Cindy reached for the controls. She kissed Theresa deeply as
she flicked the switch on the lowest settings.

"Oh My... " Theresa gasped.

"My words exactly.... Gosh, that feels good," Cindy replied. Theresa's
hands moved over Cindy's breasts as she turned up the speed. Theresa
giggled. Cindy moaned. Then Cindy flipped the vibration on. She gasped
and fell flat against Theresa as they both started writhing together in
bliss. Their second orgasm followed shortly thereafter. They hardly
wanted to take the time to try it the other way. But when they did,
they were glad for it.

As good as it had felt on the wrong side, this side was definitely the
right side, in every way imaginable. The foam blobs fit their insides
like an inverse glove. Even the base seemed to fit their pubic
structure down to the hair. They lay exactly as close as their hips
could get. When it was turned on again it seemed to make a beeline for
each girls G-spot. The vibration mode felt ten times more powerful. In
mere seconds they experienced their third orgasm and they didn't even
think of turning it off till dozens more had passed. They rolled around
and kissed passionately, almost in a constant state of orgasm. But no
matter how they rolled, the monster fit them perfectly.

Only when they were laying on damp, sweaty sheets and their hair was
plastered to their temples did Theresa beg, "No more. Please. I can't
take any more." Cindy switched it off. They lay together panting, just
holding on to one another for a long time while they caught their
breath. Some minutes later they were asleep, still hooked together.

Theresa awoke with an incredible feeling of having the largest erection
she had ever seen inside her. Then she remembered the monster and
reached down to slowly extract it. She winced a bit as it pulled out.
Cindy lay blissfully in sleep. A very odd sight protruding from her
pubic area. Just for fun Theresa grabbed the control and turned it full
on. Cindy sat up with a gasping moan. Her eyes wide in search of the
control. Theresa giggled and flicked it off.

"That wasn't nice... It was incredible, but not very nice," Cindy said.

"I think I have it figured out. John intended for us to kill ourselves
with this thing while he was gone," Theresa chuckled.

"It might damn near do it," Cindy gasped, pulling the monster from
between her thighs. She winced as Theresa had.

"What the hell kind of instructions could you need?" Theresa asked.
Looking closely at the monster.

"I don't know, but I do know John. I think we'd better find them,"
Cindy said.

"Maybe after a swim?" Theresa asked. She lifted the trap door and
dropped out of sight. A splash was heard an instant later. Cindy
followed her shortly thereafter, looking first to see that she didn't
land on Theresa or any floating chairs. The water revived them and the
girls were back at each other like they had been the first night Cindy
arrived. Some time later they reclined on a double chaise.

"Theresa?"

"Yes, love?" she replied.

"Do you think that we love too much?" Cindy asked.

"No... I don't think so. Do you?" Theresa replied.

"No... I could make love to you a dozen times a day and still not think
it was too much," Cindy said, tracing her fingers down Theresa's thigh.

"Well... as long as it wasn't that much *every day*... that would be
fine by me," Theresa giggled.

"So let's go find those instructions," Cindy chuckled. Theresa giggled
and pulled Cindy into a deep kiss before they headed for the lab. They
grabbed terry robes and terry top sandals on the way to keep the chill
off. Several hours later Cindy said, "Well we've searched everywhere.
They just aren't here. We even searched both computers." Theresa lay
back in a chair looking over at the row of mannequins.

"Not everywhere," she smirked. Cindy followed her eyes and
enlightenment seemed to take her. They both started towards the
mannequins. "I think I found something," Theresa said, gazing between
the legs of the younger Cindy. A small string hung between the legs.
Cindy came over and looked closely herself. "Must be them, unless this
mannequins on the rag," Theresa chuckled. She grasped the string and
gently tugged on it. Slowly a large roll of paper inside a condom
pulled out.

"Trust John to hide them there," Cindy chuckled, cutting it open with a
razor knife.

"Knowing him, we should have gone straight to them. What do they say?"
Theresa asked. Cindy was reading raptly and glancing over a diagram.

"Oh.. My.. God..," she muttered.

"What?" Theresa asked.

"I think he *is* trying to kill us! Here, read for yourself," Cindy
said. Theresa scanned the page.

"Oh my, we're in serious trouble here," was all she said.

"We don't *have* to try it," Cindy said.

"Yeah, right," Theresa mocked, sarcastically. They both busted out
laughing. They headed arm in arm back to the bedroom. Less than an hour
later they both lay together, satiated, exhausted and blissfully happy.

"God, I hope he never perfects the computer interface he talked about,"
Theresa said.

"Mmmm," Cindy murmured. She stretched like a cat, amazed she had that
much energy. She looked over at the now four headed beast sitting on
the end table and shuddered. "I hope he's patenting that too. While
he's at it," she mused.

"Yeah, who would have thought about slaving two active double dildoes
to one controller," Theresa said.

"That's our John," Cindy said. Beaming.

"Food! I must have food to continue this debauchery," Theresa moaned.

"Your turn... I'll help. Just as soon as I get up the energy to move,"
Cindy said.

"God, I was hoping you had more than me... maybe food can wait till
after our nap," Theresa said. Cindy rolled onto her feet. Glancing at
the "hydra" beside her, she shivered involuntarily. She stood on shaky
legs, then reached back to help Theresa up.

"Come on, darling. I'll help. But I'm ravished... I mean famished
myself. Then we're going to make an equivalent device for our darling
John," Cindy teased. Revenge! This was all the impetus Theresa needed
and she crawled to the edge of the bed.

"Asshole even included cleaning instructions," Theresa said, grabbing
the *hydra* and heading for the bath. Sometime later they felt much
better. They munched on some cookies for desert as they sat at the
terminal and made their plans.

"We can even try it out on his mannequin," Theresa chuckled.

"No we can't. He never subjected himself to that damn hot rear
probing," Cindy said.

"So we make another one and substitute in one of ours. We can do that
can't we?" Theresa suggested.

"We most certainly can, and will," Cindy agreed, turning to the
computer.

About the time the young women began their quest for the hidden
instructions, John's plane was making his approach to SFO. He wondered
idly if they had found them yet. He knew his little lovelies even
better than they suspected. He had been observing them for almost a
year every time they snuck off together for a little tryst. He knew
damn well they would be searching for them. John sighed to himself as
the wheels touched down. Perhaps the toy hadn't been a good idea. It
could backfire on him if they took too much liking to it. He pushed his
fears away as he shifted his thoughts to his business.

"This is tougher than I thought it would be," Cindy muttered.

"Makes you realize what John must have gone through when he designed
yours," Theresa said.

"There's no denying, he's a good engineer. God, just getting the
spacing right between us and the angle of the heads correct. The hours
he must have put in on this.... certainly makes me appreciate his
quirky little gift more... I mean, the amount of time he spent to
*please* me!" Cindy said.

"Methinks the guy likes you," Theresa said.

"I guess.... Maybe this is just his way of showing it," Cindy said.

"He sticks to what he knows. Engineering is his strong point. Personal
relationships isn't. Didn't you ever wonder why he wanted to live out
here?" Theresa said.

"To get away from cities.... and people... I guess you're right... but
I do love the man," Cindy said.

"So do I," Theresa said, "... and you." Cindy turned from the computer.

"This will take a while, but we've got a whole week. I think we can
take a .... stress break," Cindy said, pulling Theresa into her lap.

"I love you too, darling. Uh... natural or do you want to play with my
toy some more?" Cindy asked, sliding her hand into Theresa's robe.

"Uh...natural...please.... I don't think I'm up to your toy... at least
not more than once ... or twice a day," Theresa giggled.

"Suits me," Cindy said, pulling her into a deep kiss. An hour later
they lay -once again- on sheets damp with perspiration. They softly
teased each other with their fingertips. Then the phone rang. Cindy
picked it up.

"Uh..." she said.

"Hi Cutie. See you found my instructions," John said.

"Uh..." Theresa grabbed the phone, pinching Cindy on the butt. She
yelped.

"John?" Theresa asked.

"Well, howdy love. What's wrong with Cindy?" John chuckled.

"As if *you* didn't know!" Theresa said.

"Yeah.... How do you like Cindy's little toy now?" John asked.

"You *know* we are going to get even," Theresa threatened.

"Something to look forward to then. Just wanted to call and check in.
And to tell you both how much I love you. God, I miss you already,"
John said.

"We love and miss you too... But you *promised* a whole week!" Theresa
answered.

"May take that long, the way it went today," John said, dejected.

"Well, at least you'll have the weekend. Not even lawyers work then,"
Theresa said.

"Yes, dear. You'll get your week. Just save some for me," John said.

"I will, here's Cindy... I think she can talk now. Love ya. Bye,"
Theresa said.

She handed the phone to Cindy who said: "Uh...."

"God, hope you didn't break that wonderful tongue.... Tell you what;
I'll talk, you listen. Okay?"

"Uh....nut mine. Swas thwissa's tong whut dude it," Cindy slurred.

"Glad to hear you're keeping up your exercises.... Listen, love. As I
told Theresa, I'll probably be at it the whole week. Lawyers are such
dweebs. Anyway. I'll call you tomorrow night.... I love you. Wish I was
there snuggled in between you."

"Wuve ewe too. Bye," Cindy managed.

"Sweet dreams. Bye," John said, and the line went dead. Over the next
few days the young women were like a couple of kids let loose in a
candy store. Previous to this they had never had the freedom to fully
pursue their desires. They had started their relationship in secret,
stealing minutes from their abused lives to comfort each other. Then
Theresa had disappeared. A few months later she had called Cindy, who's
home life had deteriorated and basically turned to shit.

When Theresa had finally given her the means of escaping, she took it.
Then there was John and his relationship with Theresa to consider. As
much freedom and understanding as John had given them, he was still
around. As deep as their relationship with John had become, he was
still a form of supervision.

Now they had *total* freedom, to do as they pleased. And *please* each
other was what they did. And lots of it. Whichever one awoke first,
would attack the other one. They showered together, making love in the
shower, then back to bed to make love again. Then breakfast, followed
by making love. Then a nap, followed by making love. Then lunch
followed by making love. Then work on their project... followed by
making love.

In between they ran around totally nude except for the terry topped
slippers which kept their feet warm. (Cindy even *dared* fool with the
environmental controls and bumped it up a few degrees.) Grabbing each
others butts or breasts as the whim struck them. Their lips becoming
coarse from all the kissing they did. They made love on the kitchen
table, in the lab, the Com room, the gym, the pool, by the pool, the
library, the solarium, the bathroom, the hot tub, on the floor, in the
hall, against doorways and even in the bedroom. Mostly in the bedroom.
In short; They were like a couple of newly weds on their honeymoon.

Each night John would call to check on them. Sometimes they would
continue to stroke one another while they talked to him. Once Theresa
barely managed to suppress her groan, handing the phone to Cindy who
was licking at her vulva. He'd chuckle and tell them that he loved
them. Yes, he was having an okay time, but the lawyers were sort of
idiots. The only reason he didn't pick another firm was that he didn't
want to go through all this bullshit a second time. He would be through
on Thursday or Friday, but yes he would stay till Monday morning. His
flight out was already booked. They sent him their love, and then would
be back to making more.

Theresa walked into the bedroom on Wednesday and went, "Whew! It smells
like pussy in here. We'd better change the bedding." Which became an
event in itself, having fresh clean sheets to make love on. There
wasn't a spot on either ones body that the other didn't know intimately
and multiple times.

They did each other's hair, tried on fashions, made new fashions. Tore
fashions off each other, tied each other up and basically tortured each
other with sex. They spent the last few days (between making love)
cleaning the silo from top to bottom. They did a mountain of laundry
and basically tidied up.

On Saturday night, right after John's call and between love sessions,
Cindy was passing a maintenance room when something inside made a
familiar sound. She looked at the door curious for a second, then
shrugged and passed by, but it nagged at her. Later on her subconscious
identified the sound when Theresa put a tape into the VCR. Suddenly
Cindy's eyes got real big and she stifled a gasp. She thought some more
about it and then went to check on something in the workshop. There she
found cases of VHS tapes.

She looked about as if seeking something. Scanning an open box. It was
half empty. Another empty box stood near by. She looked in some drawers
as a cover and then left the workshop. She returned to the Com room.
Theresa tracing her fingers over her thighs as she passed by. She was
about to say something to Theresa when she suddenly stopped herself.
She sort of looked around, but of course couldn't see anything. She
just sat there and thought about things for a while. Letting the idea
sink in and deciding what, if anything she wanted to do about it.

After a time she said, "Get dressed, Theresa. Lets go look at the
stars."

"No need to do that, we can see them from the solarium," Theresa
commented.

"No... I want to look at them from the outside," Cindy said.

"It's colder than shit out there. Remember *winter* and *night time*?"
Theresa said.

"Please do as I say... for me?" Cindy asked. Theresa looked at her
friend for a moment trying to figure out just what she had in mind.
Finally she shrugged and they went down to get dressed in warm
clothing. Cindy was strangely silent and kept looking around. Once
clothed, Cindy led Theresa up to the entry. She climbed into her
snowmobile suit and boots. Theresa shrugged and did the same. Suited up
Cindy climbed the stairs to the hatch. Theresa following her. Outside
it was bitter cold. The a steady wind driving the wind chill factor
much lower.

"I told you it was colder than shit out here!" Theresa bitched. Cindy
led her to one of the outbuildings and led Theresa in. "Listen, sweets.
I'll make love to you just about anyplace and anytime, but this is
ridiculous," Theresa said. Cindy turned on the light and faced her
friend.

"Theresa, I brought you up here to talk to you privately," Cindy said,
seriously.

"Huh? With John gone, just how private do you need?" Theresa asked,
puzzled.

"I'm talking about privacy *from* John," Cindy said, quietly.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Theresa asked.

"Theresa... I think John has the silo under video surveillance. He's
been spying on us," Cindy said, tears welling up into her eyes.

"Spying on us? What the hell for? He could watch us any time he wanted
to, and did lots of times. What on earth would he want to spy on us
for?" Theresa asked.

"I don't know. I just know that he's using one hell of a lot of video
tape and we don't have anywhere near that many movies recorded," Cindy
answered.

"Is that all? Maybe there's some other explanation for it," Theresa
suggested.

"What? But no, that's not all. I was passing by a maintenance closet
when we were cleaning up. I heard a familiar sound, but couldn't
identify it right away. It sort of bugged me, but not enough to even
try to open the closet. It didn't occur to me till later -when you put
the tape in the VCR- what the sound was. *That* was the sound I heard
when I passed the closet. The sound of a VCR ejecting a tape and the
sound of another VCR starting up. The sound is unmistakable. That's
what I heard, no doubt in my mind," Cindy said.

"But couldn't there be another explanation for it?" Theresa asked.

"What?" Cindy asked. Theresa thought about it a while. Finally she
shook her head.

"I don't know. But *why*?" she asked, again.

"I don't know...... I'm not even sure how I feel about it if it's true.
Like you said, I'd gladly let John watch...or participate anytime he
wanted. I'd even let him tape us if he wanted. But to tape us in
secret, without our permission. God, I don't know. I just feel.... so
*violated*," Cindy sobbed.

"So why out here?" Theresa asked.

"Huh? Oh... I thought about John buying the silo from the government.
Remember when the guy from the BLM showed up last summer? John
activated the road sensors. He knew all about them. He also said that
the government was a whole lot more paranoid than anybody else. Now if
they have sensors buried under thirty males of road, doesn't it make
sense that there are sensors of some sort in the silo itself? John
didn't install them, he found them when he bought the place. He just
started to use them.... to spy on us," Cindy said.

"But that doesn't explain why we're out here. And what kind of sensors
would they put in the silo? " Theresa asked.

"Out here, because John built this. The government didn't. It's
probably not bugged. As to what kind of sensors.... Well, the sensors
in the road detect vehicles. They detect metal, cause that's what
vehicles are made of. But sensors in the silo would be made to watch
people. And the best way to watch people... is by video... and sound.
So I figure John moved into the silo and started tracing wiring that
already existed. He traced some of it back to TV cameras and
microphones buried in the walls. I don't have any idea why he started
using them on us. Maybe being a voyeur turns him on. I don't mind that,
really. *Sometimes* it's exciting to *be* watched. He's welcome to
watch me take a shit, if he wants. Has actually at least been in the
room when I did.... But I still don't like the idea of being spied
upon. And anyway I add it up that's what it amounts to," Cindy said,
tears rolling down her cheeks.

"You're right. It does look that way," said Theresa. "Come to think of
it, John has had lots of video equipment that sort of disappeared. The
monitor next to his computer in the Com room and all that electronic
stuff he used to have wired in there. He moved it all somewhere just
about a month ago. And all that stuff he bought whenever we went to
town, where's that now?" she asked, tears in her own eyes.

"I don't know, probably in that closet. I didn't see it anywhere while
we were cleaning up," Cindy said.

"I didn't either.. So... What do we do?" Theresa cried.

"I don't know... I don't want to lose John over it. Or you," Cindy
said, hugging her friend. They hugged for a long time.

"So how can we find out if that's really what he's doing? Open the
closet?" Theresa asked.

"No.... I don't want to do that yet. It wouldn't be practical to record
everything that went on in every room, all the time. And John is
usually *very* practical. That means he's probably got some way of
tracking us....... That would explain some of the software routines I
saw in the scanning room computer. Anyway, a computer probably runs the
system and just switches to whichever camera has movement on it. Not
*that* hard to do. (I don't *think*.) That sort of system would just
track us and record us trying to open the closet. John would know that
we were on to him. I'm not ready to do that yet.... I guess we could
scrub walls, and look for lenses while we're scrubbing... We'd have to
have a reason.... Have we got any canned spaghetti?" Cindy asked.

"Uh.. yeah. Will *Spaghetti-O's* do?" Theresa said.

"Yup, perfect. Okay, here's what well do..." Cindy began. About twenty
minutes later a cold, pissed off and determined pair of young ladies
descended back into the silo. They stripped off their snowmobile suits
and headed for the kitchen and made hot chocolate. Theresa rummaged
around in the pantry. She came out with a can of *Spaghetti-O's* and
looked at the label. She shrugged and took out a pan and filled it with
water. She put the *unopened* can into the water and put it on the
stove. They took their hot chocolate and headed for the Com room.

They sat back watching a movie. Theresa snuggled back against Cindy as
usual. Cindy kissed her softly on the cheek from time to time. Suddenly
there was a loud "BOOM" and the women startled in true amazement. (They
hadn't expected it to be so loud.) They jumped up and headed into the
kitchen. There was *Spaghetti-O's* splattered over the entire kitchen.

"Fuck!" Theresa said in earnest. (She hadn't expected it to be *that*
big of a mess.)

"I'll say!" said Cindy, "We'd better get this cleaned up or John will
shit a brick. I'll get the buckets." Theresa stood examining the
*Spaghetti-O's* can, which had turned itself inside out.

"Unibomber, eat your heart out," she murmured to herself. She turned
off the stove, grabbed a sponge and began to wipe the gooey red
substance off the cabinets. First they cleaned off all the woodwork
before it had much chance to soak in. It still left some stains. Then
they started on the walls and ceilings, examining every spot on the
walls. They were exhausted by the time the kitchen looked reasonably
presentable.

"Join me in the hot tub?" Cindy asked. A quick flick of her eyes told
Theresa to say yes.

"God knows I could use it," she nodded. They headed down to the gym.
Theresa hesitated just a bit, but Cindy stripped off without a thought.
Theresa half shrugged and peeled off her own clothes. They climbed in
and Cindy started the noisy pump. Theresa snuggled to her side,
actually grateful for the bubbling hot water.

"I counted four lenses and maybe a dozen microphone holes," Cindy said
quietly in her ear.

Theresa nodded and replied in kind, "Just about what I found.... Tiny
little things. Not much more than a dark spot, but shiny when you wiped
over them. Four of them. Then at least a six tiny holes. Perfectly
round." Cindy nodded.

"How did you know about the Spaghetti?" Theresa asked.

"Oh.. Happened to my folks. I had to clean it up," Cindy chuckled.
Despite her knowledge or perhaps because of it she groped Theresa
beneath the water. Theresa giggled, then pulled her hand away.

"No... please. Not now. I just don't feel comfortable about it right
now." Cindy nodded, but still held her to her.

"Then we'll have to do something about it fairly soon," Cindy said,
"I'm not about to give up groping you because some dumb, lovable
asshole decided to be a voyeur. Maybe you could think about him
watching us. I know you've got a bit of exhibitionist in you. You've
flaunted it at me often enough," she teased.

"Maybe later, but for now, just hold me? Okay?" Theresa asked.

"Sure, baby. Anytime. And I don't care who's watching for that," Cindy
replied, pulling her close to her. They sat snuggled together for a
long time, letting the bubbling hot water caress away their tenseness.
Sometime later Cindy said, "Well, darling. I don't know about you, but
I'm done. I'm going to bed. Come on, join me. I intend to sleep and I
don't want to do it alone." Theresa nodded. Somehow she had come to
some sort of terms with her anger and anguish.

She didn't seem to even think about it when she stepped out. She
casually wrapped a towel around her and headed for the bedroom. Once
there she dropped it in the laundry, used the toilet and brushed her
teeth. She crawled into bed and Cindy joined her just a moment later.
They snuggled together and despite what they knew, they kissed deeply
before caressing each other to sleep beneath the covers.


Chapter 35

Cindy awoke first. She snuggled to Theresa for a moment before the
previous evening flashed back into her mind. She frowned a bit, but
continued to snuggle with her friend for a while. She wanted to make
love with her. *Really* wanted to. But she didn't think Theresa could
handle it. She kissed her softly on the forehead and slipped out of
bed, heading for the bathroom. A little while later Theresa entered.
Cindy nodded at her and then turned on the shower.

She bent down and whispered in her ear, "Join me in the shower. The
noise will cover the sound and the glass obscures the view." Theresa
just nodded. Cindy moved into the shower. A few minutes later Theresa
slipped in. Cindy soaped her front and pulled Theresa against her.
Saying to her, "I know you feel uncomfortable about it, but if we stop
cold after what we did all week, John's sure to know something's
wrong."

"God... all the things we did all week!" Theresa gasped.

"I know. They were wonderful. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Even knowing what we do," Cindy said. She squirmed against Theresa, the
soap slippery between them. Their breasts sliding across one another.
Theresa balked a bit. "Come on... lover. How many times have we done
this while he was right outside brushing his teeth?" Cindy coaxed.
Theresa thought about it a bit and then reluctantly soaped Cindy's ass
cheeks. "That's my girl," Cindy said, enjoying the sensation.

After a time Theresa forgot about the cameras and got into it. Her
orgasm, supplying a much needed stress relief, was strong and deep.
Cindy's too. Before turning off the water Cindy whispered some plans in
Theresa's ears. At first she shook her head, but Cindy persisted and
she finally nodded. They exited and dried each other -blow drying their
hair- then kissed softly and moved off to dress. They picked warmer
clothing.

They made breakfast and chatted about their studies while they ate.
Then Cindy packed a cooler with sandwiches and two thermos bottles, one
with coffee, one with hot chocolate. Theresa came up behind her and
kissed her on the neck and caressed her buns Cindy giggled and turned
into a deep kiss. Then pushed her away.

They carried the cooler up to the entry. Then suited up in their
snowmobile suits, boots, gloves and helmets. Taking a cellular phone
with them, which Cindy forwarded the silo's calls to, they carried the
cooler up through the hatch. They got out two of the snowmobiles and
loaded the cooler on one of them. Checking the gas tanks and getting
them both started, they opened the gate and headed down the road.

Over the radio intercom Cindy said, "I think we can talk now."

"Where the hell are we going? It's too damn cold out here for a picnic
in the snow," Theresa said.

"Not inside the heated shed at the end of the road," Cindy giggled.
Theresa got it then.

"Perfect! God, I love you."

"Kind of what I had in mind," Cindy chuckled. They put on some speed
down the virgin snow. The going was easy, the road fairly well defined
as a dip in the snow. Other than a few deep drifts which they had fun
jumping the ride was uneventful. They pulled up in front. Out of sight
from the main road... or anything. Cindy worked the combination lock
and opened the door. It was warmer inside, but not much. Just above
freezing. Cindy found the light switch and then the thermostat and
turned the heat way up. Theresa helped her in with the cooler, then
they locked the door from the inside. The small shed heated quickly to
toasty warm.

Cindy stripped off her snowmobile suit and said, "Get comfortable. Pour
me a cup of coffee while I look around for softer furnishings." Theresa
poured her a cup and Cindy discovered some air mattresses and a blanket
rolled up in the corner. "Trust our John," Cindy smirked.

"I'm not so sure I do anymore," Theresa said softly.

"Oh.. pooh... Listen Theresa, I don't know how much you dated other men
before John. But this is a minor offense compared to most the male
species," Cindy said, finding a pump.

"I don't consider it so minor," Theresa said.

"I know you don't. That's what we're doing here," Cindy said, pumping
at the first mattress.

"What? What *are* we doing here?" Theresa asked.

"Well, darling. I know you didn't feel very comfortable making love in
the silo, so when *we* get these pumped up, we can make love in
complete privacy. Then we can have a nap, make love some more, have
lunch, make love some more and have a good talk about it, in comfort
and warmth. Okay?" Cindy replied.

Theresa was quiet for a moment and then said, "I think that would be a
good idea.... *all* of it. Only you forgot about making love *after* we
talk."

"No I didn't. I have to let you think of some things," Cindy teased,
"Your turn to pump, where's my coffee?" The day went pretty much as
Cindy had laid out. It was good therapy for Theresa and she loosened up
considerably. They lay caressing each other as they caught their breath
again. Theresa stretched her svelte body like a cat.

"Mmmm.... that looks nice enough to eat," Cindy said in a hungry, soft
tone.

"You just did," Theresa giggled.

"Please Miss.... Could I have some more..." Cindy said, in a small,
cartoon-like voice. (Both had read Dickens as part of their studies.)
Theresa rolled and lay atop her friend, her knees tucked up beside
Cindy's ribs. She softly brushed a few locks of moist hair from Cindy's
face.

"In a bit... for now I just like being close to you," Theresa said. She
descended and softly played her lips over her friends. Cindy's finger
tips gently caressed her breasts.

"Remember the first time we made love?" Cindy asked, softly stroking
the outside of Theresa's thighs.

"Yes.. I'll never forget it. It was the first time I ever *enjoyed*
it.... or thought of it as making *love*," Theresa said.

"God, I was so nervous. I didn't want to lose your friendship... but I
wanted you so bad," Cindy said.

"I know.... I felt pretty much the same way, but I did it because I
thought I needed to, to keep your friendship," Theresa replied.

"I would have been your friend anyway... But I'm glad we did it," Cindy
said.

"Me too," said Theresa, "And you have been a good friend.....So what
brought that to mind?"

"Oh.... Kind of a ragged connection, I guess," Cindy said, sort of
distant.

"What connection?" Theresa asked.

"Well, like our first time together.... When John made love to me that
night on my birthday..... It felt the same way to me. Like it was my
first time," Cindy reflected.

"And?" Theresa prompted.

"And I don't ever want to lose that," Cindy answered.

"So are you saying that you forgive John for spying on us?" Theresa
flared.

"Well.. No.... and Yes," Cindy said.

"Which is it?" Theresa demanded.

"It's not that simple to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm mad as hell about
it and he's going to know it. But I've been trying to consider it from
his point of view," Cindy said.

"What point of view? What could possibly make it all right?" Theresa
asked, exasperated.

"Not all right. But maybe not quite so wrong as it appears to be.
Theresa, think about John. Think about what he was like when you first
met him."

"Yeah, okay. I remember. He was a dear. He's still a dear most times.
But he's also an asshole!" Theresa spat.

"No, he's not. And he never has been that I can see. Think about it. He
took you in, literally off the road. The easiest way for him to handle
the situation would have been to call the cops. He didn't! And he
didn't do it because he thought he might get laid. He took you in and
cared for you. When you were well enough he gave you the option of
helping you out, or letting you stay with him. You told me yourself
that you had to rape him in his sleep to get him to have sex with you.

"Now I remember *very* well how you looked back then. You *were*
pretty! -now you're gorgeous-. You had a nice firm little body, and you
were out-cold for a long time. He didn't take advantage of you. I
believe that. You would have known. At least I can tell when I've had
sex with a man the night before, even if I don't remember it. I can
feel his semen inside me. My vagina feels different. You would have
known. But he didn't... why not?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know," Theresa said.

"Because he's a *for real*, honest, good guy. Like we used to see in
the movies. He really is," Cindy said.

"Then why did he do what he did?" Theresa said.

"I don't know for sure.... But I have a real strong feeling it didn't
have anything to do with sex. That's why I asked you to think about
what he was like..... Theresa, John could get sex anytime he wanted,
easily, without all the headaches that you and I have brought him. But
he didn't *want* it."

"Huh?"

"He didn't want it. When you showed up, he had turned his back on the
whole world, including -and maybe especially- the world of
relationships. You said yourself, that even after that night when you
mounted him in his sleep, that he still didn't *really* make love to
you. Not for a while at least. He didn't really want sex until *we*
forced it upon him," Cindy stated.

"No, he got to wanting it often enough before you arrived," Theresa
said, half smiling in reflection.

"Did he really want it, or was he just *used* to it by then?" Cindy
asked.

"I don't know what you mean," Theresa said.

"I'm not so sure what I mean... It's just that... it seems to me like
he wasn't really into it... until about three months after we *all*
started to have it together. Somehow he changed. Somehow it was
different. I think that difference was... that he fell in love with us.
Before that, it was just sex. Ever since then it's been incredible
sex," Cindy said.

"Yeah, I remember.... I kind of got jealous over how close you two got.
It didn't occur to me then how close all of us had gotten. Now I
know.... That's what makes this hurt so bad," Theresa said, fighting
back tears again.

"But it's also about the time he started to tinker in the lab with the
scanning machine," Cindy said.

"What's that got to do with it?" Theresa asked.

"I think he got scared. It's also about the time he started buying -and
hiding- all that other equipment. He was falling in love and it scared
him to death. Because whenever he fell in love before, it ended badly.
He got hurt. You've heard what he has to say about his ex-wife.
Whenever you can get him to talk about her at all," Cindy said.

"I still don't see what that has to do with him spying on us," Theresa
said.

"Can't you see it? The mannequins, the video. He was preparing himself
for us to leave him," Cindy cried.

"I still don't get it," Theresa said.

"He was.... building *substitutes* for us," Cindy said.

"*Substitutes*..." Theresa said, as if testing the shape of the word.

"Yes, substitutes. [and pretty darn good ones. We've both made it with
them, and they *do* have their merits.] "Anyway, he expected us to
leave.... and he was falling in love with us. He didn't know how to
handle that. He didn't want it to be like it had been before. He didn't
want to face the loneliness again. So he did his best to duplicate us.
Now, I admit, there is no substitute for the real thing. But between
the mannequins and the video I don't doubt it would have kept him
amused long enough to get over it if we had left," Cindy concluded.

"But he started all this about the time you got here. I remember.
That's when all those wires and equipment started to show up," Theresa
said.

"I think he was already starting to fall in love with you. I
represented a threat to that.... and if he watched us the night I
arrived, I can well see his point," Cindy chuckled. Theresa nodded,
thinking about it.

"But... he started making google eyes at you almost from the start,"
Theresa said.

"Maybe he thought he had to... to keep you," Cindy said.

"I don't follow."

"Maybe... if he watched you and I making love that first night, that he
thought that the only way to keep you was to show acceptance of me. And
the best way to show acceptance of me, was... to make love to me.
Really, for us to make love together," Cindy said.

"I get it. But I'm not so sure. He was *really* attracted to you right
from the start," Theresa said.

"It's possible that he was. I am pretty gorgeous, you know," Cindy
mocked, "but that's not the same thing. What I *felt* from him, right
from the start, was *resentment*. He resented me coming into his life
and threatening his relationship with you. No matter how cute he
thought I was. Fact is, I felt much the same about him. It felt to me
like he threatened my relationship with you. Even though he made it
possible for me to be here, it was at your request. You told me
yourself that you had to talk him into it," she concluded. Again,
Theresa nodded. She lay back beside her friend, considering all that
Cindy had said. Cindy poured a cup of hot chocolate. She offered it to
Theresa, who shook her head. Cindy sipped at it.

"It all makes sense, now that I think about it..... and it does make it
seem 'not so bad'," Theresa said finally.

"Glad you agree. Because the way to test if that's true, is to let it
pass," Cindy said.

"Let it pass!?" Theresa said, "Why?"

"Because, if it is true, then John will tell us about the video. Once
he feels secure enough that I am *really* staying. Then he loses his
reason for recording us. His ethics will haunt and nag at him. He'll
get ornery and restless, and scared.... and finally he'll tell us. But
that won't happen if we confront him about it right away. Like I say;
we have to let it pass to find out," Cindy said.

"I.... I don't know," Theresa said.

"Theresa, have you ever sat on the toilet when John was in the room?"
Cindy asked.

"Yeah, so?" Theresa said, squirming a bit.

"Because, if you have -and I know you have, cause I was there too, more
than once- then he's seen your most intimate secrets. He's tasted your
womanhood -and mine-. He's watched you taste mine. He's licked your
backside and watched me do it too. We've both had anal sex with him.
He's probed our insides down to the millimeter. He's scanned every
square inch of our exteriors. He can zoom up our pussies or assholes on
the computer anytime he cares to. Now the fact is that those video's
don't mean a damn thing in relation to that. The part that bugs us
both, was that he didn't tell us about it. Now all I want to do is give
him that chance. The reason I want to give him that chance... is
because I intend to be with him for the rest of his life. If the reason
he did it wasn't what I think it is, then I want to know about it now.
I don't want to live with him if he's really not the man I think he
is," Cindy said.

"I guess that makes sense... Wish the hell that there was a toilet
here. Don't know if I can make it back to the silo," Theresa said,
squirming.

"There's a bucket in the corner. Just whiz in it. We can toss it out
the door," Cindy said. Theresa looked uncomfortable about it, but
headed for the corner.

"Want to watch?" Theresa called over her shoulder.

"Might be amusing, but no, you go ahead," Cindy replied. Theresa
squatted over the bucket and relieved herself.

"Damn, no paper," she said.

"Here, just a sec. Got some napkins," Cindy said, jumping up. She
handed one to Theresa who wiped herself. Then looked around and finally
set it next to the bucket. Cindy brought her own and moved over the
bucket when Theresa moved off it. "Just a sec," Cindy said when Theresa
started to walk away. Just as she turned back, Cindy let loose her own
stream into the bucket, splashing loudly as it mixed with Theresa's
urine. Theresa watched a second before she turned her head. Cindy
continued and then wiped herself.

"What?" Theresa asked.

"Just this," Cindy said, standing and moving to Theresa's side, "We're
all comfortable with each other up to the point where we can watch each
other on the toilet, and it doesn't bother any of us. We would know if
it did, like when you turned your head just now. You felt a little bit
uncomfortable about watching me pee. Yet a moment ago you felt no
discomfort when I walked up and handed you a napkin to wipe with. Nor
when I watched you wipe. You were more preoccupied with what to do with
the napkin. Now the fact is that we've both had our tongues on those
very same spots and examined them *very* closely at point blank range.
In fact I hope to have mine *back* on that spot very soon. My point
is... given that, do the video camera's make all that much difference
for a little while longer?" Cindy asked. She headed back to the
mattress and sat down sipping her hot chocolate.

Theresa thought about it She looked over at her friend, nude, sitting
there before her. She herself was nude and felt no discomfort. Fact was
that half the time they ran around John either half or completely nude.
In the summertime he could hardly keep any clothes on them. And he
*did* try.

"Look at it this way; We told John he was welcome to watch us anytime
he wanted. He's just taken us up on our offer," Cindy chuckled.

"Okay..... I'll go along for now. But he'd better have a battle with
his conscience pretty soon, or he might just have one with me," Theresa
said.

"And me," Cindy replied. Theresa sat down next to her friend, snuggling
to her.

"It's funny... All those things you said. They're all true. I mean
about the bathroom stuff. We don't even think about it. But if we talk
about it, we get uncomfortable. Why's that?" Theresa asked.

"Oh.. I don't really know. Human nature I guess. I found myself
blushing a bit while I was talking about it. I guess we find it
uncomfortable, because it's... unpleasant. The things that come out of
us. Shit stinks. Sometimes urine too. Both are waste from our bodies.
Sometimes we make obnoxious noises. I think one of the biggest reasons
we don't really want anybody around when we do it, is because we don't
want to subject *them* to it. We don't want them to smell something
unpleasant or hear a rude noise. We feel more comfortable when only we
have to experience them. I know for a fact that it's learned behavior.
We don't think a thing about it, in fact we think it's funny if a baby
without a diaper suddenly lets loose a stream," Cindy said.

"I guess.... But, why should it bother *us*, I mean, you and I? When
you talked about putting your tongue where I just peed, I found it
*distasteful*. Yet... I know I've done the very same thing to you just
minutes after you went, knowing that you just went, and it didn't
bother me a bit. I sort of know that it wouldn't bother you either,"
Theresa said.

"Nope. Just flip upside down and I'll show you," Cindy said, only half
joking.

Theresa blushed but said, "In a bit... ...It's true with John too. I've
watched John urinate hundreds of times. I know I've sucked him just
minutes afterwards many, many times. Even if I can taste a slight taste
of urine, it never bothered me. Nor on you, either. Guess it's just....
I don't know..."

"I don't either, love. But I try not to let it bother me. I guess
that's what I was asking of you. That you try not to let it bother
you," Cindy said.

"Okay.... I'll try," Theresa said. Cindy took a big sip of hot
chocolate. Then got a mischievous look in her eye. She set down the cup
and then suddenly dove down between Theresa's legs and gave her a long,
*hot* swipe with her tongue. Theresa yelped, then giggled, then moaned
in delight. She pulled Cindy's hips around. Sometime later they lay
caressing each other. For some reason -besides the hot chocolate- their
session had been an extremely hot one. They slowly cooled off, wishing
for a shower. Both were damp with perspiration. It was late afternoon.

"We'd better start back.... after we cool off a bit," Cindy said.

"Mmmm," Theresa stretched. She kissed her friend softly on the lips.
Cupping a breast in her hand. Then lay her head back down next to
Cindy's. Softly nibbling at an earlobe. Cindy giggled. "I said, cool
down. We don't want to be sweaty underneath our clothes. We'd freeze!"

"Mmmm Okay.... But soon, after we get home again?" Theresa asked.

"You betcha. Right after we shower," Cindy said. She smiled to herself
over her small victory. Now to deal with John....

* * *

John went about sightseeing in San Francisco. He was bored. He passed
through China town, shopping for the girls. He hit several jewelry
stores to boot. He locked his purchases in the trunk of his rental car
and then headed for the wharf. He wandered around gawking mostly at the
other tourists. It wasn't much fun by himself. He watched several
couples of gay women walking around hand in hand, some quite young. But
somehow different from his lovelies. These women were...... well, *mad
at the world* or something. They weren't *enjoying* each other's
company so much as *flaunting* it to the rest of the world.

He stopped at a small courtyard off the main drag and got a cappuccino.
Sitting at a small table facing the courtyard. There were some street
performers juggling for a small crowd. They were pretty good. He missed
his lovelies. He took out his cell phone and called the silo. To his
surprise, after letting it ring a bit, he was met with a *cell phone
out of service* message.

He puzzled over it... The girls must have forwarded the silo calls to
the cell phone, and it was in service shadow...... the only place along
the road that would present a dead spot, was the dirt berms just off
the main road... which meant that they were at the utility shed there.
Hmm.... must have gone snowmobiling and gotten cold. Probably stopped
there to warm up.

He finished his cappuccino and made his way back to the wharf,
selecting a bunch of fresh Dungeness crab. He made his way back to the
rental car, then to a store where he bought a large cooler and lots of
dry ice. He packed the crab in the ice and then stopped at a fish
market where he added other fresh seafood to the cooler. Topping it of
with shaved dry ice. He headed back to the hotel. The chef at the hotel
graciously agreed to put the cooler in his walk-in freezer till he
checked out the next morning. He'd pick up the sourdough on the way to
- or at- the airport.

He kicked off his shoes and fired up his laptop. Logging onto the
Internet. He surfed the net for a few hours and then tried the silo
again. Again same message.......... He dialed another line at the silo
and a computer modem answered. As a security measure he'd set up a
computer to take sampled views of each room on command and then send
compressed files of the pics. The pics took a long time to download.
Finally he checked on the status of the video recorders. Plenty of tape
left till tomorrow. He logged off and then called up each pic to look
at it.

The girls were nowhere in sight. The silo was clean.... and empty. They
really were out. A last view showed two snowmobile tracks heading off
through the gate. Maybe the cellular battery was dead, or off. Or.....
they were spending lots of time at the storage shed. Or.... they had
taken the second land cruiser and headed out..... away from the
cellular service area.... No... that didn't make sense. If they were
heading out, then why take the cellular? No... the battery was either
dead, or the phone was off. He wasn't really worried yet. It was just
early afternoon back home.

He tried the silo again in an hour.... This time the message was that
the cellular wasn't answering. He smiled. They must be heading back,
but couldn't hear the phone ring over the noise of the snowmobiles. So
*what* had they been doing at the shack for so long? "That's a silly
question," he told himself. Chuckling. But why there? They could have
been struck with lust while out snowmobiling. Or....did they go there
on purpose? If so, why?

For what purpose would they want to get away from the silo.... Why the
shack.... A warm place outside... again, away from the silo.... What
could they possibly want to get away from.... Unless..... *Oh, oh!* Now
back at the hotel, John called the computer back. He couldn't view
video tapes as each machine rewound the tape and spit it out when it
was through. He'd had a hell of a time just making a working tape
changer which would reliably pluck out the old tape and insert a fresh
one. He had no controls to fast forward or rewind by computer though.
Nor any video outputs running from the tape machines to the computer.

He did, however, have the computer log of which channel was fed to
which machine and at what time. He downloaded that log for the whole
week, and his chart of which channel led to which camera location.
Lastly he downloaded a drawing of the silo to give him a visual
location for the cameras. Then he logged off. He took the chart and
mapped the channels over the drawing. Then he called up the log.
Starting at the beginning, when he had left.

He could trace his exit, and the girls going back to the kitchen...
then back to bed a short time later. Using the log he could position
them in the silo to the minute. A record of their movements. Not too
hard to follow, especially since most of the time they moved in pairs.
"Didn't take you long to start looking for the instructions.... but it
took you longer to find them than I thought it would," John muttered to
himself as he read.

He continued to talk to himself as he studied the log, "Good god, what
horny little bitches you are when I'm not around.... When the cat's
away... God, you hardly stopped to eat for the first three days!
Okay... enough technical voyeuring... what can I learn from this? Most
of the time is spent in these rooms here.... These are hallways between
them. What were you making in the lab? ... Probably your revenge on me,
for Cindy's toy. Well, have to face the music on that one. Okay, we
eliminate these channels. What have we got left? Not a whole lot till
about Friday night.... Hm... top to bottom cleaning? That makes sense.
Then back to making love.

Okay, Saturday... nothing until afternoon. Finished the cleaning. Did
laundry... mountains of it. Then back to play after a walk through.....
Wait a minute.... Oh fuck! Saturday night... here I call. Then someone
(Cindy?) does her walk through... passing by the maintenance room right
when this tape kicks out and this one starts. Takes her a bit longer in
the hallway. No door alarm though. Then back to the Com room after she
completes the walk through.. Okay, in the Com room till..... What's
this number? The workshop? Oh shit! That's where I keep the spare
tape... Okay, back to the Com room for .... not very long. Then down to
the bedroom, wardrobe..... back up to.... what? The entry? Both of
them? Then outside .... disappear till here... then back down
inside..... kitchen... Com room.... kitchen ...*fast*.... then one to
the cleaning closet and one stays in kitchen. One comes back and they
both stay in the kitchen for a long time. Then down to the hot tub...
then to bed.

"Okay, what do we know? Somebody walks by the tape room, maybe hears
something.... Thinks about it. But in the Com room somebody plugs in a
tape and whoever walked by the tape room puts two and two together.
Thinks about the tape I carted into the workshop and goes and checks on
how much I've used... finds out it's a lot. *Too much*. Goes back to
the Com room to tell the other about it... but instead talks her into
going outside to talk...

"Where? The storage shed! That's why they go out of view of the entry
camera. It's night and winter and *damn* cold. They suit up in the
entry here and go out to have a talk. Now in the storage shed,
because.... I built it... So they know the camera's in the silo were
installed by the government, not me. They figure the shed is safe (if
cold... but out of the wind.).

"Okay, they talk it over.......... for about an hour. A long time
outside at night in winter. So something serious they were talking
about. Like finding out that I've been taping them.... Probably Cindy
who put it all together. Theresa's not dumb, but she's not as observant
as Cindy. Okay... outside talking, rather inside the storage shed.
Still cold, but out of the wind. To be talking that long they had to be
deciding what to do....

"Okay, back inside...strip off the suits... down to the kitchen ... for
something warm...... a plan has formed...... Verify? ....How? ... look
for camera's....... Why not just look? Clandestine search? .. Why? ...
Why not just castrate me when I get home? ..... Cindy wants to
verify...without letting me know... They stage something that needs
cleaning up.... something big..... Takes a long time to clean up, but
in the process they look for cameras.

"Here this one is covered as it kicks to this one... then this one...
they're scrubbing the walls! They spot the camera lenses; which look
like dots. ... maybe even the microphone holes..... Okay... down to the
hot tub..... Why not right after outside? .... To cover the sound! ....
The pumps! ... Okay, this has *got* to be Cindy's doing.... They
compare notes in the hot tub under the cover of the pumps. Then go to
bed....

"Okay, next morning..... up... shower.... a long time in the bath...
Talking in the shower under cover of the running water.... Okay...
wardrobe...... kitchen..... Com room....entry..... gone. Down the
road.. to the warm shack at the end. There they talk about it again,
but in warm privacy.... not the only reason... to make love?
Certainly.. in private. They take a lunch and make a day of it. Those
air mattresses and blankets I put in the corner in case the snowmobiles
broke down closer to that end and we needed to spend the night there.
Guess they could have taken the second cruiser....

Probably not. They came back... the phone came in range but didn't
answer... If they'd hit the road they would have answered the phone for
cover... Okay.... decided not to dump me...Or they would have called me
right away to tell me what an asshole I am. Okay, not to dump me... why
not? Cindy loves me... Theresa too, but not the same way.... Okay,
Cindy talks Theresa into waiting... for what? For me to get home? They
*know* what I'm doing.... They've found the cameras.... Somebody
verified I'm using a lot of tape.... "

John sat back in consideration.. The log and the phone had told him
about as much as they could... a lot more than he had thought they
could. Perhaps he was just having paranoid dreams.... No.... The
information was there. It all fit. "Oh, Cindy's trying to figure me
out! .... " he said to himself. "Okay, Cindy figures it out... tells
Theresa... who asks why. (Don't really know myself... but I'd better
have a damn good reason down pat by tomorrow morning. ) Both have told
me I could watch anytime I wanted to... So I do? ... No... won't
wash.... Why do you record them...... because you expect them to
leave... for the memories..... as a substitute for their presence in my
life... That's good... work on that.....

But why not just chomp my head off the first instant?....Need more
info... And the tapes won't provide much... Just verification of my
speculation. If they know about the cameras...-probable-... then they
won't give me any further information.. They'll be on their guards.
Probably Theresa is already. Don't think Cindy would much care
except.... I didn't *ask* them! That's what they're so pissed off
about. The tapes don't bother them at all. It's the fact I've been...
*spying* on them. Oh shit! All that stuff I've told them about ethics.
And now they catch me in this................

That could be it! Ethics! They're going to wait for me to tell them
about it. To give me a chance to explain... Cindy wants to see what
kind of man I am... What kind of man am I? A pretty good one who fucked
up royal this time.... Well, one way to verify if that's what they're
waiting for. John picked up the phone again and dialed the silo. It
rang.

"Hello," Cindy answered.

"Hi Hon... how was your snowmobile ride?" John said. Dead silence on
the other end for a moment.

"Now just how the fuck did you know we went for a snowmobile ride?"
Cindy asked... half angry, half bewildered.

"I know you spent a long time in the storage shed by the road too."

"How!" Cindy spat.

"Simple logic, my dear. I called just after lunch. I got the voice mail
from the cellular telling me it was off... but it probably wasn't.
You're too smart for that. You went out and took the cellular with you,
forwarding the silo phone to it. That meant that you would be out for a
while, or you wouldn't have bothered. The only reason you would be out
that long in the winter, was if you were playing in the snow. To wit;
the snowmobiles. I know you checked the battery level and made sure it
was on before you left. But it kicked to the voice mail. Only reason
would be that it was in a shadow area of the coverage. Either that or
you reached the end of the road and took the cruiser like a bat out of
hell in the direction away from town.

"Now the only place around there that has any hills big enough to block
the direct, line of sight frequency of the phone... is the utility
shack at the end of the road. It sits inside those dirt berms which
would block the cell phone coverage.... I called back an hour later,
but it was still blocked. I called back again about an hour ago, but
this time it gave me a message that it was on, but not answering. That
meant that it was ringing in your pocket, but that you couldn't hear it
over the snowmobile. If you had been in the cruiser, you would have
just answered it, or turned it off. Simple logic," John said.

"Like living with fucking Sherlock Holmes," Cindy muttered.

"So how was your ride? Did you remember to turn the heat down when you
left the shack?" John asked.

"Yes... The ride was... nice," Cindy said.

"You sound sort of distant, anything wrong?" John asked, crossing his
fingers

"Uh... no... I'm just ... my heads kind of ringing from the noise of
the motors still.. that's a long ride," Cindy tried to cover. 'YES!'
John thought.

"Did you take a lunch with you? If not you must be starving," John
asked.

"Yeah, we packed a lunch... didn't know how long we would be out,"
Cindy said.

"So where's Theresa?" John asked.

"I think she's sitting on the John," Cindy replied.

"The mannequin or the toilet?" John asked. Despite herself, Cindy
busted out laughing.

"The toilet. You devious old fart!" Cindy said, chuckling. 'Devious?'
John thought, 'Not perverted?'

"Okay, love. I just wanted to check in. I'll be home about... Oh, I
guess tomorrow afternoon about three or four. Depends on how things go
at the airports. Just wanted to hear your voice and tell you that I
loved you," John said.

"I love you too, John," Cindy said, a little strained.

"Okay, love. Kiss Theresa for me and give her my love... bye," John
said.

"I will. Bye," Cindy said. The line went dead. John hung up and thought
about the conversation. Item #1: Cindy was on her guard when he called.
Item #2: Cindy *was* pissed when he called. Item #3: Verified the girls
had been to the shack all day. Planned to be there all day, as they
packed a lunch. Item #4: Possible verification that they knew... thus
the trip, thus the usage of the word *devious* instead of *perverted*.
Item #5: Despite that knowledge, they didn't tell me they knew
directly. Thus they are waiting for... what? Item #6: Cindy retains her
sense of humor... so it must be her who wants to wait. Item #7: They
were in the shack all day. Heat up. Probably made love.. probably
listened to tunes on the cruiser stereo. Probably talking about what an
asshole I am... or one was talking the other one into waiting for me to
tell them.

Item #8: Theresa would have made her way to the phone before the
conversation was over, if she had wanted to. Thus she didn't want to.
Thus she's more pissed than Cindy. Makes sense considering
personalities. So.. conclusions:

Theresa is real uncomfortable with the... *spying*. The cameras really.
That's one reason why they went to the shack. She didn't want to make
love under surveillance. Cindy is being more philosophical about it.
She was probably unprepared for Theresa's reaction. She took Theresa
out to the shack for a day away... where they could make love in
privacy and talk in privacy. She planed to be out all day, thus she
expected it to be a hard sell. She didn't mention it on the phone, so
she was successful in her sales pitch. To wit... that they would wait
and see.. thus they are both going to wait for me to tell them about
the cameras..... because my conscience is bothering me about it. Which
it is a little bit anyway. Has from almost the start.

So either I come up with a real good story... A REAL GOOD STORY, or
most certainly Theresa and maybe even Cindy will split. OUCH! John
thought about it. He might have to find a real substitute for his two
lovelies. Not an easy task. Damn near impossible. But the fact was...
he really did love them. He had also discovered -to his discomfort-
that he needed them too.

He longed for a drink. He was hungry too. He solved both by heading
out. Real pastrami from a deli off the financial district. A drink at a
bar where all the reporters in town used to hang out. News stories
dating back to the thirties lined the walls. John wasn't in a nostalgic
mood. He headed for North Beach. He had someone he wanted to meet.

He parked the car and walked around past the various wiggler bars.
Tried one or two out, but the dancers didn't do much for him. Their
tits were way oversized from bust enlargement, yet sagged from dancing
topless. Stretch marks telling the tale. He didn't realize how spoiled
he'd gotten having two, well built, very young women around. He left
his watery drink and walked down the road. A pair of women walked hand
in hand before him. Again, they seemed to be flaunting their
relationship to the world more than to be enjoying each other's
company. Still, it made him remember his lovelies.

Then turned into a bar called *The Pussy Chat*. Curious they should
pick this place. Clever name... thought John. He followed them in. It
was dark... Couples of women sitting about. No other men. As he walked
to the bar he could feel the eyes upon him. They weren't welcome
stares. He sat at the bar. A pretty blonde, dressed in an expensive
women's business suit sat on one end, not too far from him. He gave her
a smile and she half smiled back before forcing herself deadpan. John
fought off his smirk. The bartender seemed to be ignoring him. When he
didn't leave, she finally came up to him. She was a butch blonde.
Stockily built.

"Uh.. listen. We don't really welcome mixed relationships in here."

"Just want a quiet drink among quiet people," John told her.

"Well, that's it. You see.. You're not really *our* type," the
bartender told him. She probably thought she was being nice. John
looked at her a moment, holding his temper.

"Oh? Well the two women who live with me back home might be a little
surprised by that. But I guess you're right. *YOU* aren't my type,"
John said. He stood and walked out. He ambled down the street, fighting
down his anger.

"Hey, mister!" a feminine voice said. He stopped and turned, expecting
a pan handler. To his great surprise it was the well dressed blonde
from the end of the bar. "I'd be glad to drink with you," she said.

"Uh.. listen. I think you got the wrong impression. I wasn't looking
for *that* kind of companionship," John said. (Sort of teasing.)

The woman's nostrils flared a bit and she said, "I wasn't offering
*that* kind of companionship!"

"In that case, I gladly accept...... Uh... Please accept my humble
apology for making an ass of myself just now," John said.

"Accepted... There's a quiet *friendlier* place just around the
corner," she said

"Please, lead on," John said, falling in step by her side. It really
was quieter... for North Beach. There was a wiggler on stage, but she
was younger and firmer and a whole lot cuter then the other places John
had been in. The blonde spotted a booth in the back and led him to it.
He stalled while she sat down. Then slid into the booth. Not too close.

"Sheila," she said, offering her hand.

"John," he said, extending his. He expected what he termed a business
woman's shake, warm, but brisk. Or a dead fish, adore me, shake. He got
neither. It was stronger than a business woman's shake... and warmer.
Extended. John was surprised and returned it just shy of measure for
measure. Fearing to hurt her hand. She seemed to approve.

"That's better," she said, "Sorry about Angie... the bartender back
there. She gets a little possessive at times. She thinks of us as *her*
girls. Fact is that most of us would never have anything to do with
her."

"I really just wanted a drink. I didn't mean to step on anybody's
toes," John replied.

"She probably thought you were vice," Sheila said.

"And you don't?" John asked.

"Of course not..... Well dressed. Handsome.... Well mannered, even when
insulted. Damn sure not vice," Sheila said. A cute, over built topless
barmaid came by. John ordered Glennlivit on the rocks. Sheila the same.

"So what do you think I am?" John asked, lightly.

"I don't have a clue.. that's what I'm doing here," she said, "If I
were to guess, I'd say you were in town on business. Probably flying
out tomorrow. You're too relaxed to have just come in. You don't look
jet lagged. That means you've been here a few days. Maybe all week. You
came into town on business of some sort. Now it's wound up and you're
out on the town for the last night. You were attracted to North Beach
by reputation, but the actuality of it left you cold. You've got
something on your mind... probably concerning personal relationships
back home. You're well tanned, probably from the western states
somewhere. But it's not a phony salon tan. That means you have time to
lay out and the means to do it. It's winter, even in New Mexico or
Arizona. So you have a solarium of some sort. You're well to do and
comfortable about it. You're not after a fling. How did I do?"

"Perfect score... pretty much," John said, impressed.

"And I?" Sheila baited.

"Oh.. If I had to guess... You're a local. You live somewhere in the
city here. You know the area well. You're a business professional,
probably somewhere in the financial district. Perhaps a broker of some
sort or upper management in a local bank. Probably not a national
chain. You're comfortable with yourself and your abilities. You are
comfortable financially. You know several people back in that bar, but
are probably not involved with any of them at the present time. You're
comfortable with your lifestyle and profession. You are likely very
competent at what you do. You weren't born here, but have lived here
for several years. And you weren't waiting for anyone in particular
when I walked in."

"Not bad," Sheila said, smiling. "I am a broker, at a large local
company. How do you know so much about brokers?"

"I dabble a bit in the market," John replied. The barmaid brought their
drinks, John dropped a twenty on the tray and waved her off as she
started with change.

"How much?"

"Oh... I've got about a quarter million spread around in it. With about
a 60% return last year," John said.

She nodded, "Again, not bad. What sectors?"

"Oh... I prefer things I know. Technologies mostly. I look for new
trends and then research everybody in the field and pick the strongest
players."

"Not a bad strategy. I wish I could teach it to half my clients....
amazing how little homework people want to do to protect their money.
They expect to give it to you and that you'll just make it grow
exponentially.... You're diversified?"

"Of course," John nodded, "One third in slow growth bonds, a third in
slow growth players and a third in climbers.... roughly. I have my own
routines that I've worked up to simulate my intuition."

"And they work?" Sheila asked, "I wouldn't mind seeing them."

"Oh... they work as well as anything else out there. They are usually
pretty close to what I *thought* was going to happen. Of course they
don't always follow what *does* happen. I think that the shrinks should
be following the market if they want to truly understand
schizophrenia." Sheila busted out laughing. She had a lovely dulcet
tone to her voice. John couldn't help but smile at her. He sipped at
his scotch. The pleasant amber liquid and company putting him in good
spirits.

"So how did you get your start? Hit big in the market?" Sheila asked,
sipping her own scotch.

"No... I only started playing at that, oh about a year and a half ago,"
John said.

"A year and a half!? Hell, I've got clients who've been deep in it for
twenty years who don't understand it as well as you! I'm not sure I do
and I've been in it for ... let's see.... twelve years," Sheila said,
somewhat shocked.

"Very commendable for someone as young as you. I doubt most people
could handle it that long," John said.

"*Burn out* is just a fact of life in the field," Sheila sighed.

"You don't seen too prone to it. You seem quite relaxed," John replied.

"Oh.. I have my days... What made you peg me for a broker or banker
anyway?" she asked.

"The suit. It's not cheap. Elegant, yet conservative. Comfortable,
practical. Nails manicured. Hair, styled. Conservative. Lifestyle...
not conservative."

"That's what tipped you to it not being a national chain?"

"Yup. Stodgy old farts every one of them," John said. Sheila chuckled.

"Okay... so how *did* you get started?. Inheritance?" she asked.

"Oh... of sorts.. I guess. I get an annual annuity of just under 300k,"
John said.

"What the hell for?" she gasped.

"You wouldn't believe me," John said, and rolled his eyes.

"Try me."

"Okay... I won the lottery," John chuckled. She stared at him a moment.

"You're right... I'm dubious.... for real?"

"Yup."

"How big?"

"Fourteen million, by myself. If I live to be 103," John said.

"Not shared?"

"Nope. Only one winning ticket. And I had it," John said.

"You lucky son of a bitch," Sheila said.

"Don't I know it. Never expected it in a million years," John said.

"But you still played it. How much did you spend?" Sheila asked,
intrigued.

"A buck."

"One dollar?"

"Yup. Bought it as a quick pick at a gas station while I was on the
road selling electronics."

"You were a traveling salesman?" Sheila asked.

"Oh... not really. I'm not, or wasn't much of a salesman. I was more a
systems engineer. I would go into a company and look at their set up
and design a test system to match their product. Then the real sales
force would descend on them with my custom design and reap the profits.
I got a pittance," John said.

"But that's where you picked up your understanding of technologies?"
Sheila asked. She flagged the barmaid with two fingers -or made a peace
sign to somebody-.

"Yeah... well, no. I worked for several defense contractors during the
Reaganomics era. When Détente hit I was let out to pasture. Older, non-
degreed engineer. Middle management. Up against the glass ceiling. And
I took my job seriously. Obvious target," John said.

"No degree?" Sheila said.

"Too busy working. Not even a high school diploma if anybody'd cared to
ask," John said.

"That surprises me. You seem well cultured," Sheila said.

"Thank you. But Academics don't have a monopoly on that," John said.

"No... it just seems a little bit more prevalent. Not much. Actually I
see very little of it. And usually from people not worth much, else
wise," Sheila said. The barmaid brought the drinks. John reached for
his wallet, but Sheila stopped him. "My turn." She laid out a twenty
and again shooed the barmaid away... but watching her breasts from the
corner of her eyes.

"Comely lass, isn't she?" John mused. Sheila looked at him suspiciously
for a moment, then seemed to relax again, seeing he was sincere.

"Not bad. Shit for brains though," Sheila said. "So.... what you said
back at the *Pussy Chat*. Did you mean it? You live with two women?"

"Yes. Actually, I do."

"Good relationship?"

"Yes, very good... It was anyway. I may have screwed things up. I don't
know. I'll see when I get home."

"But you feel comfortable living with two women... and they ... see
each other?"

"Yes, very comfortable. They see quite a lot of each other, actually,"
John mused.

"And you don't feel threatened by their seeing each other?" Sheila
asked.

"No, why should I?" John asked.

"You shouldn't... but most men would," Sheila said.

"I'm not most men," John replied.

"That you are not, John. You are a genuine enigma," Sheila said.

"Enigma?" John said.

"Yes.. you know, mystery," Sheila said.

"Yes... I know what the word means. I don't understand why I should be
perceived as one however," John replied.

"You just are... Uh... may I ask... What are your sleeping
arrangements, back home I mean?"

"Sure, I don't mind. We have a California king waterbed in the master
bedroom. We all sleep there. There's also a guest room with a large
Queen. Mostly in case one of us wants a break from the others. Most
likely me, as they are much younger than I am, and seem to have
boundless sexual energy. I don't. I suspect I do better than most men
my age, but I have a theory it's because they keep me that way.
Actually, come to think of it, the guest room hasn't really been used
much except when one of the girls had a bout of religion. She stayed
there a few nights while she sorted things out," John said.

"You seem very open about the relationship. Most men don't seem
comfortable talking about things like that.... You said they were
younger. How much?" Sheila asked.

"Too young. They could be my daughters," John said.

"And they want to live with you?... I guess they do, if they do... But
most kids nowadays aren't much interested in anybody outside their age
group," Sheila said.

"Well, it was their choice.... I guess that's not a fair statement. In
all honesty they were forced by conditions in their lives to seek
elsewhere to live. I gave them the option of staying with me," John
said.

"As companions?" Sheila asked, suspiciously.

"No... actually not. I wasn't looking for any companionship. One
offered herself as a companion and at first I turned it down. Instead,
I offered her a job, as my cook. For twenty-five thousand dollars a
year plus room and board. What I had in mind was just to give her a
place to get herself together. I gave her work, so that she would feel
needed. I compensated her for it. The relationship was her idea.
Actually she raped me in my sleep to start it. I just quit trying to
fight her off. Eventually it developed into a real relationship."

"But you said two. That explains one."

"The second one was her friend. Also living in a bad situation. The
first wanted to bring her out. At first I resisted. I only agreed
because I could see it would have been the end of my relationship with
the first one to refuse it. She offered to pay her out of her salary,
but I supplement it."

"So her friend came to stay with you... what happened then?"

"Well, it didn't take too long for me to realize that there was more
between them than just friendship. At first I was angry, but not about
that, but because she hadn't told me about that, and it could have
greatly affected our relationship. In the meantime, her friend and I
got to know each other better. We found we both had a real attraction
for each other."

"Did you pursue that, behind the other's back?" Sheila asked.

"No, on the contrary. We both fought it off. It wasn't until the first
one got all confused about loving two people that it all came together.
So to speak," John said.

"How did that happen?" Sheila asked.

"Well.... Okay... Theresa, that's the first one. Cindy's the second.
Anyway, Theresa was all confused. She was afraid that Cindy and I were
going to get together and leave her out. In the meantime Theresa was
making love to both of us. Cindy was staying in the guest room then.
Now Theresa knew that I knew about her and Cindy. I'd told her so."

"How did you know?"

"Forgive my frankness, but by her breath. She'd come to give me a kiss
after having a little tryst with Cindy. The aroma was unmistakable,"
John said.

"I understand. No, please speak frankly. You're not likely to offend
me. And I'm sorry for interrupting. Please continue," Sheila said.

"Anyway... Theresa was doing us both. And worried to death that Cindy
and I would get together. We didn't, but we sure looked at each other a
lot. Theresa talked to each of us about it. We both admitted the
attraction, but we both told her that we weren't doing anything about
it because of her not wanting us to. I guess Theresa didn't understand
then that there can be more than one special person in your life...at
the same time.

"She does now.... I guess it became too much for Theresa to deal with.
Because she ... well she swam over to me in the pool with Cindy there
and started to make love to me. She wanted Cindy to watch. She did.
Then Theresa basically said I had to choose. I said, oh, no. You are
the one who has to make up her mind. You want each of us all to
yourself. And don't want either of us to want the other one. That's not
so. We do. But we haven't done anything about it because we both care
about you. So you decide what you want, and we'll live with it," John
said.

"And how did she react to that?" Sheila said.

"Badly for a while. It wasn't easy on me. Most the time both of them
ran around half dressed. It took about two more weeks. I guess we'd
both assured Theresa that we cared enough about her that we weren't
going to exclude her."

"So how did it happen? Do you want another drink?" Sheila asked.

"Better not. I've got to drive a rental car back to the hotel," John
said.

"Would you mind if I came up for a while?" Sheila asked.

"No, of course not," John said.

"I'm not trying to be forward, I just find the whole conversation
intriguing," Sheila said.

"I'm enjoying it myself. It gives me a chance to sort things out. Do
you want to meet me there or ride along?" John asked.

"Ride along. I usually just grab a cab home," Sheila said. They stood
and headed out the door. Sheila took his arm as they walked back to his
car. John had to admit, it felt good. He drove back to the hotel, and
parked. The ride was strangely silent. She took his arm again as they
went up to his room. Once inside John motioned to a small sofa. Sheila
sat down while John mixed them a drink.... rather poured scotch over
some ice. He handed hers to her and she thanked him.

"So how did it happen?" she prodded after taking a sip. John sat across
from her. Sipping his scotch.

"Well ... where was I... Oh yeah. After about two weeks, let's see. It
was Christmas. I surprised them with a trip to town for a special
private lunch. We hadn't been to town for a long time. But everything
else was all closed up. I had to arrange for the lunch. I paid this
poor guy handsomely to cook for us on Christmas day. He did a fine job
of it too. Then packed up some prime rib and lobster which we took home
with us for dinner. We had a couple of bottles of wine with dinner and
then all got into the hot tub. Theresa kind of moved to me and then
motioned for Cindy to come over too. Theresa kissed me first, then
Cindy, then sort of pushed Cindy and I together. After that she sort of
moved all over the place helping Cindy and I make love to each other."

"So what happened after that?" Sheila asked, huskily.

"Well... Theresa had a complete change of attitude. Suddenly she
*wanted* Cindy and I to be together. She wanted *all* of us to be
together. We moved Cindy down from the guest room into the newly
completed master bedroom and we've just all been there ever since...
Except when Theresa had her little bout with religion."

"It didn't last... I mean the religion?" Sheila asked.

"No...not really. I think everybody goes through a time in their lives
when they start looking for the meaning of it all. Many succumb to the
lure of organized religion. It has a neat little package of rules to
live your life by. I just never cared much for it."

"So what did you do?"

"Not much... she did it mostly herself. I only pointed out the
difference between ethics and morals. And asked her how she felt about
her relationship with Cindy and I, whether she was ashamed of it. She
answered no. I pointed out that most organized religions wouldn't take
kindly to her relationship with me, being unmarried.. and mostly with
Cindy. She seemed to come out of it. Never has mentioned it again."

"Lucky you."

"Don't I know it.... You know, it seems each time we went through
something like that... we came out of it with a stronger
relationship..."

"I know what you mean.... God, I wish I could find a guy like you,"
Sheila said suddenly.

"Why's that?" John asked.

"Oh... you're just so...I don't know. Open and understanding.
Accepting...I guess is what I mean. Like the fact that you met me in a
lesbian bar and never made any big deal over it. You accepted me for
what I am."

"Appeared to be.... I don't know you well enough to make any judgments.
It's your life. Not mine. I don't live my life to suit you, why should
you live yours to suit me?"

"That's just what I am talking about. That exact attitude is so rare in
this world. And I think it would be so much nicer a place if more
people had it. As far as what I appeared to be... I am. You were right
on the money in your assessment of me. I am comfortable with my
lifestyle. I am bisexual. Most of the time I have a strong bias towards
women though. Usually they seem to understand better.... but not
always."

"Well, Sheila. It's not that I don't find you attractive.... I find you
*damn* attractive. But I have enough complications....no, that's not
right.... I have enough *love* in my life right now that I owe my
loyalty to. It would not be ethical of me to disrespect that, or you,
by engaging in a relationship with you that I couldn't pursue honestly
right now."

"Fuck, and ethical too..... " Sheila said, admiration in her eyes.
"Well, John.... I'll ask this once.... Because I wouldn't be honest
with myself, or you if I didn't. May I spend the night with you anyway?
I just want to snuggle. I promise to be good," Sheila asked,
sheepishly.

"I think I'd like that very much. Yes, I'd be honored to have you sleep
with me," John said.

"Just how far can you ethically go?" she asked.

"Oh... hugs and kisses. Skin to skin would be nice. But I think my
ethics preclude me from having intercourse."

"That's acceptable to me," Sheila said, unbuttoning her suit coat.

"I think you'll find a new toothbrush in the bathroom. I brought my
own," John offered.

"Thanks....Can I have one of those hugs you talked about now?" she
asked, moving toward him.

"You certainly may," John said, opening his arms to her. She moved into
them and hugged him fiercely. She tipped her head up and he kissed her
softly.

"Why don't you go first," she nodded towards the bathroom. He nodded
and moved off. He used the toilet and then brushed his teeth. Looking
at himself in the mirror. "God damn ethics!" he muttered to himself. He
finished up and moved back into the room. Sheila was now clad only in
blouse and panties. She moved into the bathroom.

John disrobed and climbed into the bed, killing all lights but one
lamp. She came out a few minutes later, hanging her blouse and knee
high stockings over a chair. Clad now in matching baby blue bra and
panties. She turned towards John as she released the bra. Her breasts
were firm and high on her chest. Her nipples large and dark and hard.
The ends really large. She smiled at his admiration. She caught her
thumbs in her panties and lowered them to the floor, stepping out of
them. She had just a tiny tuft of golden pubic hair. The rest of the
area shaved clean. John wanted to taste it really badly. She smiled at
his discomfort. He threw back the covers and she went through her own
discomfort, groaning audibly at the sight of his manhood.

"And well endowed too," she moaned as she crawled into his arms. John
pulled her close to him, feeling the length of her body next to his.
She was gorgeous. She smelled good. She felt good. She kissed good.

"God damn ethics!" John said, again. She chuckled and pulled the covers
up over them. John moved to set the alarm. "What time do you need to
wake up?" he asked.

"No problem for me. Anytime," Sheila said, snuggling to him.

"Well, I have a two o-clock flight out of SFO. But I've got to take the
car back and all that."

"I can take the car back for you," Sheila offered.

"How would you get back?" John asked.

"Take a cab. I do it all the time. I live here, remember," Sheila
asked.

"No... I just speculated. You sure it's okay?" he asked. Sheila got
that exasperated look that Theresa gets.

"Yes, I'm positive." John smiled at her. He set the alarm for ten, and
turned out the lamp. She snuggled to him. John kissed her once more,
really kissed her. She giggled at the end. "I think you should teach
that fella down there about your ethics."

"Damn thing never did listen to me," he said.

"That's okay, he's found a comfortable spot. He's welcome to lay next
to my pussy if he wants. She won't mind a bit," Sheila chuckled.

"Thanks for being understanding," John said.

"My pleasure, Sir. Good night..," Sheila said. She kissed him softly
and then nestled to his shoulder.

"Sweet dreams," John said.

"Count on it," she said. John did his best to go to sleep. Her regular
breathing against him finally lulled him beyond thought. Several times
during the night one or the other of them would wake briefly, become
aware of the other one and snuggle to them.


Chapter 36

Sheila awoke first the next morning. She reveled in the feeling of the
strong, gentle man laying next to her. She peeked under the covers at
his manhood. He must be dreaming, she thought. John had a full
erection. She touched it briefly before withdrawing her hand. Chiding
herself for taking advantage of his unconsciousness. But that is what
Theresa had done to him to start their relationship... It was tempting.
Perhaps a little too tempting. She kissed him softly on the chest by
where her head was laying. Then gently slipped out of bed. It was just
seven A.M.

She located her purse and pulled out her cellular phone, taking it into
the bathroom with her. She used the toilet and brushed her teeth. Then
used her cellular to call her secretary at home. She should just be
getting up.

"Yeah...?" a sleepy female voice said.

"Judy? This is Sheila. Listen, when you get to work, re-schedule my
appointments.. I think there's only two or three consults. Nothing
serious. Something's come up and I won't be in today."

"Caught a live one huh?" Judy muttered.

"Babe. The livest one on the planet. I'd move to a desert island and
eat coconuts and feed him peeled grapes even if he wasn't a multi-
millionaire."

"Where the hell did you meet him?" (Judy was now *fully* awake.)

"Can you believe it? He walked into Pussy's last night and Angie threw
him out. I caught up and said I knew a friendlier place *before* I knew
what he was worth," Sheila whispered.

"So I take it from your tone that he's close by," Judy said.

"Still asleep. I'm in the bathroom on my cell," Sheila replied.

"So how long do you think you'll be out?" Judy asked.

"Probably just today, but if I get an open shot, I'm gone. You can
reach my Cell, but don't call unless it's critical," Sheila said.

"Good hunting. Hope you land him," Judy said.

"I'm gonna do my *very* best," Sheila said.

"Your *best*? My god, was he *that* good?" Judy gasped.

"I don't know. We didn't do that, just talked, slept and cuddled..,"
Sheila said.

"You didn't do it? And you're still this hyped on him?" her secretary
gasped.

"Babe, you have no idea. When was the last time you met a sexy,
healthy, rich, straight, charming, cultured, compassionate, single
gentleman with an open mind in San Francisco?" Sheila asked.

"Ye gods... I heard a rumor that one flew over once twenty years
ago..... If he's all that, what are you doing talking to me? Get back
in that bed! NOW!" Judy said, excitedly.

"My thoughts exactly. Love ya, babe," Sheila said.

"Love you too. Bye," Judy said. Sheila's next call was to *Go-Go
Gourmet*. She ordered a large deluxe breakfast for two to be delivered
at exactly nine forty five. Knock quietly. Lots of French roast. She
slipped quietly back into bed with John. She kissed him gently on the
cheek and he stirred. His eyes electric blue when they opened to hers.
He pulled her to him and they snuggled for a bit. He released her and
then slipped away.

"Back in a bit," he said, heading for the bathroom. Sheila got a pained
expression on her face as she watched his backside retreat. 'God... and
a nice ass to boot!' she thought to herself. He returned a few minutes
later, breath fresh. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly.
The kiss grew on it's own.

"Good morning, sleep well?" he said.

"Good morning to you. I slept like a baby. Never felt so comfortable in
my life. How about you?" she replied, running her fingers over his
chest.

"The best all week. Guess I missed my little lovelies. Happily
surprised you're still here though. Sorry about last night," John said.

"For what? Why would I be gone?" Sheila asked.

"Oh... for sort of leading you on. I really felt like talking. But I
didn't mean to have to disappoint you," he said.

"Disappoint me? How did you do that?" she asked, genuinely puzzled.

"By not making love with you," John said. Sheila got *that* exasperated
look again.

"John, I don't think I've ever met a more selfless person in my whole
life. I respect you more than you could ever know. for *not* making
love to me. Especially since it was quite obvious that you wanted to,"
Sheila said.

"Oh.. I'm most certainly *not* selfless. I'm just stuck with my
ethics... such as they are," John said, looking distant.

"You said that you thought maybe you messed up back home... Want to
talk about it?" Sheila asked.

"Oh.... I don't know. Hate to spoil this great image you have of me,"
John said.

"You'd have to really do bad to do that. What did you do, rape some
babies? Rob a bank? Murder your ex-wife?" Sheila teased.

"Not too far off. Thought about murdering my ex. Almost got arrested
because they thought I was robbing a bank and...... my two lovelies are
barely out of the baby stage," John said.

"How old?" Sheila asked.

"Well, let's see. Cindy just turned seventeen a week ago. Theresa will
turn that in a couple of months," John said. Sheila was silent for a
moment. "Gonna turn me in?" John asked, "You may not have to. They may
do it after last week."

"No... I know you just well enough to know that they aren't babies. You
had a reason for getting involved with them. So.... my dear gentle-man.
Why don't you start at the beginning. Tell me all about your life,
their lives and how you met Theresa."

"I ran over her," John said.

"Uh... rewind the tape a bit. Why not start with your winning the
lottery. We've got lots of time. I'm here to listen," Sheila said.

"Okay.... Well, I was driving down the road listening to crap on the
radio...." John began. He talked for a long time. Sheila just
listening. When he told about the bank she chuckled and then busted out
laughing. When she recovered, he continued. He told her about what his
life was like before and after. His fling with the girls from the local
watering hole. The sports car. He told her all about the silo. She was
intrigued. He told her of his plans for it. How much it cost him so far
and how things were turning out. He explained his tracing things out
and finding the camera's and surveillance system. Then about his mishap
with Theresa. She questioned him whenever it seemed like he was leaving
anything out.

She sat back, wearing the shirt he had had on the night before. Her
knees tucked up beside her ample breasts. This left John an open view
of her privates. He gazed hypnotically as he talked. Whenever he looked
up her eyes met him and she smiled. She became aware of his gaze and
shifted her position to give him a *better* view. It didn't help relax
him. He got a throbbing hard-on while he explained his actions when
Cindy had arrived.

She listened intently when John described about watching Cindy and
Theresa in the pool on the first night. She squirmed a bit and John
noticed she was actually getting wet. He continued. He told her almost
everything he could think of. Concluding with his assumptions based
upon the information from the camera log and the cell phone. She nodded
a bit as he finished.

"I'm kind of hungry... Want to get some breakfast... if you still want
to be seen with me, that is," John said. She got that look again and
just then there was a quiet knock on the door. She glanced at the
clock. John seemed puzzled. "Who the hell could that be?" he said. She
buttoned up the shirt and pulled on her panties.

"Breakfast, my treat," she said, walking to the door. She opened it to
a discrete looking young woman holding a large box. She thanked her and
signed the slip, adding a large gratuity for her promptness. She
carried it back and set the box on the table. Lifting the lid, she
extracted two large cups of coffee. "Sugar, cream?" she asked.

"Black," he replied, amazed. She opened the sipping hole and handed it
to him. He sipped at it and broke out in a smile. "So when did you
order this?" he asked.

"This morning, before you woke up," she replied.

"What's in the box?" he asked, swinging his legs off the bed.

"Eggs benedict. Toasted bagels with sun-dried tomato cream cheese,
Strawberry's and cream and lots of coffee," she said.

"I'm impressed," John said, "Still want to eat with me?" Again she got
*that* look.

"Darling. What are you talking about?" she asked.

"The story of my life. Raping almost babies... spying on them," he
reminded her.

"Oh... Come eat," she said, turning her attention to laying out the
table. He pulled on his slacks and moved to the table. "What first?"
she asked.

"Uh... the strawberry's, if they're unsweetened. Just a dab of cream,"
he said.

"Pretty picky for a baby raper," she said, putting his exact request in
front of him. John winced. "Oh... Stop that! I was joking," she said,
giving him *that* look again. He poked at his strawberries a bit.
Seeing he wasn't placated, she said, "Okay... listen. I think you are
generous, kind, magnanimous, cultured, a soft touch, brilliant but
sometimes soft in the head, caring, moody, sexy and the most desirable
man I have *ever* met. Now eat your strawberries 'cause the rest is
getting cold. Then we'll talk about it. Okay?" He nodded. Smiling at
her he dived into his breakfast.

When they were properly stuffed on decadence, she took two more coffees
and set them on the night stand. She unbuttoned the shirt and led him
back to the bed. She leaned up against the headboard and pulled him
back against her. Laying his head between her breasts. She handed him
his coffee and sipped at her own.

"Okay, love. Let's talk about it. First off, I don't perceive you as a
baby raper. Your actions were overly and overtly honorable. Both Cindy
and Theresa were in bad situations. You gave them a better alternative,
at your own expense. Had you made sex a condition of that alternative,
then I would have thrown you happily to the legal wolves -I know many-
but you did not. What they did with you, was of their own choosing. The
law might argue that they weren't adult and therefore couldn't make
their own decisions, but I don't buy that. They'd done a bunch of
growing up before you ever met them. In over half the cultures of the
world, those two would be expecting their second child by now. Still,
your keeping your relationship a secret is a good idea. I know the
Attorney General for your state. He wouldn't leave your toenails
unchewed. The one from their state would swallow them.

"Secondly. Your continued relationship with them. Fine by me. You even
had your tubes snicked to prevent their becoming trapped into a
situation where they were stuck with you, or in a worse condition out
on their own. You've made certain that they had a future. That's a damn
sight more than either of their parents did. From what you've told me,
Theresa will probably move on. Cindy probably won't, but she might.
College time away from you could change her mind. Time will tell.

"Third. Your voyeurism.... You screwed up. You should have told them.
You had *better* tell them soon. If you were an asshole I know where
you could market every single one of the tapes. I'd probably buy a copy
myself. You're not an asshole so that's not an issue. Fact is that I'd
be more than happy to be on them myself. With you and from the way
you've described them, both your little lovelies.

"The next question for yourself is, *what the hell are you going to do
with a whole year's worth of tapes?* Fourth. Your Silo. I'd dearly love
to see it. From your descriptions, it sounds incredible. The perfect
millionaire's retreat. Spacious, luxurious, high tech toys,
comfortable, secluded and secure. Wish I could see a floor plan," she
concluded. John turned and kissed a nipple before climbing off the bed
and returning with his laptop. He settled back into his spot and called
up the image file he'd downloaded the day before. He walked her through
the whole place, describing the rooms from memory. Then, remembering,
he called in the pics he'd downloaded and showed each major room to
her.

"I could call up now and download current images including the girls,
but right now it doesn't seem very ethical," he said.

"If I was going to corrupt your ethics, that *wouldn't* be where I'd
start!" Sheila said, kissing his forehead. "Come on, let's go shower.
You've got a plane to catch," she said. Sheila led him to the bathroom
and unfastened his trousers. She dropped them and sighed heavily at the
sight of his manhood. She turned on the water and pushed her panties to
the floor. Stepped in and dragged him with her. She soaped him up and
then did her best to scrub his whole body with hers.

He washed her hair for her. She did the same for him, reaching up to do
it. Letting the suds run down between them, rubbing her breasts against
his chest to take advantage of it. Finally they rinsed off. John was
hard as a rock.

As she dried him she said, "If you ever decide that thing has no home,
please think of San Francisco as your first port of call."

As they dressed, John asked her, "Sheila, how much do you know about
fashion? Business fashion?"

"Oh... a little. Mostly just what it does to my budget," she chuckled.

"And that outfit, how much did it cost?"

"Oh... about fifteen hundred, I guess," she said.

"And how many like it do you have?" he asked.

"Oh... let's see... Eight. Each different. I also mix and match some
between them," she said.

"So roughly ten grand in business suits," he added up.

"Easy. That's cheap compared to what some of them would have cost me. I
have a... friend who makes them and gives me a break," Sheila said.

"And how many formal dresses?" he asked.

"Oh... god. I don't know. Lots," she said.

"And their value?" he probed.

"Jesus... I'd be afraid to guess. What are you getting at?"

"Just bear with me... May I ask how much you make?"

"Uh... sure. You told me about yourself... I made just over one hundred
and thirty thousand last year. Before taxes," she replied, now studying
him. He appeared to have some idea turning in his mind.

"So, roughly about five hundred a day," John said.

"I'm not as quick at math as you are, but I guess that's about right.
Averaged. Some days I don't make squat. Others maybe up to five grand.
That's a great day for me," she mused.

"And how much do you charge your clients when you go out consulting on
their businesses?" John asked.

"Oh.. don't get much call to do that. Not like I used to have to do
before I moved into upper management. I guess usually between four and
six hundred per day, plus expenses," she said.

"And how much free time do you get in your present position?" John
probed.

"Not a whole lot. Depends on the season and client load. Right now is
kind of slow. Just after the first of the year is one of the busiest.
Why?" Sheila asked, feeling hopeful.

"Just a few more questions. Then I'll tell you.... How much do you know
about the fashion industry itself?" he asked.

"Quite a lot actually, Like I said. I have a friend... -a sometimes
lover actually- who runs a large high fashion house. She's taken me on
shows all over the world. I've been in the back rooms of the best," she
bragged.

"One more. How much do you actually know about business, I mean the
logistics of running a major corporation?" he asked.

"Oh... I've been around a lot of it. Never had to deal with the
actuality of doing it, obviously. Not many women CEO's, even here. But
I've done a fair amount of dealing with financial officers and the
logistics of balancing capital, production, customer sales and
overhead. I know how to raise capital and how to protect investments.
That sort of thing. John, what's all this about?" Sheila asked.

"Well... in my little story about my life and the silo I left a bit
out. Here, take a look at this," John pulled a large sheaf of papers
out of his brief case and handed it to her. "Read," he said. She took
it and sat back in a chair, rapt in study. She flipped to diagrams and
back to descriptions as she read. John sipped the last of a cup of cool
coffee.

"Jesus, John. Has this been filed?" she asked, looking up at him.

"Almost granted. On the home stretch," he replied.

"My god.... You'll make billions," she said.

"Not me," he replied.

"Huh?" she said.

"Not me. I won't make billions. The girls will. Also in there are
incorporation papers for *Second Skin Inc*. Just waiting for the day
Theresa turns eighteen. So just over a year. I'm licensing the whole
thing to them," John said.

"But why? Why not yourself?" she asked.

"One: I've got more money than I know what to do with now. Even just
the license percentage I figure will add a massive sum to that. Second:
I have zero interest in the fashion world. I damn sure don't want to
sign up to some high pressure job that will steal all my precious time.
I want to enjoy my life. Not spend it stomping fires. And lastly: I
want it to go to the girls. They were a large portion of my inspiration
for it. They're the ones who saw the market potential of it, and
really, they deserve it," he said.

"Yes... I see. You got your satisfaction by building it and making it
work. Now it's just operating it," Sheila said.

"Precisely.... I also know that the girls don't know beans about
actually running a company. And certainly not dealing with the massive
growth potential of this. I need someone to ride herd on them. I want
to hire you... as CEO," John said. Sheila looked up at him sharply.

"Oh... John... Jesus. I mean... god, you just met me... And this.... I
don't know if I'm ready for that kind of .... ARE YOU SERIOUS?"

"Very. When can you get some time off to meet the girls and see the
machine in action?"

"Oh.. Let's see... I've got two weeks vacation I can take most anytime,
but I need to give them a little warning about it."

"Okay... listen. I've got other motives in this as well. Ethically I
must tell you some things."

"Now what?" she asked, rolling her eyes.

"One: The job is probably yours no matter where our relationship goes,
or doesn't go. I need a competent person I can trust at the helm. It's
going to get hot and heavy there. Two: I have more than a business
interest in you. I think you are probably the most desirable woman I
have ever met. Three: I am a devious son of a bitch. You'll know just
how devious in a little while."

"God John, You really just met me last night. You know absolutely
nothing about me. Now you're asking me to run a major corporation for
you. I could have made everything I told you up. You're beginning to
make me think you're not what you say *you* are. Nobody in their right
mind would even think about offering somebody they met in a bar the
night before a CEO's job, at what could be the biggest thing ever to
hit the fashion world. I think you're nuts," Sheila said, honestly.
John reached into his briefcase and pulled out a folder. He started
reading:

"Sheila Joanne Jacobs; born, Wichita Kansas. True age; 38. Educated
Stanford University. Major, business, minor, business law. Masters
degree in economics. With a year's study could pass bar exams. GPA
3.85. Apprenticeship with Hall & Stafford associates. Business
consultants. Moved up to regional area specialist. Left because there
was no higher position in company for women. Joined Foster Consulting
Inc. as a special trouble shooter for ailing companies. Excellent track
record. Saved well over one hundred companies from chapter 11. Left
because your name wasn't on any one of the reports to the companies
saved.

"Joined Shuller & Childs brokerage, as Corporate financial liaison.
Move up to general manager and Chief Operations Officer. You specialize
in Corporate finance in relation to business law with emphasis on
corporate growth. Dealing with crisis points inherent at strategic
points in corporation growth. You like single malt scotches. You have a
yen for High class Olympic quality women. You live in a modest
penthouse apartment with no cats or dogs and an unknown number of house
plants. You have a parakeet named Bob. You -at present- have no serious
attachments. You alternate between an oriental woman named Mae and your
secretary Judy for amusement. You've not found any satisfying long term
relationships with men, but you were married once. And you are known to
frequent the *Pussy Chat* in North Beach.

"In short; You are competent, qualified and experienced. If you'd been
a man, with your experience and expertise, you'd be pulling down
halfway into six figures annually. You're perfect for the job. And I
think you're cute too. Now you may hit me," John concluded. Sheila had
been sitting there with her mouth open. Her eyes a mixture of wonder
and anger.

Now she said, "You son of a bitch... the whole thing last night a set
up! God... I'll rip your eyes out." She launched herself at him. He
caught her hand coming up to slap him. Spinning a little to the side he
pulled her against his body. She beat at him with her other hand as he
pulled her into a kiss. Halfway through the kiss the hand she was
beating him with moved around his neck and pulled him harder into the
kiss. He let go her wrist and it moved around his waist.

"Please don't make me love you...unless you mean it," she said. Tears
rolling out of her eyes.

"I've never been more serious about anything in my whole life," John
replied, "But this is not only about business. The job is probably
yours. Starting at 150k and moving up to 200 as fast as you can get the
cash flow there. BUT, here's the catch; you have to pass muster in
front of the bosses. That's the hard part."

"What do you mean?" she asked, sniffing back the tears.

"If my two lovelies get one look at you when I'm anywhere within a
hundred miles, they'll turn on you like a polar bear protecting her
cubs. Business credentials won't mean shit to them. You'll be *that
woman*. But... if they think the whole thing is their idea..... Well,
we all win.

"I have to arrange for you to meet them, telling them that you've been
recommended to me by my lawyers, which you were. But you have to win
their confidence. I can't be there. You are coming in under the guise
of a consultant. They have to recommend to me that we hire you for the
job," John said.

"And I thought women were devious," Sheila said.

"I warned you," John said.

"So how much of what you told me last night was true?" she asked.

"All of it. Down to the last detail," John said.

"And what would you have done if I'd been insistent once we were in
bed?" Sheila asked.

"Then you wouldn't have gotten the job. It would have demonstrated a
lack of ethics. I couldn't have trusted you with the girls' interests,
or mine," John replied simply.

"This has to be a first," Sheila chuckled, "Getting a dream position
for *not* sleeping with the boss. I think I'm gonna like working for
you, John."

"No... You wouldn't be working for me. For the girls. And I can't
promise that they have the same criteria for employment. Sometimes
their insight into themselves is a little shallow. Limited of course by
lack of experience.. Age. I'm *not* telling you to sleep with them
either, to get the job. You wouldn't do that anyway. But if both of you
feel like it, you have my blessing. They would sense if you felt like
it and didn't do it just as fast as they would sense you doing it when
you didn't feel like it. Theresa's more sensitive, more ruled by her
emotions. Cindy's a dreamer long term, but more down to earth and
logical about things. I wish I could tell you how to play it, but I
can't. One, it would be unethical. Two, it just wouldn't work. I have
my own problems to deal with them right now.

"Cindy's waiting for me to have a bout of conscience and tell her all
about my surveillance system. If I don't, they'll be gone out of my
life in a shot. My problem is that I don't really feel that way. I'd
feel very much that way if I was going to market the tapes or let
another person view them. Fact is I've never looked at a single one
myself other than a quick look at the first of them to identify which
was which between two when I went to file them. Felt a bit guilty about
even doing that.

"However, I have watched them real time many times on a monitor.
Sometimes I've been working on the computer and been all tied up in
knots. I would turn on the monitor I had by my computer and watch them
fooling around in the pool, or making gentle love on the chaise in the
solarium. Suddenly all my tension would drain away. I would realize
just how fantastic my life was and all would be right with the world.

"Fact is I don't feel guilty about that. Both of them have told me
multiple times that I am more than welcome to watch, or participate
anytime I want. I just didn't tell them when I decided to take them up
on it."

"It didn't start out that way," Sheila said, pointing out the flaw.

"No it didn't at first. I was curious... and scared. Cindy represented
a real threat to my relationship with Theresa. Especially after what I
saw the first night. I don't know how I would have handled it if I had
just walked in on them cold. The monitor gave me a chance to think
about things before I had to deal with them directly. Fact is I think
it let me cool off enough that it probably saved our relationship.. all
of them."

"So your dilemma, is that you don't feel guilty. And having a bout of
conscience to placate them would essentially be a lie," Sheila said.

"Yup, in a nutshell," John said.

"You ought to tell them that. Just the way you told it to me. I think
they'll understand," Sheila told him.

"Maybe... All I know is that I can't lie to them, even for the right
reasons," John said.

"You're a very honorable person, John. I don't envy your position, but
I'm afraid I'm going to love you very much," Sheila said.

"Afraid?" John asked.

"Very much so. I can empathize with Cindy. I know what she must be
going through. You're what us women would call a *keeper*. You
unknowingly elicit very strong emotions from those who come to know
you. Even for just a short while. That scares women. They like to be in
control. But they'll never control you. You're controlled already by
your own very strict code of ethics. In some ways you're actually a
slave to it. The other thing that scares women, is the fear that they
might not measure up to your standards. Now I know that you don't judge
people by your standards. But you will *notice* when a difference
exists between your standards and theirs. It's that difference that's
the spooky part. It's what could come between you. As it may with you
and the girls over this snooping thing. Fact is; You scare the shit out
of me...."

"Want me to back off? I intend to stay as distant from Second Skin as I
can. We need not see each other," John said.

"Don't you fucking dare!" Sheila said, "My being scared is my fucking
problem and business. I wouldn't miss a second of being around you over
it. Don't go cutting me slack because you think I'm scared. If I'm who
I think I am, and you're who I think you are, then things will work out
just fine between us. And it presents an opportunity for me to have
something I've always dreamed of having. Otherwise it's an error in my
judgment that I can learn from," Sheila said. John kissed her
softly.... which grew into a much deeper one. Sheila trembling
slightly.

"Come on. You've got a plane to catch and I've got some scheduling to
do," Sheila said, huskily.

"Now I'm scared," John said.

"What about?"

"I'm beginning to trust a lawyer's judgment!" John said. They both
burst out laughing. Driving to the airport, Sheila rode with her
fingers resting lightly on John's collar. When he reached the curb, she
got out with him. He checked in curbside and checked on flight status;
Just about to board. John already had his boarding pass, so if he
sailed through security it would be just perfect. Sheila pulled him to
her and kissed him in a manner he wouldn't soon forget. The two of them
oblivious to the crowds streaming past them.

"Don't forget me," she told him.

"Not bloody likely," John replied, somewhat shaky.

"In all that file, you did get my number didn't you?" she smirked.

"Yup, and you've got my cell number.... but let me call you when it's
safe," John told her.

"I knew it; don't call us, we'll call you," Sheila chuckled.

"Count on it," John said, picking up his briefcase.

"Make it soon. See ya, sailor," she said. She snatched another brief
kiss then responded to the honking behind them. Waving them off as she
climbed in the rental car. She drove off as John headed for the
security checkpoint. She walked the rental car through it's check in.
Then caught a cab into town. On the ride back she was staring out the
window.

"So... the mighty huntress became the hunted," she mused to herself.
She shivered thinking about the new man .... and possible women in her
life.

Chapter 37

Theresa woke first on Monday morning. Cindy was snuggled to her side.
For a time she just lay there, enjoying the feeling of her lover close
beside her. She reached out and softly dragged her finger tips over
Cindy's soft skin, feeling the texture of it. Enjoying the feeling of
life beneath her soft touch. Cindy moaned softly in her sleep and
wiggled around, snuggling closer to her. Theresa reveled in the feel of
the young brunette's body next to hers. She thought about John. She
really did miss him. Something about the feel of his gentle, strong
arms about her made her tremble, even at the thought in retrospective.

'How could he do it?' she thought to herself, 'What was he thinking....
Why watch them in secret when she would gladly have let him observe
hers and Cindy's most intimate moments? When he was so tender and sweet
the whole time she had known him?' She sensed that she would lose him
if she made an issue of it. She wasn't prepared to do that. She was
just a bit disappointed in him.

Well, she thought, as Cindy had said; that really was a minor offense.
To find herself a bit disappointed, once in a whole year was a small
price to pay for all the love she had received from him. She decided
then and there, that it didn't matter to her anymore. If John wanted a
show, then by god she'd give him one. Theresa gently pushed Cindy's
thighs apart and moved between them. Her head dipped and with a sudden
intake of breath, followed by a slow moan, Cindy came awake. Later they
lay panting together.

"God, Theresa. I must say that's the most effective alarm clock I ever
experienced," Cindy gasped, between breaths.

"I know. John did it to me the morning we first met you at the
airport," Theresa chuckled.

"That's our John," Cindy said, softly caressing Theresa's ass.

"Yeah. I think we both kind of love the guy. Let's do what we can to
keep him," Theresa said, moving atop Cindy. Their eyes met and Cindy
realized the implications of what Theresa was saying. She smiled at her
and pulled her head down into a gentle kiss. Theresa positioned herself
so that their clitorises were adjoined and began to rotate her hips.
Cindy responded gleefully. Except for pit stops, they didn't get out of
bed till noon.

"Your turn to cook," Theresa reminded her.

"Oh sure. Ravage me and then expect me to cook," Cindy chuckled.

"Well, I've got to put the finishing touches on John's toy," Theresa
said.

"He may have found his own toy while he was in San Francisco," Cindy
said.

"Think so?.... I don't know how I'd feel about that, right now. How
about you?" Theresa asked, thoughtfully.

"I don't know. John's always given us.... well, *freedom* to do as we
pleased. I guess it would depend on who...whom it was with..... Funny.
I wouldn't be bothered so much if he had a little fling with another
woman. If he was with another guy though, that would bother me," Cindy
said.

"My..... a bit hypocritical aren't we?" Theresa said.

"Maybe. But that's what I feel," Cindy said.

"Don't tell anybody, but I feel pretty much the same way.... now. You
well know that at one time I didn't even like the idea of John with
another woman," Theresa said.

Cindy chuckled, "Don't I know it."

"So what do you want for breakfast?" she asked.

"Now that you've got me thinking about John, I want bacon, French toast
and scrambled eggs.... with a Pepsi. That's what he served me on my
first morning here," Theresa mused.

"You got it..... I know. I miss him too. I'm looking forward to
tonight," Cindy said.

"You think it will take us that long?" Theresa giggled.

"No..... I don't think he'll make it far past the door," Cindy
chuckled.

"If you don't get cracking, he'll walk in on us eating breakfast this
afternoon," Theresa said.

"Nag, nag, nag...woman," Cindy chuckled, "Okay, I'm going."

"And while you cook, I want you bare assed, wearing nothing but a
little lace apron," Theresa commanded.

"Cook bacon in the nude? Are you nuts? Besides, we don't have any
little lace aprons," Cindy chuckled.

"Where's my shopping list!..... I know, nuke the bacon. You may
compensate for the apron by sitting on my lap and feeding me," Theresa
said.

"Damn glad you don't have any Spanish spurs," Cindy muttered.

"Where's my shopping list!" Theresa chuckled. After breakfast, the
girls started preening themselves for John's return.

"Weren't we mad at him about something?" Cindy mused, doing Theresa's
hair.

"Seems like it..... Should we wear our twin outfits... sans skirts?"
Theresa asked.

"I quite enjoyed the moon rise.... White, spandex shorts, I think,"
Cindy said.

"No.... those hot pink ones we bought last time in town," Theresa said.

"Perfect!.... And so are you..... too bad you have to put clothes
on.... Will you do my hair the same?" Cindy asked.

"I'll do my best... beauticians school might not be a bad idea... if
we're going to be in the fashion business..." Theresa said. Cindy
busted out laughing. "What?"

"It's perfect. When the time comes for us to go off to college, first
we enroll in beauticians school. It will scare the hell out of John,"
Cindy chuckled.

"Oh... hadn't thought of that... I like it!" Theresa said, laughing.

John flew looking out the window, down at the ground 33,000 feet below.
He thought about his girls...... and Sheila. He was torn; Wanting to
get back home to the girls and wanting to stay in San Francisco with
Sheila. Sleeping nude with her without making love had been one of the
hardest things he had ever done. "But that's the way you play for
keeps," he muttered to himself.

"Excuse me?" asked a pretty stewardess, who had been passing by.

"Huh? Oh... nothing... Wait. I'd like... A bloody Mary... but you don't
do them... How about a screwdriver then?" John asked.

"I can make you a bloody Mary. All but the celery," the stewardess
dimpled at him.

"If it's not too much trouble. Then please.... mild if you would," John
asked, smiling back.

"No problem, be glad to.. Mr. Stevens," the stewardess said, turning
towards the galley. John looked after her. Cute..... and knew my name.
There were advantages to flying first class, John thought. She returned
with his drink and he thanked her for it. She dimpled again but he was
already looking back out the window. Thinking of .....three.

It was not a large airport. Jumbo's didn't usually land there. The
runway barely long enough. The smaller jet John was riding in touched
down and taxied towards the terminal. Off to the side in a little
painted circle sat an Aerospatial helicopter, blades turning. Hm...
brought out the good one, John thought. Before he got off the plane he
watched as a baggage handler plucked his bags and a strapped cooler
from the crowd and hustled them to the helicopter.

As he exited the plane a representative met him and walked him past the
flight line security to the helicopter, carrying his briefcase for him.
Opened the passenger door for him and handed up his briefcase. John
nodded to the pilot, and strapped in. Putting his headset on and
adjusting it. The pilot spoke to the tower and obtained clearance. The
ground crew cleared him and the copter rose smooth as glass....
performed a mock taxi and then lifted straight up and angled towards
home. The stewardess from the plane watched as he was escorted and the
treatment he was given. She sighed heavily to herself.

"*That*, is what my Momma would call a *keeper*," she said to another
stewardess.

"Since when do we make bloody Mary's?" she asked.

"Since whenever someone like *that* wants one," the first one replied.

"What's so special about him?" said the second.

"Did you see the way his clothes fit? I've never seen a better
tailoring job. I'll bet those slacks alone cost him a grand," said the
first.

"Oh... rich then?" asked the second.

"Uh.. how many of our other passengers were met by a helicopter?" said
the first, rolling her eyes at the other one.

"Oh... Come on. We've got three more flights today. Maybe you'll meet
someone else like him," said the second.

"Not bloody likely," said the first.

At the first sound of the thump-thumping blades the girls were up to
the entrance, and into their snowmobile suits. Zipping then to the top
to conceal their battle gear. They resisted the temptation to put on
their helmets. Fearing to damage their hairdo's, they waited until the
helicopter lifted off, then cracked the hatch. Cindy peeked out and
when she saw it turn and fly away, she leaped out followed by Theresa.
They ran up onto the pad and Cindy leaped into John's arms. She hung on
for dear life as Theresa tried to get her arms around John. John dipped
his head and kissed Cindy hard as he pulled her to the side to let
Theresa in on the other. Then repeated the kiss with Theresa.

"I ought to go away more often," John mused, being showered with kisses
from both sides. "Help me with these things?" John asked, placing his
brief case upon the cooler and hefting it. The girls each grabbed a
bag.

"Jesus, he's got a damned harem out here," the pilot muttered to
himself, looking in a small mirror used to check the treads or any
cargo beneath the helicopter. He was too distant to tell details, but
the two who came out to meet him had definitely been female, and very
enthusiastic about his return. 'Some guys get all the luck,' he
thought. The girls and John barely managed the hatch and steps with
their loads.

"Have to think of a way to add an elevator to the surface," John mused.

"How about a patio deck? Raise the whole thing?" Cindy teased.

"That's a great idea," John said.

"I was joking," Cindy said.

"I wasn't. Have to find a garage rack lift somewhere," John said.

"It's good to have you home," Theresa said, chuckling.

"Ditto," Cindy quipped. They stopped at the kitchen. John opening the
cooler to show the girls.

"For dinner tonight?" Theresa asked.

"Perfect," said John, "About half the crab. Wrap the rest singly and
put them in the freezer. The fish and the crab on the bottom get
wrapped. They're probably still frozen. If not, just put them in the
refrigerator part. Don't refreeze them."

"Yes, boss," Theresa said, "fresh seafood for a week." Cindy hung onto
his arm. Both girls were still in their snowmobile suits. "Cup of
coffee?" Theresa asked.

"Love one. And to get out of these shoes," John said, sitting heavily.

"I'll just fetch your slippers," Cindy said, sprinting off. Theresa
placed a fresh brewed mug of French roast in front of John and then
bent to kiss him deeply.

"Glad you're home, sugar," she said.

"Good to be home... no, I'll drink it black," he chuckled. Cindy
entered carrying his slippers and a light robe. Theresa pulled off his
coat and unbuttoned his shirt. She peeled it off as Cindy pulled off
his shoes and slipped on the slippers. Theresa helped him into the silk
robe.

"Aren't you two hot?" John asked.

"We always thought so," Cindy chuckled.

"Tell you what, you decide," Theresa said, standing in front of him.
Cindy joined her and together they lowered the zippers on their
snowmobile suits. When they let them drop, so did John's jaw. He
nodded.

"Yup... You're hot..... *very* hot.." he said, hoarsely. The girls
beamed at him and each moved to one side of him. They eased him up by
his elbows.

"Come on, dear. Let's get you into an easy chair. Cindy, grab his
coffee," Theresa said.

"And my briefcase," John said. Theresa grabbed it as she walked him
out. She sat him in a large swivel chair and set the case beside him.
Cindy entered and set his mug on a table next to the chair.

"Now... anything else we can get you? You hungry?" Theresa queried.

"No, dear. Thank you. Maybe later. Right now I just want to sit and
look at you two," John said.

"That we can oblige," Cindy said. She kissed him softly and then moved
to sit on the back of the sofa, facing him. Theresa kissed him softly
and joined her. They were just eight feet from John, their pink hot
pants hugging their pubic areas just about John's eye level. He sipped
at his coffee and drank in the sight. Life was good.

"So.... How did it go in San Francisco?" Cindy asked.

"Excellent. We had a minor problem. A scanner was used in a movie about
television commercials. They'd scan women and then kill them and use
their images to make commercials without paying them. They entered a
protest to the patent. But the ruling on that was in our favor, because
they never actually made one. They just simulated one. I actually
produced one. Good thing I've got a record of it."

"What record?" Cindy asked.

"Oh... I guess I didn't tell you girls. I meant to, but it just kept
slipping my mind. The whole silo is wired for vision and sound. I've
got recorders set up in a maintenance room down on six," John said,
nonchalantly. The girls just looked at each other for a moment. Then
back at him and then at each other. Their mouths open.

"But.... but.... you didn't ask us!" Theresa spat out in mock surprise
and anger.

"I'm sorry. I guess I should have. I guess it must seem like an
invasion of your privacy," John said.

"Damn right it does!" Cindy spat.

"I didn't expect you to feel this way about it. I'm really sorry. I
should have told you. But both of you have told me so many times I was
welcome to watch you do anything, anytime. I didn't really think that
it would matter," John said.

"Well... it does," Theresa said.

"I'm sorry. Look, if it means anything, I've never looked at any of the
tapes except right at the first to identify which was which when I went
to file them," John said.

"You've never watched them?" Cindy asked, suspiciously.

"Why no, *never*. I *have* watched you two live, on the monitor I used
to keep by my computer though. Sometimes I'd get really wrapped up in
what I was doing. All tense and such. I'd turn on the monitor and watch
you two lovelies swimming together or making love in the solarium, or
just sitting in the library studying. It would get rid of all my
stress. I could relax, just knowing you two were around and that I
could be with you. Then I could go back to work knowing what it was all
for," John said. Theresa wept softly. Cindy fought her own tears.

"So... where are these tapes all filed? There must be hundreds of
them," Cindy said.

"In the back of the maintenance tunnel on six. Look, I'm really sorry.
I never thought of it as eavesdropping.... well, that's not really
true. When you first arrived Cindy; I was downright snooping. Not very
damn honorable at all. But I didn't know how your being here was going
to affect my relationship with Theresa..... I was scared. I watched you
the first night when you made love in the pool. Seeing that made me
even more afraid. I kind of went nuts. That's what started me recording
everything in the silo, but when we all got together I mostly quit
watching. I just let the system I had built run. But I've never once
gone back and watched one of those tapes. They're all filed down there
in chronological order.

"Think of it. Almost a whole year of your lives recorded. That's
history down there. It's a visual record you can look at when I'm gone.
Of how our relationship all got started. How we all fell in love. A
year of maturity on your parts. Remember how much you changed just over
the summer? Well, those tapes hold a record of every word you spoke as
you were maturing. I've never watched them, because I'm certain they
contain really personal things as well. Once we became a whole, I
didn't want to know what you two said about me when I wasn't around. I
have no desire to watch you deal with bodily wastes or your feminine
needs either. That just wouldn't be right.

"If you want, we can destroy the tapes. I think I can defend what I
need to without them. As it was I planned on editing them down to just
the portions that recorded my tinkering. I damn sure wouldn't want to
send a video record of my relationships with you two to a judge," John
said. The girls looked between each other... They still weren't crazy
about the idea, but they had been looking for John to give them a
reason. And that is what he had just done. Maybe there was more to it.
But it didn't matter. He had admitted what he had done. He had, on the
whole respected their privacy where it really mattered.

Cindy looked at him, shining respect in her eyes when she said, "No,
John. You keep the tapes. Maybe we'll all watch them together when
we're old and gray."

"Might just kill me, when you two are old and gray. But there's another
thing to consider. Needs to be considered, I think," John said.

"What's that?" asked Theresa.

"Well, we're not out of the woods yet. We've still got about thirteen
months before the last of you turns eighteen. I could still be charged
with statutory rape for both of you. As much damning evidence of our
relationship is on those tapes, there is also a recorded record of the
fact that none of us ever coerced sexual favors from one another. That
you two have been studying hard. That my behavior towards you has been,
usually, honorable. If Mr. BLM should ever show back up with the SWAT
team, then they may save me years as a love toy for weight lifters,"
John said.

"That's true enough," Cindy said, "to my knowledge you're very
honorable. I love you, John Stevens."

"Ditto!" said Theresa.

"Tritto... I mean. I love both of you two also," John said. The girls
moved to him and hugged him. The chair almost falling over backwards as
they all crowded together in it, a girl on each arm. John's arms each
around one. They leaned to him and he kissed them alternately. They
even shared a wet three way kiss. Their tongues dueling together in the
gap between their faces when all three were nose to nose.

"Would you like to make love now, or open presents?" John asked.

"Presents!?" Theresa exclaimed.

"In my large suitcase," John chuckled.

"I'm for making love first.... but okay. I'll wait..... for as long as
you want," Cindy said, softly. Theresa jumped up and ran for the
suitcase. Cindy snuggled in John's lap. "I don't know how you do it,
love. But you always seem to make everything come out alright," Cindy
said, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"I don't know how I do it either," John admitted.

"I wonder sometimes...." Cindy said.

"I missed you," John said.

"I missed you too...." Cindy replied, pulling his head down into a
deep, passionate kiss.

"Which side?" Theresa asked, lugging the suitcase into the room.

"In the top, a couple of packages for each of you," John said, huskily,
his hand squeezing Cindy's inner thigh softly. She kissed him again and
the hand lightly stroked between her legs, through the two layers of
thin material. Her breath caught in her throat. Theresa opened the case
and pulled out several packages. She sorted them out by name. Building
a little pile for each.

"Come on, Cindy. Let's see what he brought us," Theresa bubbled.

"I've got all I want, right here," Cindy mused, between kisses. Even so
Theresa's sharp intake of breath and gasp of joy swung her head around
to look when she pulled out her pure silk kimono. Cindy hugged John
fiercely and jumped up to open her own packages. Theresa rushed in to
fill the gap, hugging John and kissing him in thanks.

"There's more," John indicated to the smaller packages. Cindy had her
kimono over her shoulders, luxuriating in the feel of the fine
material. She worked at the wrapper of one of the smaller packages.
Inside she found a beautifully crafted Chinese puzzle box. Something
inside of it. She puzzled over how to open it. Theresa ripped her own
package open and was squeezing and pushing all over it. Trying to open
it.

"Here, let me show you," John said. Cindy continued to study hers, but
Theresa moved to John's lap, bringing the box with her. He spun the
chair around so Cindy wouldn't see what he was doing as he showed
Theresa each little move. Inside a little drawer slid open and revealed
a beautiful cloisonné hair comb. Theresa's fingers trembled as she
reached for it.

 From behind them they heard, "Oh god, John. It's lovely." Cindy had
opened her own box.

"Thank you, John. I love you," Theresa said, holding the item in her
hand. John kissed her tenderly, then turned the chair back. Theresa
jumped up again to investigate the other packages. Each got a lovely
silk fan which matched their cloisonné hair combs.

"What's this?" Cindy asked, opening a package containing a grid of fine
dowels in six frames.

"A cricket cage," John said.

"Cricket cage?" Cindy asked.

"Yup. The Chinese used to catch a cricket and keep it in the house in
those kind of cages. At night it would sing for them," he explained.

"Huh....neat. Where do we get a cricket?" Cindy asked.

"Next summer.... should be fun to try to catch one," John chuckled,
"They didn't include instructions on how to do that."

"Cute," said Theresa, assembling her cage.

"One more package each. In my large carryon bag," John prompted.
Theresa sprinted out of the room and returned with it quickly. Two
large packages each contained a hand inlayed jewelry box. Each was
stocked with pearl, gold, silver and small emerald ear rings, Gold,
silver and Jade bracelets, Cameo pins and fine silver clasps. In the
bottom drawers were strings of pearls and gold and silver necklaces.
Then each one found a large amber pendant. Cindy examined hers with
tears in her eyes.

"Sistine quartz. Sorry, I couldn't find real Amethyst," John said.

"God, John. This must have cost you a fortune," Cindy gasped.

"Oh... what's money for, if not to make those you love happy," John
said.

"But this must have cost..... shit, as much as Theresa and I have
earned all year, including returns on our investments," Cindy said.

"Well... I wouldn't leave it laying around when you go off to college.
You might want to rent a safety deposit box to keep it in," John
chuckled. Theresa had on her pearl ear rings, three bracelets, two
necklaces and was looking for places to pin her broaches. She wisely
avoided pushing pins through the silk of her kimono. Her cloisonné comb
in her hair. Tears streamed down her face.

"I think she likes it," Cindy said. "I do too.... but I think it's too
much, John."

"Maybe.... But I'll get to see you in all of it. It's worth it to
me...... Just don't expect it every time I have to go away. Probably
not even next time," John said.

"You're going away again!?" Theresa gasped, looking up. "You just got
back!" John chuckled. Cindy looked concerned.

"In about two weeks. I have to go to New York for a week. But I think I
can arrange for a little company for you," John said.

"Who?" Cindy asked.

"Her name is Sheila. My lawyers recommended her to me to help you with
Second Skin Inc," John said.

"Second Skin Inc.?" Theresa said.

"Her?" Cindy said.

"Second Skin Inc. is the name of the company you two will be running.
Yes her, she's a corporate wizard. Specializing in helping companies
grow into the big time world. As I fully expect Second Skin to do,"
John replied.

"What's she like?" Cindy asked, suspiciously.

"I only talked to her a little bit. She seems pretty sharp. My lawyers
supplied me with a dossier on her," John said, skirting the question.
He picked it out of his briefcase and read off the first part, leaving
out her personal relationships.

"Pretty impressive, for a woman," Cindy replied.

"Pretty impressive for anybody," John said.

"Second Skin?" Theresa asked again, bewildered.

"Yes, Second Skin. You remember? The fashion business? Custom clothing.
You and Cindy have been working on it for months now," John chuckled.

"Oh.... You mean it's really going to happen?" Theresa asked. John
looked at her a moment. Cindy too.

"Yes, dear. It's really going to happen. That's why I went to San
Francisco. If I can schedule Sheila in to work with you, she'll make it
happen faster. So far she's only going to consult with you. Look things
over. Meet you two and look over your designs. I've been told she
understands business fashion very well. A friend of hers runs a large
fashion house in San Francisco. She's helped her grow quite a bit and
has been to fashion shows all over the world," John said.

"Why not just hire her?" Cindy said, "If she's that talented?"

"That, my dears, will be up to you. It's going to be *your* company.
You have to decide who you want to run things for you. And she's not
going to come cheap, But I can tell you this, if she's really as good
as presented, she'd be worth it," John said.

"Is it safe for her to come here?" Theresa asked.

"Oh... Safe enough. She'll sign a non-disclosure statement before you
show her anything. That will include anything about the entire silo in
the fine print. Besides, I think that you two can both pass for
eighteen easily enough," John said.

"But what if we don't like her? You'll be gone," Cindy asked.

"Then send her packing. Just call up the helicopter to come get her,"
John replied.

"But why schedule her while you're gone? Don't you want to meet her?"
Theresa asked.

"One, I want to get a head start on things. I have to meet with the
people in New York to get an idea of the world you'll be working with.
They've scheduled me already. Sheila indicated that she would probably
only be available around the same time. But actually, second, I don't
*want* to be here. I want you two to meet with her by yourselves. You
need the experience. This is your company, not mine. What you have to
say to each other doesn't concern me, or much interest me," John said,
again skirting the fact he'd already met her.

"Do you think we're ready?" Cindy asked.

"I think it's time you found out," John replied. Theresa nodded. Then
Cindy. "Now, my pretties. I'd like a little snack. Then, if either or
both of you are willing..... I've missed you both very much," John
said.

"I'll make the snack. Theresa can get a head start on the later
stuff... I think you'll find both of us more than willing," Cindy said,
bending to kiss him deeply. On the way out she did the same to Theresa,
winking at her. Theresa moved to John's lap. Kissing him deeply. He let
his hands caress her body underneath the kimono. The thin material of
her top clinging to every goose bump around her nipples as they
responded to his touch. He nibbled softly on her earlobes around the
pearl ear rings. Her fingers traced inside his robe and over his chest.

In a single movement John stood, holding Theresa in his arms. He
carried her all the way to the bedroom. She trembled in his arms as he
walked. He lay her softly on the bed and then bent to pull her tight
pink shorts off. Her body suit presenting no hindrance to him, he left
it for now. He disrobed looking down at her. The quartz pendant laying
on a black field between her breasts, shinning like a star. The pearls
like rows of shining planets lined up in orbit around her neck. Her
golden hair merged with the gold threads of the kimono. A star burst
above the small damp patch between her legs.

John climbed onto the bed and lay beside her. She rolled over on top of
him. She kissed him deeply. Her body trembling with desire. His hands
exploring her freely. She kissed him once more and then rolled off. She
stood above the bed and removed the kimono, laying it gently over a
chair. Then she unfastened her body suit and peeled it off like a
banana peel. Slowly revealing her lightly tanned, soft skin.

John looked up at her, clad now in only jewelry. The pearls hanging
like a frame around the amber pendant. She removed her pearls, and
guided the string between her legs. Pulling it through her labia lips
one shiny sphere at a time. Then she wrapped it around John's penis and
pulled it off several times. Letting each sphere slide over the
enlarged glans. Then she put the pearls back around her neck. She knelt
on the bed and bent her head over John's member. Softly kissing it with
the tip of her lips. Tasting the slight flavoring of her own
discharges. A single clear shiny drop appeared at the head of his
penis. She ran her tongue over the end to capture it.

John groaned softly. He was already hard as a rock. Theresa continued
to softly kiss every inch of his manhood. Nibbling softly with her
lips. Finally to the end once more she slowly sucked it into her mouth.
Feeling it throb from the blood gorging through it. She flicked the end
of her tongue around the end and then made a long slow swipe with her
whole tongue before working it back into her mouth. Slowly, bobbing her
head a bit, she worked it inwards. John felt it strike the back of her
throat and then the constriction upon the end as she worked it down her
throat until her lips seated against the base. Then she made a
swallowing motion with her throat that stroked the end with the slick
soft surface in her throat.

John fought the urge to ejaculate. The pressure in his testicles
demanding release. After as much as he could take he gently lifted
Theresa's head. She licked and sucked all the way off. Then she moved
her hips over his. She bent forward and kissed him deeply, her tongue
chasing his and sliding under it. He hand positioning the head of his
manhood against her opening. She held it in the groove between the lips
of her labia as she moved her hips up and down. Then changing the angle
a little bit, guided it inside. She slowly sat back, engulfing him a
slow inch at a time.

She remembered the first time she had done this. John, in some dream,
his manhood proud and firm before him. It had felt the largest thing
she had ever felt inside her. Now she reveled in the feeling as her
tight vagina engulfed him. She continued to lower herself until she
felt him seat against her cervix. Then lower still, feeling the wave of
sexual energy surging through her body as her vagina fought to stretch
to accommodate him. Her body convulsed hard and she cried out, falling
forward atop him. Sobbing.

John caressed her body as he began to lift his hips to stroke inside
her. She felt incredibly tight. The silky texture of her vagina sliding
over his glans. He felt her tender body atop him. His hands playing
over her breasts as he picked up speed. Theresa already gasping for
breath, tears flowing freely from her eyes. John struck bottom and
again Theresa's body convulsed hard, the breath driven from her lungs
in a cry. She began to lose rhythm as her hips thrashed about on their
own. Without losing a stroke, John rolled them over until he was atop
her. Lifting her legs up he began to stroke in earnest.

"Now that is a lovely sight," Cindy said. A tray of sandwiches and
coffee in her hands.

"Join us?" John asked, over his shoulder.

"No... she gets you all to herself...now. So that I get you all to
myself, later," Cindy said.

"That's ......... Fair......" John groaned.

"Don't talk.... You just keep your mind on that lovely creature.... I'm
just gonna watch.... If that's okay?" Cindy said. John shot her a grin
and a nod, then refocused himself on Theresa. Just knowing her friend
was watching sent Theresa over the edge once more. Her hips thrashing
upwards wildly. A cry of pleasure escaping her lips. Just about then
John felt the tingling on the back of his neck and a burning at the
base of his testicles. John drove down with his last strokes, a groan
leaving his lungs as his hips spasmed and he shot his seed into the
young blonde. Theresa felt a sudden warm feeling deep inside her.
Knowing it was John's semen, her body convulsed once more. Then they
were still. Lying together as their sweat mingled.

"Not bad for an old fart," Cindy said, sitting on the bed and caressing
the breathless pair. Theresa grabbed her hand and squeezed it fiercely.
Cindy bent and kissed her softly. Then her lips moved to kiss John on
the cheek. His hand sought hers out and he squeezed it too. Finally,
John rolled off to the side. "Something to recharge your batteries?"
Cindy inquired, handing him a mug of coffee. John nodded.

"Thanks darling.... I need it after this comely wench," John said,
caressing Theresa's backside. Theresa had rolled over and now stretched
luxuriously like a cat. Her hand catching John's and holding it against
her buttock. She fairly purred.

"Methinks she likes it," Cindy chuckled, "Methinks I do too," she
finished softly.

"Well.... feed me some of those sandwiches, and I'll see what I can
do," John said, tracing his fingers across Cindy's cheek. Theresa
rolled over again, trapping John's hand beneath her.

"Me too, please," she asked. Cindy chuckled. She kissed the two of them
and then brought the tray over. This time she flipped up one of the
side trays John had installed. Theresa flipped up the one on her side
of the bed as Cindy handed her a cup of coffee.

"They work well, John. Nice addition," Cindy said, passing Theresa a
sandwich..

"Thanks... So.... tell me all about *your* week," John said.

"Oh John, she was like a vixen in heat. Hardly let me alone a minute,"
Theresa chuckled.

"Me!? What about you? Good god woman. I never saw so much lust in my
life," Cindy replied.

"So you had a good week," John chuckled.

"Mostly..... I guess we went pretty nuts. .... We had sort of.... a
honeymoon," Cindy said, softly. Blushing.

"It was wonderful," Theresa said, smiling.

"Glad you enjoyed yourselves while I was gone.." John said. Cindy
casually stripped off her clothes and crawled in between them. Then
reached for a mug of coffee. Theresa snuggled to her side as she
snuggled to John's.

"Yes, we did.....," she finally replied. "I never realized we had all
that pent-up inside us.... I guess it was just..... Well, before
Theresa and I never had a safe place to go to make love. Almost every
time we almost got caught. Then when I came here... well, you gave us
freedom... and understanding.... but, well ... It's the first time
we've ever had *total* freedom. We could run around nude and play grab
ass and never have to worry if we were offending or bothering anyone,"
Cindy concluded. Theresa nodded her agreement, munching on a sandwich.

"I know... I don't take it personal. When people see each other every
day, things build up between them. Things they don't even realize.
Everybody needs a break, even from their dearest loved ones. Which you
two definitely are. While I was gone I realized how much I loved little
things that you girls do. You have a quirky little way of tossing your
hair. Theresa has this little sensual smile. Those are the things I
missed most," John said. Cindy kissed him on the cheek and snuggled
closer.

"We had a wonderful time... but we're glad you're back," she said.

"Ditto," said Theresa, sipping her coffee.

"I'm sorry you have to leave again so soon.... I don't know about this
Sheila thing," Cindy said.

"You'll do fine. I have the utmost confidence in you," John said.

"How do you think we should play it?" Cindy asked.

"Just be honest. Show her your ideas. Show her how the system works.
Design some clothes for her. Let her design some for herself. Model
your outfits for her," John suggested.

"You mean... scan her!?" Theresa asked.

"Why not? Isn't that what you propose doing for every customer?" John
asked.

"Well.... yes. But god, that scanning makes you hot. What do we do
about that?" Cindy asked.

"If she appeals to you, indulge yourself. If not, give her time alone
afterwards. Suggest she take a nap or something," John said.

"You wouldn't mind... if we...?" Theresa asked, blushing.

"No, of course not. Girls, I love both of you to death. I feel secure
enough in your love for me to know that you enjoying yourselves with
another person.... especially female... won't affect our relationship.
It might bother me a bit if it was a man. But mostly because of the
possible repercussions. Like pregnancy or disease. The three of us have
been kind of spoiled in that. We make love without having to worry
about such things, since my vasectomy. And because we all have been
together for this length of time we don't have to worry about disease."

"But other than that, you wouldn't mind us making love with others?"
Cindy asked.

"No, not really. I actually expect it before too long. I certainly
don't expect you to remain celibate while you're off to college. I
expect Theresa will find a husband. That sort of includes sex," John
chuckled. Cindy nodded against his chest.

"Theresa and I talked a bit about it while you were gone. We thought
about how we would feel if you met some little cutie in San Francisco.
We decided we wouldn't mind.....much," she said.

"Now you tell me!" John teased.

"Why? Did you meet somebody?" Theresa asked, a little alarmed.

"I met lots of somebodies.... Legal secretaries in big law offices are
usually very attractive and have a convenient interest in clients they
know to be wealthy... but no. Mostly I just thought about getting back
to you two," John said, caressing Cindy's breast.

"Hmmm, we didn't think about gold diggers.... " Cindy said.

"I think I'm gonna take a swim. So John can have his desert in
peace..." Theresa said, kissing Cindy on the cheek and climbing off the
bed.

"Don't want to watch?" Cindy asked.

"Maybe later. Have fun," Theresa chuckled. She kissed John deeply.
"Thanks... I needed that," she said. He nodded. Theresa opened the trap
door and dropped out of sight. A scant moment later a splash was heard.

"Damn handy, that," Cindy said.

"Yeah, I like it too. I just worry a bit that one of us is going to
land on one of them floating chairs though," John said.

"Why not tether them to the sides? So that they can't drift under the
hatch. It's fairly well centered," Cindy suggested.

"Good idea. Have to get some nylon rope......." John said. "You know,
all in all I'm quite pleased with how the silo's turned out."

"It's great, John. You've done a wonderful job...... You know... this
Sheila person will be the first outsider to see it....since me. It
should be fun showing her around," Cindy said.

"It was fun watching your face," John said, "When we pulled up outside
you looked sorta panicked. When we came inside your jaw kind of
dropped. Starting with the elevator and then the kitchen," John
chuckled.

"I *was* sorta panicked. Some old man had hauled me out into the middle
of nowhere. Then he wanted to show me his dungeon. I had visions of
never getting out again," Cindy chuckled, playing her fingertips over
his chest. "God, I was shocked. It was a mansion. My whole family's
house was just barely bigger than the gym," Cindy said.

"You don't talk about them much.... want to?" John asked, softly.

"Oh.... not really. I'm just glad to be out..... and with someone I
love," Cindy said, snuggling to him.

"Okay, love. Just so you know you can... I think you may want to talk
about it sometime with somebody though. Don't keep it bottled up
inside. That just turns a person bitter," John said.

"No... I'm not bitter.... really. Being around Theresa has helped me a
lot. We shared much the same kind of life. Basically we became sex toys
for our parents whenever they'd drink. Then they'd feel guilty and take
it out on us by beating us up. My dad would anyway. My mom would go off
and cry," Cindy said, shivering. John pulled her close and held her.
Tears ran from her eyes and over his chest. He just held her and let
her sob. Knowing the release it was giving her.

After a time she lifted her head up and he kissed her softly. She moved
atop him. His hands caressed her breasts and sides. Their passion grew
and they made love face to face, eyes open. Her body convulsing harder
atop him than usual as she felt her love for him grow even stronger.
Then she lay atop him quivering and he caressed her until he was ready
once more, never leaving her. They continued to make tender love for
the next hour or so. Finally exhausted, they lay together caressing
each other. Together they slipped into a pleasant, languid sleep.

"Hey, sleepy heads! Dinner is served. Dress casual cause those crabs
are kind of messy," Theresa roused them some hours later. Cindy was
snuggled to John's side. She grasped Theresa's hand and pulled her into
a kiss.

"Thanks, love... for everything.." she told her friend. Theresa grinned
fiercely at her. Then kissed John, who tried to pull her into bed with
them.

"Oh, no. Dinner's ready now! Get your cute asses up and packaged,"
Theresa chuckled, pulling away.

"No time for a shower?" Cindy asked.

"Make it a quick one, no hanky panky," Theresa said.

"Yes, boss," Cindy said, heading into the bath.

"What fun is it being an adult if you can't hanky panky when you want?"
John asked her. She bent and kissed him, this time allowing him to pull
her to him.

"Maybe just a little hanky....while she's in the shower... but no
panky," Theresa said, kissing him.

"Okay... Love.... God, I missed you," John said, snuggling to her.

"I missed you too.... now get your butt up," she said, wiggling away
from him. John sighed and headed for the bath. "Fifteen minutes...
max!" Theresa called after him. About *twenty* minutes later Cindy and
John walked into the kitchen. Both wearing terry shorts and cotton
shirts. Looking like tennis partners. Theresa smiled at them and
motioned them to the table.

"I didn't know what else to use," Theresa motioning to John's curved
tin ships on the table.

"Perfect," said John, cutting the shell on his crab. The girls followed
his example and dug in. It was wonderful. John made a quick trip down
to the gym and pulled an appropriate bottle of white Wine to go with
the dinner. Afterwards, they all lounged around the Com room. Feeling
warm and tipsy. They snuggled together and watched a movie. Mainly
enjoying each other's company. They kissed each other from time to
time. Letting their hands roam freely to caress one another, here and
there. They lay together on a large sofa John had constructed a few
months before. Big enough for the three of them. More like a day bed
with a thickly padded, inclined headboard. One girl to either side of
John, snuggled to him.

He found himself nodding off and suggested they turn in. The girls
nodded and they headed for the bedroom, arm in arm. Once there John
used the bathroom and crawled into bed. The girls following him one at
a time. When they were all snuggled together, they sort of caressed
each other to sleep. Not needing to make love. Comfortable to just
snuggle together. John nodded off, happy. His two lovelies, one on each
side snuggled to him.

Chapter 38

John called Sheila the next day. Checking that her schedule could be
open. She assured him that it would be. He gave her the name of the
helicopter service to schedule to meet her flight. If she'd fax her
schedule to him, he'd arrange to fly out earlier.

"I'd really love to see you," she said.

"I'm convinced this is the best way," John said.

"If you say so. Okay, how did it go with the girls?" Sheila asked.

"Couldn't be better," John assured her.

"Sure you want me to come?" she asked.

"Positive," he replied.

"Okay... you've got me," Sheila told him.

"Not yet, but I'm working on it," he said... hanging up. Sheila sat
staring out the window at the San Francisco skyline. The phone still in
her hand.

"Mr. Wonderful?" her secretary asked. She seemed to come around,
hanging up the phone. She nodded. "So are you going to tell me about
it, or not? How is it going?" Judy asked.

"Great. I just have to spend a week with his girlfriends, then he's
mine," Sheila said. Judy looked at her like she was insane. "No joke,"
Sheila told her, "they're going to be my bosses. I'll get to ride herd
over two over-sexed, adorable young women who worship him and don't
have a clue about business."

"You want to do this on purpose?" Judy asked, stepping behind her and
rubbing her shoulders.

"Fact is that I'm itching in my britches to get started," Sheila mused.

"Maybe I could cure that itchy part," Judy said, her hands roaming down
Sheila's chest.

"How about tonight?" Sheila said, heading off Judy's advance with her
hands.

"As you wish... " Judy said, sashaying out of the office.

"Just a sec. I need you to re-schedule my appointments for week from
next. Better squeeze them in next week. I'm not so sure I'll be back,"
Sheila told her.

"You got it. I think you're crazy," Judy said.

"Crazy like a fox," Sheila told her, turning to her work. She knew that
Judy was more than a bit envious and downright curious, but she wasn't
about to tell her more.... It would be........ unethical. Unethical...
The word hung in her mind, startling her. It made her want to run and
hide...... "Oh, no. This is your shot at the brass ring....only it's
golden. Don't you dare blow it just because you're scared," she said to
herself, trembling a bit.

"Did you say something?" asked Judy, sticking her head in the door.
Sheila shook her head.

"No, but while you're here, get me my travel agent," Sheila said.

"Coming right up," Judy said, ducking out the door again. 

Chapter 39

The time went quickly for all parties involved. Too quickly. Cindy and
Theresa got a little moody. It wasn't from their periods, which came
and went in the interim. It was that they didn't want John to go away
so soon. Especially while leaving them with meeting and dealing with an
unknown person. John didn't want to be away from any of them, but
couldn't think of any way to pull it off otherwise. One look at Sheila
while John was around, and he was convinced they would sour on her.

Sheila ran around like a mad woman, fitting needed consultations in
where there was no room. Trying to basically wrap up her business with
the firm she was with. The closer the time got, the more scared she
got. She was a bundle of nerves by the time for her flight came around.

John had all his bags packed. What he needed anyway. He loaded his
laptop up with all sorts of files to amuse him on what would
essentially be a vacation. He would be meeting with some fashion
houses, but mainly just to get a feel for things. Ostensibly the
meetings were for an article about the fashion industry. John was
presented as a free lance writer. He could pull that off.

When the morning rolled around for John to leave, the girls tearfully
kissed him good-by. The previous evening they had first almost raped
him, then snuggled like kittens. Each almost fighting for another inch
of skin in their snuggles. Hugging hard and kissing hard. Then soft and
quivery. He left them in the entryway. Kissing and hugging each and
reassuring them that things would be fine. Wishing he could be certain
that they would.

Sheila packed up what she thought she would need. She added a string
bikini -even though it was winter- as John had told her he had an
indoor pool and hot tub. She took her laptop and the notes the lawyers
had forwarded to her. She would be traveling in a business suit, and
had a second in a wardrobe. Add her makeup case and toiletries and she
was still traveling light. A helicopter was waiting for her as her
flight landed. She was given the VIP treatment, which she thought was a
nice touch. She would almost pass John on her way to the silo. She was
booked on a different helicopter service than John used. In the air the
pilot inquired as to hints to get to their destination.

"I hope you know, I don't have a clue," Sheila said.

"We'll get there just fine. I've got a GPS receiver on board. I just
wondered if you knew of any visual clues to help."

"You might watch for thirty miles of dirt road dead ending in a fenced
compound," Sheila told him.

"Thanks, that will help," said the pilot.

John's helicopter lifted off and the girls watched it recede. Then
headed down to get properly dressed to greet Sheila. Cindy doing a last
minute walk through of the silo to be certain that the place looked
perfect..... It did. A palatial mansion.... underground.

The thump thump sound alerted the girls to suit up. They kissed each
other briefly and held hands for a moment, then headed out to greet
their guest. The girls waited off to the side of the roof as the
helicopter set down. The pilot circling once to check out the pad. It
was clean, and definitely sturdy. An old silo roof, he thought. Two
girls waiting safely off to one side, dressed in snowmobile suits and
stocking caps. They looked young.... but not all that young. The pilot
wondered what it was all about, but didn't ask. The woman in the back
was strictly business... she fairly oozed with a style and class that
said: MONEY! He set down softly, keeping his eye on a windsock someone
had generously provided just far enough off the pad to avoid the
immediate prop wash. Mainly it had just provided wind direction for a
smooth approach.

He shut down to help with the baggage, but Sheila thanked him and
climbed out. She pulled her bags out of the baggage compartment and
carted them to the edge of the pad. One of the girls sprang up onto the
pad and ran in for a last bag. The pilot keeping a wary eye on her to
see she didn't get by the tail rotor. The three of them moved off the
pad and the business lady waved him off. He brought the still turning
rotors back up to speed, checked with air traffic and lifted off.
Tilting the copter, he quickly headed off.

"You must be Sheila... Hi, I'm Cindy and this is Theresa." Sheila
shivered visibly. She had on a light parka, but with the chilling wind
from the helicopter she was inadequately dressed. Only a light scarf
over her hair. She shook the girls' gloved hands and looked around a
bit worried. The compound looked bleak in its covering of winter snow.
A few small outbuildings and a shoveled path to a concrete covered
stairway.

"You must be freezing," Theresa said, "Come on. It gets much nicer and
warmer inside." The girls each grabbed a bag and led Sheila down a few
steps, through a large metal doorway kind of like seen on a ship in a
war movie. Then it was much warmer as they descended a few additional
steps. There, she encountered a sort of mud room. Rows of hooks for
clothing, some filled with heavy coats. Oddly, two pairs of shorts and
two halter tops hung from two of them. The girls pulled off their hats
and unzipped their suits and shrugged out of them. Sheila almost
gasping at how pretty and well built the two of them were. She pulled
off her parka and Cindy hung it on a hook. Taking off her scarf, she
retained it.

"That's better. We can hear each other now," Cindy said, "Welcome to
our home. Let's get you something warm to drink... or something strong,
or both. Then we'll give you the grand tour."

"That would be great," Sheila said, admiring Cindy's take charge
attitude. Theresa considered her more thoughtfully. John had said she
was more instinctive and emotional. Sheila tried to keep a happy,
reassuring presence about her. Both girls wore matching body suits and
short skirts. The body suits were spectacular. A gradual changing hue
like a sunset. From dark indigo through crimson red to a pleasing warm
gold. The skirts blending perfectly at the waist and continued the
transition from gold to silver white on the hem. This was continued
down their smooth muscular legs with silver threaded stockings. But not
like anything she had seen before. The upper body suits hugged their
every shapely curve. Their nipples clearly discernible and erect atop
high firm breasts.

They were gorgeous. Sheila felt a flush of desire and a large amount of
doubt. She trembled a bit, grateful for the chill to cover her fragile
state. Cindy led her down the concrete corridor that wrapped around
itself back towards the entrance to an elevator. In the elevator she
pressed a button. A long row of them belying the sparse nature of the
entryway. The door opened to a small room, with hatches on either side
and around the corner past a stairwell to a rather smallish archway
opening into a larger area.

Sheila was dumb struck when she entered the kitchen - dining room.
Never had she seen such a functional, lovely kitchen. Everything was
laid out perfectly. Few steps between the sink, stove and counters. A
large pedestal counter in the middle contained an additional sink,
range top, smokeless grill and a smaller refrigerator. Butcher block
chopping boards were inset into counters at several locations. You
could prepare a snack for two or a feast for fifty easily in that
kitchen. A row of appliances lined a long deep counter. Pull out pantry
shelves held canned goods and binned basics. A wonderful aroma filled
the kitchen. A large pot on the stove bubbled quietly. Sheila lifted
the lid and looked in, the aroma making her mouth water.

"Cream of Artichoke.... Needs to simmer another hour or so. Are you
hungry?" Cindy said.

"No... I ate on the plane, but it smells wonderful," Sheila said. Cindy
motioned her to a chair. Set around a large trestle table with longer
overhangs than usual. You could hold a dinner party for twenty, or an
intimate dinner for two. The chairs were large, padded and comfortable.
With swivel bases and wheels. A beautiful rainbow effect lit one wall.
Cindy moved to a large, well stocked wet bar on the other side as she
sat. She poured some brandy in a small snifter and then nuked it in a
microwave for a few seconds, warming it.

"John said to give you this, even if you didn't drink it," Cindy said,
setting it before her, "Now what would you really like? Coffee? Hot
Chocolate? A beer?" she asked.

"Coffee, please.... black," Sheila said.

"You and John should get along well," Cindy mused.

"This John of yours sounds intriguing," Sheila said, not dishonestly.

"He has his moments. Really, he's a dear," Theresa said.

"I love those outfits. They're incredible! Where did you get them?"
Sheila said, picking up the snifter. She sniffed a bit and then took a
tentative swallow. The warm liquid at first burning... but then warming
her whole insides. Her body involuntarily relaxed. She silently thanked
John.

"Oh... Cindy and I were fooling around a bit last night. We thought
they might be fun so we whipped them out," Theresa said.

"*You* made those? *Last* night!?" Sheila asked, incredulously.

"Sure, nothing to it," Cindy said, setting a large mug of French roast
before her and a doctored one in front of Theresa.

"But that's incredible. It would take the best fashion house a month to
duplicate them. If they could," Sheila said. Theresa stood to model her
outfit. Turning slowly. Then she lifted the hem to show Sheila that the
coloration of the body suit extended beneath the skirt. Following her
sensual curves. The stockings seemed to merge with the body suit in an
almost invisible seam. The colors were consistently smooth between the
body suit, the stockings and the skirt. Sheila felt herself flush a bit
at the sight of the clearly defined *W* of Theresa's labia. Yet the
suit didn't seem tight. It just fit!

"Outstanding. How is it done?" Sheila asked. Cindy returned to the
table with her own coffee cup and a small sheaf of papers.

"If you'll just sign this, we'll show you," she said, handing the
papers over. Sheila quickly scanned the pages. Not missing a single
word, nor implication. It was a non-disclosure agreement. Not
obligating Sheila to anything but her silence... about *everything*.
She signed happily and Cindy and Theresa witnessed it and noted the
time. Sheila was aware that her signing would also be recorded on
video. That didn't bother her in the least. Nor would she give the
girls any hint that she knew. They didn't seem to be uncomfortable, and
Sheila knew they knew. She dismissed the thought.

"Great, that gets the mumbo jumbo out of the way. John said not to talk
business till you'd seen the silo and settled in. Then he gives me that
and says hit you with it first thing," Cindy said, rolling her eyes.

"I don't mind. It just says that I can't tell anybody what I see. I
wouldn't anyway, but I don't mind making it legally binding," Sheila
said.

"You understand that mumbo jumbo?" Theresa asked.

"Oh... not as good as the guys who wrote that," Sheila replied,
honestly.

"How do you know it was a guy who wrote it?" Cindy asked.

"That was prepared by at least a senior partner. I know the law firm
John deals with. That's how I got recommended for this. I also know
they don't have any female senior partners," Sheila explained, easily.

"Oh... makes sense," Cindy mused.

"I just love your kitchen. It's so cozy, yet functional," Sheila said,
looking around.

"Yeah, I put in a few ideas. Helped with the woodworking too," Theresa
bragged.

"You built this?" Sheila asked.

"Mostly John, but I helped him," Theresa beamed.

"This John seems like a very talented fellow," Sheila mused.

"*That* he is... " Cindy said, smiling to herself. 'I'll bet!' Sheila
thought to herself, 'Keeping you two gorgeous critters happy.... *Very*
talented.' She looked forward to finding out for herself.

"So how long have you two been here?" Sheila asked, aloud.

"Theresa just a year, myself a few months after that," Cindy replied.
Sheila downed the last of the snifter. A warm glow easing her tension.
She was genuinely thankful to John for the thought. But she declined a
second one when Cindy offered. The girls asked her about her work and
she fell into auto-mode as she explained what she did and her history.
The girls gaining respect for her accomplishments and feeling
camaraderie with her uphill battle in a male dominated world. They
chatted freely over the coffee and even a second cup. Getting to know
one another. The girls fell just short of trusting Sheila with details
of their previous home lives. But they were fast becoming friends.

'She's lovely...and adorable,' thought Theresa, observing how the lines
of her clothing defined her form. 'and very sexy.....' she thought,
flushing a bit.

Cindy said, "Well, let's get you settled in and give you the tour
afterwards." Sheila followed her, each girl taking a bag, Sheila her
small briefcase. They first stopped at the guest room to drop off the
bags. Each girl excused herself, Theresa to finish preparing lunch and
Cindy, ostensibly to check the Com room for word of John's safe arrival
in New York. Saying she would be back in a half hour. Sheila realized
that they were graciously providing her with privacy to deal with
several mugs of coffee or anything else. She was grateful and impressed
with their grace. The guest room was incredible. A large comfortable
bed. Ample storage. Cindy even showed her a phone jack for her laptop
that John had run in for her.

There was a private bath with spacious shower and tub. Elegantly
furnished throughout, while practical in design. She poked her head
around the corner into a large, functional laundry room off to the side
with a separate entrance off the end. A thought crossed Sheila's mind
as she used the toilet. Knowing she was being recorded. She smiled to
herself. She didn't mind. She found the idea somehow... sexy. The girls
had helped foster that mood. They were incredible. Her mouth watered
considering either one of them.

She freshened up and checked her hair and what little makeup she wore.
She changed her travel shoes for more comfortable ones. Still
coordinated with her suit. Shoes? That was it. The only item of the
girls' wardrobe that appeared store bought, and uncomfortable. Sheila
made a note on her laptop to obtain the girls' sizes and send them some
comfortable, fashionable shoes. Any little gesture to win their
approval might help.

Cindy tapped lightly on the door. Sheila closed the laptop and joined
her for the tour. She spent much of her time with her mouth open. From
the solarium on down. Cindy rolled back the roof and let the sun in to
show her. Pointing out the red night lights that facilitated night
viewing. The wind blew a cloud of crystals over the clear ceiling and
Sheila shivered a bit, realizing the temperature just the other side of
the optically clear Lexan.

The workshop was obviously a guy thing. But Cindy pointed out the winch
and explained the trap door system on each floor. Sheila nodded. The
Com room was wonderful. Spacious, functional and comfortable. Computers
lined one wall along with printers and three separate work areas. Well
lit. A large screen television on another surrounded by electronics;
Recorders, stereo equipment, surround sound and satellite controls.
Sofa's, chairs and tables filled out the rest of the room without
seeming crowded.

The gym and hot tub were nice. Latest exercise equipment. Separate bath
and kitchen. A well stocked unheated wine cellar, a cool constant 56
degrees year round. Cindy explained how it had been used as an
apartment while John worked on the rest of the silo. The *apartment*
was much larger than Sheila's back in San Francisco. The pool was
incredible. Extending under a deck which surrounded three sides in a
horseshoe shape. Tethered floating chairs stationed around the pool.
Ten feet deep throughout, but underwater platforms by one edge of the
deck stepped up to just wading depth. Clearly visible underneath the
water so that no-one would be tempted to dive into them. Along the
slatted redwood deck, were comfortable chaise lounges. A patio table
and resin chairs and a variety of heat and sun lamps over the chaises.
A stereo system would pipe a variety of listenable music over a high
quality, waterproof system. A rainbow splayed over one wall in vivid
colors. Cindy explained the tracking mirror system.

The master bedroom floored Sheila. The bed was huge. But practical.
Sturdy folding trays would swing in from either side. A large padded
inclined headboard with shelves behind it. A sofa on one wall and a few
easy chairs. Over the bed a large television monitor built into a
hardwood valence also enclosing mirror tiles over the bed. Sheila
flushed a bit at the thought of what they had reflected. A giant
wardrobe divided in three and a lavish bath with a giant shower
finished off the floor. There was a double sink on the wide vanity
which was well lit. Partially private toilet and even a bidet. On the
way out Cindy showed her the trap door to the pool. Sheila flipped over
the idea.

A quick stop on an unfinished floor to give Sheila the idea of what
they had started with. They had several available. Just sitting open
and unused. Sheila found the vast spaciousness of the silo staggering.
She suggested turning one floor into a green house. Using grow lights
and hydroponics to grow vegetables all year and breed indoor plants for
the rest of the silo.

"What a great idea!" Cindy enthused, "Yeah, a bit of greenery would
help the place a lot." The library was well stocked and a comfortable
place to work. Three desks with ergonomic chairs like the ones in the
Com room. Another rainbow arched over a mural of a mountain meadow on
one wall. A very pleasant place to work. Sheila thought. They descended
the stairs down to the new unfinished Com room. They headed for the
kitchen where Theresa had lunch ready.

A fabulous salad, complete with fresh ground pepper. A modest non-
invasive wine. Incredible cream of artichoke soup accompanied with an
assortment of small sandwiches and fresh baked breadsticks. Followed by
fresh coffee. Theresa was an excellent cook. Sheila wondered longingly
about her other talents. Over lunch Sheila raved about the silo. The
girls each told her about which portions they had worked on. Cindy
relayed Sheila's idea for an indoor greenhouse and Theresa went wild
over it.

"And now... what you came for," Cindy said, standing.

"As rooms go, it's not so spectacular," Theresa said.

"It's what's in it that counts," Cindy said, leading them to the
Laboratory. As furnishings went, no, the room was fairly barren, but
large. Several work tables lined one curved wall. A sofa on the other
side. Along the curve hung.... Sheila almost gasped. Her mind had told
her, 'People!, bodies!' There were five of the realest looking
mannequins Sheila had ever seen. They were facing the wall. One, the
male, had on a pair of shorts. The others, Sheila realized were
slightly different versions of the two girls with her. She fought not
to look too closely at the extremely shapely and *real* looking
posteriors.

The girls caught her gaze and blushed a bit. Their shapely asses
hanging clearly defined down to the freckle before this new person, who
was obviously affected by them and herself becoming more desirable by
the minute. Thankfully Sheila turned her gaze to the scanner table and
casting tank.

"This is where it happens," Cindy said, a bit hoarsely. She had been
unprepared for Sheila's obvious reaction to their images. She felt
flush and a bit quivery inside. She felt a slight dampness begin
between her thighs. She strove on. Explaining the scanning process to
Sheila, who was aghast at the whole process. Nodding in understanding
as Cindy explained each step. Cindy blushed as she called up her image,
portrayed down to the shading of her pubic hair. Sheila flushed
unconsciously. Cindy quickly selected some images to map over the
surface. A simple geometric pattern. She selected light source
direction and turned the computer loose on it. It gratefully didn't
take long to map the image over her body.

"And how do you produce the actual fashion?" Sheila asked... a bit
hoarse herself.

"Why don't we show you?" Theresa said.

"Really? I can watch?" Sheila asked.

"Of course," Cindy said, trying not to glare at Theresa. An idea struck
her. "Here. I'll call in Theresa's image and you can select an image
yourself. Then we'll make it for you," Cindy said, smiling smugly at
Theresa, who blushed and glared at her. Sheila moved to the controls.
The nude image of Theresa clearly defined before her down to the goose
bumps if there'd been any. She experimented, rotating the image. When
she spun the view over the top and then beneath, Theresa blushed a
crimson red. Sheila quickly changed the view, flushing herself with
desire for the image mapped out so real before her. She began to view
images.

Landscapes, geometric patterns, faces of famous people. Astronomical
images. Theresa was grateful for the break away from her vivid image.
She too had noted Sheila's reaction to it. She wasn't so sure her own
desires ran contrary to it. This soon in their relationship however, it
was uncomfortable. As if intimacy were thrust upon them. Sheila picked
an astrological photo of the ring nebula for the front, mapping the
image centered upon Theresa's navel. Cindy let her. But made note that
the lower portion of the image would be obscured by pants or skirt. She
pulled in an image of white shorts to show her.

"That's not too bad anyway. The ring rises inside one hip bone and sets
just inside the other," Sheila said.

"But leaves the top of the outfit fairly barren. How about.... I know.
An exploding star on this shoulder," Cindy suggested, calling in a
Hubble shot of Eta-Carena.

"That's incredible. It will really look like that?" Sheila enthused.

"EXACTLY like that," Cindy said, "but let's rotate it and see what it
looks like from different angles." They rotated the image and it looked
great from most any angle. Even the top. A burning cauldron of fiery
gasses mapped down over the mound of one of Theresa's lovely breasts.
Sheila selected a well known image of Albert Einstein for the back.
Then added "E=MC2" off to one side, at an angle. Cindy took and
expanded the text and mapped it around the body, the "=" sign tracing
just under Theresa's ribs.

"That's great. Let's do that," Sheila suggested.

"Come on Theresa, help me with your Doppelganger," Cindy said. Theresa
helped her lift her twin down and mount it in the casting table.
Blushing crimson red the whole time. Sheila watching closely and
flushing red herself at the mirror image of the lovely blonde. The
nipples clearly defined down to the nubbin and even accurately shaded
in all respects. She couldn't help but notice how real... and desirable
the whole body was detailed. The girls added thin oiled tissue paper,
Cindy explaining how it kept the clothing from bonding to the
mannequin. Sheila watched very closely, much to Theresa's discomfort.

Theresa was more than a little damp herself. Sheila was a very
desirable woman. In some ways like she wished her own mother was. She
found herself imagining what it would feel like to hug her.... flushing
strongly over the thought. Cindy carefully covering the folds of her
mannequin's labia didn't help her discomfort at all. Cindy finished up
and moved to the computer. Showing Sheila how they selected a material
type for the outfit.

"We're working on cotton-polyester blends and a new composite memory
fiber John heard about. This outfit I have on actually regulates
temperature. When I'm too hot the fabric sucks in heat and stores it as
twist in the fiber, kind of like a spring. Then when I get too cold the
twist unwinds and gives the stored energy back as heat. I could
actually go outside in this and be comfortable for a short while,"
Cindy explained. Sheila's mouth hung open. Cindy gently lifted her
fingers under Sheila's jaw, closing it. Chuckling. The touch of Cindy's
fingers were like an electric shock to Sheila. She felt a sudden
dampness of her own.... on top of what she already felt. She thought
she must be dripping by now.

"I know. I find it pretty incredible myself. I'm just used to it by
now," Cindy chuckled.

"I've never gotten used to it. Living with John is like experiencing a
miracle a day," Theresa said.

"I can see that. He must be quite something to live with," Sheila said.

"He is....... You seem very understanding about that.... How.... I
mean... what do you think of... Well, I guess you've gathered how our
relationship is...pretty much obvious... Well, how do you feel about
that?" Theresa stammered out. Sheila turned to her.

She smiled at her and replied, "Well, first off I'm here on business.
Your personal relationships are not my business and should have no
bearing upon what is my business...... But beyond that..... I don't
find it the least bit objectionable... in *any* way. In fact, I'm very
envious of all of you. You seem to be very comfortable with your
relationships with each other. It's obvious that you *all* love *each*
other. I think that's terrific. A very rare and treasured thing in this
world. I'd gladly give everything I've got to be a part of something
like it..... everything! Does that answer your question?"

"Yes... and thank you for being honest and open with us. It makes it a
lot easier working with you, knowing how you feel," Theresa said.

"I can't let myself be any other way..... Perhaps working in San
Francisco has been good for me in that respect. I don't have to, nor do
I even try to... obscure my......*Inclinations*," Sheila concluded,
giving Theresa and Cindy a look that made them both flush.

"I think we all understand each other here...." Cindy replied, boldly
returning Sheila's look measure for measure until Sheila flushed and
turned to the screen.

"Yes... I think we do... Let's make this!" she said. The three of them
realized that something important had just transpired in their
relationship, but that it was best left unspoken for the moment. The
tension was too strong in the room. Starting the weaving process gave
them each a desired diversion.

Sheila watched in wonder as several of the arms on the casting table
took off. Locating key coordinates; Cindy explained. Then the actual
weaving process began. One slow fiber at a time. Pigmentation being
added as it was extruded. After a time the weaving became monotonous,
especially to the girls, who had seen it many times before. They let
Sheila watch a bit longer and then Cindy suggested they retire to the
Com room and relax while the machine did its work. Sheila nodded and
followed them out.

On the offer of a drink, she openly accepted a scotch rocks from Cindy.
John stocked Laphroaig 20 year old single malt. The rich amber liquid
smoky upon Sheila's tongue. The girls chose light beverages. Cindy a
glass of wine and Theresa a peach malt cooler. Cindy put on some easy
listening music and they all settled into easy chairs. A moment later
the phone rang.

"Hi ya, hot buns," Cindy said, answering the phone.

"Not in New York.. it's winter here, you know," John said.

"Winter here too, but all our buns are warm," Cindy replied.

"Find out so fast?" John asked.

"Naw, not what you're asking," Cindy replied.

"So she's in earshot?" John asked.

"Yup."

"So how did the day go?" John asked.

"Very good. The spinner's working on a demo outfit she designed. We
were just sitting down for a little get aquatinted. She seems to know
her stuff," Cindy said.

"So what do you think of her as a person?" John asked.

"Quite nice, actually. Just about to have a chat," Cindy replied.

"I thought you would like her.." John chuckled.

"Did you now? Why's that?" Cindy asked.

John was a little slow in answering, "Oh, she just seemed nice on the
phone. So do you and Theresa think you can work with her?"

"I'll have to let you know," Cindy replied, thinking John sounded odd
for some reason.

"Well, I just called to check in. Not much fun in New York without my
lovelies," John said.

"Well, we'll be here when you get back. Oh, before I forget. Sheila had
a great idea when we gave her the tour," Cindy said.

"What was that?" John asked.

"An indoor garden on one of the unused floors. Grow lights to
supplement the tracking mirror and hydroponics. Fresh vegetables year
round," Cindy enthused.

"Excellent idea! Will you research what we need? Try the Internet. If
you can figure out a good set up, go ahead and order it. You've got my
credit card number."

"Sure, I'll be glad to. How do we get it here?" Cindy asked.

"If it's small enough, the address for the helicopter place is on my
computer index. If you can get it shipped in time it can come in on the
same flight as me. If it's going to be too bulky, schedule it into that
truck transport place by where I got the Landcruisers done, and we'll
pick it up as soon as the road's passable for the truck. Theresa knows
which trucking company .. maybe Bonded Trucking or something like
that," John said.

"Will you be gone that long?" Cindy asked.

"Looks like I may be here the whole week. I miss you both terribly
already. Give Theresa a kiss for me. I love you," John said.

"I will, I love you too. Bye," Cindy said.

"Bye," said John. Cindy hung up the phone. Theresa looked over,
inquiring.

"John, of course. Say's he'll probably be gone the whole week. Sends
his love," Cindy said, sipping at her drink.

"Sounds like a nice guy," Sheila offered.

"Oh... he is...... Now.... tell us about you, not your business.... but
you personally," Cindy said. Telling Sheila with her eyes exactly what
she wanted to hear about.

Sheila took a big breath and began, "Well... as you've probably figured
out...I'm Bi....I have no serious relationships going at the moment. I
have two women that I see off and on as the whim hits us... More
friends, really... I guess. But passionate lovers when we're in the
mood. I was married once... I got hurt pretty badly by it..... Never
found an adequate replacement. I've always had an inclination towards
women though. Back beginning in Jr. High school... That's what
basically tore up my marriage. He couldn't handle my .... sexuality.
Even though we were fairly passionate ourselves.

"You girls don't know how lucky you are if John understands your
relationship. That's pretty rare. Most guys... even fairly open minded
ones -forget the other ones!- may say they enjoy the sight of women
together... but they don't really. They want what we call in San
Franciso 'Hot Bi Babes', who will entertain them and then worship them.
They'd never think about a long term relationship with more than one
person."

"Oh... I think Theresa and I have a pretty good idea how lucky we are.
We had our own rocky times at the first," Cindy said, glancing at
Theresa..

"Funny, it was more me than John, is what Cindy's *not* telling you,"
Theresa admitted. She moved over by Cindy and lightly played her
fingers in her hair as she spoke. "I guess I wanted it all for myself.
Cindy and I were involved before... Back home. Then I came out here and
met John. We got involved... god he fought it..... Then a few months
later I talked to Cindy... She was having some hard times..... I talked
John into letting her come here..... I guess I thought I could just
pick up our relationship where it left off, and maintain the one I had
with John without one affecting the other.... It didn't work. John and
Cindy *were* attracted to each other... which I resented... Fearing
that either of them would steal the other one from me. It took me a
long time to realize that they both cared for me first....or at least
equally. They were both sweethearts about the whole thing. They didn't
get together at all until I was finally comfortable with it," Theresa
concluded.

"We're both from abusive homes..." Cindy added in explanation, "That's
probably what got us together to start with... we shared ... common
experiences..... and not good ones," she concluded, dropping her head.

"Well... it's wonderful that you all found each other," Sheila said,
meaning it.

"I think I like you very much, Sheila." Theresa said.

"I do too.... I'm looking forward to getting to know you better," Cindy
added, a sly smile on her lips.

"I think you girls are great too. I like you both already. God, we only
met this morning and I feel like we're old friends. We're telling each
other all our secrets and it feels perfectly natural.... Yes. I think
I'm going to enjoy very much getting to know you better too," Sheila
said.... returning Cindy's sly smile and adding one to Theresa, who
blushed.

"Well... that said... Welcome to our home, Sheila," Cindy said,
standing. She squeezed Theresa's hand and then walked to where Sheila
was sitting. She bent and kissed her softly on the lips. It was more
than just a friendly welcome. Both women felt their pulses increase
measurably. Theresa's jaw dropped and she flushed.

"Thank you," Sheila said, "It's good to know I'm welcome." Squeezing
Cindy's hand warmly between both hers.

"Now, it's my night to cook. Which would you prefer; seafood, which I
suspect you get enough of back home, or a steak?" Cindy asked.

"Mmmm, steak sounds good. Medium Rare?" Sheila said, holding Cindy's
gaze as well as her hand. Cindy nodded.

"You've got it. Theresa, I leave our lovely guest in your capable,
lovely hands," she said, squeezing Sheila's grasp before slipping from
it. She walked to Theresa and openly kissed her deeply. Squeezing her
cute butt in the process and winking at her. Then she headed out of the
room. Theresa watched her leave... she felt trapped. Sheila turned to
her and addressed all her unspoken fears.

"I know... it takes time... That we've got. .... Tell me how you met
John," she said. Theresa instantly felt her affection for this woman
grow. She smiled at her and the mood lifted considerably.

"He ran over me with his car.... " Theresa began... Over the next
little while Theresa told her the whole story...how she had run away...
and why... about the cowboy in the pickup.... about how John had been
such a dear when he took her in. About how she had finally seduced
him... About what Cindy's life was like with her folks and how their
relationship had begun.... Even things she had never told John... She
felt comfortable taking about with Sheila, who listened, really
listened, without judging.

When Theresa's eyes teared up, Sheila set her drink down and held out
her hand to her. Theresa rushed into her arms and sobbed against her
like.... the mother she wanted. When Theresa finally lifted her head to
Sheila's gaze, Sheila kissed her softly... Theresa deepened the kiss
herself. Feeling her heart pounding and her desire quicken inside her.
Sheila didn't take advantage of the girl, as much as she desired to.
She just held and comforted the girl tenderly. Kissing her tears away
and feeling a great admiration and growing feeling of kinship for John.
Cindy stuck her head into the door and announced dinner. Sheila stood
and pulled Theresa to her for a big, motherly hug and a soft kiss
before she walked arm in arm with her to the kitchen.

"Did you two have a nice chat?" Cindy inquired, noticing Theresa's
bloodshot eyes.

"Very nice...." Sheila said.

"I think we should keep her around," Theresa said out of the blue. Now
Cindy looked trapped. She looked to Theresa in exasperation.

Once again Sheila addressed the fear she saw, "I think that you both
have all week to decide that and there's no need to rush things. Let's
all take the time to become comfortable with what you decide then."
Cindy looked at her grateful and nodded. But she was leaning strongly
in the direction Theresa had indicated. Dinner was wonderful. Cindy was
a good cook as well. A light dinner salad with honey lemon dressing.
Baked potato or Rice Pilaf and tender cooked baby carrots. Sheila chose
the Pilaf. Her steak was perfect. Cindy had chosen an excellent Gamay
wine to go with the meal.

Over dinner Cindy explained that fresh vegetables were one drawback of
living so far out. Sheila's idea about the hydroponics room would help
solve that. When Sheila inquired about the salad, Cindy said John had
made a special trip into town just the previous day especially for
lettuce. They had an ample supply, but that it would be wilting a bit
by the end of the week. Sheila felt really special over her treatment
and said so.

"Well, John told us that you were.... special. Business wise. I don't
think he knows just how special you really are as a person... yet,"
Cindy told her.

"Well... you've made me feel very special. I can't tell you how much
that means to me," Sheila said. She longed to tell them about her night
with John and how special she thought he was... especially now that she
had gotten to know the girls a little better... She found herself
falling in love with all of them. She pushed the thought aside and
moved the conversation to their fashion venture. She told them how
fantastic their venture was and how *big* it was likely to get. The
girls jaws dropped when she told them how much her simple business suit
was. And how much she had tied up in her work wardrobe, not counting
her social wardrobe.

"Well, how about we build you a complete wardrobe before you leave
here?" Cindy offered.

"What? Scan me?" Sheila asked, nervously.

"Why not? Isn't that what we propose doing for each of our customers?
We may as well get your input on the process. Uh... we don't need to do
a *complete* scan... unless you want a love toy... I think the standard
scan gets personal enough. In fact, I must warn you... it makes one
horny as hell!" Cindy said.

"Okay... I guess... I think I'd better see what it's like. Maybe I can
suggest ways to make it less daunting. Now?" Sheila said.

"No need to put you through that tonight. You've had quite a full day
as it is... Hot tub and wine? Scotch and video? or would you rather
just retire early for the night?" Cindy offered.

"Hot tub and wine sounds delightful," Sheila smiled. "John said you had
a pool so I brought my suit."

"Oh... we're pretty casual about that around here. You're welcome to
wear one if you'd feel more comfortable, but I figure with how real the
mannequins are that Theresa and I have no secrets from you," Cindy
said, smiling.

"Suits me fine. Lord knows I've climbed nude into hot tubs with people
I found much less attractive than you two. Kind of a California thing,"
Sheila smiled.

"How about the wine, would you like to pick one?" Theresa offered.

"Sure...another California tradition..." Sheila chuckled. They
adjourned to the gym. Theresa guiding her into the wine cellar to make
her choice. Cindy headed for the tub and began to disrobe. In the wine
room Sheila selected a bottle of Mendico County Chenin Blank that she
knew to be an excellent vintage. As she turned Theresa pulled her to
her and kissed her deeply.

"I just want you to know, that I meant what I said about keeping you
around. I know John just hired you as a consultant.. but I want you to
think about staying on to help us run things. Cindy and I don't have a
clue about business and it seems that you do... besides which, I like
you," Theresa told her. Sheila held the embrace, feeling Theresa's
nipples clearly though her clothes. Partially from the chilly room.

"I like you too, Theresa. And I'm certainly not opposed to working with
you and Cindy. But let's give ourselves the whole week to get really
comfortable with everything... Okay?" Sheila asked.

"Okay... I just wanted you to know how I felt," Theresa said.

"You feel pretty damn good to me," Sheila chuckled, breaking their
embrace. She turned and headed for the hot tub. Theresa stopped and got
a wine opener and some special high density plastic goblets that John
had gotten for around the pool and hot tub. Cindy was laying back in
the tub, her breasts just out of the water. It was a very appealing
sight.

Sheila disrobed as Theresa opened the wine. She felt no shame over her
body. She kept herself in shape. She knew from the attention she
usually got how good she really looked. It didn't bother her in the
least that Cindy observed her openly, or that Theresa did
clandestinely. She lay her suit well away from the chance of splashing.
Then nude, and Cindy thought, magnificent, she gracefully walked to the
edge of the tub.

Theresa began to disrobe and Sheila took an interest in how her outfit
was held together. A narrow Velcro like strip along the top of the
shoulders... another one in the crotch, but not near as stiff or as
thick as real Velcro. Theresa showed her the closures and then peeled
her outfit off like a banana peel. Sheila realizing just how exact the
mannequins were down to the shading around her erect nipples.

She was magnificent. Sheila handed a glass of wine to Cindy as she
crawled into the luscious hot water. She sat back in a built in seat.
There were three of them. None too far a reach from any of the others.
A small bench seat completely ringed the tub elsewhere. Sheila settled
into one of the custom seats. The hot bubbling water kneading her
travel aches away. Cindy used a remote to turn on some mellow, non-
demanding music. Sheila lay with her eyes closed, sipping the excellent
wine from time to time. She didn't mind at all when a hand touched her
leg beneath the water. She reached it and squoze it gently. Not opening
her eyes to even see whose it was. Then she lightly placed it back on
her inner thigh, just above the knee. She wasn't surprised when the
hand inched upwards.

A giggle from the other side of the pool caused Sheila to open her
eyes. Theresa was kissing Cindy deeply. The hand, to Sheila's mild
surprise, belonged to Cindy. Theresa moved off to pour more wine and
Sheila used the hand, now tickling at her shaved vulva, to pull Cindy
towards her. They met in a passionate kiss and the hand softly caressed
the bare skin and finally sought out the clitoris and stroked it
gently. Setting her wine aside, Sheila's hands moved to Cindy's firm
breasts, caressing them softly, her fingers flicking over the hard ends
lightly. Cindy giggled through the kiss. Sheila found out why when
Theresa's head surfaced between them, took a few deep breaths and dove
again. This time Sheila felt her legs pushed apart and a talented
tongue lash out at her clitoris.

Cindy moved to the side and continued to kiss Sheila deeply as her
hands moved over the older woman's large, firm breasts. Sheila's
fingers feeling under the water slid up the inside of Cindy's leg and
over her pubic area. Teasing it lightly. Her other hand played softly
behind Theresa's ear. Then Cindy, without looking reached out to a
control and felt around. She changed it and most of the pump noise went
away. Soft gentle bubbles caressed at Sheila's body while fingertips
explored it. One stream of air rising from the seat beneath her,
bubbling up over her pubic area, tickling it. She realized that Theresa
was using it to breathe when she didn't come up. Sheila lay back in
abandon to the two lovely, nubile, young women doing an excellent job
of raising her to a sexual frenzy.

Theresa seemed to know exactly how to please her. A finger found her G-
spot while another just tickled at her anus a bit. The tongue sliding
around her clitoris soon put her over the edge, her hips rising up out
of the water, Theresa's head tracking it expertly as a moaning cry
escaped Sheila's lips and her body convulsed again and again. Like
waves breaking against a shore.

Barely had the onslaught subsided when Sheila felt a different pair of
lips against hers as Theresa kissed her deeply. The two girls lifting
her to a higher step on the seat. Cindy's expert tongue now assaulted
Sheila's vulva. Her hips now out of the water, the tongue delved deep
into the crevasse between her legs. Tasting her womanhood. The only
break was when Cindy lifted her head to share her flavor with Theresa
in a deep kiss. Theresa had little chance while under the water, she
sucked hungrily at Cindy's tongue for the exotic nectar of love. Then
Cindy was back at it and Sheila tasted herself in Theresa's next
probing kiss.

Hands were everywhere on her body, caressing and teasing her. Never had
Sheila known such an onslaught of love in her life. Once again her hips
lifted high in the air as her lungs emptied themselves in a passionate
cry. Then the girls softly caressed her slowly back to reality. Kissing
her softly on the neck, nipples and inner thigh. Sheila's body glowed
from the hot water and hotter love she had experienced.

When she was finally able to sit up, she kissed Theresa deeply as she
walked her back against the side of the pool. She spread her thighs and
moved between them, catching Cindy's hand and pulling her between them
with her. She kissed Cindy deeply, holding the kiss as she bent the two
of them over Theresa's pubic mound. Then she guided Cindy's head with
hers to Theresa's clitoris. They swirled their tongues in unison on
either side of the young blonde's swollen clitoris. One hand explored
between each others ass cheeks as the other of their hands caressed
Theresa's large firm breasts.

The double assault upon Theresa's clitoris soon had her on the edge,
but Sheila knew exactly what she was doing as well. She'd work Theresa
to the very edge, and then divert Cindy's tongue into a deep kiss, the
two of them sharing Theresa's juices between them. Sheila flicking her
tongue to the side to maintain Theresa on the edge. She worked her
fingers under Cindy between her labia and one finger entered her tight
vagina while others found and caressed her clitoris. She began to work
Cindy up to Theresa's level. Performing a balancing act between them.

When she felt Cindy's body tensing, she backed off just a bit, slowly
working her to the precipice where she held Theresa so precariously
balanced. Cindy was doing her best to follow her example, probing
inside her slick vagina with two fingers. Her thumb rubbing expertly
against Sheila's clitoris. Sheila felt herself losing control. The next
time she felt Cindy tensing, she increased her attention upon her
clitoris as she bent and took a long swipe with her tongue starting at
Theresa's anus and up between her labia, deep inside her vagina,
twisting back and forth before settling in earnest upon her clitoris.

Sucking it between her lips and delivering a series of rapid side to
side flicks that toppled Theresa over the edge. She felt Cindy's vagina
suddenly squeezing hard against her finger as she felt her own orgasm
engulf her. All three women cried out in unison as their bodies
convulsed and shook. Theresa's hips lifting high in the air, Sheila
tracked them expertly while her own body convulsed in waves. She felt
Cindy's vagina balloon out away from her finger and then squeeze down
hard once more. She imagined her own to be doing much the same to
Cindy's fingers.

Sheila continued her flicks upon Theresa, one orgasm building upon the
other as she increased her rotation upon Cindy's throbbing clitoris.
Again and again she controlled and orchestrated the two girls cry's of
orgasm while dealing with her own until her knees buckled beneath her
and she collapsed to the relative safety of the underwater seat.
Panting for breath. Cindy's head momentarily sinking beneath the
surface, Sheila pulling her into her lap for safety her body quivering
against her. Sheila's head leaned back against Theresa's vulva, slowly
turning her head from side to side as random contractions diminished
behind her.

When they could breathe again, Theresa slipped into the water beside
them and Cindy pulled Sheila into a deep, slow kiss. A moment after
Cindy's lips left hers Theresa lips replaced them and she kissed her
hungrily in thanks for the many deep orgasms that she had given her.
Then the girls all sort of snuggled together. Caressing each other
softly now and then as they cooled down, their passion spent.

When droplets of perspiration broke out on Sheila's forehead, Cindy
suggested a quick dip in the pool to cool off a bit before bed. Sheila
nodded and the three of them walked arm in arm... sort of holding each
other up, to the pool. The two girls left her side at the pool and
Sheila jumped in. The cooler water shocking her system back to a
different reality. She slowly rolled on her back and kicked a length to
the other side and back, her body tingling and alive. He mind awash in
endorphins making her languid.

She climbed out and lay on one of the soft chaises. Toweling the
moisture from her body. She felt like a million dollars. The girls
continued to splash and swim about for a time, coming together to kiss
or fondle each other. Sheila dismissed it as youthful exuberance. She
herself was done for. The girls climbed out and toweled each other dry
then came over and each kissed Sheila softly. She just shook her head
in reply to Cindy's question about her wanting something to drink or
eat.

"Not a thing...loves. I've been pampered, fed, caressed and loved to my
limit. All I want now is a soft bed," Sheila said, honestly.

"You will join us in ours, I hope?" Theresa offered.

"Maybe tomorrow night. Tonight I just want to sleep. I fear I would
dampen your youthful playing. It's all too much, too fast. I need time
to regroup," Sheila replied, again honestly.

"Of course... you're welcome whenever you wish. But I understand,"
Cindy said.

"You sure?" Theresa asked, somewhat dejected.

Sheila pulled her into a deep, gentle kiss and then said, "You are
truly lovely. You both are. Now go have your fun. I'll be fine. I just
want to sleep."

"Come on, at least let us walk you to your room," Cindy said, extending
a hand.

"Thank you," Sheila said, taking it. When Cindy pulled her to her feet
she held her against her for a moment. Their breasts merging between
them. She kissed her softly. Then the girls, one on each side walked
her to her room. She hugged and kissed each one tenderly.

"Sleep as long as you'd like in the morning. We'll be in the kitchen
when you feel like it. No need to be so formal. You'll find shorts and
blouses that will fit you in the wardrobe," Cindy told her. Then they
left her. Sheila turned back the covers, used the bathroom, staggering
as she brushed her teeth. She fell into the bed and barely got the
cover over her before she was asleep, love rushes spinning in her head
the last moments of her consciousness.

Chapter 40

"Feel like a snack?" Cindy asked Theresa.

"Oh.. I don't know... maybe," she replied, still dejected from Sheila's
refusal to join them.

"Well, come keep me company, even if you're not hungry," Cindy said.

"Sure, Okay," Theresa said. Once in the kitchen Theresa asked, "I
wonder why she didn't want to sleep with us?"

"Probably to give us time to talk, alone. She's one savvy lady," Cindy
said.

"That she is... talk about what?" Theresa asked, puzzled.

"Look Theresa, I realize you're very taken with her.. but Jesus... You
only met her this morning. What's this about asking her to hang
around?"

"What? What's wrong with that? I like her," Theresa said.

"I like her too, but not that much this fast. Remember, we have someone
else who lives here too," Cindy said.

"Oh, John will just love her, I'm sure," Theresa said, dreamily.

"God, listen to yourself, Theresa. You just met her this morning! It
took you over a month to decide to share John with *me*. Now you want
to share him, and me, with this woman after just one day?" Cindy said.

"But.... I thought you liked her," Theresa said.

"Look, I do like her, she's adorable. Utterly adorable, and fairly
savvy as a business person. That's what she's here for. About the
business. Let's not let our pussies run away with our minds. The simple
fact is that we don't really know anything about her. What's she really
like? How does she react when somebody leaves the top off the
toothpaste or when somebody we both know and love leaves the toilet
seat up? What are her ethics like? That all takes time to find out,"
Cindy said.

"Oh... she's alright. You saw how she opened up when you asked her what
her personal life was like," Theresa said.

"I just wanted her to be open about something that was fairly obvious
from almost the start. She was fairly drooling over us all day," Cindy
said.

"But she told you.. Isn't that honorable?" Theresa asked.

"No... that's honesty, which is not the same thing. And if she's so
honorable, then why didn't she ask us how John would feel about us
making love with her?" Cindy asked.

"But John said we could... specifically," Theresa argued.

"Yes.. and I've wondered about that... But she didn't know that," Cindy
said. Inside her mind a piece fell into a puzzle and she suddenly asked
herself, 'Or did she?'

"I don't know. Maybe she assumed it was okay... because we started it,"
Theresa said.

"You really think that? Because we made the first moves towards her
physically that we started it?" Cindy asked.

"Well, yes," Theresa said.

"Oh my dear sweet, innocent naive lover. You've got a lot to learn
about the world. Your very first woman besides me and she sweeps you
off your feet without you even realizing it," Cindy said.

"But she was your first woman besides me.. and she swept you off your
feet too," Theresa said.

"Wrong on both counts, love. I had a lover after you left town and I
*let* Sheila sweep me off my feet. I was fully aware of what was going
on from shortly after she got here," Cindy said. Theresa looked hurt.

"You had another lover?" she asked.

"Yes," Cindy said.

"Who?" Theresa asked.

"Doesn't matter. That's over, I'm here," Cindy replied.

"But you never told me!" Theresa cried.

"It wasn't your business. Look Theresa, you left town, remember? You
didn't say good bye, you didn't say you'd be true to me... which you
weren't, you didn't say a word. You just disappeared. At first I was
worried sick about you. But I figured you were a big girl who could
take care of herself. Besides, there wasn't much I could do about it. I
went on with my life.

"One day I met an older woman. She gave me a certain look and well, I
figured out what it meant and gave it back to her. We made love...Lots
of love. God, we did it morning noon and night. Like you and I did last
time John was gone. I never told you about it because it was between
her and I. You weren't involved. It was none of your business and still
isn't."

"But... but... I was true to you!" Theresa cried.

"Oh really? Have you forgotten John?" Cindy replied.

"But ....."

"I know, somehow he doesn't count, right?" Cindy said.

"No... I didn't say that. And I did call you," Theresa wept.

"Yes you did, and I'm grateful for that. My folks found out I was
seeing this woman. That's when they really started to get abusive. Both
physically and sexually. That's when you called. I was never so
grateful for anything in my life. I came running the first chance you
and John gave me. Even knowing that you were living with an older man.
Undoubtedly having sex with him. I had no clue where I would stand with
you. But I came anyway. Because I had no place else to go. I'm glad I
did. I'm grateful you asked. But that's over and done.

"Actually I gave you lots of clues. You just didn't seem to notice. You
might have noticed that I wasn't quite so clumsy and knew a great deal
more about pleasing a woman. God, I did things to you on that first
night that we had never even thought of before. You just accepted it.
Never asked where I'd learned it. Never asked what my life had been
like after you left," Cindy said.

"But...." Theresa said... weeping. Cindy took her into her arms and
cradled her. Sitting back in a chair with Theresa on her lap... Like a
hurt child.

"Look Theresa... I love you with all my heart. I always have since we
first met. You didn't think about John when you said you'd been true to
me. Because you really thought you had been. You've got this carefully
constructed double standard. One side doesn't even know that the other
side exists. That's what happened to you when I first arrived. You
loved me, you loved John, but you had this blind spot when it came to
John and I wanting each other. You felt betrayed, because we even
*could* want each other. But life is not this simple black and white,
yes or no world that you seem to think exists. There's a million shades
of gray scale and as many levels of maybe.

"Now the thing about Sheila. ... We just met her. Yes, I find her
attractive, both sexually and intellectually. But we honestly don't
know enough about her yet to go inviting her into our lives. Let alone
trust her with all the money the business is going to generate, or
invite her to share our man. I *will* say, that for now it looks
positive in her favor. We'll see. In the mean time, have a good time.
*GET* to know her. Have fun. *Learn* what she *really* has to offer.
Then if nothing else, you've had a great week. Otherwise you have more
information to base your decision on. Not because she sort of looks
like your mother and seems to act like you would have liked your mother
to act," Cindy concluded. Theresa looked at her friend, startled.

"Yes, love. I know you better than you think. I noticed the resemblance
to your mother too. Maybe before you did. I also knew how *you* would
react if she was just a little bit nice. Well, she's *a lot* nice. Your
heart went *bump* and here we are, talking about it," Cindy said.
Theresa was mostly silent.. She just snuggled to her dear friend and
digested all that she had said. Maybe it was all too fast, she
reflected. But she thought about Sheila's treatment of her when she had
wept on her shoulder.

"I still think she's alright," she said softy.

"Maybe so... that's what we're going to find out..... I promise you
that; I won't *say* no to her until I *know* that I *mean* no. I also
won't say yes to her until I *know* that I *mean* yes. I don't know
either right now. I've got some more things that I want to ask her
though."

"Like what?" Theresa asked.

"Oh... questions about business. How she'd go about getting us
established, how she'd handle different situations. And one other
thing...."

"What's that?" Theresa inquired.

"I'm not certain. I want to think about it some more... but for now,
come on. Let's go to bed. I want to feel you in my arms all night,"
Cindy said, standing and taking her lover by the hand. She killed the
lights and led her downstairs to the bedroom. Despite all the loving
they'd done earlier, Cindy made tender love to Theresa, because she
thought she needed it. Theresa was asleep seconds after a gentle climax
gripped her body. Cindy lay cradling her in her arms, thinking about
things. Finally she kissed Theresa gently on the forehead and snuggled
in herself to drift to sleep.

Chapter 41

"Your turn to cook, Sleepyhead," Cindy's voice said softly in Theresa's
ear. She opened her eyes and Cindy kissed her softly. "Come on. Let's
shower together and then I'll help you," Cindy coaxed. Theresa nodded
and headed for the bathroom. Cindy seemed to sense something and gave
her a little bit of privacy while she made the bed. When she heard the
toilet flush she entered the bathroom and joined Theresa in the shower.
They soaped each other and squirmed together as usual. Theresa slowly
coming awake from the water and sexual energy that built up. Cindy
didn't release that energy.... she figured Theresa would be getting
enough release over the next few days. She actually hoped to herself.
But time would tell.

They toweled each other dry and then teased and combed their hair under
the blow dryer. Theresa stopped to brush her teeth, Cindy had brushed
before she woke Theresa. Cindy moved to the wardrobe. She considered.
She selected her silver spandex shorts and a tube top. She slipped on
terry top sandals to protect her feet. Theresa looked about and
selected white terry shorts... her tightest pair and also selected a
tube top. She thought about it and selected open toed sandals, some of
her favorites when she wore any. The two made their way to the kitchen
and started breakfast.

About forty five minutes later Sheila walked in, brushing out her still
damp hair. The girls were sitting at the table drinking coffee when she
came in. She moved to each of them and kissed them softly. Saying good
morning and heading for the Coffee pot.

"No, sit down. I'll get it," Theresa said.

"Thanks.. but I usually get my own. I don't even ask my secretary at
the office to get coffee for me," Sheila said.

"Sit down anyway. You're our guest and I want to make you feel
comfortable," Theresa insisted.

"I do feel comfortable. But thanks," Sheila said, sitting. Cindy
considered her over her cup.

"Monte Cristo's alright for you?" Cindy asked.

"God, I love them, but I haven't had them for ages," Sheila said.

"Coming up," Theresa said, setting a large mug of French roast before
her. The girls had pre-cooked the French toast on one side and layered
the insides with the fillings. All Theresa had to do was toast one side
and then the other and serve them. Minutes later she set the first one
before Sheila. She took a bite and rolled her eyes.

"This is great," she said to Theresa.

"Cindy's recipe," Theresa said from the stove.

"Can I have a copy of it?" Sheila asked.

"Sure.. " Cindy said, a little aloof. Sheila seemed to contemplate
something for a while as she ate.

Finally she said, "Look, I've been kind of worried this morning. Are
you girls going to get in trouble with John for what we did last
night?" Theresa looked to Cindy as if to say, 'See! I told you so.'

Cindy just replied, "No... John told us we could... Gave us specific
permission that we could make love with you, if we felt like it."

"My, that was pretty generous of him," Sheila said.

"That's what I thought too. Damn generous," Cindy said. Theresa looked
at her abruptly. What the hell was Cindy doing? Sheila sort looked at
her plate. "You want to tell us *all* about it?" Cindy said.

"About what?" Theresa asked for Sheila.

"About her and John in San Francisco," Cindy said, coldly.

"What!?" Theresa asked, having no clue what Cindy was talking about.

Sheila looked up and faced Cindy, holding her gaze evenly and asked,
"How did you know?"

"Oh... I love our darling John with all my heart, but sometimes he gets
just a little too smart for himself. I wondered last night about why
you didn't ask if it was alright with John if we made love with you. It
occurred to me that it made sense if you already *knew* it was okay.
That got me to thinking about things John said when he talked about
you. He said that he only talked with you for a little while.. but he
never said: 'on the phone', Theresa and I just assumed it. Every time
we asked him something about you he skirted around the question of
whether he'd actually *met* you. He didn't lie to us.. he just didn't
tell us the whole truth. Tied together with some of the things you
said, it sort of all added up. Even the way you'd get all starry eyed
when you talked about him. Now a straight question: Did you meet with
John in San Francisco?"

"He said you were smart. Yes. We met, briefly," Sheila said, no remorse
in her voice.

"What?" Theresa gasped.

"Theresa, didn't you consider it *odd* that John *had* to be out of
town at the very time when we *had* to meet with Sheila?" Cindy asked
her.

"Well.... a little," Theresa said.

"I considered it very odd," Cindy said, "So Sheila, do you want to tell
us about it?"

"What do you want to know?" Sheila asked.

"Did John tell you to make love with us?" Cindy asked.

"No... and I wouldn't have had anything to do with him if he had. He
did say it was okay with him if we all felt like it and we did. I
accepted that. That's the only reason I did it last night. Because I
honestly wanted to. Not because anybody told me to," Sheila answered
levelly.

"So how much did you see of John in San Francisco...? Why don't you
just tell us about it from the start," Cindy said. Theresa flipped the
last sandwiches onto a plate and switched off the stove. She came and
sat down at the table. Extremely interested in what had transpired. Not
having a clue how Cindy knew. She looked to Sheila for a reply. Sheila
looked at Theresa and her heart sank. The disappointment she saw
wounded her. She took a deep breath.

"Sure. You've figured that much out. I can see why you want to know the
rest. Okay... I was sitting in the *Pussy Chat* bar......" Sheila
began. She told the girls everything, leaving nothing out. What they
had talked about, what John said. What he did and didn't do. What he
had offered her and why. What she had seen of the patents and how John
was worried because he had figured out that the girls knew about the
video system. She also explained his dilemma. And what he had told her
about the girls.

After she finished she said, "That's it. That's the whole story."

"And you and John slept together, but didn't have sex?" Cindy asked.

"As difficult to believe as it sounds, yes, that's true. I would have
in a heartbeat. I let him know it too. You don't get to meet a guy like
John in San Francisco every day. Or anywhere else for that matter,"
Sheila said.

"Not difficult at all for me to believe... that's our John, that's one
of the reasons why we love him so much. So.... what exactly are your
interests in all this? Why are you here?" Cindy asked.

"You can't be serious! Cindy!" Theresa said.

"I'm damn serious! I want to know exactly and honestly what her
motivations are. If not then we pick up the phone and call the
helicopter," Cindy spat at her.

"It's okay, Theresa. I don't mind. If John was mine I'd feel the same
way. My motivations are: First: The business. Honestly it's the
opportunity of a lifetime. I can be very good for that business. I've
served my apprenticeship for that position over my whole adult life.
I'm perfect for the job, it's perfect for me. I want to be involved in
it no matter what our relationship turns out to be.

"I'm realistic enough to realize that if you two think poorly of me
then it's probably out of the question. If that's the case, so be it. I
won't lie to you to get the job, and I damn sure didn't make love with
you to get it. The simple fact is: we need each other.

"Second: John.... I have never known a man like him in my entire life.
It has nothing to do with his money. I'm very comfortable by myself in
that respect. I wouldn't give a damn if he were penniless. He's what my
husband was not. He's understanding. He's non-judgmental. He's loving
and tender and has more ethics in his little toe than the entire
business community in San Francisco combined. In short. ... I love him.
I want to be with him. I'd be lying if I said otherwise and you know
it.

"Third: You girls..... What I felt for you yesterday .... and still
feel for you today. Is honest and true. I think you are both adorable.
You, Theresa have a sensitivity and open honestness that just stole my
heart away. You, Cindy are bright, loving and protective of those you
love.... I don't blame you for that at all. In fact I greatly admire
you for that. You are both fabulous lovers. God, last night I just
about passed out brushing my teeth. I did pass out the second my head
hit the pillow. This morning I was sorry I didn't sleep with you last
night. I missed your arms around me.....

"Well, that's how I really feel about everything.... So....do we call
the helicopter or do we go to work?" Sheila concluded. Tears streaming
freely down her cheeks. Theresa's dam had broken long before. Cindy's
eyes were more than a bit sparkly.

Cindy said, "We go to work... after we go back to bed." Sheila knocked
her chair over as she flew into Cindy's arms. A long time later the
three of them lay together on the bed. Happily satiated, Sheila softly
stroked the two of them with her fingertips.

"God... I've never been so afraid in my whole life as I was back there
in the kitchen," Sheila said. Cindy crawled over atop her and kissed
her, softly.

"What about?" she asked.

"I was so afraid you'd send me away," Sheila replied.

"I almost did," Cindy said.

"Why didn't you?" Sheila asked.

"Well... it wasn't what you said about the business. Although it's
true. We do need you. But the simple fact is that we would have gotten
along without you. Maybe not as well, but we would have done it. And it
wasn't what you said about Theresa and I. Although it was also true. I
think you're adorable myself. But my life has been very satisfying so
far in that respect. As much as I enjoy making love with you, I could
have gotten along without you. Don't take it personal. It's just plain
fact. I wouldn't have liked it. It's not what I *prefer*, but I could
have done it.

"It was what you said about John. I couldn't fault you for loving him
for the very reasons that Theresa and I do. But it was what you said
about his ethics that impressed me. Most people on the planet don't
even know what ethics are. You do. You would have to, to recognize how
important they are to John. Not only did you recognize it, but you were
impressed by it. Not only impressed but god damn impressed. I could see
it in your face and hear it in your voice. The only reason that would
be the case, is if you were an ethical person yourself. That's mostly
what changed my mind," Cindy concluded, softly kissing her.

"You say mostly... what else?" Sheila asked, tracing her fingertips
down Cindy's back.

"Oh... hard as it is for me to admit it; John wants you. He wouldn't
have gone to all this fucking trouble if he didn't. I want what John
wants. You're what John wants. So I want you too. In his life, I mean.
I want you for myself besides that, but mainly I want you in his life
because he does," Cindy said.

"How can you be so self-less?" Sheila asked in astonishment.

"I'm not self-less. I'm very selfish. I just happen to be the most
selfish about keeping my man happy," Cindy concluded.

"I promise you. I will do my very best to try to meet that goal
myself," Sheila said, solemnly.

"I know you will... that's why you're still here," Cindy chuckled.

"John said you were a smart one... but I don't know if he realizes just
how smart you are," Sheila said.

"That's because I'm smart enough not to let him know," Cindy chuckled.

"I'm still lost in San Francisco... What happened?" Theresa asked from
the side.

Cindy rolled over atop her friend and said, "What happened, is that we
have a new partner and another mouth to feed. And you get to cuddle to
her anytime you'd like.. Just like a real mom, only better. 'Cause she
can cuddle back without hurting you."

"Do I have to call her mom?" Theresa asked, grinning fiercely.

"Oh God, please don't!" Sheila moaned. They all cracked up and laughed
themselves to tears.... Then they made love again... and again....and
yet again.

Chapter 42

It was afternoon. A rainbow drifted across the wall of the otherwise
darkened room. The women were all loved out, yet continued to caress
each other. Cindy crawled over and whispered something in Theresa's
ear. A grin broke out on Theresa's face. She nodded and slowly rolled
to her feet. All Sheila could do was watch her go. Which she did,
admiring the sleek backside. Cindy rolled over to her and kissed her
softly.

"I'm going to go try to help Theresa make some lunch," Cindy said, "Why
don't you just lay here and re-coup your energy." Sheila half nodded.
Which was really all the energy she had left. Cindy kissed her softly
one last time and rolled off the bed onto shaky feet. Sheila watched
her recede as well. Her backside no less shapely than Theresa's.....
different, but just as nice. The girls had done quite a number on her.
Ganging up to please her again and again.

That had only been the beginning. Then Cindy got out her little toy.
Apparently Sheila's inner dimensions weren't to far different from
Theresa's. In the following half hour she had experienced far more
orgasms than she had previously experienced in a whole week, when she
was *very* sexually active. That had been years before when she was
younger. Then, it had left her almost a basket case, even spread over a
whole week. She had wandered around in a hazed state. Barely able to
talk. Now.... all at once.....She shivered.

She understood now why John thought that perhaps the relationship had
lasted so long, was because the girls had each other as well. They
could use their boundless youthful energy upon each other, saving John
from cardiac arrest. Sheila lay there thinking how she'd been poked and
stroked, caressed and licked almost to death herself. A slow smile
crept over her face. Life was good. She closed her eyes and floated in
the warm mist of endorphins that enshrouded her. [Endorphins are
natural opiates that the body produces to reward itself for positive
behavior. They are what a person feels after a hard day of work, or
skiing. Or the warm, listfull feeling a person feels after sex.]

'I'm a love junkie,' thought Sheila, as she drifted off to sleep.
Sometime later a gentle hand caressed her breasts. Lips were upon hers.
Now, she was slightly more cognizant. Just barely. She opened her eyes
and Cindy smiled at her.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. How about some coffee and nourishment?" she said
softly.

"Uh!" Sheila grunted.

"Scoot up and lean against the headboard so I can swing the tray
around," Cindy said.

"Uh," Sheila replied. Slowly creeping towards the headboard. She
finally reached the distant destination and pulled herself half erect.
Her lovely breasts hanging free before her as she leaned back against
the headboard. Cindy swung the tray around and placed a large mug of
coffee before her. Sheila looked at it and eventually figured out that
the only way to get it to her mouth, was to pick it up. She decided
which arm she would use and sent word to it to perform its task. It
resisted.

"Please," she murmured. Slowly the arm lifted itself and grasped the
cup. She steadied herself and leaned towards the tray. Slowly the cup
levitated and tipped to her lips. The first sip was like nectar from
the gods. It prompted her to request another from her arm. Which
grudgingly complied. Slowly the fog started to lift. She figured out
that she could see better if she left her eyes open. That was a big
help.

When she had about half the mug imbibed, she nodded to the arm and
said, "Thank you." Her eyes began to search the tray for the mythical
nourishment that Cindy had mentioned. After a time she became alarmed.
Her eyes must be broken. She could locate none. She searched in every
corner of the tray. She even talked her other arm into helping out with
a tactile search. It was futile. The food was lost somewhere.

"Looking for something?" Theresa's voice asked from the foot of the
bed. Sheila raised her eyes. Then opened them wide. A shot of panic
raced through her body. The mannequin had come alive! It stood at the
foot of the bed, wearing the outfit she had designed. It was holding
her food! It wanted to trade food for sex, Sheila reasoned.

"I have nothing left to give," Sheila said to the mannequin.

"I think we broke her," Theresa said.

"This calls for drastic measures," Cindy replied.

"Shock treatment?" Theresa asked, joking.

"Of a sort..... I think this is why John installed that secret passage
to the fountain of youth," Cindy replied, cryptically. It took Theresa
a moment to get it.

"Oh...Okay."

"I'd better go with her, will you meet us there? With the food and more
coffee, please?" Cindy asked.

"Sure, no problem. Anything to save a life," Theresa replied. She
snatched Sheila's coffee cup and headed out. The mannequin had stolen
her nectar of the gods! Just because she had no more sex to give for
food! Sheila thought.

"Come on, love. Time to go skydiving," Cindy said, hefting Sheila by
the arms.

"Don't worry about me, save yourself," Sheila cried.

"Come on, just a short walk," Cindy said. She managed to get Sheila to
her feet.

"Are you a mannequin too, or the real thing?" Sheila asked.

"The genuine article," Cindy said, guiding her to the trap door.

"I read one of them once," Sheila said. Cindy opened the trap.

Then said, "Come on dear, just one more big step and then you'll be
just fine."

"Hokay.." Sheila said, not looking down. Cindy stepped with her and
they dropped out of the bedroom. A scant fraction of a second later
they hit the water. Cindy flexed her knees, hit bottom and pushed off,
still clinging to Sheila. Sheila broke the surface sputtering and
coughing. Cindy held her up and towed her towards the ladder.

"Help! The mannequins have thrown me in the moat!" Sheila cried. Then
she seemed to see Cindy. She looked around and then back at Cindy.
"That wasn't very nice of you... but I guess I needed it. Thanks," she
said, fairly coherent. Cindy smiled at her.

"Wouldn't have you miss the pool while you were here," she chuckled.
Sheila looked up at the open trap and gauged the distance down to the
deck.

"Yeah, that would have hurt," she said, chuckling. Cindy continued to
tow her to the side. She reached the steps beneath the water and pulled
Sheila up onto a sitting ledge. Her hair drooped in strands down her
forehead and was getting into her eyes. Sheila sat there, only still
half aware. Cindy took her fingers and gently pushed the golden strands
out of the way.

"Feeling better?" she asked.

Sheila thought for a moment and then replied, "Darling, I've never felt
better in my life."

"What was that about mannequins?" Cindy asked.

"Oh.... I guess I dreamed it. I was looking for the food you promised
me... (where is it anyway?) Anyway, I looked up and I swear the
mannequin from the lab was holding a tray of food. I thought it wanted
to trade food for sex. I told it I didn't have any left..... And there
it is!" Sheila said, pointing.

"Uh... Sheila. That's Theresa wearing the outfit you designed," Cindy
said, looking carefully at Sheila.

"Oh... of course it is... But she looks just like the mannequin,"
Sheila said.

"Of course she does. It's made from a scan of her," Cindy said.

"I know... But what I thought.... Jesus! What did you girls do to me?"
Sheila said.

"Oh... just a little love making," Cindy demurred.

"I've made love lots of times before, but I never hallucinated. But I
guess I didn't hallucinate. I just misinterpreted what my eyes actually
saw," Sheila said.

"Come on, you're lucid enough to eat. Theresa won't bite... but I know
her to be an excellent nibbler," Cindy said.

"I'm very cognizant of that fact. I concur with your supposition,"
Sheila said. Cindy looked at her a moment.

"You know, a year ago I wouldn't have understood a word you just said."

"Glad you're learning," Sheila said. Cindy climbed the ladder and
Sheila watched her the whole way.

"Now *that* is a delightful sight," she said.

"Yup, you are feeling much better," Cindy said, watching Sheila climb
up. She helped her at the top of the ladder, offering her a hand and
then using it to pull Sheila into a kiss. "And you're welcome to it...
whenever you feel recovered enough," she said, pulling Sheila's hand to
her ass.

"Not quite yet, I'm just learning to speak again," Sheila said, but she
descended into a deep kiss before she let go of Cindy's posterior.

"It lives!" Theresa said from the table.

"That's what I thought about you. Come here. Model that for me,
please," Sheila said. Theresa dimpled and stepped away from the table.
She held her arms out and did a slow turn around. The outfit hugged
every inch of her body. "God, if Albert knew his face was on that body,
he'd rise from the dead," Sheila said in admiration.

"Turned out pretty nice, didn't it?" Theresa replied.

"I'll say. And over-night!" Sheila said.

"It was done last night, but so were you," Cindy chuckled.

"It's outstanding. You girls are going to be *very* rich," Sheila said.

"*Us* girls. You're going to help us, remember? We're going to send you
back with a complete wardrobe that you can show off till you can come
back for good. But for now, I think we should feed you and let you
recover a bit more before we subject you to ... *The machine*," Cindy
said, guiding her to the table. She grabbed a towel and dried Sheila
off, then seating her, wrapping it around her hair.

"Thanks... what's to eat?" Sheila said.

"Yeah, I know; you're ravished and famished both," Theresa chuckled.

"We didn't think you'd be up to anything complicated, so it's just
roast beef on wheat buns, and lots of coffee," Cindy said.

"A queen's feast!" Sheila said, digging in. When she finally let up she
said, "I thought you subjected me to *the machine* earlier today... it
was today wasn't it? ... and where can I get one of those?"

Cindy chuckled, "Let's see... if I remember all the questions; One: a
different machine. I was referring to the scanner. Two: it *was* today
and Three: Right here. John made that for my birthday."

"John made that? God, I hope he patented that too!" Sheila said.

"Theresa and I said the same thing the first time we tried it out...
while John was in San Francisco........" Cindy trailed off.

"Thinking about John?" Sheila asked.

"Yeah, wondering what we should do with him," Cindy said.

"He meant well," Sheila offered.

"No, he didn't. He meant to trick us. And he succeeded. He *knew* we'd
flip over you. We did. It just bugs the shit out of me that he thought
it was necessary," Cindy said.

"For what it's worth. I think John was really thinking about the
company. I don't think he expected to be attracted to *me*. When he
was, I think he got scared. He thought I was the best person for the
job... which I agree with -but I'm biased- but he was worried that you
girls wouldn't want to work with me if he was attracted to me.

"I don't know why John didn't just call me at the office, during the
week he was there. I have no clue as to why he went about meeting me
the way he did.... It was a total fluke. I didn't have to follow him
out of the bar. But he intrigued me. I didn't like the way Angie... -
that's the bartender- treated him. He didn't deserve it. His reply to
her was .... I don't know. Honest, I guess. He didn't swear at her or
anything like that. He just agreed with her in a manner which made her
look about an inch tall. Then he left. I just wanted to show him
that... well... that women like me.. weren't all that way."

"Like *Us*," Theresa said.

"If you wish.. but I don't put you two in *that* category... A lot of
the women in that place would chew you up and spit you out just for the
fun of it," Sheila said.

"But you're not like that," Theresa said.

"I used to be. I got pretty bitter at the world when I got divorced.
After I could tolerate men -at all- I did a lot of... sport fucking.
Sorry, but that's what it was. At the time I turned against everyone.
The relationships I had with women were the same way. I'd never see the
same one twice. I'd go out and pick them up, take them home and use
them, then move on to the next one. I'd throw in a man or two whenever
the mood hit me. I wasn't a very nice person," Sheila admitted.

"So what changed?" Cindy asked, munching the last bite of her sandwich.

"I did. I guess... it was a bunch of things really. I woke up next to a
bunch of scrungy people. I got pretty scared about that. San Francisco
isn't really the safest place to have casual sex. I had myself checked
out, and I blessed the gods that I was lucky enough not to catch
anything. Then I started asking myself why I was waking up next to
scrungy people.. I figured out finally that that was what I had become.
I was physically clean. But I was acting... dirty. Sex was just a thing
to do. It had no meaning at all. Just hedonistic pleasure for
pleasure's sake. Not that that by itself is bad. But it's not enough
for me. Then for a long time I didn't have any sex. I didn't go out. I
just went to work and went home. My life became a void. An empty
nothingness," Sheila said.

"So what changed that?" Theresa asked.

"A client and my secretary," Sheila replied, "I got called out to an
appointment at this fashion house a few years back. The owner was a
beautiful oriental woman called Mae. I wanted Mae the first instant I
saw her... like I did you two... But I fought it off for a long time.
Not wanting to re-enter the life I had been living. God, I used to
tremble whenever I was near her. We worked together a long time, saving
her company. We did. In fact it began to grow, it's still growing.

"One night she asked me to go out with her to celebrate. I guess we got
pretty tipsy. She took me back to her place and we sat around talking
and drinking even more. Then she came right out and asked me why I had
never made a pass at her. I was floored. I didn't know what to say. I'd
done my best to hide my tendencies from her. She'd known all along. I
told her that she was a friend and a client, and that I didn't want to
lose either. She told me that friends were the best kind of lovers. I'd
never known that before. I just sat there dumb struck.

"Then she kissed me. It wasn't a stick your tongue down a throat in
search of tonsils kiss. It was the sweetest, softest kiss I've ever
known. I didn't realize how fragile I'd become. I climaxed right in the
middle of the kiss. Not a bone shaking, earth shattering climax that
knocks you out. It was more like... well, my vagina just sort of
contracted and suddenly I felt warm and tingling all over.... Anyway...
that night Mae taught me how to make love. Before I had just been
fucking. It was the very first time I had ever made *love* with anyone.
We've been friends ever since. Sometimes we still make love," Sheila
said. A bit flushed.

"You said your secretary, too?" Theresa prompted. Sheila smiled and
nodded. She seemed to think about it for a while.

"Judy... well Judy has *never* been with a man. She didn't turn gay...
she always was. From the time she reached puberty. She told me... well.
That's a different story. A little while after Mae and I had made love,
it may have been a week or so, Judy was talking to me in the office. I
guess I was sort of distant. I had started to smile again and even joke
with people.

"Out of the blue Judy said: 'You know, since you've been seeing Mae
you're a lot nicer person to be around.' I didn't know what to say.
'What do you mean?' I asked her. She said: 'Sheila... I've known Mae
for years. And I've known you for years. I know what you used to be
like. I watched what you became afterwards. I don't know anything about
what you and Mae have been doing... but I've got a pretty good idea.
Suddenly you're smiling again. You laugh at jokes. You're pleasant to
be around. Whatever you are doing with Mae, keep doing it. It's good
for you. You've even become attractive to me, and I'm very picky. But
don't worry, I know I have to work with you. It's best not to play
where you make your pay. I just wanted to let you know that it shows.
You *are* a nicer person now.'

"I was shocked. I'd had no idea that Judy was gay. I just thanked her.
She smiled at me and we went back to work. I'd always thought that Judy
was pretty, but I'd always thought that she was straight too. I started
to notice little things about her. The way she walked, the things she
said. How she wore her hair and how she dealt with men. I wondered how
I could have been so blind.

"Quite a while later we had to go out of town to a client in ....
Omaha, Nebraska. That was it. We met with the client all day and then
got a room for the night. It had two double beds in it, I remember. We
had dinner in the hotel and a few drinks in the bar. Then headed for
the room.

"I didn't even think about it. I took a shower and came out wearing
just a towel, drying my hair with another one. I looked over and caught
her looking at me... I asked her: 'So, do you still find me
attractive?' and she answered: 'Very much so.' kind of quietly. Looking
down into her lap.

"I remember thinking how pretty she was. I could tell she really wanted
me, but was afraid. After working together for so long, well... we were
*friends*. We didn't spend time together away from work, but we *were*
friends. Then I remembered what Mae had told me about friends being the
best lovers. Seeing Judy there...in anguish. Well, my heart just went
out to her. I realized that I wanted her too. So... Well, I just
dropped my towel.

"She glanced at me in shock and then looked away and said: 'Please
don't tease me.' I walked to her bed and sat down and said, 'I'm not
teasing. I want you too.' God, suddenly she was in my arms, crying. I
just hugged her for a long time. Then I kissed her like Mae had kissed
me. She didn't climax, but she literally quivered in my arms. I
undressed her and we made love. *Really* made love," Sheila finished.
She looked a little embarrassed.

"I think that's great," Cindy said.

"Kind of like Cindy and I..." Theresa added.

"Tell me about it," Sheila said, pouring another cup of coffee.

"I don't know..." Theresa blushed.

"Oh..Come on. I just bared my soul to you...and there's nobody here but
us chickens."

"And John's fucking cameras," Cindy said loudly, looking around,
grinning. Sheila and Theresa looked at her startled. "Sorry, I just
needed to do that," Cindy said, "Go ahead, Theresa. I don't mind..."
Sheila giggled, looking at Cindy.

"Please.. I want to hear," she said, turning to Theresa.

"I... Okay... We were in Jr. High. One day in gym class I was drying
off after a shower. I turned around and caught Cindy looking at me. I
had a bruise on my hip where my step-father had thrown me into a wall.
I thought that's what she was looking at. I got embarrassed and covered
it up real quick. I put on my underwear and she turned away again."

"Actually, I was looking at your ass. It was the cutest thing I ever
saw," Cindy snickered.

"I didn't know that then. I just thought you were looking at my bruise.
I probably wouldn't have become friends with you if I'd known then you
were looking at my ass.... Anyway... Well from time to time I'd catch
her looking at me again. I just knew, she knew that my step-father was
beating me up.

"We had some other classes together and got to know each other a little
better. Then one day after our gym shower, I caught her trying to cover
up her own bruise. God, I felt so sorry for her. Knowing what it was
like for me. Anyway, later I saw her eating lunch by herself. I walked
over and asked if I could join her."

"The spider and the fly..." Cindy said.

"Huh? Anyway... We ate lunch together. I asked if she wanted to talk
about her bruise. She said, 'What's to talk about? I got it the same
way you get yours.' So I talked about other stuff. After a while she
started talking herself. Next thing I knew, we were friends. We spent a
lot of time together. God, we went everywhere together."

"We had some good times..." Cindy agreed.

"So anyway," Theresa continued, "One day I hear these girls talking
about some other girl. They're saying how she's lezzie and all that. So
I ask them who they're talking about. 'You outta know... she's your
friend,' one of them says. And they walk away."

"Claudia and Valerie. Right?" Cindy chuckled.

"How did you know?... Anyway, I was shocked. I'd had no clue. Kind of
like you with Judy. I didn't know what to think. I didn't want to lose
my friend... God, I loved her! I didn't say anything about it to her
then. We used to sleep over to each other's houses sometimes on the
weekends when our folks were feeling generous. One time when we were at
Cindy's, I guess her folks were out of town or something."

"Family reunion. I had to talk my ass off to get out of it," Cindy
mused.

"Yeah, that was it. Anyway. Cindy asked me to stay over. We were still
good friends and she hadn't tried anything with me, so I said yes. I
got permission from my mom. My stepfather was being an asshole again so
she said yes, probably to get me out of the house... Anyway. We were
alone in her parents house. We watched TV and ate popcorn and joked.
The house was empty except for us. Cindy started to take off her
clothes. It was summer, and it was hot. I took off my blouse too. Then
she took off her pants, so, so did I. Then we continued to just sit
around in our bras and panties."

"God, you were hot! I wanted to rip them off with my teeth and eat you
for dinner," Cindy said.

"But you didn't... I don't know... I guess... Well I started getting a
little sleepy. We were close friends.. we hugged a lot and all that..
Well, I guess I kind of leaned back against her. She just put her arms
around me and held me while we were watching TV. She sort of tickled me
a little every now and then."

"I was trying to keep you awake while I got my nerve up," Cindy said.

"I know.. *now*. Anyway ..... she sort of quit tickling me and started
sort of caressing me... real lightly on my belly, sides and shoulders.
You know, fingertips down my arms and such. I liked it so I let her.
Then suddenly I realize that she's rubbed down my shoulders and she's
got her fingers inside my bra.... God, I was scared."

"You were scared? I was scared shitless!" Cindy said.

"I didn't want to lose my friend. My dear friend. So.... I let her. I'd
been felt up before, by my step-father. He used to squeeze my tits till
it hurt. But this wasn't the same thing. She was my friend. She didn't
hurt me. In fact it was quite nice. I didn't fight her at all when she
undid my bra and then took hers off. She pulled me back against her and
it felt good. Her bare breasts against my bare back. Well, she started
to feel my breasts again. Playing just her fingertips over them. Then
she sort of rubbed the ends and I got a funny feeling between my legs.
Like I'd felt before when I'd rubbed my own nipples.

"I'd never thought about *liking* being touched by another person
before. When my step-father had done it, I just didn't have any choice.
I didn't enjoy it, I just... gritted my teeth and waited for it to be
over. But suddenly here I was enjoying what Cindy was doing to me. So I
thought she might like it too. I sort of turned to her and started to
touch her the same way."

"Surprised the shit right out of me," Cindy said, "I thought you turned
around to tell me to stop... I would have too."

"I know... but ...well, I wanted to keep your friendship. When you
reached inside my panties... I knew where *that* led. But you were real
gentle. I didn't think it would be so bad. I thought I would let you do
it, then we could just be friends again. Anyway, Cindy was touching me
inside my panties. But not like I'd been touched there before. *I LIKED
IT*! I thought if I liked it, then maybe she would too, so I started to
touch her there."

"That really shocked me! God, I almost came right that instant," Cindy
said, rolling her eyes.

"Anyway... When she suggested we go to bed, I thought that she was
through, that she just wanted to sleep. But when we got into the
bedroom... She kissed me. Now we had kissed before, but this wasn't the
same. Before it was just a quick smack on the lips. This time she held
me when I went to pull back. I didn't know what to do... so I kissed
back. Then she put her tongue between my lips. But my stepfather had
done that... and lots worse.....

"Anyway, suddenly I found myself liking that too. She was soft and
gentle. She didn't just stuff it inside my mouth. She kind of played
tag with mine. She started to rub my tits again with her hands. And
between the kissing and her hands I started to get wet. I think it was
the first time anyone made me wet. It just seemed natural when she
pushed my panties down and led me to the bed.

"She got on top of me. Kissing me and touching me and ... well... she
put her finger inside me. I got a little scared, but she ... well, she
rubbed me... It felt so good that I just quit fighting her. Suddenly I
realized that she was making love to me. Like I'd always heard about.
And it felt *good*, like I'd dreamed about it being. I just sort of
went away. God, the next thing I know my body's bucking and shaking
like a bronco. Something exploded inside my head and I screamed. I
thought she'd broken something on me, but god,.. it was the most
incredible thing I ever felt. And then she was there, caressing me and
kissing me again.

"I felt good. I *liked* it. I wanted her to keep on touching me. I just
wanted to feel *that* way again and again. She started kissing me down
my neck.. and then she licked my nipples. Everything she did felt
great. So I just let her continue.. She started kissing me down my
belly and I got all quivery inside. Then she kissed inside my hip bones
and sort of moved down. The next thing I know she's kissing me between
my legs. God, it felt better than even her finger had. She just barely
started when I orgasmed again.. but I didn't know then what it was. It
just felt good. Only this time, it didn't stop. She didn't stop either.
I must have had ten orgasms before she quit. I guess I passed out."

"I thought I'd killed you. I was so damn horny myself I almost
exploded," Cindy said.

"When I woke up, Cindy was kissing me again. But I could taste myself
on her lips. At first it made me sick. But I didn't want to stop her
..... not after what she'd done to me. She rolled over onto her back
and looked at me, waiting. God, I was scared. I didn't know what to do.
So I thought about what she had done, and just did my best to follow
it."

"You left out a *few* steps. Seemed like you went from my lips to my
nipples to my pussy," Cindy chuckled..." I didn't mind. I just wanted
you there."

"Yeah, I know you did. I figured if I didn't do the same thing to you,
you wouldn't do it to me again. Anyway... I'm kissing down to her....
pussy.... and I don't know if I can do it. I sort of sneak up on
it...(I thought anyway). And I get used to the smell.... now I think of
it as aroma or bouquet.. then it was smell. I finally get to the point
where I'm licking between her legs.. and well, she starts to bucking
too and I just sort of forget about the smell and start licking deeper
and she bucks harder and so I lick harder and deeper and then next
thing I know she's like a wild animal. Bucking and screaming, her whole
body's all twisted up and jerking. I think about what she did to me,
and figure I'm doing the same to her.

"Then it strikes me... I'm making *love* to her. Up till then I was
just trying to make her do it to me again.. but when I realized what we
were doing.. Well I *wanted* to be doing it. So I did it a lot to her.
Until she pulls me up and kisses me hard. Then ... I don't know.. I
guess we just sort of caressed each other for a long time. Kissing
softly every now and then........... After a while, we did it again.
Only this time she pulled me around so we were doing each other at the
same time.

"I think... I'm making love *with* her. ... It was a very special
moment in my life. That was the first time I ever made love *with*
somebody. When my climax hit it was like a freight train. But I just
wanted to keep doing to Cindy what she was doing to me. I think we must
have given each other another dozen climaxes before we finally quit.
Then we caressed each other to sleep.

"In the morning I woke up snuggled to her. God it felt great. We
started kissing again... morning breath and all. We were going to do it
again when we heard her parent's car pull in," Theresa said.

"So you stayed lovers?" Sheila asked, very hoarsely.

"Not right away... she wouldn't talk to me for over a month," Cindy
said, "I was so scared. I thought I'd lost her."

"That's because I got scared about what we'd done. We were both girls.
We weren't *supposed* to be doing that....let alone liking it!" Theresa
said.

"So what changed your mind?" Sheila asked.

"My stepfather fucked me, again," Theresa spat, "God, he got drunk.....
He hit my mom and she went away to cry... then he came into my room and
ripped my clothes off...... He made me suck him.. I remember gagging on
it. He squeezed my tits and it hurt. He stuffed a finger in me and it
hurt. He put his cock in me .... and it hurt. He kissed me and I didn't
like it.... I kept trying to enjoy it... like I had with Cindy..... but
I didn't. Then he came inside me and called me a little whore and hit
me..... My mother came in screaming at him and he hit her. Calling her
a whore too. He ripped off her clothes too and fucked her right on the
bed next to me. Then he went away.....

"My mother and I just clung to each other in fear that he would come
back. When he didn't for a long time... my mother was still crying....I
just wanted to make it better for her.....I started kissing her face
and she just hugged me tighter. I caressed her back and she hugged me
tighter. She just cried and cried. So.... I started to touch her......
She suddenly got all mad at me. She jumped up and ran into her room.
She wouldn't open her door for me..... I was crying... I finally went
to bed and cried all night," Theresa said....crying softly.

"You didn't tell me all this," Cindy said, pulling Theresa into her
lap.

"I never told anybody... all of it..... there's more....."

"Just take your time.. you don't have to tell us...," Sheila said, she
was on her knees, next to them, holding Theresa's hand.

"No... I do... I have to tell someone....." Theresa sobbed.

"Okay, love.... when you're ready.." Cindy comforted, kissing her tears
away.

"My mom wouldn't talk to me for a week....... Then my stepfather came
back...... he'd been gone all week.... He was drunk....again....
God.... he had a knife.... a big hunting knife..... he got me and my
mother.... well.... he made us go into the bedroom and lie on the
bed..... He cut off all our clothes.... Then he fucked me while he made
my mom watch..... then he fucked her while he made me watch..... Then
he made both of us suck him till he was hard again.... then he fucked
me in the ass.. god, it hurt!... then her for a while.. then me
again... He came inside of me.... Then he made her .....lick me..... It
just felt so different..... well..... I c-came..... He hit me and
called me a little lezzie slut.... Then he made me lick her........ I
didn't know what else to do..... God, I was so scared that he'd kill
us......

"So I tried.... really tried..... and my mother came too....... "
Theresa sobbed great sobs. Her chest heaving. Cindy and Sheila just let
her cry herself out. Sheila hugging them both... Cindy holding and
comforting her friend.

"It's okay.. baby just let it out...." Cindy told her, holding her
gently in her arms.... After she had cried herself out Theresa began
again.....

"He... .. Well... he wouldn't let us out of the house.....He made us
walk around nude for a whole week........ Whenever he felt like it,
he'd fuck one of us..... always making the other one watch.......He
made us sleep together. He told us that if we ever told anybody, or
tried to get away.... that he'd kill us. If one of us got away then
he'd kill the other one.... If we called the cops... he'd come back and
kill us when he got out of jail......... I don't know.... something
changed in my mother..... He made us make....no, it wasn't love... he
made us fuck each other several times a day...... Sometimes he'd fuck
one of us, while we were doing it... sometimes in the ass... making us
suck him afterwards...

"It got so that my mother and I were ..... well, when he wasn't making
us do it... we just sort of hugged each other and waited for him to
make us do it.... Then my mother told him something... I don't know
what..... He kind of got real scared.... He still made us do it... but
he did it softer....... almost gentle.... like he was trying to make up
for what he'd done...... Then he let me get dressed....

"After that, he spent a lot of time alone with her in their bedroom...
I don't know what they were doing..... I guess it was about a week
later, he still wouldn't let me go out.......... He was a little
drunk... she was too.... They came into my room... together....... He
sat down on the bed and she ... well, she started kissing me......Only
really kissing me.... She put her tongue in my mouth and all that..
only soft... I didn't know what to do.... He was watching...... I
thought that he would kill us or something... but my mother was
smiling... they both were...... I let her undress me..... then she
started touching me ... softly... lightly... like you did Cindy....

"It was so different.... It felt good...... so....... I started
touching her back...... She kind of looked scared... but she kept doing
it...... Like she was making love to me...... I liked it....... She
sucked my nipples real soft like... then she laid me on the bed.......
She pulled off my panties and touched me softly there too....... She
got undressed and lay down with me..... she kissed me some more... and
touched me... and pulled my hand to her....pussy....... I ...I.....I
put my finger inside her...... and she put hers inside me.......God..
she was so gentle..... When she started kissing down my belly, I wanted
her to do it.... 'Cause.... it was so different from what he'd made us
do.... And then she started kissing me between my legs..... God, she
put her tongue inside me.... I came... and she still kept doing it. I
came again.. and she still kept doing it.......

"She moved her hips over my head and..... I did it to her too..... I
made her cum. .... We did it for a long time..... Afterwards, she
kissed me lots and told me that she loved me........ My stepfather took
off his clothes..... Then my mother sucked him.... she told me to suck
him too.... I did... 'cause she wanted me to..... When he got hard, she
laid me back and licked me some more. ..... When I was about to cum
again... she stopped and pulled him onto me.....

"She guided him in and he fucked me.... slower and ..... easier than
before,.. but he fucked me...... My mother moved around and put her
legs under me... holding me back against her breasts... she played with
mine and held me while he kept fucking me.... I don't know why... I
guess it was 'cause it was so different.... but I climaxed.... Then he
came inside me....... The asshole kissed me and told me thanks......

"Then he left the room... my mom.... Well she kept holding me...She was
still playing with my tits.....She didn't say anything about what he
did.... Then she got down and licked his stuff out of me........I
couldn't help it, I came again..... She put her hips over my head and I
made her climax again..... Then she kissed me and told me good night,
like nothing had happened.... and then she left too..........

"God... I didn't know what to do...... I cried myself to sleep... The
next morning she wakes me up for the first day of school like nothing
had happened..... So I went to school. God, I couldn't concentrate on
anything.... Then I saw Cindy... I wanted her.... but more than
that.... I really needed her.... When I saw her after gym... all nude
and pretty.... Well I just walked up and asked her: 'How ya been?' She
looked shocked.... I said how good it was to see her and asked her to
meet me after school.. she agreed..

"We met and .... well I took her hand.. said I was sorry for not
talking to her ... and ... well.. I told her I wanted her.... She
looked shocked, but eager. We found a place... I guess it was just a
shack behind some old buildings.. And we made love. Sweet, caring,
gentle love. It was the best thing that could have happened to me
then..... God, I came like a herd of wild elephants. Then I made her
cum... on an old dirty mattress she saved my life."

"Oh god, Theresa, I didn't know!" Cindy cried.

"I know.. but you did. You saved my life. If I hadn't made love with
you that day.. I would have killed myself...." Theresa said, now
calmer...

"God, I'm so sorry...." Cindy said.

"Don't be. You were there when I needed you.. You were there every time
I needed you.... My folks didn't stop... you see... They did it to me
lots..... almost every night....for a while.... and each time I'd start
thinking about killing myself again... you were there ... with your
soft, gentle ... Real...love.." Theresa said, squeezing Cindy's hand,
then kissing her palm.

After a time she continued, "Sometimes my stepfather would go away for
days. When he did my mom would sleep with me.... Sometimes we would do
it... but it never felt like making love.... I just did it..... Well, I
didn't know how to tell her no....... Then once he came back drunk,
real late...... He called us lezzie whores... he fucked her and then
me, real hard. When I didn't climax he hit me. He made mom and I lick
each other until we both climaxed. Then he hit us just for fun........
Mom tried to make him stop... he just kept it up.... He beat her pretty
bad...I was not as bad..... He just knocked the wind out of me... then
he took her off to their room...After a while he quit hitting her. I
don't know what happened..... but after a while they were laughing.....

"They came back to my room. It was just like that first time when they
came back all smiles and caresses. They acted like nothing wrong had
happened. Again she caressed me and licked me... She had me suck him
and then she held me for a while, while he fucked me.... She even moved
over my head while he was doing it and they kissed and he played with
her tits while he fucked me and she sat on my face..........

"I couldn't take it anymore. Early the next morning before they got up,
I threw some things in a backpack and I hit the road. I'm so sorry I
didn't call you, Cindy. But I just wanted to get away from there. I
took some money from his wallet... He didn't have much. Fifty bucks is
all. I thumbed out of town. The further away I got, the better I felt.
I passed through several big cities. I didn't stay long. Some guy would
let me stay overnight, if I sucked him. But I'd leave in the morning
and hit the road.

"For a while, I stayed with this one guy. He was real cute. I even let
him fuck me. Lots of times. Then I went on the rag and he said he
didn't want me around anymore. So I hit the road again. I thumbed all
over the place. Sometimes guys would let me sleep while they drove. One
guy offered me money to suck him. I did it cause I was broke.

"Then I came into town here. A drunk cowboy picked me up in a pickup.
It was real cold by then. I was just glad for the ride. He waited till
he got way out of town and then told me to suck him off. I told him no.
He stopped the truck and demanded it. Tried to kiss me. I pushed him
off and he punched me in the eye.... I jumped out, but before I could
grab my backpack, he drove off.

"God, I guess I walked for hours. I was freezing to death, all I had
was a thin coat... Then I saw these headlights.. I ran in front of them
and waved my arms. I heard the tires squeal... and then I woke up the
next morning here," Theresa concluded.

"Jesus, Theresa. I had no idea of what you went through," Cindy said,
holding her close.

"Well... that's the story of my life," Theresa said to Sheila.

"I'm so sorry... I wish there was something I could do to make it
better for you," Sheila said, hugging her in Cindy's lap. Tears
streamed down both Sheila's and Cindy's faces.

"You have.... You helped me get it out... I feel... better... Like a
great weight has been lifted from me.... " Theresa said. She turned and
kissed Cindy's tears away. Then shared a deep salty kiss with her
friend. Then she turned to Sheila and pulled her close. She kissed her
tears and then kissed her deeply too.

"Anything I can get you?" Cindy asked, not knowing what else to do.

"No... I kind of want to take a nap, but I'm not really so tired as
exhausted," Theresa said.

"I know just the thing for you. A hot buttered rum. Absolutely
delicious and the most devastating drink I ever drank. Doesn't make you
drunk, just ... very sleepy," Sheila said, "I'll make you one while
Cindy tucks you in."

"Good idea," Cindy said. They both helped Theresa to her feet. She
hugged them each fiercely. Then they walked her to the bedroom. Sheila
went to leave, but Theresa pulled her into a gentle kiss...

"Thanks.." she said.

"Hey, I'm sorry I put you through that..... But I'm glad you got it
out. Anytime you want to talk about it... Well I'm willing to listen. I
don't know how much I can help, but I'll do anything I can for you.
Anything at all," Sheila said.

"You didn't put me through it. You helped me get it out. And what you
can do for me.... is *love* me.. *really love* me....Whenever we make
love... make *real love*. Okay?" Theresa asked.

"You've got it. I promise, with all my heart. I won't even have to
try... because I really love you," Sheila said, kissing her softly.

"Mmm, that's nice," Theresa said. She pulled away and then crawled into
bed. Cindy crawled in with her and Theresa cuddled to her. Her eyes
open. Sheila almost sprinted to the kitchen and put on the kettle. She
hadn't bargained for the story she'd heard. 'Jesus... ' she thought to
herself, 'that girl needs real love. And mountains of it. It's a damn
good thing she met John when she did.'

She searched the bar and found a bottle of spiced rum. Then rummaged
though the cupboards for some brown sugar and some spices. The kettle
started to whistle and she first poured a little bit in a large mug
over the spices and let them soak while she got out some butter. She
mixed up a batch of batter, combining the spices with the butter and
the brown sugar. When she was satisfied with the mix, she put a large
table spoon of it into the mug and added half a mug of boiling water,
then she added a goodly amount of the rum and then topped it off with
the water, and a little pat of butter.

She tasted it. It was perfect. She made a second one and then carried
them down to the bedroom, holding some plastic container covers over
them to keep in as much of the rum fumes as she could. Theresa was
still laying wide eyed against Cindy, she shivered a bit despite
Cindy's attempts to warm her and comfort her.

"Here, just what the doctor ordered. I made you one too, Cindy," Sheila
said, handing the steaming mugs over. The girls sipped at them
tentatively.

"God, that's good!" Theresa said.

"It's great, Thanks," said Cindy, "You know, for a wonderful, classy
lady that I know you to be, you're a bit of a mess." Sheila realized
what Cindy was talking about. She was still nude. Her hair straggly
around her head. She blushed and ran her fingers back in a vain attempt
to spruce herself up. "The part that amazes me, is that you're still so
adorable," Cindy said.

"She is, isn't she!" Theresa said.

"Uh... " Sheila blushed.

"Can we keep her?" Theresa asked.

"I think so... if she wants us to," Cindy said.

"More than anything on earth," Sheila said, climbing in beside the
girls and hugging them.

"On one condition," Cindy said.

"Anything," Sheila said.

"That you go back and make yourself one of these. If it's going to put
us out, I want to sleep with *both my women*," Cindy chuckled.

"Back in a flash!" Sheila said, climbing off the bed.

"Just a sec, That cute butt must be freezing. In the first drawer on
the left you'll find a pair of terry shorts. The drawer just to the
right has some oversized T-shirts in it. Put them on before I start
getting carnal thoughts again," Cindy teased.

"You got it," Sheila said, complying. She pulled on the clothes and
found them gratefully warmer. Then she headed back to the kitchen. She
followed Cindy's instructions and made herself a stout one. She carried
it back and happily crawled in on the other side of Theresa. Theresa
snuggled her butt back against Sheila and the three of them sipped away
at the wonderful concoctions. Theresa seemed content just to be between
them, but every now and then she shivered. Cindy and Sheila would
snuggle closer to her. Hugging her. Kissing her softly on the cheek or
forehead.

Eventually the drinks worked their magic. Theresa nodded off. Cindy
held her close to her for a long time. Then she leaned over and kissed
Sheila as gently as Mae had... with the same results. Sheila got tears
in her eyes. Cindy too. They went back to snuggling either side of
Theresa. Cindy lowered the lights. A soft rainbow just fading out on
the walls as they slipped away.

When John called an hour later, nobody heard a thing. He got the
answering machine.


Chapter 43

Theresa woke first. She was snuggled between two bodies. That wasn't
unusual, but something was different. She searched her mind for what it
was. Two things emerged from her search; One of the bodies was Sheila,
not John. She snuggled back into it. The other difference was *her*.
Theresa didn't feel the same. There was no dark haze over her thoughts.
There were no areas of her mind she shied away from because they were
painful. She tested it. She called back the events she had revealed to
Cindy and Sheila. Jumping from event to event.

She found most of them distasteful at best and basically just sick.
However, now she could view them more objectively. There wasn't the
tearing hurt she had felt before whenever something triggered a memory.
She remembered clearly her state of mind when they had happened. She
remembered how her dear friend, the warm nude body before her, had
saved her life.

She kissed her softly on the cheek. Not waking her yet. Theresa thought
about her life. It had been *bad*. Now it was good. That's all she
cared about. A slight stirring behind her. A soft touch on her thigh
and Theresa rolled to greet Sheila good morning. A smile upon her lips.
Theresa's radiant smile warmed Sheila to her soul. 'God, she must be a
strong woman,' Sheila thought. When she rolled into her arms it was...
Sheila didn't have anything to compare it to, but it was wonderful. She
gently hugged the young blonde. Theresa's lips found hers and kissed
her softly.

"Good morning...love. What for breakfast?" Theresa asked.

"Mmm, I don't know... you?" Sheila asked.

"You are very welcome to me for an appetizer.. what for the main
course?" Theresa chuckled.

"Oh.. I meant what would *you* like for breakfast," Sheila said,
concerned.

"Oh, don't spoil my fun... and don't avoid things you think might be
painful for me. I feel ten million times better," Theresa said.

"Okay... I'm glad," Sheila said.

"Me too... now let's see.. Strawberries and waffles? maybe some low fat
bacon?" Theresa asked.

"Sounds divine. May I help?" Sheila asked.

"Yes... by snuggling to Cindy while I cook. I don't want her to wake
alone," Theresa said softly.

"Mmm, my pleasure," Sheila replied, honestly, but a bit squirmy.

"Why don't you make a pit stop first. I'll stay here for a bit,"
Theresa suggested.

"Thanks," Sheila said, giving her a quick kiss and gently easing out of
bed. Theresa watched her go. Admiring her sleek figure. Sometime in the
night the resemblance to her mother seemed to have slipped away. Now
she was just a lovely woman. She lay enjoying Cindy's rhythmic
breathing behind her. Sheila returned and Theresa slipped out. Kissing
her softly and hugging her a moment before she went off. Sheila slipped
back into her place. Enjoying the feeling of the lovely Brunette's
skin.

Sheila lay thinking about how much *her* life had changed in just a
short while. As painful as Theresa's story had been, she was glad she
had in some small way made it easier on the tender child.... No;
*Woman!* She well deserved the title, with full honors. She looked to
Cindy's lovely face, wondering what dark secrets it hid. And what *she*
would be like when they slipped out. Somehow Sheila sensed that Cindy
was more fragile than she seemed. A fluttering of the eyes and a deeper
breath distracted Sheila to her allotted task. She softly caressed her
shoulder as she snuggled to her. Cindy snuggled back. Something
different. Oh, Sheila, not Theresa.

"Theresa?" Cindy inquired.

"Cooking breakfast. She wanted to, I thought the routine would probably
do her good," Sheila replied.

"How is she this morning.... and Good morning," Cindy said.

"Seems very calm and.... well, smiling. And a lovely good morning to
you too," Sheila replied.

"Let me make a pit stop.. and I'll be back," Cindy said.

"Go ahead, but I'll get up too. I woke much earlier. I stayed at
Theresa's good suggestion that you not wake up alone," Sheila said.

"Mmm, that was nice of her.. and you," Cindy said.

"My *very* sincere pleasure," Sheila said, rolling out of bed.

"Let me brush my teeth and I'll properly thank you, then we'll see
who's pleasure it is," Cindy offered.

"Thanks.. I want to shower though, and my toothbrush is in my room,"
Sheila said.

"Get it. I'll shower with you, .... Please...." Cindy said. Sensing
that Cindy wanted to talk, Sheila smiled and nodded. Sheila was back in
a few minutes. She heard the bidet running, so she gave Cindy a few
moments alone. When she heard the shower turn on she entered.

"Thought you got lost," Cindy said.

"Heard that running, so I stalled a bit," Sheila said, motioning to the
bidet.

"Thanks.... If you like privacy about such things, just let us know. In
the morning this is like grand central station at times. I think I'll
talk John into adding a privacy wall around that area," Cindy said.
Sheila nodded and moved to brush her teeth. Cindy stepped into the
ample shower. Clouds of steam curling up. A moment latter Sheila
stepped in. She moved to Cindy and pulled her into her arms. Cindy
soaped Sheila's breasts and then squirmed against her, kissing her
deeply.

"So what's on your mind?" Sheila asked after a bit.

"You're pretty perceptive.... " Cindy said.

"It's not hard. You're concerned about Theresa?" Sheila asked.

"A little, but actually not. I mainly wanted to thank you for your
understanding last night," Cindy said. "God, I had no idea what she'd
been through."

"Yes... I was thinking this morning how incredibly strong she is. To
have borne that and still be able to smile at all," Sheila said.

"I think you helped her considerably," Cindy said.

"How so?" Sheila asked.

"Babe, I've been her best friend for years. She never told me half that
stuff. She just seems to naturally feel comfortable opening up to you.
I think I can understand why. You're naturally open and friendly, and
non-judgmental. You *really* listen when people talk. At least you have
with Theresa and I.... I'm not trying to mold you into the role of
confessor, just saying that I can see why people trust you," Cindy
said.

"You didn't, yesterday morning," Sheila said.

"No, that's not true. I did trust you. But I trust my instincts too.
Maybe not the same way Theresa does, but more... Well, I'm kind of
analytical. Most the time I just let things go by. But if I'm presented
with a non-sequitur, I almost *have* to ask why. It wasn't you I didn't
trust, there were just too many non-sequiturs. In trying to figure them
out, I glimpsed there were things I wasn't being told.

"I will grant both you and John this; Neither of you lied to me, or
Theresa. But you didn't tell us the *whole* truth either. I'm more
inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt in that matter. I'm
fairly certain your behavior was largely due to John's instigation,"
Cindy said.

"Damn, you're a smart lady," Sheila said.

"Please don't tell on me," Cindy chuckled.

"Not unless I'm asked," Sheila replied.

"I would expect nothing less of you... So, what shall we do today?"
Cindy asked.

"Well, I've been here two days, We've made love about eighty-seven
times and worked about two hours. Now as much as I've enjoyed myself, I
*am* getting a thousand dollars a day for this. What you'd like me to
do for that is really your business, but we really should concentrate a
little more on the fashion business," Sheila said.

"A thousand bucks, huh?" Cindy chuckled, "Let's see... I could hire you
for about a month and a half. All to myself."

Sheila chuckled, "Darling, for what you'd have in mind, I'd gladly do
it for free. But if I were to have to place a price on it, you couldn't
afford me for an hour."

"I understand... So, work it is. Boy, are you in for a surprise," Cindy
said.

"How so?"

"Because the first order of business is to scan you. That's one of the
things we're gonna have to refine. Fact is that it just makes you too
damn horny," Cindy chuckled.

"Is that bad?" Sheila asked.

"You tell me.... after you experience it. But from what you and John
have predicted, we're gonna have thousands of writhing ladies fairly
dripping on our tables," Cindy chuckled.

"Hm.. I see what you mean." Sheila said.

"You will... besides that, the thing's just too damn intimidating. I
know John designed if for practicality. But we need to soften some
edges and streamline the design a bit. Also add some safety features.
The restraints on the table are mainly for safety. If you got in the
way of some of those scanners, they could break your arm," Cindy said.

"You know... I'm not so certain you need me. You seem pretty damn savvy
about a lot of things," Sheila chuckled.

"Not so... well, I am pretty savvy, but as I understand it, your main
function is to guide us into the megabuck world," Cindy said.

"My main function, is whatever you say it is. Remember, I'm working for
you," Sheila chuckled.

"Fine... your main function is to guide us into the megabuck world.
Better yet the gigabuck world," Cindy said, mocking.

"There's a quantum difference between the two. Best I can... promise
you is the quarter to half-gigabuck area," Sheila said.

"That's a nice neighborhood. Totally adequate," Cindy said, grinning.

"Okay.. just to give you an idea of what we're talking about... Say you
charge five thousand dollars for the scan, and a thousand for each
outfit. Now each customer buys two outfits minimum. That's seven
thousand dollars per customer. Divide two-hundred-fifty million by
seven thousand and you get ..... roughly thirty-six thousand customers
and must produce seventy two thousand outfits. Now it would take a
minimum of twenty machines working night and day, every day of the year
to make them," Sheila said.

"That's all?" Cindy said.

"Call it thirty, to take up the down slack from setup and unload time.
But it would take several *hundred* salons to actually make it to
*that* level. Because *nobody* is going to come in to be scanned at
three A.M.," Sheila said.

"That still doesn't sound like much," Cindy said.

"Consider the logistics of operating two-hundred different salons: One:
personnel. They must be scrupulously checked out, every single one of
them. One bad occurrence of an operator drooling over a customer's
privates and your business is down the tubes. Two: Design to insure
privacy for the customers. That includes transportation and storage of
thirty-six thousand mannequins a year. The mannequins look exactly like
the customer and must be treated with the same degree of privacy, or
almost. The storage facilities must be secure and guarded. Guards must
be bonded. The last thing we need is the National Inquirer taking
photos of a famous person's mannequin.

"The same holds true of the data. Anybody who got hold of the data
could start turning out Farah Fawcett love dolls, true to life ones.
Three: Materials storage and supply. What's the world production of the
chemicals you use, how will it be affected by political climate change?
Four: Maintenance on equipment and facilities. Finding and keeping
qualified, reputable persons. Five: Two hundred different sets of
zoning regulations, business licenses and local ordinances to deal
with. Six: Environmental concerns. What's the environmental effect of
the gasses produced by your process? Seven: Health concerns. What's the
effect of your product against the skin of albinos? What will it be
over twenty years? What will the cumulative effect be on your
operators? And that's just for starters," Sheila concluded.

"Oh..." Cindy said, "Maybe not so trivial. Perhaps we can operate one?"

"You *can* operate two-hundred. I'm just telling you it will take a
while to get there. Fact is that when you get that big, you'll spend
most of your time over-seeing regional directors, who will oversee area
managers, who will oversee salon managers. You'll be at least ten
levels above your customer. And that's a danger in itself. You lose
touch with their needs and desires. You lose touch with how they're
being treated. You'll be spending most your time stomping fires,
attending new salon openings, side stepping charities who want a chunk
of your wealth and answering to stock holders who aren't happy they
aren't rich overnight," Sheila said.

"Well... I think we'd better continue this in the kitchen. And go over
all you just said for Theresa too," Cindy said. They dried and did
their hair, then Cindy selected what they would wear.

"I *did* bring clothes, you know," Sheila stated.

"Stuffy, business type, uncomfortable stuff," Cindy teased.

"Not so. You should see my string bikini," Sheila demurred.

"I intend to, and you should see my skintight body suit with a print of
Theresa's skin on it. But around here we like comfort. Get used to it,"
Cindy said.

"Theresa's skin?" Sheila asked, puzzled.

"Yes, she has one with a print of my skin on it. Right down to the
pubic hair. We could make you one with a print of John's skin on it,
but the right parts wouldn't stick out when viewed from the side,"
Cindy chuckled.

"Maybe not, but how about a swimsuit with sky-blue inserts on the
sides, which make a woman look much slimmer when viewed at the right
angle?" Sheila said.

"Keep thinking like that. We need to write this all down," Cindy said,
pulling on her terry top slippers and handing a new pair over to
Sheila.

"Better yet, I'll bring my laptop," Sheila said, slipping on the
slippers. She liked them. They found Theresa drinking coffee in the
kitchen, a stack of waffles and all the fixings laid out.

"Sorry, love. I dragged her into the shower and we got talking," Cindy
offered, bending to kiss her love.

"No problem... Just sat down myself," Theresa replied, hugging her
friend a bit longer.

Sheila sat down and looked about, "God, I'm gonna miss all this great
food when you two are too busy to cook."

"What's she talking about?" Theresa asked Cindy.

"Our lovely Sheila has been outlining for me what making a quarter
billion dollars a year entails," Cindy replied, helping herself to the
food.

"A quarter BILLION did you say?" Theresa asked, her jaw drooping.

"Yup... Maybe half," Cindy replied.

"That's gross sales, your actual earnings will be considerably less,
around thirty to fifty million or so," Sheila said, rolling her eyes
over the strawberries, whipped cream and waffles.

"We'll make more per year than John gets total from the lottery?"
Theresa asked.

"That's the neighborhood I'm shooting for," Sheila told her. "That gets
your product to just a fraction of a percent of the potential market in
the U.S. alone. That's just two hundred top notch salons spread out in
most major cities. Working their little buns off to keep up."

"Is she funnin' us?" Theresa asked.

"Nope. I do believe the lady's serious," Cindy chuckled.

"So... how do we build this...... empire?" Theresa asked.

"First thing is to strip this lady nude and make her all hot and
drippy," Cindy chuckled.

"Oh... well, we can do that," Theresa said, letting Sheila know with
her eyes that she meant it.

"I mean scan her. Then we make her a complete wardrobe. Right down to
the stuff you'll want to rip off with your teeth," Cindy said.

"I want to rip what she has *on*, off with my teeth... But I get your
drift. Will she model it all for us?" Theresa asked.

"You got it," Sheila said, polishing off her last bite.

"*This*, should be *a lot* of fun," Theresa said, leering at Sheila.

"No time like the present," Sheila said, standing.

"An eager beaver," Cindy chuckled.

"And a cute one too," Theresa said.

"And tasty too," Cindy carried on.

"Come on... who gets to unwrap me?" Sheila said.

"Bring the coffee, Cindy. I volunteer for this job," Theresa chuckled.

"Yes, boss," Cindy said.

"Why do you call her that?" Sheila asked.

"She *is* my boss. I'm her assistant cook.... I think I might just be
in for a raise though. She gets all the good jobs," Cindy said. Theresa
led Sheila into the lab. She turned to her and pulled her into a deep
kiss.

"Just to warm you up," she said.

"It worked....Not much on to take off, I'm afraid," Sheila said,
looking at her T-shirt and shorts.

"It's not quantity, it's quality that counts," Theresa said, slowly
lifting Sheila's shirt.

"I was wondering... could we weave support into tops? Built in bras and
such?" Sheila asked.

"Sure, just a matter of density... Did Cindy tell you about the bullet
proofing?" Theresa asked, lifting the shirt off and tossing it aside.
Her hands slid slowly back over Sheila's breasts.

"Bullet proofing?" Sheila asked.

"Yeah, ever hear of Kevlar?" Theresa asked, hooking her thumbs in
Sheila's waist band.

"Some kind of plastic?" Sheila asked.

"Some incredible, unrippable kind of plastic. They use it to make
bullet proof vests. We can weave mats of the stuff, and overlap about
three of them so the seams aren't in line. Then we spin an outfit over
the stuff, actually, over and under the stuff. Anyway, you end up with
a form fitting, sexy bullet proof dress. We figured to sell one to
every first lady in the whole world," Theresa explained.

"No kidding...It will really stop a bullet?" Sheila asked.

"No kidding. It would bruise like hell, maybe crack some ribs, but it
wouldn't penetrate. John made one for me. We put it on my mannequin and
set it up on one of the unused floors and shot at it from behind a
mattress for safety. It ripped the outside fabric, but didn't go in.
The mattress was a good idea. The bullets mostly ricocheted off to the
sides. He shot all of a fully loaded revolver at it. Didn't penetrate
once," Theresa said. She slid Sheila's shorts slowly down, sinking to
her knees... pausing to consider the sight before her. She pushed them
to the floor and Sheila stepped out of them. Theresa moved forward a
bit and kissed Sheila inside her hip bones, just beneath her navel.
Then stood and kissed her lips once more.

"Did I miss the unveiling? Oh damn," Cindy said, carrying the coffee
tray.

"A short, but satisfying show," Theresa said, releasing Sheila.

"Okay, babe. Into the mad scientist's chair.... just think of the
gynecologist. Only worse," Theresa chuckled. Sheila climbed aboard and
the girls strapped her down. Each kissing her reassuringly.

"Why don't you try a flight, Theresa? You know how," Cindy suggested.

"Sure... if I don't amputate a tit. That would be a shame," Theresa
said, seriously.

"Not physically possible, unless she sits up," Cindy warned.

"I get the point. Cindy said it would break my arm and now I hear it
could amputate a tit. We definitely need to make this less
intimidating," Sheila said, warily.

"Okay... where's the go button?... Oh, this one I think," Theresa said,
poking the computer. The machine started up.

"Don't let her fool you. She scanned John for practice and didn't rip
off his toy. He was walking again within a month," Cindy said.

"Thanks, I feel *so* much better...." Sheila said as an arm passed over
her head, it reversed and repeated its movement.

"No talking while it's over your face," Cindy added. "It looses track
and has to redo." Sheila remained quiet as the arm passed over.

"This isn't so bad," she said finally.

"Just wait for them damn personal probes," Theresa chuckled.

"Want to go for a swim, Theresa? The machine can do it *pretty* good by
itself," Cindy teased.

"Don't you *dare* leave me alone with this.... thing," Sheila gasped.

"Just teasing, love. Here comes the fun part, part A," Cindy said.

"Feels kind of nice really and...... oh my," Sheila gasped.

"Precisely. And if it doesn't get a good reading it keeps right on
probing those areas that made you squirm and give it bad readings,"
Theresa chuckled.

"OH....MY...." Sheila said.

"Maybe we could just sell scanners for marital aids. Not record any
numbers," Theresa chuckled.

"God, I've known women who weren't this good," Sheila gasped between
clenched teeth. The arms moved aside.

"Okay... time to flip, now it *really* gets fun," Cindy said.

"Can I have a moment to regroup?" Sheila asked.

"Nope. Changes in water distribution by the lymph system based upon
your state of arousal. Or so John said, I think he just liked torturing
us," Cindy chuckled. She released the straps and Sheila kissed her
hard.

"Thank you, but you'll find outside stimulation just makes it worse.
Theresa and I were speculating about showing land fill management
training tapes to the customers to help distract them," Cindy said.
Sheila turned over and Cindy strapped her down once more, admiring her
cute ass. Despite what she had said, she drew her finger tips over it.

"*That* was no machine," Sheila chuckled.

"Yes, and precisely what you said would shut us down if one of our
operators felt the urge. I can see what you meant," Cindy said. She
nodded to Theresa who started the second phase. The optical scanners
ran once more, then came the gross reference wheels followed by the
fine resolvers.

"That's quite pleasant and...... What the hell? That is damn
personal... OH MY GOD!" Sheila gasped, passing though the same stages
the girls had endured previously. Sheila was fighting against the
straps. Gritting her teeth, trying very hard *not* to move. She wasn't
successful. Suddenly she cried out and her body convulsed. The machine
was patient. It waited just long enough for her to remain relatively
still and then had at her again.

Cindy and Theresa were shocked. They had gotten excited, but hadn't
climaxed. They had just wanted to, really badly. Each time the machine
would near conclusion, Sheila would convulse again. Her breath became
ragged in her throat. Cindy moved over and held a hand which Sheila
grasped hard as she climaxed yet again.

"Theresa, better switch to a grosser average, I don't want to kill
her," Cindy said, seriously.

"No... please.. let it be..." Sheila gasped.

"Okay... Ever see Barbarella? Remember the orgasmatron?" Cindy asked.

"I think so... kind of a dumb movie," Theresa said.

"I think John's duplicated it... and Sheila's his Barbarella. She broke
the orgasmatron..." Cindy chuckled. Sheila responded with yet another
contraction. Cindy did her best to comfort her, it only made it
worse.... or better depending on point of view. It took a fair bit
longer than normal.... Finally the computer signaled completion and the
arms all moved aside.

"You want to draw straws to see who gets to unleash her?" Cindy asked
Theresa.

"Naw, you go ahead," Theresa said, "I'm a scaredy cat." Cindy rolled
her eyes and released Sheila's wrist straps. The result was much as
expected.

Sometime later Cindy remarked, "Just glad we put this couch in here.
That floor is just too hard and cold."

"So... see our problem?" Theresa asked.

"Uh... " said Sheila.

"Oh my, we're back to grunts... Walk her to the pool or carry her?"
Theresa chuckled.

"We could open the traps all the way down, but I don't think the pools
deep enough. Might hurt," Cindy mused.

"How about we fire up the winch and lower her?" Theresa asked.

"I think the wench is fired up enough." Cindy chuckled.

"No... I'm.... okay..." Sheila said, slowly sitting up.

"Coffee?" Theresa asked, pouring anyway.

"Please," Sheila begged.

"We *did* warn you, but Theresa and I didn't *go off* anywhere near
that bad. We just wanted to rape the world," Cindy chuckled.

"I don't think it's legal to have our customers doing that. The vice
squad would shut us down," Theresa said, seriously.

"God....my deluxe multi- D-Cell vibrator is like a Volkswagen bug
compared to that Ferrari," Sheila said, sipping gratefully at the
coffee.

"I can't imagine how she'd react to the advanced scanning," Theresa
said.

"Not sure I'd want to be around... I want to live a while longer,"
Cindy said.

"Advanced scanning?" Sheila asked, fire in her eyes. The girls were
kind of scared by the look.

"Ya... Yes," Cindy stuttered, "I told you. We can make a *very* deluxe
love toy for someone's spouse. The advanced scanning takes molds of the
vaginal and anal cavities. Only it's hot. I mean *physically* hot. And
it gets pumped in until *every* cubic centimeter is *completely*
filled. You think the surface probe got you hot.... " Cindy shivered.

"Can we do that before I leave?" Sheila asked, sheepishly.

"Oh... I don't know. Maybe the vaginal cavity... but I don't trust
myself with the flip side. You have to watch the pressure real close. A
blowout would be a *bad* thing. Probably put you in the hospital with a
hell of an explanation to come up with," Cindy said.

"John was working with some better software routines for that, but they
haven't been tested on a person yet," Theresa said.

"Well, if it's doable, I'd like to leave a present.. for John. If you
girls don't mind that is," Sheila said. Cindy chuckled and looked to
Theresa, who shrugged.

"Naw, we don't mind. We both figure he'll get to you eventually
anyway," Cindy said.

"Well... It's just that... Well, we didn't do it. And I wanted to so
bad. It would just be... oh ... I would just like the... I want to know
that he might get to know how I feel, inside," Sheila said,
embarrassed.

"I understand... I think. Fact is that I've *done* his mannequin. It
was so real I couldn't believe it," Cindy said.

"Uh... Sheila... Would you be interested in trying out John before you
actually do it for real?" Theresa asked.

"Huh? How?" Sheila asked. Cindy smiled and moved to John's mannequin.
She turned it around and pulled down its shorts. Sheila's jaw dropped
and she got a real hungry, yearning look in her eyes.

"Well, I think that answers *that* question," Theresa chuckled.

"Help me get it to the sofa before she starts climbing up the legs,"
Cindy said. The girls lifted the mannequin down. Sheila's eyes never
left it as they carried it to the wide sofa and laid it out. "For
comparison's sake, you'll find the upper side a just a shade rougher,
but it's not unpleasant and the dimensions are exactly the same," Cindy
said. Sheila's eyes were riveted to the image before her. Theresa took
her hand and led her over it.

"Let me help get things started," Cindy said, caressing her thighs. She
bent and licked Sheila's clitoris. Working her fingers between her
labia. She began to work her natural lubricants to the opening,
transferring some to the end of the realistic foam penis. Theresa
kissed Sheila deeply while her fingers caressed her breasts, teasing
the nipples.

Sheila moaned, looking down, fixated upon the image beneath her. Cindy
couldn't get adequate lube to the replica, so she bent and licked it.
Thinking how real it really was. When Sheila began to quiver the girls
positioned her over the mannequin's pelvis. Cindy positioned the end
against her vulva and moved it back and forth between the lips. Picking
up more lubricant along the surface. Then she positioned the end
against the opening of the vagina.

Sheila's eyes closed as she slowly lowered herself upon it. Feeling it
penetrate her. Imagining, easily, that it was really John. Her hands
moved over the chest, finding the nipples and teasing them just like it
really was him. She lowered herself a slow inch at a time. Her breath
catching in her throat. A moan of delight escaping from her lips. She
lowered herself all the way down. Seating the replica against her
cervix. Then continuing until her thighs touched "his".

A growling moan seemed to build from the bottom of her lungs. A
tingling feeling inside grew to a quiver and then into a hard
convulsion, pushing the air from her lungs in a long, deep howl as her
body convulsed hard, again and again. Her head whipping around and
jerking like a paddle ball on a string. She fell forward as her hips
began violently thrusting downwards.

The girls kissed behind her back as their fingertips caressed her sides
and ass. They found the whole thing terribly erotic. Cindy's finger
slipped under Theresa's shirt and up over her breasts. Theresa set her
attention upon Sheila's back and sides. Sheila began to settle in to a
rhythm. Remembering her own first experience with the mannequin, Cindy
moved around behind Sheila and grabbed under the thighs of the replica.
Timing it just right, she began to pull up on the thighs just as Sheila
stroked downwards.

A sudden cry and another series of strong contractions told Cindy she
had accomplished her intended purpose. She continued lifting the
mannequin in time with Sheila's down strokes. Sheila was going wild.
Her head swinging side to side, flipping her hair around. Her breath
came in ragged gasps, punctuated by moaning cries when her body
convulsed. Picking up speed, she drove herself mercilessly downwards
upon the realistic penis. Ramming it into her cervix almost every
stroke. Then suddenly her breath stopped and she drove down hard. Her
body began to shake down to the ends of every limb. Contractions of her
abdomen held a constant grip. She screamed like a wounded animal and
fell forward, inert.

"I think we should move her," Cindy said. "If she wakes up like that,
we may never get any work done."

"I agree... Because I think the first time she wakes up with him inside
her... it really ought to be him," Theresa said, softly caressing
Sheila's quivering back. Cindy reached down and pulled the foam penis
from within her. It was slick with Sheila juices. Without thought, she
dipped her head and licked it clean. They carefully pulled Sheila off
to the side and then re-hung the mannequin. Cindy pulled it's shorts
back onto it and then joined Theresa, softly caressing Sheila's body.

Sheila suddenly shook in a kind of Grand Mal seizure... Then she
breathed easier. Theresa moved behind her and kind of lifted her up
against her, caressing her softly. She bent and kissed her forehead.
Cindy flashed upon Theresa's story the previous evening... but said
nothing. She just moved to her friend's side and kissed her softly on
the cheek. Theresa turned to her and kissed her deeply. Cindy let her
fingers roam as they softly traced little circles upon Sheila's breasts
and side. Her arm around her friend. Slowly Sheila's eyelids fluttered
open. Her hands each moved over one of the girls and she squoze them
softly.

"You two have been experiencing that... only for real? God, I envy
you," Sheila said, quietly.

"Your time will come..." Cindy said in reply. Sheila spun in Theresa's
lap and she was hugging them both fiercely. Her head buried between
them as she heaved a great sob. Both girls turned and kissed her on the
cheek.

"My turn to cook, what for lunch?" Cindy asked. Sheila didn't answer.
Her mind far away from food. She was overwhelmed by the generosity of
the two adorable women in her arms. She just hugged them for a long
time.

"I saw her mouth move once...afterwards," Theresa said, "so I know she
can speak."

"How can you.....Why would you..... god.... share him.... with me..?"
she said.

"I told you, I want what my man wants. And he wants you. Now that I've
gotten to know you better, I can't help but admire his taste," Cindy
replied.

Theresa jumped in, "Besides... I'm going off to college. If I meet a
decent man to have kids with, I probably won't be back except to visit.
Cindy's going to need a chum. I can't think of a better one... You
know, John's getting older. He's not up to sex more than four times a
day. We had to practice with him lots to get him there. Somebody's got
to keep Cindy satiated so she doesn't kill him prematurely," Theresa
chuckled.

"Don't go getting us wrong. If John tried to show up with another woman
we'd chase her off with a cattle prod. It's not just anybody that we're
willing to share with.... It's you. I for one think you're worth
sharing with. Besides that, I want you too. For myself," Cindy said,
caressing her. "Come on Theresa, why don't you show her how to string
up the casting frame. I'm going to make lunch," Cindy concluded. Sheila
grabbed her around the neck and kissed her deeply. Quivering all the
while.

"Thank you...both of you," Sheila said, turning to Theresa to offer the
same thanks.

Chapter 44

Theresa strung up the twisted steel cables between the anchor points,
adding turnbuckles where needed. John had pre-made the cables in sets,
torching each end so it wouldn't fray. She strung the cross bars at the
hips and shoulders, explaining how they eliminated four cables.
Pointing out the first Cindy model. Sheila nodded. Her eyes drifting
back to the John mannequin.

"Pay attention, sweets. 'Cause these have to be tight. Otherwise it
will make a saggy woman. And we don't want that, do we?" Theresa
chuckled.

"Sorry. You'll never know how much that meant to me," Sheila said.

"Oh... I think I do. As you were doing it, I was remembering the first
time I lowered myself upon John, while he was asleep. He was the first
man I *wanted* to make love with. And he wouldn't do it, so I did. It
wasn't very ethical of me, but I didn't know what ethics were then. I
don't think I'm sorry for it. In a way this all started by my doing
that. John might still be a hermit living in the desert if I hadn't,"
Theresa said.

"Well, I'm glad you did," Sheila said.

"Come on, let's get you made," Theresa said, checking the chemicals and
moving to the computer. She was about to start the process, when she
turned to Sheila.

"Uh... when we were playing with Cindy's toy, you did say that *my*
side fit you better?" she asked.

"Well... it felt closer. Damn near exact," Sheila replied. "Why?"

"Well, I was just thinking... How about we plug my measurements into
your body.... It might not be exact, but as you say, real close. Unless
you want to wait?" Theresa asked.

"That would be great. You know how to do that?" Sheila asked.

"Well, let's see.... call in my image, like so. Pick view location
below skin... Goodness, do I look like that inside? Anyway, take cursor
and highlight area...... Hm... have to go point to point at the
opening.... Okay....now copy. Back to your image... paste. Oops. not
there.... but that might be fun....having one behind your navel....
let's see... grab paste and move.......... about there.. now fine move
to match opening... like so?" Theresa asked.

"Looks right to me... maybe tipped a bit back..." Sheila said.

"Okay... yaw... how much? Want oriental heritage? No? Say when... Okay.
Better? Now back to me... Backside. Same thing." Theresa completed the
task. Sheila nodding in satisfaction. "Okey dokie... just a sec. Where
did John put that... Ah," Theresa said, adding a little something to
the wire frame. "Now tell the computer that that is there... where did
John put that.... here? No... here! Okay, it will map around it...
rather come at it from a different angle and map inside..... Gosh. I
never used to talk like this," Theresa said.

"I think that you and Cindy both have an excellent vocabulary.. you can
be downright eloquent when you want to be," Sheila said.

"Fucking-A rights we can... Okay ready?" Theresa chuckled.

"Go fer it," Sheila said, chuckling..

"Gone," Theresa said, starting the process. This time the computer
started at the anchor points. Centering its bearings. It precisely
located cross bars and the extra package. Then the spray arms came out.
"This part stinks. Hit that switch over there, will ya? It will suck
out most of it. It will take awhile, so let's go get some dinner,"
Theresa said.

"In a minute... kiss me?" Sheila asked.

"Anytime!" Theresa said, going for it.

"Thanks," Sheila said.

"Anytime!" Theresa repeated. Sheila recovered her clothes and they went
off to dinner. Just as they walked in the kitchen the phone rang.

"I'll take it," Cindy said.

"Be gentle with him," Theresa asked.

"Like mink wrapped round a mace," Cindy replied. "Hello."

"Hi sweets, where were you last night?" John asked.

"Last night? You called?" Cindy asked.

"About eight your time," John said.

"Oh... Sheila made us all hot buttered rums. They knocked us out pretty
good. We had a pretty full day," Cindy said, fighting to keep her voice
even.

"Really? What did you do?" John asked.

"Well.... First off, we talked to Sheila about you and her in San
Francisco. I don't think she left anything out," Cindy said, clearly
angry.

"Uh....San Francisco?" John asked.

"Don't feed me that Mr. Innocent crap. I said; I don't think she left
anything out. She's a *very* honest lady," Cindy said.

John sighed, "So now what?"

"So now you've got at least two and maybe three *very* pissed off
ladies to deal with. John, Why the hell didn't you just tell us what
you wanted instead of this clandestine bullshit?" Cindy spat.

"I... I didn't think you and Theresa would take to kindly to it," John
said.

"Maybe not, but you owed us the respect to tell us the truth," Cindy
said.

"The truth,............ is that I thought she was perfect for your
company, I didn't expect to like her so much myself. I though that if
you and Theresa met her first... well... you'd like her too," John
said.

"I agree. She is perfect for the company and we do like her. That's
*not* the fucking point. The point is that you wanted her. I don't
blame you for that, she's adorable. What I don't like is being
deceived," Cindy hissed.

"I'm sorry about that.. I was wrong," John said.

"Well it's getting to be a habit. And I for one don't like it a bit,"
Cindy said, forcing herself to calm down.

"Habit?" John asked.

"The fucking cameras!" Cindy reminded him.

"I explained about them," John said.

"After the fact, like you're doing now. John.... I love you dearly. But
if you pull this kind of stunt again... I don't know. I don't want to
leave you.. But if you force me to, I will," Cindy cried.

"I don't want that either. I love you too. Please... I'm sorry about
Sheila. I'll stay away from her. I just don't want to lose you," John
said.

"You won't have to do that. She'll be staying... after she goes back
and ties up her affairs. I'm not going anywhere and neither is Theresa.
I'm just god damned mad. Theresa's hurt. You can work out with Sheila
how she feels about it. We'll see you Monday, don't call till then,"
Cindy said, breaking the connection.

"Hell, you only swung the mace around a bit, hardly hit him more than
forty-three times," said Theresa.

"Why did you tell him that about me?" Sheila asked.

"I didn't lie. I didn't tell him you were pissed off at him. I just did
the same damn thing to him. I skirted the truth. Let him sweat for
awhile," Cindy said, smugly.

"Remind me never to piss you off," Sheila chuckled.

"Let's eat," Cindy said.

John stared at the phone. It could have been much worse, he reasoned.
He could have lost Cindy and Theresa too. A shiver ran though him.
'Time to change your act, John,' he thought. He sat back drinking a
scotch water. The room was littered with packages. He had been out to a
whole bunch of fashion houses. He thought that maybe the best way for
the girls to get a feel for the fashion world, was for him to buy them
each a new wardrobe. Including things they probably wouldn't wear for
years. Evening dresses, business suits and such. That day had been a
lot of fun. He reflected upon it.

He'd entered one of the salons and a snooty blonde had looked up and
snapped, "Yes, what do you want?"

"I'd like to look at some of your fashions," John said.

"I doubt you could afford them. We cater to the *upper* class," she
said, turning back to her schedule. John looked at her a moment. It was
obvious she was dismissing him. He opened his wallet and took out a
platinum credit card.

"Here, run this," John said. The blonde took it, looking at him in a
slightly different light.

"Wait here, I'll be back. Don't go anywhere while I check this," she
commanded him. John bided his time, seething under a calm exterior. The
blonde came back all contrite, "Yes, Mr. Stevens, we'll deal with you.
If you'll follow me I've arranged a showing."

"Thank you, may I have my card please?" John asked.

"Yes, of course, I was just going to hold it for your purchases... But
if you'd rather?" she said, making no move to return it.

"I would rather, yes," John said. She shrugged and handed the card
back. Turning, she led him into a showing room.

"What may we show you?" she asked.

"Evening wear, dresses. Pant suits. Business wear, high end," John
said.

"And perhaps some high end lingerie as well?" the blonde offered. John
shrugged. "If you'll just sit here. The girls are getting dressed now,"
she said. John sat, the blonde left him alone. After a few minutes,
lovely models who were too damn skinny began to parade by in various
outfits. The blonde came back and described the outfits, naming price
first.

Occasionally John would say, "I like that." The blonde would scribble
something on a pad. Eventually the lingerie came by. John was
unimpressed. Thinking that Cindy in her body suit beat anything they
had in the way of models or outfits.

He did say, "That's nice," to one or two. Then the blonde turned to
him.

"Now, if you could supply us with measurements, then we can place your
order," she said.

"Order?" John asked.

"The ones you liked. I presumed you'd be ordering them," the blonde
said.

"Is the manager in? I'd like to deal with him or her personally," John
said.

"Yes, of course, but our prices are *never* discounted," she said,
snootily.

"None the less," John said, waiting.

"Very well, wait here," she said, leaving. After a few minutes, a very
well dressed man came in, with the blonde following behind.

"Yes, Mr. Stevens. I am Mr. Moore. How may I serve you?" he said.

"Well... excuse me. Miss, what was the total on the outfits I expressed
an *interest* in?" John asked. The blonde glanced at her notes and
jotted a few figures.

"Sixteen thousand, seven hundred eighty three dollars plus alterations
and taxes," she replied.

"Thank you. Now... Mr. Moore. I wanted you to know exactly how I felt.
I walked in here with the intention of buying. This woman wouldn't give
me the time of day until I handed her my Platinum Credit card. I have
been treated shoddily from the moment I walked in. I was told what to
do. She did not introduce herself. I was offered no refreshment. I was
left waiting alone. She made assumptions about what I would purchase.

"On the whole I find this establishment, as represented by this woman,
totally offensive. Had I been treated with the *slightest bit* of
respect, I would have purchased *every* outfit I saw. But now, I will
make no purchase here at all. Good manners should not have a price
limit placed upon them. Now, I suspect you wish to have a few words
with this woman, so I will take my leave. Good day, sir," John said.
The blonde had turned white as a ghost. Mr. Moore nodded his head as
John spoke, the anger welling up inside him.

"I quite understand, Mr. Stevens. Should you choose to return in the
future, I can guarantee you better treatment," Mr. Moore said, looking
at the blonde, who was almost trembling.

"Perhaps I will... but I can't help but wonder how many other
customers, or potential customers have been treated in this manner.
Good Day," John said. He turned and walked out. Later in the day John
happened to be passing back by, his arms laden with packages from
another salon. He glanced in an found a crying blonde cleaning out her
desk. Mr. Moore standing behind her. He nodded at John. John smiled
back.

Later, John had suddenly figured out that the salons would deliver his
purchases to his hotel for him. A good thing as he had lots of them. He
was going to have to ship them separately. He cringed at the value of
them. Shortly after he had walked in the second salon, he was given the
white glove treatment, and at every subsequent salon. Either they were
much different than the first, or Mr. Moore must have made a few phone
calls, after he left. He strongly suspected the latter. He couldn't
help but speculate that if the girls made it a policy that every
customer be treated with the utmost respect, that they couldn't help
but clean house on the fashion world.

Once again he looked around the hotel room. Way too much to deal with
at the airport. He lifted the phone and rang the desk, asking for a
bonded delivery service to pack them up and ship them separately. The
clerk assured him that it would be taken care of if he would just
supply a shipping address. John flipped open his laptop and read off
the Helicopter services address.

"Yes, sir. I will personally oversee it myself. They will be waiting
for you when you return," the clerk assured him.

"Thank you," John said, and hung up the phone. Now that was the way
that service should be handled... he thought, but the hotel had already
run his card. Rather than being impressed by the service he'd gotten
since he'd come into his money, he was angry that he hadn't gotten that
same service beforehand. What had happened to the world? He got up and
put his coat on. He felt like walking.

He headed down the street from his hotel, declining an offer to call
him a cab, the bellman with his hand out. John continued to walk. A few
blocks from his hotel he ended up in a district a little less
haughty... and safe. Thinking his coat and mannerisms marked him as an
outsider, he chose a bar. A small piano bar, not very full. Couples out
for drinks before the show. Business men who weren't yet finished with
business. A call girl awaiting her pager. John sat on the end of the
bar. The bartender came over.

"A single malt, rocks," John ordered. The bartender raised one eyebrow
and made his drink.

"Six bucks," he said, putting it in front of John.

"Start me a tab?" John asked.

"Plastic?" asked the bartender.

"Never mind. Here," John said, handing him a twenty.

"Sorry, house rules," the bartender said, making change.

"Not your fault. I'm just a little touchy about it tonight. I seem to
get great good service *after* people know I can afford it," John said.

"I know what you mean," said the bartender, "It bugs me too."

"What ever happened to the days of wash your windows and check under
the hood for 35 cents a gallon?" John asked.

"Not a big enough profit margin, I guess," said the bartender.

"Is that what it all boils down to? Profit margin?" John asked. The
bartender shrugged and went to fill an order. There was a cute barmaid
with an attitude and an older, more humble one who had to be nice to
make her tips. John watched them work around the bar. The cute attitude
won hands down over the older one. Why? The cute one acted like the
world owed her, her tips just for letting it watch her. Hardly a shrug
over her tips. The older one gave superb service with a smile. Thanking
her customers for the smallest tip. That sucks, thought John.

"How does the tip system work here? Do you pool the tips and divide
them, or does everybody just keep what they get?" John asked the
bartender when he came back.

"Everybody just keeps what they get," replied the bartender, wandering
away again so he wouldn't have to talk to John. John finished his drink
in one large swallow. He tipped the bartender two bucks. He caught the
older barmaid on his way out and laid a hundred dollar bill on her
tray.

"I'm sorry, sir. I can't cash that," she apologized.

"No need, it's a tip," John said.

"What for? I didn't even serve you," she said, flabbergasted.

"For calling me sir. You deserve it," he said, walking away.

Almost to the door, the cute one, who had witnessed the transaction
caught John's arm, "What about me?"

"You didn't serve me," John answered, pulling back his arm.

"Neither did she," she said.

"I was rewarding her, because she was giving excellent service to
everyone she served. You, did absolutely nothing for me," John said.

"Fuck You," the barmaid said.

"I think that perhaps it was *you,* who got fucked," John said, walking
out the door. The older barmaid pocketed the bill. It would make her
rent for her. The cute one shot daggers at her with her eyes. John
wandered aimlessly. He came across an area where a bunch of straggly
looking kids milled about. The guys trying to hustle the girls. The
girls reminded John very much of Theresa when he first met her. He was
naturally inclined towards helping them. One separated herself from the
flock and approached John.

"Sir? Can you spare any change? I haven't eaten in a while," she asked.
John looked at her a moment. The others seemed to drift away, thinking
him to be a cop or something.

"I'll tell you what. I'll give you a couple of bucks, or buy you
dinner, a big one. Which would you prefer?" John asked.

"I ain't in that kind of business, I just want to eat," the girl told
him.

"I wasn't looking for that kind of action. That diner on the corner,
any good?" John asked.

"There's a better one a block over," the girl said.

"Your choice, your turf. Just don't get me rolled," John said. The girl
looked at him suspiciously, but her hunger won out.

"Okay.. the next one. But I'm really not out for anything else," the
girl told him.

"Neither am I," John said, "Lead on." She actually led him to a better
lit area. The diner was clean, the food smelled good. John selected a
booth and slid in one side. The girl slid into the other, still eyeing
him suspiciously. John pulled a menu from the end holder and handed it
to her.

"Anything you want," he said, picking up a menu himself.

"Anything?" she asked.

"Anything... But I'd pick something you like rather than picking by
price. If you want more, we can order more," John said, scanning the
menu.

"Why are you doing this?" the girl asked, scanning her own menu.

"Well.... about a year ago I met a girl who was in much the same
situation as yourself. I helped her out. Now she's a very dear friend
of mine. All she really needed was a place to stay that was safe. I was
able to provide it. She's turned into quite an outstanding person.
Sometimes I think about what would have happened to her, had I not done
that. So... I guess you could call this an insurance policy for my
conscience. If I didn't do it, I would always wonder what you might end
up doing, just because you were hungry," John said.

"And what did she give you for helping her out?" the girl asked, still
suspicious.

"Her company. And eventually, many good meals. I hired her as my cook.
But I guess what you're asking, did I extract payment from her for what
I gave her? No... We did become lovers later, but it was not a
condition of her presence. It was her choice," John said.

"You expect me to believe that?" the girl asked.

"No... I don't really *care* what you believe. I don't expect I'll see
you ever again when we leave here. As I said before, I am not seeking
that sort of company. I have enough troubles with women to last me a
long while. I just don't like eating alone," John replied, choosing
what he wanted. The waitress came up, eyeing the girl suspiciously and
then John even more so.

"What can I get for you?" she asked.

"A club sandwich and black coffee for me and whatever she's having, one
ticket, keep it open," John said.

"And what will she be having?" the waitress asked.

"Ask her, I'm sure she can speak for herself," John said, disliking the
waitress a bit.

"Yes, but can she pay for herself?" she asked.

"As this is on *my* ticket, that is none of your business," John said,
evenly. The waitress turned to the girl.

The girl said, "A double cheese burger with fries, a cup of coffee,
cream and sugar." The waitress wrote their orders and then walked away.
"Thanks," the girl said.

"No problem.. it wasn't her business," John replied.

"I'm used to it. I guess I don't look too hot," the girl said.

"There's a rest room over there. That should remedy part of the problem
if you want," John said.

"They don't let us use it," the girl said.

"They don't have a choice. It's a public restaurant, we're paying
customers. It's the *law*," John said.

"They keep it locked," the girl said. John flagged the waitress.

"Yes?" she said.

"Could she have the key to the ladies room?" he said.

"We don't like to let the street kids use it," the waitress said.

"*We are paying customers*. If you do not supply the key, and *right
now*, I will personally make a special trip to the health department
tomorrow and swear out a complaint against this establishment," John
said, again evenly. The waitress went and got the key, delivering it to
the table. Then she stormed off.

"Thanks... she can be such a bitch. A... you won't leave me with the
tab?" the girl asked. John took out a twenty and handed it to her.
"No... if you'd do that, you won't. I'll be out in a bit," she said.

"Take your time... Just don't leave a mess. Perhaps they'll be more
open to you next time," John said. The girl smiled at him and headed
for the rest room. A while later the waitress brought their order.

"Hope she's worth it..." she said, snidely.

"Lady.. not that it's any of your damn business, but *all* I'm doing,
is helping the kid out. It could just as easily be you. As far as I can
see, the only difference separating your life from hers, is
circumstance. It for damn sure isn't good manners. For the most part,
those kids out there didn't choose to be in the situation they're in.
People seem to forget that," John said. The waitress seemed stunned.
Another table ready to order saved her from further discussion. She
moved off to take their order. The girl came out of the rest room,
looking much better. Her face clean, her hair combed, if still dirty.
Her hands clean. Her clothes a little straighter. She sat down and eyed
the feast.

"Dig in," John said, selecting a sandwich wedge himself. Out of the
corner of his eye, John noted that despite her hunger, the girl *was*
well mannered. She sliced her hamburger in half and took reasonably
small bites. He held back any conversation to give her a chance to eat.

After she had consumed a large portion of her meal, John asked, "So how
do you happen to be out on the street?"

"It seemed a better place than listening to my parents argue all the
time," she said.

"Where you from?" John asked.

"Pittsburgh," she replied.

"A long way from home... so what did you expect to find here?" he
asked.

"Oh... I don't know. Work, I guess. But nobody will even talk to me.
You need an address to get a job. You need a job to get an address. I
can sort of understand. Nobody wants to hire someone dirty. But I've
had no place to clean up and nothing to change in to," she said.

"Any family besides your folks?" John asked.

"None to speak of. My mom's sister, but her husband's out of work too.
They don't need me around," she replied.

"So what are you going to do?" John asked.

"I don't know. This isn't working though. Even if I got a job here, the
rent's so damn high I couldn't afford it," she replied.

"What can you do...? I'm sorry, my name is John Stevens... and yours?"
John asked.

"Sally..... Sally Thompson," she said.

"Glad to meet you, Sally," John said, offering her his hand.

"Glad to meet you, John," Sally said, wiping her fingers and shaking
his hand.

"So, Sally, what skills do you have?" John asked.

"Well, I know a little computer. I can cook. I can sew. I can empty
trash cans and can run a broom," Sally said.

"Let's concentrate on the computer part for now... Word processing?
Spread sheets?" John asked.

"Yeah, I can do both. I used to help my father out in his shop. He
sells books. He didn't have a clue. I set the whole thing up for him to
keep inventory and do his accounting," Sally said, polishing off her
fries.

"That's a good start," John said, finishing a second wedge. He didn't
want anymore. The waitress appeared as if by magic.

"Can I get you two some dessert?" she asked, pleasantly.

Sally said, "Oh gee, I don't know.. what's good?"

"We have some nice fresh Pecan Pie," the waitress said.

"Oh.. it's been so long since I had that..." Sally said.

"How about two orders. Hot with a scoop of ice cream?" John asked
Sally. She nodded, smiling. The waitress smiled and added the order to
the ticket.

"Are you through? Can I wrap that for you?" she asked John.

"Please. Thank you," John replied.

"Be right back," she said, scooping his plate and heading off to fill
the order.

"What happened to her?" Sally asked, looking after her curiously.

"Don't know, maybe she got a big tip... Would you be interested if I
could help you find a job? One good enough to pay rent here," John
asked.

Sally looked at him a moment and then said, "Sure...But how could you
help?"

"A couple of ways maybe... Is a post office box a good enough address
to get a job?" John asked.

"I guess so.. Yeah," Sally said.

"Ah... how old are you.. the truth?" John asked.

"Seventeen, last month," Sally replied.

"Driver's license?" he asked.

"Yeah."

"And you want to work?" he asked.

"Yes, of course," she replied.

"Okay... let's list your assets and define your problem: You have
computer training in small business management, a drivers license and
are willing to work. You have no address, no means of getting one, no
family to turn to. No decent clothes to wear to work and no place to
clean up. I would also assume no means of getting to work, should you
get a job, except walking of course," John summarized.

"That pretty well covers it," Sally said. The waitress brought their
pie and a white paper sack with the remaining two wedges wrapped in
plastic in it. She left and came back with a coffee pot, refilling
their cups.

"Anything else I can get for you folks?" she asked. John looked
questioning at Sally. She shook her head.

"No.. I think that will do. Thank you," John replied.

"No.. Thank you sir.... I'm sorry about that remark I made. People do
forget. I *was* in the same spot not too long ago," she said.

"No problem," John said.

"And I'm sorry about the fuss over the key," she said to Sally.

"Oh... that's Okay," Sally said, handing it back to her.

"No.. it's not. *You* can stop by anytime you need to use it," she
offered.

"Thank you...that's nice," Sally said.

"You folks have a good evening," she said, putting the check down and
heading off. Sally looked after her, bewildered at the change.

"What remark?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing. It's not important," John replied.

Sally shrugged, then asked, "So how could you help me find a job?"

"Well, first... how about we find you a room -*of your own-* for the
night. You can take a good long hot bath and sleep in a comfortable
bed. Tomorrow, we'll get you some better clothes for interviewing in
and at least a post office box for an address. I have some meetings
with some fashion businesses tomorrow, I'll ask around to see what's
available for you. If we can find you a job, then I'll help you find a
place to live. Nothing fancy... but safe and fairly clean. I'll pay
first month's rent. Call it a loan. You can pay me back when you get
caught up. Okay?" Sally just looked at him, her mouth slightly ajar.
Tears starting to make their appearance.

"You'd do that for me? Why?" Sally asked.

"I already gave you my reasons. Call it insurance..... Sally, you're
just a victim of the system. You didn't create that system, but you're
expected to live by it. You can't get a bank loan unless you really
don't need one. You can't get a job without a place to live, you can't
get a place to live without a job. You have to live in the city because
a person can't live off the land anymore. The government owns all the
land between cities. The cities don't want the homeless. Nobody trusts
anybody unless they don't have to. Personally I'm sick of that system.
This is just my way of trying to change it. Even if you didn't pay me
back, it wouldn't begin to hurt me financially. But if you do, and I
think you will, then I have the satisfaction that I am right and the
system is wrong. That's enough for me. Okay?" John asked.

"Okay... and I will pay you back.. I promise," Sally said, fighting
back the tears.

"Okay.. let's go find you a room," John said. He looked at the check
and doubled it. There were no vacancies between the restaurant and
John's hotel. He had wanted to avoid getting her a room there, for
Sally's peace of mind. At his hotel he asked the clerk for a single
room.

The clerk looked at Sally then remarked, "I'm sorry, we have no
vacancies at the moment." John looked at the row of keys behind the
clerk.

"IN THAT CASE, she can have mine, I'll find another hotel for the
night. I'll be checking out of here in the morning so I have to find
another one anyway for the rest of the week," John said.

"Wait! I remember, I just had a cancellation not too long ago... Yes, I
have a single available for the night," the clerk said, playing with
his computer. "If you'll just register." The clerk handed her a card.

"Just charge it to my address," John said.

"Okay... uh luggage?" he asked. John put the white paper sack on the
counter. "Very well sir...On the same floor as you?" he asked.

"Not necessary," John said, coldly.

"As you wish... but the open room is adjoining yours anyway. You can
just leave the doors shut," the clerk offered.

"I'd rather that you gave that room to someone else if you can. Perhaps
someone scheduled to check in tomorrow morning," John said.

"Yes... I can change that. Okay, she's in 307 just down the hall.
Okay?" the clerk asked.

"That will be fine," John replied. The clerk passed him the ticket and
John signed it.

"See that her room service is added to my bill as well, with a
reasonable gratuity," John added.

"Yes, sir," the clerk said. A bell boy showed and John handed him the
sack and Sally's key. He passed Sally a buck and nodded towards the
bell boy. She nodded.

"I'll see you in the morning, make it about nine thirty. Order
breakfast when you wake up. I'm gonna get a drink in the bar and then
go to sleep," John said.

"Thanks John.... for everything," Sally said. John took her hand an
shook it.

"My pleasure. See you in the morning... Sweet dreams." Sally hugged him
suddenly and then followed the bell boy. John watched them until the
elevator closed, then turned to the clerk at the counter.

"Now, if I owned this hotel, right now you'd be out on your ass. If I
had a word with the manager you might be anyway. But I'm going to
overlook it this time, because you've probably seen many similar
situations where it was the intention to book the adjoining room.
First, you made the assumption of character based upon appearance. I've
got eyes. You've got a whole bunch of open rooms, this ain't exactly
tourist season in New York.

"Second: Should it have been that it was my intention to bed that poor
kid, it would have been none of your damn business. She's over the age
of consent for this state. But that never was my intention. That kid
there has been looking for work ever since she got into town, but
nobody will hire her because she's got no place to clean up. Tomorrow I
intend to find her a job, I wanted her to have a bath and a warm place
to sleep so that she could look presentable for a job interview.

"Third: I want you to find me someone who understands women's sizes. In
other words, a woman. Have her call the kid's room and ask her, her
sizes. She will then go to my room and look over the stuff I bought
earlier. She will collect an outfit suitable for the kid to wear
tomorrow, have her take one of your hotel's robes for the kid for
tonight. She will retain the robe when she leaves. Put it on my bill.

"Fourth: If you should *ever* see that kid again, you will treat her
with respect or I will damn sure have that chat with your manager,"
John finished. He didn't give the clerk time to argue. If he'd tried,
John would have made certain it was the last time. He headed to the
hotel bar and ordered a scotch rocks. The clerk looked after him, more
than a little shaken. He actually *was* the night manager, but the guy
was right. He picked up the phone and called one of the staff, a woman.

Sally followed the porter into her room. Her jaw dropped. It was
fabulous. Color TV, desk, table, sofa, double bed, huge bath with
Jacuzzi. The porter set her sack on the table and turned, waiting.
Sally handed him the dollar... her only one. He left, chuckling. She
started the bath running and thought about the events of the past few
hours. The phone brought her out of her reverie. She answered it,
expecting John.

"Yes, I'm with the hotel. I've been asked to obtain your sizes for
clothing. So I can pick you out something suitable for the morning," a
woman's voice said. Sally was a little surprised, but she told the
woman her sizes, down to her shoes.

"I may have lost a little weight since I last measured though," Sally
admitted.

"Of course.. I'll be up in a few minutes with a robe for you to wear
after your bath. Then I'll stop by in the morning, after you have had
breakfast, with an outfit for you, okay?" the woman said.

"Okay," was all Sally could think of to reply. A few minutes later a
knock at the door. A well dressed woman handed her a large terry robe.
She sized her up, having her turn and lift her arms.

"Thank you, enjoy your bath. See you in the morning," the woman said.
Sally thanked her and then closed the door. She laid out the luxurious
robe and then started to peel her clothes from her body. They stank.

Later Sally would remember the next hour and a half as the most
luxurious time of her life. Laying back in the bath, the Jacuzzi
buffeted her cold, under-pampered body clean. There was an excellent
selection of body wash, shampoo and cream rinse. Sally used them all. A
lady's razor solved the stubble on her legs and under her arms. Then a
splash of tingling after shower lotion. Deodorant and a good scrub with
the new toothbrush from the complimentary supplies and Sally felt like
a million bucks. Finding a comb, brush and blow drier, she set about
making herself look it. Fighting the tangles out of her deep auburn
hair.

Somewhere along the transition she became a woman. She pulled on the
luxurious robe, enjoying the soft warmth around her body. Catching her
reflection in the mirror she felt a flush of sexual excitement. A
beautiful woman looked back at her. She let the robe fall open and
examined her firm body. A little thin, but in excellent shape. Right
down to the neatly trimmed patch of auburn hair upon her pubic mound.
Finally she wrapped the robe back around herself and left the bath.

Spotting a small fridge, she found it stocked with designer waters and
juices. She selected one to go with the remnants of John's sandwich.
She flipped on the TV and surfed around the dial, settling on a sappy
movie. The movie served as a catalyst for her emotions. She sat back on
the bed munching her sandwich as her eyes filled with tears... Sometime
later she pulled back the covers, brushing away some crumbs. She
dropped the robe on the edge of the bed and crawled nude between the
soft clean sheets. She killed the lights and the TV with switches by
the bed.

Sally's fingers began to explore her now soft, pampered body. Her
imagination touched upon John. What it was like to be the girl he had
spoken of? Making love with him? After a time a muffled cry left the
pillow as she buried her head and lifted her hips. She stretched
luxuriously enjoying the gentle touch of the soft sheets on her nude
body. A warm mist enveloping her as her body dumped endorphins into her
brain. A moment or two later she passed into a pleasant sleep, the best
in months.

* * *

Sheila lay back in the bubbling hot tub, Theresa on her lap. Her hands
softly exploring her body as she shared sips of wine with her.
Sometimes in soft kisses. Cindy lay back, not far away, lost in her own
thoughts.

"I wonder what our lovable savant is up to now," Theresa said.

"Probably snuggled to some trollop he met on the street," Cindy mused.

"Oh... I don't think so. And if he was.... I'm not sure I'd mind,"
Theresa said. Cindy looked at her friend, snuggled to the voluptuous
blonde.

"You've certainly changed since you didn't want to share John with me
when I first arrived," Cindy said.

"I have changed. Funny, the more I love him the more comfortable I feel
giving him his freedom," Theresa said.

"If John's night with me is any indicator, you girls are damn secure in
granting him his freedom," Sheila said.

"I know... he just makes me mad sometimes," Cindy said. "But I love him
more every day."

"I think we all do that," Theresa said.

Sheila freed a hand and lifted her wine glass, "To John," she said. The
girls lifted theirs and they all drank, lost in their own thoughts of
him. Later they all caressed each other to sleep. Sometime in the
night, Cindy slipped out of bed. While the two warm bodies she left
were more than pleasant to snuggle to, it wasn't what she wanted. She
took a blanket and pillow with her to the lab. She struggled to lower
the end mannequin and lay it on the wide sofa. She pulled off its
shorts and killed the lights. Covering herself and the mannequin with
the blanket, she snuggled up to it. Feeling the perpetual erection, she
lay atop it and guided it into herself. Sometime later she fell asleep
in that position. She slept much better.

* * *

John had three scotches before he headed to his room. He used the bath
and then checked his schedule for the next mornings appointments. One
was a small company a larger fashion house had referred him to when he
had inquired into new production techniques. Maybe there, thought John
in reference to Sally's predicament. He was determined to help her.
Even if he had to buy a company to hire her.

'That's silly,' he thought. He could help hundreds of them for the
price of a company..... Or... he could make it a company policy to help
them... He undressed and crawled into bed. Missing the feel of his
lovelies beside him. He killed the lights and lay back. His mind
wandering at random. He wondered why he thought of Sally as a kid and
Theresa and Cindy as women, when they were all basically the same age.
He thought about what Sally might look like with clean hair, wearing a
body suit like the first one he had made Cindy. Without noticing he got
an erection. His mind flitted around between Theresa, Cindy, Sheila and
Sally.

Apparently Sheila would be joining them. This time he noticed his
erection. Without touching it he enjoyed its throbbing. Not bad for an
old man, he mused. Sometime later he slipped into sleep, his mind
dancing between lovely women.

Chapter 45

Cindy stirred, feeling the erection inside her, she smiled. But
something seemed wrong.... feeling a moment's alarm she realized the
figure beneath her wasn't breathing. Then what was under her came back
to her. She sighed heavily and rolled off to the side. The room was lit
by a very dim glow from the tracking mirror system. It must be very
early morning, about a half-hour or more before sunrise Cindy reasoned.
She turned on the lights and went to relieve her bladder. She returned,
now dressed, and muscled the mannequin back onto its hook, pulling the
shorts onto it once more. Then folded the blanket and put it away with
the pillow. Finding her way into the kitchen, she started breakfast.
John never left her mind the whole time.

* * *

Sally woke feeling wonderful like a scene from the Shirley Temple movie
"Little Princess" where she awakes from a life of poverty into a heated
room in a warm bed. Like it was all a dream. She was in a luxurious
hotel room. A comfortable bed, firm mattress with soft clean sheets.
She herself was clean. Her mind pondered over how this could be. The
previous morning had been nowhere near as pleasant. Waking in a
cardboard box in an alley. Looking for any privacy to empty her
bladder. She had dropped her pants behind a dumpster, finding another
body watching her from another box. Shrugging she had completed her
task. Now as she slipped out of bed and found the clean, private
opulence of the room's bathroom, she remembered John.

While she still didn't understand his motivations, she no longer
distrusted him. He'd made not the slightest move towards her the
previous evening. She realized with a start that she would have been
much more than receptive if he had. But the fact that he hadn't, made
him even more attractive to her, if somewhat of an enigma. She'd heard
the first opening lines of his tirade at the hotel clerk the previous
evening. The sound coming through the elevator doors just before it
started up. She connected that with the changed behavior of the
waitress from the diner while she had been cleaning up. The man was
*defending her honor*! The sweetheart.

She finished up on the toilet and moved to the sink, washing her hands
and then brushing her teeth. She wondered how she could get John to
remain in her life. More than a little surprised, that she wanted him
to. 'God, he's over twice your age. Close to three times it,' she
thought to herself. Another part of her mind asked, 'So what? He's
cute. He's kind and generous. He defended your honor... which is more
than you've done at times.'

She tried to shrug off her thoughts as she found a disposable hair cap
and donned it. She adjusted the water and stepped into the shower. She
luxuriated in the hot steamy water for a bit before she soaped herself
and washed her privates. Thinking of what a luxury it was even to have
toilet paper, let alone the luxury of a shower afterwards. The touch of
her fingers between her legs coincided with John's return to her
thoughts. The touch became more insistent. Probing her most sensitive
parts repeatedly. Her face flushed and her breathing became hurried.
Her other hand roamed freely over her breasts and nipples. Sometime
later she fought to muffle her cry as her body convulsed. Leaning
against the wall of the shower for support as she caught her breath
once more. She wanted John, in a big way.

She rinsed her body and then shut off the water, reaching a towel and
daubing the drops of water from her body. She stripped off the shower
cap and tossed her hair. Combing it out and then into some sort of
order. Its auburn luster seemed to come to life, subtly matching the
glow of her flushed cheeks. Exiting the bathroom she donned the
luxurious terry robe. The phone rang and she answered it.

"Yes, this is the desk. Mr. Stevens left a wake up call for you just
before he retired. It's now eight o-clock."

"Thank you... How do I get room service?" Sally asked.

"I'll connect you," the voice said. A moment later room service came on
the line. She was told there was a menu in the drawer beside the bed.
Sally looked it over while they waited and ordered a large breakfast
with lots of coffee. Cringing at the prices listed. But somehow she
knew John wouldn't mind. A knock on the door a short time later
delivered her meal. The steward didn't linger for a gratuity. A good
thing as Sally had nothing to give him.

She dug in. Her body fairly tingling in response to the delicious food.
Sally was well into her meal when a soft knock came on the door. She
opened it to find the woman from the previous evening laden down with
several boxes and sacks. Sally admitted her and helped her set them
down.

"Good morning... I hope you slept well......?" the woman said, a
question lingering.

"Sally. Yes, like a baby. Thank you......?" Sally responded, in kind.

"Marie. I've found several things I think will fit you... God, I wish I
had access to the clothes Mr. Stevens purchased. There must be.....
thirty thousand dollars worth of clothing in his room."

"Thirty thousand dollars worth?!" Sally gasped.

"At least. Uh... why don't I lay these out for you while you finish
your breakfast."

"Thank you," Sally said, sitting back at the table. It took her a while
to finish her breakfast, because she kept jumping up each time Marie
laid out a new outfit. They were gorgeous! Sally had never seen the
likes of them. She flipped over an emerald green evening dress that
matched her eyes.

"I didn't notice your hair color last night. That suits you quite
well," Marie said.

"When it's dirty it sort of turns ugly brown," Sally said.

"Of course.... I think this outfit would be better suited for a job
interview though," Marie said, diplomatically.

"I think you're right. I wish I had some makeup though," Sally said.

"I'll be glad to let you use mine. Why don't you dress and I'll just
run get it," Marie offered.

"That would be great..... Thanks, Marie," Sally said.

"You're quite welcome," Marie said, squeezing her hand and then leaving
the room. Sally sorted through the undergarments. Each incredibly
lovely. She selected a matching bra and panties. Lacy and elegant. She
was amazed how well they fit. She pulled on the silk blouse and the
lower part of the elegant tan pant suit. A pair of knee high silk
stockings and a practical but lovely pair of pump shoes completed the
lower half of her wardrobe. A soft knock on the door and Marie was back
with her makeup.

"That fits you perfectly. Oh, it's so lovely," Marie said, admiringly.

"Thank you... it feels like a million bucks," Sally said.

"I'd think it was closer to a thousand, but I know what you mean,"
Marie said.

"This is worth a thousand dollars?" Sally asked, aghast.

"Oh, at least. I think just a hint of eye shadow and some mascara,"
Marie said. She advised Sally on just how much to wear, selecting the
right shade for her. She finished off with a subtle smudge proof lip
gloss. She helped Sally on with the jacket and then dug into a sack for
a small box. A simple set of gold earrings completed her outfit. She
looked at herself in the mirror. Tears in the corners of her eyes.

Marie caught her, "You look lovely. Hey, none of that. You'll run your
mascara," she said, though it was waterproof. Sally hugged her and
thanked her for all her help. "You're very welcome. Knock 'em dead,
kid," Marie said.

"Thank you..... I feel like I could," Sally said.

"I have no doubt of it. Lovely tall, shapely red heads -in thousand
dollar outfits- always get noticed," Marie said. She selected a few
items from her makeup case and left them with Sally. Then hugged her a
moment before she left. Sally put the makeup in a small, lovely clutch
purse, which she found contained four twenties, a ten and two five's. A
hundred dollars! More than she'd seen in months. Sally just stood
before the mirror...admiring herself in the gorgeous outfit. Thinking
that there was just one person she wanted to notice how she looked. The
one who had made it all possible. The ringing of the phone pulled her
away from the mirror. It was John.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" he asked.

"Like a little princess," Sally replied.

"Did you get the clothes? Do they fit okay?" John asked.

"Oh god, they're lovely, John. Thank you," Sally said, feeling her eyes
water.

"Great. Did you have breakfast?" he asked.

"Yes. Though it cost you a bunch," Sally said.

"That's okay. I can afford it. Listen, if you're ready, could you meet
me in the lobby in ten minutes?" John asked.

"I'm ready now," Sally said.

"Ten minutes will be fine, I'm not quite ready myself.." John said.

"Okay, see you in ten minutes.... and Thank you, John... for
everything."

"No problem, kid. See you in ten minutes," he said, breaking the
connection.

"*Kid* huh?..." Sally mused to herself... "Just wait till you see
*this* kid!" She picked up the elegant coat Marie had brought with a
white scarf. She slipped the purse into a coat pocket and draped it
over her arm as she walked to the elevator. The doors opened to the
lobby and heads swung in her direction as she exited. Every male in
sight started salivating as she made her way to some seats in the
lobby, blushing from all the attention she was getting. The night clerk
was just leaving the hotel and nearly walked into a pillar in his
shock. Sally chuckled to herself.

John left the elevator carrying his top coat. He was somewhat casually
dressed for business. Wearing a sweater with a knit tie rather than the
traditional three piece suit. Sally stood and turned to him and he
stopped in his tracks. Before him was one of the loveliest young women
he had ever seen. She was looking straight at him. It took him a moment
to realize who it was. 'Oh fuck!' he thought to himself. 'I hadn't
planned on this!' He moved the arm holding his coat in front of him to
disguise his reaction. Moving forward again, he approached her.

"My, you certainly clean up well. You're gorgeous! I didn't even notice
your hair color last night," John stammered. She beamed at him and gave
him a big hug. He became blatantly aware of her firm body. The blood
rushing to his head. "Shall we go?" he asked.

"Yes... where are we going?" she asked.

"I think if you just make the rounds with me to my appointments, then a
job will turn up for you," John said, helping her on with her coat.

"Whatever you want is fine by me," Sally said, returning the favor. She
couldn't help but notice his reaction to her. She beamed over it as he
quickly buttoned his coat to cover it. He took her arm and heads turned
as they exited the hotel. The doorman flagged them a cab. This time
John tipped him well. In the cab Sally leaned over and kissed John on
the cheek. He blushed.

"Thank you for the money.... and everything else, John," she said.

"No problem. It will go fast enough. Just hang onto it while I'm here.
Let me pay for everything. I'm going to tell the companies where we go
that I hired you as an assistant for while I'm here. One of them should
bite and offer you a position for after I'm gone," John said.

"If you think so...." Sally said, doubtful.

"I do... Just relax and do as I say. You'll do fine," he said.

"If you say so... I'm just along for the ride.... and loving it," Sally
said.

"Just *seem* to pay attention to what is said in the meetings. If I ask
you a question it will be a yes or no one. Just nod and say yes," he
said.

"Okay.." she said. Aware of his body beside her in the cab. She caught
a whiff of his after shave and felt a wave of desire for him. He took
her hand and squeezed it to reassure her. That it did, but it wasn't
her only reaction to it. She kept hold of his till they reached their
first destination. John rented a post office box for her before they
stopped at their first appointment.

At each appointment John introduced her as his assistant while he was
here. It took several before one bit. At the small fashion house that
John had thought of the previous evening. John was impressed with the
organization, but they still floundered with paper tickets and an
unorganized inventory.

"You ought to hire Miss Thompson when I leave. She's a wizard with the
computer. She could organize your whole inventory and accounting system
for you," John said, nonchalantly. Sally was off with one of the
secretaries, presumably viewing a production technique.

"It just so happens that we've been looking for somebody like that. How
much do you think she'd accept?" the manager asked.

"Oh... She's just getting her start here. She's been staying in a hotel
and I think her funds are getting low. I think you could steal her for
thirty thousand a year plus benefits. We were going out to try to find
her an apartment this afternoon," John said. The manager looked out of
his glassed office at the stunning well dressed redhead. His wife
wouldn't be happy at all, but his business needed it.

"That's a bit steeper than I had in mind..... but I just happen to have
a nice apartment for rent. Perhaps we could work out a deal," he said.

"I couldn't speak for her. You'd have to ask her. I don't think she's
really hurting. Her father's a large book distributor in Pittsburgh,"
John said.

"How did you happen to come by her?" the manager asked.

"Just lucky enough to stumble over her, really. She's just what I
needed for an assistant while I was here." John skirted the question.

"Well... you say she's a wizard with the computer?" the manager asked.

"Oh yeah, word processing, spread sheets, the whole works. She
organized her father's whole operation for him," John said.

"Well.... I might be able to go as high as twenty-eight. And throw in
the apartment as a bonus. That would work out to closer to forty
thousand a year. But it wouldn't be so hard on the cash flow for the
business. Would you talk to her for me?" the manager asked.

"Be glad to. When could we see the apartment?" John asked.

"How about this afternoon? I think I can get free about four o-clock,"
the manager said.

"That would be fine. I'll talk to her about it over lunch. But I'm sure
if she likes the apartment she'll be interested," John said.

"Thanks, that would be great. I really need to get organized here," the
manager said. He wrote down the address for the apartment and said he'd
meet John there. If he couldn't make it he'd call John on his cellular,
which John had supplied the number for. John thanked him for the tour
and information. He collected Sally and left.

Over lunch at a nice restaurant he informed her she had a job for
twenty-eight thousand a year plus bennies, plus rent. Sally launched
herself around the table for him. He hugged her and then pushed her
back into her seat, embarrassed by the looks of envy from the other
patrons around the restaurant. She was shaking and about to cry.

"Listen... just play it cool. Look at the apartment with a critical
eye. Frown a bit here and there. Don't go around looking like Alice in
Wonderland. You're a computer wizard. Remember that. You're a business
professional, just getting started, but not willing to shortchange
yourself. After you've looked at the apartment, he'll ask if I've
talked to you. Tell him that you will accept the terms I've mentioned.
Twenty-eight thousand plus bennies and rent. That you have some things
to wrap up but think you can start Tuesday," John told her.

"What if he asks how we met?" Sally asked.

"That's a tough one..... tell me about last night. Did any of the kids
around you say anything to you about me?" John asked. Sally chuckled
and blushed a bit. "Come on, it could be important," John insisted.

"Yeah, one of the girls said 'Here comes a live one, if you like old
men'," Sally said, embarrassed. John dismissed his pang of pain.

"Perfect. Just tell him that a friend of yours recommended me... as an
*old* friend," John said. Sally chuckled.

"Oh... you're not so old," she said. Admiration in her eyes.

"Old enough. Anyway, you'll do fine. Just play it by ear. Don't mention
anything you don't have to," John said.

"But the job! I don't know if I can do it!" Sally said, worried.

"Piece of cake. You remember how you did it with your father's book
store. Just do the same thing for them," John said.

"But I *knew* his book store. I'd worked there off and on. I knew what
needed to be done. How he did things," Sally protested.

"So... ask. Find out how they do things here. Find out how they keep
their inventory. Find out what customers they have and what suppliers
they have. Then just organize the information. That's all they really
need. Take your time. Do a good job. Show up for work a little early
every day and stay a little late each night. He won't expect it to
happen overnight. If he asks, show him what progress you've made.
They'll love you for it," John said.

"But what about when I get it organized? Won't he fire me?" Sally
asked.

"No. He'll beg you to stay to run it. His business will become so
dependent upon your work that he won't dare lose you. I'd be surprised
if he didn't offer you a raise to stay," John said.

"I don't know..." Sally said.

"You'll do fine. If not, just give me a call. If you have any questions
about anything, give me a call. If you get in a bind, or even if you
just want to talk, give me a call," John said.

"Where? I don't know where you live," Sally said. John took out a note
pad and wrote his address and the silo's phone number. He added his e-
mail address and his cellular number. He handed it to her. She glanced
at it.

"A post office box?" she asked.

"Not much mail service out in the desert," John said.

"You live out in the desert?" she asked. John chuckled and then told
her about the silo. She listened in rapt attention as he described it
in detail.

"It sounds wonderful. I'd love to see it sometime," she said when he
finished.

"That wouldn't be a good idea right now. My lovelies aren't very happy
with me at the moment. But maybe after you get this guy organized we
can arrange a visit. I figure that should take you at least four to six
months," John said.

"*Lovelies?* You only mentioned one before," Sally said, a little
dejected.

"I live with two women. There might soon be three, if the other two
don't kill me first," John said.

"You live with two women? And you expect a third?" Sally asked, her
hopes fairly dashed. John saw her face and took her hand. She trembled
a bit at his touch.

"There's some things I should explain to you... The women I live with..
Well.. they're.... bisexual.... I hope that doesn't offend you," John
said.

"Bisexual," Sally said, testing the word. Reflecting a moment to let it
sink in. "No, it doesn't offend me. I've had gay friends. But I've
never.... *been* with one," Sally said.

"One offered?" John asked.

"Yeah. I got scared and turned her down. We're still friends though...
at least we were before I left," Sally said.

"Well, I'm still not sure how I got into the middle of all this... but
I'd be a fool not to appreciate what I have. I love those girls. They
seem to love me. Even with all the bullshit I put them through at
times. I can't imagine why they care for me," John admitted.

"I can," Sally said, quietly. John looked at her a moment. Her eyes
hung. Her hand quivering in his. He squeezed it and then turned to his
coffee. The apartment was clean, and in a nice neighborhood. It didn't
have much of a view, but was in a fairly secure building.

"I keep a security guard in the lobby twenty-four hours a day," the
manager bragged. Sally just nodded, trying to play it cool as John had
instructed. She had to look hard to find things to frown at like he
said. When the manager broached the question she seemed reluctant, but
nodded her acceptance, stating the terms John had told her. The manager
accepted, beaming at his new employee.

"Great. Here's the key. We'll sign the papers Tuesday," he said.

"I'd appreciate if you'd let me see a copy of them, before I leave,"
John said.

"Certainly, I can have them ready Monday morning," he said.

"I just like to be certain someone I recommend gets treated fairly,"
John said.

"Of course. No problem. Uh... You don't mind if I set up the apartment
as a separate agreement? I can list her as house-sitting for a mythical
absent tenant," asked the manager.

"No... as long as you state the duration of occupancy as at least a
year. With rental and services included in lieu of salary for the
house-sitting service," John said.

"That's agreeable," said the manager.

"Assuming the contracts are in order, are the terms acceptable to you,
Sally?" John asked.

"Yes, quite acceptable," she said, suppressing a smile.

"Great. I'll see you Tuesday and John on Monday morning," he said,
taking his leave. He'd barely left when Sally was hugging and kissing
John. Bubbling like a seltzer. She finally pulled her head back, her
firm body still against him. She looked up into John's face. He
succumbed to her lovely green, teary eyes. He kissed her softly on the
lips. She trembled as her lips parted and her tongue met his. The kiss
lasted much longer than John felt comfortable with and much shorter
than she wanted.

"Come on. We've got some shopping to do. We've got to get you some
furniture and clothes for work," John said, hoarsely.

"Thank you.... any chance you'll help me break in the bed?" Sally
asked, boldly.

"A chance.... but I shouldn't. We'll see," John said, trying to ignore
his erection. She softly touched the front of his trousers. Feeling his
manhood through the cloth.

"I hope it's a good chance. I really want to..... And not just for all
you've done for me," she said. John reluctantly pulled her hand away.

"Sally, you're a lovely woman. And believe me I want to... but I'm
involved with at least two women I love very deeply. Even if we did, it
would have to be a one time thing. I couldn't begin to offer you any
long term relationship now... or in the foreseeable future," John told
her.

"I find those conditions quite acceptable.... for now," Sally said,
grinning.

"Well, We'll see. Damn, I wish I could call Cindy. Maybe I'll try it on
Saturday," he said.

"Cindy?" Sally asked.

"My other girlfriend. Theresa's the first. Sheila will be the third if
it works out that way," John said.

"Well, if they really don't mind sharing you with each other, maybe
they won't mind you sharing my bed so much," Sally said.

"Maybe. But I'd better ask. If they say yes.. Well, we'll have to see,"
John said. Sally pulled him into another deep kiss and let him know he
was welcome to whatever worked out. They shopped arm in arm for her
furniture. Salespeople suppressing their thoughts over the Spring /
September relationship. Sally always picked out a more conservatively
priced item than John would settle for.

"You've got to play the role. Your image makes you what you are. If the
manager sees you in a tastefully laid out apartment and you dress well,
he'll be grateful he got you for the price. If you present yourself as
being overly grateful and live too conservative a life style, he'll
think he's paying you too much," John explained.

"Whatever you say, but this is going to take a long time to pay back,"
Sally said.

"I'm not worried. When you can," John said.

"Starting with my first check," Sally said.

"Make it your third. I want you to get a reserve built up," John said.

"Whatever you say," Sally agreed. She sat on a huge four-posted bed,
patting the mattress beside her. "Like to join me? They want the sell
so bad I doubt they'd watch... I'd like this one, but how about that
one over there?" she said, pointing out a narrow single bed with a
yucky headboard.

"Nope. This one it is. If I'm gonna bend the rules...I'm gonna do it in
style. Now behave yourself," John said, taking her hand, but pulling
her off the bed instead of letting her pull him on it.

"Yes, sir. *That* just increased my servitude by a year, but it might
be worth it," Sally said.

"I don't care if it takes ten...... Now about your lifestyle... I'd be
discrete in your love affairs. Don't date anyone from the company. Bad
policy. Too easy for it to affect your job. Not too many customers
either. Preferably not for a long time. You can date outside the sphere
of your business contacts before that though. I'm sure you won't have
any problem attracting a wide variety to choose from. Be picky. Very
picky. You're worth it. Those who realize it won't mind the wait.....
and be careful. You've got a great future ahead of you if you don't
mess it up by getting pregnant," John said.

"Oh... I think I'm gonna concentrate on my job for a while... This has
all happened so fast. I just want to set up a routine life and get used
to it before I start complicating it. I'm a long ways from settling
down..... besides... you're kind of a tough act to follow, you know,"
Sally grinned.

"Now don't go celibate on me. You're a lovely young woman. You should
enjoy your wild oats while you can. Just be discrete and careful about
it," John said.

"Okay.... but you're welcome in my bed anytime you want. I really mean
that," Sally said.

"You may change your mind about that... I won't hold you to it," John
said.

"Do as you wish... but I won't change my mind. I want you. I'll accept
you on any terms I can get," she said.

"How about this dresser over here?" John said, trying to change the
subject. They got her furniture all picked out. They scheduled delivery
for the next morning. John arranged for her room at the hotel for
another night. They stopped by a department store and purchased her
dishes, pots and pans, silverware and toilet articles for her
apartment. She also picked up some panty hose for later.

He had her wear the green evening dress. She looked stunning in it. He
took her out to dinner at a four-star restaurant. She turned heads left
and right when she walked in. Wives kicked their husbands under the
table. Sally reveled in the attention she received, but she only had
eyes for John. He declined her invitation to come in when he walked her
to her room. She kissed him deeply before she would release him. He
walked a bit uncomfortably to his own room.

The next morning they went to her new apartment to await her furniture.
Once delivered and set up, John took her around to some of the fashion
houses, picking out clothes for her. On a whim he took her into the
business where he'd had the encounter with the snooty blonde. An
attractive brunette greeted him.

"Yes sir, how may I help you?" she greeted.

"Yes, we'd like to look at some of your business fashions... for her,"
John said, indicating Sally.

"Certainly sir. If you'll just follow me. My name is Debbie. May I get
you some refreshments while you wait?" Debbie asked.

"Thank you. A cup of coffee would be nice, black for me," John said.

"And you, Miss?" Debbie asked.

"Coffee would be fine. One cream and sugar please."

"Certainly. Now if you'd like to have a seat. I'll send someone right
in while I check on the outfits," she said. They were only alone for a
moment before another woman served them their coffee. Smiling, she
introduced herself and kept them company until Debbie returned. The
outfits were indeed nice. Debbie made a note of each one that they
expressed an interest in. Suggesting certain combinations that would
match Sally's hair and eyes. She inquired if they would be interested
in viewing some items of lingerie. John nodded. Sally blushed a bit.

John selected an emerald green outfit and a few other racy things for
Sally. Then Debbie took Sally off to be measured. The second woman
returning to keep John company, refreshing his coffee for him. Sally
returned with Debbie.

"Now sir, would you like to see the selections you were interested in
again? To make your choice easier?" she asked.

"No, I don't think that will be necessary," John said.

"Okay... have you decided? Would you like to purchase one in
particular? Any you would like to see again to be sure?" Debbie asked.

"No, I think we'll take them all," John said.

"All? Very good sir.... Would you care to discuss the financial aspects
in private?" she offered. John took out his platinum card and handed it
to her.

"No, just put it on this," he said.

"Certainly sir. I'll be right back," she said. Again the second woman
returned. A moment later Mr. Moore came out.

"Mr. Stevens. How *very* nice to see you again. I trust the service was
to your satisfaction?" he queried.

"Yes, excellent, Mr. Moore. Thank you. This is Sally Thompson. You
might be seeing more of her in the future," John said.

"Pleased to meet you, Sally. You are always welcome here," Mr. Moore
said, shaking her hand.

"Mr. Stevens, I really can't thank you enough for your honesty the
other day. I must say that our business has picked up considerably in
just a few days. Would you allow me to grant you a discount on your
purchases today as a small token of my gratitude?" he concluded.

"That's very nice of you, but it's really not necessary," John said.

"Please, I insist. And I would also like to extend a discount to Miss
Thompson on any purchases she may choose to make in the future," he
offered.

"Very well. Thank you, since you insist," John said.

"My pleasure. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just go make arrangements.
Very nice to meet you, Miss Thompson. Please feel free to come back
anytime, even just to browse. And thank you again, Mr. Stevens," Mr.
Moore said, taking his leave. When Debbie returned with his bill, John
was very surprised to note that Mr. Moore had reduced it by 50%,
several thousand dollars. He protested.

"No, Mr. Moore was quite insistent. He also insisted that *all* Miss
Thompson's future purchases be at just 5% over our costs," Debbie said,
sincerely.

"That is most generous of him. Please thank him for us," John said,
signing his credit card slip.

"Our pleasure, sir. And thank *you* for your business. We have several
of the outfits you selected in stock. The others should be ready in a
few days. Would you like to take those available with you or should I
have them delivered?" Debbie asked.

"Oh, please. Can we take them with us?" Sally asked. John nodded.

"Certainly. I'll just see to their wrapping. I'll be right back,"
Debbie said. The other woman appeared. They declined any further
refreshment. Debbie returned with an assistant, laden with boxes.

"I'm sorry. But we only have the dresses and lingerie in stock. Miss
Thompson has such nice long legs we'll have to make the pants special
for her. If you'll just leave a number where she can be reached when
they're completed," Debbie said.

"She just moved into a new apartment. Her phone isn't connected yet.
She'll have to give you a call next week," John said.

"Certainly. I'm sure we can have them completed by Tuesday or Wednesday
at the latest," Debbie said.

"Take your time. Sally, why don't you call them about Thursday
afternoon or Friday morning?" John said. Sally smiled and nodded.
Trying to take possession of more boxes than she could carry.

"Let us get a cab for you. Then we'll help you carry them out," Debbie
said. The second woman nodded and disappeared. A moment later she
returned, nodding her head. They all carried some of the packages out
and loaded them into the taxi. Debbie shaking each of their hands and
inviting them to return anytime. Once on the way, Sally turned to John.

"What the hell did you do to get service like that?" she asked.

"Oh... I just walked out on bad service from a previous employee. But I
told Mr. Moore exactly why I was doing it," John said. Sally looked at
him aghast.

"You're something else, John," she said, snuggling to his side. With
the help of the door guard and taxi driver they carted her packages up
to her apartment in stages. The taxi driver moving them into the lobby.
The guard watching them as John and Sally made several trips up to her
apartment. John tipped both of them handsomely. When John could finally
tear her away from her new fashions, he took her out and arranged for
her telephone and signed her up for an Internet account. He also took
her out to a computer store and purchased her a state of the art
Laptop, along with a desktop system with a laser printer and flatbed
scanner for her apartment. She could cart the laptop to work with her.
Once at home, she could link her laptop to her desktop and transfer
files. At the computer store he also arranged for Internet lessons for
her.

Lastly John purchased a year's membership to a fashionable local health
club for her. They headed back to the hotel and collected her few
things from the room. Finally they returned to her apartment. John
helped her set it up. Determining what items should go in which
cupboard. Helping her hang her fashions in her closet. Then he helped
her make up the enormous bed. Once made, she pushed him onto it,
climbing atop him and kissing him deeply. He didn't resist her kisses,
but rolled away when she started to unbutton her blouse.

"Not yet. Please. I have to talk to the girls first," he said. She
continued unbuttoning her blouse and then unfastened the front clasp on
her bra, she revealed a lovely set of breasts with dark erect nipples.

"I just want you to see what you're missing. They're yours anytime
you're ready," she said, pulling his hand to them and holding it there.
John kissed her deeply and then *very* reluctantly pulled his hand
loose.

"Goddamned ethics!" he said, rolling away from her, off the bed.

"Yours, not mine," she chuckled, "But I appreciate that you have them."

"Come on, put on that slinky black dress we bought today. Let's go get
some dinner. We forgot groceries, we'll have to get you some in the
morning," John said.

"Okay... but sit there. I want you to know *exactly* what you're
missing," she said. John sat at her vanity while she stripped herself
nude. Carefully hanging her expensive clothing. She was gorgeous. Her
skin a darker shade than most redheads. She explained that she had some
Indian blood in her family. It gave her, her darker complexion. The red
hair and green eyes had come from her mother's side, which was Irish.
She was grateful for her darker complexion as it had saved her most the
freckles that most redheads have to deal with.

Whatever her heritage, John's erection strained at his pants as his
eyes traced her smooth lines. Landing upon her trim auburn pubic patch.
His mouth watered. Sally did nothing to help his composure as she
slowly did a reverse strip tease before him. Drawing her fingers slowly
over her breasts and between her legs, making certain he got a clear
view between her legs.

She pulled on the Emerald Green Lingerie. Once on, John wanted very
much to rip it off. She added a matching garter belt and slowly pulled
her nylons over her smooth shapely legs. Finally she topped the
stunning package with the slinky black dress, turning to have John zip
her up. His fingers trembled as he raised the zipper.

She added a set of matching heels. Then brushed out her auburn hair and
adjusted her makeup to match the outfit. The result would have given a
monk a hard-on. She modeled it for him. Turning slowly. The high heels
pushing her perfect derričre up even more shapely. She was stunningly
beautiful and elegantly packaged. When he stood she pulled him to her,
grinding her pelvis into his erection as she kissed him deeply. She was
almost up eye to eye with him from the heels.

"Come on. Before I change my mind and rip that outfit back off you,"
John said.

"Oh, maybe we'd better wait a while then," she chuckled, kissing him
again.

"No we better not. I'm hungry for food, too," he said, his fingers
couldn't help but find her firm buttocks. He drew his fingers softly
over the cheeks and then pulled himself away.

"Spoilsport. Get me all hot and then leave me cold," she said, not
unkindly.

"Not by choice, my darling," John said, helping her on with her coat, a
new one to match some of her new outfits. He donned his own coat and
they went off to dinner. Again at a four-star restaurant. This time the
effect of her outfit and auburn hair was universal upon the staff and
other diners. John proud to have her on his arm. The meal was as good
as the environment. They shared a candle lit feast, talking easily and
enjoying each other's company. Afterwards John saw her home to her new
apartment. Saying goodnight at the door. She once again left no
question that he was clearly not only welcome, but desired, to spend
the night. He declined. It was one of the hardest things he ever did in
his life.

The guard in the lobby shook his head after him as he left. The way the
girl had been hanging on John, the guard had expected not to see him
till morning. It was clear from the bulge in John's pants that the
invitation had been made. The guard couldn't imagine why anybody would
turn it down. John stopped in the hotel bar for a couple of drinks to
help him sleep. He needed them.

* * *

Back at the silo, the girls' day had been a fruitful one. They had
designed and produced several outstanding outfits for Sheila. She
modeled them for the other two. She allowed herself to be seduced by
each of them at least once as a result of her outfits. Then Theresa
cooked dinner while Cindy and Sheila worked out in the gym and then had
a swim to cool off. Sheila reclined in a floating chair. When Cindy
swam up to her, she welcomed her. Her head back and eyes closed as her
body convulsed from the young brunette's talented tongue. She pulled
Cindy up into her lap and kissed her deeply as she caressed her lithe
body with her fingertips.

"Hey, you two. Dinner's ready. Fun and games afterwards," Theresa
called from the deck.

"Be right there," Cindy called and then turned to kiss Sheila once
again. Over dinner, the girls chatted about Sheila's new outfits and
ideas for others. Sheila steered them towards some more conservative
outfits she could *actually wear* to the office, without getting
arrested. They chatted more as they helped Theresa with the clean up,
retiring to the Com room with a drink. They all sat on the triple sofa,
snuggling and chatting. Eventually the conversation turned to John.

"Theresa, did you mean it when you said you wouldn't mind if John saw
another woman in New York?" Sheila asked.

"Yes..... I don't *think* I'd be jealous. For one thing, I know John
wouldn't do it unless he really wanted to. I think he'd actually call
and ask us if he got the urge," she chuckled.

"And what about you, Cindy? Would you mind?" Sheila asked.

"Well, that would depend. I wouldn't mind his finding pleasure in
another woman, but I wouldn't want him to do anything that threatened
our relationship here. If it was a one time thing.. or just an
occasional affair, no. I wouldn't mind *too* much. What about you? How
would you feel about it?" Cindy asked.

"Oh, not for me to say. He's not mine," Sheila replied.

"The hell you say. If I know our John, and I do, he's as much yours now
as he is ours. I accepted that when I agreed for you to stay," Cindy
said.

"Me too," Theresa said.

"Thank you. Both of you," Sheila said, kissing them each.

"So the question remains then, how would you feel about it?" Cindy
asked, tracing her fingers over Sheila's bare midriff.

"Gosh... I don't know. Let me think....... No, not really. I'm already
more than willing to just have a share of him. Like you said, Cindy, as
long as it didn't affect our relationship here, then I wouldn't mind. I
trust John wouldn't do anything stupid either. He'd be very selective
about anybody he chose to bed," Sheila said.

"So, we're in agreement on this... I wouldn't tell John though. I also
wouldn't want it to become a regular habit, either. But if he met an
attractive woman every now and then while he was out of town.... Then
we wouldn't be opposed to his spending a night with her," Cindy said.

"No, I wouldn't tell John that. But if he asked we might be talked into
it," Theresa chuckled.

"What if he wanted to bring one back here?" Sheila asked.

"That, would be another thing entirely. I don't think I'd like that
very much. That gets a little too close to our relationship," Cindy
said.

"But what about me?" Sheila asked.

"You're a different case. First off, John let us meet you first. I
didn't object to that, it was the sneaky way he went about it that
bugged me. But I wouldn't want him to bring anybody else here to live
with us. Between the three of us, we're going to find it hard enough to
manage his time between us. It will help considerably that we can share
each other's love too. I don't think a straight woman would fit into
this relationship at all," Cindy said.

"I think you're right about that. It would spread him too thin," Sheila
said.

"Well, you two will have him all to yourselves when I go off to school.
He's already used to dealing with two," Theresa chuckled.

"Don't you ever get the idea you're not welcome here," Cindy said,
leaning over Sheila to kiss her friend.

"I won't. And if I find a husband, I'd be more than happy to share our
bed with either or both of you anytime. But you'll have to be careful.
I plan on finding a fertile one," Theresa said.

"I wonder what John would think of that?" Sheila chuckled.

"I don't think he'd mind. John made it fairly clear he didn't expect
either of us to be celibate when we went off to college," Cindy said.

"Should prove interesting. I'm likely to end up with him all to myself
for a few years while you two are in school. I assume you'll be going
to college, Cindy?" Sheila asked.

"I want to. I can't deny that I thought about that when I agreed to
your staying. If you're keeping John happy, we have less to worry about
him finding an unknown woman to snuggle with while I'm gone," Cindy
chuckled.

"Think I can keep him happy, all by my little lonesome self?" Sheila
chuckled.

"I don't doubt it a bit. The question may be can he keep *you* happy
all by *his* lonesome self," Cindy chuckled.

"I don't think that will be a problem. I'd be more than content with
just him. You two are added bonuses to that contentedness.. I fear that
this fashion thing may take much of all our time together. John's
included. I know he says he doesn't want to be a part of it, but I
doubt he could help himself being involved," Sheila said.

"Probably not," Theresa said, "It's not in his nature."

"Well, should we retire for the evening?" Cindy asked, feeling up under
the edge of Sheila's tube top.

"Yes, good idea...... You know, I'd really love to watch you two with
that little toy of Cindy's," Sheila said, suggestively.

"Oh, god. Only if you spell each of us off yourself," Cindy said,
rolling her eyes.

"I'll say.... I'm only up to a little while on that thing and I'd like
to watch you two myself," admitted Theresa.

"Okay... but can we keep it down to the devastate and demolish setting.
I need some working brain cells when I go back to San Francisco,"
Sheila said.

"We can do anything we want," Cindy said, lifting Sheila's tube top
over her breasts.

"Then I suggest we retire," Sheila said, lifting Cindy's own tube top
and caressing her breasts. Theresa settled it by dragging the two of
them by the hand with her towards the bedroom.

* * *

John spent a fitful night. Alone. Tossing and turning. He missed the
girls terribly in addition to his discomfort over Sally and his visions
of Sheila joining his little harem at the silo. Several times he almost
got up and headed towards Sally's apartment. The little auburn patch of
pubic hair haunting his thoughts. Finally he slipped away..

Sally's night wasn't much better. Despite her large comfortable bed and
the security of her new apartment. She desired John with all her being.
The thought of him sent shivers though her. Her hands roaming her body
in search of relief. She forced her fingers away. Desiring that the
first orgasm she experienced in the new bed to be induced by John. She
finally slipped away dreaming of that moment.

Chapter 46

Cindy stirred. She was bracketed unevenly between two lovely women.
Their breathing, now, soft and regular. The last she had heard it, it
had been ragged and gasping. While Sheila may not be a substitute for
John, she certainly had her moments. Cindy kissed her softly just
inside her hip bones, which were just before her face, and then slipped
out from between them, kissing Theresa softly in the same place as she
passed it.

Once extracted, she looked back at the two lovelies. They each seemed
to sense the gap between and rolled together. Sort of. Their heads at
opposite ends of the bed. They ended with an arm around each others
hips. Cindy smiled at them and then moved off to the bathroom and from
there to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Sometime later, Sheila stirred. Upon opening her eyes she found a trim
blonde patch of pubic hair before her. On impulse she began kissing
beside it, tracing the crease with her tongue. A moment later she heard
a soft moan and then Theresa was doing the same thing to her. A most
pleasant way to wake up, Sheila thought.

* * *

John stirred. He reached out, but found his grasp empty. A deep longing
filled his being. Realizing that there would be no release from it, he
rolled out of bed to start his day. He called room service for coffee
only, then headed for the bath. A short time later a knock on his door
came in reply to his order. An hour later he was bathed and dressed.
Heading out the door for Sally's apartment.

Sally awoke feeling once more like the little princess. A distant pang
of loneliness touched her, but mainly she was still quite overwhelmed
by the changes in her life. A few days previous she had been living in
the street, sleeping in cardboard boxes and begging for her meals. Then
a wonderful man had come into her life and swept her off like
Cinderella. Now she had a good job, a well furnished place of her own,
an elegant wardrobe and money in her purse.

She stretched like a cat between the soft sheets and then threw the
covers aside. She donned her thick robe from the hotel and headed
eagerly for the bathroom. She was meeting that man for breakfast. She
was just finishing her makeup when her intercom buzzed. She told the
guard to send him up. By the time John reached her door, Sally was a
stunning picture of loveliness and composure. Which wasn't exactly what
she felt. She smiled and kissed him softly before they headed off. This
morning was grocery shopping. They presented a lovely couple as they
strolled the isles of the local market.

John insisted on completely stocking her cupboards. Selecting cases of
canned goods, large sacks of sugar, flour, rice and pasta and an ample
supply of coffee. He supplemented this with a case of canned mushrooms,
pasta sauces, Mexican sauces, middle eastern food, oriental food,
brownie mix, and one each of every spice. Then they descended upon the
meat counter and frozen foods and literally stuffed her new large
freezer. He selected a variety of fresh and prepared meats and cheeses,
most of which would freeze well in the smaller freezer compartment of
her refrigerator. Lastly he sparingly selected a variety of fresh
vegetables, a sack of potatoes the largest item, but a good supply of
onions and garlic. He supplemented these with sacks of dried vegetables
and soup fixings.

While the ecstatic store manager was ringing up the first two shopping
carts, John took another and raided the house wares, selecting
cleaners, a mop, sponges, buckets, dish soap, dishwasher soap, brushes,
light bulbs, extension cords, tapes and glues and wrapping papers,
foils and plastics. He filled one last cart with toilet paper and paper
towels. Although the days of delivered groceries was gone, the manager
gladly made an exception. Gathering his staff together to cart a small
pickup full of purchases back to Sally's apartment for them. John paid
the bill without letting Sally see the total on the multi-yard tape.
She put her foot down however when John tried to set her up an account
with the manager.

"No! I won't use it if you do!" she said.

"Her money's no good here," John told the manager.

"Then I shall have to shop elsewhere," Sally said. The manager
discretely slipped away to let them *discuss* it. He realized that it
didn't matter one way or the other. Weekly purchases for one person
wouldn't make much difference on his books. And it would be a while
before she needed anything at all. Maybe months. In the end, John
relented. But not before he got her to agree to accept an additional
two hundred dollars.

They spent a large portion of the day just putting things away. In the
end she had the best stocked kitchen she had ever seen. So of course
they went out to dinner. Sally did however manage to get him to accept
lunch at her place. They had an early dinner, as a sort of celebration
at the small diner where John had purchased her first meal. The
waitresses jaw dropped when they walked in.

"So, I guess this means you wouldn't be interested in a job waiting
tables," she chuckled to Sally.

"Maybe. I have to see how much time I have free from the job I start on
Tuesday. John got me.... well, an excellent job as a computer
specialist," Sally enthused.

"Great. You look gorgeous. I never realized you were a redhead," the
waitress said.

"My hair kind of turns an ugly brown when it gets dirty," Sally told
her.

"Wish the hell I cleaned up that well.... So what can I get you folks?"
she asked.

"How about our same order from the first night," Sally said.

"Let's see... a Club sandwich and a double cheeseburger with fries. Two
coffees, one cream and sugar and hot pecan pie with a scoop of ice
cream for desert," she said, writing the ticket.

"How the hell do you remember that?" Sally asked, amazed.

"Well, let's just say that you folks sort of left an impression. You
weren't like my average customers. You still aren't. A handsome, well
to do *gentleman* and a stunningly beautiful, tall redhead," she
chuckled.

"Who was a street urchin just a few days ago, before she was rescued by
the handsome gentleman," Sally added.

"Some Cinderella story," the waitress said.

"Remember the Shirley Temple movie *Little Princess*?" Sally asked. The
waitress nodded. "The scene where she wakes up in the warm room in a
soft bed, I feel like that every morning when I wake up," Sally said.
The waitress smiled.

"I'll just get your orders," she said, wiping her eyes. This time they
did more talking as they ate and Sally didn't consume near as much
food. Again cutting her burger, she only ate half of it. When the
waitress came back to inquire about desert, they asked for the pie to
go as well, but forgo the ice cream. She seemed a bit sad, but took
their plates away to wrap their extra food. When John slipped out to
the rest room the waitress came over to Sally.

"Come see me when you get a chance. I want to hear all about it," she
said.

"I will, god, it's been like a dream. He's been a perfect gentleman.
Too damn perfect in fact," Sally said, longingly.

"I did you both a great injustice that first night. I'm sorry," the
waitress replied.

"Tell you what. I'll come back and tell you all about what's happened
since, if you'll tell me what you two talked about while I was in the
bathroom," Sally said. The waitress looked pained and dropped her eyes
in shame.

"Not much to that. I made a snide remark about his motives towards you
and he put me in my place," the waitress said softly. Sally put her
hand over the waitresses.

"Well, I'll come back and we can talk about it. I need a good friend
here," she said. The waitress smiled at the young redhead.

"I could use one myself. Maybe I won't be so cynical," she said. Sally
squeezed her hand and she left wiping her eyes again as John came back.
She appeared a moment later with their doggie bag. "I put some ice
cream in a large Styrofoam cup anyway. On the house," she said.

"Thank you, that was nice," John said.

"No, Thank *you*, sir," the waitress said, she took John's bill and
brought him back his change, declining the massive tip he insisted
upon. She pocketed a five and walked away when he argued. John was
going to leave a large bill on the table, but Sally stopped him.

"No, she'd be insulted by it. Trust me," she said. John shrugged and
they left. Sally walked him back to his hotel, clinging to his arm. It
was a cold and clear night. The stars sparkled above the narrow lanes
between the tall buildings. John wanted to talk to the girls. Sally
insisted she catch a cab home alone. Telling him to come right over on
the slim chance they okayed it. She kissed him briefly outside the
entrance, then jumped in a cab the doorman had hailed for her. John
watched it pull away and then headed inside.


Chapter 47

The girls had another full day. They mostly finished up Sheila's
wardrobe. Then they started on accessory items like custom patterned
stockings. Weaving little flowers and hearts randomly into a large fine
net. For fun Cindy made her a body suit with her skin image printed on
it. Sheila insisted on one of Theresa as well. Lastly, Cindy made her a
surprise package while Sheila and Theresa were in the pool. A virtual
duplicate of her toy from John, only built for one. On a whim she added
surface casts of herself and Theresa threaded over the ends. She put
the whole thing into a gift box. She was just thinking about dinner
when the phone rang.

"Hello?" she said.

"Please don't hang up, I *need* to talk to you," John said. It was the
way he said *need* that softened her.

"I'm listening," she said.

"I've been a shit head," he said.

"I'm still listening," she said, smirking.

"I'm still a shit head," he said.

"I'm still listening," she said, but softer.

"You're not making this any easier.... Listen. I'm sorry. I should have
had more faith in you and Theresa. I shouldn't have fallen for Sheila
in the first place. I love you all more than I can say. I miss you all
desperately... but...." John faded off.

"But there's more.... Okay. What's happened?" Cindy asked.

"God, this doesn't seem like the right time to bring this up, but I
want to be honest with you. I don't ever want to hurt you again," John
said. Cindy sat down, her eyes closed a bit. She sighed heavily.

"What's her name?" she asked. John was silent for just long enough to
confirm her fears. "I guess you'd better tell me about it. *All* about
it," she said. John took a deep breath, then he told her about meeting
Sally, and what he did for her, and what they had and hadn't done.
Telling every detail down to their kiss when they'd parted just an hour
earlier. Cindy had listened carefully. She actually found herself
feeling very proud of her man.

"And you found her a job which she starts Tuesday and she has her own
apartment which she has a year's free rent on, so she'll be staying
there when you come back?" Cindy asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Now let me get this straight. You're calling your pissed off
*girlfriends* because you want to make love to a gorgeous young redhead
who this very minute is waiting patiently for you. You're calling to
get our permission to do this, but you haven't done it yet because of
us. Is that correct?" she asked.

"Well, I hadn't thought of it in those terms, but I guess that is
essentially correct," John replied. A laugh built up from deep in
Cindy's lungs. It broke through her lips and she laughed hard and long,
doubled over holding her aching sides. John waited patiently for the
end of his relationship.

When Cindy could talk again she said, "John, you are one in a million!
I forgive you totally and love you dearly. Please. Bed the girl with my
total and sincere blessing. But don't you dare bring home so much as a
microbe. Let alone a body. Okay?" John was speechless for a moment.

Finally he replied, "I love you."

"I love you too. Now stop wasting the poor girl's time. Get your ass
moving. Just leave something for us girls here, 'cause we're not going
to cut you any slack when you get back," Cindy said, still chuckling.

"God, I love you. I'll see you Monday evening," he said. Cindy hung up
the phone and busted out laughing again. The other two came in and
between gasps Cindy told them the whole story. When she reached the
punch line they all laughed long and hard for a long time. Tears
rolling down their cheeks.

"No more, I'll wet my pants," Theresa cried. That just set the other
two off again, Theresa sprinting for the bathroom. She returned a bit
later, wearing different pants.

"Well, you've got that right, John is one in a million," Sheila mused.

"You didn't really ask it just like that? Did you?" Theresa chuckled.

Cindy nodded, "Word for word," she gasped. Then they were all off
again.

John sat staring at the phone. Cindy's reaction had caught him totally
off guard. Never had it even occurred to him that the answer would be
yes. He'd thought that Cindy would yell and scream at him and hang up.
Then he would explain to Sally that it was out of the question. He
would fly home and pay his penance, whatever the girls wanted it to be.
He thought to himself that he would never, as long as he lived,
understand women.

He shook his head, but then jumped up and headed out the door. On the
way to Sally's he purchased two dozen long stemmed red roses. Once at
Sally's apartment house, he gave the flowers to the guard. A note
inside. The guard delivered them to her apartment. Sally took the box
of roses and opened it. Fearing the worst, that it was a conciliation
prize. She opened the note and read it. Tears flowing from her eyes,
she buzzed down to the guard and told him to send John right up.

She left her door ajar and then scurried into her bedroom. She already
had on the outfit she wanted, just in case. She put perfume behind her
ears, and then in several strategic spots. When John sheepishly
entered, he found her laying upon her huge four posted bed, wearing her
emerald green lingerie, a vision of loveliness. John pulled a bottle of
champagne from behind him.

"May I corrupt your morals?" John asked, holding the champagne bottle
before her.

"If you *don't,* I'm going to be very pissed off. If it turns out that
you're just teasing me you'd better protect your privates. 'Cause I've
got a whole drawer full of nice new sharp knives and I'll have you
inside me one way or the other," she said, not untruthfully. John
shivered at the thought, she rose up onto her knees and he moved to
her. The champagne forgotten for a long time. Several hours later she
lay with her head upon his shoulder, tracing little circles in his
chest hair with her fingertips.

"You really *are* going to be a tough act to follow, you know," she
said softly.

"You should have told me that it would be your first time," John said.

"What? And have you back out? No way!" she chuckled.

"But a woman's first time should be very special," John protested.

"John, I don't think it could possibly have been any more special. God,
my own apartment in New York City, huge four-posted bed, satin sheets?
A tender, kind, loving, handsome, rich, gentleman? Roses, Champagne? A
great job? God John, what could be more special?"

"Someone your own age," he replied.

"Oh poop. A boy my age would have ripped off my lingerie, fucked me
hard and popped off in fifteen seconds. You gave me almost a dozen
orgasms before you entered me, and at least a dozen more after that.
And... we're not through yet... are we?" Sally asked, grinning. John
sighed and caressed her back with one hand and her lovely breasts with
the other.

"No, just taking a break. Where's that champagne, we should have put it
on ice," he said.

"If you had stalled even a minute longer before you got into this bed I
may have been tempted to use those knives anyway," she chuckled. He
pulled her face up and kissed her gently. Just barely brushing her lips
with his. After a moment he deepened the kiss. Her tongue meeting his
as her body trembled. Later their sweat ran together and mingled as it
soaked into the sheets. Sally's lovely auburn hair damp and straggly.
She glowed like her roses. At that moment feeling more beautiful than
when dressed in her finest fashion.

John finally breathing regular, sleeping like a baby beside her. Sally
would remember this moment her entire life. Tears of joy flowed freely
from her eyes. She kissed him softly on the forehead. He stirred and
seeing her tears, tried to softly kiss them away. She hugged him with
all her might.

"Think you could find a little snack for an old man somewhere around
here?" he asked, sleepily.

"Oh... I might have an old crust of bread I could toast... in my new
toaster," she smiled at him. She kissed him softly, then sat up. He
instinctively traced his fingers over her nude breasts.

"You really are lovely," he said softly.

"And you really are wonderful," she said, kissing him again. She pulled
his shirt over her shoulders to keep the chill off. It was the closest
thing, discarded against one of the corner posts. She buttoned just a
few of the lower buttons to keep it about her. She felt his eyes upon
her as she walked into the kitchen. A moment later he joined her, clad
only in his trousers. He sat at her table while she put on some coffee.
She dug into the refrigerator for omelet fixings.

John felt a stirring in his trousers from the vision of loveliness bent
before him. She turned and caught him looking, holding his eyes with
her deep green ones. She felt like the sexiest woman on earth. The
feeling stayed with her as she felt his eyes upon her while she chopped
onions and peppers which she started sautéing ahead of the rest. Adding
mushrooms and cheese along with sage, thyme and a teaspoon of salsa
with the eggs. She covered the pan, set it on low and moved into his
lap while it cooked. She kissed him softly.

"Too bad the champagne got warm," she said, finally.

"Here, let me up. I'll show you a special treat," John said.

"Let me make it. Just tell me what to do," she offered.

"No, if you bent into that fridge one more time we'd never get anything
to eat," John chuckled. She sat back on the table. The shirt just
accentuating her assets. Her breasts just teasingly hidden behind the
thin material. It really didn't hide anything. The dark circles of her
erect nipples clearly visible. The ends protruding through the fabric
like Hershey's Chocolate kisses. Between her legs the tip of her auburn
pubic patch peeked between the shirt tails. John did his best as he
fumbled with the orange juice while trying to look two directions at
once. He put some concentrate in the blender and then opened the
Champagne with a muted *phfftt*, beneath a towel thrown over the top.

"Why open it that way?" she asked. John explained while he set the
blender running. She nodded and got up, checking on the omelet. She
took a large spatula and gently folded it over. Added a table spoon of
water to the pan and then recovered it. John got down some wine goblets
as she dropped four slices of toast into her new toaster. John poured
the concoction and handed a glass to her. Raising his in toast.

"To the most beautiful woman in New York City," he said.

"To the most desirable man I ever met," she counter-toasted. They
sipped from their glasses. A surprised look and a smile spread on her
lips as she took another sip right away. John chuckled and took another
himself. Sally smacked her lips as she lifted the lid on the omelet,
turning it with the wide spatula. The first side perfect.

She recovered the pan and John joined her, helping to butter the four
slices that popped out of the toaster. She got down a saucer and two
large heavy china plates, admiring her new dishes. John got out the
silverware and napkins. Sally set the toast upon the saucer and then
divided the omelet, two-thirds for John, one-third for her. Dishing it
out onto the flower patterned china. She served him as he sat back
admiring her body once more.

The coffee finished dripping and she added a large mug for each of
them. Joining him at the table, she watched his face as he tested the
omelet. When he smiled at her she quivered a bit and beamed like a
little girl, proud of her first mud-pie. She dove into her own.
Surprised to find that it was really quite good.

"Hm... A good cook to boot. You make it damn hard for a man to leave,"
John said.

"I wished you didn't have to, or that I could go with you," Sally said.

"No you don't. You're a lovely young woman. One of the loveliest I have
ever met. The only reason I'm going back, is that the other loveliest
ones are waiting for me. I love them dearly. But even one of them will
be leaving me eventually. Maybe more. You've got a bright future to
look forward to. That's not what you'd find in a hole in the desert.
I'm just your first lover," John said. Sally dropped her eyes a moment.

"Actually.... John, you're my first *man*. I wasn't completely honest
with you when I told you about my gay friend. I didn't decline
completely. I just got scared and declined after she had... *done* me,"
Sally said, hanging her head.

"That so? Well darling, I'm just honored beyond words to be your first
man," John said.

"You don't think badly of me?" Sally asked.

"What on earth for? Dear heart, if you'll remember, I live with *two*
bisexual women. Possibly three. Why would I think badly of you?" John
asked, not understanding.

"Not that part... if I saw her again I might be more receptive. I mean
that you weren't my first ever. I wish you had been," she said.

"Sally, I didn't think I was going to be your first. A woman as
attractive as you are? That's not why I wanted to make love with you.
As far as I'm concerned, I *am* your first. There's blood on your
sheets in there to prove it. But even that doesn't make me your first.
Your first time is more a state of mind than a physical condition. The
first time is when you first give your heart away. You can still have
that," John said.

"Wrong again, oh wise one..... That would still make you my first. You
see... I do love you," Sally said, softly.

"Oh Christ. What have I done?" John moaned.

"Please don't regret it! You don't understand. I *wanted* you to be my
first. I'm *proud* that you are my first. You're what teenage girls
would dream of, if they had a clue. You're what every adult woman I've
ever known has been searching for, but never quite found. You're mine,
in here, in my heart. You will always be my first. Nobody can ever take
that away from me. If I never made love to another in my whole life I
could go to the grave happy," Sally said.

"Well, let's not push it. I'm proud that you wanted me..... So.. this
being your first love, what would you like? I'll let you pick your
memories ahead of time. Anything you want, I'll do my best to comply,"
John said. Sally looked at him. She softly touched his face.

"In that case.. I want you to make love to me on this table. Then I
want you to make love to me on the sofa. Then in every room in this
apartment, including the closets. I want you on the bed, the floor,
standing up, sitting down, in the shower and if you could figure a way,
hanging from the ceilings. I want you to make love to me in every
possible position and manner you know how or can make up. I want you
till the last possible instant when you have to leave Monday. I want it
to be genuinely painful for me to *walk* into work on Tuesday. But I'll
be glowing like those roses. And I'll know I've been loved by the
best," Sally said.

"Damn woman, better keep the coffee going and 911 on hold. You might be
shipping me back in a box," John chuckled.

"If so, then I'll weep over your grave. But if you go that way I intend
you should go happy," Sally said, unbuttoning the only two buttons
fastened. She climbed up on the table and pushed the plates aside. One
fell off and John reached for it.

"You bother with that now and I'll bust it over your head! Now kiss
me!" she said. John complied. A full day later he was trying to
remember her words, counting off the locations and positions. He looked
up at the ceiling and shook his head. He looked over at the closet and
grabbing Sally by the foot, dragged her laughing into it. Later they
soaked together in the tub.

"Well, you've filled one of the requirements," she said, snuggling to
him.

"What's that?" he asked, caressing a breast.

"I'm certainly going to be walking funny Tuesday," she chuckled.

"Sorry?" he asked.

"Not for an instant. Now I think I mentioned something about the
bathtub...." she said, kissing him.

When she let him breathe again he said, "Actually it was the shower."

"Oh... that too. But let's use the bed this time," she said, climbing
out and handing him a towel.

"I thought you were sore?" he said.

"Just in one spot. I've got others you haven't touched yet... or at
least entered," she grinned.

"You sure? That can be very painful if not done right," he said.

"Then we'd better just do it right, hadn't we?" she smirked.

"Any more coffee?" he asked.

"Maybe afterwards. Besides, it's bad for your heart," she said.

"And this isn't?" he chuckled.

"Nope, best exercise in the world," she said, drying him off. She
dropped to her knees and sucked his manhood into her mouth. She liked
doing it. Having just learned how to do it the second hour of their
lovemaking. Now she seemed like a pro as she sought to bottom her lips
against his testicles. To his surprise he responded to her warm mouth.
He'd lost count of how many times he'd done it. Once he was hard, she
stood and guided him to the bedroom, holding onto his manhood as a
handle. She climbed up on the bed and put her head down and her
buttocks up on the air. He stalled, looking around.

"What are you waiting for?" she asked.

"We don't have any lubricant," he said.

"Then I suggest we try that extra virgin olive oil you insisted I have.
Somehow it seems appropriate," she giggled.

"I guess that will work... be back in a minute," he said. He headed
into the kitchen. He found a plastic quarter cup measuring cup and
poured some of the oil into it. Then he placed it into the microwave
for a few seconds.

"Hey, you eating out there? You've got a hot woman in here waiting for
you," she called from the bedroom.

"Not as hot as she's going to be," he called back. The oil was hot to
the touch, but not overly so. He carried it back into the bedroom and
had her place a towel under her. Then he dribbled the hot oil between
her lovely cheeks. She groaned in delight. John dipped his finger into
the oil and slid it between her ass cheeks. Finding her tender orifice,
he tickled it. Circling with his fingertip. Working more oil inwards as
he played with the virgin opening. She began to move her hips in rhythm
with his playing. John dipped his penis into the hot oil, wincing a
bit. Then he positioned himself against her and dribbled more oil over
the top of himself and around the end. He set it aside and slowly
pushed forward.

He guided her hips with his hand as she attempted to push back too
quickly. He continued to push inwards until his hips seated against her
cheeks. Then he lay still. Caressing her sides and back. Letting her
body get used to the concept. He made certain that his towel was beside
him and then grasping her whole body, rolled them over so she was atop
him.

Sally's body quivered. She had never known anything quite like what she
felt. At first her body had rejected the whole idea. Trying to force
him out again. Then it slowly relaxed. After a time the hot poker
inside her became the most incredible thing she had ever felt. John
moved his hips slightly, just barely beginning to move inside her.
Coincidentally his oiled fingers found her clitoris and rubbed it
softly while his other hand found and softly pinched her large nipples.

When she became comfortable with his movement, John had her sit up.
Putting her knees beside his hips. She began to move astride him
slowly. Building speed as her passion grew into a consuming fire. He
stopped her and had her turn around. She swiveled atop him, never
letting him out of her tight backside. Now they were face to face. She
kissed John like she had never kissed another before. His manhood hard
and hot inside her. Consuming her last vestige of inhibition. She began
to stroke her hips again, lost in pure abandon to lust.

Her psyche pleased that her man had had her in every imaginable way.
She felt every nerve in her body screaming that she was now a woman.
She began to bounce upon his hips like he was a bucking bronco. Then
liquid fire exploded inside her as John groaned in orgasm. The
screaming nerve ends all ganged up on her at once as an animalistic cry
escaped her lips. Her body convulsed harder than it ever had before.
The liquid fire seemed to climb inside her body until it exploded in
her mind like a sky rocket. She fell forward atop him, unconscious.

John held her trembling body against him. Feeling the random quivers
and contractions that ravaged her lithe body. He rolled her gently to
the side and then used the towels to tenderly clean her up. Her
sphincter contracting involuntarily at the slightest touch of the
towel. He used the other towel to wipe himself. Then snuggled beside
her and held her in his arms. Kissing her tenderly on the cheek. He lay
his head down and slipped into a blissful sleep beside her. Many hours
later he suddenly felt a burning set of lips upon his member. He sat up
suddenly.

Sally chuckled and asked, "Coffee?" Pointing to the mug on the night
stand. She took another sip to warm her mouth and again descended upon
his manhood. John didn't need coffee to wake up with what she was doing
to him. Despite more loving that he'd ever done before, even when he
was a young man, he responded to her hot mouth. Once he was hard, she
moved atop him, facing him and impaled herself upon him. She lay still
atop him, just reveling in his presence within her. She kissed him
deeply and then lay her head upon his shoulder.

"Thank you for making me a woman," she whispered softly.

"You were a woman before," John said.

"Maybe, but I didn't feel like it. Now every nerve in my body screams
it to me," she replied. He held her close to him. Slowly moving his
hips. He pushed in until he felt himself seat against her cervix, then
a bit more. Then he slowly withdrew almost all the way and then just as
slowly pushed up into until he once again seated against her cervix. He
continued this slow movement on every subsequent stroke. Her breath
coming harder in her chest. She lifted her head and looked into his
eyes. Feeling every blessed fraction of an inch in every blessed
stroke. The man she loved looked back into her eyes. His fingers softly
traced her body. Finding and softly tweaking her swollen nipples. A bit
raw from all the attention they had received. No more raw than her
swollen red pussy lips which even now screamed for more.

"I'll never have enough of you," she gasped, as her body began
convulsing atop him. She kept her eyes open. Even when she felt his
warm seed gush up inside her. He fought to do the same. Her body
convulsing a last time atop him she bent to kiss him deeply. "I love
you," she said.

"I love you too," he said. Despite her previous state, she convulsed
again atop him.

"No, I will never have enough of you. We could make love every minute
of every day for the rest of our lives and I still wouldn't have enough
of you," she said solemnly.

"So I guess I'm just wasting my time here, huh?" he chuckled.

"Don't please. Not even as a joke. I don't want to ever think that you
regretted a single minute of this weekend," she said, tears in her
eyes. He hugged her to him.

"Just the minutes it took me too long to get here," he said. She
shivered atop him and he caressed her softly for a long time. He was
still inside her and somehow he found the moment one of the most erotic
of his life. He began to grow again. She lifted her head in joyful
surprise. This time they moved together, eyes locked. Grinning at each
other. Their hips moving in perfect rhythm as their breath left their
lungs in complete unison. They lay together caressing each other. Again
they slept.

Sometime later he called out, "Feed me, or I'll not kiss another lip!"
She chuckled and sashayed her happy ass into the kitchen. He crawled
after her. Only half in theatrics as he slowly climbed up into a chair.

"Meat for the hungry warrior?" she asked.

"Uh!" he grunted.

"Medium rare?" she asked.

"Uh!" he replied.

The girls had an uneventful Sunday... almost. If you don't count making
love about seven different times between the various combinations.
Cindy talked Sheila into delaying her return a few days longer.
Thinking that it would be a great surprise to John just having her
there. She didn't count on the condition he would be arriving in.

The guard looked over the sign-in sheet as he came on duty. He flipped
back a few pages to be sure. 'God damn! He's still up there!' he
thought. Neither had left the apartment for a day and a half. A
messenger brought his suitcase and briefcase from his hotel. The guard
took pity on them and carried it up. A soft knock on the door brought a
scurry of activity behind the door and then a *very* happy looking
young redhead with straggly hair opened the door for him. The guard
grinned as he set down the luggage and took his leave.

The apartment had reeked of sex... mixed with the pleasant aroma of
garlic on a steak. Guess it takes some guys longer to get started...
but the old coot had made up for it in style. The guard thought. It
made him proud to be a man.

John was standing on the bed examining something on the canopy when
Sally returned to the bedroom. His shriveled manhood dangling in front
of him in invitation. At least Sally took it as an invitation. He
chuckled, but continued his inspection.

"What *are* you doing?" she asked between licks.

"Just examining the structural integrity of your bed," he replied.

"What for, did we break it?" she giggled, continuing her attack.

"Not yet.... Just pondering your initial request... I think it will
hold," he said, cryptically.

"What *are* you talking about?" she asked, giving up her attack
temporarily. John grinned at her ferociously. He ran out and brought a
chair back with him. He stood on it and extended a hand to her. She
didn't know what he had in mind until he lifted her up onto the canopy.
She rolled onto it, scant inches from the ceiling as he struggled up
behind her. She suddenly realized what he was doing and broke into
laughter, which she suddenly squelched as he started to kiss her. They
made love bumping into the ceiling and the bed creaking dangerously.
Later he swung over the edge and lowered himself. Then reached up to
help her as she let herself down. Kissing her rear cheeks as they
passed his lips.

"Happy now?" he asked.

"Ecstatic!" she beamed.

"Can you think of anyplace we missed?" he said.

"Nope... under the bed maybe... but I don't think we'd fit," she
chuckled.

"Let's find out," he said. They didn't, but John didn't let it stop
him. He took her on the floor next to the bed. When they could breathe
again, he said, "Well, darling. I'm just about played out. Want to
share a tub with me? I've only got four hours to make my flight."

"That's plenty of time," she said.

"I'm not sure I could make it to the lobby in four hours," he said,
crawling in the direction of the bath. He lay soaking in the tub, she
snuggled back against him.

"I don't know if I set any all time world records this weekend, but
I've virtually tripled my previous best..... I think. I lost count
about a day ago," he moaned.

"Twenty-nine times in thirty-six hours," she mused happily.

"You counted?" he asked.

"Yup. I remember every one of them," she said, smiling.

"How about yourself? Do you remember how many orgasms you had?" he
asked.

"I lost count of that around a hundred and thirty," she mused.

"How long ago was that?" he asked.

"Oh.... let's see.... in front of the stereo? No.... I think we were
actually in the bed," she said.

"So by my reckoning that puts you around a hundred-forty-eight or
nine... Once more will make me an even thirty and you a hundred-fifty,"
he grinned.

"You've *got* to be kidding!" she moaned. He wasn't. She actually
passed a hundred-fifty with a few to spare. A few hours later they were
dressed, hair combed and helping each other walk. She carried his
briefcase, as he struggled with his suitcase. The guard in the lobby
jumped up to help them, taking both bags from the grateful couple.
Although clean and well groomed, they walked like zombies. Their lips
chapped, almost raw.

The guard hailed a cab and got them into it with the luggage. He
repeated the words "Airport" for the driver. As neither was talking so
well. He watched the cab drive off. "Got to be some kind of world
record," he said to the receding cab.

They got John's bags checked in, mostly through help from the curbside
check-in attendants. Sally checked his briefcase, not trusting him to
carry anything. Then she kissed him deeply, oblivious to the crowds
streaming around them and the startled stares from people who noticed
their ages. She walked him to the security check through. He probably
looked like a bombed out junkie to the guards. They took one look at
her and understood why. She looked much the same.

"I love you," she said, kissing him one last time.

"And I love you," he said.

"Remember me next time you're in town," she said.

"Not bloody likely I'll forget this weekend.... or week," he said,
managing the energy to smile at her.

"Well... you'd better go. Give me a call when you can," she said.

"E-mail the number to me when you get your phone," he said.

"Count on it. You might just get a letter or two out of me," she said.

"That would be nice.... I'll miss you," he said.

"Not half as much as I'll miss you.. now get your ass on the plane,"
she said, tears welling up into her eyes. She kissed him hard and then
left, staggering her way back to the curb. She hailed a cab with tears
running down her face. Somehow John made his way onto his plane. He was
asleep before it left the ground. A stewardess let him sleep until the
plane was virtually empty at his destination. Shaking him gently awake.
Without thought he softly caressed the hand. The stewardess grinned but
shook him harder. He opened his eyes, suddenly pulling his hand away
from hers.

"Oh...sorry. I didn't realize," he said.

"I know. It's okay... Uh, sir, we've landed. I think that's your
helicopter waiting out there," she said.

"Oh...of course. Thank you," he said, fumbling with his seat belt. She
took pity on him, opening it for him. Then helping him to his feet. He
staggered off the plane and an attendant walked him to his helicopter,
his luggage already on board. The stewardess looked after him, wishing
she had put him in that condition. She had never in her life seen a
more contented man returning from New York City.

The attendant got him belted in and his headset on. He was asleep again
before they lifted off. Not even noticing when they made a stop at the
helicopter's home base and a large cargo net was attached.


Chapter 48

On Monday afternoon the girls were lounging around nude in the
solarium. Each a little nervous over John's return.

"Wonder where our wayward child is?" Theresa chuckled.

"He'll be here... he better," Cindy said.

"God, I'm so nervous," Sheila said. A distant thump-thump of a
helicopter rotor spurned them all into action. Cindy flipped the
controls that rolled the roof back into place. The helicopter could
land with it in any position, but this gave them a moment more to get
out of sight. They headed to the entry and each climbed into a
snowmobile suit. Not bothering with any clothing under it. They pulled
on boots, gloves and hats. Then went out just as the helicopter was
circling.

The pilot came in and gently set the cargo net beside the pad,
releasing it. Then circled once more as the girls secured it. He
touched down lightly and motioned to the girls. Sheila and Cindy came
in with their heads ducked while Theresa held the net down. The pilot
yelled out the window for them to wake his passenger up. Sheila crawled
in and kissed him.... nothing. She pulled back bemused. She undid his
belt and pulled off his headset. The noise of the rotor brought him
half awake. His eyes barely nodding a flicker of recognition at Sheila
as she and Cindy helped him out. Cindy went back to unloading the
luggage as Sheila guided him safely away from the pad..

The blast of cold air helped revive him enough for the girls to guide
him inside. They walked him straight down and put him into the bed.
Theresa waved the helicopter away. Then she began to open the cargo
net. It was filled with a mixture of hydroponics tanks and chemicals
and what looked like dress boxes and shopping bags. She opened one of
the bags and pulled out a lovely piece of lingerie, looking at it
curiously. Looking after the receding helicopter. She shrugged and
began to transfer the items inside. Cindy and Sheila joined her and
they got the whole bunch inside.

"Where's John?" Theresa asked.

"OUT!" Cindy snapped.

"Out where?" Theresa asked, not understanding.

"Out cold!" Sheila said, somewhat dejected.

"Asleep?" Theresa asked. Both the others nodded. "Wonder what *she* did
to him... even if he's only had an hour or two's sleep we can usually
wake him up," Theresa said.

"Must be one hell of a woman. I'm just glad she stayed there," Cindy
said.

"If she did that to him, so am I," Sheila said. Theresa nodded,
thoughtfully. John slept for a solid twelve hours. Waking on his bed,
nude. Bodies warm and snug around him everywhere he looked. Cindy and
Theresa were on either side of him. His head lay in Sheila's lap.

'Oh god, am I in trouble!' he thought. As gently as he could he
extracted himself from the bed. The two girls rolling together in his
absence, snuggling to Sheila's shapely legs. John stood looking at the
lovely sight and then slipped out. He used the bath in the guest room
and then made his way to the kitchen. He put on some coffee and made a
sandwich. He was on his third wedge of club sandwich when Cindy
appeared at the door.

"The dead live.... must have been one hell of a woman," she said, not
too coldly. John opened his arms to her and she was in them in a shot.
Hugging and kissing him. "Oh, god. I missed you!" she cried.

"I'm sorry I'm such a shit head," he said.

"I don't care... as long as you're my shit head," she said.

"All yours," he said. Kissing her deeply. He winced a bit over his
lips.

"What *did* that woman do to you?" Cindy chuckled.

"I think she was testing the endurance of the male species for a
science project," he chuckled.

"Damn you. You promised you'd save some for us. I talked Sheila into
staying so she'd be here to welcome you. And you return a god damned
zombie," she cried.

"I'm sorry... I never tried to make love thirty times in a day and a
half before," John said.

"Thirty!? Are you serious?" Cindy asked.

"So she said. I lost count around twelve," John said.

"And what did *you* do to her?" Cindy asked.

"The best we could figure, about a hundred-fifty, maybe a few more," he
said, sipping at his coffee.

"That's incredible... I'm jealous... But why so much?" Cindy asked.

"I didn't intend on it. But I didn't count on her being a virgin
either. When I found out it had been her first time.... well, I wanted
to make it extra special for her. I told her that I would do anything
she wanted if she'd just let me know..... So.. she says... she wanted
me on the table, the sofa, the floor, in the closet, the bath, the bed,
in doorways, standing up, laying down, sitting and hanging from the
ceiling. The last request was one of the hardest to fulfill. We ended
up on top of her canopy bed. We tried it underneath too, but we
couldn't fit," John said. Cindy hugged her man.

"Poor baby... but I only count twelve," Cindy chuckled.

"Add four times before she said that. Then another eight times in the
bed at various later times. Then once *under* the table, once in front
of the stereo, again in the closet, again sitting at the table, once on
the kitchen counter and again in the bath," John concluded.

"That's thirty.... this woman must *never* step foot in this house, I
mean that," Cindy said, seriously.

"Oh... I was hoping she could come visit and meet you girls in about
six months," John said, dejected.

"Oh...Okay," Cindy said, happily, hugging him. "Want any other women in
your life? Maybe Theresa and I could seduce a pep club at college or
something," Cindy continued.

"No! No more women in my life! Besides the ones I've already got, that
is," John said.

"You certain? It might be fun seducing a pep club," Cindy chuckled.

"You're making fun of me," John said.

"What do you expect, John? Four women in your life. *Four!*" Cindy
cried. John turned to her. Looking her right in the eyes.

"Now please listen carefully to exactly what I say. Because I'm not
complaining about it. But these *are* the facts. Of those four women,
you perhaps are the only one that I've initiated a relationship with.
And that was after you did your damnedest to seduce me. One: Theresa
impaled herself upon me in my sleep. Two: you arrived and you and
Theresa started playing who the hell can dress the sexiest. Okay, we
get involved. Three: I go to San Francisco on business. Sheila asks to
come to my room, then asks if she can sleep with me anyway after I tell
her I can't have intercourse with her. I still haven't.

"And Four: Now Sally. I met her hungry on the street. I took her to a
diner and fed her. I thought I could help her. I got her *her own*
private room for the night. Bought her some clothes she could work in
and found her a good job and a place to live. I helped her set it up.
Now, she strips naked in front of me, telling me how much she wants me
and how I'm welcome in her bed anytime I want. I fight her off for two
days, after being without sex for five days.

"I finally call you and ask permission if I can sleep with her. Now you
tell me yes, with your blessing and all is forgiven. Come home soon.
Now you're objecting to my relationships with whom? I love each of you
deeply and dearly. But the simple fact is that I've just been a victim
of circumstance from the minute Theresa stepped in front of my car. I
haven't hardly had a moment's peace since then, that's spelled 'p e a c
e'. It refers to tranquility, which is why I moved out here into the
desert in the first place. It refers to contentment. The contentment to
sit looking at the stars, just sharing each other's presence without
every occasion in life being an excuse for an orgy.

"Now basically you're burned because after helping a woman off the
street, she wants me to be her first man and I try to make that a
special occasion for her. After doing my best to kill myself in a
sexual marathon, I actually sleep for twelve hours when what you have
in mind is your own little love fest. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't feel
guilty. Now if you give me a little time and food, I will do my very
best to fulfill all your desires and the other women's too. Okay?" John
concluded. Cindy sobbed against him. He held her, waiting for whatever
came.

"I'm sorry... I never looked at it from your point of view before....
Sometimes I've tried to... but it never seemed like you just said. I
guess I've just had this image of you and I... together.... I do
understand peace. I've dreamed about sitting watching you barbecue
hamburgers on the deck... It never occurred to me that it was my
dream... not yours," Cindy sobbed.

"Cindy, there's nobody else I'd love barbecuing for besides you. I love
you with all my heart. But I told you from the start that there was a
problem with our age difference. Everyone can deny it, but it's true.
We don't think the same. And it's not because either of us is doing
something wrong. We think differently, because people of different ages
think differently. Now I don't want our relationship to end. I really
do love you. But I can't promise I'm ever going to think the same way
you do either.

"I try to understand the best I can and to do things I think are
*right*. Sometimes what *I* think is right, may be *wrong* for *you*.
Sometimes what you think is right, is going to be wrong for me. That's
just the facts of life. It doesn't mean I don't love you. It doesn't
mean I'm an uncaring asshole. Fact is that I think I've been
outstandingly tolerant. Before you and Theresa came into my life, I was
never exposed to bisexuality. But I didn't judge you for that, I still
don't. But as open minded as I have been, on the other side I expect an
open mind in return.

"Now... Sheila..... I think first off that she's the best person to run
your company. Beyond that, yes, I'm attracted to her. You were too when
you first met her. Now, I have *yet* to have sexual relations with her.
You and Theresa had her all to yourself, for a whole week. During most
of that week, I slept alone. Up to the last day and a half. During
which time I spent with a lovely young girl I thought *needed* me. And
then only after I asked for and received not only your *permission*,
but your *blessing*. I left her there. I wouldn't have minded staying,
she sure as hell wanted me to. But I came back to you. Now, what is
fair? What is right?" John asked.

"I don't know... I just know I love you...and I don't want to lose
you," Cindy cried.

"I don't want to lose you either.... that's why I came back. Fact is
that I didn't *expect* you to say yes when I called to ask your
permission. I expected you to scream and shout and hang up on me. Then
I would have felt justified telling Sally no. But you didn't say no.
You can't really get mad at me for that one," John said.

"I know... And when you explained the circumstances....I didn't want to
tell you no.. but I didn't expect.... that you'd enjoy it," she said.

"When darling, have *any* of us *not* enjoyed it?" John chuckled. She
smiled.

"I know... I guess I'm just not used to being jealous," she said.

"You know yourself that jealousy is rooted in insecurity. Now I have no
intention of changing my relationship with you. You've told me you
intend to be with me till I die. I haven't got a clue why you'd want
to. But that's certainly agreeable to me. Now I don't expect to have an
ongoing relationship with Sally. She's there, far away. All alone,
beautiful and talented in a big city. If she doesn't fall in love, and
soon, then it's her own damn fault. I really only wanted to help her
out. In fact... I've been trying to figure out a way to help others
like her, and you and Theresa... without having to be personally
involved with each and every one of them. For one thing, I don't have
the stamina or emotional energy. My sphere of love has bounded, finite
limits. I fully intend to apply what little I have to those who love me
now.

"That means you first.. Theresa for as long as she wants and Sheila for
as long as it works with us all. Fact is that I thought Sheila might be
a good friend for you when Theresa went away. I don't know if I could
keep you happy all by myself," John said.

"You really love me first?" Cindy asked.

"Well, I couldn't say it in front of Theresa, or Sheila... but yes. I
do. I've never tried to deny that I've wanted you since the first
moment I met you. When you were looking at me like I was a dirty old
man who had absconded with your girlfriend," John chuckled.

"I was right on both counts, too," Cindy chuckled.

"Yes, you were... but Theresa absconded with herself," John said.

"Uh... John. About Theresa... she needs all the love we can give her,"
Cindy said.

"Okay... why?" he asked.

"Well.... Sheila got her talking... She opened up and told us all about
her family and why she left. I had no idea how bad her life was. Like
Sheila said, I'm amazed the girl can smile at all," Cindy said.

"Bad huh?" John asked.

"The worst. And her life stayed bad right up to the moment she met
you... I guess just like Sally in New York..... If she hadn't met you,
where would she be?" Cindy asked... seeing things in a new light.

"Oh.. I don't know. Something might have turned up for her. Maybe not.
She was begging for money for food when I met her. I just couldn't turn
my back on her. I'm amazed that anybody can," John said. Cindy nodded
against his shoulder.

"You know... it's not so much that I had to do for her... I guess I
didn't have to sleep with her, maybe it would have been better for all
involved if I hadn't.... but I'm not really sorry I did. I think it
will serve as a transition point in her life. The bad things that
happened to her occurred when she was a child... from here on out,
she's a woman and she knows it. Anyway, financially it wasn't that much
to help her. If you throw out the first two hotel nights, because I
didn't want to look any harder for options. There's six-hundred. So, I
guess clothes were the big part. But they didn't need to be that
fancy.. followed by furniture.. which didn't have to be that fancy...
then food. Which didn't amount to all that much.. and I gave her three
hundred in cash... mostly to tide her over till her paychecks started
to come in. She insists she'll pay me back...and I think she really
will... but I'm thinking that for around ten grand a year you could
help just about anybody change their life," John concluded.

"Ten grand is a fortune to most people of the world, John," Cindy said.

"I know... but I was thinking... If this fashion thing gets as big as
everybody seems to think it will get.... well, I've got all the money I
need. I think I want to start a foundation to help the homeless with my
proceeds from it," John said.

"What kind of foundation? How would you help them?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know what kind.. as far as how to help them. One of the
problems Sally had, was that you need an address to get a job and a job
to get an address. The other problem is that nobody wants to hire a
dirty person. So... a place where they can get a post office box, where
they can receive phone messages. Where they can make outgoing calls.
Where they can wash their clothes and take a shower without having to
worry about what few possessions they have. After that, sparse
housing... and I mean sparse. A bed and a crapper. Someplace where they
can sleep without freezing to death and take a crap in peace. That's
it. Nothing that will encourage those who don't want to work to hang
around, but a means for those who're stuck on the street to get off of
it. Permanently. Also a time limit. If you're not employed.... rather,
if you're employed or not after six months.. you're outta there," John
said.

"But how would you keep such a place from becoming a haven for drug
usage and such?" Cindy asked.

"Simple rules. No visitors in rooms. No communal area. This is a place
to get your shit together, that's all. No drinking, no drugs, first
offense, you're out," John explained.

"Kind of harsh isn't it?" Cindy asked.

"Nope. Life on the streets, that's harsh. This is a way out, not a way
to prolong it. Take it seriously or get out of the way for someone who
will," John said.

"I think it would help... How would you keep track....I mean, what's to
keep a person from using someone else's name? If they get kicked out of
one, that is. What's to keep them from just going to another one and
using a different name?" Cindy queried.

"Social Security numbers. With proof. Funny, the government could save
themselves millions by doing the same thing. You could call it a
government loan. Charge it to their Social Security number. When they
get a job, they start paying back into the system. Any income tax
refund they were due would go towards paying the government back. But
in the meantime, they're off the welfare system," John said.

"Sounds like it could help.... Uh....John?" Cindy said.

"Yes, dear."

"I've been thinking... almost everybody you've been involved with...
You've been helping them out, haven't you? I mean, Theresa, Me, Sally
and Sheila," Cindy said.

"Not really Sheila, she was well off and totally competent all on her
own. I don't think I'm helping her in any way," John said.

"That's not true... Maybe not financially... but Sheila needs you,"
Cindy said.

"How so?" John asked.

"She needs your *understanding* of the lifestyle she has chosen... or
if you believe it... that chose her or whatever. She told Theresa and I
that you were everything that her husband wasn't. I guess that he
wasn't very tolerant of her attraction to women. Then you show up in
her life. You're living with two women who love each other. Well,
besides the fact that you're a handsome, macho stud who can make love
thirty times in a day and a half, she loves you because she needs your
understanding," Cindy said.

"Hmm....maybe so.. So where is this leading?" John asked.

"Well, it's just that... you've been helping everyone whom you've been
involved with. And I've been getting jealous of them. When what you're
doing for them, is the exact same thing you've been doing for me. I
realize that now... And I'm sorry... You have my open blessing to help
anybody you wish to in any manner you see fit. That includes sleeping
with them," Cindy said.

"No thank you," John said simply.

"Huh?" Cindy said.

"Cindy, darling. I'm throttling back. My personally helping days are
over. When Theresa goes off to college, that project will be over. I'll
still be happy to see her, and she'll always be welcome in my bed. But
essentially it will be over. You have chosen, of your own free will, to
stay with me. But even so you are well on your way to being financially
secure... If the fashion deal works out, financially *very* secure.
You, as a *project* are over. You now share my bed as an equal, not one
of my wards. Sheila, if she chooses to be involved with us on an equal
basis, is welcome to stay. For whatever reasons she cares about us. I
don't consider her a project. Sally is established, or soon will be.
That's why I wanted her to visit in six months. About that time she
should have the fashion house all organized and whipped into shape.
What I had in mind for her, was a sort of graduation party. She's too
close to what she's doing. She won't see the progress she's making. Not
until she steps back from it and views it objectively. That's when she
will really become a woman. When she realizes that she *can* do it,
because she has *done* it.

"But while I want her to realize that, and as lovely and sensual as she
is, I was planning on having you right there hanging on my arm saying
'This is my man. You may share him for a while. I might even join you
or enjoy you myself, but when you go back, he will still be my man.'
And then the Sally project is closed. I'm free to love as I please, for
the reasons that I please. Does this make any sense to you?" John
asked.

"It does now.... And I like the sound of that... 'This is my man'....
You've never talked to me about any of this before. Why not?" she
asked.

"Part of it I just realized myself. Besides that, your biggest
complaint with me has been me not being open and honest with you. I
thought about that long and hard while I was in New York, after you
chewed me out. And you're absolutely right. But sometimes being open
and honest isn't being kind. It might have been kinder to lie to you
about Sally. But I can't do that. I don't want to do that.

"I want to be open and honest with you. That's what I was being when I
called you up and asked permission to bed Sally. At first, you were
ecstatic about my honesty. You were right up to the point where it took
my time away from you. I don't think it was that I enjoyed myself.
You've never begrudged me that. Nor have I, you. I think you were a
little jealous, because I've never made love to you thirty times in a
day and a half.... but when have we had that opportunity? It most
certainly wasn't because I didn't *want* to make love to you that much.
We've just never had the chance.

"Besides... making love with you.... is *special*. It always has been.
We've never *needed* to make love that much to show each other how much
we care. For me one orgasm with you is worth a dozen that I experienced
with Sally. She didn't know how to experience the *depth of feeling*
that we do. She only came close on two of those thirty... well maybe
three. The first time is undoubtedly deep for anybody.... anyway. She
experienced physical love, without ever knowing the deeper true
feelings that make it really special," John said.

"Dear heart, will you take me to bed and just hold me? We can use the
guest room so we won't disturb the others," Cindy asked.

"Of course... what about.... Won't they feel slighted or something?"
John asked.

"I don't really care. I want *my man* in my arms *now*," she said.

"Okay... but I don't think I could perform yet," John said.

"Doesn't matter. I just want you there, holding me. Okay?" Cindy asked.

"Okay..... I love you," John said.

"I must love you too. I just listened to you tell me how you made love
to another woman thirty times and how you never did that to me because
you care more for me...and I bought it. I actually feel good about it.
Now either I'm losing it... or I love you. I'd prefer it was the
latter," she chuckled.

"But it's the truth!" he protested.

"I know it is. That's why I want you to hold me. I listened to every
word you said. Every word made absolute sense. I understand.... and I
never did before. Sheila accused Theresa and I of being self-less. I
told her that I was *very* selfish. Because you were my man and I
wanted what you wanted. I didn't actually believe myself then... but I
do now. I really believe that I want what you want. Because for the
first time I understand that whatever you want... *it's right*. It's
the right thing to *do*, it's the right thing to *feel*, it's the right
way to *think*," Cindy concluded.

"I'm not so certain that's true. I wouldn't count on that if I were
you," John chuckled.

"*I'm* sure it's true... as far as counting on it... I know that your
long term average will work out that way. But even in the short term,
you're always *trying* to do what's right. That's good enough for me,"
Cindy said.

"Did I ever tell you that I love you?" John said.

"A few times.. I never hear it enough," Cindy replied.

"Well.... I do love you," John said.

"You talk too much. Come prove it," Cindy said, taking his hand and
leading him.

* * *

About the time John and Cindy were heading back to bed, Sally was
dragging herself out of hers. She was still groggy, but ecstatically
happy. Everything in her life was new. New job starting in a few hours.
New apartment, new clothes. She was so new to the apartment, she still
had to grope for the light switches. She retrieved a cup of coffee from
the automatic pot she had set up before falling into bed the day before
and set about establishing a morning routine.

A few hours later she showed up at the fashion house, twenty minutes
early, eager to start work. She walked a little tenderly, but when
asked sloughed it off as strained muscles in her lower back from over
exerting herself over the weekend. (Not far from the truth.) She'd be a
little sore for a few days and then should be fine.

First thing at work she discussed her priorities with the manager,
consulting the working agenda John had helped her prepare on her new
laptop. The manager seemed very pleased about her ambitious approach.
He questioned her about John not picking up copies of her contract the
day before. She informed him that he'd had a very busy day and just
barely made his flight as it was. He had asked her to fax them to him.
The manager shrugged.

Sally read over the contracts carefully. John had told her that even if
she didn't understand them fully, to appear to read them carefully.
They were pretty straight forward though, she had no qualms about
signing them. The manager countersigned them and a secretary witnessed
them. She had a job! The apartment was hers for a year, regardless of
how the job worked out. She had full benefits, holidays off, sick leave
and two weeks paid vacation after six months. She already knew how she
would use them. She missed John terribly already. She missed him the
instant she woke up that morning and reached for him.

She sighed to herself and set about her tasks for the day. She was
still at it late into the evening. She caught herself nodding off and
then noticed the time. She closed up her laptop, stroked her new desk
lovingly. Looked smiling around her new office again and headed home.
She splurged and bought Chinese take out for dinner. When she hit the
bed, her exhaustion overcame her loneliness and she was out like a
light. During the night she hugged a pillow tightly to her.

Chapter 49

"So what goes on here?" Theresa's voice asked. Cindy lifted her head
and put her finger to her lips. John stirred anyway.

"Mmmm.... Hi, pumpkin. Can I have a hug?" he said.

"You most certainly can," Theresa said, diving onto the bed. She hugged
him fiercely. He hugged back with as much strength as he had.

"Let me brush my teeth, and I'll greet you properly," he said.

"Oh pooh!" Theresa said, kissing him deeply. John was reserved in his
kiss. "Well, you'd better go brush your teeth if that's the best you
can do before then. But honest. Your breath is not bad," Theresa said.

"Can't be too good," John said, crawling off the bed. Cindy watched him
go.

"I wished you hadn't wakened him. I wanted to let him sleep," she said.

"Whatever for?" Theresa asked.

"You have no idea what he's been through. You remember our first week
without him. How much we slept?" Cindy asked.

"Of course... how could I forget *that*?" Theresa chuckled.

"Well, John just went through the equivalent of over half that week,
only he did it in thirty-six hours," Cindy said.

"He couldn't possibly have gone through that in thirty-six hours. Isn't
physically possible.. for a man," Theresa replied.

"Thirty times!" Cindy informed her.

"Thirty!" Theresa gasped.

"Thirty," Cindy replied.

"God.... no wonder he was such a zombie," Theresa mused.

"Anyway... I thought if he could sleep all day he might possibly have
half a chance to properly welcome Sheila tonight," Cindy said.

"I will do my best for god and country," John proclaimed, returning.

"I was referring to doing your best for Sheila," Cindy chuckled.

"I thought she was leaving yesterday," John said.

"She stayed to see you. But all she got was a vacant stare," Theresa
chided.

"Leave the poor boy be," Cindy scolded.

"Well, he'd better think of some way to speed up the recovery, 'cause
Sheila's putting on her war paint and battle gear now," Theresa said.

"I shall just have to tell her the truth...... that I was abducted by
pirates who made me rape camels and service every harem on the Slave
coast. I barely escaped by the skin of my teeth by using my profound
wit. I had one log for a raft and no oar. I had to use my manhood to
paddle back," John said. Cindy busted out laughing.

"I may have believed you... right up to the profound wit part. You'd
better leave that part out if you're going to tell it to Sheila. Try
substituting 'fluke of luck' instead," Theresa chuckled.

"Woman may have a point... safer to lie," John mused.

"Well, at least *that woman* left your horrid sense of humor," Cindy
chuckled.

"Horrid? How dast you cast dispersions upon my character like that?"
John replied, indignantly.

"How *dast I cast*?" Cindy asked.

"Past tense of dare-est.... I'll have you know, that what I find
humorous *is* funny and what all others find funny is either sick or
boring," John asserted.

"Whatever you say, dear," Cindy said.

She was going to kiss him but Theresa jumped in, "Oh no, me next." She
pulled her to him and tested his mouthwash. It must have been okay as
she tested it for a long, long time. Her hand toyed with his manhood
while she did it. It lay there. She pulled back and looked at it. "I
think she broke it," she said.

"Precisely why I was going to let him sleep," Cindy said, butting in to
re-claim her aborted advance. She kissed John tenderly.

"I think it moved," Theresa said.

"What's for breakfast?" Cindy asked.

"That's what I came to find out, it's your turn," Theresa chuckled.

"Oh... John?" Cindy asked.

"What?" he said.

"What would you like for breakfast?" Cindy asked, exasperated.

"Oh... Nine Tawna leaves should do it," he mused.

"Huh? What the hell are Tawna leaves?" Theresa asked.

"Just showing my age.. In an ancient movie called *The Mummy's Curse*,
they used nine Tawna leaves broken into boiling water to revive the
mummy," John said.

"Will coffee and French toast do?" Cindy asked.

"Sounds like a good start... Bacon and eggs too," he replied.

"That many eggs is bad for your heart. Not to mention what the bacon
does," Cindy stated.

"That's why I don't *usually* eat that many... but this morning, that's
what I want. Breakfast strips will be fine for the bacon..... about
six," he replied. Cindy gave him one of her special exasperated looks.
But headed off.

"*How dast I cast..*." she mumbled. "Theresa, you may tease him.... but
don't do any further damage," she called back.

"Uppity cooks," muttered John.

"Where else will you find cooks that make you hungry just from what
they wear?" Theresa asked.

"Or don't wear, rather," John chuckled.

"I always wear at least a T-shirt.......... whenever I'm cooking
bacon," Theresa said. John crawled back onto the bed, leaning against
the headboard. Theresa crawled up next to him and kissed him softly,
then rested her head against his shoulder.

"You may begin the teasing... but I warn you. A harem full of nude
virgins would be unlikely to stir me," he said.

"Did you really make love thirty times in thirty-six hours?" Theresa
asked.

"No.... it was thirty-four and a half. I had a flight to catch," John
said.

"Must have been a hell of a woman," Theresa said, moodily.

"She is... but don't be jealous. She wouldn't understand this," he
said, drawing the back of his fingernail gently down her arm from her
shoulder. She giggled and shivered.

"Then why did you do it?" she asked.

"I'm not quite sure.... For one thing, it was her first time.... I
wanted it to be memorable.... for another... I couldn't bring her back
with me. I knew I wouldn't see her for a long time. Beyond that, I
can't say," he said.

"She damn sure ought to remember thirty orgasms," Theresa mused.

"Oh, no. That was me. We figured her at somewhere above a hundred and
fifty," John said.

"A hundred and fifty!!! God, and I thought you were a zombie. I'll bet
she's still asleep!" Theresa giggled.

"Better not be, today's her first day of work," John said.

"You did that to her knowing she had to start a new job today?" Theresa
asked.

"That was one of her criteria; that it be difficult for her to walk in
to work. I think I can safely say she got her wish," John said.

"I'll say.... but how come you never did that to me?" Theresa asked.
John sighed.

"A victim of my own reputation.... As I told Cindy, about four this
morning, because I never needed to... to show you I cared. We've always
had quality sex. As such we never needed quantity sex," John said,
hoping she'd buy it.

"So you didn't have quality sex with her?" Theresa asked.

"Maybe two out of the bunch," John replied. Theresa was thoughtful.

"Okay," she said.

"Okay what?" John asked.

"Okay, you don't need to do that to me.... so long as we can continue
to have quality sex," she chuckled.

"Knock Knock," said Sheila at the door. John looked up and gasped.

"I warned you that she was putting on full battle gear," Theresa
chuckled.

"Hello," John said simply and held out his free arm to her. Sheila,
unsure for a second started for him.

"Don't take it personal. He's been setting Olympic records," Theresa
said. She kissed him on the cheek and climbed out of the bed. Sheila
was in his arms. She hugged him like a long lost lover. He held her
close to him. Wondering how to tell her.

"I'll just go help Cindy find the Tawna leaves," Theresa said.

"Oh... like from *The Mummy's Curse*?" Sheila asked.

"Why do I suddenly feel like a kid?" Theresa asked, walking away.

"Huh?" Sheila asked.

"Nothing.. Neither of them ever heard of *The Mummy's Curse*..... So
how have you been? What do you think of my little lovelies?" John
asked.

"I'm amazed you're still alive," Sheila said, rolling her eyes. John
chuckled. Sheila seemed disappointed by something. 'Oh,' John thought.
He pulled her into a great kiss and cleaned her tonsils. Then he
softened it and ended barely touching her lips with his.

"That's better," Sheila said, huskily, "I thought maybe you'd forgotten
all about me."

"Not a chance... I've just been... a little bit indisposed," John said.

"That I believe. I saw you yesterday," Sheila chuckled.

"You saw me yesterday?" John asked.

"I met you at the helicopter. Undid your seat belt and got you out.
Walked you down to the bedroom and undressed you," Sheila said.

"I have no memory since....... the airport in New York. Not much about
that. Don't remember much since.... Sunday night some time," John said.

"So what happened to you?" Sheila asked.

"Well.... Theresa thought I should lie and say that I was abducted by
pirates who made me rape camels and service every harem along the slave
coast. That I barely escaped by a fluke of luck and had to paddle home
on a log using my manhood for a paddle...... But I assert that it
wasn't a fluke of luck, I maintain that I escaped by my outstanding
wit," John said.

"So you're not going to tell me," Sheila said.

"Sure... I made love thirty times in thirty-six hours," John said.

"So you're not going to tell me," Sheila repeated.

"That, my dear is the truth. Actually it was thirty-four and a half
hours. I had a plane to catch," John said.

"Look, you don't have to tell me," Sheila said.

"But I *am* telling you the truth," John said.

"You expect me to believe you made love thirty times in thirty-six
hours?" she asked.

"Thirty-four and a half... Didn't I look the part when you saw me?"
John asked. Sheila looked at him a moment.

"Yes... you did," she said, moodily. John looked at her a moment.

"Let me guess. You're just a wee bit ticked off that I set records
making love to a woman, one I met after you, when I wouldn't have
intercourse with you when we slept together," John said.

"The thought *did* cross my mind," Sheila said, icily.

"I didn't have permission to make love with you. I did have permission
to make love with her," John said.

"That's your defense?" she asked.

"No.. I need no defense. I have done nothing wrong. I will not feel
guilty for any of my actions concerning either her, or you. My only
regret, is that I was not able to properly welcome you yesterday.
However, I did not *expect* you to be here, so I made no allowance for
the fact. If however, you will give me ample time to recover, then it
will be my distinct pleasure to bed you until you look like I did
yesterday. In the meantime, you might just ask Cindy how she feels
about what I did in New York. I think she understands me a little
better now," John said. Sheila looked at him in exasperation. She
didn't know whether to cry or kiss him. She settled for the latter.

"Okay, dear heart. I want to understand. Why don't you tell me all
about it?" she said, softly.

"Tell you what. To save me telling it twice, let me tell it over
breakfast. Theresa hasn't heard it either.. By the way, you look
absolutely stupendous," John said.

"I didn't think you noticed," Sheila said.

"I'm wore out, not dead," he said.

"Just a little something the girls whipped up for me," Sheila chuckled.

"Were you planning on wearing that in San Francisco? I just want to
know where to bail you out," John chuckled.

"No... well, maybe privately... for Mae and Judy," Sheila said.

"Okay, dear. Can you squeeze a few more days in? I'd really like to
properly welcome you.... I guess our little deception didn't exactly
work," John said.

"Yes, I can stay a few more days. I'm really just going back at all as
a favor to them to wrap up my accounts and brief them on what's open. I
owe them that much. They've been pretty good to me. As far as our
little deception... Cindy's a whole lot smarter than you give her
credit for. She was onto me, *us* rather, the second morning when I got
up.... The part that amazes me, is that it still worked. I think,"
Sheila said, snuggling to him.

"That doesn't really surprise me. I had faith in all of you. With good
reason. Now... tell me about your week with my little minxes," John
said.

"You mean besides making love about fourteen times a day?" Sheila
chuckled, "God, they're almost insatiable..... Well... They showed me
how the system worked.... You've GOT to do something about that
scanner. We'd get sued by jealous husbands who never satisfied their
wives. They'd come home all dreamy eyed and try to rape them. Anyway,
they showed me a bunch of the fashions they did.... they're
outstanding! We worked out a few ideas for setting up the salons.
Covered a few ground rules. Security will be a problem. Those things
are too damn real. You could do close-ups for National Inquirer and
nobody would know the difference, except that the pictures would be too
clear. That's a problem for the celebrity crowd, who you really need as
customers."

"No problem there, I can put zebra stripes on the mannequins. In day
glow orange and green. I was just trying to make them as real as
possible. They don't have to be, to be functional as casting forms.
They don't even have to have heads," John said.

"Great idea. That would solve a lot of problems. How come you can think
of those things so easily?" Sheila asked.

"I told you, my outstanding wit. That's how I got away from the
pirates," John said.

"Come on, dear heart. If you can comfortably lay here in the nude
talking to me while I'm wearing *this* outfit, without getting excited,
then I believe you did as you said. You can tell me the details over
breakfast," Sheila said.

"Don't you want to hear my pirate story?" John asked, hurt.

"Maybe later. If I can't have what I wanted for breakfast, I want food
instead," Sheila said, chuckling. She kissed him tenderly. Then bent
and kissed his manhood softly. It lay there. "Yup, I believe it. Now
come on, I'm hungry," she chuckled, crawling off the bed. John sighed
and followed her. He stalled to pull on a shirt and a pair of shorts.
Theresa set a cup of coffee before a moody John.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked.

"She believed me, didn't want to hear my pirate story," John grumped.

"No, but I do want to hear about what led up to your marathon.. and
maybe about the marathon itself," Sheila said.

"The pirate story is better," John said, sipping his coffee. He smiled
at it.

"Come on, love. I want to hear about it too," Theresa said.

"I wouldn't mind hearing it again myself... just to be sure I'm not
losing it," Cindy chuckled.

"No Tawna leaves, huh?" John said, looking at his coffee and sipping
again. "Okay.... Well, having just been royally reamed by Cindy, I'm
walking along, minding my own business when this tall red head walks up
to me, only I didn't notice she was a redhead at the time...." he
began. Cindy served him his breakfast and he attacked it. Continuing
between his chewing. He told them the *whole* story about Sally. Up to
his arrival at her apartment for the start of the marathon and then up
to her request.

"You know, you're a pretty okay guy," Sheila said, kissing his forehead
on the way to refill her coffee.

"The pirate story would have been better," he said. Theresa kissed him
too, but on the mouth.

"I want to hear the pirate story.....later," she said. John brightened
visibly. Cindy looked back and forth between the two other women.

"No... I'm not losing it...or we all are..... it certainly isn't his
*outstanding wit* that keeps us from killing him," she chuckled. She
kissed him too.

"So... did any packages arrive with me?" John asked.

"Just a cargo net full. We put the hydroponics stuff down on eight,"
Theresa said.

"No other packages?" John asked.

"Lots. They're in the new Com room you haven't finished," Cindy said.

"Like when have I had time?..... So did you look in any of them?" he
asked.

"Nope... we were pissed off enough we didn't want to," Cindy replied.

"Then I suggest that you and Theresa go open them. There's a not so
small fortune in those boxes," John said.

"Of what?" Theresa asked.

"Why don't you go find out," he replied.

"I should clean up," Cindy said.

"Later," John said. The two girls shrugged and headed downstairs.

"So what's in the boxes?" Sheila asked, sliding onto his lap.

"Just a little sample of your competition," John said.

"*You cut her up?!*" Sheila asked.

"Your fashion competition," John said.

"Oh... what?" she asked.

"Dresses, suits, lingerie. That sort of thing," he replied.

"Lingerie?" she asked, jumping off his lap.

"Yup... some real...nice stuff," he chuckled. She was out the door
following the girls. The girls had half the boxes open and delicate
tissue paper all over the place when Sheila entered. She surveyed the
outfits they had already opened.

"Jesus, he wasn't kidding about not so small fortune... there must be
fifty thousand dollars worth of clothes here," she said.

"Really?" Theresa said, looking up from the pant suit she was holding
in front of her.

"Easy... that little number in your hands was probably fifteen
hundred," Sheila said. Cindy looked at her, trying to see if she was
joking. Sheila lightly touched the fabric of one outfit longingly.
"Before I met John, I used to only dream about having a wardrobe like
this," she said.

"That outfit Theresa has cost fifteen-hundred dollars?" Cindy asked
incredulously.

"Try seven-fifty," John said, walking into the room carrying his
coffee.

"No way," Sheila said.

"Half off sale," John said.

"I don't believe it," Sheila said.

"No joke. The manager himself took fifty percent off my bill. I have a
witness if I dared produce her, but I have the receipt anyway," he
said.

"But we could produce it in three hours," Cindy said.

"That, my dear, is why you are going to be so filthy rich," Sheila
said.

"Why *we* are," Cindy reminded her.

"So why did you buy all this?" Theresa asked.

"To see the look on your pretty face right now," John said.

"But..... all this money?" she asked.

"A pittance... and deductible.... Market research... Correct, Sheila?"
John asked.

"Maybe... have you filed incorporation yet?" she asked.

"Not yet. Papers all drawn up, holding for the day the girls both have
turned eighteen," John replied. Sheila nodded.

"You might pull it off, but not likely. It would be passable if you
were already incorporated," Sheila said.

"I am. The girls aren't... Meet sole proprietor of John Stevens Inc,"
John said.

"And how will you connect Stevens Inc. to Second Skin Inc?" Sheila
asked.

"Research, before venture capital investment in Second Skin. The girls
are going to need startup. Lots of it. John Stevens Inc. holds the
patents that are going to be licensed to Second Skin Inc," John
explained.

"In that case, yes, it's probably deductible," Sheila said.

"I didn't care either way..... I really just bought them for the girls.
I want to see them in them, besides they'll need them when they get out
into the business world. Bankers notice things like that outfit. You
noticed it right away," John said.

"Bankers?" Theresa asked.

"No way around them, honey," Sheila said, "To get this off the ground
properly will take a lot of moolah. Maybe even more than John has
total."

"And I won't get all of it till I'm a hundred and three," John
chuckled.

"It will take at least a million dollars up front.........Maybe not,"
Sheila said, thinking.

"What's on your mind, doll?" John asked.

"I was just thinking. What if we merged into an existing high end
fashion house? Or better yet, a joint venture with one. Retaining
rights. Both benefit for the time of the venture. Perhaps grant them
first franchise," Sheila mused.

"Mae?" John asked. Sheila nodded.

"What happens in May?" Cindy asked.

"Not May the month, Mae, my sweet lover. She runs one of the finest
fashion houses in San Francisco. A tough market to crack to start
with," Sheila said.

"Would she be interested?" John asked.

"Undoubtedly, seeing as how your process will knock her right out of
business when it gets going. She's going to flip right out when she
sees the wardrobe the girls made for me," Sheila mused.

"Me thinks we see the foundation of a plan here," John said.

"Me thinks you're right," Sheila said.

"Can we put it together in thirteen months?" John asked.

"I think so. But it will be a hectic thirteen months," she replied.

"Your call, girls. It's your company," John said, turning to them.

"We don't have a clue where to start.. so count us in," Cindy said,
looking to Theresa for confirmation. Theresa nodded.

Chapter 50

After ogling their new fashions for some time, the girls carted them
off to their wardrobe. Each selecting a dynamite outfit for that
evening. Cindy headed off to finish the kitchen cleanup. Theresa and
Sheila assisted John with setting up the hydroponics tanks.

"John?" Sheila said, as they worked.

"Yes, love?" he replied, trying to fathom somebody's idea of
instructions.

"How come you don't have an intercom system set up here?" she asked.
John looked up, puzzled.

"It never occurred to me," he replied.

"It's just that the place is so large, you could use one.... It's
almost large enough for its own phone system," Sheila said.

John sighed a bit, "That's one of the reasons that I chose to live out
here, to get away from phones."

"When there's somebody on the other end you don't wish to talk to, I
agree. But an internal phone system would always have a loved one on
the other end. I was just thinking of saving steps," she said.

"Wouldn't hurt sometimes," Theresa pitched in.

"I'll think about it," John mumbled.

"You surprise me, John. With as much understanding of technology as you
have, I thought you'd be into the latest gear," Sheila said. John was
silent for a time as he worked.

"Well, I try to branch out a bit. A long time ago a friend made a
comment to me that made a lasting impression. He said: 'When you know
electronics, that's all you know.' At the time I didn't understand what
he meant. I do now. Anyway, since then I've always tried to be more
than just my profession," John said. Sheila put her arms around him,
stopping his work.

"I think you are much more than that. Way more," she said.

"I try," John said, "I try."

"I do believe you've got another fan," Theresa mused. Cindy joined
them. John put her in charge of the setup and then kissed each of them
in turn, choosing randomly based on whomever was closest. He told them
he was going to go catch up on some stuff in the Com room.

"Have fun," Cindy said, trying to figure out the instructions he had
handed her. A short time later Sheila wandered into the Com room. John
was peering at a satellite photo. He looked up as she came in.

"I kind of felt like a fifth wheel," she said.

"Hm... Ah, how anxious are you to get back?" John asked.

"Not very anxious at all... I just need to finish up some things," she
replied.

"Let me rephrase then; How critical is it that you get back?" he asked.

"Not really critical at all. Just the sooner I go back, the sooner I
can come to stay. Why?" Sheila asked.

"Because, dear heart, there's one shebang, doozie of a storm heading
our way. Your options are to fly out sooner, like as fast as I can get
the helicopter here, or stay for several days," John replied.

"And which would you like me to do?" Sheila asked, sheepishly. John
looked at her a moment before he realized she was serious.

"That's the silliest damn question I've ever heard on this planet,"
John said.

"So which is it?" she demanded.

"One... If I had no interest in you, I would still like you to stay.
Because I wouldn't want you flying in weather like you would encounter.
Second, and more importantly, I love you. I don't want you to go at
all. I just understand your need to fulfill obligations," John said,
dragging her onto his lap.

"Well, since you put it that way... I'd love to stay," Sheila said,
melting into a deep kiss with him. After a time he scooted her out of
his lap. He called the helicopter service to cancel the next day's
flight. They had been about to call him. They got the weather report
too. Next Sheila called and canceled her reservations for the flight
back to San Francisco. She told her agent she'd let them know when she
needed a flight.

"That's better. Now I have you all to myself.. for several days at
least," John said. Sheila climbed back into his lap.

"Now where were we?" she asked. He wasn't opposed to a prelude for that
evening. Later John went topside to check that things were secure.
Sheila went to help Theresa with lunch.

"Everything's secure," John stated, sitting down with the others.

"Wished I knew how you arranged these things," Theresa mused.

"What things?" John asked, helping himself to a sandwich.

"Convenient storms that arrive just in time to insure you more time to
recuperate," she chuckled.

"Oh.. I don't think I'll need that much time," John mused, looking at
Sheila. She nodded absently.

"You didn't?" Cindy asked, looking back and forth between them.

"No, we didn't," Sheila replied, "But he's halfway back already."

"You must have given him some outstanding inspiration," Cindy mused.

"I think that's a fair estimate," John replied. Later that day the
storm struck. The front came in with high winds, sleet turned quickly
to snow. By dusk it was a blizzard. They were just about to start
dinner when an alarm sounded in the silo.

"What the hell?" Cindy asked. John looked puzzled.

"That's the road alarm," he said, heading for the Com room. He called
up the computer display and sought out the offending sensor. The girls
came and looked over his shoulder.

"What is it?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know. But there's a hunk of metal suddenly sitting on the road
about four miles away. Just over the ridge," John said.

"It must be a false alarm. Wouldn't it have tripped before that?" Cindy
asked.

"I don't know why it didn't, but it's real enough. It's sitting almost
on top of one, and the adjacent ones on either side show the proper
variances from norm," he said.

"So what do you think it is?" Theresa asked.

"I don't know... but I think I'd better go find out," he replied.

"But it's a damn blizzard out there!" Cindy stated.

"Which is precisely why I have to go out. If that's somebody stuck out
there, they could freeze to death," he said.

"But what if you freeze finding out?" Theresa asked.

"Not likely. I'll take my cellular. If I get in trouble, you two can
come get me," he replied.

"Who do you think it is?" Sheila asked.

"I haven't the foggiest idea. But they came cross country. That's the
only explanation for them not tripping the road sensors earlier," John
said.

"Couldn't it be a piece of metal blown on the road by the storm?" Cindy
asked.

"Nope, too damn big. Put some coffee on, I think I'm gonna need it,"
John said.

"Want some company?" Sheila asked.

"No. No need risking anybody else unless we have to," John said,
heading for the entrance.

"Thought you said it wasn't a risk," Theresa called after him. He
ignored the statement. He suited up, Cindy brought him a sweater to
wear under the snowmobile suit. Just in case he stuffed the pockets
full of disposable hand warmer packs. He started two and stuffed them
in pockets on either side. He got his snow boots on and Cindy zippered
his cellular into one of his pockets after checking the battery.

"You ought to put some stronger radios on the snowmobiles," she told
him.

"20/20 hindsight. I probably will in the future," John shrugged.

"Don't stay out any longer than you have to," Theresa told him. He
accepted a quick kiss from each before he lowered his visor and cracked
the hatch. Outside the weather was bitter. There was at least a twenty-
five mile an hour wind blowing huge, heavy flakes of snow down in
diagonal sheets. John made his way to the storage shed and got out one
of the snowmobiles. Checking the tank, he topped it off and then headed
out. The gate was reluctant to open. He had to climb off the machine
and add his muscles along with the electric's to wrestle it open.

He headed down the road. A small compass on the dash and the dips on
either side of the road the only things keeping him on track. It didn't
take him too long to reach the ridge, wiping the snow from his visor
constantly. Just over the other side of the ridge he found his answer.
There was a snowmobile with a twisted up ski on it. It had dug into the
bank where the road was elevated a bit from the country side. Next to
the snowmobile was a fiberglass toboggan set up as a wind break.

Four shapes tried to huddle together in the leeward side of it. The
snowmobile was idling, supplying a scant amount of heat. One of the
shapes looked up as John pulled along side. He lifted his visor and
climbed off, already reaching for his cell phone.

"Oh, thank god! I thought we were dead!" a female voice shouted at him
through the storm. John surveyed them. One woman about mid twenties,
and three younger ones.. teens. They all wore..... whatever they were,
they were woefully inadequate. The girls seemed to be on the edge of
sleep. A bad sign. John checked on their necks for pulses. Faint. Skin
way too damn cold. Even under the clothing. The one who had talked,
hugged him. Shivering with the cold. Her fingers in her armpits up to
that moment, and soon afterwards.

"Let's get you out of this!" John yelled to her. He guided her back
into the shelter and pulled out the phone.

"Hello, John? I can barely hear you," Cindy answered.

"Cindy, just listen. You and Theresa suit up as fast as possible and
get out here. Bring as many coats and blankets as you can find. Hand
the phone to Sheila while you do it," John said.

"You found people?" Cindy asked.

"Four, frozen stiff. Now move it. Put Sheila on," John said. A moment
later Sheila's voice came on. John shouted out for her to run some
cooler water into the hot tub.

"Get it down to about eighty to eighty-five," he shouted.

"Wouldn't it be better hotter?" she asked.

"No, chill blains. It'll be hard enough to take eighty. Please, just do
it. And get together more blankets and the med kit from just inside the
Com room," he shouted.

"Will do. Cindy wants to know how she and Theresa can find you?" Sheila
asked.

"Have them follow my tracks. They shouldn't be too far covered yet. But
tell them to hurry. These folks won't last long the way they are," John
said.

"I will....(John says to follow his tracks, and hurry!)" John heard.

"Tell them to check their gas tanks!" John shouted.

"(Don't forget to check the tanks!) Okay John, I'll do as you say. Do
you want me to hang on?" Sheila asked.

"No... I'd better do what I can to get these folks warmed up!" John
said. The line went dead. Sheila not knowing if John had simply hung
up. She hung up her end and set about her tasks. First she ran to the
kitchen and poured a thermos full of coffee. Then ran to the entrance
to find Cindy and Theresa suiting up, a pile of coats and blankets with
them. She pulled on her own coat and some boots and hauled some of the
stuff out to the shed. She checked the tanks and got the two machines
started and moved out for the girls. They came along carrying their
loads. Sheila found some cargo nets and helped them tie them down. A
short hug later they roared out into the storm. Sheila lost sight of
them almost before the gate. She headed back inside to fulfill her
duties.

John pulled the two hand warmers out of his pockets and stuffed them
into the clothing of the girls. Their hands grasping at them. He pulled
out the others and ripped them open. Shaking them to get them started.
They wouldn't be warm for a few minutes. He gave two to the older woman
and then stuffed the rest into anyplace they would fit.

The older lady shivered and grasped the still cold hand warmers. Not
understanding their function, but seeming to understand that the
stranger was trying to help. John knelt before them. He unzipped his
suit and pulled the sleepiest one up against his body. Pulling her bare
arms inside his suit. She was hardly responsive. The others huddled
together waiting. A few minutes later John passed the first girl to the
older woman and pulled another to him.

He was on the last one when the dim glow of two headlights pierced the
storm and two more engines were heard. John passed the last girl to the
huddle of the rest and jumped up to flag the girls. They almost ran
over him before they saw him. John instantly was at the bundles of
coats and blankets. He carried one load back to the girls while Cindy
and Theresa, freezing themselves, carted the other load over. Cindy
carried a thermos.

John first got a coat onto the older woman. She was grateful, but John
waved off her thanks as he worked to cover as much flesh as he could.
There were a total of five coats. He got one on the top of each, then
pulled the other two onto the legs of two of the girls like pants. They
all wore simple tennis shoes, wet. Next he covered them all with the
blankets while he took their shelter, the toboggan, and hitched it to
the back of his machine. He lay blankets into it. Theresa getting the
idea and taking over the task. John returned to the girls and tried to
force a few sips of hot liquid into them all. The older woman grasping
at the cup with freezing fingers.

John picked up the sleepiest one and carried her over to the toboggan.
He lay her in it and then found some bungies and tied her in with the
blankets layered over her. Cindy was trying to get the rest of the hot
liquid into the other girls when John came back.

"Let's use the cargo nets to tie the two other young ones on the back
of yours and Theresa's machines," John shouted to her. She nodded. She
got Theresa seated on her machine and helped John tie the cargo net
around a girl and then around Theresa. Wrapping a blanket around the
girl behind, beneath the net. Her arms stuffed inside. She was in no
condition to hang on. She huddled against Theresa's back.

"Get her back as fast as you can. We'll get the rest!" John shouted to
Theresa. She nodded and slowly took off. Balancing herself and the girl
behind her. Next John had Cindy mount up and he wrapped a blanket
around the other girl and used the cargo net to tie her to Cindy. She
headed off as soon as he tapped her on the helmet. Next John took the
remaining two blankets and wrapped them around the other woman.

"I have nothing to tie you on with. Can you hang on?" John shouted to
her. She nodded. John climbed onto his machine and she climbed on
behind him. The hand warmers were starting to work. Clutching one in
each hand, she wrapped her arms around John. He used the double zipper
on his suit to create an opening for her hands, tucking them inside his
suit. He kept an eye over his shoulder at the sled as he started back.
He remembered to plug in his helmet. A voice found him almost
instantly.

"John, do you read?" Theresa's voice hailed him.

"Just starting out. How about you?" he broadcast.

"Just passing through the gate," she replied.

"How about you, Cindy?" John asked. No reply.

"Cindy, do you read?" Theresa called. No reply.

"She might not have her helmet plugged in. Just get that girl inside as
soon as you can. Don't wait for me. Take her straight down to the hot
tub," John said.

"But what about Cindy?" Theresa asked.

"She's between us. I'll see it if her tracks vary. Now get inside," he
answered.

"Okay, just pulling up. Sheila's coming out to help," Theresa said.

"Good. John out," John said. He kept an eye on the depressions ahead,
they didn't falter as they wove back towards the compound. He kept
turning back to be certain the girl was still on the sled and her arms
were in. Once he had to stop and stuff one back into the blanket. When
he finally reached the gate a voice came on the intercom.

"John, this is Cindy. Just going in now," she said.

"I'm at the gate, don't wait for me," he replied.

"Okay, out," she said. Sheila waited as John pulled up. She guided the
older girl into the silo while John unstrapped the girl on the sled. He
hefted her and made his way to the hatch. She was like a sleeping child
in his arms. He was worried. The hatch opened as he reached it and
Sheila helped him inside. John didn't put her down. The older woman
stood huddled in the blankets just inside.

"Bring her," John stated as he headed for the elevator. Sheila guided
the woman, who was hampered in her walking by the coat around her legs.
Sheila stooped and hefted her into a fireman's carry. The woman
complacent to her actions. "Did you get the water cooled down?" John
asked Sheila in the elevator.

"Yes... barely. I still don't understand. What are chill blains?" she
asked.

"When you get too cold, even cold tap water can feel like boiling water
on your skin. I think you could even raise blisters from too warm
water," John explained.

"I never knew that," Sheila said.

"Comes from being a kid where it snows," John said.

"That explains why I never knew it. I spent very little time playing in
the snow," she said. The elevator reached the gym and John carried the
girl to the tub. The girls already had the other two almost undressed.

"Don't worry about that. Just get in," he told them. He climbed in
himself, suit and all and slowly lowered the girl into the warm water.
She whimpered as it hit her skin. Only when he had her into one of the
seats did he climb out and unzip his suit. Cindy hefted another of the
girls and climbed in with her. She whimpered as well, but not as bad.
Theresa took the last, who was almost nude and climbed in with her suit
still on, pulling it off when she had the girl seated. Sheila had
seated the woman and pulled the coat from her legs. She didn't seem as
bad and she removed the coat from her top. Gasping at what the woman
wore. Then she guided the woman to the tub. John, wearing only his
underwear, guided her to the bench seat.

"You okay?" he asked. She nodded as she sat back in the warm water.
"Turn the heater back up," John called to Sheila, climbing out. She
went to the controls and adjusted them upwards. It would take awhile
for the water to re-heat. "Medical kit?" John asked. Sheila nodded to a
table by the tub. John opened it up and drew out a blood pressure band
and a stethoscope. He climbed back into the tub and moved to the first
girl, stripping the coat off her and tossing it out. He put the cuff on
her arm and checked her blood pressure.

He reached out and killed the bubble pump. A deafening silence
followed. Finally he lifted his head and took off the cuff. Next he
moved to the girl Cindy was holding and finally to the one Theresa
looked after. Lastly to the woman sitting on the seat. He lifted her
arm out of the water while he put on the cuff.

"How are they?" she asked.

"Better. They'll be okay." John said, between readings. "You'll live
too," he said finally. "Now, what the hell were you doing out there?"
he asked her. She looked up at him. She had piercing brown eyes. Her
brown hair short and straggly on her head.

"Getting away," she said, dropping her eyes.

"From whom? No, save it. When you've warmed up and have some food in
you. We've got time now. Nobody's going anywhere tonight," he said. He
turned to the first girl he had carried in. He checked her eyes and
skin. He then reached into the water and removed her burlap dress.
Checking her all over. Rubbing her limbs with his hands to stimulate
her circulation. She seemed asleep. Smiling slightly over his rubbing.
Cindy and Theresa followed suit. Removing the last burlap dress and
tossing it out.

"What can I do?" Sheila asked.

"How about some food?... wait! You're dry?" John asked. Sheila nodded.
"Fully dry?" he reiterated. Again she nodded. "Then if you could, move
at least one of the snowmobiles into the shed. We may need it if she
doesn't respond by morning," John said, nodding to the first girl.
Sheila nodded and headed for the elevator. Cindy and Theresa had
stripped off their suits and the rest of their clothing. They cradled
the girls in their arms. John looked back and forth between them, then
to the first girl.

"I'll be damned.... Triplets!" he said. The woman looked up at him and
nodded. Then returned to her thoughts. Cindy and Theresa each looked at
the girl in their arms and then the other two. They smiled as they each
saw the same thing. The girls were blonde, with short cropped hair.
Almost boyish short. They seemed to be about 110 lbs. each. Maybe
sixteen at most. They had perfectly matching smallish breasts, perhaps
a B-cup. On the ends of all six breasts were perfectly matching dark
brown nipples. All firmly erect. Below the water they each had a bushy
blonde patch of pubic hair. Or each surmised. They still retained their
panties. John guessed them to be about 5'4" tall.

The older woman, perhaps all of twenty-five. She was about 5'5" and 120
lbs. A little better built than the triplets. Perhaps a C-cup. Her
brown hair also boyish short. Her face.... cute, but scary. These girls
had been through something very traumatic, and not just the cold.

"So what is this place?" she asked, meeting John's gaze.

"My home. My name is John Stevens. This is Cindy and Theresa. The other
woman is called Sheila," John said, nodding towards the girls in turn.

"I'm Candice," the woman said.

"One question, Candice. Any chance anybody was following you?" John
asked, concerned.

"I doubt it, why?" she asked.

"Well, I'm concerned about Sheila. She's out there alone right now.
Should I be concerned about that?" he asked.

"No... I don't think so. We only had the one machine," Candice said,
looking back at the water.

"Okay.. unlikely anybody was able to follow you right away on foot. At
least not tonight," John said, thoughtfully. "Get warm. We can talk
later. Theresa, if she can sit in the seat, why don't you see if you
can rustle us up some warm grub? Hot soup and sandwiches," John asked,
climbing out. He began to gather up the coats and snowmobile suits.
Theresa sat her triplet into one of the formed seats. She clung to her
neck a bit as she pulled away. Theresa hugged her back reassuringly and
climbed out. She found a towel and made certain that there were lots of
them.

"Cindy, would you watch over them? I'm gonna get these drying in case
we need them tomorrow," John asked. Cindy nodded, cradling her triplet
to her like a child. The girl clung to her neck as she slowly warmed.
John carted the clothes off to the wash room. He set them to spin in
the washer and then put his suit into the dryer. Then he set off in
search of some dry clothing.

Chapter 51

The girl in Cindy's arms opened her eyes. She peered into Cindy's pale
green ones with her sapphire blue ones. Suddenly she clung hard to
Cindy's neck and sobbed.

"It's okay, baby. You're okay. You're safe now," Cindy said softly,
holding her tightly. The girl just clung to her sobbing for a long
time. Cindy comforting her as best she could. She looked up and tears
flowed from the older woman's eyes. She still looked at the water.
Slowly she pulled off her burlap dress and tossed it out. Then she
removed her panties and bra, tossing them out as well. She moved over
next to Cindy. To her surprise the woman pulled her head around and
kissed her boldly on the lips. The kiss wasn't sexual, but it was
hungry.

When she pulled back, with tears in her eyes she said, "Thank you for
saving our lives." Cindy nodded as she held the sobbing girl in her
arms. "Her name's....let's see... that's Andrea. The one over there
is.... Amy. That one there... is Alice. I think Alice had the worst
time," Candice said, moving to the first girl. She gently brushed a wet
lock from her forehead and then softly kissed it. Amy stirred a bit and
Candice moved to her, cradling her into her arms like Cindy cradled
Andrea. Amy suddenly clung to her like Andrea had Cindy. Again she
sobbed and Candice hugged back. Cindy watched aghast as Candice softly
caressed her young body to comfort her.

"We made it, baby. These are good folk. We're safe now," Candice said,
softly. Amy just cried in her arms. John entered and set a pile of
clothes on a chaise. He was wearing some warm-ups and a sweatshirt. The
pile contained much the same, with pairs of underwear from the girl's
stock. He had no clue if they would fit. He also carried a bottle and
some plastic glasses.

He moved to the medical kit and pulled out a gadget. He stepped to the
tub and stuck it into Alice's ear. Pushing a button. A few seconds
later it beeped and he looked at the display. Slowly he nodded, checked
her pulse on her neck and then looked up to the others. Cindy looked at
him helplessly, cradling the still sobbing girl. John nodded to her.

"I'll check to see if Sheila's free," he said. "Can we get you
anything?" he asked Candice. She looked up at him and shook her head.

"Thank you, no. You've done more than enough," she said.

"Whenever you're ready, there's dry clothing over there and towels," he
said. He opened the bottle and poured a shot of amber liquid into one
of the glasses. He moved over by Candice and offered it to her. She
shook her head.

"Please, at least take a sip. It will help," he coaxed. Candice was
reticent to even remove one arm from around Amy, but she took the glass
and took a sip, she shivered a bit and then smiled as the brandy warmed
her inside. She then offered a sip to Amy.

"Come on, baby. This will help a bit. Take a sip," she coaxed. Amy
managed to take a sip. Her breath caught in her throat and she breathed
hard as the strong liquor passed down her throat. John poured another
shot and held it for Cindy to take a sip. She nodded in thanks and then
took it and tried to coax Andrea into taking a sip.

John moved around and poured just less than a teaspoon into another
glass. Then he gently held Alice's head and put it to her lips. Lightly
slapping her cheeks to get her attention. Candice watched like a mother
hen. Alice moaned a bit and finally took half the teaspoon. She gasped
as the liquid passed her lips, but she swallowed. John was patient as
he coaxed her into sipping a little more. Finally he lay her head
gently back against the seat. Slowly she seemed to breathe easier. John
smiled in satisfaction. He pulled his eyes away from the view between
her small breasts. He met Candice's suspicious look. He smiled at her.
She just turned back to Amy.

"I'll just see what's keeping Sheila," he said. He checked on the tub
controls. The water was already up to ninety. He nodded and headed out.
Carrying a shot each in two glasses. He met Sheila on her way to the
elevator. She looked frozen. He handed her a shot and she gratefully
downed it, shivering a bit. She took a long slow breath as the liquor
burnt her throat.

"Thanks, how are they doing?" she asked, pulling off her coat.

"Two are..... awake. The other's improving. Candice is like a mother
hen. How are *you* doing?" he asked, helping her off with her coat.

"A little cold. I closed the gate and put them all away. I refueled
them after they cooled a bit," Sheila said, sagging against him. He
hugged her to him. "John, what the hell were they doing out there? Did
you see what they were wearing? God, what happened to them?" She cried
against his chest.

"I don't know. There's more here than meets the eye, that's for sure.
Did you dog the hatch?" he asked. She nodded against him.

"Yeah... I got to wondering if anybody was following them," Sheila
said.

"I shouldn't have sent you out alone. I just wasn't thinking," John
said. Sheila looked up into his eyes.

"You did just fine, my love. I'm very proud of you," she said, pulling
him into a deep kiss.

"It didn't occur to me that anybody might be following them...until I
already asked you to go out," John moaned after she pulled back.

"I'm fine. If anybody else is out there, then they have problems enough
of their own to be bothered with attacking little old me," she smiled
at him.

"Speaking of which... I want to get these folks all bedded down and
asleep before I can make our date," John said, smiling.

Sheila nodded, "We've got time, my love."

"If you feel up to it, I think Cindy could use some help. I'd like
someone there in case the last triplet comes around. Both Cindy and
Candice had their arms full of weeping girls the last I saw of them. I
think Candice is a little suspicious of my motives. You could probably
use a hot tub yourself," he said. Sheila nodded.

"Of course. I'll just get some clothes for when I get out. Candice is
the older one?" she said.

"Yeah, I don't know the triplets' names yet. I'm gonna check on
Theresa," John said, kissing her once again. They rode the elevator
down together. Sheila snuggled to his side. He kissed her a last time
and got off on the kitchen floor. She continued on down by herself.
Theresa looked up as he entered.

"Find out anything?" she asked.

"Didn't ask any further," he said, handing her the last shot. "I
figured we better let them rest up first. We can talk tomorrow. How you
holding up?" he asked, rubbing her shoulders. She was tense.

"Oh, I'm okay. John, what the hell were they doing out there dressed
like that, or at all?" she cried, turning to him.

"I don't know, kitten. But it's obvious they're going to need our help
for a little while," John said, holding her.

"But those dresses. They looked like sacks," she cried.

"I know. That's what they were. Grain sacks," he said. Theresa looked
at him a moment and then tossed the shot down her throat.

Chapter 52

Sheila stripped off her clothes by the tub, all of them. Candice eyed
her body while she was doing it. Cindy watched Candice, watching
Sheila. The look in her eyes was a hungry one. 'No leaning there...
she's flat horizontal,' Cindy thought. Candice's gaze didn't waver as
Sheila stepped into the tub. Sheila's eyes met hers and she frankly
held her gaze. Promising nothing, just refusing to be dominated. Her
nipples hard and firm on her breasts from the temperature shifts. She
moved in and sat on a bench seat. Close to the first girl. Sheila was
pleased to see she looked much better. Her color was improving
steadily. Her breathing regular and deep.

"Mighty pretty women to be out here.... with just one man," Candice
said.

"I might say the same about you... with nobody that is," Sheila
replied.

"Oh, we had a man... if'n you could call him that. That's why we was
out there; to get away from him," Candice said.

"You must have wanted to get away pretty badly, to be traveling in a
storm like that... without any coats," Sheila said.

"Didn't even notice the cold till we was a long ways away," Candice
said.

"How far did you travel?" Sheila asked.

"Not far enough..... maybe half a day. The storm wasn't on us yet,"
Candice said.

"All of you on one snowmobile?" Cindy asked.

"And the sled. Amy here rode with me. Andrea, that's the one in Cindy's
lap, and Alice, that's the one by Sheila, rode on the sled. Alice kept
falling off. I guess she got pretty wet," Candice said.

"You are all very lucky to be alive. If John hadn't been curious
about.... If he hadn't happened across you, I don't think you would
have made it," Sheila said.

"I know we're lucky to be alive.... You don't know how lucky. We're
grateful to you folks for taking us in," Candice said.

"All John's doing. It's his place," Sheila said.

"You don't live here?" Candice asked.

"Not yet. Just visiting for now. I intend to move in next month,"
Sheila replied.

"And what about you?" Candice asked Cindy.

"Yes, I live here," she replied simply.

"John your dad?" she asked.

"No... my mate," Cindy replied.

"And you don't mind her moving in?" Candice asked.

"Well, not that it's anybody's business but mine. No, I don't mind a
bit. In fact I'm quite looking forward to it," Cindy replied levelly.

"Give you a break, huh?" Candice chuckled.

"No... I don't need a break. And you sure ask a lot of questions for
someone who doesn't say much about herself," Cindy replied.

"I don't mean no harm. Just want to know how the wind blows," Candice
said.

"And how does it blow with you?" Sheila asked, eyeing Amy snuggled to
Candice.

"I should think that fairly obvious. But maybe not. She's... *they,*
are my co-wives," Candice said, looking for shock value... and to her
puzzlement finding none.

"They seem kind of young to be wives," Cindy said.

"One might say the same about you having a mate," Candice said.

"Touché... " Cindy said.

"Look, we don't mean to spar with you," Sheila said, "Mostly we're just
concerned. One: you were out in a blizzard wearing inadequate clothing.
That could have easily have cost you your lives. Two: You said you were
running from someone, what's the chance of them following you and
showing up here? Third: You state that you are co-wives. That would
seem to indicate that there was a husband somewhere. Now I get the
impression that you were running from him. That being the case, you're
looking to change your lives.

"Now if it was serious enough to go out improperly dressed, into a
blizzard, then I would presume that you felt your lives to be more
threatened by staying put. That would indicate that he was a violent
person. Now, based on the stated facts and assumptions, what is the
possibility of someone following you here?" Sheila asked.

Candice dropped her eyes for a moment then said, "I don't know. I
honestly don't know."

"Fair enough, that's all we were asking," Sheila said.

"If he was to follow you, would he have started right after you, and
would he have been alone?" Cindy asked.

"I don't think he could have followed right after us. He was passed out
drunk when we left. He was alone, but he has friends... such as they
are," Candice said.

"Approximately how far did you travel?" Sheila asked.

"God, I don't know. We left about noon. Just before the storm. We
didn't stop for at least an hour, when Alice fell off. We stopped a
while to huddle a bit to warm her up. Then we kind of had to stop every
fifteen to twenty minutes," Candice said.

"Let me make it easier. How close to the mountains did you live?" Cindy
asked.

"Oh, right at the foot of them. We was trying to sort of travel
straight towards town," Candice replied.

"Okay, let's see... take a line from town to where you were on our
road.. makes it about a forty-five degree angle. About twenty five
miles to the mountains from here.... so figure another twenty five on
the base of a triangle. That's twenty five squared plus twenty five
squared, take the square root of twelve fifty......... about thirty-
five miles. Now check that against a heavily laden snowmobile traveling
for.... figure four hours with stops. Figure about ten miles per hour
average. That works out close," Cindy said.

"If you say so. How the hell do you do that in your head?" Candice
asked.

"It's not hard. Look, the mountains are about twenty five miles
straight west of here. If you were heading straight to town, figuring
you might have wandered a bit in the storm. That figures you were
traveling at about a forty five degree angle relative to the mountains.
If that was so, you would have traveled the same distance out as
across. So the same number of miles. After that, it's just simple
algebra. Pythagorean theorem to figure the length of the hypotenuse,"
Cindy explained. Sheila nodded. Candice looked even more baffled.

Cindy took a wet finger and drew on the concrete. She drew a line
representing the mountains. She made a spot representing the silo. Then
drew a forty five degree line from the silo to the mountains,
indicating their starting point. She explained as she drew. A light
seemed to go on in Candice's head.

"I get it. It's the same distance from here to the mountains as from
that point to our place. But how did you figure this line?" she asked.

"Take that number of miles times itself. Now add it to this number
times itself. Now what number times itself equals the sum? They call
that Pythagorean theorem. The whole trick is to break the problem down
into parts," Cindy explained.

"Makes sense, now you explain it. But I never heard of any pythagoree
theum," Candice said.

"Pythagorean Theorem. Just a fancy title named after the guy who first
figured it out. He didn't have any calculators. He lived around 580
years BC," Cindy said.

"Where did you learn all this?" Candice asked.

"Right here. I didn't know it myself a year ago. I've been studying for
my GED," Cindy said.

"What's a GED?" Candice asked.

"I think it stands for General Education or something. What it is, is a
certificate that says you understand what a high school graduate does,"
Cindy explained. Candice looked thoughtful.

"You say you learned all this in a year?" she asked.

"That part. I knew *some* math. But just what I learned in grade school
and Junior high," Cindy said. Sheila had let the exchange go on. The
main point was to get Candice talking. "So, anyway. It figures out that
you traveled at least thirty miles and maybe as much as forty. That
would make it a safe bet that we won't be seeing your husband for a day
or two anyway. Probably not for as much as a week. If the wind keeps up
it will likely cover your tracks. But if he started to follow the same
line he might figure which way you were headed and stay on that line
even if he lost the trail," Sheila said.

Cindy had a sudden thought, "Listen, is there someone you want to call,
to tell them you're alright?" Candice thought for a moment, then shook
her head.

"No, we don't have anybody. Nobody knows or cares that we were
outside... except Nick... that's my.... our husband," Candice said.

"No parents? No relatives?" Sheila asked.

"No... I got a brother someplace, don't know where. My parents died
when I was young. I just sort of took up with Nick 'cause I was young
and stupid. The triplet's mom died when they were born. Their old man
lit out not long after that. They been staying in foster homes, most
not very nice ones. When they was twelve, Nick traded a tractor for
them," Candice explained, her eyes filling with tears.

"Traded a tractor for them?!" Cindy gasped.

"They was pretty wild hellions. The neighbor and his wife had had
enough of them. The tractor didn't run so good. It seemed like a fair
trade. I think Nick got the better end of the deal. Then they got
older..." Candice stalled, crying.

"Yeah, it's okay, we get the picture," Sheila said, softly. Amy hugged
Candice tighter, still not saying anything, herself cried out. Just
then Alice stirred. Sheila moved to her and cradled her into her arms.
Alice opened her eyes and looked at Sheila for a moment. Then over at
Candice holding Amy and Cindy holding Andrea. She sighed a bit,
smiling.

"Is this heaven?" Alice asked.

"No dear, but I can see how it would seem so," Sheila said, hugging her
to her. "I'm Sheila, that's Cindy holding Andrea. You're in a safe
place."

Andrea snuggled to her for a while then said, "I was dreaming that I
was all warm and safe, but I knew I wasn't. Then I woke up and I was...
I thought I was still dreaming... or that I'd died. I was so cold...."

"We're in a safe place now. These are good folk. They saved us from the
storm. There's another nice girl and a very nice man here too," Candice
told her.

"We got away then?" Alice asked.

"Yes, baby. We got away," Candice said. Alice smiled and snuggled to
Sheila.

"You're nice... thanks for saving us," she said.

"You're very welcome, Alice," Sheila said, tears forming in her eyes.
Seeing Alice was okay seemed to have a profound effect upon the other
triplets. Andrea hugged Cindy and then kissed her on the lips before
she uncurled and stood on her own. Amy did much the same to Candice.
The two of them came over to Alice.

"You okay, we was so.."

"..worried about you," Andrea started and Amy completed. Alice nodded.

"Yeah, I feel fine now. A little tired though.... and hungry."

"Yeah, we're sorta.."

"..hungry too," the others said.

"I think we can do something about that. Theresa should have a meal
waiting for us upstairs," Sheila said. Alice seemed to sag a bit.

"Okay... I'll get up," she said, trying to.

Sheila held her to her, "Oh, no. I'll carry you. You shouldn't move
around too much for a while."

"Then we can stay here for a while?" Candice asked, coming over to
them. Sheila looked to Cindy.

"I think that would be alright. I don't think you could go anyplace for
a couple of days anyway. After that.....well, we'll have to talk about
it. Okay?" Cindy said. Candice nodded. The triplets all smiled
excitedly.

"Come on, let's get you dry and dressed," Sheila said, standing with
Alice in her arms.

"I like you, you're nice," Alice said. The other two nodded agreement.
"And pretty.." "..too," they said in stereo. Sheila blushed a bit, but
carried Alice to a chaise. She lay her down and then took a towel and
started to dry her. She rubbed the water off her arms and then daubed
at her breasts. Realizing she was becoming aroused and Alice seemed so
innocent and complacent, Sheila stopped and handed her the towel.

"Here, why don't you dry yourself. Take those wet panties off. I'll see
what John brought us to wear," she said, standing. Alice caught her
hand and held it. "It's okay, I'm not going anywhere," Sheila told her.

"The man...uh, John. Won't be coming in, will he?" Alice asked.

"Oh... I don't think so. You won't have to worry about him anyway. He's
a very nice man," Sheila told her.

"I just didn't want him to see me naked....yet," Alice stammered.

"Well, dear. We all run around here pretty much naked a lot of the
time. Only we call it nude. But I think you're safe for now. I think
that's why John's not here now," Sheila told her.

"Asides, he's already seen us all nake.....uh, nude," Candice said.

"Not my privates!" Alice said, dropping Sheila's hand and drying
herself.

"No dear, not your privates. He just took off your dress so you would
get warm quicker," Candice told her.

"Oh... I guess that's okay then," Alice said. The other girls were
drying themselves. None had removed their wet panties. Candice was
nude. She dried herself and then turned to the triplets.

"You heared her. Get them wet panties off. You'll like to freeze to
death anyway if you don't. Anyway, there's just us women folk here now.
You can cover up with a towel if John comes in," Candice snapped. The
triplets acted like she was their mother. They instantly pushed their
panties down. Then dried themselves. Cindy made it a point not to look
at them as she dried herself. She wanted to, really badly. Sheila
divided up the clothing between all the girls.

"I'm afraid these are going to be a little large, but they're warm....
They should do a fine job of hiding your privates too," Sheila
chuckled.

"Wow!" "These are nice, what.." "..are they made of?" the triplets
asked.

"Just some spun synthetic. We call them sweats," Sheila chuckled.

"What's.." "..Synthetic?" "..mean?" they asked.

"It means man made. Artificial. Synthetic fibers are like cotton or
wool, only made from chemicals... from oil," Cindy explained.

"She's real.." "..smart," Andrea and Amy explained to Alice. "She
figured out.." "how far from home.." "we was.." "In her head," they
said.

Cindy chuckled, "Do you always finish.."

"each other's.." "..sentences," they finished for her. "Yeah," "always"
"have," they answered in rotation, pulling their clothes on. The
panties were too large on the girls, Candice's not so much. The elastic
kept them up. The legs of the sweats ballooned out and bagged to fit.
The sweat shirts hung down below their butts. They pulled the sleeves
up to their wrists.

"Aren't you two" "going to" "dress?" the trio asked.

"Oh, I'm warm enough, but I thought I'd stop by the master bedroom and
grab some shorts and a tube top," Cindy said.

"Master" "bed" "room?!" "Can" "we" "see it?" they asked.

"Sure, I've got to get some things for myself, too," Sheila chuckled.
Sheila bent and swept Alice into her arms, looking statuesque in her
nudity. One breast poking out over the girl's abdomen. The other two
triplets couldn't help admiring her trimmed pubic patch open below
their sister.

"I can walk!" Alice protested.

"It's okay. You're not heavy. You need to conserve your strength to get
better," Sheila said, heading for the elevator. This involved going
down a short flight of stairs.

"I thought you said upstairs," Alice said.

"It is, this leads down to the elevator," Sheila said.

"What's" "an elev" "ator?" they asked.

"You'll find out in a moment," Sheila said.

"Oh, this should be interesting," Cindy mused, smirking.

"You're not helping much.... Why don't you grab the medical kit,
knowing John he'll want to check Alice out again," Sheila said. Cindy
held it up. They both busted out laughing. Cindy worked the buttons.
The girls stood looking around the gym, trying to figure out what the
machines were for. Then the door slid open, much to their delight...
and apprehension when Sheila and Cindy stepped into the tiny room.

"Come on, there's room for all," Cindy coaxed. The girls stayed put.
Especially when the door started to close and Cindy stopped it with her
hand. Candice stepped forward.

"Come on, girls. It's a little room that goes up and down, kind of like
a hay elevator," she said. The girls stayed put, looking apprehensively
at their sister in Sheila's arms.

"It's okay, girls. You all rode down on it when we brought you in....
remember?" Sheila said.

"I don't remember much.. I was" "upside down," they said.

"I promise, it's alright. You'll see. You'll like it, it's fun," Cindy
suggested. She didn't know how much she would regret it later. The
girls slowly edged into the elevator. They spun around when the door
closed again. Then Cindy pushed a thing and suddenly they got heavier.
They grasped whomever was nearest. A set of arms grabbing at both
Sheila's and Cindy's bare asses. A little while later they got suddenly
lighter for a moment, then the door opened to another place.

The girls stood in awe for a moment. Candice led them out by the hands.
Cindy took the lead and they followed her, looking around. They walked
into the master bedroom and stopped dead in their tracks, their mouths
open. All three of them not being carried. Sheila moved around them and
set Alice on the bed, which started to buck and wave like it was alive.
She cried out in alarm.

"It's just a water bed," Sheila said, rolling her eyes and heading for
the wardrobe. Next thing the other two triplets were prodding and
poking at the bed, making it wave and buck some more.

"Hey! Leave that be!" Candice barked. The girls sat down on the edge
mopily, but still testing it a bit with their hands.

"Co-wives huh?" Cindy chuckled, opening a drawer and pulling out some
white terry shorts.

"They was still young uns when Nick traded for them... in some ways
they still are," Candice said, her eyes swinging wildly around the
wardrobe. The girls on the bed followed her eyes and jumped up (all
three) to see for themselves. Next thing they were all softly stroking
dresses and pant suits like they had never seen before.

"Hey, don't go snooping. Don't touch anything," Candice barked.

"It's okay... but come to think of it. We may never get to the kitchen
if they start looking at these clothes.... especially if they were
impressed with sweats!" Cindy said, pulling on her shorts. Sheila
pulled on a matching pair, neither bothered with underwear. They each
donned tube tops. The girls fascinated with the fabric tubes, making
each of them pull them down and up for them. Pulling at the fabric
themselves. Cindy and Sheila smirking at each other.

"Knock it off!" Candice finally barked. The girls were instantly
contrite.

"Come on girls, we'll give you the whole tour tomorrow. Let's go eat,"
Sheila said, stooping to pick Alice up.

"I tell you, I can walk," she protested, but lay her head on Sheila's
shoulder.

"You can walk tomorrow. John would skin me if he saw you walking
tonight," Sheila said.

"He'd beat you?" Alice asked in alarm.

"No, dear. I was kidding. He'd never hit me. Or anybody else," Sheila
said, hugging the girl closer. The two remaining triplets tagged along
behind Cindy, looking at both hers and Sheila's asses packaged so
tightly in the terry shorts. They whispered and giggled. Candice
brought up the rear like a shepherd, doing her own looking.

This time the girls were eager to board the magical room that opened to
another place. They still started a bit when it moved, but they tried
to act brave. Their bravery wore thin as the ride took longer. Finally
the door opened. At first glance, it was just the same place they had
left. An identical cement room with a strange metal door on either
side, a big metal door on another room in front of them and an archway
around the corner. But then they noticed the numbers on the walls were
different.

Through the archway was the most incredible kitchen they had ever seen.
A lovely blonde girl and an older man were seated at a big table,
drinking coffee. The blonde was sitting in the man's lap. She got up as
they entered. Candice registered the action, misreading it. She looked
to Cindy and Sheila for signs of jealousy, she found none.

"Well, how's our patient?" John asked smiling broadly. Actually he was
very relieved. He jumped up to take her from Sheila, but Alice clung to
her neck.

"It's okay," Sheila said, setting her down in a padded swivel seat. She
chose one next to it, holding her hand. John looked up to tell Cindy to
get the med. kit, and she handed it to him, smirking. He took it
without notice. Opening it up on the table by Alice.

"Pull up your sleeve," he told Alice. Alice shrunk back.

"It's okay, dear. He just wants to make sure you're okay," Sheila
reassured her. Alice looked to Candice, who nodded. Having witnessed
him checking her out before, Alice slowly pulled her sleeve up. John
would have preferred she take it off, but something told him that would
be pushing his luck. He carefully applied the blood pressure cuff to
her upper arm.

"Now this is going to squeeze your arm a little bit when I pump this,"
he explained, doing it. He put the stethoscope in his ears and placed
the pad on her elbow. He listened intently as he continued to pump,
then opened the valve and let the air out slow, listening. Finally he
smiled.

"Okay, I need to listen to your heart and lungs. Can I hold this over
your heart?" John asked, holding the end of the stethoscope up for her
to see. Instead, she took the end and pulled it under her sweatshirt,
holding the cold end on her breast. "Wrong place, just below your left
breast please," John told her. "That's better, now hold still.....
okay, just above ...uh...your nipple.... okay, good. Now can I check
your back?" he asked.

Alice nodded, she'd seen a doctor check out a sick person before. But
never her. She leaned forward. John lifted the back of her sweatshirt,
she held the front down as he moved the cold pad around on her back and
had her cough. He pulled down her shirt and took out a small light.

"Okay, just follow this with your eyes," he said, waving it slowly
before her. He couldn't have stopped her, as she watched the magical
light in his hands.

Candice rolled her eyes, "You've seen a flashlight before!"

"Not that small," Alice answered. John shined it in each of her eyes,
suddenly flicking it to the side and looking into her eyes. Next he
turned and got a gadget in his hand.

"Okay, just a couple more things. I need to take your temperature. I'm
just going to put the tip of this in your ear, okay?" he asked. Alice
nodded. John put the thermometer in her ear and held it there until it
beeped. He looked pleased at the reading. Lastly he took a little
rubber hammer out and had her cross her legs. He hit her on the knee
and her leg jumped. Then he had her reverse them and he did the same to
the other. Lastly he looked at her fingers and toes. He frowned a bit
at them. Finally he stood up and put the medical equipment back into
the kit.

"Your hands and feet a little sore?" he asked her. She nodded. "Well,
all in all she's fine. A mild case of frostbite on her fingertips and
toes. I don't *think* she'll lose any skin though. She should take it
very easy for a day or two. I think she'll be just fine," he
pronounced. He produced a small tube of salve and proceeded to rub some
on her toes. She giggled and fought him. "Here, rub a little bit of
this where ever it's sore. You should have some protection on your feet
too. Cindy, have you got any new slippers?" John said, handing the tube
to Alice. Cindy nodded.

"After we eat will be okay, but keep your toes off the floor. Okay?"
John said to Alice. She nodded, rubbing the salve between her toes and
fingers.

"It stings a little," she said.

"Good. That means it's working killing tiny bugs that would make your
toes swell up," John said. Theresa had been busying herself placing
food before everyone. Cindy had helped. Sheila had been stuck in
Alice's grip. Now she snuck away and poured a cup of coffee for
herself. Alice watching her like a hawk to be certain she returned.
Alice had goo on all her fingers and Sheila retrieved a paper towel.

"Here, you can put it back on after you eat," she said, gently wiping
her fingers clean. Alice winced a bit, but took it. The girls didn't
touch their food, they kept looking to Candice, who kept watching John.
John sat down and realized what they were waiting for.

"As this is a momentous occasion, I suppose a few words of thanks are
in order. We're not a very religious bunch, but I can see you are...."
John said. He bowed his head and instantly the guests all closed their
eyes and bowed theirs. Cindy, Theresa and Sheila caught on and bowed
theirs as well, but kept their eyes open.

"We thank thee Lord for the lives of those who were saved this evening
and for the food which we are about to partake of. We pray that it will
nourish us and give strength to those who are in need of it most.
Amen," John said.

"Amen," his guests all echoed, lifting their heads. They hesitated a
moment before until John nodded to them. Then they dug in with a
vengeance. John suppressed his smile. Cindy and Theresa looked at him
curiously. Sheila downright beamed at him. She realized that he had
done it only to make his guests feel more comfortable.

"This is great, What kind is it? Can I have the recipe?" Candice asked.

Theresa shrugged, "Don't know it. It comes in a can. Campbell's Cream
of Mushroom."

"Mushroom?" the guests all said in alarm.

"Yes, but it's okay. They only use mushrooms that they know are okay to
eat," Cindy said, smirking. The girls kind of poked around in their
soup with their spoons. "It's really okay, I've had this kind hundreds
of times before. It's one of my favorites," Sheila added. Then the
girls were back happily slurping their soup. Theresa had made breast of
turkey sandwiches too. With Alfalfa sprouts (because they were easy to
grow and were a good lettuce substitute in sandwiches.) The girls
consumed all. Theresa arose and brought the kettle back to the table,
ladling each guest's bowl full once more.

John accepted seconds to encourage them to eat. Theresa added a large
pile of toast too. Finally the girls lost steam when all the soup and
all but a few bites of toast were consumed. Along with their hot
chocolate. The residents all chose coffee. John actually managed to eat
half of his second bowl of soup. When all were sitting back stuffed, he
looked up.

"Okay, now about sleeping arrangements. I'm afraid all we have are a
large double bed in the guest room and a single in the gym...by the hot
tub," he said.

"If the bed's big enough, I think we can all squeeze in," Candice said,
much relieved... although strangely disappointed.

"I was thinking that one of you, probably Candice could take the single
and the triplets could share the guest room," John said.

"We'll be fine in the one," Candice said.

"We always" "sleep" "together," the triplets said.

"I could stay with Sheila," Alice offered.

"Thank you, dear. But I'll be sleeping with John. We don't wear much to
bed," Sheila said.

"Like nothing," Theresa giggled. The triplets all blushed and giggled
too.

"However you would like to divide the guest bedroom and the single is
up to you girls. I myself am a little tired. We may sleep in a bit
compared to what you girls are used to. There's a bathroom by the guest
bed and one in the gym. You'll find clothes in the drawers in the guest
room. Whatever you'd like to wear is fine by me. If you get hungry,
feel free to come up here and help yourselves. If you need anything
just call us from the elevator door on our floor. One of us will come
out and help you. Okay?" John said. Theresa, Cindy and Sheila had been
bussing dishes and loading the dishwasher as he spoke. Now they joined
him at the head of the table.

"I'll show you the way to the guest room," Sheila offered.

"You'll find some new slippers in the bottom drawer by the bathroom
door," Cindy offered.

"You should wear a pair to bed. I'd better carry you down," John said,
approaching Alice. She looked afraid, but Sheila nodded to her. She
reluctantly let John pick her up. He headed straight for the elevator.
He couldn't help noticing the lithe body in his arms. Alice put her
arms around his neck and once over her initial trepidation, thoroughly
enjoyed his carrying her.

She lay her head upon his shoulder. The others followed except for
Cindy and Theresa who made themselves busy in the kitchen till all were
gone. While John and Sheila showed the guests to their bedroom, Cindy
filled Theresa in on all the conversation that they'd had in the hot
tub and their bedroom. Theresa howled with laughter when Cindy told her
about the elevator and water bed.

"What was that prayer thing all about?" Theresa asked.

"I don't know. I think John just did it for them," Cindy replied,
thoughtfully. She turned to Theresa and pulled her into her arms.
"Thinking you missed something?" Cindy asked, concerned. Theresa shook
her head.

"No, it just struck me as odd. John's not a praying man," she said.

"With four more women around, he might become one," Cindy giggled.
Theresa giggled too, but then suddenly stopped.

"You think they will be staying?" she asked, seriously.

"I don't know dear.. Knowing John, I think it safe to say that they
will be with us for more than a few days. He'll want to get them set up
someplace. But I can't imagine he'd want them to stay here for very
long. As cute as they are, they're way too backward. Besides, I know
John wants to get out of the.... *unlimited charity to all* mode. Add
to that that Sheila will be staying and I can't imagine that he'd be
interested in more sleeping partners. The poor man hasn't bedded Sheila
yet. I don't expect he will tonight either," Cindy said.

"Why not?" Theresa asked.

"Because, my lovely, we will be there," Cindy said, caressing a breast.

"So? I was there when he first ... bedded you," Theresa said.

"It's not the same, love... I can't explain it. But, it's not the same.
I'd bet money on it," Cindy said.

"If you say so. I don't care either way... but I think it would bother
me a bit if he wanted to bed Candice," Theresa said.

"Me too. But I wouldn't mind a bit if he wanted the triplets. I'd
gladly help him," Cindy chuckled.

"Aren't they adorable?" Theresa said, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, but I don't think it will happen with mother hen hanging
around," Cindy mused.

"Mother Hen?" Theresa asked.

"That's what she reminds me of.... Come on, love. Let's go to bed,"
Cindy said, taking Theresa by the hand and leading her off. They left a
light on over the stove. John lay Alice softly on the bed. It waved
like the master bed and she giggled with delight. Sheila kissed him and
told him she'd be down in a bit. He nodded, bowing to the guests and
departed. Sheila took the salve tube and rubbed some on Alice's fingers
and toes. Next she got out a new pair of slippers for her. Having her
remove her warm-ups, Alice almost losing her panties in the process.
Sheila slipped the slippers on her feet and told her to leave them all
night and especially to wear them in the morning. Alice nodded.

"Will you tuck me in?" she asked. Sheila smiled and nodded. Alice made
a break for the bathroom, trying to hurry and look at all the stuff in
the meantime. She came back and crawled under the covers. The other
Triplets followed suit. Lastly Candice, half glaring at Sheila, feeling
her position usurped by the lovely blonde. Sheila tucked Alice in and
then kissed her on the forehead, she then bent to kiss one of the other
triplets and then went around the bed to kiss the last.

Then a mild dilemma as her eyes met Candice's. She bent and kissed her
as well. After she kissed her forehead, Candice caught her head and
kissed her hard on the lips. Sheila surprised, but complacent.

"Thanks again for saving our lives," Candice told her.

"It wasn't me. I stayed here and made ready for you. Cindy, Theresa and
especially John are the ones you should thank," Sheila said.

"I shall. None the less. Thank you too. You've all been wonderful,"
Candice said.

"Sweet dreams," Sheila said. She showed them the light controls on the
headboard and took her leave. Sheila didn't go directly to the bedroom,
she went up to the entrance and checked the dogs on the hatchway first.
They were in place and tight. Just like she'd left them. She sighed and
headed back down. She found the others in various states of undress.
Cindy was giving him an animated account of their conversation in the
hot tub.

"Traded a tractor for them!" he spat.

"That might not be such a bad thing," Sheila said, stripping off her
tube top and shorts.

"Huh?" all three of them said simultaneously. Sheila smirked at them,
they waited for her to explain, dubious.

Finally she turned and said, "If he traded a tractor for them, maybe
he'd trade back. Or for something else," she smirked.

"You think it's okay to trade in human flesh?" Theresa asked.

"No, of course not. But if the idea is to avoid a conflict with their
husband, which sounds like a good idea, and he places that kind of
value on human beings, then maybe the easiest way to handle it is to
trade him something for them," Sheila explained. The girls nodded. John
just looked at her.

"I'm not so sure I want them," he said. The girls all spun to look at
him.

"You wouldn't turn them out?" Theresa asked.

"No, not in this weather, but at the same time I'm not ready to take
full responsibility for them either," he answered.

"But where would they go? They have no one," Cindy said.

"Not my problem," John said.

"Not your problem?" Theresa asked.

"No, it's not. It's their problem. My responsibility as a human being
ends when they can travel again. I certainly would equip them better,
maybe even give them some cash to get by on. But their leaving was
their choice, not mine. I don't want to get into the middle of a family
feud over it," John said.

"John's right. It is their problem," Sheila said.

"But can't we help them?" Cindy asked.

"We have. We saved their lives. Otherwise, how would you help them?"
John asked. Cindy looked befuddled. Like she didn't know John. It hurt
him to the core.

"Why can't they stay here? We've got lots of room," Theresa asked.

"That's not the point. The point is that they are married to someone.
All of them. Think about this; if you lost those girls, would you take
it lightly?" John asked. Theresa thought about it.

"But they have chosen to leave him, of their own free will," Cindy
said.

"That still does not make it *my* problem, which it would become if
they stayed here," John said.

"No, I wouldn't take it lightly. I'd go after them," Theresa said in
response to John's earlier question.

"My point exactly. Look, plain and simple. Those girls are trouble.
Maybe big trouble. If what's his name... Nick, shows up looking for
them, with his rifle, do I use those fancy gun ports that the
government installed in the entryway, or do I call the sheriff? Either
way, it's trouble," John said.

"Or... you bicker with Nick for their freedom. Offer him a new tractor
for them. I'll pay for it myself. After they're free, they can go
anywhere without having to look over their shoulder for Nick," Sheila
said.

"You might just have something there after all," John said,
thoughtfully.

"But why can't you just call in the sheriff?" Theresa asked. Cindy
looked at her. She moved to her side and gently touched her hair.

"Because of us, dear heart. Remember, we're run-a-ways," she said.

"But that has nothing to do with this," Theresa said.

"Maybe not, but explain that to the sheriff when he sees us," Cindy
said.

"He wouldn't have to see us. Just John and the girls," she said.

"And what about when the sheriff asks the girls to tell him about their
rescue and they tell him all about it and then about us?" Cindy said.

"But it's not fair!" Theresa cried.

"No, dear heart, it's not. But that's life," Cindy said.

"But why couldn't they stay here if John traded for their freedom?"
Theresa asked.

"Kitten, you're asking me to take on the responsibility of three
teenage girls; To protect them, see to their education, their welfare,
to feed them, to clothe them and provide for their financial future.
Now you weren't particularly happy when I gave just *one* a leg up on
the other side of the country. Now you want me to invite *three* to
live here? Think about what you are asking of me," John said.

"Four, there's four of them," Theresa said.

"Even worse... but Candice is an adult. She's responsible for herself.
I'm not about to take that on. Which is another reason why I don't want
to take on the girls," John said. Sheila nodded in understanding. Cindy
too. Theresa started to weep softly.

"I don't understand!" she cried, "You took on me and Cindy and now
Sheila, why not the triplets?"

"I'm not taking Sheila on. She's a competent adult coming here of her
own free will. I am not stealing her away from anybody. She's not
running from anybody. You and Cindy I took on because I wanted to....
In your case, we were thrust together by circumstance, but after
getting to know you a little, I wanted you to stay. The same goes for
Cindy. If you remember, I didn't want Cindy to come here. It was your
idea. But I finally agreed to that. I'm not the least bit sorry I did.
I love you all dearly, but that doesn't mean I want to do it for the
whole god damned world," John said.

"But you might learn to love them too," Theresa said.

"I don't doubt it. They are adorable. That just makes it harder for me.
The point is... *I don't want to!* My life is full and complete enough
with you three. I want it to stay that way. It won't if I invite those
girls to stay," John said. Theresa moped.

"Theresa, it wouldn't be fair to you women either. Now if I was twenty
years old, I might selfishly want to have a harem so large I couldn't
possibly keep the women in it fulfilled. But I'm not a young man. And I
do care that the women in my life are fulfilled. If they were here, I
couldn't do that. At best lovemaking would become a chore. When love
becomes a chore, it's not love anymore. It's prostitution. I'm not a
gigolo. I have no desire to become one," John said.

"But it wouldn't be a chore... they're just so sweet," Theresa argued.

"Theresa, I've given you everything you wanted since you first came
here, but not this. Just because you want something, doesn't make
another person responsible for getting it for you. My point is that *I*
don't want to. Doesn't what *I* want, mean anything to you?" John
asked, losing his temper.

"Yes but..." she started.

"No buts! Look, I'm fucking tired and I have no intention of spending
the night arguing about something I don't want to do. Good night!" John
said, stomping out. The girls looked after him dumbfounded. Theresa
started after him, but Cindy caught her arm.

"Leave it be!" she said.

"But I just want to explain," Theresa said.

"No, you want to convince him that you're right. When in fact, he's
right. You're thinking with your heart, not your brain. If you keep it
up you're not only going to lose the triplets, you're going to lose
John too," Cindy said.

"What do you mean?" Theresa said, spinning on her.

"I mean that in a whole year, I've never seen John so pissed off. He's
tired. He's stressed out. He just wants a night's rest while he makes
his own decisions. You want to argue about it to get your way. Don't
you think that he already realizes everything you said? Don't you think
he feels what you do? You reminding him of it just makes it harder on
him. The other night, John told me of his plans... He intends to take
every dime he makes from the fashion machine and establish an
organization whose whole purpose is to help people just like those
girls.

"Now we're talking millions of dollars if Sheila is right about its
potential. That's not a small sacrifice. He feels it. He sees it. He
wants to help. But that doesn't mean bringing every hard luck case into
his own home. It doesn't mean becoming emotionally involved with
everybody who needs love and understanding. If John had wanted any more
companionship here, he would have brought Sally back from New York with
him. But he didn't. He didn't even ask to.

"Now I know John loves us dearly. But think about what he's giving up
just having you and me here. Do you think that he couldn't find a dozen
willing women who would love to become a part of his life? Think about
it! He can't even take us out to dinner without having to lie to the
restaurant owner about who we are. Now that will all change in a year.
We'll both be eighteen. It won't matter a god damned thing what people
think about it.

"Until then John is an outlaw. It's us who make him one. I know for a
fact that he's looking forward to *not* being one. You're asking him to
stay one for another two years besides all the other bullshit stress it
causes him. If you really want to be fair about things, cut him some
slack. 'Cause right now I think you're being god damned *unfair* to
him," Cindy said. Theresa sat down, mopily.

"Look, we're all tired and on edge. Why don't we all get some sleep,"
Sheila said.

"I don't need you sticking your nose into this!" Theresa said.

"Theresa, you don't know what you're saying," Sheila said.

"Oh, and you do?" Theresa demanded. Sheila sighed.

"Theresa, fucking grow up!" Sheila said, turning her back and walking
out as well.

"Two for two," Cindy said.

"What's that mean?" Theresa snapped.

"It means that you've managed to really piss off two people I know you
care very deeply about.... and you're working on three!" Cindy said.

"What did I do?" Theresa asked.

"You think about it and tell me tomorrow," Cindy said, crawling under
the covers.

"Tell me! What did I do?" Theresa demanded.

"Theresa, I want to go to sleep now," Cindy said.

"I don't!" Theresa snapped.

"Fine, don't. But I don't want to talk anymore tonight," Cindy said.

"Well I do!" Theresa said.

"Theresa, I love you dearly, but if you say one more word I will put
you over my knee and paddle that cute ass of yours. Clear enough?"
Cindy said.

"You can't treat me like a child," Theresa said.

"Then quit acting like one, good night!" Cindy said, turning away from
her. Theresa sat leaning on the headboard. After a time she started
weeping again. Soon it became a sobbing cry. Cindy turned to her and
pulled her into her arms. Theresa buried her head in Cindy's shoulder
and cried herself to sleep. Sheila found John in the Com room, sipping
scotch, sitting in the triple chaise.

"Hey Sailor, buy me a drink?" Sheila asked, approaching him. John
nodded towards the bar. Sheila poured herself a single malt on the
rocks and sat down beside him.

"You second team?" John asked, moodily.

"No, actually I just came to tell you I understood how you felt and to
tell you I agree with you," Sheila said, taking a sip. John sighed.

"I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that," he said.

"I won't hold that against you... but I might hold something else
against you... if you want," she offered.

"I don't think I would be much fun, tonight," John said.

"Just so you know that you're welcome whenever you feel like it. This
chaise is pretty comfortable. Why don't I see if I can rustle us up a
blanket. I think a good snuggle and a long sleep would do us all good,"
she said. John nodded. Sheila went to find a blanket. Which took longer
than she expected because of the earlier blanket raid. When she
returned, John was asleep. She covered him up and killed the lights,
then snuggled to his side.

The triplets and Candice huddled together in the warm bed. They
couldn't help hearing the heated voices from the floor below, but the
couldn't make out what was being said. The voices finally faded out.
The girls, not knowing their fate, were apprehensive. Even so, the at
least temporary safety and warmth lulled them into sleep.

Chapter 53

Candice arose early, mostly from habit developed by her long years on
the farm. She looked over her wards, sleeping soundly in each others'
arms. She experienced a moment's confusion as to her whereabouts. Then
the memories of the previous evening flooded back to her. She smiled.
They were safe, at least for now. These were good folk, although
obviously rich. She didn't hold that against them. They had saved her
life and more importantly, the lives of the triplets. At present, she
viewed her benefactors mainly as a resource.

She slipped out of bed and moved to the bathroom. It was warm and
downright cozy compared to the sparse plumbing facilities of her farm.
She wondered how so spacious a place could seem cozy. She was just
moving to the shower when Amy came stumbling in. Candice looked behind
her, questioning.

"The others are still asleep," Amy mumbled.

"Let them. They need it, especially Alice," Candice told her, adjusting
the water. Amy plunked down on the toilet to relieve herself. "Come
join me when you're through," Candice said, slipping into the shower. A
bit later Amy slipped into the shower. The girls hugged and soaped each
other's bodies. Reveling in the hot water and the feel of each other's
bodies. They took what seemed to them to be a long luxurious shower.

All of fifteen minutes. Candice, fearing using too much hot water,
guided them out. They dried and then moved to the wardrobe. Candice had
to remind Amy to be quiet as the girl went nuts over her choices. She
found a pair of shorts like Cindy and Sheila had worn the night before,
along with a tube top. Candice frowned and was about to tell the girl
to pick something else, when she realized that the girls' charms were
one of her best tools for persuading her hosts into letting them stay.

"See if you can find two more outfits just like that," she told Amy.
Amy seemed puzzled, but complied. She pulled on her own outfit, which
was loose on her small, slim frame. "Lay those out for the others,"
Candice said, choosing her own more conservative outfit. She mistakenly
thought that a spandex jump suit would hide her body. Even though
loose, the outfit shifted as she moved to clearly define her lithe
frame. She took Amy by the hand and led her out towards the kitchen.
Amy showed no trepidation at using the elevator this time.

Candice started taking inventory. She was flabbergasted over her
choices. Even so she set about making a batch of biscuits. The chore
seemed much easier in the spacious kitchen. She told Amy to build a pot
of coffee, but found it already set up on a timer. She studied the
controls and switched it to on. The timer wouldn't have started the
coffee for at least another hour and a half.

"City folk," Candice muttered. Once biscuits were done, Candice
surveyed them and thought about the number of people in the silo. She
made another batch. She and Amy ate their share of the first while the
second batch was in the oven. About the time they were ready, Andrea
and Alice came wandering into the kitchen.

"I thought you would sleep more," Candice said to Alice.

"Oh, I feel fine... but my fingers and toes hurt a bit," Alice replied.
Candice examined them. Small blisters marred the ends of many of the
young girl's extremities. They were red and swollen a little as well.
Candice remembered how John had examined them closely. Smart man, she
thought. She gently reapplied some salve to the affected areas.

"Keep those slippers on and stay off your feet," Candice told Alice.

"I told you, I feel fine," Alice said, exasperated. Candice looked at
her a moment.

"Now listen here 'dumplin, I need you well. These are kind folk, but I
don't know how long they're going to let us stay. You may be fine
walking around a warm house, but you wouldn't be fine stuck in shoes
trudging through snow. So do as I say," she told her.

"You don't think they'll turn us out!?" Alice asked, alarmed.

"No, not for a while, but I also don't think they intend for us to stay
very long either. You heard them arguing last night," Candice replied.

"She probably didn't. She was asleep pretty fast," Andrea said.

"So what are we going to do?" Amy asked.

"I don't know. None of us have any kin to speak of. We don't know
anybody in the City. I don't have a hankering to go to any of the
neighbors we had either. Let's just bide our time here for as long as
they'll let us. In the meantime, I want you girls to be real nice to
our hosts. *Real* nice. Mind you don't cause any trouble either. Stay
outta things. The last thing we need to do is piss them off," Candice
told them.

"How do you mean, *real* nice?" Amy asked.

"You know, real nice," Candice replied.

Amy gasped at the implied meaning, "Oh, you don't want us to...
*lay*... with them, do you?"

"That would be wrong!" Andrea added. Alice looked thoughtful.

"Maybe, maybe not. I'm not so sure anymore what's right or what's
wrong. I do know, however, that we have no place to go. The longer
these folks want us around, the better..... As far as what's right and
wrong, you don't seem to mind so much when you lay with me," Candice
said.

"But we're your co-wives," Amy said.

"Maybe so... but it says in the bible that a woman shouldn't lay with a
woman. The only reason it seems okay, is that we also lay with our man
when he tells us to," Candice said.

"But we left him... and I'm not sorry. He hurt us!" Alice cried.

"I know, I was there, remember? We've all got his mark on us," Candice
said.

"Nobody could see it unless they were looking where they shouldn't,"
Andrea said.

"It's there, none the less," Candice replied.

"So who should we lay with?" Amy asked.

"I'm not telling you to lay with anybody. But if they ask.... it might
not hurt us to be obliging," Candice said.

"I wouldn't really mind it with Sheila, she's nice. But I don't know
about John... he's old," Alice said.

"Not that old.... and not bad looking, besides being rich," Candice
said. She looked thoughtfully at the three of them. The outfits they
had on made her want to take them off. She felt a slight pang of guilt
over the feeling. "Well, just be friendly with them. We'll see how it
turns out. They might not want to lay with us. But if they do... don't
make them mad," she concluded. She had every intention that the girls
should lay with whomever wanted them. Lord knew that she'd done it
often enough herself.

The girls would try to please her at the slightest hint of her desire.
She'd never tried to please them, however. She didn't think them ready
for the desires an orgasm could awaken. She didn't in fact know
herself. Maybe they already knew. They snuggled enough amongst
themselves whenever they felt like it. She knew they didn't learn
anything from Nick except pain. She herself did her best to obscure
what she felt when they caressed her. Candice kissed each of them
tenderly. They were complacent. She could see in their eyes that they
would obey her. Alice seemed like she would do more than that.

Sheila stirred against her man. She could feel his regular breathing.
She snuggled to him and waited for him to stir. She wanted to feel this
way every morning for the rest of her life. Theresa opened her eyes,
becoming aware of the body snuggled to her. She reached out the other
side and found nothing. The memories of the previous evening came
flooding back to her. She moaned to herself. How could she have been so
stupid? She loved each of them dearly, yet she had turned on them.

John had given her the world. She had no doubt that she would have been
dead now if it hadn't been for him. He had rescued her, as sure as he
had rescued those girls the night before. He'd never asked for a thing
in return. Sheila was a downright doll. Her only fault had been wanting
the exact same thing that she and Cindy wanted; John. Theresa couldn't
fault her too much for that. The body next to her stirred and Theresa
pulled it into a strong embrace.

"I'm sorry," she told Cindy between kisses.

John stirred, feeling the warm, full body next to him. He wondered a
bit at the absence of at least one on the other side of him. Then he
felt the odd angle of the chaise and realized where he was and why. He
also realized who it was snuggled to him. When he lifted his head,
there was no thought of their breath or discovery. They melted together
into a soft kiss. This deepened and their passion rose. John's hands
moved to her firm breasts and he finally properly welcomed Sheila into
his home. It was much better than with his mannequin.

The girls were playing. Candice had told them that they could explore,
if they didn't snoop. She didn't question the contradiction of terms.
She just wanted to be alone to think. The girls rode the elevator to
the bottom, and discovered the pool. Wondering at why someone would
have a pool of water inside their house. The floating chairs lent a
clue. A touch of the water showing how warm it was confirmed the
concept. It was an indoor swimming hole. They were tempted to strip off
their clothes and go skinny dipping.

"Later," said Andrea, "I want to explore first." The other two tagged
along. She poked the buttons to take them to the top of the silo. The
door opened and they wandered about, finding the solarium and utility
areas. The solarium confused them as the roof was closed. They
understood the utility area, also the workshop they found down a short
flight of stairs. Next they explored a different direction. They came
to the door of the Com room and stopped dead in their tracks. The first
moving her finger to her lips to silence them.

They heard John and Sheila making love. They stood riveted to the spot,
listening. This wasn't anything like they were used to. Sheila was not
only willing, but seemed to be enjoying herself quite a bit. They both
were. When Sheila cried out in passion, they slowly withdrew. They
heard her giggling words of love echoing behind them. They quietly
entered the elevator and dropped two floors. Giggling to themselves,
thoughtfully. They knew the first floor to be the kitchen so they
bypassed it.

The door opened and they found the partially completed new Com room and
then up the small flight of stairs, the library. The girls had never
seen so many books in their lives. They sat down at a work table and
discussed what they'd heard.

"That wasn't like what Nick used to do to us or Candice," Amy said.

"Oh, sometimes Candice was a little like that. When he was sober and
being slow and tender," Alice said.

"Well, I never felt like that," Andrea said.

"Maybe you... maybe *we* will.. If John wants us," Alice said bravely.

"You wouldn't do that, would ya?" Amy asked, shocked.

"I think so... She seemed to like it a whole bunch," Alice replied.

"But she was sort of whimpering," Amy said.

"Not from pain, she was liking it!" Andrea said.

"I wish we coulda watched them," Alice said.

"You seen it often enough. You watched Nick taking both of us and
Candice afore. Just like we've watched him with you," Amy said, a
little disgusted.

"I don't think it would be the same... I know Candice likes it when she
makes us touch her... and sometimes when Nick is being slow... I kind
of got to liking it too. And last night when John was doing that
medicine thing. He was real.... nice about it. Nick woulda just ripped
my blouse off," Alice said.

"If he'd bothered at all," Amy said.

"So you think we should do it... I mean... lay with John... if'n he
wants us.. that is?" Alice asked.

"I don't know what god would think of that... we still got Nick's mark
on us..," Amy said.

"I don't think that god woulda put us in these folks' hands to come to
harm. They's good folk. I don't think he'd mind if we thanked them,"
Andrea said.

"So it's settled then. If they want us, then we lay with them," Alice
said.

"I don't know if it's settled, but Candice told us to... so I guess
we'd better," Andrea said.

"I'm not so sure I'd mind so much. If I could feel like that woman
was," Amy said, wistfully.

"Well.... I think I'd rather see what it was like with Sheila... she's
nice," Alice said.

"You said that," Andrea chuckled. "I think I'd rather find out with
Cindy, she's real cute."

"Myself, I'd take John... or Theresa. She seems nice too," Amy said.

"I think we're all agreed that all of them's nice," Andrea said.

"So how do we get them to ask us?" Alice asked. The others chuckled.

"You never had any problem attracting anybody before... Just twitch
that little behind of yours," Andrea chuckled.

"It's the very same size as yours and you know it," Alice protested.

"I know. But it moves different," Amy chuckled.

"Not too much different from yours," Andrea said.

"Or yours. At times I couldn't tell you two apart when you was trying
to attract Nick's attention. I tried to avoid it," Amy said.

"You didn't try too hard to avoid Candice's," Alice said.

"She's different. She likes to kiss and hug. Nick just likes to....
poke us," Amy said.

"I know. That first time I thought he'd split me wide open. I think I
bled for two days," Alice said.

"We all did, but we don't anymore... Come on, let's go explore some
more," Andrea said. She kissed the others first. Somehow all the talk
made them want to kiss longer and harder. Amy slipped her tongue into
Andrea's mouth. She didn't fight it. This time she kind of liked it.
She'd learned it from Candice. So when Andrea came to Alice, she did
the same. Alice giggled. The girls went off hand in hand to explore.

The next stop they found a room full of tanks with lights hanging over
them. There was nothing on the floor above them. Then they found the
floor where the lab was. They turned on the lights and went white as
ghosts. They all turned about and went running for the elevator. When
they reached the kitchen, they burst in on Candice.

"We gotta get outta here!" Amy cried.

"They got bodies hanging up on hooks!" Andrea cried.

"They's gonna kill us and hang us to age," Alice cried.

"What the hell you girls jabbering about?" Candice asked.

"We found a room full of bodies," Amy gasped.

"They was all hanging on hooks," Alice said.

"They were all dead! They didn't move. They was all hanging up!" Andrea
said.

"Show me," Candice said.

"Oh, no. I couldn't go back in there," Alice cried.

"Then show me where it's at," Candice demanded.

"But we gotta get outta here, afore they kill us," Amy cried.

"If they'd wanted to kill us, they could have just left us outside,"
Candice said.

"Maybe they want to *have* us first," Andrea said.

"Show me the room. If it's what you say, we'll decide what to do then,"
Candice said.

"You'll see! They gonna kill us and hang us if we don't get out," Amy
said.

"I'm gonna kill ya and hang ya if you don't quit jabbering and show
me," Candice barked. The girls led her to the elevator. When the door
opened on the proper floor, they stayed inside, indicating where
Candice should go. At first, Candice just stood in the doorway, stunned
herself. But then it struck her. There were several faces she
recognized. She started to thinking that this was the way they slept,
only.... there were two of some of the faces. Puzzled, she moved
forward slowly. The closer she got, the more real they seemed.. yet,
not quite.

She slowly reached out a tentative finger. She shivered. They was soft
just like a body. But their hair was all wrong. So were their eyes. She
poked each one. Walking around them, she saw they were exact duplicates
of Cindy, Theresa, Sheila and John. There were two each of Cindy and
Theresa. The one of John had shorts on it.

"What the hell are you?" she asked herself. Without thinking, her hand
moved over John's shorts. She could feel his manhood hard under the
shorts. She sort of shook the mannequin. It didn't wake up. Becoming
brave, she pulled down the shorts and looked hard at the phallus. Her
hand drawn to it. It felt real enough. She shivered thinking about it
inside her. Would he be gentle like Nick sometimes was when he was
sober? This one was bigger than Nick's.... kind of prettier too.

She shook herself and pulled the shorts back up. On a hunch she slid
her fingers between Sheila's legs. It felt real enough by itself.
Accepting the finger she pushed in. It felt right... except... too dry.
A real woman was wet inside. She pulled back her fingers and sniffed
them. Nope. No smell like a woman either. She didn't admit that she was
a little disappointed.

"Candice? You okay?" one of the girls called to her. She yanked her
hands away from the dummies.

"Yes, it's okay. They ain't bodies. Come on in," she called back. The
girls stood in the doorway, unconvinced.

"Then what is they?" Amy asked.

"I don't know... I seen dummies like them in town once.. when Nick took
me to a department store. They was made of some kind of hard stuff, but
these are soft like real bodies," Candice mused.

"You sure they ain't?" Alice asked.

"Not unless both Cindy and Theresa were triplets too," Candice
chuckled. Then the girls noticed the faces. They moved forward, braver,
but slowly. Candice whacked one of the dummies on the butt with her
hand. It didn't move, but the smack sounded real enough. The girls
giggled.

"I think they's used for making clothes or somethin'," Candice said,
letting her hand rest where it smacked. It felt real enough. She caught
herself enjoying it and pulled her hand away. The girls came up and
slowly poked and prodded the dummies with their fingers. Finally they
were convinced. Andrea found the bulge in front of the John dummy. She
giggled and pulled the shorts down. Then stood there dumbfounded,
staring at it. The other girls came around and stared too. They all
felt flushed and a little weak.

"Oh my... It's bigger than Nick's," Andrea observed.

"I'm not so sure I could take that," Amy said, fearfully. Alice seemed
entranced. Involuntarily her fingers moved to touch it. When they
contacted it she shivered a bit.

"Don't be silly! Women can stretch out to fit almost anything. You
think a baby's head is smaller than that? Now pull them shorts up,"
Candice barked.

"I see you found our little secret," Theresa's voice giggled from the
doorway. The girls all jumped near outta their skin. Candice was
sputtering like a fuse as she tried to get some words of apology out.
"It's okay. John gave you the run of the silo," Theresa chuckled.

Candice found her voice, "The girls was exploring. They came back and
told me they found a room full of bodies. I had to come find out what
they was excited about," she said. Theresa got the picture and busted
out laughing.

"They do seem pretty real, don't they?" Cindy's voice sounded from the
door. She was eating a biscuit. "Good biscuits. Who made them?" she
asked. Candice raised her hand meekly. "You'll have to give me the
recipe," she said, entering the room.

"So what are they?" Amy asked. (They all still stared at the phallus.)
Cindy chuckled.

"They are mannequins. That means a dummy used to make clothes with.
Only these are special mannequins. They're *exact* duplicates of the
person they represent," Cindy explained.

"*Exact*?" Alice asked, not taking her widening eyes off the phallus.

"Pretty much," Theresa giggled.

"So how come they's two of you two?" Candice asked.

"The first two were taken early in the year. When we tried making
clothes on them after we'd been working in the garden, they didn't fit.
We'd aged some," Cindy said. She walked up and pulled up the shorts on
John. The girls all blushed bright crimson. She smiled at them and
chuckled. Candice was studying the two earlier dummies and then the
later ones.

"You growed some. I can see that," she said.

"Theresa more than I.. Would you like to see how they work?" Cindy
asked. The girls all nodded. "Give me a hand," she said as she started
to lift the second Theresa down. The girls all tried to help at once,
their hands finding various embarrassing body parts. They all blushed
more. Theresa blushed a bit herself, thinking about their hands
touching her there. It was not an unpleasant thought.

Cindy guided them to the casting table and hooked up the cables. Then
she moved to the computer. The girls were torn between the figure
strung in the casting table and the glowing screen. The casting table
lost out when Theresa's image suddenly appeared on the screen. They all
huddled behind Cindy as she showed them how you could turn the image.
Theresa and the girls all became uncomfortable and flushed when she
viewed it from underneath.

"That's enough of that," Theresa said, hoarsely. Cindy chuckled and
changed the view. Then she called in different images and laid them
over the figure. The girls liked one with a horse and a moon mapped
over a mountain horizon. The hills following Theresa's curves
perfectly. Cindy checked the table and then set the program into
motion. The girls all jumped when the arms took off and started to
move. Both Cindy and Theresa giggled.

"Oops!" Cindy said, stopping the machine.

"What?" the girls asked in unison.

"I forgot the non-stick layer," she said, moving the arms out of the
way and finding the tissue and oil. The girls watched in fascination
while she layered the figure with the thin tissue, oiling it. They all
blushed crimson when her fingers laid it over Theresa's pubic area and
between the legs. Cindy lifted the image and did the back side. Once
again they blushed when her fingers carefully laid the tissue between
the ass cheeks. Then she lowered the image and started the machine
again. The girls all crowded around it as the arms first established
references, then started spraying.

"It stinks!" Amy said.

"Just a little compared to what the foam smells like when we make a
mannequin," Cindy chuckled.

"Just how do you do that?" Candice asked.

"First you have to be measured... on that table over there. The machine
measures you and tells the computer where everything fits. The computer
stores that information on disk... kind of like a phonograph record..
only inside. Then it plays it back to this machine which sprays foam
over a wire frame. It takes a long time, but it builds up layer by
layer, like an onion, until you have an exact duplicate," Cindy
explained.

"That machine measures everything... I mean... it pokes inside you?"
Candice asked, embarrassed. Cindy and Theresa looked at each other and
giggled. Candice blushed crimson. Realizing she had told them she knew
just how exact the mannequin's were.

"If you want. It doesn't have to. The outside scan is good enough to
make clothes," Cindy chuckled.

"But what do you make from the inside scan?" Candice asked, absently.

"You can see how the machine sprays threads, coloring them as it goes,"
Cindy said to the girls, ignoring Candice's question. Blushing a bit.
Candice let it be. 'Heathens!' she thought to herself.

"It seems like a lot to go through to make clothes," Amy said.

"It is... but the clothes fit *real* good, cause they're made exactly
for the person who will wear them," Cindy explained.

"You'd wear that?" Andrea asked.

"We've made dozens of outfits for each of us. Even a bunch for John,"
Theresa said.

"But why go to all this trouble? You could make clothes, even ones that
fit real good without this," Alice said.

"Well... the idea is that the machine does all the work. It can turn
out an outfit in two hours that would cost you a thousand dollars in
the store," Theresa said.

"A thousand dollars! Who'd pay that for clothes?" Amy asked.

"Rich women. Who we're going to sell them to... so that we can get rich
too," Theresa said.

"You mean you're not!" Alice asked.

"No, John is, but we're not. And even John isn't as rich as this will
make us all," Cindy said.

"I thought you said you was his mates. How can he be rich and not you?"
Candice asked, suspiciously.

"We *are* his mates. But his money is his. Theresa and I work for him.
He pays us to cook for him. We share his bed because we want to," Cindy
said.

"I don't understand," Candice said.

"None of us is married to John," Theresa explained.

"You lay with him without being married... why?" Andrea asked.

"Because we want to, I said," Cindy said.

"But isn't that wrong?" Amy asked.

"Maybe for some people. It doesn't feel wrong to me," Cindy chuckled.

"But what about.... god? What would he think?" Andrea asked.

"I don't know. I don't really think he'd mind us making love with one
we really care for. We don't try to tell anybody else how they should
live. We don't want anybody else telling us how we should live either,"
Cindy said. Candice kind of nodded. The girls shut up.

"So what's going to happen to us?" Alice asked, finally.

"I don't know. Nothing for a few days anyway. After that we'll have to
see," Cindy said. Theresa looked at the floor. "Come on. This will take
a while. I want some more of those good biscuits. I've gotta cook John
up something to go with them too," Cindy said. The girls all followed
her out. Candice looked thoughtfully at the machines and the
mannequins. Finally following herself. Theresa remained in the elevator
when they all stepped out.

"I'm gonna go find John and Sheila," she said in response to Cindy's
look. Cindy nodded, understanding.

"They's up on the first floor," Alice said, absently. The other girls
shot her a look and she blushed crimson. Theresa just nodded and closed
the door. She entered the Com room. Finding the pair still sweaty from
love making.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking," she cried out, standing before them,
unsure of where she stood with them. They both opened their arms to her
and she sprang into them. Next they were all kissing and hugging. Tears
streaming down Theresa's cheeks. They undressed her and both made love
with her. John somehow found the energy to enter her. Sheila licking at
her clitoris as John stroked his penis inside her. Her orgasm was as
strong as she had ever felt. Afterwards they lay caressing her.

"I really am sorry. I just couldn't think about anything else but them
freezing outside," she sobbed.

"I'd never let them do that, kitten. I was only saying that we need to
work something else out for them besides living here. I've got enough
women in my life now," John said.

"I know... I should have known that last night. I'm sorry I turned on
you too, Sheila. You didn't deserve it," she sobbed.

Sheila kissed her tenderly, "I know. You were just tired and upset,"
she said softly.

"Well, I'm really glad you two finally got together. Did you have fun?"
Theresa asked, sincerely.

"Darlin, you well know yourself. Now I know why you and Cindy are
smiling all the time," Sheila said, rolling her eyes. Theresa chuckled
and hugged her to her. Her hands moved to her large breasts and she
rolled on top of her. Kissing as she moved down, tracing her fingers
over her body as she moved. John moved behind her, pulling Sheila into
his lap.

Caressing her breasts as Theresa kissed over her pubic mound. She lay
back against him in abandon, reveling in the feel of the young girl's
tongue. Her orgasm was very special as she felt John's arms about her
as her hips lifted into Theresa's adroit tongue. Then Theresa was
kissing her once more, sharing the flavor of her womanhood on her
tongue. Afterwards they lay together, caressing each other for a time.

"Welcome to the family," Theresa said softly.

"Thank you. I'm very glad to be a part of it," Sheila said, getting
misty eyed. "I still am looking forward to all of you together," she
said.

"Tonight," Theresa promised, hugging her.

"Well, come on. I want to shower before breakfast. Are our guests up?"
John asked. Theresa giggled.

"For hours! They found the lab and thought we had bodies hanging in
there.... I think they came up here and heard you two also... Alice
told me where you were. The others shot her a glance that would have
frozen water and they all blushed like a red rose," she giggled. John
and Sheila busted out laughing about the lab. Neither cared if the
girls had overheard them. John had thought that maybe he'd heard them
giggling anyway. Now he was sure. Well, they had respected their
privacy, even if they did listen for a while. Just about what he'd
expected from them.

Had it been another time, he wouldn't have minded a bit if they had
joined them. But this morning had been a special time with Sheila.
Their first time. It was as memorable as each thought it would be. He
extracted himself and pulled his robe about him. The others followed,
pulling on whatever clothing they had laying about.

They bypassed the kitchen and headed straight for the shower. They
stepped in together and soaped each other. Despite their earlier tryst,
Sheila dropped to her knees and pleased Theresa while John kissed her
deeply. Afterwards they washed each other's hair and then stepped out
to dry.

"I'm so glad you're not both still mad at me!" Theresa bubbled.

"Just don't test it too often," John mused.

"I won't. I promise," Theresa said, solemnly.

"Come on, love. Let's find outfits that will scare the hell out of
those three little darlings," Sheila giggled.

"Go easy on them. They aren't used to all this immodesty," John said.

"You didn't see what they had on this morning," Theresa giggled, "They
might not fit them as tight, but they didn't leave much to the
imagination. Even Candice. A loose jump suit didn't hurt her image at
all," she concluded.

"Oh god! Not another sexy clothes war. I don't think I could take it,"
John moaned.

"Yes you can, dear. You big phony! I love you dearly," Sheila said,
moving to kiss him deeply.

"You weren't around when Theresa and Cindy were playing who's the
sexiest!" John chuckled.

"No, but they put on their own show for me last week," Sheila chuckled.

"God, no wonder you were so hot this morning," John said.

"You were all the incentive I needed for that," Sheila said.

"Come on, breakfast is getting cold," Theresa giggled. She couldn't
help tweaking each on the butt as she moved off. Her fingers sliding
between Sheila's ass cheeks through the paper thin material of her body
suit. Sheila giggled and let her hands do the same to Theresa, who had
on her own body suit. The special one with the moon and comets on it.
She pulled a skirt around her and fastened it as she walked out. Sheila
reluctantly donned one too. They found the girls all sitting around the
table, drinking hot chocolate and eating another batch of biscuits.

"How's our patient this morning? I would have thought you would have
slept a week," John said to Alice. She blushed crimson over the
attention, remembering the mannequin. Her eyes tracing over his slim
frame. The two women with him looked stupendous. They each wore a
little contented smile. Alice wondered if it was from what she thought
it could be. She vowed to herself to find out. She was less
apprehensive when John examined her fingers and toes. She was
disappointed when he didn't check her heart. She would have let him
hold it himself.

"Well, looks like you might lose some skin after all, but not much.
Stay off those feet as much as possible," he told her. She nodded,
blushing. Sheila hugged her shoulders and bent to kiss her forehead.

"Candice made these wonderful biscuits. Eggs and Bacon to go with
them?" Cindy asked. John and Sheila nodded. "Did you sleep well?" Cindy
asked.

"Like a baby," Sheila said, absently. Remembering John's arms around
her. Cindy chuckled a bit. Candice looked between them, looking for a
hint of jealousy, again, finding none. She was puzzled... but
determined to find out why. John looked to her as he ate.

"Tell us about this Nick of yours," he said.

"He's not ours anymore," Candice replied.

"None the less. What's he like?" he asked.

"How do you mean?" she asked.

"Well... the question came up last night. How would he feel about
trading for you girls?" John asked, embarrassed by the concept. Candice
considered the question seriously for a while.

"Well, I don't rightly know. Maybe," she said.

"I've been thinking about how to avoid him coming after you. He would,
wouldn't he?" John asked.

"Maybe... I,... I guess likely so," she admitted.

"He's got his mark on us," Andrea said.

"Mark?" John asked. The girls all blushed crimson.

"He put a mark on us... on... our privates," Andrea said.

"He branded you?!" John asked, shocked.

"Oh, not with a hot iron. He just used a needle and some ink," Candice
said.

"He tattooed you?" John asked, still shocked.

"I guess you'd call it that. Just the letter 'N'," Candice said,
uncomfortable.

"Where?" John asked. The girls all blushed bright crimson, even
Candice. "I get the idea. On your buttocks?" he asked, wondering how
he'd missed it. Candice shook her head, glowing brightly.

"Between our .... womanhood... and where we... uh... poop," she
stammered.

"That's called the perineum," he said, nonchalantly.

"If you say so," Candice said. John was silent for a while, chewing his
food.

"Well, I'm not saying marking you was a good thing. But it might be
good for us. It tells me a lot about him," he said.

"Like what?" Candice asked.

"Well, that he considers you his property, for one. That means he's
more than likely going to be coming after you," he said.

"And that's good?!" Candice asked.

"Not that part, no. But if he thinks of you as property, he might be
more willing to consider a trade for you. The girls were saying he
traded a tractor for the triplets. Think he might take a new one for
them?" John asked.

"They was pretty young then, they've developed other ..... ways since
then," Candice said. John nodded.

"You mean you'd trade for us? Then you'd own us?" Alice asked,
excitedly.

"No, I'd trade for your freedom. I don't want to own anybody. Nobody
should own anybody. But if he'd take something for you girls, then you
would be free. You could go anywhere you chose to, without having to
worry about him following you," John explained. Alice looked
disappointed. The others brightened.

"I don't know. You could try I guess. You got a new tractor?" Candice
asked.

"No, but I could sure get one," John said.

"Why not just offer him money?" Sheila asked. The girls looked
embarrassed.

"I think that would be an insult. Even if he took it he wouldn't feel
right about it," John said, understanding. Candice sort of nodded.

"How can you be so sure? You never met him," Theresa said.

"He's right," Candice said.

"I think that he'd think of a tractor in the same terms he did when he
traded for the girls. Cash would make him uncomfortable, like he was
selling them," John explained. Candice nodded.

"But he would be selling them, just taking something in trade. What
difference would money make?" Theresa asked. Candice looked
embarrassed.

"It just would. Not something that I could explain," John said, looking
to Theresa to indicate she should avoid that line of questioning. He
nodded to the girls and Theresa shrugged, but nodded. "You think you
could guide me there?" John asked Candice.

She looked up in panic, "Oh... I don't want to go back there," she
gasped.

"You don't have to go in. Just show me where it is. I'll go in," John
said.

"But he might just up and shoot you," Amy said.

"I don't think so. At least not until he heard what I had to say," John
said. Candice sort of nodded. "Well, when the weather breaks... how is
it outside, anybody look?" he asked.

"Still snowing, but clearing," Theresa said.

"Okay, when it clears up. How about I take one snowmobile, and Cindy
can take you on another one. When you show me were it is, she can pull
off and wait at a distance. I'll keep my radio open so she can hear
what's going on. At the first sign of trouble she can scoot with you on
the back," John said.

"And leave you there?" Cindy asked, panicked.

"You can take the Cell phone. Call in the sheriff, no matter what the
consequences," John said.

"How would you call the sheriff? It's a long way back here. Wouldn't do
you much good by the time he arrived," Candice said.

"By Cellular phone. That's like a radio phone that fits in your
pocket," John said.

"But it still might not be fast enough to help you!" Cindy said.

"I can take care of myself. I doubt Nick's ever encountered Karate,"
John chuckled.

"He's mighty strong. What's Karate?" Candice asked.

"You studied it?" Sheila asked.

"A long time ago... got up to brown belt. I'm a bit out of practice,
but you never forget," John said.

"What's Karate?" Candice reiterated.

"A kind of fighting. A man can break a board with his bare hands if
he's good at it," Sheila told her.

"You could do that?" Candice asked, new respect coming into her eyes.

"It would probably hurt real bad, but yeah, I used to be able to. I
think I could still hold my own against an untrained individual," John
mused.

"Okay... I'll guide you. But what if he says no, he don't want to
trade?" Candice asked.

"Well, then we come back here and call the sheriff if need be.... Under
no circumstances would I let him take you and the triplets if you
didn't want to go back... but would you do us a favor?" John asked.

"What's that?" Candice asked.

"Well, I could get into trouble about Cindy and Theresa. They're still
under legal age. If the sheriff found out about them he could send them
back home. That would be just about as bad for them as it would be for
you if I sent you back to Nick. If you could avoid telling the sheriff
about them, it would be helpful. I mean all of you," John asked.
Candice looked to Cindy and Theresa. She nodded.

"I don't want to cause you folks no trouble. You've been good to us. I
won't tell the sheriff about them. The girls won't either, will you,
girls?" Candice said. It was more a statement than a question. The
girls all shook their heads.

"Maybe I should take the second machine instead of Cindy, so Nick won't
see her," Sheila offered.

John shook his head, "No, she has had more practice on a snowmobile
than you. I want her at the controls if she has to make a get away. He
won't see her at a distance, wearing a helmet and snowmobile suit."

"Speaking of which, I'd better get those others dry," Theresa said,
rising.

"Can I help?" Andrea asked.

"Sure, come on," Theresa chuckled.

"Okay, then it's settled... That is, if you feel up to it, later
today?" John asked Candice.

"Yeah, may as well get it over with," she replied.

"What's that big pond you got in the basement?" Amy asked. Sheila
chuckled.

"That's an indoor swimming pool. After we've waited a safe time from
eating, we can take a swim if you'd like," she said.

"What do you mean, a safe time? Why not now?" Amy asked.

"Didn't anybody ever tell you swimming right after eating was
dangerous?" Sheila asked. Amy shook her head. "Well, it is. You should
always wait at least an hour and a half to two hours. You can get
stomach cramps and drown otherwise," Sheila explained. Amy looked
thoughtful. She thought that this was something she should have known.

"Not many swimming holes around our place. Not very deep ones either,"
she explained.

"Can you swim?" Sheila asked.

"I know how to float real good," Amy said.

"Me too!" Alice said, jealously. Sheila chuckled.

"Good enough. We can swim later. You feel up to hobbling around for a
tour?" she asked Alice. Alice nodded enthusiastically.

"Okay, but take it easy. Don't stay in the water too long. I don't know
how good it would be on frostbite," John said. Sheila nodded her
understanding. Cindy and Amy tagged along.

"You coming?" Amy asked Candice.

"No, you go ahead. I want to talk to John," she said. The girls nodded
and headed off.

"So what's on your mind?" John asked, pouring another cup of coffee,
offering Candice more. She shook her head.

"Mainly I just wanted to know what you have in mind for us. I thought
you might feel easier about things if the girls weren't around,"
Candice said.

"I've got no secrets from anybody... well, nobody here anyway," John
said.

"So where do we stand?" Candice asked. John gathered his thoughts for a
moment. Candice worried, prepared for the worst.

"Well, mainly I intend to help you girls get onto your own feet. You
can stay here a while, but ... don't take it personal, 'cause it's
not... I've got more than enough women in my life. Not that I don't
have the room here. I do. But I don't have the emotional energy to
become involved with four more women. Three's hard enough on me at
times. I wouldn't change that, but I just don't have room in my heart
for more. So eventually I'd like to get you girls set up in your own
place, probably in town," John said.

"You'd do that for us? Why?" Candice asked.

"Yes, I'd do that. As to why... isn't that the way things are supposed
to work between neighbors?" he asked.

"Supposed to. Seldom do. And we're not exactly neighbors. Thirty miles
is a long ways," Candice said.

"First neighbors I've met. But if you must know, I want to help. I
think the triplets are adorable. I couldn't face sending them back,"
John said.

"But you could me?" Candice asked.

"No... but you're an adult. You're old enough to make your own choices
and the law will back you up. The triplets are minors. The law could
possibly side with Nick, up to a point. I don't think that's fair. I
think they should be in school. They should be free to grow up at their
own pace. They couldn't do that living with Nick," John said.

"You seem to understand a lot about him, having never met him," Candice
said. John was quiet for a moment.

"He's not so different than I could have turned out to be. If I hadn't
had some breaks," he said.

"I think you're a lot different. You're a much.... better man," Candice
said.

"Thank you," John said.

"You don't like me much, do you?" Candice asked.

"Oh, I don't dislike you. At first I was a little put off by you, but I
realized that you were just being protective of the girls. I can't
blame you for that," John said.

"But you don't find me attractive," Candice stated, hanging her head.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. Like I said, my life's complicated enough
right now. Likely to stay that way for quite a while. If that wasn't
so, yes. I would find you very attractive," John said. Candice looked
up at him hopefully. She dropped her eyes again.

"It's just that... I ain't never had no proper loving... The girls
haven't either. I was thinking... Cindy and Theresa.. Sheila too. All
*your women....* well, they don't seem to mind sharing you with each
other... I was just hoping sorta that they wouldn't mind sharing you...
just once... with us," she said, looking at the table.

"Well, let's get settled with Nick first. Then we'll have to see.
You'll have to ask them how they feel about it. I can't speak for
them," John told her. Candice looked up sharply.

"You mean you'd do it?" she asked.

"You are *all* very alluring women. I wouldn't be opposed to it. But as
I said, it would be up to ... *my women*... as you say," John told her.

"It's more for the triplets... You wouldn't have to ... do .. me,"
Candice said. John stood and moved to her. She looked up, not knowing
what he was doing. He lifted her to him and kissed her hard. She'd
never been kissed like that. Even though it was hard, it was tender.
Her stomach quivered and her knees felt weak. She could barely stand
when he released her.

"Does that answer your question?" John chuckled. She smiled and
blushed. Her body burning with desire for him. "That's all I can offer
for now. After we've settled with Nick you can ask about more. I can
tell you that it would have to be a one time thing. I'm pretty sure my
women wouldn't tolerate more. But I don't think they'd mind that. Uh...
they might just want to help... I don't know how you feel about that,"
John said.

"That would be agreeable to me. Maybe it's wrong... but I feel a
hankering for ... another woman.. from time to time. Sometimes I can't
help it and find myself wanting... one of the girls. He never... well..
you know. Though," Candice said.

"I don't think it's wrong. I don't think that tender love is ever
wrong. I think that forced love and love that hurts is very wrong.
That's the biggest reason why I want to help you and the girls," John
told her. She sagged against him. Holding him and shivered. He held her
a long time. She trembled when he kissed her once more. Then he sat her
back down and sat down himself, next to her. Retrieving his coffee cup.

"Maybe I'd better go check on the girls," she said. He caught her hand
and squeezed it.

"They're in good hands. Why not stay and tell me about yourself?" John
invited. Candice looked up at him, tears in her eyes.

"Okay... what do you want to know?" she said, trying to smile.

"Tell me about ... oh... farming and stuff. How you happened to be out
here, where you're from... that kind of stuff," John said, holding her
hand. She smiled at him and began her story.

Amy and Alice were flabbergasted by the solarium. Sheila rolled back
the roof for a little while. Snowflakes falling on the transparent
ceiling.

"I'm gonna go check my accounts," Cindy said.

"Can I come?" Amy asked.

"Sure," she said.

"I think we'll stay here for a while," Sheila said, looking to Alice.
Cindy chuckled and nodded. She led Amy by the hand down into the Com
room. Amy had never seen such things in her life, she was loaded with
questions about what everything was. She'd never seen a television
before, except a little black and white one that Nick had.

Sheila sat back on a chaise. She turned up some heat lamps and Alice
sat down by her, looking between the clear ceiling, and Sheila.

"Like Alice in Wonderland," Sheila mused.

"Huh? What's that?" Alice asked, looking at her.

"Just a story in a book. A very nice story about a girl named Alice,"
she said. Alice dropped her eyes.

"I can't read so good," she said.

"Well, we'll have to do something about that. Won't we?" Sheila said.

"You'd teach me to read?" Alice asked, looking at her hopefully.

"Well, I'm not sure you're going to be here that long, but I'll make
certain that you get to learn, no matter where you go," Sheila said.

"John wouldn't put us out, would he?" Alice asked in alarm. Sheila
pulled her to her. Alice snuggling to her breast naturally.

"No dear, he'd never put you out. I wouldn't let anybody put you out.
But you probably won't end up living here.... It's not that John
doesn't like you... I think he already loves you all... it's just that
a person only has so much love to give. With Cindy and Theresa and I...
Well, John's about reached his limit. I hope you understand that. I
wouldn't want you to get the idea that nobody cared for you," Sheila
said. Alice just hugged her. When Sheila lifted the girl's chin and
kissed her, she trembled. When the older woman's tongue passed between
her lips it was warm and exciting.

Alice's hands moved to her breasts, like she'd learned with Candice.
Only this wasn't like with Candice. She didn't have to please this
woman if she didn't want to. She didn't fight it when Sheila undressed
her. Her eyes exploring the older woman freely when she disrobed. Then
Sheila was kissing her all over her body. The feeling when it came was
like nothing Alice had ever known in her life. Her young hips lifting
as her body convulsed again and again. Something exploded within her
mind and she was gone.

Andrea helped Theresa sort out the laundry. She put their simple sack
dresses into the washer.

"Why not just throw them away?" Theresa asked.

"They's all we got," Andrea told her.

"No, you've got the outfits you've got on. We'll get you some better
coats and stuff too," Theresa told her.

"Oh... we couldn't wear something like this in front of anybody else,"
she blushed.

"Why not? You wear them in front of us," Theresa said.

"That's different... you're... nice," Andrea said, dropping her eyes.
Theresa turned to her. She pulled the smaller girl to her and hugged
her.

"Thank you. You're nice too," she told her. The girl hugged her hard.
She didn't fight it when Theresa lifted her chin and kissed her. The
kiss was warm and deep. Andrea thought that she would melt. It felt
perfectly natural when Theresa swept her off her feet and carried her
into the guest room. She lay her on the bed and undressed before her.
Andrea thinking she knew what was coming next. She didn't. Suddenly she
was enjoying herself. It wasn't like what Candice had her do to her.
This girl was doing it to her, and it felt good!

She didn't fight when Theresa did that disgusting thing between her
legs with her tongue. She was lost in the feeling of total love she
felt as if her mind exploded and she cried out in her first orgasm.
Later Theresa tenderly caressed her nubile body. Andrea rolled onto her
and did her best to match what she'd done. She was clumsy, but Theresa
was a good teacher. She tasted her first taste of womanhood. Feeling
unashamed of what she was doing. She felt proud when Theresa cried out
and her hips shook.

Cindy was showing Amy all about the Internet. The girl was standing
beside her, leaning against her shoulder. Then Cindy turned on a movie
on the big screen. Guiding the young girl to the triple chaise. She
leaned back against her and snuggled to her. After a time the movie was
forgotten.

"Be soft with me," Amy said.

"As soft as a snowflake, my little darling," Cindy said as she pulled
the girl into a deep, gentle kiss. Amy quivered under her touch. Cindy
stood and pulled off her outfit. Amy watching her nervously. When Cindy
bent to undress her she was not ashamed. Cindy's touch was as soft as a
snowflake. Her kisses too. The girl leaned back as she explored her
body with her lips. When she moved between her legs, Amy tensed a bit,
but it was soon forgotten as the waves of pleasure began to wrack her
body.

Finally she cried out as her body discovered what an orgasm was. Amy
wanted to feel like that again and again as long as she lived. She
could hardly wait to try it on Candice that night. Her body glowed as
Cindy softly caressed her and kissed her tenderly.

Amy tasted her own womanhood on the larger girl's lips. She rolled over
her and tried her best to duplicate her actions. When she reached
Cindy's pubic area she snuck up on it, gagging slightly, but not
dissuaded. Eventually her gags disappeared and she savored the taste of
another woman. As with Andrea, she felt a great power and a pride when
Cindy lifted her hips in convulsion. Then they caressed each other
softly as they rested and cooled down.

"I never knew," Amy said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Like that almost every day around here," Cindy said.

"I wish we could stay..... Do you think John would... you know.. Would
you care?" Amy asked.

"No, I wouldn't care. Not just once in a while anyway. But I don't
think that you'll end up living here. Probably he'll get you a place in
town. If I know John he'd want to see you in school," Cindy told her.

"We never had much schooling," Amy told her.

"Then I'm certain he'd want you in school," Cindy chuckled.

"But do you think he would... you know...want to lay with me?" Amy
said.

"I'm most certain that he'd be honored. But he wouldn't do it until he
has dealt with Nick first," Cindy told her.

"Do you think he'll buy us?" Amy asked.

"Darlin... John wasn't joking when he said what he did. He'd never turn
you back to Nick. But he also wasn't joking about one person owing
another. He'd buy you away from Nick, but he wouldn't feel he owned
you," Cindy told her.

"I wouldn't mind being owned by him if I could stay here with you," Amy
said.

"You must never feel that way! You are a human being. No human being
should ever own another. That's called slavery. Even if Nick did put
his mark on you, then he still doesn't own you. Nobody does," Cindy
said.

"What's it like... laying with John?" Amy asked.

"The most incredible thing on earth... it's wonderful," Cindy told her.

"You really like it? I mean.. is it like we just did?" Amy asked.

"Better! And we call that making love," Cindy said, kissing the girl
softly. Amy hugged her hard.

"Could we.... make love again?" Amy asked, sheepishly.

"We most certainly can!" Cindy chuckled, bending to kiss her as her
fingers found the girl's small, pert nipples.

Alice sobbed against Sheila. "Why are you crying?" Sheila asked.

"Because I never knew anything could feel so wonderful... how could it
be so wrong?" Alice asked.

"I don't think it's wrong. I just made love with an adorable woman.
Others might think it was wrong, but I don't live my life for them.
They don't live theirs for me either. So why should I care what they
think?" Sheila said, softly caressing the girl.

"But for a woman to lay with a woman... isn't that a sin?" Alice
sobbed.

"Well darling, if it is, I don't care. I don't really think god would
care if anybody loved anybody else. I think it's hate that he wouldn't
like, if he's really so great a god. If he's not, then I'll take my
chances anyway, while I can. 'Cause to me heaven is feeling you in my
arms," Sheila said.

"But it says in the bible.." Alice began.

"Oh pooh. A bunch of stodgy old men who lived two thousand years ago.
They didn't have a clue about what made people happy. They just wanted
to control the way people live. I have newer books. They explain the
way the world really works. They tell me that the world is billions of
years old, not just a few thousand or whatever that priest figured out.

"It was just recently that the Vatican finally decided that Galileo was
right. They put him in prison because he said the world traveled around
the sun. Personally, I don't let people like that decide what's right
and wrong for me. They only did it because we'd already been to the
moon," Sheila said.

"We've been to the moon!?" Alice asked. Sheila looked at her shocked.

"Yes dear, a man called Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the
moon. The second man was called Buzz Aldrin. Mike Collins stayed in a
ship going around it. I don't remember all the rest, there were over a
dozen, but there hasn't been a woman up there yet. Maybe it could be
you," she said.

"And you don't think what we did was wrong?" Alice asked.

"No dear, did it feel wrong?" Sheila asked.

"No... I never felt anything that felt so right.... Can we do it
again?" Alice asked, bravely.

"Yes dear, we can. Would you like to learn how we can do it at the same
time?" Sheila asked. Alice nodded. Sheila kissed her deeply and then
guided her around so her hips were over her face and her head over her
hips. Alice got the idea quickly as Sheila lapped up between her
thighs. She dipped her head and savored the flavor of the older woman.

Andrea didn't ask if they could do it again. After a time caressing
each other, she just started moving down Theresa's firm body. Theresa
pulled her hips around over her and they moved each other towards that
feeling that Andrea found so new and wonderful. When it came it was
mutual and devastating. Andrea feeling the love rushes rippling across
her body as they caressed each other softly.

"How about a swim?" Theresa asked.

"Sure.. I heard them talking about an indoor swimming hole when we was
coming down here. I saw it this morning when we was exploring," Andrea
said.

"Andrea, did you by chance get up by the Com room while you were
exploring? How did Alice know John and Sheila were up there?" Theresa
asked. Andrea dropped her head in shame and nodded.

"Yeah,... we heard them... you know," she said.

"Making love," Theresa supplied.

"Making love... " Andrea said the words... testing them.

"Like we just did. Only they did it like a man and a woman. Like John
and I did later too," Theresa said. Andrea looked at her sharply.

"You did.. He didn't hurt you?" she asked.

"No, it felt wonderful. I like it very much," Theresa told her.

"You do?... I never liked it very much, with Nick that is. He used to
hurt me a lot. He even did it to... in the back," Andrea said, dropping
her eyes in shame. Theresa pulled her to her and held her.

"Listen. It's not like that always. Even doing it like that. I've been
with another who hurt me too. A couple of them. But with John it's
different. He's as gentle as a lamb. You know that he loves and
respects you. When you make love.. it's... well, the most wonderful
feeling on earth. Even in the backside. He's done that to me, because I
*asked* him to. Even then it was wonderful. It's all in how it's done
and who's doing it.... you listened this morning. Did it sound like
Sheila was in pain?" Theresa asked.

"No... well, she did cry out.. but I think it was like I felt myself
when I cried out earlier with you. What happens to us anyway? It felt
like my mind was broke or something.. then it was like nothing I ever
felt," Andrea said.

"It's called an orgasm, darling. And I'd be pleased to give you one any
time you'd like," Theresa said.

"Orgasm.... does John give you orgasm?" Andrea asked.

"Orgasms, yes. Lots of them. The most incredible ones I ever felt,"
Theresa chuckled.

"Do you think he'd.... give me one.... Would you mind? I mean.. I know
he's your man.. but you don't seem to mind sharing him with Sheila..."
Andrea asked, hesitantly.

"I'm sure he'd love to... but not until he settled with Nick. I don't
think he'd touch any of you until then, if I know John. And no, I
wouldn't mind... once in a while that is. I'd want you to know what it
was like.. but, well darling, I don't think John.... well, he's only
one man. There's already three of us. If he had to please all of us and
all of you all the time, well, it wouldn't be so special. But I'd like
you to know what it's like at least once," Theresa said.

"You think he'll turn us out?" Andrea asked, hanging her head.

"No dear. I'm sure he won't. But he'll probably get you set up with a
house of your own in the city or something. But don't worry. He'd never
turn you out into the cold. He'll think of something. He always does,"
Theresa said.

"Always does... I don't understand," Andrea said.

"He helped a girl out in New York last week. Found her a job and a
place to live and ... made her know she was loved," Theresa said.

"He lay with her?" Andrea asked, surprised.

Theresa nodded, "Yup, in a big way. They had quite a love fest from
what he told us."

"And you didn't mind?" Andrea asked, shocked.

"No.. he asked us first. We told him to go ahead. I'm not sorry. It
sounded like she needed it. .... Look, Nick lay with all of you didn't
he?" Theresa asked. Andrea shivered and nodded. "Now, it may have hurt
the way he did it... but did you ever feel angry at the others 'cause
he was laying with them?" Theresa asked.

Andrea shook her head, "No.. I felt sorry for them.. most the time. But
I see what you mean. If he'd been a good man.. No, I wouldn't have
minded him laying with my sisters or Candice."

"It's kind of like that. I know John is a good man. If he lays with
anybody, it's a good thing for that person. I don't own John. He
doesn't own me. I know he doesn't mind my being here with you now. At
the same time I don't mind him laying with others. Just as long as I
get to lay with him.

"Now you've got me saying it all the time. I don't mind him *making
love* to another, 'cause that's what it is. Just like we did. We made
love. If John were to lay with you, it would be making love. I wouldn't
mind that a bit. Just like I know he wouldn't mind my making love with
you, or Cindy or Sheila either. That's just the way we feel around
here," Theresa explained.

"I wished I could stay here always.. and know what making love to all
of you was like," Andrea said, snuggling to Theresa.

"Well, I can almost assure you of the second part. The first part I
can't say about. That's what we argued about last night after you went
to bed. I don't know if you heard us or not," Theresa said. Andrea
nodded against her breasts.

She kissed one and then said, "We could hear that you were arguing, but
not about what. We were scared you would turn us out."

"That's what I was afraid of. That's why I was arguing. But John's a
better man than I gave him credit for... I was wrong. He'd never turn
you out. He'll care for you. It just probably won't be here," Theresa
said.

"I'm not so sure I want to live with Candice. She can be so bossy
sometimes. Like we were her children," Andrea said.

"I think I can understand that. She loves you, she just wants what's
best for you," Theresa said.

"She never made me feel like you did...." Andrea said.

"Maybe she didn't know how, or was afraid to. Not everybody feels
comfortable with it. Two women together I mean. At times I questioned
it real hard. But what I have with Cindy I don't ever want to give up.
With Sheila either. I'm no longer ashamed of it. I love them both
dearly.... and you too," Theresa said. Andrea lifted her head and met
Theresa's lips descending on hers. They didn't make it to the pool for
a while longer.

"How about that swim?" Sheila asked. Alice snuggled to her breasts and
nodded. Sheila got her to her feet and pulled her clothing onto her.
They met Cindy and Amy leaving the Com room. The girls shared very
embarrassed looks. Cindy and Sheila were having none of that. They
moved into each other's arms and kissed deeply before the girls. Alice
and Amy looked at each other and moved together.

When their lips met, it started a new phase in their relationship. They
kissed as grown women. When they finally pulled back, Cindy moved to
Alice and Sheila to Amy. They shared the taste of their sisters on the
older women's tongues. When they got to the pool, Sheila and Cindy
stripped off their clothes and dove in. The two girls looked at each
other and giggled. They tore off their own clothes and jumped in.
Struggling to the surface as it was deeper than they thought.

An arm moved around each of them. It didn't matter that they had
changed partners. The kisses were warm and friendly. A while later
Theresa and Andrea joined them. Theresa stripped off and jumped in.
Andrea, seeing her sisters nude in the pool, did the same. Andrea moved
to Sheila as Alice moved to Theresa. They changed several more times.
Now making love freely before each other. The triplets even moved
together and shared a three way kiss.

"The family that plays together," Sheila giggled.

"Stays together," Cindy said, moving into Sheila's arms.

"Well, I can see that we were all doing the same thing. I wonder how
John's doing with Candice?" Theresa giggled.

"Probably uncomfortable as hell, being his noble self," Cindy giggled.
They all busted out laughing. They weren't in the least bit wrong.

John was very uncomfortable. His desire for Candice had grown
considerably as she told him of her life on the farm. She'd had a hard
life. She'd handled it well. His estimation of her had risen
considerably, his desire with it. He had a very good idea what was
keeping the girls. Somehow, he just couldn't let himself succumb
though.

"I wonder where the girls are?" Candice said, feeling his discomfort,
and her own.

"Probably taking a swim...Uh... Candice. They may be doing more than
that. If I know my lovelies... you wouldn't mind, would you?" he asked.
She thought about it a bit, then shook her head.

"No, not if they're gentle with them. They've had little enough *real*
loving. I couldn't begrudge them any that they get. You think that your
women will be able to convince them?" Candice asked.

"I don't doubt it for a heartbeat," John chuckled.

"You don't know my girls," Candice chuckled.

"Maybe not, but I know *mine*. You're welcome to join them if you'd
like," John said.

"You think that they'd want me?" Candice asked, unsure of herself.

"That depends on how you approached them. As a mother hen, no. As a
free woman, yes. That was the only opposition they voiced against you
last night," John informed her.

"Mother hen, huh?" Candice asked, then she chuckled. "I guess I am kind
of like that at times. I love those girls to death."

"So tell them that," John said.

"It ain't easy for us country folk to show our feelings," Candice said,
dropping her eyes.

"It ain't any easier for us city folk. But the alternative is, that it
*don't get said*," John said. Candice looked at him and nodded. Cindy
separated herself from the others.

"I better go check on our boy. Tell him that it's okay," she chuckled.

"I'll bet he won't even then. Not until he deals with Nick," Theresa
said.

"You're undoubtedly right, but I'll tell him anyway," Cindy said. The
girls all moved to her and kissed her deeply before they'd let her out
of the pool.

"You better get out, Alice. Remember what John said about your frost
bite," Cindy reminded her. Alice nodded and reluctantly climbed out
after her. Sheila moved out to join her on a chaise, examining her
fingers and toes. They were wrinkled and starting to peel.

"Did you bring that ointment down with you?" Sheila asked.

"I left it in .... the solarium," she said carefully.

"You wait here. I'll get it," Sheila said, donning a short terry robe
like Cindy had pulled on before she left. She had to wait for the
elevator to come back down after Cindy. Cindy found John and Candice
still sitting at the table. John brightened at her entrance. Cindy
could feel the tension between him and Candice. It wasn't contention.

"The girls are in the pool, why don't you go join them while John and I
have a little chat?" she suggested. Candice stood up, feeling guilty
over her feelings for John. Cindy took her by surprise when she swept
her into her arms and kissed her. Candice quivered and hugged her back.
Tears coming to her eyes. "Now you have a good time. I'll be down in a
bit," Cindy told her, implying very clearly what she meant. Candice
could only nod and moved off. Cindy moved into John's lap, feeling his
discomfort and giggling.

"God, I love you. You're so damn predictable," Cindy chuckled.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked.

"I mean that hard-on under my ass. I knew you'd get it, and wouldn't
use it," she chuckled.

"So nothing's keeping me from using it now," he said, pulling her into
a kiss.

"Nothing but your ethics was keeping you from using it before. I came
up here to tell you it was alright," she said when he finally pulled
back.

"No... not till I deal with Nick," he said.

"Then I guess I'd better not let it go to waste," Cindy chuckled,
moving back to kiss him.

The elevator door opened and Candice met Sheila on her way up. She
stepped in, feeling self conscious. Sheila could tell she was affected
by how she was dressed. She turned to her and Candice slowly looked up
into her eyes.

"Now, about how you said good-night to me last night," Sheila said,
pulling her into her arms. She didn't let Candice get her defensive
protest out before she kissed her. When the elevator reached the top,
she led Candice into the solarium. Candice was amazed by the clear
roof. Now the sun was shining down. A few clouds of snowflakes swirling
outside on gusts of wind on the tail end of the storm. Candice shivered
a bit at the sight. Sheila fired up the heat lamps. She found the tube
of ointment and pulled Candice back into an deep kiss.

"I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't go anywhere," Sheila said.
Candice could only nod in anticipation. Sheila flew back to the
elevator. She sent it on its decent. The doors hardly had time to close
again before she was back in it.

"Back in a while," she said, tossing the tube to Alice. "Candice is
waiting for me up in the solarium. I think it's time she learned what
this love thing is all about. Now you put this on and stay out of the
water for now." Alice nodded, smiling at her. She was glad that Candice
would soon know the pleasure she felt. Amy came over to help her with
the ointment. It didn't take long before they melted together to share
their new found skills. Sheila returned to the solarium. Candice was
shaking visibly as she stood before her and opened her robe. She stood
nude before the slim brunette. Candice swallowed hard as Sheila moved
to her.

This time there was no coaxing the girls to do what she thought was
right. Sheila knew exactly the right thing to do. Her kisses were warm
and deep. Her fingers skilled and soft as they moved over her body,
touching her here and there and there. When Sheila moved between her
legs, she lay her head back in passion. Tears flowing down her cheeks
as her body shuddered in its first real release over what she had
desired for years. Her cry was deep and satisfying. Her body lifting
high in convulsion. Later she learned to do the same to Sheila.

They lay together caressing each other as the noonday sun passed
overhead. She examined the statuesque blonde's body as she stroked it.
Wondering that she had never felt such things before. When Sheila's
lips found hers, she responded with the new passion she felt. Sheila
showed her how they could please each other by pulling her hips around.
This time Candice knew only total abandon to the feelings she felt. She
looked forward to sharing real lovemaking with her co-wives. Especially
now that she knew what it was.

"Shall we join them at the pool?" Sheila suggested as they lay cooling
together. Candice nodded against her breast, kissing a nipple softly.
Feeling a surge of pride as it hardened under her lips. They didn't
bother putting their clothes on.

Candice had started to, but Sheila asked, "Why bother? Nobody in the
pool has them on." Candice felt a bit self conscious as she rode nude
down the elevator. Sheila helped by holding her close to her. The feel
of her skin wonderful against Candice's body. They walked onto the deck
and Candice stopped dead in her tracks. There before her were her co-
wives making love together on a chaise. All but one, who was making
love with Theresa in the pool. Candice was torn between her mother hen
instincts and the passion she felt growing inside her. Sheila moved up
behind her and kissed her neck as she cupped her breasts. Reassuring
her.

Candice moved as in a dream towards Alice and Andrea. They looked up at
her, at first in fear, and then with smiles on their faces as she sat
down beside them and softly caressed their slim bodies. She leaned
towards Alice and the younger girl met her lips with a real kiss. Her
hands moved to Candice's breasts as Andrea's fingers softly slid
between her legs. Over the next hour and a half she came to know each
of her co-wives as well as Theresa and Sheila once more. Each time
seemingly better than the last. Finally she lay, exhausted and happy,
Theresa snuggled to her side, softly kissing her cheek. John and Cindy
lay together, sweaty and happy. They were in the master bedroom. They
could hear occasional cries and giggles from below them.

"So... What say we drop in on our guests?" Cindy suggested.

"I don't know... I've still got to deal with Nick," John protested.

"Darling, I love you dearly. But if you don't make love to those
adorable creatures, every one of them, I may just bite you where I know
you wouldn't like it," Cindy threatened.

"Uh... I'm not sure I'm up to all of them," he said.

"Fine... do Candice first. Then get to the others as you're able. I
know all of them want you.... and I want them to know what real
lovemaking is like. That asshole Nick should have his nuts cut off.
Those women aren't his! They are free women. Stop acting like he owns
them. You said yourself that you'd never turn them back over to him.
Their life with him is over. Now go show them what a real man is
like!.... Please," Cindy coaxed.

"I must be crazy. Okay.. but the only reason I'm doing this, is because
I already made love with all three of you today. I don't know how I did
that. I might not be able to do anything with those girls," John said.

"If that's the case, let it be. But don't not do it 'cause you think we
mind. Actually, I find the idea of watching you with the triplets...
sexy," Cindy giggled.

"Okay... I'll do my best," John sighed.

"You always do. My dear love. You always do," Cindy said, kissing him
deeply and then opening the trap. She could see the girls were all out
of the pool, snuggled together on various chaises. It was a pretty
sight. She chuckled as John moved beside her and hand in hand they
stepped through the trap. There was a giant splash in the pool. Candice
and the triplets looked up startled. Suddenly they spotted Cindy and
JOHN! They each started to scramble to find clothes.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sheila asked, holding Alice in her arms.

"John's here!" Alice gasped.

"So? Didn't you express an interest in him earlier?" Sheila asked,
grinning. Alice nodded, but seemed to shrink against her. Amy and
Andrea seemed to cling together to hide their bodies. The sight was
more sexy than they could have known. First Cindy climbed out and then
John.

"I heard tell you've been fooling with my women... and I wouldn't want
them to get it all," John chuckled, heading for Candice. Candice was in
a state of shock. She was torn between trying to cover herself and
staring at John's manhood, now flaccid before him. He reached out to
her and she moved out of Theresa's arms as in a trance. She blushed
brightly at his gaze. Then even brighter as both Cindy and Theresa got
on their knees before him and began to lick his manhood.

She felt his arms move around her and his mouth descend upon hers. She
was hardly aware of a thing after Cindy's mouth turned from John to
kiss between her legs. The girls sat up in fascination. Sheila held
Alice leaning back against her, softly playing her fingertips over her
body as she watched Theresa perform fellatio upon John. Her eyes got
real big as John did too. The other two triplets sat together, exciting
each other as they watched the sight before them. Cindy's tongue
lapping at Candice's privates as Theresa worked upon John.

John was kissing and caressing Candice's body like they'd never seen
Nick do. Her body trembled with desire as John moved her back onto a
vacant chaise between the girls. They each craned their necks to see as
John positioned his manhood against her womanhood. She moaned softly
with delight as he pushed slowly inwards. Working it slowly in until it
was fully lubed by her flowing juices. Then he lay atop her, kissing
her while she got used to the size of his member. Theresa and Cindy
moved to each side of her and were each sucking one of her nipples as
John kissed her and began to move atop her.

Candice felt like she never had before. Knowing joy -not hurt- from
having a man inside her. Her body began to convulse beneath him. Lips
touched her body here and there. Fingers touched her everywhere. He
held himself still wedged up against her cervix as her contractions
died out. Then he began to move once more. Probing fingers urged her
hips into counter movement with his. Till their joint movements
elicited a cry of passion from every stroke.

The triplets moved to watch. Kneeling at the end of the chaise,
watching every deep stroke. Candice was obviously enjoying this. They
had never seen that before. Or hardly, and certainly not like this. She
became like a wild animal as her body convulsed time and again. Her
breath a ragged gasp in her throat. And still John stroked deeply into
her. Then he began to move quickly, his strokes almost slamming into
her hips. Candice seemed to stop breathing. But suddenly John stroked a
last dozen furious strokes and then groaned atop her. At the same
instant Candice screamed like a banshee. Her hips lifting John up high
off the chaise, then she collapsed and was still.

The girls thought he'd killed her. Sheila stood behind them, caressing
Alice softly. Cindy and Theresa each moved to hold one of them. Their
lips each found a set. The triplets torn between their concern over
Candice and the warm lips upon theirs. The lips won out. John went to
move off Candice, but she suddenly threw her legs around him and held
him inside her. She hugged him fiercely around his neck as she gasped
for air. She had never known anything like it in her life. She never
wanted to let the feeling she had get away from her. But she could feel
him shrinking inside her none the less. She held him until he slipped
out. Then he bent and kissed her softly.

"Thank you!" she managed to gasp.

"You're quite welcome," he said. His women each guided one of the
triplets to a chaise. Then moved between their legs. John rolled off to
the side and both he and Candice watched as the girls expertly guided
each of them to a massive joint orgasm. The sight almost excited John
enough for another go at it. But not quite. Candice watched with joy as
her co-wives all found pleasure from the expert tongues between their
legs. John's fingers softly caressed her body. She felt goose bumps
wherever he touched. When the girls were finally still, she watched as
each of his women moved up to tenderly caress and kiss them.

"Thank you," she said again, with tears in her eyes. "We never knew...
none of us.... we never knew that love could be like this!"

"Like I said, you're very welcome. If I wasn't played out I would show
the triplets what you just felt. Perhaps tomorrow," John said.

"Played out?" Candice asked, thinking that he'd wasted himself upon
her.

"This is the forth time today... and about the thirty-forth in the last
three days," John chuckled.

"Thirty-forth!" Candice gasped in amazement.

"Believe it, honey!" Cindy giggled next to Amy.

"How the hell could you do that? Nick could hardly do it two or three
times!" she asked.

"His loss, from where I sit," John chuckled.

"But I never heared of no man doing it that much!" Candice said.

"You never met our man before," Theresa giggled.

"Does that mean that he can't do it with us?" Alice asked, dejected.

"Don't worry, sunshine. He'll be better tomorrow," Sheila giggled.

"Maybe.. I'll try," John said, dubiously.

"Thirty-four? In how long?" Candice asked.

"Let's see, since about ten o-clock Saturday night. But that was New
York time," John said.

"But thirty-four?" Candice asked, not believing it.

"I can account for one, we all just witnessed a second," Cindy giggled.

"Me too, that's three," Theresa said.

"Make it four," Sheila said, raising her hand.

"And if that girl from New York were here, and could still talk.. I
wager she'd verify the rest," Cindy chuckled.

"What kind of man are you?" Candice asked.

"Just a regular kind... who somehow got into the middle of this," John
mused.

"I think an outstanding man... whom we all know and love dearly,"
Sheila said, profoundly.

"Hear hear!" Cindy said.

"Ditto!" Theresa cried.

"I don't know what kind of man you are, but I'm very glad we met,"
Candice said, hugging him fiercely.

"Couldn't we at least kiss him?" Alice asked, sheepishly.

"That, my little darling, you may do. You may all do," Sheila giggled.
She patted her cute behind in his direction. John kissed each of the
triplets tenderly. They each quivered in his arms, each disappointed
then he wouldn't be making love to them today. His fingers tracing over
their firm young flesh got the better of him.

The girl's didn't stay disappointed as John pleased each of them orally
at least twice more during the day. (Not counting what his women did.)
The trip to Nick's was postponed for a day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 54

Later in the evening John lay in bed surrounded by his lovelies. He
could hardly talk. The girls were all languid from the endorphins
surging through their systems. Cindy lay with her back against the
headboard, her fingers playing softly in John's hair.

"You're a good man, my love," Cindy said.

John moaned, "I flat refuse to make love to anyone for at least two
days!... I don't care if Lady Godiva, Helen of Troy and Cleopatra show
up at the door. Turn them away. Let them freeze."

"You big phony. You wouldn't turn away the fat lady from the circus!"
Sheila giggled.

"Okay... she can stay. But I'm not making love to her and she pays for
her own food," John said, "She has to sleep alone too!"

"Speaking of food. Who's turn is it?" Sheila inquired.

"Theresa's, but she's out," Cindy giggled.

"Kick her. Feed me, wench!" John giggled.

"I'll go. I get little enough chance to cook," Sheila said.

"Two cooks and I end up being served by a thousand dollar a day
consultant," John moaned.

"That thousand dollars a day ended two days ago," Sheila said.

"Just the same...." John said. He started to whistle.

"What's that song?" Cindy asked.

"Take it easy, by the Eagles," Sheila said, pulling a robe around her.

"How's it go?" Cindy asked.

"I'm running down the road, trying to loosen my load, got seven women
on my mind...." John sang, not so badly. The girls got it and busted
out laughing. Sheila met Candice in the kitchen. They embraced and
kissed. Then together they built a meal for the troops.

"Sheila?" Candice said.

"Yes, love?" Sheila responded.

"I just wanted to tell you.... thank you," Candice said.

"For what?" Sheila asked, tending to the stove.

"Well.. you were my first.... *real* lover," Candice said. Sheila
forgot the stove for a while as she pulled Candice into her arms. Both
their robes came open and they embraced skin to skin. Candice's breasts
fitting neatly under Sheila's. Sheila bent and kissed her long and
deeply.

"You are most very welcome," she said, finally.

"No, I mean it. You will always be my first. I'm really glad about
that," Candice said.

"I mean it too. Look, lover. It was only by chance that I caught you
first. It could just as easily been Cindy, Theresa or even John. I'm
honored to have been your first, but it was sheer chance," Sheila told
her.

"Oh...not so much as you'd think. I was on my way to find you," Candice
giggled.

"Were you now? Why?" Sheila asked.

"Well, I think it was the way you held Alice that first night. God, was
that only last night.... anyway, you kissed her forehead softly. When
she stirred you held her tenderly in your arms. When you did so I
pictured you holding me like that.... I tried to tell you when you put
us to bed...." Candice said.

"You did, love. You did. Now shall we feed the troops? Where are the
triplets?" Sheila asked.

"Probably killing each other with their new found skills.... god, they
turned hot!" Candice said.

"Well, my brood is pretty well played out, too. I don't know how I'm
functioning. Let's divide this up and see if crumbs in bed bother
them," Sheila said.

"Quite well, is how you're functioning.... " Candice said, hoarsely.

"Fuck the food," Sheila said, turning off the stove and backing Candice
onto the table. Quite a bit later they each carried trays laden with
food into their various wards. That's just about what they resembled.
The troops, as Sheila called them, managed to fight off their lethargy
in order to take nourishment. The soup was awkward for them to handle,
but it tasted good. The perfect compliment to the sandwiches.

"I'm sorry I wasn't up to preparing anything more substantial," Sheila
said.

"Manna from heaven," John muttered.

"Good enough for me," Cindy said, her mouth full.

"Ditto!" Theresa said.

"I think we forget just how good a simple meal can be. One of the best
meals I ever had was simply a hot dog and a cup of coffee at the right
time," John said. They consumed all there was, and then picked crumbs
off the plates. Candice's brood was much the same, consuming all the
food.

"So when do you think John will be able ... well... you know...?" Alice
asked.

"I don't know, hon. If he really did as he said.. maybe not for a
little while," Candice replied.

"You don't believe him?" Amy asked.

"No, it's not that. I do. It's just that I never heard of any man doing
that before. It just takes some getting used to," Candice replied.

"What was it like?" Andrea asked.

"What?" Candice asked.

"You know.. when John.... made love to you," Andrea clarified.

"God, how can I explain that? It was wonderful. Not like Nick at all.
For one thing....he's bigger.. but even so it didn't hurt like when
Nick does it. I don't understand that part... anyway. It's like you're
filled up... only by something really special. That's the best I could
explain it," Candice said. The girls had all listened attentively. They
all sighed when she finished. Candice couldn't help but chuckle a bit.

"Did you girls have fun while I was getting the food?" she smirked. The
girls blushed and nodded. "You know, I've noticed something since we've
been here," Candice said.

"What's that?" they all asked.

"Just that. You don't finish each other's sentences near as much as you
did. I think that maybe it was all so new to you all, that you didn't
know what the others were thinking. Like you did just now," Candice
chuckled. At first the girls didn't know how to respond to this. They
looked nervously between themselves for a moment.

"I think it's better if she knew," Andrea said. The others kind of
nodded.

"Knew what?" Candice asked.

"That sometimes.. we *do* know what the other two are thinking," Alice
explained.

"Huh? How could you?" Candice asked.

"We don't know," Amy said, "We just do... sometimes."

"Like when Andrea fell down and bumped her head. I knew something was
wrong. That's why I went looking for her," Alice said.

"And when Nick first .. did that... to Amy... I knew she was being
hurt," Andrea said. "Or this morning... When we all found out about
orgasms...I knew exactly when Cindy and Sheila made them... feel them.
I didn't know yet what it was, but I knew it was good. I also knew when
Alice cried afterwards."

"How come you never told me this before?" Candice asked. The girls
looked at each other a moment.

"'Cause... well, you didn't talk *with* us much. You talked *to* us,"
Amy said.

"Like you were our mother or something," Alice added.

"I'm sorry for that..." Candice said, "You were pretty young when you
first arrived... I kind of felt like your mother a lot of the time."

"We know... we were glad you did lots of times... 'cause we never knew
our real one, but other times you just seemed bossy," Andrea said.

"Lot's of those times, I was just trying to keep you out of trouble
with Nick," Candice said.

"We know... and we thank you," Alice said, "But we're women now. We
don't need a mother so much... as we sort of need a big sister."

"I never had a sister before," Candice said, hanging her head.

"Well, now you got three," they all replied at once. Candice kind of
sobbed suddenly. She hugged the nearest one first. The girls had other
plans. Their attack seemed planned in advance. Two took her breasts as
the third dived between her thighs. This time, Candice wept as her body
convulsed in pleasure.

Things were a little more sedate in the master bedroom. Even Theresa
and Cindy were pretty well *barbed out*. They all snuggled together and
drifted away into slumber.

Chapter 55

John stirred, slowly opening his eyes. He found the lovely Sheila's
golden tresses before him. An absence behind him told him they were
alone. He lifted his head and looked around, just to be certain.
Puzzled, he lay back down and pulled Sheila to him. She snuggled her
warm body next to his. She was fully awake.

"Good morning, dear heart," John said.

"Good morning, love," she replied.

"Any idea where our lost souls are?" he asked, softly kissing her
cheek.

She smiled and replied, "They got up hours ago."

"Hours?" John asked.

"Mmm.. Yes.. I stayed to keep you company," she said, snuggling tighter
to him.

"That was mighty nice of you," he said.

"Mmm, my pleasure, sir. I love laying next to you," she said.

"The feeling is mutual," he said, kissing her cheek once again.

"When you told me you had a full life, I had no idea," she chuckled.

"Me neither... it's not always like this," he chuckled back.

"I'll bet.... you normally live a drab existence with just two hyper-
sexual women, instead of seven," she teased.

"Something like that, but I was thinking how lovely a number three
was," he said.

"Oh, myself I wouldn't mind any number between one and seven. As long
as I could wake up feeling like I did this morning," she said, tracing
her fingernails over his chest.

"I think I would. I've been home three days, and I only got to make
love to you once. I may not get to again for another day at least if
I'm expected to do the triplets all today," he said.

"Darling, I don't care if I have to wait a year. That once with you was
better than I've ever known before in my life," she cooed.

"Now you're just teasing me," he said.

"No, I'm not. The closest thing to it was with your other two lovelies
and your mannequin. I don't know if you know how good you are," she
said, seriously.

"Yes I do... but I will say that you inspire me to higher levels," he
said.

"Apparently. I hope I always will..... I love you," she said.

"I love you....Uh.... I guess I have to save myself for the three
ringed circus, but I'd be more than pleased to .. please you other
ways," he offered.

She chuckled, "No, not necessary. I'm quite content. But thanks for the
offer...It's funny, I really am content. More contented than I've ever
been in my whole life..... And having made love to you once, and being
held by you through the night three times, I don't ever want anything
else," she concluded.

"What brought this all on?" he asked.

"Love, I guess. But more than that really, 'cause I've been in love
before. Acceptance, that's it; For the first time in my life I don't
have to hide or try to explain my desires," she said.

"Could you explain that?" John teased. She smacked his butt with her
palm, and then softly rubbed it.

"May I get you a cup of coffee?" she asked.

"No, I'll get up. Looks like it's late morning anyway. I have to go
deal with Nick today," he said, half frowning.

"I know you do. May I buy the tractor?" she asked.

"Not necessary, but thanks for the offer," he said.

"You'd keep me from getting in on the ground floor of owning a piece of
those three lovelies?" she pouted.

"I don't expect to own them myself. I just want to assure their
freedom," he said.

"I know, I want the same thing. The idea of someone owning somebody is
as offensive to me as it is to you. But please, can I split the cost
with you?" she insisted.

"Perhaps after I find out what it is. If I accept now it might crimp my
bartering skills. If I was bartering with someone else's money, I might
be tempted not to offer enough, or too much. But I'm content to deal
with my own funds. I know I'll swing the best deal I can then," he
chuckled.

"Fair enough. Shall we go find some grub?" she asked.

"In a moment. May I have a kiss?" he asked.

"Anytime, my love, anytime," she said, melting with him. They showered
together and then dressed and went in search of the troops. They met
Cindy in the kitchen. Both John and Sheila greeted her warmly.

"Where's the troops?" John inquired.

Cindy chuckled real hard before replying, "Theresa's scanning them. I
took down your mannequin and the ones not being scanned are taking
practice runs."

"She's scanning all of them? That's not necessary. One of the three
would probably be enough," John said.

"Oh, the subject of just how they were different came up. I figured the
best way to determine that was full scans of each," she chuckled.

"Full scans?" John asked.

"Yup, hot and heavy, the whole thing. That's why I took down your
mannequin. To give Theresa a break. Candice was first, and she wanted
to rape someone. Theresa had to run the scanner and I had to cook
breakfast, so I solved it by letting her have at your twin. After that
she started on the triplets, two at a time. I figure they may even be
tame enough for you to handle in your depleted state by the time you're
fed. You may thank me now," Cindy chuckled. John pulled her into his
arms and kissed her deeply.

"Thank you. Perhaps I may live out the day," he said.

"You are quite welcome, sir. Now, French toast or Monte Cristo's?" she
asked.

"Uh... French toast. Monte Cristo's might be too heavy for a man's last
meal," John chuckled.

"Coming right up, right after I kiss this lovely woman again," Cindy
said, turning to Sheila. Sheila smiled and moved into her arms. John
wondered if he'd ever get his breakfast by the time they were done.
Well fed, John carried his coffee cup into the lab. The sight that
assaulted him was beyond his experience.

Candice was in a sixty-nine position with one of the twins, another
writhed on the scanning table as her back side was probed. The last was
wildly bouncing away upon his mannequin. Theresa looked up from the
computer grinning fiercely but looking relieved. The one bouncing on
his mannequin let out a scream at the sight of him. Her body convulsed
hard and she collapsed upon it. Then she tried to scramble to him,
weaving badly. He caught her and she jumped up around his waist and
gave him a complete tonsillectomy.

"What happened to those shy girls who covered up at the sight of me
yesterday?" John chuckled, when she finally let him talk.

"Why be shy? When can we do it for real?" she gasped.

"When I know which one you are," John chuckled.

"Andrea. Now when?" she asked.

"After I deal with Nick," he said, dislodging himself. It did him no
good as while he was talking, Amy and Candice climaxed and then
untangled themselves again to be next in line to greet him. He caught
Amy on the fly and she wrapped her legs around his middle while she
tried to one-up Andrea's tonsillectomy. John could taste Candice's
juices on her lips, herself waiting impatiently in line. When John
finally tore free, Candice kissed him deeply, but less hungrily. John
tasted Amy's nectar on her lips. He licked around her mouth and she
giggled. Sheila walked in and the whole routine started over again.

"Nice to feel wanted, eh?" John chuckled to her. She smiled and nodded,
meeting the next set of lips. John wasn't finished as Theresa loosened
the bonds on Amy. She was so hot she met him on the fly, knocking him
back onto the sofa, over himself. He chuckled as she kissed him all
over, almost tearing at his clothes.

"Easy, love. Here, try my alter ego out. I have to get ready to go meet
Nick," John said, rolling her onto his mannequin. She mounted it
quickly. Somehow hard and fast was what she wanted, forgetting that
that's what she didn't like about Nick. Her body started to convulse
almost from the first stroke.

"He doesn't kiss worth a damn!" she gasped, reaching for John once
more. He jumped out of her grasp.

"I'm certain you can find a set of willing lips nearby," he chuckled.
Both Amy and Andrea moved to her without further coaxing. Each moved to
suck on a nipple and then one lay down and attempted to lick her
clitoris as she bounced away. John turned to Candice. "Shall we get
this over with?" he asked. She nodded and hugged him. She collected a
kiss from each of the other women while John greeted Theresa good
morning.

"Don't be long. Please. I don't know how much I can take," she said.

"We'll hurry as best we can. But it's a long ride anyway," he said. He
went to pull away and she hugged him fiercely.

"You be careful, you hear me?" she asked.

"I promise," he said. Finally she released him and Sheila moved in to
greet her good morning. John and Candice headed out. Candice went down
to shower and dress while John headed upstairs. He retrieved his old
.357 from its hiding place and checked it. He tucked it in its holster
in the back of his belt and pulled his sweater over it. He suited up
and Cindy joined him. Candice came up, brushing her blow dried hair.
Sheila came to wish them well, hugging him to her. She felt the gun in
his belt. She pulled back in surprise and nodded at him in
understanding. She smiled at him, to his surprise.

"Now you take care you don't need that," she whispered to him. He
nodded and kissed her deeply. The girls went out to get the snowmobiles
out. John stalled a bit. Once they were out of sight, he unzipped his
suit and reached inside to retrieve the weapon. He frowned and then
pulled off the top half of his suit. He strung the shoulder holster
where it belonged and then put his suit back on. He tried pulling it
out a few times. Sheila watched him and nodded in satisfaction when he
did.

"That's better. Can you shoot that thing?" she asked.

"Not bad. Well enough. I hope the hell I don't have to use it," he
said.

"Me too. But I'm glad you're taking it," she said, solemnly.

"Strange attitude for a city girl," he teased.

"I seem to recall from San Francisco... the guns always won," she said.
He nodded and hugged her once more before he headed out. Cindy had both
machines started. He plugged in his helmet and hit the transmit button.

"Cell phone and extra battery?" he asked Cindy. She patted a bulging
pocket.

"Compass?" she asked back.

"On the dash, detachable," he answered. Sheila came out and handed them
each a thermos full of coffee. They nodded their thanks and attached
them with cargo nets. Sheila kissed the girls and then John once more.
They headed out. The gate required they dismount and two pushed while
the third tripped the button. It finally creaked open enough to pass
the machines. John mounted again and brushed off the snow. Telling the
girls to do the same. They nodded and complied. Then he gunned his
machine through the gap. The girls followed him.

They rode mostly in silence. John first angled up the road until he
encountered Candice's disabled machine. It was buried quite deeply, so
they left if for now. Looking from the machine towards the mountain,
there was a barely decipherable indentation in the snow, drifted over
in most places.. John took off following it. It became a dashed line
between the drifts.

It turned out that it did circle and meander quite a bit. Candice
shivered, remembering the outbound trip. John lost the trail in a
particularly heavily drifted area. He asked Candice which way. She
studied the mountains for a bit and pointed. He took off with the
others behind him. After a time he re-acquired the previous trail. It
had meandered quite a bit. He crossed it and made a mental line in his
head, averaging the meanders. Candice nodded after studying the
mountains.

After a time Candice indicated to Cindy definite directions. She took
the lead and followed Candice's points. When they reached the mouth of
a wide canyon, John called a halt. They turned off the machines and
listened to the deafening silence. John poured himself a cup of coffee.
The girls did the same.

"How far?" he asked Candice.

"Just up the road... up the canyon a piece. About a mile I guess. Look
for a row of trees off to the left. You can see the cabin from there,"
she said.

"Okay, then that's where you two stop. Get turned around first. I want
you pointing away," John said. Cindy nodded.

"You be god damned careful! You're not an easy man to replace," she
said, hugging him. She felt the pistol under his arm. She felt better
that he had it but slightly disturbed that he felt the need for it.

"Anything else you can tell me I should know?" John asked Candice. She
thought for a moment.

"You just be real careful if he's drunk. He likes to blind side folks,"
she said. John nodded. He kissed her and she hugged him too. She felt
the pistol. She smiled at him.

"I hope I won't need it," he said.

"I hope you won't too, but I'm glad you brought it. He can be an ornery
cuss," she said. He nodded to them. They re-stowed the thermos and
headed up the draw. When John spotted the trees, he stalled while Cindy
got turned around. Then he headed in.

"I'll leave my mike open, but don't say anything unless you have to. If
Candice thinks of something while she's listening, whisper it!" he
said.

"How will we talk if your mike is open?" Cindy asked.

"Full duplex, dear. We can talk at the same time. I never told you
before 'cause it made for easier communication," he chuckled.

"One of these day's you'll learn to trust me," she said.

"I do now. I have since the first time we made love. Now keep quiet,"
he said.

"Okay... I love you. Be careful," she said.

"I love you too. And please be careful," Candice's voice said.

"I love you both. Now shut up," he said. A large man stepped out of the
cabin holding a rifle when John pulled up before it. John turned off
his machine and dismounted, unconcerned. "Howdy," he said.

"Howdy, and who might you be?" Nick said.

"John Stevens," John said, pulling off a glove and extending his hand.
Nick eyed him suspiciously and then took the hand. His grip was bone
crushing hard. John returned it measure for measure.

"What you want?" Nick asked, dropping the hand.

"Thought we might talk some," John said.

"What about?" Nick asked.

"Your women," John said.

"Been a might worried about them. They lit out of here a few days ago.
You got them?" Nick said.

"Yes. Found them in the storm night before last, near froze to death.
We almost lost Alice.. She's got a touch of frostbite, but she's
alright. They all are," John said.

"That Candice out there by the trees?" Nick asked.

"Yeah... she don't want to come back," John said, unzipping the front
of his suit, just in case.

"Who's that with her? Seems a might big to be one of mine," Nick said.

"One of mine," John said, simply. Nick nodded.

"Well, I guess we oughta go inside then," he said, "After you." John
shrugged and moved in the door, keeping his peripheral vision on Nick.
Nick was watching the trees for a moment and then stepped in behind
him. John turned to face him. Nick indicated an old wooden chair by the
table. He set his gun on the table and pulled down a bottle of bourbon.
He blew the dust out of a small preserve jar and poured a shot into it.
He put it in front of John and splashed some in another jar for
himself. John knew enough to accept it. He took a pull on it, ignoring
whatever clung to the lip and keeping an eye on Nick.

"So what's on your mind?" Nick asked, taking a pull from his own drink,
studying John carefully. The gun was in reach, but pointed the wrong
way.

"Well, I don't rightly know how to begin," John said.

"Say it like it is," Nick said.

"Okay... Your women showed up on my land, 'bout forty miles from here.
They was just plain lucky I happened across them. When I finally got
them thawed out they told me they had run away from you. They didn't
want to come back. Now if they were serious enough that they headed out
into that storm, wearing what they was, then I figure they were pretty
serious about not wanting to come back," John said.

Nick nodded at this but said, "But they's my women." John nodded.

Then plunged on, "Yeah, I figured you'd feel that way. Well, they got
to gabbing the way women do, that bunch are like a flock of geese.
Anyhow, Candice let out that you traded a tractor for the triplets. My
woman can't have no kids and she took quite a shine to them. I was
wondering how you'd feel about trading them off."

Nick studied him a moment then said, "They grown a bit since I traded
for them. They got other worth now... if you know what I mean." John
nodded and took a pull from his glass.

"I know. Can't think what my woman wants them round for. She don't like
me even looking at sheep. But she's a stubborn one. I'd make it worth
your while," John said. Nick thought for a bit. Taking a long pull off
his drink. He took the bottle and poured a large shot in John's jar and
a smaller one in his. John figured he wanted to dicker with an
advantage. He shrugged his thanks and took another sip. Not too big of
one.

"What you got to offer?" Nick said finally.

"How about a brand new tractor? Candice said the one you traded with
didn't run so good," John offered. Nick shook his head.

"Not much use for a tractor.... tractors ain't got tits," he said.

"From what I seen before my woman hustled them off, them girls don't
have much either," John chuckled. Nick kind of chuckled and nodded too.

"Candice do though," he said.

"Well, I was more interested in the young'ns. Candice is a growed
woman," John said. He heard a sudden intake of indignant breath in his
helmet. Then a click where Cindy turned her radio off. John hid his
snicker. He unfastened the helmet and took it off. Thumbing the volume
on the receiver down. He ran his hand back across his hair to slick it
down. Nick was studying him closer now. Judging his build and
disposition. John held his helmet in his lap, edging the zipper of his
suit a little lower and making a bulging path into his holster.

"I'd still want more for the triplets. They's mighty cute, fact is I
don't care much about that ornery bitch, Candice. You can have her for
free," Nick said.

"Don't know what I'd do with her. But let me see... I got an old
flatbed truck. She ain't pretty, but she runs good," John said,
relaxing a bit. Nick considered, then shook his head.

"Naw... I'd get lonesome.. A truck would help some around here, but it
wouldn't find me nothin' to cuddle with," Nick said. John thought about
it a bit.

"Tell you what. My woman will skin me if I don't make a deal. I got a
fancy sports car she won't let me drive anyway. I hate to part with it,
it's a classic. Last thing I got outta my pa. I'll let you have it for
the whole lot of them," John said. Nick's eyes perked up.

"A fancy sports car?" he asked.

"Yeah, fast son of a bitch too. Turns lady's heads like they was on
swivels every time I pass through town. Guess that's why my woman don't
want me to drive it," John said.

"How big an engine?" Nick asked.

"454, fuel injected," John said.

"No shit?" Nick asked.

"No shit. Top comes off too," John said. Nick almost bit, but then sat
back and shook his head.

"Naw, them young'ns ain't got much in the way of tits, but they's got
some pretty tight pussies. And asides, a sports car ain't made for
these roads out here," Nick said. John knew he had him. Nick was just
trying to sweeten the pot.

"Gosh. That's about all I got. 'Cept, maybe I'd throw in the truck too.
You could use it to haul the car down to the main road. As far as the
pussy goes, the car would get you all you needed once you hit town,"
John said. Nick thought about it.

"Where's my snowmobile?" he asked.

"Got wrecked up when the girls hit a rock," John said.

"Mighty nice machine you got out there," Nick allowed, hinting.

"Oh, god. My woman would tan my hide... Maybe I'd just better go tell
her you don't want to trade," John said, putting his feet down like he
was gonna leave.

"How ya gonna get my women back to me?" Nick asked.

"Don't know if I can. They seem mighty headstrong about not coming
back. The woman wanted to call in the law. I talked her outta it. Don't
like them assholes much," John said. Nick nodded. Then took a deep
breath.

"Okay, tell ya what. You give me the car on the truck, and throw in
that snowmobile, I'll trade for the lot of them," he said. John looked
at him a moment, pained.

"Well, I guess I can deal with the woman... Okay, done," John said.

"When can I get my car?" Nick asked.

"First melt off and then freeze that allows me to get up both roads.
You could have the snowmobile tomorrow. I gotta get back today,
though," John said. Nick nodded.

"Okay, we got a deal. But how do I know you'll stick to it?" Nick
asked.

"Guess the same way that I know you will. But I'll sign a paper... if
you will. Seems like there's something in the Bible about giving your
wife a divorce paper anyway. I think it's in Deuteronomy," John said.
Nick eyed him suspiciously. He got up and pulled an old bible down off
a dusty shelf. He flipped through it till he found the right section.
John could tell he was having a hard time reading it. He offered to
look. Nick handed him the book. John flipped about and then found
chapter 24, verses 1 & 3. He read them to Nick. Nick nodded and looked
about the cabin for some paper. He found some old bills that were blank
on the back. John filled out his part while Nick fumbled with his.

"Don't rightly know what to say," Nick said, frustrated.

"Tell ya what. Why don't I write up both? I got a divorce once. Glad to
be rid of the bitch," John offered. Nick passed over the paper. John
thought up some legal sounding mumbo jumbo and then explained it's
meaning to Nick. Adding an oath to god that he knew Nick would take
more serious than any legal shit. Nick studied both pages for a long
time, finally he nodded. They both signed each page. Then John took the
divorce paper and Nick the bill of sale sheet listing what items were
to be delivered and the latest date, weather permitting. John stood,
lifting his glass to Nick.

"You drive a hard bargain. I'm gonna miss that car. Maybe I can come by
sometime and just sit in it?" John said.

"That'd be okay... You'll bring the machine back tomorrow?" Nick asked,
holding his glass.

"Yeah, I'd do it today, if'n it wasn't so late," John said.

"Good enough for me," Nick said, clinking his jar against John's. They
drank and John set down his glass. He extended his hand and Nick
reluctantly shook it. He seemed to consider something. "Just a minute,"
he said, and headed into a dark corner of the cabin. John watched him
closely, his helmet in his left hand, the right toying with his suit
zipper. Nick came back with an old wooden box and a shoe box on top of
it.

"The girls ain't got much. Here's a box I been keeping for them and a
box of Candice's trinkets," he said, extending the box. Despite his
loathing for Nick, John was touched. He took a chance and reached for
the box. Nick held back. "You'll take good care of the girls?" he
asked. John smiled at him.

"I promise you. My word of honor that they will never be wanting.
They'll have a good home and a proper upbringing," John said, solemnly.
Nick nodded and handed over the box. He left his gun on the table as he
walked John out the door.

"I appreciate that. You'll take care of Candice too?" he asked.

"I promise that too. I'll see that they all get good schooling too,"
John said, strapping the boxes under his cargo net. Nick studied him a
bit.

"You know, you didn't have to do this," he said.

"I know... but yes I did. I like to do things right when I can," John
said, looking at him. Nick nodded.

"See you tomorrow then," he said, and turned back to the cabin. His
eyes misting a bit. John started his machine and Nick watched him go.
He drove past the girls and they started their machine and followed
him. Nick watched until they were out of sight. Trembling slightly.
John didn't stop till they were past the mouth of the canyon. Candice
was crying, Cindy seemed perturbed. John dismounted and waited for
Cindy to turn off her machine. He took off his helmet. The girls both
took off theirs.

"Let me guess. 'Cause I said that I didn't want her?" John asked. Cindy
nodded. Candice cried. "Okay, think about this, Candice. I got what I
came for. I have here a piece of paper giving all four of you a divorce
from Nick. Seeing as how you only had a local wedding, it's as valid as
your wedding vows. You're a free woman. You all are. Now the reason I
told Nick that I didn't want you, was so that he would trade. If I'd
gone in there with the story I wanted to trade for all of you, my story
about my woman not being able to have kids and taking a shine to the
triplets wouldn't have worked. I doubt I could have pulled it off. He
would have asked for the world and I couldn't have supplied it. We
would have ended up fighting and maybe killing each other. Now are you
going to be upset because I lied to him? Or are you going to be happy
because you are free?" John asked her. Candice choked back her tears.
Cindy nodded.

Finally Candice gasped, "But you don't want me!" and was off crying
again. John moved to her and took her into his arms.

"Now you listen here. I lied to Nick. I admit it. The biggest part of
that lie was that I didn't want you. If I hadn't wanted you, I would
never have been able to make love to you yesterday. Fact is that it
would have been easier on me not to. But I did. I'm not sorry I did. I
enjoyed it. Now does that sound like I don't want you?" John asked. She
sobbed against him a while longer. He kissed her tenderly and she
hugged him hard.

"But how do I know you're not lying to me? What about that stuff about
your woman not being able to have kids? You could just be making this
up like that," she sobbed.

"Candice, that part's true. None of my women can have kids... by me
that is. I had myself fixed," John said. Candice looked to him,
unconvinced. Then she looked to Cindy.

"It's true. I've tested it hard enough over the past year. Theresa and
I both did. Theresa told me shortly after I moved in that she was with
him when he went to see the doctor. Said he was walking mighty damn
slow when he came out," Cindy chuckled. Candice looked back at John,
still unconvinced.

"You sure fight it a lot for a free woman whom I can freely make love
to anytime I'm able," John chuckled. Candice seemed to sober a bit.
"Only time will tell the truth. I'm not about to prove it in a snow
bank," John said. He kissed her hard. She trembled in his arms. "Trade
me machines?" he asked Cindy. She smiled and nodded, understanding.
John double checked the cargo net over the boxes. He added a plastic
poncho from the storage bin. John had Cindy call Sheila and the girls.
Letting them know that everything was okay.

"Let's get outta here, okay? God, I'm half drunk. Candice, you ride
with me, okay?" John asked. She nodded. All the way back, she snuggled
to his back. When they pulled up to the silo, everyone piled out to
greet them. John cornered Cindy and made certain he thanked her. She
smiled and nodded. He kissed her deeply anyway. She responded more than
John expected. He responded more than he thought possible.

"Too bad I'm so far down the list for that thing," she chuckled.

"If I ever get a chance to rest up a bit, I'll show you exactly how I
feel," John said, seriously.

"I know. You're a good man, John. I love you with all my heart. I was
scared to death when you were in that cabin," she said, tears forming
in her eyes.

"I know. I was pretty scared myself. I think it will be fine, tomorrow.
Just remind me not to leave much gas in the machine we drop off," John
grinned. Cindy busted out laughing. The triplets were all huddled
around Candice, asking her about the deal. Were they really free?
Candice nodded. They all hugged and kissed her. Then turned to John.

"Later," he told them, "give me some time to romance ya."

"What's romance?" they asked, in unison.

"If you're going to be around here for long, I guarantee you'll find
out," Cindy said, half chuckling. Sheila and Theresa nodded. They put
the machines up for the night.

"I feel like a nice hot tub. Any takers?" John asked, grinning. Seven
hands went up. "Okay... I'd like a last meal first," he moaned.

"In the oven," Theresa chuckled.

"We started it as soon as you said you were heading back," Sheila said.

"Great! Cindy, do you think you could properly attire *our* new
womenfolk for dinner?" John asked. She looked at him curiously, but
nodded and grinned. She led the four of them down to her wardrobe. John
sent Theresa and Sheila down to dress as well. He took a quick shower
and got into his tuxedo. Cindy did more than just attire them. Between
her, Theresa and Sheila, the seven of them looked like a million
dollars several times over. The outfits were sexy, yet elegant.

The prime rib was perfect when they all reconvened in the kitchen. John
pulled out three bottles of his best wine. He put on some music and
they had a genuine party. When all were stuffed, the girls fairly
tripped over themselves trying to get the kitchen cleaned up. Then John
toasted the free women. They all got misty eyed. Next he pulled out the
boxes Nick had given to him. He gave the one to Candice. She checked
the contents and nodded, tears rolling down her cheeks.

They opened the triplets' wooden box. There were just a few trinkets
that had belonged to their mother. Along with a description of their
bloodline. John read it to them. There wasn't a dry eye in the room
when he finished. Suddenly he seemed surprised. He reached into the
bottom of the box and pulled out three, thousand dollar bills. The
girls' eyes all lit up. Candice looked at him suspiciously. He put them
back into the box. He handed the box over to them. Somehow they all
knew who the keeper would be and Andrea took possession of it. Holding
it to her breast.

"Okay, how about that hot tub?" John asked.

"Okay, you girls go change. I'll be down in a minute. These outfits is
too nice to get by the water," Candice said. The girls didn't question
her at all, they just headed out, excitedly. Once they were all gone,
Candice turned to John. Cindy, Theresa and Sheila were heading out the
door.

"Just a moment. I want you all to hear this, except the triplets,"
Candice said. They stopped and came back in. "I been through that box
of theirs before. I know there weren't any three thousand dollars. I
know damn well that Nick woulda found it long ago hisself," Candice
said. John shrugged. "Their folks didn't leave them much... I just
wanted you to know that I thank you kindly for your kindness," Candice
said. John shrugged, then nodded. Candice moved to him and kissed him
softly. Then turned and did the same to each of the other women.

"I'll just be going to bed now," she said, tears in her eyes.

"Not alone you won't!" Theresa said.

"Won't you join us, please?" Cindy asked.

"John's gonna need all the help he can get with those three," Sheila
giggled.

"Please, join us. I want you to," John said. Candice looked at him
closely. Finally she nodded. John took off his tuxedo and found a short
terry robe. The girls each disrobed and found one of their own.
"Listen, my dear sweet lovers. I hurt Candice today. I didn't mean to.
But right now she doesn't believe that. Would you three mind so much if
I spent the night alone with her?" he asked them.

"No, of course not. I think she needs it." Cindy said.

"What about the triplets?" Theresa asked.

"Well, the way I figure it, those women will be with us till spring,
anyway. I know Sheila has to get back soon. So what I had in mind was
them drawing lots for order. Then over the next three days I'd like to
take them one at a time, with one of you, and spend the night with
them. Starting with Sheila tomorrow night as she has to get back. That
is, if that's agreeable to you all?" John asked.

"You up to that?" Sheila asked.

"Count on it. I've had all last night and all today to recover. If I
only do it once tonight I think I can swing two more for the next three
days. After that, I want to spend about a week with just Cindy and
Theresa. The others should be okay after they've had their turn. They
can always kill each other with sex in the meantime. I'm sure they
will," John said.

"Sounds good to me," Sheila said.

"Me too," Theresa said.

"Me too, especially the week alone with you," Cindy said.

"I'm just trying to divide myself up the best I can," John said.

"I know, love. I know," Cindy said, taking his hand and leading him
towards the pool. Theresa and Sheila followed, hand in hand. The girls
were already nude, sitting on the edge of the pool, dangling their
legs. John looked at them.

"Okay, lovelies. This is the deal. Tonight, I'll be sleeping alone with
Candice. Then you three get to draw straws for the next three nights. I
want one of my lovelies to spend the night with us. That way you can
each learn what it really means to make love. I know you all thought
that I'd be making love to you tonight. But today I hurt Candice's
feelings. I didn't mean to do that. I want to prove to her that I
didn't and this is the best way. Also, I've been neglecting three women
that I love very dearly. This way I share myself the best I know how.
Okay?" John asked. Candice was shocked. Tears in her eyes. The triplets
were disappointed, but nodded.

"Okay, let the games begin then. Just remember that I'm reserved for
the night," John chuckled. He opened his robe. Four sets of hungry eyes
explored his body as he stepped into the pool. Three sets of admiring
eyes followed him. And then stepped in themselves. John chose a built
in seat and motioned Candice to him. She broke out into tears as she
moved into his lap. His lovelies all paired up with one of the
triplets. Sheila and Alice, Amy and Theresa and Cindy and Andrea. Four
pairs of mouths found each other.

John softly cupped one of Candice's breasts as he kissed her deeply. He
traced his fingertips over the nipple. She shivered in his arms.
Despite John's ordeal over the past few days, he grew beneath Candice.
After a time he winked at his lovelies and then stood up with Candice
in his arms. His erection before him was eyed by everyone. Each wishing
it were their night.

He carried Candice to the guest room, wrapping robes he had her snag
around them. She trembled against his body as he gently lay her on the
bed. He kissed her and then softly dried her body with a towel. She did
the same to him. He never got fully dry. The women in the tub warmed
each other up before they made their way to the master bedroom. The
California King waterbed just barely large enough for the three
couples. Nobody was disappointed.


Chapter 56

Candice was the first to open her eyes in the morning. She felt the man
next to her, and the lack of the girls beside her. Instantly she was
alarmed. Then she realized where she was and who the man was,
everything was alright. More than alright, everything was perfect.

She snuggled to John. He stirred softly in his sleep and his arm moved
around her and pulled her close. Sensing something different, he opened
his eyes into Candice's.

"Good morning," he said, sleepily.

"Good morning to you," she replied, snuggling closer. He kissed her
forehead softly and was halfway back into sleep before she spoke again.
"Thank you for last night," she said.

"Mmm.. You're most very welcome," he said, smiling without opening his
eyes.

"I... you didn't have to do that. I know you've spent little enough
time with your lovers as it is," she said. John opened his eyes and
looked at her.

"They'll get over it.... What's wrong? Still thinking that I don't want
you?" he asked.

"No... you convinced me of that. Nobody could have faked your
performance last night," she said.

"Mmm... how'd I do? Couldn't have been all that great," he said,
resigning himself to the fact that she wanted to talk.

"From my point of view it was terrific... almost scary. I'm not sure
what you are John Stevens, but I know I love you," she said.

"And I love you too. What time is it?" he asked. Candice chuckled a
bit.

"Late, almost six thirty," she said.

"Six thirty! Oh, god. Why did you have to be farm girls?" he moaned.

"Shouldn't cuss like that," Candice said. John looked at her a moment.

"Candice, I'll do anything I can to get you and the girls on your feet.
I don't care if you call me a son of a bitch or rob me blind. But the
one thing I won't tolerate, is being lectured on my behavior. Okay?" he
said. She seemed shocked at his reproach, but she nodded. "In this
house we let each other live their lives as they see fit. Everyone is
free to make their own mistakes. I'm afraid that means the triplets
too. You have to be willing to let them grow up on their own. I just
went to a lot of effort to obtain your freedom from Nick. You are all
now free to do as you choose," John said.

"But the triplets aren't growed enough yet. You let them run wild and
they'll tear your house down," Candice protested.

"Maybe so, but it's my house. But I don't think so. Part of growing up
is taking responsibility for yourself. Kids won't do that as long as
there's somebody there doing it for them. If they get out of hand, it's
a problem between them, and me. Not you and them. They may be young,
but they've been married. In the law's eyes, they're adults. Not that I
care much about the law.

"But the fact is that when you're not around, they don't act up. It's
almost like they want you around so they can be kids again and have you
mother them," John concluded.

"If'n you say so. I don't know how they will act with all this free
time on their hands," Candice said.

"I intend to remedy that. With you too. Can you swing a hammer?" John
asked.

"Sure, wouldn't be much of a farm girl otherwise," she said.

"Okay, I would assume the same applies to the girls. What I'd like you
all to do to earn your keep, is to build yourself a room. That is, I've
got two levels of elevator stops that are totally unfinished. That's
four floors. What I'd like is to convert them into bedrooms and
bathrooms. You think you could do that?" John asked.

"Oh... I don't know. I never built nothin' as nice as these rooms,"
Candice said.

"Neither had Theresa and I. We built this one together. Between
Theresa, Cindy and myself, we've built everything you've seen here.
There was nothing when I bought it but a large cement cylinder in the
ground. I'll help you wherever you need it, but mostly you'll be on
your own," John said.

"So you want us to stay?" Candice said.

"Maybe.. It occurred to me last night when we all matched up so nicely.
Nobody was without a partner. My biggest concern, was my not being able
to live up to you girls' needs and those of Cindy, Theresa and Sheila
too. If you see to each others sexual needs, then it might work out.
But you have to realize that I've been involved with them much longer.
Well, Cindy and Theresa anyway. Sheila and I have a special
relationship. It started the moment our eyes met. Anyway. I have to
give them precedence. For the most part I just want to give you girls
something to do. I get something in return for seeing to your education
and future. Which is another point I wish to make with you. Everybody
here studies. If I'm gonna see to your financial future, I'm going to
make it as easy on me as possible. The best way to do that, is to see
that everybody gets a good education," John said. Candice seemed to
think about things for a while.

"So you're saying that we can maybe stay, but not as your lovers?" she
asked.

"No, I'm saying that... oh shit, how to explain it. God, I love you
all. But I have to be fair too. To everybody. You're all free to make
love with whomever you wish, but I am only *one* man. There are *seven*
women here. That means that if I made love to a woman a day, that I'd
never have a day off and that each of you would have to wait a full
week anyway. As much as I love to make love, that makes it a chore for
me. And that's not love.

"I really enjoyed my time with you. I like to talk to you as well as
make love to you. But what is fair? Honestly, Candice. What is fair?
Cindy and Theresa actually have squatters rights anyway. They've been
with me the longest. I was talking to Cindy just the night before you
arrived. I was telling her how I was looking forward to having just her
and Sheila around when Theresa went off to college.

"Fact is that I would be contented with just any one of you. But
circumstances have thrown me into this. I can't turn my back on any of
you. Perhaps the reason that Sheila and I have such a special
relationship, is because she was the only one who freely chose to come
here. All the others here I met as a victim of circumstance. I guess
what I'm saying... is that I love you all, and I want to make love to
you all. But I can't do it everyday. There's just too many of you,"
John said.

"I can see that. At times there were too many in the cabin with Nick,
the girls and I. I understand that you can only make love just so much.
I also understand what you say about your not wanting love to become a
chore.

"Fact is that I'd take you on any terms you set. If that means making
love to you just once a year, then I'd happily abide by that. 'Cause
once with you is better than a whole year with Nick was," Candice said.

"You know, you do have the option of falling in love with another man.
You're a very attractive woman. Bright too. You wouldn't have any
problem attracting a wide variety of suitors to choose from," John
said.

"Maybe, but for now I just want to be around you... and the others,"
Candice said.

"So, you agree to the terms I've stated. That you'll work on your
rooms, that you'll study and that you'll be responsible only for
yourself?" John asked.

"Yes.. Gladly," Candice said.

"Well, I can't promise how it will work out. But we'll see over the
next few months," John said.

"One thing, I'm curious, how did you meet Cindy and Theresa anyway?"
she asked. John chuckled.

"I ran over Theresa with that car I traded to Nick. She'd run away from
abusive parents. She got dumped out on the road by some cowboy who
wanted her to have sex with him and she wouldn't. She tried to flag me
down by jumping in front of me. I did my best to stop, but I still
bumped her into the ditch. I brought her back here 'cause it was the
closest place. I doctored her back to health and she's been here ever
since.

"Cindy was her friend back home. She was also having trouble with her
own abusive parents. Theresa talked me into having her come out here
just to get away from them. After she'd been here a while, we sort of
all got together. That's been over a year ago. We've had some rocky
times, but we worked them out," John told her.

"So how did you meet Sheila then?" Candice asked.

"Well, when I built that scanner system, the girls got the idea of
using it to make clothes. We realized just how big that could get. I
mainly did it just for the girls' future. To get it off the ground I
had to travel to San Francisco to talk to some lawyers about the
patents on the machine. I asked them for a reference for a good
business manager. They recommended Sheila. They were right. She's one
savvy lady. I have no doubt that she can turn it into a multi-million
dollar business.

"When I met her, at first I was just curious. But she surprised me. She
didn't know who I was then. I met her in a lesbian bar there. The
others were pretty hostile towards me. She offered to have a drink with
me elsewhere. We ended up spending the night together. We didn't have
sex because I hadn't okayed it with Cindy and Theresa. But we slept
together. It was a special time for me.

"I didn't tell her about the job until the next day. She's mainly here
now to get acquainted with the girls and the machine. But the girls
fell for her too. So she's agreed to join us as a family as well as a
business partner," John said.

"So why couldn't Theresa and Cindy go to family for help?" Candice
asked.

"Didn't have any, actually. They really didn't have any place else to
go. So I let them stay here," John said.

"And you became involved with them," Candice said, half-statement,
half-question.

"Oh, at first I fought it real hard. Theresa finally mounted me in my
sleep. After that I didn't fight her much. Cindy and I had an
attraction for each other right off. But Theresa was pretty jealous
then. We didn't get together for almost a full month after she
arrived," John said.

"Theresa, jealous? I can hardly picture that. She seems downright eager
to have you pair off with someone else," Candice chuckled.

"Oh, she's done some growing. I'm real proud of the woman she's turned
into," John said.

"You should be, she's terrific. They all are. So Sheila really is the
only one that you chose, from the first, to become involved with?"
Candice asked.

"Well, pretty much. I sort of chose to get involved with Cindy, but not
until she was already here," John said.

"And what's to keep you from becoming involved with me and the
triplets, just like you did with Theresa and Cindy?"

"Nothing... except previous obligations and my own stamina," John said.

"Good. I'll just bide my time. You say that Theresa's going off to
college. Sheila's going to be running a big business. That leaves just
you and Cindy. From what you've told me, she's going to be pretty
involved in the business too. That would leave you alone at times. I
intend to be there when that happens... if you'll let me," Candice
said.

"Why settle for second fiddle? You can have a man of your own, all to
yourself. If I get you set up in town you'll have lots to choose from,"
John said.

"I've had a man of my own. Didn't care much for him. If anything the
triplets made it easier on me. Much to my shame for saying so. But when
Nick was hurting them, he wasn't hurting me. I've met quite a few men
besides him. Most pretty much like him," Candice said.

"Don't go judging the whole world on just a few locals. The men around
here may be much like Nick because they were all raised alike. That's
not going to be true elsewhere, even as close as the city," John said.

"Maybe so, but I've met a few from there too. No, there's another
reason too," she said.

"What's that?" John asked.

"Women," Candice said, hesitantly.

"What about them?" he asked.

"Oh... guess I've discovered I've always had a yen for them... The
triplets and I used to lay together and rub each other.. but we never
knowed what we was doing. We never understood that women can actually
make love to one another. Now I know that, I don't want to lose it. I
know that it's frowned on elsewhere," Candice said.

"There's a whole city full of women who like other women in San
Francisco," John said.

"Yeah, and who don't like men like you while they're at it," Candice
replied.

"I met Sheila there," John said.

"Look, I'm not saying that I'd never find what I wanted elsewhere. But
it would be damn hard. And I've come to realize I've got what I've
always wanted, right here. The only condition is that I have to share
it with others who want the same thing. Doesn't sound so bad to me. I
can't blame them a bit for that," she said.

"Well, I can't promise things will work out that way," John said.

"I'll take my chances, just like the rest," Candice said.

"We'll just have to see," John said.

"Fine by me... I'd better get busy on breakfast," Candice said.

"I've got two cooks for that," John said.

"Who will be up in another two hours. There's three girls who might
well be up already," Candice chuckled.

"Who are free women to fend for themselves?" John said. Candice looked
at him a moment, then grinned and nodded.

"It won't be easy for me," she said, softly, "But I'll do my best."

"I never asked any more of anybody," John chuckled.

"So what should we do?" Candice asked, mischievously, snuggling to him.

"Candice, I just spent the last half hour explaining how there was only
one of me and seven of you. I'd be pleased to please you.. but I can't
be inside you for a while," John said.

"I'll take what I can get. Besides... I like the other almost as well,"
Candice chuckled.

"Tell you what.. I'll trade you. I get the feeling you never learned to
please yourself before. I'll teach you that. Then I'll build on it and
it will be almost as good for you," John offered.

"Oh.. I don't know. I've hardly ever touched myself much...I'd be...
embarrassed," she stammered.

"That, you will get over. I'll be guiding you anyway. Just follow my
lead. Okay?" John asked. Candice nodded, blushing. "Let's make a pit
stop first though. I've gotta go. I want to brush my teeth too," John
said. Candice agreed. Once back in bed, they kissed deeply. John rolled
over her and guided her hands. He softly caressed her sides and
breasts, drawing her fingertips along with his.

"Feel your nipples. See how they respond to your touch? They like to be
touched by you. Your whole body does. Explore yourself, get to know
your body. You'll be a better lover if you know what a body likes,"
John coaxed. When Candice began breathing harder, he rolled off to the
side. She tried to roll to him, but he stopped her. "No, you, by
yourself first," he said. She blushed and continued to explore her
body.

John got a shaving mirror and returned to the bed. He set it up and had
her examine herself. Explaining her different parts and how to touch
them. She got hotter by the minute. Slowly she began to loosen up. Her
body writhing around on the bed. Feeling even more excited that John
was watching her. She plunged a finger into herself, then two.

She remembered the taste of the other women and bravely brought them
out to her lips, tasting herself. Not as bad as she thought it would
be. She licked them and then pushed them back inside. Gathering some of
her natural lubricant. She brought them out and smeared some on her
nipples while her other hand moved to replace them inside her. These
she brought out and rubbed along her clitoris. She learned quickly.
Teasing herself to the edge of orgasm and then letting off. First
furiously rubbing her clitoris and then teasing along her pubic lips or
playing in her dark pubic patch.

Her eyes locked onto John's as she let herself tip over the edge for
the very first time by her own hands. Her body convulsing hard and
long, the wind expelled from her lungs in a hungry cry. She lay back
panting. Softly caressing herself. Then she felt his hands join hers
once more. Instantly her passion rekindled. But now she felt free to
touch herself while he moved between her legs. The first swipe of his
tongue set her off once more. It was just the first of many.

"I wonder where Candice is?" Alice said.

"I'll bet having the time of her life. Let's start breakfast anyway,"
Amy said.

"You think that John will spend as much time with us?" Alice asked.

"I'd bet so. He seems to try to divide himself fairly equally," Andrea
chuckled.

"He's sure not like Nick. I'll say that for him," Amy chuckled, rolling
her eyes.

"No, Nick never used his tongue on us," Andrea said, dreamily.

"Nobody did before we came here," Alice said.

"I like it," Amy said.

"Me too... I even like... doing it to others," Andrea said.

"Me too.... want to do it now?" Alice asked.

"Maybe after breakfast... for dessert," Andrea chuckled.

"Tell you what, you cook. Alice and I will do it," Amy said, pulling
Alice into a deep kiss. Andrea looked at them, feeling erotic herself.

"I'll cook part, but then we can change, okay?" she asked. The others
nodded through their kiss. Their fingers played under each other's
clothes. Finding nipples and tweaking them. Eventually they moved
between each other's legs. Andrea had a hell of a time mixing up the
biscuits. The other two climbed right up on the table and stripped off
each others clothes. They moved quickly into the sixty-nine position
and teased each other half to death.

After they cried out, Andrea had the biscuits mixed. She spooned them
onto a greased tray and put them in a hot oven. She set the timer so
they wouldn't forget them. Then she moved to the girls on the table and
stripped her own clothes off. The two moved to her and shared each
other's juices in deep kisses. Alice flipped onto her back and slid her
head off the table, under Andrea's thighs. Andrea moaned through the
kiss with Amy. She was having trouble standing. The girls were
merciless in their attack.

Finally Amy reluctantly moved off to fry the bacon. Re-donning her
clothes after discovering a well known adage about frying bacon in the
nude. Andrea climbed up onto the table and delved her head between
Alice's young thighs. Before long, they began to buck and moan as they
gave each other orgasm after orgasm. Amy set the bacon to drain on some
paper towels and then moved to the table. She met Alice's tongue on
Andrea's clitoris and together they swirled her into oblivion. Amy was
about to join them when a sharp intake of breath distracted her.

"My, my. Breakfast looks good this morning," Cindy chuckled. The girls
all jumped and looked guilty, trying to cover up. "Relax, we'll join
you after we eat. But I must warn you, one of the house rules is no sex
on the table... during meals at least," Theresa chuckled.

"I don't know, looks pretty appetizing to me. They're never going to
believe this back in San Francisco," Sheila said.

"You promised you wouldn't tell, remember?" Cindy said.

"That agreement expired two days ago, but don't worry, love. Even if I
did tell, which I wouldn't, nobody, and I mean *nobody*, would believe
me," Sheila chuckled.

"I'll bet it has been an interesting week and a half for you," Theresa
chuckled. Sheila rolled her eyes and nodded vigorously. She poured a
cup of coffee and went to pull Alice into her lap.

"My turn to cook," Alice said.

"Actually, it's my turn. But as you girls have most of it done, sit
down and enjoy yourselves while I finish up," Cindy said. Theresa sat
down and Amy jumped to pour her a cup of coffee. She pulled Andrea onto
one knee and then Amy onto the other. She kissed each of them.

"You know, even if John's not up to it, having these three around has
its own appeal," Sheila chuckled. Alice kissed her. Sheila shuddered
from the assault of aroma that engulfed her senses.

"You might have something there," Cindy said, thoughtfully.

"What's that?" Theresa asked.

"Let me think for a while.." Cindy said.

"Girls, how often did Nick make love to you?" she asked, after a bit.

"If what you folks do is making love, never," Andrea giggled.

"Okay, then how often did he have sex with you?" Cindy reiterated.

"Well, it weren't too bad, 'cause there was four of us. Only once or
twice a week... each that is," Amy said.

"More often with Candice," Alice said.

"And sometimes we would... you know, rub each other," Andrea blushed.

"I thought you never had orgasms before," Cindy said.

"We didn't... but it still felt good. A lot better'n what Nick did,"
Amy giggled.

"But you never enjoyed sex with a man before?" Cindy asked. All three
girls shook their heads.

"Not before" "yesterday" "with John," they answered.

"Oh god, three channel audio again," Sheila chuckled.

"We only" "do that when" "we feel comfortable," they said, giggling.

"Well, I'm glad you feel comfortable," Theresa said, kissing her two.

"Me too," Sheila said, bussing Alice.

"How would you girls feel if John only made love to you once a week..
entered you that is?" Candice asked.

"Well... we don't rightly know.." "Cause we haven't done it" "with him
yet," they answered.

"Near enough with that mannequin yesterday," Cindy chuckled.

"I guess that would" "be alright" "uh-huh," they agreed.

"You need to get comfortable more often, you're getting out of sync,"
Sheila giggled.

"What are you getting at?" Theresa asked.

"Well, John's biggest opposition to the girls staying on, is that he
wouldn't be able to have sex with all of us often enough to keep us
happy. But they've never enjoyed it to begin with. And you all know
that sex with John is more enjoyable than any dozen Nick's. What I'm
suggesting, is that we ladies keep these three and Candice happily
contented ourselves. Then John loses his biggest opposition. If we each
made love to even one or two a day, then they'd barely be able to talk,
let alone miss John's affections. I know that I'd be more than content
to have him just once a week. Just knowing that whatever time we got
would be quality time. But I can't speak for the rest of you ladies,"
Cindy said.

"The hell you can't, you just did. I'd agree to all that," Theresa
said.

"You could count me in on that too. Hell, I've only been with him that
way once, but it was better than anything that I ever experienced
before. I'd be content getting him even once a month," Sheila said.

"Well, we'd all have to agree, and he'd still need a day off, so that
would work out that we'd each get him once every eight days. He'd get a
different woman each time for six days, then have a day of rest. Then
the last. But over time each of us would average eight days between
times," Cindy said.

"Would Candice go for that?" Theresa asked the girls.

"Gee, I don't know.." "she sort of liked it" "even with Nick," the
triplets answered.

"If I know our John, last night convinced her of just about anything.
She'll probably be happy with whatever she gets," Cindy chuckled.

"But isn't this exactly what you all got mad at me about the other
night?" Theresa asked.

"No, darling. We weren't really mad at you anyway. What bothered us, is
that you wanted to argue with John when he already understood all that
you were saying and was having a hard enough time dealing with it
himself," Cindy said. Sheila nodded.

"That pretty much sums it up," she said.

"Damn, I love you two," Theresa said.

"The feeling is mutual, love," Sheila said.

"Ditto!" Cindy quipped, "One egg or two?"

"Two." "One" "Two" "One" "One."

"Let's see, that's three ones and two two's, not necessarily in that
order. Not counting myself, John and Candice. About a dozen eggs a day.
We're going to need some chickens to make this work," Cindy chuckled.

"We can" "keep them" "for you." "We always" "took care" "of ours," the
triplets volunteered.

"Aren't they adorable?" Theresa asked, tweaking two shapely rumps.

"They certainly are, what say we all get a head start on this plan
right after breakfast," Cindy said.

"I have something I'd like to do with Alice. Any Lewis Carroll in the
Library?" Sheila asked. Cindy nodded, grinning broadly. The kitchen was
empty when John and Candice finally entered it. They found their
breakfasts in a warm oven, except the eggs. Which waited next to a
clean non-stick pan. Candice got John a cup of coffee and then put the
eggs on.

"Wonder where our little darling's are?" John mused.

"Probably raping each other, or your mannequin, or both," Candice
chuckled. The food was good. They ate their fill and then went in
search of the girls. They found Sheila and Alice in the Library. Alice
was sitting on Sheila's lap while she read to her from *Alice In
Wonderland*. Sheila looked up long enough to inform them that the rest
of them were *frau-licking* by the pool.

"With emphasis on the *licking*," she giggled. John and Candice both
kissed the two of them good morning, then Sheila turned back to Alice
and the book.

"Okay, your turn. Take it slow and sound out the words," she said. John
smiled at her and led Candice away. He led her into the Com room and
showed her the computers. She'd already seen the one in the Lab, but
somehow these were different. These connected to places all over the
world, John said. He showed her this as he bounced around to places she
hadn't even heard of. Showing her on the world globe where each place
was. They could pretty well guess what Cindy, Theresa and the other two
triplets were up to. John checked his E-mail. There was a message from
Sally. He read the letter with delight. She didn't get all that
personal, but John blushed as he let Candice read over his shoulder.

"Now who the hell is this? You've got another woman somewhere?!" she
giggled.

"I went back to New York last week. I met a very sweet girl who needed
a leg up. I gave her one," John said.

"Looks like you did more than that... Say, is she the one you did all
the loving with?" Candice asked, smirking.

"The same," John answered, blushing.

"I'd like to meet her," Candice said.

"Uh.. I don't know... I don't think she's really... Bi," John said.

"Bi what?" she asked.

"Bisexual," John replied. "Meaning she likes both men and women, only I
don't think she likes women that way."

"Oh.. is that what I am? Bisexual?" Candice asked.

"It would seem so," John said.

"Hm.. see. I never even knew they had a word for it before, now I am
one," Candice chuckled.

"Speaking of which, would you go down to the pool and remind Cindy that
we've got a trip to make today? I'd like to get started in about an
hour," John asked her.

"Be glad to. Wanna write up your reply huh?" Candice chuckled. John
nodded, blushing. She kissed him deeply and then went off chuckling.

"Like living with a bunch of damn psychics. How come I never know what
they are thinking?" John muttered to himself. He composed his reply to
Sally. Not knowing how much he wanted to tell her about Candice and the
triplets, he ended up telling her everything, down to his bargaining
session with Nick and his night with Candice. Basically he brought her
up to date on his life onwards from his flight back. Telling her of his
time with Sheila and his re-acquaintance with Cindy and Theresa. All he
left out about the triplets, was their ages. He finished with a note
telling her how much he loved her and how he wished he could just jump
a plane back to the relative peace of life with her. He didn't dare re-
read it. He just transmitted it and then wiped the message. Cindy found
him staring at a blank screen.

"Candice said you had a message from Sally. How is she?" she said,
kissing him good morning. John detected several different vintages on
her tongue.

"She's doing well. She says that her boss is ecstatic with her
progress. She misses me," John said.

"Can I read your reply?" Cindy giggled.

"Certainly not. I already wiped it," John said, indignantly.

"Really? Going for eight," Cindy giggled.

"No, planning my get away...A man should have some secrets. Come here,"
he said, pulling her into his lap. He kissed her deeply, savoring every
flavor he found. When he finally pulled back he told her how much he
loved her.

"I love you too. What secrets? Like you're trying to figure out how to
ask me, Theresa and Sheila if the girls can stay, and how to ask them
if they'd be content making love to you only once a week?" Cindy
giggled.

"God damn it. How the hell do you girls do that? Candice just guessed
that I was going to compose my reply to Sally when I asked her to go
find you. Now you come up here and read my mind like a damn book," John
said.

"John, we've lived together for a whole year now. Don't you think I
have some clue as to how you think?" Cindy giggled.

"Alright, granted. But how come I've got no clue as to how you do?" he
asked. She giggled and shrugged.

"I seem to recall how you figured out that Theresa and I were making
love in the shack by the road while you were in San Francisco. All by
the way the cell phone answered," she said.

"So how do they feel? Whoa, back up, how do you feel?" he asked.

"I feel..... Like I've felt since you asked me if you could make love
with Sally. I feel giddy. Not a bit jealous. You remember our three
a.m. conversation in the kitchen, when I told you that whatever you did
was okay by me, cause I know you will always do the right thing?" she
asked.

"Of course I do, it was just a few days ago. But I'd never hold you to
that, or even try to," he said.

"I know you wouldn't, that's one of the reasons why I love you. But I
meant it. I didn't expect it to be tested so soon, but I did mean it,"
Cindy said, snuggling to him.

"You're telling me what you think I want to hear. Now how do you feel
about it?" John asked.

"Oh... maybe just a little disappointed that it will take longer for us
to be alone again. But honestly, I fell in love with the little
darlings on the first night. I started preparing myself for this right
then," she replied, honestly.

"That's better. And the others? Theresa and Sheila?" he asked.

"We're all agreed. We talked about it this morning. The triplets were
there. We've all conceded that we can tolerate you making love to each
of us eight days apart. Even the triplets. I can't answer for Candice,"
Cindy replied.

"Eight days? There's seven of you," John questioned.

"You need a day of rest, my love. Especially with seven hungry women to
fulfill," Cindy chuckled.

"Oh, that's nice of you," he said, smiling.

"Nothing but the best for my man. Now, what about Candice?" Cindy
asked.

"Oh, she said much the same thing this morning too," John said.

"Did she now? You know, I'm more impressed with her all the time," she
said.

"She's really quite a nice person. I kind of came down hard on her this
morning though. I told her one of the things she was going to have to
change, was her mother hen attitude. Not that I blame her for having
it, with Nick being such an asshole. Anyway I told her that one of the
basic rules about staying here, was that we allowed each other to make
our own mistakes. Which we do. You allow me to make oodles of them,"
John snickered at her.

"You haven't made too many. Just one thing puzzles me though," Cindy
said.

"What's that?" he replied.

"How come you never come across any cute guys or ugly old women who
need help?" she chuckled.

"I don't have a clue," he said, honestly.

"Well, dear. Shall we pay a visit to Nick?" she said.

"That we should. I'll get my gun," he said.

"You expecting trouble?" she asked, alarmed.

"No, but it never hurts to be prepared. If he's been drinking he might
have a change of heart," John said. Cindy nodded, apprehensively. They
suited up. Sheila met them and supplied them each with a full thermos
of coffee and a bag of sandwiches.

"You know, you're a pretty terrific gal," John said, kissing her
deeply. She felt the bulge under his arm once more. She pulled back in
question. "No telling if he's been drinking and had a change of heart,"
John explained. Sheila nodded. She did her best to smile. She pulled
Cindy against her and gave her a giant kiss also. She felt a bulge in
Cindy's outfit. She pulled back in alarm.

"Cell phone," Cindy giggled. Sheila nodded, relieved.

"You hurry back," Sheila said.

"I want to stop and check on the second cruiser, so we may take longer.
We'll call you when we leave Nick's place so you won't worry," John
said, stuffing some hand warmers into his unused pockets. Cindy did the
same.

"You save some for me, you hear!" Sheila chuckled. John nodded and
kissed her again before donning his helmet.

"You'd better go save Theresa from those wild women," Cindy chuckled,
kissing her again, too.

"Who's gonna save me?" she giggled.

"Try setting them on each other. And there's always my toy," Cindy
said, with a mischievous smile.

"I think that's a bit much for the young ones yet. But it's good to
keep in mind for Candice," Sheila giggled. John and Cindy headed out.
He picked the machine he'd had the day before. Checked both their tanks
and added a siphon hose with a ball hand pump.

"Thinking of siphoning some gas from a rusted old tractor?" Cindy
giggled.

"No, going to siphon what's left in my tank into yours, just before we
get to Nick's. He won't be following us very far," John chuckled.

"Do you always think of everything?" Cindy said.

"No, I forgot to tell you, Theresa and Sheila how much I love you,"
John said.

"Yes, you always think of everything," Cindy said, quietly to herself.
They started their machines and headed out. John cursed that he'd left
the gate open. He closed it behind them. He didn't head straight for
Nick's, instead he headed straight for the road.

"Where are we going?" Cindy's voice sounded in his helmet.

"The long way. I want to make it tough for Nick to find us," he
replied.

"Can't he just follow the tracks from yesterday?" she asked. Just then
they reached the hill top and passed over it. A bulge in the snow
marked the girls' wrecked machine. John indicated their previous track.
It was fairly well drifted over. Cindy nodded. John led them all the
way out to the road. He opened up the shack and checked on the land
cruiser. It was fine. He turned up the heat for their return. Then he
closed it up and led her out to the main road. He crossed over it and
to the other side. Cindy followed him, checking for traffic. The snow
plows had been by and there was hardened ice berms on either side of
the road. Crossing them was tough. But once across, the going was easy.
John turned towards Nick's direction.

He traveled a long way along the other side of the road, just off the
snowplow berm, instructing Cindy to follow in his track. Finally, after
he passed a few settlements, he crossed over the road again. Cindy
followed him once more. Now they headed straight for Nick's place.

"What was that all about?" Cindy asked.

"The next snowplow will cover our tracks. No way that Nick could follow
us, unless he does it right away," John said.

"Which is the reason for the siphon hose," Cindy chuckled.

"Not 100%, but probably good enough," John said.

"Hopefully. Maybe Nick's got some gas around," Cindy said.

"Maybe. I haven't figured out what to do about that. I can't very well
sabotage the machine. It would look too suspicious," John said.

"Yeah, otherwise you could just piss in the tank," Cindy giggled.

"Huh?" John asked.

"Happened to my Jr. High Principal. Left his lawn mower out over night.
One of his students made a *night deposit*. He brought it into the
school shop to get it fixed. The shop teacher figured it out. He made
the mistake of telling his students about it. Next thing it wasn't safe
for any teacher to leave their lawnmowers out or their car tanks
unlocked," Cindy giggled.

"Kids will be kids... but it's not a bad idea. I think a piece of
sandwich wrapper in the tank should do it. Nick probably wouldn't think
a thing about it. Just fix it. Not obvious sabotage, but effective.
Thanks. Good idea, love," John said.

"Actually I was joking," she giggled.

"It didn't happen?" he asked.

"Pissing in his tank? Yeah, that happened. No, I was joking about you
doing it," she said.

"Your jokes are inspiring," he said.

"I wish I could say the same thing about yours," Cindy giggled.

"Yeah, well, you can't have an Olympic class stud and a sense of humor
too," he chuckled.

"I'm not complaining, just wishing," she said.

"Okay, when we get to Nick's, stay behind me. I mean it. *Always*
behind me," he said.

"Roger, boss," she said. They stopped once more at the mouth of the
canyon. John let the machines cool for a bit as they drank coffee and
ate a sandwich. Then he siphon pumped most all of his fuel into Cindy's
machine. As much as it would hold, and then some out into the snow.

"Bad for the ecology," Cindy teased.

"Not too bad. Most of it will evaporate. Nowhere near as bad as Saddam
Hussein," he said.

"Just teasing, love," she said.

"I know sometimes I'm pretty dry. But right now I'm not in a teasing
mood," he said.

"You are expecting trouble at Nick's, aren't you?" she said, seriously.

"Not for certain. But it's a good possibility. Just stay behind me. And
please, do as I say, exactly, while we're there. You can call me an
asshole and scream and shout at me after we're back here, but while
we're there, please do *exactly* as I say, with no lip," he said.

"Will do... unless you tell me to give him a blow job. Then I might
just bite it off," Cindy said, not teasing.

"That, I won't be doing," John said, tearing a corner from his plastic
sack and dropping it into his tank. "Okay, let's go," he said. He led
them both up to the cabin. Cindy made a wide circle behind him and came
up pointing the opposite direction. John unzipped his suit, right off.
The cabin seemed deserted. John kept an eye on the door while he
unsnapped his helmet radio from the machine and pushed it into his
breast pocket. Then he went and knocked on the door. A groggy Nick
answered it. John stepped back.

"Just delivering your machine," John said, friendly like.

"I changed my mind," Nick said. John took an additional step back as
Nick stepped out on the porch. He had his rifle in his hands, but his
fingers nowhere near the trigger.

"Why would you do that?" John asked easily.

"'Cause I decided I want a tractor too. With all the attachments. It
got lonely last night," Nick said, slurring his words.

"We had a deal, Nick. You signed the paper. They're divorced now. They
don't want to come back here. Why not just let them go?" John said,
toying with his zipper.

"Cause I don't want to. Some rich fuck comes up here trying to buy my
women," Nick spat. He started to lift the gun towards John. He never
made it. Suddenly there was a cocked .357 pointed straight between his
eyes. Nick froze.

"Now you just lay that down in front of you, nice and easy. I don't
want to have to shoot you," John said, evenly. Nick slowly complied,
even being drunk he realized how dangerous the gun was. He set the gun
on the porch, on top of his boot. "Nope, don't be fucking with me. Off
your boot, just tip it off real slow," John said, not wavering a bit.
Cindy was scared to death. She was shaking. She stayed behind John, but
not too close in case he had to move. Nick complied, now the gun was
before his toes. "Okay fine, now take your left toe and slowly push it
away from you. I mean it. Slow!" John barked. Nick complied.

"Cindy, step around me on my left. *Do not* get between us. *Do not*
get too close to him. Pull the gun away from him without getting
between us. Now, please. Nick, you move a muscle towards her or the gun
and I'll blow your fucking head off," John said. Cindy did exactly as
he said. "Okay, now Cindy, step back behind me. Move slow, don't trip,
same side," John said, his eyes not leaving Nick, nor his aim wavering.
Cindy complied.

"Okay, now take the last of my thermos and dump it into this machine's
gas tank," John said.

"But that will fuck it up!" Nick cried.

"Not if you don't start it before you clean it out. I just want to see
you don't follow us," John said. Cindy did as she was told.

"Done," she said simply.

"Okay, take the key, put it in your pocket." John said, "You, Nick. Why
don't you just sit down real slow right where you are." Nick complied.

"I'll get you for this," Nick said, sitting on the porch.

"Keep them hands where I can see them," John barked. Nick put them in
his lap, palms up.

"You won't get away with this!" he spat.

"I already have. Now you listen up. I'm gonna keep my end of the
bargain. You'll get your car and your truck. And if I'm in a *real*
good mood come spring, maybe even your tractor. Now what's going to put
me in a good mood, is that you keep *your* end of the bargain. You
don't try to follow us. You don't try to contact the girls. You forget
that you were ever married. Now if you show up at my place, it's gonna
put me in a *real bad* mood. When I'm in a bad mood I might just blow
your fucking nuts off. Then it won't matter if you're married or not.
You think about that.

"Now you can pick up your rifle leaning against that last tree after
we're gone. The snowmobile key will be in the snow next to it. I'd
recommend that you pick them up tomorrow. 'Cause if I see you at all
today, this is not going to end so pleasantly. Understood?" John said.
Nick nodded. John glanced around quickly and then back to Nick, his aim
never faltering.

"Now you see that horse shoe over there on that barn?" John said.

"Yeah, I put it there," Nick said. Suddenly John spun and his pistol
cracked sharp in the cold air. He was back onto Nick before he could
hardly blink. John and Cindy's ears rang inside their helmets. John had
an idea what Nick's uncovered ears felt like. "Now you think about that
before you get any ideas about coming after us," John said loudly.
There was a neat hole smack dab in the middle of the U made by the
horse shoe tangs. Nick nodded, looking at the hole in his barn.

"Start your machine, Cindy," John said. He heard the machine start and
he carefully backed around his to it. Feeling his way with his foot all
the way so he wouldn't trip. He backed around Cindy's machine and
climbed on the back, keeping the gun on Nick. He took the rifle from
Cindy with his other hand and slid it under his leg. He wrapped his
free hand around Cindy.

"Go," he said. The machine leaped forward, but John kept his gun
pointed at Nick until they were behind the trees, then he had Cindy
stop at the last one. He cranked the cartridges out of the gun into the
snow opposite the tree and then laid it against it. Cindy took out the
key and handed it to John, who was keeping an eye on Nick, who was
still seated on the porch, seemingly to weep. John dropped the key into
the snow by the rifle. Then eased the hammer forward on the gun and
holstered it. He remounted behind Cindy and tapped her on the head.

She took off slower this time, but quickly picked up speed. John had
her stop at the mouth of the canyon once more. She was shaking like a
leaf in the wind. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly.
He was shaking a bit himself.

"Where the hell did you learn to shoot like that?" she said.

"Just lucky. It was stupid!" John said.

"Stupid, you nailed it between the tangs," she said.

"Stupid! I could have missed," John said. She thought about it and
nodded. "You okay?" he asked. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Good,
let's put some more distance between us. I'm not so sure that was his
only gun," John said. Cindy nodded. John took the controls and Cindy
hugged herself to his back. He gunned the engine and they flew over the
white terrain, following their inward path, except angling a bit
farther away from the silo's direction. They traveled in silence for a
long time. Finally John stopped the machine and listened behind them.
Sweeping the wide white territory with his eyes. Finally he headed out
once more. Cindy snuggled to his back.

They crossed the road after just missing a half buried barbed wire
fence. John kept his eyes peeled as he stayed along the plow berm. Then
they came upon their outgoing track. John hugged it exactly. Finally he
came to the end. He crossed over the two iced berms and then angled in
to the shack. He stopped the machine and opened the door. He pulled the
machine inside. Closing and locking the door behind them. Cindy was on
him almost instantly.

"Oh god, John. I was so scared. I will never doubt you again. You did
things exactly right," Cindy said.

"No I didn't. You shouldn't have been there. I should have left you at
the trees," he said, half shaking himself. "Better yet, I should have
had a helicopter drop the son of a bitch on his doorstep," he
concluded, unzipping his suit and pulling off his helmet. It was warm
in the shack. Cindy unsuited herself. John took the Cellular out of her
pocket. It didn't work. He grinned at her and she smiled in chagrin.

"Back in a minute. I'd better call the girls. We forgot to call them
when we left," he said.

"Don't be long!" she gasped.

"Don't worry. I'm going inwards, along our earlier track, just out from
the shadow of the berm," he reassured her. She nodded. He opened the
door, he still had his suit on. He followed their packed track until
the Cellular picked up a cell site. Then he called the silo. Sheila was
near panic. He assured her that they had just forgotten to call.
Everything was okay. They would be out of touch for a while in the
shack while they warmed up a bit before starting back. Sheila relaxed
quite a bit.

"You near scared us to death!" she said.

"I'm sorry. We'll be home in a few hours," he told her.

"Okay.. I love you," Sheila said.

"I love you too. Sorry I forgot to tell you before we left," he said.

"Glad that you're okay. Don't stay too long," she said.

"We won't, it's just a bit cold. We'll start back as soon as we warm up
a bit," John said.

"Okay... bye," Sheila said.

"Bye.." John killed the phone and made his way back to the shack. Cindy
was very relieved to see him. He stripped off his suit and poured a cup
from the second thermos. He offered her one. She shook her head.

"How did you know?" Cindy said.

"About Nick? I just reasoned what I'd be like if I'd lost them girls,"
John chuckled.

"You could have warned me," she said.

"I did. As much warning as I had. I told you to do exactly as I said.
You did that. I'm grateful to you," he said.

"I didn't do anything. God, I was so scared I could hardly move," she
said.

"You did everything I told you. You didn't freeze up. You did just
fine," John said, pulling her to him. She sobbed in his arms. He held
her close for a long time. Then kissed her deeply. Her return kisses
were hungry. John expected that. A famous quote came back to him:
"There's nothing like a life threatening situation to make a woman hot
as hell", or some such thing, he thought, but wisely didn't say.

"So, where did you and Theresa do your thing here?" he snickered at
her.

"Those air mattresses over there. It took us forever to pump them up,"
Cindy said, hoarsely.

"Why didn't you use the pump?" he asked.

"We did, that one there," Cindy said, pointing to a hand pump. John
grinned and opened a cupboard. He pulled out an electric pump with a
cigarette lighter plug. Cindy moaned. John didn't even have to use the
battery in the cruiser, there was that sort of outlet on the second
charger on the spare battery. He quickly inflated a mattress and then
spread a blanket on it.

"You sure you want to do this? You've got six planned for the next
three days," Cindy asked.

"I fully intend to fulfill my promises. Oh, dearest love of mine," he
said, pulling off his clothes. He set the holstered pistol on the
table, after clearing the spent cartridge and then lowering the hammer
on the empty chamber. John turned the heat up a bit more and then lay
back on the covered mattress. Cindy finished removing her clothes and
moved into his arms. Shaking with desire. He didn't disappoint her.

He teased her to several massive orgasms before he entered her. She
followed with several more. John went through all the motions of an
orgasm without having one. Cindy hardly noticed that he took longer to
wither. He lay caressing her tenderly, brushing a damp lock of hair
from her forehead. She snuggled to his side, smiling.

"Thank you. I needed that. I wish you'd been free to enjoy it as much
as I," she chuckled.

"What makes you think I didn't enjoy it as much as you?" he asked.

"John, my dear sweet love. One of the greatest thrills in my life, is
when you climax inside me. I know exactly what it feels like. I know
why you didn't, I even love you more for it. But don't expect to fool
me that way. I'm just ecstatically grateful for what you did do," she
said.

"Not a very good faker, am I?" he said, looking distant.

"A very good faker, I'm just very observant...... what's wrong?" she
asked, concerned.

"I don't like even having to try to fake it. I never did before. I feel
like I cheated you. I don't know how this is going to work out," he
said.

"I don't feel cheated. In fact I feel quite blissfully fulfilled......
I think it will work out better than you think it will," she said.

"How so?" he asked.

"Cause me and the others will make it so. We intend to keep those girls
and ourselves ecstatically happy. You just do what feels comfortable,"
she said.

"What feels comfortable to me, is having a genuine climax inside the
ones I love," he said, moodily.

"Christ, John. By my count you've done that thirty five times in three
days, and you're scheduled for up to six more in the next three. You
couldn't possibly expect me to feel cheated because you're trying to
live up to your promises," she chuckled. He kissed her tenderly. She
shivered a bit under his touch.

"Thank you for being so understanding," he said.

"That, my love, you are very welcome to. And anything else I have,
whenever you wish," she said.

"Well, we should start back," he said. She pulled him to her and hugged
him fiercely.

"God, I love you," she said.

"And I you..... Come on. Let's get dressed," he said. He helped her to
her feet, hugging her again as she stood. Softly caressing her lithe
young body. Admiring it.

"You know, you really do make a girl feel loved," she said.

"I try, lord knows, I try," he said.

"Well, you're more successful than you know," she said, kissing his
cheek. They dressed and John turned down the heat, deflated the
mattress and gathered their few possessions. He put the shoulder
holster back on, if for no other reason than that it was the easiest
way to carry it. "Dead eye John. That's what we'll have to call you,"
Cindy chuckled.

"Uh... I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell the others about what
happened," he said.

"Why not?" she asked.

"'Cause I don't want them to be concerned. If Nick should show up, I'm
just gonna call the Sheriff on him. I have no intention of getting into
a shooting war with him," John said.

"A modest hero... *My* hero," she said, softly, with true admiration in
her eyes.

"Don't go placating me. I'm no hero. Besides... my ego isn't exactly
hurting right now," he chuckled.

"I should think not, with eight women after your butt.... but I wasn't
trying to placate you. You will always be *My* hero," she said.

"Eight? Did I miss count?" he asked.

"Sally," she reminded him.

"Oh, she doesn't count," he said.

"If you say so... *Thirty times!*... " she chuckled.

"Just for that, I'm gonna have to subject you to the same cruelty.... I
think about July I should be up to it," he said.

"Any time you feel up to it, I'm game," she said, demurely.

"Come on. The others are probably worrying," he said. They closed up
the shack and mounted the machine. John at the controls, Cindy
blissfully snuggled to his back. He stopped just past the berms to call
the silo to let them know they were headed back. The ride back was
uneventful. Cindy rode all the way snuggled to her hero, smiling
peacefully. Once back, he closed the gate and they put the machine
away. The girls all met them in the entryway. John thinking that one of
the things they all needed was winter clothing. He sloughed off
questions about what had happened, Cindy remaining mute, through great
effort. She wanted to brag to them all about *Dead Eye John*.

He simply said, "It's done. You're all free."

"Dinner's ready," Theresa said, studying the pair, thoughtfully. John
excused himself and went and locked up his pistol, he'd clean it later.
Dinner was a feast. All the girls had pitched in and made something
special. Sheila had picked a perfect wine, luckily one John had bought
a case of. Three bottles barely yielded two glasses each. It was
enough. All were feeling blissfully mellow.

Sheila figured out that there was more to the Nick story than John was
telling, as he told very little, side checking questions gracefully.
Cindy was being too quiet, but her eyes burned with admiration for
John. Candice studied both John and Cindy. She *knew* there was more to
it. The triplets seemed oblivious. They were eyeing John for a
different reason.

"We decided that Alice should be first," Amy said out of the blue. John
smiled at them and nodded. There was a certain logic to that. Alice and
Sheila seemed to have a special relationship going. In fact the girls
had all seemed to have subconsciously paired off. Amy with Theresa,
Andrea with Cindy. Candice seemed content with anybody, but especially
John or Sheila.

"I'm gonna miss all of you so much..," Sheila said. The same about her
was said universally around the table.

"I've been thinking... Have you girls ever been apart, I mean for more
than a day or two?" Sheila asked the triplets.

"Nope.. not even for that long," Andrea said.

"Would you object?" Sheila asked.

"To what?" Amy asked.

"To being apart for a little while," Sheila said. John could see where
this was heading, he smiled to himself.

"Guess that would depend on why and for how long," Andrea said. Alice
looked at her wondering.

"Well, I was thinking.... I don't want to be away from you all, but I
have to go for at least two weeks. I can't take all of you, but if you
wouldn't mind, and if she'd like to, then I'd like to take Alice back
with me... and Candice too, if she wants," Sheila said.

"Oh, could I!" Alice asked excitedly.

"Why not all the triplets, why me?" Candice said.

"Several reasons... first off, 'cause I want you to come. Second, I
don't want to deprive Amy and Andrea of their time with John and
lastly... I don't think I have the stamina for three of you, but you
could keep Alice company while I was at work. Besides.. it will give
John a needed break," Sheila giggled.

"I think it's a great idea," Cindy said.

"Me too... but won't that be a problem, with Alice being underage?"
Theresa said.

"Nope," John said, "Nobody is looking for *her*. Candice is an adult.
They're free to travel wherever they wish. I think it's a great idea
too. I'd be pleased to sponsor it."

"No way. My treat... and I mean that in every way," Sheila said.

"Suit yourself," John said.

"I do... and in all fairness, I'd like to take each of them on a trip
in the future... each of all of you when I can. I think this business
thing will be keeping me pretty busy and on the road for a long time.
If I'm to be a part of this I like the idea of taking a piece of it
with me wherever I go," Sheila grinned.

"What a great idea... and it will give John a break every now and
then," Cindy said.

"Maybe I don't want a break," John chuckled. They all looked at him,
exasperated.

"Don't go getting *macho* on us," Theresa said. Cindy about choked on
her last sip of wine. Sheila looked at her, thinking she'd better have
a little talk with her before she left. They all adjourned to the hot
tub. It was happily crowded. John was in seventh heaven... literally,
surrounded by seven heavenly women. He sat with Alice on his lap,
Sheila next to him. Together they caressed and prepped her for what was
to come. The rest of the women had no trouble amusing themselves.

Finally, John transferred Alice into Sheila's lap while he made the
rounds kissing each of the girls good night. Cindy held him tightly and
wished him luck. Theresa and Candice too. Then all the girls rotated
kissing Sheila and Alice goodnight. Amy and Andrea especially, full of
envy. John dried while Sheila dried Alice and herself. Then John swept
Alice into his arms and carried her to the guest room. Sheila close by.

Chapter 57

Alice was both excited and nervous. Sheila's presence served to calm
her considerably. John let Sheila start the process, joining in when
Alice was well prepped. The two of them giving her multiple, body
wracking, orgasms. Afterwards, Sheila was right there guiding her. She
showed Alice how to suck John softly into her mouth. Alice thrilled as
he responded and grew. Then Sheila held her in her lap as John tenderly
entered her.

It wasn't at all like Nick. Not in the least bit painful, even though
John was actually larger. She'd already practiced on John's mannequin
several times, but she discovered that it just wasn't the same thing.
Alice would always think of this as her first time. When she finally
lifted her hips again in orgasm, it was the first time she'd ever
experienced one, with a man. She wasn't the least bit disappointed.

Later she helped John prepare Sheila. His tongue dueling with hers as
they pleased her. Then she softly caressed Sheila's breasts while her
and John made love. Watching intently as John's large member stroked
inside her. Feeling her rise up in orgasm and hearing her cry out in
pleasure. This was the way it was supposed to be, thought Alice. Then
Sheila and John both pleased her orally again, alternating back and
forth until she passed blissfully into sleep. Sheila and John lay on
either side of the smaller girl. Caressing each other and Alice,
despite the fact she was asleep.

"I'm gonna miss you, mister," she said.

"And I you, lady. ... You remember to come back?" he asked.

"Just try to keep me away. I'm yours... for life," she said.

"Mmm.. that's nice. Sounds perfect. ... You think you could take me
along on one of your trips?" he asked.

"That would hardly give you a break, I can guarantee that!" she
chuckled, caressing his chest.

"All you girls seem intent on giving me a break... I haven't asked for
one," he said.

"You gonna tell me what happened at Nick's?" she said, changing the
subject.

"Nope," he said, simply.

"I have my ways of finding out anyway..... I love you," she said.

"Come here, you can move back later," John said. Sheila moved carefully
over the blissfully sleeping girl into his arms. John pushed his luck
with her. Sheila didn't object. Their lovemaking was soft and gentle.
Their mutual orgasm face to face with Sheila on top. Both their eyes
open to the last second. Then they bracketed the lovely Alice as they
caressed each other to sleep.

The others had no difficulty sleeping either. Five didn't seem like an
odd number at all. They each acted as a free agent at least once,
helping the other two couples alternately. Hands and lips found
whomever was in reach. They all made love to each other at least twice.
Finally they caressed each other into sleep.

Alice awoke first, feeling different. She felt the two bodies snuggled
to her. They were different too. She searched her mind for the
differences. The first thought that struck her, was that she *felt*
like a grown woman. She had experienced *real* lovemaking, with a
*man,* for the first time. She vowed to feel the same again and again,
whenever this man would let her. The other difference she realized, was
that the woman with her was there by her own choice. Not as a matter of
circumstance. Alice had also made love with her by her own free choice.
That was it, she felt *free*, and happy.

Candice and the other two triplets stirred long before Cindy and
Theresa. One by one they slipped carefully from the bed and into the
bathroom. They all met in the shower. Kissing and hugging and washing
each other. None felt the need to make love. They were all thoroughly
satiated... for the time being. They dried and dressed and headed up to
the kitchen to start breakfast. Cindy and Theresa had rolled together
and were still sleeping peacefully. They made a special breakfast,
thawed-frozen raspberries wrapped in thin pancakes with cream cheese.
They made enough for three, and then carried it and a big pot of coffee
down to the guest room.

"Good morning, princess. How does it feel to be a woman?" Candice said
quietly to Alice when they entered. Alice smiled eight yards wide. The
other girls seemed strangely un-curious. In some way they could feel,
and had felt what Alice did.

"We'll just leave this for when they wake up," Candice said, setting
the tray down. Alice nodded and the others slipped back out. Alice
snuggled to John. Reveling in the feel of a man she liked. Her
fingertips traced softly over Sheila's shapely thigh. Her other hand
sought out and found John's manhood. She found she liked to touch it.
Because it was her choice to do so. It responded in her fingers and she
smiled. Both seemed to stir almost simultaneously. Suddenly Alice was
hugged from both sides. Tears moved to her eyes and two mouths moved to
kiss them away.

"Good morning," John said, kissing her softly. She quivered a bit
inside.

"And how is our darling young *woman* this morning?" Sheila asked.
Alice hugged her hard and kissed her deeply.

"Thank you, both of you for making me a woman," she cried.

"You were a woman before... " John said.

"I didn't feel like it. Now I do," she said.

"Glad to be of service. Is that coffee I smell?" he asked, looking up.

"Yes, Candice and the girls brought us breakfast. I'll get it," Alice
said, trying to get up.

"Oh no, you snuggle to John. I'll get it," Sheila said, pushing her
into his arms. John scooted up against the headboard and pulled Alice
up with him. Caressing the young girls thigh. She snuggled to his side,
blissfully. Sheila swung the trays John had installed over the bed, and
then placed their plates and coffee on them. Then she snuck off to make
a pit stop before sliding in beside Alice once more. John took a sip of
coffee and then passed the lovely Alice into Sheila's custody while he
slipped out for a moment. Finally Alice herself reluctantly left the
bed and entered the bathroom after John was out. They all rejoined on
the bed, Alice between them. The food was wonderful.

"What's it like in San Francisco? I've never been to a city," Alice
asked.

"Oh, this should be interesting for you. A real life *Alice in
Wonderland*. I'd give anything to be there to watch her face," John
chuckled.

"Well Alice, it's.... different. It's not just more people. There are
some very wonderful things to see and do. And there are some ugly
things and bad people. The trick is to figure out which is which,"
Sheila said.

"Like what?" Alice said, not understanding.

"Oh, like seeing the whales swim by your boat. Or seeing the sun go
down behind the Golden Gate, or eating a crab cocktail on the wharf.
Those are wonderful things. The people who have to live on the streets,
and the people who take advantage of them, those are bad things. I
don't mean that the people who live on the streets are bad, I mean that
they have to is bad," Sheila said.

"I can vouch for that. I met a very wonderful person living on the
streets," John said, thinking of Sally.

"Does she still live on the street?" Alice asked.

"No dear, our dear wonderful John here found her a place to live and a
good job. Then he did for her what he did for you last night," Sheila
said. Alice snuggled to John's side.

"You're a nice man," she said, simply.

"That he is, love. That he is... John?" Sheila said.

"Yes, love?" he said.

"I'm sure that I'll have to go to New York in connection with this
Second Skin thing. How about I take you then and you can introduce me
to this Sally," Sheila said.

"That certainly would *not* be giving me a break!" John giggled.

"You said you didn't want one. Just a thought," Sheila said.

"I don't, it's a good thought. Sounds wonderful," he said, leaning
across Alice to kiss her.

"Boy, you folks sure kiss a lot more than we used to at Nick's place,"
Alice said. Sheila chuckled and kissed her. Alice kissing back, measure
for measure. Then it was John's turn. Again Alice quivered inside. "And
I sure like it," she said when he finally pulled back. So John and
Sheila kissed her lips a bunch more... and then they did the same to
her other lips. She really liked that! Amy and Andrea looked at each
other across the table and smiled.

"What are you two smiling at?" Candice asked.

"They're at it again," Amy giggled.

"Who's at what?" Candice asked.

"John and Sheila are making love to Alice again," Andrea giggled.

"How can you tell?" Candice asked.

"Oh... it just sort of feels good," Amy giggled.

"You can feel what they're doing?" Candice asked.

"No, not exactly. We just know when she's happy," Andrea said.

"And right now she's *very* happy!" Amy giggled. Candice just shook her
head at the two of them, thinking they were tetched. But she no longer
doubted them when she saw Alice walk in with John and Sheila a while
later. Cindy and Theresa were the last up. They casually showered
together, kissing often. They pulled on some clothes and joined the
others in the kitchen.

"Looks like we're going to have to cook the night before if we're going
to make breakfast for these folks," Cindy giggled, pouring herself a
cup of coffee. Theresa giggled, making the rounds kissing everyone good
morning. She paid special attention to Alice, who seemed blissfully
contented. Both Cindy and Theresa smiled, understanding.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Theresa asked.

"The helicopter is coming to pick us up at four," Sheila said.

"God, I'm gonna miss you!" Theresa said, moving to sit in Sheila's lap.

"I'm gonna miss you too.... You did scan Candice, didn't you?" she
asked.

"Yup, first in the chute," Theresa giggled.

"Think you could whip her up some threads in time for our flight?"
Sheila asked.

"Sure, no problem. Alice too. What kind?" Theresa asked, playing softly
with Sheila's hair.

"How about a racy one each and then some evening wear for each. I know
that you do better at those two things than anything I can get them in
San Francisco," Sheila said.

"Can do. And how about a thermal suit like Cindy and I met you in? I
hear that it can be chilly there," Theresa said.

"That would be great, can you do that in time?" Sheila asked.

"Six outfits in eight hours? No sweat. What should I do with my spare
time?" she asked.

"Mmm, you could show Candice, Alice and myself how much you'll miss
us," Sheila said, sliding a hand under Theresa's blouse and over a
breast.

Theresa giggled and said, "What a perfect day, wonder what the poor
folk will be doing?"

"Putting together a shopping list for Sheila, and resting up, from the
look of them," Cindy giggled.

"Not a bad idea. How close did the triplets scan? Will Alice serve as
model for them?" Sheila asked her.

"Oh, close enough for off the shelf stuff, but not up to our specs,"
Cindy giggled.

"Nothing is as close as your specs," Sheila said, rolling her eyes.

"What about you, John? What are you going to do today?" Candice asked.

"Oh, thought I might get started on the plans for the other floors. A
room for you and each of the girls," he said.

"A room for each? That's probably not necessary," she said.

"Just the same. That will fairly well complete the silo. The extra
bathrooms I'm sure will be used," he said.

"So.. let's see.. That's a total of six bedrooms? Ours, the guest and
then four more?" Cindy asked.

"Yup, several of us will always have to double up as it is," he said.

"Oh, I don't think that will ever be a problem with this crowd!" Cindy
chuckled. They all busted out laughing. The triplets headed off to take
a swim and talk about Alice's induction. Theresa and Candice went to
the scan room to start the outfits and their good-byes. Sheila went to
pack and Cindy tagged along with John to the Com room to work on the
plans.

"Hey, mister? Can I get a kiss?" Cindy said, as they entered the Com
room.

"Oh, I think that's a good possibility," he said.

"I thought you forgot me," she said as he swept her into his arms.

"Not a chance. Let's see, have we met?" he chuckled.

"Yesterday. Remember? Hot get away, hot woman?" she said.

"Oh yeah, I vaguely recall," he said, bending to kiss her tenderly.

"So how was your night? Things work out alright?" she asked, hoarsely
when he let up.

"Oh, I think Alice was happy about it," he said.

"Anybody could have seen that! How about Sheila? You didn't disappoint
her did you?" Cindy chuckled.

"Nope.. I think not. I think I can safely say she's been welcomed
*very* well," he said.

"Good. Theresa and Amy next huh?" she asked.

"Or you and Andrea," he said.

"Oh, no. We're saving the *dynamic duo* for your *Swan song*," she
chuckled.

"It may well be. Two more like Alice are likely to do me in, not even
counting you and Theresa," he said.

"I figured Alice was the reserved one. I think Andrea is going to be
your biggest challenge," Cindy giggled.

"Oh, Alice held her own. She may be quiet, but she's feisty in the
clinch," he said.

"Glad you had a good time. I think Sheila had a pip of an idea, taking
Candice and Alice with her. I might just get a little honest loving out
of you this month," Cindy said.

"Ouch... Sorry," he said.

"Oh, don't you go silly on me. I was kidding. I'd happily wait a
year... and you know it," she said.

"Yes, I know it. I don't know why, but I know it," he said.

"It's because I love ya," Cindy giggled.

"And I love you," John said, "Actually, I think it's a grand gesture on
Sheila's part. It will give them a chance to see a bit of the world."

"That it will. I don't think Alice has seen anything like San
Francisco. I haven't myself, come to think of it," Cindy said.

"Try *no city, ever!* Sheila's going to have a gawking tourist on her
hands for sure. As far as you not seeing it, you will, I promise. In
just a year we're fixing to all be flying all over the place. Perhaps
we'll all take a trip around the world," he said.

"I do that every time I'm in your arms.... but I can't wait to see all
those places with you," she said.

"Shall we get to planning?" he asked, firing up his computer.

"Yes... did I ever tell you that I love you?" she asked.

"Maybe a time or two... but I never hear it enough," he said.

"Well... I love you," she said.

"And I love you," he said. They worked side by side, drawing up the
plans. Making suggestions. Filling in things they had missed on other
rooms. First John would connect communication cables. Then lay out the
additional plumbing. He was worried about the work load on the lone
grinding pump that served the silo. Cindy was blissfully happy,
planning the sewage system by his side.

Actually, time was going to be tight for Theresa, and she knew it. Her
first order of business was to cast up a double of Alice. Candice
helped her string the frame up. Theresa added a little goodie to it
that Candice asked about.

"It's a heater. If you run current between these two cables, then the
inside will get warmer. Just in case John should ever get lonely for
one of the girls," Theresa giggled.

"That's.... " Candice began and stopped herself.

"What?" Theresa asked.

"Nothing," Candice said.

"No, What were you going to say?" Theresa asked.

Candice sighed, "Look, you have to realize that this is all so new to
me. I'm not used to it. I wasn't raised this way. It will take time for
me to change," she said.

"Granted. So what were you going to say?" Theresa insisted.

"I was going to say... that's sick," Candice said, dropping her eyes.
Theresa looked at her a moment.

"Well, you didn't say it. You stopped yourself. That means you *are*
changing. Consider this, though; You yourself mounted John's mannequin,
several times to my memory. You helped each of the triplets too. I
myself, Cindy and Sheila have *all* done it. But in my memory, John's
only mounted one of these mannequins ever, and that was at *my*
suggestion, and a long time ago. Now I wouldn't begrudge him one second
of any time he wanted to spend doing that.

"The one thing you need to understand about us, is that we don't tell
each other how to act. That includes making judgments on how the others
*do* act. If you're going to fit in here, you're going to have to learn
that," Theresa said.

"I know. John told me the same thing. But it's hard. And I am trying,"
Candice said, tears forming in her eyes. Theresa hugged her.

"I know you are. That's why you're still here," she said. Candice
sobbed against her. Theresa held her a bit and then kissed her
tenderly. "I've got to get this started, but then I'd be honored to
make love with you," she said. Candice nodded and pulled herself
together. She helped Theresa the best she could.

"So how was it?" Amy asked, tracing a line up Alice's thigh.

"It was wonderful," Alice said.

"We know that. Just like you know *we* had a good time last night. But
what did it *feel* like?" Andrea asked.

"Oh... Hard to explain. Kind of like the mannequin, only much better.
Warm and soft," Alice said.

"He went soft on you?" Amy asked.

"No, I mean the outside is softer than the mannequin's thing. Actually,
I think the inside was harder," Alice explained.

"So how was it different from Nick?" Andrea asked.

"It wasn't the same at all. I guess 'cause I wanted him to do it. I
never did want Nick to do it. But, he was... slower about it. At least
at first. Like he was giving me a chance to get used to it. It's a good
thing too. He's bigger than Nick.. as you both know from the
mannequin," Alice explained.

"So he's slower than Nick?" Amy asked.

"Not always. Just at first. He got going pretty fast at the end. Just
right as far as I was concerned," Alice said.

"So did he play with your... breasts?" Andrea asked. Alice rolled her
eyes.

"Andrea, there wasn't a spot on my body that those two didn't touch."

"Really. Even your.... backside?" Amy asked.

"Even there. But it felt good," Alice said, blushing.

"I can hardly wait," Andrea said.

"I think... it'll be Amy and Theresa tonight. I don't know why, I just
do," Alice said.

"That's okay by me. I like Cindy. She's nice," Andrea said.

"Theresa is too. They all are," Amy said.

"That's true.... sure not like at home," Alice said.

"Babe, we don't have a home anymore," Andrea said.

"I think we do... I'll bet we get to stay here," Amy said.

"I hope so," Alice said.

"Me too!" Andrea said.

"I'm gonna miss you," Amy said to Alice, suddenly.

"We both will!" Andrea jumped in. Alice threw her arms around her
sisters and hugged them tight.

"I'm gonna miss you too. But I wouldn't miss this trip for the world,"
Alice said, misty eyed.

"Too bad Candice has to go," Andrea said.

"Oh.. I don't think so. She's changing. She's hardly told us what to do
for days. And she's nice when she's not so bossy," Alice said. The
others nodded.

Sheila got her own things packed. Then selected some clothes for Alice
and Candice and added them to the bags. She'd have to buy them both
casual clothes and mostly shoes. She remembered she was going to get
shoes for Cindy and Theresa too. She got an idea and headed for the
lab. She found Theresa and Candice laying together on the sofa, a bit
sweaty. Softly caressing each other. Theresa looked up at her and
smiled.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Sheila said.

"No, you're never interrupting. What can I do for you?" Theresa asked,
running her fingers up the back of Sheila's leg. Sheila giggled, but
didn't move away.

"I was wondering. Can you print out a real sized picture of yours and
Cindy's feet for me?" she asked.

"Sure, no problem. Got a foot fetish?" Theresa giggled.

"Nothing so limiting. I want to get you and Cindy some nice shoes,"
Sheila giggled, half 'cause Theresa's fingers were tickling her ass
cheeks. Theresa sat up, she kissed Candice softly and then moved to one
of the computers. She called in an image of herself. "Ooh, can you
print that too, just like that?" Sheila giggled.

Theresa giggled and said, "In full color. Want one of Cindy too?"

"Yes please. And one of your cute backsides too? If you don't mind,"
Sheila said, blushing a bit.

"Tell you what. Why don't I just copy you off a family album onto disk.
It will be easier to carry," Theresa said, inserting a floppy.

"That's a great idea," Sheila said, "It does feel like a family..... I
feel like I'm leaving home," she said, getting misty eyed.

"I hope the hell you're coming back. I'll miss you every second you're
gone. Besides, I'd hate to break up a nice set like the triplets,"
Theresa chuckled.

"I'll be back in about two weeks. I'm glad I'm taking part of the
family with me," Sheila said.

"You consider me part of the family, already?" Candice asked,
surprised.

"You're as much a part as I'm familiar with," Sheila said.

"Yes, you're part of it. You all are." Theresa said, "If me and Cindy
hadn't come into John's life, then he wouldn't have invented this
thing. Then he wouldn't have met Sheila. He would have had to rescue
you and the triplets all by himself. Then you would be *all* the family
there was."

"But then he might not have been fast enough.... for sweet Alice. And I
wouldn't have felt very comfortable without you two and Cindy around. I
doubt it would have been a happy time. Like it has been.... the
happiest I've ever known," Candice wept.

"Just the beginning, babe, just the beginning," Theresa said, handing
the disk to Sheila.

"I hope so," Candice said.

"We all do," Sheila said, "So who you spinning there, is that Alice?
What's that thing in the middle?"

"Yes, it's Alice. Like I was telling Candice earlier, it's a heater for
the inside. See the insulator coupling on that cable? You put twelve
volts between the feet cables and it gets comfortably warm inside. Just
in case our man gets a yen," Theresa said.

"What a great idea. Did you put one in mine?" Sheila asked.

"Yup. You're wired," Theresa giggled.

"What's the little tube for?" Sheila asked.

"Juices. Just to make it seem more real. Should map out inside the
navel," Theresa explained.

"Another great idea, to bad you can't add flavor," Sheila giggled.

"Wouldn't be much fun, you well know that most the joy of licking
there, is the reaction," Theresa said.

"But not all, I quite enjoy it myself. I wonder if any chemists have
duplicated the essence of a woman's nectar? That's probably a
marketable item by itself.. maybe as an additive for mustache wax,"
Sheila giggled.

"I think this fashion thing is going to make us rich enough by itself,"
Theresa giggled.

"But not me and the triplets," Candice said. The others turned to look
at her. "Look, you folks all have your futures mapped out. We're just
tag-alongs. We need something to do to earn our keep," Candice
explained.

"Well, that's one reason why I wanted Theresa to spin you and Alice
some clothes. I was thinking I could use you two as models when I made
my sales pitch to Mae," Sheila said.

"I ain't no model. And who's Mae?" Candice asked.

"You're prettier than you know. The triplets too. You'll both make
great models. Mae is my friend who runs a fashion house in San
Francisco. I forget that you weren't here when we were planning this.
One of the things I'll be doing in San Francisco, is selling Mae on
being our first distributor. I doubt it will be a hard sell, as we're
likely to put her out of business when we get up to speed. Between my
outfits, and you two's, it will make it easier for me to convince her
of that. If you want to, that is," Sheila said.

"I'll be happy to help you anyway I can. I never thought of myself as
no model though," Candice said.

"Darling, you're adorable!" Sheila said.

"Really?" Candice asked.

"Really!" both Sheila and Theresa replied together.

"If'n you say so," Candice said.

"We do, now about those foot prints," Sheila said.

"Just print them off your disk. I assume you can edit them out. I
wouldn't want you to show them views to a shoe salesman, might give him
a heart attack," Theresa giggled.

"You mean I have under views of each of you on this?" Sheila asked.

"Every one of us... but I'd better print our feet anyway. Without
John's software getting actual measurements could be tricky. Those are
just compressed picture files, not the actual dimensions. One person's
won't fit on one disk even compressed," Theresa said, calling in her
feet shot.

"Oh my, you're right. I couldn't show that to a shoe salesman. I find
it quite appealing though," Sheila giggled.

"I remember it was not quite two weeks ago that I blushed like red
roses when Cindy showed you that same shot," Theresa said, "Now I want
you to see it." Sheila leaned over and kissed her softly on the neck.

"It's been a wonderful time. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
I'm looking forward to lots of wonderful times with all of you," she
said. Theresa highlighted her feet only, and started the printing. Then
she turned to meet Sheila's lips. When Sheila finally released her, she
did the same with Cindy's feet, admiring the view herself. Sheila took
the prints and said she'd return for her good-bye session with Theresa.
She found Cindy in the Com room with John. They showed her the plans
for the next construction phase. She was impressed.

"Join me for my last bit of sun?" Sheila asked Cindy. Cindy caught the
look in her eye and agreed. They met in the solarium. Moving into each
others arms and kissing deeply. They undressed each other and moved
onto a chaise. Sometime later they lay caressing each other softly. The
sun's rays warming their smooth skin.

"So, tell me all about what happened at Nick's," Sheila said.

"I shouldn't, John would skin me," Cindy chuckled.

"But you're going to, right?" Sheila chuckled. Cindy nodded.

"I'm just so proud of the man.. I have to tell someone," she said.

"So start at the beginning and tell me everything," Sheila said, softly
caressing her breasts. Cindy launched into the story. Sheila sat aghast
throughout the telling. "Well it actually makes me feel good knowing
that John can defend us so well, but is scares the shit out of me that
we came so close to losing him," Sheila said.

"I know. God, I was petrified. When John suddenly shot that hole
between the horseshoe, I about wet my pants. I don't know where he
learned to shoot like that," Cindy said.

"John was right about that. If he'd missed Nick would have viewed it as
a weakness. But he didn't miss. I'm glad. Nick will think twice about
coming to look for us," Sheila said.

"I think John is being as safe as possible about that. I think that's
why he chose the route he did. If Nick could possibly have traced us,
it would have led him right up our road, over the sensors. We'd have
plenty of warning," Cindy said.

"John's one smart man, I'll admit that. One fine man all in all,"
Sheila said.

"The finest... you won't tell Candice or Alice about this?" Cindy said.

"No, no need to worry them. They've had a bad enough time. Speaking of
which, Boss....... or are you? You've never told me if I'm hired,"
Sheila said suddenly. Cindy gave her *that* look of exasperation.

"You're hired as CEO.... but I can't pay you until you make us some
money," Cindy chuckled.

"Don't you want to check with Theresa first?" Sheila said.

"Nope. She said you were hired the first night. Now what's on your
mind?" Cindy asked.

"As CEO, I recommend we hire Candice and the triplets as models.
Candice is feeling a bit useless. I think they'd make great models. The
triplets would make a hell of a splash. I could keep them busy forever,
just modeling for others. But Candice would do well too. That's why I
wanted Theresa to make those two outfits. I was going to use them in my
sales pitch to Mae," Sheila said.

"As CEO you can do anything you'd like. But I think it's a great idea,"
Cindy said.

"Great. Will you talk to Amy and Andrea? I'll talk to Alice about it.
And how about you and Theresa making them all an outstanding wardrobe
while I'm gone? You know; knock my socks off. Like those two you and
Theresa were wearing when I arrived. I think we should shy from the
lingerie area on the triplets though. We would get arrested for
displaying them in body suits like some of yours and Theresa's. You can
make up a bunch for Candice though," Sheila said.

"Will do. It should be fun. Better double check with John to make
certain the patents are secure enough for you to be selling us yet,
though," Cindy said.

"I'll do that now," Sheila said, sitting up.

"In a few minutes...please." Cindy said, holding her. Sheila hugged her
tightly. "I'm gonna miss you, babe," Cindy said.

"I won't be gone long. Do you think you and Theresa can get by with
just twins for a couple of weeks?" Sheila chuckled.

"Should be able to. We got by with just the three of us quite nicely.
Kind of worried a bit about breaking up the set though," Cindy said.

"That's what Theresa said too," Sheila giggled.

"I don't mean permanently.. I just don't know how Amy and Andrea will
take it. You remember the first night they were here? How they were
so... reserved, until Alice woke up?" Cindy asked. Sheila nodded
against her breasts.

"I think that they're partially telepathic. Last night they both
suddenly kind of shivered. It was about the same time we heard Alice
cry out from upstairs. I swear that those two had their own orgasms
when she did. I've noticed it other times too. When I was with one of
them the next day... Which one was it?" Cindy pondered.

"I think you were with Amy. I was with Alice and Theresa was with
Andrea. Come to think of it, I sort of noticed it too. With Alice. You
might be right. Last night Alice kind of shuddered and smiled at odd
times too," Sheila said.

"Well, if nothing else we might find out if distance matters. Tell you
what, note the time whenever you two have a little tryst, which I'm
certain you will. Then note whenever she reacts funny for no apparent
reason. I'll do the same here and have Theresa do the same. Then we'll
compare notes when you get back," Cindy said.

"Should be fun, even if we find no connection," Sheila giggled.

"Yeah, should be.... Now I guess we'd better get moving. I've gotta
cook lunch too. So give me a kiss that will last two weeks," Cindy
said. Sheila did. They dressed and walked arm in arm over to the Com
room. "I just hired us a CEO," Cindy told John.

"Great. I can't afford to pay her yet," John said.

"Not a problem. I'd do it for free," Sheila said, moving into his lap.

"Nope. I can pay you some... just not what I promised you yet," he
said.

"I know... Cindy reminded me to check with you about how secure the
patent was. I'd like to make my pitch to Mae as soon as possible,"
Sheila said.

"Go for it. We had a minor challenge, but I think it will clear. Hold
off on anybody else for now though," John said.

"We we're also thinking of hiring the triplets and Candice as models,"
Cindy said.

"Great idea. I was wondering what I could find for them to do after
they got their rooms built," John said.

"You remember last night when Alice kind of quaked at odd times, when
we weren't doing anything special to her?" Sheila asked. John nodded.
"Well, Cindy and I were talking about the possibility that the triplets
were a little telepathic, with each other. They seem to be sharing each
others orgasms. At least it appears that way. Cindy and I were going to
do a little informal long distance study on them. You weren't down by
the tub when Alice woke up. The other two were kind of listless until
then. Then suddenly they seemed to wake up when she did," Sheila said.

"Could be so. I've heard some amazing things about twins. Should be
interesting to find out," John said.

"I think that I'll just go make my own little test now, to give you two
time for a proper good-bye," Cindy said. She kissed each of them and
headed out. She found Theresa in the lab first and told her she'd hired
Sheila.

"I thought we'd already done that?" Theresa said.

"No, we didn't. We accepted her, but we never told her we'd hired her,"
Cindy chuckled.

"Oh, okay," Theresa said. Cindy wandered away, shaking her head.
Theresa was finished with "Alice". Candice helped unstring her and hang
her up. The room was beginning to resemble a university hospital
storage facility. Where they hang bodies scheduled for research. The
difference, was that it was much warmer and the bodies not quite that
real. Candice couldn't help but run her fingers over the figure when it
was hung. It was so real she shivered. Then she helped Theresa string
up the table for her own.

"Gonna put one of them goodies in it?" Candice asked.

"Up to you. If it offends you, no. We don't even have to cast those
openings," Theresa told her.

"No, please put them in. The goodie too," Candice said, blushing.

"One goodie, coming up," Theresa chuckled, adding it. Cindy found the
triplets laying nude on the chaises by the pool with their eyes shut.
She thought about how right Sheila was about them making great models.
They were a vision of loveliness. She quietly picked the first one and
her lips descended upon hers and kissed her deeply. The other two
opened their eyes instantly. She was about to investigate further when
she noticed a little red seepage from the girl.

"Looks like you've started your period. I'll get you a tampon," Cindy
offered.

"What's a tampon?" the girl asked.

"Are you funning me?" Cindy asked.

"No... I don't think so. I never heard the word before," she said.

"Oh my. I think there's some things we need to talk about....." Cindy
began.

"I'm really going to miss you, mister," Sheila said.

"I'm gonna miss you too, wished I could show you how much," John said.

"Not necessary. You did me a *double* last night," Sheila giggled.

"I still wish I could," he said.

"So... on to business. With the girls not quite incorporated, whom am I
working for?" Sheila asked.

"I guess John Stevens Inc. I'll guarantee your salary. I've just been
spending a bit too much lately," he said.

"You don't need to guarantee my salary. I'll take stock options," she
said.

"I'm sure you would. But so far there are none... no stock yet. It
would be meaningless," he said.

"Okay... how about defining it as a percentage against future
earnings?" she said.

"Okay by me.. One percent to start?" he asked.

"John! That's two and a half million a year!" she gasped.

"Not until you get it up to two hundred and fifty million in sales. And
if you do that, then you'll be damn worth it!" he said.

"That's true... and that's only ten thousand if our first year is only
a million," she said.

"That's not enough," he said.

"That's what I'll take. It'll give me an incentive to hustle," she
giggled.

"Okay... but how about a sliding percentage? Five to start, then
diminishing as sales climb. That will give you fifty thousand on a
million. Say we re-negotiate when you reach half a million a year. You
still retain your incentive, but get enough to live on," he said.

"That sounds very acceptable. Speaking of which, how much rent do you
want?" she asked.

"Rent?" he asked, puzzled.

"Yes, rent. You know; I live in your property and pay you for it," she
said, chuckling.

"Nothing. I don't want to charge rent. If I started charging you, I'd
have to charge everybody. Half of them couldn't pay it," he said.

"Nope.... Not acceptable to me," Sheila said.

"Why not?" he asked.

"I'm paying $2500 a month back in San Francisco, and it's no where near
as fancy as this place," she said.

"You also have complete autonomous privacy. Here you don't. You can
hardly take a shit around here without company," he said.

"I don't mind that. That's the price of living with a family. I'm just
thrilled to death to be a part of yours," she said.

"If you were my wife, or a regular girl friend then you wouldn't be
paying rent. I feel that close to you," he said.

"If I was a regular girlfriend, I would be sharing rent. And besides,
charging everybody rent is a good idea. It could save your butt
legally," she said.

"Oh, how so?" he asked.

"If John Law ever showed up looking for Cindy or Theresa, then they
would be tenants, not girlfriends. Even if you just charged them a
hundred a month. Big difference in the eyes of the law. Major
difference to you," she said.

"Not enough bedrooms. They'd each have to have one officially
designated. Totally private," he said.

"Not so. You finish those other four, with the guest room that gives
each of us a private bedroom. The triplets share one. Not at all
uncommon for sisters," she said.

"Hmm... But the triplets and Candice have no salary," he said.

"Now they do. They're models, remember?" she said.

"Oh.. But they should each have their own room. Everybody should," he
said.

"Actually, I don't think you could keep them from sharing. But those
bedrooms you have planned are huge! Just like the master. Why not cut
them back a bit? Leave one full sized for the triplets. Then divide the
others in two. That will give you six the size of the guest room and
one more full sized one," she suggested.

"They'd end up smaller than the guess room. Bathrooms, remember?" he
said.

"So each floor shares a bath. Not uncommon again," she said.

"That sounds workable. But there are never enough bathrooms. Especially
with seven women around," John chuckled.

"Oh phooey. You've got four now. If you add four more, that's one a
piece. We can all crap in peace simultaneously," she said.

"Okay, you've sold me. Now you've got to explain it to the troops. If I
do it I'll become an ogre," he chuckled.

"Gladly. I think we need to have a joint meeting anyway before I leave.
Just to clarify some things. For one thing you've got Candice and the
girls not knowing their long term status. I know they're all twisted up
about that," she said.

"Okay... I guess things have been sort of word of mouth... With thinly
veiled promises," he said.

"No shit. Now how about operating costs while we get this off the
ground?" she said.

"That's a problem. Like I said I've spent a bunch lately. About a
hundred grand in the past month. That only gives me two eighty to feed
the troops, cover building materials and all our jetting about," he
said.

"Okay, how about you put up fifty and I put up fifty. Secured only by
future sales?" she suggested.

"I don't want you to risk your money, besides, would that be enough?"
he asked.

"I'd gladly take that risk, and it's mine to take. And yes, I think we
can get flying on that. Depending on how much your redesign costs," she
said.

"Redesign?" he asked. She rolled her eyes.

"Yes, redesign. You don't really expect to subject our customers to
that *damn personal* scan, do you?" she asked.

"No?" he asked.

"No... at least not quite that damn personal. If you could figure a way
for the fine scan to be non-contact, it would fly just fine. It's those
damn little fingers probing our privates that are so personal," she
said.

"Without them, we lose resolution," he said.

"I think we could lose a bit of that and still turn out the best. Maybe
keep that as an advanced scan for select, high paying customers, and a
courser scan for the average.... how about ultra-sonic technology," she
asked.

"Pretty well patented," he said.

"So? We pay a few royalties. We use that as a small part of our overall
product. Our patent is on concept, is it not? Or is it specific?" she
asked.

"A little of each. Both actually. The challenge, based on concept came
from a movie company who used a body scanner in their movie. Some plot
where they scanned models and then killed them so that they could use
their digital images to make television commercials and control the
world," he chuckled.

"Oh.. I saw that movie. *Lookers*, wasn't it?" she asked.

"Something like that. I never saw it. But anyway, they're losing their
challenge, because they only simulated a scanner for the movie. They
never actually built one. I did," he said. Sheila nodded.

"I still don't think that precludes you using other technology in your
working design. For one thing, you're not selling the machines, you
retain ownership. You are selling franchises, unless you want to
control the whole thing. Franchise is the way to go, as long as we
limit the total," she said.

"Okay, now about security. How about we cast body only, no head, no
coloration, or better yet, Dazzle camouflage coloration," he asked.

"Dazzle camouflage? What's that?" she asked.

"Something the British came up with during W.W.II. Flashy paint in
geometric patterns. Made it tough for the U-boats to calculate speed
and distance, but in our application, basically we put designs on the
mannequins that make photography useless. High contrast, sharp edges.
Hard to define curves, which a body is mostly," he explained.

"Sounds good. And if they want real coloration and a head, then they
take possession and we're not liable. That leaves our only liability in
our data. That shouldn't be too tough to control. Especially if we have
the computer assign random numbers to file names. Only one person per
outlet has access to the information of which file belongs to whom,"
she said.

"That's doable.. I'll get to work on making the rest less personal," he
said.

"While you're at it, spiff them up a bit. They look like something from
a mad scientist movie," she said.

"What do you suggest?" he asked.

"Just add some padding here and there. Put in some safety features to
stop the arms if a customer actually gets loose and sits up. Broken
bones and dissected nipples just won't do," she said.

"That's doable. How many machines are we talking about?" he asked.

"I should think about two hundred pair," she said.

"Two hundred! Jesus, I'll be building them for the next ten years!" he
said.

"Then find somebody else to build them. Or better yet, bid out
components. Then just assemble and test them yourself," she said.

"I guess somebody should be writing all this down," he said.

"I'll do it on the plane. I've got my laptop. It will give me something
to do during the flight," she said.

"I think you're going to be busy enough with Alice on the plane. I dare
say I doubt she's ever been on an airplane. Let alone a helicopter," he
chuckled.

"You may be right. But I'll remember anyway. I'll get them all down and
fax you a copy," she said.

"Better yet, E-mail me. Scramble using SSI as a password and then save
attach. I'll do the same for you. You do have an E-mail account?" he
asked.

"No, never needed one," she said.

"Then get one. You need one now. We can communicate all over the world
in just a flash. Most places it won't even cost you long distance. You
want me to set you up one with my provider?" he asked.

"Will it still work in San Francisco?" she asked. He got *that*
expression.

"Yes, dear. Or anywhere else in the world. How about I find one that
offers local line service in both places?" he asked.

"Whatever works. Okay," she said.

"I can't believe you don't have an E-mail account," he said.

"I can't believe you don't have an intercom here," she chuckled.

"Touché. I'll work on that too," he said.

"Okay... now like Cindy said to me; Give me a kiss that will last two
weeks," she said. He did his best. She convulsed and moaned halfway
through it.

"Okay, you understand all this?" Cindy asked the triplets, gathered
around her drawings on the table.

"I think so. But how many eggs are in there?" Alice asked.

"Quite a bunch. But usually just one develops each cycle," Cindy
explained. All three triplets had little strings hanging from them.
Cindy chuckled. "By the way, it's a common practice to keep something
on whenever it's your period," she said. The girls pulled on their
shorts.

"These are a whole lot better than using old rags," Amy said.

"Can we still swim?" Andrea asked.

"Yes, but you'll have to change the tampon more often. Put in a fresh
one just before and change it right after," Cindy said.

"So what do we do with the used ones?" Alice asked.

"Usually, just flush them. I think most are made to biodegrade now,"
Cindy said.

"What's biodegrade?" Amy asked.

"It means... to break down and dissolve over time. So they don't clog
the sewers and pipes. Like bacteria eating food scraps," Cindy
explained.

"Oh... Okay," Amy said.

"Okay Alice, you'd better take some tampons with you. Tell Sheila it's
your period. Do you know when Candice starts hers?" Cindy asked.

"Gosh, I'd be ashamed to tell Sheila," Alice blushed.

"Why? It's a normal function of every woman's body. She'll be
understanding. Just trust me, okay?" Cindy told her.

"Seems like Candice runs a few days after us," Amy said.

"Then you'd better tell Sheila to pack some for her too. If she doesn't
know about all this either, then I guess Sheila better explain it to
her. Better yet, I'll tell Sheila about both of you and have her pack
for you. Okay?" Cindy asked.

"Okay... thank you. Nobody ever explained this before. We always
thought it was the curse," Alice said.

"Curse?" Cindy asked, puzzled.

"You know, like it says in the bible," Alice said.

"Oh... well, we have newer books now," Cindy chuckled, "but I guess two
thousand years ago it would have seemed like a curse."

"So will this stop John from laying with us?" Amy asked, moodily.

"Oh... I don't know. Maybe not. It's messy, but he's pretty
understanding. He's done both me and Theresa during our periods before.
But usually not. I'll talk to him. But even if he says no, it's still
only about five days," Cindy said. Sheila walked in.

"Family meeting in ten minutes," she announced, looking at Cindy's
drawings.

"You'd better pack some tampons. Alice has just started and Candice
runs a couple of days behind them usually," Cindy said. Alice blushed a
bit. Sheila just nodded, looking at the drawings.

"What's this?" she asked.

"These are my explanations to the girls on how our bodies work. Nobody
ever told them. I figure you get to explain it to Candice," Cindy
chuckled.

"Nobody *ever* told them!?" Sheila asked.

"Nobody. They didn't know what tampons were," Cindy explained. Sheila
looked at her like she was joking. Cindy nodded.

"So what have they been using?" Sheila asked.

"Old rags!" Cindy said.

"My god. Dark ages time," Sheila said.

"No shit. And just about as much information as they had. Blamed it on
the curse mentioned in the bible. I suggest you talk to Candice before
your flight. I've heard a change in altitude can trigger a period,"
Cindy said.

"I will, right after our meeting," Sheila said, teasing Alice's hair.

"What's up?" Cindy asked.

"Nothing serious. We're just going to go over a few things that have
been accepted as common knowledge, but might not have been. Like your
hiring me," Sheila said.

"Will you hire us too?" Andrea asked.

"I already have," Sheila said.

"You have?" Amy asked, "All of us?"

"Yes, we'll cover it during the meeting. Okay?" Sheila said, bending to
kiss the little sweet heart. The other two closed their eyes for a
moment and smiled. Cindy noticed, but didn't say anything.

"I'd better get cracking on lunch," she said.

"Candice has it started," Sheila said.

"Gonna brain that girl, she cooked breakfast too," Cindy said, walking
out.

"She's just trying to be helpful," Sheila called after her. She turned
to the triplets. She glanced at the drawings and then back at them.
They seemed embarrassed. "Listen, dears. Don't *ever* let anybody tell
you that something your body does naturally, is bad. This is something
that *every* single woman who has ever lived has had to deal with," she
said.

"What about the married ones? It didn't stop when we got married,"
Andrea asked.

"Yes dear, the married ones too. The only time it stops, is when you're
pregnant, or when you get a lot older.... What did you and Nick do for
birth control anyway?" Sheila asked.

"Birth control? What's that?" Amy asked.

"Oh, my god. You never did anything to keep from getting pregnant?"
Sheila asked. The girls shook their heads. "Candice either?" Again they
shook their heads.

"Well, looks like you were very lucky. Nick was probably shooting
blanks. If it was just you girls, then it could be something wrong, but
if it was Candice too, then it's probably Nick. Easy to tell. I'll just
take Alice and Candice to my gynecologist when we're in San Francisco,"
Sheila said.

"What's a gynecologist?" Andrea asked.

"A special doctor that only looks at your privates," Sheila explained.
Alice looked scared. "Don't worry, dear. It's okay. I have a woman
Gynecologist," Sheila said.

"Will you be there?" Alice asked.

"I think I can arrange that. I think I can get some better drawings for
Cindy too," Sheila chuckled. They were all gathered around the big
table in the kitchen. Being all together it looked like quite a crowd.
John sat at the head. Cindy and Candice served the lunch that Candice
had started on and Cindy completed. Over lunch they chatted amongst
themselves. Finally, everybody was fed and getting restless. John stood
up and surveyed his lovelies. A sense of fear sort of gripped him.
There was so *many* of them, and they were all gorgeous! He forged on.

"It's not so often that I get to see you all at once. Now that I do,
I'm a little bit overwhelmed at my good fortune. You are all lovely.
You are all good people. I don't know what I've done to deserve this...
but here I am, and here you are. Which brings me to the first subject;
Sheila. Sheila has graciously consented to join us, both as CEO of
Second Skin Inc., and more close to home, to be a member of our little
group. Her salary, until Second Skin is actually incorporated, will be
paid by me... or rather us, as she is putting up some of her own money
to get things started. I'm well to do, but it's been an expensive month
for me. Sheila's contribution will make it easier on me to insure we
have food on the table and materials for construction here, as well as
working capital for Second Skin Inc. The amount of her salary, is five
percent of sales, to be re-negotiated when sales exceed ten million
dollars annually. That sounds like a lot, but until she makes the
company that big, it's not. When she does, she'll be well worth it.

"I've decided in the interest of time, to go ahead with the
incorporation of Second Skin. Listing myself and Sheila as officers, in
escrow, for Cindy and Theresa. What that means, is that we can get
started now, without having to wait for their eighteenth birthdays,
while at the same time insuring their money will go to them when
they're old enough... legally that is. As far as I'm concerned they're
both responsible adults. The law doesn't see it that way, so this is
the way we do it.

"I know this sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, but I just want to be
certain that there isn't any misunderstanding in the future. The
company is Cindy's and Theresa's. It was their idea. It's their
company. This just gets things started now. Okay, next: Candice, Amy,
Alice and Andrea. You've just come into our lives. We didn't expect
you, but none of us wants to turn you away either. Fact is that we're
all in love with all of you already. I expect that love to grow as time
goes on. Cindy and Theresa have been my cooks up till now. But I expect
that to change as they get too busy. As such, and because she seems
hell bent on doing it anyway, I'd like to also hire Candice as a cook.
At least she should get paid for it if she's going to do it.

"For the record, I have no objection to my present cooks. They've
served me outstandingly. They are my dear friends and lovers. I expect
that to continue. At least I hope it will. Theresa has stated her
intention of going off to college when she is of age. I hope she does.
I hope Cindy does too. Theresa has indicated it is her wish to meet
someone closer to her age and settle down to raise kids. I wish her the
very best in this. She will always be welcome in my home and bed
anyway. I'm just going over this now because all of you may not know
it. And I want things clear between all of us.

"Sheila has recommended, and both Cindy and Theresa have accepted, the
recommendation that we hire Candice, Amy, Andrea and Alice as models
for Second Skin. I think that's an outstanding idea. Until that gets up
to steam, Candice and the girls will be working upon some new additions
to the silo. Specifically, their rooms. In addition to that it's been
brought to my attention that their educational opportunities have been
limited up till now. I can *guarantee* that will change. I want each of
us to help tutor them whenever we can. If you're doing something that
can wait, put it aside. Their education's are of tantamount importance
as far as I'm concerned.

"To you girls, I want to say this. Do not feel ashamed over your lack
of learning. You are not dumb, not a single one of you. You've just not
been given the opportunity to learn. Now you will be. If you don't take
that opportunity, then *that's* dumb. I know we all feel the same way
about this. Don't be afraid to ask any of us anything. Not asking only
fosters ignorance. That said.. about your relationships with us.

"All of the previous members of our little tribe here are agreed that
we think you are all adorable. At this point I don't think there's any
one of us that hasn't made love with all of you. I haven't had
intercourse with Amy or Andrea yet, but if they want to, then that can
be remedied in the next few days. My point to all of you, is that
nobody is forcing any of you to be involved in this relationship. If
you want to, then you are welcome in it. It's not a condition of your
employment, it's not a condition of your residence here. You are now
all free women. The matter with Nick is settled. I have his divorce
decree in my safe, for its protection. But it's yours. You *are* free
women. You are free to choose whatever lives you wish to live. If you
do not wish to be a part of this, then just let me know. I will help
you get established elsewhere. This goes for each and every one of you.
Don't do something you don't want to do because someone else is. Make
up your own minds about this.

"Okay, Sheila has made a very good point concerning my welfare. As
such, beginning immediately, I'm charging all of you who stay here
rent." (There was a stirring around the table and many shocked looks.)
John continued, "Don't get me wrong. Nobody's going to get evicted for
not paying it. You all have salaries now. It will be a modest amount,
not even enough to cover food really. I'll just deduct it from your
salaries. The purpose of all this, is that if, for any reason, the law
ever comes knocking at the door, then you are all *tenants*, not girl
friends. It makes it a lot easier on me if I ever have to stand in
front of a judge. The same thing goes for you girls' education. If you
are all studying, and can all pass your GED exams then things will go
easier on me. If nothing else, *I* will feel better about it. It's my
intention that you should all attend college someday too. As soon as
possible.

"I know that at times I'm not an easy man to live with. At times
everybody gets on everybody's nerves. But I think we have a very good
thing going here. I don't want to lose a single one of you. But facts
are facts. I am only one man. I have limited abilities.. both mentally,
and sexually. There are seven of you, and only one of me. Two of you
have been with me for over a year now. Fact is that I owe them my
allegiance. They have squatters rights, if nothing else. That does not
mean that they have a monopoly on my time. But it does mean that I feel
I need to give them a larger portion of my attention. I'm not saying
that I'm not going to divide myself up. I'm not saying that they get
two for every one you others get.

"But at the same time I want it understood just where they stand. I
don't want any hard feelings in the future because I may choose to make
love with one of them twice in a row. In order of arrival, it's
Theresa, Cindy, Sheila and then the four new comers.. equally. Luckily,
you girls all seem to have each other as well to keep each other
satisfied. I will try to be fair in my affections, but I may not always
be. That's just the way it is. Okay, comments? Questions?" John
concluded.

Cindy stood up, "Just this. My main affection, is John. It will always
be John. Theresa and I have been friends and lovers for longer, but I
know she understands. I know she feels the same way. I have developed a
special attraction to each and every one of you. I love you all dearly.
But mostly I love John. He's the reason we are all here today. He's the
reason why we all are going to get rich. Hell, he's the reason we all
have a future at all. With the possible exception of Sheila, whom I
know has her own special affection for John. In her case it's not so
much financial support, as his understanding.

"That understanding is important to us all. It's that understanding
that overcame Theresa's and my jealousy over each other and him. When
what we all wanted, was each other. And that's mainly what we all want
now; each other. Each of us wants each and every one of the others in
our lives. It's understanding of that fact that makes it all possible.
It all started with John's generosity, compassion and understanding and
I don't ever want any of us to forget that.

"If there is one thing that I have learned living here, it's that
jealousy is rooted in insecurity. Jealousy is the only thing that could
tear us apart. We all have to watch ourselves closely. If you start
feeling jealous, let's talk about it. I know that John has stated that
he owes an allegiance to Theresa and I first. I'm not about to hold him
to that. The one major thing that I want, is John's happiness. If that
means that he takes a special interest in any one of you, then that's
just fine with me.

"I've made mistakes over this in the past, but I hope I've learned my
lesson. Because every time I got jealous over what John was doing, it
turned out that what he was really doing, was helping another person.
Just like he helped me. Just like he's helped us all and is still
helping us all. He has my blessing to do whatever he pleases. Because I
know, in my heart, that whatever he does, it's the right thing to do.
It's the way that people *should* treat each other. If I'd leaned this
before, then John would have been free to make love with Sheila when he
first met her. He would have been free to make the life of a homeless
girl in New York better for her without having to ask our permission.

"He has my total devotion, my confidence and all my love. I will love
him till the day I die," Cindy concluded, tears streaming down her
cheeks. Theresa hugged her, then stood up. John looked *very*
uncomfortable.

"I agree 100% with Cindy. It took me longer to realize that what she's
said is true. I was first in love with Cindy. She's been my dearest
friend. My only friend at times. I wouldn't be alive today if it hadn't
been for her love and understanding. The same goes for John. I probably
wouldn't be alive today if I hadn't met him when I did. My life was
pretty ugly. If I were alive, I'd probably be living on the street
somewhere. I damn sure wouldn't be living in a luxury home talking
about how rich I was going to be. Or talking about going off to
college, meeting a husband and raising kids.

"I don't ever want to lose what I've found here. You are my family. The
family I never had much of. A far better family than I ever had. When I
arrived here, I was cold and hungry and abused. I know the same applies
to many of you here. John took me in and gave me shelter, warmth,
compassion, protection and understanding. He's taken me from being an
illiterate little shit who didn't give a shit about herself or anybody
else. To being an educated... well to do person.

"He's taught me the value of work. The value of compassion and
understanding. And most of all the value of ethics. Because more than
anything else, he's an ethical man. John embodies the principle of
ethics. For you who don't know the word yet, ethics is when you are
good when nobody's looking. John is always good. Whether or not
anybody's looking.

"He has my deepest love, my gratitude and my utmost respect," Theresa
finished, also teary eyed. At this point there were no dry eyes around
the table.

"Wait a minute. I didn't intend for this to become a testimonial
meeting. I just wanted to clear a few things up," John began.

"Hush up! Nobody asked you," said Sheila, "There's things that need to
be said and we're going to say them! You wanted to clear things up,
well this will do it. If everybody knows how everybody feels!" John
shut up. Sheila stood.

"Now I'm really a newcomer here myself. I only arrived a little over a
week before you girls. But I met John over a month ago. As a newcomer,
I may see some things that others don't, because they are too close.
But I don't see anything wrong here. We all come from some sort of
abusive background. I didn't have to suffer the financial poverty that
many of you did. But I suffered in other ways. My whole life has been a
search for someone like John.

"I was married before. But I had a yen for female companionship too. My
husband didn't take to kindly to this. Sometimes he took it pretty hard
and took it out on me. I divorced him because of that. But afterwards I
was a lost soul in the world. I've a few close friends, who are also
occasional lovers. I've been lucky in that. We all were. We all have a
yen for female companionship. Theresa and Cindy found each other. You
girls have Candice, whom I know has been a good friend to you as well
as being a substitute for the mother you never knew. Don't judge her
too harshly that sometimes the two roles didn't mix. Sometimes I'm sure
it seemed like she wasn't being a friend to you, because she was being
a mother. Now that you girls are pretty well grown up, her role as
mother is diminishing. It's now that she needs your friendship. We all
need each other. And that's the simple truth.

"But mostly we need John. Because he's the one that made all this
possible. We are all lovely women. We are free to live our lives as we
please. But that freedom doesn't mean that the world is going to let us
live our lives as we please. We all love making love to women as well
as John. The world doesn't like that. I know, I've spent a good portion
of my adult life looking around for a place where they did. The closest
I'd found before, was San Francisco. But even that isn't like it is
here. No where close.

"In my whole life, I have never felt the love and understanding that I
have felt since the very first moment I met John. John's a tricky
little devil at times. He met me... well, he sought me out, he came
into what was a hostile environment for him; a lesbian bar. He was
attacked verbally by a woman who thought of him as the enemy. In
reality he's her biggest ally. Because in him is the embodiment of
understanding. His reply to her was correct. She said: 'you're not our
kind' and he replied: 'you are right, *you* are not my kind.'

"From that moment on, I *wanted* to be involved with John. I chased
after him when he left. We had a drink at another, friendlier bar. It
was the first time in my life that I ever talked to an understanding
man! That night I asked to sleep with him. He accepted. We didn't have
sex, because *he* wouldn't, because of that allegiance he felt for
Cindy and Theresa. Who at that moment were many hundreds of miles away.
What Theresa said about ethics; that's exactly what she was talking
about. John could have had sex with me that night. I think he wanted
to. If his physical indicators are any judge then I know he wanted to.
But he didn't. and he didn't because of his ethics. Not because it
would make someone proud of him, although it did. Me for one. I know
Theresa and Cindy as well. But that's not why he didn't. He didn't
because he felt it would have been unethical of him to do so.

"Now John was afraid to become involved with me. But he had a dilemma.
He thought I was the right person for this job they've just granted me.
I think he's right about that. I am the best person for it. I've lived
my whole professional life serving my apprenticeship for just such a
job. I can't deny it's the opportunity of a lifetime for me, but I'm
also the best person because what I've done in the past has prepared me
for it.

"Another person wouldn't have given me that opportunity, because I'm
female. Most of those positions in the world are almost always given to
males. He didn't give a shit about that. He wanted the best person for
the job. I just happened to be female. I don't think.. In fact I highly
doubt that he had any intention of becoming involved with me
romantically. But then he saw something on my dossier that he felt gave
an even greater opportunity. It stated that I had an inclination
towards women.

"He felt that perhaps if the girls got to know me first, with him not
around, that maybe we'd all have a better working relationship. He let
us find out for ourselves just how we'd work out together. He let me
convince the girls by myself that I was the best person for the job.
Coincidentally, we all fell in love with one another. Now our little
ruse didn't fool Cindy here. Who is one savvy person. She saw just a
few.... unanswered questions, because they weren't untruths. But she
had to answer them. In the process she discovered John's little scheme.

"Now that almost ruined things. But when she questioned me about it, I
told her everything. Because I didn't fall in love with them to get the
job. I fell in love with them because they were worth loving. I didn't
want the job because I loved John. I wanted the job because it was good
for me and I was good for it. I didn't fall in love with John because
of the job, or because of the girls. I fell in love with him because he
was worth loving.

"Now the reason that I am still here, is because of that understanding
that Cindy was talking about. It's because I told her clearly that I
loved John, and why I loved John. And she understood! I also told them
that I loved them, and that is true. And she understood that. Now What
I've gained here is a value beyond measure. It's not just a good job,
it's the understanding and love and friendship that I've found in no
other place in the world. And that is priceless. The fact that we all
will get rich while sharing that is just a bonus to me.

"You all have my deepest love and understanding. Most of all John.
Because that's where it all begins and ends. If it weren't for him,
none of this would be possible for any of us. That's exactly how I
feel," Sheila concluded. The girls were all weeping. John too. He
thought it was over, but Candice stood up.

"You all know that we owe our lives to John and the rest of you. I
can't ever begin to repay that debt. But I owe all of you another debt.
For the first time in my life I feel loved. True, honest, *real* love.
Not the love that one's supposed to give another because of one's
circumstance, but love that is truly felt and expressed. Now I've
listened to John talk about pecking order, which I guess will always
exist anywhere. And I've heard Cindy talk about how that didn't mean
anything to her, and I believe her. Because for the first time in my
life, *love doesn't hurt*. I want to be a part of this forever. I'm
more than willing to be whatever part of it I'm allowed to be. Even if
there were a strict pecking order and I was on the very bottom. I would
still want to be a part of it, because making love with any one of you
is more than I've ever known before.

"I know in some ways us girls are backwards folk. But I believe in the
words John said. And given the opportunity, I promise I will do my very
best to learn all I can. Because I believe that the reason all this is
possible, is from the understanding that you all have talked about. And
the root of understanding, is knowledge. It's the knowing that makes
understanding. I want to *know*.

"Before I met you folks I didn't know what an orgasm was. Nobody ever
cared enough to give me one. Now I know.. it's great. But the feeling
you get when you give one is even greater. And I appreciate the words
that Sheila has said about my being both a friend and a mother to the
girls. I had to be. But more than that, I wanted to be. Cause in a way
they was the young'ns that I never had too. I hope that they can see
that. I hope that now they have grown that I can be their friend. Cause
I always wanted to be, but as Sheila said, sometimes the two didn't mix
and I had to be more mother than friend. I hope you understand that I
just wanted to do right by you.

"Now I want to thank all you ladies. 'Cause I thought I was alone in
the world. I've always had a special feeling for women folk. Mostly it
wasn't very welcome. I guess sometimes I kind of forced my feelings
upon the girls. I'm sorry for that. I didn't even know myself what I
was doing or why. In some ways I just wanted to give you the love you
wasn't getting from Nick. In other ways I was selfish, wanting that
love from you that I wasn't getting from him. But I always loved you,
from the first moment I laid eyes on you. I fell in love that first
day. I didn't know what that meant until we came here. All's I can hope
for is that you love me too.

"Now I'm extra grateful to John for saving our lives, more than once,
I'm sure. He may have said nothin' happened when he went back to
Nick's, but I know Nick better than that. I know John risked his life
again making us free women. He had to do it cause of his ethics. Nick
never gave no thought to no ethics. So I know he tried to cause
trouble. Unless you killed him, he still might. But there's no place on
earth that I'd feel safer than right here. With John protecting us.

"That's not the only reason that I love him. But it's a good one by
itself. Now you tell us that we got jobs. I can't thank you enough for
that either. A person's got to feel they have worth to the world. I can
see that in every one of you. You all *feel* that purpose. I was
feeling kind of left out about that. That's one reason why I was trying
to cook so much. I didn't want to be beholding to anyone. But I know I
am to everyone of you. I'll try to make that up to you in any way I
can.

"I don't feel like no fashion model, but you girls tell me that I can
be. I think you're just being nice in my case. I understand about the
triplets though. I think they'd make great fashion models. The best. I
love all of you dearly. More dearly than you may ever know. I'm
grateful to all of you for what you've done for us. I want to have the
chance to give back all the love I felt since I got here," Candice
concluded. Tears streaming from her eyes. All the others were freely
crying, including John. John started to get up, but Alice stood.

"Now I know that you all didn't expect me to speak. But I want to
'cause I've got something that's got to be said," she said. The others
nodded to her to continue. "Now, I don't know if the others want to
speak after me, but I know that I feel like they do. In some ways we're
of one mind. In some ways not, so if they got anything to add
afterwards it's okay by me. Anyway, I know that I feel like they do, in
some ways maybe a little more, but that's just 'cause I got to be first
with John and Sheila.

"I know that sometimes we may seem like kids, but maybe that's because
we didn't get much of a chance to be kids when everybody else was being
one. We been shuttled around back and forth so many times I don't
remember. Each time we had to learn a new set of rules to learn. And
then we just barely came of bleeding age when Nick was demanding of us
that we be women. But now we are growed up. And you tell us we are free
women. That means that we get to choose where and how we want to live.
I'm thankful to you for that.

"I know Nick like Candice does. He wouldn't bat an eye at causing
trouble. It says a lot for you that you got back alive. 'Cause I know
Nick would just as likely shoot you as spit. He's done it before.
They's a spot on the corner of his land got more than one body in it.
Anyway.. now that we's free women, we got to decide how and where we
are going to live. I can't think of anyplace else I'd rather be. Not
that I've got much understanding of the world, but from what I hear
from you folk, it ain't any better and some places are a whole lot
worse. .. I don't mean to make it sound like this is a bad place.
'Cause I don't feel that at all. In all the places we been and
everybody we've known, the last few days have been the best," Alice
said. She stalled. Then to every one's amazement she stripped off her
blouse and pushed her shorts down.

"This here's my body. Now I can do this 'cause you all seen it before.
I like it when you have. I like it when I get to see yours. But my
point is that this is *my* body. And nobody ever told me before how it
worked. Now I'm just beginning to understand what it means to be a
woman. You all done that for me. John made me a real woman last night.
For the first time in my life I felt the love of a man. I don't mean
the lust of a man. I mean the love. I felt the lust before many times.
It was ugly. Last night wasn't ugly. It was the most beautiful thing
ever happened to me. And then I got to hold Sheila in my arms while
John made love with her. I got to see that there was more to it than
just rubbing 'cause it feels good. They looked into each other's eyes
and there was joy there. I never seen joy before. I heard the word, but
never seen it. It was something that I want to see again and again. It
was something that I want to feel myself. It was something that I want
my sisters to feel.

"I don't know of no place else where I can do that. I don't know of no
place else where I could stand before all of you naked and not feel
ashamed. I don't want to feel ashamed. I want to stay here!" Alice
said, busting out into tears. Theresa was closest and pulled her into
her lap. John looked to the other two girls. Who were weeping almost as
hard as Alice. Andrea stood up.

"I don't have much to add... mostly just to say that I agree with Alice
and what's been said before. Like she said, nobody ever told us how our
bodies worked before. We always thought we just had the woman's curse
like it said in the bible. But Cindy said: 'We've got newer books now.'
Well this makes lots of sense to me. John says that we can learn here.
That's what I want to do. But more than just learning, I want to know
all the love you folks got here. It ain't like anyplace we ever lived
before.

"John made Alice into a woman last night. If he'll have me, I want him
to do the same thing for me... now Cindy told us ... well, us girls got
our periods today. And Cindy says that while you might not care, that
it can be messy. I know that's true 'cause Nick didn't care one way or
the other. Anyway I'm contented to wait for a few days. I know John's
been through some kind of hard loving time that I can't even imagine.
So he needs some time to get his strength back. Maybe this time for Amy
and I will be a good rest for him or that he can use it to make up for
some of the loving that he's not been able to give Theresa and Cindy.
Any way is fine with me. I'd wait ten years, but I want him as my
man....

"Now I heard you girls talking about how women loving women wasn't too
welcome to most the world. I don't know why that would be, but I gotta
accept your word on it. I do know that when we came here it was the
first time we ever felt true loving of any sort. I don't fault Candice
at all. You gotta know what it is before you can share it. I'm looking
forward to sharing it with her or anybody else here that wants me. I
know it was hard on Candice having to be both Ma and girlfriend to us.
Now that we've grown up I'd like very much if she'd stay our
girlfriend.

"That's about it, 'cept to say like Alice. I want to stay here, if
you'll have me," Andrea concluded. Amy jumped to her feet, almost
enthusiastically.

"Not much else to say... 'cept... Awe.. I love you all. I thank you for
my life and my happiness. Didn't have much of either before. 'Cept
Candice. I always knew she loved me. I always knew she loved the others
too. When she says she forced her love on us... well, not on me. It
never felt that way. I always wanted to please her too. We just didn't
know how. Now we do. Near as I can tell there's no place else we were
likely to learn that.

"If'n you'll let us stay, I promise that we'll study hard. 'Cause like
you all said, it's knowledge what makes it all possible. But I know
that's not all. It's love makes it all possible. I think that all
starts with John, like everybody says. 'Cause it's obvious that we all
love him. I'd be proud to be his woman if he'll have me. I'd be proud
to love anyone of you. And I'd be willing to show it right now to
anyone who's interested. But maybe... if you want to wait till our
bleeding times past.. that's fine. I understand. Any time's fine by me.

"I hope that you will all have us. Cause we really want to stay. That's
all I have to say," Amy said, tears rolling off her cheeks. She was
wobbly on her feet as she tried to sit. John pulled her into his lap
and she shuddered.

"Okay.. you've all said your piece. Now it's my turn again. You are
*all* welcome to stay as long as you wish. You will always be welcome
in my life, my home or my bed. I've never known a finer group of people
in my whole life. I consider it just coincidence that you are all
women. I don't know how much or for how long I can give you a man's
love. But what I've got is yours. Everything I have is yours. I think
... no I know.... Once before here, when Theresa and Cindy and I
finally got together. We made it through a sort of trying time. When we
did, our love for each other got stronger. That's when we became a
family.

"Now today, that family just got a lot bigger. We are a family. If the
laws would allow it I'd shout it from the highest mountain top. I'd
marry each and every one of you in a heart beat. But the law won't
allow that. So I can't. And I'm not sure that that's an answer. 'Cause
somehow when you get that piece of paper that tells you you're married,
no matter what, people somehow forget what made them want to be married
in the first place. I don't ever want that to happen. I love all of you
with all my heart. I want to make love to all of you until the day I
die. I'm just sorry that that will be sooner for me than for most of
you. You'll have to go through that with me just 'cause of my age. But
I'm not going to fight it anymore.

"I once said to Cindy that people of a different age thought
differently. Now I know that's not really true. 'Cause all of you today
have told me that you are of a like mind. I once also believed that my
age would keep me from satisfying you. I no longer believe that either.
In the past week I've made love more times than I did in years before.
Many years. I think that maybe that's a myth that comes from men living
with women who lose interest in sex. The body has simple rules. One of
them is use it or lose it. The more I use it, the more I find I can.

"Now one thing I want to make clear for you girls who probably don't
know. You *can't* have children by me. I had my tubes cut. And while
that's not 100% effective all the time for everybody, so far it's been
tested real hard by two really frisky women for over a year. So it's
safe to say that it's highly unlikely that I'll ever get one of you
pregnant.

"Now I know that some of you may want to have kids in the future. I'll
understand if you need to move on. But I'll not drive you out or try to
persuade you to leave to do that. You are all welcome to stay as long
as you like. Now that the mushy stuff is all clear and in the open, I
think we need to get on with making this all work. Now that we all have
a purpose, I think we need to apply ourselves to that. That means
getting busy with our lives.

"We're all going to be stinking rich. That gives us all more freedom to
live the way we want to. Which is what all of us have expressed an
interest in today. The way we seem to want to live, is by loving each
other. I can't think of a better way to live. So let's get on with it!
This meeting is adjourned. I think you all should find somebody to
kiss. I've got mine," John concluded. His lips descended upon Amy's.
Everyone else seemed to find whomever was closest. The sexual energy in
the room could have launched a space shuttle.

John softly caressed Amy's breast as he kissed her. Then he released
her as there was a line forming. One by one they each sat in his lap
and he kissed them and fondled their breasts. Those waiting in line
didn't seem bored as they hugged and kissed each other. Cindy was the
last to sit in his lap.

"Pretty nice family you've got here... gramps," she teased.

"Gramps! You just wait till tomorrow. I'll have your knickers off
faster than a speeding bullet," he said.

"I'd happily wait until there were no tomorrows," she said, moving her
lips to his. He didn't neglect her lovely breasts. His manhood strained
at his trousers.

"Better go help Theresa if Sheila's gonna make her flight," he said.
Cindy nodded and kissed him hard once more. John spotted Andrea. He
swept her off her feet into his arms. "Lets go make you a woman.
Somebody find us some towels! Amy, you're next, best come on 'cause I'm
feeling feisty," he said. Cindy had some hurried words with Sheila who
smiled and nodded. Sheila went off to call the helicopter service and
the travel agent to postpone the flight one more day. Then all of them
gathered round in the master bedroom for the girl's initiation.

Messy or not, the girls weren't ready for the onslaught of love that
showered upon them. Andrea was lost in a wash of endorphins already
when her first orgasm of womanhood broke upon her tender body. Then she
was caressed by a dozen hands till she slept. Amy's initiation went
much the same. Then John grabbed Cindy. This time he didn't hold back
when their mutual orgasm broke. Cindy got to feel the feeling she'd
been longing for. Next came Theresa... then Sheila, then Candice and
then Alice. He didn't disappoint a single one of them. Then he slept.
Cindy inserted tampons into the sleeping Amy and Andrea. Then the rest
of the women went for a swim, leaving Amy and Andrea snuggled to their
man.

Alice now felt like one of the girls. Tagging along with the older -but
not much in some cases- women. Giggling and talking about how their man
had pleased them. Theresa and Alice swam about as Cindy and Sheila
explained to Candice what Cindy had explained to the triplets earlier.
Then the two from the pool joined them and it kind of became a show and
tell session. With Sheila climbing on the table and opening her legs
for Candice and Alice to see while Cindy pointed and explained where
things were, and how they worked. Cindy got mischievous and gave them a
lesson in cunnilingus.

Then Alice said, "Let's see if I've got it right." She moved in and
proved she definitely did. Candice practiced upon Theresa, proving she
did too. Then Sheila and Cindy both teased poor Alice into oblivion.
Lastly Sheila and Cindy shared a very special session together. Perhaps
because, despite all that had been said, they knew that they were
John's favorites.

Upstairs, when Alice had experienced her onslaught at the hands of
Cindy and Sheila, Amy and Andrea had stirred next to their man. They
smiled at each other in understanding. Each shivering a bit. They
shared a gentle kiss and then snuggled to their man. As Alice slipped
away, so did they.

Chapter 58

Amid many tears Sheila and the girls made their flight the next day.
The pilot who had brought her in got a much different perspective. This
woman, who's demeanor had said: MONEY when he had flown her in, now
oozed with a different sort of energy. Now it was not only money, but
some hidden power he didn't even have a label for. The two women with
her, actually a woman and a girl, were both outstandingly beautiful.

They had obviously never flown before and the older woman held their
hands as he lifted off. Then after a while they were chatting away
wildly in his headphones. Something about a family. Strangest family
the pilot had ever encountered. Four other girls and Mr. Stevens had
seen them off. The pilot wasn't about to cause trouble for him. Mr.
Stevens was fast becoming one of his best accounts. Even if he did
reschedule a lot. Besides, the pilot had *never* seen a happier family
in all his life. The only thing that didn't add up were their ages.

Mr. Stevens could have been five of the girls' father. But not the two
older women, or at least one of them. If he'd started young, he could
have been the father of the mid-twenties woman. Neither of them seemed
old enough to be the girls' mother. One was in her mid twenties and the
older one couldn't possibly logistically have two seventeen year olds
and three sixteen year olds. He guessed that it was some sort of
combined families where each side had kids. Stevens was old enough to
be father to them all except the older woman.

The pilot got confused thinking about it. He just wished he could find
that much happiness in his own family. When he set down at the airport,
it was ahead of schedule. He shut down and helped transfer the bags.
Then he turned to the woman.

"Excuse me, Ma'am. I don't mean to pry. It's just that you've got the
oddest family I ever saw. I don't mean that badly, 'cause it seems to
be the happiest one I ever saw too. But I can't figure who's who. You
couldn't be mother to them all, it ain't possible," he said.

"No. None of us is related by blood except the triplets. The kids are
all adopted. We sort of adopted each other, you might say," Sheila
said, thinking fast.

"That's great. I just wish I could make my family that happy. Any
suggestions?" he asked.

"Yes... First off, love them. They are the most important thing in your
life. Let them know that. Teach them understanding for other peoples'
points of view. Teach them self respect and self worth. The value of
work and above all *ethics*. Let them grow at their own pace. Don't try
to mold them into what you want them to be. And again, love them,"
Sheila said.

"That's a pretty tall order," said the pilot.

"That's John Stevens," she replied.

"And he cares for all those kids that way?" he asked.

"Every one of them," Sheila responded.

"Wow. He ought to get some kind of award," he said.

"No, please. Any publicity would spoil it. Some of the girls... well,
they came from abusive backgrounds, all of them in fact. But some of
them have some not very nice people trying to find them. Any publicity
would actually be dangerous for them," Sheila said.

"I understand. But that kind of generosity should be rewarded," the
pilot said.

"Can you think of any better reward than the look on that girl's face?"
Sheila asked.

"No Ma'am, I can't. Don't worry. I won't tell a soul. I'm just proud of
Mr. Stevens," the pilot said, sincerely.

"We all are. We all are. Uh, listen. We've got a business venture going
that's bound to get pretty big. I think you can look forward to lots of
business from us. But the bigger it gets, the harder it's going to be
to retain our privacy. You could help that. It's important to the
girls' future," Sheila said.

"I understand. You can count on me. How big you talking?" asked the
pilot.

"Oh, I fully expect about 250 million in sales a year," Sheila said.

"A quarter billion! Can I get in on it?" he asked.

"Well, insider trading is illegal, but I can promise you we'll inform
you of the first public offering," Sheila chuckled.

"I'd be much obliged. Can I ask what sort of business it is?" he asked.
Sheila smiled. She pulled back her coat and let him see her custom jump
suit. The Pilot's eyes almost jumped out of his head.

"We custom make these, or any other pattern you'd wish. You can *see*
that they fit perfectly. This one actually retains my body heat for me.
I'm not cold at all. While you stand there shivering. Perhaps not *all*
from the cold," Sheila giggled.

"Wow! You'll sell millions of them! But I'll bet they're expensive," he
said.

"Well, to start off with. We're aiming at the high end fashion market
to start off. But after we claim that market, or a good sized share of
it, we'll start working down. We're already working on ways to make the
process cheaper and faster. But to give you an idea, this outfit took
just an hour to make," she said.

"Really? Wow. That's incredible.... You know the first time I saw you,
two weeks ago, I said to myself: That lady's going places," the pilot
said.

"Well right now, I'm going to San Francisco, to get this all started.
So if you'll excuse me. And.. Please. Our privacy if very precious to
us. If you can help us retain it I promise we'd make it worth your
while," she said.

"Of course. I understand. And good luck to you. I'm just thrilled that
those kids will have a better future than past," he said, sincerely.

"Thank you. I can guarantee that. Good-bye," Sheila said, joining Alice
and Candice in the jet way.

"What was all that about?" Candice asked.

"Oh, just overcoming one of the many obstacles we're going to encounter
to try to keep us all together. He was asking about how our family
could have such odd ages. So I told him you girls were all adopted.
That we all adopted each other. Which is true. Then I distracted him
with my outfit and dangled the carrot of prosperity in front of him. I
can almost guarantee we won't have any trouble out of him," Sheila
chuckled.

"There's so much in the world I need to learn," Candice said.

"Oh, it will come with time. Just enjoy the time as it passes. Shall we
get on board the plane?" Sheila asked.

"What about our luggage?" Candice asked.

"Already on board. Just ourselves and this small bag to worry about,"
Sheila said.

"Wow, that's service," Candice said.

"That's the freedom that money brings," Sheila said, taking Alice's
hand and leading her towards the plane. Their boarding passes were at
the counter.


Chapter 59

Amy and Andrea got a little apprehensive just about the time that
Sheila, Candice and Alice lifted off. But then they were fine.

"How about some lunch?" John asked Cindy and Theresa.

"Hires a new cook and then gives her a two weeks paid vacation. I think
we got shafted, Theresa," Cindy chucked.

"I'll say! Felt great too," Theresa giggled.

"You know, your sense of humor gets more like John's every day," Cindy
said.

"Why thank you. That's very nice of you to say," Theresa said.

"It wasn't a compliment," Cindy giggled.

"Just for that, I'll remind you that it's your turn. Come on, John. You
were going to tell me about them Pirates," Theresa said.

"Well here I was, walking down the street minding my own business when
this guy with an eye patch jumps out in front of me...." John began,
taking Theresa's arm. Cindy looked after them and smiled. The two girls
looked longingly towards the receding couple and torn between them and
helping Cindy.

"Go on. John does tell an interesting story, but his facts are much
stranger than fiction," Cindy giggled, shooing the girls out. They
giggled and kissed her, then ran after John and Theresa. A little while
later Cindy carried a tray of sandwiches and drinks into the Com room.
John was lying on the triple chaise with Theresa by his side. The two
girls sitting cross legged on the end, listening in rapt attention.

"...So I used the piece of broken glass to cut my way through the tent.
Then I crept quietly down to the shoreline. There, I only found a dried
out tree. I dragged it with all my strength into the mild surf and
paddled my way out to sea.... Oh good, lunch," John said.

"Has he been at that story all this time?" Cindy asked.

"Yup! You missed the parts about raping the camels and servicing the
harems. He should be a writer," Theresa chuckled.

"So you didn't really do all that?" asked Amy, in disappointment.

"No dear, just a story I made up to save my butt when I came back from
New York looking like a zombie and couldn't make love," John said,
leaning to kiss her softly.

"Couldn't make love? Try barely breathing!" Theresa chuckled.

"My cardio-vascular system was in fine shape," John said.

"I'll say, probably blew all kinds of crap out of the pipes," Cindy
chuckled.

"But I don't understand. Why couldn't you make love? What exactly
happened to you in New York? I keep hearing things about it, but
nobody's ever told me what happened," Andrea said.

"Oh, not much," John said.

"Where's all that honesty you promised them? Andrea, you should be very
proud of this man. Since last Saturday night, he's made love over forty
times. Forty-three by my count. And still managed to make you a woman
yesterday," Cindy said.

"Honestly?" Andrea asked.

"Honestly!" Cindy chuckled. Andrea was beaming at Cindy. She hugged her
round the waist.

"You recognized me," she giggled.

"Easier with just two of you here," Cindy giggled, bending to kiss her.

"But who did he make all this love too?" Amy asked.

"We never met her. Just a girl in New York. But thirteen of those times
were right here. To us," Theresa said. Amy and Andrea seemed
thoughtful.

"That's a lot more than" "Nick ever did." "And he wasn't near" "as nice
about it," they said.

"Stereo," said John, chuckling.

"Girls, Sheila and I were wondering.... Do you *feel* each other's
orgasms?" Cindy asked, out of the blue.

"Sometimes... Not really feel them though. We just feel good." "But if
we're close enough." "We can sort of" "feel them," Andrea started and
they both finished.

"Well, would you do me a favor?" Cindy asked.

"Sure!" "Anything," they replied.

"Well, if you feel like Alice is feeling something good, would you
write down the time and day it is?" Cindy asked.

"Sure!" "Be glad to!" they replied.

"What do you feel about her right now?" Theresa asked. The girls closed
their eyes, and then opened them and looked each other in the eye for a
moment.

"She's a little" "nervous," they said. John looked at his watch and
then over at a copy of Sheila's flight plan laying on the counter.

"Just about to land at SFO," he said.

"That would explain her nervousness, I guess. I've never flown," Cindy
said.

"It would. Even the most seasoned flyer gets a little nervous about the
landings. Some don't like the takeoffs either, but personally I find
them exhilarating," John said.

"I'd love to take a trip on an airplane," Theresa said.

"Remember you said that when you're flying all over the place for
Second Skin," John chuckled.

"You think I will? What for?" Theresa asked.

"Darling, Sheila's not going to be doing all this by herself. You'll be
going out to oversee a new salon set up. Probably you into one town
while Cindy goes to another and Sheila goes to yet another. And then
for the shows, like fashion week in New York, you'll probably all fly
there. Me too, likely," John said.

"You just want to get back to that red headed tart," Cindy giggled.

"She's no more a tart than you are," John said.

"Like I said," Cindy said.

"What's a tart?" Amy asked.

"Several things. One, it means something sort of sour, like lemonade.
Two, it's a small sweet pastry. And *Three*, it's a slang term, or
other name for a prostitute," John said.

"What's a prostitute?" Andrea asked.

"It's a woman who sells sex for money," Theresa said.

"You can get *paid* for it?" Amy asked.

"Well, sort of. But you can't really choose who you want to do it with.
Prostitutes usually do it initially 'cause they're hungry. Then they
get stuck doing it. It's not generally a very good thing," John said.

"I didn't mean that she was a prostitute. I always thought the word
meant, A woman of easy virtue," Cindy said.

"That, neither of you are," John said.

"We both fell for you easily enough," Cindy said.

"Well, that's different. I'm easy to fall for," John said, chuckling.

"Yes you are," Cindy said, softly.

"Ditto!" Theresa said.

"What's ditto mean?" Amy asked.

"It means I feel the same way," Theresa told her.

"Oh, Ditto!" Amy said.

"Ditto!" Andrea said.

"Well, now that that's settled," John chuckled. Andrea and Amy suddenly
looked at each other concerned.

"What's wrong?" Cindy asked.

"Alice just got real scared," Amy answered.

"But it's getting better," Andrea said.

"Touch down. Mark the time," John said. Cindy got an index card out and
recorded the time. It matched almost exactly with the arrival time
listed on the schedule, adjusted for time zones.

"Can you girls send messages to each other?" John asked.

"Not like words." "But we can send meanings sometimes," they answered.

"Like help or something like that?" Theresa asked.

"That's easy" "we just know that," they replied.

"How long have you girls been able to do this?" John asked.

"Most all" "our lives" "but it got stronger" "when Nick first" took
us," they replied.

"That makes sense. Many clairvoyant occurrences are related to
traumatic experiences," John said.

"What's" "clairvoyant?" they asked.

"It's the scientific name for what you girls can do. But that's kind of
funny, cause science doesn't have a clue about it," John said.

"What's" "scientific?" they asked.

"Science is the study of how things work. Like what makes rain fall, or
what makes rocks a certain color, or how old a rock is, or why grass is
green," John said.

"Oh... I get it," Amy said.

"Ditto!" Andrea said.

"Well, you three can continue the lesson. Theresa and I have some
outfits to make," Cindy said.

"Will you make some" "for us?" Amy and Andrea asked.

"Just what we were going to do," Cindy said, leaning to kiss each of
them. Theresa came next. Cindy transferred to John, then Theresa moved
to him.

"Boy, you folks" "sure kiss" "a lot," the two triplets said.

"Kissing is one of the nicest things on earth," Cindy said.

"Oh, we like" "it too, now," they replied.

"But you didn't before?" Theresa asked.

"It was okay" "with Candice." "But not" "With Nick." "and Candice
wasn't" "very good" "Before," they said.

"Well, John's a *great* kisser. Why don't you two practice with him?"
Cindy chuckled, taking Theresa by the hand and leading her out. The
girls turned to John eagerly. John spread his arms and the two moved to
either side of him on the triple chaise. They practiced for a long
time. He showed them almost everything he knew about kissing.

Alice smiled broadly as she walked off the plane.

"I think you'll have a good time here," Sheila said, miss-reading her
look.

"Oh... probably," Alice said, distracted.

"Huh? Where are you, girl?" Sheila asked.

"I'm sorry. Something real nice is happening to Andrea and Amy," she
said.

"You can feel them now?" Sheila asked.

"Uh huh," Alice said, dreamily. She shivered a bit.

"Do you know what it is?" Sheila asked.

"I think they're kissing," Alice said.

"Each other?" Candice asked.

"No... someone else... John, I think," Alice answered.

"You best come to your senses, girl," Candice started.

"No, it's fine. You shouldn't try to keep her from doing something that
comes natural to her. I think it's wonderful," Sheila said.

"If'n you say so," Candice said. Alice beamed at Sheila. The two of
them were thrilled to death with the moving sidewalks in the airport.
Then Sheila directed them to baggage pickup. Snagging a cart from a
machine. Alice looked around in a dream world. Candice wasn't much
different. Then their luggage came out and Sheila snagged the bags as
they came off. She guided them to the curb. Unpacking the bags, she
left Candice to watch them while she pushed the machine into a return.
A quarter dropped out.

"But you put three in to get it," Alice said.

"That was rent for the cart. The quarter return is just an incentive to
return the cart," Sheila explained.

"Oh... " Alice giggled.

"Now what are they doing?" Sheila asked.

"Just the same, only... he's sort of tickling them too," Alice said.

"You can feel that?" Sheila asked.

"Most anything that makes us happy or sad," Alice giggled.

"God, it must have been awful for you all when Nick was with one of
you," Sheila said.

"Oh, not too bad, 'cause when one of us was with him, the other two
would think about nice things for her," Alice said.

"That's nice," Sheila said.

"Yeah, it made it hurt less.... let's not talk about Nick. I don't want
to spoil it for the others," Alice said.

"Okay, dear," Sheila said, taking her by the hand. Alice snuggled to
her side a bit, which was a little embarrassing for Sheila. But she
wasn't about to refuse her. She hailed a cab and they loaded the
luggage. The trip into town was a wonder. So many big buildings. On the
way in, to the left was an area of pastel houses, on the right the bay.
Big ships were moored at the piers. It was a fairly sunny day, but
cool, as it almost always is by the bay.

Sheila sat in the middle and held both their hands as they tried to
look two directions at once. Then they got into the City and the girls
got a little nervous over the traffic. The cab dropped them off at
Sheila's apartment. The girls helped her haul the bags up.


Chapter 60

Maj. Sergei Nickolov came on duty and relieved the almost sleeping
private.

"Any action from site "Q" today?" Sergei asked.

"Not of the type we like to watch, a helicopter came and took three of
the women away. It landed at a commercial airport," the private
reported.

"Jet setters," Sergei chuckled, "Which women?" he asked.

"One of the triplets, the last dark haired arrival and the big, older
blonde," the private replied.

"Damn, that blonde was one of my favorites. One of the triplets you
say? Seems a shame to break up a set like that. Any more action from
the man by the mountains?" Sergei asked.

"No, he rode his snow machine out to the road, but then went back,"
said the private.

"A joy ride?"

"No, I don't think so. He seemed to be looking for something. I think
the trail from the cowboy and the girl. The cowboy covered his tracks
very effectively. Remember how he rode along the side of the road,
keeping to the snow bank? Well when the snow plow came by it covered
them. A very sly operator, this *Cowboy*."

"Sometimes this is more entertaining than American television," Sergei
said, "We could learn much from this *Cowboy*."

"I'd like to learn how he attracts such women. Will you record if the
girls sunbathe?" asked the private.

"Of course. Now go get some sleep," Sergei chuckled, turning to the
satellite controls. Since John had bought the silo, the Russians had
been keeping an almost constant eye on it. Diverting spy satellite
services only when necessary to cover international events. They had
been tipped off to activity at the silo in a most profound manner; an
electric arc welder had attracted the attention of -long time-
automated detection equipment. All hell had broken loose as the
automated equipment sounded a missile launch alert.

After the first panic they were mostly puzzled by the activity, as the
silo was listed as out of service. They had previously watched
carefully by satellite when the American Air Force packed the missile
off and then a lot of equipment. An on-site inspection team had
verified it was empty. Now suddenly there was this new construction
going on. By sophisticated spy satellite they watched in amusement as
*one* very ambitious man had done massive drilling into the silo walls,
then mounted steel girders to them. He seemed to be subdividing the
silo. Perhaps, they thought, he was building a secret Biological lab.
They kept it on the passive surveillance list, but it was difficult as
they could only observe when the launch roof was rolled back and a
viewing window existed for the satellites.

The quantity of items lowered into the silo caused them to put it on
the *active* surveillance list. Government financing was definitely in
evidence. They tapped into two of the road sensors the Americans had
installed at the end by the main road. These provided a signal to alert
local field operatives of any vehicle movement to or from the site.
They were watching when the man had a collision with the girl, taking
her back to the silo. Limp as a rag doll as he carried her into the
hatchway. Infrared satellite readings indicated that the girl was
alive, but cold. Oddly, help didn't arrive in the form of a helicopter
or anything else.

The pair weren't seen for several days. Then the man and a scantily
clad girl had taken a tour around the silo property. Then they re-
entered and weren't seen again for a long time. Taking just one trip to
town to pick up supplies and a vehicle more suitable to the terrain.
The girl *returned* to the silo with him. No sight of them for several
months, until the man built the tanning roof. Then surveillance duty
became very popular, as the girl sunbathed nude quite often.

By this time, a dossier had been started on John. Open American records
had made the task relatively simple. The silo had been purchased by one
*John Stevens*, who until shortly before had been an electronics
engineer. His cover story was that he'd hit a lottery. He'd also once
worked for a defense contractor, holding a *Top Secret* clearance. The
background cover for him had been a masterwork. Divorced, one child.
But he never had any further contact with them after buying the silo.
That was a flaw in his cover, the Russians thought.

They didn't dare try to get close to the silo. Personnel sensors were
standard equipment around any such installation. Notified by the
satellite team and road sensor taps, operatives shadowed him whenever
he went to town for provisions. They observed him purchasing a great
deal of electronic equipment. Computers, video equipment and massive
quantities of video tape. He was doing something very high tech in the
silo, but they didn't have a clue what.

When the second girl had arrived, she was driven back to the silo by a
long clandestine route. The surveillance duty became even more popular
when they both began to nude sunbathe. Then came the lovemaking
episodes. As decadent and perverted as their commanders thought these
acts, they allowed the satellite observations to continue, because it
was very good for morale. (and of course, they had their own copies of
many activities tapes.)

Suspicion was raised even higher when a U.S. government agency had
suddenly called off their own feeble investigation into activities at
the silo. Now they gave it a wide berth. The recent arrival of four
more women, seemingly out of nowhere. A special flight flew into the
silo carrying a woman to prepare for them a week beforehand. This
brought the personnel count up to seven women in the silo with the
return of *Cowboy* from New York.

The private had reported the helicopter ride to his superiors. When the
destination was computed from flight path, an operative was at the
airport to observe the girls transfer to the San Francisco flight. At
SFO another picked up the tail. A computer mole infiltrated the airline
computer and determined identities for the women.

San Francisco seemed to be a contact point. As *Cowboy* had made a week
long visit, making contact with the blonde woman. The tailing operative
had wisely not entered the all woman bar. But had been close by when
the outside contact had been made. Whatever doubt Russia may have had
about John being a highly trained operative, dissipated when they
observed the confrontation with the man up the canyon. That episode had
earned him the nickname *Cowboy*, adopted now as his official
designation.

Another piece of the puzzle was the woman in New York. Operatives found
her as suspiciously clean as John. Whatever they were up to, they were
assembling a large group of supposedly non-connected operatives.
Mostly, beautiful women. An operative in New York was assigned to
observe Sally's activities.

Sophisticated exercise and weight training equipment hauled into the
silo indicated intensive physical training. All personnel in the silo
kept themselves in excellent physical condition. It was theorized that
the silo was a training center for operatives. *Cowboy* seemed to
recruit or contact new members by seducing them. This puzzled the
Russians, as the women appeared to be openly lesbian. Or were the
sessions in the solarium training sessions? *Cowboy* was certainly
aware of these sessions, participating himself quite often.

The gardening activity was thought to be a cover ploy, but may have
been an early effort to make the silo self sufficient. The arrival of
hydroponics tanks and equipment seemed to support this theory. Whatever
the reason, the summer growing season had been a popular distraction
for the men at the satellite facility. When the two girls worked in the
garden, they wore very little, when they sunbathed in the solarium,
nothing at all..

Currently, the project employed three full time field operatives, two
of which were based in the next town. One followed outgoing subjects,
the other researched whatever local information was available while the
subjects were at the silo. If the subject traveled to most any large
U.S. city, operatives there could be pressed into service. Presently,
their video tape library of silo activities rivaled John's.

When Sally enrolled in a Karate school, this was reported up the line.
Little did they know that it was initiated because Sally was a little
worried about the creepy little jerk who seemed at times to be stalking
her. He never tried to make contact, but she spotted him *way* too
often. Sally stopped by the diner after work, as she did quite often.
She'd was becoming fast friends with Jean, the waitress from the first
evening. They'd even gone out on the town together, a couple of times.

Sally sat in her favorite booth, the one she'd shared with John that
first night. She could imagine John sitting on the opposite side.
Somehow she felt comforted by this. Jean brought her a cup of coffee.
Sally seemed distracted.

"What's up? You seem kind of down," Jean said. Sally told her about the
jerk who was following her.

"I don't know why he's doing it! I'm certain I've never met him
before," Sally told her.

"He may have just picked you for that gorgeous hair and body. I'd
likely follow you myself if you didn't come around," Jean said. Sally
looked at her curiously. Was Jean *interested* in her *that* way? The
thought somehow pleased her. Lately she'd been thinking about her
previous episode back home. John's seeming interest in bisexual women
spurred her to re-investigate her own feelings about it. She'd had to
admit that she *had* enjoyed her episode, even if she'd been too scared
to reciprocate. Now she looked at Jean with thoughts of remedying that.
She felt herself flush.

"You okay?" Jean asked, "You look a little flushed."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I got an E-mail letter from John. I was just thinking
about it," Sally covered.

"So what's he say?" Jean asked.

"Get this; he's got four more women in his life!" Sally chuckled.

"No! What's he trying to do, kill himself? He damn near did with you
before he left. Maybe he found the other two or three lacking after
that," Jean chuckled.

"He found them out in a blizzard. Saved their lives. They seem to be
*very* grateful about it. And get this; three of them are triplets!"
Sally said.

"Triplets! No shit?.... he doesn't really sound like a man who doesn't
want to complicate his life like he told you," Jean said.

"No, he doesn't," Sally said, a little dejected, "but I believe John
would try to help anybody who needed it. He's just that way," Sally
said.

"Kind of fell pretty hard for the guy, didn't you?" Jean said, placing
her hand over Sally's and squeezing it. The touch was warm and sensual
to Sally.

"He's kind of a hard act to follow, you know," Sally said.

"I know. He sure put me in my place, but in a nice manner. Didn't use
any profanity, he just told it like it was," Jean said, looking
distant.

"I know, that's John..... Damn, this creep's giving me the willies,"
Sally said, shivering slightly.

"Like some company? I'm off for the whole weekend," Jean said.

"Yes, I think I'd like that," Sally said, squeezing back at Jean's
hand, still warm in hers. The operative followed the two women back to
Sally's apartment. They made two stops; one at Jean's for a small
overnight bag and another to pick up a couple of bottles of wine. The
operative sighed and logged the time. He made his way to his own sparse
quarters within view of Sally's apartment building. Jean was favorably
impressed with Sally's apartment. Sally showing her around and telling
her all about each item and her arguing with John about purchasing a
cheaper one. They sipped wine as the tour progressed.

"He certainly didn't scrimp on anything. That bed is incredible," Jean
said, longingly.

"No, he didn't. And he damn sure didn't do it to get laid. I had to
damn near rape him," Sally said.

"I believed him when he told me that wasn't his motivation. Seeing this
confirms it. I can't imagine anybody fighting you off," Jean said.
Sally blushed.

"He did. And believe me, I tried my hardest," Sally said. Sally showed
Jean her computer set up. Letting Jean read her treasured E-mail from
John.

"My, he certainly doesn't mince words. This is getting me hot!" Jean
said. Sally chuckled.

"Made me hot too. There's pictures too," she said, calling up the files
John had attached to his letter.

"Good god! Those women are gorgeous. Every one of them. The triplets
are a little young, but most certainly alluring," Jean said, hoarsely.
Flushing red.

"They affected me the same way," Sally said, "Made me feel both hot and
insignificant in his life."

"Insignificant? Why?" Jean asked, still flushed.

"What chance do I have against that?" Sally asked.

"Why, every chance in the world. I don't know if you realize just how
gorgeous you are," Jean said.

"You've been reminding me of it quite often, lately," Sally said,
snickering.

"I'm sorry....... I don't mean to be too forward. I mostly value your
friendship... but I have to admit, in all honesty that I do find you
.... disturbingly attractive," Jean admitted, softly.

"That's okay. I understand," Sally said. She told Jean about her
aborted affair with the girl back home. Jean told Sally about her life
after her divorce.

"I had a neighbor who was openly gay. I knew it, but she was a pretty
good friend. When my husband and I broke up, she let me cry on her
shoulder. I was pretty fragile. One thing led to another and next thing
I knew I was crying on her breasts. She was so tender and soft, not at
all like my husband," Jean said.

"I was just too young to understand. I got scared. Now I kind of wished
I hadn't," Sally admitted. The two women looked at each other a moment.

"Well, I guess I'd better sleep on the sofa," Jean said.

"Oh, there's no need for that. I think I've got room enough in *that*
bed for two," Sally said. Jean looked at the floor a moment.

"I think that would be kind of like asking the lioness to watch the
cute baby antelopes for a while," Jean said.

"That's kind of what I had in mind," Sally admitted. Jean looked up at
her in surprise. Sally smiled invitingly.

"Sally, I don't want to mess up our friendship," Jean said.

"I don't think there's any danger of that. I know what I'm doing. If I
don't like it, well, I promise we'll still be good friends. I value
your friendship too. But it's pretty lonely in that bed. And I want to
know for myself just what I missed before. I don't want to let another
chance at something special slip by. Please?" Sally said. Jean moved to
her. Her lips were warm and full. Her tongue was soft and pleasing.
Sally melted at her first touch. Then she led her new friend into the
bedroom.

This time she didn't balk at returning the love she felt. She was a
little nervous, but Jean was patient. Over the next two days she would
teach her very well. Later that night they lay softly caressing each
other.

"Penny for your thoughts," Jean said, kissing a nipple.

"Mmmm.. Just wondering if I would have had a better chance of holding
John if I'd known the softer side you just taught me," Sally said,
dreamily.

"You going to tell him about us?" Jean asked.

"Not if you don't want me to. But I don't think he'd mind. He's the
only one I would care to tell, really," Sally said, caressing one of
Jean's firm breasts.

"I don't mind. I think he's one of the few men in the world who would
understand.... In fact.... can you send pictures back to him?" Jean
asked. Sally nodded.

"Yeah, he outfitted me pretty well. I've got a nice flatbed scanner I
can use for my outgoing faxes. Why?"

"Oh.. I was just thinking it would be fun sending him some photos of
us, *together*," Jean giggled.

"Yeah, that would be fun, but I don't have a camera. And we'd have to
send the film in to be processed. I'm not wild about that," Sally said.
Jean smiled and dug into her overnight bag, producing an instant
camera. Sally chuckled and nodded. They posed for each other, and then
together several times as Jean set the camera's timer. Then Sally moved
to the computer and scanned the scandalous pictures. She wrote up an E-
mail reply to John's letter, telling him all about her new found friend
and skills. In passing, she mentioned her stalker. Then she attached
the photo files and sent it. Jean watched in awe of the marvelous
modern technology at work.

She kissed Sally softly on the neck and the technology was forgotten.
They moved back to the bedroom arm in arm. Later they softly caressed
each other to sleep. Sally slept *much* better than she had been.

One of the most common things that intelligence officers do, is watch
other intelligence officers. The American was highly amused at the
Russians' incompetence. He was being way too obvious in his
surveillance of the young redhead. The big question for the American,
was why watch her at all? The girl, while stunning, seemed to be Lilly
clean. Perhaps too clean? He filled out his report and sent it up the
line. Noting the addition of the blonde from the diner.

So far the Russian had concentrated upon a wealthy single man and the
redhead. The single man hadn't been hard to trace from his copious
credit card usage; John Stevens. Current residence... an old missile
silo out in the desert. Previous history; NATO COSMIC endorsement on
TOP SECRET clearance for a defense contractor! Perhaps the Russians
were just fishing..... but that didn't make sense. Stevens was well
separated from current state of the art. While some of the systems he'd
worked on were still in usage, information about their capabilities was
probably well known by now. Stevens had made no attempt to contact the
clumsy Russian at all. Seeming to be unaware of his shadow.

He'd seemingly met the redhead on the street and done her a good
turn... too good. Although when he'd left it appeared that she'd been
*quite* adequately grateful. Perhaps she was an intermediary contact
with the Russian. That was for bigger brains to decide. The
intelligence officer just did his job.

A day or two later, in San Francisco, another similar officer was doing
his job. Tailing the Russian who was tailing the girls as Sheila took
them on a sightseeing tour. Both men were now on the *Red & White* bay
cruise with them, watching as Alice fed her cocktail crackers from the
wharf to seagulls slip streaming the boat. Sheila showed her how to
hold her arm up off the side and a seagull would swoop in and take it
right out of her fingers. Alice laughed in delight and hugged Sheila.

Candice was slightly more reserved, but Sheila had each of them pose
for photos, feeding the seagulls and then side by side. The American
officer took the opportunity to snap his own photos of the trio. To his
amusement, Sheila asked him if he'd mind taking her camera and taking a
few shots of the three of them. He nodded and complied. Worrying
slightly about the attention that Sheila brought to him from the
Russian. He'd have to swap off with another officer for any further
surveillance.

Afterwards, he made his way down to the bar. The Russian torn between
following him and watching the girls. As there were a group of people
also near by watching them, the Russian chose the latter. The American
pulled out his cellular and made a quick call. A second agent would
pick up the tail when they docked. The American sighed. He would have
loved to continue his proxied tail of the girls. They were absolutely
gorgeous... if leaning more than just a bit towards each other. That
was a common sight around this city.

He took his drink back on deck. Standing at the railing on the other
end of the boat. He casually spilled the contents a little at a time
overboard. Appearing to drink it. The Russian would glance at him from
time to time, but eventually he was forgotten. Especially when he
obviously went his separate way when they docked. A second agent,
looking like an average tourist picked up the tail. He had a marvelous
time as the girls led him - by way of the Russian- to China town and
then to the *Exploratorium* at the *Palace of Fine Arts*. A third agent
observed them finish up at *Aliotto's* restaurant on the wharf, just as
the sun went down and the harbor lights began to twinkle.

It was fun to watch. Sheila got the girls to try escargot. Once the
girls got over their squeamishness and saw Sheila's eyes roll as she
savored hers, they quickly warmed to them, rolling their own eyes.
Sheila ordered a fine wine with dinner. Alice didn't understand why she
couldn't drink with the other women. Sheila told her it was against the
law, but slipped some white wine into the girl's water glass. Under the
table they all held hands and copped feels. After dinner they took a
stroll down the wharf, one of Sheila's arms around each of them,
obviously enamored with each other. If it hadn't been for the
occasional slip of a hand over an ass cheek, they could have passed for
a close family. Their dual tail followed them back to Sheila's
apartment. The Russian called it a night, calling in his replacement. A
less experienced embassy aid to keep watch for the night. The American
filed his report.

Eventually his report would make it to the same desk as the agents from
New York's. One man oversaw much of the counter intelligence activity
within the country. But this didn't happen right away. First the
reports were cross checked against known activity at the local level.
Once Sheila's identity was known, a check of incoming flights revealed
her starting point. *No* information *at all* was found about the
girls. This fact raised a large red flag by itself.

A check on Sheila found her to be an outstandingly qualified financial
consultant. When she went into the office for a short time the next
day, her current employment was verified. But when a clandestine
attempt to retain her services was made, the agent was informed that
she was accepting no new clients, as she was accepting a position as
CEO of a new corporation. This corporation was being set up by a law
firm in town. The law firm represented a Mr. John Stevens. A quick
check on him revealed his background. This was also sent up with the
report.

In a dingy government office connected with DISCO - Defense Industry
Security Control Organization-, a computer flag went up because of
multiple requests for information concerning a Mr. John Stevens;
status, inactive. This report went up to the counter intelligence
coordinator's office. Now three reports with John's name on them were
on their way to the office from three different locations. They sat in
three different *In* baskets for a few days, and were then forwarded.

Over dinner, the two triplets were kind of quiet and pensive.

"What's up, darlings? You seem kind of quiet tonight," Cindy asked.

They shared a look and Andrea answered, "Oh, just kind of worried about
Alice.. it's probably nothing though. She's having a great time."

"What's probably nothing?" John asked.

Amy answered, "Well, it feels like... someone's watching her."

"I'll bet. I'll bet it's Sheila too," Theresa giggled.

"No, a stranger," Andrea said.

"Really? You sure?" John asked, becoming concerned.

"Well, no. It's just a feeling," Amy said.

"Of course... but your feelings are very special. Maybe I'll just give
them a call after dinner," John said. This cheered the girls up a
little bit, but they still seemed pensive.

"Do you think she's in any danger?" Cindy asked.

"Well, no. I don't feel that. He's just watching her," Andrea said.

"He?" asked John.

Amy nodded, "actually it feels like two of them... but it feels like
one is watching the other more than Alice... " Andrea nodded.

"Two of them.. how do you mean watching the other?" John asked.

"I don't know. What I mean is that it feels like one man is watching
the man watching Alice. It's hard to explain," Andrea said.

"Well, let me know if you sense any danger. I think I'll call Sheila
now," John said, standing up from the table. He went to the Com room.
While he'd strung a phone line into the kitchen, they seldom used it.
Not wishing a phone to intrude upon their socializing in the kitchen.
An empty jack there got used mostly for laptop work. The only other
line he'd run out of the Com room, was the one to the guest room for
Sheila's lap top. He'd also strung an outlet down into the master
bedroom.

He dialed Sheila's number. He got her voice mail. He left a message to
call him the minute they came in. Next her tried her Cellular number.
It reported itself off and again checked him to her voice mail. He
repeated the message in case it were two different services. Then he
sat back to wait. Just to pass the time he checked his E-mail. A letter
from Sally, several days old. He chuckled as he read it. Then called in
the photos.

"Oh my!" he said to himself.

"Oh my what? *Who's* that? *Oh my,* is right!" Cindy said, bending over
his shoulder.

"That, my little darling, is Sally. Your New York nemesis. The other
one, the blonde is the waitress from the dinner where we ate the first
night. Seems like they have quite a cozy friendship going. I didn't
recall the waitress being that pretty though," John answered.

"She's pretty alright. But if that's Sally I'm *glad* she stayed in New
York. She's gorgeous! I can see why you were inclined to Olympic
feats." Cindy chuckled. John nodded. "What's she say?" Cindy asked.

"She says that work is going very well. The manager seems thrilled with
her progress. She misses me. Jean, the blonde, and her have been
friendly since I left. They happened to get *together* last Friday
night. Jean offered to keep her company.. 'cause Sally was a little
nervous about a stalker........." John trailed off.

"What?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know.. maybe it's just coincidence. Lots of weird people out
there. I don't see how they could possibly be connected," John said.

"Both what?" Cindy asked, not understanding.

"Both stalkers. Sally's in New York and Alice's in San Francisco," John
said, reaching for the phone.

"That's a long way between them," Cindy admitted. John called up a
number from his directory and dialed Sally's apartment.

"This better be good," a sleepy voice answered.

"Will I do?" John asked.

"John?" a slightly friendlier but still sleepy voice asked.

"Hi pumpkin, sorry, I forgot about the time zone thing. It must be...
god, two A.M. there. And you've got to work tomorrow," John said.

"No, that's fine. Anytime you want to call me is just fine. What's up?
As if I didn't know," Sally chuckled.

"Cindy and I were just looking at your pictures. She says she's *glad*
you stayed in New York or she wouldn't get any loving," John chuckled.

"Did she now? Well tell her that since I saw her photo, I've been
practicing up my woman skills. I'm after her next," Sally chuckled.
John relayed the message. Cindy grinned broadly.

"Tell her anytime."

"She says anytime and she looks *very* hungry, but we just had
dinner.... Uh, listen, Sally. Tell me about your stalker," John said. A
moment's silence.

"Well, I don't know. He's the damn strangest stalker I ever heard of.
He doesn't want to make eye contact. He's made no attempt to talk to me
at all. He just seems to follow me and watch everywhere I go. He's
getting on my nerves, but Jean's doing a good job of calming them.
She's staying with me for a while just in case he decides to get
frisky," Sally said.

"Good. I'm glad she's there. He just follows you and *watches* you,
though?" John asked.

"Yeah, real weird," she said.

"Could he be a cop?" John asked.

"I don't think so. He sure doesn't act like one. Too timid," Sally
said.

"Okay, pumpkin. I'll let you get back to snuggling to Jean. Just keep
an eye on the guy. I'll call you in a few days. Call me before that if
he changes his behavior," John said.

"John, what's this about?" she asked, concerned.

"Probably nothing. You know how I wrote you that the triplets seemed
telepathic or psychic? Well one of them is in San Francisco with
Sheila. Tonight the other two said they thought someone was watching
*her*. I've got a call into her now. But it's probably just coincidence
if anything at all," John explained.

"Could the cops be watching you?" Sally asked.

"I don't think so. I've done nothing overtly obvious to the casual
observer. You usually have to be pretty stupid to draw their attention.
Besides which, you're legal. They have no reason to be watching you.
Maybe the guy just thinks you're cute. I can't fault him for that. But
I feel better that Jean's there with you," John said.

"Okay, let me know what Sheila says.... God, I miss you. I love you,"
Sally said.

"I love you too. Now go snuggle to that darling. Sweet dreams," John
said.

"Thanks. Good-bye," Sally said. John had barely hung up the phone when
it rang.

"Hello?"

"Hi John, missed me so bad you just had to hear my voice huh?" Sheila
giggled.

"Well that's true enough. Uh, listen. Did anything odd happen today?"
he asked.

"Not that I recall. It was a great day. Took the girls out sightseeing.
We just had a very romantic dinner on the wharf and we're about to
follow up on our inclinations. Why?" Sheila asked.

"Well, I don't want to alarm you. But the other two triplets said it
felt like someone was watching Alice," John said.

"I can understand that, she got watched a lot today........" she
trailed off.

"What? Think of something?" John asked.

"Maybe... On the boat. Now that I think about it.. I saw the same guy
in China town. I just figured he was a tourist hitting the same spots,"
Sheila said.

"Did he seem like a cop?" John asked.

"No... well... not really. Something odd about the way he moved.
Looking around like a tourist, but not the same somehow. More like he
was recording or was aware of everything," Sheila said.

"Well, it's probably just coincidence. But keep your eyes open and
don't walk down any dark alleys alone. If you can I'd rather the girls
weren't left unattended either," John told her.

"That's no problem. I just have to make a quick stop at work in the
morning, then we make our splash with Mae. So they'll be with me all
day. But I promise to be careful and not let us get too far away from
crowds. That shouldn't be too tough once the girls start showing their
outfits," Sheila said.

"Okay, thanks, Love. I love and miss you all. Go kiss the girls for us.
Bye," John said.

"Mmm, I think I will. I love you too. Bye," Sheila said. John hung up
the phone.

"Something?" Cindy asked.

"Something odd, yes. Both girls said that the guys didn't look like
cops. But that they just seemed to be watching," John said,
contemplative.

"What the hell's going on?" Cindy asked, "Could they be watching us?
and who's they?"

"Good questions all. I don't *think* anybody's watching us. First off,
they'd have a hell of a time doing it while we're down here. Cops would
just come up and ask if it was about you and Theresa. The local sheriff
probably isn't very sophisticated about warrants and such stuff. I
don't think the BLM is doing it. They'd have no interest in New York or
San Francisco. Nick doesn't have the resources. I don't know anybody
else who'd give a shit. And besides, nobody could get near the place
without a helicopter without us knowing it," John said.

"So what do you *think* is going on?" Cindy asked.

"It's probably just a coincidence, if anything. The girls may just be
spooked because Alice is in a big city for the first time. They may not
know what living there feels like to the rest of us...You know, little
privacy. Don't trust strangers. Sally's stalker might be just an a fan
of her beauty. I can see why, but it makes me nervous," John said.

"I can see why too. She really is lovely. Now I don't feel quite so bad
about you setting Olympic records with her, but not me," Cindy said,
studying the picture still on the monitor.

"That little remark is going to cost you dearly. The girls have this
funny hang-up about how I'd feel sleeping with them during their
period. I thought I cleared that up yesterday, but since they persist,
they're going to spend the night in the guest room. Theresa has
graciously volunteered to act as their missing wheel. That leaves you
all to myself. At this point I feel quite recuperated and very frisky.
I'm going to do my best to make it hard for you to walk tomorrow," John
said.

"I will gladly settle for one quality session. No need to break any
records," Cindy said, moving into his lap.

"I intend to give you both. Perhaps not thirty times, but count on at
least four," John said, playing with a breast.

"You really are a feisty old coot. I think I love you," Cindy said,
melting into a kiss. John checked in on the girls and finished his
dinner, assuring them that all was well.

"We know... but..... someone else is watching now," Andrea said.

"Oh?" John asked.

"Yeah, the first went away... the guy watching him too. Now there's
someone else watching the building," Amy said. John thought about it.
It sounded like a surveillance team. One person tailing during the day
and a second watching at night. The weird part was the guy watching the
other one.

"I'm sure it will be fine. You girls just let me know if he gets near
her or if you sense danger. Okay?" he told them.

"Okay. Sure. But what could you do from here?" Andrea asked.

"If nothing else, I can call and warn them. Then let the San Francisco
Police deal with it," John said. The girls nodded. They each shivered a
bit.

"Alice isn't worried," Amy giggled, "that's her third orgasm tonight."

"Well, at least she'll sleep well," Theresa giggled.

"When we do," Andrea said.

"Then I'll just have to see you sleep well," Theresa said, kissing her.
She then turned to the other and gave her the same treatment. She stood
and took them by the hand. "Good night, lovers. See you in the morning.
The girls want to cook and I'll want to sleep. So sleep in yourselves,"
Theresa said, kissing John and Cindy goodnight. Next the two girls
wished them goodnight. Both John and Cindy let them know they were
welcome that night should they be so inclined. The girls smiled and
carted their prey off towards the guest room. John turned to Cindy.

"A look at the stars for a bit?" he asked.

"Umm. I'll get the afghans," Cindy said. John rolled back the roof. It
was a crystal clear winter's night. He sat back in a chaise and Cindy
snuggled to him, pulling the Afghan's over them. She gazed up at the
incredible desert sky.

"You know, living in a city you forget how beautiful the sky is," John
said.

"I know. I never knew it till I came here. You shared that with me,"
Cindy said, kissing his cheek.

"No one else I'd rather share it with," he said.

"But a few you'd just as happily share it with," she giggled.

"I don't know that that's true.... In many ways you've always been my
favorite," John said.

"That's nice to hear, even if it's not necessarily true," she said.

"But it is true. I said in many ways. I mean that. But... I don't know
how to explain it. Each of you touches a different something inside of
me. I can share the sky with you, and you appreciate the total beauty
of it. Theresa doesn't give a hoot about the sky. She'd glance at it
and say 'Ooo pretty' and then turn her head to something else that
interested her. But at the same time she's easy going and lovable.
Sheila's more my age. We just sort of click on things. Candice is a
scrapper. Like the little bull terrier holding his own in a dog fight.
The triplets bring out the fathering in me that I never had a chance to
do with my own kid. Not that I was so enthused, the little brat," John
said.

"So I share the stars... I can live with that. But you didn't mention
what Sally does for you," Cindy said.

"You don't only share the stars with me. That was my original point. I
feel a depth of feeling in you and with you that I don't feel with any
of the others," John said.

"Thank you. I feel the same with you. But you're avoiding Sally again,"
Cindy chuckled.

"No, I'm not. I don't consider her an ongoing relationship," John said.

"That's sort of nice to hear. Her being *that* pretty. But I'm not so
sure it's true. That woman loves your butt. She's not about to forget
you. I'm not so sure I want her to either," Cindy said.

"Huh? Never expected you to say that. Okay, why not?" John asked.

"Oh... I may just want her for myself. I got pretty turned-on looking
at those pictures. But besides that, I think she's good for you," Cindy
told him.

"In what way?"

"It wasn't until she came along that you really opened up to me. She
makes you face your limitations.. and to call bullshit on the ones that
don't really exist. While we share a deep, caring love, she evokes
strong emotions in you. I think that's important too," Cindy said.

"Maybe... but like I said, I don't consider her a long term project,"
he said.

"Why does she have to be a project? What about an equal and mutual
relationship like we now share? Making her own choices about what and
who she wants to do," Cindy said.

"I'm not sure I'd want that. Like I told you before, she doesn't feel
the depth of love... the depth of sensuality that comes natural to
you," he said.

"Maybe... but I'll bet she's learning it now. Jean looked pretty
capable to me. That wasn't a hollow affection I saw between them. They
*dug* each other, but in a deeper, more caring manner. Not just love
play," she said.

"So maybe she'll take a long term yen to Jean," he said.

"Maybe. Maybe not. I feel pretty strongly about Theresa, but it's not
the same thing I feel with you," she said, kissing him again on the
cheek. He turned to her and shared a soft, gentle kiss. The kiss grew
in intensity slowly. Then became soft and gentle once more.

"Okay, now you can go back to the sky. Let's share the stars like we
just did that," Cindy said, snuggling to him. She snuggled to his side
as they gazed upwards. Their eye's now adjusted to the darkness. It was
glorious. A fast moving dot of light passed over.

"What's that?" Cindy asked, pointing it out.

"A satellite. Low orbit, fast moving. Probably a spy satellite," he
said.

"I've noticed it several times lately. Is it new?" she asked.

"Could be, hard to tell nowadays. But they can make minor changes in
orbit. Who's ever it is might just be interested in something happening
at this latitude," John said.

"Like us?" she asked.

"Not likely. Why would they be interested in us?" he asked.

"Well, we *do* live in a *missile silo*, you know. Maybe we're being
watched too," Cindy giggled.

"I hadn't thought about that. But they were probably well aware that
the silo was taken out of service a long time ago. They may have taken
an interest when I first began work on the place. But when they saw me
hanging floors they would have lost interest," he said.

"You sure? And how would they have known you were working on it?" she
asked.

"Well, if they forgot to take their infrared eyes off the place I'm
sure they realized it when I first ran an arc welder with the roof
open. I did that quite a bit," John said.

"How would that tell them?"

"Think about a detector that's made to detect a missile launch. It
reads the heat off of the motors. Probably anything hotter than a match
would set it off. An arc welder is white hot. Over ten thousand
degrees. But to a launch detector it would look like a launch. If they
didn't turn it off this location, then it probably scared the piss out
of them," John chuckled.

"So why would they lose interest if you were hanging floors, and who's
*They*?" Cindy asked.

"The Russians... Maybe the Chinese too. They'd lose interest because
you can't hide a missile between floors," John chuckled.

"But... you can do other things they might be interested in, like a
secret lab or something," she said.

"That's true enough. But, what are you getting at?" he asked.

"I'm not quite sure. Look, this is a good spot for a secret government
lab. Biological or Chemical warfare stuff. It's just about perfect. The
nearest town is about eighty-five miles as the crow flies, but it's to
the North and the prevailing winds travel West to East. So a leak would
likely miss it. If it didn't, then the town is only about a hundred
thousand. Big enough to get supplies, but not a big enough worry for
those looking for votes. Now you admit that at one time the Russians
probably knew about this place. And that they may have had their
attention drawn to it when you first bought it. Right?" she asked.

"Yeah, so?" he said, starting to get an idea of what she was thinking.

"So what if they did notice when you moved in? They started watching
what you were doing. Only they didn't lose interest in it. Instead they
got curious as to what the hell you were doing out here. They thought
that maybe you were building a secret lab or something," she said.

"So what if they did?" he said.

"Well, what would they do? What could they do?" she asked.

"Oh, let's see. They'd keep a spy satellite eye on me as much as
possible. They'd probably never come near the place, 'cause they'd be
sure to realize about the road sensors and anti-personnel sensors. So
they might set up surveillance on the main road. Then they'd follow me
wherever I went, when I left here......" he trailed off.

"And when you got to where you were going, they'd follow you there to
see what you did and who you talked to. And maybe follow them to see
who they met and talked to!" Cindy said.

"Oh fuck. You're right. They would..... but that's just too
unbelievable. The Russians spying on me? The cost would be enormous.
And besides, I once held a Top Secret clearance."

"You did? You never told me that," she said.

"Never came up. I can't talk about what I did anyway. It wasn't much
really. Just worked on some minor circuits and testers for some black
boxes used in fighter aircraft," he said.

"Would that preclude you from setting up a lab for the government,
wouldn't that make you more trustworthy instead?" she asked.

"Not how it works. They'd want somebody who had no previous connection
with the government at all. Then they'd run a background check on them.
I'd stick out like a sore thumb, which is why they wouldn't use me,"
John said.

"I'm not so sure. You seem to give the government credit for a lot of
sense I don't think they have," she said.

"So where does that leave us?" he asked.

"I don't know. I'm just trying to figure it out..... so they'd watch us
by satellite... just how good are they?" she asked.

"I understand that if you held a pack of cigarettes in your hand, they
could read the brand," he chuckled.

"That's pretty impressive.... could they recognize faces?"

"Sure, if they were turned up to them. With enhancement they could
present you with an almost salon quality photo," he chuckled. Suddenly
Cindy's eyes got real big, but John couldn't see it.

"Oh fuck!" she said.

"What?"

"If they could do that... all those times we made love up here. That us
girls did when you didn't want to. My god, John. The things they would
have seen!" she gasped.

"All the more reason why they wouldn't think this was a government
lab," John chuckled.

"But they could be watching us now... that one that passed over!" she
said.

"Why would they? They'd see that this wasn't a government facility.
I've been in them before. I can almost guarantee that there's no such
hanky panky going on," he said.

"But don't men run those things?" she asked.

"I guess so... *Probably* so, in Russia.... oh, I see. Maybe they
started to watch to see what was going on here, then they continued to
watch because it was so entertaining," John said, contemplative.

"So if all this were the case, how could you find out?" she asked.

"I wouldn't have a clue. I guess I could keep a closer eye out when I
went to town, to see if I got tailed," he said. They were silent for a
while... then John gasped slightly.

"What?" she asked.

"If they are watching us...oh god, it's worse," he moaned.

"What could be worse than being spied upon by the Russians?" she asked.

"Being spied upon by the Americans," he replied.

"Why would they do that?" she asked.

"Look, one of the ways we fight espionage, is by watching the Russians.
Just about everybody working at the Russian embassy gets tailed every
now and then," he said.

"Yeah, that makes sense, so?"

"So what if you were following somebody, and you realized that he was
following somebody else? Wouldn't you want to know who that person was
and why they were following them?" he asked.

"Oh, I get it...... The girls! They said a man was watching a man
watching Alice!" she gasped.

"Precisely. It doesn't make it concrete, but it sure adds up and
explains a lot," he said.

"Then that means that our government is watching us too!" she said.

"Maybe not yet. I didn't make any outside contacts that would have
drawn attention.... until recently, when I went to San Francisco and
met Sheila."

"And then you went to New York and met Sally," Cindy said.

"And there are Russian Embassy's in both places, so it's real possible
that if they were watching me.. . which is questionable.... but if they
were, then somebody easily could have been watching them. To wit; our
government," he concluded.

"Yup! Oh god John, what do we do? I really don't want to go back with
my folks!" she cried.

"No need to panic yet. Even if they noticed the Russians watching us,
then the reports still may not get to somebody who'd notice the
connection. And damn sure not to local authorities," he said.

"But they could! And might soon!" she cried.

"Not necessarily. One, if our government did realize that the Russians
were spying on us, then they would just mount their own surveillance.
They could, and probably would get close to us, because they have the
original plans for this place. So they'd know how to defeat the
sensors. Okay, suppose they do start watching us, closely. Now they
eventually figure out that we're not doing anything worth noticing...
on a national level. Maybe breaking a few taboos. The government is
well familiar with that. They wouldn't give a shit, really. In fact
they'd probably do something to encourage the Russians to continue,
because it draws their resources away from things they really don't
want them to spy on. Like *real* secret labs. But it's highly doubtful
that they'd notify your parents or the local authorities of yours or
Theresa's presence. That's the only real offense, and not that serious
of one at this point.

"Theresa's birthday is ... oh God, next week. We'll have to throw her a
party. Anyway, that puts both of you within a year of being legal
anyway. So by the time the government could get things rolling...the
offense is gone. .... You know, actually I feel much relieved," he
said.

"How could you feel relieved about this?" Cindy asked.

"Well, if it's all true.. which I'm still not sure of, then that means
that Sally's stalker and the man watching the girls in San Francisco,
are Russian agents. That means that they have nothing to fear from
them. Unlike a *real* weirdo stalker," John chuckled.

"I don't know how you can be so calm and joke about this. What about
all they might have seen us do?" she asked.

"Well, darling. Nothing we could do about that. If they were, then they
were. It may have been an invasion of our privacy, but it's highly
doubtful that any of those photos would ever surface. There's too many
women in the world who will gladly undress for the camera for *real
close* close-ups for a few thousand dollars. You and Theresa may well
be the pin up queens of the Russian intelligence community though," he
said.

"I guess so... But I don't think I'll be making love up here anymore,"
she said.

"Such a pity. I was about to suggest...." he said, turning to her.

"You are such an exhibitionist at times!" she chuckled. He busted out
laughing.

"Now what?" she asked.

"Oh, I just had an image of all us coming up here and mooning them at
the same time. You know. We all point our butts up and then roll back
the roof. Let them get a shot and then roll it back," he chuckled. Then
she was chuckling too. "In fact, that gives me a great idea," he said,
sobering.

"What now?" she moaned. He told her. She busted out laughing. Then
added her own ideas. They rolled the roof back and went chuckling arm
in arm down to the bedroom. There, John made good on his promise to
her, and then some. They barely had enough strength for a final kiss
good night. Cindy was blissfully happy. She officially had her man
back.


Chapter 61

Amy and Andrea awoke first. Theresa was sleeping soundly between them.
They'd been merciless with her. In part, prompted from the sounds they
heard coming from the bedroom below. They kissed each other across
Theresa's breasts and then each slipped out of bed and met in the
bathroom. Amy arrived first and plunked down. Andrea danced around a
bit till she was through. Then she plunked down as Amy moved to brush
her teeth.

Amy slipped into the shower and a short time later Andrea joined her.
They knew Alice was just rising. The man outside was still watching,
but they now sensed he wasn't a threat. In the stream they soaped each
other and played around gleefully. After washing they took turns
pleasing each other. Finally they stepped out, satiated and happy. They
toweled each other dry and moved to find some scandalous outfits. They
wanted to be a part of what they'd heard, and sensed, downstairs the
night before. The closer they got to these people, the more empathic
they got of their emotions. Currently, Cindy was absolutely glowing,
John was too.

The girls hugged each other and kissed, before heading off to make
their breakfast. It would be hours before the others were up. At least
Alice had Candice for early company, they thought. Candice slipped into
the shower with Alice. Their session was much similar to the other
girls, but not near as deeply felt. Neither was disappointed though.

A very short time earlier, Sally had awakened next to her sweet lover.
She kissed her tenderly on the forehead, and then slipped out to get
some coffee. As an after thought she checked her E-mail to see if John
had left her any messages. He had. She read it with her eyes hanging
out. Busting out with laughter. Jean stirred and joined her at the
terminal.

"What's up, Darling? I didn't get my morning kiss yet," she said,
bending to retrieve it. Sally warmed to the kiss and then some. Finally
she pulled Jean into her lap.

"You've *got* to read this, it's priceless!" she giggled.

"Okay... I need coffee for my eyes to focus though," Jean said.

"I'll get it, you read," Sally chuckled.

"Oh no, I like this position. I'll share yours," Jean said, snatching
the cup and taking a sip. She did her best to focus on the screen.
Finally she busted out laughing herself.

"Now we can't tell a soul about this," Sally chuckled.

"Damn. It's so damn funny, too," Jean said.

"I think his idea is priceless. I'm gonna do it," she said.

"I agree. Can I go with?" Jean asked, slipping her hand into Sally's
robe.

"Yes you may. If they're watching me, they're watching you too," Sally
said, sliding her fingers between Jean's thighs.

"Have we got time to go back to bed for a while?" Jean asked,
giggling..

"Maybe for just a quick one. I've got to get to work," Sally said,
following the blonde back into the bedroom. About the time Sally and
Jean were off to their respective jobs, Cindy woke next to her man. She
kissed his cheek and then stretched like a cat, grinning from ear to
ear, almost purring. She snuggled back to his side to wait for him to
stir.

Sheila awoke much the same way. Candice and Alice were trying to keep
quiet as they cooked, but the apartment was much smaller than the silo.
Sheila didn't mind. She set about her morning routine. When she finally
emerged from the bathroom, she kissed the girls deeply. They responded
in kind. About nine o-clock San Francisco time the phone rang. It was
John.

He launched into an explanation which had Sheila stunned for a bit.
Then he told her what he wanted her to do and she busted out laughing.
She scribbled down some things he told her, then tore off four sheets
like John told her to. She was still chuckling when John finally hung
up, after having talked to the girls and sending his love. All the
pieces of the game were in play.


Chapter 62

John took a trip into town for supplies. Mostly he wanted to get
Theresa something for her birthday. One the way he kept one eye in the
mirror. A car dropped in behind him not far out of town. He went about
his business, but kept an eye to the rear. The car stayed with him all
day.

"Well, that tears it," he mumbled to himself. He made his way back to
the silo. The car drove past as he turned into his road. A short time
later it passed the opposite way on its way back into town. John loaded
the things from the cruiser onto his snowmobile and the toboggan that
had come with the girls. It was a full load. He locked up the shack
again, leaving several hairs across the door gap. Stuck by his saliva.
Then headed back to the silo. The girls all poured out to meet him as
he pulled up. Having been alerted by the now constantly active road
sensors.

"The Russians are coming, The Russians are coming," he chuckled as he
got off.

"You had a tail?" Cindy asked.

"Like a bunny rabbit," he grinned.

"So that's it then. Now what do we do?" Cindy asked.

"Well, first I dig back into my old business cards. Somewhere I have
the number of a real, honest to god Rear Admiral. He's retired now, but
he'll know just who to call on our end," John chuckled.

"You know an Admiral?" Theresa asked, respect in her voice.

"Just met him once, at a classified seminar. I doubt he'll remember me,
but the facts are easy enough to check," he said. It actually took John
hours to find the card. But first he sent an encrypted E-mail message
to both Sally and to Sheila's new E-mail account he'd set up that
morning. He used a program not thought of favorably by the NSA, because
it took too much of their precious computer time to bust the
encryption. A short time later he made his first phone call to an
Admiral.

"Admiral, I doubt if you remember me, as we only met once at an EW
seminar. This is John Stevens.... You do? I'm honored. Anyway, have I
got a story for you. See I'm living now in this old missile silo...yes
sir, that's right. A missile silo... I won the lottery... anyway...."
so the conversation went. John explained most everything. Then he got
the Admiral's E-mail address along with one he suggested. An Admiral's
suggestion is worth much more than a government agency's promise
written in triplicate and countersigned by every living president. John
edited the message he'd sent to Sally and added more facts. Then he
sent it to both the Admiral and the other address he'd been given.

Bill Howdy was a long time employee of Uncle Sam. He'd been in the
intelligence business since a tour with *The Company* in Cambodia,
during the Vietnam era. He'd been section chief of the Soviet task
force and served several active missions within the eastern block. Now
his job was dealing with the counter-espionage desk for the United
States. His job wasn't really listed with any visible agency, in fact
information flowed much too freely out of those other agencies to be of
much use to him. They did forward him reports on the activities of
suspected operatives from all over the U.S. and its many interests.

Secured in his *In* basket was a Red Flag report from three different
sources. Something going on with the Russian Agents in both San
Francisco, and New York. The third flag came from DISCO, which dealt
with industrial security clearances. The flag verified too many
requests for data on one *John Stevens*. Accompanying the report was
Stevens' file. Not bad, but nothing overly significant to warrant the
interest of the Russians. Just the same he scribbled some instructions
on the report and moved it to his *Out* basket lock box. Then he turned
to his morning E-mail.

"I'll be god damned!" he said in amazement. There was a message to him
from one *John Stevens!* A second message came from an old friend and
colleague. A retired Rear Admiral he respected greatly. He read the
Admiral's message first. It contained an exact duplicate of the one
from Stevens, but with analysis and recommendations. For the next half
hour he read in amazement. Chuckling from time to time. Then he busted
out laughing when he read what Stevens proposed. Then he read over the
Admiral's analysis, he sobered when he read the recommendations.

"Not bad... Not bad at all. And dirt cheap!" he muttered to himself. He
got his aid on the phone and started the ball rolling. First item:
Verify all of Stevens' facts. The psychic triplets left a bad taste in
his mouth. *Too damn weird*. And if true; *Too Damn Weird*.

Second: Verify identities of all parties involved. Perform thorough
background checks on all parties. Third: Evaluate information garnered
by actions one and two. Fourth: If item three warrants it and items one
and two verify it, then meet with Stevens. Tour and observe conditions
of obsolete silo. Five: Evaluate status based on items one through
four. Six: Recommend course of action indicated by items one through
five to his superiors. In Howdy's case that was a high level official
in the White House. Howdy got confirmation of item one within a day.
Within a few more he had the facts from item two. He sat down with them
all and thought about it for a full day.

"Get me a flight to... Make it Hill Air Force base in Utah. Then a long
range chopper fueled and ready when I arrive. I'll give the chopper
pilot final instructions when we're in the air," Howdy told his aid.

"How should I reach you, sir? If a situation comes up?" his aid asked.

"E-mail me at this address. Encrypted using PGP. The password is
this.... memorize it and then destroy it," Howdy told the aid. His aid
chuckled as he read the note.

"Not likely to forget that one..... Something big stirring?" he asked.

"You know better than to ask that," Howdy said.

"Yes, sir. I'll see to your flight," the aid said. Four hours later he
touched down at Hill AFB. Ten minutes later he was in the air again. He
first made a stop at Dougway Proving Grounds. Home to some of the
deadliest nerve toxins on earth. He was met by an armed escort who
ferried him to the area where the nastiest ones were kept. Then the
escort *slowly* ferried him back to the waiting chopper. The pilot
didn't like this at all. Howdy carried a small aluminum case like it
was made of the finest crystal. The pilot said a silent prayer as he
lifted off.

"Where to, Sir?" he asked.

"Due west for ten minutes. Report your course as due west and then shut
off the radio," was Howdy's only reply. The pilot shivered and
complied. There was something very clandestine and nasty about this.
Ten minutes to the second later Howdy handed the pilot his final
coordinates. It required a change of direction.

"Drop to the deck and stay there until we land," Howdy told him.

"Beg pardon, sir?" asked the pilot.

"I want this thing to scare the fucking ants until we touchdown. You
got that?" Howdy asked.

"Yes, sir. Can do," the pilot said, complying.

"Watch for power lines," Howdy mentioned.

"Always, sir," the pilot said. Some time later John heard the beat of a
rotor. He scrambled to the entry followed by Theresa. They suited up
and met the chopper.

"Shut down completely. No radio. No nothing," Howdy ordered. The pilot
complied. The rotor still spun for quite a while. Seemingly the instant
it stopped, a tarp was being pulled over the chopper. Only then did
Howdy disembark. Carrying his package again like fine crystal. John
stepped up onto the pad. Theresa motioned the Pilot to follow her.

"John Stevens?" Howdy asked.

"Yes Sir, Bill Howdy?" John asked.

"Yes, Sir," Bill replied. They shook hands, each man evaluating the
other's firm grip. John led them inside. Bill and the Pilot both were
grateful as it was freezing on the pad. A blast of comfortable warm air
met them as they stepped inside. Theresa unsuited, much to the Pilot's
discomfort. She wore one of the most outstanding outfits he'd ever
seen. It fit her like a second skin. She motioned to him and he
followed her to the elevator. This was definitely *not* a well known
facility. The pilot knew of many of them from his time in the service.
He was floored when Theresa led him around the corner into one of the
most modern, comfortable kitchens he'd ever seen.

"Now, what to drink?" Theresa asked.

"Beg pardon, Ma'am?" the pilot responded. Theresa sighed, which added
to the pilot's discomfort. Her nipples were clearly discernible beneath
the thin fabric.

"My name is Theresa, that's all you need to know. I don't need to know
your name. You will be here at least long enough for one alcoholic
beverage to fully wear off and eat a meal. Now we have a very fine bar.
So again, what to drink?" The pilot gulped. He could use one.

"I'm partial to single malt scotch if you have any. On the rocks," the
pilot replied.

"Oh, I think you'll be quite happy with that choice," Theresa said,
moving to the bar. Her flip side was as dangerous as her front side.
The pilot suppressed a groan, hoping his flight suit was baggy enough
to cover his reaction. Theresa poured him two fingers of Laphroaig 20
year old over two cubes and handed it to him. Suppressing her own grin
over his reaction to her.

'Not bad looking ......I wonder if he likes kids,' she thought. She
poured herself a glass of wine. She seated him on the sofa, sitting on
the opposite end. She pulled her legs up to his vast discomfort. He
took a long pull on the most excellent scotch he'd ever tasted. The
rich smoky taste took him by surprise and he smiled despite the odd
conditions of his arrival. Theresa beamed at his smile.

"That for me?" John asked, once they were in the Com room.

"Yeah, you can keep the box. I'd dip it in everything you've got,
considering where it came from and what it might have held," Howdy told
him. John casually accepted the case and opened it. Inside was an
autographed copy of the Admiral's book on Electronics Warfare. John
 smiled and thanked Howdy. He set the book on a shelf and stashed the
box in a cabinet. "So let's get down to business," Howdy said.

"Fine by me. Scotch?" John said.

"As I'll be here a while, yes. On the rocks," Howdy said.

"The only way I like it," John said, pouring from an identical bottle
to the one Theresa had poured from. John made himself one and then sat
back on the triple chaise.

"So, what do you want?" Howdy asked.

"Not much in terms of money out of anybody's budget. As corny as it may
sound; I *am* a patriot," John said.

"Nothing wrong with that. I don't think it's corny at all. So exactly
what do you have in mind?" Howdy asked again.

"Well, first off. I want my freedom and that of those involved on my
end. I value that very much. What I have in mind for the government,
does the scam royally on the Russians, while insuring that my freedom
continues. I accept that in some ways, I'll never be free again. I'll
always have a shadow anywhere I go on the planet. But I'm willing to
accept that in return for relatively small compensation," John said.

"How small?" Howdy asked.

"Oh... how about five miles by fifty? In a strip of land from the road
to past my property. And minimal maintenance of the road, which I have
now but wouldn't press for," John said.

"That's *one hell* of a lot of land," Howdy said.

"Not really. It's BLM land. Owned by the government. I want free title
to it. Including water and mineral rights. Right now it's mostly
growing sage brush. I'd agree to leave over 50% of it as a natural
habitat. But I'd like some trees added around here. And the whole piece
fully fenced and wired. Oh, and basically a free hand to build what I
wish," John said.

"Why don't you tell me exactly what you have in mind," Howdy told him.
John chuckled.

"Well, you started the whole thing by coming here. Right now there's
some *very* curious Russians glued to their monitors over there. It's
not hard to distinguish a helicopter sitting under a tarp, especially
because they probably watched it land. If they didn't, they'll notice
it soon and will definitely watch you take off and trail you. If I
guess right they watched you leave Dougway and followed you all the way
here. So the ball's rolling. What I'd like to do now, is convince
them," John said.

"In what manner?" Howdy asked, sipping his scotch. He was beginning to
like John Stevens, a lot.

"By building a thriving little secret community surrounding this silo,"
John said.

"That sounds like a whole lot more money to me," Howdy said.

"Nope. I'll pay for the whole thing," John said.

"You haven't got *that* kind of money," Howdy stated, honestly.

"I will have shortly. You saw that outfit that Theresa was wearing?"
John asked.

"A man's not likely to miss that sort of thing," Howdy replied,
chagrined.

"Yeah, I know. She's been living with me over a year now. Anyway, we
knocked that outfit off from scratch in about twenty minutes," John
said.

"You're kidding! I would have sworn it came from the finest salon and
cost a bloody fortune," Howdy said.

"It did come from the finest salon. Right here in the silo. I own the
patent to the machine that made it, outright. Within a year we intend
to go nationwide, in five, world wide. It cost me three dollars to make
that outfit. It would sell for close to a thousand," John said.

"That's a damn big leap for a bunch of rookies," Howdy said.

"You did your homework, or you wouldn't be here. That's what Sheila's
for. You know if anybody can do it, she can," John said.

"Granted. So you'll probably have the money. Who's going to live in
this little community?" Howdy asked.

"Hand selected homeless people," John replied.

"Kind of hard to keep security on that," Howdy said, dubiously.

"Not really. They never get near this place. Just the housing. While
they're here they study and learn skills to better their lives and
enrich the world. The government could do the same thing, but they'd
fuck it up," John said.

"And who would do the picking of these folks?" Howdy asked.

"I would, based upon my own criteria for ethics and an honest desire to
change their lives," John replied.

"Sounds like a pipe dream," Howdy said.

"Maybe. But if it turns out so, what has it cost the taxpayer? If it
succeeds, the Russians end up committing major resources to watching
the place and everybody they think is connected with it. If they're
watching it, others will too. It's all a sham, but nobody knows that
but us. You and me, mainly. The Admiral because I had to use him to get
to you. The girls don't even *have* to know the *whole* story," John
said.

"Speaking of which, this is some lifestyle you're living. Seven active
girlfriends, lesbian leanings. Add two more in New York. Five of them
under the age of eighteen," Howdy prodded.

"Don't patronize me! And don't feed me that goody two shoes crap. You
did your homework. I know you did. You know what kind of lives those
girls came from. I didn't ask for any of this. But I damn sure wasn't
going to walk away from a single one of them. Which is a damn sight
more than the ultra benevolent Uncle Sam ever did for them.

"I don't deny a single thing. You have my statement indicating exactly
what my relationship is with each of them. I'm not ashamed of a single
act I performed with any of them. Those five underage girls, are
*women*. They've earned the title. Some by going through more shit than
you or I could comprehend. To think of them as girls is the exact same
attitude as sending a man into combat and then not letting him buy beer
back home.

"Fact is that in 80% of the world, they'd all be expecting their second
or third child. All I'm asking for, for the girls; is their freedom.
You send Cindy or Theresa back to their folks, and you've got two dead
girls on your conscience. Because I know that either of them would kill
themselves before they'd go back to that hell, or any other the
*government* chose for them.

"The same goes for the triplets and that asshole hick that bought them
for an old tractor, then raped them as soon as they started to bleed.
Do you know that those three and Candice never heard of a tampon before
they came here? Nobody ever bothered to tell them how a woman's body
worked. That's the kind of world that they're here to recover *from*.
So if you are here to preach morality to me, you can just go climb back
in your chopper and my next phone call will be to the Washington Post,"
John said, angrily.

"Settle down. I just wanted to hear it from your own lips. Nothing is
ever what it seems. I know you've used your own money and resources to
help those girls. I know you physically saved the lives of at least
four of them and then risked your own life to insure their freedom. My
point was that you've benefited from it in a manner that most men would
die for," Howdy said.

"I don't deny it...... but sometimes I just long for peace and quiet.
Look, Theresa is going off to school. Cindy too I hope, but she wants
to stay here with me for some reason. Both those two could now pass
exams well into mid-college level. When they came here, they had at
best a seventh grade education. And not much of that. The triplets are
learning to read now, that's where they are this minute, in the library
reading to each other. Except for Alice who is in San Francisco with
Sheila. Candice is there too, but you know that.

"I fully expect the triplets to outgrow me. I'm not a young man. I'm...
well you know. In the mean time I'm doing my damnedest to give them a
loving environment and a decent education. That's more than they've
ever had in their lives. More than they ever *dreamed* of. I won't play
the bad guy because three beautiful women want to make love to me.
They've been having... sex. -It was really child rape-, since they were
twelve. Now it's four years later. Four years of pure hell. You want to
tell me that they're not women?

"I can tell you this, that now they enjoy sex, instead of spending
their whole lives bitter and hating it and men. They now know what the
hell an orgasm is. They learned that from me and those around me who
love me. But they did it of their own free will. I didn't coerce any
one of them. That applies to all of them. And I have hard evidence of
this fact. If necessary I could prove it," John said.

"How?" Howdy smirked.

"You're a bright boy, you figure it out," John said. Howdy looked
around, then nodded.

"I presume this is being recorded as well?" he asked.

"You presume correctly. If we come to an agreement, you and I will go
jointly to the area where the recorders are. There are two machines
running on this room right now, with six views on each tape. We will
each sign the label on both tapes. You will take one to your superiors,
I will retain one as my insurance policy the government doesn't change
its mind in the future," John said.

"Smart. What's to keep me from swooping down on this place with a
commando team and taking the lot?" Howdy asked.

"Nothing but your ethics," John said. Howdy nodded.

"So what exactly do you want concerning the girls?" Howdy asked.

"Their freedom. Specifically... papers. Theresa turns seventeen in a
few days. Cindy did a month ago. God, was it only that long ago?...
Anyway, I want legal identities for them stating that they are both
eighteen. The same for the triplets. They're all sixteen now, but will
be seventeen in another month. So basically, I want you to bend the law
a maximum of thirteen months.

"Then there's dealing with those who made them what they are. Theresa
and Cindy are bound to become celebrities of some sort from this
fashion thing, the triplets too. If either Theresa or Cindy's parents
raise their ugly heads, I want somebody to explain to them, quite
seriously, what a dim view the law takes on child abuse. The same goes
for that asshole, Nick.

"I also want immunity from prosecution should anybody ever get wind of
this. I'm not talking about the silo scam, I'm talking about the girls.
So it would apply only to the past. Their papers making them legal will
cover the future. I also want a hands off policy concerning my
relationships. You well know by now that I'm stuck with my ethics. It's
those who want to cram morality down my throat that I don't want to
have to deal with.

"So, I guess to sum it up, I want the land, with minor landscaping to a
portion of it and the fenced and wired surrounding. Freedom for five
girls who are happier now than they ever dreamed of being before they
met me. Freedom from prosecution for putting my ass on the line to save
them. And a hands off policy from the government concerning how I use
the land and my personal relationships. That would of course apply to
the women themselves.

"In return, I make this place seem to whomever is watching it, to be a
high tech Chemical, Bio or exotic weapons lab. It would probably help
if you ran security clearances on those who occupied the housing I put
up. They need not be real, perhaps a special class that wouldn't give
them access to a public toilet away from here. Just go through the
motions. In my case you could just update my clearance. Knowing what I
do, I don't see how you'd avoid that. I also would like to retain some
sort of privacy in my life. I'll accept eighteen nations tailing me
whenever I'm out, but here, my privacy is inviolate. I don't want some
government bureaucrat stopping by to explain or ask me something. The
less I see of them, the better. I can guarantee enough coming and going
from here to keep the Ruskies busy for a long, long time.

"That's what I'm offering and what I'm asking. I think it's a goddamned
bargain. And I know you know it," John concluded.

"It is. But I can't promise it," Howdy said.

"I'll accept your word that you'll try," John said.

"That, I'll grant. You have my word. I don't know whether to envy you
or pity you. But I admire what you've done for those girls.... You
didn't mention Candice, Sheila or Sally.. or her girlfriend for that
matter," Howdy said.

"No need to. They are all legally adults already. I have nothing to do
with Sally's girlfriend. I met her twice while I ate a meal. I've never
met Sheila's girlfriends either. But I expect I will, eventually," John
said.

"Just out of personal curiosity. What is it you see in bi women? If you
don't mind my asking?" Howdy asked.

"No, I don't mind.... Like I said, I never chose any of this. Including
my involvement with bisexual women. It was suddenly thrust into my
face. It was there. I had to ask myself what was more important to me.
Teaching a morality -that I didn't really believe in to start with- to
two girls who didn't want to, or need to, hear it. Or to accept it as
two human beings taking comfort in each other's love. It wasn't really
a hard choice for me. I didn't do anything but accept it. It's not that
I see anything different about bisexual women. I just accept them as
they choose to be. That's the basis for my relationship with each and
every one of them. In that environment, they've blossomed.

"God, I wish you could have met Theresa or Cindy back then so you'd
have something to compare to. But in a year's time they went from
broken, empty children with no future, to competent, educated and
cultured adults with a sterling future. I had very little to do with
that. They mostly did that for themselves. All I did was provide them a
momentary resting place where they could be themselves without the
world throwing rules at them left and right," John said.

"You're quite a man, John Stevens. I'll give you that. I'm kind of
sorry that we won't be seeing much of each other. That would sort of
mess things up. But I think I'd like very much being your friend if I
could," Howdy said.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. I don't have many male friends....
none that I can think of at the moment, other than some I haven't seen
for years. Eventually I expect the girls will bring their husbands back
to meet me. I hope to be friends with them," John said.

"I think you expect a lot from the male populace. Not too many men
could be friends with their wife's former lover," Howdy said.

"No, I expect a lot from the *girls*. I doubt that since they've gotten
used to living their lives as they choose, that they will pick men that
try to mold them into some model. It may not be *former* lover. It may
be *current* lover. Theresa says she wants to make love to me at least
once a year until I die after she's married," John said.

"You think that's fair to the men?" Howdy asked.

"I couldn't say. I don't make decisions or value judgments for other
people. I've never stolen a man's wife from him. I don't intend to ever
start. But if a woman comes to me of her own free will and asks me to
make love, and I wish to make love to her, then odds are that we're
going to, if I'm able," John said.

"Just how the hell did you come to this? What you say makes perfect,
ethical sense. But the world would scream bloody murder if they heard
it," Howdy said.

"Can't say as I know. I was married once. Wasn't too pleasant. Then I
went on what I thought was an emotional holiday. I struck it lucky with
a damn lotto ticket. I bought this place and proceeded to try to build
my castle in the sand. I was prepared to live out the rest of my life
without *any* love, of any sort.... Maybe that was it. That I was
prepared to do that. Because almost as soon as I came to that
understanding, I had more love pouring out of my ears than I knew what
to do with.

"I'll grant that the money made it easier. But also the isolation. Once
I got away from society's day to day rules and people sticking their
noses into my business, I started to live my life as I thought a human
being should. I made my own decisions based upon my own ethics. I
answered to no one but my own conscience. Right now that conscience is
clear. I don't have a damn thing to be ashamed of. How many others can
say the same?" John asked.

"Not I, for one. Nobody I know, really..... Speaking of your *castle in
the sand*. Let's see this hole you've been working on. I may just buy
one myself," Howdy said.

"Step into my parlor, said the spider to the fly... But no. Please
don't make me out as some sort of guru. I'm not. I can't say that *my*
way is *the* way for anybody else. For one thing there's a shortage of
silos versus men. Come on. I'll give you the tour, starting right here.
I have a multi trunk line.. oh, you know that. I've activated several
pair as ISDN lines. I get source metered power from the power company.
I barely use my minimum because of the solar heat......" John began.

Howdy was flabbergasted with the place. From top to bottom it was a
masterwork of luxury. He met Cindy and the two triplets in the ample
library. His jaw hanging open at how gorgeous they really were. Cindy
was helping the girls with their reading lessons. They left them to it.
John showed him the new Com room, which would be needed for the girls
to run a major corporation from here. The hydroponics room was now set
up and running.

They stopped at level six maintenance stop and John unlocked the tape
closet. He extracted two tapes and Howdy signed both. John did too.
They each retained one. Then John moved on to the future bedrooms for
reference of what a blank floor was like, followed by the guest and
master bedrooms.

Howdy flipped over the trap door. He raised an eyebrow at the triple
wardrobe. Then the pool, which was heated and sparkling clean, no
chlorine, but no algae either. Lastly John showed him the weight room
with its small kitchen, bath, and the hot tub area.

"Hell, I'd just like to rent a room here for a while. This would make a
great resort!" Howdy exclaimed.

"Sorry, the hotel's full up. Everything you see is spoken for, for a
while. Now if you'll wipe that smile off your face, then we can go see
the kitchen and rescue your pilot from Theresa. I think she kind of
likes him and she's not known for being shy. She's looking for a
husband," John chuckled.

The pilot was indeed in need of rescue. He looked about as
uncomfortable as a man can look. He was trying real hard not to look at
Theresa as she prepared dinner. His one drink long since gone and
sweated out of his system. He drank a mineral water. Theresa was
chatting about what colleges she was looking at to attend.

Cindy and the two girls joined them. Cindy's outfit no less spectacular
than Theresa's. The girls' outfits were a bit more conservative, but
still spectacular. John waved Howdy into a seat at the table.

"We really should be going," Howdy began.

"Wrong time for a satellite pass," John said, cryptically, "Besides,
why would you pass up the chance to share an excellent meal with four
charming ladies?"

"You have a point. Sergeant, would you join us?" Howdy asked, sitting
down. A question like that from a man of Howdy's obvious stature was
like an executive order to a solder. But the pilot was only too glad to
stay. As alluring as the other three were, his eyes kept drifting back
to Theresa. He'd catch himself and suddenly look away. He did this
multiple times before he appeared to get lost in the sight. Cindy
smiled to herself. The triplets giggled.

Cindy and the girls set the table and then helped Theresa serve.
Theresa made a point of serving the pilot personally, flashing him her
biggest smile. He looked more uncomfortable than ever, but returned it.
The meal was excellent. One of the best Howdy had experienced for quite
some time. Parmesan Chicken breasts with baby carrots and rice Pilaf.
John served a white wine to all.

The pilot protested, "I'm flying, sir."

"I expected that. This is a non-alcohol wine, not quite up to what I
like, but quite adequate.." John said. The pilot took a sip and
concurred. He returned to his meal and his stolen glances at Theresa.
Conversation was light. No mention of the contents of the silo or why
they were there.

"Do you do any stargazing?" John asked Howdy.

"I've done some. I have a twelve inch Dobson," Howdy replied.

"Nice size. You'd love the *seeing* from here. Not like around a big
city where the glow washes out the sky," John said.

"He likes to show off too. Like the time he said it was about time for
a meteor shower and a big bright one passed overhead two seconds
later," Cindy chuckled.

"Not even I'm that good... but I'm learning," John said. John served
rich French roasted coffee with a special desert Theresa had whipped up
earlier. Frangelico Cheese cake with white chocolate, topped with
shaved hazel nuts. John had Frangelico with his coffee. The others
declined the additive.

"Could we check your E-mail? I left word with my aid he could reach me
at this address," Howdy asked.

"Certainly. Could you girls give this handsome young gentleman a hand
uncovering his helicopter while we do that?" John asked the girls. They
all nodded. Theresa boldly put her arm through the pilot's and led him
towards the entrance. Cindy and the triplets following behind,
snickering. John's E-mail was clear. Howdy sent a coded message to his
aid to pick him up, communication wise, at the Air Force base. John
snagged him with just one last request.

"I've been trying to fathom the wiring and plumbing around here for two
years now. Is there any chance you could get me a copy of the original
plans for the silo?" he asked.

"They may still be classified. We still have others of the same design
operational," Howdy told him.

"I know... or rather, I surmised as much. But I'd be more than willing
to treat them like Secret documents, alarmed safe and all..... You see,
seven women are a hell of a load on a plumbing system. And if this one
backs up, the deals probably off, 'cause no-one could live here," John
explained.

"I'll see what I can do," Howdy chuckled.

Outside Theresa and Cindy hadn't bothered suiting up. The triplets did.
The pilot shivered in the cold winter evening. Theresa and Cindy didn't
seem to notice as they peeled the tarp back and stored it.

"Aren't you cold?" the pilot asked Theresa.

"No, actually. Here, feel this," she said, taking his fingers and
slipping them into her sleeve. He was startled by her touch. Even more
so by the warmth he felt inside her sleeve. "This outfit stores heat in
the fabric as twist. When it gets colder it untwists and gives up heat.
Neat, huh?" she asked.

"Incredible. Where can you buy something like that?" he asked, his
fingers still in her sleeve.

"Gosh, I don't know. I made this," she said.

"You made *that*?!" he asked.

"Sure, it didn't take too long.. I just set up.." she began.

"Theresa!" Cindy interrupted. Theresa looked embarrassed and nodded.

"Sorry.... Uh, really nice to meet you. Hope I'll see you again
sometime," Theresa said.

"But you don't even know my name," he said.

"Oh, don't I? Sergeant Waters?" she giggled.

"But how did you....?" he began. She laughed and lay her hand on his
chest on his name patch. He blushed in embarrassment. "Kevin," he
added.

"So very nice to meet you, Kevin," Theresa giggled.

"So very nice to meet you too, Theresa," Kevin said.

"Can I have my arm back?" Theresa giggled. Again he blushed. Theresa
giggled and then leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned
and left the pad. Howdy was just climbing up.

"If you're quite ready, Sergeant?" he said. Kevin snapped to reality
and climbed into the pilot's seat. He quickly ran over his preflight
cockpit check. His eyes drifting between functions back to the stunning
blonde standing by the entry. He fired up the engine as Howdy strapped
in. It took a long time to spin up the rotor. Kevin's eyes locked on
Theresa's. When the rotor reached speed, Kevin made a final check of
the instruments and then lightly lifted off. Theresa waving good-bye.
Both Kevin's hands were tied up, but he nodded and smiled at her. Then
he turned the ship and tilted the nose away.

"Two hundred feet. No need risking power lines on the return," Howdy
said over the headset.

"Yes, sir," Kevin said, distantly.

"Quite some girl," Howdy said.

"I've never met anyone like her in my life. She's incredible," Kevin
answered.

"How old are you, Sergeant?" Howdy asked.

"Twenty-six, sir," Kevin answered.

"And your first name?"

"Kevin, sir."

"Well, Kevin. There are a few things about that young lady that maybe
you should know," Howdy said.

"What's that, sir?"

"One, she's bisexual. Two, she's been living with *that* man for over a
year. Still interested?" Howdy asked. Kevin was quiet for a moment.

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, try this.. She's stated that she wishes to make love to him at
least once a year, even after she marries, until the day he dies. Could
you live with that?" Howdy asked. Again Kevin was silent for a moment,
this time a little longer.

"I think so, sir. If I knew that going in and it didn't interfere with
our relationship. I wouldn't want there to be others though," Kevin
replied.

"What about female others? Could you deal with that?" Howdy asked.

"I think so, sir. I've had gay friends. Women, I mean. I've even been
with some bisexual women. I guess it would depend on context, sir.
Again, if it didn't interfere with our relationship, then I think I
could live with that. Especially if I knew it's going in," Kevin said.

"You surprise me, Kevin. There may be hope for the world yet. I'll see
to it that she has your address," Howdy said. Kevin looked at him in
surprise.

"Thank you. I'd appreciate that very much, sir," he said.

"My pleasure, Kevin. When we're due west of Dougway you can gain
altitude and report in," Howdy said.

"Yes, sir," Kevin said.

"And Sergeant, I'd forget all about what you saw today. It never
happened. Log your flight under this operational label, no details,"
Howdy said, handing him a slip of paper. Kevin glanced at it and looked
up suddenly.

"Are you serious, sir?" Kevin asked.

"Very serious. It'll fly. I promise."

"As you say, sir. But I know there's one thing about today that I'll
never forget," Kevin said. Howdy chuckled.

"I'll see that she gets your address. But you may never reveal the
circumstances under which you met," he said.

"Yes, sir!" Kevin said, grinning.

"Gosh, Theresa. Do you think you could have been more obvious?" Cindy
chuckled.

"I didn't think I had much time," Theresa said.

"Oh, I think you got your point across," Cindy said.

"I think she likes him," Andrea chuckled.

"I'll say I do," Theresa said.

"But what about John?" Amy asked.

"What about him?" both Cindy and Theresa replied together.

"I mean... isn't he your man?" Amy asked.

"Of course. But I want to get married and have children. I can't do
that with John. He knows that. He planned it that way," Theresa said.

"But won't he get mad?" Amy pressed.

"No, why would he?" Theresa said.

"I don't know... I guess I just don't understand," Amy said.

"It's simple. John *wants* Theresa to get married," Cindy said.

"But I thought he loved her," Andrea jumped in.

"He does.... That's why he wants her to get married to someone else,"
Cindy said.

"Now I don't understand," Andrea said.

"Look, girls. John wants what's best for all of us. Most of all he
wants our happiness. John knows that Theresa wants to have children.
John doesn't want to have any more children himself. That's why he had
a vasectomy. So he knows that Theresa will have to marry someone else
to have children. He wants her to be happy. So no, he won't get mad.
And he does love her. That's why he wouldn't get mad," Cindy explained.

"I think I get it... What's a vasectomy?" Amy asked.

"On a man, the sperm travels from the testicles, where it's produced,
through two little tubes. Called *vas deferens*, I think. Anyway, a
vasectomy is where they cut those little tubes and tie off the ends so
that sperm can't reach the penis. Since it never comes out, it can
never fertilize an egg," Cindy explained.

"Oh, like castration. We've seen that before on horses," Andrea said.

"Almost. In castration they cut the testicles off. That's different.
Because there's a hormone... that's a chemical that tells your body to
do something.... anyway the testicles produce a hormone called
testosterone. That's what gives men their beards and makes their voices
deeper. If you cut the testicles off men, then they lose their beards
and their voices get high. We have a similar hormone in our body,
called estrogen, produced by the ovaries, I think. I'm not certain it's
produced there.. anyway that hormone is the one that gives us girls
breasts. It also regulates how often we menstruate," Cindy said.

"You mean that if a man had estrogen in his body, that he'd grow
breasts?" Amy asked.

"Yup!" Theresa giggled.

"So if they like them so much, how come they don't take it?" Amy asked.
The girls had a good laugh over that one.

Almost simultaneously, both Sheila and Sally sashayed into Russian
embassies on opposite sides of the country. They walked up to the desk.

"May I help you?" they were asked.

"Yes. My name is Sally Thompson, and I want you to quit following me.
He's not very good at it and he's beginning to get on my nerves. I'm a
computer analyst for a fashion house, which is hardly of interest to
you. So knock it off," Sally said. (Sheila delivered an equivalent
message to her receptionist.)

"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about," was the universal
reply.

"I'm sure that there's somebody here who will know. Good-bye," they
both said, turned and walked back out. The receptionists in both places
shook their heads, thinking the women kooks. But each wrote down the
name and exact message. That night two agents on either side of the
country got reamed royally. The next day the girls each had *teams*
assigned to them.

Chapter 63

Andrea rode astride John's hips, picking up speed. Her sister's thighs
straddled his head. They were face to face, caressing each other's
bodies as they moved. John lapped upwards happily. John was quite
recovered. He was able to stave off his own orgasm as the girls
squealed and shuddered during their own. Then quick as a flash they
reversed themselves. This time John couldn't hold back any longer as he
planted his seed inside Amy's ultra-tight vagina. The day before they
had experienced the opposite as John had anointed Andrea's cervix with
his juices. Afterwards the girls caressed each other and John.

"John?"

"Yes, Amy?"

"You recognized me!" she beamed.

"Your voices are a little bit different. What did you want to ask?" he
asked.

"Oh.. I was just wondering. How come I like sex so much with you, but I
never enjoyed it with Nick?" she asked. Andrea nodded agreement to the
question. John's fingertips softly played with their ass cheeks as they
lay one each side of him.

"Well, I guess the biggest reason, is because you want to," he said.

"How would that make it different?" Andrea asked.

"Well, first off, I'm not sure you ever knew before that you *could*
enjoy it. But it makes a big difference if you want to make love with
someone," he said.

"But you're bigger... down there. But it doesn't hurt! How can that
be?" Amy persisted.

"Well, when you don't want to do something, you tense up. A woman's
body can accommodate... that means you will stretch out... a much
bigger one. But not if you're all tense. Your muscles won't relax and
let you stretch out. When I enter you, I take my time and let your body
get used to me. When Nick had sex with you, first off you didn't want
to, so you were tense. And then he didn't take his time either. Or so
you've told me. Also, I warm you up other ways first. When I tease you,
your body produces natural lubricants that make it slide easier when I
enter you," he explained.

"So that's what they mean by making a woman wet?" Andrea asked.

"Yes, dear," John said.

"Oh... will you make us wet again?" she giggled.

"Tell you what. Why don't I teach you something new. You know how you
girls can sort of feel what each other do?" They nodded. "Well, when a
body gets excited, it wants to have an orgasm, but you can make the
orgasm bigger. It lasts longer and feels better. The way you do that,
is by pumping it up. When you *feel* the other one get real close to
having one, you stop for a bit and let them settle down just a bit,
then you do it again. If you do that at least four times, then the
orgasm will be *much* better. The last time when you don't stop, do
what you're doing even harder while they're having the orgasm. That
will help too.

"You girls should be better at that than I am, cause you can feel what
the other is feeling. The closer you can get them to an orgasm, without
giving them one, the more excited they will get. Try it, I'll watch and
teach you," he said. Amy moved down between Andrea's thighs and made a
beeline for her most sensitive spot. Andrea started to buck almost
instantly.

"Nope... that spoils half the fun. Sneak up on it. Here, like this,"
John said, moving between Andrea's thighs. Amy watched closely at
everything he did. She nodded, aware of Andrea's reactions to it. John
took her to the first step, just shy of orgasm, then rolled aside to
let Amy try it. She managed to get her much closer on the next step,
let her drift back and then moved her there again. She didn't stop at
four. She moved on to six. Andrea now whipping her head back and forth
violently. Her body quivering with pent-up desire.

In San Francisco, Alice had to sit down. Her eye's closed. Her body
shivering a bit. She moaned softly.

"What's wrong?" Sheila asked.

Alice looked at her distantly and managed to say, "John's teaching
something new to Amy. I never felt it this strong before," she croaked.
She moaned softly again and her lip quivered. Luckily, they were in
Sheila's apartment. Sheila leaned Alice back against her and held her
tenderly, feeling the girls body tremble with desire. Her breathing
became more rapid and shallow. Her head twisting from side to side.

Amy held Andrea on the very edge with tiny flicks of her tongue.
Andrea's body was tensed up like a coil spring.

"Excellent. Now let her drift back just a bit and then dig in and don't
stop," John whispered in Amy's ear. Alice writhed against Sheila's
body. She hadn't touched the girl except to gently hold her against
her. Her body began to tense up, only to relax just a bit before it
tensed again. Each time she became a bit tenser. Each time her writhing
and moaning became deeper. Her hands moved about, squeezing her small
breasts through her clothes or pulling up hard between her legs like
she was trying to hold something in. She began to elevate her hips as
she got tenser. Each time Sheila thought she would go over the edge,
but she would just get to it and then slide back a bit. Finally she
held her hips up high, her whole body like a giant coiled spring. Her
breathing stopped and she hung there suspended.

Amy followed John's directions. Herself digging her own hips into the
bed. She didn't tell John she could now feel everything that she did to
Andrea now, or that she was aware of how Alice felt at that moment. Her
own body tensed up like a spring. She let Andrea (and herself and
Alice) drift back just a bit and then she dug in as John had told her
to.

Andrea almost launched herself off the bed, thrusting her hips into
Amy's tongue like a rocket taking off. At the same moment Amy dug her
hips into the bed. Both women emptied their lungs in a scream that
would curdle water.

Alice suddenly launched herself out of Sheila's arms as the massive
contractions shook her body, she screamed every cubic centimeter of air
from her lungs, like a woman in childbirth. Her hips thrusting
violently again and again into the air. Her body wracked by
convulsions. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she gasped and screamed
again. Then she fell back unconscious.

John was unprepared for the onslaught that he'd instigated. Both girls
thrusting and jerking violently. Their body's convulsed again and
again. Suddenly they lay still. Random quivers running over them. Goose
bumps rose in waves and rippled up their bodies. They shivered and then
were still again. John became intensely worried. Amy hadn't touched
herself, yet she seemed to share every jerking convulsion with Andrea.
John wondered how Alice felt.

First things first, he checked Amy's pulse. It was rapid and weak. She
wasn't breathing yet. Neither was Andrea. He quickly rolled Amy over
and breathed into her mouth, holding her nose. Suddenly Amy was sucking
the breath out of him as Andrea rose up in a gasping breath. Sheila had
tears in her eyes. Not knowing what to do. She lifted Alice's body into
her arms. The girl wasn't breathing. Just when Sheila was about to
start mouth to mouth, she suddenly took a great gasping breath, her
body screaming in reverse as she filled her lungs and her hips rose up
again for a moment and dropped. Whatever had happened, she was now
breathing again, although ragged. She was still unconscious, but her
body was relaxing and her pulse was slowing. Slowly she returned to
regular breathing and appeared to sleep normally.

The two girls began to breathe more evenly, now appearing to sleep.
John cradled one in each arm. Hugging them and kissing their cheeks and
foreheads. Tears streamed down his cheeks. He'd been afraid for their
lives.

Sheila held Alice tenderly in her arms. Softly caressing the young
girl. Her breathing now regular and even. Tears streamed down Sheila's
cheeks. Something inside her said: "It's alright. We're okay." At the
same moment the same words entered John's mind. He was startled beyond
words. Sheila reached for the phone, barely reaching it. She dialed the
silo. Cindy answered.

"Hello."

"Whatever John's doing with the triplets, tell him not to do it again.
Now please," Sheila said.

"Right away," Cindy said, putting the phone down and running to the
elevator. She burst into the bedroom and found John holding the two
girls in his arms. Tears running down his cheeks. The girls seemed
okay, but asleep. "Sheila's on the phone. She says whatever you did
with the girls, don't do it again," she said. John nodded.

"Never... I think they all felt it. All three of them," he said,
rocking the girls softly in his arms.

"She sounded scared to death," Cindy said.

"I'll talk to her. They're okay now. Will you hold them while I talk to
Sheila?" he asked.

"Of course.. be glad to," Cindy said, moving onto the bed and taking
one onto each arm. John slipped out. Softly kissing each girl on the
forehead. Then Cindy in thanks. He shakily made his way, nude, up to
the Com room.

"Sheila?" he asked.

"God John, what did you do? I thought Alice was going to die!" she
gasped.

"They all felt it. At the same time. It wasn't me... well, I mean I
wasn't doing it. I was directing Amy who was doing it to Andrea. I was
teaching her how to pump up an orgasm. I didn't count on what happened.
You say Alice orgasmed too?" he asked.

"Like I never saw anybody orgasm before. She quit breathing," she
gasped.

"So did the other two. I grabbed the closest one and started mouth to
mouth on her. Suddenly they both gasped."

"Same here with Alice," Sheila said.

"Alice is breathing normally, but seems to be asleep?" John asked.

"Yes."

"Same here. Ah... Sheila. Did you hear it?" he asked. She knew what he
meant.

"Yes."

"I never felt so much love in my whole life," John said.

"I know. Me too. Like *they* were worried about us," Sheila said.

"Yeah, well. I'm glad they're all alright. I'd better get back. I'll
talk to you tomorrow. I love you," John said.

"I love you too. Talk to you tomorrow," she said. The girls weren't
exactly asleep. They wandered about in each other's thoughts. Wrapping
their essences around each other and hugging with their thoughts. For a
while, they were essentially one mind. Merged and melted together. All
they felt was boundless love. While in this state they could feel both
John's and Sheila's concern. *Completely* feel it.

It was like they reached out to touch them both, feeling John's deep
ethics and Sheila's hungry desire for his understanding. They could
also feel the feeling of love they shared for one another, and for
them. They sought to soothe their fears. Saying, "It's alright, We're
okay." Both minds suddenly became aware of them and the girls retracted
together, giggling into their Gestalt, a word they learned in John's
mind.

They began playing and testing the bounds of themselves. They found a
slight imperfection in their wholeness. One of them was just a shade
out of sync. It was a minor imperfection. They knew they could cure it,
but something greater gently stopped them. "Not yet," it said. They
sought to question the greatness they had felt, but they could not find
it. They knew it surrounded them, but the knowledge it held was not to
be theirs yet.

They moved on. Exploring like a child walking a meadow and looking at
all it contained. They posed questions for themselves and could feel
the answers. They questioned their mother's death at the time of their
birth. They could feel her still, but could not reach her. They felt
her love for them and they felt a joy that was indescribable. Then it
was as if she said, "Now go play."

They moved on. They knew their father. Could feel him and knew where he
was. A far distant city. There was a blackness about him they chose not
to enter, yet they knew a part of him was in them. Again they moved on.
Their childhood. Knowing each other's pains and fears. Now they viewed
it objectively. Not so bad... until NICK!

Their mind snapped out at him in anger and some miles distant from the
silo, he sat up screaming in bed. Like a bolt of lightning had scorched
his black soul. Then they felt his smallness, and they softened a bit.
Compared to the greatness they felt in John, he was insignificant. They
felt his contempt for women. They left him with a warning; Should he
hurt another, they would know and they would hurt him, bad! They left
him sobbing. Moving on they found Candice. They could feel her warmth
and compassion for them. They could feel her concern they would heal,
and her fear that she was losing them as they grew. They wrapped her in
love and hugged her, letting her know how much they cared. In the next
bedroom from Sheila and Alice, she napped. She felt a warm glow of love
like she had never known. They left her sleeping in utter peace.

They remembered the trip in the blizzard. Experiencing Alice's
coldness. Feeling her body retreat into itself. She had been close to
death. A simple desire to sleep to escape the cold and numbness had
prevailed. Even then sharing a common but separate mind, her lethargy
was contagious. They all wanted to go to sleep. Candice had broken a
ski. She felt distraught. She provided for them as best she could,
tipping the toboggan against the wind and trying to direct what little
heat she could from the crippled snow mobile. Their consciousness
fading. Then a distant sound and a dim light.

John. Competent and caring. Like the father they never knew. He moved
about in a strict priority. Doing what had to be done, because it was
the right thing to do. He summoned others and then saw to them as best
he could by himself. Holding them to his chest, their cold sucking the
heat from his body. Fearing for their lives. Stuffing the packs that
would warm them against their skin. His first touch like that of a
protecting angel. They knew they would be alright. Even then they felt
his great compassion.

Then the distant sounds and two more lights. More warmth, more love and
compassion. Cindy and Theresa. Barely older than they, yet competent
and confident in their understanding and actions. Like acolytes of Thor
they followed John's direction with complete devotion and faith in his
knowledge and compassion. Knowing that what he told them to do, was the
right thing to help the girls the most. Then one by one they were
ferried to the warmth of shelter.

Sheila's warmth and desire to do right. She flitted about doing
everything her mind could think of. Doing what needed to be done,
because it needed to be done. She was competent and caring. Even then
they felt her burning need for John's understanding. Mostly she wanted
to help them, but a part of her wanted John to see that she was a
competent and caring woman.

In the arms of John, Alice. The others carried in any manner, just to
get them to warmth. The girls fumbling with their shapeless thin, ugly
sack dresses. John bypassing all that. Walking straight into the water
to get them warm as fast as possible. Then the agony and ecstasy of the
warm water surrounding them one at a time. Alice first, needing it the
most. Her body snapping back from the very brink.

John flitting about, checking them. His eyes upon their bodies for the
first time. Feeling the first spark of desire start in him. Suppressed
by his deep concern for their well being. Finally his pain eased as he
read their improvement. Then, as much as he needed the heat himself, he
withdrew in respect for their feelings. Finally Sheila, after doing
everything she could think of to do, headed down to see if she could do
more. They felt her anguished release into John's arms. Her social
shock that another could be treated so badly to have wanted to escape
into the freezing hell of the blizzard. Then she was among them, like a
caring mother.

Cindy and Candice holding them in their arms. The two of them waiting
for their third sister. Alice finally returning to consciousness in
Sheila's loving arms. Then they were whole once more. Through the
concerted effort of these loving people.

The girls considered the vastness of what they now knew; they owed
their mortal lives to these caring people. They considered how they
could ever begin to thank them enough. They felt John re-enter the
bedroom, having been aware of him from the start of their Gestalt. They
felt him move to the bed and slide in beside Cindy, taking Andrea into
his arms and cradling her. He still didn't understand.

"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't know. Oh god, be alright!" he said to her.
They felt a great wave of affection for him. He did not understand and
they wanted him to. They began to carefully probe him, trying not to
make him aware of their probe. His sense of ethics was as profound as
his compassion towards them. They searched for anything they could do
for him. They felt his one greatest fear; that age would prohibit him
from adequately satisfying those he loved. They pondered upon this as
they explored his body. His heart was strong. All his internal organs
were functioning properly. There was minor lung damage from his earlier
years as a smoker, but this was fading. Carefully they explored his
psyche.

John felt an odd itch... inside his head. He did his best to ignore it,
thinking only of the girls' well being. Cindy placed her hand in his,
reassuringly. He squoze it gently. The girls circled about, pondering
the functioning of different sections. This one controlled his hunger
drive. That one, his body clock. That one... was the one the girls were
searching for. They gently nudged it and felt John's discomfort as he
suddenly began to get an erection. It grew rapidly as he felt a strong
sexual desire growing within him.

They made him aware of themselves: "We are fine. Rest your fears. We
have never been so happy before. We wish to give you a gift. Observe...
feel what we do. This spot here; touch it like this. It will trigger
your sexuality. You may always please those you love. Your body has its
own limits which it will not violate. But this will overcome the limits
of your mind. We love you." Then they were gone.

John was startled beyond words. Tears formed in his eyes and ran down
his cheeks. They were tears of joy over the gentle touch of boundless
love. They had addressed his deepest fear. He was whole.

"I'm sure they'll be alright," Cindy offered, misinterpreting his
tears. John could only nod and smile at her. Cindy was as worried about
John as the girls. The girls next moved to her. Exploring her as they
had John. They felt her pain from her early abuse, much like their own,
only inflicted by those she actually loved the most, making it a deeper
pain. The girls felt a wave of compassion for this loving, caring
person. They could feel her love for John and the others around him.

As much as she stated her faith in John's rightness, she retained her
own natural fears of insecurity. Perhaps the one was a cure for the
other, the girls speculated. They surrounded her pain and obscured it
in a mist of love. Making themselves known to her, they informed her:
"We are fine. We feel your love. We know of your pain and fears. Let
your heart feel free. Those you now love, will not hurt you as others
before. Their hearts are pure. As our gift to you we give you this."
 From their foray into John they knew of his deep abiding love for
Cindy. Now they let her feel that knowledge. "We love you," they
informed her as they retreated.

Cindy was dumb struck. Tears flowed from her eyes like a faucet. She
turned to John and leaned against her man. Knowing how he felt about
her. She was freed from her burden of pain and made whole. Now
confident in their forays, the girls next visited Sheila. She held
Alice in her loving arms, gently rocking her. They could feel her
warmth and compassion for them, and her abiding love for John and those
around him. They could also feel her burning need for his understanding
and the warmth of his love. She needed him and those he loved. Her
insecurities blinding her to the love she knew was there.

Once again they made themselves known: "Fear not. We are only sharing a
togetherness we have never known before. You are a part of that
togetherness as we feel your love for us. We feel that same love for
you. As our gift to you we give you this." They made her aware of the
feelings for her they felt in themselves and the others. They would add
to this as they continued their forays. Sheila hugged Alice to her and
wept with Joy. They sought out Theresa, finding her alone in the pool.
Unaware of the drama that had unfolded in the bedroom and at Sheila's.
They almost recoiled at the depth of her pain. They felt that the only
reason she still survived, was the love she felt for those around her.
And one other.....

They sought him out. Now back at his base. Guided by their instincts of
what he felt like when he was around them earlier. He sat alone in his
room, Theresa on his mind. Fear of not having her love encompassed him.
His burning need for her uppermost in his heart and mind. His fears
that perhaps he wouldn't be understanding enough if given the
opportunity to know her.

The triplets giggled to themselves as they let him know the feelings
that Theresa felt for him. They didn't reveal themselves. Only a
feeling that he couldn't deny. Then they returned to Theresa. They
guided her urge to leave the pool and then waited. She swam to the
ladder and climbed out. Toweling herself and then sitting on a chaise
as she toweled her hair.

Once again they made themselves known: "We are your sisters in pain. It
makes us strong. But now, put it aside, as you are loved by all around
you. We have just now learned to do this. We wish to share a gift with
you. Let your pain fade in the knowledge we are about to give." They
let her know the feelings the others felt for her...and the burning
desire they had felt in the new love she herself desired. They let her
know his heart and mind concerning his fears over his understanding. A
warm heart awaited her when she was ready.

Theresa slumped back against the chaise, both by the burden lifted from
her and the deep feeling of love that assaulted her. A warm, honest
love. She would know more love in the future. Tears flowed freely from
her eyes as she sobbed with joy. Lastly their co-wife, Candice. This
time they shared the common ground of their abuse at Nick's hands. They
soothed the pain and shrouded it with the knowledge they had gained
concerning the other's feelings for her. They reinforced their earlier
touch upon her concerning their own love for her. They did not awaken
her. She would be aware of all when she awoke.

Once again the girls retreated into their Gestalt. They spent this time
sharing the knowledge of each of them as individuals. The feelings they
felt for each other and the others they had touched. A thought nagged
at them a bit. They sought out one other. Sally lay sleeping in the
arms of her lover. The girls touched the mind of her lover gently. She
would sleep through whatever reaction Sally experienced.

They forayed into Sally herself. They found a caring, vibrant person. A
woman in love with life and now two very special people. They found the
pride she felt in being made a woman by John. They partially shared
that pride themselves. They eavesdropped on how it had felt to be made
a woman by John. Impressed that the marathon he had spoken of had
actually happened. Each episode of lovemaking was vividly etched in
Sally's mind. They sampled each one, giggling to themselves. They felt
the burning desire Sally felt to see John again and feel him in her
arms. They felt her shame at having not known the depth of feeling she
could now feel, when she was with John. Her new lover had patiently
taught her well. She felt satisfaction in her work and life, except for
the feel of John's love. The girls got an idea. Andrea sighed in John's
arms. Her eyes opened and were filled with joy.

"Oh god, I was so worried," John said, hugging her tenderly. Amy gazed
up into Cindy's eyes. Her own filled with the same joy. Cindy was still
speechless.

Andrea said, "If you will touch that spot and enter me... the others
will feel it too." John was speechless himself now.

"What others?" he finally asked.

"All those you love," Andrea replied, simply.

"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked.

"More alright than we have ever been. Your love has made us whole. Your
love has made all those you love, whole. Us girls wish to share your
love with all you love, including us. If you will make love to me, all
will know it and share it. You will know what each feels. We don't know
if we can do this again... but please, do this," Andrea said softly.
John trembled.

The girls gently nudged the sleeping ones awake. Then they formed a
Gestalt with all but Kevin. Centered upon John and Andrea. John became
aware of the love each woman felt for him. He could feel each of them
in his arms at that moment. He bent and softly kissed Andrea. Eight
pair of lips felt his. He knew the feelings of eight different women
combined in one. His passion grew. Andrea's too. His fingertips played
softly over her body, finding her nipples and softly caressing them. He
felt what eight women felt.

He lay Andrea back and moved over her. Kissing her, caressing her.
Making her know physically the burning desire he felt for her. Her arms
around him, the representatives of eight stunning women. Her fingers
explored his body. Her mouth warm and full against his as he sought out
her tongue with his and they swirled together.

He didn't miss a spot. The breaths of eight women becoming fast and
shallow as their mutual passion grew. His fingers explored her between
her legs, slipping inside her and feeling her slick wetness. She was
more than ready, she was the combined hunger of eight women for his
love. They rolled him onto his back and climbed upon his hips. The tip
of his manhood poised upon the threshold of eight women. Then Andrea
nodded to John. He understood. He reached out with his mind and touched
the spot the girls had taught him.

His manhood responded almost instantly. Already firm, he now pierced
his target without moving as his manhood swelled up, pushing up into
them. Eight voices groaned. John knew the feeling himself, of what he
felt like growing into eight vagina's. His manhood continued to swell
and lengthen until it seated against Andrea's cervix. Then continued to
swell as it stretched her to its fullest dimensions ever.

Andrea lay forward atop him, finding his lips as his hands found her
breasts. She began to move. At first grinding her hips down harder into
his. Then moving a minuscule amount upwards and then driving down hard.
Eight women groaned in their passion. Again Andrea moved, lifting
herself almost a full inch before she again drove down hard. Again
eight women groaned. John knew the feeling of having a man inside him.
A very odd sensation, especially because he was aware of it from eight
different perspectives simultaneously. Those eight were also aware of
how they felt upon him. His manhood strong and proud inside them.
John's groan was theirs.

Andrea began to pick up speed, shifting her hips slightly to force the
top of his penis against her clitoris. Each thrust became a hungry one.
Driven by the combined passion of nine people. Now her strokes became
fuller as she picked up more speed. They all seemed to merge together,
making love to themselves, as a whole. Each girl aware of how each
other felt as well as herself and John. He responded as he moved in
unison with Andrea's tender hips upon him. Feeling the silkiness of her
love canal. Their fingertips explored each other. Their tongues all
swirled together. They reinforced each other as they gained speed and
passion.

The edge was growing near. They could all feel it. They all knew the
joyous anticipation of it. As it approached they slowed and approached
it cautiously. They slowed until they were barely moving. Each touch
sending ripples of goose bumps over their bodies. They let themselves
slide back a bit. Then approached it again. Their breath hurting in
their lungs as they wheezed out their moans. Gulping at the next
breath. Their heads whipping side to side.

One last time they slipped backwards, more this time. And then they
were off on a mad frenzied dash to the finish. All nine driving their
hearts out in quest of the crest of the wave. It broke upon them like a
Tsunami. Nine lungs emptied themselves of air as their bodies convulsed
in one massive contraction. It held them all in it's grip for an
endless eternity, then John's fluids burst forth into Andrea like mount
Vesuvius erupting. Eight women knew the ultimate moment of love. And
then Nine people collapsed back, totally spent.

Their mutual joy swam together embracing each other. Each aware of each
others pleasure. Slowly soft fingertips caressed them and their bodies
quivered from the onslaught that each had experienced. A feeling of
love encompassed the whole of their being. And then they slipped
mutually into the most peaceful sleep of their lives.

For a time, their dreams were shared. Dreams of total love for one
another. Dreams of total understanding of each others feelings. Then,
the Gestalt faded. Not suddenly, but like a mist evaporating in the
warmth of the love that would always remain.

Chapter 64

Sally was the first one to stir. She opened her eyes into a feeling of
joy like she had never known. Her lover slept quietly next to her. She
snuggled to her and hugged her. Jean awoke to the feeling of the most
loving touch she had ever known. She didn't know why, but Sally seemed
different. The girl was brimming over with joy. Jean responded the best
she could.

Afterwards she asked, "What brought that on?"

"I couldn't even begin to tell you. Last night I experienced the most
incredible experience of my life. If it was a dream, I don't want to
know it.... but it wasn't a dream.. I know that," Sally said,
cryptically.

"Are you all there?" Jean asked.

"Not anymore. I'm in eight hearts.. nine, counting yours," she replied.

"Darling, I think you've flipped. But if this morning was a result of
that, then flip away to your heart's content.." Jean said, kissing her
softly.

"At least you've got that right. My heart is content. More content than
I've ever been....... Shower with me?" Sally asked.

"Love to," Jean said.

The triplets awoke. Andrea still lay atop John. It was wonderful waking
atop him. She reached out with her mind. Amy was awake, Alice still
slumbered lightly. She let her sleep. Amy and her shared a look from
across the bed. They each slipped silently out and made their way up to
the guest bedroom to shower. No words were needed as they soaped each
other and squirmed together.

Theresa stirred alone, by the pool. She didn't feel alone, that was
just the condition she found herself in. She rolled to her feet and
made her way to the bedroom. Finding Cindy and John snuggled together.
She slid in beside them and snuggled to John's other side.

John stirred. He couldn't describe how he felt. He wondered if it all
had been a dream.. but no, he knew it hadn't been. His two original
lovelies were snuggled to him. Theresa was awake, snuggled to his side,
quiet, contemplative. He leaned and softly kissed her on the forehead.

"Good morning," she said, "I hope it wasn't a dream."

"No, it wasn't," he said. Cindy stirred at his side and hugged him.

"You know, you're spoiling us for other men," she said.

"Spoiling? How about permanently spoiled!" Theresa chuckled.

"I had very little to do with last night," John said.

"Oh... I think you had a whole lot to do with last night. But I
understand what you're saying," Cindy said.

"Did we all feel the same thing?" Theresa asked.

"Pretty much, I reckon," John said.

"So you know about Kevin?" she asked.

"No... apparently we didn't all experience the same thing," Cindy
chuckled.

"Who's Kevin?" John asked.

"Theresa's new man... to be," Cindy chuckled.

"Have I met Kevin?" John asked.

"Yup... What's his name's pilot," Theresa said.

"Oh... So you like him, huh?" he asked.

"I don't think that *like* is exactly the term I would have used,"
Cindy said.

"I love him," Theresa stated.

"So I guess I should try to find out his address for you?" John said.

"Not yet. That's my future... You are my present," Theresa said,
pulling him into a soft kiss. Alice stirred next to Sheila. Remembering
the previous evening, a warm feeling of love engulfed her. She smiled
and snuggled to the larger woman. She knew her sisters were already
awake, like a distant thought. Candice woke alone... yet not feeling
alone. She felt loved. She knew she was loved. She stretched like a cat
and then rolled off the bed. Her body tingling a bit. She sought out
the bathroom.

She found Alice snuggled to Sheila on the large sofa. Alice smiled at
her and Candice bent to share a gentle kiss. Amy and Andrea stalled a
moment over their batch of biscuits, each smiling. Sheila would sleep
for another hour or even two. Alice reluctantly slipped away from her.
Once in the kitchen, Candice took her into her arms.

"I wanted you to know... all of you. That I don't doubt you anymore.
And I wish to thank you all for what you gave me," Candice said.

"You're quite welcome... Now give me a big kiss, and then let's make
breakfast," Alice said. Candice complied.

Sheila woke alone... yet not. It was as if she had gained a heart full
of love. It was brimming over. She stretched with a big grin on her
face. Wishing there were someone next to her to hug. She rolled off the
bed and went in search of someone.. by way of the bathroom. She found
the girls sitting at the table. By chance she reached Candice first.
She gave her a big hug and kiss. Then moved on to Alice, whom she
pulled into her lap while she kissed her. Alice returned the kiss and
added her own measure.

"Well, let me get some breakfast. Then we'll talk about our show for
Mae, today," Sheila said, hoarsely. She insisted that Alice sit on her
lap while she ate. The young girl snuggled to her, happily. Sheila
talked about the fashions.

"Mae's just going to love you two," she bubbled.

"Gosh, you think so?" Candice asked.

"I know so," Sheila said.

"I don't know if I could love make love to another... yet," Alice said.

"That's not what I meant. Nobody's asking you to make love if you don't
want to. What I meant, is that she's going to feel a great affection
towards you, both of you. And that's never a bad thing. I hope that one
thing we've all learned from John, is that there's always room for
another in your heart," Sheila said. Alice nodded against her breast,
smiling.

Chapter 65

They packed up all the outfits, leaving out those that they had picked
to wear. These were amazingly conservative, considering the events of
the previous evening. Alice and Candice bubbled with excitement. They
took a cab to Mae's business. Mae met them in the lobby. She held back,
not knowing the relationship Sheila shared with the two lovely girls
with her. Sheila moved into her arms and kissed her deeply.

"So you've decided to be totally *out*?" Mae giggled.

"I've decided to be myself," Sheila said, holding her as she gazed into
Mae's deep dark eyes. Mae shivered a bit by the power she saw there.
Sheila was different somehow. Self assured and yet deeply caring. Mae's
insides quivered with desire for her.

The girls studied her. She was lovely. Mid to late thirties, with soft
oriental features. Her hair was long and black, reaching almost to her
shapely waist. She had medium sized breasts and slightly dark skin to
match her features. She was almost the exact same size as Candice. Mae
turned to examine the two girls.

"And who are these two lovely ladies?" she asked, pulling away from
Sheila.

"Mae, may I present Candice.. and Alice. They are here to model some
outfits for you," Sheila said.

"For me? You said you had something important to show me and talk to me
about," Mae said.

"You have no idea just how important it is," Sheila giggled.

"Well, let's go someplace more comfortable. Then you can tell me all
about it... and where you got those dynamite stockings!" Mae said.
Sheila just chuckled. The girls too. Mae led them up to her office. She
had a magnificent view of the bay and the golden gate. She guided them
into seats, offering refreshments.

"I think a little champagne for each of us," Sheila said.

"Celebrating?" Mae asked.

"Yup. You see, we're here to make you rich," Sheila giggled. Mae looked
at her a moment. Coming from someone else she might have dismissed the
remark. But not from Sheila. She buzzed her secretary.

"A bottle of the finest Champagne we've got around and four glasses,"
she ordered. She sat back looking at Sheila, wondering what she was up
to. They all had on well tailored, but conservative jackets over their
outfits. Buttoned up the front. The girls sat back, feeling a bit self
conscious. Sheila sat back self assured. The secretary brought the
Champagne and glasses on a tray. She popped the cork and poured, served
them and then withdrew. Mae held her glass, waiting.

"So what's this all about?" she asked. Sheila grinned. She motioned to
the girls and stood up herself. They all began to unbutton their
jackets and remove them. Mae sat back in shock. Sheila was clad from
neck to foot in a custom outfit. It hugged her every freckle. A skirt
that matched the body suit exactly, hung from her shapely hips. The
pattern continued down her custom stockings, which were all Mae had
seen under the jackets. That and the hem of their skirts. Mae got
shakily to her feet and moved up close to examine the outfit.

She was shaking a bit when she turned to the girls. Alice wore an
outfit like the girls had worn when they first greeted Sheila. It
hugged and defined her small breasts like paint. Candice wore a copy of
John's present to Theresa, with the moon on the cheek. She wore a white
skirt which she removed at Sheila's nod. Then rotated. Embarrassed at
the look she received. Alice opened her skirt to show her the colors
matched completely, blushing herself from the way the body suit
accurately followed her every curve...

"Okay, I'll bite. I know every major fashion designer in the world.
None of them could touch these. Where the hell did you get these
outfits?" Mae asked.

"They were all made in one day... along with all the others we brought
along. If the girls can use your fitting room, they will show you the
rest," Sheila said. Mae nodded, dumbfounded. She took a long pull on
her champagne. The parade of outfits followed. Including Sheila's
entire business collection.

With each new outfit, the bewildered look on Mae's face got worse. She
called in her best designers who embarrassed the hell out of the girls.
Poking their fingers at where seams should be, but weren't. Feeling the
fabrics and examining the designs closely, even if they were over
private areas. They all shook their heads, bewildered as well. Mae
shooed them out.

"Okay... are you going to tell me.. or not?" she asked.

"They were all spun on *one* machine... I lied a bit. My business suits
took a couple of days. But every outfit the girls have worn were made
in eight hours," Sheila giggled.

"Not possible," Mae said.

"Wasn't possible. Is now. You're looking at the introductory line of
fashions from Second Skin Incorporated," Sheila said.

"And where might I contact this Second Skin?" Mae asked.

"Right here. You're looking at their new CEO," Sheila giggled.

"You?" Mae asked.

"Me."

"I heard from Judy that you were off with some Mr. Wonderful like the
world has never known... now you come in with this," Mae said.

"All true. Mr. Wonderful invented the machine that made these. His name
is John Stevens. I love him. We all do," Sheila said.

"All? All three of you?" Mae asked, looking to the girls.

"All seven...or eight of us," Sheila said.

"Huh? You don't know?" Mae asked.

"There are seven of us women who now live with him. Alice is one of a
matched set of three. In addition to me and the triplets -Alice, Andrea
and Amy-, there is Cindy and Theresa and Candice here. That makes
seven. There's a girl in New York, Sally, who just might make eight...
If I guess right," Sheila chuckled.

"And you all *love* this man?" Mae asked.

"Like air!" Sheila said. The girls nodded.

"Must be some fellow," Mae said. They all rolled their eyes and nodded.

"So what does this have to do with me?" Mae asked.

"Well, darling. Seeing as how this will put you out of business... How
would you feel about being our first distributor?" Sheila asked.

"I'd love to be. But I don't think we could begin to stock enough
different sizes. Those things look custom made for each body."

"They are. Each outfit. A machine scans the body of the person the
outfit is to be made for, another makes an exact duplicate of that
person, down to the freckle if so desired, and then spins the outfits
over the duplicate, adding pigmentation as it goes," Sheila explained.

"No inventory?"

"None!"

"But that's fantastic! When can I get scanned?" Mae asked.

"Soon. John's working on a production model as we speak. A good thing
too. The prototype made the *scanee* just a wee bit too horny!" Sheila
giggled.

"Horny? How so?" Mae asked.

"With little persistent fingers probing every place the outfits fit,
taking measurements," Sheila said. Mae looked long and hard at Sheila's
outfit, then the girls. She nodded, grinning. Her eye's kept drifting
back to Candice, who blushed a lot, but did her own looking at her.
Sheila noticed, chucking to herself.

"Okay, you've sold me. How much is it going to cost me?" Mae said,
finally.

"Well, not so much money, as connections. I was thinking that we could
supply you with a modified version of the machine within a few
months... if we can swing it. Then you offer the service to your best
customers first. Then you put together a show for Fashion week in New
York, using all originals," Sheila said.

"Oh, god. Are those folks in for a shock!" Mae chuckled.

"No shit. And when that's over we'll have people clambering at our
doorstep. I'd like you to represent us to them."

"Me? Why me?" Mae asked.

"Several reasons. First off, you being our first outlet solves a bunch
of logistics problems. You're well established in a high dollar, high
fashion market. It gets us on the market, as fast as we can get it
together. Second, you've got the connections, we don't. Third... 'cause
I love you," Sheila said. Mae looked at her, blushing a bit. Her eyes
drifting back to Candice.

"So I guess I'd better start lining up models," Mae said.

"That's what I've hired Candice and the triplets for. That way we can
start spinning outfits for them right now, without waiting for the re-
design," Sheila said.

"Triplets, huh? That should blow the socks off the fashion world. We
could probably keep them busy full time, just working for other
designers," Mae said.

"I think *we* can keep them busy enough... besides, I'd like to keep
them close till they know what to watch out for," Sheila said.

"Probably not the only reason you want to keep them close," Mae
giggled.

"Guilty. But I was thinking we could do some special projects just
around them, like outfits with a design split across the three of
them."

"That sounds fun," Mae said, nodding.

"The thing is, we can put *any* design on *any* outfit. If you can find
a picture of it, or take one yourself, then we can copy it onto an
outfit. I've been saving a special one just to show you that," Sheila
said. She slipped into the fitting room and slipped on her body suit
with Theresa's skin on it. She stepped out and at first Mae thought she
was nude.

"Oh my god!" Mae gasped. Sheila couldn't help but blush, but she showed
her the *whole* design. Even sitting down and opening her legs. Mae was
in total shock. Sheila slipped into the fitting room again, and donned
the outfit with Cindy's skin on it. Mae's reaction was much the same.

"Makes you look like an un-natural blonde," Mae giggled.

"You get my point, I take it?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, please put something else on. You're making me wet," Mae said.

"My same reaction to the owner of this skin," Sheila chuckled,
withdrawing to change. She returned in her original outfit.

"I think we're going to be very rich!" Mae said.

"Aww, you've guessed my plan," Sheila mocked.

"So we've got a brunette and three blondes. All we need is a killer
redhead for the team," Mae said.

"I think I might even be able to come up with one of those," Sheila
chuckled.

"Hidden resources? Have you been holding out on me?" Mae asked.

"Haven't met her myself.. but from what I've heard, I want to," Sheila
replied.

"How do you know she'd be interested and where is she?" Mae asked.

"I think she'd be interested in anything connected with John. She's in
New York City," Sheila said.

"Well, sounds like you've got all bases covered. I'm not sure what you
need with me, but count me in," Mae said.

"I don't have all bases covered. My experience is making small
companies large. Yours is fashion. We need you for ideas. We need you
for your market experience. We need you for your customer relation
skills and your contacts. Together we can make this thing a giant,"
Sheila said.

"You've already sold me, babe. You've already sold me. Now, may I treat
you three lovely women to lunch in the finest restaurant I know?" Mae
asked.

"That you may," Sheila answered, noticing the eager look on the girls
faces.

"Why don't you girls put on the outfits you wore in. I think those will
be suitable," Sheila added. When the girls left Mae moved to Sheila.

"Where the hell did you find them darlings?" Mae asked, kissing her
friend deeply. Sheila shivered a bit in the middle of the kiss.

"I rescued them from the middle of a blizzard in the middle of
nowhere," Sheila gasped, "... Damn, you've still got it!"

"Okay, don't tell me," Mae said, cupping her ass cheeks.

"It's the truth. Alice came close to freezing to death. Check her
finger tips. They're still rosy from her frostbite," Sheila said,
cupping Mae's cheeks and pulling her hips into hers.

"If you say so... God, I've missed you!" Mae said.

"I've missed you too," Sheila said.

"Not too much. You're absolutely glowing today. What's your secret?"
Mae said.

"That, you wouldn't begin to believe... Let's just say; I'm in love.
I've found the man of my dreams and got the bonus of six gorgeous women
and the career of my dreams to boot," Sheila said, feeling a breast.

"Ye gods! Any room for one more?" Mae asked, half joking.

"Oh, I fear the house is full, but knowing what the man and the women
are like, I think I can promise you some *very* enjoyable visits,"
Sheila chuckled.

"Sounds delightful. Now tell me about Candice," Mae said.

"Country girl though and through. And in need of a Savvy big city woman
to take her under her wing and show her the ways of the world," Sheila
said, kissing her again.

"Hmm, I wonder where we could find such a woman?" Mae chuckled, pulling
Sheila back into another kiss. The girls returned in their original
outfits. Sheila and Mae paid them no mind for a moment. Alice blushed a
bit. Candice flushed a bit.

"How about that lunch?" Mae said, turning her eyes to Candice, who
flushed even more. Sheila suggested that Mae try on one of Candice's
outfits. She picked a stunning one. It didn't fit her quite as well as
it had Candice, but it was better than anything she could have pulled
off the rack. The girls made quite a splash when they walked into the
restaurant. An audible gasp was heard and the place fell quiet. Not
normal at all for the high buck business lunch crowd. Mae and Sheila
strutted to their table. The girls followed blushing behind them. Heads
followed them like radar. Once seated, the silence was broken by
whispers at first. Then people went slowly back to their meals and
deals.

"This is fun," Sheila giggled.

"You expected less out of these outfits?" Mae asked, chuckling.

"I wasn't certain, now I am," Sheila said.

"You should be. I picked this place on purpose. Sort of a test case.
One damn tough audience.. normally. I could guarantee you a dozen sales
by tomorrow if we were set up already," Mae giggled.

"Really? I was thinking in the thousand dollar range... but five for
the initial scan," Sheila said.

"That cheap?" Mae asked.

"Cheap? Six thousand for the first outfit?" Sheila asked.

"Peanuts for this crowd. And all the more reason to buy a dozen each,"
Mae said.

"Well, that's why I picked you," Sheila said. Candice and Alice were
looking at the menus. They didn't have a clue what any of it said,
except the prices. These scared them real bad. Sheila caught their
distress.

"Why don't you choose for us?" she suggested to Mae.

"Okay, glad to. If you'll pick the wine?" she replied.

"My pleasure.... Any problem here with Alice? She's just sixteen,"
Sheila asked.

"Not likely, but we shouldn't get her drunk. As long as we're discrete
about it," Mae replied, studying the menu.

"I'd better order her a soda then. Every eye in the place is still on
us," Sheila chuckled.

"No, don't. Just order the wine. It'll be okay," Mae said.

"Just as soon as I hear what you're going to order," Sheila replied.

"Are they up to Escargot for an appetizer?" Mae asked.

"Just try to hold them back. I got them hooked the first night here,"
Sheila chuckled. The girls brightened visibly at the suggestion.

"And then I think the grilled scallops, or would you rather the
lobster?" Mae asked.

"Oh, scallops!" Sheila said. The girls were game for anything. The
waiter came by the instant Mae looked up for him. She ordered. Then
Sheila ordered a 1979 Wente Gray Riesling to go with it.

"An excellent choice. That or the Keenan Vineyards '79 Chardonnay," Mae
said.

"The Chardonnay is maybe a bit dry for the girls. The Gray's fairly dry
while retaining just a hint of sweet. And the bouquet is incredible,"
Sheila replied.

"You always did know your wine," Mae chuckled.

"Why live here without learning that? That's like living in New York
and never eating cheesecake," Sheila giggled. Mae turned her attention
to the girls.

"Sheila tells me you're country girls. What do you think of the big
City so far?" she asked.

"It's incredible, I wish I could stay longer," Candice replied.

"It's nice... but I miss John and my sisters," Alice said.

"This John must be something," Mae answered. They all nodded and got a
distant look again. "Yes, I can see he must be.... Tell me, Candice.
How would you feel about staying a little longer, maybe work with me a
bit?" Mae asked.

"I think that would be great," Candice said, holding Mae's eyes. Sheila
watched the exchange.

"Well, Alice. Looks like it's just you and me on the flight back," she
chuckled. Alice nodded. "In fact Mae, you could do me a great favor,"
Sheila said.

"What's that? Anything, just name it," Mae replied.

"If you've got any free time for a few days, I kind of need to spend
some time wrapping up my accounts at work. I'd feel better leaving the
girls in safe, capable hands," Sheila asked.

"I'd be delighted. But I don't know how safe *I'd* be with them. What
haven't they seen?" Mae asked, holding Candice's gaze.

"We did the major tourist bit over the first couple of days; The wharf,
China town and Exploratorium," Sheila replied.

"Well, there's the horseback wine tour, but that wouldn't work with
Alice," Mae remembered.

"No problem. Why don't you and Candice do that, Alice can kick around
with me for a day," Sheila said.

"Sounds fun," Candice said.

"I wish I were older," Alice said.

"Oh, don't push it. It will pass like a bolt of lightning. Kicking
around with me will be fun enough. One of my clients is connected with
Marine world," Sheila said. The wine and appetizers arrived. The waiter
pouring a test splash for Sheila, who swirled it in her glass, looked
at it in the light and then sniffed it. Finally taking a small sip
which she moved to different parts of her mouth. She smiled and nodded.
The waiter poured wine in all four glasses without question. The
appetizers didn't last long between the girls. Their salads arrived,
tossed fresh, next to the table on a folding stand.

"The honey lemon dressing here is divine," Mae said.

"You're in charge of the food," Sheila giggled. Mae nodded her choice
to the waiter and he added ingredients as she directed. The salad was
wonderful. So was the wine. Alice did her grown up best to imitate the
older women as they sipped it. Candice did too, but tended to gulp it a
bit.

"You should savor it a bit longer. Especially one this good," Mae
teased her. Candice nodded and did her best. The rest of the meal was
superb. They sat back drinking a rich coffee over a killer dessert the
chef had specially prepared for them. Mae slipped her gold card on the
tray and then signed the invoice when it returned. The total would have
really scared the girls. They turned heads again as they walked out.

"Why don't we meet for dinner, my treat?" Sheila asked Mae.

"Sure, love to. Just tell me where and when," Mae replied, still
playing eye games with Candice.

"Why don't I call you? I think we're going to go back to my place and
regroup for a while after that meal," Sheila giggled.

"I'll be looking forward to your call then. A genuine pleasure to meet
both of you," Mae said to the girls. She hugged them each. Candice
hugged back a bit more than Alice. Sheila hugged her and gave her a
quick kiss. Then they went their separate ways. Once back at Sheila's,
she turned to Candice.

"I didn't want to make any promises for you until I'd talked to you. I
gathered that you *like* Mae?" she asked her.

"She's incredible!" Candice said, dreamily.

"Well, from the signals she was sending you, I gather she feels the
same way. If you'd like, Alice and I can certainly keep each other well
entertained tonight after dinner. If...or rather *when* Mae asks you if
you'd like to go back to her place, go ahead if you'd like. Then you
could get an early start on the wine tour tomorrow. Depending how it
goes, you could either come back here tomorrow night or the next
morning. It's up to you," Sheila advised.

"You think she'll ask me home with her!? You wouldn't mind?" Candice
asked.

"I'm almost certain she will. And no, of course I wouldn't mind,"
Sheila chuckled.

"How about you, Alice? Would you mind?" Candice asked.

"No, of course not. Have a good time," she bubbled.

"Thanks loves... What should I wear?" Candice asked, distracted.

"I don't think it will matter. But knock her socks off anyway. I
suggest one of the body suits under whatever you choose. I'll
understand if it shows up shredded," Sheila chuckled. The girls had a
wonderful time out to dinner. All through it Candice and Mae were
playing goo-goo eyes. Mae did invite Candice back with her, Candice
accepted.


Chapter 66

John was working on the scanner when Amy found him, bringing him a cup
of coffee.

"Got a minute?" she asked, setting it down.

"Thanks for the coffee. Sure... just a sec...... Okay, what's on your
mind?" he asked, taking the cup and moving to the sofa, patting the
seat next to him. She moved to his side and leaned against him while he
sipped. He slipped his arm around her, took a sip of coffee and then
shared an extra warm kiss with her. She snuggled to him.

"I was just wondering... how you felt about last night?" she asked.

"Ooh, tough question... Last night was probably the most incredible
experience of my life..." he said.

"But?" she asked, when he didn't continue.

"But, I wouldn't want to do it again," he said. She nodded against him.

"Kind of what I was thinking," she said, "But *why* wouldn't you?"

"Well, don't get me wrong. As much as I love you all... It was the
first time I've loved you *all* at the same *instant*. I think I prefer
the intimacy of just two people face to face. Three at the most, for
lovemaking. I don't mind more... as the extras seem to be free to share
their own intimacy. I personally like to be able to focus myself on one
person at a time. Last night was fantastic. I got to experience things
from a different point of view. I never knew before what you girls saw
in men in general... or me for that matter. I like that. But now I know
it, I don't *need* to know it again. Somehow it was almost too
personal, while not being too intimate... I don't know, kind of hard to
explain," he said.

"We thought you would feel that way... we felt it last night. But we
were already into it. And... well, we agree. But it may not matter. I
don't think we *could* do it again," she said, cryptically.

"I'm still not certain just what you did. But I got the feeling it was
a Gestalt," John said. Amy nodded.

"It was, we learned the meaning of the word from you. I'm afraid we
rummaged around in you a lot, before we let you know we were there,"
Amy said.

"I don't mind... not that it would matter, but I don't have any secrets
from you," John said.

"Oh, we would never tell anybody *all* that we saw in each of you....
In a way it changed us.... We could feel what it was like to be an
adult. Each of you had a different feeling, but... the one thing we saw
in everybody, was respect. They all felt it for you.. and you felt it
for all of us. Respect... and love.

"So much love, it was almost unbearable all at once. Like it was a
power that was too dangerous to play with..... We saw that too..
Something guided us away from things we shouldn't do or know. It wasn't
us. It was something ......bigger," Amy said.

"God?" John asked.

"I don't know... Once I would have said so... but now I'm not sure what
that means.... More like the whole universe was aware of what we were
doing, not just one thing," Amy said, shivering and snuggling to him.
John set his coffee aside and pulled her into his lap. She smiled and
snuggled closer.

"Could you have gotten that from me? I mean, I've told Theresa and
Cindy that I believed the universe was aware of itself before. You
could have gotten the idea from any one of us, I guess," John said.

Amy shook her head, "No, we felt it *before* we looked into any of you.
That was one of the things we looked at in you. It sort of explained
what we felt, but not quite. Closer than anything else we saw in
anybody... but still not quite right... I don't know. It's kind of hard
to explain with words," she said. John nodded.

"So, why don't you think you could do it again?" he asked.

"Because what we felt... wouldn't *like* it. It was like we knew that
this was the only time. That's why we continued even after we felt how
you felt. We were trying to give a gift to everybody that you loved...
but it was like we were *all* granted a gift from ... that bigger
*something* .... and it was the only time...," Amy said.

"Then I guess that we'd better not fool with it.... but what exactly
did you girls feel, I mean with each other?" John asked.

"We were..... *one*... Like we were just one person... only we weren't.
All the things we shared together.... good and bad.. were there. But we
could also feel the differences in us. They were greater than we
thought. All the years... like when we'd go out hiking together. Each
of us stepped in different places. One would almost turn her ankle on a
rock.. another would catch a glimpse of a Black Faced Ferret that the
others missed. Yet another would see an eagle as it went behind a hill.
All those things added up over the years. So while we're of a like mind
on some things... we were totally different in others," she said.

"I can tell it's changed you.... Your speech is even different," John
said.

"Ya mean I don't stammer like I use ta?" she giggled.

"Well... that, and more... you're like... grown up," he said.

"You helped a lot of that...when you made us women... but no, I know
what you mean... we learned a lot. Maybe so much it will take us a
while to figure it all out..... if'n we ever do. But one of the things
you all taught us, was grammar structure and how you think to phrase
things. We could tell from all of you how the world felt about that. We
don't want to appear... backwards.. or .....*unsophisticated*, to steal
one of your words...." she chuckled.

"Oh... don't worry so much about that. I think those people who care
most about that, are backwards in their own way. They equate a person's
worth to their social status... and I don't think that's true at all.
Besides.. there's a certain charm to being a little backwards," he
said. Amy nodded, then lifted her head to look into his eyes. She moved
her hand to pull his head down into a kiss. The kiss wasn't just a
casual one.

"My, my. You did learn a lot," John said, hoarsely.

"I just wanted you to know how *I* felt. Not *us*, but *me*. I guess
that's what I wanted to talk to you about..... as much as I enjoyed
sharing you.... Well, the different part of me that I talked about.. It
wants to *know* that deep intimacy that we felt in you. Like you and
Cindy share, when you make love alone. I want to know that, without
sharing it. Maybe it's selfish... but I don't think so. All my life
I've shared everything I had... now I just want to know one thing
alone," she said.

"Well, I have no objection to that... but could you? I mean, wouldn't
Andrea and Alice feel it too?" John asked.

"No, that's one of the things we learned... that we could shut it off
and just be ourselves," Amy said.

"You don't think they'd mind?" John asked, concerned.

"No, 'cause I know each of them feels the same way. We all want to try
it. I think Alice is going to do it tonight with Sheila and Andrea's
going to try it with Cindy. I want to try it with you.... If you want
to?" she asked, sheepishly.

"Anytime you'd like," John said.

"Now, please," she said. John looked into the girl's eyes. He shared a
deep look with her. She seemed to twitch and then her focus got better.
He softly drew his fingertips up her side and just as softly under her
shirt and over her breast. She moaned softly and they melted into a
deep, satisfying kiss. Somehow she was more passionate than she had
ever been before. Without *the sharing*, her focus became keen. She
felt deeper and gave back more. Her hunger was her own, not shared. It
was sufficient unto itself.

John responded honestly. His own hunger driving him. They each felt
every little brush of a curl of hair or touch of a fingertip or tongue.
They made love face to face, eyes open, moving slowly and inexorably to
their body wracking orgasm. She felt him burst inside her like liquid
fire. Feeling 100% a woman, alone and deeply in love. Afterwards they
kissed softly as they stroked each other's body gently.

"Thank you," she said, "I had to know... and I'm thankful to you."

"My distinct pleasure... and I mean that," he said.

"I know... it wouldn't have felt like that if you didn't," she said,
snuggling to him.

That night Alice experienced the same depth of feeling with Sheila.
Andrea the same with Cindy. Candice with Mae and Sally with Jean. Amy
shared the bed with Theresa and John. Nobody was disappointed.

Chapter 67

Time passed quickly. Sheila and Alice returned just in time for
Theresa's birthday party. Very little work got done that day as they
all celebrated it by attacking her. Various gifts seemed to come out of
the woodwork. Sheila brought her a large collection of comfortable,
high fashion shoes. Cindy presented her with a modified version of the
toy John had made for her. With custom fit attachments for every other
woman in the silo. They all tried it out, much to Theresa's demise.
When she finally slipped into sleep, she was exhausted and literally
bombed on endorphins. Surrounded with warm, firm bodies and snuggled to
John's side.

To John's amazement, the government agreed to his idea. Howdy made
plans for a second, and last trip to the silo. He had to hand deliver
many of the items he carried in the small, specialized briefcase.
Should he be involved in any incident such as a crash or hijacking, the
contents of the case would be turned to ash before anyone could even
catch a glimpse of them. He also carried a long tube, similarly
equipped.

Seemingly on a whim he requested the same helicopter pilot as before.
It was a good security practice as well, as it limited the number of
people who got to see the silo or know of its existence. Kevin greeted
him when he landed at Hill AFB. He was grinning ear to ear at the
prospect of seeing Theresa once more.

This time he bypassed Dougway. He had no desire to get near the place
ever again. Kevin hummed to himself quietly as he flew a few scant feet
off the ground, just above fence line, scanning the sky for power
lines. (Which he now had a map of anyway.) Theresa, warned by John of
Kevin's visit, preened herself and made up a special outfit; A body
suit with coloration resembling Camouflaged Combat fatigues. It hugged
every hair on her body.

"Damn girl, you could win wars all by yourself... or start them," Cindy
chuckled when she saw her in it. Theresa nodded absently as she
examined her backside in a double mirror. She even spun a set of mock
combat boots to go with the outfit. The thump, thump of the helicopter
sent her scurrying up to the entryway.

Once again Howdy had Kevin shut down completely. Cindy and the triplets
scrambled to tarp over the machine, again. Kevin wondering where
Theresa was. When John came out to greet Howdy, Theresa was on his arm,
wearing a field Jacket like Kevin's and a regular pair of fatigue
pants. She looked very much like she was in the military, except the
boots looked somehow wrong. Kevin wondered whether or not to salute
her, as she wore no rank insignia. John greeted Howdy and they shook
hands. Then he guided him off into the silo.

Kevin and Theresa stood looking at each other. Each feeling a close
feeling of love that was unexplained by their brief previous encounter.
Kevin worried slightly about her uniform. Fraternization was against
the rules. The military was quite strict about that.

"Hello, Kevin," Theresa said.

"Hello, Theresa," he stammered, "I didn't know you were in the
military."

"I'm... not really. I just put this on special for you," she chuckled.

"For me? I think I prefer that last outfit you had on," he chuckled.

"Oh, I think you might be surprised by this one.... aren't you going to
kiss me?" she asked. He looked uncomfortable. She solved his inaction
by moving into his arms. Their first kiss was warm and deep. Theresa
quivering in his strong arms. "That's better," she said, flushing. He
nodded. Theresa took his arm and led him inside. She took his jacket
and hung it up, then removed her own and Kevin's jaw dropped. She
chuckled and stripped off the outer pants. Kevin's reaction was
apparent inside his own.

"I suppose that outfit keeps you warm too... although not too warm
from... outward indications," he chuckled.

"Oh, I'm toasty warm... I think those indications are caused by you,"
she demurred. He blushed.

"Theresa, I don't know how to explain it... but I had sort of a dream..
about *us*," he said.

"I think I shared that dream.. but come on. I've got you all to myself
for a whole day. We can talk all about it," she said.

"A whole day?" he questioned.

"That's what John promised me, and I'm gonna hold him to it," she said,
taking his arm and leading him to the elevator.

John and Howdy moved to the Com room. Howdy worked the specialized
combinations to open the cases. The briefcase held a sheaf of papers
and what looked like a small calculator. He handed the papers to John.

"Everything you asked for. Full title to the land and papers for all
the girls. Also a presidential pardon for your previous actions *and*
all actions related to project: *Shit For Brains*. Additionally,
there's an authorization for government funds... from an untraceable
black budget, just to get you started on the housing project. I don't
think you realized the cost of a water and sewer system to handle such
a project. Or of the costs involved in electrical and phone utilities,"
Howdy explained.

"A presidential pardon? That means he knows about all this?" John
asked.

"Oh... not officially. Uh.. you shut down the recorders?" Howdy asked.

"As per your request. The top two floors are out of the circuit. The
system is still tracking the lower portion...." John said.

"Why not shut it all down?" Howdy asked.

"History.... Theresa's first time with Kevin alone.... I'll shut it all
down before we move downstairs," John replied. Howdy giggled.

"Okay... good. 'Cause the other stuff I've brought you... I don't want
recorded... ever," Howdy said.

"Other stuff?" John asked.

"Sign here. Your clearance has been reinstated... upgraded to Special
projects, need to know class. You could probably walk into any defense
contractor in America and gain access to anything they've got. But we'd
grind your balls into powder if you tried," Howdy chuckled.

"I have no desire to know the nation's secrets," John said, reading the
document and signing it.

"You don't have much choice.. as you're one of the biggest. And I think
you'll be very much interested in what I have to show you," Howdy said.
Removing the silo plans from their tube. He laid them out on the table.
John bent to study them. It only took him a moment to spot a
discrepancy.

"You sure you want me to see these? I don't have this hallway or any of
this area over here," John said. Howdy chuckled.

"That's what you think. If you'll just shut down the surveillance above
four down, then I'll show you," he said. John moved to the intercom he
had installed.

"Theresa?" he asked, his voice echoing throughout the silo.

"Yes, John?" her voice echoed back, only on the Com room unit.

"Where are you?" he asked. His voice now only going to her area.

"Showing Kevin the pool. Why?" she asked.

"I need you girls to stay below four for a while. Do you know where the
others are?" he asked.

"In the gym, working out... want me to tell them?" she asked.

"If it's not too much trouble," he said.

"No... I think Kevin's heart can take it," Theresa said.

"Heart?" he asked.

"You know what they wear when they work out," she giggled.

"Oh... Yeah. Thanks. I'll let you know when you can come up," he said.

"Okay, bye," she said.

"Good enough?" John asked Howdy.

"Yeah... and the surveillance system?" he asked. John moved to his
computer.

"I installed a LAN system just last week," John explained, as he called
up a program and entered a private code. A map of the silo came up. Not
including the sections drawn on the plans. He clicked on a few
sections. Leaving only the kitchen and library active above four. Howdy
watched.

"We could use that software and your tracking system in our other
installations. Probably save us all that money we're going to be
spending here," Howdy said.

"You're welcome to them," John said. Howdy studied the drawing... the
Com room and entry had indeed been turned off when he arrived. The only
record of their presence, would be the recording of Kevin's appearance
on the lower levels. He smiled, his trust in John's ethics verified.

"Excellent, now if you'll just follow me," he said. He rolled up the
plans and put them back in their container. John put the papers in his
safe and locked the plans up in a large horizontal file. "That will do
for now. I'll make more secure provisions for them later," he said.

"Fine by me. They're yours. That paper you signed said we could
castrate you if you if you revealed them to anybody who didn't need to
know," Howdy said, chuckling.

"Must have been in the small print. I think I'd prefer the fifteen
years in jail and seizure of all my assets the large print mentioned,"
John chuckled. Howdy retained the small calculator device, slipping it
into his pocket. They rode in silence down to the fourth level.

Theresa guided Kevin by the arm into the gym. The girls were all clad
in the barest spandex shorts and tops. Kevin couldn't help noticing
them all. But trying to look at nothing in particular whenever Theresa
looked at him.

She giggled, "It's okay. I don't mind a bit if you look.. I'll be doing
my own share of that." He seemed uncomfortable, but let his eyes
wander, none the less. "Ladies, our fearless leader has requested that
we stay in the dungeon while he does some spook stuff with ... that
fellow," she told Sheila, Cindy and the triplets.

"What's he up to now?" Cindy asked, breathless from the tread mill.

"Haven't got a clue... don't think we're supposed to know," Theresa
replied.

"Welcome, Kevin. Has Theresa been treating you right?" Sheila asked
from a weight machine.

"No complaints. Some place you've got here.... what little I've seen of
it," he said, eyeing her svelte form.

"Sorry Hon, rules ya know," Cindy giggled, catching the direction of
Kevin's eyes.

"No need to apologize. I'm quite used to them, being in the military,"
he replied, eyeing the triplets on various machines.

"Any grub in the kitchen here? We could use a snack," Theresa asked.

"Just some crackers and cheese... and coffee and orange juice, of
course," Cindy replied.

"Keeps us in the dungeon and feeds us crackers," Theresa muttered.
"Come on Hon, before you break your eyes trying to look five directions
at once." She guided him into the small kitchen. Sitting him at the
table. "What to drink?" she asked.

"Coffee's fine," he said. She poured two mugs and set them on the
table. Then she moved to sit in his lap. She pulled him into a deep
kiss, quivering slightly from his touch.

"So what do you think of our little harem?" she giggled.

"They're incredible... you really didn't mind my looking?" he asked.
She gave him *that* exasperated look she was famous for.

"Not in the least... What about you, how do you feel about *my*
looking?" she asked, sheepishly.

"Fine by me.... as long as it doesn't interfere with.... *us*," he
said.

"So...... you want there to be an *Us?*" she asked, softly.

"Very much so... I've never known a woman quite like you," he said,
kissing her. She melted under his touch.

John and Howdy stepped off the elevator. The stop looked just like
every other one; a cement cubical with a hatch on either side leading
into the circular maintenance tunnel, a small box room directly in
front of them. A seemingly wasted space to one side of it, about six
feet wide. Around the corner, what used to be the hatchway into the
silo, now an open archway.

"Like I said, no hallway," John said. Howdy chuckled. He walked into
the wasted space area. Before him a blank cement wall. He punched
something into the calculator and held it about three and a half feet
off the floor, one foot from the wall. He pushed one last button,
nothing happened. Howdy frowned.

"What were you expecting?" John asked.

"Have you got power to all the silo circuits?" he asked, ignoring
John's question.

"Not all of them. Only the ones I know the purpose of," he replied.
Howdy pulled a notebook from his pocket and looked in it.

"Circuit 4SB12?" he asked. John took out a key and opened the
maintenance closet. He turned on the light and opened a panel. He found
a separate breaker, isolated from the rest. Circuit 4SB12. He flipped
the breaker on. They went back to the cement wall and Howdy repeated
his previous actions. This time there was an audible click and a whoosh
when he pushed the last button. The whole wall moved on the right side
out about six inches. Howdy reached around the edge and found a hand
indent, pulling on the massive slab.

John stood speechless as Howdy swung the massive wall open. Beyond lay
a long, dark hallway. Howdy looked in his notebook, punched a different
code into the calculator and held it on the wall just inside the
massive door. The hallway flickered into illumination.

"My god, it must run back for another hundred feet," John said.

"One hundred and twelve," Howdy chuckled, stepping into the corridor.
John followed him. Ten seconds later, the door swung slowly shut behind
them. It was chilly, the area isolated from John's solar heat system.
John looked at it. It now appeared to be the same blank wall it had
from the other side.

"I imagine that could be a problem, if you were in here and that
breaker was off," he said.

"There's an emergency release in here," Howdy said, opening the first
door on the right. It was an almost empty room, about twenty feet
square. Howdy moved to the wall and opened a small access hatch,
showing John the release lever. In the room was a large oak desk, a
comfortable looking ergonomic chair and several large filing cabinets.
Howdy opened all the drawers of the desk and the filing cabinets,
checking that they were all empty. Not a scrap of paper or a pencil was
left. He nodded in satisfaction. John queried his actions with a look.

"One of the things I'm doing here, is to check that they didn't leave
anything they shouldn't have when they packed up the place.... probably
left the furniture because it would have seemed out of place when they
hauled the other stuff out. ... nice desk," he said.

"Certainly is.... I love oak," John said.

"Keep it. You can keep most anything we run across... furniture wise,
that is," Howdy chuckled. They entered an inner office. It contained a
slightly larger desk and a large impressive looking metal door. The
door had no handle. Howdy looked in his book and punched another code
into the calculator. The door clicked open. This room huge, only it
contained an arsenal of weapons.

"Good god!" John exclaimed.

"Precisely... gonna have to remove some of this stuff. Don't think
you'll have any need for LAWS rockets or grenade launchers. I don't
know *why* they left this stuff here," he said.

"Some of the stuff? Why not all?" John asked.

"Oh... I think you might enjoy the match grade weapons... The C-4 might
come in handy while you're working on your housing project. You have
any explosives training?" Howdy asked.

"Enough.. in the army I was with the Engineers... but you knew that,"
John said.

"Yeah, I just forgot. I've looked at a bunch of information since this
thing started," Howdy chuckled. They moved on, the door clicking shut
behind them. They left the offices. The next room contained rows of
bunks, twenty of them.

"God, this brings back memories I didn't ever hope to remember," John
chuckled.

"Yeah, for me too," Howdy said. They made a complete search of the
room. Finding nothing in the lockers. The next room was a large
recreation room. One area held several sofa's. There was a ping pong
table, card tables, a pool table and shelves of books around the walls.
Several cabinets were found to contain cards, poker chips and about
every board game known to man. John took possession of a Monopoly game.
Then studied the books. There was a large selection of classics, and
then just about every popular book from the sixties in hard back.

"Nice addition to my library," John commented. Howdy nodded and checked
all the cabinets for classified material. Next came a large workshop.
It contained a lathe and a horizontal milling machine. Scattered around
elsewhere were sheet metal tools and worktables. On one end was a small
foundry pot and welding equipment. Cabinets on the walls held a large
selection of hand tools. There was even a spot welder for the sheet
metal.

"God, nice complement for my other workshop. I've been lacking in metal
working equipment," John commented.

"Keep it all," Howdy said. Moving across the hall to the next one, they
found a long storage room of some sort. It was stacked mostly full with
cases of C-rations, stacked to the ceiling.

"Good god, must be enough here to feed an army," John said.

"Or twenty guys for two years, in case they got stuck down here from a
war," Howdy replied, shivering. John looked at the dates on the C-
rations; 1969.

"Hell, still good for another century... " he chuckled.

"Keep it. We've got better rations now," Howdy said. They walked down
the narrow isle left by the cases. All they found were more C-rations.

"Hell, pretty monotonous food for two years," John chuckled.

"I thought maybe they had left some specialty rations... but I guess
not," Howdy said, turning at the end of the row. A doorway led into a
substantial sized kitchen. Complete with stoves and refrigerators. The
refrigerators were now humming softly. John opened one. He was met by
the aroma of old refrigerator, but they were all empty. A search of the
cupboards yielded dishes, pans and canned goods. Nothing perishable.

"Hell, wish I'd known about this place when I first moved in here. I
could have used this kitchen when I was cooking my first meals on a
camp stove before I got the gym apartment completed," John said. The
next room was a large communal latrine and shower.

"This should solve all your plumbing problems. It has separate systems
from the silo. A large water tank that's fed from the second well. It
automatically isolates itself in case the silo was hit by an attack,"
Howdy explained.

"Jesus, two years water supply for twenty men? That's some reservoir.
That explains the second leech field.. I never could find where it tied
into the silo system," John said. Howdy nodded. "Attack? You mean this
could take a direct nuclear hit?" John asked, incredulously.

"No... not a direct hit. We're only sixty feet down here. I can't tell
you how close a hit it would take, but close enough the silo and this
bunker would remain intact, but the shock wave would turn all the
personnel into jelly," Howdy said, shivering a bit. Moving on, they
came to another room that opened to Howdy's magic calculator. It
contained many rack consoles full of obscure electronics equipment.

"You can retain most of this...except this unit," Howdy said, twisting
the retainers on an exotic looking piece of gear. He pulled it out of
the rack and disconnected several Ampenol multi-connectors.

"What is this stuff?" John asked.

"Communications equipment, all bands...It's mostly out of date, but I
wouldn't try selling it. Much of it is still classified, don't know
why. We don't use much tube equipment anymore," Howdy said, finishing
his removal.

"And that unit you're removing?" John asked.

"I don't think you'll be needing to send launch codes to other silos,"
Howdy said. John shivered.

"No.. you can take all that kind of stuff you want.... I shiver just
thinking what my arc welder probably did when I first bought the
place," John said.

"Arc Welder?" Howdy asked.

"When I was welding on the girders, hanging the floors. Just think what
that looked like to a launch detector? I figure that's when the
Russians started watching me," John said.

"Makes sense... probably scared the piss out of them. A good thing it
didn't happen during a world crisis.. Come to think of it, I'd better
report that. We've sold other surplus silos. I wouldn't want that sort
of thing to start a war," Howdy said. John nodded. He was studying the
electronics.

"God, I sold better stuff than this to startup companies in Silicon
Valley," he said.

"The government equipment is usually a few generations behind... but
remember, construction on this place probably began in the early
sixties. This was hot shit then," Howdy said. John nodded. One last
room opened to Howdy's magic key. It contained two cots, a sofa, a desk
and a large double console. With key switches and guarded toggle
switches. A second large console contained television monitors and an
array of switches. Two safes sat in opposite walls. Howdy shivered.

"I'm going to have to make a separate trip," he said.

"What for?" John asked.

"Because I can't transport this unit and the contents of those safes at
the same time," he said. John shivered and nodded.

"I take it that this was a secondary launch control?" John asked. Howdy
nodded.

"Yeah, we probably should disassemble those consoles. You wouldn't mind
a specialized squad one time for that, would you?" Howdy asked.

"No.. get this shit out of here. I'm glad to be rid of it," John said.

"We'll leave you that second console," Howdy said, moving to it. He
flipped a few switches and the monitors came up. He poked a few buttons
and finally located the gym. The girls were moving towards the hot tub,
stripping off their outfits. "Oops! Sorry!" Howdy said, punching up
another view. This showed Theresa sitting on Kevin's lap. The two were
quite involved in some very serious kissing. Howdy changed the view
again. This time he got an underwater view of the pool. He punched up a
switch from the top row. He got a failure alarm.

"That's odd," he said.

"My fault. Probably one of the circuits you said to disable. My circuit
lays a virtual short on those lines I select to block," John said.

"Oh... good work. Sorry about that little slip with the girls," Howdy
said.

"No problem... you're welcome to join them if you'd like," John said.
Howdy looked at him.

"You wouldn't mind?" he asked, surprised.

"No.. I'd have to clear it with them first, as it's their decision. But
no, I wouldn't mind," John said.

"I'd be green with jealousy," Howdy said.

"Over what? Theresa's well on her way to a new husband, as you saw. I
don't think you could tempt Sheila or Cindy.. but you might. That would
be okay, I guess. If that's what they wanted. The triplets have
actually expressed an interest in you," John said.

"They have!? Good god... ... how can you be so carefree?" Howdy asked.
John reached over and punched up the circuit with Theresa and Kevin on
it.

"That's how! You take a look at Theresa. She's a happy woman. Kevin's a
good man for her. I know you checked him out, or you wouldn't have
returned with him, or allowed him to fly you here the first time.
Anyway, Theresa's happiness is what I care most about. That applies to
every one of them. Besides... I've got a spare available even if you
were to seduce every one of them away from me," John chuckled. Howdy
nodded, looking at the screen. Kevin was getting brave enough that his
hands were starting to wander over Theresa's firm body. John punched up
another circuit. This one was the kitchen.

"I didn't want to eaves drop on them... just to give you an idea of
what I meant. But to watch further would be an invasion of their
privacy," John said. Howdy nodded. He shut down the console and they
moved on.

"You weren't supposed to know about this at all. I'm going to have to
instigate an investigation into the other silos we've sold. We can't
have the kind of stuff I found here floating around in the world,
uncontrolled. God, all we'd need would be a bunch of Arab terrorists
getting their hands on launch codes, and encoder sending units. Let
alone the LAWS rockets. I think I'd better stay here until I can muster
a squad to disassemble that launch room and cart off the munitions,"
Howdy said.

"You're very welcome to stay as long as you need. Interested in the
triplets while you're here? I don't know your marital status," John
said.

"I'm divorced... a victim of my career. God, the triplets? Are they
really interested in me?" he asked.

"Yeah, sort of. I think they just want to see what other men are like.
Theresa would probably skin them alive if they got near Kevin. You'd
have to use protection though, none of the girls are on birth control.
They haven't needed it because of my vasectomy. No sense fooling with
their hormones unnecessarily," John said.

"God, I don't have any. Maybe it's just as well. I don't know if I'd be
up to performing with three," Howdy said.

"There's only one way to find out. I have a theory about that. I think
that men just lose their ability because they live with women who lose
their interest after they pass their child bearing years. I regularly
outperform what I was able to when I was in my twenties. And I've got
plenty of condoms left over from when I had my vasectomy. I wanted to
be very sure I was shooting blanks before I went unprotected," John
said.

"And you wouldn't mind?" Howdy asked.

"Naw, I want them to get a little experience before they go out into
the world. I figure that you're about as safe as anybody, a lot safer
than most that they'll encounter. Besides, it makes the sleeping
arrangements simpler. I figure that Theresa and Kevin can use the bed
off the gym. If you take the guest room with the triplets, then I can
spend a little quality time with Cindy and Sheila," John said.

"God, it has been a long time," Howdy said.

"Then why not... Just a few things to consider though; One: if they
change their minds I expect you'll be honorable about it. No matter how
horny you get. And second... You should know in advance that their Bi
inclinations extend to each other. I wouldn't want you to spoil that
for them. If you don't feel comfortable with that, then we should make
other sleeping arrangements for you.... Hell, what am I thinking?
There's twenty beds just down the hall," John chuckled.

"Sister incest? God, I don't know... " Howdy said.

"Then maybe you'd better sleep in here. We just got them comfortable
with enjoying sex. I don't want anybody spoiling that for them....
Think about what your objections are though. The taboo against incest
is based upon the fact that blood relations mating reinforce recessive
genes. It increases the likelihood of a birth defect to at least one
out of eight. That taboo probably got extended to all family members
because of the stigma over same sex relationships. But it doesn't
really protect anybody from anybody. Society's just carried on the
taboo.

"Removing the danger of a deformed child, most the actual damage
arising from incest is probably the stigma that society places upon it.
That's not a problem for the triplets. They can't impregnate each
other. Personally, I can see no problem with them making love to each
other. They probably have a relationship unique in the whole world.....
Much more unique than you could even imagine... But that would be their
business to share with you if the so desired. Anyway, they share
something very special with each other. I don't want somebody messing
that up. The most damage they could suffer from their relationship, is
having somebody make them feel guilty over rules made up thousands of
years ago to avoid birth defects and cater to homophobia," John said.
Howdy nodded.

"Makes sense.. I never thought of it in those terms before... " he
said.

"Few people ever do question *tribe taboos*, they just accept them. I
*had* to think about them in relation to the relationships I found
myself involved in," John said. Again Howdy nodded. "Well, no need to
decide now. I imagine that the others are getting hungry and muttering
about life in the dungeon. But if you do decide to sleep with them, and
they decide they actually want you to, then I expect you to honor their
freedom to pick their own lifestyle. That's one of the few rules we
have around here. We let others make their own decisions, without
making judgments against them," John said, seriously.

"I can promise you that much. I'll honor that rule.. I think that it's
a good one. I guess I'm just not very comfortable yet about same sex
relationships. For some reason, females don't bother me near as much as
men," Howdy admitted.

"I can understand that. I'm straight myself. I think it's because it
makes us have to face up to our own selves. Few are comfortable when
confronted with a question of their own sexuality. Myself, I can
intellectually reason that a warm tongue probably feels as good no
matter who's it is. But I have no desire to become involved with the
life style that gay men seem to live. Besides, no man ever affected me
like women do. I don't know how I'd feel if they did," John admitted.

They walked back down the hallway, Howdy carrying the launch code
encrypter. John, his monopoly game. Howdy triggered the door mechanism
and they pushed the cement slab out of the way. Once they stepped clear
of it, it slowly swung back into position. There was no evidence that a
door had ever existed there.

"Damn fine bit of engineering, that," John said, examining the area. He
got down on his stomach by the elevator and looked at the floor, it
tilted just enough to give the door clearance once it opened. He
reasoned that the ceiling did the same. "Damn fine!" he repeated. Howdy
chuckled. They rode up the elevator to the Com room. Howdy had John
lock the encrypter in his safe. He asked if he could use a phone line.
John pulled one out of the back of his computer.

"I brought my own *secure encrypted* lap top this time," Howdy said.

"Can I release the girls?" John asked.

"Sure, I just didn't want them to see the bunker until it was checked
out. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell them about it till I can
get a team in here. Not that I believe... them to be a threat, but I
wasn't able to obtain the necessary level of clearance for them before
I came here. It's in the works. Those who grant them don't deal well
with people who've never been in *the system*. There's no record that
the triplets or Candice even exist. That threw up all kinds of red
flags. Protection against moles, I guess," Howdy explained. John
nodded. He moved to the intercom.

"All clear!" his voice echoed throughout the silo.

"About damn time. The triplets have been eyeing Cindy hungrily,"
Sheila's voice sounded back.

"They've been doing that since they arrived," John chuckled back. "They
can go ahead and start dinner, you can tell them that we will be having
two overnight guests."

"Ooh! Does that mean that Cindy and I get you all to ourselves
tonight?" she asked.

"Possibly. We'll have to see how the chemistry works out," John
replied.

"Understood. Bye," Sheila said. Howdy had been typing on his laptop all
the time. John didn't read over his shoulder. He moved to the bar and
poured two scotch rocks. He set one next to Howdy and moved away to
give him privacy. Howdy thanked him. John sat back on the triple
chaise, thinking about what had been discussed and he had seen.

"So you don't object to my revealing the bunker to the girls, once it's
clear?" he asked.

"No, I'd rather that the information of what it contained stayed within
this group though. We have other active silo's which have similar
facilities. The knowledge of their existence could, conceivably
compromise national security, but the codes themselves are certainly
out of date. It's the methodology and format I'm mainly concerned with
protecting," Howdy said.

"Then maybe you'd better not spend the night with the triplets. They
might just extract national secrets out of you. If they tortured you
with their tongues, you might just break. I doubt any man could stand
up to them," John chuckled. Howdy grinned as he finished his report. He
set it to transmit and turned to his scotch. The laptop emitted a
series of beeps, squeals, boops and gongs while the secure modem
negotiated connection. Transmission was painfully slow considering the
amount of information sent and the state of the art of modems, but it
was secure.

First the data was scrambled using a 24 bit algorithm, much like PGP,
only better. Then as it was transmitted, random characters were added
at random intervals based upon a time synced look up table. The whole
thing coordinated by a built in GPS receiver locking the laptop to a
master clock. To decode, you had to be in exact sync, subtract which
characters came by at whatever millisecond the table told you to, then
unscramble the key code. This made the message virtually unbreakable.

"Have to get you one of these modems," Howdy mused.

"PGP is almost as good, especially if you double or triple encode,"
John mused.

"You seem to know a lot about cipher technology," Howdy said, a bit
suspicious.

"No secrets there. There's been a running battle on the Internet
between the NSA and the scrambler nerds for some time now. I just
download whichever technology shows up as the latest," John said.

"Yeah, it's a changing world. God, it's damn near impossible to keep
information in the country nowadays," Howdy said.

"I'll bet. You could lay a message in an open book next to a nude woman
on a high res. graphic file. Nobody'd notice shit. You could easily
blow the image up enough to read the message in the book," John said.

"Have to remember that one.... That is my job, you know. Stopping that
sort of stuff from leaving the country," Howdy mused.

"Not an easy thing to do, for sure... especially when the government
leaves this kind of shit laying around. How the hell could they have
overlooked this?" John asked.

"It was probably caused because some order fell through the cracks at
some military command," Howdy said easily.

"Fell through the cracks? Jesus, think about what you're saying. Right
now, between the two of us, we could send launch codes to an active
ICBM site! You and I could start a nuclear war!" John said. Howdy shook
his head.

"The launch codes are undoubtedly out of date, but I know neither you
or I has the inclination to do so," he said.

"Maybe not, but there are lots of people in the world who would love to
do it. Myself, it makes me so nervous having that around, I'd feel
better taking a chunk of that C-4 and blowing that little box into its
composite atoms. Or at least putting a bullet through its circuit
board," John said.

"Can't do that. This has to be returned in a functional condition. That
insures against a mutilated substitute being turned into the system
while a real one gets out," Howdy said, soberly. John nodded.

"That makes sense, I guess.... " he said. Cindy walked in, wearing a
terry robe. She bent to John and kissed him. Howdy had to look away as
the robe lifted.

"About time for dinner. You guys through with your spook shit?" she
asked.

"Just about. Just some loose ends to tie up," John said, pulling her
onto his lap. "You have something for this young *adult* to sign?" John
asked Howdy. Howdy nodded and opened his case once more. He took out a
smaller sheaf of paper and handed it to Cindy.

"What's this?" she said.

"Your freedom. You just aged a year," Howdy said.

"Huh?" she said, looking at the papers.

"Those papers establish that your birth date, as listed on your birth
certificate, was incorrectly stated by one year. They correct this
error and establish that you are eighteen years of age. Holding the
government faultless over the error. Then as an adult, the second
section covers your *Top Secret* security clearance, so you can know
what we've been talking about," Howdy said. Cindy read the pages, one
by one in silence. Then she took a pen from John's pocket, which had
been poking her anyway, and signed both sections. She handed the stack
back to Howdy.

"Thank you, and welcome to the world of adulthood. You are now free to
travel anywhere you want and pretty much do anything you want to. Don't
forget to register for the draft," Howdy said.

"Draft?" she asked.

"Yes, selective service. Currently not used, but it's the law that all
eighteen year olds must register," Howdy said.

"No shit. So what the fuck have you guys been up to? Now that I'm
deemed honorable to know our nations secrets," Cindy asked.

"Best you know as little as possible, really," John said.

"I know zip now. How little can you get?" she said, exasperated.

"You know most of it, actually. Guess I'd better explain so that you'll
know what you can't talk about," John mused.

"If you don't tell me something, and soon, I'm going to bite your
tongue off and you won't be able to tell me anything!" Cindy said in
exasperation.

"You wouldn't do that. I know for a fact that you're quite fond of that
tongue," John chuckled.

"Yes, I am," she said, proving it with a kiss. "Now what the fuck is
going on?"

"Okay, you know, dear heart, that little scheme you and I cooked up to
tease the Russians?" he asked. She nodded. "Well, we're actually doing
it. Only we're serious about it. We're going to do our best to convince
them that this is an underground research lab," he told her. She looked
at him.

"That's all? ... I mean, I knew that," she said.

"Most of it. Not all. Bill here has the job of.... " John stopped and
looked to Howdy for permission to proceed. Howdy nodded. "Has the job
of watching over the Russians, or whoever else might choose to spy on
the United States. He thinks that our idea was a pip of a good one. You
see, if they are watching us, then that ties up some of their assets,
which they could be using to find out *real* secret stuff," John
explained. Cindy nodded.

"Makes sense... but what do you get out of it? I mean, if they really
think that about this place, won't that expose us to all kinds of
shit?" Cindy said.

"Smart girl," Howdy smirked.

"Smart woman!" Cindy smirked back.

"Smart ass is more like it!" John chuckled, "Okay, smarty. First off,
I'd do it anyway. As corny as it may sound to some people, I love this
country. I've done damn little to prove it up to now. I feel I owe
whatever I can do to insure that our freedom is secure. This lets me
help protect that freedom. But, I'm not all that magnanimous. I do get
something in return, which, by coincidence helps us with the ruse. Bill
here has just made me a land baron. I have free title to 250 square
miles of land in a strip starting at the road and running five miles
wide past the silo out another twenty miles," John said.

"No shit? Whatever for?" Cindy asked.

"No shit! On which I will build a modern living community, using the
assets your little company is going to supply me," John said.

"Actually, it's bigger than that, to keep consistent with the way the
government does things. The strip is six miles wide and extends to the
ridge line on the mountains. Almost sixty miles.... So almost 360
square miles. And tax free. Which is something you forgot about that
could have raped your budget royally," Bill interjected. John nodded
his thanks.

"But who's going to live in this modern community?" Cindy asked.

"You remember what I said about wanting to help the homeless? Well, my
little community will supply free housing while they study and receive
job training," John said.

"But that's wonderful! What kind of job training? Who will hire these
folks?" she asked, enthusiastically.

"I'm hoping that *you* will hire some of them," John chuckled.

"Me? What for?" she asked.

"To run your salons. You know, *Miss corporate mega-millionairess*,"
John chuckled.

"Oh... sure. I guess," Cindy said.

"Due to be even richer than you think. With John listing you girls as
his heirs when he passes on, the land will go to you, as he has free
title to it. The tax free status lasts as long as the land isn't used
for commercial enterprise.. and then only that portion which is so used
will be taxed," Howdy added. Cindy sat back, flabbergasted. Tears
trying to form in her eyes. Her robe slipped open below her waist and
Bill looked uncomfortably away, taking a pull on his scotch. John
chuckled to himself and slid his hand over, closing the robe.

"God, I had no idea," Cindy said. John chuckled to himself some more.
"What's so funny?" Cindy asked.

"Oh, I was just thinking; the hardest part for you, is that you can't
tell anybody about this," he smirked.

"Can't tell anybody? Not even the girls?" she asked.

"Not yet," John said.

"When?" she asked. John looked at Howdy.

"Theresa and Sheila, after they sign their agreements. They've both
been cleared. But not the triplets or Candice for a while yet," he
said. Howdy's computer beeped and he turned to it. Punching in an
authorization code. A message came up on the screen, which he read, and
then deleted. "A team will be here tomorrow afternoon. I am instructed
that with Kevin's assistance, I am to secure the silo and remain on the
premise until that time. The information about the silo that I revealed
to you, may not be revealed to the triplets until the team has left,"
Howdy informed them.

"What information?" Cindy asked.

"I can't tell you, yet," John said.

"You're cleared enough to know that you just got a large addition to
your residence. There was a secret bunker that John was unaware of,"
Howdy told her.

"Secret bunker? How big?" Cindy asked.

"Big enough to solve any space problems for a long time," John mused.

"So what's the big secret?" Cindy asked.

"That's what I can't tell you," John chuckled. Cindy looked
exasperated.

"The secret is that the government left some things it shouldn't have
in it. I can't tell you what. The team coming in tomorrow will remove
these things. That's all I can tell you. And more than I should. I'll
have to ask you not to talk about this, even to Theresa and Sheila, for
the time being," Howdy said. Cindy nodded.

"Can I see it?" she asked.

"No, not yet. But I can show you the plans," Howdy said, moving to the
file. It was locked and John fished into his pocket for the key,
handing it to Howdy. Howdy removed the plans and laid them out on the
counter. Cindy came over and looked at them.

"My god! It's huge!" she gasped as she looked over the plans.

"What's huge?" Sheila asked, walking in.

"My ego," John said, waylaying her while Howdy put the plans away. He
wrapped her into his arms and gave her a giant kiss.

"With good reason," Sheila mused when he released her.

"Sign this," Howdy told her, handing her some pages.

"What's this?" she asked, beginning to read.

"Your security clearance agreement," Howdy answered. Sheila nodded and
carefully read the pages before signing them.

"Okay, mind telling me why *I* need a *Top Secret* clearance?" she
asked, once she had signed.

"We can't. It's a secret," Cindy chuckled.

"Why don't we save all this until everybody is cleared? Then I'll brief
you all on what you can know and what you can and can't say. That will
save on explanations while keeping Bill's hair from getting gray," John
said.

"Thank you... it's getting there fast enough," Bill said.

"The triplets think it's cute," Sheila giggled. Bill blushed.

"Oh, my. I haven't seen a man blush for a long time. If that made you
blush I can't wait for what they've got in mind for you. They're
plotting as we speak," Sheila chuckled.

"I blush," John objected.

"Yeah, when you get that allergic reaction to vinegar," Cindy chuckled.

"Actually, I just came to tell you that dinner's ready," Sheila said.
Howdy locked up the plans and handed the key back to John.

"Keep it for tonight," John suggested. Howdy nodded. He put it in his
briefcase and locked it. Then typed a lock code into his laptop.

"Can I leave this connected..? I'm supposed to stay on line," he asked
John.

"No problem. Leave the dime on the counter if it's long distance," John
chuckled.

"We'll cover that. Budget item #1286," Howdy chuckled, "Now if we can
check that the silo is secure?" John moved to his computer and called
up the sensor control. He activated all road and personnel sensors and
then they checked the dogs on the entry hatch. Howdy nodded in
satisfaction. They adjourned to the kitchen. John whispered something
in Cindy's ear. She giggled and detoured Sheila with her down to dress
for dinner.

The triplets all wore skintight body suits with tight, white terry
shorts on the bottom. Howdy's mouth watered over them, while somehow
feeling dry. They seated him across from where they were going to sit.
John sat at the head of the table, as was tradition when company was in
the silo.

Cindy and Sheila returned, clothed, but sexier than ever. One sat to
either side of John. Theresa came in leading a much ruffled Kevin. His
lips looked red and his eyes were glazed. He looked ecstatically happy
except for the bulge in his pants he was trying to hide.

"Have you been fraternizing with the natives?" Howdy asked, harshly.

Kevin straightened up, then catching the gleam in Howdy's eyes replied,
"Yes, SIR. Guilty as charged." Howdy chuckled.

"Good. I'm glad I made a good choice. I wouldn't want my liaison
officer not to get along with the people he's going to be interfacing
with," Howdy chuckled.

"Liaison *OFFICER?*" Kevin asked.

"Congratulations, *Lieutenant*. You've been granted a field commission.
As of this moment you are on permanent duty as my liaison with these
people. That is if you don't object, John?" Howdy said.

"Not in the slightest. I think it's a great idea. I don't think Theresa
will mind either. Congratulations, Lieutenant," John chuckled. Kevin
was speechless. He stood there stuttering. Theresa jumped up and down
and threw her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. When she
finally let him breathe, he disengaged himself. Holding her slightly at
bay.

"Thank you, Sir. May I ask, sir? What exactly my duties will be?" Kevin
asked.

"You will be briefed tomorrow. For tonight, your duty will be to sleep
in the Com room and guard it against outside intruders. It contains Top
Secret items relating to the defense of your country. You may only
admit myself, John, Cindy, Sheila and when she signs her clearance,
Theresa. I'm sorry, but the triplets' clearances haven't been processed
yet.

"Don't take it as an insult, girls. The folks at the defense department
are just slow dealing with people who have never officially existed.
You don't have birth certificates or a drivers license or even a social
security number. They don't believe... that you really exist. But I can
certainly vouch for the fact that you *really* exist," Howdy chuckled.

"Sir? I'm sorry, but I only have a Secret clearance myself. And my tour
of duty is due to expire in three months," Kevin said.

"That's been remedied. Your Top Secret is in my briefcase. As for your
tour of duty, are you going to walk away from an officer's commission?
I also have your re-enlistment papers. But don't sweat it. You won't
ever see a war zone. The terms state that you are only active as long
as this project is active. Then you are released with full retirement
benefits. Okay?" Howdy asked.

"Yes, Sir. I'm just puzzled. That's quite a lot to digest in a minute,"
Kevin said. Howdy chuckled.

"Don't worry. You don't have to sign up until I brief you. Then I'm
sure you'll be interested. I would have thought you'd jump at the
chance to get to see Theresa regularly," Howdy chuckled.

"Yes, sir. I'm thrilled about that part. It's just that... well, I
don't really trust the military. I just know that if I sign anything
that I'll end up in a hot zone," Kevin said.

"I knew I was picking the right man, Lieutenant. And knowing what I do
now, your objections are the best recommendation I could hear. But for
now, we're celebrating your promotion. You are ordered to have a good
time. Should you choose to have company tonight, from the list of those
so cleared, that is within the bounds of your duty assignment.
Understood?" Howdy chuckled.

"Yes, Sir," Kevin said, eyeing Theresa and grinning broadly.

"If all this military mumbo jumbo is through, can we eat?" Cindy asked.

"That we may," John said. "Girls, what have you made us?" The triplets
served the food. Which was terrific. Chicken Malibu. John served Kevin
non-alcoholic wine, as he was on duty. Theresa stayed at his side, they
touched hands regularly.

"How much does a Lieutenant make?" Theresa asked.

"Much less than you will be. But his commission will be back dated to
his first visit here, and he'll receive a nice bonus to boot," Howdy
said, savoring his wine.

"Pretty good catch, Theresa. An *officer* who gets paid to guard your
body," Cindy chuckled.

"Who's going to guard his? From the look in her eye, he's the one who
needs protection," John chuckled. Kevin blushed bright red.

"Leave the poor boy alone," Theresa said.

"Yes, dear. Just trying to protect the innocent," John said.

"For your information, Kevin has asked me to marry him... and I
accepted," Theresa said. Howdy winced. The girls all jumped up and
hugged and kissed Theresa and Kevin. He got brighter red as the girls
all *really* kissed him. John was looking at Howdy.

"A problem?" he queried. The girls all stopped what they were doing and
looked at him.

"A small one. Conflict of interest. Kevin can't be married to a
civilian contractor he's assigned to interface with. And actually, he
needs to get permission from his commanding officer to get married.
That would be me, now," Howdy said.

"No problem... Theresa, you're fired," John said.

"Huh? Does that mean that I can get married?" Theresa asked. Howdy
nodded. The girls were back to hugging and kissing. John looked at his
wine, sipping at it. A tear forming in his eye. He was wishing for a
fireplace to smash the glass in. Theresa, as a project was now
complete. She was a free woman. Her life changed substantially from the
night when John bumped her into the ditch. He reflected on the many
moments they had shared together. Theresa caught his look and slid away
from the girls. She came and sat on John's lap, kissing him deeply.

"Happy for me?" she asked, with trepidation.

"I'm ecstatically happy for you, Love. All I ever wanted was your
happiness. I was just remembering the past year. God, just thirteen
months, really. You've grown into a fine woman in that time. I'm so
proud of you I could bust," he said, getting misty eyed.

"I'll always be grateful to you. And you're not through with me yet.
I've talked to Kevin about it and he doesn't object to my continuing
relationship with you, or the girls. I'll always love you. More than I
could ever begin to show you," she said, kissing him softly. Kevin
didn't have a chance to get jealous. The girls were still kissing him.
Howdy felt like a fifth wheel, until Andrea moved and plunked herself
into his lap.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi," he blushed, crimson red.

"I heard that you'll be staying the night," she said. He nodded. "So
you'll be needing a place to sleep?" Andrea asked suggestively. He
nodded, looking into her deep blue eyes. Andrea wasn't about to waste
time. She bent and kissed him. She pushed it much farther than he felt
comfortable with. When she was through, he knew he'd been kissed.

"So... problem solved. You won't mind if my sisters join us?" she
asked. He smiled and blushed again. Then shook his head. "Good.. you
sure don't say much... but I hope you're not too tired," Andrea
chuckled. Bill looked at her.

"Do you know how old I am?" he asked.

"Nope... younger than John, I think. Why?" she asked. He didn't have a
reasonable answer for her, or himself.

"And you really *want* me to sleep with you girls?" he asked her. She
got *that* exasperated look, she had learned from Theresa.

"Yes. *We* do. If *you* do," she replied. He nodded and pulled her back
into a kiss. Theresa kissed John once more, hugging him fiercely. Then
moved to save Kevin. Alice and Amy moved into line for their turn with
Bill. Cindy and Sheila each moved onto one of John's legs. He hugged
them and kissed each one.

"I don't suppose any body's interested in a game of monopoly?" he
chuckled. They all looked at him with *that* look. Howdy managed to
disengage himself long enough to get Theresa's signature on her
clearance and adjusted age papers. Explaining to her what it meant. The
triplets wouldn't let him out of their sight. He shrugged and had them
sign their adjusted age papers. Somehow he felt better that they were
all now *legally* eighteen. John stopped by and handed Theresa a box.
She looked at it and giggled. He handed Bill another one. He blushed
and thanked him.

They left Kevin and Theresa alone in the Com room. The triplets
dragging Bill to the guest room and Cindy and Sheila taking John in tow
to the master bedroom. John stripped off his clothes, used the bathroom
and brushed his teeth. He stepped into the shower. A bit later Sheila
and Cindy slipped in with him. They soaped each other and slid around
together. John remained amazingly unresponsive, almost melancholy. The
girls shared a look and led him out, drying him. He climbed into the
bed and one slid up on either side of him.

"So talk to us. Theresa?" Cindy asked. John nodded.

"Having second thoughts about losing her?" Sheila asked.

"No, just remembering the past year. I'm thrilled about her and Kevin.
He's a good man. The triplets agree. They... *scanned* him that night
when they... whatever it was. He'll be good for her. Just what she
always wanted," he said.

"She always wanted you," Cindy said. He nodded.

"So, if you're so happy with it, then how come you're so unresponsive
when you have two adorable women here who are just dying to make love
to you?" Sheila asked. He looked at their sleek, nude bodies, and
suddenly grinned. They moved into his arms. Sharing a three way kiss to
start things. He moved Sheila onto his hips and literally slapped at
the spot in his mind that the triplets had shown him.

Theresa lay Kevin back on the triple chaise. She moved blissfully into
his arms. His fingers shook as he sought for the closures on her body
suit. She giggled and showed him. He trembled as he peeled it down,
revealing her magnificent body. Theresa was tugging at his uniform.
Fighting the buttons on his shirt as his hands moved to her breasts and
cupped them softly. She kissed him deeply and then giggled and moved to
remove their combat boots. Hers came off easier.

Then she stripped off his trousers and shirt. Leaving him in his boxer
shorts. She giggled. She stepped back and slowly peeled the rest of her
outfit off her like a banana peel. He groaned as she revealed her
trimmed, blonde tuft of pubic hair. He slid his boxers down. Theresa
smiled in satisfaction at his exposed manhood. She moved into his arms.
Both reveling in the feel of the nude body next to theirs.

"You sure?" he asked.

"I've never been so sure in my life," she replied, "What about you? You
sure you want to get involved with a bisexual woman?" she asked. He
nodded and grinned.

"It does seem to have some interesting side benefits... Those girls all
checked my tonsils with their tongues. But I'm mostly interested in the
main course," he chuckled. She melted into his kiss as she moved into
his lap. She groaned and suddenly moved off his lap and grabbed the box
John had given her. Later they caressed each other softly to sleep,
Theresa blissfully content.

The triplets stripped Bill's clothing off without mercy. They pushed
him into the bathroom and handed him a new toothbrush and told him to
shower. Then they left him alone. When they heard the shower running,
they each slipped in one at a time and used the toilet and brushed
their teeth. When he finally came out, wearing a Terry robe they had
left for him, he found them laying on the bed, nude and smiling. Three
of the loveliest women he had ever seen. He dropped the robe and
crawled onto the bed.

It wasn't a night he would soon forget. None of the girls was
disappointed. He put a serious dent into the contents of the box John
had given him. When he finally slipped into sleep, one of the girls was
still atop him. One snuggled to either side. The worries of a nation
temporarily forgotten.

"Not a bad performance for an old man," Sheila panted, snuggled
blissfully to John's side.

"I'll say. Twice each. Not bad at all for an old fart," Cindy giggled
from his other side.

"Old man? I'll show you. I hope you don't have any plans of sleeping
tonight, either of you," John said. He kissed Sheila hard and then
rolled onto Cindy. He was inside her again before she realized he was
serious. She gasped at the speed with which he grew to full hardness.
He barely caught his breath before he rolled onto Sheila. She too was
amazed, but delighted. Neither girl got much sleep that night. Neither
was silly enough to complain. The last time John made slow and special
with each of them. He suspected that he could have done each at least
twice more using the trick that the triplets had shown him. They
caressed each other to sleep as a gray light began to glow from the
tracking mirror shaft. The girls couldn't have talked if they'd wanted
to.

* * *

Candice had found true love in the past few days. Mae seemed blissfully
content with her new love. She'd asked Candice to stay on permanently.
Candice had gladly accepted. Now they lay snuggled together, sleeping
peacefully. Their hair still slightly damp from their perspiration.

Sally awoke snuggled to Jean. She kissed her softly on the forehead.
Jean lifted her head and they shared a brief, intimate kiss. They
savored the feel of each other a moment longer before they rolled out
of bed to shower together. Their passions flared in the shower and they
left each other groggy with endorphins, but happy as they headed out
the door for their respective jobs.

The Russian team following Sally and Jean split and shadowed them to
work. Waiting for their next contact. Recording every person that they
met and talked to. The job was getting harder. Jean didn't make it
easy, being a waitress. Sally wasn't much better as she met with a long
line of customers, learning their needs and incorporating it into her
software. The agents sighed and recorded it all. There was definitely
*something* going on at the silo. They had orders to find out what.

The triplets awoke almost simultaneously. They smiled at each other and
stretched like cats. Then each slipped out and used the bathroom. Then
they snuggled back against Bill.

"So who's going to cook breakfast?" Alice whispered.

"I don't think that there will be anybody to cook breakfast *for*, for
a while," Amy giggled.

"I'll go. He did me first and last. But one of you come spell me after
he does you again," Andrea giggled. She kissed Bill gently on the
forehead and then shared a deep kiss with each of her sisters before
slipping out of bed and into some shorts and a T-shirt. She could feel
her sisters watching her and she wiggled her butt as she left, grinning
broadly. She started the biscuits, now a tradition at the silo. They
were almost done before Amy relieved her. Andrea scurried back down to
the guest room. She found Bill and Alice locked together on the bed.
She slipped off her clothes and joined them. Sharing a deep kiss with
Bill, tasting of her sisters, before she moved to the other end to help
with Alice.

Theresa awoke snuggled to her man. She grinned and stretched,
luxuriating in the feel of him next to her. He stirred and she rolled
into his arms.

"Good morning, dear heart. Sleep well?" she asked.

"Mmm. Pretty much. Some hot woman kept waking me up and demanding sex.
I did my best to fend her off," he chuckled.

"Mmm, your best was pretty damn good. Five times! And if I recall,
twice it was you who woke *me* up," she giggled, playing her fingers in
his chest hair.

"Mmm.. you're right... So I guess we're evenly matched. Will you marry
me?" he asked.

"Yes! I'd be delighted. But I told you that last night," she giggled,
but a tear forming in her eyes. He rolled her on top of him and kissed
her deeply. This started things responding nicely. Theresa giggled and
reached for the much depleted box. They finally showed up in the
kitchen over an hour later. They found a much shell shocked, but
pleasantly smiling Bill sitting at the table with a triplet in his lap.
Feeding him bacon and biscuits alternated with sips of coffee.

Theresa bent to kiss the girl and then turned to kiss Bill. Who
accepted it as somehow natural. Kevin didn't seem to notice as the
other two triplets were keeping him occupied. Amy moved to change
places with Andrea on Bill's lap, Andrea moved to greet Kevin good
morning.

"So, Report, Lieutenant," Howdy chuckled. Kevin snapped to attention.

"Sir. No unknown persons entered the Com room as of five minutes ago.
This officer was awake a good portion of the night and can vouch for
this," he said.

"At ease, Lieutenant. Sit down and have some breakfast. You checked the
hatch dogs?" Bill asked.

Kevin nodded, "Yes, Sir. All Secure." He sat down and Alice placed a
cup of coffee before him. Theresa followed with a plate of biscuits,
and bacon.

"How do you like your eggs, love?" she asked, kissing his cheek.

"Over easy, please," he said.

"Coming right up," she said, drawing her fingers through his hair.

"Young lady. How was the Lieutenant's performance last night? Did he
serve well?" Bill asked Theresa.

"Exceptionally well. He should get a medal for his performance,"
Theresa chuckled. Kevin blushed brightly.

"I don't think they give medals for that, but I'll see if I can swing a
commendation. I'm glad you were pleased. Well done, Lieutenant," Bill
chuckled.

"And how about you? Did he perform well last night, girls?" Theresa
asked.

"Quite well, this morning too," Andrea answered.

"Couldn't be happier," Alice said.

"Ditto," Amy added.

"I'm impressed. I *know* how hungry those three are," Theresa chuckled.
Now it was Bill's turn to blush. Amy solved this by sharing a piece of
bacon between her teeth.

"Sir, can we get court marshaled for this?" Kevin asked.

"I doubt it. I have presidential pardons for all involved," Bill
answered.

"Pre-pardons! ... Sir, may I speak with you alone?" Kevin asked.

"What about?" Bill asked.

"Sir, I think you'd better brief me on what this is about. The presence
of non-cleared personnel prohibits that here," Kevin said, seriously.

"After breakfast," Bill replied. Kevin nodded, in a gray mood. Bill
looked at him. "Theresa, can you keep his breakfast warm? I think I'd
better go set your man's mind at ease. Or he won't enjoy it. Sorry
girls, in private," Bill said. He eased Amy off his lap, kissing her in
the process. "Come on, Lieutenant," Bill said, heading for the Com
room. Kevin followed. "Okay, Lieutenant. Speak your mind," Bill told
him.

"Sir, I feel I must notify you of my feelings in this matter. As they
may affect my performance," Kevin said.

"Continue," Bill said.

"Sir, I have reason to believe... that there is biological or chemical
warfare research being conducted here. Specifically; The case you
transferred from Dougway Proving grounds, a known repository of such
items, to this location on our last visit. This is partially verified
by Top Secret Clearances, Presidential Pre-pardons and out of chain
rapid promotions. Not to mention the reference to items related to the
national defense," Kevin said.

"And if that were true?" Bill asked.

"Then Sir, I must respectfully decline my promotion and duty
assignment. As much as I love Theresa, I cannot in good conscience
allow myself to participate in actions now deemed illegal under
international law," Kevin said, standing at attention.

"At ease, Lieutenant. That's what you were supposed to think. I'd be
disappointed in you if you didn't feel that way. I can put your mind at
rest. There is *no* biological or chemical warfare research being
conducted here. That information is *above* Top Secret, need to know.
And if you ever whisper a word of it I'll have you in the darkest shit
hole on the planet for the rest of your life," Howdy told him.

"So what is going on here?" Kevin asked.

"What is going on here, is a golden opportunity. If you will just sit
back there, I will explain it to you," Bill said. Kevin sat back and
listened while Bill explained the whole thing. His grin grew ear to
ear. Then he carefully read over his re-enlistment papers. They did
indeed state that his only duty would be in direct connection to this
project. In triplicate! He signed happily. Bill also explained what all
the security precautions were about the previous evening.

"They just left it here?" Kevin asked, astonished. Howdy nodded. Kevin
shivered and nodded in understanding. They moved back to the kitchen,
Kevin much relieved. Theresa smiled that her man was relieved, but
wished that somebody would tell her what the hell was going on.

"So you'll be staying then?" she asked Kevin.

"Yup, Mr. Howdy has me for as long as you want me around," Kevin said,
suddenly puzzled.

"Then he's got you for a long, long time. 'Cause I intend to keep you
forever," Theresa said, wrapping her arms around his neck after setting
his eggs down.

"I'm sorry, Sir. It just occurred to me that I don't know your rank,"
Kevin said.

"Technically, I'm a civilian. But my GS rating would put me equivalent
to.. Oh, I guess at least an Admiral. I answer directly to the White
House," Howdy told him.

"So it's proper to call you *Mr*. Howdy?" Kevin asked.

"Bill.. Unless there's other military personnel around. Then address me
as Sir," Bill said.

"Yes Sir.... Uh, Bill," Kevin said, awkwardly.

"You're an Admiral?" Andrea exclaimed.

"You answer to the White House.. That means the President?" Amy gasped.

"Have you met him?" Alice asked. Bill chuckled as they mobbed around
him. Kissing and hugging him.

"No, I'm not exactly an Admiral. If I was in the military, that's what
I would be. Yes, I answer to the President's staff, and yes, I have met
him. The last time just two days ago," Howdy answered their questions
as best he could.

"You met with the President?" Theresa asked. Bill nodded. "Will
somebody please tell *me* what the fuck is going on?" Theresa asked in
exasperation.

"I think that Kevin should brief you. Kevin, you are authorized to
brief her on the operation, only. Not the other stuff. Understood? And
Theresa, I think after breakfast you should give Kevin a *complete*
tour of the silo, including your *lab*. It's about time he learned what
you're really doing here," Howdy said. Kevin nodded his understanding,
Theresa, her assignment. Somehow she didn't feel comfortable knowing
that her man could be ordered about by Bill, or how he seemed
comfortable ordering her about. She didn't say anything.

After breakfast, she guided Kevin around the areas of the silo he
hadn't seen, ending with the lab. Kevin was shocked when he first
stepped in the room. At first glance it looked like a row of bodies
hung from a beam across the room. Then he noticed that two of them
looked identical to Theresa, who was standing at his side, smirking.

"Alright. What we do here, is make clothes. We start by making
duplicates of people. It's about time you got some decent clothes, so
alley oop yourself onto that table after you get those clothes off,"
she chuckled. Reluctantly he stripped off his clothes and let Theresa
strap him down.

"Okay, dear. Don't fight it, no matter how personal it gets. I wouldn't
want it to rip off that lovely, wonderful goodie you've got. I've got
plans for it," she said. She started the scan. He looked nervous. He
took it like a man. Theresa's eyes glowed with pride. She was tempted
to subject him to the advanced scanning, but that could wait.

Cindy and Sheila stirred within moments of each other. They grinned
broadly at each other and stretched, almost purring. Then shared a kiss
over John's chest. He opened his eyes to the sight.

"My, that's a pretty sight," he mused.

"Keep him away from me. He tried to kill me with that *thing* of his
last night," Cindy cried in mock fear. Sheila giggled.

"Hey, you were the one who once told me she wanted her own marathon,"
John chuckled, pulling her up into a kiss. Next in line was Sheila.
Whom he greeted equally.

"I tell you, he was bewitched," Cindy chuckled.

"Bothered and bewildered...." John sang, "Yup, that's me."

"Darling. When I signed up for this, I was looking forward to, at best,
once a week and lots of make up love with the girls. They told me you
were an *old man*. Now I want to know where that lovable old man is?
You've stolen his body, but I know that you're really a horny teenager
in disguise. Nobody else could have acted like that," Sheila giggled.

"Old man? Horny Teenager? Which is it? Make up your mind. Did I act
like either last night?" John asked.

"Nope. Too skilled for a teenager... too much for an old man. I'm not
sure what you are, but I know I love you," Cindy said, melting in his
arms. John tagged the spot the triplets had shown him. He began to grow
immediately.

"Look at that!" Sheila gasped, "Oh, god. Have mercy on my sore pussy."

"Look, you don't have to use it," John said.

"Yeah, right," Cindy chuckled, climbing on top of him. Sheila kissed
him deeply as Cindy began to move her hips. She sighed to her fate as
John guided her hips over his head. He didn't let either of them loose
for another hour.

"Oh, god. Where's Candice when we need her?" Cindy moaned.

"I think, that we might not get to see her very much. It looked to me
like serious chemistry between her and Mae when I last saw her," Sheila
moaned.

"Then get that Trollop in New York on the phone. We need
reinforcements!" Cindy chuckled.

"Maybe the triplets are through with Bill and will lend a hand," Sheila
giggled.

"If Theresa can walk, send her down too," Cindy giggled.

"Bring them on. I'll take all comers," John giggled. Himself hardly
able to talk.

"Yeah, and leave them cumming," Sheila giggled.

"Come on, love stud. Time to get up," Cindy said.

"See if the trap is clear," John said, "I need reviving."

"*You* need reviving? God," Cindy said, rolling her eyes. She rolled
off the bed and opened the trap. The pool was empty for the moment.
"All clear," she slurred.

"If I can make it to the bathroom first," John said.

"We'd better help him, Sheila," Cindy said.

"Who's going to help us?" Sheila giggled, making her way to her feet.
The girls reached back and puled John up. All leaning on each other for
support. They made their way to the bathroom and deposited John on the
toilet. Cindy started the shower and Sheila joined her. A bit later,
John stepped in.

"Stay away from me, you beast," Cindy mocked, pulling him into a kiss.
John began to grow again.

"No, I refuse. I've had enough and I *never* thought I'd hear myself
say *that*," Sheila said, stepping out of the shower.

"Well, I'm game," Cindy said, pulling him between her legs.

The triplets guided Bill to the pool. They stripped off their clothes
and then his. They were just about to jump in when there was a splash
in the middle of the pool. Sheila surfaced and swam to the side. Bill
tried to cover up, but the girls had hold of his arms. They giggled and
pushed him in, jumping in beside him. When they surfaced, Sheila waved
at them from the submerged seat she sat on. Her breasts hanging
pendulously before her. Bill did his best not to look. The triplets all
swam to her and kissed her deeply, then waved Bill over to them.

"I'd stay away from the middle. When that *beast* John is through with
Cindy, I expect them to drop in. I wouldn't want you to get landed on,"
Sheila giggled.

"Beast?" Bill asked.

"Beast," Sheila replied, "Five times each last night and twice this
morning. Hell, he's working on his eighth time with Cindy right now."
Bill looked at her disbelieving.

"Fifteen times in one day? That's impossible," he said.

"Not for our John. Hell, his record is ... oh god, what was it? Thirty
times in thirty-four hours. Worse than that, he made it forty-eight
times in as many hours," Sheila said. The triplets sat giggling amongst
themselves. They weren't about to spoil John's fun. A mighty splash
announced John and Cindy's arrival into the pool. They were surprised
when they surfaced to find the triplets and Bill in the water. They
didn't mind. John helped Cindy into a floating chair and then swam
towards the crowd.

"Keep him away from me. He's possessed!" Sheila giggled.

"Uh... " Cindy said profoundly from her chair.

"Morning, folks. Sleep well?" John asked.

"Not much. Every time you made one of these women cry out, one of the
triplets would start feeling amorous again," Bill said.

"So you had an enjoyable evening then?" John chuckled.

"Probably the most enjoyable evening I ever had. Wish I didn't have to
leave," Howdy said. The girls swam to meet John and each kissed him
deeply.

"Careful, girls. That thing's loaded," Sheila called to them.

"Reinforcements!" Cindy called from her chair, then slumped back. John
shared a special look between the triplets and they all giggled.

"I'll say this for you, Stevens. You certainly seem to keep your women
happy," Bill said.

"Uh..." Cindy said.

"I think you broke her, John," Sheila giggled.

"She looks fine to me," Bill said, blushing.

"That she does," Sheila mused. Kevin's reaction to the scanning was not
unlike the women's. Theresa guided him to the sofa. Later they lay
panting in each other's arms. Their sweat mingling and running onto the
sofa.

"Care for a swim?" Theresa asked. Kevin nodded. Theresa handed him a
robe. She donned one herself. They left their clothes and helped each
other to the elevator. They found the pool crowded. Theresa shrugged.
She tossed her robe aside and dove in. Kevin noticed everybody was
nude, so he did the same.

"Theresa! Save us from this beast!" Sheila cried.

"Reinforcements!" Cindy cried again from her chair, then slumping back.

"What's wrong with her?" Theresa asked.

"I think John broke her. If New York was the gold medal, he did the
silver last night," Sheila chuckled. She bent to kiss Theresa as she
swam up. Bill and Kevin watching, still a bit unsure of themselves.
Bill less so after his night with the triplets. Bill caught Kevin's
eye.

"Consider yourself honored. You're in the presence of a champion stud.
If what Sheila says is true... and Cindy's condition seems to confirm..
Fifteen times since last night," Bill said. Kevin looked at John
dubiously.

"They forced me into it. They called me an *old man*," John said.

"Will you help us, Theresa? He's possessed I tell you," Sheila giggled.

"Sorry, I have my own beast to deal with. I'm dead even with whichever
of you got shorted," Theresa giggled.

"That would be me. That's the only reason I can still talk," Sheila
said. Bill made a gesture of tipping his non-existent hat to Kevin. The
triplets caught it.

"Hey, Bill was no slouch himself. He got all three of us twice last
night and again this morning," Andrea giggled. Kevin returned the
gesture to Bill.

"So we're all agreed, everybody had a good time last night and again
this morning," John said. Everybody nodded. "Okay, then I don't have to
worry about the safety of that team coming in this afternoon," he
chuckled.

"Only because you're straight," Sheila giggled.

"Uh... " said Cindy. The triplets swam to her and did their best to
revive her. It didn't work. They unhitched the chair and towed it to
the side. Then helped Cindy out and onto a chaise. "Feed me," she
slurred.

"Good idea, any food left?" John asked.

"Biscuits still warm in the oven. We ate all the cooked bacon," Amy
giggled.

"Oh... and I fired my head cook last night. Her assistant is
incapacitated and her substitute is on paid vacation with some oriental
vixen. Guess I'll have to cook myself," John said.

"I'll be glad to cook for you," Alice volunteered.

"Careful, I tell you he's possessed," Sheila warned.

"That's just fine by me," Alice said.

"Uh... " Cindy said.

"I'd better help. This woman needs nourishment," Amy volunteered.

"Okay, just stay out of range," Sheila warned. Andrea jumped back in
and swam over to Bill, guiding him into the floating chair Cindy had
vacated. She towed it back and tethered it, then climbed up into his
lap.

"How come the rope?" Bill asked, Andrea snuggled to his chest.

"So we don't land on them when we use the trap door," Sheila replied.
Theresa motioned Kevin to the second floating chair and then climbed
into his lap. The girls each kissed their respective partners.

"Not bad duty. I must admit," Kevin said to Bill. Sheila climbed out
and all eyes watched her ascend the ladder. Theresa caught Kevin's
eyes.

"I swear, you men are as bad as us women. Everyone of us is bombed on
endorphins and we still find the need to watch a lovely blonde climb
out of the pool," she chuckled.

"Human nature, I guess. I must say I like it. This is the first time
I've felt comfortable even looking at another woman while I'm with
one," Kevin admitted to her.

"Only because I was looking myself," Theresa giggled. "Want me to ask
her if she's interested?" she whispered in his ear. He looked at her,
to see if she was serious. She was. He shook his head.

"Not yet. Give me a little time to get used to the idea first. It's all
pretty new to me," he said.

"You don't have to do anything. I just wanted you to know that it was
okay if you wanted to," she said, softly.

"I appreciate that. I must be the luckiest man on earth. My new
fiancée's trying to line me up with her girlfriend," he mused. Bill and
Andrea were having their own conversation.

"God... fifteen times? How does he do it?" Bill mused.

"I wouldn't let it bother you, You did just fine for an un-augmented
man. Nine times is outstanding."

"Augmented?" Bill asked. Andrea sighed and snuggled to him.

"Yes. Us girls.. the three of us, had an interesting experience one
night. We sort of merged personalities. You know what a Gestalt is?"
she asked.

He nodded, "I know what the word means. I don't know if anybody's
actually ever done it."

"Well, we did. Even with Alice being in San Francisco. We were *one*...
and well, we gave John a little present. A spot he could mentally touch
to trigger an erection," she told him. He looked at her dubiously.

"Seriously? John said you girls were psychic. I wasn't sure I believed
him," he said.

"It's true, only we can't do that anymore. I sort of wished we could...
for you," Andrea said.

"Oh, that's okay. I think I did alright," he said.

"That you did. But you couldn't do that every night. John probably
could.. maybe not fifteen times... but at least five... every night.
After that the body's limits would kick in. But if we ever get to do it
again, we'll do the same for you. 'Cause... well, we like you. We'd
like to see more of you. And well, I know that there are three of
us.... so if we don't ever get to do that again... well, anyway, we'll
be happy with whatever you're able to give us," Andrea told him.

"Thank you, Andrea. I'm not sure what you're talking about. But I can
assure you I had a wonderful time last night. I was probably able to do
it that much because it has been a long time for me since I did it
last. That and the fact that you three excited the hell out of me. I'd
love to be able to do that with you every time I come here.. but I
don't know if I can," he said.

"You remembered my name," Andrea giggled and hugged him.

"Anyway... That's just what I was talking about. See, we didn't really
give John anything. Just the thought that he could do it... and the
excuse that if he couldn't, that it was the body's natural limit that
was stopping him. I think that any man could do it at least four or
five times a day, if he only believed he could. You didn't have any of
that help last night and this morning, but you were able to do it nine
times. But the simple fact is, that we'd be thrilled if you could only
do it once with each of us, whenever you came here," she said.

"I can't promise anything... but it might be seldom enough that I get
back here that I could probably do that," Bill said.

"Well, that's fine with us... except the seldom enough part," Andrea
giggled.

Sheila cradled Cindy in her arms. She was still groggy, but getting
better.

"I don't know how the hell he does it... but I'm ready to call Sally if
he's going to make this a habit," Cindy murmured.

"I think you just want to get your hands on her," Sheila giggled.

"Can't deny that.... Did you see her picture?" Cindy asked.

"No, but if she inspired John to those lengths, I'll believe she's
beautiful," Sheila said.

"I'll show you her picture, if they ever let us out of the dungeon,"
Cindy said.

"What is going on?" Sheila asked.

"Oh, that's right. John didn't tell you. Listen.. help me up. Let's go
shower and I'll tell you all about it," Cindy said. Sheila nodded and
helped Cindy to her feet.

"The dead live!" Theresa called from Kevin's lap.

"Barely. I'm going to hold her up in a cold shower and then get her
some food," Sheila called back. All eyes watched the two women depart.
Theresa caught Kevin looking again and kissed him deeply, giggling. A
while later the trap door to the master bedroom closed. Mostly so one
of them wouldn't absently walk into it.

"Well, Lieutenant. I think we'd better get dressed before the marines
arrive," Howdy said.

"Yes Sir.... Bill," Kevin said. The girls wouldn't let either of them
out of their chairs until they'd been properly kissed once more. Bill
retrieved his clothes from the chaise where the triplets had thrown
them. Kevin put on the terry robe while he headed back up stairs to get
his out of the lab. The girls waited until they were both gone, then
swam together and kissed deeply.

They each had shared the experience of another man the night before.
The camaraderie of the experience made them somehow hot for each other.
Theresa led them out of the pool and onto a chaise. There, they made
love.

"You know, you shouldn't be so cruel to Cindy and Sheila, that's not
what we gave you that for," Amy teased.

"Cruel? They will tell their grandkids about it. They're both hams.
They both loved it," John chuckled.

"What grandkids?" Alice asked, from the stove.

"Oh... Guess they won't have any as long as they're with me," he said.

"Well, the next time you feel like being cruel... just look us up," Amy
said, kissing him. Alice finished cooking his eggs while the bacon
drained on a paper towel. She'd prepared a whole pound of bacon in
preparation for Cindy and Sheila. Suddenly, both girls closed their
eyes and groaned slightly, shivering a bit.

"What...or who was that?" John asked.

"Andrea and Theresa," Amy answered from his lap.

"That's my girls," John mused. Sheila and Cindy soaped up and rubbed
together while Cindy related the whole story to Sheila. She was
flabbergasted. She didn't understand the housing part until Cindy told
her about her early morning conversation with John when he'd got back
from New York.

"You know. He really is one *stellar* human being," Sheila mused.

"My *hero*, for certain," Cindy said.

"Mine too. You know, this whole thing is really amazing. Russian spies,
high fashion, gun fights, Olympic love fests... quite the star we've
hitched our wagon to. It's like a real live James Bond. I wouldn't
believe it if it were a story in a book," Sheila said.

"I probably wouldn't either," Cindy said, "but he's definitely spoiled
me for other men."

"Speaking of which, Theresa didn't do so badly," Sheila mused.

"Like him?" Cindy asked.

"Not like John... but yeah, he's kind of cute," Sheila giggled.

"I'm just tickled that Theresa's happy," Cindy said.

"So, where are you girls going first?" Sheila asked.

"Huh? Going?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, going. You said that Bill had given you your freedom, in the form
of altered ID's. You are free to go anywhere. So where do you want to
go first?" Sheila said.

"Actually, I didn't intend to go anywhere... Maybe to town to take my
GED test and get my drivers license," Cindy mused.

"Well, I think Theresa will be going places soon. I expect her to be
racing off to college first chance she gets," Sheila said.

"Wouldn't surprise me a bit.... I'm gonna miss her," Cindy said.

"Don't forget to tell her that," Sheila said, hugging Cindy to her.
They hugged for a long time under the hot water. Then they shared a
gentle kiss before they stepped out to dry. They found John in the
kitchen, Alice on his lap as Amy finished up the cooking. She'd
prepared their eggs already, keeping them warm in the oven with the
biscuits.

"Thought you two decided to take a nap," John chuckled.

"Don't you dare tease us about being slow today. You did it to us,"
Cindy chuckled. She stopped and kissed him nonetheless. Hugging him
with what little strength she had. She turned her head to give Alice a
kiss and the girl winked at her. Cindy winked back when she pulled
away. They sat and ate, Cindy eating like she had never seen food
before. She polished off three biscuits besides her eggs and five
strips of bacon. John watched in amusement. Cindy caught his smirk.

"What?" she asked.

"Oh.. I was just thinking what your figure would look like if I didn't
give you all this loving," he chuckled.

"I'd probably look like an ox and be as grumpy as a badger," she
chuckled. Sheila grinned ear to ear as she ate, slower.

"And what about you, dear heart? The girls thought I was being cruel to
you two last night. You ready for me to let up on you?" he asked her.

"Nope.. I seem to recall telling you 'don't you dare!', when you asked
me that before," she giggled.

"Well, there you go, girls. Two happy women. I wasn't being cruel. So
it's back to bed for all of you after breakfast," John chuckled. Cindy
stopped eating, Sheila looked up sharply.

"He is joking, isn't he? Tell me he's joking," Sheila said.

"I don't have a clue anymore," Cindy said, studying him.

"Yes, loves. I'm joking," John said softly.

"Phew! Scared me," Sheila said.

"I wasn't ascared. I was twitterpated," Cindy chuckled.

"I was joking... we can wait till the troops arrive this afternoon. I
can keep you all out of their way," John said.

"What's twitterpated?" Alice asked.

"You've got to get some more video's in here," Sheila teased.

"It means *in love*," Cindy told Alice.

"I guess we're all twitterpated, then," Alice said, turning to kiss
John again.

"That we are, doll, that we are," Sheila said. Bill and Kevin showed
up, now fully dressed. They looked a bit dazed though. That was
understandable.

"Okay, folks. When the troops arrive, could I ask you all but John to
stay below the fourth level? I'm afraid we'll tie the elevator up for
quite a while too," Bill said.

"I have a better idea. Why not open the traps and use the winch to haul
the stuff up? Save a bunch of time. You can lift it all the way to the
first level and then jig pole it to the surface," John said.

"Terrific idea," Bill said.

"I thought you were going to keep us occupied while they were here?"
Amy said. Cindy and Sheila rolled their eyes.

"I intend to. I'll just get them started. Really, all I have to do is
show them where things are. Then they're on their own," John said.

"That would probably be best," Bill admitted.

"Girls, why don't you take some study materials down with you now? That
way we won't have to worry who's where when they arrive," John
suggested.

"I think Sheila and I are going to do some work in the lab. Theresa
too, if I can find her," Cindy said.

"Yeah, we really need to have a planning session, too," Sheila
suggested. "How's the redesign coming?" she asked John.

"Well, I need to test a few things and make a trip to town. I need some
ultrasound transducers," John said.

"What redesign is that? May I ask?" Bill asked.

"Sure, the scanner table. The girls thought it a bit too personal for
commercial usage. I'm going to try to substitute ultra-sound for the
fine scan resolvers. I expect to lose some resolution, but what I had
was really overkill anyway. Way beyond the tolerance I can hold in the
spinning," John said.

"I don't know exactly what you're talking about," Bill said.

"I do. That scan *is* a bit too personal," Kevin moaned.

"Theresa did that to you? Good god. No wonder she looked dazed," Sheila
giggled.

"The clothing scanner," John explained for Bill.

"Oh... All you told me was that you could spin dynamite outfits...
cheap. You never told me how you did it," Bill said.

"How much time before the troops arrive?" Cindy asked. Bill checked his
watch.

"Three and a half hours, at least," he replied.

"Let's see, figuring recovery time... " Cindy said.

"That cuts it close, but I think he'll live. Come on, girls. Get your
study material. I think Bill is going to need you later," Sheila
giggled.

"What?" Bill asked.

"I think you'll find out. It's time to pay your dues for last night. I
think the triplets would appreciate a stand in if you're not going to
be around," John chuckled. Amy and Alice nodded. Bill allowed himself
to be led, like a lamb to the slaughter.

"Come on, Kevin. I'll show you all about the winch and the Jig pole,"
John said.

"Probably won't need the Jig pole. If you have an open shot to the
surface from the utility room and they send a big enough chopper, then
they can lift right out of the utility area," Kevin said.

"Won't that be dangerous? For the chopper crew, I mean," John asked.

"Depends on the wind. I'm going to have to move mine anyway so they can
set down. How deep is the snow off the side?" Kevin asked.

"Two and a half feet, give or take six inches," John replied.

"How heavy is it?" Kevin asked.

"Oh, I don't think very heavy. It's got a crust on it though," John
said.

"If we can bust up the crust, Maybe I can blow enough away to set
down," Kevin replied.

"Good idea. We'd better get to it," John said. They found an area off
to the side that wasn't too deep and fairly flat. They trounced around
breaking the crust up into pieces in a grid pattern. Then John helped
Kevin untarp the helicopter.

"I'd better go tell Bill what we're doing so he doesn't try sitting up
on the scanner when you start up," John said.

"Good Idea. I'll wait a bit before I spin up," Kevin said. Theresa came
out wearing a snowmobile suit.

"Keep him company till I get back?" John asked.

"Gladly," she said.

"Come see my bird," Kevin invited. Theresa kissed him and let him show
off his machine. Her eyes dazzled with love. John informed Bill what
they were doing. He was in no position to argue. Feeling quite
uncomfortable as the machine probed his nude body while five women
looked on.

"I hadn't thought about that..." he managed between his teeth.

"We'll take care of it, you just have fun," John chuckled. Bill shot
daggers into the back of John's head as he left. John suited up
completely before going out, including his visored helmet. The
helicopter was just starting to spin up when he walked out. Theresa was
strapped into the passenger seat, grinning ear to ear.

"Can you tune.... 49.850 MHz?" John called into Kevin. Kevin nodded and
tuned his radio. "Can you hear me?" John's voice sounded in Kevin's
headphones.

"Loud and clear," Kevin's voice boomed back.

"Can you cut your transmit power back to a half-watt or so?" John
asked. Kevin made an adjustment, and cut back his microphone gain.

"How's that.. 1,2,3," Kevin asked.

"Better, thanks. I'll stay on the ground and see how you do," John
said. He climbed off the pad and moved to the side while the rotor
gained speed. When it was fast enough, Kevin checked the wind sock and
lightly lifted off. He rose up a good fifty feet and let the machine
drift towards the area they had broken up. A virtual blizzard erupted
from the area. Kevin hovered over the spot until it started to clear
and then moved off to circle around. John moved in to check the area.
It was virtually barren, except where they had walked to bust up the
crust.

"Just about. Let me grab a rake and bust up the part where we walked,"
John transmitted.

"Take your time. I'm going to give Theresa a little tour of your
property," Kevin replied.

"About four miles back up the road there's a buried snowmobile. See if
you can clear it a bit for me," John requested.

"Ten-four, can do," Kevin replied. The helicopter angled off. John got
the rake and broke up the lines. He could see the helicopter hovering
over the area, four miles away. Then it moved off towards the main
road. It came back over and Kevin stopped to hover over the area again.
This time it blew virtually clean. Then he angled off and flew towards
the mountain.

About twenty minutes later he flew back. This time he settled easily
onto the cleaned off area. A blizzard of snow still swirled around the
machine until it wound down. Finally Kevin and Theresa climbed out. The
blade barely turning. About an inch of snow had swirled in and carpeted
the area when it settled.

"Nice job. Did you have a nice tour?" John asked.

"Quite nice. There's a nice little spot up against the foot hills I
wouldn't mind owning myself," Kevin said.

"Oh, John. It's beautiful!" Theresa bubbled. John bit his tongue to
keep from giving it to him right then. They would need a wedding
present.

"Have to get you to fly me around and show me my new estate," John
said.

"Sure, anytime. I don't know if they'll let me keep the helicopter or
how it will work," Kevin said.

"Come on. we'd better get set up," John said. They unsuited and moved
to the Utility room. John showed Kevin the controls on the winch and
how to start it up. Next they moved down, opening the hatchways. They
left the kitchen closed for the time being. No sense someone stumbling
into the gaping hole by accident.

"Theresa, could you rustle us up some soup and sandwiches for lunch?
I'll see if I can send you up some help," John asked.

"I'll help. Gladly," Kevin volunteered.

"Thanks. That would be nice," John said.

"What kind of each?" Theresa asked.

"Oh, how about cream of mushroom and roast beef?" John asked.

"Sure, sounds good," she said.

"Thanks love," he said. John kissed her and moved off. Kevin moved in
and she turned into his arms. They shared a deep kiss.

"If you'll open two of the large cans and get them going, I'll do the
sandwiches," she finally said. He nodded. She directed him up the
stairs to the pantry. He almost stepped through the hole back into the
kitchen. "Grab another loaf of wheat bread out of the freezer while
you're up there," Theresa called up through the hole. A minute later a
kind of shaken, Kevin came down the stairs carrying two large cans an a
loaf of bread. Kevin looked up through the hole and shuddered. Then
down at the hatch he was standing on.

"You know. That John's one smart fellow," he said.

"Yeah, I know," Theresa mused, taking the loaf and putting it into the
microwave to thaw. Kevin opened the soup and found a large pan. He set
it on the stove and mixed in the water. Then turned on the heat.
Theresa moved down the counter flipping bread out like cards on a 21
table.

"That's a lot of sandwiches," Kevin mused.

"Three girls, me, Cindy, Sheila, John, Bill and you. I count nine. I
figure two a piece. That's eighteen sandwiches," Theresa giggled.

"You know. I've been thinking," Kevin said.

"About what?" Theresa asked.

"About you and John... "

"Oh," Theresa said, stopping her work and turning to him.

"Yeah... I've decided I don't mind."

"Mind what?"

"That you want to keep making love with him."

"You sure?"

"Yup."

"And what about the girls?"

"I don't think I ever did mind that." She moved to him and kissed him
deeply.

"Okay," she said, "Just remember you said that over the next twenty
years or so."

"I will."

"Just one thing."

"What's that?" he asked.

"Just that while I'm making love with John... I expect you'll be making
the girls happy," she giggled. He looked at her a moment.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Yup!" she replied giggling.

"God, it's going to be an interesting twenty years," he said.

"That's just the minimum I expect to be making love to John. I expect a
good fifty or sixty out of you," she said.

"God, I'll be eighty-six," he said.

"Just about the time I expect you to start slowing down some," she
said, pulling him back into a deep kiss. John found Cindy and Sheila in
the lab.

"Where's Bill?" he asked.

"Coward wanted some privacy. Took the triplets to the guest room,"
Cindy chuckled.

"You know, you could cut him a little slack. This *is* all new to him.
Before yesterday he was a frustrated divorced man. A man's prone to
stage fright. Especially in front of two gorgeous women he hasn't
bedded yet," John chuckled. Cindy was quiet for a moment.

"Yet? You expect us to?" she asked.

"No, I don't expect anything," he replied.

"Would you mind?" she asked.

"Nope. No more than you did when I bedded Sally," John replied.

"So you'd hate it then," Cindy chuckled.

"No, dear heart. I wouldn't. I asked myself *that* question every time
a new woman came into my life. Including you. You don't see me upset
over Theresa, do you?" he asked.

"Not much," she replied.

"What about me?" Sheila asked.

"Same thing," John replied.

"So you wouldn't mind any of us making love to another man?" Sheila
asked.

"Guess it really boils down to who the man is. Same as it was with you
girls. I think that Theresa will want you girls to keep Kevin company
whenever she comes back to visit. As long as you practice birth control
and don't expose us to disease then I figure who you girls bed is your
business," John said.

"I wondered about that... because of the triplets and Bill," Cindy
said.

"Oh, in some ways, maybe that was a little easier, because they haven't
been here long. But they're such little sweethearts that in many ways I
feel the same level of affection for them that I do for you," John
replied.

"And me?" Sheila asked.

"I was referring to a collective 'you'. Yes, of course you. Look, each
of you touches a different part of me. Some things we all have in
common, some things are totally different between you all. I like it
that way. I know you do too. The questions you're asking me now, I've
asked myself many times. Beginning when I discovered Theresa's and
Cindy's relationship. If the question is; how do I feel about you
making love with someone you care for? Then I think I've answered that
thousands of times before. I answer it every time one of you makes love
with someone else besides me.

"Sheila, you have two lovers in San Francisco. You had them when I met
you. I didn't expect you to give them up when you became involved with
us. Theresa has stated her intention all along that she expects to make
love to me after she's married. It wouldn't be right of me to not give
the same freedom her husband gives to her, to the women in my life. Not
while I expected them to give me the freedom to accept that
relationship from her.

"I do care about pregnancy. I don't want to be a father again. My live
is full enough. I don't feel the need to raise children anymore. And to
have them around me now, I would have to worry about a whole bunch of
things I'm not set up to worry about, either emotionally, or
physically. Like the fact that right now there's a good sixty foot drop
open to anybody who happened to step through the open hatch on the
first floor. It would be farther, but I left the kitchen hatch closed
until we've finished lunch. Anyway, I really don't want kids around. Or
not very often. Certainly not to live with me.

"The other thing I care about is disease. I wouldn't want any of you to
go out and indulge in a bunch of casual sex. As I expect you wouldn't
want me to do either. As a close group, we're fairly well protected
against disease. But AIDS is a fact of life out there. Other than that,
you are all free to indulge yourselves any way you wish. With Bill's
fancy paperwork, all you girls are now officially legal. That basically
makes *me* a free man too. That means that whatever relationship we
have, we do so by free choice, as adults. There *is* no rule book. Only
the rules that we make up to apply to ourselves. That's just exactly
how I wanted to live all along," John said.

"I love you, John Stevens," Cindy said, moving into his arms.

"Ditto," Sheila said, moving next in line.

"Lunch is ready," Theresa's voice sounded throughout the silo.

"Damn handy that," John told Sheila. They moved off to the kitchen. A
little while later, a much more dazed Bill and three blissfully giggly
girls entered the kitchen. Cindy giggled as she set a mug of coffee
before him. He looked at it.

"I've been through this before. Just tell your arm that you'd like a
sip. Try it, it works," Sheila giggled. Bill's arm slowly lifted and
grasped the cup. "That's it. Now tell it to raise it to your lips.
Carefully, it's hot," Sheila instructed. Bill raised the cup and took a
sip. He looked at her gratefully. "Very good. Now don't start searching
for food. Someone will place it before you," Sheila giggled. Theresa
did. He looked at her gratefully too.

"Wish I had video of this. It might make great blackmail material
should the government decide to send me to a war zone later," Kevin
chuckled.

"Works both ways. You didn't look much different a few hours ago," John
chuckled. Bill managed to get hold of a sandwich half and take a bite.
He had to remind himself to chew. Everyone else dug in. The triplets
had gained a penchant for Cream of Mushroom, once Cindy had convinced
them that they always used safe mushrooms to make it. They did their
best not to slurp.

Eventually, Bill got most of a sandwich down and talked his arm into
another sip of coffee. He took a detour on the way back to the sandwich
and took a spoonful of soup. This turned into a habit and it was
halfway gone before he remembered his sandwich again. He was saved much
of his dilemma when he noticed the triplets dipping their sandwiches
into their soup. While messy, this got everything into his mouth he
desired... except the coffee, which still required a detour. After a
time Amy moved around the table and dabbed his lip with a napkin for
him. He nodded his thanks and went back to directing his arms.

"Gosh, I'm not sure even *I* was that bad," Sheila giggled.

"Yes you were. You thought I was a mannequin, come to life, trying to
trade food for sex.... You told me you had nothing left to give,"
Theresa chuckled.

"I didn't have," Sheila said.

"Theresa, have you and Kevin set a date, or thought about it?" John
asked.

"Sort of. Right after I graduate college," she said. John nodded and
smiled.

"Have you thought about where you want to go for that?" he asked.

"Not really. I was just thinking on going to the nearest one," she
said.

"The best way to pick one, is to decide what you want to study, then
pick one based on that. So what do you want to study?" John asked.

"Well, if I'm gonna be so flipping rich, I guess I'd better take
business," she chuckled.

"That wouldn't be such a bad idea. And the local college has a fair
business program. I think you can get credit for work, too. So you've
already got a head start on that," John said.

"As a cook?" she asked.

"No, as an investment analyst. I'll give you references for that.
Several of your picks did quite well for me. I'm sure you'll get extra
credit for being an officer of Second Skin, too," John said.

"But I'm not an officer," she said. ("I am," Kevin chuckled to
himself.)

"Weren't, until your eighteenth birthday... which seems to have
miraculously come and gone," John chuckled.

"You mean that we're in business?" Cindy asked.

"Yup! Just as soon as I transmit the changes to the lawyers, your cute
little fannies are just in front of the grinder. We're burning money as
we speak. So get the lead out," he said.

"Hey! I just realized, you fired me last night! And then I made the
lunch today.. with Kevin's help of course.. " Theresa said.

"Oh.. I meant to say: you're fired, the instant you get married. That
should cover the conflict of interest thing. Right, Bill?" John asked.

"Uh..." Bill said.

"I'll take that as an affirmative," John said. The triplets finished
their lunch and Amy took pity on Bill, moving around she pulled a chair
up next to him and began to feed him. He seemed eternally grateful, but
eyed her warily. Fearful of any sign the girls weren't yet pleased
enough.

"Actually, I guess I'd better make a trip into town and get you some
course and registration material, Theresa. Hey, you girls can take your
GED's and driving tests, now. Guess I'm going to need another two
Landcruisers for myself," John mused.

"So what's the status of Second Skin, anyway?" he asked Sheila.

"Mae's lined up, dying to be your first outlet. The girls have been
whipping outfits out left and right for the triplets and Candice. I
guess the biggest hold up is you," she replied.

"Me?" John asked.

"Your redesign of the scanner. Testing and then the logistics of
getting lots of units made," Sheila told him.

"The redesign... I was going to go into town anyway to get some parts
for that... Damn, I wish we had another engineer around. Too damn much
to do for one person. Especially with seven hungry sets of lips around
to be kissed," John said.

"Six, Candice will likely be staying with Mae for a while," Sheila
corrected him.

"Six, Seven. What's the difference... time wise?" John said.

"I could maybe help you, John," Kevin said.

"How's that?" John asked.

"With the kissing?" Theresa giggled.

"I have a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in
electronics," he said, ignoring Theresa's dig.

"That would do. College man, huh? Well, I won't hold that against you,"
John chuckled.

"Hold it against him? After all you told us about wanting us to go to
college?" Cindy asked.

"Not the same in engineering.... *studying* isn't the same as *doing*,"
John said.

"Isn't that kind of a bigoted attitude?" Theresa asked, indignantly.
(Coming to her man's defense.)

"He's right. I've been around both. On the job training wins every
time," Kevin said.

"Not always. Best is book learning coupled with experience," John said.

"Anyway, I'd love to help. I assume, as Liaison Officer, that I'll be
stationed here, or at least be here often," Kevin said. Bill managed to
nod. "As delightful as making love to Theresa is, man does not live on
love alone. I'd rather be doing something useful... when I'm not making
love that is," Kevin concluded. (The last, just in time to save his
butt.)

"As long as there isn't a problem with conflict of interest?" John
asked Bill. Bill managed to shake his head. "Then I'd be grateful for
the help," John said.

"Great. Just as soon as I get my official assignment. I guess I have to
fly Bill back and then I don't know."

"Swas....is... can.. start when get back.. Orders in case," Bill
mumbled.

"I think he means that your orders are in his briefcase, and that you
can return here and start after you drop him off," John said. Bill
nodded.

"But what about the helicopter? The military's kind of partial to
keeping track of them," Kevin asked.

"Abscond...approppp... isport o deal," Bill mumbled.

"You got a helicopter permanently assigned here.. or to me!?" Kevin
asked. Bill smiled and nodded.

"Big strings...pull," he mumbled.

"Good god... what about fuel?" Kevin asked.

"Hill fill, charge proj," Bill said... sort of.

"I fill up at Hill and charge it to... the project.. Same name as last
trip?" Kevin asked. Bill nodded. "How much is allotted?" Kevin asked.

"Cat blink."

"Huh?"

"Cart blink."

"I think he means: Carte Blanche," Sheila said. Bill nodded.

"What the hell for?" Kevin asked. Bill took his index finger and
flipped it around, back and forth and then sort of pointed to Sheila,
John, the girls and himself. "You mean you've authorized military
transport for our use, to fly to civilian airports or where ever?" John
asked. Bill nodded.

"Is that a good idea?" John asked. Bill just looked at him. Then John
got it. "Oh... I see." he nodded.

"I don't," Cindy said.

"I'll explain it all later," John said, "Girls, you'd better start
force feeding that coffee into Bill. The troops will be here any time."
Bill nodded. Most of his lunch was consumed, much by Amy's darling
hand. Now she worked on getting coffee into him. "Pour him another cup
and toss an ice cube in it," John suggested. Alice moved to comply.

Cindy and Sheila helped clean up and then came by and kissed John. They
headed back to the lab.

Chapter 68

Amy managed to get several cups of coffee into Bill before the beating
sound of a rotor was heard.

"If you'll just get them started.. I'll be along shortly," Bill now
managed to say to Kevin.

"Springs back real quick. We might have a real trooper here," Theresa
chuckled.

"Okay, Amy, Alice and Andrea. Grab your study stuff and head on down.
I'll be down shortly. Ah... You too Theresa," John said. They nodded.
Theresa waylaid Kevin long enough to let him know he'd be missed, then
herded the girls downstairs.

"Quite an interesting 24 hours," Bill mused, looking at his last half
cup of coffee.

"How do you think I feel? I've been at this sort of thing for a year
now," John chuckled.

"You're a credit to the human race... males in particular," Bill
toasted him with his coffee. He downed it and then managed to stand up.

"You ain't so bad yourself," John toasted back. John opened the kitchen
hatch and they made their way to the surface. Bill was all business
now. It appeared Kevin had them deployed. One armed soldier in each
corner of the compound. The others he had split into work teams. He was
directing one team to the winch when Bill and John showed up. Bill
showed his credentials. And the officer showed him his. Bill checked
them closely.

"Who is this man?" an officer asked of John. Bill retrieved John's and
Kevin's clearance papers from his briefcase. The officer nodded and
then asked for orders. Two *armed* men were placed on station at the
entry to the Com room. Bill directed a squad to the elevator, with
directions for a second to follow them down to the fourth level. None
of the men missed the halter tops and shorts hanging in the entryway as
they passed by.

Bill had the squad wait while he opened the access. Then he directed
the first squad back to the launch room. Having them wait in the
corridor while he worked the lock. Then they were all business as they
began to disconnect the double launch console. Bill led the second
squad by the armory. He entered and directed them what, and what not to
take. Assigning a squad leader to keep an inventory of each.

For the next two hours, the squads were all business. A furniture dolly
John retrieved made the task of moving the consoles intact much easier.
One armed soldier stood keeping the large cement door open. Sensors
read his presence. The winch served well, but one soldier had to stand
on each level and guide the consoles through. The pantry, kitchen and
library were quite an enigma. The workshop, every man's dream. When the
first unit was hoisted to the utility area, boards were placed under it
and it was tarped tightly. The munitions were already loaded.

The helicopter lifted and dropped a cable through the open launch door.
Kevin guided topside operations. Keeping an eye on the windsock and a
dozen other things. It was winched up to cargo height, and then the
bird tipped and departed. A few minutes later, a second one set down on
the open launch roof after lowering a crate into the Utility area.
Several soldiers set about opening the crate and moving the contents to
the Com room.

The second console was removed and lifted, then tarped as the first and
hoisted by the second helicopter. It also tipped and departed. A third
machine set down a short time later. Bill's aid stepped out and was met
by Kevin. He inquired about Bill's whereabouts. Kevin directed him to
wait just inside the entryway as Bill was about through. The aid
flushed, but waited. He stood looking at the halter tops and shorts.

Bill came up, herding the soldiers out. He carried one lock box from a
safe. The officer, keeping distant, carried the second. Armed soldiers
separated them. Bill's aid saluted. Bill returned it and his aid handed
him a sealed envelope and a box. Bill signed for receipt. Bill stepped
well aside and the officer directed the squads out into the first
helicopter.

"We need two more *secure* independent carriers," Bill called to him.
The officer nodded. The troops boarded the third chopper along with the
officer, keeping his lock box close to him. It lifted and was gone,
save ten armed guards. Four outer perimeter, four inner and two on
Bill, who casually waited.

Ten minutes passed and another helicopter came in to set down. Another
officer stepped out. Bill met him and they each checked each other's
credentials. Then Bill passed the lock box to his custody. He accepted
it and immediately boarded and lifted off. Five minutes later another
chopper set down. Another officer stepped out. He carried an aluminum
case. Credentials were exchanged once more.

Bill moved with John to the Com room and John opened his safe, handing
the encrypter to Bill, who transferred custody to the officer, who
locked it in the case and set the safeties. Then he moved back to the
bird. The two guards keeping station around him. Howdy conversed with
his aid and dismissed him. He boarded the helicopter. The two guards
held close perimeter while he boarded, then stayed on station while
first the outer perimeter boarded and then the inner. The two then
backed into the helicopter and it lifted, turned and left. A deafening
silence settled over the silo.

"Fuck! I'm glad that's over with," John said.

"I'll be glad when I receive notice that they're all separately
secure," Howdy said, soberly. The soldiers had been nice enough to
close the hatches after the second console was lifted. John checked
them all just in case. Kevin tagged along.

"Incredible efficiency for military.... god, did you see their
insignia?" he asked John.

"Special forces. Nice deploy job you did," John said, simply.

"Fuck. It wasn't me. Those four were out of the bird and into the
corners before I could blink. Then I was basically guarded until you
and Bill showed up," Kevin said.

"Well, if you think about what they were transporting. It was done
almost correctly. I wouldn't be surprised if they had fully armed air
cover we weren't aware of," John said.

"Almost?" Kevin asked.

"I'm surprised that they didn't secure the entire silo, scaring the
piss out of our little lovelies in the process," John chuckled.

"They were told that below four was off limits. The soldiers on each
floor served double duty, guiding the consoles up and making sure
nobody came up the elevator or stairs. I heard Bill tell the first
Captain," Kevin said.

"Oh.. then it was all done correctly." John said.

"You seem to know a lot about the military," Kevin said.

"Just how many days it took me to get out," John said.

"Don't go making me sorry I re-upped," Kevin chuckled. They rejoined
Howdy in the Com room. John eyed the new addition to his Com room.

"A real *secure* safe for your plans and papers," Howdy said from his
laptop. John noticed his surveillance program on the screen of his
computer. Howdy glanced at him. "Couldn't resist, could you?" he
chuckled.

"A bit of silo history," John admitted.

"I trust the tape will be secured along with the plans?" Howdy asked.
John nodded. "I shouldn't let you keep it. But... I never saw this,"
Howdy said, nodding to John's computer.

"What's that?" Kevin asked.

"Proof of our performance," Howdy chuckled.

"I don't understand," Kevin admitted.

"You know when you mused earlier, about having a video of my dazed
state? John could probably supply you with one," Howdy said, still
chuckling.

"We're under surveillance?" Kevin asked.

"The silo is. I've never watched them. Invasion of privacy. But a hell
of a legacy for the girls when I'm gone," John said.

"I guess I don't mind.. if you've never watched them," Kevin said.

"Kevin, Theresa's lived with me for over a year. Whatever you did, I
have no interest in. My only concern is her happiness. If you were
stupid enough to mess that up, then you would discover a *very*
unpleasant side to me," John said.

"I can understand that," Kevin said.

"Good," John said, "Enough said then."

"John, would you call the triplets up? Their clearances finally came
through," Howdy said.

"Jesus, you're kidding. My first one took almost a year," John said.

"Rank hath its privilege. Besides, an order coming down gets processed
a whole shit load faster than a request coming up," Howdy said, "Add to
that the fact that they were already resident on the project. and
well... you get the idea."

"Yeah," John nodded. He called the triplets up.

"May as well call them all up and brief them, and show them your new
addition," Howdy said. John returned to the intercom and called a
general meeting in the Com room. The girls straggled in.

"I thought you were going to keep us company," Alice moped.

"I was having too much fun watching," John chuckled, hugging her. She
snuggled to him. He moved back onto the triple chaise and the other two
triplets joined him.

"Sounded like a regular war up here," Cindy said.

"Well, now you all get to know what all the fuss was about. Just as
soon as the triplets sign these," Howdy said, handing the girls a sheaf
of papers.

"What's this?" Andrea asked.

"Your Top Secret clearance," John told her.

"Top Secret!?" the girls cried in unison.

"Yes dears, read the pages and then sign them," John said. The girls
sat back and tried to fathom the wording. John helped them. "What this
says, is that if you tell anybody you shouldn't - which is just about
everybody not here now - anything about what we're going to tell you,
then the government can put you in jail for a long, long time," John
explained.

"We wouldn't tell!" they said, again in unison.

"I know you wouldn't. Just go ahead and sign them. I did and so did the
other women," John said. The three of them signed. They handed them
back to Howdy.

"Okay, folks. All the hubbub that just occurred, was because the
government left a few things it shouldn't have when it sold the silo.
John was unaware of this fact. He was also unaware of the place where
they were, which was a hidden bunker off the silo on level four. Now
that those things are gone, he can use the bunker any way he sees fit.
Except giving public tours through it. We'd appreciate...your *not*
revealing the bunker to outside parties. That translates to *It's a
National Security Secret!!* We have other silo's which are still active
that have similar facilities. That's why we don't want anybody else to
know about it.

"But the reason for your security clearances, is mainly because of a
wonderful idea John had. He figured, with some of you peoples help,
that the Russians were spying on the silo. They probably think that it
is a secret underground research lab. We'd like them to keep thinking
that. The main reason is that it makes the Russians... and any other
foreign nation who takes an interest, use manpower to keep track or
your comings and goings. This manpower otherwise could be directed at
area's that we really *don't* want them to know about.

"In exchange, the government has granted John title to a large area of
land around the silo. He's going to use his own funds to build a
housing community on this land that will be directed at helping the
homeless. That's his business. Ours, is keeping national security.
Kevin is assigned as your Liaison officer. That means, that anything
having to do with the silo and the community John builds, will be
reported to me by him.

"John, you asked that there be no government interference in your
lives. Kevin was the best I could think of that would give us a
communications channel, while being as inoffensive as possible. If you
can find him a cot -I know where twenty are- then he will try to stay
out of everybody's way. He's not here to spy. In fact his presence will
help considerably with the deception. That's why you've had a
government helicopter assigned to you as well.

"If you use it to transport yourselves to the airport, then the
Russians will stay interested in whoever is flying. This means a little
loss of freedom on your parts. Whenever you go to another city, or even
just into town you will undoubtedly be tailed. Don't worry about it.
Those folks are there to watch you, not harm you. In fact they will
probably make it safer for you at times. Russian agents have been known
to come to the aid of diplomats they were tailing, being mugged in New
York. This should especially be of interest to you, John. With Sally
being tailed now in New York, and Sheila and now Mae and Candice in San
Francisco.

"This is a great service you are performing for your country. You will
save the government millions of dollars. And you just might save a few
real secrets that could conceivably affect the whole world's security
and the lives of millions of people. None of you is being forced to
participate in this project. With the papers I have brought with me,
you are all certified free *adults*.

"If you do not wish to participate in this project, then the government
will gladly help any of you establish yourselves elsewhere. John has
chosen to participate in this project. I hope you all will. But you
should know, just by being here, you will essentially participate. The
Russians will take an interest in you wherever you go, or what ever you
do. In some ways this will be a direct invasion of your privacy. If you
sunbathe nude in the solarium, then it's quite possible.. and even
likely that you're going to be observed by a spy satellite. If you kiss
each other on the surface, or in an airport, you will be observed. Your
privacy inside the silo should be secure enough. It's doubtful that an
agent would try to approach the silo.

"However, you may be approached for information outside the silo. If
you are, tell Kevin or John. If you meet someone who is overly curious
about what you do, tell John or Kevin. What you *can* answer to these
people, is exactly what you *are* doing. Not about the project, of
course. But about your actual business. If you girls are out opening a
new fashion salon, say so, if you want. I also have Security clearances
for Mae, Judy, Sally, Candice and Jean, Sally's girlfriend. We'd
appreciate it if Sheila goes to San Francisco to get them to sign them,
and then brief them. Let us know if they don't want to be involved. The
same goes for Sally and Jean. It would help if John could go to New
York and do the same with them. Otherwise, I'll go myself.

"But the less I have to do with this project, the better. The Russians
aren't stupid. They know my job is counter-espionage. My presence here
now, is okay. It lends credence to the project. Too much of my presence
will arouse their suspicion that it's a ruse. Sorry, girls. I truly
wish I could see more of you. But I might live longer if I don't. Well,
that's about it. Questions?" Howdy concluded. With this briefing the
magnitude of what they were doing settled on everybody.

"So if we want to leave here, you'll help us get set up elsewhere, but
if we stay we can go on living the way we do?" Andrea asked.

"That's correct," Howdy replied.

"Then I'm staying," Andrea said.

"Me too," Alice said.

"Ditto," Amy said.

"Count me in. I'm here for the duration," Cindy said.

"This is my home *and my country*," Sheila said.

"I'll be going off to school, but you best believe I'll be here often
enough to keep them interested in me.... The Russians and the people
here," Theresa said.

"Kevin?" Howdy asked.

"You've got my re-enlistment... If John will have me?" Kevin asked.

"You are *very* welcome here. I guess that makes it unanimous. We're
all secret agents. I'll be glad to go to New York... If Cindy will go
with me," John chuckled.

"Wouldn't miss it," Cindy said, beaming at him.

"Right away? I've got a redesign to do," John asked.

"As soon as possible," Howdy asked.

"I can do some of it on my laptop.. If I live," John said.

"I can get started on part of it, if you'll tell me what you want to
do," Kevin offered.

"Thanks, Kevin. That would be great," John said.

"He really is a first rate engineer. Graduated with honors. He joined
the military because Détente dried up the market," Howdy said. John
nodded. Kevin looked at Howdy and then shrugged. Howdy handed John his
trick calculator, which would actually work as a calculator, and a list
of notes. Then he put a sheaf of papers pertaining to the security into
John's new safe and then handed John the combination. He gave him the
identification papers to put into his other safe. John did.

"Okay, who wants to see our new addition?" John asked. They all raised
their hands. The girls giggled ecstatically when the wall opened up.
John bypassed the armory, but told them what was in it. The girls
marveled at all the food. The guys cringed. Then all the girls were
exploring the new kitchen. John and Howdy indulged in a game of pool.
It was a nice table. Theresa and Kevin played Ping-Pong. Cindy and
Sheila went back to their fashion planning.

"Can we sleep here tonight?" The triplets asked.

"I need to work on keeping that door open first," John said.

"You'll find the circuitry in your plans," Howdy said. After the pool
game, John actually talked a bunch of them into playing monopoly. The
game lasted hours. Theresa was the big winner.

"I didn't think you were paying attention when I was teaching you that
financial stuff," John teased.

"I really have to get going. I've got a briefing at the White House
tomorrow morning at Seven-eastern," Howdy said. John shook his hand
firmly. They shared a look of mutual respect.

"Am I just turning around and coming back here?" Kevin asked.

"Yup, fast as you can re-fuel," Howdy told him. "Your orders are in
John's safe."

"Any objection to a passenger?" Kevin asked.

"None," Howdy said, "She'll need her government ID with her." John
showed the girls how to get out, then headed up with Kevin, Howdy and
Theresa to the Com room. He handed Theresa her official looking photo
ID.

"Yuk! Where'd they get that photo?" Theresa asked.

"I supplied it. It's a basic rule. ID photos must be horrible," John
chuckled.

"What's SFB?" Theresa asked.

"Shit for Brains. But don't take it personal. That's the project name.
John's idea again," Howdy chuckled.

"I kind of like it," Kevin chuckled, examining his new ID.

"Oh, while refueling you are ordered to go to the PX and pick up a
proper set of uniforms and insignia for your new rank, Lieutenant.
Charge to SFB. You are not required to wear them except when away from
the silo. Local dress code... or undress code applies here," Howdy told
him. "John, your new *secure* laptop. Here's the codes. Kevin will have
to pick up a new disk every month. There's an auto dial directory to me
and our friendly Admiral, should you care to drop him a line. The modem
will automatically adapt to ISDN or whatever line you plug it into.
Take it with you to New York and you can send me scans of Sally's and
Jean's papers. I've got one for Sheila coming in too. Kevin can bring
it back with him. When Cindy and Theresa need one, let me know and I'll
have them waiting for Kevin to pick up as well," Howdy said. "Well,
that's about it," he said.

"Almost," John said. He moved to the intercom and announced, "To whom
it may concern, Mr. Howdy will be leaving shortly. Those wishing to
kiss him good-bye, should get their butts up here, *pronto*. Absentees
will be noted and subjected to undue punishment of my choosing." It
took hardly any time at all for *everybody* to show up.

The triplets all tongue wrestled him for a long time each, and then got
in line again behind Cindy and Sheila. Howdy was surprised when Cindy
and Sheila gave him the same treatment. John chuckled his okay. The
triplets walked him out. Again letting him know he was *very* welcome
anytime he chose to come back.

Theresa suited up for the ride. Military helicopters could be cold. But
this one wasn't. Howdy rode in the back so Theresa could be with her
man. She beamed at Kevin as he went through his checkout procedure,
checking the girls were clear of the main and tail rotor before
spinning up.

"Have to get you a portable hanger out here," Howdy yelled to John.
John nodded and shook his hand once more. Then moved back away. When
the rotor was up to speed and the engine stable, Kevin lifted as gently
as a butterfly and then tipped and was off. The girls all waving.

"Two hundred feet till due west of Hill, then gain altitude and
identify yourself. Your new call sign... is STUD," Howdy chuckled into
his headset. "You will follow this flight path every time you fly into
Hill AFB. Follow the reverse course out each time. When you take
passengers out from the silo, stay close to the deck till fifty miles
out and then gain altitude and report to air traffic. Reverse procedure
on the way in," he continued.

"Aye, Sir," Kevin answered. He followed the procedure. No questions
were asked when he identified himself and his destination. Over the
next few years air traffic got quite used to him popping up suddenly
from the middle of nowhere. The flight in was nice. The flight out was
nicer. Theresa enjoying the sunset over the Great Salt Lake. Her man in
his new uniform, confident at the controls. She fingered the new bar on
his collar.

"Wish the hell this thing had an Auto pilot," Kevin chuckled in her
headset.

"I'm content to wait... *STUD*," she chuckled back.

"Kind of pushy, weren't you?" Cindy asked John.

"In what way?"

"Telling everybody to kiss Bill good-bye," she said. John looked at her
genuinely baffled.

"You know, I don't desire to sleep with or even kiss every man," she
explained.

"Nor do I," Sheila said.

"I'm sorry. I assumed you would want to. Perhaps that was an error on
my part. But I never told anybody to check his tonsils. You did that on
your own," he said.

"Like I should give him a peck on the cheek right after the triplets
tongue raped him?" Cindy asked.

"Why not? If that's what you felt," John asked.

"Because he may have interpreted it as a shun," Cindy said.

"Cindy, I don't understand. I would have no compunction about standing
in line to kiss someone I liked very much, as a person, but not
sexually and giving them a peck on the lips or cheek. In fact, I think
Bill was taken quite by surprise, by both you women. He gave me a look
of genuine distress. That's *why* I chuckled. To let him know that I
felt no animosity over your actions," John explained.

"You are the most exasperating man on the planet," Cindy said.

"Ditto," Sheila said.

"Why, thank you," John said.

"Why do you say that?" Sheila asked.

"I love it when I puzzle a woman, cause they do it to me all the time,"
he chuckled.

"I said exasperating, not puzzling," Cindy said.

"Same deal," John said.

"So what are you going to do with all that extra room?" Sheila asked,
changing the subject.

"Haven't thought much about it," John said.

"You could use the opportunity to rearrange a bit," Sheila suggested.

"In what way?" he asked

"Oh, like maybe separating all the business and hobby stuff from the
living quarters," she replied.

"Not a bad idea.... I have been thinking that Theresa and Kevin could
use their own room. I was thinking about moving the gym stuff up into
the new section, then giving them the old apartment cause it's pretty
much livable now. That would give them essentially their own place
along with a kitchen," John said.

"What about the kitchen in the new section? It's pretty big and set
up?" Cindy asked.

"A bit too big," John said.

"What are you going to do with all those toilets in the latrine?" Cindy
chuckled.

"I was thinking of getting a larger hot tub to put in there, then
building a steam room to go with it. Maybe even a dry sauna," he said.

"Great idea. I like both a wet and dry sauna at different times,"
Sheila said.

"Never had one," Cindy said.

"Then you are in for a treat, my dear. A new way to make you hot," John
chuckled.

"As if you need that," Cindy replied, rolling her eyes.

"Your lack of enthusiasm is disturbing," John said.

"Aww, poor baby. Haven't you been getting enough loving?" she teased.

"I'm not sure there is such a thing as enough," Sheila said.

"You thought so this morning," John chuckled.

"That, was this morning. It is *now* evening," she said, coyly,
wrapping her arms around him.

"You two play. I'll make dinner," Cindy said.

"Your lack of enthusiasm is noted," John chuckled, meeting Sheila's
lips. Cindy rolled her eyes and departed. John shared a deep, sensual
kiss with Sheila. "You really want to make love?" he asked.

"Mmm, not really. I'm still glowing quite well from this morning. I
just like being close to you," she said.

"Then how about we test drive your new security clearance and go over
the plans for the new sections? I think the silo's about ready for a
rearrange. I could use some input," he said.

"Sounds like fun," she said. They retired to the Com room and John got
out the plans. He called up his own drawings of the silo on the
computer. For the next hour they poured over the plans, exchanging
ideas. Stopping every so often to kiss or fondle each other, of course.

"Dinner's up," Cindy's voice echoed through the silo. John didn't
bother putting the plans away. Despite what Howdy had told him, he
didn't expect any outside intruders. The girls followed them into the
kitchen a minute after they entered.

"Wish you had another elevator around here," Alice mused.

"That would be a major task. But I might redesign around the inside
elevators to make them more usable," John said.

"Why did you set them up that way, in the first place?" Sheila asked.

"Mainly I wanted to preserve privacy in the various rooms," John said.

"Those trap doors are such a pain, we hardly use the smaller ones,"
Cindy said.

"I agree, I think it's time I re-evaluated the layout of the whole
silo," he said.

"Just get your mansion how you like it, then you don't like it?" Cindy
chuckled.

"Different living conditions. When it was just you, me and Theresa, one
elevator wasn't a problem. With nine of us running around, it is.
Sheila and I have been going over the plans. I think we came up with a
pretty good layout," he said.

"I thought you two were too composed to have been playing," Cindy
chuckled.

"We *were* playing, just a different sort of playing," John said.

"Well, when you're ready again for the first sort, just let us know,"
Amy giggled. They all looked at her and the other two.

"Didn't *you* get enough loving last night and this morning?" Cindy
asked.

"Sure, it was nice.... but it wasn't John .... or you ladies," Andrea
giggled.

"Funny, the more I get, the more I want," Alice mused.

"Besides, Bill had to use those... things," Amy said.

"We don't like them. They don't feel as nice," Andrea added.

"I assume you're talking about prophylactics.. the rubbers?" John
asked. The triplets nodded. "Well, the option is pregnancy... which I'd
like to avoid," John said.

"Us too.. but Cindy said that we could get some pills that would
protect us," Amy said.

"Might not be such a bad idea.. with an unprotected male around,"
Sheila mused.

"I thought they sort of messed up a woman's body chemistry," John said.

"Oh, they affect some women worse than others. The only way to tell, is
to try them. We never got around to the gynecologist while we were in
San Francisco. I guess we could find one locally, though," Sheila said.

"So that's another bunch to go to town. Maybe I should buy a bus," John
mused.

"Why not use the helicopter?" Cindy asked.

"I'm just getting used to the idea were going to have one around," John
said.

"Gosh... I promised the pilot of the helicopter service a bunch of
business too," Sheila said.

"That, we may still do. I get the idea that the comings and goings
around here are going to get hectic, pretty soon," John said.

"So what plans did you and Sheila come up with for the silo?" Cindy
asked.

"Well, I'd like to move my office into the launch and communications
rooms in the new section. We move the hydroponics up above the pantry
and make access to it easier from here in the kitchen. Makes sense to
have easy access to fresh vegetables when they're available. Besides
that, all the wiring taps for communications are already there. Save me
a bunch of wiring compared to what *was* to be the new Com room.

"Then we redesign the latrine into a spa, with wet and dry saunas and a
bigger hot tub that can hold us all. We keep the large communal
showers. Might be fun squirming around with all of you at once," John
giggled.

"That sounds fun," Alice agreed. The other triplets giggled.

John continued, "Anyway, we convert the new kitchen into a bigger gym
than we have now. That puts it right next to the spa. Then we move the
rec room into the bunk room and expand the present workshop to
encompass the current rec room. I move all my stuff from the silo
workshop into it. That gives me a real, complete workshop with
everything from electronics, to wood working, metal work and foundry in
the current new section workshop.

"We move the library into the office sections in the new area. Then the
lab into the old Com room. That opens up six floors. I thought maybe we
could make the fourth elevator level into a sort of communal living
area, with a little kitchenette. Making that whole floor in the silo
into a large family room area with the big screen television in it.
Sort a little theater. The current Com room was never right for
surround sound and all that stuff.

"The other floors we convert into bedrooms. Maybe split one or two into
doubles. We could use a second laundry room. That basically gives
everyone their own bedroom. Their own space. I think that instead of
how the master bedroom is set up, we set up a study and work area in
each new bedroom. That way if anybody needs a quiet place to study,
they can just go to their own room," John concluded.

"That sounds like one hell of a lot of work," Cindy said.

"Not too much. Mainly moving stuff around. We already had five
unfinished floors to do. This gives us two partially finished floors
right away from where the library and new Com room were. Besides, we
don't have to do it all at once. Doing it that way gives us a head
start on bedrooms we need now, for the triplets and Theresa and Kevin,"
John said.

"The triplets have sort of adopted the guest room as theirs now," Cindy
said.

"It's not big enough for three. No elbow room. The master is set up for
three. You know how much nicer that is," John said. They all nodded.
"Anyway, if we all pitched in, we could move most the stuff around in a
week. I need building materials for the custom work, but having the
workshop set up all together will make the rest of the work much
easier," he concluded.

"Sounds like we're all going to be busy little bees for the next little
while," Sheila said.

"Between the silo and the projects we have going, yes. Very busy. I
want to get the workshop moved first, so that Kevin and I can get going
on the scanner redesign. Basically this makes the silo a complete
living, working and playing space, with areas set up for each. Once we
get furniture and equipment moved, then Kevin and I can concentrate on
the redesign while you girls move books and stuff," John said.

"I like the plan. It addresses a whole bunch of growing pains that have
been building up lately," Cindy said.

"We'd get our own room?" Andrea asked.

"Yup. As big as the master... unless you girls would rather have your
own private room each?" John asked.

"Oh, we almost always sleep together," Alice said... but a little
hesitant.

"But... how about instead, we move the guest room above the new family
room? Then take stop three as a communal floor for you girls with the
floor above it split into three private rooms for you," John offered.
They all liked that idea. "That would still give us four more huge
bedrooms. Figuring one shared for Theresa and Kevin... " John said,
thinking.

"You mentioned moving the laundry room into the old gym," Sheila
reminded him.

"Yeah, get those noisy machines away from the sleeping areas. That way
we can expand it and convert the present laundry room into a second
guest room," John said.

"I think that we should move the stuff out of the new section pantry
down to where the gym is now and split it between laundry and storage.
Then make a second laundry room where the pantry is now," Cindy
suggested.

"That makes sense, yeah, and easy to plumb. Good idea. It also gives us
a laundry room on each of the plumbing systems. If one system breaks
down, then we still have washing facilities. It splits the load on the
leach fields too," John mused.

"Ugh, please not at dinner," Cindy chided.

"You know, that faux pas aside, this is turning into a first rate
hotel," Sheila giggled.

"Without room service," John said.

"So make one of the silo elevators into a real usable dumb waiter.
Programmable to stop at any floor," Cindy suggested.

"That's a great idea," John said.

"Well, it sounds like you two have it pretty well in hand. Who's for
hot tub?" Cindy asked. The triplets raised their hands.

"I think I'm gonna go take a look at the stars... and maybe a look back
at our friends," John said.

"I think I'll join you," Sheila said. Everybody helped with the clean
up first.

Chapter 69

John and Sheila lay together looking at the glorious night sky of the
desert.

"It really is turning into quite a mansion. I didn't think it would be
anywhere near this nice, even when you showed me the pictures of it,"
Sheila said.

"Yes, I'm quite pleased, all in all. I think that the extra space will
actually give back a degree of intimacy," John said, caressing her
thigh lightly.

"How so?"

"Oh, easier to find a place that's quiet and private for little *one on
one* get togethers," he replied. She nodded against his chest.

"Yeah, while still retaining areas for group frau-licking," she
chuckled.

"Frau-licking? That's good, I like it," John chuckled.

"I know you do, and you're quite good at it," she said.

"You ain't so bad yourself," he said.

"You know... now that I basically have all the lovemaking that I could
possibly want... I've come to realize that what's the most important to
me, is doing it with someone I love. The sex of the other person seems
insignificant to the act," she said.

"Not to me," John chuckled.

"I know... and if you're most comfortable with that, then that's the
way you should be. But at the same time, you understand that I like
*frau-licking*. You don't think less of me because of it. I think
that's what first attracted me to you that first night. Angie didn't
see it, but when you walked in, you had already accepted the fact that
there would be women making-out in there. But you didn't come to gawk.
You didn't gawk at all. You just casually observed. Like it didn't
matter to you one way or the other," Sheila said.

"It didn't, but the reason I walked in there, was to meet you," John
said.

"I know that. But why did you want to meet me there? Why didn't you
just call me up for an appointment?" she asked.

"Oh, I guess I was a little intrigued. Your dossier presented you as a
very together person, business wise. I already knew that from what it
said. But I wanted to find out what *you* were like... away from the
office. The dossier said little about that. It just indicated the shock
factor a typical male investigator would see. Not what your personality
was like while involved in that world.... You know. It's funny. As open
a town as San Francisco is about that sort of thing, I saw very little
intimacy between the gay couples. They didn't seem to be as interested
in each other, as they were in the shock value they presented to the
world. It seemed they were mostly trying to shock the world.. and that
included each other," John said.

"It was that way, mostly. I just went to that place out of habit,
usually. It was a place where people knew my name, and what my sexual
preferences were. I didn't have to explain myself or feel
uncomfortable. I guess I was going there to avoid that shock factor you
were just talking about... But I seldom met anybody there that I would
consider a relationship with.

"Much like a typical straight bar. Most the regulars are friendly, but
usually they don't get involved with each other. I mean the men and
women, if they were available. Mostly they would take an interest in
*outsiders* who came into the bar," she said. A distant thump, thump
was heard and suddenly some red lights came on at the edge of the silo
roof. John had told Kevin a phone number he could reach by cellular
phone. When he called it he punched in a code and it would turn on the
landing lights.

"Our wayward lovers returning," John said.

"Should we roll the roof shut?" Sheila asked.

"No, it won't make any difference. I designed this canopy with down
draft in mind. The roof is solid enough in any position." They listened
as the thump, thump became louder and drowned out the spacey new age
music John liked to listen to when he looked at the stars. The noise
became quite loud and suddenly there was a flash of lights as Kevin
came in quickly, but set down as gentle as a snowflake. He almost
instantly killed power and the sound began to slowly fade. Much to John
and Sheila's relief.

Theresa came to the edge of the roof and leaned over it, waving down at
them. They waved back and then she was gone again. A little while
later, Theresa and Kevin had the helicopter tarped over and stopped
into the solarium.

"Are we intruding?" Theresa asked from the doorway.

"No, of course not. How was the flight?" John asked, lightly.

"Oh, John. It was wonderful!" Theresa bubbled, running to him and lip
locking him while she threw her arms around him and Sheila. Her tongue
pushed warmly into his mouth and she explored it fully before moving
onto Sheila, whom she greeted the same way. Her fingers sliding over
her body and between her legs. Kevin stood by, a bit uncomfortably and
then gave a minor shrug as he plunked onto a nearby chaise. Theresa
moved to join him.

"So what was so wonderful about it?" Sheila giggled when she got her
breath back.

"The sunset over the Great Salt Lake," Theresa enthused, "I've never
seen anything so lovely."

"I must admit I saw it from a different perspective myself. Usually I
hate flying into the sunset," Kevin chuckled.

"I'll bet. Hard on the eyes," John said.

"I brought you some things," Kevin said.

"More toys?" Sheila giggled.

"Yup. The laptop Bill had flown in, and a new digital phased array
transponder for the roof," Kevin said.

"Digital phased array transponder? What, a locator?" John asked. Kevin
nodded.

"A very fancy locator. It has five flat disk antennas. One mounts in
the middle and the other four go in the corners. When I query it from
the equipment in the helicopter, I could land perfectly safe in a total
fog condition," Kevin said.

"Neat. Gives you orientation as well as distance?" John asked.

"Yup. Azimuth, orientation, altitude and local wind speed and direction
patched in from a weather sensor. The whole thing frequency hops too.
It would appear to any other direction finder to be a bunch of random
noise," Kevin said.

"Makes sense. No need telling your enemy where you're going to land,"
John said.

"Enemy?" Sheila asked.

"Not for us. The system was obviously designed for the military. One
man could locate a landing area and stake it out. Then a helicopter
could make a safe landing in pitch blackness. Probably with IR smoke
added," John explained. Kevin nodded.

"IR smoke?" Theresa asked.

"Smoke that obscures the heat from the engine from any heat seeking
missiles," Kevin explained.

"You two should get along great. But are you going to keep up this
techno talk. While you have two lovely ladies laying next to you?"
Sheila asked.

"No dear, but you two did ask," John said.

"Where are the others?" Theresa asked.

"In the hot tub, last I heard," John replied.

"I kind of wanted to talk to John," Kevin said.

"Me too," Theresa said.

"I gather that you both mean in private, so I'll tell you what. Why
don't you ladies keep each other company while I go talk to Kevin. Then
I'll talk to Theresa when I get back?" John offered.

"Okay, Theresa and I haven't had a good snuggle for a while. But don't
be too long," Sheila said.

"It shouldn't take long," Kevin said. Theresa wouldn't let him loose
until he properly kissed her. Sheila did the same with John. Making
certain he knew she was interested for later so he wouldn't be too
long. The two men moved off to the Com room and Theresa moved into
John's spot.

"It *has* been too long," Theresa said as her hands slipped under
Sheila's top.

"So, what's on your mind?" John asked Kevin.

"Bill sent these," Kevin said, picking up two packages from where he
had set them before they came into the solarium. He handed them to
John. One was the second laptop, for Sheila. The second gave no outside
indication of what it was. John opened it. Inside were several stacks
of money.

"Jesus, there must be a hundred thousand here!" John exclaimed.

"Two and a half times that, actually," Kevin said, "Bill thought that
you might be able to find a use for it. Since your cash flow has been a
little tight lately."

"A quarter million dollars! What the fuck for?" John asked.

"He said it was part of the government mentality. If he wasn't spending
enough money, then they wouldn't think the project was important....
There's more available. Bill reasoned that you could use it to get a
head start on things till your own cash flow builds from the fashion
deal. And maybe continue the project for a few more years even if
funding for it got cut later," Kevin said. John sat looking at the
money in the box.

"A quarter million dollars........ And more, did you say?" John asked.

Kevin nodded, "Four times that, at least; per year."

"A million dollars a year? ... I guess construction costs could run
that high," John mused.

"That doesn't include construction costs. Crews will be out laying
perimeter fencing as soon as the snow melts. The project is budgeted
for around twenty million a year," Kevin explained.

"So what am I supposed to do with the cash?" John asked.

"I don't know. But Bill suggested a snow cat and a Hummer to start
with. Something to tour your estate with," Kevin chuckled.

"I have the Landcruisers and snowmobiles," John said.

"*Had* the Landcruisers. Theresa's about to claim hers. She says Cindy
probably will too. Bill wants you to equip all the vehicles with
*secure* radios too," Kevin said. John opened his safe and put the
money inside. Then he put his new laptops into the secure safe, putting
the silo plans away at the same time.

"Shouldn't leave them out like that," Kevin said.

"Gonna report me?" John asked sarcastically.

"No, of course not. John, I'm not here to spy on you. If you think I
am, then I'll gladly leave. Bill explained to me that he has to show
somebody on the payroll for the project. It's easier to hide the fact
that I'm not doing anything if I'm not assigned to a military base. In
fact, he told me *not* to spy on you. That I was to respect the privacy
of all of you. It was the only condition under which I would have
accepted the position.

"But my real reason for being here, personally, is Theresa, which is
the other thing I wanted to talk to you about," Kevin said.

"What about her?" John asked.

"I love her," Kevin said.

"And?" John asked.

"And I wanted you to know that I don't object to her continuing her
relationship with you," Kevin said.

"That's pretty generous of you," John said.

"Not really. I figure I want pretty much what you want; Theresa's
happiness. She wants both of us... and the girls. I'm just really
thrilled that she wants me at all," Kevin said.

"And how do you feel about her and the girls?" John asked.

"John, I love *Theresa*. I love what she *is*, not what I want her to
become. She loves all of you. Each of you is a part of her happiness.
She wouldn't be the same person without any of you. So if I tried to
change that, I'd be cheating myself, because it would be making her
into something different than what I love. Do you understand what I'm
saying?" Kevin asked.

"Probably better than you'd guess. Yes, I feel the same way. That's why
I was able to let *you* into her life, despite the fact that I love her
dearly. Because she wanted you. And the more I get to talk to you, the
better I feel about that," John said.

"I'm glad. Because I think we both realize that Theresa is going to do
whatever she wants to do. And the only way it would work for us, is if
we don't have any jealousy over each other," Kevin said. John chuckled.

"Don't I know it.... So how do you feel about the other women here?"
John asked.

"What about them?" Kevin asked.

"What are you going to do if, or probably when, they want to bed you?"
John asked.

"I didn't know how you would feel about that. Theresa's been hinting at
it already, but I don't want to offend you... Besides the fact that my
main interest is in Theresa," Kevin said. John looked at him a moment
before replying.

"As to how I feel about it; Mainly that's an issue between you and the
girls. How they feel about it is very important to me. If they want to
bed you, that's okay with me. That's not the same as my permission. I
don't own them. It's not my permission you need. It's theirs and
Theresa's. But, I do have concerns over pregnancy.... and the
introduction of outside diseases. I don't mind you making love with my
pretties, but I would mind *very much* if you knocked-up one of them or
gave them something. I'm not saying you are a bad person. AIDS doesn't
work that way. It doesn't care if you're a good or a bad person," John
said.

"I know it. I don't take offense of your cautious attitude either. But
the fact is that Bill made me get tested just last week. I'm clear of
HIV or any other STD. And I agree with you about the pregnancy. Theresa
wants to go on the pill so that we can have skin to skin intercourse.
But if I bedded anybody else, I'd use a condom, every time," Kevin
said.

"That's all I ask. After that, it's between you and Theresa and the
girls," John said.

"Are you trying to tell me that you are disinterested? 'Cause I don't
believe it," Kevin said.

"No, not disinterested. Of course I'm interested. But I'm not fool
enough to object to the exact same behavior I've been preaching all
this time. It might bother me a little bit with Cindy or Sheila...
that's just the way I feel. But I'm not about to lose either of them
over it, if they want to do it with you," John said.

"I understand... just like it *bothers* me a little bit when Theresa
wants to do it with you. But we love the women we do. I'm not about to
stand in Theresa's way of what she wants," Kevin said.

"Nor am I with any of them. But for what it's worth; I don't think
Cindy would feel too comfortable with making love with you. I think she
would do it if Theresa wanted her to, but I don't think she's really
interested. I think Sheila's a little bit curious about you, though. I
don't mind that so much. It's only natural. She sees in you, the same
thing she sees in me. Your understanding of her needing women too.
She'd naturally be attracted to anybody who reflected that," John said.
Kevin nodded.

"I'm glad we had this talk. For one thing, I didn't want you to think
that Bill was forcing me upon you. As far as I'm concerned, I'm here
mainly for Theresa. I think I can be of some assistance to you
engineering wise too. ... but I want us to be friends as well.... In
the short time I've known you, I've developed a great deal of respect
for you. I'd be very honored to be your friend," Kevin said.

"Thank you. I'd like that too. I've developed quite a respect for you
as well. Yes, I'm glad we had this talk too. Shall we join the girls?"
John said.

"Yes... I think Theresa wants to talk to you about something," Kevin
said.

"Probably about just what we've been talking about... and I suspect
that she wants to make love to both of us at the same time," John
chuckled.

"How did you know?" Kevin asked.

"I know my little darling well. Don't worry. I'll be surprised by the
question when she asks it," John chuckled.

"You wouldn't object?" Kevin asked.

"I'll let her talk me into it." John chuckled.

The girls lay together caressing each other. Their bodies moist with
perspiration. Sheila softly kissed Theresa and their tongues swirled
around each other once more. Their breath a mixture of each others
aroma. John and Kevin returned.

"Now that's a pretty sight," John chuckled.

"That, it is," Kevin agreed.

"It's all your fault. You two were gone a long time. You leave me here
alone with a gorgeous woman, what do you expect me to do?" Theresa
giggled.

"Just what you did," John chuckled. Theresa stood up and moved to them.
She kissed John first, then Kevin. Both sharing Sheila's juices on her
tongue. Sheila sat up and pulled on her top and shorts.

"Did you two get any dinner?" she asked.

"No, I'm starving," Theresa said.

"Well, why don't I take Kevin down and help him rustle you up some grub
while you and John have your talk?" Sheila suggested.

"That's nice of you. Thanks," Theresa said. Sheila stood and John
pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, sharing Theresa's flavor on
their tongues. Sheila seemed to flush a bit over Kevin's presence. She
didn't fight it however when Theresa did the same with her. Then she
led Kevin down to the kitchen. A tensioned silence between them in the
elevator. She shared a look of desire with him.

"So did John give you his okay... about *us*?" Sheila asked, hoarsely.

"No," Kevin said.

"No?" Sheila asked, half angered, half disappointed.

"No, he said it was your choice, not his. He said he wouldn't mind....
*much*. I believe him," Kevin said. Sheila nodded, thoughtfully.

"And how about Theresa?" she asked.

"Theresa wants us to. I think she expects us to, really. I kind of
think she wants me to understand what she sees in you and the girls.
Which I do anyway," Kevin said.

"You do understand?" Sheila asked. Kevin nodded. "And what do you think
about it?" she asked.

"About her and you? I think it's just fine. I admire her taste in
women," Kevin said.

"And what do you think about *us*? You and me?" she asked, softly.

"I think what John thinks. That it's your choice. How I'd feel about it
would depend entirely on what you felt about it," Kevin said.

"And if I want to?" she asked. Kevin looked at her. She was trembling a
bit. He could tell she was *very* interested. He answered her by
pulling her into his arms. Their mouths met and they shared his woman's
flavor on their tongues. Theresa pushed John back onto a chaise and
pulled his clothes off. Then she climbed atop him and kissed him
passionately. Her hand moved to his manhood, which was swelling
rapidly. She guided it into herself as she descended to kiss him once
more. She was wet from her session with Sheila earlier. He easily
slipped into her although he wasn't quite hard yet. Her eye's rolled
with delight as she felt him continue to grow within her.

"An interesting method of discussion you have," John chuckled.

"I haven't been with you for a long time. I missed it," she said.

"I've missed it too, kitten. But I didn't know if you'd change your
mind about me now you've got Kevin," John said. She gave him *that*
look of exasperation.

"John, I love you. I always will," she said, beginning to move her hips
to prove it.

"I love you too, kitten. So how is your new love?" he asked, half
moaning from the feeling of her surrounding him. She didn't answer as
she abandoned herself to her mounting passion.

Afterwards, as they lay caressing one another, she said, "The answer
is, my new love is terrific. You certainly picked a peculiar time to
ask."

"Oh, I don't think so. Wasn't he on your mind about then?" John asked.
Theresa was quiet for a moment.

"I won't lie to you. Yes, he was," she said.

"So it wasn't such a peculiar time then, was it?" John chuckled.

"What are you getting at?" Theresa asked.

"What are you? You said you wanted to talk to me. Instead you do your
best to cripple me with sex. Now this strikes me as odd behavior coming
from a woman who's just gotten engaged to another man," John chuckled.

"Odd?" she asked, "For us?"

"No, for you. Theresa, I've known you over a year. You were the first
woman here. In a sense you started all this when you brought Cindy in.
Now as open minded as you proclaim yourself to be, you *are* still you.
I know you care a great deal about Kevin. I think it would have been
nice if you'd told me how you felt about him before you went and got
engaged to him, but I really don't mind that. I want your happiness
above all else. I always have. So, if you have something to ask, why
don't you just spit it out?" he concluded.

"I don't understand you sometimes," she said.

"It's not important. Just ask what's on your mind," John said. Theresa
dropped her eyes for a moment.

"I want to make love to both of you," she said.

"I know that," he said.

"At the same time, I mean," she said, almost in a whisper.

"I know that too," he said.

She looked up at him sharply, "You do?" she asked. He nodded. "Just how
did you know that?" she asked.

"Because I know you," he said. She looked at him, waiting. He said
nothing.

"Well?" she asked.

"Well what?" he asked.

She gave him *that* look again and said, "Well, what do you think about
it? Would you do it?"

Now he looked at her a moment before he answered, "That depends on why
you want that. I think that maybe you are trying to replay the
situation where you and Cindy and I got together the first time. But it
isn't the same thing. I have no desire to make love with Kevin. I don't
*think* he has any desire for me. I'm not opposed to making love to you
at the same time that he does. But don't go fooling yourself as to the
reason. I'd do it, and I think that he'd do it, because it is what
*you* want. Not because we have any desire to do so ourselves." Theresa
looked at him.

"I just want us all to get along," she said.

"We do. I think quite highly of your new beaux. I think that he and I
will be quite good friends," John said.

"You do?" she asked in amazement.

"Yes. I do. Now the question is: Do you still want us both to make love
to you? At the same time, I mean?" he asked. She looked at him and
slowly nodded. "Okay, if he agrees, then I'll be happy to do it," John
said. Theresa hugged him fiercely.

After they had kissed in the elevator, Sheila had expected Kevin to rip
her clothes off and take her on the table. Instead he had pulled back.

"I won't do anything behind Theresa's or John's back. If we make love,
the first time has to be with them there. That was just to let you know
how I felt about it. Okay?" he asked. Sheila had nodded breathlessly.
Then they set about making dinner. Now they sat together at the table
drinking a glass of wine. Their desire acknowledged, but their honor
taking precedence. John and Theresa walked in.

Theresa moved to Kevin and kissed him. John kissed Sheila quickly and
then poured himself a glass of wine. He could feel the sexual tension
between Kevin and Sheila. They seemed to be avoiding eye contact with
each other. Theresa seemed oblivious to this as she served Kevin and
herself.

"Sweetheart?" John said to Sheila.

"Yes John, what is it?" she replied.

"Theresa has expressed an interest in having both Kevin and I make love
to her at the same time. I think it would help loosen things up a bit
between us all if someone else joined us too. Would you be interested?"
John asked. Sheila looked up at him sharply. Their eyes met and she saw
that he was serious. She looked to Theresa, who was surprised at his
request too, but unconcerned over it.

"Yes... I think that would be fun," Sheila said, softly.

"Great. I want to square things with Cindy first, though. I'll just go
check on what she had in mind for bedroom usage tonight," he said. He
moved to Sheila and kissed her softly. She trembled under his lips.

"You sure?" she whispered to him.

"Yes, quite. You?" he asked. She looked into his eyes a moment and then
nodded. He smiled at her and then headed out to talk to Cindy.

"Well that was a surprise," Theresa said.

"I'm not so sure," Kevin said, looking thoughtfully after John. John
found Cindy and the triplets reclining on the chaises by the hot tub.

"Hi, darlings," John greeted them. He kissed each as he came to them,
Cindy last. "Thought about sleeping arrangements?" he asked her.

"I thought I might keep the triplets company tonight. I guess Theresa
and Kevin will want to sleep together so I guess you can solo it with
Sheila. You want the guest room, as there will only be two of you?" she
asked.

"Sheila and I will be joining Theresa and Kevin.... If you girls don't
object," John said. Cindy looked at him startled.

"No, I don't object... but aren't you being a little bit hard on
yourself?" she asked.

"In what way?" he asked.

"John, I know it's uncomfortable for you to see Theresa just kiss
Kevin. So now you're not only going to watch him make love with her,
but with Sheila as well?" she asked.

"I guess you could look at it that way..." John said.

"How else would you look at it?" she asked.

"Oh, I look at it as an opportunity. One... to get it out of Sheila's
system and two to get Theresa used to the idea of Kevin making love
with another. I don't think she's thought much about it. She may have
told herself that while she was back visiting me, that Kevin could
visit you ladies. But that's not the same thing as actually seeing it.
I don't want there to be problems over that down the road," John said.

"Get what out of Sheila's system?" Cindy asked.

"I think she's curious, for one. In a way I guess she's probably
naturally attracted to anybody who seems to understand her desire to
see women. She also wants to see just how serious I am about not
minding if you girls make love with another man," John said.

"And in the process you get to find out just how well *you* will
actually handle it," Cindy pointed out.

"There is that..." John said.

"Well, dear heart. I certainly don't have any objections. You won't be
making love to anybody you haven't been before. But I still think that
you're being hard on yourself," she said, kissing him on the cheek.

"I'm a big boy. I'll be fine," John said.

"Okay, the girls and I will take the guest room. We won't need the
extra room as I think we'll just be sleeping," Cindy said.

"Are you going to make love with Kevin?" Alice asked.

"No, dear. But Theresa wants to know what it's like to make love to
both of us. I think Sheila wants to know what Kevin's like. So I think
that we will both make love to her at the same time too," John replied.

"How can you both make love to her at the same time?" Amy asked.

"You know, front and back," Andrea teased. Amy blushed bright red.

"Oh..." she said.

"I'm not sure just how we will go about it. Kevin had a pretty hard
night of it last night," John said.

"Oh, and you didn't?" Cindy chuckled.

"So maybe both of them will be disappointed," John shrugged.

"So kiss us good night.. and have fun," Cindy said, pulling him to her.
He kissed them all equally. He found Sheila sitting in Kevin's lap when
he returned to the kitchen. Theresa seemed unconcerned. John picked her
up and sat down, with Theresa on his lap.

"Okay, we get the master bedroom. Cindy's going to be sleeping with the
triplets. I think they are pretty tired anyway," John said.

"Gosh, I wonder why?" Sheila giggled.

"I think someone wore them out," Theresa giggled.

"Shall we turn in?" John suggested, ignoring them. There was an
uncomfortable moment. But Theresa got up, tugging at John's arm. Sheila
shrugged and did the same to Kevin. Once in the bedroom, things
progressed slowly. With Sheila and Theresa making a start of it. It
went better than expected. With both men making love to each woman
several times. Doubling up at least once on each of them. Their
trepidation and inhibitions forgotten somewhere in the night.

In the morning they each slipped out to the bathroom and shower. Then
they dressed and moved to the kitchen. The triplets were up and had
biscuits ready. They were brimming with embarrassing questions which
John, Kevin and the girls fielded nonchalantly. The girls figured it
was no big deal, so the incident was forgotten. It did have a profound
effect upon the men, however.

Somehow they seemed much more comfortable around each other. Neither
seemed to notice when one of the women would kiss the other one. When
Cindy made her way into the kitchen, Sheila was sitting on John's lap,
feeding him bites of her biscuit. Theresa and Kevin were in a similar
position. She moved about greeting them all good morning and then sat
as Amy placed a cup of coffee before her, collecting a second kiss for
her reward.

Cindy studied the other four at the table as she sipped her coffee. The
mood seemed light enough. She shrugged and tore into a biscuit. Later
she gave John a hand transferring things to his new office.

She cornered him finally and asked, "So it went well then?"

"As well as could be expected," he said.

"So tell me about it," she said.

"Not much to tell. Kevin and I fulfilled Theresa's wish. We did the
same for Sheila," John said.

"And you're alright?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, actually. I think Kevin is too. The women seemed ecstatic about
it... last night," John said.

"But not this morning?" she asked.

"No... they didn't seem unhappy about it. But I doubt that either of
them has any desire to do it again," he said.

"And how do you feel about it?" she asked.

"I enjoyed myself. I think it helped ease the tension we were all
feeling... but I don't have any desire to repeat it. There was a
distinct lack of intimacy, which is what I prefer," he said.

"I know you do... I do too. So there's no reason you'd want me to do
the same with you and Kevin?" Cindy asked. John looked at her in
surprise.

"No. Not for me. If you wanted to, then I would happily do it for you,"
he said. She shook her head.

"No, I don't want to. I don't have any desire to sleep with Kevin. He's
a nice guy and I'm happy for Theresa. But you are the only man I'm
interested in," she said. He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply.
They made love atop his new desk. John found the intimacy he'd missed
the previous night.

Chapter 70

Cindy sighed on the airplane. John worked quietly next to her on his
laptop. They were on their way to New York City. Sally, alerted to
their coming, would meet them at the airport. Cindy was nervous. The
session with John and Kevin and the two women hadn't driven any wedges
between them. But Cindy had John increasingly to herself. Quite often
Sheila would opt to spend the night with Theresa and Kevin. The
triplets less so. Their first session with Kevin and Theresa had left
Kevin a virtual zombie. He seemed reluctant to repeat it. Kevin and
Cindy's relationship was cordial, but that was all. He sensed her
reticence and made no advances towards her.

She felt comfortable around him, even when they were both nude. But her
interest remained focused on John. She lay her head upon his arm. This
was the first time they had been out together as a couple without
trying to disguise their relationship. She reveled in the sense of
freedom she felt. In her purse was her new drivers license. Her GED
would likely be waiting for her on her return. She felt she had done
very well on the test. All this had occurred in just a few days.

John closed his laptop and put it away in his briefcase, locking it. It
was a long flight. It was night. John killed the overhead light and
they snuggled together as best they could in the wide, first class
seats. Catching a little nap. The stewardess gently prodded them when
it was time to prepare for landing. Wondering a bit at the Spring-
September romance the two of them were obviously involved in. She was
the same stewardess who had tended to John in his zombie condition on
his last trip out of New York.

Cindy wished she hadn't slept. She was groggy and wanted to check her
makeup. After the plane stopped and shut down, she slipped into the
bathroom and splashed herself with cold water and touched up her face.
She sighed looking in the mirror. She was lovely. But she didn't feel
it.

They exited the plane and found Sally and Jean waiting for them. Sally
launched herself at John and caught him around the neck with a giant
hug. John swung her around and kissed her deeply. Cindy feeling very
insecure and more than a touch of jealousy. This quickly evaporated
though, when her eyes met Sally's. She was gorgeous. Cindy felt an
instant wave of desire sweep over her. She could tell from Sally's eyes
that the feeling was mutual.

"So you're the woman whom he was so anxious to get back to last time. I
can see why," Sally said, holding Cindy's eyes.

"And you're the one who sent him back to me in a zombie state... and I
can see why," Cindy said, returning the compliment graciously. She
moved to Sally and hugged her. She hugged back warmly. John moved on to
hug Jean and give her a kiss.

"I see you've been taking good care of our girl," he said.

"I think it's a toss up as to who's been caring for whom," Jean
chuckled.

"Come on, let's get your bags. Jean and I have been having loads of fun
spending your money," Sally said.

"So you were able to find us an apartment?" John asked.

"Right across the hall from us," Sally said, with a devilish look in
her eye.

"Oh, god! We're in trouble now," John chuckled.

"Only if you want to be," Sally said, looking right at Cindy. Cindy
blushed. Sally took her arm and Jean took John's as they moved to the
baggage claim. They retrieved their bags and Jean flagged a cab. She
rode up front. Sally sat between John and Cindy. Her hands each rested
on a leg. The guard helped them carry the bags up to their new
apartment. John was surprised that he remembered him. The guard rolled
his eyes to himself. Wondering a bit at the lovely girl with him.
Keeping his questions to himself.

Sally and Jean had done an excellent job of furnishing the apartment.
Right down to an identical large four posted bed as the one in her own
apartment. Cindy looked up at the canopy and chuckled. Sally showed her
around her own apartment. Cindy seeing all the spots that John had
described so vividly upon his return.... once she got him talking
again. Sally seemed to sense Cindy's mood. She pulled her to her and
kissed her tenderly. Cindy returned the kiss with growing passion.

"I'm glad you feel that way too. I wouldn't want anything between us
that might spoil it for John," Sally said, holding her against her.

"My thoughts exactly. I think we're going to be great friends," Cindy
said, pulling her back into a deeper kiss. John and Jean walked in, his
arm around her waist.

"My, my... she's found another victim," John chuckled.

"Thank god, I can use the rest," Jean chuckled.

"I get the feeling none of us will get much of that," Cindy said, still
in Sally's arms.

"A drink before dinner?" Sally asked, giving Cindy a squeeze and then
disengaging herself.

"Sure, I could use one after the flight." John said. Sally poured him a
scotch rocks... his favorite brand.

"What for you, Cindy?" she asked.

"Some white wine, please," she said. Sally nodded and poured three
glasses of wine. Handing one each to Cindy and Jean. They sat back on
the plush sofa and love seat. Cindy sharing the love seat with Sally.
John retrieved his briefcase.

"If you ladies will kindly look these over and sign... Please hold your
questions for later. I'll explain it all... but not here," John said.
Sally nodded and took the papers. Jean as well. They started reading.
Jean looked up sharply from her reading, but John stopped her question
with a look. Sally read and signed. Jean finished reading and signed
hers, neither understanding the reason for them needing Top Secret
clearances. Once they had signed, John removed and handed each of them
their government ID's. They each examined them curiously. John took out
his laptop and called up a file.

"Now, that done, you may read what is written here. Please do so
without comment," he said, cryptically. The two women crowded around
the lap top and read the file. Each looking more startled the more they
read. Finally they sat back aghast over what they had read.

"So now you know. I trust you understand what you have read?" John
asked. They both nodded. "And without discussing it... here. Are you
two interested in continuing your involvement... in the project?" John
asked. Sally and Jean looked at each other, then at John and Cindy. It
was all so sudden. Sally had thought that her trip to the embassy was a
fun joke, but she never dreamed she would be involved in international
intrigue. She thought about what she had read.. and about John and what
he had done for her. She nodded.

"Yes," she said. Jean looked at her, still aghast. She considered the
ramifications of what she had read. She loved her country too. She
nodded and said, "Yes" as well.

"Great! Do either of you wish to re-read this before I wipe it?" he
asked. Jean raised her hand. John turned the lap top to her. She
carefully reread the whole file. Then John wiped it and *washed* his
drive. Doing a DOD double overwrite. John motioned them to follow him.
They did so silently. They entered his new apartment, which had been
leased just two days before. The bedroom windows were heavily
curtained. He turned on the shower and let it run. Then he turned on
the kitchen sink and added a radio.

"Okay," he said quietly, forcing the girls to listen closely. "Any
questions? Without getting too specific."

"God, I had no idea. You mean I'm still being followed?" Sally asked,
quietly. John nodded. "Well they must have gotten better, because I
haven't noticed anything," she said.

"Why me?" Jean asked, "I mean, what do I have to do with this?"

"You're Sally's lover. If they're watching her, they'll probably be
watching you too," John explained.

"So what do you want us to do?" Sally asked.

"Nothing," he replied.

"Nothing?" Jean asked, suspiciously.

"Nothing. Just go on about your business. That's the whole idea," John
said.

"So why all this rigmarole?" Jean asked.

"Government paranoia for one... but with good reason. This is serious
stuff. It could have a profound affect upon national security," John
said.

"So why tell us anything? Why not just let us go on being ignorant?"
Sally asked.

"That would be unethical," John said. Sally nodded. She understood
John's ethics very well.

"And if we didn't want to be involved?" Jean asked.

"Then the government would re-locate you and get you started elsewhere
under a new name," John said. The ramifications of this seemed to sink
in. That would be a very expensive task. John opened his suitcase and
took out two packages. "Your new laptop. Use it whenever you
communicate with me from now on. Memorize this and destroy it," he
said, handing Sally a card from his wallet containing entry codes for
the laptop.

"And send what? If I understand correctly... what would I need to send
you?" she asked.

"Letters like your last one. All the photos you want like those last
ones. They were *real* popular around the silo. Send me menus from your
favorite new restaurant. Anything... the point is that you will be
sending me stuff... " John said, getting as specific as he dared. Sally
seemed to get it. Her mouth moved into an expression of: "OH!" as she
nodded.

"Speaking of which, can I use your scanner? I need to send copies of
those papers you signed... to somebody," he said. Sally nodded. Jean
still had questions, but Sally said she would explain later, elsewhere.
John handed Sally the other package. She opened it and stopped, her
mouth agape.

"Don't put it in the bank," he said.

"What's it for?" she asked, counting the large stack of bills.

"Whatever. Don't report it, don't put it in the bank and don't get too
flashy," he said.

"Where do I keep it then?" she asked.

"Anywhere you want," he said.

"But what if it gets stolen?" she asked.

"Then it will be replaced. If you put it in the bank, it will just flag
the IRS. That would just cause unneeded questions," he said.

"I still don't understand what it's for?" she said.

"Consider it salary for services... and expenses. Like flying out to
the silo for a weekend to be fitted for a custom wardrobe... which is
also included," John said.

"I get to see the silo?" she exclaimed, loudly. John winced. "Oops!
Sorry," she whispered. John nodded. She continued to count. "Jesus,
John. There's fifty thousand dollars here," she said quietly.

"Twenty five for each of you. Which is little enough for what you're
doing," he said. She looked at the money and considered her life the
past few months. Tears rolled down her cheeks. He pulled her to him and
she sobbed against him. Jean was crying too. Cindy pulled her to her
and kissed her softly.

"How about you two buy us dinner... after I use your scanner?" John
asked, finally. Sally nodded.

"I guess we can swing that on our meager budget," she grinned. John
sent encrypted copies of the girls papers to Howdy's E-mail, while
Cindy and the others changed for dinner. Sally was floored by Cindy's
outfit. A stunning evening gown that fit her like a paint job. Complete
with custom matched knit stockings. The pattern consistent from head to
toe.

"I'll make you one when you come visit us," Cindy chuckled. Sally
donned her best outfit from Mr. Moore's salon. A dress she had picked
up after John had left. She pulled it over her favorite green lingerie.
She was stunning. She felt underdressed compared to Cindy. Jean picked
a nice outfit that did a very good job of showing her ample assets.
John changed into a suit that the girls had tailored for him. He didn't
bother with a coat, even though it was still winter. Cindy only added a
light wrap.

"You two will freeze, dressed like that!" Sally said. John chuckled and
shook his head. Cindy told Sally about the thermal properties of the
material. "Ye gods! You're going to be mega-millionaires," Sally said.

"Not unless this guy gets off his duff and finishes the re-design for
the scanner," Cindy teased. They went out to the nicest restaurant in
town, without a reservation. They didn't need one. The Maitre D' took
one look at their clothing and found them a table immediately. John
slipped him a fifty for his trouble. As he led them to their table a
hush fell over the room.

All eyes followed Cindy's outfit. The other two women weren't exactly
shabby either. John brimmed with pride. As it had with Sheila, Mae and
the girls in San Francisco, conversation started back up as excited
whispers.

The dinner was outstanding. Over food so rich a bite would sustain an
Ethiopian for a week, John and the girls talked about Sally's progress
at work. The manager was thrilled to death with her. She had gotten a
raise already. Jean remained quiet, not considering her profession
worthy of discussion. Cindy was having none of that. She engaged her in
a conversation about club sandwiches, which John loved.

Cindy looked back and forth between Jean and Sally, then whispered
something in John's ear. He nodded and smiled. When he didn't say
anything Cindy whispered another question.

"It's your company. I'm just an engineer," John said aloud. Cindy
looked at him exasperated. Then turned to the others.

"What we were talking about.... and John was referring to... Was our
company that made this outfit. We're going to need an outlet here... In
fact I expect it to be one of our busiest. Gauging from the response
here tonight, I don't doubt it. What I'm getting at, is that we need
someone to run it. Would you two be interested?" Cindy asked.

"God, are you serious?" Sally asked, aghast.

"Very," Cindy replied.

"God, I don't know. I don't have the experience yet," Sally said.

"And I have none at all," Jean added.

"That's not true, Jean. You have good customer service skills that are
hard to find. Sally, you've shown yourself to be a competent
administrator of a fashion house. We have a woman in San Francisco who
could easily teach each of you what you need to know about the rest,"
Cindy said.

"I'm not so sure my customer skills are all that good. John probably
didn't think so the first night I served him," Jean said, dropping her
eyes.

"That's not so. I was very impressed with the fact that you apologized.
That took courage and great strength of character," John said. Jean got
misty eyed.

"So are you interested, or not?" Cindy asked.

"Of course. If you really want us," Sally said.

"Then it's settled. We can't pay you much to start with, but I think
your commissions will grow very quickly. When can you start?" Cindy
asked.

"I'd like to finish what I'm doing where I work now. He's been good to
me. I feel I owe him that," Sally said.

"That's fine. It will take us a while to get up to speed. We haven't
got the machines yet," Cindy said, looking to John.

"As soon as we get back. I think Kevin's working on it right now," John
said.

"Kevin?" Sally asked.

"Theresa's fiancée," Cindy said.

"Theresa's fiancée? I thought she was your girlfriend, John?" Sally
asked, confused.

"She is... a long story. I'll explain later," Cindy chuckled.

"May I make a suggestion?" John asked Sally.

"Of course, anytime," she said, meaning it.

"Not that kind... Well, maybe later. I was going to suggest that you
consider talking to Mr. Moore after you come out for your fittings.
Just wear an outfit like Cindy's in when you see him. I'm sure he'd be
interested in coming in with you. He can probably fill you in on the
fashion business as well as Mae could. Mae's the woman in San
Francisco," John said.

"That's a good idea. Yes, he certainly understands making a customer
happy," Sally said.

"Who's this Mr. Moore?" Cindy asked.

"He runs the salon that made this dress. He was falling all over
himself to make us happy... 'cause John walked out on bad service
earlier," Sally said.

"If you got bad service, why consider him at all?" Cindy asked.

"We didn't get bad service when we went in. In fact I don't ever recall
getting that good of service anywhere else. He had a bad employee that
gave bad service to John when he first went in. John walked out on it,
but not before he notified Mr. Moore of why. I think he let that person
go," Sally explained.

"She was cleaning out her desk when I passed by later that day," John
added.

"Well, you can hire whomever you feel comfortable with, as you need
them. But we're going to need very trustworthy people. The more
ethical, the better," Cindy said.

"I think I understand John's penchant for ethics fairly well," Sally
giggled.

"That must be why we love him so," Cindy said, kissing his cheek.

"One of the reasons," Sally said, distantly. Recalling his first visit.

"Could I offer you folks some desert?" the Maitre D' inquired.

"Yes, I'd like a slice of cheese cake and French roast coffee, with
Frangelico," John ordered.

"Certainly, an excellent choice, Sir. And you ladies?" he inquired.

"Ooh, that sounds good. I'll have the same," Cindy said.

"Me too," Jean said.

"Make it unanimous," Sally said. The Maitre D' eyed Sally and Cindy,
pondering their ages. He shrugged. They'd had wine with dinner. Their
outfits certainly presented them as something other than the vice
squad. Besides, the hot coffee would soon evaporate what little alcohol
the drinks contained. He excused himself and went to see to their
order. The coffee was almost as rich and decadent as the cheese cake,
which was outstanding. John had a second cup as they sat back relaxing.
The Maitre D' brought him the tab. Sally snatched it up.

"My treat, remember?" she said. Then fighting the shock of how much a
gourmet meal for four cost in New York City, she laid three hundred
dollars on the tray. John glanced at the total and added another fifty.
"That's almost a hundred dollar tip!" Sally said.

"And well worth it for the service we've received. Besides.. that's
show for our friends sitting over in the corner... don't look," John
said, his hand over his mouth. The Maitre D' returned and smiled over
the amount laying on the tray. "Could we get a receipt, please?" John
asked.

"Certainly Sir, including gratuity?" he asked.

"Yes, please. If it's not too much bother," John said.

"No problem. I'll be right back," he said.

"Appearances?" Jean asked as a single word, her back to the corner
table. John nodded. The Maitre D' returned with his receipt. Sally put
it in her clutch purse (as she had paid). Then they all stood to leave.
Once again the restaurant fell quiet. John stretched his arms out and
with two women on one and one on the other they walked out. The corner
table frantically flagging for their check.

John made it easy on them as they enjoyed the brisk night air while
they waited for the door man to flag a taxi. He kissed Sally deeply to
thank her for the meal. Then the other girls in turn. The doorman
eyeing him enviously. They all climbed into the back when a taxi pulled
over. It didn't seem crowded. They returned to their apartment
building. John guiding them into his new apartment. Figuring he would
enjoy the relative privacy while it lasted. Two days were *probably*
not enough time for agents to have bugged it. At least in the guarded
building.

Sally put on a pot of coffee in his kitchen. Cindy solved his mild
dilemma when she pulled Jean into her lap and shared a deep kiss. John
pulled Sally onto his. They shared a passionate kiss.

"God, I've missed you," she said, hoarsely.

"I've missed you too," he said.

"Not too much, from what you've written me of your exploits," Sally
giggled.

"Nor you either, from what you've written of yours," he chuckled back.

"It wasn't a dream, was it?" Sally asked out of the blue.

"No dear, we all shared it," John answered softly.

"Jean probably thought I was crazy," Sally said.

"I didn't care. Not with how hot you woke up," Jean giggled from the
other sofa. Cindy's hands roaming softly under her blouse.

Sally melted into another kiss and then said, "Okay, lover. It's my
turn to entertain you. What would you like?"

"Hmm... good question. I think what I would like, is to get better
aquatinted with Jean while you and Cindy put on a show for us," he
said.

"Seriously?" Cindy asked. John gave her *that* look. She nodded. "He's
serious. I'm gonna enjoy this," Cindy giggled.

"Me too," Sally said, kissing him again and then slipping off his lap.
Jean cleaned Cindy's tonsils before she slid off her lap and moved over
to John's. Sally extended her hand and Cindy took it. Moving into her
arms. Jean and John exchanged tongues and then she lay back against him
as they turned to watch the two stunning women begin to unwrap one
another. Touching and kissing often as they worked. Cindy inched
Sally's dress up as her hands moved under it to cup her ass cheeks.
Their tongues played a duet between their soft lips. Cindy revealed
Sally's green lingerie.

John groaned a bit and Jean felt his response beneath her skirt. Then
she felt John's fingers sliding between her legs and playing softly
over her pubic area. Jean was unaccustomed to such gentleness from a
man. She found herself trembling under his touch. With Cindy's
assistance on fasteners, Sally began to remove her stunning dress. At
first this became confusing, as the pattern below was virtually
identical to the one above it. But not quite. Sally realized the
difference when she had the dress halfway off. The difference in
coloration, was Cindy's skin.

Unlike normal underclothing which may have a panel sewn in to cover
certain areas, this outfit changed in density from a fine gossamer net
to full opacity. The result was stunning and hid absolutely nothing. It
was, without question the sexiest garment Sally had ever seen. She
quickly peeled off the rest of the dress, revealing just how far this
treatment continued. The tops of the net stockings blended smoothly
into the body suit, yet weren't connected. The effect was so pleasing,
Sally was reluctant to remove them. Her desire to see more of Cindy's
soft skin won over and she slowly removed the stockings. Caressing her
way back up the girl's smooth legs.

The two of them stood back and considered each other. Their eyes met
and something changed between them. Perhaps it was the fact that both
realized that John was attracted to the other one as well. Both had
played a dominant role in his life within the last six months. Whatever
the reason, when their lips met once more it was for real. Their desire
grew like gasoline poured on a campfire. It flared up and they were
suddenly almost tearing each others clothes off. In moments they were
nude before each other.

Cindy backed Sally onto the sofa, her lips locked to hers. Then she
began to kiss downwards. John and Jean forgotten for the moment. The
two of them slaves to their desires. The effect of their passion was
not lost on either John or Jean. John lifted Jean's skirt and pulled
her panties down. She moved facing him as she fumbled for his zipper.
When his manhood sprang out, she moved her hips over his and impaled
herself upon him. Then they were fumbling with buttons and fasteners as
they fought to remove their clothes while they moved their hips in
counterpoint harmony.

Before Cindy reached her hips, Sally was already trying to drag Cindy's
over her head. Almost simultaneously they dipped their tongues into
each others nectar. The first taste had the same effect as giving
Belgium chocolate to a child who has never tasted candy. Tongues delved
deep as they abandon themselves to each other. Each tried to outperform
the other at pleasing the other. Their bodies locked together in a
writhing mass of passion.

John fondled Jean's breasts as she rocked wildly upon his hips. All
that remained of their clothing was Jean's skirt, pulled up around her
waist, and John's trousers, down around his ankles. He did his best to
kick them off. Both of their eyes drifted again and again to the wild
scene of passion on the other sofa. Their own state of excitement
locked in sync with the girls. When Cindy and Sally's bodies began to
convulse, four cries of passion were heard in the room. Jean felt
John's seed spurt up inside her and this triggered a second wave of
orgasm for her. Which triggered another wave across the room.

John gently caressed Jean's back and sides as she lay panting atop him.
Her large firm breasts crushed against his chest. Cindy and Sally were
apparently just getting started. Again they cried out in orgasm as
their bodies shuddered, and still they kept going. Each orgasm building
upon the foundation of the last. Cindy began to pump Sally up as John
had taught her. Sally, not choosing to be one-upped by her, matched her
lick for lick.

John removed Jean's skirt and cradled her in his arms as they watched
the show progressing across the room. Their mouths agape in amazement
as the girls brought each other to one wracking orgasm after another.
John began to respond once more. Jean looked at him in despair as she
was already exhausted from their own bought of passion. He smiled at
her and eased her off his lap onto the sofa. Kissing her passionately
to let her know it was alright.

John moved over behind Cindy. Sally's head beneath her shapely hips.
John positioned himself at the portal of Cindy's love canal and pushed
inwards. Cindy virtually exploded. Her body was gripped by a massive
contraction which matched ferocity of a charley horse. Her lungs
emptied themselves in an animalistic scream that was sure to summon 911
assistance had anybody heard it. Somehow throughout she maintained her
attentions upon Sally, whom now wasn't far behind her. John pulled out
of Cindy and shifted around to the other end of the sofa. He lifted
Cindy into his arms as he moved to enter Sally. The effect was the same
as her muffled cry issued from between Cindy's quivering thighs. It was
too much for John and he again loosed his seed, this time into Sally's
warm tight dampness. His own cry seemingly docile compared to the
girls. He fell back onto the sofa and Cindy fell forward, inert atop
Sally.

The sight of all the passion before her spurned Jean to find her second
wind. She moved across the room and over John's hips. Kissing and
caressing him wildly. He lifted his head and grinned at her. He closed
his eyes for a second and to Jean's great pleasure and surprise he grew
rapidly beneath her hips. Slipping back into her like he had never
left. She began to buck about in wild abandon. His hands upon her
breasts or cupping her firm ass. Jean's hands roamed over his body and
over the inert couple beside them. Again her and John rocked their way
into a wild orgasm. This time they shared it eye to eye. Jean's body
shook wildly upon him as he again planted his seed within her. Then
they were still except for their gasping breath.

Recovery was slow. John rolled Jean gently off next to the gorgeous
couple glistening with perspiration. John extracted himself and made
his way to the kitchen. He found a selection of mugs and doctored
coffee to the best of his memory. Then he found a tray and made his way
back to the living room. Sally was just beginning to stir. He handed
her a cup of coffee. She looked at him and a smile spread across her
face... changing to exasperation.

"How the hell can you do that?" she managed to gasp.

"Do what?" he asked.

"Leave three women unconscious while you have the energy to get
coffee," she giggled.

"Oh.. well two of the women mostly did it to themselves," he replied.

"Uh... " Cindy said.

"What was that?" Sally asked.

"Uh..." Cindy repeated.

"Don't worry, you didn't break her, she gets that way. She'll recover
eventually," John chuckled.

"Uh..." Cindy answered in agreement. John gently lifted her head and
held a cup of coffee for her to sip from. She managed several sips and
smiled contentedly, laying her head back between Sally's shapely
thighs. Sally managed to take a large sip of coffee. Then she set the
cup aside and took a long swipe between Cindy's legs. Cindy suddenly
went: "UH!..." and managed to move her hips off of Sally. Sally sat up
in smugness over her success. She retrieved her coffee cup.

Jean began to stir and John took a sip of her coffee and then gave her
a hot tender kiss. She opened her eyes and he handed her the cup. She
pulled him back into a kiss and thanked him properly.

"Did I imagine it, or did you just achieve four rock hard erections in
forty-five minutes?" Sally asked.

"A little trick the triplets showed me during that dream," John
replied.

"You can do it again?" Sally asked, incredulously.

"Whenever you're ready," John replied.

"Oh, god. I'm a dead woman!" Sally moaned.

"Uh...." said Cindy. Sally put her coffee down and pulled Cindy onto
her lap. Cradling her like a child and kissing her softly on the lips.

"Quite a woman you have here," she said, affectionately moving a moist
curl from her forehead.

"Somehow I figured you two would either kill each other outright or
kill each other with passion. Glad to see it was the latter," John
chuckled.

"Uh..." said Cindy, managing to lift her head to find Sally's soft
lips. She collapsed back and Sally continued her soft caresses. Smiling
fondly at her as she cradled her gently in her arms. Cindy snuggled to
her large firm breasts, smiling contentedly herself. John sat back on
the floor with his back against the sofa, sipping his coffee as he
waited for the girls to recover. Sally ran her fingers playfully
through his hair.

"I thought that maybe I had imagined the whole thing... That you were
really a dream I had made up and I was still asleep behind a dumpster
somewhere," she said softly, love in her voice. Cindy lifted her head
again and kissed Sally softly. Then she reached for her own cup of
coffee. Reluctant to leave Sally's loving arms, but sliding down next
to John and laying her head against his shoulder. Sally slid down next
to his other side.

Cindy sipped at her coffee a bit. Then paraphrasing Sally said, "Quite
a woman you have here, John."

"Glad to see that cute mouth of yours is working again," he said,
turning to her. Their lips met in a sensual kiss.

"God, I was in the middle of this incredible love session with a
gorgeous red head when somebody suddenly drove a freight train into
me," Cindy chuckled.

"That waren't no train, that war I," John teased.

"Well it *felt* like a freight train," she said, soberly.

"If I recall the term you wrote me the triplets were so fond of:
*Ditto*!" Sally said.

"That makes it unanimous," Jean's voice sounded from above them.

"What you doing up there all by your lonesome? Come on down," Cindy
invited. Jean slid down beside her and they shared a sensual kiss,
warmed by Jean's last sip of coffee. "I knew you were *hot,* the moment
I saw your photo," Cindy chuckled.

"You should talk. What have you two been doing to my woman? I haven't
seen her that dazed since John left the last time," Jean teased.

"The hell you haven't. You've put me there enough times yourself,"
Sally retorted.

"Not like that I haven't," Jean said, more softly.

"Just out of curiosity, what are we all doing on the floor?" John
asked.

"Gravity works," Cindy chuckled. Nobody could argue with her theory.

"Just how serious were you about hiring us two?" Jean asked.

"Oh.. let me see... only completely," Cindy chuckled.

"I'm serious," Jean said.

"So am I," Cindy replied.

"You really want to hire both of us, not just Sally?" Jean asked.

Cindy turned to Sally, "Does she do this often? Fail to comprehend
words spoken in her own language?"

"Seems like just moments ago, you couldn't even form words," John
teased.

"No, Jean is normally quite cognizant about such things," Sally
replied, seriously.

"But what would I do? I know nothing about the fashion business," Jean
said.

"I don't know a whole lot about it myself. But what do you do now?"
Cindy asked.

"I'm a waitress. I mostly serve coffee to people I don't like and try
to smile at them so I'll get a tip," Jean said.

"Hmm... let's see. Well, you'd probably have to serve coffee to
stunning nude women and try to smile at them. Make them feel more
comfortable. So I can see how that would be quite a departure from your
present job," Cindy chuckled.

"So you need a server?" Jean asked.

"No, I need a customer relations expert. If you can smile at people who
you don't like for a dollar tip, then you can certainly smile at
stunning nude women who are buying seven thousand dollars worth of
merchandise," Cindy said.

"There's got to be more to it than that," Jean said.

"Not much," John said. "That place I took Sally to buy her clothes -Mr.
Moore's salon- the thing that impressed me most about the service, was
how well I was treated. I was served a refreshment and kept company;
that's all. That and being met with a smile and treated with courtesy."

"That does mean a lot. I've been in places, since you left, that won't
give me the time of day because my credit card isn't platinum. After
seeing the effect John had, I always walk out on bad service, but not
without telling them why. The places that don't care, I never go back
to. Those that do I always get excellent service after that," Sally
said.

"The catch is; that you can't touch the stunning nude women," Cindy
giggled.

"Could be trouble there," Sally laughed.

"Oh, I don't know. She's hardly touched me in the past five minutes,"
Cindy said.

"And you certainly qualify as a stunning nude woman," Sally said
softly.

"Ditto!" Cindy giggled.

"Thank you. So how long do we have you two?" Sally asked.

"Oh, I thought we'd spend the weekend at least," John said.

"So four more days, at least. Good. 'Cause I've got an early
appointment I couldn't cancel when you called me to tell me you were
coming *this afternoon*," Sally said.

"You knew we would be coming four days before that. But I think we're
all ready to turn in." John said.

"I'm not sure I dare stay with you two. It's an important client,"
Sally chuckled.

"I think we're all pretty much loved out for tonight," John said.

"Please stay?" Cindy asked, "I'd like to snuggle to this darling here
all night. And I'm sure you feel the same about John," she said, her
fingers drifting over Jean's firm thigh.

"Well twist my arm... Thank you. I'd love to stay," Sally said.

"We'd love to stay," Jean corrected, meeting Cindy's green eyes. .

"Then I suggest you retrieve whatever you need for the morning. Unless
you like dashing nude across the hallway," John said.

"Back in a flash," Sally said, hefting her lithe body onto it's feet.
She bent and offered a hand to a grateful Jean.

"Hey you, you're a nice man," Cindy said, snuggling to him after they
left.

"Thank you. You're a nice lady," he said, lifting her chin and kissing
her softly.

"I'm no longer jealous of you and Sally. I'm only envious that I wasn't
here with you last time," she said.

"She seems quite taken with you, too," John said.

"I don't know why. As stunning as she is," Cindy said.

"Perhaps because you are that stunning yourself," John said.

"Am I? I never thought so," she said.

"You are. I don't think you realize just how much you've grown up... in
all the *right* places," John said.

"Well, the only times I've ever felt even close to that, is when I've
been with you. Like tonight in the restaurant," Cindy said.

"Well, believe me, you are. That outfit might fit you perfectly, but it
wasn't the outfit that was turning heads. It was the woman inside it.
Put that same outfit on 99% of the women in the world and it wouldn't
turn head one," John said.

"So you put me in the top one percent?" she asked, beaming at him.

"No, I put you on top. *Period*," he said.

"Not for a week yet.... " she said, tangentially. "Like I said, you're
a nice man." Sally pulled her lover into her arms and kissed her
deeply.

"Thank you for giving me the freedom to do that," she said. Jean looked
at her and rolled her eyes.

"Darling, I haven't enjoyed a man that much in more years than I
remember... come to think if it, I've never enjoyed a man *that* much.
Let alone *twice* in a few minutes," she chuckled.

"He is something else. Isn't he?" Sally said, dreamily.

"I noticed you were quite taken with her too," Jean said.

"Jealous?" Sally asked.

"Only that you got her first. You make your appointment tomorrow, I'm
calling in," Jean chuckled.

"You? Miss *never miss a day*?" Sally asked in amazement.

"Darling, for those two, I'd miss a year or two," Jean said, collecting
her toothbrush.

"We better get a move on," Sally said. They each put on robes and
collected outfits for the morning. Sally picked up something else. They
had run across the hall nude anyway. Now they were at least covered as
they returned. Lucky as the guard was coming by on his rounds. Sally
smiled at him and they slipped into John's apartment. Obviously
equipped for the night.

"And he wonders that I remembered him?" the guard said to himself,
shaking his head.

"I brought my clock radio, I forgot to get you one," Sally said.

"We're not likely to hear it. We're still on Mountain-Pacific time
zone," John said.

"Which one? Mountain or Pacific?" Jean asked.

"Officially, Pacific. But close enough to Mountain a sundial would be
wrong," John said.

"Well, I'll hear it. Jean is going to keep you company tomorrow, so she
can sleep in with you," Sally said.

"Ooh. That sound's nice," Cindy said.

"What did the manager say when you rented this place?" John asked.

"Not much. He wanted references so I gave him myself. A year's rent in
advance went a long way towards placating him," Sally chuckled.

"How did you happen to get one on the same floor?" Cindy asked.

"Just lucky. The guy who used to live here, got a job in Cincinnati and
moved out just a week ago," Sally said. John slipped off to the
bathroom. The girls adjourned to the bedroom. Cindy again looking up at
the canopy and then at Sally. Sally blushed. Cindy grinned as she
turned down the huge bed.

John returned after securing the door and the girls slipped out one at
a time. John climbed into the large bed and found a comfortable spot
near the middle. Sally returned and after setting the alarm, moved to
his side. Reveling in the feel of her first lover after their long
separation. Cindy crawled in on his other side and Jean joined her
after killing the lights. After sharing long goodnight kisses, they
snuggled to their respective partners. Gently caressing each other to
sleep.

The alarm came too soon for Sally. She reached out to the night stand
and turned it off. The bed felt like hers, but the body felt different.
With a thrill of joy she realized it was John. Jean was on the other
side of the bed snuggled to Cindy's lithe body. Sally snuggled to John
for as long as she dared. Then kissed him on the forehead and
reluctantly slipped out. A half hour later she was almost ready when
Jean slipped into the bathroom.

"Just wanted to wish you good morning," she said, pulling Sally to her
and hugging her. Sally went to kiss her but Jean was reluctant.

"Do I have time to brush?" she asked.

"No, but it's not unpleasant," Sally said, moving to kiss her.

"You have a good day." Jean said, softly squeezing her buns.

"Thanks, I know *you* will," Sally chuckled, doing her own squeezing
before they parted. Jean brushed her teeth and then slipped out to use
the phone. Sally hadn't been able to get John's phone turned on at such
short notice. Jean called her boss at the diner.

"Something's come up and I won't be in today," she told him.

"If I can't count on you, maybe I'd better get someone else," he said.
Jean unsuccessfully tried to control her temper.

"Ernie, I haven't missed a day in over two years, and you know it. If
that's what you think of me after all this time, you just go right
ahead and find someone else. Bye." Jean no longer cared about the
diner. She had a future. Even so she was too upset to go back to sleep.
An hour or so later Cindy found her sitting in the kitchen drinking
coffee.

"Hey, I expected to find you in my arms when I woke up," Cindy teased,
wrapping her arms around her.

"Sorry," Jean answered.

"What's wrong?" Cindy asked, sensing Jean's state.

"Oh, nothing," Jean said, unsuccessfully. Cindy poured herself a cup of
coffee and sat down by her.

"Now, don't feed me that crap. I'm smarter than that. Take a sip of
coffee and tell me all about it," Cindy said. Jean looked at her and
tears came to her eyes. Cindy hugged her to her and let her sob. "Okay,
now what's wrong?" Cindy asked.

"This morning I called in to work. The boss said if he couldn't count
on me that he would have to replace me. I haven't missed a day of work
in two years..... so I quit," she sobbed, her tears running down.

"Is that bad?" Cindy asked. Jean sighed.

"No, I guess not. I'm just upset because I've been with him for five
years. I don't think I've missed more than three days in that time. And
the asshole wouldn't let me have a day off!" Jean said, now in control
of herself.

"How much did you make there?" Cindy asked.

"Oh... about twenty-eight thousand a year with tips," she said.

"Gross?" Cindy asked.

"Yeah," Jean said.

"So you've nothing to worry about. You've got a year's salary in cash,"
Cindy said.

"I had that anyway. In savings," Jean said.

"Then what's the problem?" Cindy asked.

"No problem, for now. I'm just depressed about my boss," Jean said.

"Well, if he's really that way, then it doesn't sound like a big loss,"
Cindy said. "Besides, if you'll remember, I said I wanted to hire you
last night."

"I didn't think you were ready yet," Jean said.

"We're not. But we will be within a few months. We're shooting for
fashion week here," Cindy explained.

"God, that's in April. Last week, I think," Jean said.

"Earlier, I think. First or Second. Sheila knows for certain. But soon,
anyway," Cindy said.

"Will you be able to meet that schedule?" Jean asked.

"Depends on the re-design and how fast we can find suppliers for
components," Cindy said.

"You won't be needing me anyway, till you're up to steam," Jean said.

"Not so, we have enough to do we could almost use you now, but at the
silo. Anyway, we'd want you in from the beginning. And just for your
information, once we start up, your salary would be fifty thousand a
year to start," Cindy said, gauging the other woman's reaction.

"Fifty thousand!? For what?" Jean asked.

"For making us a hundred thousand profit. With raises tied to increases
over that figure," Cindy said.

"What if we can't sell that many?" Jean asked.

"I think you'll sell that many in the first month. But that figure
represents only one outfit sold every ten days. Minus yours and Sally's
salaries and store overhead, which we figure at a minimum of a hundred
thousand a year," Cindy said.

"How can you charge so much for an outfit?" Jean asked.

"Jean, you saw the reaction to my outfit when we walked into that
restaurant last night. There were at least a dozen women there who
would gladly have paid much more than that just to get that reaction
once in their life," Cindy said.

"I think your body had a whole lot to do with that," Jean said,
glancing at Cindy's breast, just peeking out from her robe.

"That's what John said, but I don't believe it. Sally's body is much
better than mine and yours is gorgeous. Have you two ever gotten that
kind of reaction before?" Cindy asked, not unaware of Jean's gaze.

"No... but we don't often go to that sort of place, either," Jean said.

"I know that, or your bodies wouldn't be so perfect," Cindy chuckled.

"I wouldn't call mine perfect," Jean said.

"I would," Cindy said, seductively.

"My legs are too big and so is my butt," Jean said.

"You're legs are *muscular*, from running all the time at work. You're
butt is just fine. If you mean you don't look like an emaciated fashion
model, you're right. I think you look much better. You have a trim
waist and medium large, very firm breasts. Your body is in proportion
to your height. You seem healthy and very sexy. And if you make me try
any harder to seduce you, I'm gonna give up," Cindy said. Jean looked
at her and smiled.

"Thanks for cheering me up," she said.

"Now how about cheering me up?" Cindy giggled, pulling her into a deep
kiss. Jean's hands slipped into her robe and caressed the objects of
her observation for the past half hour. Cindy guided her to the sofa
and they made tender love for an hour. Then Cindy tugged her into the
bedroom. John was just stirring. After a pit stop, they all made love
for another two hours. By which point, Jean was no longer depressed. In
fact she wasn't feeling much of anything except numb.

The triplets were taking John's absence fairly well... they all ganged
up on Kevin. This lasted until Sheila put a stop to it.

"Girls, loving is good. Unless it interferes with our making all our
lives even better. Kevin needs to work on the redesign and he can't do
it while he's a dweebed out zombie. So give him a break, huh?" she told
them. To keep them busy, Sheila had them moving the library. She
figured that maybe physical exhaustion would throttle back their
unlimited desires. They didn't seem to notice.

Sally got off work early and told the manager she was going to take a
few days break. He didn't seem to mind as she was well ahead of her
already optimistic schedule. She entered John's apartment to find Jean
reclined on the sofa in a dazed condition. A silly, sardonic smile
locked on her face. Cindy was cooking a late lunch. John was working on
his laptop.

"What have you done to this poor woman?" Sally chuckled.

"Just a little love and affection," John said, pulling her down into a
kiss.

"I'm working on nourishment for her now," Cindy chuckled.

"I don't know if she's got the strength to chew it," Sally said,
looking at Jean's glazed eyes.

"She'll be fine. I'm getting quite familiar with these symptoms," John
said.

"I'll just bet you are," Sally chuckled.

"Soup and sandwich?" Cindy asked.

"I don't know... I'm not really hungry," Sally said.

"Better take on nourishment while you can, 'cause you're next," Cindy
demurred.

"Oh, god.... Yes, I think I will have some," she said.

"I'd better feed her some more coffee, she hasn't moved for several
hours," Cindy said, looking thoughtfully at Jean.

"I'll do that while you finish lunch," Sally offered.

"Only if you kiss me first," Cindy said, holding back the mug.

"Anytime," Sally said, moving to her. Cindy set the mug down and they
embraced. Their lips met in a long sensual kiss. Sally detected the
faint aroma of her incapacitated lover. Cindy's fingers traced the
outline of Sally's shapely buns and then cupped them as they kissed.
She finally broke it off when Sally's pulse was a good twenty points
higher. Sally's knee's felt weak and her face was flushed. Her breath a
little heavy in her lovely chest. Sally managed to grasp the mug and
stager slightly towards the sofa. Cindy looked after her, admiring her
flip side.

"Definitely cute!" she murmured to herself.

John looked up from his laptop, "Did you say something, dear?"

"No, love. Just admiring Sally's ass," Cindy said.

"Oh," John said and dropped his head again in concentration. Cindy
looked at him lovingly. Thinking about the brief conversation they had
just had. Another man might have gone ballistic over her comment. John
accepted it as a natural part of their relationship. Cindy moved to him
and lightly kissed him on the forehead.

"What was that for?" he asked, surprised.

"Just for being so adorable," Cindy said.

"Oh," he said, but he circled her small waist with his arm and softly
kissed just inside her hip bone. She was wearing an outfit with a bare
midriff. Cindy felt a quivery feeling inside and giggled as she pulled
away from him. They had made love plenty of times during the day, but
he could still affect her so.

"Coffee?" Sally asked Jean. Jean slowly turned her head in Sally's
direction and then looked at her, moving only her eyes.

"Police," she murmured.

"You want me to get the police?" Sally asked, alarmed. Jean jerked her
head to one side, then had to force herself to jerk it back. Sally took
this as a negative.

"Pull-ease," she managed, carefully.

"I'd better help you. You look like you had a rough day," Sally said.

"Swas mos wunful daay o my lif," Jean enunciated slowly, grinning
widely. Sally set the coffee on the end table and then lifted Jean into
a sitting position and sat down where she had been. Then she gently lay
her head back onto her lap. She reached the mug and then supporting
Jean's head, eased the cup to her lips and let her take a sip. Jean
took several and smiled.

"Mmmm... Sankoo. Thas good..." Jean said.

"I think you broke her," Sally said.

"Nope! I personally inspected every bone in her body with my tongue,"
Cindy said seriously.

"Thas two, see did. He hulpped," Jean nodded. Sally considered her
friend. She herself had put her into a dazed state before, but this was
a major magnitude beyond that. And from indications, the effects were
several hours old, she thought, shivering a bit. She considered John
and Cindy, seemingly unaffected, the shiver got worse.

"When I said Jean was going to hang out with you, I thought you would
see the sights or something," Sally said.

"I thought the sights were pretty impressive, myself," Cindy said,
grinning. John nodded, scrunching his chin up like Wilford Brimely.
Sally continued to feed sips of coffee to Jean. She felt like Florence
Nightingale, nursing an invalid back to health. Cindy ladled out four
cups of soup and sliced the sandwiches, distributing them around four
plates. She added soup spoons to them all and carried two to the end
table by Sally.

"Thanks, love," Sally said, stealing a kiss. Cindy held it longer than
Sally intended, sliding her tongue between her lips. Sally certainly
didn't object. Jean gazed up at the view and smiled blissfully.

"You be karfull, thasa danguris whupon," she managed. Cindy bent and
kissed her tenderly.

"You did plenty of damage yourself," she said.

"Yoo kin mmoove," Jean said.

"Only because I've had *advanced* training in marathon sex. You ought
to see what *eight* talented tongues in rotation can do to you. But
John by himself has put two of us at a time in much the same condition
you're in," Cindy said. Jean shivered and snuggled against Sally's
breasts.

"Well yoo partect me?" Jean asked, Sally.

"I'm not sure who's going to protect me! I'm well familiar with what
John's capable of when he puts his mind to it," Sally said, looking
after Cindy's retreating backside.

"You and Jean helped me put each other in that state," John said,
looking up.

"You put a gorgeous, lively woman like that in bed with me and expect
me to remain passive?" Cindy asked, carrying two plates to the table
for them. John closed his lap top and pushed it aside.

"No, I was just pointing out that I didn't do it all by myself," John
said, stealing a kiss as Cindy tried to sit down. Instead she sat on
his lap and spooned some soup into his mouth. Sally did the same for
Jean, using the spoon to catch some dribbling down her chin. Jean
giggled and managed to sit up. She managed to grasp a coffee mug and
move it wobbling to her lips. She sat sipping her coffee thoughtfully.
Little further was said as they took on nourishment.

"So what shall we do now?" John asked, sipping at his second cup of
coffee.

"I don't know if I'm in any condition to do anything," Jean said,
several cups of coffee and lunch now fortifying her.

"See, we didn't break her, she's recovering quite nicely," Cindy
chuckled.

"I don't know how, Jesus, I've never felt like that in my whole life,"
Jean said. Sally kissed her tenderly and then moved to the table with
John and Cindy.

"Why don't you tell us more about this fashion thing of yours. All I
know is that it involves some kind of machine that John's built and
makes clothes that fit like you were born with them," Sally said.

"That pretty well covers it, dear heart," Cindy chuckled.

"But how does it work?" Sally asked.

"Oh... Well, the scanner takes measurements of your body. Lots of them,
over a hundred thousand in fact, instead of the six or eight a tailor
would take. Then a second machine sprays foam onto a frame one layer at
a time, like an onion, building up until it exactly duplicates the
measurements the scanner took. This gives you an exact duplicate of the
person you scanned. Okay, then you design an outfit. Using the image of
the body on the computer screen, only in three dimensions. The computer
uses the measurements it took and uses them as a baseline. Mapping the
outfit you design on top of them.

"A thin layer of oiled tissue is placed on the mold, to keep things
from sticking to the mold. Then the same machine that made the mold,
spins synthetic threads over it, adding color to the thread as it
moves, laying each thread next to the last one. When the pattern is
crisscrossed, the thread coming out is still wet and bonds to the
threads under it.

"I've got it now where it can coat and color a cotton thread from a
spool and lay it just like a synthetic thread. The outfit is built up
one thread at a time. The machine follows the baseline exactly as it
moves. Laying the threads atop the mold. The result is an outfit that
fits exactly, because it is based upon actual measurements of the body
at any given point," John said, finishing his lecture. Sally sat opened
mouth. She looked to Cindy, bewildered.

"It measures you, makes a mannequin copy and spins clothes over it,"
Cindy said, smirking. Sally nodded.

"So what's the mannequin for, why not just spin them right on the
person if you have their measurements?" she asked.

"The mannequin serves two purposes. One, it supports the threads while
they set up. The other is that it holds still. A person could never
hold still long enough to spin an outfit over them," John said.

"Oh," Sally nodded.

"So how close are you to completing your programming at work?" John
asked Sally.

"Real close, actually. I've got the people there where they can enter
their own data as they work, finally got it through to them that they
have to enter real numbers if they want real answers to where they are
at. The accounting part was simple, I just used off the shelf stuff for
that. The hard part was finding a package that would allow me to port
data into it. After that I just programmed some batch files that took
inventory and sales data and ported it into the accounting package once
a day. Then I wrote some report programs that included search engines
in them to find and compile the data into meaningful reports. I'm just
wrapping up loose ends and working on porting the data real time rather
than daily," Sally said. Cindy sat opened mouthed, she looked to John,
bewildered.

"She integrated programs for Inventory, Sales and Accounting then made
it so the manager could see at a glance where his business is at," John
explained. Cindy nodded, chagrined. "So when can you get free for a
week?" John asked.

"Oh, probably week after next. I'm really almost done, I've just been
throttling back a bit just so that it would look like I was doing
something still. I could easily wrap it up in a week's honest
programming," Sally said.

"Take two. Give your notice when you go back and use the second week to
train everyone on the system. Then you can get started with us," John
said.

"God, you mean you really want us? That fast?" Sally asked.

"Yup! If I wasn't convinced before, I am now," Cindy said.

"God, I thought you were just being nice to us... I never dreamed that
you were serious," Sally said.

"Dear heart, she's so cute. Can I keep her?" Cindy said, giggling.

"Why not, I've only got seven women in my life now. What difference
could two more possibly make?" John said. Cindy kissed him hard and
then stood up and turned to Sally.

"Look out! That's the look she got just before she started on me!" Jean
warned, joining them at the table. It was too late. Sally had already
fallen into the depths of Cindy's green eyes as she approached her.
Cindy bent and kissed her as softly as she'd ever been kissed. Sally's
heart quickened beneath her lovely breasts. Cindy sank slowly to her
knee's and slid her hands under Sally's skirt. She found the waist of
her panties and pulled them down. Then she peeked under the skirt and
lifted it as her lips descended.

Sally closed her eyes and moaned softly, her head leaned back in
abandon to Cindy's talented tongue. Jean moved onto John's lap. He
kissed her tenderly as his hands slid up under her own short skirt. She
wore no panties. Mostly John and Jean just tenderly stroked each other.
Mainly they watched Cindy's attack upon Sally. After Sally lifted her
hips in her third orgasm, Cindy pulled her to her feet and tugged her
towards the bedroom. Bidding John and Jean to join them. She undressed
Sally completely and lay her back on the bed. Then stripped off her own
scant outfit. John and Jean disrobed and crawled onto the bed.

"Dear heart. Could I watch you make tender love to this woman? You
know, like you and I do?" Cindy asked John, softly. John looked at her.
She was quite serious. He nodded and pulled Cindy into a deep kiss,
sharing Sally's rich womanly nectar on her tongue. Cindy moved back as
John tenderly pulled Sally to him. He touched her using only his
fingertips, exciting her body slowly. Kissing her gently on the corner
of the mouth and down her neck.

Jean and Cindy moved to John's member and took turns softly licking it
and sucking it into their mouths. John didn't need to use the trick the
triplets had given him with two warm tongues dueling around his member.
It grew steadily on it's own. Sally had thought that John was tender
before, when she had first bedded him. Now he was ever more so. Her
passion climbed like she had never known it. Jean moved between Sally's
legs and further prepared her as John's lips and tongue excited every
nerve in her body. Then Cindy guided him into her. Sally felt herself
stretched to the limit as he seated against her cervix.

John guided Sally on top of him and they moved ever so slowly as Sally
felt lips kissing down her spine and along her sides. Fingers caressed
her body softly, touching here, and there and there. Tongues lapping at
her nipples as John softly caressed her firm breasts. Their eyes locked
together as they slowly rocked themselves towards a deep orgasm. When
Sally cried out, it was just a prelude to the depth of feeling that
enveloped her over the next several hours.

The girls alternating positions and tasks as John slowly rocked away
beneath each of them. Finally they slept. Each blissfully happy and
spent.

Sheila lay panting. She had volunteered to sacrifice herself to the
triplets so Theresa and Kevin could have a night alone. She had done
her task admirably. The three of them now lay blissfully sleeping,
entwined together in various positions. She slipped out of bed and made
her way wobbly to the bathroom. She wrapped a terry robe about herself
and made her way to the kitchen. She put on the kettle and made a cup
of tea. On impulse she made her way to the old Com room, now almost
vacant except for the triple chaise and the computer table. Now
containing only John's computer. She sat back on the chaise, and sipped
her tea, remembering her first morning with John on it. They had shared
many more since. Each time seemingly better than the last. Except that
the first would always be the time she remembered the most. She
remembered how Theresa had come in and joined them, fulfilling her
dreams of a man who totally understood. She wondered how he and Cindy
were doing in New York.

As if on cue, John's computer softly beeped once, indicating a message
was waiting. She moved to it and called up the message. It was from
John. He wrote that he and Cindy were having a wonderful time. He
included a scan of a picture to prove it. On a huge four-poster bed
were sprawled three gorgeous and unconscious nude women. Their hair was
disheveled and plastered to their heads from perspiration. They lay
about in various positions, not unlike the triplets Sheila had just
left. One of the women was Cindy. They all looked incredibly content.

"That's my John," Sheila chuckled. She got a whim and headed back to
the guest room with an instant camera. She took a snap of the triplets
in much the same condition. Then she scanned it into his computer and
sent a return message to the originating address, which was Sally's
account.

John sat sipping tea himself in Sally's apartment. The girls sleeping
soundly in his. He had made his way to Sally's when he found no tea. He
had spotted Jean's instant camera and decided to take a snapshot for
the family album. On a whim he had written the message to the silo,
expecting not to get a reply for several days. But now, just ten
minutes after he'd sent the message, Sally's machine beeped in
response. He read the reply chuckling. He looked at the enclosed
snapshot and giggled.

"That's my Sheila," he said, aloud.

"What's your Sheila?" Sally asked from the doorway. She was dressed
only in a thin, satin robe. She stepped in and closed the door.

"I thought I'd done you in for the night," John chuckled as she moved
to his lap.

"I woke up and missed you. You weren't anywhere around so I tried
here," Sally said, kissing him ever so softly.

"I came over in search of some tea. Too much coffee makes me jittery,"
John said. Sally snuggled to him and she shivered a bit from a love
rush. John pulled her tighter to him, which didn't help, much. Sally
fought the tears forming in her eyes. "What's this then?" John asked,
kissing her cheek.

"I just love you so much I could bust," Sally sobbed. John kissed
softly at her tears and held her in his arms. She turned to his lips
and kissed him as softly as he had kissed her earlier, then slipped off
his lap and moved to pour herself a cup of tea. Moving back to the
table she sat in her own chair. Looking at her tea between sips. "I
thought I understood love... but I've never felt like I did tonight,
before," she said softly.

"It took Jean to teach you that depth of feeling. I didn't have time,
when I was here before," John said. Sally nodded.

"Yes, Jean has been a dear friend and lover.... but it took you to
awaken that in me," Sally said.

"Each of us grows with every relationship we experience. What we felt
tonight, no one person taught us. We learned it from all our lovers,"
John said.

"Cindy seems to have known it for a long time," Sally said.

"It took time, even for us. And that was when we could devote a great
deal of time to each other.... In a sense, we learned together. I never
knew that depth of feeling before either," John said.

"I think I love her too, almost as much as you," Sally said.

"I think you'll find she feels the same way. She wouldn't have *wanted*
me to make love to you, *like that*, if she didn't. She sort of viewed
you as her rival before," John said.

"I viewed her much the same way... but not now. Now I know she feels
the same way about you that I do. I can't blame her for that," Sally
said.

"I feel the same way about *all* the women in my life. I quit trying to
fight it. I'm just totally amazed that it works as smoothly as it does.
I've had to re-think my whole impression of women. When I was dating
before, they always seemed so catty. If I even looked at another one it
was a major trauma. It even started that way with Theresa and Cindy.
Theresa alternated between being angry and being real mopey," John
said.

"What changed?" Sally asked.

"I guess we all did. But mainly I think it was when Theresa realized
that Cindy's and mine's attraction for each other didn't mean that we
both didn't love her too. She loved us both as well. Once she gave us
the freedom to love each other, instead of her losing our love, it got
stronger. We loved her more," John said.

"And Cindy's felt like that all along?" Sally asked.

"No, not at first. She shared a depth of feeling with me that she
didn't with the others. I think that changed when I came back from here
the first time," John said.

"How so?" Sally asked.

"Oh, she was major jealous of you when I got back.. in the condition I
came back in. I explained to her how we hadn't shared the same depth of
feeling that her and I did, which we hadn't. You didn't know how yet. I
just barely knew. In the meantime, Sheila arrived. I think she taught
Cindy quite a bit about that. I don't think Cindy realized that the
freedom she granted me to make love to you, was the exact same freedom
I granted to her every time she made love to Theresa," John said.

"I never thought about it much myself, but now that I hear it, it makes
total sense," Sally said.

"It does make total sense, right up to the point where there are
children involved. And even then it would make sense if there weren't
such strict rules about the roles played in raising them. It stops
making sense when you try to merge it with society's rules. According
to 'their' rules, you can't love more than one person at a time. If you
start loving one, you must stop loving the other. That somehow includes
resigning your role as a full time parent. Perhaps because it's too
painful for the parents themselves, being around each other. Because
they don't stop loving each other. But the rules of society say they
must. So the child suffers the consequences. Have you ever read much
Robert Heinlein?" he asked.

"Not much... a little," Sally said.

"Well, he talks about *line marriages* in some of his books. Where the
marriage contains more than one wife or husband. Essentially they
become monarchy's, ruled by the senior wife and husband. Anyway a man
or woman could marry into this line marriage, which could go on for
centuries after the original couple got together. Everybody took a role
in raising the children. The children would marry outside the line,
either moving away, or bringing their spouse into the family. The only
thing that was taboo, was blood relationships where children were a
possibility. Which makes sense as it increases the chance of birth
defects to one in only eight and narrows the gene pool rather than
broadening it," John explained.

"Sounds neat. Did it work... in the books I mean?" Sally asked.

"Oh, the marriages lasted.. but in one I recall, the line marriages
just became little closed minded societies in their own right. In the
book, a woman was shunned because she was a genetically planned person.
A manufactured person if you will. The point was, she was different
from the herd. She didn't fit in. Not because she really didn't, but
because of the bigotry of those in the marriage she had joined up
with," John said.

"I imagine you have the same problem with most any group of people,"
Sally said.

"Not all. I think my little growing harem is quite open minded about
things. Much more so than what I experience in the outside world. But I
think there are individuals who would like to live like that, but are
afraid to, because it goes against the norms. There was.... " John
stopped and looked around.

"What?" Sally asked. John put his hand to his ear and motioned her
towards his apartment. She nodded, grabbing the teapot, kettle and tea.
Once they were back in his apartment, he continued. "Sorry, I was going
to talk about Bill and it suddenly occurred to me that we had given the
Russians enough confusing propaganda for one night," John said.

"Are we safe here?" Sally asked.

"Fairly so, the windows are in the bedroom and the door is shut. We
haven't been away long enough for them to bug the place. I wouldn't
expect that to last," John said.

"Anyway, you were saying?" Sally asked.

"I was going to say; that I think Bill fit in very well with our group
at the silo, despite his seemingly restrictive life away. I think he
would have liked to chuck it all and join us," John said.

"What brought all this to mind? I mean the line marriage and such?"
Sally asked.

"Well, Kevin did. Theresa's fiancée. Theresa wanted him, mainly because
she wanted to have children, and I had made it so she couldn't with me.
But instead, it looks like he's sort of getting incorporated into the
clan. I'm a touch worried about that, not because of jealousy, but
because of the possibility of pregnancy. Myself, I think I'm too old to
raise kids, but I was thinking along the lines of a traditional,
restrictive family environment. It wouldn't be fair to a child if he
reached fifteen and wanted to run up mountains, and I couldn't do it
with him. I've known people who's parents were a lot older than them,
and there's a massive gap between them. I already have one child I
don't know. I don't want another like that," John said.

"But?" Sally asked, seeing what John didn't.

"But what? I don't want another like that," he replied.

"But she's saying that you're not listening to yourself," Cindy said,
moving to the table. She hugged Sally from around her back and kissed
her on the neck.

"I don't understand what you two are getting at," John said. Sally
nodded to Cindy to take the ball.

"You're doing just fine, darling," Cindy demurred.

"You know what we're talking about.. Line marriages and such," Sally
asked Cindy.

"I've read Heinlein, John has a wide selection of it. *I've* thought
about this before, continue," Cindy said.

Emboldened by an ally, Sally dove in, "You're saying you don't want
another child that doesn't know you. But that you were thinking about
it in the context of a traditional restrictive relationship. Which is
not at all like the relationship that you're involved in, which is
neither traditional nor restrictive." John was stunned.

"Bull's eye," Cindy said.

"They'd never let us get away with it," John said.

"They who, Bill? Whom you've already stated fit in very well, or the
they that's referred to in that signed document you have, stating that
they won't interfere with your personal relationships?" Cindy asked.
John sat looking back and forth between them.

"Will you marry me?" he asked. The girls sat back stunned.

"Whom are you asking?" Cindy asked, shakily.

"All of you," John replied. Both girls hit him on the fly.

Chapter 71

Over the next few months the pace was beyond hectic. It was downright
frenzied. Sally and Jean joined them two weeks after John and Cindy got
back from New York. The girls each flipped over the line marriage idea.
Even Theresa. To John's astonishment, Kevin did too. They put it on
hold until they got the fashion business up and running.

They got the silo rearranged and made a good start on the construction
of the conversions. Whoever wasn't working on the fashion project was
swinging a hammer or painting walls. John made arrangements with the
helicopter service for a short term tie down slot. Sheila had briefed
him on her conversation with the pilot, a good thing as the pilot asked
about his kids and the family. John and Kevin made a trip into town and
picked up several loads of construction materials and a larger hot tub,
which John had custom made. It had to be lowered down in pieces and
then assembled and sealed. When finished it could easily contain them
all. This got tested quite often.

John and Kevin completed the redesign. The new scanner worked perfectly
and was more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The girls sort of
longed for the old one as the new one hardly touched them at all. Cindy
gave Sally and Jean a run through on the old one before it was retired.
The amount of resolution lost with the new one was minimal and
virtually un-noticeable on the finished outfits.

Sheila was very pleased. The two men set about standardizing fixtures
and locating vendors and suppliers of needed components. Sheila and
Sally hit it off stupendously. They hardly showed their faces for
several days as they got aquatinted. Then Sheila and Jean slipped off
together for a similar period. Theresa and the New York couple took
longer to warm to each other, but the triplets more than filled the
gap.

With all the sub-relationships going on, John began to think it would
actually work. He got to spend whole nights with each of them,
undisturbed if not unmolested. The triplets discovered there was less
resistance to them if they spit up into singles rather than acting like
a devastating tag team. They'd spend every other night alternating
between acting as singles and sleeping all together. But they seldom
slept alone, even as a team. They were just too cute.

Cindy and Sally virtually moved in together... with Jean. Sleeping
together whenever either or both of them wasn't with John, who
alternated between them all. Sheila alternated between John, the
triplets, Theresa and Kevin and the Cindy/Sally/Jean trio. Kevin would
spend time with Sheila, the triplets, or both whenever Theresa would
get together with John and quite often Cindy. Jean was happy with
whomever wanted her, which was just about everybody.

Mae and Candice flew in, which started a whole new round of musical
beds. Cindy still remained aloof to Kevin. She slept with him once,
fretting the whole time about pregnancy, despite the prophylactic. If
she was going to get pregnant, there was only one man she wanted it to
be from: John.

Mostly they concentrated on getting the fashion business up to speed
and completing the silo and addition. John took a break once the re-
design was completed and got the workshop all set up. He patiently
trained all the girls on safe usage of the power tools.

In the meantime, Theresa passed her GED with flying colors. Her
driver's license had come first. Cindy had just as easily passed hers.

At first thaw and subsequent freeze John made a call to town and got a
shiny new tractor with all the attachments that would fit it. He loaded
up the Sports car on the old flatbed and scheduled to have the tractor
delivered. He had Cindy follow him in *her* new Landcruiser while he
drove the flatbed over to Nick's. He carried his pistol with him, but
didn't expect trouble. Especially as Kevin and Theresa were hovering
overhead in the helicopter.

Nick came out on the porch. He didn't look the same man. He was clean
and close shaven. There had been fresh repairs made to the house. A
conservatively dressed woman followed him out, but kept her distance.
No firearms were in appearance.

"Your car, truck and tractor," John said, stepping down from the truck.
He handed Nick two sets of keys and two signed titles. Nick looked back
and forth between the truck and the tractor, tears forming in his eyes.

"You didn't have to do this," he said, fighting back his tears.

"I'm a man of my word. You kept your part of the bargain," John said.

"The tractor wasn't part of the original bargain," Nick said.

"Keep it. Looks like you'll be needing it," John said, nodding at the
woman.

"The girls, they're alright?" Nick asked, shivering a bit.

"Just fine. Candice too. All happy," John said.

"Better you than me.. those girls scare me," Nick said.

"Well, you just stay away and you won't have to worry," John said.

"No need to worry about that. You couldn't get me near them. Will you
tell them I'm treating my new woman right?" Nick asked. John looked at
the woman and the cabin. She smiled at him, friendly like.

"I suspect they know," John said.

"I expect your right," Nick nodded.

"Well, I better be going," John said. Nick extended his hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Stevens. It's more than I deserve." John shook it
firmly.

"There's nothing keeping you from living right from here on out," he
said. Nick nodded. John climbed in the Landcruiser with Cindy and she
slowly drove away. Kevin veered off and headed for the silo. While Nick
helped the man unload his new tractor.

Chapter 72

All was in readiness. The re-design was done, John had six complete
machines assembled, with suppliers lined up to supply the components
for another fifty when needed. Kevin helped John crate up three of
them. Which Kevin then flew to an air freight courier for transit to
Mae's salon in San Francisco. Three more were ready once Sally and
Sheila located a proper location in New York.

Mae immediately set them up and began sales. The first sale was to an
exclusive rich client from Sausalito, the wife of a banker. She became
an instant sensation in her social circle and soon Mae had another
dozen clients lined up waiting. She began scanning them as fast as they
could be scheduled.

Sally and Jean flew back to New York, accompanied by Sheila and John.
They also took Andrea with them, this time. (Amy traveled to San
Francisco with Mae and Candice.) John returned to Mr. Moore's salon,
this time with Sally, Jean, Sheila and Andrea with him.

Debbie greeted him, "Why Mr. Stevens, it's so good to see you again.
May I notify Mr. Moore that you are here? I'm certain he'll wish to
wait on you personally."

"Please. Thank you very much. Good to see you again, Debbie," John
said. Debbie beamed at him for remembering her name. She slipped out
and soon returned with Mr. Moore.

"Mr. Stevens, What a pleasant surprise. How may I be of assistance to
you?" Moore asked.

"I think sir, that today it's how I may be of assistance to you," John
said.

"I don't understand," Moore said, simply.

"If we may use your salon, I will be glad to enlighten you," John
chuckled. Mr. Moore nodded and led them into the viewing area. He
motioned them to seats. But instead, John motioned him to a seat. Moore
complied. "Girls. If you please," John said, taking a seat himself.

The women moved to the showing area and removed their long jackets. Mr.
Moore became quite speechless, his mouth hanging agape. He jumped up
and moved to examine the outfits.

Finally he turned to John, "Absolutely exquisite. May I ask sir, where
you obtained them?"

"I made them in my basement," John chuckled.

"Surely you jest," Moore said.

"Only partially. The women..... Sally -whom you've met previously-,
Sheila and Andrea designed the outfits you see. I designed -and hold
free and clear the patent on- the machine that produced them. What you
see is a sample of a line of clothing we are going to introduce during
fashion week. With that being so close, in the interest of time, we
would like you to consider representing us until we can get Sally
established in her own salon here," John explained.

"I see," said Moore, noncommittally.

"No, I don't think you do. You see, each of these outfits, in fact all
of these outfits were designed and produced in one day," John said.

"That's not possible," Moore said simply.

"*Wasn't* possible, before my system. Additionally, each of the outfits
you see here has thermal managing incorporated into them. That means
they store excess body heat as fiber twist, cooling the wearer, and
gives up the twist as heat, warming the wearer when it's cold. They
could easily spend an hour outside, today, and be very comfortable...
Additional to that, is the fact that we can put any pattern or
photograph on any outfit in the same amount of time," John said. Moore
looked incredulously between the outfits and John, wishing he could
supply a "Yes" answer.

John continued, "And, we can incorporate Kevlar, making them bullet
proof. They end up a bit thicker, but fit just as well. I'm certain you
understand the market for that, with the United Nations being located
here."

"Indeed I do," Moore said, nodding. "You know, you will put every salon
in town out of business."

"I don't doubt that we will put many salons, in many towns, world wide,
out of business," John said.

"Most unfortunately, the backers of this salon are pulling out. They
ignored our substantially increased business since your first visit. An
event for which I blame myself. I was spending so much time trying to
explain to the backers why business was bad, that I didn't pay
attention to why it really was," Moore replied.

"It is precisely because of *your* management that I am here now. How
much time do you have?" John asked.

"The backers are pulling out at the end of the business quarter, in
just two weeks, just before fashion week. Our lease expires in June, we
have an option to renew, but I don't know if we'll make it that long
after the backers pull out. I've been quite worried about my staff,"
Moore replied.

"Perfect," John said.

"I beg your pardon?" said Moore.

"I mean that's perfect for us. I told you that we were searching for a
salon for Sally and Jean. Why not this one? The location is perfect.
How big is your staff?" John asked.

"I employ Debbie, the receptionist, a hostess and three full time
models. Additionally we have up to five seamstresses, two full time and
three on call. I was going to have to let one of the models, our
hostess and one of the full time seamstresses go," said Moore.

"How would you feel about working for Sally and Jean?" John asked.

"I'd be most honored to work with Miss Thompson and Jean?" Moore
queried.

"Francis," Jean supplied.

"And Miss Francis. And my staff?" Moore asked.

"To be maintained, as is, for now. Probably expanded later. Would the
models consider working as attendant sales personnel?" John asked.

"Probably, they aren't high end, I'm afraid. But you've seen them on
your last visit," Moore said.

"Yes, quite adequate, I believe. May we tour the entire business?" John
asked.

"Certainly.. May I offer the rest of you some refreshments in the
meantime?" Moore asked.

"We're all involved with this, they will be touring with me," John
said.

"Certainly, if you will just follow me," Moore said. They fully toured
the salon. The models lounged watching soap operas, not wearing much so
they could jump into outfits with minimal warning. They didn't seem to
be at all self-conscious. Instead they jumped up to examine the women's
outfits. They were flabbergasted.

"This is Mr. Stevens, if you will recall. He seems to be quite
interested in taking over the salon for Miss Thompson and Miss Francis,
whom I don't believe you've seen before," Moore explained. The models
seemed excited over the prospect. John asked them if they would
consider dual roles as attendant sales persons. They all nodded.

"You would still be models, with custom outfits like these to work
in.... as examples," Sally explained.

"We'd get outfits like those? Count me in!" one exclaimed. The other
two nodded enthusiastically.

"We'd probably be interested in utilizing you for the fashion week
shows," Sheila said.

"Oh my, I'd better start dieting now," another said.

"Don't you dare. We want human beings, not emaciated women who resemble
greyhounds! You all look great," Sheila said. The facilities were quite
adequate for a good sized salon.

"Well, it's your call, Sheila, Sally, Jean. What do you think?" John
asked.

"I think we have an excellent east coast location, if Sally and Jean
agree," Sheila said. The two of them nodded, smiling.

"How much do the backers own?" John asked.

"The name and our inventory," Moore replied.

"Perfect, we don't need an inventory. I was worried about that," John
said.

"When would you wish to take over?" Moore asked.

"The day after the backers are out," John said.

"So soon?" Moore asked.

"I can have three machines here waiting when you unlock the doors.
Figure a week closed, at least, while we redecorate," John said.

"What will we call the place?" Moore asked.

"*Second Skin*," Sheila replied. Moore looked at the outfits again.

"Quite appropriate. Yes, excellent," Moore responded.

"Sally, Jean, why don't you and Andrea get better aquatinted with your
new staff while Sheila and I discuss salaries and logistics with Mr.
Moore?" John said.

"It's David," Moore offered.

"John," John said, as they headed for the office. The backers didn't
understand Moore's cheerful attitude at all, when they came to claim
their inventory. They even took the sign and scratched out the window
stencils. The next morning a truck full of large crates waited as Moore
unlocked the door. Sally and Jean were there with John. Mae and Candice
flew in as well to help Sally with the re-decoration. Business licenses
were obtained and a new sign was ordered:

     Second Skin Inc.
Exclusive Custom Clothier

Chapter 73

There was expected resistance to letting them into the big New York
fashion shows. They were a total unknown, no matter how stunning the
outfits. Mae and Mr. Moore came into play, working the politics behind
the show. They simply invited the major fashion editors out to lunch
the week beforehand. Each time the women would wear their own fashions.
Mae would introduce them to Sheila, Cindy, Theresa, and Sally,
alternating with one or all of the triplets. Jean declined,
concentrating on work at the salon. Several times Mae would show up at
just the right restaurant with the triplets, who always managed to
bring a hush over a room.

By the end of the week inquiries were pouring into the show executives
as to where Second Skin would be on the program. The executives
reluctantly put them way down the line. That was fine. They should hold
their own no matter where they were placed. On the day of the show,
everyone was nervous. All the big names had already been up. With
cheers and applause for almost every outfit. The models in the back
room were quite snooty to all the girls, sitting in light robes
covering their outfits. It was decided by Mae that Sally would be
first, with her stunning body and hair. Followed by Sheila, Cindy,
Theresa and Candice. With the models from the salon and several from
Mae's preceding the triplets, who would be last.

The big moment arrived. Second Skin clothiers was announced and Mae
cued Sally. She stepped out onto the runway. There was a gasp... and
the place fell silent. Sally retained her composure, thinking that they
hated her. She was doing her best to fight back her rising panic and
tears as she proceeded down the runway, turned and then back again.

"Oh my, I've never seen this happen before," Mae said.

"I'm afraid I haven't either," Moore said.

"Well, we might as well make a show of it before we pack up our tents
and go home," Sheila said. She stepped out on cue, there was another
gasp, but further silence. Sheila held herself proud as she paraded
down, turned and then back, followed by the rest in turn. Now there
were quiet murmurings in the crowd. Photo flashes popped left and
right, but nothing like the big names had witnessed. The triplets took
their cues from the other women, carrying themselves proudly. They each
wore a portion of a picture of the New York skyline. Together they
completed much of the picture. As they stepped out there was an audible
gasp, and then bedlam. The place erupted with applause and a standing
ovation that didn't stop. Mae prodded all the girls out again and the
place became a mad house of applause and photoflashes. They were a hit,
the biggest the show had ever seen.

The show executives requested that the designers step out and the girls
shrugged and all of them stepped out. This brought the house down
again. So the show executives requested the Officers of the company
step out. This time Sheila, Cindy, Theresa, Sally and Mae stepped out.
Again there was a standing ovation. Mae whispered in the executives'
ears and they announced the inventor of a new fashion manufacturing
process which had produced all the outfits: Mr. John Stevens. John was
in the audience. He reluctantly stood and made his way to the stage. He
wore his custom made tuxedo. Bedlam re-erupted from the audience as
they gave him a standing ovation which didn't stop. He motioned the
girls out, who now all had tears streaming down their cheeks. One last
time they paraded down the runway and back. Then John lined them up
next to him, kissing each quickly in turn as she returned. They all
took a final bow and withdrew. The catcalls and applause echoing in
their ears.

The heads of several major fashion designers known throughout the world
came back and made inquiries into purchasing the company. They were
politely refused. The executive came back and asked for one last
encore. John suggested that the triplets step out in their New York
outfits, with Cindy and Theresa on each end, bracketed by Sally and
Sheila. They took one final bow and withdrew. Tears streaming down
their faces.

That night Mae chose which parties they would attend, based upon who
would most influence their business. They chose the fashion reporters'
party. The girls put on their most elegant evening fashions. John, a
different Tuxedo. Kevin wore his dress uniform, tailored by Theresa,
but within code. He was introduced simply as her fiancé. Limousines
drove them to the party. Candice and Mae had a full time task
chaperoning the triplets. Suitors lined up by the dozens to meet them.

John kept Cindy, Sally and Sheila close by him as he fielded questions.
Sheila kissed him and relieved Mae as chaperon so she could better work
the party. She made the rounds with Mr. Moore, talking to the different
fashion editors.

"No, we aren't in Paris yet. So far there is just the salon in New York
and the one in San Francisco... Yes, they would be opening many more as
they came up to steam, starting with the largest cities in America
first and then the international capitols," Mae fielded.

"Yes, they would gladly perform private fittings for diplomatic
clientele at a separate, secret location. No, I can't tell you where,
then it wouldn't be a secret," Mr. Moore answered.

"No Miss, I don't want to go home with you, I have enough women in my
life. Yes, you are attractive, but thank you no," both John and Kevin
replied.

"The cheek of these women," Cindy chuckled, "at least they could ask
you when I'm out of earshot." Theresa took hold of Kevin's arm and let
it be known that he was hers! Cindy did much the same with John.
Champagne and hors d'oeuvres flowed freely. The triplets tried the
caviar, but found it a bit too salty. Sheila didn't dare tell them or
Candice what it was.

The models from the New York and San Francisco salons got offers, which
they were free to accept at Mae's suggestion. The triplets got the
most, but declined for now. But Mae had them collect business cards for
the future. Cindy, Sally, Sheila and even Jean declined marriage
proposals. Explaining that they were already engaged. They just smiled
when asked to whom. Mae collected invitations for them for private
parties for two weeks to come, saying she'd see what she could do.

About midnight, the girls started to run down. John was ready long
before. They made their good-byes and exited. Again, limousines carted
them away. Cindy and Sally rode bracketing John with Sheila and Jean
choosing to ride in the jump seats rather than take another one.

"Well, you're a hit," John said.

"I still don't believe it," Cindy said.

"Nobody pinch me. I don't want to wake up," said Sally.

"Damn, and I was so looking forward to pinching you," John said.

"This can't be real. *I* got two marriage proposals tonight!" Jean
said.

"You folks best believe it, 'cause now it gets hot and heavy," Sheila
said.

"Not for me, I'm in semi-retirement," John said.

"I don't believe it for a minute," Cindy said.

"Wait and see," John said.

"I will," Cindy replied, softly. Theresa and Kevin opted for a hotel
room. Likewise Candice and Mae riding herd on the triplets, they took a
large suite. When queried about whether or not he wanted lots of
company that night, John had declined. He knew that there would be
ample opportunity for that. He was partied out for the night. There
would be ample opportunities for that as well.

So everybody celebrated in their own way. Perhaps the most active were
Candice, Mae and the triplets. They didn't get to sleep until the gray
light of dawn. Sally and Jean kissed John, Cindy and Sheila good night,
then entered their own abode. John slipped off his coat, shoes and
cumber bun. Sighing heavily.

"Cup of coffee?" Cindy inquired.

"A cup of tea would be nice, but sit down, I'll make it," he said.

"That sounds good for me as well," Sheila added.

"I don't think I could sit down yet. You two relax while I burn off a
little energy," Cindy said.

"Can't burn much off making tea, but thank you," John said. John sat
back on the sofa and leaned his head back, eyes closed. Sheila kicked
off her shoes and moved around behind the sofa and began to rub his
shoulders and neck. "Mmm... that feels good," John said.

"Why so tight?" Sheila asked.

"Don't know," John said, enjoying the rub.

"I do," said Cindy, sitting next to him.

"And why's that?" John asked, keeping his eyes shut.

"Because tonight you watched all your *projects* graduate," Cindy said.
John lifted his head and looked at her. He nodded and closed his eyes,
again leaning back.

"Ennui?" Sheila asked.

"A bit," John replied.

"What's ennui?" Cindy asked.

"It refers to a combined sense of both weariness and boredom," Sheila
explained. Cindy nodded.

"So you're bored with us?" Cindy asked.

"No, not with you," John said, his eyes still closed.

"With what then?" she asked.

"With life.... not so much bored, as weary," John said.

"Time for a sabbatical?" Sheila asked. John was silent for a bit and
then nodded.

"Okay, what's a sabbatical... does it have to do with taking a trip or
something like that?" Cindy asked.

"Sort of. More than just a trip. A solo trip... to where there is no-
one. You read *Niven* from my library, didn't you?" John asked.

"Some... *Ringworld and Neutron Star*," Cindy replied.

"Those will do. Remember *Louis Wu*? How he took a solo spaceship on a
twenty year run into the unknown?" John asked.

"Actually, it referred to him having only gotten back from one, twenty
years previous to his two hundredth birthday," Cindy corrected him.

"Whatever, it's been a few years since I last read it," John said.

"So what about it?" Cindy asked.

"So a sabbatical is a long solo trip into the unknown," John said.

"Kind of hard to duplicate that. No spaceships available yet, and not
many places left on earth without people," Cindy said.

"No, but I was thinking along the lines of a long solo drive," John
said.

"But where would you go? What would you do?" Cindy asked.

"Maybe get me one of those self contained motor homes and drive it
across the country. Maybe start in Key West, see Hemingway's house and
each conch stew. Then travel up the coast, through Vermont and the New
England area. Then maybe across to the great lakes, try some Pike
fishing. Then zigzag across the country, maybe do some trout fishing in
the Rockies. Perhaps on a whim follow the Missouri river from its
headwaters in Montana down through St. Louis where it joins the
Mississippi and then down to New Orleans. Take a ferry across the gulf
to Mexico and then come back up through Arizona or New Mexico, maybe
see the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion's and Canyon lands. Then maybe up to
Yellowstone and the Tetons and then across up to Washington and Oregon,
British Columbia and maybe drive all the way up to Alaska and then back
again, down the coast highway through California, jogging in to see
Yosemite," John said.

"That's one hell of a drive," Cindy said.

"Sounds delightful," Sheila mused.

"Who would you take with you?" Cindy asked.

"Nobody, that's the point," John said.

"And what are we supposed to be doing all this time?" Cindy asked.

"Darling, you just signed yourself up for a whirlwind tour. You're
going to be so busy you'll hardly know I'm gone," John said.

"I'll know," Cindy said softly. John looked at her. Cindy kind of
looked at the floor.

"Cindy, consider this. Just before I first met you and Theresa, it was
my intention to live in the desert as a hermit for years. Instead of
that, I haven't hardly been alone to take a shit in the last year and a
half. It's not you, it's not Theresa or Sheila or the Triplets or
anybody else in particular. It's all of you. It's not bad, I love each
and every one of you to death. I intend to marry each and every one of
you if you still want me when I get back. But in the meantime, I just
want some peace and quiet. I *need* lone time. It's in my nature. I
need time again to discover who I am, for me, not for anybody else,
just for me," John said.

"I understand," Sheila said, "I know it would defeat the purpose, but I
wish I was going with you."

"You're going to be even busier than Cindy and the rest," John said.

"I know," Sheila said, softly. Cindy looked at him.

"I can see that you need this, so I guess you'd better do it. But I'll
be waiting when you get back," Cindy said.

"Well, don't worry, I'm not leaving for a while yet. I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to bring you girls down on your big night.... I was just
thinking out loud," John said.

"You weren't bringing us down. You were saying what's on your mind.
Being in love with someone doesn't mean you love them as long as the
party lasts. It means you share everything. The good and the bad. You
shared our party tonight. We share your honest feelings now," Sheila
said.

"Who said the party's over?" said John, mischievously.

"Just a figure of speech," Sheila said. The kettle sang and Cindy got
up and took it off the stove. She took down three mugs and the tea pot.
She poured some boiling water into the pot and swished it around, pre-
heating the pot. Then she added some tea bags and poured in the rest of
the boiling water. She wrapped a dish towel around the pot and set it
on a tray with the mugs, carrying the whole bunch to the coffee table.
John watched, his eyes alive with pride.

"You've learned a lot about life in the past year and a half, love,"
John said.

"I can't deny that. But what brought that on?" Cindy asked.

"Oh, I was just thinking about what you knew about making tea back
then," John said.

"Not much to that," Cindy said.

"No... but added onto all the other stuff you've learned.... well, What
I mean to say... is that you've turned into one hell of a fine woman.
I'm very proud of you," John said, meaning it. Cindy looked at him in
sudden surprise. A glint of a tear forming in her eyes.

"You should be very proud of her, she's someone very easy to be proud
of," Sheila added. Cindy looked at her, also in surprise. Tears started
to flow.

"Whatever I am, It's mostly because of John," Cindy said.

"Oh no, I had very little to do with it. What you are, you mostly made
yourself. I just gave you a conducive environment. You're the one who
did all the changing.... the sculpting, if you will. You've shaped
yourself into a very fine young woman. I'm just honored that I've known
your company," John said. Cindy sat next to him and leaned her head
against him. Tears flowing from her cheeks. John lifted her onto his
lap and kissed at them. Sheila's hand slid affectionately over her
cheek. She concluded her shoulder rub and moved around the sofa. She
sank to her knees before them and poured the tea. Her own eye's misty.

Cindy snuggled to her man. Her eyes now slowly dripping tears. His
words of praise had caught her off guard. Her hand moved out and she
caught a tear from Sheila's cheek on a finger tip. She brought it to
her lips and tasted it. Then her hand returned to caress Sheila's
cheek. At the same time she lifted her mouth and softly kissed John on
his cheek.

"You know, you two have been like parents to me... the only decent
parents I've ever known. In many ways, you're what parents should be
like. Setting aside the love making of course, parents should *never*
make love with their children, but I certainly wouldn't have missed
that with you two. I experience the greatest depth of feeling when I
make love with either of you two. Much more than I experience with
anybody else. Your love is the most treasured thing in my life. I don't
ever want to lose that," Cindy said. Sheila took her hand and kissed
it.

"Why would you lose it?" she said.

"I don't know, it just feels like I am.... I guess it's the things
you've been saying. They are the kind of things parents say to their
children when they grow up and move away," Cindy said.

"You going anywhere? 'Cause I'm not. I've found my home," Sheila said.

"No.... but John might," Cindy said.

"Whoa, don't go getting me wrong. I'm talking about a sort of vacation.
I *want* you in my life when I get back. I want you both in my life
until the day I die, which I intend to be a long time from now," John
said.

"I don't want you to go at all... but I can see you *need* to. So I
won't stand in your way. But promise me something," Cindy said.

"What's that?"

"That you *will* make love while you're away.... and that you *won't*
bring them back with you. I don't think I could take *another* lover
for a while yet," Cindy chuckled.

"Why would you *want* me to make love while I'm away?" John asked.

"Because, I want you to be happy. And I know how much you enjoy making
love," Cindy said.

"Speaking of which," John said, caressing Cindy's body.

"You haven't promised me yet," Cindy said. John gazed into her eyes.
She was lovely. He could also see she meant it... every word of it. He
sighed.

"Alright. I promise," he said.

"Thank you. Now let's drink our tea. And then I want to make gentle
love to each of you all night.."

"I think that can be arranged," John said, kissing her softly. It
wasn't *all* night, but it was a good portion of it. The sweetest,
gentlest love Cindy had ever known. They slept well into the day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 74

"I doubt I have ever seen a happier woman in my life," Sally's voice
said. Cindy lifted her head and looked at the stunning red-head.

"Good morning, dear heart," she said, laying her head back against its
soft rest.

"Good *afternoon*. Breakfast is ready," Sally said, bending to kiss her
softly on the cheek. Her other cheek rested on one of Sheila's breasts.
John was snuggled behind her. She softly kissed at Sheila's nipple and
she stirred. Sheila stretched and then softly drew her finger tips over
Cindy's shoulder. Cindy caught the hand and kissed it.

"Good morning, darling," Sheila said.

"Good morning to you all," John said.

"Sally informs me that it's now afternoon, and that breakfast is
ready," Cindy said. John lifted his head to look at Sally.

"Thank you, dear heart. You didn't have to do that," he said.

"I know. I wanted to. I came in and found you all sleeping soundly. You
all looked so peaceful and happy. I didn't want to disturb you," Sally
said. John kissed Sheila on the cheek and Cindy on the forehead before
he rolled out of bed. Sally collected a hug and a kiss on the cheek
from him before he headed for the bathroom.

"Just brush your teeth. You can shower after breakfast. It's getting
cold," Sally called after him. She looked back at the lovely pair on
the bed, snuggling together and caressing each other while they waited
for their turn in the bath.

"Like I said, I don't think I've ever seen a happier woman," Sally
chuckled.

"I have good reason to be happy. I've got more love than I have a clue
what to do with. Last night these two made the most gentle sweet love
I've ever known to me," Cindy said, kissing Sheila's cheek.

"You were inspiring," Sheila said, tracing her fingers over Cindy's
breasts.

"I wouldn't mind some of that myself, if any of you are interested
after breakfast," Sally said.

"I'll take some of that," John said, returning from the bathroom.

Cindy kissed Sheila and slipped out, "Me too." she called over her
shoulder.

"That makes it unanimous, looks like you aren't going anywhere today.
Have you heard from the others?" Sheila asked.

"Candice and Mae are playing tourist with the triplets. Theresa and
Kevin decided to join them. Jean's at the salon giving Mr. Moore a hand
with scheduling all the appointments that have been pouring in all
morning. I think we're booked for months. I just left for a break,
actually. But things are running as smooth as glass," Sally replied.

"You've already scanned some customers?" John asked, slipping a robe
on..

"Already scanned and produced a dozen outfits. Damn, every one of them
were gorgeous women. I got so damn horny I *had* to leave. Especially
'cause I was getting offers from several who got really turned on, even
by the new scanners. I can't imagine how they would have reacted to the
old one. I hadn't heard from you folks so I thought I'd drop in rather
than call, just in case you were sleeping," Sally said, leading John by
the hand to the kitchen. John kissed Sally deeply before she wriggled
away.

"No, I'm horny enough. You can have all you want after you eat. Now sit
down," Sally chuckled. None the less, Sally got a whole lot hornier as
the two women joined them, each collecting a searching kiss and a hug
before sitting down.

"So how are we doing money wise?" Sheila asked, over her eggs.

"We took in over fifty thousand before I left. I fully expect we'll
break a hundred for the day. Maybe a hundred-fifty," Sally replied.

"So we'll be able to make payroll then. Looks like we can pay you,
Sheila," John said.

"I never doubted it. But don't. Let's put it into getting as many
locations as we can open. I'm not hurting for cash," Sheila said.

"We made fifty thousand dollars this morning?" Cindy asked,
incredulously.

"Easily. Thank god most of it was on credit card. I still had to make a
drop at the bank on the way here," Sally said.

"Somebody paid cash?" John asked.

"Two women. They took two outfits each," Sally replied.

"You carried fourteen thousand dollars in cash to the bank?" Cindy
asked.

"Yup, over that with tax. I was scared shitless. Made me even hornier,"
Sally chuckled.

"Well, we'll happily cure that in a minute. In the meantime let's talk
about beefing up security. I think we need an armed guard present at
every salon, but don't hire normal rent-a-cops, see if you can't hire
off duty police women. Maybe offer them the incentive of a free
outfit," John said.

"How about making them pay directly at the bank if they want to use
cash? They could supply them credit vouchers. We'd never have to deal
with cash," Sheila said.

"You might lose customers that way. I figure it's likely anybody who
has *that* much cash around doesn't want that fact recorded at any
bank," John chuckled.

"I think we can do without *those* customers anyway. Let's stay as
legal as possible. The law says that any transaction that big at a bank
has to be reported to the IRS. But I'm not sure that applies to other
places, like Western Union and such. Let's check that out. Maybe offer
them a percentage for the service. I like the guard idea though,
anyway," Sheila said.

"I agree. We can't have that much cash around, for our customers'
safety. I think we should post signs at each place saying: 'For our
customers' safety, this establishment will not accept cash
transactions'," Cindy said.

"It's your company, love. But I think that's a good idea. It doesn't
sound like you'll be hurting for customers anyway," John said.

"So how does it feel to double your net worth in a day, Cindy?" Sheila
asked. Cindy just looked at her, speechless, for a moment.

Then replied, "Sexy... come on Sally, let's go cure what ails you."
Sheila shifted over to John's lap.

"We'll be in for round two," she said, turning to kiss John.

Chapter 75

John purchased himself the most luxurious motor home he could find. It
was equipped with a motorcycle rack that held a small dirt bike he
could load by himself. His idea was to use the dirt bike for local
travel after parking the motor home at a hook up location. Inside the
motor home he had every convenience he could wish for.... except
company. This he flatly refused. He was on sabbatical.

The girls' company was doing spectacularly. The previous six months had
seen the opening of another dozen sites. Now the hardest part about
establishing a site, was the selection of personnel to run it. That
would change. Sheila was now working with a national personnel agency
who pre-scanned thousands of applicants before the girls ever had to
deal with the final selections. Which they insisted upon doing
personally. Mae took on the role of training director, Candice her
personal assistant.

Sheila hired Judy away from the brokerage and took to traveling with
her, almost always taking one of the triplets along. Theresa was in the
midst of her first quarter at the local college. Spending weekends at
the silo with Kevin. The girls held a strategy meeting every Saturday
afternoon at the silo. Everyone but John attending. Those who remained
at the silo, worked on its completion. Kevin had lots of willing
partners, both for work and play. Working on the silo became pleasant
therapy for those who were spending most their time on the road opening
new salons.

With first thaw, trucks and crews arrived to begin the tasks of
stringing a secure fence around the property and planting trees. The
road into the silo was graded, oiled and paved. The work crews
contained more than one mole on assignment from the Russians. John's
plan was working magnificently. The Russians were applying a
considerable amount of money and manpower to watch over the silo and
its residents.

John played tourist and kept in contact with the everyone by secure
modem over cellular links. The girls kept him very entertained with a
constant stream of erotic pictures attached to their E-mail. Each,
trying to entice him back by their words and poses. He remained aloof
to the input. Sending his love and narratives of what he saw and did.
He took to only reading his E-mail once a week.

The first rain storm that caught him on the motorcycle, prompted the
purchase of a small, light weight compact car that he towed behind the
motor home. Mostly he spent his time alone, seeing the sights and
enjoying the drive. After about a month on the road, he made good his
promise to Cindy, wearing a condom in his concern over picking
something up and giving it to the girls later. The woman was more than
pleased she'd chosen to spend the night with him. She was a Russian
agent. She learned nothing except the facts that John traveled with an
incredible array of secure communications equipment, and that he was an
outstanding lover.

She did verify that he carried Government credentials relating to a
project called "SFB", which was interpreted by the Russians as "Special
Forces Binary's". Binary's being a type of nerve agent that only became
active when two agents were mixed. This instigated an escalation of
their surveillance of John and the silo's residents. It got so that
John would mysteriously encounter a stunning woman in just about every
large town he passed through. Every one of them seemed to be hell bent
upon seducing him, even though there was almost always more attractive
and younger men around when they did it. John allowed himself to be
seduced. Actually obtaining a clandestine video photo of each one and
uploading them to Howdy for his agent files. Howdy had sent word to
John that he suspected the women were agents.

"I knew that," John replied, "but they're still lovely." Howdy had
chuckled over his reply. He met John at Warner Robins AFB in Georgia. A
minor Mecca of electronics defense companies and equipment. They talked
in secure quarters while the motor home was scanned for bugs that the
women might have planted. Several were found. Then the motor home was
virtually dissected by government electronics engineers, who had a ball
playing with their exotic toys. Several more bugs were found by visual
examination. One, the most clever, disguised as a screw head on one of
the cabinets in the motor home.

"Damn clever, those Russians," Howdy said, sipping a single malt
scotch.

"Yeah, I never would have noticed that bug without a scan," John said.

"You wouldn't have noticed it even then. It wouldn't go active without
receiving a special digital code on a carrier that powered it. We only
noticed it because it was longer than the other screws. The shank of
the screw was the antenna," Howdy said.

"I don't make any voice calls to the Silo anyway," John said.

"Good idea. I've got a little something for you. It's being installed
right now," Howdy told him.

"What's that?" John asked.

"A not so secure safe. It will hold bogus files that the women can
steal or copy," Howdy said.

"Huh... So I should allow the next one some time alone in the motor
home while I go out for take out food?" John said.

"Yeah, that would work. I kind of envy you. Those last two were
knockouts. Any idea what they'll try next?" Howdy asked.

"I've been expecting them to try a bisexual pair, or maybe even twins.
Can't say that I'm not enjoying myself. I kind of feel guilty though,"
John said.

"About what?"

"Well, I know Cindy made me promise to make love while I was on the
road, but I think she had in mind an occasional snuggle. I doubt she
had a constant stream of them in mind," John said.

"So you feel like you're cheating on your women?" Howdy asked.

"A little bit," John said.

"Well, you don't have to sleep with them. But I will admit it's having
a positive effect upon the project. I figure they have at least two
dozen full time agents on the silo residents now, you included. You
probably have a full time tail team," Howdy said.

"Yeah, they change cars almost every big town, but I almost always have
a car hanging back behind me," John said.

"Well, here's your disk for next month. Keep it on your person when you
leave the next woman alone. I've got to get going. I've got a briefing
at the White House this evening," Howdy said.

"Thanks. Uh, think you could arrange some time in New York next week?
The triplets have been asking about you," John asked.

"I'm booked solid for at least a month. Why New York?" he asked.

"Oh, they have a special private show scheduled for diplomats' wives.
Modeling bullet proof fashions. I just thought it would be convenient
for you," John said.

"Bullet proof?....Oh, yeah. Think they could get down to Washington
D.C.?" Howdy asked.

"Probably. Why don't you e-mail them directly at the silo?" John said.

"I just may do that... I could use a little R&R," Howdy said.

"Rape and Ravage?" John chuckled.

"Yeah, and in their case I know who the willing victim would be.. me,"
Howdy chuckled.

"No doubt in my mind," John said.

"Come on, I'll show you your new safes," Howdy said.

"Safes? Plural?" John asked.

"Yeah, based upon the magic calculator premise. The other one is behind
your freezer compartment. So you can keep your decode disk secure while
you sleep," Howdy said. John was correct in his suspicions about both
the bisexuals and the twins. In Myrtle Beach South Carolina he
encountered a stunning dark skinned pair of twins from the Cayman
Islands who took quite a suspicious shine to him. They left no doubt as
to their interest in each other as well. John indulged himself. One
expertly riffled his decoy safe while she was supposedly asleep and the
other accompanied him on an excursion for Chinese take out. This fact
was recorded on some hidden electronics. She also planted several more
bugs. They questioned him on his itinerary.

"North, for now. Whatever my heart desires," John said.

"Can we go with you?" Claudine asked.

"Gosh, I don't know. Don't you have a job to go to?" John asked.

"No, we're on vacation too. And we like you very much," Claudette said.

"I like you two very much as well, but... I'm kind of on a sabbatical.
Sometimes I just like being alone... Don't take it personal," John
said.

"We don't. We understand. Perhaps we will encounter each other again.
We're traveling North as well," Claudine said. As tempting as they
were, John really didn't want full time company. Instead, they did
their best to cripple him and each other with their tongues before he
departed, alone.

"Damn. This Cowboy is a hard case to crack," Claudette said, watching
him drive off..

"Not too hard, and quite enjoyable. I wouldn't mind duty like this
anytime," Claudine replied.

"I must say I quite enjoyed myself as well. Especially that trick with
your tongue that he taught you. Seemed you were taking your acting role
to heart," Claudette said.

"Who said I was acting?" Claudine asked her sister, seductively.

"What time is our drop? If we have time... Would you like to go back to
the room?" Claudette asked, taking the bait.

"Plenty of time... I think I'd enjoy that very much," Her sister
replied.

"I think this Cowboy is corrupting us," Claudette commented as they
headed for a motel.

"I don't really care. I think I'd very much like to join his little
harem in the desert, whatever they are doing," Claudine said.

"Better not let Sergei hear you talk like that, or we'll end up
spending time in Siberia," Claudette said.

"If Sergei was half the man John Stevens was, I might care what he
thought," Claudine said.

"I must agree with you there. I never met such a lover in my life,"
Claudette said, wistfully.

John stopped at the next RV camp and checked in for the night to
recover from the twins. He verified the safe had been opened and sent
word of the event to Howdy before he slept. In Washington D.C. he spent
several days viewing the Smithsonian Museum. The second night a
stunning black and white pair of women picked up the task. He left them
blissfully happy with no further information.... about the silo.

In Baltimore, they tried a different ploy. A very young, *very* well
built woman virtually threw herself at John. As tempting as she was, he
resisted successfully. A good thing as she was just sixteen. The
Russians were attempting to obtain black mail evidence against him. The
turn of events was disturbing. After that he remained aloof to advances
made towards him for quite a while. When he reached New York, he spent
time with Sally and Jean. Grateful for not having to use prophylactics.
He left the motor home with an electronics scanning team and took cabs
during his stay. During the second night, they happened to be watching
a movie on TV. John made comment over how gorgeous an actress in it
was. Sally giggled.

"What?" John asked.

"She was in the salon last week. I've viewed every square inch of her
body. She *is* gorgeous... and very *Bi*," Sally said.

"How could you know that?" John asked.

"Not too many other ways to interpret the invitation she made to me,"
Sally said.

"Why didn't you take her up on it?" John asked.

"I was sorely tempted.... I did say I'd consider her offer for dinner,"
Sally said, getting an idea. The next morning at the Salon she looked
up a file and made a call. She met the actress for lunch in a secluded
restaurant. She chatted with her for several hours, confirming her own
inclinations and how she came about pursuing them. The actress listened
in rapt fascination as she told her all about her weekend with John.
Sally told her of John's comment about her in the movie. The actress
fell for the bait and invited her to bring him and Jean for dinner.

That evening Sally had John and Jean dress formally for dinner. She
would tell them nothing of her plans. A limousine met them and drove
them to a secluded Long Island estate. Sally would say nothing about
who owned it. She treasured the look on John's face when the actress
greeted them. Both the food and the company were outstanding. The
actress shooed the staff away after dinner and suggested a hot tub. All
were very willing.

John indulged himself as he viewed the stunning woman remove her
elegant clothes. He felt a bit self conscious as he removed his own.
Sally broke the ice by moving into the actress's arms and kissing her
deeply. John grew rock hard with Jean on his lap. Then Sally moved to
keep Jean company when the actress motioned for John. Later they all
ganged up on her as they gave her orgasm after orgasm. They accepted
her invitation to spend the night. Jean and Sally opted to use the
guest room. John spent the night with the stunning woman snuggled to
him.

In the morning they left a blissfully satisfied woman and the seeds of
a very rewarding reputation. The actress got on the phone to other
actresses she knew. John spent several more days with Sally and Jean.
The scanning was taking longer than they expected. At first they found
nothing. Finally they ended up replacing every single nut and bolt in
the motor home. Virtually every other part was X-rayed. This uncovered
several bugs.

John finally picked up a *very* clean motor home and continued his
journey North. He traveled through up-state New York and then through
Vermont, New Hampshire and into Maine. Finally he visited Nova Scotia.
Sally and Jean took to spending quite a bit of time on weekends at the
actress's estate on Long Island. Sometimes she would have the company
of other actresses. All expressed an interest in John as well as Sally
and Jean.

"I don't know. He's on Sabbatical. Maybe when he gets back," was all
she could offer them. Sally forwarded the requests to John by secure e-
mail.

"So where is *Cowboy* today?" Sergei asked, browsing the latest file
update.

"Ottawa, Canada," his aid replied.

"Well, no question that the silo's involved in Binary. Wished I knew
what *Cowboy* was up to. He damn sure isn't just a tourist. Not a
single bug has issued a peep. He has that damn motor home scanned every
time one of our agents makes contact. Wish the hell he'd taken the bait
on that teenager," Sergei said.

"Wish the hell I could, after seeing her file. Advanced sexual
training!" his aid mused, rolling his eyes.

"You find out what *Cowboy* is up to and I'll arrange a month with her
for you," Sergei told him.

"That is a bonus worth working for," his aid replied.

John had to destroy the bogus files in his safe before entering Canada.
He re-entered the U.S. at Niagara Falls. He angled down into
Pennsylvania, passed into West Virginia and jogged over into Ohio.
Howdy met him at a small military compound outside Cincinnati.

"Any more precocious women throw themselves at you?" Howdy asked, over
a good scotch.

"No, I think they were trying to get black mail material on me. A
couple of women in Canada made a play, but I wasn't in the mood," John
said, sipping his own drink.

"A good thing. I'd like them to think you traveled through Canada with
the file intact. I have an exact duplicate for you... and another one
to go with it," Howdy said.

"You want to give the impression I picked it up in Canada?" John asked.
Howdy nodded. "How was your time with the triplets?" John asked.

"You probably know quite well. I'm sure they wrote you," Howdy said.

"They only said that they had a good time. They didn't give any
details," John replied.

"If that's their idea of a good time, I don't think I'd live through a
great time," Howdy said.

"Perhaps they were just showing their gratitude. Not every day girls
their ages get to meet the president. Nice touch, that. Glad you
enjoyed yourself. They certainly like you," John said.

"I'm very fond of them as well," Howdy said, distracted.

"How long do you think you'll have your present job?" John asked.

"Oh... I don't know. I'm fairly certain that the president will get re-
elected. So at least another six years. I'll be more than ready to get
out of it by then anyway. Why?" Howdy asked.

"Oh, just wondering. How did they handle meeting the president?" John
asked.

"Quite well. I was very proud of them. I think he was as charmed as
they were. I think it's a good thing the First Lady was around. I could
just see them giving our commander-in-chief a heart attack," Howdy
chuckled. John busted out laughing over the thought.

"I think that they would like you to join them when you retire," John
said. Howdy looked up at him sharply.

"I thought you were going to marry them," he said.

"I am. That's the nice thing about a line marriage. You'd be co-
husbands with Kevin and I," John said.

"I must say that does sound appealing," Howdy said.

"Think about it. I don't think our little ruse will last much longer
than that anyway. I'm not sure how I'd like working for the next
president either," John said.

"Probably right. I will think about it. Here's your disk for next
month," Howdy said.

"How's the construction coming at the silo?" John asked, accepting the
disk.

"Very well. They've got the fence strung and the road paved. They've
planted a bunch of trees and made a good start on the sewage and water
systems for your little community. How's the money doing? I see quite a
few outfits I'm certain came from one of your salons showing up in
Washington," Howdy said.

"Not my salons, the girls'. But my royalties are beginning to pile up.
They've almost exceeded my total lottery winnings already. My lawyers
are bitching and moaning about all the taxes I'm going to have to pay.
I'm going to have to spend like crazy on the housing before too long,"
John said.

"How long do you plan to stay on sabbatical?" Howdy asked.

"Oh, I don't know. I'm enjoying myself. I may take a break at the silo
and do some more planning on the housing complex, just to get things
moving," John said.

"I think that would be a *very* good idea. The triplets sure miss you..
.. and they said that Cindy is just about climbing the walls missing
you," Howdy said.

"She hasn't said anything about it in her letters," John said.

"Of course she hasn't. She wants you to enjoy yourself. But I can
guarantee that she misses you very much. Andrea said she's taken to
sleeping with your mannequin... and *no-one* else," Howdy said.

"That's not like her," John said.

"No, it's not. I think you'd better make an appearance soon," Howdy
said.

"I have a better idea. I think I'll ask her to join me on the road for
a while," John said.

"That is a better idea. But the others still miss you too," Howdy said.

"Well, maybe I'll start scheduling to meet them one at a time for a
weekend. Have them fly out to wherever I am," John said.

"Sounds like a good idea. What do you think the Russians will try
next?" Howdy asked.

"With me, maybe trying to get me involved in drugs. But I think that
they're probably due to take a stab at the girls. I think that Theresa
and Sally are the most vulnerable there. Theresa's probably easiest to
get close to, with her being in school," John said.

"Well, you've been right so far. I'll have our people keep an extra
close eye on both of them, and the girls in San Francisco. I think the
ones at the silo are fairly secure there," Howdy said.

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that. I've been a little concerned over it,"
John said.

"That's one reason why I think that you letting them steal those files
is a good idea. I'm afraid they might get.... *drastic*, if they didn't
find out anything," Howdy said.

"Drastic how?" John asked.

"Well, they aren't above kidnapping. That's why I started the bogus
file thing. So that they would get *something*. I'll have our folks
keep an extra sharp eye on the girls though. I think that I should get
them each locator bracelets too," Howdy said.

"Locator bracelets?" John asked.

"Bracelets that look like ordinary jewelry. But which respond to a
digital coded carrier when pinged," Howdy said.

"What if they remove the jewelry?" John asked.

"Well, the next best thing is a surgical implant. I don't know how the
girls would like that idea," Howdy said.

"Yeah, be a shame to mar those lovely bodies with surgery scars," John
said.

"That wouldn't be a problem. We'd have them installed by the best
plastic surgeons. It can be done using an osteoscope. Minimally
intrusive. They plant a little pellet in the abdomen. They can go in
through the navel. Other than that... there's suppositories that they
can insert," Howdy said.

"Well, the surgery still sounds like a bit much, but I'll check with
them to see how they feel about it. In the meantime, get them some
bracelets *and* some suppositories," John said.

"Will do. Let's go see how the scanning is coming," Howdy said.

"I doubt they will find anything. I didn't let anybody in except a
customs inspector at the border and I stayed pretty close other times,"
John said.

"I don't think you realize just how good they *are*." Howdy chuckled.
He was correct. They found two more bugs.

"I don't understand it. I never let it out of my sight except at the
border," John said.

"Have to add that customs inspector to my list," Howdy chuckled.

"Jeez, an employee of our own government," John commented.

"You'd be amazed at the number of government employees are on foreign
payrolls," Howdy said, soberly. John arranged to have Cindy meet him in
Louisville, Kentucky. She was ecstatic about the idea. She was ready
for a vacation herself. She let him know just how ecstatic she was in
the airport short term parking lot. They drove down through Tennessee
and over into Arkansas before looping back and zigzagging up through
Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Cindy was in seventh
heaven.

Each evening, or whenever they felt like it, they would make love in
the spacious bed of the motor home. They talked endlessly about how the
business was going and how construction of the silo was proceeding...
without getting too specific, as John could never be sure the motor
home wasn't bugged. Mostly they enjoyed each other's company.

It was late evening. They were parked by a lake in Minnesota. Cindy
snuggled to John's side as they listened to a Loon out on the lake
through the screened windows of the motor home. They had just made love
for the fourth time that day.

"I want to thank you for this time. I know you still need some time to
yourself, but I was going nuts without you," Cindy said.

"Can't have you doing that. I care too much about you to let that
happen," John replied.

"I love you so much... at times I think I could bust," Cindy said.
Tears coming to her eyes.

"I love you too. What say we get married when I get back, say in
August, no later than September," John said. Cindy hugged him fiercely
and said yes. This prompted them to make love yet again. Later, they
drifted off to sleep, snuggled in each other's arms.

"Dear heart?" John asked on the road the next day.

"Yes love?" Cindy asked, watching the forested landscape.

"You really don't mind about the women I meet out here on the road?" he
asked.

"Of course not. I made you promise you'd make love to others on this
trip, remember?" she asked.

"Yes, that's the only reason that I was able to do it. But I don't
think you were thinking about as many as there has been," John said.
Cindy was well aware of exactly how many there had been. She also knew
why.

"No, Love. I don't mind... Sally said you made quite an impression in
New York, how was she?" Cindy asked.

"The actress?" John asked.

"Uh huh."

"Well, not bad. She probably deserved that academy award she got for
that movie where she did that steamy love scene," John chuckled.

"Yeah, I'll bet. Sally's been spending most every weekend with her, so
has Jean. I understand you have quite a few offers tended," Cindy
chuckled.

"So I've been told. I don't understand that. My performance wasn't
*that* good," John said.

"Oh, I don't doubt for an instant that it was probably better than
anything she ever encountered before. Actors tend to be a self-centered
lot. Hardly conducive to proper love making," Cindy said.

"What brought that up? You curious about one of them?" John said.

"How'd you guess?" Cindy chuckled.

"I just know my lady... which one?" John asked.

"Guess," she teased.

"That little blonde from that car chase movie," John said.

"You *do* know me fairly well, don't you? I think she's adorable,"
Cindy said.

"Yeah, she's adorable. Maybe too cute. I bet we'd find implant scars,"
John chuckled.

"Maybe. Be fun to look, don't you think?" Cindy said.

"You know me. I like them any size. Just so I get to play with them,"
John said.

"Yeah, I know that about you," Cindy chuckled, "It just so happens that
she lives not far from here. Sally sent me her address this morning
while you were in the shower. She's expecting us this evening for
dinner."

"You know, it takes three men to make up a conspiracy, but only one
woman. Two of you is almost equal to a whole revolution," John
chuckled.

"The *Junta's* behind us! Take the third exit coming up," Cindy said,
consulting the map on the GPS system.

The blonde didn't have *any* scars. They were natural and magnificent.
She took as big a shine to Cindy as she did to John. They left with a
standing invitation to return at any time. Their reputation got bigger,
deservedly so. Cindy returned to the Silo a much happier woman. She
proceeded to prove it with everybody at the silo, including Kevin, much
to his surprise and delight.

She'd left John in Brainerd, Minnesota, catching a tiny turbo prop
flight back to Minneapolis and catching a flight from there. Kevin
picked her up in Salt Lake City. John had to sleep over an additional
night in Brainerd to recover from her farewell before heading off for
North Dakota. Sheila flew in and met him at Bismarck, bringing Judy
with her to meet him. She watched them make love multiple times. She'd
even willingly helped. She almost succumbed to his charm, especially
after seeing the result of his love making on Sheila, but not quite.
John didn't push it. He had enough women as it was. They dropped her
off in a town where she could catch a connecting flight to a major hub
airport.

"I thought she'd fall for you. Maybe she is exclusively and permanently
gay," Sheila mused.

"That's okay, no need for another woman in my life," John said.

"I know. Guess I'm just so taken with you myself, I just assume
everyone will love you like I do. But I find it quite sexy watching you
make love to another woman. Especially when I get to help," she
chuckled.

"I think we could rustle up a little cutie in the next town," John
said.

"In Montana? Are you serious? No way," she laughed.

"Count on it. Want to bet?" John teased.

"Sure, bet you a blow job a day for a month. If you lose I get to shave
off your pubic hair and your mustache," Sheila dared him.

"You're on," John said.

"This could be fun. I've never seen you without your mustache," Sheila
chuckled.

"My upper lip isn't that pretty. That's why this is a permanent part of
my face. You haven't won yet," John said. They pulled into Great Falls,
Montana. A sleepy little community, not very promising at all. John had
faith the Russians were due for another try at him. They found an RV
camp and signed in. John made hookup and unhitched the compact car.

"Why don't you make us some dinner? I'll be back in an hour or two,"
John said.

"You got it. Dinner for two," Sheila teased.

"Make it for three," he replied. She kissed him deeply and then wished
him luck, thinking she had a sure win. John had noticed his current
tail long before. Now all he needed was a conducive atmosphere. He
found a little quiet bar. He walked in and ordered a drink and waited.
About ten minutes passed before a stunning brunette entered the bar,
dressed as a cowgirl. Heads turned and a whistle or two was heard from
the corners.

"Ever see her before?" John asked the bartender.

"Nope. I'm certain I'd remember *that*," he replied. John had just been
checking he had the right woman. She spotted him and moved past the
others, declining several offers along the way to the bar. She slid
onto a stool two seats from John. She made eye contact with him in the
mirror and smiled at him. He turned to her and made direct eye contact.

"Buy you a drink?" he offered.

"Thank you. That would be nice," she replied in a dulcet voice. She had
a slight hint of an accent. John couldn't quite place it. Could have
been Northern Europe somewhere. Certainly not a Montana drawl. She
moved onto the stool next to John when the bartender took her order.
John paid for the drink. "Thank you," she said.

"You're quite welcome. My name is John. John Stevens," he said,
extending his hand.

"Catarina. Catarina Rothschild," she said, taking his hand and shaking
it warmly.

"Catarina, an unusual name for these parts. That lovely accent doesn't
fit either," John observed.

"No, it is Austrian. I am just traveling through on vacation. Your
clothing seems a little unusual for here too. You from around here?"
she asked.

"No, just traveling through myself," John replied.

"So, fellow travelers. Well, here is to you, John Stevens," she
toasted. He clinked glasses with her and they drank.

"So, what brings you in here?" he baited. She looked at him a moment,
sharing eye contact.

"To be perfectly honest... I have been traveling a long time by myself.
It is kind of lonely. I was looking for companionship. And maybe a good
recommendation for a restaurant. But from what I have seen of the town,
the prospect of a good meal looks very bleak," she said.

"I could possibly supply both, if you are interested," he said.

"That is very kind of you. I think I would like that... for both
parts," she said.

"Ah... I'm currently traveling with a female companion," John said.

"She would not mind? I would not want to get you into trouble," she
said.

"No, I know she'd enjoy meeting you. She likes meeting people....
especially those as attractive as you," John hinted.

She studied him a moment before replying, "Even better... Perhaps she
would join us? If I understand you correctly?"

"I think you understand quite well, yes. I'm sure she'd be delighted,"
John said.

"She is attractive, this woman?" she asked.

"Very," John said.

"Is it far from here?" she asked.

"No, not far. Would you like to finish your drink?" he asked.

"No.. Let us go before the other... I mean, before the cowboys start
hitting on me," she said.

"Fine by me," John said. He flipped a five onto the counter for a tip
and they walked out together. Every eye in the place watching them go.

"How do you like that? First time she ever walks in here and some rich
fuck steals her away in under five minutes," the bartender said to one
of the cowboys.

"I don't know how some guys do it. Ever see him before?" the cowboy
asked.

"Nope. First time in for each of them. Left like they was life long
lovers," the bartender replied.

Catarina said she'd follow John. Which she did. Reporting her progress
on a cellular phone on the way. Sheila heard two cars pull up outside
the motor home. She looked out the window and saw John helping a
stunning brunette out of her car.

"I'll be god damned," she muttered to herself. Not that she would mind
giving John a blow job any time he wanted one, but she had been looking
forward to shaving off his mustache and pubic hair. Especially the
latter. John opened the door for the woman.

"Sheila Jacobs, meet Catarina Rothschild. I found her in town in search
of a good meal. Think we could supply her with one?" John asked. The
women eyed each other carefully. Shaking hands. It was clear that there
was interest from both directions.

"I think that we can fulfill her desires, yes," Sheila said.

"You don't mind, do you, love? I couldn't see her fighting off cowboys
for a burger," John said.

"No, I don't mind at all. You know I love company. Especially one so
lovely," Sheila said, "Won't you sit down? Let me take your jacket for
you. John, would you be a dear and open the wine?"

"What are we having?" John asked.

"Your nose should tell you we're having those lovely trout you caught
this morning. Baked, stuffed with shrimp and bacon and topped with
shaved almonds. I hope you like fish, Catarina," Sheila said.

"Yes, I love it. Especially trout," Catarina said, observing John
select a bottle of Gray Riesling from a well stocked wine cabinet.
"This is a lovely vehicle. I must say that you Americans constantly
surprise me," she said.

"I was wondering about your accent," Sheila said, setting a third place
setting for Catarina.

"It's Austrian," John said.

"Rothschild. Any relation to the banking family?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, but just far enough removed that I must work for a living,"
Catarina chuckled.

"I'd rather work anyway, myself. So what brings you to Montana?" Sheila
asked.

"I am on vacation. I thought I would see America for myself. It is a
beautiful land, but I have been traveling by myself. I am afraid it has
been quite lonely. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I someone
to share it with," Catarina said.

"I can quite imagine. I'm glad John met you. Perhaps we can help
alleviate your loneliness," Sheila said. John uncorked the wine,
enjoying the banter between the two women. They'd hardly taken their
eyes off each other. He poured a small splash into Catarina's glass for
her to test. She took a sniff and a smile spread on her face.

"A lovely bouquet," she said, taking a small sip and savoring it around
her mouth. "Yes, an excellent wine," she said, smiling in earnest. She
had a radiant smile. Sheila found herself getting quite turned on. She
turned her attention to the oven as John poured the wine. "And what
brings you two to Montana?" Catarina asked.

"Just vacationing ourselves. John's been on sabbatical -as he calls it-
for several months now. I flew in to join him just this past week,"
Sheila said.

"You said you enjoy working, what do you do? If I may ask?" Catarina
asked.

"I'm CEO of Second Skin Inc," Sheila replied.

"Really? The Second Skin that is making such a fashion hit all over the
country?"

"The same, yes. So you've heard of us?" Sheila beamed.

"Who has not? Your outfits are sending tremors throughout the fashion
industry all over the world. I wish I could afford one, but I am afraid
that your outfits are a little out of my range. CEO, that is quite a
position for a woman to obtain. Especially with a company as big as
Second Skin is likely to get," Catarina said.

"I have John here to thank for that. He invented the machine that made
it all possible," Sheila said, serving the salad. "What kind of
dressing would you like? I'm afraid we only have Italian, Ranch and
Thousand Island," she asked.

"I have grown quite fond of Ranch. Thank you. So you really invented
the machine, John?" Catarina asked.

"Yes, I was just tinkering. I got lucky with a good idea. I get a small
royalty from my patent. I don't have anything to do with Second Skin
otherwise," John said.

"Small royalty," Sheila rolled her eyes mockingly. The timer on the
oven dinged and John moved to get up. "Oh, no. This is my meal. I get
little enough chance to cook for you. Sit down and enjoy our lovely
guest," Sheila said.

"Thank you, dear heart. Yes, she is quite lovely, isn't she?" John
said.

"Very lovely indeed," Sheila said, taking the fish out of the oven.

"You are quite kind, both of you. You two are quite attractive as well,
and quite gracious. But I fear that after dinner I shall have to run
off. I do not have a room for the night yet, and the only motel in town
looked quite full. I may have a long drive before I find a bed,"
Catarina said.

"Nonsense. This thing could sleep sixteen comfortably. And there's just
the two of us. You are quite welcome to stay with us," John said.

"That is very generous of you. You do not mind?" Catarina asked Sheila.

"Not at all. I insist really. I'm quite enjoying your company," Sheila
replied, carrying two plates to the table. She placed them before John
and Catarina and then returned for her own.

"This looks and smells lovely," Catarina said.

"Just wait till you taste it," Sheila prodded. Catarina did and a smile
spread over her face. On John's too.

"Excellent, dear heart. You spoil me," John said.

"You're worth spoiling," Sheila said.

"You certainly seem to be a loving couple," Catarina mused.

"What's the point in being a couple if you're not?" Sheila asked.

"A good point. But being such a lovely, loving couple, are you certain
you wish me to stay? I would not want to intrude," Catarina said.

"Quite certain.... actually. I think we were quite hoping that you
would join us, weren't we, John?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, if you'd like to that is. We seldom get the opportunity to meet
someone as lovely as you. You don't have to if you don't wish to. The
offer of a comfortable bed still stands," John said. Catarina looked
between the two of them.

"Yes, I think I would like that very much," she said, softly.

"Good. Then you can have some more of this wonderful wine," John said,
pouring the last of the bottle between the three glasses.

"Thank you, yes. It is quite wonderful. Seems a shame the bottle is
empty," Catarina said.

"Not to worry," John said, sliding out from the table and producing a
second bottle of the same.

"I must say, it is a wonderful treat to meet two people such as
yourselves. It is not often I encounter such... an *open* attitude. You
must feel very secure in your relationship," Catarina said.

"Yes, very secure. I've never known a man quite like John. I'm not sure
there are any more like him. Certainly not very many in the world. He's
given me.. complete freedom and *understanding*.. of my *inclinations*.
If you know what I mean?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, I quite understand. As I think I share those same inclinations.
You are very lucky to find such a man. I never have," Catarina said.

"Then let us savor each other's companionship. As you have now," Sheila
toasted. Catarina clinked her glass with Sheila's and John's. The fine
crystal ringing like bells. The rest of the dinner passed easily, with
light conversation about places they had seen and things they had done.
Towards the end the sexual tension between the three of them was almost
electric. Catarina insisted upon helping with the cleanup. John made a
pot of rich French roasted coffee, grinding fresh beans from his
freezer.

"You certainly have all the luxuries. Quite a communications set up you
have," Catarina commented.

"I like to stay in touch with the world, while getting away from it,"
John chuckled. He folded the table away, revealing a quite comfortable
conversation area. Each padded seat had its own foot rest. John put on
some soft music on his sound system. John pulled off his shoes. Sighing
in comfort as he sat back.

"Aren't those boots uncomfortable? Let me take them off for you," he
offered Catarina.

"Yes, I have been quite looking forward to taking them off, but let me
grab a small bag from my car first," she said.

"Certainly. Make yourself at home. May I get it for you?" Sheila
offered.

"No, thank you. It is just a small bag. I am afraid it is buried in my
other bags. I know right where it is though," Catarina said. She
slipped out the door. Sheila poured three cups of coffee and moved them
to holders by the conversation area.

"I swear John, I don't know how you do it. You meet some of the most
beautiful women I ever saw. She's gorgeous. Right down to her voice.
I'm going to enjoy paying off this bet," Sheila chuckled.

"She is quite alluring, isn't she?" John replied.

"Outstandingly so. Who would have thought it; in Great Falls,
Montana.... You must be the luckiest man on earth," Sheila giggled.

"I've certainly thought so the past couple of years," John replied,
pulling her into a kiss.

Out in her car Catarina dialed a number on her cellular phone. She
spoke one simple phrase, "I am in." She carried her small overnight bag
back into the motor home. John and Sheila were still kissing. She
noticed that they didn't seem to mind her watching. She felt her heart
quicken. She was beginning to enjoy this assignment. John finally
looked up at her.

"Please, put it anywhere. Sit down and let me take those boots off
now," he said.

"Thank you, I will. I have had quite a time getting them off myself,"
she said, setting her bag down and seating herself.

"There's a trick to it; Heel toe, heel toe," John said, taking her leg
and straddling it facing away from her. He grabbed her heel and pulled.
The boot came right off. The second just as easy.

"God, that feels wonderful. I have wanted to do that all day," she
said.

"How do you take your coffee?" Sheila asked.

"Black, please," she replied. Sheila handed her a mug, sinking into the
seat next to her. John slid down in front of the seat and began to rub
Catarina's feet. She closed her eyes and moaned slightly. "Oh, that
feels great. Do not ever lose this man, Sheila," she said, half
moaning.

"I don't intend to. I'm afraid he's stuck with me," Sheila replied.

"Ditto, babe. Ditto," John said, smiling at her.

"What is ditto? I am afraid I do not know the term," Catarina asked.

"It means; as was said before. Like the marks on a line in a column
below one that lists the same value or meaning," John said.

"Ah... ditto. Yes. I see. Quite a fun term," she said.

"Your English is excellent. And your voice is lovely too," Sheila said,
sipping her coffee.

"Thank you.. I have spoken it since I was a child. My mother was an
American. She would talk to my father in French and he would reply in
English. It was good practice for both of them."

"I thought the Austrian's spoke mainly German," John said.

"They do. I speak that as well. I am fluent in French, German, Italian,
Hungarian and Russian," Catarina said.

"And English, of course," John said.

"I would not call myself fluent in it, not like the others," she said.

"Quite impressive. A linguist and lovely too," Sheila said.

"I would not call myself that either," Catarina chuckled.

"I would," Sheila said.

"Ditto," John chuckled.

"You are both very generous," Catarina said, "And quite lovely
yourselves."

"Thank you... I think I'm going to go slip into something more
comfortable. While you two enjoy your coffee," Sheila said. Catarina
watched her as she walked into the back of the motor home and slid the
doorway closed.

"Yes, quite lovely indeed," she said.

"I thought so the first moment I laid eyes on her," John said, changing
to Catarina's other foot. She closed her eyes once more and moaned
softly.

"You are quite good at that. It feels wonderful. I have not had
pampering like this for quite some time," she said, taking a sip of
coffee.

"What a crime," John chuckled.

"Crime?" Catarina asked.

"A figure of speech. Meaning that you are a *very* attractive woman. It
would seem that someone was breaking a rule by not pampering you," John
explained.

"Ah, I see. I am afraid that there has been no one to do the
pampering," Catarina replied.

"No one? It would seem to me that you would have no difficulty
attracting many number of partners," John said.

"Perhaps I am mostly to blame for the lack of partners. I had an
unhappy love affair that sort of soured me on relationships for a
while," she replied.

"I quite understand that. So you took an *emotional holiday*.... a term
I use to imply a holiday away from relationships. I tried to do the
same thing," John said.

"Emotional holiday... another good term. You are good for my education.
Yes, that is what I did," Catarina said. Sheila picked her second most
dangerous body suit. It was mostly a loose net, the weave getting
closer gradually over strategic area's. There were patterns of flowers
cleverly woven into the suit between those areas. It hid almost
nothing. Sheila added a short golden silk robe. She examined herself in
a full length mirror. Nodding in satisfaction.

"This should do nicely," she said quietly to herself. She dabbed a
little perfume behind her ears and made a little trail of it over her
breasts and down between her legs, using very little of it in any one
area. She found herself a bit quivery in anticipation. John finished up
with Catarina's feet and moved to sit beside her, retrieving his coffee
mug.

"May I return your favor?" Catarina asked, setting her mug in a holder
and sliding down before him. Just then the bedroom door slid open and
Catarina's breath caught in her throat. So did John's. Sheila smiled
radiantly over their reactions.

"That is the... sexiest... outfit I have ever seen," Catarina gulped,
her eyes riveted to Sheila's body.

"Oh, just a little something I whipped up one afternoon. So you like
it?" Sheila asked.

"Like it? It is outstanding. I would love to own one myself. *You* made
it?" Catarina asked.

"Yes... I'd be happy to make you one. If you could come to one of our
salons," Sheila said. John sighed in relief. He was afraid Sheila was
going to invite Catarina to the silo.

"I am afraid that your salons are out of my budget range," Catarina
sighed.

"No problem. Being a CEO has its privileges. You are quite welcome to
one as my treat. In fact we'll make you several outfits," Sheila said,
sinking onto the seat. Catarina eyes were still riveted to her. She
looked flushed and uncomfortable. Her pulse quickened, she felt her
desire growing and the beginnings of a warm dampness between her legs.
"In fact, if you had some time and could come..." Sheila began.

"I think she's about Cindy's size," John interrupted, "I think she left
an outfit in the bottom drawer on the left. Perhaps Catarina would like
to get out of those jeans and freshen up a bit." Sheila looked to John,
curiously. His eyes told her he had interrupted her for a reason.

"Yes, that would be nice," Catarina said.

"Why don't you help yourself? There is another robe in the wardrobe. I
think you will find everything you need in the bath," John suggested.

"Thank you. I would like to freshen up a bit," Catarina said, rising
and claiming her bag. She carried it into the bedroom and slid the door
shut. Sheila looked to John in question.

He moved close to her and nuzzled behind her ear, whispering, "Please
don't mention the silo yet or invite her to it. I'll explain later."
She nodded as John drank in her perfume. He succumbed to it and kissed
softly down her neck. She giggled and turned to meet his lips.

Catarina located the outfit and robe. The outfit was stupendously
scandalous. She grinned and took it with her into the bath. She used
the facilities and washed up. Then slipped out of her clothes and into
the outfit. It was a bit snug, but fit as well as most anything she
could have purchased off the rack. The snugness helped the outfit hug
her every curve. She was grateful for the robe, also silk and short.
Emerald green to match Cindy's eyes. She wondered about Cindy. She knew
very well who she was. She had observed her from a distance. Her pulse
quickened again as she thought about her in this very same outfit. She
found the idea very sexy.

She added her own brand of perfume from her bag in much the same manner
that Sheila had applied hers. She examined herself in the mirror.
Blushing over the scandalous nature of the outfit. Well, that was the
idea; to seduce the pair waiting for her. It seemed, however, that they
were doing a fine job of seducing her. Catarina smiled at the irony of
the situation. She made no less an impression upon them than Sheila had
upon her and John earlier.

"That looks quite lovely on you. Very sexy as well," Sheila said.

"Thank you. It is a lovely outfit. I hope I do it justice," she
replied, moving over and seating across from them.

"And then some," John said, admiringly. Catarina blushed a bit, feeling
like a school girl over his praise.

"Thank you," she demurred.

"Well, I think I'll change myself," John said, excusing himself. Once
he was in the bedroom, Sheila turned to Catarina.

"May I see how that outfit fits the rest of you?" she asked.

"Certainly," Catarina said, standing and opening the robe. Letting it
slip off her shoulders. She set it aside and turned to model the outfit
for her. Sheila felt flushed herself. Standing and admiring the way the
outfit hugged Catarina's slim features. Her breasts were medium sized
and the nipples large, like her own. The outfit clearly defining them.
They were erect. Sheila knew the outfit to have thermal qualities, so
she knew she wasn't cold.

"Very nice. A bit snug perhaps. Not quite up to what we could do for
you at one of our salons," Sheila said.

"May I see the rest of that outfit you have on?" Catarina asked,
blushing over Sheila's gaze.

"Of course," Sheila said, slipping out of her robe as she stood.
Catarina's breath caught in her throat again as Sheila turned to model
the outfit. When she turned to face her, they were quite close
together. Their eyes locked and they stood a moment, uncomfortable.

"Must we tease each other much more?" Sheila asked, huskily. Catarina
smiled and moved as in a dream towards her. Their fingertips sliding
along each others arms as they moved together. Their lips met and they
melted together. John returned to find the two women locked in a
sensual kiss, their fingertips exploring each other's bodies.

"That is one of the loveliest sights I have ever seen," he said, moving
towards them. He had on only a light robe over custom made shorts that
hugged his manhood distinctly. They didn't fit right until he got
excited. Now they fit him perfectly. The two women turned to him,
opening up their embrace. Catarina trembled as he entered it. He pulled
her to him in a kiss that made her knees weak. A short while later he
led the two of them towards the bedroom.

Catarina lay panting. She was languid from all the endorphins pumping
through her body. Nothing in her advanced training classes had prepared
her for the onslaught that she had experienced. Never had she known
such passion in her life. Not only from John and Sheila, but herself as
well. It took all her willpower and training not to slip into blissful
sleep.

She waited until she could hear and feel both John and Sheila breathing
regularly. She gently slid out from between them. They seemed to sense
a change and rolled together. Catarina froze until she was certain they
were not awakening. She felt incredibly guilty. Looking down at the
pair of them snuggled together, the soft light of the bedroom giving
their perfect bodies a golden sheen.

Catarina groaned silently at the sight. She had never known two more
tender or loving people in her life. It pained her almost beyond her
strength at what she had to do, but she had no choice. She quietly
extracted a tiny *Minox* camera from a side pouch of her bag and tip-
toed out of the bedroom, silently sliding the door shut behind her.
Tears flowing from her eyes.

Moving slowly so not to cause the slightest shudder as she moved about
the motor home. She opened the cupboard she had been briefed on and
moved aside a cereal box and slid open a panel. Inside she dialed the
combination she had memorized and the door opened on her first attempt.
Using an under counter light, she quickly snapped images of every page
in the two folders. She closed them up and replaced them in the safe
and closed it and the panel up, positioning the cereal box back exactly
as it had been. She turned to return to the bedroom and found herself
facing John.

"Want to talk about it?" he asked casually. The realization she had
failed struck her. The implications of it hit her like a truck and she
lost her last vestige of strength. She sank to the floor sobbing. John
made no movement towards her. Sheila came up behind him.

"What's going on?" she asked, sleepily. Seeing Catarina sobbing nude on
the floor, she started towards her. John reached out an arm to block
her way.

"Dear heart, would you get our robes for us while I make another pot of
coffee?" he said. Sheila looked at him and then back at Catarina. She
noticed the camera still clutched in her hand. She nodded and returned
to the bedroom.

"What is to talk about, you know what I am," Catarina sobbed.

"Yes, but not why.... " John said.

"Does it matter?" she asked, gasping back another sob.

"Perhaps," John said. He offered her his hand. She miss-read him and
moved to put the camera in it. He pushed the hand aside and took her
wrist, gently pulling her to her feet. Catarina expected the worst.
Sheila came back wearing her robe and carrying two others. John took
one and draped it over Catarina's shoulders and guided her to where
they had been seated earlier. He sat her down and then took his robe
from Sheila and slipped it on.

"One question: did you plant any bugs tonight?" he asked.

Catarina shook her head, "No, they are in my car. I was supposed to do
that tomorrow if I was unsuccessful."

"Good, then we can maybe talk safely. Unless there are others that were
planted before you arrived," he said.

"No, we were not able to plant one since you found the last ones. But
what is to talk about? You know what I was doing," Catarina sobbed.

"Yes, I know, *Comrade*," he said. Catarina winced like she'd been
struck.

"Please do not call me that. I am not a party member," she sobbed.

"Then why?" John asked.

"She's a spy?" gasped Sheila. John nodded.

Catarina stared out into empty space and said, "Alright, I guess I owe
you that.....God, Bianca. I am so sorry."

"Bianca?" John asked.

"My sister. The Russians have her in prison. I was to trade the film
for her freedom," Catarina said, tears flowing down her cheeks and
dripping on her lovely breasts.

"Oh god, John. This isn't fun anymore," Sheila said, tears in her own
eyes.

"A little faith, my love. Have I let you down yet?" he asked.

"No, you never have. But what can we do? This.... God, you know the
penalties," she cried.

"Sit down dear heart, and let me think," John said. Sheila sat on a
chair and let him think. John absently moved about, gathering their
earlier coffee cups, mostly full. He topped them off out of the cold
pot and put them in the microwave to heat. He folded the table back up
between the girls. When the microwave dinged he took the mugs and set
them on the table.

"I guess you will be wanting this," Catarina said, offering the camera
again.

"I don't want my prints on it. Put it on the counter," John said. She
shrugged and did as he said. She seemed more composed now. John slid in
next to Sheila. "Now, tell me *all* about it," he said. She looked at
him, wondering his motives.

"I can not see that it makes any difference, now," she said.

"Indulge me. Please," he said. Catarina took a sip from her mug to
steady herself. Not too successfully as her hands were shaking.

"Well... It all started about two years ago, when my sister Bianca, was
an exchange student in Moscow. She met up with a man who convinced her
she could make some quick money by smuggling in some drugs. She did not
even use them herself, but like I told you, we are not a rich family.
The amount of money he offered was substantial. He supplied the
contacts and the money for the drugs up front. Also gave her an exact
route to take. It was not supposed to be a risk," she said.

"It was a set up?" John guessed. Catarina nodded.

"Yes, he was KGB. She was arrested the moment she entered the country
with the drugs. They were *waiting* for her. They knew her exact route
and schedule," she said.

"What kind of drugs were they?" John asked.

"Just a block of Hashish. She would not have done it otherwise. But she
was tried and convicted. She was sentenced to life in prison without a
chance of parole," Catarina said, beginning to weep again.

"How did you get involved in it?" John asked, ignoring the tears.
Catarina took another sip of coffee before continuing.

"All I knew, was that she had been sentenced to life in prison. There
did not seem to be any hope at all. I even tried Amnesty International,
but their appeal fell on deaf ears," she said.

"When did they contact you?" John asked. Catarina looked up at him a
moment.

"How did..... It does not matter, I guess. About three months after she
was sentenced a man came into my shop. I ran a little clothing salon in
Innsbruck, that is where I am from. Anyway, he said he had information
about my sister. He had a letter from her....." Catarina stalled out
for a moment before continuing.

"She was raped the first night by one of the guards..... The next night
the inmates started in on her.. Seven women .... raped her. Then they
had her with dildos made from broom handles. The guards ignored her
screams..... " she finished, breaking down again.

"The man offered to help her?" John asked. Catarina nodded, between
sobs. John let her cry herself out again.

Finally she continued, "Yes, he said he could get her out... if I did
some *favors* for him.... I thought he wanted sex... I would have done
anything to get her out.... After my parents died, she was all the
family I had.... that was close. I tried going to some distant
relatives for help, but they were not interested. It was not *their*
problem," she said, bitterly. John nodded, thinking.

"A clothing shop? Could they have picked her because of us?" Sheila
asked.

"I'm sure they did. But not for that reason. The timing is wrong. Tell
me Catarina, was it known that you were bisexual?" he asked.

"I did not make much of a secret of it. I was living with a woman.....
that was the relationship I mentioned. She was part of it," she said.
John nodded, looking at her. She seemed to notice that she was exposed.
She slipped her arms into the robe and pulled it around her, tying the
belt. "What will they do to me?" she asked.

"That's yet to be determined. Please, continue," he said. Catarina
stared off into space for a time.

"He remained vague about what *favors* I would have to do.. he said I
needed *training*. As I said, I would have done anything. He had me go
to Russia. He let me visit my sister... god, she looked bad. She had
lost weight. Her eyes..... She had been adopted by one of the inmates.
She was her... slave. Anyway, after seeing her I would have killed to
get her out. The man... -*Sergei* is his name... *Sergei Nickolov*- he
arranged for me to go to this ... it was a sex school, or so they
called it. It was really just a collection of the biggest perverts this
planet has ever seen. My treatment was not much better than my
sister's. But I put up with it because I thought there was a chance to
get her out. They let me see her once a week. Besides, once I was in
Russia, I did not really have much choice anyway.

"I got pregnant... they took me into a hospital and gave me an
abortion. I was not sorry about that. I would not want to have a child
with one of those animals as the father. After about six months of
that, Sergei took me to another place, I think it was his home. A large
mansion off in the woods. It was surrounded by guards with dogs. My
sister was there.

"He finally told me what I would have to do to get her released. He
showed us video tapes.... Of you. There were tapes of a blonde girl and
a brunette. You were making love in some kind of pit in the desert. He
made us act out the parts.... my *sister*... and... *I*.... He played
your part... only he could not, as you do....he was not *tender* as you
are.... Sometimes there were other women there. I think they were *in
training* as well. Other times he would make me go out and meet women
on the street; lesbians. I was to seduce them. I actually got very
proficient at it.... but I never enjoyed it. Until tonight, I have not
enjoyed sex ... since this all started."

"So you were to seduce us?" Sheila asked.

"John, not you originally. One of the other girls. I did not see your
picture until two months ago. Then he showed me a tape of you with a
little blonde girl in the pit. I guess she was one of the triplets. He
had a tape of them too. I know all of you by sight. Including the women
in New York and San Francisco," Catarina replied.

"Tell me, how was the exchange for your sister to take place?" John
asked. Catarina looked at him suspiciously.

"Sergei told me that I was to copy the contents of your safe. If I
brought him new information, my sister would be released. I told him I
did not trust him. I would only give him the film if he released my
sister in America. I hand him the film, she goes free. We both do," she
said.

"He's *here?*" John asked, excitedly. Catarina nodded.

"As much good as it would do you. I do not know where... He told me if
I did not succeed, he would kill her.... Just another body found by the
road in America....." she said, beginning to weep again.

"Stop that. That's not going to happen. You're going to meet with him
and give him the film," John said. Catarina looked up at him sharply,
hope in her eyes.

"You would do that for *me*?" she asked.

"I would do that for anybody," John said.

"*Why?* Why would you do this?" she asked. John considered her for a
moment.

"You are not a spy, Catarina. Spy's don't cry while they steal
secrets," he said softly.

"I did not expect to.... fall in love," she said, looking at the table,
weeping still.

"Oh, the dam's broke again. Sheila, see what you can do with this
lovely woman. I've got a message to send," he said. Sheila grinned at
him and threw her arms around him and hugged him before she slid over
to Catarina. She pulled the weeping woman into her arms and cradled
her. Kissing softly at her tears. Catarina clung to her like a child,
and wept.

John did something at the refrigerator and then went into the bedroom.
A short time later the sounds of a modem connecting could be heard.
Followed by a lot of typing. Some time later John came out, smiling. He
picked up the camera by its cord strap and held it out to Catarina.

"Here, you'd better hold on to this," he said. She launched herself at
him from Sheila's lap.

Chapter 76

Catarina lay snuggled to John's side. Sheila was cooking breakfast in
the small kitchen. Catarina marveled at her powers of recovery. After
she launched herself at John the night before, he had carried her in
his arms into the bedroom. They had both made the most tender, sweet
love she had ever known with her. She did not understand, but she knew
she could trust these people. They were *not* like Sergei had told her
they were. They were the sweetest, kindest people on earth.

If she had to die for her actions, she would go knowing that she had
finally experienced true, honest love. The way it should be.... for
everybody; Self-less, deep and abiding. She lay in John's arms waiting
for word of her and her sister's fate. It came in the form of a beeping
from his laptop.

John stirred, feeling Catarina snuggled to him. He lifted his head to
gaze into her pensive eyes. He kissed her on the cheek and sat up,
reaching for his laptop. Sheila came in and handed each of them a cup
of coffee, stooping to kiss each of them good morning.

"Breakfast is ready when you are," she said. She slipped out and
retrieved her own cup and returned and slid onto the bed. Setting her
coffee down on the headboard shelf, she leaned against it and pulled
Catarina to her. She snuggled to her side while John read the reply. He
read for quite some time. Catarina growing more pensive by the moment.

"Well, don't keep the poor girl in suspense," Sheila chided. John
looked up.

"Oh, sorry. You are to make connection with your contact. Tell them
that we have asked you to travel with us. Tell them that you are going
to do so because you were not able to obtain the information as yet,
but you are confident that you will. Ask him to meet you in Salt Lake
City in a week. That you intend to have the information by then and
that you would like Sergei to meet you at the Mormon Temple with your
sister.

"For your cooperation, you will be given immunity from prosecution.
Both you and your sister will be given political asylum and protection.
Your sister -and you, if you desire it- will be given counseling to
help her deal with your ordeal. The government would very much like
your assistance in putting Sergei into one of our prisons," John
summarized. Catarina had begun to weep with joy.

"Of course. I will gladly cooperate fully. I would do anything to see
that asshole put away," she said, tears running down her cheeks.

"Unfortunately, our prisons are probably more humane, but not all that
humane. I could almost guarantee that he would become somebody's love
toy. Probably for a bunch of weight lifters with self applied tattoos,"
John chuckled.

"That would give me a great deal of satisfaction... but mainly I just
want my sister safe and away from him," she said, wiping at her tears.
Sheila had her own leakage problem.

"You are a great man, John Stevens. You are kind and generous and I
love you very much. May I show a portion of my gratitude to you by
making love to you?" Catarina asked.

"No, not as thanks... but if you would like to make love with us as an
equal, of your own free choice, then I would be delighted," John said.

"You know, they have a great deal of respect for the *Cowboy*, but I
think even so they have greatly underestimated you," Catarina said.

"Cowboy?" John asked.

"That is what they call you. Your code name. Sergei told me of an
episode where you outgunned a man. You shot his barn or something," she
replied. John busted out laughing. So did Sheila.

"Cowboy... I can live with that," he chuckled. "What time do you need
to make your contact?" he asked.

"No set time. I was to try to make contact by three this afternoon,"
she said, catching the jovial mood.

"Three huh? I think we can have you talking again by then," John said,
moving to her. She moved into his arms and her lips met his hungrily.
Sheila moved up behind her, caressing her body. She was *barely*
talking when she made her phone call. Her contact wasn't at all happy
that she didn't have the film yet. He agreed that she should travel
with them. She passed her message about her sister. Her contact said he
would relay the message. For her to call back the next day between noon
and three for the reply to her demands. While she was out making her
call, Sheila turned to John.

"Are you going to ask her, or should I?" she asked. He grinned at her.

"Hold off for a bit. I want to get this thing with her sister cleaned
up first. I don't want her saying yes because she feels indebted to
us," he said.

"All the more reason to ask her before," she said.

"No. When she's free to make her own decisions. *Really free*. Then we
can ask her together. Okay?" he said.

"Okay. But I want you to know that I'm fully addicted already," she
said.

"Ditto, babe. Now about that bet..." he said.

"You cheated.... " Sheila said, sinking to her knees, grinning. They
solved the problem of Catarina's vehicle by dropping it off at the next
car rental. She would rent another one in Salt Lake City. They
transferred the luggage from the car. To deal with the bags containing
the bugs, John simply stowed them into the compact car towed behind.
They drove down through Montana, crossing into Wyoming. Driving through
Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Catarina got a big kick out
of the bears in Yellowstone. Most of the time she traveled up front
with them. Sometimes her and Sheila would slip back into the bedroom
for an hour or so. Once, John had Sheila spell him off at the wheel
while he slipped back for an extended session. She would only do it on
an easy driving section. She'd never driven anything that big before.

Each night they all made love and then snuggled together blissfully
happy as they caressed each other to sleep. Catarina made a German
style breakfast for them one morning. With sliced tomatoes, cheeses and
cold cuts to go with the eggs and potato pancakes. In Jackson Hole John
purchased an out of state fishing license. Not far away he parked the
motor home and made his way along a small stream with his fly casting
gear. Working his way along the river, pretending he knew what he was
doing. He wasn't a very proficient fly fisherman, but he looked forward
to becoming one. He seemed to yank the fly away from the fish the
moment it went to take it. He worked his way along the stream.
Encountering another fisherman. He stopped and chatted with him. The
fisherman showing him his catch for the day.

"Nice mustache. I'll bet the triplets would like it," John chuckled.

"It comes off, what happened to yours?" Howdy asked.

"It came off. Part of a draw bet. It'll grow back soon," John said,
absently feeling his lip.

"Well -*as usual*- you stirred up a *whole* bunch of shit. We've been
dying to get our hands on this Nickolov fellow for years now. He's one
cagey mother and one bad son of a bitch," Howdy told him, dropping his
fly in the perfect spot. A moment later a trout rolled up and he
snagged him in the lip.

"How the hell do you do that?" John asked, as Howdy reeled him in.

"Practice. Every summer for at least two weeks since I was a kid. My
therapy from work," he said, landing the fish. He removed the hook and
let the fish go.

"Catch and release?" John asked.

"Not always. But I'm near my limit and he wasn't very big," Howdy said.
He cleaned his fly and treated it with a light fly oil. Then fluffed it
and went back to his casting.

"How come you never took this Sergei asshole out before?" John asked,
trying to duplicate Howdy's actions.

"Never had more than a general description of him before. That's one
reason why we want to jump at this chance," Howdy said.

"Nail him cold with the goods, huh?" John asked, managing a decent cast
but again removing the fly an instant before the fish came up.

"Don't be in such a dag blamed hurry. You just lost a nice one," Howdy
chuckled, "Yeah, we nail him good. Don't even have to go into a hostile
environment for him."

"You've never been to Temple Square then," John chuckled.

Howdy grinned, "Yes I have. My ex-wife was a Mormon.... About that;
we'll take him as he leaves. But once he's inside, and Catarina
identifies him and makes the pass, then we've got him."

"You promise that her and her sister's safety comes first?" John asked.

"Of course. But I won't lie to you and tell you there is no risk.
Sergei is a slippery little fucker. He's in the position he's in for a
reason. But that's why we take him as he goes to leave. He has to pass
through the security gates. Gives us a chance to separate him from
Bianca," Howdy said.

"So you expect him to double cross Catarina too," John said. Howdy
glanced at him.

"Of course. *I'm* in the position I am in, for a reason too.
Underestimating my opponents isn't one of them. Assets like Catarina
are too valuable to them to let slip away, just because they do as they
are supposed to," Howdy said.

"Well, that makes me feel better. Got something for me?" John asked.

"On the second bend up. Behind the logical rock to sit and rest on.
Take care," Howdy said.

"You said a whole bunch of shit. What's the other part?" John asked.
Howdy frowned a bit.

"Nothing much, just the GAO, the Attorney General's office, the IRS and
both houses of Congress crawling up our ass with a microscope.
Undoubtedly the end of the project. Perhaps the end of this President's
career. Certainly the end of mine. You see, this whole thing is black
budgeted. Even my position. It will have been well worth it. We did
serious damage to the espionage aimed at this country. God, if you only
knew how many people are watching you folks now. You've got agents from
Uganda watching you, for Christ's sake.

"But when we pop old Sergei, all that's going to blow up in our faces.
It's going to swing all those eyes in our direction, as well as the
national and international press. One very big shit-load of people are
going to start asking questions. Questions we can't answer to their
legal expectations," Howdy said.

"So why not treat it as a simple sting? Why involve the silo at all?
You've said yourself that the government has wanted Sergei for some
time. Why not nail him on some other charge?" John asked.

"We don't have anything else anywhere near this on him. He's
undoubtedly not usually sloppy enough to take personal possession of
stolen secrets," Bill responded.

"So what's to tie him in with the silo, or you? Other than you being
connected with his arrest?" John asked.

"The actual files that are being passed, for one. Sergei himself when
he starts talking to save his ass for another," Howdy said.

"I don't understand. The contents of the files? You know we aren't
actually a weapons lab. Why would they be connected with us?" John
asked.

"So where did he get the files? How was it, that you ended up carrying
Top Secret files around in your motor home for him to steal or take
possession of?" Bill asked.

"I've been doing research for the government. On acoustic signature
recognition. I've been using the motor home as a roving lab, taking
acoustic samples all over the country. Including at several military
installations," John suggested.

"That's good. But what about the actual files? They have to be produced
for evidence. They have nothing to do with that line of investigation.
They relate to dead end research in binary nerve agents... which will
open a whole new can of worms," Bill said.

"So change the files. Sergei doesn't have any idea what's on that film.
As long as it's incriminating enough, it's still espionage," John said,
simply. Howdy glanced at John, grinning.

"I'm *very* glad you're on *our* side. That might work. We'll have to
arrange a swap. Which is dangerous enough by itself. We've got two
agents watching us now. So we'd better cut this short," Bill said.

"Just one more question; Suppose it still gets connected with the silo?
Other than losing the ruse, what would it matter? We all go back to
semi-normal lives. As you said, it was all well worth it. So what's the
big deal?" John asked.

"Because we lose our budget. Our construction budget. I want to see
that community up and built. I want to see those homeless people get a
future. With winter approaching, we can't get it done this year. As
soon as this thing hits, the funds evaporate. Hopefully without a trace
that they ever existed," Bill said.

"Money's not a problem. While I've been out on my little drive, my
royalties have exceeded what my original lottery winnings were. All of
them, which it would have taken me years to collect. That's just the
beginning. The girls are just getting started. That community's going
to get built, I guarantee that," John said.

"I'm glad to hear that. But I want to get as much as possible funneled
into the project before it all vaporizes. That sewage treatment and
recycle plant is going to cost a good twenty million by itself. If I
could get that covered, then you could probably handle the rest...
You'd better go now. Take care," Howdy concluded.

"Thanks, you too. Good fishing to you," John said.

"To you too. Slow up your cast. Let the fly sit till you see the fish
rise. It takes time for them to spit it back out when they realize it
isn't a real bug. By that time you've got them," Howdy said, working
away.

"Thanks," John said, moving on. On the next small rapid he followed
Howdy's suggestion and hooked into a beauty. Landing it successfully.
He let out a whoop of delight. Holding it up for Howdy to see. He
tipped his hat to him and moved on. At the proper bend, John sat down
on the rock and cleaned his fish. Tossing the guts and rinsing it in
the stream. He placed it in his creel and washed his hands in the
stream. Moving back to the rock, he sat down and poured himself a cup
of coffee from his day pack. He pulled out a half a sandwich and
munched on it. His hands still smelled like fish. He didn't mind a bit.
When he packed up, a small package went into his day pack with the rest
of his lunch wrappers. He fished along for a while further before
starting back. He caught three more. Keeping and cleaning two good
sized ones to go with the other. Finally he headed back to the motor
home.

"These Americans, with their penchant for fishing stories," one agent
said, setting down his binoculars.

"The other one must have given him good advice. You saw those three he
kept. Good eating sized, they were. Trout is delicious," said the
second.

"Maybe. I just think this is all a waste of time, watching a man
fishing," said the first.

"Maybe. But Sergei said it was important to watch his every move. What
Sergei wants, Sergei gets," said the second.

"Like that cute little trollop he's been traveling with, that he keeps
so doped up on drugs she doesn't notice when he rapes her," the first
said.

"Not our business. Come on, Cowboy's almost back," said the second.
John broke down his fly rod and took off his boots before entering the
motor home.

"The mighty fisherman returns. Empty handed again?" Sheila teased,
moving to kiss him. John handed over his fishing creel, grinning.
Sheila looked in it and exclaimed, "Dinner! Nice ones too. I figure
they cost you about twenty bucks apiece with the cost of that license."
John chuckled.

"Probably. But time spent fishing cannot be deducted from a man's life.
Did you ladies have a nice *chat* while I was gone?" John asked,
collecting a kiss from Catarina.

"Mmm... quite nice," she said, attempting to continue the encounter.
"Let me wash these hands with some soap. I smell like trout," John
said.

"A good idea, as lunch is almost ready. What's our next stop?" Sheila
called after him.

"I thought that we would hold over in Evanston for a night or two.
Maybe go out to a horse racing track they have there," John answered as
he ducked into the bathroom. Over lunch he continued, "After Evanston,
I'd like to do some more fishing. I know of some beautiful country in
the Uinta mountains of Northern Utah."

"More fishing? Do you play cards, Catarina?" Sheila chuckled.

"Some.. I would gladly live like this the rest of my life. Traveling
this lovely country with you two. Happily waiting for our man to
return... I am sorry. I did not mean to imply... ownership. It is just
that these few days have been the most wonderful of my life," she said,
dropping her eyes. Sheila shot daggers at John with her eyes.

"Catarina... When this is all settled... Well, I don't want you to feel
any kind of pressure about this. But when you are free to decide things
for yourself... well, I would not be opposed to talking about
continuing this relationship. I haven't said so before, because I know
you have enough things on your mind. I didn't want you to feel....
pressured into a relationship out of gratitude. What we are doing, we
honestly wish to do. That includes *both* helping you get your sister's
release, and when we make love with you. We would gladly do either,
with no connection to the other.

"I know that you have the problem of how to deal with your sister's
recovery too. That may take quite some time. And either or both of you
may not wish to have anything around to remind you of this whole
incident. I would certainly understand that. But I want you to know,
that you will *always* be welcome in our hearts and our lives should
you wish to be," John said. A tear rolled down Catarina's cheek. Sheila
caught it with her finger and moved it to her lips.

"Thank you. That means a lot to me. More than you could ever know.....
I do not know how my sister will be.... I fear that she will face drug
addiction as well, as Sergei keeps her drugged all the time so she will
not try to escape... or resist his ..... Anyway, I would be very
honored to be able to share any portion of my life with you two. But I
would not want to become a point of jealousy between you two. I love
you both too dearly to allow that to happen," Catarina said.

Sheila could not help herself as she busted out laughing. Catarina
looked like she'd been shot through the heart. Sheila caught this and
suddenly cut off her laugh, quickly explaining.

"My dear, sweet, darling woman. John *currently* has intimate ongoing
relationships with at least nine different women. I personally like
that fact... as I share them as well. Another woman, or two, especially
a woman as alluring and lovely as you... is the least of my worries...
in fact, I am quite certain it would contribute greatly to my already
abundant happiness. It has been my great pleasure indeed, to spend
every moment with you that I have. I know John feels exactly the same
way," she concluded.

"Nine?" John asked. Sheila looked at him and nodded.

Seeing he was dubious, she listed them, "Theresa, Cindy, Sally, myself,
Candice, the triplets and Jean, in order of arrival or initiation.
Besides us, Mae would jump in a heartbeat and Judy's warming rapidly.
Not counting the string of broken hearts you left on your little
journey," she giggled.

"Catarina's the only one of them I would wish to become involved with,"
John said in his defense.

"Oh, I don't know. That first bi-pair they threw at you seemed
interesting. And I know you were more than a little tempted by that
young one," Sheila chuckled.

"You are *actually* involved, *romantically*, with *all* those women?"
Catarina asked.

"You saw the tapes. What did you think? Was he faking it?" Sheila
asked. Catarina looked at him a moment, considering what she had seen
in context with what she had experienced.

"No... I had thought so. I thought him a great womanizer. But knowing
what I do now, I do not believe that," she said, solemnly.

"All the more reason why you might not wish to become involved with
me," John said.

"No, all the more reason why I *would*. Nine women can not *all* be
wrong," she said.

"I will never in my life understand women," John said.

"An *ironic* statement, coming from the man who understands them better
than any other I ever met," Sheila giggled, kissing him on the cheek.

"And you would actually let me -and possibly my sister- into this
loving environment?" Catarina asked.

"Dear heart. I think the road between here and Evanston is pretty good.
Once we get out onto the highway. Why don't I take the wheel and you
can show this adorable creature just how welcome she would be," Sheila
offered.

"An outstanding idea, woman of mine," John said.

Chapter 77

Sheila drove down the highway, grinning to herself. Catarina had the
endearing trait of moaning and crying out in French. Sheila's French
was a little rusty, but from the best she could translate them, the
woman's statements were extremely intimate and erotic. Catarina
literally purred to herself in contentment as she lay snuggled to a
napping John. Thinking him the most outstandingly wonderful man she had
ever met.

He seemed to read her every whim. Being soft and sensual one moment,
and instantly shifting to rough and frantic the next in response to her
own mood shift. She kissed him softly on the cheek and softly slipped
out of the bed. She donned a robe and pulled on some bikini panties.
She made her way up front. Sheila concentrating upon her driving,
looking tired. Catarina poured two mugs of coffee and carried them with
her. Sliding into the other plush Captain's seat up front. Sheila
glanced at her as she took the coffee mug.

"Thanks. That outfit should give the truckers a thrill. But don't
change. It will help me stay alert better than this coffee," she
chuckled, sneaking a second peek.

"You are quite welcome to observe me dressed -or undressed- any way you
wish me to be. Lord knows I have examined your stunning body quite
closely. Much to my great pleasure," Catarina said. They rode along the
sweeping landscape, sipping their coffee and occasionally glancing at
each other. "Explain some things to me," Catarina said.

"Sure, anything I can," Sheila replied.

"The triplets... John did not steal them from their parents and seduce
them for his own pleasure?" she asked. Sheila glanced at her.

"Is that what they told you?"

"Yes," Catarina nodded.

"No. He saved their lives. Literally. Candice's too. He braved a
roaring blizzard, risking his own life. They were running from the man
John had the altercation with that got him the name Cowboy. That was
the second time he risked his life for them. He was negotiating their
freedom. The man had traded a tractor for them when they were just
twelve. Then he raped them repeatedly from the time they had barely
reached puberty. Candice was married to the man too. He abused them all
physically and sexually. Their lives were bad enough that escaping into
a blizzard seemed like a better idea than staying. John took them in
and nursed them back to health. Then he gave them a future worth
looking forward to. As to seducing them, he fought it tooth and nail.
The rest of us had to work real hard to convince him that the girls
should understand that all men weren't like the asshole they had
escaped from," Sheila said.

Catarina nodded, "And Theresa and Cindy? Not held prisoner at the silo,
as his love and work slaves?" Sheila chuckled.

"No, both runaways from abusive parents. Again -or rather first- John
took them in and gave them a loving environment and a future. He met
Theresa first, she literally jumped in front of his car one night. He
actually bumped her into a ditch. He took her in and doctored her back
to health. He hired her as his cook. When he refused her advances
because of her age, she mounted him in his sleep. I'm not sorry a bit
that she did, as that started all this. She talked John into letting
Cindy come live with them. Theresa had a relationship with her back
home.... John was understanding enough to recognize their need for each
other's love as well as his."

"And Sally? He did not put her on the streets of New York to work for
him?" Catarina chuckled. Sheila laughed.

"No, he took her *off* the streets. She was homeless when he met her.
He fed her, clothed and housed her, and found her a great job. I don't
think he meant to be attracted to her at all. He only meant to help
her. She asked to make love with him. He did so only after he obtained
permission from Theresa and Cindy. She did not tell him that she was a
virgin. Once he found out, he did his very best to make it the most
memorable experience of her life. He almost crippled himself doing so.
He looked like a zombie for days afterwards," Sheila giggled.

"And your story?" Catarina asked, nodding.

"What did they tell you?" Sheila asked.

"That he was blackmailing you. That he held evidence of your
bisexuality over your head to extort your work and sexual favors,"
Catarina chuckled. Sheila laughed like fine crystal ringing. Catarina
smiled.

"No. John gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. He needed a business
manager to run Second Skin, which he set up to insure Theresa's and
Cindy's future. He gave me the job of CEO, a position which is seldom
held by a woman. He didn't care that I was a woman, only that I was the
best person for the job. As to my bisexuality. John is the one and only
man who ever really tried to understand it. I treasure that
understanding more than anything else on earth. When I became involved
with John and the girls, it was like coming home to the life I had
always searched for but never found," Sheila said, her eyes misting.

"Yes, that sounds much more consistent with the man I have come to know
and love these past few days," Catarina mused.

"He really is a stellar human being; A genuine *good guy*, like you
used to see in the movies. A renaissance man... perhaps one of the last
or *the* last. He's kind, generous, compassionate, ethical, humorous
and understanding. And he's a gentle and attentive lover. I would
gladly give everything I own just to share a single day with him,
divided between the other women who love him as I do, let alone the
rest of my life," Sheila said, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I would too," Catarina said, her own eyes misting.

"And the silo? The Files I copied?" she asked.

"That part I can't tell you about, as I've sworn an oath not to. But I
can tell you it's not whatever they told you it was. John's ethics
would preclude him being involved in anything like that," Sheila said.
Catarina nodded.

"What's this woman been telling you? I deny the whole thing. Don't
believe a word of it," John said, wrapping a robe around himself and
pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"I think, that I believe every single word of it. I am most certain
that it is true," Catarina said, admiration glowing in her eyes.

"Vicious rumors, every one of them. I only raped three camels and the
Pirates let me go because my feet stank," he said, stooping to kiss
Sheila on the cheek and collect a kiss from Catarina. "'Bout ready for
a break, dear heart?" he asked Sheila. She nodded and signaled into a
rest stop that happened to be coming up.

"Yes, I'll make you some lunch, too," she said.

"Oh, please, let me," Catarina offered.

"Nope. I'm cooking. You, dear heart, will relax and unwind from your
*high speed wobbles*. You, Catarina, may sit and look as alluring as
you do, to give me inspiration while you admiringly observe a master
chef in the act of creation," John said.

"I'll take you up on that. Actually, I know what will best help me to
unwind... I've been observing it for the past hundred and fifty miles,"
Sheila said, pulling into an RV parking slot and shutting down the
motor home. She turned to Catarina and offered her hand. Catarina
smiled radiantly and nodded, taking it.

"Call us when lunch is ready... but take your time," Sheila said,
leading the lovely woman into the back. John found French moans all the
inspiration he needed to fuel his creativity. He had the table set and
a bountiful feast laid out when a much more relaxed Sheila and Catarina
came forward, fastening their robes.

"Fresh tossed salad with *French* dressing, *French* fried onions and
potatoes and roast beef sandwiches with *Au Ju* sauce," John said, "Oh
and your choice of *Perrier* or *French* roasted coffee."

"What was your inspiration?" Sheila giggled, looking at Catarina.
Catarina blushed crimson.

"Don't know, it just struck me out of the blue," John chuckled.

"Well darling, could I have a *French* kiss for both appetizer and
desert? That would make it perfect," Sheila chuckled.

"That you may. You both may in fact... *Mais oui*," John said, moving
to comply.

"I am sorry. I just can not help myself," Catarina stammered, once John
turned her loose.

"Don't you dare try! You have no idea how incredibly sexy and sensual
it is," Sheila said.

"*Mais oui*!" John concurred.

"And that endearing quality you have of never using conjunctions in
your speech. We get so used to them that it's... *it is* quite
refreshing to hear the language used properly," Sheila said.

"Thank you. I just *don't* know it well enough to use them," Catarina
said, sitting down at the table.

"Oh god, we've corrupted her," John moaned.

"No, the French have a philosophy about introducing a single flaw into
a work of perfection. That one word can be hers," Sheila said.

"Please... I wish you both to know that I love you very much. You do
not need to flatter me," Catarina said.

"My dear Catarina; I do not use empty flattery, neither does Sheila. If
we say something to you, it is because we really mean it. So get used
to it. Now dry your tears and eat your lunch. Or I will be forced to
take you back to the bedroom and torture you with more sex until you
develop a proper appetite," John said.

"I love you, John Stevens. And you, Sheila Jacobs. You are both quite
welcome to my body any time you desire it," Catarina said, solemnly.

"Cool, now eat," John said. Catarina slipped off and made her phone
call to her contact before they left the rest stop. John and Sheila
knew what she was doing, but she was just keeping in character.

"I have the film. Will Sergei meet me as I asked?" she asked.

"He wasn't happy about it. But he will meet with you. You'd better have
the information. For your own good."

"I got it last night after they were both asleep. I almost got caught.
I had to duck into the bathroom on the way back into the bedroom," she
said.

"Just so long as you deliver. I have a personal interest in this. *I*
won't like it if you don't deliver."

"Your personal interests do not interest me. My sister does," she said,
breaking the connection.

Chapter 78

John pulled into Evanston and found an RV park. He checked in and made
hookup. Then he reveled in a long hot shower before dressing for
dinner. He had been through Evanston many times before. He knew where
to obtain the best meal in town. Sheila wondered when he pulled on his
Jeans.

He transferred Catarina's bags inside and unhitched the compact car.
They drove to a unique outdoor restaurant. They had their choice of
eating inside large teepee's, or sitting at picnic tables in the open.
They chose the teepee. The food was fabulous. Fresh baked Dutch oven
cooking prepared over a large fire pit. They had fresh biscuits and
corn bread with their meal and rich sheep herder coffee from a large
enameled pot. John chose the pot roast. The girls each trying a
different stew.

Afterwards they went out to a local bar and listened to some live
music. The women turned down multiple invitations to dance, but each
accepted one from John. John was just returning to the table from his
dance with Sheila when he found a cowboy sitting in his chair. Catarina
was steadfastly refusing his invitation to dance.

"Excuse me. But I was sitting here," John said.

"Yeah, well now I am. Looks like you could use a little help anyway.
Having two lovely ladies all by yourself," the cowboy said.

"That would be their choice to make, not yours. And the lady has
refused your invitation," John said.

"There's another one here," the cowboy said.

"I also refuse your invitation," Sheila said, coldly. The cowboy
remained seated.

"Look, we don't want any trouble. Perhaps we'll just be going," John
said. Catarina made a move to stand up and the cowboy reached out and
pushed her back into her chair. John fought to hold his temper. He
looked over at the bouncer, who was watching, but seemed amused over
the situation. John sighed. He turned to the cowboy and squared off.

"If you touch either of these women again, then I can guarantee that it
will not be the pleasant experience you have in mind. Now we are just
going to leave, you'd be well advised not to interfere," he said,
sincerely.

"Uppity rich fucks, think you're too good to drink with me. Well, I
ain't gonna take it," the cowboy said, raising up, grabbing a bottle as
he did. John anticipated his move. He side stepped and grabbed the arm
holding the bottle, using it to further propel the cowboy about four
feet into a post, which he hit face first, breaking his nose. He
screamed in pain and rage. He spun around, breaking the bottle on the
post and advanced once more on John. John waited, keeping light on his
feet. Just then the bouncer decided it was time to do his job. He
grabbed the cowboy by the collar and took the broken bottle out of his
hand.

"Okay, Ernie. You've had your fun. Now let the folks leave in peace,"
he said.

"He broke my fucking nose!" Ernie cried, trying to wiggle out of the
bouncer's grasp.

"After you tried to bust that bottle over his head. Now leave them be.
Let's go get an ice pack for you. You folks best be going," he said,
turning to John and the dumb struck women.

"All we wanted to do in the first place. I wouldn't have had to do that
if you'd been doing your job," John said.

"Yeah, yeah, get the fuck out," said the bouncer. John sighed heavily.
Sheila caught the look in his eyes. She grabbed him by the arm.

"Come on, John. No need to bust another asshole's nose. It's quite
clear why this bar has such a shortage of women." John allowed himself
to be led out by the two women. A man slipped quietly off his bar stool
and followed them out. The others in the bar went back to their
drinking, dancing and pool games.

The owner happened to be among them. The customer had been correct. The
next day the bouncer was out of a job. John drove in silence back to
the motor home. The air was thick with sexual tension. He expected
that; remembering Cindy's reaction to his confrontation with Nick. He
pulled up and parked. He was about to transfer the luggage back to the
car when a thought occurred to him. The girls were giggling and talking
about John's prowess.

He put his finger to his lips and they fell silent. He took out his lap
top and called up a program, entering his code to gain access. He'd
called up the same program before they left. The women stood by looking
pensive as he looked at the information displayed and then called in a
word processor. He typed up a few lines and turned the display towards
them.

"We've had company. It is no longer safe to talk freely. Act natural.
Talk about the fight and the dinner. Say nothing about the silo and
especially not about Sergei or Catarina's sister," they read. They each
nodded and John wiped the screen.

"Why'd you stop me? I could have taken that asshole," John said to
Sheila.

"I know you could have. But what would have been the point? He still
would have been an asshole," she replied, admiration in her eyes.

"I never saw anything like it. When that man turned with the broken
bottle, I was so scared I could have wet my pants," Catarina said.

"That part was easy enough to deal with. He didn't have a clue how to
fight. I was sorry I had to hurt him. It was that bouncer asshole that
pissed me off the most, by letting it get to the point where I had to
hurt the other guy. And the point Sheila, would have been that I would
have *enjoyed it*...... So it's probably a good thing you stopped me,"
he said. She grinned at him.

"So, coffee... or straight to bed?" she asked.

"Straight to bed," he grinned, "You two are fairly dripping with sexual
energy from that little altercation. I'm not silly enough to waste it."

"I must say this has been an entertaining trip. Dinner tonight was
quite unique. And I got to see a real western bar room fight," Catarina
said.

"No, that was nothing. I've been in a place where one of *those*
erupted. I grab my drink and head for the nearest safe corner," John
mused.

"Why there? You don't join in the fun?" Catarina asked.

"The corner, because it is the best defensible position. You get to see
anything coming at you. The drink, because it is a weapon. And you
might need the anesthesia. There's nothing fun about watching thirty
grown men acting like idiots. Putting each other into the hospital over
some minor offense that most aren't even aware of," John said, reaching
to pull Catarina to him.

"You are quite an enigma, John Stevens," she said as he descended to
kiss her hungrily.

"That's the very same term I used when I first met him," Sheila
chuckled, pulling her own clothes off and moving to them.

"Yak, yak, yak. You talk too much sometimes, woman. All I want to hear
tonight is a little French," John said, pulling Sheila into her own
hungry kiss. He got to hear quite a bit of it in fact. Sheila even
moaned some of her own.

"Quite a philosopher, this cowboy," said one agent, mockingly.

"How so?" asked the second.

"That part about bar fights. Sounded like the words of a coward,"
mocked the first.

"You only say that because you have never witnessed a true brawl.
Sounded to me like very wise words. I will remember them. You did not
witness the fight tonight. I can guarantee you that Cowboy is no
coward. That bouncer was big. I have no doubt that John could have
easily killed either of them. Do not underestimate this man," said the
second.

"You sound like you're beginning to like him, like you admire him.."
said the first.

"No... not admiration. Respect. Like you would respect a man with a
match if you were covered with gasoline," replied the second.

"What do you think that silence was all about? When they first came
in?" asked the first, changing the subject.

"I don't know. Perhaps they were kissing. They were hanging all over
him when they left the bar," said the second.

"I wonder about this Catarina woman. She seems to be quite enjoying
herself," said the first.

"That's what it's supposed to seem like. But I don't care if she has
orgasms when he makes eye contact with her, as long as she delivers. I
think she will. Sergei has her sister," said the second.

"I wouldn't mind a little of that myself. Her sister is cute... if she
wasn't so drugged up all the time. I like them a little feisty myself,"
said the first. The second looked at him in disgust.

"Yes, I know you like them to scream when you hurt them. Myself I'm
more interested in a promise Sergei made to me about another one," he
said.

John slid quietly from between the blissfully sleeping pair of lovely
women. He stood admiring their forms for a moment before he snagged his
laptop and scrambler disk and carried it into the bathroom with him. He
turned on the shower and then typed up his message to Howdy. He set the
modem for silent connection and set it to upload his message. A message
came in at the same time and John read it, then wiped it. He replaced
the disk in the freezer and slid back into bed, noisily swishing his
ice cubes in a glass of water as he set it by the bed.

The second agent awoke the first. "Your shift," he said.

"Anything?" asked the first, sleepily.

"No, he got up and took a shower. Then took a glass of ice water back
to bed with him," replied the second. "Wake me in four hours."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 79

After breakfast the next day, they made their way to the race track.
Multiple booths sold racing news and pick sheets that the even the
sellers weren't stupid enough to play. John bought a *Racing News*
newspaper with the horses' histories in it and seemingly on whim
purchased a pick sheet from one of the vendors. He pocketed his change
along with a small cartridge of film.

John examined the program and looked up the stats on each horse. Then
he watched the horses parading through the circle. He made his picks
based mostly on the stats, but he trusted his eyes on one race and a
hunch on another. He won several bets. The women finally started
following his lead.

"Now why did we pick this one in this race? The statistics seem to
favor this other one," Catarina asked.

"Because he took a piss while he was in the ring," John said.

"And that is important?" she asked.

"Would you feel like running if you hadn't?" John chuckled.

"I'm gonna stick to the stats on this one," Sheila said, rolling her
eyes.

"Suit yourself," John said.

"I am going to bet with John," Catarina said, taking his arm. After the
race Sheila was in a black mood. Catarina went to collect both hers and
John's winnings for them.

"Someday you'll learn to trust me," John chuckled. The second agent
observed Catarina collect the bets and then caught her eye. He stood
off to the side by the stairs while she put her money away.

"Have fun last night?" he asked.

"What do you want?" she said, ignoring his question.

"Sergei said to meet him at one o-clock sharp, day after tomorrow."

"I will be there. I told you I had the film."

"You'd better be. Enjoy your girlfriend tonight. I quite enjoy French
myself." Catarina looked at him sharply.

"You risked bugging the motor home after I told you I had the film?"
she asked.

"Look away, idiot. I just wanted to be sure.. you were getting quite
cozy with those two," he said.

"It is my *job* to get cozy with them. If you screwed it up by placing
those bugs, I will see to it that Sergei knows who the *idiot* was,"
she said, looking at her purse.

"Just be there on time," he said, wandering off. On the road out of
Evanston into Utah, Catarina motioned for Sheila to drive and made a
typing motion with her fingers to John. He nodded.

"Would you relieve me, sweetheart? I feel like that race horse that
lost," he chuckled. He pulled over and Sheila slid into the driver's
seat, taking the big machine back up to speed. John snagged his lap top
and Catarina followed him into the bathroom. He actually had to relieve
himself. Catarina typed her message as he covered the noise.

"Sergei at Temple Square, one o-clock sharp, day after tomorrow," he
read. She turned on the faucet and further typed, "Don't trust
following agents. Don't trust Sergei. Think better watch self and set
up." John reached into his pocket and handed her the film container.

"In place of original. Will secure Sergei's fate," John typed. She
nodded, looking worried. John further typed, "Don't worry. Once Sergei
spotted with your sister, and canister passed. Even if he tries double
cross, DO NOT PANIC. Your sister will be cared for. Sergei will not
escape. Just be cool.... I love you. Trust me?" Her eyes got damp but
she nodded.

She typed, "Love you too!!!" He kissed her softly and then wiped the
screen, shutting off the tap.

"What say I cook us up some lunch? I don't have my Utah fishing license
yet. Hate to get nailed with those trout," John said, after they walked
forward.

"No, sit down and relax. It's my turn to cook. I happen to be quite
good with trout," Catarina said.

"You're on, but the road gets a little narrower and twisty up ahead. So
I'll take over again," he said.

"Sit down, I'm having fun. I'm beginning to like this beast," Sheila
giggled.

"Okay, just take it easy. It's not a sports car," he said.

"You can say that again," she giggled.

"There's a gas station you should come up on about twenty-seven miles
out of Evanston where we filled up. I zeroed the trip meter so it
should be pretty close to there. Pull in there so I can get a Utah
license," he said.

"Can do, sweetie. Just tie down the chickens and I'll do my best to
keep it between the lines on each side," Sheila mocked.

"Between the lines on one side would be desirable. Our side preferably.
And switch on the headlights. Makes it easier to see us on two lane
highways," he said.

"Yes dear, I was just joking," she said, switching on the headlights.
John poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down to watch Catarina's
method of cooking trout. She took a quick inventory and selected the
spices she wanted. John had even stocked Saffron. She smiled in
admiration of his taste.

She made a small cachet of the leafed herbs using a coffee filter.
Adding crushed bay leaves, a pinch of sage and half teaspoon of thyme.
Next she added a pinch of tarragon and a large pinch of chili powder.
She twisted up the cachet and set it in a cup and a half of white wine.
Letting it reduce. Meanwhile she filleted the trout, lightly salting
and white peppering them. She covered them with paper towels while the
wine reduced. Then she placed the fillets in the wine to poach. Adding
a half cup of cream and a pinch of Saffron at the end. The fish was
tender and succulent. She further reduced the sauce and ladled it over
the fillets, garnishing with parsley flakes as he had no fresh parsley.
She toasted English muffin halves and added Spanish rice and baby
carrots on the side.

Sheila spotted the gas station John wanted right where he predicted it.
She pulled carefully into the lot. John purchased his one day license
at an outrageous fee. They sat down to lunch before they moved on. John
took a single taste of the trout and rolled his eyes.

"This is incredible. Hon, don't we need a cook?" he asked Sheila.

"I don't know. The last one you hired is still on vacation," she
chuckled.

"You are a true artist in the kitchen, Catarina. I take my chef's hat
off to you. This is the best trout I ever tasted..... today," John
said, realizing the hole he had just dug. Sheila chuckled.

"Don't worry, love. I concur. Mine is good, but it's not this good."

"Thank you, both of you. A recipe my mother taught me. I seldom get to
prepare it. Saffron is almost mandatory for it to come out right. It
will work with most any white fish. I am quite pleased with how it
tastes with trout," Catarina said, glowing from their praise.

"You should be pleased. It's fantastic. I have a new secret recipe for
trout," John said.

"So do I," Sheila giggled.

"Oh, I would not throw yours away. Yours was quite good. But you could
mix the two of them. Try baking the trout with the bacon in it and
sautéing the shrimp in this for the sauce. I think that would turn out
great," Catarina suggested.

"Yes, I will try that. If our mighty hunter can catch some more
trout.... So, I never knew you had diplomatic training, Catarina,"
Sheila chuckled. They all had a good chuckle. After lunch, John took
the wheel. Steering them into the ranger station parking lot not far
down the road and then unhitching the car. He loaded up his fishing
equipment.

"I suggest that you pack a snack and join me. It's quite lovely up this
valley. One of my favorites," he said.

"Maybe next time. I think Catarina and I will stay here and have a
little nap. I feel quite ready after that lovely lunch," Sheila said,
looking to Catarina. Catarina nodded, smiling.

"Okay, I'd recommend that you don't try bringing the motor home in
should you change your mind. It's quite narrow. Should you decide to
walk in, it's about four and a half miles. Take a jacket with you. It
can get chilly up here quick in the afternoons after the sun drops
below the high ridges," John said.

"Perhaps we may take a walk later. We will take a jacket if we do and
stay on the road in case you decide to come back," Catarina said.

"Okay, have a nice time," John said. Putting his finger to his lips and
then pointing around. Both women nodded. He collected long kisses from
each of them and then headed up the dirt road.

"So, you really feel like a nap?" Catarina asked, suspiciously.

"Well, sleeping wasn't exactly what I had in mind," Sheila said,
grinning at her. Catarina smiled radiantly and moved into her arms.

Chapter 80

John drove up into a broader valley. He drove past a steel gate leading
to a private cabin association and up to a public camp ground. He
parked and prepared his fishing gear, then made his way down to the
stream. Fighting the scrub oak that had inundated the lovely valley.
When John had first visited the valley as a boy, there was only a small
patch of it at one end. The rest was open grassed meadow. Had he known
then what the scrub oak would do, he would have happily taken a chain
and a truck to it. But he had been too young to drive then.

"Twenty-twenty hindsight," he mumbled to himself, fighting his way to
the stream. The extra foliage also kept the water from draining.
Creating other ecologies in the process. John was unappreciative of
this fact as he repeatedly stepped in stagnant pools surrounded with
mosquitoes.

He finally reached the stream, with at least a pint of his blood
missing, he thought. He began to work the stream. First he worked his
way up. Catching several small trout that he released to grow up. Up
just into the wilderness boundary he caught his first nice one. This he
kept. He made his way another half mile up stream and crossed the
stream on a fallen log, cut by beavers but much too large for them to
move. They must have been after the food source of the higher
branches... or just exercising their teeth. He mused.

He fished his way down a spell until he reached the old trapper's cabin
from the 1800's. Now just a small rectangle of rotting logs some two to
three feet tall. He sat down on a broad rock and poured himself a cup
of coffee.

"Your stroke is getting better," a voice said.

"That's what Sheila tells me," he responded, without looking towards
it.

Howdy chuckled, "Where's your shadow?" he asked.

"About half a mile down on the other side, looking for a way across.
There isn't one. The women chose to stay and get randy so I figure
there's just him," John said.

"Better stay hidden anyway. So, how's tricks?" Howdy asked.

"One o-clock sharp, day after tomorrow," John said.

"He said he'd be there?" Howdy asked, excited.

"Yeah, but Catarina's getting spooked. I don't blame her. There was no
need to bug the motor home after she reported she had the film. Doing
so was either very stupid, or they suspect something. I don't like it
either way," John said, sipping his coffee.

"Got another cup of that?" Howdy asked. There were two stacking cups on
the thermos, John only held one. He stretched suddenly and bumped the
thermos with his arm, it rolled into the doorway of the cabin. A hand
snatched it. A gurgling sound was heard and then a contented sigh.

"Good coffee, thanks," Howdy said.

"You're welcome. How about snagging my tail just before the snatch?"
John asked.

"It was planned. All sorts of people are going to get snagged all over
the U.S. All we needed was the exact time," Bill answered.

"Good, what time can I start back for Temple Square?" John asked.

"I'd rather you didn't," Bill said.

"Yeah, so what time should it be safe for me to do so?" John asked.

Bill moaned, "No sooner than twelve-thirty. And hang well back out of
the area. I don't want one of Sergei's spotters making you and blowing
the whole thing."

"That's doable. Airport to Temple Square in half an hour," John said,
"Tell you what. Ping my E-mail when he gets on premise with the girl. I
promise to hang back until then."

"That's doable... and agreeable. You'd better start moving again. I
don't want your tail to see your mouth move," Bill said.

"See you day after tomorrow. One o-clock. And I'd buy some ointment
down at that gas station," John said, standing up and retrieving his
thermos.

"Why's that?" Bill asked.

"'Cause those green plants in there are Poison Ivy. It moved in when I
was a kid. I found out the hard way while I was playing in there," John
chuckled. Bill moaned and cussed. John still chuckled as he packed up
his thermos and moved off. Bill let him get well down stream before he
slipped around the walls and back into the woods, itching as he moved.

It was sheer luck that John's tail didn't see Howdy. He just happened
to be looking at his soaking feet when Bill slipped out of the rotting
rectangle. He had discovered that there wasn't a place to cross lower
down and ended up using the same log John had. Now he hurried to stay
up with him. John fished down the stream, landing a second large trout.
One more to go. He was almost down to the bridge with the metal gate
when he hooked the largest one he had ever caught on a fly line. It
took him a solid twenty minutes of fighting on the thin line to finally
exhaust the monster enough that he dared reach for it. He just barely
got his fingers in the gills to lift it when it twitched suddenly and
broke the line. He quickly slung it up onto the bank and then raced
over to it to knock it out. It had to be almost two feet long. This one
wasn't going back.

He sat down and cleaned them all, then washed them and his hands in the
stream. Almost losing the big one in the current. He thanked the stars
he hadn't and stowed them all in his fishing creel. A short time later
a DNR ranger came by and checked his license and catch. He was
surprised when John produced a valid, out of state, fishing license.

"Most folks think they can get away with it for just one day," the
ranger chuckled.

"Yeah, with what it cost me, I can believe it. But how much is the
fine?" John asked.

"Three hundred dollars, your tackle and fish," replied the ranger.

"So I saved myself over two fifty. That big one was worth that much to
me by itself," John chuckled. The ranger looked at it and smiled
appreciatively then hefted the bag, frowning. He took a small scale out
of his pocket and weighed each fish. John became worried.

"Technically, you're over the daily weight limit," he said.

"I caught the other two first, they were dead when I caught the big
one. I wasn't about to throw it back," John moaned.

"Well, I'm not going to write you up for that. But your fishing is over
for the day.. except catch and release.. and there's always the danger
of damaging the fish beyond recovery point," the ranger said.

"No, I'm content with what I've got. I had a good day. Thanks," John
said.

"You are quite welcome, sir. We like to encourage out of staters to
fish here.. as long as they buy a license. If you hadn't had that I'd
cite you for both that and the weight limit. But have a good day," the
ranger said, moving on. John was glad he got to keep his prize. He
headed down stream until he came to the bridge and then crossed over
it. Glancing up the stream he saw the ranger talking to someone else,
probably his shadow. The agent wondered about the encounter with the
man down stream. Until he hailed him.

"Excuse me sir. Do you have any fishing tackle or bait with you?" he
asked.

"No, I'm just out for a hike," he told the ranger.

"Kind of dressed wrong for that," the ranger said.

"I wasn't expecting it to be this wet along the banks."

"Yeah, ever since this damn scrub oak took over the valley. You should
have seen it years ago. Open grass land it was. Just one small patch of
those damn bushes. Wished I'd pulled it out," the ranger said.

"I wouldn't know about that. How was the fishing up here today?" the
agent asked.

"Very nice. Just talked to a fellow from out of state that caught his
limit. One real beauty. A good thing he had his license, he would have
lost it and his tackle, not to mention three hundred dollars," the
ranger replied.

"Well, I'd better be heading on. I'm parked up the other side. Any
place to cross down here?" asked the agent.

"Just the bridge, about a half mile further down. Have a good day,
sir," said the ranger.

"Thank you, you too," said the agent. Starting down the path. He was
dogged tired already. John passed him in the compact while the agent
was still a mile from his car.

Chapter 81

"How about that walk?" Sheila asked.

"You can still walk? I must be losing my touch," Catarina purred.

"Your touch is just fine. Come on, it will do you good. The air up here
is fresh and pure, if a little thin. But you should be used to that..."
Sheila said.

"Yes, this area is very much like Austria. A walk might be nice. But I
do not think I am up to a four and a half mile trek," Catarina said.

"No, just a stroll up the road," Sheila promised, bending to kiss her
softly. Catarina responded, just as softly. The kiss was a sensual
delight. Sheila smiled at her, then rolled onto her feet. "Come on,
daylight's slipping," she said. Catarina traced her fingers over
Sheila's shapely thigh and then moved groggily to her feet, moaning a
bit.

"The price you pay for advanced loving," Sheila giggled.

"How do you do it? I know you felt the same thing I did, and just as
many times.." Catarina asked.

"I've just had more experience with marathons of devastating sex with
John and the others," Sheila chuckled.

"Quite a life you lead," Catarina said carefully, not telling Sheila it
wasn't so.

"Yes... well, come on," Sheila said. She dug into the wardrobe and
found one of Cindy's outfits that was appropriate.

"A little thin is it not? I might be a bit cool in that. It is lovely,
though," Catarina said.

"Trust me," Sheila said. Catarina looked at her, pulling on a similar
outfit.

"Okay, but I expect you to keep me warm then."

"Gladly, but it won't be a problem. I promise," Sheila said. She pulled
out two light jackets, of the same material. Even with that it seemed
too light. They pulled tennis shoes onto their feet and then left a
note to John saying that they were just going up the road a bit. Sheila
locked the motor home and they started down the road. The agent
watching them cussed. He was freezing. The sun had passed over the
ridge a good half hour before and the temperature had dropped almost
twenty degrees since. His jacket was in the car, up the road somewhere
following John.

He took consolation in the fact that the girls weren't much better
dressed than he was, in fact, their outfits looked quite thin. He was
sure they would soon turn around and return. He followed from as far a
distance as he could and still see their actions.

"This is amazing. I know it is quite chilly from my cheeks. But I feel
toasty warm. What is this material?" Catarina asked. Sheila chuckled.

"A fabric John read about and was able to duplicate. We have to pay
patent rights to it's inventor, but it's well worth it. That adds very
little to our cost per outfit. The fabric stores heat in the form of
fiber twist. When it gets cool, it gives up that twist in the form of
heat. When it's too hot, it absorbs heat. Marvelous stuff," Sheila
said.

"That it is. I love it. It feels sexy. Being so light and yet warm. You
say it cools too?" Catarina asked.

"Yes.. to a limit. We would need warmer clothing to stay out a long
time. But for an hour or so, this is just fine. In the summer time, you
can tell when the fabric has reached its capacity. You suddenly begin
to get warm. On some days away from the silo I change outfits multiple
times. You can even bias them one way or the other by putting them in
the freezer or oven till they saturate," Sheila said.

"What's it like in the silo... to live I mean?" Catarina asked. Sheila
looked around. There was no one in sight.

"Well, I am hoping that you will choose to find out for yourself.
But... it's wonderful. I've never known a more loving atmosphere. The
silo itself is comfortable, having all that natural insulation and
solar heating. You hardly notice the temperature most the time. Perhaps
because of that, we don't usually wear very much. Perhaps that
contributes much to the loving atmosphere," Sheila said.

"So simple a thing as temperature making an environment conducive to
love. And most places pay so little attention to it," Catarina mused.

"Perhaps that's why the silo is such a nice place to live. All the
simple things have been taken care of. John put great thought into
everything he did while building it," Sheila said.

"John built the whole thing? By himself?" Catarina asked,
incredulously.

"Pretty much. Oh, not the silo part per se. He purchased an empty
concrete tube forty-five feet in diameter and a hundred-seventy feet
deep. He drilled all the walls and hung girders for fifteen floors.
Then one by one he finished them off. Later, when there were more of
us, we pitched in to work on unfinished floors. Working on the silo
kind of became therapy after dealing with the world outside. Theresa
helped him with the guest room floor, where Cindy first stayed. Then
the two of them helped him with the master bedroom... which you'd
absolutely flip over. It has a trap door in it that drops you into the
swimming pool in the bottom. A nice deep pool without chlorine and so
sparkling clean you would gladly drink it. Yet heated comfortably.

"The kitchen is the most wonderful place to cook a meal. With lots of
butcher block cutting surfaces set into both counters. It has a
pedestal with a sink and a smokeless grill and a second oven and range
top. And a small refrigerator set up just for condiments. On the main
counter you have a large sink, microwave, range and an oven.
Additionally there is a convection oven and just about every type of
appliance you could think of. The counter is deep and well lit. There
is a refrigerator at each end.

"There's oodles of built in storage. We all like cream of mushroom
soup, so there is a special rack that dispenses cans of just that kind.
Upstairs is a large well stocked pantry with multiple freezers and
above that is a hydroponics room that is now supplying a regular supply
of fresh vegetables year round. On the other side of the kitchen, is a
wet bar, fully stocked with just about every liqueur from all around
the world. It has it's own fridge too. For seating, one side of the
pedestal has a raised section on it, which forms a lunch counter. You
can make a lunch while looking at a person, face to face to talk and
then serve it to them just by reaching up. There are bar stools along
the counter and bar. In the middle of it all is this massive trestle
table, but with long overhangs on the ends. So you can eat an intimate
dinner for two or a sit down feast for twenty. It has large, padded
swivel chairs around it, on wheels.

"On the far wall is a curved sofa that follows the curve of the silo
wall. It is very comfortable and big enough for sleeping or cuddling. I
guess the kitchen is the main social center of the silo.. at least...
for now," Sheila concluded.

"It sounds delightful. I can almost picture the whole thing in my mind
from how you describe it.... I gather you stalled there because you
were going to tell me something you shouldn't?" Catarina said. Sheila
looked around again. This time she caught a glimpse of a shirt slipping
behind a tree, quite a ways back. She chuckled. The poor guy must be
freezing.

"Yes... It's not a matter of trust. I trust you enough now. But I made
a promise that I wouldn't reveal certain things," Sheila said.

"I understand.. I think," Catarina replied.

"I doubt it. But I can tell you that they aren't bad things. Not like
the whole situation would imply. But they are things which could affect
other people, other places. Not so easy to explain, but easy to
understand when you know the reason for it," Sheila said. She could
tell that Catarina was still confused. She longed to take her in her
arms and tell her everything. But she just couldn't do it. John had
honed her own ethics to a fine edge that ruled her now. Not by demand,
but by example.

"You know we have a tail?" Sheila asked.

"Yes. I expected it," Catarina said, distantly.

"Poor guy must be freezing," Sheila mused.

"Could not happen to a more deserving man," Catarina said.

"You know who it is?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, I saw him this morning at the track. He was my contact. He
worries me," Catarina said.

"Why?" Sheila asked.

"Because he bugged the motor home while we were away last night. There
was no need for that. I had reported I *had* the film. That he did so
was either stupid, or he thinks something is wrong. I hope it's the
first thing," Catarina said.

"I do too. That's why I wanted to take this walk. So we could talk a
bit more freely. I sort of resent the guys action myself. He robbed us
of a growing intimacy that we may never know again. The intimacy is
still growing... but we can't talk about it without raising suspicion.
And I wanted to talk about it. I wanted to be able to tell you just how
much this time with you has meant to me. How much I've grown to love
you," Sheila said. Catarina stopped and turned to Sheila. She pulled
her into a gentle kiss that lasted a long time.

"Fucking dike bitches. I'm freezing my nuts off and they decide to take
a walk out a mile into the mountains in thin clothes to make out," the
agent said to himself from his vantage point a quarter mile back.

"You want to turn back?" Sheila asked, warming Catarina's cheeks with
her hands.

"No, I like the idea that that asshole back there is freezing while I'm
warm enough," Catarina chuckled.

"Then let's continue to walk until we meet John. He should be coming
back soon. It's getting dark," Sheila said. They walked hand in hand,
enjoying each other's presence.

"You think he caught any fish?" Catarina asked.

"I've almost quit wondering just what John is capable of. Every time I
think he won't be able to do something... he pulls it off... look... A
doe and two fawns," Sheila said, freezing her motion and dropping her
voice. Catarina stopped too, delighted by the sight of the wildlife
family.

"I wonder where daddy is?" she whispered. As if on cue a magnificent
buck walked slowly out of the trees and along by the doe.

"That's actually odd," Sheila whispered back. "The bucks are usually
loners or travel together when it's not mating season."

"Now what the fuck are they doing? Just standing there? Whispering
together?" the agent asked himself. He wasn't watching what he was
doing. He tripped on a branch from a fallen tree. It made a loud snap.
The noise startled the deer and they all bounded away.

"Asshole, at least he could be quiet if he has to follow us," Catarina
mused. Just then they caught the glow of headlights coming through the
trees. They hadn't realized how dark it was getting. John kept in mind
that the girls might be walking towards him. Even so he barely saw
them. He pulled to a stop.

"Hey, ladies. Like to come back to my place for a little dinner and
loving?" he asked, rolling down the window.

"Why, that's very kind of you, sir! Are two of us enough or should we
call reinforcements?" Sheila chuckled.

"You two will do just fine. Want to walk back or ride?... You walked a
long way," he said.

"Ride, we were actually about walked out, but we decided to continue
until we met you," Catarina replied.

"Well, hop in. I'm sure this pregnant roller skate has room for the two
of you," he chuckled. The women moved around and climbed in.

"Is that fish I smell?" Sheila asked. John grinned and put the car in
drive. They made the mile and a half back to the motor home in just a
few minutes. Both Sheila and Catarina grinning over the agent they left
behind, cold and tired. John hitched the compact up to the motor home
while the girls carried his things inside. Sheila gasped when she
looked into the creel. Pulling out the monster trout and putting it in
the sink along with the other two, good sized ones.

"God, John. It's huge!" she gasped when he came in.

"What? Did I leave my zipper open?" he grinned. Catarina laughed at his
guttural humor.

"You two should get along just fine if you like his jokes," Sheila
mused, rolling her eyes. "Want it for dinner?" she asked.

"No, actually I was dreaming about those chuck steaks that have been
marinating for several days. They should just about jump off the bone
and into your mouth by now," John said.

"So what do we do with the fish?" Sheila asked.

"Wrap it in foil and freeze them. Wrap them separately. Leave one of
the smaller ones out if you want them for breakfast. I have a special
dinner in mind for the big one," John replied. Both women smiled
broadly and nodded. Thinking they understood. John cleaned up while the
women stored the fish and started on dinner.

Chapter 82

John took the wheel and pulled out. Heading towards *Mirror* lake and
*Bald Mountain* Pass. Knowing the area, he kept his eyes open and his
speed slow. He'd had an unpleasant experience years before on this same
road, involving a motorcycle and a deer. He'd come out lucky. So had
the deer. The bike wasn't so lucky. He'd faired okay because he had his
leathers and helmet on. He still got a mild concussion. The impact when
he'd flipped off the rock had ripped the zipper out of his pants and
shredded his parka. If he hadn't had on his leather coat *under* his
winter parka, it would have ripped *him* open. He remembered all this
while he drove up the scenic highway. Now mostly just a wall of dark
trees on either side and an occasional moonlit lake.

"Keep yourselves braced back there. I may have to brake suddenly to
avoid a deer. In fact, I'd feel better if you both buckled in and held
dinner till later," he said.

"How about I nuke some veggies and start the steaks in the broiler,
then strap in while they cook?" Sheila asked.

"That will probably be alright," he said.

"Good, I'm hungry," she replied.

"I will start the vegetables while you start the steaks," Catarina
volunteered. About that time the agent in the car came sailing down the
dirt road, trying to make up time. There suddenly was his partner in
his path and he laid on the brakes hard, barely missing him, but
showering him with gravel and dust.

"Where the fuck have you been?" asked the first, climbing into the car,
coughing dust.

"He decided to play *Jeremiah Johnson* and go mountaineering. I just
got back to the car. Where are they?" asked the second.

"Fuck if I know. Turn on the heat, I'm freezing. God, you stink," said
the first.

"Yeah, I got a little wet in stagnant ponds. What do you mean you don't
know?" asked the second.

"Fuckin' dike bitches decided to take a little walk down the road a
mile and a half to make out. Then old Cowboy comes toodling along and
they climb in the car with him. I'm supposed to be watching their every
move, so that's what I do. Freezing my nuts off while they walk along
in thin pant suits like they was in fricking Las Vegas. Now they head
back to the motor home, only I ain't that fast. You had the car. That's
what I mean I don't fucking know!" said the first.

"Calm down. Ain't many places they can hide a motor home that size. We
head in the direction they were going. We should see them," said the
second.

"So do it. We lose them and Sergei will have our nuts for lunch.
Where's my damn jacket? Turn on that heat. God, you stink," said the
first.

"Which first?" asked the second, mockingly.

"Hit the gas, turn on the heat. I'll find the jacket. I'll have to live
with the stink," said the first. The second headed down the road,
chuckling.

John drove leisurely up the road. Whenever a car would come up behind
him, he would pull a little to the side and let them pass. There
weren't many. It was a weeknight. Just as it had been that night he
laid his bike down to avoid the deer. Past Mirror lake and up the
backside of Bald Mountain pass he slowly climbed. The large engine of
the motor home equal to the task. He only had to slow once to let a
deer cross. It just stood there in his headlights. Smack dab in front
of him until he honked once, then it was bounding away, back on its
original course to get a drink of water.

"That's precisely why I wanted you strapped in," John said.

"Why do they do that? Just freeze I mean?" Catarina asked.

"I guess it's just instinct. A moving target is easier to spot.
Especially in the forest. Our eyes automatically move towards any
movement. Headlights are an unknown to them so they represent a danger.
By the time the flight mechanism cuts in, it's too late. They're not
used to things approaching them at automobile speeds," John explained.

"That makes sense," Catarina nodded.

"He just made it up," Sheila chuckled.

"It still makes sense," Catarina said.

"I like her more all the time," John chuckled.

"I'll bet," Sheila said, but she squoze Catarina's hand.

"Coming up on an important spot," John said as he slowed for the
hairpin. Just around it he slowed to a crawl. "That big rock right
there. I know it intimately," he said.

"You had sex with a rock?" Sheila asked, smirking.

"Almost. A deer jumped out in front of my motorcycle, on a night just
like this. I had to lay it down to miss it. I bounced off that rock
halfway through my resultant flight," he said.

"You never told me that. Is that why you're so spooked about deer in
headlights?" Sheila asked.

"Maybe. I just don't want to hurt them unnecessarily. I was only a
teenager when that happened. Back in the middle ages. Funny thing is
that deer don't like it up this high. He must have been crossing over
the top," John mused.

"How high are we?" Catarina asked.

"Read it yourself. Just over ten thousand feet. This is the pass," John
said as they passed the sign. He pulled the motor home over into the
lookout stall. It was big enough it would block any other cars from
using the small lookout, but it was a weeknight and not everybody
stopped to look. He set the brake and shut off the engine.

"An *oooh, ahh* stop," he explained. He snagged a jacket and they all
piled out of the motor home.

"Oh god, John. It is so pretty!" Catarina exclaimed. Below them was a
myriad of lakes shining silver white in reflected moonlight. Everywhere
they looked, they looked down, except behind them to the side where the
actual *bald headed* peak resided. Sheila kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you, dear. I'm gonna go take the steaks out before we need those
fish again," Sheila said. Catarina snuggled back against him and he put
her arms around her.

"I will always remember this... as long as I live," she said. He kissed
her tenderly in the shining moonlight. The air so crisp, clean -and
thin- that you could see for what seemed hundreds of miles.

"Well, that's my ooh, ahh stop," he said, "guess we'd better go eat."

"Just a sec..... ooooh, aaahhh....Okay, now we can go eat," she
chuckled. Sheila's timing was perfect. The steaks were medium rare. The
veggies were done to just the tender edge of crispness. With microwave
technology, man no longer had to eat a hard vegetable to have a healthy
one. The over cooking in water that robbed them of vitamins didn't
apply. John still liked his a little bit crisp. John opened the side
curtains so they could see the view.

"Like dinner on the top of the world," Catarina mused.

"John certainly has his moments," Sheila mused. 'Like *every one* of
them,' she thought to herself. Catarina was thinking along the same
lines. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you," she said.

"Quite welcome. Wow, this steak is tender," he said.

"You marinate it for two days you could probably make shoe leather this
tender," Sheila mused.

"You seem to know quite a lot about this area," Catarina said.

"I lived in Salt Lake City while I was growing up," John said.

"What pulled you away?" she asked.

"Well, Salt Lake is kind of a unique town. First off, it's
predominantly Mormon. They settled it back in the eighteen something or
others. Thirty's? No... forty-seven. I remember the big *Days of forty-
seven* celebrations when I was a child. So that must have been it.
Anyway, It's got a predominantly religious population. That makes it
sort of a restrictive town, but a nice place to live and raise a
family. Which is also something they are really good at here. They
raise an *awful* lot of kids here.

"It's a big city, size wise, but other ways it felt like a small town.
I don't know, maybe it still does. I haven't lived there for a long
time. Anyway, with a town like that... Well, you can only grow so much,
intellectually... but no, that's not right either. I've met some very
brilliant people in the world, but none any brighter than I met there.
I guess it just had a shortage of the type of jobs that *I* was growing
into. I was an electronics technician working my way up the technology
ladder. I reached the top of what I could do there, as a technician.
There were no bridges there then between technician and an engineering
position. So I loaded up my old VW bus and headed for Silicon Valley,"
he concluded.

"You never came back?" Catarina asked.

"I tried to. After Détente, the defense electronics world kind of
collapsed for a while everywhere. I came back thinking that all my
experience would count for something in an engineer's job. Between all
the applicants in my field out of work, and my lack of degree, I
couldn't find a job here. I eventually had to move elsewhere to find a
job," John said.

"You sound a bit bitter over it," Catarina said.

"I was quite bitter about it for a long time. I lost a lot. A wife and
child among them. For better or worse lasted about three quarters
through better. She was long gone by the time worse rolled around... I
don't know. I guess in some ways I'm still a little bitter about it.
The part that still pisses me off the most, is that it's not what you
*really* are that counts in the world.. it's what you *appear* to be
that matters. Perhaps that's why I didn't keep moving up the corporate
ladder. I didn't try to *appear* to be anything but what I am. I like
what I am. I'm content being what I am. But with everybody in the world
pretending to be whiz-bang miracle workers, an honest, competent
engineer who appears to be an honest, competent engineer hasn't got a
chance. Those positions go to wannabe idiots who are good at pretending
to be competent engineers," John said.

"Well, I've seen multiple examples of your work. I know you to be an
extremely honest and competent engineer. Second Skin would not exist
without that skill. I would not be CEO and I would still be miserable,"
Sheila said.

"You didn't seem so miserable when I first met you," John said.

"I was.. I just had a positive attitude," Sheila said.

"Well, guess I'd better get on the road. We've got another few hours of
driving to do before we reach a hook up," John said.

"Do we need one?" Catarina asked.

"Well, no. We've got everything we need but a safe, level place to
park," John said.

"Where's the nearest one of those?" Sheila asked.

"Oh, I guess *Soapstone* campground. Down the hill a bit," John said.

"How long?" Sheila asked.

"Oh, forty-five minutes," he replied.

"Let's do that then. For one thing, I want to see this area we're
driving through. We can't do that at night. Where were you heading
for?" Sheila asked.

"Park City, I figured after the cowboys in Evanston, that you might
enjoy a thriving little resort town Very *Nouveaux*," John said.

"Yuck," Catarina said.

"That's the first colloquialism that I ever heard you use... but I
concur," Sheila said.

"Alright, you've got it," John said, bussing his dishes. He climbed
into the driver's seat and started the engine, then started down the
road. He had the women hold off with cleanup till they were parked
again. A good thing as a short way down the hill John had to lay hard
on the brakes to avoid another deer. Had the women been standing, they
would have surely been catapulted through the windshield.

"Don't know why I ever argue with the man," Sheila mused quietly to
herself.

"Because you like him to surprise you," Catarina answered her quietly,
grinning. Sheila looked at her and nodded, grinning back.

The Russian agents stood looking at the front end of their car. They
had been trying to lay on some speed to catch the motor home. There had
been no chance when the small four-point buck had suddenly jumped out
in front of them and froze. They had hardly reduced speed at all when
they hit it full broadside. The impact ripped their grill and knocked
their radiator back into the fan, which punctured it. Then the deer
flipped up and smashed their windshield, almost landing in their
startled lap. Their air bags had been the only thing that had saved
them from eating glass and being splattered with deer guts.

"Oh, Sergei's going to love this one! Sorry, the girls went for a walk
and we lost them. Then we couldn't catch up cause *Bambi* wrecked our
car," said the first one.

"Fuck you," said the second one. The first one smugly flipped open his
cellular phone.. and found static. They were between mountain ranges
with no repeater in line of sight.

"Fuck, we can't even call a tow truck to come get us. Sergei's going to
eat my nuts for lunch," said the first one.

"Now pay attention, cause I don't want to have to say this twice; I
don't give a flying fuck about Sergei right at this moment. *We* are at
least forty miles from civilization, high up in the mountains. With no
communication. I am damp and it's likely to actually reach below thirty
degrees tonight. It's close to that now. All we have are bull shit
jackets designed to comfortably protect you between your car and the
super market door. It's a week night, so there are hardly any tourists
passing through and we're off the main route so no truckers will pass
by. In other words, it's likely to be one cold, miserable, fuck of a
night. Now if you wish to worry about what Sergei wants for lunch
tomorrow you just fucking go ahead. But shut the fuck up, cause I'm
mainly concerned with staying alive," the second agent concluded.

The first agent looked at him, his mouth agape, dumbfounded, realizing
he was correct.

Chapter 83

John pulled over on the side of the road and grabbed a flashlight and
his thermal jacket.

"Where are you going?" Sheila asked.

"It's been a long time since I was here. I just want to make certain
there's a place to turn this beast around before I pull in," he said.

"Oh," she said. John pulled his jacket around him as he walked down the
small dirt road, thankful for its thermal characteristics. He had it
fully snapped up by the time he got back. It was going to be a cold
night. No surprise to him. When he had been young and foolish, he had
longed to live in this area year round. The snow plows stopped over
twenty miles away in each direction. It would have been a rough life
indeed.

"You found a place?" Sheila asked as he climbed back in the motor home.

"Yup. Nice little flat spot. Behind those big trees on the left," he
said.

"I mean a place to turn around?" she said. He grinned at her and
nodded. Pulling the large motor home carefully down the narrow path. He
pulled into the slot he had picked and rocked around a bit till his
level indicators read close. Then he flipped a switch and the motor
home leveled itself.

"Ah, decadence," John mused.

"What?" Catarina asked.

"Leveling a motor home without blocks of wood and an hour of farting
around," John said. A light flashed green on the dash. "Done. We be
home," he chuckled.

"Now can I do the dishes?" Sheila asked.

"No, now I can," John said.

"Why you?" she asked.

"One, 'cause I *want* to. Second, have you ever taken a navy shower?"
he asked.

"What's that?" she asked.

"My point. We have a limited water supply. Every gallon used on the
dishes, is one we don't have for the shower," John said.

"I understand that," she said.

"Fine, so watch me the first time. Then you can do it to your heart's
content from now on," he said.

"You are the most *exasperating* man at times," she said.

"Why? Because I don't expect or desire women to wait on me?" he asked.

"You do at home," she said.

"At home, I hired two cooks... three now, but the other seems to be on
perpetual vacation. I *pay* them to cook and clean up. That is their
*job*. They do it because they are *paid* to do it. It isn't their job
simply because they are women," he said.

"My, my, a liberated man besides all his other fine points," Catarina
said, admiringly.

"I guess I knew that when he hired me as a CEO," Sheila mused.

"If you would like to do something, I think a pot of coffee would be
enjoyed by all," he said, setting about pre-scraping the dishes.

"You've got the sink full," she said.

"One in the bathroom. Same water comes out. Just do a light rinse," he
said. Catarina grinned at Sheila and winked. Sheila grinned back.
"Don't know why she gets this way," John said, when she had left the
kitchen.

"I do..... Because she loves you dearly. It is getting near the time
when she has to go back and be a CEO. That is why she is desperately
trying to be the other things a woman has been known to be in the
past," Catarina said softly. John looked at her a moment and nodded.

"You are a very perceptive person at times," John said, "So I should
let her?" he asked.

"Yes, she will love you even more for it," Catarina replied.

"And you, your time is running short too. What can I do for you?" he
asked.

"Just love me like you mean it," she said, softly.

"Ah, a simple task. Easy to do, 'cause I do mean it," John said.
Catarina looked around and put her finger to her lips. John shook his
head. "When I was checking this place out, did any cars pass by?" he
asked.

"No," she said.

"Well, I watched the mirror as much as I dared coming down the hill. If
there was a car behind us, I would have seen its headlights, unless
they were stupid enough to descend a mountain road at night without
them," John said.

"So?" Catarina asked.

"So, the thing about small transmitters, is that they have small power.
The smaller the transmitter, the smaller the power. The way that they
get around this, is by using a higher frequency. The higher the
frequency, the shorter the wave length. Now the thing about shorter
wave length radio, is that it bounces off things real well, except the
atmosphere. Longer waves are the only ones that do that. So my point
is, that low power, high frequency radio transmitters are only good if
you are close by, in line of sight of the transmitter. Otherwise, the
signal just takes a bounce off the nearest mountain side and angles up
into space. Not bouncing off the atmosphere. A single watt transmitter
may communicate over thirty miles, but you won't hear a peep out of it
if you're behind a small knoll," John explained.

"Your point being?" Sheila asked, returning with a pot of water and
getting some beans out of the freezer.

"My point being that I didn't see any car coming down the hill after
us, unless it was a long ways back. So, nobody is in range to hear any
bug that might be listening to us right now. Even less likely, in fact
that a bug is even listening to us. Because the way they get around
battery size and life, is by broadcasting the power to the bug from a
transmitter. The bug picks up the broadcast wave and modulates it with
whatever signal it hears. Then re-transmits a portion of that same
power as the signal that is picked up, for them to hear what is said.
So in other words, if no signal is being broadcast to the bugs, then
they are totally inert. To wit, nobody is listening. We have relative
privacy for the moment," John concluded.

"Your electronics lesson for today," Sheila said, putting the beans
into the grinder.

"I understand part of what you are saying, the low power, short range
part. But I don't follow the transmit in and out part," Catarina said,
after Sheila finished grinding.

"Something the Russians came up with actually. They gave a large,
carved wooden seal -an emblem- as a present to the United Nations. It
used to hang in the security council. Well, one day some British Ham
radio operators were trying to call home from New York and stumbled
upon a signal coming out of the United Nations building. What was being
broadcast was a closed meeting of the security council. Not cool. But a
sweep of the cambers found no operating transmitters. When they could
finally arrange a sweep, that is. But by then the Russians had turned
off their transmitter, so no power was being received by the bug.

"They finally figured it out. They started sweeping the chamber with a
transmitter broadcasting different frequencies until they got something
else back. Bingo. This led them to the great seal. In it they found an
ingenious little bug. Tiny and requiring no batteries. It was little
more than a chamber with a wire attached for an antenna. The radio
waves were picked up by the antenna and coupled into the camber. A
small, thin metal diaphragm on one side acted as a microphone. Any
sound hitting the diaphragm, caused the chamber to change shape just a
bit, causing the radio waves inside to be changed just a bit. This
change was then coupled back out the same antenna that was picking up
the power. This small change would be directly relative to the sound
that was picked up. A master work of simplicity and efficiency," John
said.

"So all you have to do to look for a bug, is to look for a signal
coming out of it? And if you sweep a signal into an area and nothing
comes out, then there are no bugs?" Catarina asked.

"Used to be. Now you have micro power integrated circuits. Like in your
watch. That circuit uses so little power that the battery will go dead
virtually as fast sitting on the shelf, as it will in that watch. With
circuits requiring so little power, you can give a bug a degree of
smarts. It won't respond to just any signal. It has to be a special
signal," John explained.

"Ah, I see, unless you know what to send to it, nothing comes out,"
Catarina said.

"Yes, exactly," John beamed at her.

"You seem to comprehend technical things very well," Sheila said,
impressed herself.

"My father used to let me come watch him in his workshop. He was a sort
of inventor. He was an accountant for a banking firm as his job, but he
was always tinkering at home. He taught me a lot," Catarina said.

"Your folks... you said they had died. How?" John asked.

"In a small plane crash, five years ago," she said softly.

"How did it happen?" he asked.

"My folks met a nice Hungarian couple about a year before. They did not
have many friends, so I was glad for it. They spent much time together.
The man's hobby was flying. They were on a trip to Switzerland. My
folks had saved for months. They thought to save money by flying
themselves in the pilot's small plane. Something happened, they do not
know what. The plane was scattered all over a hillside. They never even
found the man and his wife. My folks were killed instantly," Catarina
said, tears forming in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, you must have loved them very much," he said.

"Yes... I am afraid it hit Bianca a bit harder though. She was younger.
I was in my mid-twenties. She was just sixteen. I took over raising
her, which was a task in itself. She took it very badly for a long
time. I thought that the trip to Russia would be good for her. Broaden
her horizons a bit...." Catarina trailed off.

"So you feel responsible for what happened to her?" John asked.
Catarina nodded, a tear rolling down her cheek. John caught it with a
finger and moved it to his lips. "The woman, the one you were involved
with, tell me about her. How did you meet her?" he asked. Catarina took
a deep trembling breath to compose herself. Sheila looked at John,
wondering why he was dredging up these painful memories. She knew he
had his reasons, but she was empathic towards Catarina's pain. Tears
were forming in her eyes.

"About six months after my folks died. She came into my shop. I
remember thinking how pretty she was. She tried on several outfits. The
fitting rooms were fairly secluded from the front of the shop, and to
tell the truth, I did not have that much business. Anyway, she had on
one outfit, examining herself in the mirror. It looked quite sexy on
her. She looked over at me and asked me if I liked it. I told her it
looked very sexy on her. She smiled at me and took it off, right before
me. She wore only small French cut panties. She was very beautiful. She
asked me to pick another outfit for her that I thought would look sexy
on her, so I did. She tried it on and it did look very sexy. I found
myself getting quite excited.

"I remember she looked at me and smiled and I felt quite weak. She went
to the racks and sorted through the clothing and selected an outfit.
She handed it to me and said she thought it would look very sexy on
*me*. It seemed odd, but she was quite nice. She suggested that I try
it on, so I did. I remember that I looked up and caught her looking at
me. She did not turn away, she just smiled. I remember blushing and
pulling the outfit on. I think it did look sexy on me. At least I felt
very sexy with her looking at me.

"She invited me out to dinner, saying we would drive the men wild with
our outfits. I did not have many friends myself. I was very lonely. She
was very pretty and nice. I accepted her invitation. She took me out
and bought me a very fine gourmet meal. I did not have much money, so I
seldom had experienced such a meal. She purchased several bottles of
wine with the meal and I am afraid I got very tipsy.

"After we left the restaurant, we went for a walk to clear our heads. I
did not know, or care where we were going. I was having quite a good
time. We ended up at her house. A very fine old cottage. I remember
being quite impressed. She poured us some more wine. I am afraid we
drank another whole bottle. On the last glass she spilled some on my
dress. She told me to take it off so she could soak it. I did not think
a thing about it and did so. She took it into the other room to soak.

"She came back, without her own dress on, again wearing just panties. I
had on my panties and a bra. She put on some music and started to waltz
around. I was watching her. She extended her hand to me and I giggled
and tried to join her. I kind of stumbled and she caught me. Holding me
up against her. She took my hand and put it on her waist and took my
other hand in hers and danced me around, holding me against her. I
found myself getting very excited. When the music stopped, she did not
let me go. She just pulled her head back and looked into my eyes. Then
she kissed me.

"I liked it, so I let her. I had never been with a woman before. Not
too many men for that matter. I was very lonely. She felt good. She
unfastened my brassiere and pulled it from between us. I remember it
felt very good when our breasts merged. Another song started and we
danced together. She had her leg between mine, grinding her hips into
me as we danced. I was getting *very* excited. She kept kissing me.
Putting her tongue into my mouth and rubbing up against me. She held me
to her with her hands on my buttocks. Pulling me hard against her legs.

"When the music stopped, she took me by the hand and led me to her
bedroom. I *thought* we were going to sleep. But she lay me down on the
bed and then took off her panties. Then she stooped and took off mine.
She was very sexy. She crawled on top of me and began kissing me more,
feeling my body. The next thing I knew, she had her hand between my
legs. It had been so very long, and I was so very lonely. I am afraid I
just melted under her touch. She made love to me, giving me two.....
no, three orgasms. Then she asked me to do it to her. I did not know
what to do, but she had pleased me so much.... I did what she had done
to me back to her. Afterwards we both did it again.

"The next morning I was hung over. I was ashamed and feeling dirty. She
started kissing me again. I asked her to stop, but instead she started
licking me again. She would not stop. I experienced an orgasm, and
still, she would not stop. She did not stop until I had many, many
orgasms. She was still licking me when I passed out again. I woke up
and she had me tied to the bed, with a soft velvet rope to each corner
of the bed. Again she started licking me. I remember screaming and
crying, but she kept licking me. Again I passed out. When I woke up she
was licking me again. I could not help it, I got very excited by it.
She licked me everywhere. She kissed me everywhere. She sucked on my
fingers and toes even. I had to go to the bathroom and she would not
let me. Finally she put a bedpan under me and told me to go. When I
could no longer hold it, I did. Afterwards she moved the pan and went
right back to licking me. Again I passed out.

"When I woke up, I was free. She was snuggled to me, caressing my body.
I wanted to leave. But she said, now it was my turn to tie *her* up. I
wanted to punish her for what she had done to me, so I tied her up like
she had me. I tortured her like she had me. I made her pass out many
times. When she begged to go to the bathroom I told her to wet herself.
She did not wait for the bedpan, she just went. She orgasmed as she did
so.

"I pulled the wet bedding from beneath her and treated her as she had
me, licking her after she had urinated. Licking her and kissing her
everywhere. I made her pass out again. Then I untied her. I wanted to
see her face when she woke up, so I did not leave. When she opened her
eyes, she smiled at me and said: 'and now we are free to make love to
each other as equals,' and pulled me to her. Something had changed in
me. I then *wanted* to make love with her. We made love all night.

"We saw quite a lot of each other after that. She had money and I did
not. She would always pay for meals. She bought me presents. She would
let me pay for nothing. I got to feeling guilty, but she said she loved
me and wanted to treat me special. By that time I was very much in love
with her, so I let her. She took me out to private parties. *Sex*
parties. Usually all women. Most were very beautiful. No names were
ever used.

"At first the parties just had a show. A couple would undress and
caress each other slowly, then make love before us. It was very sexy.
These were not bull-dykes. They were very feminine, sexy women. They
were in perfect physical shape. I enjoyed watching it very much. Then
came a party where, when they drew back the curtain, there was a man
tied down to a bed. He had an erection. He was very large. His eyes
were covered by a mask. He was in very good physical condition, very
muscular. Two very feminine women came out and began to kiss and caress
each other on the bed, rubbing on the man as they did so. They gave
each other orgasms, then one crawled on the man's chest while the other
crawled up and impaled herself. She moved until she gave herself an
orgasm. The man did not orgasm, he just stayed hard. The other one
moved to impale herself too. Again he did not orgasm as she did.

"Afterwards the girls turned to the audience, about twelve of us in six
couples. They moved to a couple and invited them up. The couple stood
up and the women undressed and caressed them. Bringing each of the
women to orgasm. Then one guided one woman to the man, who was still
erect. The woman impaled herself upon the man and moved herself to
orgasm. Then her mate did the same thing. Meanwhile, the first girls
pulled another couple up to the stage and undressed and caressed them.
When the second woman was done, the third moved onto the man. Then the
fourth. Each time the women selecting another couple from the audience.
When the couples were through, they stayed nude and moved back and
continued to make love.

"This continued until they selected us. I was so excited I moved in a
dream. They brought me to orgasm and then it was my turn upon the man,
who had not climaxed as yet. I was the last woman to mount him. He was
very large, but I was very turned on. I quite enjoyed it, at the time.
When I climaxed, he did too, he filled me up and screamed like a
wounded animal. Several women lifted me off the man. He was untied and
led away.

"I thought we were through....but they put me back on the bed and then
many hands held me while they tied me down. I fought it, but there were
too many of them. Then there were lips all over me. Kissing me
everywhere. The women took turns licking me to orgasm while all the
others kissed me all over and caressed me. I passed out twice, but when
I would wake up a woman would be licking me and mouths and tongues
would still be all over my body. I don't know how long this lasted. I
lost all track of time. I am quite sure *every* woman had me before
they finally released me. When my friend Greta -that was her name- led
me home, I was in a dream. I slept for a whole day," Catarina sort of
stalled. She was flushed and breathing hard. She wasn't alone in this.
Sheila found herself virtually dripping.

"Greta, what was her nationality?" John asked, hoarsely.

"Hungarian," Catarina said.

"What changed your relationship?" John asked.

"The man from the show, he had a small tattoo on his penis. An Egyptian
*ankh*. I was to see this later, elsewhere.... After my experience at
that show, I got scared. I did not want to see Greta for a long time. I
was scared about what had happened to me. I was afraid of what I would
*become*. I finally agreed to see Greta again on the condition that we
never attended another show. She agreed, but sometimes I know she would
go off to them, because she would talk about them. Sometimes she would
use the stories to excite me while we were making love.

"I did not much hide my relationship with Greta. She would pay for
trips for me and Bianca, who was about to enter her senior year of
school. Greta said she had a friend in Russia who ran the exchange
student program. It was her that arranged Bianca's acceptance to the
program. She even sponsored it," Catarina said, breaking down.

"The man... the tattoo... it was Sergei?" John asked, softly. She
nodded, but wept. Sheila moved to her and hugged her as she cried.
"Catarina, you are *not* responsible. You were set up yourself," he
said. John took his laptop and called in a program. He called up a
picture and showed it to Catarina.

"Do you recognize this woman?" he asked. Catarina looked at the picture
and at him in surprise. She nodded.

"One from the parties, yes," she moaned.

"And her?" John asked, calling in another image. She looked at the
image and disengaged herself from Sheila. Now intensely interested.

"Yes," she said, now more composed. John called image after image onto
the screen and with only two exceptions -that Catarina wasn't sure of-
she recognized every women from the parties. "How do you happen to have
these images?" she asked.

"These are all women who have thrown themselves at me while I have been
on the road," John said.

"A conspiracy?" Sheila asked.

"Undoubtedly. The part that puzzles me, is the timing. They contacted
Catarina before I even bought the silo... maybe even sooner....
Catarina, what exactly did your father do?" he asked.

"He was an accountant...actually an auditor. For a bank," she said.

"A large bank?" he asked.

"Yes, the largest in Austria," she said.

"An old establishment?" he asked.

"Yes, hundreds of years old. Why?" she asked.

"I'm not sure. I'm trying to figure a connection. Whatever Sergei's
interest in your parents was," he said.

"But my parents were killed in a plane crash before I ever met Greta or
Sergei," Catarina said.

"By a Hungarian couple, a former part of the Soviet union. Perhaps it
is just a coincidence, but I don't think so. You said they never found
the other couple. Murder is hardly beyond Sergei. By your description
he was already well involved in controlling women by sex, probably
blackmail too," he said.

"*Sergei killed my parents*!?" Catarina exclaimed.

"Perhaps, maybe not. It may be a simple coincidence.... did your father
ever give you anything special? Something he told you to keep safe?"
John asked.

"Nothing really..... Just an old cuckoo clock. He said it was very old
and that some day would be worth much. I once had it appraised, but it
was only worth.... about seven hundred dollars, American," Catarina
said, computing the difference in her head. "I mainly kept it because
of sentimental value.... It is strange you should ask that, Sergei once
asked me the same question," she said.

"Really? And what did you tell him?" John asked.

"I told him no, I was not thinking of the clock at the time. He asked
if my father had left me anything of value or something special. I told
him of my small financial inheritance. I got a small settlement from
their insurance," she said.

"But you never told him of the clock?" John asked.

"No, never. Why?" she asked. John ignored the question, thinking.
Catarina let him. This was taking on dimensions that Catarina had never
fathomed before. Her loathing and hatred for Sergei was growing
exponentially.

"This clock, it is safe? Don't tell me where it is," he said.

"Yes, in storage with my few other possessions. I pay a small fee every
month to store my things," she said.

"A bonded storage company? You trust them?" he asked.

"Yes, a very old reputable company.. Why? What is this all about?" she
asked.

"I'm not sure. I think that maybe your father found something he wasn't
supposed to, or something that somebody else wanted very much. But I
think that clock is the answer to a lot of things. Maybe the reason for
your parent's death," he said.

"What could it be... he was not an important man," she said.

"I'm sure he was important to you and Bianca.... I think that maybe he
found evidence of an old account, or of some impropriety in the bank.
Certainly something involving a lot of money... They have numbered
accounts in Austria?" he asked.

"Not so much anymore. No new ones, certainly. But in the old days,
yes," she said.

"Tell me, where did he do his work, always in one branch?" John asked.

"No, he went around to all the branches. He dealt with many older
accounts. Sometimes he would deal with the governments of different
countries. Arranging disbursement of funds to relatives. Sometimes
there was no longer anybody legally entitled to the money," she said.

"What happened then?" he asked.

"Sometimes it would go to the governments themselves. Sometimes there
were special instructions accompanying the accounts on what to do in
that event. Sometimes it would go to charities," she said.

"Did he ever go to Russia?" John asked.

"Yes, several times.... a few just before he was killed.... You think
there was a connection?" she asked.

"Perhaps, I think we've just about reached all the conclusions we can
tonight. Most of it is speculation on my part. The rest will have to
wait until we get your sister free," John said.

"Do you really think we will be able to?" Catarina asked, pensively.

"I think that Sergei wants to retain control of you and your sister. I
think he will try a double cross.... but... I have faith in our people.
I think we should shut up now. We've said way too much already. I don't
want to endanger your sister or you any more than we have to, to get
her free," he said.

"Do you think they are listening, now?" she asked. John punched up a
program on his laptop, plugging it into its cradle. He was quiet as he
worked.

"No, not yet. There are no emissions from the motor home at the present
time," he said.

"Well, I think we should turn in. I'm quite certain that I will enjoy
not having an audience," Sheila giggled.

"Me too," Catarina said.

"I'm quite certain we all feel that way.... Catarina?" he said.

"Yes, John?"

"How do you feel about what happened to you? I mean, you *seem* to
enjoy sex very much. But I could tell by your descriptions of the
parties and such that you felt a loathing for those people and what
they did," he said. Catarina was silent for a moment, formulating her
answer.

"I do loath them... and what they did. But I came to equate it with
what happened to my sister. When I saw that tattoo on Sergei, it
negated any attraction or pleasure I had experienced. I came to hate
sex. I did not enjoy it again until my first night with you two," she
said.

"Are we so different?" Sheila asked.

"Yes," Catarina said without hesitation, "You see... What those people
did.. it was hedonism. It was not love. It did not matter who their
partner was. It was no different than masturbation with a piece of
meat. That is what I felt like. A piece of meat. You two did not treat
me like that. I felt... special. Like I was a goddess. I have felt that
way *every* time we have made love... because that is what we are
doing; making *love*," she concluded.

"Well, besides John and the other girls in his life, I never felt more
like making love to anybody. You *are* special. I feel like I am making
love with a goddess," Sheila said.

"I must concur, those women who's pictures I showed you. They didn't
care who it was with them. It was like jacking off inside somebody. But
I knew you were different the first moment I laid eyes on you," John
said. Catarina blushed.

"I have never known a man like you before. Nor a woman like you,
Sheila. I could make love to either of you day and night for the rest
of my life and be the happiest woman on earth," she said, tears forming
again. John pulled her to him, kissing her. Her kiss was hungry and
deep. His hands began to remove her clothing. Sheila stepped in to
help, then removed her own.

They made the most tender love Catarina had ever known. Tears of joy
streaming down her cheeks as her body lay panting and glistening with
perspiration between them. Their fingers caressing her softly to sleep.

Chapter 84

The two agents spent a miserable night. One took his pocket knife and
sliced the deflated air bags from the car. They wrapped them around
them for warmth. A search of the car yielded little in the way of
survival gear. They only had a few clothes, mostly dirty. They put them
all on. They weren't too far from a public campground, but there was
nobody camped there. There was a little firewood stacked by one of the
camp sites, but it was wet. Besides, they had no matches. A road flare
from the trunk supplied fire for them. It took almost the whole flare
to get the damp wood started, then it smoked terribly. The men didn't
care. They were hungry and cold.

One went and sliced a leg off of the deer sitting where their
windshield had been. They skinned it and propped it over the fire to
roast. It took some time. They had no salt or seasonings. The meat was
gamy and tough. Perhaps tainted by the scent glands that hunters know
to cut off immediately. By the time they thought of the deer as food,
it was several hours after the crash.

They hauled the rear seat out of the car to the campground to give them
something warmer to sit on. As the fire wood ran out they were tempted
to burn it. Instead breaking green branches off of trees, which smoked
a lot, but burned. It was almost dawn when a highway patrolman came
upon the scene. He stopped his car and examined the wreck. He noticed
the missing air bags and rear seat. Stepping to his car, he honked the
horn. The agents came running as best they could with several pairs of
pants on. They looked down right comical.

"Boy, are we glad to see you," one said.

"I take it you got stranded here last night?" said the patrolman.

"Yeah, my cellular wouldn't work," he said.

"Yeah, they're not much good up here. Why didn't you stay with the
car?" the patrolman asked.

"Because of the stench," said the second agent. The patrolman looked at
the deer.

"What happened to the leg?" he asked.

"We had no food. So we ate it... tasted like shit," said the first
agent.

"Well, technically. That's poaching... but I guess you didn't wreck
your car on purpose just for a leg of venison. You were going pretty
fast when you hit it though. From the skid marks and the damage, I'd
say about eighty or ninety. You're damn lucky to be alive," said the
patrolman.

"I know, can we get warm in your car?" asked the second agent.

"Yeah, help me push this off the road first. Then I'll take you to a
phone," the patrolman said.

"You can't take us to where we can rent another car?" asked the first
agent.

"Nope. Nearest place for that is probably Evanston. I've got highway
between here and Heber to patrol," he said.

"Could we rent a car in Heber?" asked the second agent.

"Probably. Won't get there for a while yet. I've got a job to do," said
the patrolman.

"Isn't helping people who have been in a wreck your job too?" asked the
first agent, snidely. The patrolman turned to him, his anger rising.

"Listen, pal. I'd just as soon run you in. The speed you were traveling
when you hit that deer was way too excessive. You're going to get a
reckless driving charge anyway. Maybe a charge for killing the deer.
I'm still thinking about the poaching charge. Now, we're gonna go put
your fire out, then I'm gonna give you a ride to a phone. Until then
keep quiet."

He dropped them off at the gas station; closed still. The owner finally
responded to the highway patrolman's honking and let the two shivering
men inside to warm up. The patrolman used his radio -the highway patrol
having a repeater for the area- to request a tow truck. He graciously
requested one out of Evanston meet the agents at the gas station. The
station had no phone line.

"That's what we come up here to get away from," the owner of the
station informed them. It was almost ten o-clock before the tow truck
picked up a much warmer, and now well fed pair at the gas station. They
served hamburgers at the station. They made their way back to the
wreck. Notified by the highway patrol, DNR had come by and removed the
deer. They contributed the meat to various welfare programs when it was
worth saving. There was a ticket from the DNR stuck in the door jam to
match the one in the second agent's pocket.

The agents seethed as the tow truck driver hooked up and then made his
way methodically back the forty-five miles to Evanston. He stopped off
at a car rental place. Seeing their last car, the rental agent was
reluctant to rent to them, requiring extra insurance. Finally they
transferred their radio equipment from the wreck to the new rental.
They found a pay phone and called Sergei. He was seething himself.
Telling them that they had better find the motor home or they would be
spending time assigned to Siberia.

"I'll drive this time," the first agent said. The second agent
shrugged, but wouldn't let them leave town until he purchased twenty
dollars worth of hamburgers from a drive in and a warmer coat. The
first didn't argue.

Catarina stirred, it was early morning. Early considering how late they
had been up making love. It was almost eight o-clock. She gently kissed
the nipple next to her lips and then stretched like a cat. She could
feel love rushes sweep over her body. She was amazingly happy. Her
sister's freedom was the only thing keeping her from total bliss. The
thought drove her out of bed.

She used the bathroom, brushed her teeth and then showered. Sparingly,
remembering how John had done the dishes the night before. She got
herself wet and then turned off the water while she soaped, then rinsed
off and got out. John slipped in while she was soaping and relieved
himself. She met him as she stepped out.

"Good morning, sunshine. Sleep well?" he asked. She moved to him
pulling the towel between them. Hugging him hard.

"Mmm, very well. And you?" she asked, trying to kiss him. He resisted,
indicating his tooth brush.

"Like a baby," he grinned.

"Well brush your teeth, because I want a proper kiss," she directed
him.

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied. He left the water off while he brushed, just
using it to rinse. She waited patiently, drying herself as best she
could in the small bathroom. When he was done, she pulled him into a
passionate kiss that lasted a long time.

"That was for last night, my love," she said. John put his finger to
his lips and she nodded. She stepped out to dress and Sheila stepped
in, also resisting her advance. "Let me know when you've brushed your
teeth," Catarina called after her. John stepped into the shower and
repeated Catarina's actions as Sheila used the toilet. Wishing for the
sound of running water. She settled for switching on a small exhaust
fan. John rinsed and stepped out to dry himself, giving Sheila a peck
on the cheek and sliding the door shut behind him. Catarina was almost
dressed, and watched John drying himself as she finished.

"You are a very lovely man," she said.

"Thank you, handsome is the term we use here," he said.

"You are that too, but I think the terms have slightly different
meanings. I meant what I said," she said. John put his finger to his
lips again and she nodded. He walked forward to his laptop and called
up a program.

"I wonder where our shadows have gotten off to? We are still clean," he
said.

"Then I reiterate, you are a very lovely man," Catarina said from the
doorway. He smiled at her and repeated his thanks. Then moved to the
bedroom to dress. She wouldn't let him pass until she had extracted a
minor toll in the form of another kiss. She watched him dressing a
moment and then turned to make some coffee.

John was sitting outside in a folding lawn chair, enjoying the morning
when the DNR truck pulled up. The ranger climbed out.

"Morning, sir. You camping long?" the ranger asked.

"Good morning to you. No, just last night, we'll be leaving today,"
John replied.

"Did you pay your campground fees?" asked the ranger.

"I bought a golden eagle pass, the sticker's on the bumper," John said.
The ranger looked and nodded, smiling.

"Nice day, huh?" the ranger asked.

"A *frabjous* day," John agreed.

The ranger nodded, "Louis Carroll?"

"Yes, a very good term," John said.

"Do any fishing this morning?" asked the ranger.

"No, I only had a one day permit, it expired last night. Caught a nice
lunker though," John said.

"Whereabouts?" the ranger asked.

"Up on the *Stillwater Fork*," John replied.

"Must be one of the last ones we planted last year. Monsters, they
were," said the ranger.

"Can I buy an extension from you?" asked John.

"No, they won't let us handle any money except campground fees,"
replied the ranger.

"Just a thought," said John. He glanced in the back of the ranger's
truck at the dead deer. "Road kill?" John asked.

"Yeah, couple of foreign assholes doing about eighty-five. Totaled
their rental car. Lucky they had air bags. They ended up being stranded
for the night, almost frozen when the Highway patrol came on them,"
replied the ranger. A thought occurred to John.

"A little gray rental?" he asked.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" asked the ranger.

"Oh, saw them up the meadows off the ranger station. A couple of jerks.
Just wondering if it was the same guys," John said.

"Sounds like them. The patrolman said they was giving him lip. Wanted
him to take them where they could rent another car to wreck. He dropped
them off at that Bear River gas station down the road from the ranger
station and called them a tow truck," said the ranger.

"That where they are now?" John asked.

"Probably in Evanston by now, or just picking up their car. Why?" asked
the ranger.

"Oh, just curious. Seems a shame that jerks like that can get away with
killing a deer," John said.

"Well, they got a reckless driving ticket from the HP and I left them a
citation for killing the deer. We could have nailed them for poaching,
cause they didn't have any food so they cut off the leg and ate it,"
chuckled the ranger.

"No food, so they didn't have any salt even?" John asked.

"I would suppose not," chuckled the ranger.

"I almost nailed a couple myself last night. But I know the area, so I
was taking it easy," John said. The ranger's eyes almost popped out of
his head when both Sheila and Catarina stepped out of the motor home
with their coffee cups. They were wearing body suits with leggings,
white terry shorts over the bottom halves.

"Kind of nippy for those outfits, isn't it?" asked the ranger, trying
not to drool. Sheila chuckled and walked up to him.

She handed her cup to John and said, "Here, feel this." pulling the
ranger's fingers up her sleeve.

"Well I'll be damned. I could use an outfit made of that stuff. How
does it work?" he asked.

"Stores heat as twist in the fiber. Untwists and gives off heat when
it's cold. I'll give you my card if the government wants to talk about
a contract, but we may be a little out of their price range. We'd sell
this for around a thousand bucks." Sheila giggled, giving the ranger
back his hand and retrieving her cup. She cringed at the sight of the
deer carcass.

"Those *jerks* from the campground last night, totaled their *rental*
car," John said. Sheila seemed to get it and nodded. Still sad over the
deer.

"Breakfast is ready," she told John.

"Well, you folks have a nice day. Nice rig you got here," the ranger
told John.

"Yeah, cost me enough," John said.

"I can imagine. See ya," the ranger said, climbing in his truck.
Catarina waved at him as he pulled away. He waved back.

"Well, guess that explains what happened to our shadow," John chuckled.

"Too bad about the deer. I wish there was some way to keep them off us
for one more night. I quite enjoyed myself last night," Sheila mused.

"I think I know just the place. Come on, let's eat. I want to be out of
here in twenty minutes," John said. John and the motor home were long
gone when the two agents passed *Soapstone* two hours later. Their
equipment uttered not a peep. They reached *Kamas* and took the new
*Peoa* cut off back towards the Interstate into Salt Lake City. They
made a side detour into *Park City* just in case they had gone there.
No sign of them. They continued on into Salt Lake City.

John was miles to the South, by *Deer Creek* reservoir, just pulling
into the sleepy farming valley of *Wallsburg*. He stopped at the
general store and picked up some provisions, filling his tanks while he
was at it. He struck up a conversation with the clerk while his tanks
were filling.

"Don't recall if it was *Big Canyon* or *Little Canyon* that had the
stream in it," he said.

"Little canyon.... but you couldn't get that rig up there. It turns
into four wheel territory about half a mile up," said the clerk.

"Yeah, I remember. I used to camp up there as a kid. Now I don't even
remember how to get there," John said.

"Just take Little canyon road. Go straight when you get to the Big
Canyon cut off. You could take that road okay, but there isn't any more
camping areas up here. Folks kind of soured over kids leaving beer cans
all over," said the clerk.

"Might make a nice drive. Thanks," John said. He topped off his tank
and paid his bill, the clerk happy over the large sale. John added four
five gallon plastic jugs that the store had for sale, filling them from
the hose and topping off the motor home's water tanks before heading
out. He took the turn and headed up the proper road, not taking the cut
off the clerk told him of. The road quickly narrowed as the clerk had
indicated and John remembered.

"You sure you know what you're doing? That looks pretty steep up
there," Sheila said, looking out the windshield. John grinned. He
reached a small turn out and stopped. He stepped out and unhitched the
compact car, backing it off the front wheel trailer. Then he left it
running and asked Sheila to follow him. She climbed in the compact and
he made the turn, jockeying back and forth to do it. He pulled down a
tiny dirt path and under some trees. Sheila pulled up beside him. After
jockeying the motor home back and forth a bit he was fairly level, he
let the automatics take care of the rest.

"I'll be back," he told the women.

"Where are you going?" Catarina asked.

"To negotiate with the owner to let us stay here. This is private
property," he said.

"Nice spot," Sheila said.

"Nice memories," John said, heading down the path. He passed through a
gate and came up to a small rugged looking house. Two dogs started
after him and John froze, just waiting. A man came out and called back
the dogs.

"Howdy," he said.

"Howdy. Sorry to intrude. Years ago I used to camp up here on your
property. I'd like to ask your permission to spend the night," John
asked.

"I don't know. Damn kids always leaving a mess. We don't usually let
folks camp anymore," said the man.

"I can understand that. I packed quite a bit of garbage out even back
then. We used to camp up here every year. A whole bunch of us," said
John.

"I remember those folks. Kind of a rowdy drinking bunch, but always
left the place cleaner than they found it," said the man.

"Yeah, that was us. I don't see those folks much anymore, and I
mellowed a bunch myself with age. Now I'm likely in bed by nine. I
promise that we'd respect your property and clean up after ourselves.
I'd make it worth your while if you'd allow me to pay you. There's just
myself, my wife and sister-in-law," said John.

"Well, if you're quiet and clean up, I guess one night wouldn't hurt.
Twenty bucks okay?" asked the man.

"That would be fine. Tell you what. I enjoyed it so much up here
before, and you never charged us. How about I make it fifty? I'm doing
pretty good financially and I'd like to make up for a few nights I'm
sure we kept you up," John said, fishing in his wallet.

"No need to do that," said the man.

"I know, I'd like to. Okay?" John said, handing the man the bill.

"Alright. I'm mainly letting you stay 'cause I remember you used to
clean up," said the man.

"You ever think of selling this place, you let me know. Here's where
you can contact me through," John said, scribbling his name on a card
from his lawyers.

"I just may do that. I was intending on leaving it to my kids, but
they'd rather have money, I think. You wouldn't bust it up?" the man
asked.

"Not a chance. I'd put that in writing," John said.

"I'll give it some thought. Don't have a price in mind yet," said the
man.

"Tell you what, you get it appraised, then add ten percent. I love it
up here," John said.

"Thanks, I'll give it some thought. Have a nice stay," said the man.

"Thanks. And thanks for letting us stay," John said.

"No problem. Don't mind responsible folks. You keep that fire down,
now. I remember you folks used to build some doozies," said the man.

"I promise. See ya," John said.

"Bye now," said the man. He watched John walk up the path. His dogs
growled a bit. "Hush up. Them's the kind of folk that's okay," he told
the dogs. "Fifty bucks, just for camping. Could have rented a luxury
motel room for that," he said to himself. The women had lunch almost
ready when John got back.

"We can stay?" Sheila asked. John nodded.

"Wonderful. This is a gorgeous spot. I love the sound of the stream,"
Catarina said.

"Around here, we'd call that a *brook*," John chuckled.

"So what is a stream?" she asked.

"Smaller than a river, larger than a creek. Or *crick* as they'd say
around here," John said.

"Interesting colloquialisms," Catarina said.

"Why do you think well be safe up here?" asked Sheila.

"Just a small dot on the map, off the main road. No through road.
Private property, no public campgrounds on any map. Shielded on both
sides by mountains, three sides really. The fourth direction is narrow
and sort of twisted. The mouth points the wrong way for radio," John
said.

"Showoff," Sheila said.

"You asked," John said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"And a lovely spot as well," Catarina said, looking out the open door.
The screen door was shut against flies and mosquitoes.

"I agree. I just made an offer on it," John said.

"You bought it?" Catarina asked.

"Not yet. I made a good offer," John said.

"How much?" Sheila asked.

"Don't know, I told him ten percent over appraisal," John said. Sheila
nodded.

"To have such money, must be nice," Catarina said, dropping her eyes.

"Sometimes.... Tell me about your dress shop," John said.

"I had to give it up, when I went to Russia," she said.

"But you ran a nice shop?" John asked.

"Oh yes, a very nice little shop. I had many repeat customers. I sold
many nice things... not so nice as the clothes you sell though. I think
the most expensive dress I ever sold was.... say three hundred dollars,
American," she said. Sheila looked at John, who grinned at her. She
caught his intention.

"So how would you feel about running a salon for us?" Sheila asked.
Catarina seemed taken aback.

"Oh, my. I would love to. But, I am not a citizen here. Could I?" she
asked.

"Sure, just obtain a work permit. Much easier if you already have a
sponsor, which is us," Sheila said.

"I think you'll find that it's covered under the Political Asylum
you've been offered," John said.

"Great, then it's settled, as soon as you are free to accept. Your
starting salary will be fifty thousand dollars a year," Sheila said.

"Oh, that is too much!" Catarina said.

"Nope. That's what we pay all our managers, to start. But I have bigger
things in mind for you," Sheila said.

"I think you are just being kind to me. You have already been too kind.
I cannot accept," Catarina said.

"Nothing of the sort. What I had in mind for you, was our European
directorship. We'd be hard pressed to find another with your language
skills. One that I could trust," Sheila said.

"Trust? Why would you trust me? The first night I met you I tried to
steal secret documents from you!" Catarina said.

"To save your sister's life and obtain her freedom! I have no idea what
I would do in the same situation. But I doubt I would do as well as
you," Sheila said.

"I failed!" Catarina said.

"Excuse me, but I think we should step outside for this discussion.
It's lovely over there by the brook. Not that I think that anybody is
listening, but let's not push our luck," John said, taking his coffee
cup. He unloaded the lawn chairs from a side compartment, setting them
up in the shade under a tree by the brook, next to a little gurgling
water fall. Inside the motor home, he turned on the stereo, just loud
enough that they could hear the music outside. The women brought soft
drinks with them. John continued the discussion where it left off.

"You failed at being a spy, which you never were. You were set up from
the very beginning. At great cost to yourself, both emotionally and
physically. I am quite thrilled you failed at being a spy," he said.

"But why on earth would you trust me?" Catarina asked. John looked at
her. She was sitting between them, just in arms reach. Suddenly his
fist shot out towards her face. It never reached its target. Catarina's
arm shot up and blocked the blow. She sat there stunned, looking at
him. John's arm ached from her block. Sheila sat there flabbergasted
that John would do such a thing, not realizing what had just
transpired.

"Because I am quite certain you were told to use whatever means were
required to fulfill your mission. You have just proven yourself capable
of that. I would have pulled my punch and would have felt incredibly
stupid and guilty had I actually hurt you. But a normal person could
not have blocked me so fast. You have had advanced martial arts
training. I have no doubt that you could kill either one of us had you
chosen to," John said. Catarina visibly shook from her trembling as
tears formed in her eyes.

"I could not do it. Not after I made love with you that night. I was
told to use it if you caught me. When you did catch me, it did not even
occur to me. I could never hurt either one of you... I do not know if I
could hurt anybody," she cried.

"How did you know?" Sheila asked.

"I suspected from the beginning, when I watched her move across the bar
where we met. Since then, I've noticed the way she moves several times.
That night in Evanston, she showed incredible restraint with that
cowboy. I was afraid she was going to break his arm. I'm quite sure she
could have. I intentionally put myself between her and the cowboy when
he turned with the bottle," John said.

"I wanted to break his arm. He was an asshole... but I had my own
*cowboy*, protecting me," Catarina said.

"How come I never notice stuff like that?" Sheila asked.

"I noticed, because I've had martial arts training. I'm familiar with
the way those folks move. I'd seen it lots before," John said. He could
see that Catarina was still trembling.

"I'm very sorry, Catarina. I could think of no better way to make my
point. I can see you are trembling from the shot of adrenaline that
your body gave you. I happen to know a very good cure for that... If
you will allow me the honor of remedying it?" John said, standing and
offering his hand. She smiled up at him and nodded, taking his hand,
shakily.

Later, they all napped, snuggled together. In the evening, they got up
and dressed. John made a foray into the nearby woods for some fire
wood. He had purchased several bundles from the general store as well.
He drug a large dry sapling back with him. He carried a small chain saw
in the motor home, but rather than make noise, he used a bow saw to
section the tree. He used the dry store bought wood to start a nice
little camp fire in an old fire circle. Wondering if they were the very
same rocks he had rested his feet on years before.

Sheila volunteered to make dinner. John didn't argue, much to her
surprise. The sun had descended behind the ridge and the temperature
began to drop a bit. Not so much as it had up higher in the Uinta
range, but still chilly. Light jackets of Second Skin manufacture were
donned by all. John sat sipping a beer. Enjoying the evening as the
fire crackled at his feet and the stars began to come out.

"Penny for your thoughts," said Catarina. John looked up from the fire.
The glow of it on her high cheek bones and forehead. She looked lovely.

"I was just thinking about previous nights around this same fire pit.
They could be the very same rocks I rested my feet on years ago," he
said.

"You camped here often?" she asked.

"At least once or twice a year. When I came back from California, I met
up with a very nice group of people. Serious drinking folks, though.
But some of the nicest people I ever knew. We'd camp out several
different spots. Each part of the crowd had their own favorite spot.
We'd alternate between them. This spot was a favorite of one of the
nicest couples," John said.

"You don't see them anymore?" Catarina asked.

"Haven't for years. I'd still consider them good friends though. We
sort of lost touch when I went on the road. I wasn't a very devoted
alcoholic anyway. God, those folks could drink," John chuckled. Sheila
came out and joined them while dinner was in the oven. Looking up at
the glorious sky, inhaling deeply.

"You know, it's places like this that make you want to never see
another city," she said.

"I know. I never did like cities too much. Except to visit. I quite
enjoyed San Francisco at times," he said.

"Some times, I agree. But not all the time," Sheila said.

"You know. The cities here are so different than those in Europe. Such
hostility in some places, but the people are very nice when you get
them one on one," Catarina said.

"I know. Not the Europe part, never been there yet. But I understand
what you mean about U.S. cities. I don't like the direction it's going.
You should enjoy Salt Lake City. It's quite clean and friendly as
cities go. It has it's rough and ugly spots, but I imagine that's true
for any large city," John said.

"It's true of every large city I've seen," said Sheila.

"That part is true about every city I have seen as well," Catarina
said.

"At one time I only thought that those areas existed because of
religious repression elsewhere. Like mankind needed a place to be
naughty. But I've since learned that every community has their
assholes. Those naughty places wouldn't be so bad without them," John
said.

"I quite agree, on both counts..... The stars are glorious here
tonight," Catarina said.

"Yes, they are. I've always enjoyed stargazing in the mountains....
kind of wished I had a guitar," John said.

"I didn't know you played," Sheila said.

"I used to be pretty good," John said.

"That part, I can believe... so what brought that up?" Sheila asked.

"Oh, just sitting under the stars around a campfire. The two seem to go
together with a guitar," John said.

"Did you play for your friends you used to camp here with?" Catarina
asked.

"Not much. With that crowd... They were kind of oblivious to live
music. They would hardly notice when a person finished one song and
went on to another. Kind of like the juke box had just changed tunes,"
John chuckled.

"Why would that be, I quite enjoy live music," Catarina said.

"Oh, I think people get so used to listening to popular music. Only the
best bands or musicians make it to the air. They get so used to hearing
a song that took weeks in a sixteen track studio, that live music
sounds a little rough to them. They expect every accomplished musician
to be able to sit down and play the same song the same way every time,"
John said.

"I know what you mean. In the sixties and seventies, there were street
musicians all over San Francisco. They started thinning out in the
eighties. Now you hardly see them," Sheila said.

"Yes, I think that's sad, too. I quite enjoy the charm of a solo
performer. One of the best times I ever had in San Francisco, was a big
electronics convention. A local supplier had bought a whole bar in
Ghiradelli square for the night and was serving free roast beef dinners
and free drinks to whomever walked in the door. The staff were so well
paid that they wouldn't even accept a tip! I figure that night cost
them a minimum of sixty thousand dollars," John said.

"Oh, at least I know that bar," Sheila said.

"Yeah, anyway, I came out of the bar to hail a cab and there was a
street musician there playing the blues on a little battery powered
amp. It was great. I don't really remember what he looked like, or what
he was playing, but I remember I enjoyed it immensely," John mused.

"Funny how little moments like that stick with you, years later,"
Sheila said.

"You two have given me a lifetime of moments like that," Catarina said,
softly. John looked at her and squoze her hand.

"We're not through yet, darling. We're not through yet," he replied.

"Count on that," Sheila added, taking her other hand. Catarina pulled
each hand to her mouth and kissed it softly. Her eyes misting a bit.
Wondering if she'd be able to keep this relationship. Time seemed to
vanish with their troubles as they held hands and looked at the stars
around the fire. It was another one of those moments Catarina would
always cherish.

Sheila finally gave Catarina's hand a final squeeze and released it,
saying: "I think dinner should be about ready."

* * *

"Where the hell could they be?" asked the first agent, "We've hit every
piss-pot on the map."

"Not all of them," said the second agent, studying the map.

"What are we going to do?" asked the first, "Sergei wants them found!"
The second rubbed his eyes.

"I'll tell you what were going to do: We're going to go get a room in
Salt Lake City and find a good steak and a beer. Then we're going to
get some decent rest," he said, folding the map.

"Are you nuts?" asked the first.

"No, that's why we're going to do that. What difference would it make?
She has to meet Sergei at one tomorrow. They have to come into town to
do that. The minute they hit the valley, we acquire them and get a fix
on them. By the time we found them tonight, all we'd hear would be the
cowboy's snoring while we spent another shit night. If you want to do
that, fine, but drop me at a motel in Salt Lake City," said the second.

"You have a point there.... and a good meal and a bed does sound good,"
said the first, heading towards town.

Sergei had reached much the same conclusion. He sat in a dive,
furnished apartment not far from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. The
building was old, but fairly clean. A damn sight cleaner than places
he'd spent the night in, in Moscow.

He sipped Stolichnaya vodka, savoring the flavor. Wondering why his
country exported its best vodka. Bianca's nude body lay inert, face
down on the bed as she slept. He surveyed her sleek backside as he
pondered the events of the past few days. A short while before he had
taken his pleasure on her incoherent form. This was not in his
thoughts.

"What's on your mind, Catarina?" he asked himself. "Has the charm the
cowboy used to convert his other operatives *turned* you? Would that be
so hard? With the way you have been treated? Can you still *feel,*
after all the degradation I saw to it that you experienced? What is it
you are planning? Are you thinking that you can fool me? You will not
find that so easy to do."

Sergei had controlled women all his life. From the time he was a
teenager, perhaps even as a child when he controlled his mother and two
sisters. Their father gone from the war, they doted over him as he
grew. With time Sergei turned this dotage to dominance. When he reached
puberty, it was not so hard to turn their affection to his advantage.
He took both his sisters as often as he liked. When their mother died,
they became his virtual slaves. He toyed with them, testing the limits
of their affection. He forced them to do unspeakable things to one
another. Along the way he learned a mental trick which could keep him
erect for hours. He used his sisters to develop the trait. Offering
small treats or concessions as prizes to the one who could trip him
over the edge of orgasm. They would try for hours and agree to all
manner of debauchery to win his praise and prizes.

He learned the limits of their endurance the day he found them dead by
their own hand. Wrapped together nude, laying on the bed. An empty
bottle of sleeping pills by their side. Sergei was revolted by their
weakness. He took his pleasure one last time on their lifeless forms
and then left, never to return. Both were pregnant from his incest. He
never learned of this, he wouldn't have cared anyway.

He joined the military. Hating it at first while they forged an adult
out of his gaunt muscles. His propensity for dominance eventually
emerging in the form of rank. A liaison with a captain's wife
contributed to his meteoric rise. His cunning leading him into
intelligence, where again his quest for dominance turned into an asset.
By the time he was twenty five, he was a captain himself.

Information extracted from a French general's wife led to his further
advancement. Eventually he was assigned control over espionage
activities in Europe. He began to build a network of enslaved agents,
mostly women. Using blackmail, extortion and coercion with drugs he
enslaved dozens of women to his needs. They returned results that made
his superiors turn a blind eye to his methods. That had been years ago.
Now he had *known* hundreds of women personally. Perhaps more than a
thousand. No, Sergei was no stranger to the controlling of women.

Yet this Cowboy worried him. He also seemed to have a great deal of
control over women, but his control was different. His women *smiled*!
They seemed to want to be slaves to his affection. Sergei could not
comprehend how this could be. The first two young women he thought he
understood, from his experience with his sisters. His personal interest
had been piqued when Sheila and the rest had arrived. Now he sported a
virtual harem of devoted women. All of them seemingly ecstatically
happy.

He took enough interest that he took the extremely dangerous step of
actually observing him first hand. He was well aware that any number of
NATO nations would have loved to get their hands on him. He thought
himself clever enough to avoid detection. Passing through customs in
Atlanta with a drugged girl at his side. Whenever questions were put to
her, he would explain that she didn't speak the language. Her
incomprehension helped foster this explanation.

He'd left her under the watchful eye of his assistants, in a motel in
Myrtle Beach South Carolina, with instructions to keep her on the edge
of coherency while he went to observe the Cowboy in a bar. He sent one
of his best teams of women to discover what they could about him and
his travels. They had never worked as a team before, but this didn't
seem to affect their performance. They didn't bat an eye when he
instructed them to pose as bisexuals. Normally, he used them singly to
obtain financial information from the many business men who visited the
Cayman Islands. He held each in his grip by control of large bank
accounts he was supposed to be managing for them. Money neither one
would see. They mostly thought of it as a game. Each task leading to a
larger mythical balance in their accounts. They were quite good at
extracting information from men.

Sergei watched them, and the Cowboy at work that night. He listened
attentively to every word and action. Cowboy was a very smooth
operator. Seemingly indifferent, not to their advances, but to the
outcome of them. He was attentive and flattering, but not to the degree
of showing need. He simply acted like he enjoyed their company and
affections. Taking their seeming bisexual actions as if they were quite
natural. In fact, later, he encouraged and educated them where they
lacked specific knowledge.

The result had startled Sergei. While they had adroitly obtained and
delivered the contents of the cowboy's safe, the next day he had
discovered them wrapped around each other in the throes of a real
bisexual exploration. He had attempted to join in. They were
*indifferent* to *his* actions. Even repulsed by him. They were useless
to Sergei any longer. He sent them back to the Cayman Islands. Making a
last visit to them, he left them each with several large heroin
suppositories inserted. Taking them after they expired, as he had his
sisters.

Now he observed the sleeping form of Bianca. He had the same eventual
intention in mind for her and her sister, after he extracted an
extremely valuable bit of information that he was certain Catarina held
the key to. "No, Catarina. You are too valuable a prize to let slip
away from me now," he said to himself as he removed his robe and
started towards her sister again.

She hardly noticed when he entered her. Another opium suppository
numbing her body. He only had one more with him, more could be easily
obtained, but one more would suffice through the meeting the next day.

* * *

After dinner, John had strung a large, rope hammock between two trees,
sideways to the fire. All three of them lay in it, gazing at the stars,
slowly swinging back and forth to the sound of the gurgling brook. The
women were snuggled to either side of him. From time to time they would
kiss or caress one another. John's hands rested just beneath their
breasts on either side. His mind was on something else.

"John?" Catarina said.

"Yes, love," he replied.

"Do you think my sister will be alright?" she asked.

"I think so. I'm going to do my best to make it so. Don't worry,
there's a lot of good people working on your side," he said. She kind
of shivered and snuggled to him. "Why don't you two go snuggle in the
bed," he suggested.

"You aren't coming?" Sheila asked.

"Not for a while yet. I have some thinking to do. Don't be alarmed if
you hear the car. I'm just going to the mouth of the valley to upload a
message or two," he said.

"Don't be too late. You know we have an early morning," Sheila told
him.

"I won't. Have a nice snuggle," he said.

"I was hoping to snuggle to you, too," Catarina said.

"I won't be long. About an hour and a half," John said.

"Okay... be careful," Sheila said. They both kissed him deeply before
they retired. John snagged his laptop and sitting by the fire, by the
light of a camp lantern he typed several messages. One to Howdy, and
one each to Theresa, Sally and Cindy and Kevin at the silo. He climbed
in the compact and drove to the mouth of the valley as he said. He left
his cellular on and when it acquired, he stopped and uploaded the
messages. A response came back almost instantly from Howdy,
acknowledging his transmission and promising his response. Next came a
joint message from Cindy and Kevin. Last came a response from Theresa,
at school. When he didn't receive a confirmation from Sally for twenty
minutes, he used his cellular to dial hers. Finally a sleepy voice came
on the line.

"Sally?" he asked.

"No, this is Jean. Is that John?" Jean asked.

"Yes, where's Sally?" he asked.

"Sally's asleep with our host in the other room," Jean said, "I just
happened to get up to use the bathroom and heard her cellular."

"I forgot the weekend was coming. Ah, I sent a message to Sally's E-
mail. Does she have her laptop with her?" John asked.

"Yes. You told her to always carry it. She does," Jean replied.

"Good. Could you wake her up and have her read it?" he asked.

"I guess so, what's up?" she said.

"I'd rather she read the message... I don't like *phones*," John said.

"Alright. Do you want to hang on?" she asked.

"No, have her reply by E-mail," John said.

"Okay.... is everything alright?" Jean asked.

"Should be. Just have her read the message," John said.

"Alright. I love you," she said.

"I love you too. Kiss Sally and your host for me. I've got to go now.
Bye," he said.

"I will. Bye," she responded. About ten minutes latter, Sally's reply
came over his laptop; wishing for a further explanation, but promising
her compliance. Satisfied he had done all he could, John drove back to
the camp, banked the fire and slipped into bed with the two lovelies.

"Everything alright?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, everything should be fine now," he responded. She snuggled to him
and he kissed her, rolling her onto him. Catarina stirred and joined
in. By dawn Howdy had a squad of men stationed around the silo and
extra agents on both Theresa and Sally, watching the grounds of the
actresses estate. Luckily, Candice, Judy and Mae were at the silo.


Chapter 85

Catarina stirred first to the sound of birds singing their morning
song. John and Sheila's warm bodies snuggled to her side. Aware that it
might be her last time with them, she set about waking them, using her
warm mouth and fingers between them to initiate their response. She was
well rewarded for her actions.

Some two hours later, they broke camp. Policing the area first. They
personally had scattered nothing, but they packed up some cans and
garbage that some teenagers had left. John left a note of thanks on the
owner's gate with another fifty dollars in it. He had made his final
instructions to Catarina as they broke camp. She had been complacent
when he had her insert the locator suppository that Howdy had supplied
her. She carried a capsule that would serve the same purpose for her
sister. She would hide it in her mouth when she met Sergei.

John had her practice talking with it tucked in her cheek. If she got
the chance, she would try to pass it to her sister with instructions to
swallow it. John made her swallow her own, besides the protection of
the suppository. Each contained a powerful chemical battery. Once a
special signal was received, they would emit a burst of apparently
random noise, several times an hour. To all but the most sophisticated
computer analysis, it would alternately appear as characteristic noise
of either an appliance, or a car ignition. Once initiated, they would
last seventy-two hours.

His instructions to Theresa and Sally had been to take similar
precautions. Sally and Jean were to remain on the actresses estate and
Theresa in her apartment until Kevin came to take her to the silo. John
had reasoned that Sergei, if he suspected a double cross, or that he
had lost Catarina, would try to get at him personally. The most
effective way to do that, was to get at the ones he loved. Those at the
silo were fairly secure, but not totally. Their biggest protection came
from the fact that Sergei thought it was a real biological or chemical
weapons lab. Had it been, security would have been *very* tight and
fortifications very hard to penetrate. Thus, those outside; Theresa or
Sally, as the others were all at the silo.

John didn't like it a damn bit, but his precautions were the best he
could do in the situation he was in. He would be very happy when it was
all over with and he could go back to the relative normalcy of living
with... -what was shaping up to be- a dozen women. The absurdity of the
thought was downright humorous, if John had been in a humorous mood.

His stoic attitude when he was preparing to go meet Nick, was nothing
like he felt at the moment. Nick had been an untrained, ignorant
asshole. Sergei was a very well trained, very well educated asshole. He
forced himself to keep his mood light for Catarina's sake. Sheila knew
him better than that. She fought to keep her own resultant pensiveness
hidden.

Catarina seemed calm as they took the drive out of the valley. The
compact once again hitched to its carrier. John passed through the
center of the small community, past a large, shallow pond that served
as the public park and swimming hole for the kids and then past the
general store gas station and out of town. After a few miles of highway
bordered by farms, he came to the main highway.

Traffic was much heavier, it now being the weekend. Lines of utility
vehicles towing fishing boats passed by on the way to the Deer Creek
reservoir loading ramp. When a gap appeared John gunned the big engine
and swung into the traffic stream, heading down Provo canyon. A short
while later he passed by the cut off of the other road they might have
taken the previous evening. He shivered thinking of taking the motor
home over the Alpine loop. Lots of hard hairpins and narrow road. They
could have made it as far as Sundance ski resort. The rest of the way
it was not uncommon for compact cars to have to pull over to let
another pass from the other direction.

With the traffic, the drive down the canyon was slow, but hair raising.
Smaller cars trying to zip around slower traffic, gaining one car
length's position in life and making knuckles white on both sides of
the highway. The respectable sized Provo river paralleling their
journey. When he reached Bridal Veil falls he pulled over out of
traffic. For one reason to share its splendor with both Sheila and
Catarina. A long thin cascade of water, many hundreds of feet high. He
checked his laptop and then turned to Catarina.

"This is the last chance we will have before we're bound to be
monitored. I just wanted to show you how much I've come to care for you
in the short while we've been together," he said. She smiled at him and
moved into his arms. Their kiss lasted a long, long time. Followed by
Sheila's, which lasted even longer. Shaky, but content, Catarina
reached for a seat when she was finally released.

"Okay, that... said. Any questions?" John asked.

"No, I think I've got it all," Catarina said.

"Well, best of luck to you. Remember, a lot of good people are behind
you. Both physically, and in our hearts. I love you very much," John
said.

"And I as well," Sheila added.

"And I love you both, more than I ever loved anybody before. No matter
how it works out, I will always treasure these few days," Catarina
said, tears forming.

"Well, enough of the mushy stuff, lets get'er did," John said,
returning to the driver's seat.

* * *

Sergei ate a leisurely breakfast an aide had brought him, making
certain that Bianca ate some. She was moody and depressed. That would
change soon enough.

"Why do you keep me like this?" she managed to ask.

"Like what?" Sergei asked, taking a bite of a bagel.

"Drugged up," she said. Sergei followed his bite with a sip of coffee
before answering.

"I'm quite certain you remember what it was like when I couldn't find
any for you," he said. Bianca kind of shivered and nodded. Her body
already beginning to crave more of the drug.

"How long will this last?" she asked.

"Just a short time longer. I have been arranging for a cure for you.
Our scientists have found a blocking agent that alleviates the
withdrawal symptoms. It was too experimental to use on you before. But
cheer up. You will get to see your sister today," Sergei said. Bianca
looked up at him sharply.

"Catarina is here?"

Sergei nodded, but said, "She will be soon. She arranged to meet me
this afternoon."

"And what have you got her *doing* for you?" Bianca asked suspiciously.

"Why, nothing. In fact in the past week, she has been having a lovely
time. Traveling with a rich man and beautiful woman, making love to her
heart's content," Sergei said, innocently.

"Who?" she asked.

"You would remember him. From the tapes we all had so much fun
watching," Sergei chuckled. Bianca shivered.

"The man you call *cowboy*?" she asked.

"I told you not to call him that. His name is John. John Stevens,"
Sergei replied.

"And the woman?" she asked.

"Sheila Jacobs. The big breasted older blonde from the tapes," he said.
Bianca looked at him with more than suspicion. She well knew he was up
to something. He always was.

"What is she *really* doing with them?" she asked.

"Just as I said. Would you like to hear a tape of one of their love
sessions? I found it quite erotic... in fact. The very thought of it
makes me want a little something to start the day off right with,"
Sergei said, opening his robe. Bianca looked at him in revulsion.

"I am really not in the mood, Sergei," she said, bravely, knowing what
was to come.

"Oh, but I think you are. It is so little a price to pay, is it not?"
he said, producing the last suppository for her gaze. The look in her
eyes changed subtlety, and Sergei knew she was his. A slave to his
every whim. She dropped her eyes to the table, sighing. Tears forming
in her eyes as she sank to her knees before him. "That's my girl," he
half moaned.

Later, she was complacent when he led her back to the bed. He used her
to his heart's content. Keeping the suppository in sight, but out of
her grasp. He knew her in every way. Enjoying her anguished whimpers of
pain. Only when she was beyond caring did he flip her over and
teasingly insert the suppository. Indulging himself as he kneaded and
played with her cheeks while it dissolved. After a time she kind of
giggled. Sergei rolled her over. Her eyes were glazed and distant. Then
came his real fun.

He took her roughly for a time, squeezing her breasts hard. Undoubtedly
leaving bruises. He brought himself to the edge, and then he changed.
Using her to practice his mind trick. Making long slow strokes for
almost an hour. Had she been able to feel or care, she might even have
enjoyed that part. When he was dripping sweat all over her, he changed
again. Driving hard and fast for another twenty minutes before he began
slamming viciously into her. This lasted fully another five minutes.
Finally he groaned and shuddered atop her. She was beyond noticing.
Sergei collapsed upon her and stayed that way.

"I will *never* let you go," he said to himself. Bianca was oblivious
to his words.

* * *

As John crested the ridge at the point of the mountain coming into the
Salt Lake Valley from the South, his laptop beeped once. The women
looked at him and he moved his finger to his lips. They nodded.

"Hey, shit head. Wake up, we're rolling," said the first agent.

"You acquired signal?" asked the second agent, groggily.

"Yeah, from the South. Must have been camped in one of those spots we
didn't think they would go to," said the first.

"Wasn't any place up there for them *to* camp at, except the Sundance
parking lot and we checked it. You saw that god awful road heading out
of it. I was lucky to get turned around in a car," said the second,
pulling his pants on.

"Whatever. Maybe they teleported. It doesn't matter. We're on them,"
said the first.

"Yeah, yeah. Any coffee?" asked the second.

"You can get a cup at the corner," said the first.

"Where are they?" asked the second.

"First words I heard was Cowboy answering Catarina's question about
what the prison was. So way at the South end of the valley. Probably on
I-15. That would put them here in about fifteen minutes," said the
first.

"Not if they're working on that damn freeway again today. We could sit
down for a slow breakfast. Maybe take in a round of golf, " the second
chuckled, pulling on his shoes.

"It's Saturday. No roadwork. Come on, let's move," said the first.

"You sure got a hard-on for pleasing Sergei," said the second, grabbing
his few things and stuffing them in an overnight case.

"I seem to recall a little blonde baby girl it was you who had a hard-
on for," said the first.

"She is sixteen," snapped the second.

"Close enough to a baby, and you won't nail her fucking around here,"
said the first, packing up the last of the equipment.

"So, let's move then," said the second, heading out the door with his
bag. The first picked up the equipment and made a quick visual survey
of the double bedded room for any of his few socks. Seeing nothing he
headed for the car. They didn't bother turning the key in. They snagged
two cups of coffee at the corner gas station mini-store and staged on
the on-ramp while they sipped at them. The instant the motor home
passed, the first agent gunned the gas and slipped into traffic behind
them.

"I am sure going to miss you folks. I had a good time," Catarina said,
easily.

"Yeah, it was fun. Too bad we're going separate directions from here.
Sure you won't change your mind?" John asked.

"No, I promised my friend I would meet her in Barstow California in two
days," Catarina said.

"A shame. Perhaps you will both be coming back this way? You've got our
number. The more the merrier," Sheila said.

"Perhaps we will. I can not say. I do not know what she has in mind for
me," Catarina said.

"Oh, I could guess that part pretty easily," John chuckled.

"Me too," Sheila giggled. She tickled Catarina's side and she laughed.

"Where you want off?" John asked.

"The best place to rent a car," Catarina said.

"That would be the airport. Works for us..... that's about a half hour
away if you two would like to climb into the back," John chuckled.

"You horny old fart... I would love to, but I have a long drive ahead
of me. You did *not* let me get much sleep last night. I would not dare
drive," Catarina said.

"Can I help it if the sight of two women getting it on stokes my
boiler?" John laughed.

"I recall you did some *stoking* of your own.... Really, I had a very
nice time with you folks. I might make a point of coming back this
way," Catarina said.

"She's sure feeding them a line of shit today. Maybe she will deliver,"
said the first agent.

"Maybe," said the second, listening to the banter in the motor home.

"Well, we have acquisition and a destination. Better give Sergei a
call," said the first agent.

"If they take the cut off ahead," said the second.

"Suit yourself," said the first. The motor home peeled off at the I-215
ramp. The second agent dialed Sergei's cellular from his own. Sergei
was in the middle of a nightmare. His sisters had him tied to a bed and
had cut his wrists. They were arguing at the foot of the bed who would
have the first shot at him when he expired. Great pools of blood soaked
the sheet on either side of him. He was helpless to stop them. The
ringing of his cellular phone brought him awake in a cold sweat. Bianca
still slumbered next to him.

"What?" he answered angrily.

"I have located one of those recreation vehicles you were interested
in," said the voice.

"Where?" he said.

"You could probably see it at the airport in about a half hour if you
were interested," said the second agent.

"Excellent, I may do that. And the disposition of the goods?" Sergei
asked.

"I think we could wrap up the whole package for a reasonable price,"
said the agent.

"You'll get it. Go for it," Sergei said.

"Thank you. We will. Bye," said the agent, signing off.

"I don't like the sound of that," Howdy said. Almost as soon as the
agents had acquired John, Howdy's men had acquired the Russians. Using
two very sophisticated vans on loan from the FCC. Using a computer
link, they could triangulate the position of a transmitter in about
three tenths of a second. Once locked, it would instantly notice any
other emissions from the source location. The cellular phone had been
tagged right away.

"Where do you think they'll make their move?" asked an agent.

"At the airport. I think we should have a little reception committee
waiting for them right after John passes," Bill said.

"Can do. The highway patrol promised complete cooperation. It looks
good on their record," chuckled the agent, making his own cellular
call.

"They pull this off right, I can promise them a Presidential citation,"
Howdy mused. The agent nodded as the connection was made.

"We're on," said the second agent, digging out a bag.

"Outstanding! I'm going to enjoy popping that yo-yo," said the first.

"Only if we can't secure the bitch and her package any other way," said
the second, opening the bags and removing parts which at the moment
didn't resemble the deadly weapons they were.

"Well, I couldn't think of any other way," mocked the first.

"Well you'd better start. If you fuck this up for me, I'll shoot you
myself," said the second, assembling the weapons.

"Once we secure the package, Sergei won't give a fuck what we do," said
the first.

"That's true enough. But let's secure the fucker first. And he said
under no circumstances should we harm Catarina," said the second.

"Pity, I'd love to pop her too," said the first.

John's cellular phone rang. Sheila answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, I'm a wrong number. Read your mail. *click*," she heard.

"I'm sorry, you have the wrong number. There's nobody here by the name
of *Bill*," she said, ending the call. "Damn wrong numbers, wonder how
much that one will cost us?" Sheila said, moving to the sink and
turning it on. She turned to the lap top and punched in her code.
Retrieving the message. She de-scrambled it and read it, then carried
the lap top forward for John to read. He glanced at the display.

*When you reach the airport, DO NOT STOP until you reach the United
Terminal on the far side. You will be met. Stay low and give us time to
get the ants off your back. They have instructions concerning YOU.*
John nodded and returned his eyes to the road. Sheila wiped the message
and turned off the water.

"Honey, I'm feeling kind of dry. Why don't you mix me up a drink. That
special one, what was it called? The *python*?" John asked.

"Shouldn't drink and drive... especially in this state. But I guess it
won't matter. We can get some lunch at a restaurant in the airport,"
Sheila said, moving to a hidden compartment and opening it.

"That's right, asshole. Make yourself nice and slow," said the first
agent.

Sheila clinked around with an ice tray and turned on the sink, breaking
open the .357 and checking it. She reached into the compartment and
pulled out another cartridge, inserting it into the empty chamber. She
quietly closed the weapon and gently lowered the hammer to half-cock
safety. Clinking a glass of ice water, she moved forward and slipped
the weapon onto the center console where John could easily reach it.
Signaling him with a thumb and a whole hand he had six rounds. John
nodded and smiled at her, giving her a thumbs up. Then he pointed at
the two of them and motioned towards the bedroom in the rear. Catarina
caught it.

"You know, an hour or two will not matter much. I was thinking about
that offer you made... Why don't you and I slip into the back like John
suggested," she said, looking scared.

"That sounds like a lovely idea. Once he finds a parking place for this
beast, maybe he'll join us," Sheila said, taking Catarina by the hand
and leading her into the back.

"Perfect. Maybe after we pop the cowboy we can pop his lady while the
bitch watches," said the first agent.

"No time for that kind of shit," said the second.

"Pity, she had a nice set of tits," said the first.

"So you can look at them on the way out the door," said the second.

"By then she'll have an extra hole in them," chuckled the first.

The highway patrol was already at the other end of the airport,
directing outgoing traffic North out of the airport when John took the
exit inbound. Two unmarked cars sat at opposite ends of a wide
observation area on the road into the airport. As soon as John and his
tail passed by, the first burned rubber backing behind them, blocking
further traffic into the airport. As soon as John passed, the second
attempted to do the same and cut off the tail. It stalled halfway out.

"What the fuck?" cried the first agent.

"It's a setup!... Hit it! We make the hit and get the fuck out of
here!" screamed the second. The first stomped the gas pedal, grazing
the second police car and careening past it. Now gaining speed on John.
John saw the missed attempt at the cut off in the mirror and gunned the
motor home.

"He's onto us," said the first agent, "better warn Sergei." The second
grabbed his cellular and hit a speed dial button.

"Outgoing call on target," said an agent in the FCC control van.

"Block it!" Bill said.

"Number already dialed, but I can dead carrier it," said the agent,
moving to do it.

"Do it!" Howdy said.

"Done," said the agent.

"Can you drop the cell site?" Bill asked.

"It would only re-acquire on a second site. Better as it is," said the
agent.

"Don't let a word through then," Bill said, nervously.

"I won't... ringing," said the agent.

"Can you acquire azimuth on second phone?" Bill asked.

"As soon as it answers," said the agent.

Sergei was dressed and attempting to get a drugged Bianca into her
clothes and coherent enough to walk when his cellular rang. He was
expecting a call, but not this soon. He answered it and got dead
silence.

"Got him... First and Third East. About one fifteen South," said the
agent.

"Can you kill it now?" asked Bill.

"Not without letting sound through," said the agent.

"Then let it be," Howdy said. Sergei looked at his phone puzzled, and
then shrugged and shut it.

"Connection broken on receive end," the agent said.

"Shut down the sending phone then. Turn the fucker off," Bill said.

"Done. It's dead as far as the cell sites are concerned," said the
agent. Airport security now had all the exits from the terminal
blocked. Confused crowds backing up behind the doors. Others were
keeping people in the parking plaza. Those at the curb were being
called inside. John rounded the bend in front of the airport doing
fifty. Doing his best to dodge the tail end of the passengers ignoring
the calls from the security guards.

Laying on the horn, he just missed one and did send his luggage flying.
The startled passenger jumped out of the way and turned as a second car
came speeding past. Seeing this, the other passengers in the loading
zone all dove for the curb just before John passed them. He passed by
two sections until he came to the *United Airlines* terminal. Seeing a
group of police at the end he aimed for the curb and laid on the
brakes. The compact behind him attempted to jack knife and the hitch
let go.

The compact -now free and pilotless- jumped the curb and headed for the
police, who scattered in its path.

"Fucking phone's down!" shouted the second agent.

"Forget it. We go!" shouted the first. He skidded to a halt just in
front of the motor home and the two men jumped out with their weapons.

"On the floor, driver's side!" shouted John back to the women as he
grabbed the Python and headed toward the rear. The second Russian agent
laid down a burst of fire to keep the police down as the first rounded
the corner and made for the door of the motor home. The sound of
automatic weapons was answered by screams of panic and bedlam erupting
inside the terminal. Half the passengers surged backwards as the other
half surged forwards to see what it was all about. Those in the middle
trying to protect themselves from two directions at once.

The first agent found the handle of the motor home and twisted the
handle. It was locked. He took a step back and fired a burst into the
handle, which was replaced by a ragged hole. He reached into the hole
and yanked the door open. John had just rounded the corner into the
bedroom. Seeing the women cowering against the bed where he told them
to be, he spun just as the first agent came. John's hand began to rise
with his weapon, pulling the hammer his back with his thumb.

The months of practice he'd spent practicing at the silo triggered
John's automatic actions. His weapon came up as the first agent began a
burst of fire in his direction. It splintered the wood in front of John
the moment the Python cracked loudly. Then there was silence from the
first agent -falling- a neat little hole smack dab between his eyes and
a yucky *Technicolor* mess all over behind him.

Outside the police recovered sufficiently to return fire. Most had
never fired their weapons on duty, but a full-auto barrage at them
removed any trepidation they might have felt. About seven weapons
boomed in staccato and the second gunman tried to spin in multiple
directions simultaneously as four 9mm slugs tore through him. He sagged
and fell against the curb.

"Fuck!" he said, "Now I'll never get that blonde." Then there was
silence. Several of the more seasoned officers recovered and tumbled
towards the scene. One kicked the odd looking weapon away from the
second agent while two more staged on either side of the motor home
door. One nodded to the other and the second quickly stuck his head in
to find the black hole at the end of a Python looking him between the
eyes from a prone man laying in the doorway at the rear.

He yanked his head back and screamed, "POLICE OFFICER, LAY DOWN YOUR
WEAPON!"

"It's down. If I hadn't seen your badge you'd look like that other
fucker," came the shaky reply. The officer was a bit more hesitant this
time as he slowly peeked inside once more. John lay face down with his
hands fully visible. His weapon well in front of him, out of reach. He
was shaking. The officer bounded inside and kicked the weapon away from
John, who made not a suspicious move. More poured into the door. The
first officer cautiously stuck his head around the corner and found two
women's heads peeking from behind the bed.

"Put your hands where I can see them!" he shouted at the women. Sheila
and Catarina shakily complied.

"We're the ones you're supposed to be protecting, idiot!" John said
into the carpet.

"We'll sort that out when I'm sure it's secure," said the officer,
moving to the side and covering the women while he stuck his head into
the bath to check it. "Clear!" he called. Then there were cops all
over. Once they let John produce his identification -while covered by
four guns- John became the hero of the day.

"Nailed the son of a bitch right between the eyes!" one cop was heard
telling another. John sat on the curb shaking, a bottle of 20 year old
Laphroaig scotch in his hand. Catarina and Sheila leaning against
either side of him, in a daze, also shaking.

A gung-ho rookie came up and said, "Excuse me, sir. You can't have an
open alcoholic container in a public place." John rolled his eyes to
look at him just as a veteran sergeant snagged the rookie.

"Leave him be, son. He's alright. Go see to that crowd. And keep them
reporters away," he said. The rookie looked at him in question, but did
as he was ordered. The sergeant entered the motor home and returned
with three glasses.

"Better for the reporters," he said, stooping in front of John and
snagging the bottle from John. He set the glasses down and poured three
hefty shots into them. He handed one to John, who took it
indifferently. "Good stuff," the sergeant said, handing the other two
glasses to the women. They took them, without interest at the moment.
The sergeant stood with the bottle and looked down at John.

"First time?" he asked. John looked at him and nodded, wearily. The
sergeant nodded and took the bottle back into the motor home. The
detectives started climbing on his shit about it being a crime scene
and he spun on them. "Listen assholes, that guy out there just nailed
this fucker cold and undoubtedly saved both women's lives and his own.
Not to mention that if he hadn't, this guy would have been shooting at
*us* next, to get away. Now let him have his fucking drink!" he spat at
them. He walked back out and John was looking at the motor home.

"I didn't know a head would blow up like that," he said.

"Hollow points do that. They expand after they enter. Probably a good
thing you had one. I've seen guys get nailed in the head and keep on
coming," said the sergeant.

"Hollow point?" John asked, confused. "I had it loaded with 38
specials."

"Never saw a *special* do that," the sergeant replied.

"Must have been that last one I loaded," Sheila said. John nodded.

"Yeah, I had a box of hollow points in the cabinet," he said, looking
at the ground.

"For what it's worth... It gets a little easier with time," said the
sergeant. John took a deep breath and let it out slow.

"I'm not sorry I did it. He was hell bent on doing it to all of us...
But I don't like taking a life," he said.

"Yeah, I know... Anybody I can call for you?" asked the sergeant.

"Should be on his way," John said. Just then a detective stuck his head
out the door of the motor home.

"Hey, your computer is beeping. How do I shut it off?" he asked. John
sighed.

"That's probably him now," he said, "I'll get it, you need a special
code." He hugged the women momentarily and got wearily to his feet.
Heading for the motor home.

"What kind of computer is that? I never saw one like it before," said
the detective.

"Government issue. Please. This is confidential. I can't let you see,"
John said.

"Now just a minute. I'm in charge here. I'll decide what I see and what
I don't," said the detective, indignantly.

John flipped him his government ID and said, "Not anymore you're not!
And the balls to back this up are one the way here with the local head
of the FBI. In fact you *all* better clear out." They stood looking at
him. "NOW! or heads will roll tomorrow!" John said, turning to his
laptop. The detectives looked at each other and then filed out. The
sergeant, who had witnessed it all, chuckled to himself. Whoever this
guy was, they certainly didn't want to be fucking with him. John called
in his E-mail and de-scrambled it.

"Cavalry on way, ETA 5 min. Sorry bout the mess. Bill." John wiped the
screen and shut down the laptop. He didn't look at the mess as he
exited and pushed the door shut. He walked back to the curb and sat
down again between Sheila and Catarina. Within 5 minutes the place was
crawling with federal agents. Howdy greeted them. He stuck his head
into the motor home and looked around then came back shaking his head.

"You were right. Sergei was suspicious and tried to hit you," he said.

"I'm sorry I fucked it up," John said.

"What are you talking about?" Bill asked.

"I screwed up the drop. When I stayed incommunicado last night he got
suspicious," John said.

"On the contrary. You nailed his ass to the wall. He's in jail right
now. We picked him up as soon as this shit started," Howdy said.

Catarina looked up startled, "My sister?" she asked, worried.

"In the hospital. Starting her recovery from the drugs he had her on,"
he said. Catarina launched herself at him and hugged him fiercely,
tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, THANK YOU!" she said, and kissed him.

"On what charge?" John asked.

"Conspiracy to commit murder, Conspiracy to commit espionage,
kidnapping, trafficking in drugs, resisting arrest and assaulting a
federal officer," Howdy said, when Catarina finally released him. John
was next on her hit list. "You said she was a hot one," Howdy chuckled.

"So it's over," John said, holding Catarina's embrace to calm her a
bit.

"Yup. Done deal. No snags. Took out several dozen agents elsewhere
too," Howdy said.

"Sally?" John asked.

"Safe and secure. Nailed six agents moving in on the actress' estate.
Clean take down. No bodies," Bill said.

"Theresa?" John asked, now very concerned. Howdy sighed.

"Okay. Shaken up a bit. Kevin took down two before he took a shoulder
hit. Our agents took the rest down."

"The silo?" John asked.

"Never approached," Bill said.

"So we're out of the spy business?" Sheila asked.

"Yup. And heroes to boot," Howdy said.

"Outstanding!" she said, hugging John.

"When can I go home?" John asked.

"If you'll just follow me back to the command vehicle, we'll tape your
statements. Then there's a fairly reputable helicopter service across
the airport. Your *personal* pilot will be down for a while," Bill
said.

"Kevin's okay?" John asked.

"Yeah, took it clean through muscle. No bone. Should be up and around
in a week and stiff for six to nine months," Howdy said as they walked.
Catarina and Sheila on either side of him. Oblivious to news cameras
rolling around them. Tears of joy running down Catarina's cheeks. Tears
of relief running down Sheila's. Without thought, John kissed each one
of them on the cheek. Howdy winced to himself. Knowing how it would
look on the evening news.

The taped interviews took almost no time. There wasn't much to tell.
Sheila and Catarina had virtually nothing to tell, except to confirm
that the pair had trailed them across Montana, Wyoming and Utah.
Recounting their spotting of one of them on their walk. John told of
his tail while he fished, and the story of the deer and the DNR agent.
Then of his warning from Bill and his preparation and actions when he
learned of their danger.

Lastly he recounted the last few seconds; the mad dash for safety, the
car screeching to a halt across his bow and seeing the agents jump out
armed, hearing the shots outside as he hit the lock on the door and
dove into the back. His warning to the women, the burst of fire at his
lock and the sudden presence of an armed man inside the motor home and
his superb defense of the women and himself.

"Well, you performed valiantly. I have no doubt you would all have been
dead had you not dropped him when you did," Howdy said, turning off the
camera.

"I'm not so sure. Myself and maybe Sheila, but I think their goal was
to secure Catarina and the information," John said.

"I don't know that Sergei was so sentimental about Catarina. She's
lovely, but Sergei's not the sentimental type," Howdy said.

"Not for that reason. I think he had other motives for keeping her
alive," John said, absently.

"I don't know what, but you could be right. Well, let's get you over to
that helicopter service," Howdy said.

"Could you clear it to have us flown to the hospital, I think Catarina
would very much like to see her sister," John said.

"Of course. I'll arrange it," Bill answered. John sat in the back of
the command vehicle on a bench seat, the women snuggled to him,
fighting the last of their shakes. His arms around each of them
protectively as they passed through the gathered throng. News cameras
thrust against the windows. They landed at the helipad at the hospital.
Catarina was directed to her sister's location. John and Sheila tagging
behind. After Catarina went in to see her sister, John snagged the
doctor on her case, showing his ID.

"Excuse me, doctor. May I ask the type of drugs she was kept on?"

"Opiates. Probably opium suppositories. Luckily we found no trace of
heroin or other drugs," replied the doctor.

"And the treatment?" John asked.

"Probably Methadone, it's the most tried and true," said the doctor.

"Addict her to another substance?" John asked, dubiously.

"It may not be the best, but we don't presently know a better way,"
sighed the doctor.

"Tell me, I know the body shuts off natural production of endorphins
when a person takes opiates, do you know how long it takes the body to
start producing them again once the outside stimulus is removed?" John
asked.

"You're exceptionally well informed.... actually, quite soon. The hard
part is getting them over the initial withdrawal. We could keep them
sedated for that period, but the craving will remain," the doctor
explained.

"May I make a suggestion.... " John began. The women rode with John on
the trip to the silo. Howdy had made arrangements for Catarina to be
shuttled back and forth between the silo and the hospital by chopper
each day for the duration of Bianca's hospitalization. When the chopper
set down, women poured out in number to greet them. The chopper pilot
was stunned by the plethora of stunning bodies around him. He was
nervous about their presence around the spinning blades, but none
approached the tail rotor or raised their hands as they poured in to
grab bags and greet occupants.

The pilot sat in awe as John greeted each one in the same passionate
manner. He was more than a little surprised when Sheila did the same.
Several even greeted Catarina in this manner, making her feel *very*
welcome. Cindy stood by the door, her hands on her shapely hips,
shaking her head and giggling. After the chopper departed John led
Catarina towards the silo.

"I tell you not to bring any home, so what do you do?" Cindy chuckled.

"Okay, just one more, but that's it!" John held up two fingers. Cindy
grinned and nodded, moving into his arms.

When she finally let him breathe again, John said, "Two, and then
that's the end of it. I have a special favor to ask of my lovelies. Oh,
Catarina Rothschild, this is my fiancée, Cindy." Cindy turned to her
and smiled radiantly.

"*Very* pleased to meet you, Catarina. Welcome to our home. I swear,
John. I'm glad you're out of the spy business. I don't think my blood
pressure could handle any more stunning women like her," Cindy
chuckled.

"Thank you, Cindy. I have been so looking forward to meeting you,"
Catarina said, extending her hand.

"Wow, lovely voice too. And such diction!" Cindy said, using the
extended hand to pull Catarina into an extended embrace.

"An excellent role model for the triplets, huh? Let's get inside, I
think that's a news chopper tailing us," John said. Cindy kissed
Catarina quickly, but warmly before turning to John.

"You okay?" she asked, putting her arm around him, while retaining her
hold of Catarina. John nodded.

"Yes, surprisingly so. I just want to get comfortable and relax in
private," John said.

"You might find that difficult, you've got a whole passel of women hot
for your company," Cindy chuckled as they entered the silo.

"That's what I call relaxing, in *style*," John chuckled.

"Welcome home, lover," Cindy bubbled, kissing his cheek, then turning.

"Now, Catarina. Looks like the triplets, Candice, Mae and Judy have
snagged Sheila for the night and Theresa *desperately* needs to spend
time with John. Looks like I'm in need of someone to welcome home. May
I offer you my company for the night?" Cindy asked. Catarina was taken
aback, but recovered quickly.

"Yes, that would be lovely, as you are... Thank you. I was quite hoping
to spend time with John as well," she said, tears moving to her eyes.

"Your first French lesson," John chuckled. Catarina blushed crimson.

"I'm quite certain that John can work us into his schedule after
Theresa's calmer...... *French?*" Cindy asked, puzzled. John nodded to
both parts.

"You'll find out," he chuckled.

Chapter 86

Theresa was as hot as John expected her to be, and then some. She had
almost raped him on sight. Flying into his arms and hugging and kissing
him like there was no tomorrow.

John queried Cindy, "You'll take *good* care of our guest?"

"Most delightedly," Cindy replied. Sheila and the rest of the brood had
already vanished for some *advanced* debauchery. John snagged a deep
kiss and hug from Cindy and then turned to Catarina, receiving the
same. Cindy sat back, appraising.

"You two *will* join us later?" John asked Catarina and Cindy.

"Wouldn't miss it," said Cindy.

"I am quite looking forward to it, yes," Catarina replied. John allowed
himself to be led off before Theresa raped him on the spot. Cindy
turned to Catarina, who suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

"Okay, darling. I know this must feel very uncomfortable for you and
certainly unfamiliar, if not more than a little unusual. Probably all
the above. So why don't we have a nice long chat. For one thing,
nobody's told me shit and I'm dying to know just how this all came
about. So why don't you start at the beginning and tell me all about
it? First off, what would you like to drink? Just pick anything your
heart desires," she said. Catarina smiled at her. She was overtly
understanding and most alluring.

"I have had a craving for a *Tequila sunrise*. If you know how to make
one?" she said.

"Let's see, Tequila, orange juice and a splash of grenadine?" Cindy
asked. Catarina nodded. Cindy made her drink and one of the same for
herself. She served Catarina, seated at the table in the kitchen.
"Alright, just start at a spot that will explain it all and tell it as
you experienced it," Cindy said, squeezing her hand warmly. Catarina
took a sip of her drink and sat back, really relaxing for the first
time in years.

"Well, I guess I had better start with my parents meeting a Hungarian
couple then..." Catarina began. Between a concerted attack by the
triplets, a hungry session with Candice and a sensual session with Mae
and Judy, Sheila explained her version of the story. Leaving out
nothing she knew of, including details of their sessions with Catarina.
Judy sat back snuggled to Mae as she finished up.

"You know, from the way you tell it, I'm tempted to try him myself,"
Judy chuckled. The women all looked at her in surprised shock.

"I'm quite certain that John would be most honored, if that's what you
really wanted," Sheila said.

"It's just that, well, I've never felt any desire for a man before. But
listening to your story, and knowing how all of you honestly feel, I
can't help but feel more than a little... intrigued," Judy said.

"Well, dear heart. I'm sure that John would be open to any interest
that you felt, but don't do it because of how *we* feel. It's what
*you* feel that matters. You know we all care a great deal for you. We
accept what you have been, what you are now and most likely whatever
you'd like to be. That's your business," Sheila said.

"I know. I've also come to realize that the development of that
acceptance to the degree that you all feel it and live it, has been
largely due to John's influence," Judy said.

"Don't spend too much time intellectualizing things. If you feel like
it, do it. If you don't, don't. It's really that simple," Mae said.

"I don't know... This is the first time I've ever questioned my
decision about men. In some ways I'm really quite confused about it,"
Judy said.

"So take the time to let yourself be comfortable with whatever you
feel. If and when it feels right, you will know. Until then, just enjoy
yourself," Sheila concluded.

"Thank you, all of you," Judy said.

"No problem, babe. Now I think I'd like a little dinner before round
two," Sheila said.

Catarina finished up her story. Cindy had tears rolling down her
cheeks. She grabbed a paper towel and blew her nose. Composing herself.
She handed Catarina one as well. Cindy sat thinking about all that
Catarina had told her.

"You know, many people -perhaps most- would not understand how I feel
about John at all; with all the other women in his life. But the simple
fact is that I am so *proud* of the man, I could bust. At this point I
could not fathom life without him *and* the rest of you. Because I know
that a major portion of the man I love, is because of all of you. You
have all brought out the best in him. I don't think he would be such an
outstanding human being without you. I have no question that he would
be a good human being. But by dealing with the problems that we all put
him through, he has had the opportunity to show himself to be an
exemplary human being. Am I making any sense at all?" Cindy asked.

"Yes. I quite agree with you. Seeing things from an outside
perspective. And having experienced first hand the effects of a man who
is quite the opposite of John," Catarina replied.

"So what, do you think, made the two of them develop so differently?"
Cindy asked.

"I do not have an answer for that. I do not know what either of their
childhood's were like. I have no doubt that that is where character
develops. It might not manifest itself until later in their life, but
it began in their childhood. At the same time I know that those
characteristics might never surface unless the right environment exists
for them to surface. As you were saying about John being an exemplary
human being -which I quite agree with- he became that exemplary human
because he *chose* to deal with those problems.

"At the same time, the counterpoint to those actions exists. You take a
woman off the streets and give her the opportunity to develop her own
character, do not be surprised if she develops into a productive,
competent and compassionate person. Leave her on the streets, and do
not be surprised if she becomes a cold, devious, dishonest, self-
centered, good for nothing tramp. The contrary in both cases is what
would be the real surprise. But even those exist. There are people who
develop better in a harsh environment than a nurturing one. And vice a
versa of course. Many rich people are not worth the elements they are
made of," Catarina said.

"I'll say one thing; John sure can pick them. Perhaps it is pure
coincidence and our tastes are just similar, I don't know. All I know
is that without exception, every single woman he has become involved
with, I end up falling hopelessly in love with her myself... and it's
happened again," Cindy said, softly.

Catarina looked at her. For comfort they had shifted over to the sofa.
She leaned towards Cindy and their lips met. Softly at first, then with
more urgency. When they finally broke off, their was no question as to
their feelings. Cindy took her hand and led her to the master bedroom.
Theresa was out. Sleeping like a contented lamb. She had been tearful,
and hungry earlier. Concerned over her man's wound, curious about the
whole episode and horny as hell over the excitement. The session had
been alternately rough and gentle, mixed with John's narration of the
events he and Sheila had experienced.

After she had passed out, John was still restless. He heard giggling
from down below, after a time he thought he heard a murmuring in
French. He grinned and donned a robe. Kissing Theresa's cheek, he
slipped out of bed and down the stairs. He entered the master bedroom
to find Cindy sitting back against the headboard, half reclined. Her
hair damp with perspiration. Catarina leaned back against her, in a
similar state. Catarina looked up at John, rolling her eyes.

She sighed contentedly, then asked, "Are *all* your women so talented?"

John chuckled, "Pretty much so." he said, dropping his robe and sliding
in beside Cindy.

"I fear I am a dead woman," Catarina said. John collected a kiss from
her as he slid in, then continued on up next to Cindy.

"How was the French lesson?" John asked on the way.

"Quite inspirational," Cindy chuckled.

"*Je t'aime, mon ami*," Catarina said.

"Miss me?" he asked Cindy.

"Like air!" she said, turning into his kiss. Afterwards, the three of
them lay caressing each other.

"It seems very odd to actually be here," Catarina said.

"Not what you expected, eh?" John chuckled.

"Not at all. What I have seen of it. I expected white clinical
laboratories with air locks for doors," Catarina said.

"You haven't seen the whole thing yet?" John asked.

"I didn't know I *could* show her *all* of it," Cindy said.

"I think Bill took *that* for granted when I asked if Catarina and
Bianca could stay here," John said.

"Come to think of it, you've not seen all of it. We've basically
completed your plans while you've been out *James Bonding* around,"
Cindy chuckled.

"I would hope I was closer to *Dirk Pitt*," chuckled John.

"I think a bit of each. I have read both *Fleming* and *Cussler*,"
Catarina said.

"Can you swim?" John asked, seemingly out of the blue.

"Quite well, actually," Catarina replied, snuggling to Cindy's breasts.

"Then I think the pool would be an excellent place to start the tour,"
John said, opening the trap door to the pool. Catarina's jaw dropped.
John chuckled and extended his hand to her. She smiled and her and
Cindy joined him at the trap. She looked down and laughed gaily.

"I'll go first, give me time to get out of the way," Cindy said,
stepping off the edge. Catarina watched her hit the water and
disappear. She surfaced and swam to the side.

"Ready?" John asked. Catarina kissed him and then nodded. They stepped
off the edge together. After a long playful swim, they donned robes and
Cindy gave them both a complete tour. They encountered the rest of the
women when they finished up at the kitchen. Even with the crowd, it
seemed a warm, friendly environment to Catarina. She felt *home*. The
triplets ran up to John.

"Did you really shoot him between the eyes?" Andrea asked. John winced
just a bit, but nodded.

"I'm afraid I had to. I think he would have killed Sheila and I if I
hadn't," John said.

"Well, we're glad you did. We would have missed both of you terribly,"
Amy said.

"You don't think he was after me too?" Catarina asked.

"No, not the same way. I think he wanted to capture you, we were just
in the way of that," John said.

"Why are you so sure that Sergei wanted me alive? You are the one who
had the information he wanted," Catarina asked.

"I think that they were to grab you, and the information, which you
supposedly had, otherwise they were to obtain the information anyway
they could without harming you. I think Sergei wanted you alive for a
very important reason," John said.

"What? And why try to grab Theresa and Sally?" Catarina asked.

"Theresa and Sally, as insurance in case they couldn't obtain the
information and I was still alive. They were the most accessible way to
get to me. As to what, I think that we ought to take a trip to Austria
to find out, when this all settles down and Bianca is recovered," John
said. Catarina seemed pensive.

"You really think that she will be able to recover?" she asked. "Opiate
addiction is one of the hardest habits to kick," she said, concerned.

"Yes, I do expect her to recover, for one thing, she never had a
*habit*. The drug was administered to her, by suppository. She never
lived the life of a junkie. So all she has to deal with, is the
addiction to opiates themselves. That's why I suggested she come here.
And something I wanted to talk to all you women about," John said.

"What's on your devious-lovable mind, dear heart?" Cindy asked.

"Well, I was thinking that this would be the ideal environment for her
to recover. Knowing how good you all are at inducing endorphin
euphoria... And endorphins being *natural opiates* that the body
produces when you have sex. Besides which, probably the thing she needs
most, is tender loving care," John said.

"So you want us to make love to her?" Cindy asked.

"Well, I'm *asking* you all to think about it. If you find her as
appealing as I did when I finally got to meet her, then I'm fairly sure
you will want to, actually. If one of us is always available to her
when she has to deal with the cravings of her addiction, then the
small, relatively controlled amount of natural opiate that her body
produces ought to make it easier on her. I intend to supply her with
whatever affection she will accept, but after her treatment by Sergei,
I'm not sure just how she's going to feel about men for a while," John
said.

"Yes, I can see how that might help. Slow withdrawal without the wall
climbing effects of total removal of all sources of the drug. A very
noble cause, you can count on me," Cindy said.

"Us too!" said the triplets in unison.

"Ditto," Sheila said.

"Yes. Me too," said Candice.

"I think it's a terrific idea. Count on me," Mae said.

"Yes, of course," Judy said, studying John.

"Great, I talked to Theresa already, she agreed. That makes it
unanimous," John said.

"Sally and Jean are flying in tomorrow, with their actress friend.
After what happened I thought a little time off would be good for her.
I'm most certain that Sally and Jean will be interested too," Cindy
said. Catarina had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, all. I can not begin to tell you how grateful I am for your
kindness," she said.

"If she's as cute as you, it won't be a kindness," Andrea said.

"She's all of that," Sheila said.

"I do not know what to say," Catarina said.

"How about *yes* to a relaxing hot tub and some fine wine after
dinner?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, that sounds wonderful," Catarina said.

"What *is* for dinner?" John asked.

"We hadn't decided. What are you in the mood for?" Candice asked.

"You back from vacation yet?" John asked, chuckling.

"Yes. And you know I don't expect you to pay me for while I was gone,"
she said.

"Just teasing. I don't think that money is a problem for any of us
anymore. Anyway, how about I cook for all of us?" John asked.

"Oh, not *Sloppy Joe's* again!" Cindy teased.

"What's wrong with my Sloppy Joe's?" John asked.

"Nothing, dear," Cindy said, diplomatically.

"I withdraw my offer. I think I'll go see what lies the national press
are telling about me. Call me when dinner's ready," John said, moving
to the bar and snagging a beer.

"Oh, now you've gone and made him mopey," Candice said.

"He'll get over it. I saved us from Sloppy Joe's, didn't I?" Cindy
said.

"There is that," Sheila said, looking after John.

"For your information, I *was* going to prepare stuffed chicken
breasts," he called over his shoulder.

"What are Sloppy Joes?" Catarina asked, after John had departed.

"Cholesterol rich, cheap food. Take hamburger and brown it, add tomato
sauce and various spices. Then serve on hamburger buns," Sheila said.

"Oh.... I see," Catarina said.

"Actually, John makes excellent Sloppy Joes. We were just teasing him,"
Cindy said. Catarina looked thoughtful.

"Why?" she asked. "Such a man... is rare, is he not?" Cindy looked at
her a moment before answering.

"I guess it's kind of an American tradition. We tease those we love the
most. Fact is that we all *worship* John, but for all of us to tell him
so... is a bit too much all at once. So we tease him," Cindy said.

"Ah... I see. I think," Catarina said, "and by teasing him, you also
get an excuse to wait on him -as you would wish to- at the same time...
no?" Cindy looked at her dumbstruck.

"Quite a perceptive woman, isn't she?" Sheila giggled.

"I'll say... Perhaps she knows us better than we do ourselves," Cindy
said, thoughtfully. Amy walked up and boldly sat on Catarina's lap.

"Hi, I'm Amy," she said.

Catarina smiled and said, "Hello Amy, I am Catarina."

John sat back on a bean bag chair in the new family room, watching the
news. Alice snuggled to his side. He was frowning a bit over the news
reports.... He didn't feel like a hero, just someone who had done his
best to protect those he loved. He flipped to another station.

"*This just in.... Reports are sketchy as to what actually happened at
the Salt Lake City International airport today. What is known, is that
two terrorist gunmen armed with automatic weapons are dead. One from
injuries sustained from combined law enforcement agencies, and one from
the apparent marksmanship of millionaire recluse John Stevens.*

*Little is known about Stevens, only that he surfaced into the
limelight in April during New York's famed Fashion Week as the inventor
of the body scanner system now in use by Second Skin Inc., which has
been revolutionizing the fashion scene throughout the country with
their unique clothing designs.*

*Also unknown, is Stevens' involvement in the arrest of dozens of
foreign agents across the country today.*

*One, a KGB major Sergei Nickolov, was charged with Conspiracy to
commit murder, conspiracy to commit espionage, kidnapping, trafficking
in drugs, resisting arrest and assaulting a federal officer. His arrest
coincided almost exactly with the gun battle that erupted at the Salt
Lake Airport. The kidnapping charge relates to the release of Austrian
national Bianca Rothschild, a relative of the famed Rothschild banking
family.*

*The connection to John Stevens is not known, but a woman a high level
government source identified as Catarina Rothschild, elder sister of
Bianca, was observed with Stevens at the time of the assault at the
Salt Lake Airport. Also observed with Stevens at the time was a woman
identified as Sheila Jacobs, CEO of Second Skin Inc.*

*Coinciding with these events were the arrest of some six assailants on
the estate of Academy Award winning actress Shannon Lucy in Long Island
New York. Also observed at the Lucy estate were Sally Thompson and Jean
Francis, executives of the New York outlet of Second Skin Inc., and a
gun battle between Federal agents and six assailants near a college
campus in Nevada, resulting in the death of the six assailants and the
injury of Lieutenant Kevin Waters of the U.S. Air Force. The connection
to Second Skin Inc. and Stevens is not known, but the attack seems to
have been perpetrated upon one Theresa Foster, listed as co-owner of
Second Skin Inc.*

*Events would seem to indicate a concerted -but failed- assassination
attempt of many high ranking officers of Second Skin Inc. by foreign
agents. The reason for these attacks is unknown at the present time.*

*Interviews with local authorities in Utah yielded little information
except the following: Shortly before the gun battle there erupted, at
the request of Federal Agents, the Utah Highway patrol blocked off
outgoing Southbound traffic from the Salt Lake Airport. Officers of The
Salt Lake County Sheriffs office, The Salt Lake City police department
and Airport Security officers were notified of a possible terrorist
attack upon a motor home inbound into the Salt Lake Airport. Officers
from these agencies staged at the North end of the Airport by the
United Airlines terminal. Airport security blocked off exits and
entrances into the terminal for the safety of Airline passengers.*

*Witnesses at the airport stated that the motor home passed by in front
of the airport at a high rate of speed, pursued closely by a small gray
compact rental car. The motor home came to a screeching stop by where
the officers were staged, but a compact car being towed by the motor
home jackknifed and broke free from the motor home and plowed through
the area where the officers were assembled, forcing the officers to
dive out of its oncoming path.*

*The gray compact car carrying two assailants came to a stop just in
front of the motor home and the two assailants jumped out with
automatic weapons. One assailant laid down cover fire towards the
officers while the second assailant made an attempt on the motor home,
shooting the lock off the door and entering it with his weapon blazing.
A single return shot was heard from within the motor home and there was
no more fire heard from within the motor home.*

*Officers returned fire upon the first assailant in front of the motor
home, striking the assailant four times and killing him. Officers then
entered the motor home and found the second assailant dead with a gun
shot wound to the head. John Stevens, Sheila Jacobs and Catarina
Rothschild emerged shakily, but unharmed a short time afterwards. Later
they were taken under protection of Federal Agents who arrived at the
scene. All vehicles involved were taken under federal jurisdiction and
removed to an undisclosed location.*

*Our reporter talked to fifteen year veteran officer Sgt. Bob Phelps of
the Salt Lake Police department at the scene:*

*"I don't know who this Stevens guy is, but I'd welcome him as my
backup any day. He nailed that sucker right between the eyes. I have no
doubt that he saved the lives of both women, himself, many police
officers and possibly many innocent bystanders. Those guys were out for
blood. As far as I'm concerned, Stevens is a hero. That guy would have
been coming out with his gun blazing if Stevens hadn't nailed him."*

*Officer Steve Childs was first into the motor home after the attack,
he had this to say:*

*"I stuck my head into the motor home as soon as we dropped the other
guy. I was expecting to find a blood bath inside and an armed assailant
reloading. Instead, I found myself staring right down the barrel of
Stevens' .357 Python leveled at my head. I yanked my head back and
identified myself. He answered that if he hadn't seen my badge that I'd
have looked like the other guy. I believe him. I'm just thankful that
he kept his head under fire, or I'm sure I would have lost mine."*

*"Did he give any indication to you who he was?"*

*"No, but I'm sure he's some kind of federal agent. One of the
Detectives and several of the other officers said he carried Government
ID. Some project called SFB. I don't doubt he's a government agent of
some sort. Civilians usually can't shoot like that. And in the heat of
a fire fight they'd likely shoot at anybody who'd stuck their head in
that door. But he held his fire. That takes an extremely cool
character. I'm just glad as hell he did."*

*"Thank you, officer."*

*The whereabouts of John Stevens, Sheila Jacobs and Catarina Rothschild
is unknown at the present time. After a short visit to Bianca
Rothschild at the University of Utah Medical Center -where she is
recovering from her ordeal under protective custody- they were flown by
helicopter to an unknown destination. An attempt by a local news
affiliate to pursue them was blocked by a military helicopter.*

*We attempted to interview the pilot of the helicopter service which
carried Stevens and party to their undisclosed destination:*

*"Listen, All Stevens wants, is his privacy. I've got the utmost
respect for those people. Stevens especially. You have no idea of the
good he's done.... "*

*"What good is that? Why don't you tell us?"*

*"Nope! He don't want no recognition. His reward ...Well, that's all
I'm gonna say."*

*The pilot would answer no more questions. The questions remain open
tonight. Who is John Stevens? Certainly a hero. But what else is he?
What is the connection of Second Skin Inc. to the shady world of
espionage? What were the intentions of the gunmen in their attack upon
the Second Skin Hierarchy? We hope to answer those questions over the
next few days.*

*In other news.......* John turned off the TV.

"I ain't no flippin hero!" he said.

"You will *always* be my hero!" Alice beamed at him, kissing his cheek.

Chapter 87

After a dinner of *Stuffed Chicken* breasts prepared by Catarina and
Candice, they all shared a hot tub. The new sized tub tested almost to
its capacity. At Cindy's request, the women mostly left John to relax
and unwind. The triplets claimed Catarina for the night. Sheila opted
for the Candice, Mae and Judy trio. Theresa and Cindy kept John
company. Theresa was a nervous wreck; Alternating between frantically
passionate love making and sleep. Cindy was cuddly and quiet. Brimming
with pride over her man.

Sally, Jean and Shannon Lucy managed to slip through the media by the
hair of their teeth, arriving at the Silo the next day. They were
greeted warmly by all. Sally was as almost as hungry as Theresa. Bill
Howdy escorted Kevin in by military transport. Kevin wasn't getting
much rest in the hospital. The doctors were happy to see him go as the
news media left when he did. Theresa instantly took over his nursing,
doting over him. Howdy and John retired to the office to talk
privately.

"I ain't no flipping hero!" John said, sipping at his scotch.

"Actually, you are. How are you defining a hero? I know for a fact you
have saved at least five lives. What else would that make you?" Howdy
chuckled, over his own scotch.

"A normal human being who just dealt with the shit that was presented
to him the best way he knew how," John said.

"People are presented with shit every day. They seldom save lives,"
Bill said.

"Well, I sure don't feel like a hero...." John moped.

"What do you feel like?" Howdy asked.

"Lately, I just don't know. I'm still kind of shell shocked," John
said.

"That's understandable.. That will wear off with time. Given a chance,"
Bill said.

"Yeah, the news media is getting closer. They interviewed my ex-wife
for god's sake. She wants to know where I am too," John said, rolling
his eyes.

"Yeah, I saw that one. That kid of yours broadcasting her heartfelt
appeal for her daddy," Bill said.

"That part was kind of funny. She's not actually my kid. My ex had an
affair with some dork," John said.

"So that's why you never felt any compulsion to see the kid? I wondered
about that. You're not the kind to neglect an offspring," Bill said.

"If she'd been less of a brat, I might have been more inclined to play
daddy anyway. Actually, it was my ex that kept us apart," John mused.

"Somehow I can't picture you married to that woman. Not your style at
all," Bill said.

"So what *are* we going to do about all this shit?" John asked. "I
suspect that it's getting a little warm on your end too."

"You have no idea how warm; Right now shit's flying every which way.
The government's thrilled to death over how many agents we took down,
but they don't have a clue how to handle the media or how to explain
what took place. I was hoping you had some ideas," Howdy said, wearily.

"Not a lot at the moment. I assume that by the government, that you
mean the president?" John asked. Howdy looked around. "It's off. Check
for yourself if you want," John said.

"No, I trust you. Yes, the president is worried," Howdy said.

"I don't doubt it. Speculations have been flying left and right in the
media. We'll have to do something very soon; Like I said, the media is
getting close. Everybody who ever saw me is coming forward with a *John
Stevens slept here* or got gas here story. They've got most my trip
across the country documented so far," John said.

"It would help if we could.... present you as a hero," Howdy said.

"Why?" John asked.

"America loves a hero. If you become a beloved icon, then congress
isn't about to start digging too deep into what happened. They wouldn't
dare," Howdy said. John sighed.

"Back to being something I loathe. The idea that it's not really what
you are that matters, it's what you appear to be. Funny, I was kind of
worried that this would have an adverse affect upon the girls'
business, but they report that every salon is booked solid for the next
six months. They'd like to get another dozen salons open as soon as
possible, but with all the media snooping about, they can't leave
here," John said.

"Like I said, America loves a hero... or any possible association with
one," Howdy said. John was contemplative for a time. Bill let him
think. He'd gained a great deal of respect for Stevens over the
relative short time of their association. He sipped at his scotch and
waited.

"How well could you cover your end if the truth came out?" John asked.

"Uh.... God, I don't know. What do you have in mind?" Bill asked.

"Well, if the media is hell bent on finding something out, they usually
succeed. I'm just trying to think of a way to let them find out while
making the government actually look good at the same time," John said.

"You mean tell the truth?" Howdy asked.

"Why not?" John asked.

"The land for one. Kind of hard to explain why the government gave 360
square miles of land to a private citizen," Howdy said.

"It was and still is for a very worthy cause, you know that," John
said.

"Yes, and I believe in that cause. But how the hell do you explain that
to the press?" Howdy asked.

"What about tying it to a government program? I've pledged my royalties
from Second Skin to the project. The government instigates the other
half, the temporary shelters in the cities. My side becomes a portion
of that plan. It's the government working with the wealthy to deal with
a national problem. Returning a portion of that wealth to the country's
poor and needy. Don't forget shots of what the desert land actually
looks like now," John said.

Howdy nodded but asked, "So how the hell do we explain the connection
to the foreign agents?"

"Simple. The truth. The government recognized an opportunity to kill
two birds with one stone. Helping the needy while presenting a ruse to
the Russians," John said. Howdy looked dumbfounded.

"It just might work.... except for one thing," he said.

"What's that?" John asked.

"Your.... *unorthodox* relationships," Bill said.

"*What* relationships? John asked.

"Twelve bisexual women," Bill said.

"Oh, you mean my tenants?" John asked.

"Tenants?" Bill asked.

"I've been charging all the women rent for the past nine months or so.
My taxes will reflect that when I file them next April," John said,
smugly.

"What about before then, Cindy and Theresa for the past year and a
half?" Howdy asked.

"I didn't file it, as it was an insignificant portion of my income.
I'll pay a penalty on the eighteen hundred dollars I neglected to
declared last year when I file this year's," John said.

"So what about Cindy's and Theresa's connection with Second Skin?" Bill
asked.

"It was their idea. They were around me while I was tinkering. They saw
the opportunity. I agreed to license them the patent. All true," John
said.

"So what were they doing here to start with?" Bill asked.

"Recovering from an abusive environment. Studying for their GED's. All
true," John said.

"And what about your pending marriages?" Bill asked. John thought about
it.

"That's a problem. If the news media gets wind of that, then .....*I'm
no longer a hero*... this could work out better than I thought," John
chuckled.

"Do you think you could hold the women off for a while on that?" Howdy
asked.

"Not all of them. In fact, being married to one of them would help with
the media's questions about relationships. They will just assume that
if I'm married to one, that I'm not involved with the others," John
said.

"Which one?" Howdy asked.

"Well, Sheila would be the obvious choice for presentability, but
Cindy's the one I promised. A hero needn't be fully respectable. The
public won't mind a Spring-September relationship if the September
part's a hero," John said. Howdy nodded.

"But what about your little foray across the nation? Like you said, the
press almost has your whole route pegged, including who you traveled
with. Both Cindy and Sheila have been reported as your companions. Not
to mention Catarina. How do you tie *that* loose end up?" he asked.

"I hadn't made up my mind yet. I was dating both of them. Not uncommon
for a millionaire to be picky or promiscuous," John said.

"The public won't like a promiscuous hero," Howdy said.

"Tough. So I get to be a tainted hero. I don't want to be a hero
anyway," John said.

"And what about Catarina?" Bill asked.

"Why not the truth? She was coerced by Sergei to try to find out what
we were doing here. Rather than commit espionage, she confessed this to
me and I agreed to help her. She turned double and helped us to burn
Sergei and get her sister back at the same time," John said.

"Make a hell of a book....." Howdy chuckled.

"Nobody would believe it," John said.

"Well, I'll present the options that you've suggested to the president.
We may end up doing it just as you say, because you're right about the
press once they sink their teeth into a story. How will you explain
things to the women?" Howdy asked.

"The truth. I will never lie to them. I won't even *try* to deceive
them again with a half truth," John said.

"I understand. And I admire that. Should be an interesting time
ahead... for all of us," Howdy said.

"So which of the triplets are *you* going to marry?" John asked.

"Huh?" Howdy asked, startled.

"I'm marrying only one woman to look presentable... You're just about
out of a job. I figure you'd like to see more of the triplets. If you
marry one of them, then you look presentable, and nobody would think a
thing about her having her sisters around," John chuckled.

"You may have a point there," Howdy nodded, thoughtfully, "but do you
think they'd want to marry me?"

"No doubt in my mind, but you'd have to ask them... so which one would
you marry?" John asked again.

"Oh.... gosh. That's a hard choice," Bill said.

"A slight preference?" John asked.

Howdy nodded, "Very slight... Andrea."

The next day Bianca arrived, also by military helicopter accompanied by
Bill and Catarina, who flew out to pick her up. Catarina holding her
hand on the return trip as Bianca looked distantly out the window.
Catarina took her around on a tour, introducing her to the women. They
all made her feel very welcome. Then Catarina sat Bianca down and
explained her therapy. Bianca cried. The first night she was a little
shy. Catarina held her through the night. The next day, about the time
her addiction was becoming too much for her to deal with, Alice walked
up and plunked in her lap.

"You're a nice lady. Wanna come see my room?" she said. Bianca was
pleasantly startled.

"Yes, I think I would like that," she replied. Alice stood and took her
by the hand.

"You talk nice, like your sister," Alice said, leading her away. Bianca
sat in a chair by a study area as Alice told her about the room.
Telling her how she had done the woodworking. Bianca fidgeted. "You
seem kind of nervous," Alice said.

"I am sorry. It is not you. I guess I am not a very good guest," Bianca
replied.

"Is your addiction bothering you?" Alice asked. Bianca looked a bit sad
and nodded, dropping her eyes.

"It's not your fault. You didn't choose to become addicted...... John
said the best cure is making love.. Can I help?" Alice asked. Bianca
kind of shivered and smiled at the lovely girl.

"That is very kind of you to offer. But you do not need to do that,"
Bianca said bravely.

"I *want* to do that," Alice said simply. Bianca looked into her eyes.

"I think you are just being kind," she said.

"That is not true. I think you are very pretty," Alice said.

"You are very pretty as well. You all are," Bianca said.

"So you think I am pretty, I think you are pretty. Let's make love for
that reason. If it helps you at the same time, so much the better,"
Alice grinned. Bianca was still timid. Tears formed in her eyes. She
didn't know what to say. Alice solved this by walking up to her. She
sank to her knees by the chair and pulled Bianca into a tender, soft
kiss. Tears started to flow freely from Bianca's eyes. Alice did her
best to kiss them away. Suddenly Bianca was hugging her fiercely.
Crying openly. Alice led her to the bed.

After a time the other two triplets slipped quietly into the room,
already nude. The healing process was begun. Bianca felt much relieved.
Later the four of them languished in the hot tub. Sheila entered and
dropped her robe. The triplets observed Bianca sneaking quick looks at
her as she stepped in. Alice moved to her and kissed her. Sheila pulled
her onto her lap as she caressed the small blonde. Bianca couldn't help
but feel a flush of excitement.

"So, have the triplets convinced you of our sincerity?" Sheila asked
Bianca. Bianca looked at her and then dropping her eyes, she nodded,
smiling a bit. "Then I would feel most honored if you were to choose me
next," Sheila offered, smiling at her. Bianca looked up startled.

"It is *I* who would feel honored, but I feel quite relieved," she
said, shyly. Sheila kissed Alice again, and then slid her off her lap
as she rose. She moved over by the timid woman. Bianca met her eyes and
Sheila pulled her into an embrace. Then kissed her tenderly. Bianca
trembled from her touch.

"Good. But that's just one of the benefits. Not the only reason we want
you," Sheila said, after she lifted her head again. Tears moved to
Bianca's eyes and she melted into the next kiss. One by one, over the
next few days, all the women seduced Bianca. Each was successful in
convincing her they were *very* sincere. Each left her with a standing
invitation for as many rematches as she wished.

Both as a supplement and to get her interested in men again, Cindy
presented her with a copy of her toy. After a week or so, Bianca
started eyeing John. Catarina noticed and asked if she would care to
spend a night with her and John. Bianca shyly agreed. With the comfort
of her sister's presence and John's gentleness, they managed to greatly
reduce her aversion to men. Between the toy, the women and John, Bianca
seemed to be well on her way to recovery from her addiction. Her self-
esteem grew with each of her love sessions. It took a leap when the
actress Shannon Lucy took a shine to her. John found the pair in the
kitchen, taking on nourishment after a long, satisfying session. He
chatted with them as he built himself a club sandwich, declining
multiple offers to wait on him.

"Isn't it dangerous for your career, being here?" John asked Shannon.

Shannon kissed Bianca on the cheek and replied, "I don't really care,
but I don't think so. It might be very good for me, publicity wise. The
press have noticed my absence from New York along with Sally and Jean.
They are already speculating that we are all with you, someplace."

"That's what I mean. Depending on what the government decides to tell
the press, I might not be presented as a person you would wish to be
associated with," John said, joining them at the table.

"You are *precisely* the kind of person I would wish to be associated
with, whether or not the press gets its facts straight. You are
handsome, virile, kind, generous, brave, understanding, compassionate
and a gentle, caring lover. Not to mention that you are virtually
surrounded by stunning women who wear scant clothing when they bother
and who share most of your virtues. Add to all that the fact that you
all live an extremely exciting and intriguing life," the actress
replied. John blushed and studied his sandwich for a moment.

"That could all blow up on you, if the press decides to attack the
bisexuality," John said.

"How would they know?" Shannon asked.

"I don't think they could help but notice an imbalance in the ratio of
men to women," John chuckled.

"They can speculate all they want -and they do- but it's not the same
as facts. I don't care anyway. Financially I'm okay, even if I never
made another picture. I became an actress because I wanted to live a
glamorous life. Since I met Sally and the rest of you, that's come
true, beyond my wildest dreams," Shannon said, smiling at him and
hugging Bianca's lithe form in her lap.

"Well, we certainly don't object to having your lovely body around.
You're welcome to stay as long as you wish. I'm sorry I can't offer you
a private bedroom of your own though. We seem to be full up," John
chuckled.

"Thank you. I don't think that will be a problem. I seem to have what
seems an unlimited number of invitations for sleeping partners,"
Shannon giggled.

"That's not surprising. As lovely as you are," John chuckled.

"And I never felt that lovely till my association with you folks....
Bianca and I were just about to enjoy a sauna and a hot tub. Would you
care to join us?" Shannon offered.

"Love to," John said. In addition to the large hot tub and the wet and
dry saunas, John had installed a smaller cool water pool. Not a full
fledged Danish cold water plunge, but unheated it remained around the
silo ambient temperature. This pool was used to cool off a bit between
the steam, sauna and hot tub. To heat the new section, John sought out
the concrete cooling pipes from when the silo was made and tied them
into his solar heating system. John sat back relaxing in the hot tub
with Shannon on his lap and Bianca snuggled to his side. After a time
Bianca leaned to kiss the two of them.

"I promised to help the triplets with their lessons. You two have fun,"
Bianca said. Shannon pulled her back into a deep kiss, just scant
inches in front of John's face. John found it terribly erotic and his
manhood stirred beneath Shannon. Bianca turned to him and repeated her
performance, which helped to further the response. Bianca moved out to
shower and dry. Shannon turned to John and giggled.

"Such an honest felt response to two women kissing," she said.

"I found it very erotic," John said.

"Apparently so," she giggled, changing her position to take advantage
of the situation. Later Shannon lay with her head on John's shoulder as
they snuggled on a wide chaise, basking in warmth and comfort. She idly
played her fingertips in his sparse chest hair. "Sally told me what a
wonderful man you were. I hardly believed it till I met you. I still
savor the memories of that first night," she said.

"Thank you. I quite enjoyed myself.... Both then and just now. Sally's
a good person. I'm real proud of the way she's developed." John said,
kissing her forehead.

"You should be very proud. As competent and cultured as she has become,
hard to believe she was homeless just a short time ago. She told me all
that you have done for her," Shannon said.

"I was thrilled to be able to help her. It makes me sad to think that
there are lots of people in situations similar to hers when I met her,"
John said.

"I heard some of the women talking about the community you are
building. Tell me, how will it work?" Shannon asked. John explained his
plans and what he had proposed for the government to do. "I think it's
a terrific idea. I'd like to help myself. I think I could get other
actors interested as well," Shannon said.

"Do you think that they'd really be interested?" John asked.

"I have no doubt that they would be. Even motivated by good press
rather than from a magnanimous perspective. But what would that matter,
as long as they contribute?" Shannon replied.

"I guess so.. I'd rather that anybody involved actually cared about the
outcome, but I guess that's not necessary. I just want to help the most
number of people," John said.

"Well, if you don't mind, I'd be happy to make some calls," she said.

"I don't mind at all. If I'm allowed to use the land as I intended. I
may well end up having to relinquish the property back to the
government," John said.

"Then we could obtain more. I'd be happy to handle the actors' side of
things, you're likely to end up fairly busy," Shannon said.

"That would be nice of you. If you think they would actually be
interested," John said.

"I most certainly do. I can think of one actress in particular that you
and Cindy visited in Minnesota. I heard you made quite a favorable
impression on her," Shannon giggled.

"That was fun. I was quite pleasantly surprised how nice a person she
was and how welcome she made us feel. I thank you for the
introduction," John said.

"You are quite welcome. She told me she's fairly dripping for a rematch
anytime you'd like. And from our circle of friends you've got another
dozen open invitations that you haven't accepted yet," Shannon said.

"I know, stunning women every one of them. But I seem to have a
plethora of stunning women surrounding me already. I'll never
understand why," John said.

"Every one of them loves you dearly. It's easy to understand why.
You're quite a hard act to follow, you know. I've fallen pretty hard
for you and the others myself," Shannon said, snuggling to him. John
lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly. She moved atop him and they
made love again. Later they enjoyed a dip in the cool pool and then
moved off to dress for dinner.

Howdy had retrieved John's monster fish from the freezer in the motor
home and had obtained another five of like size as a contribution from
the DNR in Utah once he told them who they were for. Catarina and
Sheila combined their recipes. The result was outstanding. Afterwards
Bill and John retired to the Communications room. John muted the
recorders. Bill checked his E-mail and nodded smiling.

"Rather than try to obtain clearances for Catarina and Bianca -which
would have been virtually impossible- and Shannon, instead I requested
and was granted full declassification of all silo construction
information," he said.

"Good. I was a little worried about that. What about SFB?" John asked.

"Not yet. The President is very impressed with your homeless idea. He
wants to release the whole thing as a package in a news conference once
he gets it established," Howdy said.

"God, that could take years," John moaned.

"No, try a month. He's been on the phone with the congressional leaders
all week. They're putting together the bill now. It's virtually assured
passage in both houses. Everybody likes the idea.... especially if they
can get partial credit for it," Bill chuckled.

"God, I hope they do it right. I don't trust the government at all. Any
idea who they have in mind to run it?" John asked.

"Yes, *me*," Bill sighed.

"*You?*" John asked in surprise.

"Yes, so I can guarantee it will be run right. I told them I would only
accept the position if I had a free hand to run the program the way I
wanted. The biggest sales point was the debit against IRS account. The
fact that whatever cost expended towards an individual gets paid back
when they start working," Bill said.

"Actually, that part worries me the most. If they tack on the
government overhead costs to the accounts, then people may never get
out of debt to Uncle Sam," John said.

"Nope. I thought about that too. Only actual expenditures made for
food, clothing and housing. The maximum daily fee will be set at five
dollars per person," Bill said.

"What about families? If someone had four kids, that's thirty dollars a
day," John said, frowning.

"I thought of that. Nowadays basically everybody gets a social security
number when they're born. The charges for individuals go on their
social security number. Kids are charged against their future earnings.
Parents will have the option of paying off their kids' accounts if they
are able," Howdy said.

"What about the perpetual welfare types?" John asked.

"A maximum of six months usage in any five years. Harsh, but only for
those who would abuse it," Howdy said.

"Hell, sounds like it might even work," John chuckled.

"It better, or I will divorce myself from it in a heartbeat," Bill
said.

"I'm going to try to continue my program as well. I'm kind of sad that
you decided to connect with the government program; I had you in mind
to run mine," John said.

"If they don't let me run it like I want, I just may take you up on
that. So how's Bianca's recovery coming along?" Bill said, changing
subjects.

"You should know, I seem to recall she cornered you a few days ago,"
John chuckled.

"Yes, I quite enjoyed it too. But I'm grateful for the others around
here. She's still *very* hungry," Bill chuckled.

"I think she'll be fine. I've already noticed a slow decline in her
*appetite*," John said.

"Not that I've noticed," Bill said, rolling his eyes.

"I've had the girls logging their encounters. The chart shows a
declining trend. I was a bit worried at first, there was a very sharp
increase for a while, but I attribute that to her getting familiar with
everybody and starting to take advantage of the treatment. I expect it
to level out to some sort of a natural plateau over the next month or
so. I suspect she might remain *very* active sexually for the rest of
her life," John said.

"Too bad the doctors can't use the same treatment for every opiate
addict," Bill mused.

"I doubt it would work. But I have been talking regularly with the
doctor that first treated Bianca. He's intensely interested in the
results. He feels that it may lead to other cures, perhaps a patch
administered slow withdrawal treatment," John said.

"That may have been an error. I'm certain that the press will talk to
him," Howdy said, looking serious.

"Oh, they have, but he hasn't talked to *them*. All he's told them is
that Bianca is undergoing therapy at an undisclosed location and that
her recovery is going well. I was a bit concerned about it at the
first, but it turns out it's covered under the patient doctor
confidentiality rules. If he did talk, we could sue the pants off him,
and win. He'd likely lose his license for a while. But I don't think
he's inclined to talk anyway. He's more interested in his patient,"
John said.

"Knock, knock, am I intruding?" Cindy asked, walking in.

"No, of course not. Bill and I were just chatting. Come in and have a
seat," John said. Cindy chose his lap, kissing Bill on the cheek as she
passed. She pulled John into a more advanced version.

"I just came to find out if you'd thought about sleeping partners for
the night?" she asked, once she pulled back.

"Actually I hadn't. But I'd be very pleased if you would join me," John
said.

"I'd love to, but I'm already booked with Sheila. Theresa's still
fretting over Kevin so she's reluctant to accept further partners for
the time being. Mae and Candice are doubling with Sally and Jean,
they've already slipped off together. The triplets already turned in
with Shannon. Catarina and Bianca are laying for Bill when he shows his
face again," Cindy said, warning Bill..

"So it looks like I get to see how well the extra widget in the
mannequins work," John chuckled.

"If you'd like, but you're forgetting someone," Cindy chuckled. John
thought for a moment.

"Not anybody I think would be interested," he said.

"You'd be wrong in that assumption. She asked me to talk to you. If
you're interested, she's waiting for you in the guest room. Otherwise,
she's more than welcome to join Sheila and I," Cindy chuckled.

"*Judy's* interested in *me?*" John asked, aghast.

"She has been for quite a while. She just waited to be certain of her
feelings," Cindy said.

"You wouldn't mind?" John asked.

"No love, but thank you for asking," Cindy said, hugging him and
kissing him again.

"How come you treat me so well?" John asked when she pulled back.

"It's because I love ya," Cindy said.

"Well, I guess if I have a virgin to deflower that I'd better get
started," John said.

"Knowing how you handled the last one, I'll see you in about three
days. I'll see if I can dig up some *Tawna* leaves," Cindy chuckled,
sliding off his lap.

"I don't expect to be setting any records tonight," John said.

"She's been quizzing Sally all about her first time with you, so don't
you go disappointing the woman. We're all united on this. You're cut
off from the rest of us for three days as of now. So it's Judy or the
mannequins, take your pick," Cindy chuckled.

"In that case, give me a kiss that will last three days," John said,
catching her hand.

"Gladly," she said, moving into his arms. Bill chuckled and wished him
luck on his way out to face his own fate.

"Knock, knock," John said at the door of the guest room. Judy was
sitting in a chair, looking nervous and drinking a glass of wine.

"Please, come in," she said, hoarsely.

"Cindy said you had expressed an interest in my company for a while.
Want to talk about it?" John asked, pouring himself a glass of wine.

"No, I've thought about it for a long time now. I'm comfortable with my
choice.... If you're interested?" she asked, shyly.

"Yes, of course. You are quite lovely. I'd be very honored to be your
first man," John said, extending his hand to her. She took it, her eyes
beginning to mist as she moved shakily into his arms. Judy quivered in
his arms as he hugged her for a long time. Then he kissed her as gently
as he knew how. Her quivering got worse. When he pulled back, they
shared a gaze for a long time, then Judy pulled him into another kiss,
sliding her tongue between his lips. After a time, she giggled.

"What's so funny?" John asked.

"Your mustache, it tickles.... But I like it," she said, pulling him
back into a deep kiss. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the
bed, still kissing her. He gently lay her upon it and then lay with her
a moment kissing her. His fingers fumbled with the buttons of her long,
thin, white summer dress. She moaned in delight as he kissed down her
neck.

Underneath the dress, he found one of the sexiest pieces of lingerie on
the planet. Obviously custom made on his machine. It was a pearl white
silky weave over everywhere *but* the erogenous zones. It was adorned
with visual images of the pubic areas of every woman in the silo. Each
was signed by it's owner with a little saying. John chuckled as he
read, "Go get her, tiger! A hero's reward! Records were made to be
broken! Gone searching for Tawna leaves! It's down there, silly! Quit
gawking and get on with it! Make it a Grand Slam home run! Last Virgin
on the planet, handle with care! A hard man is a good thing to find! Me
next... when you can walk again! Remember *that* spot, we're with you!
and Best wishes, I don't mind!"

Judy chuckled with him, enjoying his reactions as she undressed him.
She really chuckled when he discovered that every image had a little
opening to it. Inside his tongue found the familiar flavor of its
owner. He moved back and forth between the images and sharing what he
found with Judy in a deep kiss. All the while caressing and teasing her
into excitement.

After Sheila's image, just above a cleanly shaved and exposed Judy, she
experienced her first orgasm from a man. Then again as he shared her
own flavor with her. After several more, she was more than ready. He
was more than ready himself, but she wouldn't have missed orally
stimulating him before hand. In the midst of this she climaxed again.
Afterward she rolled him onto his back.

"You sure?" John asked, tenderly. She smiled and nodded, moving over
him. John had her move her hips back and forth for a while, letting her
feel his manhood between her labia lips. She kissed him hungrily as she
again moved herself to orgasm. Then she sat up and positioned him
against her portal. She lowered herself too quickly and winced in pain.

"Easy. You're in charge. Just lower yourself slowly. We've got all the
time in the world," he told her. She nodded and kissed him before she
again began to lower herself, coming to rest upon the obstruction of
her hymen. She winced again, but kept increasing the pressure. Just
when she thought she would not be able to stand the pain any longer,
there was a sudden POP! Inside her and her hips slammed downwards all
the way as she screamed in pain and pleasure.

John instantly grasped her hips and held her down as her body attempted
to reject the concept of a penis inside it. For a time she struggled
against his grasp, tears rolling down her cheeks. She lay forward atop
him and hugged him, quivering as he kissed at her tears and gently
caressed her back and sides.

John gave her time for her body to adjust to his size before he began
to slowly move inside her. Her crying became worse, but she soon began
to synchronize her own movements with him. Each breath became a ragged
moaning gasp in her lungs. His hands found her breasts once more and he
teased her nipples with his thumbs. After a time moans of pleasure
replaced those of pain. She quickly approached zenith and John slowed
his movements to keep her on the pleasurable edge. Then he rolled them
over in one movement, never leaving her. He lifted himself onto his
elbows and gazed into her eyes as he began to move once more, her legs
drawn up to give him better access.

He controlled his movements carefully to intensify her pleasure,
changing the angle of his stroke to brush over her clitoris. Moving her
to the edge again and holding her there for a long time. When her cries
became pleading gasps he backed off one last time and then moved
furiously, slamming into her cervix. Her hips lifting up with each
stroke to match his downwards movement. They crossed the edge together
and both screamed simultaneously as John's inert seed entered her like
liquid fire. Her hips lifting them both high off the bed. Falling back
she screamed once more and lifted them off the bed again. She repeated
this three times before she fell back motionless beneath him, passed
out.

John rested atop her, supporting his weight on his elbows as he
caressed her face and waited for her return. To counteract the
direction his manhood was taking, he probed at the spot the triplets
had shown him. This reversed the trend and he stayed fully erect within
her. Her body quivering involuntarily. After a time her eyelids
fluttered open. She gazed into his eyes and was suddenly hugging him
with all her strength. She threw her legs around him and held him
inside her.

"Welcome back. How does it feel to be a woman?" John asked, gently.

"I never knew!" she gasped, hugging him still. John rolled them over
again so she was atop him. This freed his hands to caress her body
tenderly. She wept atop him as she hugged him. "Thank you," she said,
tears dripping down her face.

"You are very welcome," he said, kissing at her tears. She turned her
head to kiss him passionately. She suddenly seemed to become aware that
he was still inside her. She smiled and slowly began to move her hips,
testing each direction of movement. After a time she selected a
combination of movements that mixed full strokes with angle and
rotation which felt the best to her.

Judy winced a little now and then, but mainly her face reflected a
vision of growing pleasure. Her eyes were locked to his as she moved
them both towards the edge once more. This time she was in full
control. She slowed her movements to a crawl as they approached the
vertex once more. Rather than rapid and slow movements, she instead
chose to savor long slow strokes, testing her internal muscles as she
moved. Developing her control as she moved them slowly but inexorably
to the edge again.

John caressed her whole body with his finger tips as they slowly moved
at a virtual crawl. They passed the edge together with their eyes
locked. Their orgasm gentle but deeply felt by both of them. Again John
erupted inside her and she moaned again in orgasm before she lay still
atop him. Their perspiration mingling as John softly caressed her. They
shared a tender kiss before they slipped into unconsciousness. Sometime
later, John slipped out of her. They kind of rolled to the side and
snuggled together as they slept.

Judy awakened snuggled to his side, thinking how different she felt.
She realized with a start that she was snuggled to a man.... and she
*liked* it. She kissed him on the cheek and he stirred, pulling her
into an embrace as their lips found each other's. Later she lay with
her head on his shoulder as he caressed her back and side softly. Her
fingernails playing softly in his soft chest hair.

"Sorry you changed your mind?" he asked.

"Mmm... nope!" she said, kissing his chest.

"Sorry you waited?" he asked.

"No, not that either. As I'm quite certain I wouldn't have enjoyed it
as much with another man. Then I wouldn't have wanted to do it again...
if you're interested?" she asked, tentatively.

"In a bit," he said, hugging her gently before continuing his caresses.
She rubbed her cheek softly on his chest and then kissed it again.

"I never thought I could enjoy this," she said, settling back on his
shoulder.

"Just out of curiosity, was there a particular reason why you waited?"
he asked. She took a deep breath and sighed against him. Quiet for a
time, tears forming in her eyes. John gave her time.

"Yes... when I was a little girl..... I watched my father rape my
mother," she said, tears dripping from her eyes onto his chest.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a painful subject," John said,
hugging her.

"No, it's alright. You didn't know... Nobody did. I never *could* tell
anybody before," she said, weeping softly. John held her tenderly as
she wept against him. Her crying became wracking sobs as she released
her years of anguished emotional pain. Finally she cried herself out
and was calmer against him. John softly caressing her the whole time.

"Want to talk about it?" John asked.

"Yes... I'm kind of thirsty though," she said. John turned to the
headboard. Someone had thoughtfully placed several glasses and a
thermal carafe full of water on it. He poured two glasses and handed
one to her, sitting up against the padded headboard. She sat up and
took the glass, drinking most of it.

"More?" he asked, offering the carafe.

"No, that's fine," she said, placing the glass on the headboard. She
moved up between his legs and lay back against him. John's arms
encircled her and she hugged them to her. "I guess I was about eight or
nine... " she began. John held her tenderly as she told her story.
"....... When I got older, in Junior High School, I began to find
myself looking at the other girls after we showered after gym class.
Every time I tried going out with boys, all I could think about was how
they were like my father," she concluded. She was calm and her eyes
were now dry again. She snuggled to his chest and he caressed her
softly.

"So you never let a boy get close to you?" John asked.

"No, I never wanted one to.... before you," she said.

"What changed your mind?" he asked.

"You did," she said, kissing his cheek.

"How? I never made any advances towards you. Even when Sheila tried to
get us together," he said.

"I think maybe that was part of it. Before, men were always trying to
convince me to change my mind. That would only remind me of my father
trying to convince my mother before he raped her when she said no. You
knew of my choice of life style, and you accepted and *honored* it. I
guess at first it was that I saw how much you changed Sheila, beginning
when you first met her in San Francisco. She wasn't the same from your
first night together. You affected her even more than Mae had, and
*that* was a profound change.

"So when we joined you on the road, I was more tempted than I let on
when I watched you making love with Sheila. You even helped when I did,
but made no move that you thought would offend me. You were very
careful and thoughtful about it. It scared the hell out of me. That's
why I wanted to leave," she said.

"I thought you just didn't like me, or even men in general," John said.

"Men in general, I didn't. You.... I did. It shook me up pretty badly.
I had just gone along with Sheila's suggestion to please her. I wasn't
prepared for the emotions it stirred up," she said.

"So what finally changed your mind?" John asked.

"Oh, lots of little things. For a long time I tried to push the
feelings away. But each time I would come here, the women would always
be talking about how much they cared for you and loved making love with
you. They'd talk about how soft and gentle you were, or how you had
kissed them in a certain tender manner that made them quiver inside....
Now I understand why..... But I guess it was when you came back with
Sheila and Catarina. Sheila told me all about what happened. You put
your body between them and the danger. You showed your love for them in
the most unselfish manner, by putting your own safety aside. You risked
your life to defend theirs.

"While she was talking I suddenly found myself desiring you. It was the
strongest feeling of desire I ever felt. I told the others then that I
was thinking about changing my decision about men. Both Mae and Sheila
said I should take the time to be certain for myself. So I did. It was
the first time I ever let myself question my feelings about it. Every
time I would get close to you, I would find myself desiring you again.
Every time you kissed one of them, I would find myself getting excited.
I would find myself desiring to be the one in your arms. After a time I
accepted my feelings. I tested them real hard. But they didn't go away.
I even tried imagining you in my father's position. But you didn't rape
her. You either softly caressed and convinced her, then made gentle
sweet love with her, or you accepted her no and honored her decision. I
couldn't picture you doing what he did, no matter how hard I tried.

"So.... last week I talked to Sheila and Cindy. The outfit was their
idea. Cindy talked to all the women and got their okay. They've all
been wonderful..... so have you," she said. She lifted her head and
kissed him tenderly. After a time the kiss grew in intensity and she
twisted around on top of him. Then she began to kiss down his neck and
chest. When she reached his manhood, she considered it fondly before
lowering her lips to it. Later when they were both spent again, they
slept snuggled nude against each other.

"Another one bites the dust!" Sheila's voice chuckled.

"I don't think any woman's safe anymore," Cindy giggled. Judy stirred
and smiled up at them. Snuggling against John.

"Oh my, another happily contented customer. I recognize that look,"
Sheila said, setting a tray down.

"Yeah, we all had it after our first night with him," Cindy giggled.
John lifted his head.

"Good morning, sweethearts," he said.

"And good morning to you, Sir. We don't mean to intrude. We just
brought you some nourishment between rounds," Sheila said.

"I wonder which round is coming up?" Cindy queried, pouring coffee into
two mugs. Judy smiled, sitting up.

"Six or seven, I think," she said.

"Is that all? He promised he wouldn't disappoint you," Cindy giggled.

"That, he *didn't* do," Judy said, kissing him on the cheek and hugging
him before letting *him* slip out to the bathroom.

"No, I can see that," Cindy said, thoughtfully.

"So, change your mind about women too?" Sheila asked.

"Nope. Just let me brush my teeth and I'll be happy to prove it to both
of you," Judy said, taking Sheila's hand and drawing her to the bed.
Sheila hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Congratulations on your graduation," Sheila said.

"Yes, welcome to womanhood," Cindy said, handing her a cup of coffee.

"Thank you. Both of you. And thank you for sharing him with me," Judy
said, tears forming.

"You are quite welcome.... hey, none of that. This is a happy time. We
just figured John needed one more to complete the set," Sheila
chuckled.

"Actually... there's one more I'd like to bring into the fold, before
we slam the door shut," Cindy mused. Sheila turned to her to see if she
was serious... she was.

"Let me guess.... A certain actress in Minnesota," Sheila asked. Cindy
giggled and nodded. John returned and Judy slipped out, collecting a
hug from him as he passed. Cindy caught his hand and pulled him to her.

"Hey you, I love you," she said, pulling him into a kiss that proved
it. Sheila was next in line. By the time she let up on him, Judy was
back. Both women collected their proof from Judy that she still wanted
them. Then they guided the couple back into bed to serve them.

"Monte Cristo's, Champagne orange juice and French roasted coffee,"
Cindy said, serving them.

"Call us when you're ready for lunch. Just moan into the intercom if
you can't talk," Sheila said, chuckling.

"Thank you, both of you. We might just come out for lunch," John said.

"Oh no! You're restricted to this floor for three days. We'll bring you
food when you're hungry. But you're not about to disappoint this woman.
You promised," Cindy said.

"I'll do my best," John said.

"I expect nothing more. And your best is what this woman deserves,"
Cindy chuckled, collecting a kiss from John.

"I certainly won't argue with that," John said, kissing Judy on the
cheek, as Sheila occupied her lips. The two women switched sides and
each collected a last kiss before they slipped out.

"As much as I love them, I thought they'd never leave," Judy said,
turning to John.

"Yes, good morning. How do you feel?" John asked.

"Why don't you tell me?" Judy said, moving to kiss him. The kiss lasted
a *long* time, she felt great.

"Want to make love first, or eat?" John asked.

"Be a shame to let this get cold. I'm content to wait," Judy said, but
collected another kiss before she turned to her breakfast. They ate in
a comfortable silence for a time, just enjoying each others presence.
Their legs touching under the covers. Judy's breasts hung teasingly
before her, distracting John from time to time.

"You know, with as many scantily clad women I have running around,
you'd think that I would tire of observing the female form, but I never
have. Like now when I'm distracted by your lovely breasts," he said.

"You are very welcome to observe them any time you wish to," she said,
kissing his cheek. She giggled and kissed it once more, then pursed her
lips, still giggling.

"What?" John asked.

"Feels prickly," she giggled.

"Yeah, I need a shave. I'll go take care of it before round seven," he
said, rubbing his stubble.

"No, please. I want to know *all* of what it's like to love a man. I
was just thinking how good they might feel scratching my back," Judy
said.

"Might take skin off. I have a fairly coarse beard," John said.

"Couldn't possibly do more damage to my back than I did to yours last
night with my fingernails," Judy chuckled.

"You did relatively little damage, considering how passionate you were
at the time," John said.

"I want to thank you for last night.... for everything," Judy said,
softly.

"You are quite welcome. You may have noticed that I* did* enjoy
myself," John chuckled.

"You probably weren't expecting -nor enjoyed- having a woman sobbing
her eyes out against you," Judy said.

"Not true on either count... I did expect that your first time would be
a very emotional experience for you, and I suspected that you had some
deep rooted reason for your previous aversion to men. A reason that may
very well surface in conjunction with what we were doing. As far as
enjoying it.... I was glad I was able to help you release the pain that
you did. It was obvious that you needed to. I think that you had been
carrying it with you for a long time. You really needed that release,"
John said.

"Yes, I do feel much better. Emotionally, a thousand percent better,"
Judy said.

"I'm glad. And physically?" he asked.

"Happily sore," she giggled.

"Want to forgo round seven? We don't need to, you know," John said.

"Nope. I said *happily* sore. I've got you for three days according to
Cindy," Judy said, swinging her tray aside. She retained her coffee
cup. John did the same. She leaned back against the headboard and
snuggled to his side, enjoying the feel of him against her. She sipped
meditatively at her coffee.

"You know, you really are a wonderful man," she said softly.

"Thank you, you want to shower first, or make love?" he asked.

She pulled his head to face her and said, "I'm trying to tell you I
love you."

"I think you just did. I love you too. Now do you want to shower or
make love first?" he repeated. She answered by taking the last swig of
her coffee and then licking behind his ear with a hot tongue. He
responded by taking his last swig and meeting her mouth with his hot
lips.

They didn't call for lunch until almost three. Catarina and Bianca
served them, each retrieving a kiss for their efforts. Several more
meals passed, served by various residents. Each time John and Judy
looked more dazed. Late afternoon on the second day, Bill knocked on
the door. More to deal with a chill than modesty, John found them two
robes and then called him in.

"I'm sorry to interrupt.... but the President would like to see you,"
he said. A very happy and similarly dazed Judy snuggled to John's side.

"He'll just have to wait. I'm booked for another day here," John said,
simply. Howdy looked at him a moment.

"I'm sorry, maybe I didn't make myself clear; *The President of the
United States of America* would like to see *you*," he said. John
sighed.

"Yes, I understood you the first time. I'm right in the middle of
deflowering a lovely virgin. She was promised three days. She's going
to get them," he said. Judy seemed to come to her senses.

"The President?..... Look.... John,... I'm est... ecstatically ...
happy already... God,... I... can.. hardly... talk.... it's ... okay,"
she managed. John shook his head. Howdy looked at him a moment longer.

"You're serious about this?" he asked. John nodded.

"I promised Judy that she'd have three days. It's her first time. She
won't ever have another one. She deserves it. She's going to get it,"
John said.

"Act... actually, it was Cin.. Cindy you promised," Judy said.

"Doesn't matter who I promised. A promise is a promise and I mean to
keep it," John said.

Howdy looked at him a moment more and then said, "O-kay. I'll pass on
the message."

"Better tack on another day as well, if he expects legible conversation
from me," John said. Howdy nodded and then left, shaking his head
slowly, chuckling to himself. "Now, where were we?" John asked, turning
to Judy.

"Round twenty.... God... you sure... make a girl feel.... *wanted!....*
Making the *Pres...... President* wait while you make love to her!..."
Judy said, pulling John roughly to her.

"He said *no?*" Cindy asked incredulously. Bill nodded.

"Something about a promise he made to you to give her three days," he
chuckled. Cindy sat back in her chair, aghast. She was actually
brimming with pride over John, but concerned over the situation.

"Maybe I'd better go talk to him," she said.

"I don't think it would do much good. He was adamant. I've seen that
look before," Bill said.

"How *did* they look?" Theresa asked, curiously.

"About like I did after my first day and a half with the triplets,"
Bill chuckled.

"Then it wouldn't do any good anyway. Better give him the time he asked
for," Sheila chuckled.

"Yeah, you have a point. I'll pass on the message..... I have no idea
how well it will be received," Bill said, turning and heading for the
Com room.

"He would really make your President wait?" Catarina asked.

"Believe it, honey. You know very well how serious John takes his
lovemaking," Sally chuckled. They all nodded.

"The *President* wants to see John? How often does this happen? Do you
folks know him?" Shannon Lucy asked.

"We've met him," Alice beamed.

"Who?" Shannon asked.

"Amy and Andrea and I... with Bill," Alice replied.

"I don't understand. What would you folks have to do with the
President?" Shannon asked. All the silo residents looked uncomfortable
for a moment.

"We can't tell you yet. We're sworn to secrecy. I wish the hell Bill
would let us, because I know Catarina and Bianca don't know what this
is all about either," Sheila said. Shannon looked even more confused.

"Look, all we can tell you... is that it's not bad. We aren't involved
in *anything* bad. You all know John's ethics would never allow it,"
Cindy said.

Catarina spoke up, "*I* am not sworn to secrecy. I think this is all
very silly. Shannon, I was coerced by a Russian KGB agent to try to
steal secrets from John while he was traveling on the road. It was
thought by the Russians that this silo was an underground biological
weapons laboratory. They never stopped watching it from the time it was
a real missile silo. When John started working on it, his welding set
off a launch warning. This scared them very badly at the time. But it
focused their attention on the silo and they got the idea that the
government was building an underground laboratory here.

"They watch the silo by spy satellite and have tailed all silo
residents wherever they go. I think that perhaps I have now *guessed*
the rest. I think that John figured out that the silo and residents
were being watched. I think he approached your government about this
and they set up a deception that convinced the Russians that they were
right. I was to steal files about Biological research when I met John
and Sheila in Montana.

"John caught me. He did not treat me as a spy. He was compassionate and
understanding. He did not *act* like the secrets I was to steal had
been *actual* secrets. Knowing John he would take real secrets *very*
seriously. He was also very aware of the fact that he was being
watched. One of his first questions to me, was whether I had bugged the
motor home. The other was *why* I had attempted to steal the secrets.
He was genuinely concerned.

"I think the deception was a trap. I have heard Bill say that they
arrested many agents all over the country as a result of it. We sort of
got in the middle of it all. If it were not for John, I have no doubt
that Sheila, Bianca and I would now be dead. Even beyond that... I
tried to *steal* from John *after* he and Sheila had made love with me,
but he accepted me and Bianca into his home here. And all these people
have opened their hearts to us. I was given full access to the silo the
first day I arrived. I can tell you that no such research was ever
performed here by these people.

"I know some arrests were made on your very estate in New York. Surely
you must have wondered who they were?" Catarina asked Shannon. Shannon
shook her head.

"I had thought they were terrorists, trying for Sally and Jean because
of their connection to Second Skin. Like it said on the TV... I had no
idea about the rest of this," she said.

"I couldn't tell you. I'm really sorry we endangered you, we didn't
expect that at all," Sally said, tears dripping from her eyes.

Sheila jumped in, "Of course, we can neither confirm nor deny this,
because of our sworn oaths. But I will admit that it is a *very*
interesting story. No?" she asked, looking around the table. Everybody
nodded yes.

"You say that you *know* the Russians were watching the silo by
Satellite, how did you know this?" Cindy asked Catarina. Catarina
dropped her eyes and blushed.

"I have seen the tapes. Both Bianca and I have watched almost every one
of you making love in the solarium. I think I was falling in love with
you all long before I ever met you," she said, hanging her eyes.

"Was this something you did by choice?" Cindy asked. Catarina looked up
at her sharply.

"No, of course not," she said, tears forming in her eyes.

"You were coerced?" Cindy asked, gently.

"Yes, I was trying to free Bianca," Catarina replied, tears dripping
down her cheeks. Cindy moved to her and stooped beside her chair,
kissing her tears.

"None of us hold this against you. Either of you. I just wanted to know
if they had actually taped us," Cindy said softly, wrapping her arms
around Catarina.

"Yes, everyone they could. They only had tapes of Sally, Jean, Mae and
Judy on the streets. None at all of Shannon. Only those who made love
in the solarium. And you and Theresa working outside in the garden,"
Catarina said, weeping softly against Cindy.

"Did John tell you that he taped almost everything here in the silo?"
Cindy asked suddenly.

"Why, yes," Catarina replied.

"Did you know this, Shannon?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, I did. John told me the first night we made love... at my place,"
Shannon replied.

"Is there anybody here who did not know this?" Cindy asked. Everybody
shook their heads.

"We all know it. John's not trying to hide anything from any of us. We
*all* changed the tapes while he was away. What are you getting at?"
Sheila asked.

"Well, he's been taping all of us. The Russians have been taping us. I
was thinking that it was only fair that we got to see some of the tape.
Like one in particular before we signed any agreements. I never agreed
to keep my past history secret. Did any of you?" Cindy asked. They all
shook their heads.

"Then I think Catarina, Bianca and Shannon would be very entertained by
this particular tape," Cindy said, mysteriously. Sheila giggled and
nodded. Cindy led the way down to the tunnel off of level Six. She
found the hatches locked, but knew where the key was. She left for a
few minutes and returned with it. Unlocking the hatch, she found the
lights and led them into the tunnel. It was chilly compared to the rest
of the silo, running along on the outside of the silo, it got very
little heat from the solar system. Around the back side of the winding
tunnel they found a long row of video tapes. Stacked and labeled by
date.

"Let's see... it was about a week before Theresa's birthday... Sheila
was in San Francisco with Candice and Alice. So.... about here. Let's
see... evening, just after dark. One of these two," Cindy said,
grabbing them. They left the tunnel and adjourned to the new Family
room. Cindy seated Catarina, Bianca and Shannon front row center.
Everybody else found comfortable seats. Cindy turned to them.

"Okay, anybody who was here then object to being viewed? It's liable to
include some very personal things, like all of us in the bathrooms and
such. That would be... Amy and Andrea, Theresa, Me and John? So, any
objections?" Cindy asked.

"John's not here. But I doubt he'd object. He's the one who did all the
recording. He specifically told me that he intended for you girls to
watch them," Sheila said.

"I think that would cover even his ethics. Anybody else?" Cindy asked,
looking to those named. They all shook their heads. Cindy plugged in
the first tape and started it. It actually was very entertaining. It
started off with Cindy making lunch in the kitchen and Theresa, Amy and
Alice listening to John's pirate story. Catarina and Bianca sat
entranced listening to the story. Shannon remarked that he should be a
screen writer about the same time that Theresa made a similar assertion
on the tape.

They all liked the conversation and language lessons with the triplets.
They were fascinated by the idea of clairvoyance between the identical
triplets. When the kissing lessons started, Cindy let it run a bit
before she stopped the tape. Amy and Andrea were blushing crimson.

"I think that's a bit early. This next tape should start just about the
right time," Cindy said, pushing it in. The two triplets looked at her
thankfully. The tape started almost the right instant. With John asking
the two triplets why they were nervous.

"Perfect," said Cindy sitting down. Bill walked in.

"I wondered where you all got off to. What's going on?" he asked.
Sheila snagged his arm and pulled him down next to her and explained
that Cindy was just playing a bit of silo history... from before they
had signed any agreements and not covered. Bill got it. He frowned real
hard, but didn't say anything. Sheila kissed his cheek. The three women
in front sat in rapt fascination, listening to the dialog between the
silo residents. The whole story of the girls discovering their tails.
John's phone calls to Sally and Sheila.

"I remember that. That was the first night Jean and I made love," Sally
mused. As on cue John's viewing of the E-mail showed up and his
subsequent conversation with Cindy. Sally beamed at Cindy. The plot
developed and then the tape got harder to watch, with Theresa and the
two triplets involved in some very advanced lovemaking and John and
Cindy talking in the solarium. Theresa and the two girls would almost
have glowed in the dark, but they didn't object.

Luckily, the audio channels were split with the two scenes, Cindy
solved part of the problem, moving the balance over to the solarium
side. Cindy let it run, even through the private parts of the
conversation.

"I like the stars!" Theresa moped. Cindy moved and hugged her
reassuringly. Sally nodded over the conversation about her; it was
true, at the time. Then John and Cindy began their speculation about
the satellites and the girls' tails. Everybody sat in rapt fascination
as John and Cindy talked themselves through the whole thing. Their
conclusions readily apparent. And John's plan presented in unedited and
incomplete form. Despite his reservations, Howdy was fascinated.

"I wish the hell I'd had you two on my intelligence team in Europe," he
mused. John moved to the Com room and sent his message to Sally, then
he and Cindy retired for the evening. Now there was two images of
graphic lovemaking on the screen, the sound on John and Cindy. Cindy
let it run out of fairness. She had nothing to hide from anybody and
felt no shame over her actions with John. When the system faithfully
tracked Cindy into the bathroom, Sheila stood and stopped the tape.

"I think we all get the idea," she said, "I take it that was the end of
the fascinating part? Not that the advanced lovemaking we witnessed
wasn't fascinating," she chuckled. Cindy nodded.

"Any questions?" Sheila asked the women in the front row.

"No, I think it was quite clear. I had no idea," Shannon said.

"I even saw a clip of that conversation, but without sound. Sergei had
not been able to get a good lip read from the infrared images,"
Catarina said. Bianca just nodded. She seemed a bit fidgety. Candice
noticed first and motioned to Mae. She looked and nodded back at
Candice. Mae came by and offered her hand to Bianca, who smiled and
took it. Mae helped her to her feet and the three of them moved off to
deal with Bianca's addiction.

"I really should impound that tape," Bill said.

"What difference would it make now?" Sheila asked him. He nodded, but
moped a bit. Kevin and Theresa headed off for a little privacy. The
tape had had a profound effect upon her.

"So what did the President say?" Alice asked.

"He wants to see you all first thing on Monday morning," Bill said.

"*All*?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, everybody here, is what he said," Bill replied.

"Why does he want to see me?" Shannon asked.

"I don't know if I mentioned to him that you were here. But you may as
well tag along and meet him. The silo will be empty," Bill said.

"He wishes to see us as well? My sister and I?" Catarina inquired.

"Yes, he specifically mentioned you two by name," Howdy said.

"I guess we'd better make travel plans then," Sheila said.

"All been taken care of. We'll fly you from here to Hill Air Force base
and then by executive Jet to Andrews and from there to the White house.
We'll insure that you all have suitable accommodations while you're
there," Bill said.

"Oh, *that* should prove interesting with this crowd," Cindy chuckled.

"Exceptionally so, as the press is likely to go hog wild the second you
step out of the helicopter at the White House. Likely they'll hit every
hotel in the area in search of you. You may all end up staying at the
White House itself. More than likely a few safe houses we have around
the area. The president did mention he wanted John and Cindy to stay at
the White house. Probably in the Lincoln bedroom," Bill said.

"That has a certain appeal to it. I recall from pictures that it has a
nice large four poster bed in it," Cindy demurred.

"Oh, I'm jealous!" Sally giggled.

"I don't think the White House is up to you and John in a four poster
bed," Sheila smirked.

"It may not be up to *any* of you," Bill mused, "It should be an
interesting time."

"Speaking of up... I wonder how our intrepid lovers are doing?" Sheila
mused.

"Yeah, that gives John two whole days to recover.... if we let him,"
Cindy giggled.

"You wouldn't!" Bill moaned.

"No, not and spoil my chance to get laid in the White House," Cindy
said.

"I'm still jealous!" Sally said.

"Well, seeing as how John's booked for another day at least, and means
to play macho stud until then, then you're welcome to my company for
the night," Cindy told her.

"Okay... I'm not quite so jealous," Sally said, pulling Cindy to her.

"If Catarina is interested, she's welcome to join us," Amy offered.
Catarina smiled and nodded.

"Well, that leaves Shannon and Bill and I. Care to live dangerously,
Shannon?" Sheila asked.

"Dangerously?" she asked.

"Yes, he's fully loaded. No vasectomy. Prophylactics and gooey
ointments and such," Sheila said.

"I'll take my chances with that. Actually, I had my tubes tied several
years ago," Shannon said.

"Not a bad plan," Sheila mused.

"Hey, don't I get a choice?" Bill said.

"Sure. Any number of empty beds around. You're welcome to use one of
them, or join us," Sheila smirked.

"Well, since I have a choice... I'd be delighted to join you," he said.

"That settled. Who's doing dinner?" Sheila asked.

"Jean and I are," Sally said, finally releasing a wobbly Cindy.

About then the intercom announced a single, "Uh..." Everybody laughed.

"That's our cue. Come on, Jean," Sally said.

"Better cut their meat for them," Cindy called after them.

"So what's the big deal with the secrecy?" Shannon asked Bill.

"Just rules. Officially you have no clearance. That's not the same as
saying we don't trust you. It just means we've never checked to see if
you had any suspicious foreign connections. Catarina and Bianca are a
problem because they were actually involved with a high ranking KGB
agent, voluntarily or not. I accept the latter, but it doesn't matter.
They'd never be granted clearances by those who control them. The silo
was a problem, because of the existence of the side wing. In other
silo's it's a personal wing with a second launch control facility. We
still have active silos that use the same architecture. So the
existence of that wing was classified.

"I argued successfully against that, largely because we now have on
site Russian inspectors, so we were protecting information that they
already had. The information you were just exposed to -much to my
displeasure- is still considered Top Secret, as of this moment. That's
likely to change in the next month or so. Perhaps on Monday if my
suspicions are correct. John has argued that we take the drastic action
of *telling the truth*. Not an easy pill for the government to swallow.
The rest is wrapped up in politics from eighteen different directions.
Involving money trails and intentions. That's all I can tell you for
now," Bill concluded.

"If my suspicions are true, which this tape seems to have partially
verified, then you perpetrated a ruse upon the Russians. A very
effective one that netted you over two dozen Russian agents. I would
expect that this sort of successful campaign would go well rewarded,"
Catarina said.

"I'm not at liberty to verify or deny that information at the present
time," Bill said simply.

"Well I for one think it should be very well rewarded, as in the
process it obtained my sister's freedom and put a very nasty man in
jail," Catarina said. She stepped up to Bill and pulled him into a deep
kiss. He was more than a little wobbly when she released him.

"I think so too," Shannon said, giving him the same treatment.

"My, this assignment has proved very interesting. Being seriously
kissed by a foreign agent and an academy award winning actress right in
a row," Bill mused.

"Let me add a CEO to that list" Sheila giggled, snagging him.

"Speaking of which... What's the latest word from our salons?" Cindy
asked when Sheila released a very shaky Bill.

"Booked solid for the next six months. We desperately need more salons
and more machines in the ones we've got. We're also having to rent
storage units to store the mannequins in. Luckily, at John's suggestion
we don't have to worry about them being identified. No heads and almost
painful to look at," Sheila said.

"I hadn't thought of that, when I got scanned. God, if the tabloids got
a hold of my mannequin!" Shannon said.

"That's one of the things we worried about from the start. We really
needed the celebrity business, but the mannequins were so real they
could have been posed for compromising photographs. We solved that by
using a thing called Dazzle Camouflage and not casting the heads. The
only place all the actual information about your lovely body exists is
on computer disk. And that's coded under a secret number. All current
disks are kept in safes. Our archives are kept in secure data vaults.
The identifying codes are kept separately," Sheila explained.

"That makes me feel better. I'll pass that on to my friends in the
business, that you protect your clients' privacy, not the specifics,"
Shannon said.

"Thank you. But right now we've got all the business we can handle. I'd
like to set up special locations for the celebrity crowd, but until
this business is over I can't even begin to look for satisfactory
locations," Sheila said.

"Tell you what. You're welcome to set up a small salon on my estate. I
have a very roomy guest house that never gets used. You can charge
triple for your outfits to make up for not having to wait. They're
worth it. I can guarantee that I'll keep it busy for you," Shannon
offered.

"That's very nice of you. What about setting up a business in your
area? Won't that cause problems?" Sheila asked.

"Not that I can't handle. I know just who's wives to call and put on
the client list," Shannon giggled.

"That would be great. How much do you want? Split fifty-fifty?" Sheila
asked.

"That's too much. I'll take a third of profits, not gross. Mainly I
just want to have access to it myself. A custom clothier right on my
estate. That's luxury," Shannon said.

"Tell you what. If you'll accept your outfits for free, you've got a
deal," Sheila said.

"I think I just witnessed a multi-million dollar deal," Bill mused.

"That's why we hired her," Cindy said, hugging Sheila from behind and
kissing her neck.

"Think you could find a cot for Catarina and Bianca when she's
sufficiently recovered? I'd like to get them operating a salon as soon
as possible so that they can get enough experience to get started on
our European salons," Sheila asked.

"That sounds absolutely delightful. I think I could even provide for
Bianca's continued treatment. I know... quite a substantial number of
stunning women who I'm sure would be willing to contribute to a worthy
cause," Shannon offered.

"I'll bet you do. I'd love to visit myself. How would you feel about
that, Catarina?" Sheila asked.

"It sounds delightful. If I understand correctly, I would be scanning
stunning nude actresses and making glamorous outfits for them?"
Catarina asked.

"She catches on quick," Sheila giggled, nodding.

"Yes. I think I would enjoy that very much. I am sure Bianca would be
interested as well. I will ask her tomorrow," Catarina said.

"Unfortunately, I think that both of you will be tied up for some time
testifying against Sergei," Bill said, throwing a damper on things.

"This being the days of regularly scheduled jet aircraft, I don't see a
problem with that. Add to that the way the government does things and
you won't even get to trial for six months. They can fly in when
they're needed," Sheila said. Bill nodded.

"I'll get their paperwork in gear for you," he said.

"Thanks, they've had enough shit in their lives," Sheila said.

"Yes, I quite agree," Bill said.

"So... a dip before dinner?" Sheila asked, taking both Shannon's and
Bill's hands.

"Sounds nice," Shannon said. Bill just nodded.

Judy lay looking at John's face as he gazed at the ceiling. They were
well beyond the ability to converse, or the need to. He drew his
fingers over her shoulder and she shivered a bit. Amazed at her
response to his gentle touch. She was thinking about how much her life
had changed in the past two days. John had touched a part of her she
didn't even know existed. He released a degree of unbridled passion she
couldn't have even guessed existed in her. She wanted more, even now
with parts of her body literally raw from all the stimulation they had
received.

She didn't have a thought for her internal soreness from losing her
hymen. She was well beyond caring about that. The fact of it even
excited her when she felt the mild discomfort it provided when he
entered her. What it did mostly was to remind her that this man was her
first, and that she loved him beyond measure.

She snuggled up beside him and rubbed her cheek against the roughness
of his two day beard. Wondering how it would feel when it was longer
and softer. He turned his head to her and they shared a gentle kiss,
their lips just barely touching. Her fingertips felt the strength of
his shoulders and chest, while his traced the soft firmness of her
back, reaching down to cup a bun. She pulled back from the soft kiss
and their eyes met once more.

How could she begin to tell him what she felt at that moment? She had
no gauge to measure or express it. He sort of nodded to her and they
melted into another soft kiss. Afterwards they went back to looking
into each other's eyes. Sally and Jean entered, carrying two trays.
They barely noticed them.

"We brought you some nourishment so you can continue your debauch,"
Sally chuckled. John kind of looked at her and smiled and nodded. Jean
looked worried. She poured them each a mug of coffee and folded the
trays up for them. Sally placed trays of food on each. Good wholesome
food, Broiled steaks, medium rare and cut into bite sized pieces, green
salad, baby carrots and rice pilaf.


"You'll have to sit up to eat," Sally notified the zombied pair. They
both kind of nodded without looking. Sally bent and kissed them each on
the cheek and her and Jean left. Sally was thoughtful when they
returned to the kitchen.

"I think we've created a monster... or 'awakened a sleeping giant', as
the Japanese said after Pearl Harbor," she said, to no-one in
particular.

"Are they *still* at it?" Cindy chuckled, turning from her steak.

"Worse," Sally replied.

"*Worse?*" Cindy asked, puzzled. Sally nodded, Jean too.

"They're just laying there, *looking* at each other," Sally said.

"*Just* looking at each other, not doing anything else?" Sheila asked.
Sally nodded.

"They hardly noticed even that we were there!" Jean added. Cindy and
Sheila looked at each other and shared a concerned look.

"Excuse me," Bill said, "but is that significant?" he asked.

Sheila looked at him, "And here I was beginning to think you understood
women. Yes, it's *very* significant," she said.

"How so?" he asked.

"Have you ever had a woman in love with you? I mean *worship your ass*
in love with you?" Cindy asked him. Bill thought about it.

"Once, a *long* time ago," he mused, looking distant.

"Hey, I think his ass is cute!" Andrea commented.

"Yes dear, we all do. This is different," Sheila said softly.

"Maybe not for them... This is all new to the triplets... come to think
of it, it's all new to all of us," Cindy said, thoughtfully. Most the
older women nodded.

"So what *does* it mean?" Alice asked.

"It means, that the roster for John's affections just got one name
longer," Cindy said.

"But did you not *expect* that to happen?" Catarina asked softly.

"I guess I should have," Cindy said.

"I'm still a little confused. I understand the depth of feeling that
you're talking about. Most people never get to know it in their lives.
It doesn't surprise me that Judy is developing that feeling for John.
The part that confuses me; Well, all you women were all excited that
Judy decided to change her mind about men. You were downright thrilled
about it. So why are you concerned that Judy's developing the same
feeling for John that you all share?" Bill asked.

"Oh, I don't know if concern is the right term. We don't mind that part
at all, in fact we're thrilled that she has John to experience that
with. We all know he will make it special for her. It's really just
getting used to the idea that our man can love another like he does us.
I guess that shouldn't be surprising either; we all love each other.

"I guess if there is any concern, it is because we are all in new
territory as far as relationships are concerned. We're making the rules
up as we go, building love upon love and feeling upon feeling.
Sometimes it all feels a little shaky. Any new factor just makes the
whole thing seem a little shakier. It takes time to incorporate change
into the relationships. We've had little time to digest and incorporate
a whole lot of growth into our *family*.

"It's just shy of two years since the whole thing started with Theresa,
John and then me. Since then it's grown to some...... *sixteen* people
who are sharing various relationships. Despite that fact, we all pretty
much get along. I mean, there is no petty bickering. I can only think
of one minor argument that we've ever had, and that was over growth and
largely a misunderstanding. We had a little roughness in strategic
spots along the way, but that was mainly because we didn't all
understand each others motives as well as we do now.

"I doubt that what we share is totally unknown to the world, or
history. There being now five billion people on the planet and perhaps
a total of some ten or fifteen billion throughout history, I don't see
how it could be so unique. But if it has happened elsewhere -or
elsewhen-, then I am unaware of any instruction manual they wrote to
help others through the changes," Cindy said.

"Gosh, I never thought about all that. I just love making love to you
all," Alice said. Cindy smiled at her.

"As we *all* love making love to you. It's kind of funny you should say
that. I think you three helped a great deal in making this what it is.
When you made us all aware of how each of us actually felt about each
other," Cindy said.

"The Gestalt?" Bill asked. Those involved all nodded.

"I'm sorry I missed out on that. To actually *know* what another is
thinking. It must be very different," Bill said.

"I'll say... perhaps a little too different," Theresa said,
thoughtfully. Catarina, Bianca and Shannon now looked confused. As
nobody else seemed inclined to explain, Bill did his best.

"Do you all know the meaning of the term *Gestalt*?" he asked them.

"A merging of minds, is it not?" Bianca asked.

"Yes, A group consciousness... or it's supposed to be. I think that
heretofore, it has been a mythical goal that a whole bunch of mystics
*tried* to attain. But, from what I've been told -and I have no reason
to doubt- the triplets here actually experienced one. During an
advanced session in lovemaking their individual consciousness merged.
They were able to partially share this with those involved in the
family at the time. They made each other aware of the feelings that
they all shared for each other. Am I explaining this correctly?" Bill
asked, looking around the table.

"Basically. It's not something that we've ever discussed or tried to
put into words ourselves. Those of us who experienced it, *know* it.
Those who didn't... well, there just isn't any way we could explain it
and have it mean the same thing," Cindy said.

"That explains a lot to me," Kevin said, "I remember quite clearly when
it happened. I suddenly knew how Theresa felt about me, and I knew she
knew how I felt about her. I also knew that we would be together
eventually. It wasn't something that I would even have attempted to
explain to anybody else. They would have thought I was quite crazy."
Catarina, Bianca and Shannon sat back trying to digest the story,
themselves not knowing what to think. It was clear that a good number
of the people present understood exactly, and believed it without the
slightest doubt.

"Is this something you could do again?" Shannon asked the triplets.

"No," they answered in unison.

"*Something*... would stop us. Something *greater* than us. It was a
one time experience that *something* allowed us to share," Andrea went
on to explain.

"*God*?" Catarina asked.

"No," they again answered in unison.

"Something more, something less and something different. It fit all
those definitions. John said he thought that the universe was aware of
itself. That was as close a definition as I've heard anybody make, but
it isn't quite right," Amy said.

"It's kind of uncomfortable for us to talk about it," Alice said.

"Yes, it was all *very* personal," Sally added.

"Part of it being uncomfortable, is that we can't do it again. We'd
like to sometimes... but we're not whole yet... as a family," Andrea
said.

"Will we be?" Theresa asked.

"Yes," the triplets all answered.

"Do you know what we yet need?" Sheila asked.

"Not *really*. We know it involves everybody here now, but what and who
else, we don't really know," Amy said, looking at Cindy, oddly. Cindy
kind of shivered. She could feel part of the answer. She remained
quiet.

"It was thoughtful of them to cut our meat," John observed, halfway
into the meal. Judy seemed to notice for the first time, although she
had consumed a fair amount. She nodded. "Glad we both like a hint of
garlic," he said. Again she nodded. John found himself getting
distracted once again by her breasts hanging before her. On a whim, he
bent to the side and kissed one. She giggled a bit, and continued
chewing her food.

"You sure don't talk much for a recently deflowered virgin," John kind
of chuckled. Judy took a last bite of steak and chewed it. Followed by
her last carrot and a fork full of rice. She then took a long sip on
her coffee and sat back, swinging her tray aside. She looked very
content.

"I will love you until the day I die," she said, after a while. John
looked at her a moment and then nodded.

"But when you say something, it's profound," he said, swinging his own
tray aside. They sort of leaned together as they sipped the last of
their coffee. After a while they set their mugs on the headboard and
Judy climbed over his hips facing him. John gently cupped her breasts
as they kissed tenderly. When she positioned herself, John touched the
spot that had served him well the past two days.

They didn't move quickly. There was no urgency in their lovemaking.
Just a driving will to experience as much of each other as they could
in their allotted time. Once both were spent once more, Judy lay
forward and snuggled to his chest. They slept that way, leaning on the
headboard.

After dinner the triplets volunteered for cleanup duty. Catarina mixed
herself a *Sunrise* and sat back observing them at work. The rest of
the crowd retired to the hot tub. Cindy sat back in a built in seat and
let the water buffet her body. Sally sat nearby, studying her.

"A penny for your thoughts.... Thinking about John?" she asked. Cindy
opened her eyes and half smiled at the stunning redhead.

"No, actually I was thinking of something else.... I'm really quite
thrilled that he's making it such a memorable experience for Judy....
like he did for you," Cindy said, reaching out a hand to caress Sally's
cheek affectionately. Sally took her hand and kissed the palm,
retaining it in her hand.

"As I recall, you weren't quite so thrilled at the time," she said.

"I didn't understand then like I do now," Cindy said, squeezing Sally's
hand softly.

"So what's on your mind, dear heart?" Sally asked.

"Oh... Minnesota," Cindy said, distantly.

"Thinking of taking a trip?" Sally asked, grinning.

"I think I might try to persuade John into a little detour on our way
back from Washington," Cindy said.

"Speaking of which, what's that all about?" Sally asked.

"I haven't got a clue, but I don't think it's bad. I think the
President would try to distance himself from us rather than inviting us
to spend the night if it was," Cindy said.

"I'm still jealous," Sally giggled.

"Of whom?" Cindy asked, sliding her hand from Sally's and up her arm.

"If I knew that, I might be *really* jealous," Sally chuckled, as
Cindy's fingers teased a nipple. They others sat in groups, roughly
divided by their chosen sleeping arrangements. This didn't preclude any
interaction between the groups... it was just a means of getting a
little head start on the evening.

"How's the arm?" Bill asked Kevin.

"Not bad. Still a little sore. Theresa picked my stitches out the other
day," Kevin answered.

"Quite the little Florence Nightingale," Shannon mused, from Bill's
lap.

"The man saves my life, what do you expect?" Theresa asked, snuggled to
Kevin's side.

"I think you had taken quite a shine to him before that," Sheila
chuckled from Bill's side.

"I would hope so, I'd agreed to marry him," Theresa said, kissing
Kevin's cheek.

"I don't know that I saved it. Bill's team certainly did. When I went
down one was swinging his gun towards Theresa. I was trying to twist
around when your men dropped him and the other one. I doubt I could
have made it in time," Kevin said.

"Oh, don't go spoiling it for the girl. I understood Bill to say you
dropped two before you went down," Sheila said.

"Just saving my own skin. I think they were out to snatch Theresa
before I messed it up for them," Kevin said.

"You did very well. I'm quite pleased with your performance," Bill
said.

"Thank you. But I must admit, you weren't on my mind at the time,"
Kevin said.

"Theresa was. Just as she should have been," Bill said.

"Come on, hero. The doctor said you shouldn't soak too long," Theresa
said.

"You just want to get me alone again," Kevin said.

"You're right," Theresa chuckled, leading him away.

"My advice is to keep quiet and let the woman adore you," Sheila called
to Kevin.

"She should. I have no doubt that he saved her life. There were too
many of them for my men to handle by themselves," Bill said, quietly.

"I'm quite proud of your performance as well," Sheila said.

"Huh? What did I do?" Bill asked.

"You coordinated the whole thing. You had extra people on Theresa,
nailed Sergei in Salt Lake while your team in New York was saving this
lovely butt and those two over there," Sheila said, caressing the first
one.

"I sat in a communications van while all this was happening," Bill
objected.

"Notifying us in time to prepare for the attack. If you hadn't done
that, we would have been nailed cold at the airport. As it was, I was
able to get John's gun out for him," Sheila said.

"But.." Bill started.

"My advice to you, is just what Sheila told Kevin. There's two lovely
ladies who desire to bed a hero tonight. Don't go spoiling it for us,"
Shannon chuckled. Bill shut up.

"I wish I could shake this," Bianca said, sort of jittery.

"You're doing just fine. Besides, I've grown quite fond of the effects.
I've seldom encountered such passion in lovemaking... before I came
here," Mae said, caressing Bianca in her lap.

"John said it would take time. In the mean time, I'm quite enjoying it
myself," Candice said, leaning in to kiss Bianca softly.

"I think it's time for another treatment," Mae suggested. Bianca hugged
the two of them and nodded. Candice led the way as they got out and
dried off. The triplets and Catarina came in and stripped off their
clothes. Bill couldn't help but watch one in particular. The effects
not going unnoticed beneath Shannon.

"My, and a frisky hero to boot," Shannon giggled.

"I fear the reaction is to younger flesh than you and I. I swear, Bill.
I don't know how one in particular of them can be so different. I just
think they're all adorable," Sheila said.

"I guess we just sort of..... *click*," Bill said, absently.

"Want to sneak off with her? I'm sure that Shannon and I can keep
ourselves quite well amused," Sheila said, tracing her fingers over
Shannon's breasts.

"No, I'm content knowing we'll be together in the future. I was quite
looking forward to some unprotected frivolity," Bill said, kissing
Shannon softly.

"Well, don't forget to bring some for me. I may have to get my tubes
tied like Shannon. I quite enjoy it unprotected as well," Sheila mused.

"Shall we retire?" Shannon asked, hoarsely. The other two nodded. They
made their way out of the tub. The triplets all collected kisses from
all on their way in. The affect upon Bill was unquestionable.

"We left some club sandwiches in the fridge and a thermos of coffee
next to it. If we don't hear it if and when John calls, would somebody
else take it to them?" Amy asked everybody present. Everybody nodded.

"So, you think I will let you get much sleep?" Catarina chuckled.

"If'n we give you a break and only work in pairs," Andrea giggled.

"Maybe that way you'll come back. We found out that we don't scare
folks so bad when we do that," Alice said.

"I can not imagine you three scaring anybody," Catarina said, admiring
their slender bodies.

"That's because we've taken it easy on you, up till now," Andrea
giggled.

"I think I shall enjoy tonight, if I live," Catarina mused, being led
to a seat by Amy. Jean and Sally were double teaming Cindy. The
distraction of their kisses and caresses were more than sufficient to
pull her mind away from Minnesota... for the time being.

"I think I am quite done. I think a dip in the cool pool and then we
should retire," she said.

"Awe, all this warming up we do and you want to go and chill it," Jean
teased.

"You have no idea how hot cold water makes me," Cindy demurred, leading
them out.

"Going so soon? We just got here," Alice said. Cindy stalled and
collected a hug and kiss from all of them, they all did.

"No, just a cold plunge. But straight to bed to attack these two after
that," Cindy giggled, between kisses. The cold plunge didn't last too
long. Cindy pulled Sally to her and made it clear that she wasn't
kidding about cold water. She led her and Jean out, drying and kissing
as they walked.

"See you in the morning," she called back to the triplets and Catarina.

"Good night," they all replied.

"Good. Now we can get a head start on things," Amy said to Catarina,
pulling her head into a kiss. The other two moved in on either side.
They weren't going to take it easy on her this time.

She was long gone when John's voice sounded, "Uh.." around three a.m.
The triplets were just drifting off.

"I'll go," Alice said. She kissed her sisters softly and drew her hand
over Catarina's shapely backside as she slid out. Sally was just
nodding off from Cindy's third attack. Her and Jean's counter attack
had done both Jean and Cindy in. Sally kissed them softly and slipped
out. She met Alice in the kitchen.

"Oh, you're up. I didn't know if you'd heard," Sally said, pulling
Alice into a hug.

"Yeah, I'm the last though," Alice said, hugging back.

"Same here. I'll help you and then we can snuggle if you want," Sally
said.

"I want," Alice giggled, pulling Sally into a kiss.

"Uh.." John's voice sounded again.

"On our way," Sally said shakily into the intercom, once Alice let her
loose. They found John and Judy snuggled together, relatively coherent
after their nap. John looked up and smiled as the thinly robed pair
entered.

"Thanks, darlings. I would have gone myself, but Cindy forbade me to
leave the floor," John said.

"That's okay. We both love to wait on you whenever we get the chance.
We're the last ones up though," Sally said, pouring coffee into two
mugs. Alice moved the plates from dinner onto a serving tray and then
set two plates of sandwiches and chips onto the folding trays.

"Last ones up? What time is it?" Judy asked.

"About three," Alice said.

"AM or PM?" John asked.

"AM," Sally giggled.

"Gosh, I'm sorry. I guess we could have waited till morning. I hope I
didn't wake everybody," John said.

"I doubt that. They all headed off with intentions of serious
debauchery. ... Speaking of which. How are you two doing?" Sally asked.

"Rapidly closing in on our record," John mused.

"The thirty, or the hundred fifty?" Sally asked, impressed.

"Both.. I think. Thank you," Judy said, shakily accepting a mug of
coffee from Sally.

"You're welcome. Glad to see you're doing better. I don't even think
you noticed me and Jean earlier," Sally said.

"Oh, he noticed. At least he got inspiration from somewhere. I may not
walk for a week," Judy said.

"I know *exactly* how you feel," Sally chuckled. Judy looked at her a
moment.

"Yes. I believe you do," she said softly.

"Thank you for cutting our meat for us. That was nice," John said.

"You're quite welcome. Well, we don't want to overstay our welcome,"
Sally said.

"No, sit down and visit for a while. Is there more coffee for you?"
John asked.

"No, but I don't want any anyway. Tell you what, if you really want us
to visit, then let us take these dishes up to the kitchen. Alice and I
can get a drink and come back and join you for a bit," Sally offered.

"Please. Do that, both of you," Judy said, munching on a sandwich.

"I can take them up by myself. What would you like to drink, Alice?"
Sally asked.

"A wine cooler. Peach if there is any. Any kind otherwise. You sure you
don't want me to help?" Alice asked.

"No, I can stack it all on one tray. It's not heavy," Sally said, doing
it.

"So, Alice, -please, sit on the bed- how was your night?" Judy asked.

"It was fun. My sisters and I kind of ganged up on Catarina. She's
sleeping like a baby," Alice replied, sitting on the bed.

"What was it you girls told *me* about cruelty?" John chuckled.

"Oh, we weren't cruel. We just had fun.... she tastes good," Alice
said, blushing.

"Yes she does," Both John and Judy mused at the same time. They all
laughed. It helped to break the ice a bit. Alice moved and sat cross
legged at the foot of the bed. Her robe slipped open a bit. She was
nude beneath it.

"My, that's a lovely sight. Makes me feel like some desert," Judy
mused, munching her sandwich. Alice blushed and pulled the robe between
her legs.

"Awe... And I was enjoying it too," John teased.

"Really?" Alice asked, shyly.

"Yes," they both answered again. Alice blushed, but pulled the robe
aside again. Then she shrugged and pulled it off her shoulders.

"That's better. Quite a nice dinner show," John said.

"With what Sally said earlier, I kind of thought you two would only
like to see each other," Alice said.

"What did Sally say?" Judy asked.

"She said you two were just looking at each other. Cindy was telling
Bill how that was serious love," Alice said.

"Come here," Judy said to Alice. Alice looked puzzled, but crawled up
between them. Judy pulled her onto her lap.

"It's true. I *am* seriously in love with John. This has been a very
special time for us. Especially for me, but that doesn't mean that I
don't still care for you and everybody else. In fact, that makes what I
feel for all of you stronger. Because now I *understand* how you all
feel about John. We all share that now. Okay?" Judy asked, softly
kissing Alice and hugging her to her breasts.

"Okay. I'm glad, 'cause I sure love you two, too," Alice said, kissing
Judy's cheek. Sally returned with two wine coolers. She was a bit
surprised to see a nude Alice in Judy's lap.

"Come sit on my lap, pumpkin," John offered. Sally passed Alice's
cooler over and set hers on John's table. She dropped her robe and
climbed onto his lap. John nestled her head against his shoulder.

"Alice was saying that our condition earlier led to some speculation
about how Judy and I would feel about the rest of you. I just wanted to
put your mind at ease. I still love you all dearly. Now I just have
Judy too," John said, kissing her softly. Sally quivered a bit in his
arms.

"I wasn't really worried. I guess I was just a little envious that I
didn't understand that depth of feeling on my first night with you,"
Sally said, sighing against him.

"You've learned it since," John said, pulling her head and gazing into
her eyes. Sally quivered even more. She nodded and kissed him softly.
Then tucked her head back against his shoulder, sighing contentedly.

"Tell you what. You two let us finish our snack and then John can let
you know just how much he cares for you while I do the same with this
lovely young woman. I'm in the mood for a little desert," Judy offered.

"You don't need to do that. Actually, Alice and I were going to slip
away for a little snuggle anyway," Sally said.

"So why don't you two get started while we finish eating?" Judy said.

"You wouldn't mind?" Sally asked.

"Mind? Of course not. Why would I mind? I seem to recall you and I
making love with six other women in the same room," Judy chuckled.

"Yes, I recall, but they were similarly occupied," Sally chuckled back.

"Does that matter?" John asked.

"No, not to me. Not really. If you want to, Alice?" Sally asked. Alice
kissed Judy and then moved to meet Sally half way. To give the diners
some room, Sally scootched them down towards the bottom of the bed.
John and Judy shared an inspired kiss and then went back to their meal
as Sally proved she understood depth of feeling with Alice. Perhaps it
was knowing they were being watched by John and Judy, but Alice and
Sally became very passionate in their lovemaking.

The diners found themselves eating quicker. They pushed their trays
aside and snuggled together watching the writhing couple as they sipped
at their coffee. They shared another inspired kiss and then each took
their last mouthful and crawled down between the two women's thighs.
Each reacting favorably to the hot tongues that touched them.

A gray light was sifting into the room from the tracking mirror when
they all slipped blissfully into sleep after many whispered words of
love, intertwined every which way. John's record with Sally was broken,
partially by her. Her record with John was well surpassed by Judy,
again with her assistance. Alice learned much about depth of feeling.

"What's going on here?" Cindy's voice asked about ten o-clock.

"I think they both needed more victims," Sheila chuckled.

"Good morning, loves," John said, lifting his head from the pillow of
Judy's breasts. Alice was snuggled to Judy's other side, Sally to
John's side. They all stirred. Alice lifted her head and kissed Judy on
the cheek, bent and kissed John on the forehead before she slipped out
to the bathroom. Sally lifted her head and kissed John on the cheek and
then did the same to Judy before she slipped out as well. Judy hugged
John back to her breasts.

"Good morning," she told the two baffled women, smiling at them.

"We brought you some breakfast. We didn't expect to find Sally and
Alice here. We thought they had slipped off together somewhere. We were
about to start a search party," Sheila giggled, setting a tray down.

"They were going to, but we waylaid them. Which is precisely what we'd
like to do to you two after breakfast," Judy said.

"But I thought -it being your inaugural- that you would want your
privacy," Cindy said, holding mugs of coffee for the prone couple. Judy
slid back and sat up, drawing John into his previous position, only
sitting.

"A change of plans. John welcomed me into womanhood *very*
satisfactorily -I don't know if I could walk so good-, but I thought
that for our last day, joint sessions with everyone we loved would be
the perfect finale to three perfect days," Judy said, accepting a mug
of coffee. She caught Cindy's hand with her other and pulled it to her
lips, kissing it softly.

"Well, I don't have any objection to that, if it's what you really
want," Cindy said, enjoying Judy's touch.

"Neither do I. If it's what you both want," Sheila said, placing a
plate on John's tray. John caught her hand and treated it similarly.
She and Cindy shared a bemused look, each wondering what had transpired
the night before. Sally and Alice returned.

"Food?" Sally inquired.

"Yours and Alice's is in the kitchen. We didn't expect to find you
here. Better go head off the search party," Cindy said. The two women
found their robes and then collected kisses from the four of them
before heading out. They seemed ecstatically cheerful. Judy kissed
Cindy's hand once more and then half staggered out to the bathroom.
John motioned towards the end of the bed as he dug into his breakfast.

"So what gives?" Cindy asked, sitting down.

"Just as Judy said. We got reports of concern that our level of
debauchery might have indicated a change in feeling towards the rest of
you. So we decided to put the question to rest," John said, between
bites.

"We just thought you were trying to break yours an Sally's records. We
wouldn't want to mess that up," Cindy giggled.

"Oh, we passed that around four this morning," John said, taking a sip
of coffee.

"Which one, the thirty or the one hundred fifty?" Sheila asked.

"Both... I think," John said, thoughtfully chewing.

"You made love over thirty times!? In thirty hours?" Cindy asked,
aghast, and again a little bit jealous.

"Doesn't sound right. I know I slept a lot," John mused.

"Yes, but you averaged *over* twice an hour each time you were awake,"
Judy said, returning. She collected kisses from the two women before
sliding back into her spot.

"My turn," John said, slipping out. Sheila turned to Judy, now
attacking her breakfast with a vengeance.

"He actually made love thirty times in thirty hours?" she asked.

"I made it thirty-three in that time.... Thirty seven since he first
walked in," Judy said, chewing on a piece of toast.

"That's over once an hour... *averaged*!" Sheila gasped.

"How about you? How many orgasms did you have?" Cindy asked. Judy
considered her food a moment.

"I'm not sure. I kind of lost count around... well, let's see. Sally
took great pride in pushing me over her limit.. I figure I had another
dozen or so before we passed out," she said, shakily taking a sip of
coffee.

"That would put you around..... one-hundred-sixty-two," Sheila figured.

"Sounds about right," Judy nodded.

"I made it one-sixty-five," John said, returning. He collected his
kisses, taking a bit longer. Letting the women know they were serious
about their invitation.

"I'm not sure I believe you... you're both talking! I remember how you
were before," Sheila giggled.

"I didn't have my little trick then," John said, returning to his
breakfast.

"That just helped you do it more, not survive it better," Cindy
giggled.

"Actually, it makes my orgasms a little less devastating...past the
tenth time or so," John mused.

"So how do you explain Judy being able to talk?" Sheila asked.

"Five and a half hours of sleeping like a rock," Judy said, finishing
her first cup of coffee. Sheila refilled it for her. Judy pulled her to
her and rewarded her well.

"So the question remains... Are you interested, or not?" she asked a
now shaky Sheila.

"Sure, I'm game," she said, bending again.

"Me too. I just want to see him do it three more times," Cindy giggled.

"Well, last time we got our inspiration from Sally and Alice. They
started while we were finishing our snack. So you two go ahead, we'll
join in when we're able," John chuckled.

"I knew it! You just want Sheila and I to put on a show for you," Cindy
giggled.

"Guess you found us out.... would you mind?" Judy asked. Sheila and
Cindy looked at each other for a moment, then both shrugged. Cindy
opened her arms and Sheila moved into them. John and Judy finished
their breakfast, then snuggled together watching, caressing each other.
Sheila and Cindy were more than a little shocked when they joined in.
Later they were a lot shocked as they lay recuperating. John and Judy
looked like they'd just gotten started.

"Next!" John giggled. Cindy and Sheila looked at each other and helped
each other to their feet and out the door.

"We'll send somebody," Cindy managed to call back.

"Make it pairs," Judy called. Sheila waved acknowledgement. Feeling a
bit cruel, they sent the other two triplets, thinking that would be the
end of it. An hour and a half later they staggered out and tagged
Catarina and Bianca. They lasted two hours. Next came Candice and Mae.
They only lasted an hour and twenty minutes. They staggered out.

"They want more.. and lunch," Mae slurred. Theresa looked around at the
dazed women.

"Come on Jean, I guess were on," she said. They lasted a full two
hours, as John and Judy were eating part of the time.

"Next!" Theresa said, staggering into the kitchen.

"Where's Jean?" Sheila asked.

"She headed for bed," Theresa said, fumbling with the coffee pot.

"There is nobody else.. unless they want the guys," Cindy said.

"No, Judy wants to schedule them another time. I don't think Kevin's
healthy enough anyway. They asked for volunteers," Theresa babbled,
finding a seat. Cindy looked around the table. Most everybody looked
dazed.

"How about it, Sally? You've had the most rest. Let's give it a go,"
Cindy suggested.

"Sure, I'm game... you only live once," Sally said. Bianca and Alice
looked a little disappointed.

"And you two also. *That* should put an end to things," Cindy giggled.
It *almost* did. John and Judy made love one last time before they
faded too. Four women inert around them. Their eyes were open and
locked together for their last orgasm. The next morning the last four
made a clean get away. John and Judy were snuggled together, sleeping
peacefully.

"Anybody even considers waking them up, I'll kill them," Cindy mused
over breakfast.

"No argument from me," Sally said. Cindy looked around the table. There
was no sign of dissention.

"No argument from me either. We need to be out of here around six
tomorrow morning," Bill said.

"We'll pack for them. We'd better let them sleep as much as possible,"
Sheila suggested. Everybody nodded.

Chapter 88

Cindy brought them breakfast about five the next morning. Even so she
had to lightly shake them to get them to stir. John stretched.

"Mmm .. Hi babe. Back for more?" he asked.

"Nope. Your *four* days are up. You've got a date with the President,"
Cindy said, scooting out of range as John reached for her.

"Okay... but I won't enjoy it as much, he's not my type.... Four?" John
asked.

"It is now the morning of the *fifth* day since you entered this room,"
Cindy said. Judy stretched like a cat and looked up hungrily at Cindy.

"When you change your mind... you *really* change your mind!" Cindy
chuckled, looking a bit scared.

"Did I hear you say it was morning... the *fifth* morning?" she asked,
groggily.

"Yes, about five AM," Cindy said, putting a plate on a tray, staying
outside of range. She swung the tray around over John and moved warily
to the other side to repeat the operation.

"Why so early?" Judy asked, unconcerned over the lost day.

"We board a helicopter in just about an hour. So eat quick. We all have
a date with the President," Cindy replied, swinging the tray around.

"What would the President want with me?" Judy said, slipping out of
bed. Cindy retreated to a defensible corner, which just happened to
contain the table with the coffee and mugs.

"I haven't a clue. Maybe he's after more secret weapons," Cindy
replied, pouring the coffee and keeping a wary eye on Judy as she
passed.

"I thought I told Bill he would have to wait?" John said, sitting up.

"That was three days ago. He rescheduled. Bill said if we miss this
flight they'll send federal marshals to collect us," Cindy said, boldly
taking a cup to John. She wasn't quick enough and he caught her,
pulling her into his lap, almost upsetting his breakfast. Cindy barely
set the mug down in time.

"John! We don't have time for this!" she giggled.

"We will *always* have time for this," He said softly. She caught his
tone and quit her struggles. They gazed into each others eyes a moment
and John softly kissed her once, then released her. She stayed.

"I just wanted you to know how I felt," he said, giving her a little
push off his lap.

"I know how you feel. But this one is going to cost you," she said.

"Name it," John said.

"One; We're booked to sleep in the Lincoln bedroom tonight. You and I.
I would like very much to make love at least once in that four poster
bed," she said.

"I'm fairly certain I can guarantee that. Granted," he said.

"And... I want at least a week of your time for a little side trip on
our return. Just you and me... in Minnesota," she said, shyly. John
looked at her a moment.

"If I understand you correctly; Make it two, if she'll have us," he
said, softly.

"Thank you," she said, softly in return.

"No, thank *you*," he said. She found her eyes misting over.

"You'd better eat. I've packed for you and laid some things out," she
said.

"I love you," he said. Cindy sat on the edge rail and softly kissed
him.

"And I love you. Now eat," she said, slipping away. She caught Judy on
the way back from the bathroom. She pulled her into a soft kiss and
said, "Welcome again to womanhood. I'm glad you had a good time. Now
eat quick." Judy smiled radiantly at her and nodded. Cindy slipped out,
wiping her eyes.

"You know, you really should marry that girl," Judy said, slipping in
and swinging her tray back around.

"I intend to, soon," John said, looking after Cindy. They sent a
*large* helicopter, too big for the silo roof. It set down off to the
side, kicking up a cloud of dust, despite the new paving in the
compound. They let the blades spin down before boarding to avoid
dirtying their outfits. They were a few minutes late taking off, but
the pilots had instructions to make up the time.

The trip to Hill Air Force base was somewhat somber, as everyone was a
little groggy except the farm girls. They chatted jovially, excited
about meeting the president again. Telling Candice about their first
time. The executive jet was warmed up on the end of the runway, the
helicopter set down by it and they waited till the blades stopped
before crossing over. Airmen hustled luggage over for them as Bill
tried to hurry them.

No sooner was the last person belted in when the plane was given
clearance and began its take off. It lifted gracefully and gained
altitude, angling towards the East. Some of the group napped on the
plane. Sheila and Bill worked on their laptops. Cindy sat snuggled to
John's arm. They didn't talk much, but seldom lost body contact. The
triplets sat watching the terrain below. Theresa doted over Kevin.

Stewards offered breakfast, but all declined. Most had coffee though.
The stewards seemed disappointed. They were used to VIP's, but this
flight was different. There was a plethora of stunning women, all clad
in stunning outfits. Even a famous actress. Shannon graciously signed
autographs for them. To the delight of the triplets and the surprise of
the others, they asked everybody for their autographs. John signed one
for each, and then turned his attention back out the window. He didn't
feel like a hero, no matter how much he was treated as one.

John's definition of a hero, was a person who put themselves in harm's
way by choice, and then performs exemplary in that situation. John had
not chosen to be in the position he had found himself in. Yes, he had
dealt with it in the best manner in which he could have, given the
facts of the situation, but given a choice, he would have happily
avoided the whole occurrence. It wasn't his choice. Thus, he didn't
feel like a hero. These and a dozen other thoughts occupied his brain
as the jet flew into the morning sun. Bill took a break and moved
forward to procure a soda. He sat back next to Andrea, who took his
hand and squeezed it, kissing him on the cheek.

"So, are you going to tell us what this is all about?" she asked.

"I don't rightly know. I guess we'll all find out in a couple of
hours," Bill replied.

"Will they let us sleep together?" she asked.

"I don't know that either," he replied.

"So what do you know?" Andrea asked, giggling. Bill looked at her.

"I know I love you," he said.

"We know that, we all love you too," she said.

"I know that too, but... I was referring to you specifically," he said.
This earned him a long, warm kiss and the envy of all the stewards.

"So, do you feel different, now that you've been *deflowered?*" Sally
asked Judy.

"Not much, in some ways, very different in others. This is the first
time I've ever felt.... *connected* to another. Before I just
experienced relationships. Now it feels like I *belong* in one," Judy
replied.

"I can understand that. I feel the same way," Sally said. Judy looked
at her a moment, considering.

"Yes, I'll bet you do. We share... a special bond, you and I. The same
wonderful man took our maidenheads," Judy mused. Sally took her hand
and squeezed it softly. She was reserved in her affections as they had
all learned to be away from the silo.

"If they give us our choice of accommodations, perhaps we could explore
that bond more fully," she said, seductively.

"Yes, that sounds quite nice... I feared I had done you in yesterday...
or I guess it was the day before," Judy chuckled.

"You almost did, and I fully enjoyed that. But somehow I prefer the
intimacy of one on one encounters," Sally said.

"I quite agree... but I wouldn't have missed the last five days for the
world," Judy said, rolling her eyes.

"I'll bet, nor would I have missed my time with him... every moment of
it, then and now," Sally said.

"Funny, men all over the place. Some very good ones -as witnessed by
Kevin and Bill-, yet all of us end up falling for the same one," Judy
said.

"That's understandable. He's quite a hard act to follow, as you well
know," Sally chuckled. Judy nodded in *understanding*.

"How soon would you like to get started at my place?" Shannon asked
Sheila.

"Oh, well, we have three complete machines ready for the next salon
when we have found a suitable location. I could have one shipped out
and set up as soon as all this blows over," Sheila replied, looking up
from her laptop.

"Why not two or three?" Shannon asked.

"Gosh, I wouldn't want to impose. You're being kind enough as it is. I
didn't want to expose you to an overwhelming situation. It's likely to
be slow starting up anyway, until the word gets out to your friends,"
Sheila said.

"Phooey. With the way you're booked at your other salons, I could
easily keep all machines humming as many hours a day as Catarina and
Bianca are up to. And it's no imposition to me. The guest house is
quite adequately removed that it won't bother me a bit how busy it is,"
Shannon replied.

"That's very kind of you. What about the business license end of it?
Won't that take time?" Sheila asked.

"I figure a week, realistically. You may want to do some remodeling to
the guest house, but there is a large family room area that would be
perfect for a reception area, and several small private rooms where you
could set up the scanners and spinning machines," Shannon said.

"I'm sure it would be fine as is. ... Gosh, are there any bonded
storage facilities nearby? I just realized that this would be a special
situation to deal with; *all* the mannequins representing celebrities,"
Sheila said.

"There's a large, secure double garage you could use for temporary
storage and many bonded storage facilities at your beck and call.
They'll pick up. With all the large estates in the area, it's not
uncommon for people to put their belongings into storage while they
winter in warmer climates. I quite prefer the winter where I am,"
Shannon mused.

"From what Sally's told me, it sounds like a lovely estate. I'd love to
see it," Sheila said.

"I'd be very pleased to have you stay for as long as you'd like,
anytime you'd like. In fact.... Why don't you take some time after this
shindig is done with and come check out the guest house? Then you can
see for yourself what it might or might not need," Shannon invited.

"Depending on what this is all about, and how it turns out. I think
that I'd like that very much," Sheila said.

"You know, it's not just about business - although I expect to make a
bundle off this. Quite frankly I enjoyed our time together very much.
Both with Bill and last night," Shannon said. Sheila smiled at her
warmly.

"Yes, I did as well. I'm sure I would have a wonderful time," she said.

"So what *do* you think this is all about?" Shannon asked.

"Beats me. But I can't imagine it's bad if the President isn't
distancing himself from us," Sheila said.

Catarina considered her sister. Bianca seemed calm enough, for now.
She'd spent an active night with the triplets again, in preparation for
the trip. They applied her last treatment just minutes before they had
to shower to make the flight. Even so, Catarina worried a bit over
accommodations and whether or not they'd have the freedom to deal with
her sisters addiction when she felt the craving. Bianca smiled at her
reassuringly and squeezed her hand before she went back to looking
distantly out the window. She was a little worried too.

"I wish this was all over with. I'm sure our customers wonder where the
hell I am," Mae said.

"Now don't you go fretting. The girls can deal with it very well, and
you know it, as you trained them. I'm sure our customers watch the news
too. They'll realize that you've been kept away, not of your own
choosing," Candice reassured her.

"Ah, there you'd be very wrong. I quite enjoyed my stay at the silo and
all the wonderful time we've had alone. I just feel a little guilty
about enjoying myself so much while neglecting our customers," Mae
said.

"Well, you didn't neglect them out of choice. And as far as being
there, you know yourself that if'n you had been, then you would have
been spending all your time dealing with the press, and still not the
customers," Candice said.

"I know... and you're right. Thank you," Mae said.

"Anytime, babe, anytime," Candice said.

"How about as soon as we're alone?" Mae demurred. Candice smiled and
nodded. The plane touched down easily and taxied to a location nearby a
waiting Executive helicopter. Bags and personnel transferred, the bags
by military crewman, the personnel by themselves. During a short flight
to the White House, the women checked their make-up. John felt
comfortable enough. Bill fretted, Kevin seemed more concerned over
Theresa.

Much to John's surprise, the red carpet was rolled out, bordered by the
White House Honor guard. The Vice-President and his wife met them and
shook all their hands before guiding them into the stately mansion.
Apologizing that the President himself hadn't been able to meet them as
he was detained by matters of state.

"I hardly expected him to. I am unsure as to why we are here at all,"
John replied.

"Oh come now, no need to be so modest, Mr. Stevens. I have been fully
briefed on all your heroic deeds," replied the Vice-President.

"A hero I am not. I was saving my own skin. It was pure coincidence
that I happened to save Sheila and Catarina's lovely skins as well. Now
Lieutenant Waters, he's a real hero. He laid his life selflessly on the
line for the woman he loves," John replied. The Vice-President looked
at him curiously.

"Yes, we are quite aware of Lieutenant Waters' heroism. I feel you are
being too modest yourself. That's okay though. It will play well with
the press. If you will just step this way, we've arranged for a private
tour of the White House until the President is free to meet with you
all," the Vice-President said, turning to lead the procession and
effectively cutting off further debate. The silo residents followed in
semi-awed reverence for the fine old building as the tour progressed.
They hardly noticed the metal and explosive detectors that scanned them
as they passed into the building, or the very watchful eyes of the
Secret Service agents who accompanied them. They looked upon John with
wary respect. None of them had ever actually killed anybody. They were
all fully aware that John had.

The tour was pleasant and interesting. When they toured the Lincoln
bedroom, Cindy and John were notified -as a *by the way*- that they
would be spending the night there. Cindy beamed, John was thoughtful
over how well an unmarried couple spending the night in the Lincoln
bedroom would "play with the press." He silently chuckled to himself
over it.

Shortly afterwards, the First Lady joined them. The Vice-President made
introductions around the group (getting them all right, thus proving
his critics wrong.). The First Lady greeted each of them warmly. Muriel
Wilson was without question the most attractive First Lady to grace the
White House in over a century. In her early forties, trim, well
endowed, pretty and surprisingly charming. She paid particular interest
to the triplets. John wondered if the President talked in his sleep.

"The President would like to meet with the men first. Seems a bit
sexist, but I don't really mind as it will give me the opportunity to
become better aquatinted with you lovely ladies," Muriel stated. The
men took their cues and followed the Vice-President. John snuck a quick
kiss from Cindy. Hands reached out and were squeezed warmly as the men
departed. The First Lady seemed not to notice.

"Now, you must tell me all about these stunning outfits," Muriel Wilson
said, turning to the ladies. The Vice-President led the men to the Oval
Office. The men took it in stride when the Secret Service agents patted
each down before they were allowed to enter. President Thomas Wilson
looked up from his desk and almost jumped to his feet to greet the men.

"Mr. Stevens, I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to finally meet
you and your companions," said the President.

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. President," John replied, shaking hands. The
President's handshake was surprisingly strong for a politician. John
returned the grip carefully.

"Lieutenant Waters, How's the arm?" the President asked, shaking
Kevin's hand.

"Feeling much better, thank you, Mr. President," Kevin replied.

"Good. Bill, so good to see you again. Marvelous job on the operation,"
the President said, gripping Howdy's hand warmly.

"Thank you, Mr. President. I'm grateful we didn't lose anybody on our
side," Howdy replied.

"Quite so, quite so. Please, sit down. All of you. Can I offer you a
drink?" The President asked, motioning them to seats.

"Thank you, Mr. President. Just black coffee for me," John said,
sitting in a plush chair opposite the President's, before his desk. The
President moved to his Executive *throne*, a high back ergonomic chair
that probably cost ten thousand dollars. (Actually, it was fifty-
thousand as the back contained a large quantity of Kevlar bullet and
shrapnel proofing to supplement the thick bullet proof glass of the
windows.)

A steward brought John a cup of incredibly good coffee in a delicate
cup embossed with the Presidential Seal. Surprisingly, a finger would
actually fit through the handle on the fine china. The others all chose
coffee as well. Once the stewards slipped out, the President turned to
the group.

"I guess you know what this is all about?" he said. John answered for
the group.

"In all honesty, I haven't a clue. Mr. President," he replied.

"Oh, come now. No need to be so modest. I've been following your
activities for some time now," said the President. John smirked, beside
his better judgement. The President caught it. "What I really would
like, is to hear all about your welfare plan for the homeless," said
the President, fighting his own smirk.

"It's not that complicated, Mr. President. Basically, it just gives the
homeless a place where they can clean up and deal with the logistics of
re-entering the work force while providing temporary housing. The cost
is charged to them, to their IRS accounts. Once they are back in the
work force, they pay it back over a reasonable period of time," John
explained.

"Yes, I really like that part. Much easier to sell to a spend-thrift
congress," said the President, "Would you mind if a few members of the
House and Senate joined us? I'd like you to explain the whole thing to
them."

"No, of course not. Not at all, Mr. President," John said. The
President touched a button on his desk and a few moments latter six
more men were ushered into the room. The Vice-President made
introductions between the four senators, two congressmen and the silo
crowd. The six basically represented the majority and minority
leadership of the country.

"Now, Mr. Stevens. Would you please explain your plan to these
gentlemen, from the beginning," asked the President.

"From the beginning? How much time do I have, Mr. President?" John
asked.

"Take all the time you need. I want you to cover the whole thing,"
replied the President. John was flabbergasted. Time was a very valuable
commodity to these men. He had the undivided attention of the power
structure of the whole country. He took a deep breath to calm himself
and began. He laid out the entire plan as he had envisioned it. Some
hour and a half later he finished up. The Senators, Congressmen and
president held their questions until after John finished. Then they
questioned virtually each segment, in detail. John made up spot answers
to cover things he hadn't even considered. Finally the questions ran
down.

"Comments?" the President asked.

"It's quite brilliant!" said the Speaker of the House (Vice-President.)

"It is *all* of that. Will it fly with the two houses?" asked the
President.

"I don't see why not, Mr. President. It finances itself. The only
question is how much it takes out of the short term coffers," answered
the Senate Majority leader.

"Not that much, I should think. Once the system is up and running,
you'd see an almost instant return in terms of payroll taxes coming in
from the newly employed. In the meantime it reduces the welfare burden
considerably," John replied.

"And you make out like a bandit, with that massive chunk of land you
got," said the Senate Minority leader, suspiciously. John turned to
him, holding his temper.

"Senator. That's a done deal. I have title to that land, free and
clear. No matter what you guys do from here on out. I've also pledged
my royalties from my Second Skin patents, which already amounts to tens
of millions of dollars, and likely will exceed hundreds of millions
down the road. You can hurt the program by taking away my tax deferment
on the property, but you won't stop my part. I already have everything
I need. I won't make one cent from this program. In fact it will cost
me a great deal. The reason I am doing it, is because it needs to be
done, and I'm in a position to do a small part. You guys can make the
whole thing work, nation wide. It's up to you," John said.

"Yes, I don't think we need question Mr. Stevens' motives. He's shown
himself to be an exemplary citizen. God knows we could use a lot more
just like him," chided the President.

The Senator bristled, then added, "Well, perhaps if we could put these
people to work ourselves, on our highway system. The federal freeways
in my state are in quite a state of decay." The others moaned slightly.

"May I make a suggestion, Mr. President?" John asked.

"Certainly, John. Please, speak freely," said the President.

"Well, it seems to me, that one of the reasons you guys bicker and
argue so much, is usually over the special interest riders that get
hung onto the simplest bill. This program benefits the entire country,
both political parties. What I suggest, just this once, is that you
present and vote on a clean bill, no riders at all. That way the only
bickering will be about what really matters, making this program work,"
John said. The Senators and Congressmen were shocked over the concept,
but they kind of nodded to themselves. The Senate minority leader
glared at John. The majority leader caught the look.

"Come on, Felix. Just this once let's work together on what really
matters. You've got hundreds of other bills you can do your political
posturing on. This is a good idea, and you know it. Lord knows we can
all use a little positive press. This will supply us both with a whole
bunch of that," said the Majority leader. The minority leader sulked a
bit, but nodded.

"The other thing, is to put one man in charge of the program, and then
leaving him alone to run it. I would highly recommend William Howdy
here for that position. If you don't hire him, I intend to. To run my
side of the program," John said.

"What is your political affiliation, Mr. Howdy?" asked the minority
leader.

"I don't see that that is of any concern. When I vote, I never vote a
straight ticket. I vote independently on each position based upon whom
I think is the best qualified to do the job. If you have to categorize
me, think of me as a Republican with a social conscience or a very
conservative Democrat. I'm a little of each. I see that social programs
are necessary, but I also realize that somebody has to pay for them.
That's the criteria under which I would run things," Bill replied.

"But how are you registered?" asked the Congressional Minority leader.

"Just a minute. I agree with Mr. Howdy. I don't think we need to know
that. I picked Bill for his current position without knowing that
myself. He's a very competent administrator, that's all we need to
know. Actually, I would choose Mr. Stevens to run the program. It's his
idea and a good one," said the President.

"Thank you, Mr. President. But I must respectfully decline the offer.
I'm quite ready for retirement. I've had enough excitement to last me
for quite a while. Besides, I don't really think that you would want me
in that position. I'm afraid my lifestyle would prove too much of a
distraction for the press for me to effectively do the job," John said.

"Yes, about your lifestyle. Isn't it true that you live with all those
women I saw down the hall? Indulging in all manner of perverted sexual
acts?" asked the Senate Minority leader. John turned to face him,
gritting his teeth.

"No, I've never met the First Lady before today," John said. The
President burst out laughing.

When he recovered he turned to the Minority leader, "Felix, shut the
fuck up. You can take your goody two shoes hypocrisy and stuff it up
your ass. We need not mention those two cheerleaders you're quietly
paying child support to. Now the deal is that either you swallow your
shit and get behind this program or I will veto every single bill you
introduce until the end of your term or mine. Clear enough?" he asked.
Felix bristled and looked around the room for support. He found none.
He sighed and nodded to the President. "Okay, gentlemen. I want a bill
on my desk by the end of the week. A clean one, just like Mr. Stevens
suggested. We all benefit from this, but more importantly, the whole
country does. That's why we're here in the first place. I think that's
something we tend to forget," directed the President. There were nods
of agreement around the room.

"Fine.. If we're in agreement -for once- I think that they're just
about ready for us in the garden for the awards ceremony," said the
President.

"Awards ceremony, Mr. President?" John asked, baffled.

"Yes, certainly. You didn't expect your heroic actions to go
unrewarded, did you?" the President asked, chuckling.

"I'm no hero, Mr. President. Like I told the Vice-President; I was
saving my own skin," John said. The Senators and Congressmen looked
concerned.

"Why don't you gentlemen move out to the garden while I have a little
private chat with Mr. Stevens?" the President said by way of dismissal.
The group took the hint and headed out. The Vice-President motioned for
Bill and Kevin to follow. A Secret Service agent remained. "Give us a
minute alone, will you, Jim?" the President asked the Secret Service
agent.

"Sir, I think I should remain," replied the agent.

"I'm well aware of your concerns. Now get," replied the President,
shortly. The agent sighed, looking at John as if to say; "Be good, or
else!" and stepped out, leaving the door ajar. The President sighed and
moved to close it. He moved to a small fold down bar and opened it,
taking two glasses and adding ice. He poured two shots of Laphroaig 25
year old into the glasses and handed one to John.

"I must thank you for introducing Bill to this excellent Scotch. He
made inquiries and was able to locate a twenty-five year old bottle
from the distillery for me," the President said, handing a glass to
John. John accepted the glass and smiled appreciatively.

"Thank you, Mr. President," he said.

"Okay, John. Here's the deal," the President said, taking a sip of his
own. "We've all got our butts in a sling. Yours included. The homeless
bill will help that a lot. The other thing that will help that, is to
give the country some heroes. Whether or not you feel like one. The
alternative, is having the IRS, the GSA and every member of the House,
Senate and the press crawling up our asses with a microscope over how
this whole thing was financed. Quite frankly, I don't know of any other
way to pull it off." John sighed.

"I understand that, Mr. President. But I really don't feel like a
hero," he said.

"Be that as it may. You are. You put your life on the line... by
choice. You may have been defending yourself at the final shootout, but
the reason that all occurred, is because you voluntarily chose to
become involved in the operation. It was in fact your idea. And a very
good one at that. As operations go, I can't think of one that worked as
effectively. We nabbed a high ranking KGB officer that half the world's
been trying to nail for over a decade. In addition to another couple of
dozen agents in the process.

"Now I want this homeless program to work. We have the support of both
houses. Not counting that asshole Felix, who doesn't have the support
of even his own party. But unless I can give the press a distraction in
the form of a group of model citizens, then we lose that support and
the whole thing turns into a witch hunt. Clear enough?" asked the
President.

"The plan is clear enough, Mr. President. But I'm not so sure you want
to be associated with us. We *aren't* model citizens. If the moral
majority - rather *when* the moral majority finds out about our
lifestyle, all hell's going to break lose," John said.

"Maybe. But your best defense against that, is for the public to know
just what kind of *citizens* you all *have* been, regardless of your
lifestyle. Even the moral majority likes a little spice in their lives.
I think you'll be surprised how little stir your lifestyles create. But
think about this; What is a patriot? You and your group from the Silo
thought up this whole thing. You voluntarily put your lives on the
line. The result was that you did a great service to your country. What
better definition of a Patriot?" asked the President.

"I never expected to put my life on the line, Mr. President. The most I
expected to give up was a little privacy," John replied.

"Be that as it may. It didn't work out that way. You may not have
expected the KGB to take such an active interest in you, but it did.
When push came to shove, you came through. Now all you have to do is
accept your reward, and then the whole thing can go away. If you don't,
it won't," said the President.

"Just what award did you have in mind, Mr. President?" John asked.

"Oh, just a citizenship award. It carries a hundred thousand dollar
stipend with it. If you feel uncomfortable about that, then contribute
it to charity. Use it for your program," replied the President. John
sighed and nodded.

"All right, Mr. President. It feels hypocritical. But we'll do it your
way if you think it will help," John said. The President smiled.

"Yes, it will help immensely.... Now, about your life style.... I'm
quite envious of you and the triplets. If it wasn't so danged
dangerous, I would be sorely tempted myself. So what *are* your plans
concerning the women?" asked the President.

"Well, Mr. President. I intend to marry Cindy, to start with. Once all
the attention fades away, I *intend* to marry them all. I don't know if
you are familiar with Robert Heinlein's books, but he introduces a
concept of a line marriage, where everybody is married to each other.
The marriage can go on for hundreds of years after the founding members
have passed away," John explained.

"Ye gods, I doubt the moral majority's ready for that. How soon did you
have in mind to marry Cindy?" asked the President.

"As soon as we could arrange it... Mr. President," John said, almost
forgetting the honorarium.

"No need to be so formal when we're alone. Please, call me Tom. It gets
so I hardly hear my name. I miss it..... How would you feel about a
White House wedding?" the President asked. John looked startled.

"Gosh.. I'm certain that Cindy would be thrilled to death.. Mr. ..I
mean, Tom. What are the laws like in D.C.?" John asked.

"For a Presidential request, quite favorable. I'll arrange it, if you
think that Cindy would agree?" asked the President.

"I'm quite certain that she'd be thrilled to death, Tom. I'll ask her
tonight. I'll have a hell of a time living up to it with the others,
though," John mused.

"That I can believe.." the President chuckled. "Well, shall we join the
others?" he asked. John stood with him. "I'm quite intrigued about this
silo of yours. I'd love to see it sometime," said the President,
walking John to the door.

"You are quite welcome anytime, Mr. ... Tom. I think that we're all
pretty much booked away from it for a month, I promised Cindy at least
two weeks visiting an actress friend of ours in Minnesota. If that
turns into a honeymoon, she may want more. But after that you are very
welcome to visit for as long as you'd like. Both you and the First
Lady," John offered.

"We may just do that. I wouldn't dare show up without her, actually.
She teases me constantly about the triplets. After their visit... well,
Muriel and I had an *inspired* evening... if you know what I mean?" the
President said, smirking.

"Yes, I believe I know exactly what you mean, Tom," John chuckled. The
Secret Service almost jumped John as the door opened, until they saw
both men smiling and the President's hand on John's shoulder. The
President chuckled and led John down to the garden, both men getting
waylaid by the make-up people.

"Part of the job, I'm afraid. Wish they'd do something about the TV
cameras. They make you look half dead without this gunk," the President
mused. John nodded, taking it like a man in the other make-up chair.

"I guess so, Mr. President. Seems a filter on the camera would make
more sense," he said. The President looked at John, startled.

"Good idea. I think I'll just have a word with the Networks about
that," he said. After make-up, the President led John into the garden.
John was expecting a small gathering, but there were hundreds of people
seated before the Presidential podium. The women, Bill and Kevin were
all seated facing the throng before them, looking quite fidgety. Not
surprising as many of the nations leadership and the large White House
press corps were studying them intently.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The President of the United States," the White
House Press secretary announced. Everybody stood. The President shook
John's hand and seated him.

"Please, be seated," said the President. Everybody sat. The President
consulted his speech, already on the podium. "Distinguished members of
Congress, Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, we are gathered together
today to honor and pay tribute to a very unique group of citizens and
two foreign nationals. It is seldom that this country has the
opportunity to honor such a large group of patriots. Their story is one
of selflessness and heroism that embodies the highest traditions of
America........" the President began.

He went on to relate much of the entire story of the silo, John's
discovery of his surveillance and his idea for the ruse. The only part
that changed, was the women's connection with John, which was mentioned
only in conjunction with the Second Skin enterprise. He also detailed
John's idea for dealing with the homeless, his pledge of his royalties
and the building of the community surrounding the silo. The exact
location of the Silo was not revealed, but John had no doubt that the
press would soon know that. The President finished up with the story of
the fire-fight at the Salt Lake airport, the arrests of the foreign
agents and the announcement that the government was establishing its
own program for the homeless based upon John's recommendations.

The members of the press were flabbergasted over the whole story.
Camera's clicked and whirred left and right. The TV camera's panned the
gathered group on the platform behind the President.

"......And so, it gives me great pleasure to present these awards to
honor this outstanding group of people," the President concluded. The
Press secretary stepped up to announce the awards to each person as the
President turned to the silo group. They were motioned to their feet
and the President stepped down the line, pinning on the Medals and
shaking each person's hand as they were announced.

"*To Mr. John Stevens: The Presidential Medal of Freedom*." John was
flabbergasted. The Medal of Freedom was the highest honor that the
president could present to a private citizen. The President smiled at
John's chagrin and shook his hand.

"*To Lieutenant Kevin Waters: The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
and the Purple Heart*." Theresa was brimming with pride as the
President pinned both medals on Kevin's dress uniform. Kevin stood at
attention, overwhelmed.

"*To William Howdy: The National Security Medal*." Bill stood stoically
as the President pinned on the Medal. The National Security Medal was
seldom awarded. One of the previous recipients being the late William
J. Donovan (winner of the Medal of Honor in WWI) for work at director
of the Office of Strategic Service (OSS).

"*To Sheila Jacobs and Theresa Foster: The Distinguished Civilian
Service Medal*." This medal provides distinctive recognition of
valuable public service in the national interest. It is awarded to
civilians not employed by the government who have rendered meritorious
service to the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense, or one
of the military departments.

"*To Sally Thompson, Jean Francis, Amy West, Alice West, Andrea West,
Mae Nakamura, Judy Bloom, Cindy Brooks and Candice Williams; The
Outstanding Civilian Service Medal*." This award is the junior grade of
the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, given in non-life threatening
circumstances. The President's fingers shook a bit as he pinned the
medals on the triplets. Alice winked at him as his hand brushed her
breast. He smiled and moved down the line.

"*To Catarina Rothschild and Bianca Rothschild: The Legion of Merit;
Legionnaires grade Medal*." All higher grades of this award are
presented only to members of foreign governments and high ranking
military personnel.

"*To Shannon Lucy: The Meritorious Civilian Service Award*." The
President pinned the Medal on Ms. Lucy and shook her hand. Shannon
looked at him in question.

"We couldn't have you go away empty handed after a raging gun battle
took place on your estate," the President said, smiling.

"If you only knew what I was doing at the time, Mr. President," Shannon
replied quietly. The President nodded and chuckled. He turned to the
crowd.

"Distinguished members of Congress, Ladies and Gentlemen of the press,
I present you an outstanding group of people whom embody the highest
traditions of our land," said the President. Everybody was on their
feet applauding. Cameras clicked and whirred continuously for several
minutes.

"Now... I know Mr. Stevens hasn't had time to ask Miss Brooks about it,
and I hate to spring it upon Cindy suddenly like this. But he has
previously asked and she has accepted his proposal of marriage. If
Cindy has no objections; then I would be honored if they would agree to
a wedding here at the White House on Friday," he said, looking at
Cindy. Cindy looked at John, tears welling up in her eyes. He smiled at
her and she turned to the President and nodded.

"Thank you, Mr. President, we would be honored," Cindy said. Again the
crowd was on its feet in applause. The other women all crowded around
Cindy and hugged and kissed her. Bill and Kevin shook John's hand.
Kevin and Theresa joined hands and smiled at each other. Andrea moved
to Bill's side and took his. John motioned the President over. He
whispered something in his ear. The President smiled and nodded. John
pulled Kevin and Bill into a huddle and then Bill turned to Andrea and
Kevin to Theresa and conferred with them. Andrea threw her arms around
Bill's neck and kissed him hard in reply. Theresa did the same to
Kevin. The President took this as a yes.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very pleased to announce that it will be a
*triple* wedding. Andrea has agreed to marry William and Theresa has
agreed to marry Kevin. My apologies to the other women, but it appears
that we have run out of eligible men for the moment," said the
President. Again the crowd went wild in applause. All the women kissed
and hugged everybody, doing their very best to keep it reserved. The
real kisses would come later.

"Now, I would be honored to offer all the recipients our hospitality at
the White House for the week. I'm sure we can find enough
accommodations for them all. I thank you all for coming," concluded the
President. He moved down the line and again congratulated them all.
Andrea hugged him, much to his chagrin and the Secret Services
discomfort. To *balance* things, the First Lady moved down the line and
hugged them all. Then the President and the First lady slipped back
inside. The Vice-President and his wife guided the recipients all
inside.

For the next week, the recipients were all over the international
press. In a separate ceremony at the White House, the Austrian
Ambassador awarded the *Austrian Gold Cross of Honor* to both Catarina
and Bianca. Other countries that had been trying to nail Sergei
Nickolov jumped in and showered the recipients with more honors and
Medals. It is highly doubtful that the White House had ever experienced
the level of sexual activity that occurred that week. Once the
situation with Bianca was explained to the First Lady, she gave her
unofficial permission to the group to deal with it as they thought
best. In fact she secretly desired to be a part of the cure. Much to
their surprise, the guests were given free run of the accommodations.

The White House staff turned a blind eye to all the musical bedroom
activity that went on. Cindy got her night in the Lincoln Bedroom, in
fact several. Then they let Kevin and Theresa and Bill and Andrea each
have it for a night. Lastly, Sally and Jean spent a night alone in the
old four poster. Nobody seemed to notice when Amy and Alice slipped
into the Lincoln bedroom on Bill's and Andrea's night.

The only evidence that the White House staff noticed any of the
activities, was that each morning the right number of breakfast plates
would show up at the right place. In reality, the staff was abuzz with
gossip over the activities. There were even betting pools over who
would share whose bed for the night. None of this leaked out, they all
had the positions they held because of the fact that they could be
discrete. The First lady quietly reminded a few of them of this fact.

During the day, the brides to be were escorted to the local Second Skin
salon, and at the First Lady's insistence, the finest designers were
given a free hand on the equipment to design the bridal gowns. Once
they learned the system, the designers turned out stunning outfits.
Hand stitching additional material to net body suits spun for each of
the brides.

Each evening there was a reception for the cream of the Diplomatic
crowd. Everybody who was anybody called in all favors to get on the
guest list and meet the famous guests. Sheila, Mae, Cindy, Theresa and
Sally took the opportunity to take names for special bullet proof
outfits for the diplomatic wives. The First Lady herself was not
forgotten on their lists.

"Do you get the impression that the First Lady is more than a little
curious about us?" Cindy whispered to Sheila at one of the receptions.
Sheila grinned and nodded.

"I think if she wasn't in the position she's in, that she would be very
interested. If she leaned any farther, she'd fall over," she whispered
back.

"Perhaps we could do something about that if they choose to visit us at
the Silo," Cindy said, quietly.

"Perhaps I can drop a few hints in that direction. If she seems open to
them," Sheila replied quietly. Cindy nodded. They had to break off the
conversation as the Austrian ambassador's wife approached them. One
night they all adjourned to the White House theatre for a preview of
Shannon's latest film. There were some steamy love scenes in it that
got the whole group warmed up for later. Including the President and
the First lady. They weren't immune to all the amorous activity around
them. That night they talked in bed.

"So, my love. Do we *dare* make a visit to the silo?" asked the First
Lady.

"You sure you want to?" asked the President.

"Quite sure. I know for a fact that you're more than a little intrigued
by the triplets," she said.

"You know I would never do anything about that," he said.

"Make you a deal. You don't ask what I do and I won't ask what you do.
I think the silo could provide us with a very nice vacation away from
prying eyes... if you can keep the Secret Service out," she said. The
President looked at her to see if she was serious. She was.

"Could still be dangerous. Their *inclinations* are bound to come out
in the press... I've already seen hints of it," he said.

"So... We're honoring a group of heroic citizens. What you lose in
moral majority votes you're sure to pick up from the gay community,"
she coaxed.

"Alright, I'll agree on one condition," he said.

"What's that?" she asked.

"That we share a night *together* with the triplets," he said. She
smiled.

"Deal!" she said, "Provided you don't have a Presidential heart attack
in the process."

"Deal. The muckity muck doctors at Walter Reed gave me a clean bill of
health last week," he said.

"I think that was for dealing with international crises, I doubt they
had in mind a night with the triplets," she chuckled. He pulled her to
him and kissed her deeply.

"My, you got as steamed up over that movie as I did," she chuckled,
moving over him. On Friday, the President had a *clean* copy of the
homeless bill on his desk as promised. He signed it in a garden
ceremony just before the wedding. Amid boundless rhetoric over joint
co-operation between the parties. The wedding ceremony was conducted by
the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The Brides looked stunning in their wedding gowns, right down to
filigreed lace gloves custom spun on their mannequins. (The gowns
opened a whole new specialty market for Second Skin. Each gown would
cost fifteen thousand dollars, if the buyers could get an appointment.
Sheila was very careful about this to insure that no payola helped
grease the machinery.) The First Lady's own hairdresser did the brides'
hair for them. John and Bill wore custom made Tuxedo's. Kevin his
custom made Dress uniform. The Air Force sent it's band and an honor
guard.

The couples lined up before the Chief Justice, the President making
three trips down the aisle to give the brides away. The First Lady
served as maid of honor. The Senate Majority leader, the Speaker of the
House (Vice-President) and the Secretary of State served as Best Men.
The Surgeon General stood by with smelling salts. Almost needed as all
parties involved were surprisingly nervous and jittery. John, not the
least of them. They jointly repeated their vows after the Justice read
them. When he pronounced them Men and Wives, John's hands shook as he
lifted Cindy's veil. Her emerald green eyes met him and he suddenly
stopped shaking. More sure than he'd ever been in his life as his lips
descended upon Cindy's. Their kiss was warm and deep. Perhaps a little
too deep for the comfort of the gathered dignitaries. John and Cindy
didn't seem to notice. The other couples were similarly engrossed.

When the couples finally pulled back, the President moved in to kiss
the brides. Much to his surprise, Andrea quickly slipped her tongue
between their lips. He covered well as he moved on to Theresa. The
First lady moved to kiss each of the grooms and the brides. John got
his own shock as she quickly slipped hers into his mouth. Cindy was
less surprised when she did the same to her. The actions were so quick
that nobody caught them. A *very* good thing.

Kevin and Theresa walked down an aisle between raised swords of the Air
Force Honor Guard. John and Cindy and Bill and Andrea were treated to
the same from the White House Honor Guard. Then the party began. It was
one of the biggest the White House had ever thrown. With a grand Ball
in the White House Ball room. The brides threw their bouquets, Candice,
Mae and Judy caught them.

'What am I doing?' Judy wondered. The newlywed couples starting off the
activities with a waltz.

"You know, you're kind of a hard act to follow," Cindy said to John as
they danced.

"So I guess you'd better keep me," he said.

"Just what I had in mind. I love you," she said.

"I love you too. Really, I would even if you were penniless," John
chuckled.

"Sure you do, I know you married me for my money," she chuckled.

"Why not. You've got more than I do now, lots more," he said.

"That was your choice love. Whatever I have is yours. *Everything* I
have is yours," she said.

"That's the part I was interested in. I just want you for your brain
and that luscious body," he said.

"Under that table after we cut the cakes?" she asked.

"I think the Lincoln Bedroom will suffice," he said.

"Are we booked in there again? I'm kind of worried over that bed.
Besides, it hardly seems fair to the others," Cindy said.

"That, my dear, is what worries me as well; not the bed part. The
fairness to the others part. If you'll remember, I've proposed to all
of you. There's no way I can match this for the others," John said.

"They don't mind. I've talked to them all already. They know that this
is all just political game playing. Fact is that they've all snuck into
the Lincoln Bedroom for their own private sessions on that bed over the
past week. The staff seems not to notice, but I'm sure we've raised
more than a few eyebrows," Cindy replied.

"Did the First Lady *French* you too?" he asked, quietly.

"Yup. And a more profound one when we made an official pit stop
afterwards," Cindy said.

"They're coming to the silo for a four day visit next month," John
said.

"Oh *that* should be interesting," Cindy chuckled.

"I'll say, ostensibly, you're fitting the First Lady for a bullet proof
wardrobe. I figure you can resurrect the prototype scanner as all the
others will be in service," John chuckled.

"You are *so bad*.... I love you," Cindy said.

"I love you too... Mrs. Stevens," John said. Cindy looked shocked. She
lay her head on John shoulder and fought off her tears.

"I never thought I'd get to hear that. Mrs. Stevens.... I like it," she
said.

"Want to hyphenate it? Cindy Brooks-Stevens?" he asked.

"Not on your life. My parents don't deserve the honor... you do," she
said.

"I noticed that they weren't present at the wedding," John said.

"No, the First Lady asked both Theresa and I about it. We both flatly
declined the offer to have them flown in. Fact is that we both said
we'd walk out on the deal if they did," Cindy said.

"Well, darling wife of mine, I think the President wants to dance with
you and the First Lady with me," John said, guiding them towards the
First couple.

"You behave yourself with her," Cindy teased.

"Tell that to her!" John said, laughing as the waltz ended. John bowed
deeply to Cindy and she curtsied in response. John had stopped in front
of the First couple and took the opportunity to again kiss his bride
before releasing her to the President. He bowed to the First Lady and
she moved to him as Cindy and the President danced away with the next
waltz.

"My, such passion. Are you always that way with your women?" asked the
First Lady about the kiss, once they were safely out on the dance floor
again.

"Always," John replied.

"I'm quite looking forward to our visit next month," she said,
demurely.

"I promise you a *very* enjoyable time," John replied, smiling. She
gripped his hand and side a little tighter as they danced.

"How long does this dance last, Mr. President?" Cindy asked.

"Why, am I that bad a dancer?" he asked. Cindy laughed.

"No, Mr. President. You are an excellent dancer. I meant the Ball
itself," she said.

"Thank you, comes from dancing with quite a few diplomat's wives with
big feet. I had to learn to keep my toes safe. You are a good dancer
yourself. In answer to your question; a few hours. You and John can
sneak off after the first hour and a half," he said.

"I wasn't thinking of that, Mr. President. I was thinking of the other
women. I know that they'd truly love to dance with each other in the
White House Ballroom. I don't think that would be a good idea with the
assembled crowd. Any chance for a little private party afterwards?"
Cindy asked.

"I'll see to it. In the meantime, they will find many attractive
members of the White House honor guard very willing to dance with them.
I'll make a point of dancing with each of them myself too. But I think
we can shoo the diplomats out and then come back for a little private
party later. Good enough?" he asked.

"Yes, Thank you, Mr. President. That's very kind of you," Cindy said.

"No problem, especially for guests as lovely as you women," he said.

"Why, Mr. President. Are you making a pass at me?" Cindy teased.

"Not an official one, of course. Call me Tom," he said.

"Well thank you, Tom. I'm *unofficially* flattered," she chuckled.

"Such scandalous behavior from a married woman," he teased.

"Tell that to your wife. She *unofficially* checked my tonsils a little
while ago," Cindy chuckled.

"Did she now? You know, I've been married to that woman for fifteen
years and I never had a clue that she had those kind of inclinations,"
he mused.

"You're not upset about that, I hope?" Cindy asked.

"On the contrary... The past week our love life has taken a decided
turn for the better. I attribute that to you folk's inspiration," the
President said.

"Glad to be of service... " Cindy chuckled, "I'll bet the White House
has never seen the likes of us before."

"You'd be partially wrong about that. Oh, certainly not all at once,
like this past week. But during many earlier administrations there was
a whole lot of *unofficial* hanky panky. Certainly nothing like this
since the press declared open season on politicians' personal lives,"
he said.

"Oh, I figured those creaks got into that magnificent bed in the
Lincoln bedroom some way," Cindy chuckled.

"It does creak, doesn't it?" he mused.

"Why, Mr. President Tom. Have you been fooling around in the Lincoln
Bedroom?" Cindy asked, teasing.

"One of Muriel's first official acts as First Lady was to drag me in
there and close the door," he chuckled.

"Well, if it wasn't my wedding night... and you didn't have the Secret
Service and that damn officer carrying the *Football* around behind
your every step, I'd be inclined to do the same to you," Cindy said.

"Why thank you. That's the best *almost* offer I've had in years," he
said.

"And when you come visit... I trust that we can keep them restricted to
the first floor?" Cindy asked.

"They'll both bitch about it. But count on it. I'm certain I'd be safe
with you folks," said the President.

"Oh, we make no such promise. But if you expire, it will be from *very*
natural causes," Cindy chuckled. The music ended.

"Thank you for a lovely dance, Mrs. Stevens," said the President,
bowing to her.

"You are quite welcome, Mr. President," Cindy replied, curtsying.

"Don't let the feminists see you doing that," he chuckled.

"Fuck them! Mr. President. Good manners never go out of style," Cindy
replied.

"Quite so. Quite so," he smiled. He moved off to dance with the other
brides along with John. Cindy and the First lady moved to dance with
the other grooms. After a few dances, the other couples joined them on
the dance floor. Each of the other women accepting a handsome Honor
Guard as her partner. When he could the President moved off to give
instructions to his staff about the private party after the official
ball.

After a requisite period of time, the President slipped off with the
First lady. This was the cue of the diplomats to excuse themselves.
They did so slowly, each making a point of wishing the brides and
grooms best of luck. Their wives literally dragging their husbands away
thinking they were doing the brides a favor. They were. After the last
couple left, the staff moved around and closed the curtains, like they
were shutting down for the night. The President and the First lady
returned and the doors were shut.

To start things off, they each walked up and asked one of the single
triplets to dance. Alice got the First Lady. Amy, the President. Seeing
the First Lady dancing with Alice, the other women turned and chose
partners. Soon the dance floor was again filled with unlikely couples.
The military orchestra was turned away from the dancers. Only the
conductor actually saw what was going on. But all of them had been
notified that if a single word of the evening's later events leaked
out, that they would be serving the rest of their tours of duty at the
far end of the Aleutian Islands. They shivered a bit at the thought and
played on.

Only after everybody got to dance with everybody did the President and
First lady make their farewells for the night. The orchestra was
dismissed and not a single White House staff was in sight when the
first couple hugged and kissed everybody goodnight. More than a few
tonsils got checked and many oral promises were made. Then the First
couple slipped off and the staff reappeared to direct the others to
their sleeping quarters.

To say the least, John and Cindy tested the glued joints on Lincoln's
bed real hard. It creaked loudly, but held. They didn't get much sleep.
Neither did the other newlyweds. Bill the least of them, as the other
two triplets had an adjoining bedroom connected by a joint bathroom.
After their *inaugural* ride, the other two slipped in and
congratulated the couple in their own manner. Even the President didn't
get much sleep. He'd never seen the First Lady so turned on in the
whole time they'd been married. He responded in kind. It was a late
night throughout the White House. Cindy lay in John's arms. Playing her
fingertips in his sparse chest hair.

"I didn't think it would feel different... but it does," she said.

"Disappointed?" John asked.

"Not a bit. It feels *better*. Just knowing I've got you from now on,"
she said. John pulled her to him and they kissed, as man and wife.
Elsewhere the other newlyweds were doing the same.

Chapter 89

The Newlyweds were served a late breakfast by the White House staff.
The cooks had prepared Monte Cristo's all around, along with Champagne
orange juice (Mimosas) and the richest French Roasted coffee on earth.

"Where did they find out about this?" John asked.

"I guess from me. I happened to mention to the First Lady what your
favorite breakfast was," Cindy said.

"Well, thank you, Mrs. Stevens," John said. Cindy moved into his lap
and kissed him.

"Quite welcome, husband of mine. I must say that the Champagne orange
juice never tasted so good," she said, taking another sip.

"I doubt it will again ether, it's probably made with Dom Perignon,"
John said.

"Your tax dollars at work," Cindy chuckled, downing her glass.

"So where do you want to go on our honeymoon?" John asked.

"All arranged, husband of mine. Heather's expecting us in Minnesota.
She promised us two weeks of the best debauchery to be had on the
planet," Cindy said.

"That so, wife of mine? Perhaps I'll just keep you to myself for the
two weeks," he said.

"Suit yourself. I'm agreeable. But I doubt you could pass up those
magnificent breasts. She quite enjoyed the attention we gave them last
time. I wouldn't want to disappoint her," Cindy said.

"You have a point. You certain you want company on our honeymoon?" he
asked.

"Quite certain. Oh, I expect *exemplary* performance out of you,
besides, husband of mine. But I want a little something available to
nibble on after I tucker you out," she said.

"That little remark is going to cost you. I feel another marathon
coming on," John chuckled. Cindy sighed.

"No please. I knew you'd think I wanted that. But I don't. What I want
is two weeks of gentle lovemaking at our leisure. With a lovely woman
joining us as the whim hits us all. I don't know if you understand
about Heather and I," she said, softly.

"So explain it to me," John said.

"Well... Sally's got Jean. Sheila's got Catarina. The triplets in
general have Bill. Theresa's got Kevin, Mae and Candice have paired
off. Shannon's got Bianca, Judy's got *everybody*... Anyway, we all
love you dearly, but it feels like everybody else has a special
relationship that they share with another *besides* you. Everybody
*but* me," she said.

"You have a good relationship with everybody yourself. I know you share
a special relationship with both Theresa and Sally," John said.

"That's just what I mean. They each have someone really special to them
besides," Cindy said.

"And Heather is your someone special?" John asked. Cindy nodded against
him.

"Well, I certainly don't object if my new bride wants to share our bed
with one of the most desirable women on the planet. Your happiness is
what I desire most," John said.

"I know that. And I love you for it," she said.

"Cool, let's get married," he said.

"We did, on the White House lawn. The Chief Justice of the Supreme
court read our vows to us. Remember?" she said.

"That really happened? I thought it was all a dream," John said.

"Almost every minute of my time with you has seemed that way to me,"
Cindy said, snuggling to him.

"Perhaps we have time for one last session on President Lincoln's bed,"
John suggested. Cindy nodded, but just then there was a quiet knock on
the door. Cindy moaned softy and then shrugged and snagged their robes
for them. Once they were fastened, John said, "Come in." It was the
First Lady.

"I'm sorry to intrude. The staff said they had served you breakfast. I
hope I'm not interrupting?" she said.

"No, of course not, Muriel. Please, come in," Cindy said, starting to
get up. John did too.

"No please, sit down. I won't stay long. I can just sit on the bed
here.... I have fond memories of this bed. I'll bet you two will as
well," she said. She had pushed the door shut behind her before she
moved to the bed and sat down and slowly crossed her legs, facing the
couple at the table. She had what looked like a handkerchief in her
hand.

"Yes, we certainly will," Cindy said, barely recovering her voice.

"I just came in to say goodbye and wish you both the best of luck in
your marriage. I have to leave to make an appointment in Hawaii for
tomorrow morning. But I wanted you both to know I'm quite looking
forward to our visit to your silo next month," the First Lady said,
changing her legs again, slowly.

"And we're quite looking forward to it as well. I think we can promise
you a *very* enjoyable time," John said.

"Yes, I'm quite certain you mean it. Well, I'd better be going," she
said, slowly uncrossing her legs and moving to stand. Cindy turned her
chair a bit and slowly crossed her legs in the direction of the bed.
John did the same. The First Lady sat back down a moment, then blushed
and rose shakily to her feet.

"I've never known these..... Well, I have enjoyed having you all here,"
she said.

"Thank you, it was a pleasure staying here," Cindy said, standing and
letting her robe slip open a bit before she slowly retied it. John did
the same. The First Lady smiled at them both and then moved to hug
Cindy. She went to pull back but Cindy pulled her into a long kiss. The
First Lady blushed, but returned the kiss. John moved to their side and
the First Lady turned to him.

"I guess a hug would be inappropriate," John said, extending his hand.
His robe slipped open and he made no move to close it.

"Oh, I think it would be in order," said the First Lady, moving to him.
She lifted her head and he kissed her. He wasn't the least surprised
when her tongue met his. He did his very best to make it memorable. She
quivered a bit before he released her, then she was wobbly on her feet.
John slowly retied his robe.

"I think you two have time for one last round on that wonderful bed. I
look forward to seeing you both next month," the First Lady said,
breathlessly.

"Thank you for your hospitality," John said.

"Yes, thank you for *everything*," Cindy said.

"You are both quite welcome... to *everything*," said the First Lady,
winking at them. She slipped out and closed the door behind her. John
and Cindy sat down heavily.

"It wasn't my imagination. The First Lady just flipped us both a
*beaver shot?*" Cindy asked.

"Yes dear, and we each flipped one back," John said, pouring another
cup of the outstanding coffee. Cindy poured another big glass of the
Mimosa. She took a big swig.

"Life with you certainly seems to have it's unforgettable moments," she
said.

"Guess that's why you married me," John chuckled.

"One of the reasons. Come on. I fear she would be greatly disappointed
if we didn't do one more round on that bed," Cindy said.

"One mustn't disappoint the First Lady," John said, moving towards the
bed.

"No, one mustn't," Cindy said, casting her robe aside.

"Oh, she left her handkerchief," Cindy said, picking it up. It wasn't a
handkerchief, it was a pair of white satin monogrammed panties.

"Maybe she thought we needed inspiration," John chuckled. Cindy sniffed
at them and giggled. Then she pulled them onto herself.

"Just pull them aside when you need," she said.

"I'll need in about two minutes," John said.

"Oh? You don't want to sample the bouquet?" Cindy chuckled.

"Yes, for about two minutes. Then I want to sample yours," John said.
Perhaps it was the panties, or perhaps it was their last time in the
magnificent historical bed, but their last session was their best
session... not counting their first as man and wife the previous
evening. They showered and dressed and went down to join the others.

The President himself saw them off. The men all shook his hand and
thanked him. The women all hugged and kissed him. Briefly, as there
were other staff about. Andrea still managed to get the tip of her
tongue between his lips. He wasn't surprised when Amy and Alice did
too.

"I look forward to visiting you all next month," said the President.

"Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for everything," John said,
shaking his hand, "We look forward to seeing you next month as well."
The President walked them out to the Helicopter. Everybody's luggage
was already on board. They boarded and the President stepped back as
the pilot wound up the turbine. The flight to the Airforce base was
interestingly quiet. John broke it.

"So, Bill. Where are you going on your Honeymoon?" he asked.

"Camp David. The President has graciously given us the use of his cabin
for two weeks," Bill replied.

"That was nice of him," John said.

"Very nice. Very nice indeed. Did you perchance happen to look at any
of the presents we received?" Bill asked.

"Why.. no. Not really," John said.

"There's a not so small fortune there for each of us. One of mine was
an envelope containing the deed to a town house on the Potomac," Bill
mused.

"You're kidding," John said.

"Nope. Seems they want me to be comfortable whenever I'm in Washington
D.C.," Bill said.

"Who gave you that?" John asked.

"The Russian President. Delivered by their ambassador. There was a note
saying; *For a game well played*," Howdy chuckled.

"Stranger things have happened," John said.

"Not usually to me," Bill said.

"Excuse me, Sir. I couldn't help overhearing. Here's a list of the
presents we loaded for everybody," said a steward, handing John a piece
of paper. John thanked him and perused the list. He busted out
laughing.

"What?" Bill asked.

"I got title to a deluxe motor home and compact car... -A small
Masarati- to tow behind it," John said.

"The Russians?" Bill asked. John nodded.

"I must say, they're good sports about losing," Bill said.

"I'm not so sure they lost," John said.

"How so?" Bill asked.

"I think we probably did their image a world of good when we took
Nickolov away from them. They're probably glad to be rid of him. I
think that maybe they were more afraid of him than we were. He
represented the old system. Now they can move on to the new system,"
John said.

"You might be right," Bill said. The women sat together in a different
section.

"You'll never believe what I have on," Cindy whispered to Sheila.

"Let me guess. A pair of monogrammed panties," Sheila giggled. Cindy
was dumbfounded.

"How?" she said.

"I have my own pair. She came and visited us last night, just as we
were turning in," Sheila said, quietly.

"She left you a pair too?" Cindy asked, quietly.

Sheila leaned and whispered into Cindy's ear, "She let me remove them
myself."

"You *didn't?*" Cindy asked shocked.

"No, not what you're asking. I think she was afraid to stay that long.
But we let her remove ours. She was so worried about it she wore them
out, both pairs," Sheila giggled, quietly.

"Who was with you last night?" Cindy asked.

"Just Sally, then. Shannon joined us later," Sheila said.

"So she got to see both you and Sally's cute little units?" Cindy asked
in a whisper.

"All three of us. She came back this morning with another pair for each
of them. She collected a pair from Shannon in the process," Sheila
whispered back.

"Should be a *very* interesting time when they come visit next month,"
Cindy mused quietly.

"I'll say. I think we *all* have on monogrammed panties," Sheila
giggled.

"*All?*" Cindy gasped. Sheila nodded.

"God, I hope she doesn't have crabs," Cindy mused quietly. Sheila
busted out laughing.

"That I doubt," she finally managed when she recovered.

"What's so funny?" John asked from the rear.

"I'll tell you about it later, dear heart," Cindy chuckled. John
shrugged.

"You did *what?*" the President asked the First Lady. She hadn't really
had to leave that early to make it to Hawaii. She could leave at
midnight, get a good sleep and still make her appointment on time
because of the time zones.

"I gave each of the girls a pair of my panties. You wanted the trip to
the silo to be memorable. I just insured it," she said.

"You just left them in their rooms?" he asked.

"Only the newlyweds rooms. I let the others take them off themselves,"
she said.

"Take them off, themselves, what all of them? How did you do that?" he
asked.

"It was only fair. They let me take theirs off. I just came back and
put on a new pair between visits," she said.

"That explains all that coming and going last night.. and this morning.
They let you take theirs off?" he asked.

"It also explains why I was so damn hot last night. Yes, they let me
take theirs off. Actually we traded. I wore theirs back each time.
Sometimes two at a time," she said.

"My god. What if they talk?" he said.

"I don't think there is any danger of that. I doubt I ever met a more
ethical group of people in my life. Not at all like politicians," the
First Lady giggled.

"You got to see all of them?" the President asked.

"Yes dear, every single one of them. They're all as cute as your
deepest fantasies. Most of them clean shaven. The others neatly
trimmed. And I'm fairly dripping myself. What say we meet in the
Lincoln Bedroom in ten minutes?" she said.

"I can't. I have a meeting in five minutes with the SecState," he
replied.

"Oh pooh. What fun is it being the most powerful man on earth if you
can't sneak away for a nooner every now and then? It is Sunday, you
know," she said. The President looked at her.

"Tell you what. You go ahead. I'll meet you there as soon as I can get
rid of him," he said.

"Okay, but you better hurry. I've got Amy's panties on and my legs are
about to turn blue. They fit her *very* well and she's a lot smaller
than I am," the First Lady giggled.

"Amy's panties?" he asked. She nodded and lifted her skirt to show him.
They were indeed tight... and *very* sexy. "I'll be there as fast as I
can," he said, heading out the door. The First Lady picked up the phone
and called down to the staff. The call was answered by the chief
steward.

"The President and I will be napping in the Lincoln Bedroom for the
next two or three hours. We are not to be disturbed unless it is a
national emergency," she said.

"Yes, Ma'am," the Chief Steward replied. He grinned as he hung up the
phone. He held his hand out to the head Chef.

"Lincoln Bedroom?" the Chef asked. The Steward nodded.

"How the hell did you know that?" asked the Chef, reaching for his
wallet.

"Just a hunch," replied the Steward, collecting his fifty dollars.

The First Lady turned down the bed and found one of Cindy's
undergarments. Actually, it was a very thin body suit, which she
normally wore instead of underwear. The First Lady held it up and the
shape clearly defined Cindy's pubic area and breasts, right down to the
dents for her nipples. Cindy was about her same size, so the outfit
should fit her. That wasn't what bothered the first lady. She stashed
the garment in her purse and stepped into the hall. She flagged a maid.

"Did you change the bedding in here today?" she asked.

"Yes, Ma'am. Right after they went downstairs," the maid replied.

"Did they come back up?" the First Lady asked.

"Miss Brooks... I mean Mrs. Stevens did. She said she wanted one last
look at the room. For the memories. I didn't think it would matter. I
let her in. Is something missing, Ma'am? Did I do wrong?" the maid
asked.

"No, you did just fine. She must have sat on the bed. It was just a bit
wrinkled. I was just concerned whether or not the bedding had been
changed," replied the First Lady.

"Yes, Ma'am. I changed it myself. I checked the room after she left. I
didn't see any wrinkles. I'm sorry, Ma'am," said the maid, concerned.

"You did just fine. It may have been my imagination. You can go on
about your duties now. The President and I will be napping in here for
the afternoon."

"Yes, Ma'am," the maid said, curtsying despite her instructions to the
contrary. She turned and headed down the hall, hiding her smirk. The
First Lady went back and closed the door behind her. She held up
Cindy's body suit again.

"This makes it a full set," she mused, pleased with the idea. She
stashed the outfit again and began to strip off her clothes. She
crawled into the bed. Despite the clean bedding, the bed still held the
aroma of the couple from the night before. The First Lady stretched and
inhaled deeply. The President knocked lightly and she bade him enter.
When she saw it was him, she cast the bedding aside. She lay nude
except for the extra tight panties she wore. The President smiled and
stepped to the bed.

"I really shouldn't be doing this, I have work to do," he said.

"My darling husband. I've been with you thick or thin for the past
fifteen years. I didn't notice when you came home smelling of another
woman's perfume when you were supposed to be out with a bunch of other
Senators working on a bill. But if you don't get in this bed this very
minute, you'll be trying to get re-elected as a divorced man. Clear
enough?" she said. He was enough of a politician to know when he was
outmaneuvered. She really never had said a word about his
indiscretions. He was silly enough to think that she hadn't noticed. He
turned and locked the door and then pulled off his clothes.

"That's better, Mr. President," she teased. Later she lay snuggled to
his side, twirling Amy's panties on her fingers, playfully.

"You never said a word about it before. I thought you didn't know. I
haven't done anything for years," he said.

"I knew. You didn't marry me because I was stupid. You knew I graduated
Magna Cum Lauda," she said.

"Why didn't you ever say anything?" he asked.

"Because I wanted to be married to the President of the United States.
I am. If I'd said anything, I might not have been," she said.

"Why tell me now?" he asked.

"'Cause I got the impression earlier that you were maybe thinking of
getting cold feet about the trip to the silo. I don't want that to
happen. Basically, what I'm telling you, is that it's my turn. I like
those people. What I said earlier about them being the most ethical
people I ever met.. it's true. I want them to be our friends. Besides
the fact that I'm more than a little curious about ... the women," she
said, lightly drawing the panties over her breasts.

"And what if their bisexuality becomes a big deal in the press?" the
President asked.

"Then, dear heart, you'd better think of something. 'Cause I aim to be
their friend no matter what happens," she said.

"It could end my career," he said.

"Not likely. You've got another year to go before re-election. Your
popularity is the highest it's ever been. You owe a good part of that
to those people. That homeless program is a brilliant idea, and you
know it. Fact is that I think you owe some loyalty to them.
*Especially* if the press decides to tear into them," she said.

"The moral majority would never stand for it," he said. She looked at
him sharply.

"You know yourself, that the moral majority is neither moral, nor the
majority. They're just very vocal. The very thing that those people at
the silo believe in, is exactly what America stands for. That nobody,
not the moral majority, the Pope, or the American Nazi party has the
*right* to tell other people how they should live their lives. Not by
force or coercion. Not the press and not the President. You once knew
that. That's why I married you. Perhaps you are not the man I thought
you were...." she said, dropping her eyes.

"You're asking me to defend a small group of people against the status
quo of a whole nation," he said.

"A small heroic group of people whom I listened to you say just a week
ago exemplified the highest traditions of America. I believe that is
true. Don't you? Didn't you when you presented those awards? Have you
ever met a group of people who were *more* deserving of those awards?
Just last year I watched you present that Freedom Award to a whole
group of people who didn't have one iota of the qualities that John
Stevens does. That's the highest award that you can present to a
civilian. Personally I felt ashamed that you didn't have a higher one
to present to him because it put him in the same category as that group
last year.

"That inner city Reverend, for example. The one that they later found
siphoning off funds into his own bank account. Stealing from the very
people he was purporting to help. Did anybody ask for his Medal back?
While John Stevens pledges millions of his *own* money to help the
homeless and presents you with a plan that saves your political ass in
the process while giving this country a means of dealing with a problem
that's been growing like a wild fire," Muriel said, virtually shouting
at the end, starting to sob.

"Settle down, you don't know what you're saying," he said.

"I know *exactly* what I'm saying!" she spat. Climbing out of bed and
pulling on her clothes.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I have a plane to catch so that I can be in Hawaii tomorrow morning to
meet with a group of school children. A group that is bound to be full
of questions about a group of heroes that were just presented at the
White House. I have no idea how I'm going to face them knowing it was a
hypocritical asshole who presented those heroes with their Medals," she
said, storming out. The President lay there stunned. He'd never heard
or seen such passion in his wife in the whole time of their marriage.
The problem was, she was right. He dressed and went after her. He found
her in her bedroom packing.

"I'm sorry," he said.

"About what?" she snapped.

"About everything. I didn't know you felt that strongly about it," he
said.

"Well I do!" she said.

"Can we talk about it?" he asked.

"Make it quick. I've got a plane to catch." she said, continuing her
packing.

"We've got stewards to do that," he said.

"You know that I've never used them. I've always packed my own bags,"
she said.

"I know. You were always a strong willed woman. That's why I married
you," he said.

"Because I'm strong willed? Why, so you could feel more important
dominating me?" she asked.

"No, so you could remind me at times like this just what it *means* to
be a President," he said. She stopped and looked up at him. He seemed
to be sincere. "Look maybe it won't become an issue...." he began. She
looked at him disgustedly and went back to her packing. "But if it
does... I'll stand behind them," he said. She looked back at him,
suspiciously. "It might mean the end of my term of office... but if it
does, I'd rather lose the office than you," he said. She dropped what
she was doing and moved into his arms. She hugged him tightly and then
kissed him.

"Now *that's* the man I married," she said.

"What time is your flight?" he asked.

"We've got time," she said.

Chapter 90

The group said their farewells at the Airforce base. Bill and Andrea
and Kevin and Theresa were headed off to Camp David. Hugs and kisses
were exchanged all around. John shook Kevin's and Bill's hands and
kissed Andrea and Theresa. He lingered a moment with Theresa.

"Well, pumpkin. I guess this is it. You're all grown up and now you've
found your dream man," John said.

"I found *another* dream man. I hope I still have you too," Theresa
said.

"You will always have me... as long as I last," he said.

"That will be a while yet," she said.

"Maybe.. My point being that you are a grown woman now. When you come
home next, it will be as a grown adult with her husband. As such you
should have a place of your own," he said.

"You're kicking me out?" she asked in alarm.

"No, love. I just wanted you to know that you will have a place of your
own when you get back. That spot you and Kevin liked out by the
mountains. It's yours. My wedding present to you," John said. Theresa
hugged him tightly and began weeping on his shoulder.

"Thank you, John. I'll always love you," she said, pulling herself
away. John let her.

"Andrea, you and Bill have your own spot waiting when you come pick it
out," John said.

"I don't understand," Andrea said.

"Kevin and Theresa fell in love with a little spot on the property I
own. I just gave them that spot as a wedding present. You and Bill can
pick out your own piece of land when you get back," John said.

"My own piece of land?" Andrea asked, getting teary eyed.

"Yes, dear. Your very own," he said. Andrea hugged him and kissed him
before Bill pulled her off, sobbing herself. John watched as they
reboarded the Helicopter. Cindy moved to his side and kissed his cheek.

"You're a good man, John," she said, snuggling to his side.

"Hardly equal to a Townhouse on the Potomac," John mused.

"You gave them much more than that... you gave them a *home*," Cindy
said. John looked at her and nodded. "Come on dear, we better get on
board ourselves," she said, leading him. Sheila moved to his other
side.

"You okay?" she asked. John stretched his arm around her shoulder.

"Yes, love. I'm fine. Just watching some of my girls grow up," John
said. Sheila kissed his cheek and nodded. The executive jet now had
multiple stops to make. New York for Shannon, Sheila, Catarina, Bianca
and Sally and Jean, Minnesota for John and Cindy, Salt Lake for Judy,
Amy and Alice and then San Francisco for Mae and Candice. The first leg
was a relatively short hop. They saved time by making their farewells
on the plane.

"We'll see all of you in about three weeks," John said.

"You want to see us back at the Silo now that you are married?"
Catarina asked.

"I thought we had made it clear that you were now part of the family,"
Cindy said.

"Well, yes. But I thought that you marrying John may have changed
that," Catarina said. Cindy pulled her into her arms.

"You listen up. John and I getting married at the White House was all
just part of a big politics game. It doesn't change the way either of
us feels about any of you. He's proposed to each and every one of you.
I intend to see he keeps that promise," Cindy said. Catarina smiled and
kissed her. Then Cindy pushed her towards John and he held her tight
while she did the same with Bianca.

"How are you doing?" Cindy asked.

"I am doing well. I hardly have any cravings now..... except for the
feel of those I love in my arms. I think I will always crave that,"
Bianca replied.

"I hope you never get over that," Cindy chuckled, pulling her into a
soft kiss. Bianca hugged her tightly before moving on to John. Sheila
moved into Cindy's arms.

"Well, boss. I'm due for a pay cut. Our sales have exceeded the point
where my percentage is too much," Sheila said.

"Well, you'll just have to wait till Theresa and I are back together so
we can talk about it," Cindy smiled.

"Thank you again for saving my life," Bianca told John.

"You are quite welcome. You have a good time in New York. I want to see
you back at the Silo in three weeks. I think that we need to schedule a
trip to Austria for you and Catarina and Cindy and I," John said.

"Yes, it would be nice to see my birthplace again.... but my *home* is
here.... with you," Bianca said.

"Thank you. You have a good time in New York. Don't drool too much over
those lovely ladies you'll be scanning," John said. Sheila was waiting
in the wings. Bianca moved off and she moved in.

"Hey, sailor. Off again with one of your lovelies?" she said.

"Seems I'm stuck with a bunch of them," John said.

"Seems you like it. I do too.... Thank you. You promised me a whirl
wind life. You've made good that promise. I'm just sorry I missed the
Lincoln Bedroom with you," Sheila said. John kissed her softly.

"May happen yet, you never know," he said.

"No, with you I never do know.... except that you love me and I love
you," she chuckled.

"What more does a person need?" John asked.

"Just love and time. I'll see you in three weeks," she said. So it
followed with Sally, Jean and Shannon. The farewells started almost as
soon as they had lifted off and lasted till the lights flashed to re-
belt for touchdown. After the plane taxied to the ramp there were still
kisses all around. John and Cindy made their farewells to the others on
the slightly longer hop between New York and Minneapolis.

"I don't know who I'm more worried about; with you alone with Alice and
Amy. The mind boggles. Try not to kill each other. Call my cell if you
need anything," John told Judy.

"We'll be fine. After the past three weeks... it will seem like a
vacation of our own," Judy said.

"Oh, didn't I treat you right in the week before we headed to
Washington?" John teased.

"More than right. Outstanding.... Thank you for making me a woman," she
said.

"You were a woman long before I came along," he said.

"Maybe, but I've felt more like one ever since," she said, hugging him
tightly. Alice snuggled in John's lap.

"You be good... or at least be careful," he said.

"Haven't I always been good?" she teased.

"Yes, love. You've always been excellent," John said, kissing her
softly. Amy was next, followed by Mae and Candice. "Sorry you decided
to stay with me?" John asked Candice.

"Not a bit. You sorry I've spent so much time with Mae?" she asked.

"Not a bit. I'm thrilled that you found someone so special to you," he
said.

"You were all of that. But now I've got her too.... I'll always be
grateful to you. I owe you my life," she said.

"Your love is way overpayment," John said.

"You will always have that... is my life worth so little?" she teased.

"No, your love is worth so much," he replied. They barely got through
another round of kissing when they had to belt in for Minneapolis. They
still got in another round before John and Cindy could get off the
plane. Heather Jones met them, wearing a wig and sunglasses to hide her
identify. They didn't do a thing to hide the fact that she really was
one of the most desired women on the planet from her exposure in the
movies. She was well deserving of the role. She moved in and hugged and
kissed them both.

"Come on. Before the news hounds spot us. You two have been on the
cover of every newspaper in the country for the past week," Heather
said. A steward from the executive jet set their luggage next to them,
saving them the hassle of baggage claim. They thanked him. He wouldn't
accept a tip from John.

"No, sir. The least I can do. I'd be honored to shake your hand
though," he said. John shook his hand warmly. "You seem to have your
hands pretty full, sure you can handle the bags?" joked the steward.

"I'll get a cart," John chuckled.

"Better hurry. I think those are reporters heading this way," said the
steward. They were. Everybody snatched bags and they headed down the
concourse, fielding questions.

"No, no we're not here on business. We're on our honeymoon," Cindy
said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are good friends. I invited them so they would
have a place to get away from people like you," Heather said.

"Yes, it was very nice staying at the White House. President and Mrs.
Wilson are very nice people," John said.

"How did it feel getting married in the White House?" a reporter asked
Cindy. She stopped a moment and turned to him.

"Like a dream... Like every moment has been since I first met John
Stevens," she said, then they moved on and would answer no further
questions. The drive to Heather's estate was just long enough for John
to nod off to sleep.

"It really must seem like a dream," Heather said to Cindy.

"Yes. I told that reporter the truth. Every moment since I met John has
seemed like a dream," Cindy said.

"You sure you still want to spend time with me?" Heather asked, half
teasing. Cindy looked at her and softly touched her cheek.

"Yes, you're part of that dream... a very important part," she said.

"Really?" Heather asked in surprise.

"Yes, love. Really.  John asked me to explain it to him just yesterday.
I didn't really understand it myself until I did. The others each have
someone really special to them, besides John. You're *my* someone
special *besides* him," Cindy explained.

"I can live with that. I feel the same about you," Heather said.

"I've been quite looking forward to this time with you," Cindy said.

"So tell me about the White House," Heather said.

"You would not *believe*.. What say you come back to the Silo with us
for a couple of weeks when we leave here? I promise you it will be
*very* entertaining," Cindy said.

"You're on. Now tell me about the White House," Heather said.

"The bed in the Lincoln bedroom creaks......." Cindy began. The others
relaxed a bit on the flight to Salt Lake City. John had called ahead to
insure that those stopping off at the silo would have a helicopter
waiting. Mae and Candice made a leisurely farewell to Judy and the two
remaining triplets. Judy between them and one each of the triplets on
their lap. They shifted seats when the pilot turned on the seatbelt
light for his approach. It was a bit bumpy coming in, as a storm front
had just passed. Candice held Alice's hand to reassure her. Amy did her
best to act brave, but Mae took her hand as well. There was a sigh of
relief from the matching women when the plane finally touched down.

"Now you two.... have fun. It's not my place anymore to tell you to be
good. You wouldn't listen anyway," Candice told Amy and Alice.

"I'll watch over them. They'll be fine," Judy said.

"And who will watch over you?" Mae chuckled.

"We will," Amy and Alice answered in unison.

"Like the Lioness watching the cute little antelopes," Mae mused.
Kisses were exchanged all around while the considerable amount of
luggage and packages from the wedding were transferred to the
helicopter. John had notified them ahead of time that there was a large
cargo load. So the helicopter company brought out the *Dolphin*, a
larger sized helicopter similar to the one the coast guard uses.

Even so it was packed. The pilot snagged a cargo net and separated out
the packages that could handle the weather and a small jolt and loaded
them into the net, connecting it to the bottom of the helicopter by a
cable. The women boarded and strapped in while the plane taxied out
once more. They were on different runways and each lifted almost the
same instant. The helicopter peeling off to the South-West. 'My, this
is luxury,' Mae mused. Her and Candice had the plane all to themselves.

"Would you care for something to eat? We've got plenty. It will just go
to waste otherwise," one of the stewards offered. This rubbed Candice
the wrong way. She hated to see anything go to waste.

"What have you got?" she asked.

"Some very nice roast beef," answered the steward.

"Gosh, I'm not really hungry right now, but I hate to see it go to
waste. Can't you folks take it home with you or something?" Candice
asked.

"We eat very well as it is. Perhaps a bit too well. How about I make
you up a bunch of sandwiches that you can take with you? It really is
very lean roast beef," offered the steward.

"That would be nice of you," Candice said.

"How many would you like?" asked the steward.

"It doesn't matter. Just use it up if you'd like," Candice said.

The steward smiled at her and said, "O-kay." He went off chuckling. A
funny sound was developing on the right side of the plane, just below
the threshold of consciousness for the passengers, but of instant
concern to the flight crew. A short time later one of the flight crew
made his way back and looked out a side window.

"Is something wrong?" Mae asked. The crewman looked at her and then
seemed to notice that there was only two passengers on board.

"Nothing serious. I think we're losing a bearing on number three
engine. Don't worry, we have four. We can land safely with just one or
two. The only danger is that sometimes they seize and fly apart. I
think we'll shut this one down though. We've got a very light load and
we'll hardly miss it," he said.

"So what does that mean to you? Are you worried?" Candice asked.

"No, not in the slightest. Let me just go shut it down and then I'll
come back and talk to you," he said, turning and walking forward to the
cockpit again. A short time later part of the noise from that side of
the plane faded a bit as the engine spun down. The other engines
changed pitch as the pilot compensated with both throttles and rudder.
After a time the crewman returned.

"Sorry, I was a little concerned that bearing would seize. That's the
only time it's dangerous. If it seizes the fins of the turbine break
off and go flying every which way, they've been known to come flying
through the passenger cabin. It's all safe now. We shut it down," he
explained. Candice studied him to see if he was nervous. He chuckled.

"All this means is that we have a layover in San Francisco while the
mechanics change the engine," he said.

"How long?" Mae asked.

"Oh, they could swap it in a night. But we're not booked for anything
for a while so they will probably take two days. Maybe even rebuild
that one and replace it. It's much cheaper for the taxpayer," he said.

"Oh *that* makes me feel safe," Mae chuckled.

"Not to worry. Every nut and bolt on an airplane is covered by very
strict regulations. The mechanics themselves have to be certified.
Nobody can teach an AP mechanic except another AP certified mechanic.
That's Airframe and Power plant. AP for short. Anyway, those guys know
their stuff and they don't cut corners. I never met a more persnickety
bunch of people on earth," he said.

"That makes me feel better... So what are you going to do with your two
days?" Mae asked.

"I haven't a clue. I've never been to San Francisco other than to
change planes or touch down, change passengers and take off," he said.

"You're the pilot?" Candice asked.

"Co-Pilot, on this flight. Only because the other pilot has six days
seniority over me. He's a good pilot though. Can you suggest a few
things to see and do in San Francisco?" he asked.

"We certainly can. In fact, we'd be happy to show you around if you'd
like. I've lived there for years. Candice is a relative novice at just
under a year's residence," Mae said.

"That's mighty nice of you. Would you mind if the Pilot tagged along
too?" he asked.

"Certainly not. Especially if he's as handsome as you," Mae teased.

"Probably more so. I never thought of myself as handsome," he said.

"A common affliction. Men never seem to have a clue what women find
attractive. Probably a good thing for us. I'm Mae, this is Candice,"
Mae said.

"Pleased to meet you both. My name's Scott. The pilot's name is Jim. We
call him Jimbo, *Jimbo Jet* is his whole nickname," Scott said.

"That's cute," Mae chuckled.

"What happened to the other passengers? Seemed like we had a fuller
load," Scott asked.

"Got off on all those other stops you made. Off to four different
states counting us. Five actually as three took a helicopter to a
second. Didn't you notice them leave?" Mae asked.

"Nope. We just go where they tell us. When you folks back here are
shuffling in and out, we're checking a thousand things up front. The
stewards let us know when everybody is in or out. They don't give us
numbers unless we ask. I knew we had a light load, but I didn't expect
it to be this light," Scott chuckled.

"Yes, makes me feel quite important. A whole jet to ourselves," Mae
giggled. (Candice was watching and learning. She was never very good at
hustling men. She was learning a lot.)

"I thought you *were* important. Why do you rate this anyway? I'm
sorry, I shouldn't have asked that. I withdraw the question," Scott
said.

"That's okay, we don't mind. We're just friends with some important
people. They got off at earlier stops," Mae said.

"What were you doing on the East coast?" Scott asked.

"Where have you been for the past week?" Candice asked.

"Bosnia, with the SecState, both Jimbo and I... I'm sorry, The
Secretary of State. He went over to talk about something. They don't
tell us, we just fly," Scott said.

"Must be an exciting life. Flying around the world.. In answer to your
question, we were meeting with some people in Washington D.C. and some
friends of ours got married," Mae said.

"Is kind of exciting at times. Bosnia was downright bleak. So what do
you do in San Francisco?" Scott asked.

"I run a fashion salon. Candice is my main assistant," Mae replied.

"I imagine that's getting harder, with this Second Skin thing that's
sweeping the country," Scott said.

"We've been surprisingly busy," Mae said, cryptically.

"So you've been away from your business for a few days. I'll bet you're
eager to get back to it. You sure you have time to show us around?"
Scott asked.

"Quite sure. As Candice reminded me a few days ago, the staff can
handle things. I trained them. I think I can safely stay away a few
more days," Mae said.

"You don't seem to say much," Scott said, turning to Candice.

"Oh, I'm kind of a country girl. I'm not up on the big city ways of
talking and such," Candice replied.

"Noting wrong with that. Jimbo's a country boy. You should get along
well. He doesn't say much either," Scott said. Just then a chime
sounded. "Speaking of which, that's him reminding me we have an
airplane to land. We're probably about twenty minutes out. I'll see you
when we land," Scott said, excusing himself.

"Nice talking to you," Candice said. Scott smiled back at her. "Now why
did I say that?" Candice moaned.

"To say something," Mae teased.

"I know, it just made me sound so backwards. I hardly said anything,"
Candice said.

"There's another way to look at that. Country charm," Mae said.

"So why didn't you tell him about the White House, or Second Skin?"
Candice asked.

"'Cause he likes us for ourselves. Not what we appear to be. I'd like
to keep it that way. I didn't lie to him, I just didn't tell him the
whole story," Mae chuckled.

"I can see that. You think he really likes us?" Candice asked.

"Quite sure. Eligible young Jet Pilots don't spend forty minutes
talking to passengers normally," Mae said.

"I wonder what Jimbo's like?" Candice asked.

"Got your curiosity going, huh? He's cute. I noticed him when we
boarded back East. He was busy but the door to the cockpit was open.
Kind of speaks with a drawl," Mae said.

"Where have you been?" the pilot asked.

"Getting us dates for our layover, Jimbo. Cute ones too. Found a nice
country girl for you and an oriental for me," Scott said.

"Not more diplomats' wives. I couldn't take it," Jimbo drawled.

"Nope. Bona fide single women. Not a hint of *ring tan*. They work at a
fashion house in San Francisco. Mae -the oriental woman- runs it.
Candice -that's your date- is her main assistant. Both *cuter than a
bug's ear*... as you would say," Scott said, going over his check list.

"Wonder how long they'll take with number three? I could use some R&R
after Bosnia. The women there looked like men," Jimbo said.

"I figure a good two days at least. Don't worry. They'll take good care
of your baby," Scott said.

"I'll bet. I keep worrying a devout *Shiite* is going to slip a handful
of sand in our tank. Trying to take out a handful of diplomats," Jimbo
mused.

"That's why we carry no fancy markings. Nobody but the tower knows
we're a government exec. Jet," Scott said.

"Guess you're right. I worry about the ground crews though," Jimbo
said.

"All charged to Citizen Airlines. Took some Ph.D. in the think tanks to
come up with that one," Scott replied.

"San Francisco, huh. They're probably interested in each other," Jimbo
said.

"What would you care, as long as they're interested in us?" Scott
replied.

"You have a point. Actually I was just sort of wishing. I linked up
with a pair of *them* in Paris once. Like to implode my tanks. Hottest
little pair on the planet. Got me feeling like the bull that jumps the
fence in with the cows after a year of grazing alone," Jimbo mused.

"I think I understood you. They were good with their tongues and you
got hard as a rock?" Scott asked.

"Like a Chinese elm," Jimbo nodded.

"That a hard wood?" Scott asked.

"So damn hard it's brittle," Jimbo said.

"Should be coming into the pattern at SFO soon. Better call in. I'll
flag our two lovelies to strap their cute little bottoms down," Scott
said, hitting the seatbelt light. Jimbo contacted the tower.

"SFO, This is Citizen Air one-niner. Requesting Priority approach," he
droned.

"Citizen one-niner, what is your status?" SFO returned.

"One engine down. Fuel nominal."

"Citizen one-niner. Approach from South South East. heading three-five-
oh. You want to scram the foam truck?"

"SFO, Citizen one-niner, no need. A cool shut down. Just lost a
bearing. Caught it before things got exciting. Light load, but please
notify ground control of slow taxi."

"Roger that, Citizen one-niner. You have priority approach, contact ILS
on ...." the tower droned on with landing specifics. Scott thumbed the
controls on the approach electronics as Jimbo set up for their straight
in run.

"Why'd you do that? We've landed on three engines lots of times. You
know it's no sweat," Scott said.

"You said we had dates," Jimbo drawled, grinning.

"Yeah, cute ones too," Scott mused.

"They better be. I swear if it's another hungry, middle aged diplomat's
wife I'll castrate you just like a sheep," Jimbo said.

"How's that?" Scott asked.

"You hold them in your teeth while you slice them off," Jimbo said,
grinning.

"Didn't know you had those feelings for me. I swear that Candice is
cute as a button," Scott said.

"Oh yeah? Last time you swore, it was a *really* hungry under-under
secretary's wife. She still tries to call me," Jimbo said.

"You didn't have to leave her so happy," Scott said.

"Not in my nature to do otherwise," Jimbo said.

"There's our tone. Steer five degrees to port for thirty seconds,
should put us right down the chute," Scott said.

"Then just follow the bouncing ball. Kind of miss when we actually had
to fly these things," Jimbo mused, making a slight turn to the left. He
counted to thirty without looking at the display and then steered back
five degrees right (starboard.)

"Yeah, I'll bet you miss baiting SAMs with the Wild Weasels," Scott
mocked. "Right on target. Hold 'er steady on this heading, fifty feet
high, nose down a snidge."

"Now that was exciting! You don't miss those days?" Jimbo asked, nosing
down a bit.

"I spent my tour in Nam in an air conditioned van. The most excitement
I had was when Charley decided he didn't like green boxes one day.
Mortar round tipped my van on it's side. My ears rang for a week,"
Scott said. "On the slope, hold angle of decent."

"Throttle up, half-flaps," Jimbo said.

"Half flaps, throttling up. Drifting a bit to starboard. The old baby
misses that extra push," Scott said.

"Up a bit on four, but don't redline her. I'll compensate with rudder,"
Jimbo said.

"Up on four. Like to come in sideways huh?" Scott asked.

"Hell, this is nothing. I just like the thrill of uneven braking thrust
tied with a cockeyed touchdown," Jimbo said.

"Don't you go messing up our dates," Scott said. "Back down the chute.
Not much yaw. Steer two degrees port."

"I never lost a passenger yet... 'cept my EWO... He got worried about a
little heat seeker stuck in our afterburner and punched out. Found him
three days later with a little brown sister out fifty clicks," Jimbo
mused.

"What did you do?" Scott asked.

"I brought her on in. Damn windy without that canopy. I woulda
throttled him but he was laid up with the worst case of clap on the
planet," Jimbo said.

"You came in with a live heat seeker stuck in your after burner? You're
crazier than I thought!" Scott mused.

"*Si Amigo. I'm muey loco*. I wanted out of Nam bad. Instead they gave
me a commendation. That's probably what got me a job flying VIP's
around. Outer Marker, full flaps, gear down," Jimbo said.

"Full flaps. Gear down, Twisting a bit more starboard," Scott said.

"Throttle back two eight percent," Jimbo said.

"Two back eight.... on track. Ten high. Come down two," Scott said.

"Down two."

"End of runway."

"Wheels locked?"

"Wheels locked."

"On visual..................... Touchdown. Reverse thrust, back half on
two."

"Reverse thrust back half on two."

"Whoa *Nelly*, don't go side slipping on me now, there's a country girl
in back that wants my bod whole.." Jimbo said, fighting to keep his
aircraft straight.

"Nice landing... I think. That little whip at the end probably lost our
dates for us," Scott mused.

"Any landing you walk away from is a good landing," Jimbo mused.

"Contact ground control. You used enough runway it'll take us as much
time taxiing back as we saved on the priority approach," Scott said.

"Nag nag nag, I still had a good hundred yards left," Jimbo said.

"It's a three mile runway," Scott reminded him.

"Just wanted to see this end. Don't see it very often," Jimbo said.

"I'll be glad when we're back on all four," Scott said.

"Hell, this is the most excitement we've had since Helsinki," Jimbo
said.

"Yeah, don't know what that poor cow was doing on the runway. You made
a genuine mess of her," Scott mused.

"Just pre-ground the burger for them. Ground control, this is Citizen
one-niner, bring me home."

"Citizen one-niner. Just about to call out the divers. Taxi *last*
turnout and hold to path. Hold at runway seven for Delta four-three-
seven now on inbound."

"Think he'll take the scenic route too?"

"Not likely to get within a mile of you, but rules is rules."

"Roger ground control, last turnout, hold to path, hold at seven for
Delta four-three-seven now inbound." They held at runway seven for
Delta flight four-thirty-seven to land on the other end of the runway.

"Nice out here in the boonies, ain't it?" Jimbo mused.

"You could have leaned on the brakes a little harder." Scott said.

"Naw, lost a tire once that way, now *that* was exciting! Had SecState
in back. He was *not* amused. Better to burn asphalt," Jimbo said.

"I'll keep that in mind," Scott said.

"Oh, you're a pretty good pilot. You just learn those things the hard
way. Or you pay attention to someone who has," Jimbo said.

"Noted and logged. Skipper," Scott said.

"Citizen one-niner, clear to taxi across runway seven. Delta four-
three-seven wondered if you were in quarantine out there. How's your
cargo, hot?"

"Never can tell about VIP's wives."

"Roger that. Better come into Exec twelve."

"Roger ground control, Citizen one-niner now completing taxi to Exec
one-two."

"Well that saved us half a mile, but with those moving sidewalks I
don't mind so much. You lost bail out time if you're not happy with
Candice though," Scott said.

"Hell, I trust you...*Don't I*?" Jimbo asked.

"I don't know why... but this time you'll be thanking me," Scott said.

"You take her in. Just watch them damn little dodgem cars. They're like
fleas on an old hound around this place," Jimbo said.

"Roger that. Almost nailed one of them suckers at O-hare once," Scott
said.

"Yeah, that's another place you gotta stay on your toes. They almost
directed me right on top of an outgoing once. Don't like it when it
gets that busy if I can't shoot back," Jimbo mused.

"Isn't that where you got your nickname?" the co-pilot asked.

"Yeah, co-pilot got so excited he was yelling Jimbo Jet, Jimbo Jet!
What he meant was *Jumbo* Jet in our way. I'd already seen it and was
laying on the thrust and praying," Jimbo said.

"Oh, look. A guy with cute little light sticks. I think I'll follow
him," Scott said.

"Might be a good idea..... Ease up a bit, good, nice and easy. Okay...
Nicely done, shut down."

"Chocks in?"

"Just a moment, Come on guy, they're paying you forty bucks an hour to
put them little blocks under our wheels...... Okay, chocks in. Shut her
down. Let's go see if I need to sharpen my castrating knife," Jimbo
said, killing his switches.

"We'd better notify maintenance to change that engine," Scott said.

"Air traffic should have passed the word. If they didn't we get another
day," Jimbo said, grinning.

"I'll have to remember that one too. Noted and logged," Scott said,
chuckling.

"Got your gear?" Jimbo asked.

"Change of shorts, a clean shirt and socks. Dop kit. You taught me that
a long time ago," Scott said.

"Okay, moment of truth. Want to fess up now and save your nuts?" Jimbo
asked. Scott grinned and opened the door. "Okay, buddy. Remember what I
said," Jimbo chuckled. He was pleasantly surprised indeed when he
stepped out. The two women had their carry-on bags and were heading
forward. The steward held a large grocery bag out to Candice.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Eighteen roast beef sandwiches," he snickered.

"Eighteen? What am I supposed to do with them?" she asked, taking the
sack.

"You said to use it up. They freeze well. I only put lettuce on four of
them. Just freeze the rest," the steward said.

"I love roast beef!" Jimbo said, "Good stuff?"

"From the White House kitchen. Left over from some big to-do. Flown up
just before we took off. Specialty menu for our precious cargo but
nobody ate," the steward replied.

"Ah, the *really* good stuff. I'm jealous. Care to share?" Jimbo asked
Candice.

"Certainly... you must be Jimbo," Candice said, smiling.

"And you must be Candice... most pleased to make your acquaintance...
Ma'am," Jimbo said.

"Thank you. It's Miss. Most pleased to make your acquaintance," Candice
replied.

"I see you two have met. Watch him, don't let him steal your roast
beef. He really does love it," Scott said.

"He's quite welcome to share with me. I seem to have plenty," Candice
said.

"Ah, a beautiful single woman with a large sack of roast beef
sandwiches and two days off. I'm in heaven," Jimbo drawled. Candice
blushed. "My god, and a woman who still blushes! Don't nobody pinch me.
I don't want to wake up," Jimbo said.

"Shall we deplane?" Scott asked, offering Mae his arm.

"I'd rather get off the sucker," Jimbo said, offering his arm to
Candice. "May I carry those for you?" he offered.

"I warned you. You better give him your flight bag instead," Scott
chuckled. Candice handed Jimbo the bag with the sandwiches in it.

"And she trusts me with her roast beef. The perfect woman," Jimbo said,
stepping out the door. They walked up the ramp and past an attendant.
He looked down the hall after them, expecting more.

"Just us sonny, nobody but stewards down there... and we've got their
roast beef," Jimbo called back. Candice chuckled, next to his side. Her
arm linked though his. Mae was similarly linked on Scott's arm. They
got jealous looks from other women in the concourse.

"Hope you remembered to take the keys this time. It gets right
embarrassing when someone steals my jet," Jimbo said to Scott.

"Yes, sir. Took us a week to get it back last time. Had all the tires
and the engines missing," Scott said.

"Keys?" Mae asked.

"There are no keys, he's just hamming it up for Candice," Scott replied
quietly.

"And what's your approach?" Mae asked.

"I, my dear, intend to dazzle you with my sophistication. Where's the
nearest hot dog stand?" he asked.

"There's plenty of roast beef in that sack. All we need is something to
drink and a soft place to sit," Mae chuckled, finding herself being
charmed by his wit.

"I fear that you and I may never taste from that sacred cow, now that
Jimbo has his hands upon the sack. Candice will be lucky if he splits
one with her. How about I buy you a first rate meal at the local two
star beanery instead? Something with hard seats. I've been on a soft
seat for the past.... six-thousand miles," Scott offered.

"I have a better idea. You don't want soft seats... How do you feel
about Middle Eastern food? I know a great little dark, quiet restaurant
where you sit on the floor. My treat," Mae said.

"Ah, a woman of sophistication. Lead on," Scott said.

"Why don't we stop by our place first and throw those sandwiches in the
freezer? Candice and I can freshen up a bit and put on our most
dangerous floor sitting outfits," Mae said.

"Freeze the roast beef?.... Does your freezer have a lock on it?" Jimbo
asked.

"The big one, yes. You can hold the key," Candice said.

"I swear, this woman's trying to seduce me," Jimbo said.

"I think we're both in more trouble than we bargained for. Most
dangerous floor sitting outfits, huh?" Scott asked.

"You will just have to judge for yourself." Mae teased.

"Ladies, we are yours for two glorious days.... be gentle with us,"
Jimbo teased.

"As gentle as the morning dew upon the wildflowers," Candice said.

"Tell you what. I think we should stop in this here office for a sec
and tell them to put some air in the tires and check under the hood.
Then you can talk dirty to me some more," Jimbo said, directing Candice
into an office. The man behind the counter looked up. Jimbo flipped out
his ID.

"Yes, Sir. What can I do for you, Captain?" asked the man.

"Call me Jimbo. I left a cute little 737 moored down on Exec. 12.
Citizen one-niner. Swap out Number three, bad bearing. Better do a
major inspect on the others. Over 2500 SMOH. Hot landing, better check
the tires and empty the ashtrays too," Jimbo said, "Oh, and check them
brakes while you're at it. Had nothing but water under my nose when we
finally stopped. Do a good job or next time I'm going to Midas."

"Swap number three, major inspect on all the others. Tires, brakes...
top off the tanks and empty the ashtrays. Better do a hydraulics check
too. Who gets the happy gram?" asked the man.

"Citizen Airlines. This account number," Jimbo said, holding out his ID
again. The man looked at it and looked up startled.

"Yes, sir. Take good care of my lady. I've got a hot date with this hot
lady and a bunch of roast beef so take your time," Jimbo said.

"Yes, sir. We'll get right on it," he said.

"Take... your....time," Jimbo repeated slowly.

"Yes sir, two days enough?" asked the man. Jimbo looked at Candice and
smiled.

"I don't think a month would be enough... but three days would be
better," he said, looking Candice in the eyes. She felt herself
blushing again, but found she couldn't look away.

The man at the counter noticed and said, "I think it just developed a
phantom electrical problem. Might take three or four days."

"My, that's a shame. What kind of scotch do you like?" Jimbo asked, not
looking away from Candice.

"Laphroaig fifteen year old. You can find it at Liquor Barn," replied
the man.

"For four days I'd look around for some twenty year old stuff," Jimbo
said.

"Better check the price tag first. I'll see what I can do. Enjoy your
stay, Captain," said the man.

"That, I think I shall do. I think I shall enjoy it very much," Jimbo
said, leading Candice back out of the office.

"We thought they decided to hold you hostage," Scott said.

"Just a wee bit of finagling. Seems our baby has a phantom electrical
problem. Could take three or four days," Jimbo said.

"What did that cost you?" Scott asked.

"A bottle of something called Laphroaig fifteen year old. Don't let me
forget to stop at a Liquor Barn," Jimbo replied.

"If it will really swing you four days, I've got an unopened bottle of
Laphroaig twenty year old you can have," Mae said.

"Do you now? I told you they were trying to seduce us," Jimbo said.

"A woman of true distinction. And where did you learn about Laphroaig
scotch?" Scott asked.

"A very dear friend of ours drinks it. He got me hooked," Mae replied.

"He? And where is this fine gentleman now?" Scott asked.

"On his honeymoon, with another very dear friend of ours," Candice
replied.

"Ah, I see an open runway ahead, I may just have to set her down,"
Jimbo said.

"Come on. We better go before Jimbo starts drooling in the aisle. Don't
you embarrass me again like you did in Helsinki," Scott said, leading
Mae away.

"I swear I didn't see that cow on the runway," Jimbo said.

"How could you miss it? It had big black and white spots on it," Scott
said.

"I thought they were foreign runway markings. And I didn't miss it,"
Jimbo said.

"You hit a cow?" Candice asked.

"Yeah, it messed up my baby real bad. Took them a week to straighten
the landing gear and wash her down. The SecState was pissed. I don't
blame him for that. Helsinki isn't the party town it's made out to be,"
Jimbo mused.

"You know a lot of party towns?" Candice asked, walking along holding
his arm.

"Some. I much prefer private parties though," Jimbo said.

"Like two to four people," she grinned.

"Two's best. Four's fine as long as they have their own little corners
where they can... speculate the wonders of the world in peace," Jimbo
said, grinning.

"Sounds perfect. I guess we'd better collect our bags," Candice said.

"I suspect that they will be at the Executive counter," Jimbo said.
Indeed they were. And there were more than either man expected. "Just
how long was your stay back East?" Jimbo asked.

"A week. But we haven't been here for over a month," Candice said.

"A month... traveling ladies are you?" Jimbo asked.

"Not that much. We spent most that time with friends at a little
secluded estate," Mae said.

"Ah, women of mystery too. I think I'd better get us a cart....or two,"
Jimbo said.

"Or three. I'd better go with you," Scott said.

"So what do you think?" Mae asked Candice once they were out of
earshot.

"I think that I just met the only other man to interest me besides
John," Candice said.

"Whoa, girl. Take your time. He's cute... but you just met him," Mae
said.

"And he's got me so wet already that I'm afraid of leaving a trail.
What about you? How do you feel about Scott?" Candice asked.

"Oh... he's... Okay he's gorgeous! Alright? I admit it. But let's have
some fun and take our time. We don't have a clue how they will feel
about you and I and our *unique* relationship... let alone how they'd
feel about all the others," Mae said.

"I have a feeling about that.... I don't know why, but I think it will
work out just fine," Candice said, looking after Jimbo.

"You may be right, love. But only time will tell," Mae said, looking
after Scott.

"So what do you think, Jimbo?" Scott asked.

"I think that your testicles are safe, Scotty boy. I admit it. I owe
you big time for this one. This more than makes up for that under-under
secretary's wife," Jimbo mused.

"Like her *that* much already? Whoa! The mighty Jimbo has fallen,"
Scott chuckled.

"And how about you? I haven't seen you this lit up since you stuck your
fingers in that electrical panel last year," Jimbo said.

"I think Mae's a doll. I look forward to discovering just how strong
her oriental heritage is," Scott replied.

"Okay, Scotty boy. We play them for keepers. Which is what I think they
be," Jimbo said.

"The mighty Jimbo *has* fallen. Last time you talked about a keeper...
was never," Scott said.

"I see one of the sweetest little runways I've ever seen. And the ILS
is homed in on happy valley," Jimbo said.

"Okay, we play them for keepers. I think we should watch for side winds
and downdrafts though. I get the feeling there's more to these two than
meets the eye," Scott said.

"Like what?" Jimbo asked.

"Like what they were doing aboard *our* airplane. We don't usually fly
two women out to the coast. No matter who got off back east. It might
be nice to find out who commissioned our flight," Scott said.

"That we can do. I'll give Ralph a call later," Jimbo said.

"That will cost you *another* bottle of scotch," Scott chuckled.

"Yeah, but Ralph drinks that cheap rotgut stuff. You can pay for that,"
Jimbo said.

"Not if you let Mae pay for the Laphroaig," Scott said.

"Not if we're playing them for keepers," Jimbo said.

"Got any quarters?" Scott asked.

"A couple. Looks like we have to feed those one armed bandits they call
change machines here," Jimbo said, pulling out his wallet. Jimbo fed
three bills and got back nine quarters.

"Hell, you must be serious about her, you let me *out fumble you* with
my wallet," Scott chuckled.

"I get the feeling that money is no object on this quest. I'll spend
what it takes," Jimbo said.

"That might be a lot. Remember they just spent a month away from work
and are in no hurry to get back," Scott chuckled.

"I think Candice could induce me to write bad checks all over town...
but I don't think she would. She seems pretty down to earth to me,"
Jimbo said.

"How would you know, she hasn't said twenty words since you met. I
doubt she's said that many since I met her and I talked to them for
forty-five minutes," Scott chuckled.

"And you are definitely forgiven for that. No, it doesn't take a
country girl many words to say what she means. She's spoken volumes to
me already," Jimbo said, feeding the cart machine. They got three carts
and wheeled them back to where the women waited. Scott started to load
the luggage.

"Miss me?" Jimbo asked Candice.

"Like a well digger's ass misses heat," Candice chuckled. Jimbo smiled
at her and helped Scott with the bags.

"I think she speaks your language," Scott mused.

"I thought I'd about cured her," mused Mae.

"If it ain't broke...," Jimbo started.

"Don't fix it!" Candice finished, chuckling. Jimbo beamed at her, she
blushed again.

"I swear woman, you're going to become anemic if you keep using up red
like that," Jimbo teased.

"First time I've ever seen that reaction in her," Mae said, studying
Candice.

"Is it now... good," Jimbo said. Pushing two carts toward the curb,
while trying to keep the roast beef unmolested.

"That's silly. Here, I've got hands," Candice said. She took a cart,
leaving him the roast beef.

"I tell you she's trying to seduce me," Jimbo said.

"If you'll quit reminding me, I might have a go at it," Candice
chuckled.

"Consider the subject closed," Jimbo said.

"Not too closed... I hope," Candice muttered. The others may not have
heard it, but Jimbo did. They flagged a cab, a mini-van at the curb.
The bags filled a good portion of the back. Jimbo suggested that they
take two.

"That works. Candice knows her way home.... I think. At least she did,"
Mae said.

"Right behind you, love," Candice promised. The men seemed not to
notice the endearment. It was early evening, the sun just setting to
the West. The air was fresh with a hint of salt. The storm they
encountered over Salt Lake City having passed San Francisco early that
morning. Candice sat snuggled to Jimbo's side as they rode into the
city.

The apartment was in the Russian hill area of town. Actually it was a
townhouse. A fairly large one which consisted of two of the normally
small side by side units that had been linked. Outside it looked like
two separate units. The cabs pulled up behind each other and the
drivers started unloading luggage as Mae opened the door and killed the
alarm system. The men paid the drivers and followed carrying bags while
Candice stood guard on the curb. A second trip by all completed the
task.

"And what would you girls have done if we hadn't happened along?" Jimbo
asked.

"We would have been fine, but more breathless. We take turns guarding
and hauling," Candice said.

"I'm not so sure about the *breathless* part," Mae mused. "Well, this
is it, home sweet home. Make yourself comfortable."

"And what a fine home it is. I would have expected a more feminine
décor," Jimbo observed. The place was decorated in a mariner motif.
With a ship's bell on the fireplace mantle with an intricate model of a
three-masted schooner. A gold plated sextant sat on a coffee table.

"Thank you. No shortage of interior decorators in this town," Mae
giggled.

"I noticed that. Perhaps that contributed to our good luck in you women
being single," Scott giggled.

"Oh, we get a sufficient number of offers. We just usually don't take
them seriously," Mae said, "What to drink?"

"I'd love a splash of that Laphroaig stuff. Hate to be the last person
on the planet to discover it," Jimbo said.

"Rocks?" Candice asked.

"Neat," Jimbo replied.

"Rocks for me," Scott said. Candice poured the drinks while Mae busied
herself dividing up bags and carting hers off. Candice served the
drinks, handing Jimbo's his first. He took a sip and a smile broke our
on his face.

"I have it on good authority that the President drinks it," she said.

"Laphroaig... " Jimbo said, stretching the name in a mock brogue.
Scott's reaction was just as favorable.

"Quite pleasantly smoky," he commented. Mae came by and retrieved a
painted metal can from behind the bar and handed it to Jimbo.

"Here, put this in your bag so you won't forget it," she said. He took
the can and examined it. He winced when he saw the price tag, digging
for his wallet. "Oh no. My treat. It's little enough to insure the
prolonged company of you two charming gentlemen," Mae said.

"And what kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed you to pay my
bribes for me?" Jimbo asked.

"Suit yourself. If you'd rather, you buy a can for your bribe and keep
this one as a gift. I won't accept your money," Mae said. Jimbo was
about to comment when he remembered his promise to Candice. He fell
mute.

"Thank you. I just may do that. A gift fit for a king," he said.

"You two make yourselves at home. We're just going to go freshen up.
There's another bathroom down that hall if you gentlemen would like to
do the same. Feel free to shower if you'd like. There should be ample
towels in the cupboard just outside," Mae said.

"Take your time. We just may do that. We've got Bosnian smog in our
hair. I can't wait to see your most dangerous floor sitting outfits,"
Scott said. Mae passed and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Candice
was more enthusiastic. She planted a large kiss on Jimbo's lips.

"Something to insure you're here when we come out," she said softly.

"A team of Clydesdales couldn't drag me away," Jimbo said.

"Good," Candice said, slipping away. Once the girls were gone, Jimbo
turned to Scott.

"Who first down the hall?" he asked.

"I'll go. That way I'll know I have time," Scott chuckled.

"Have at. I'll be here," Jimbo said. They were both sitting back
relaxing, showered and shaved wearing clean shirts, socks and shorts
when the women stepped out. Both men's jaws dropped.

"When you said dangerous... I didn't think you meant fatal," Scott
said.

"Like it?" Mae blushed.

"*Like* is not a strong enough term. I don't think I've *ever*
encountered a strong enough term," he said.

"Certainly the best packaged country girl I ever encountered. I suppose
it's legal to wear that out in public here. It would get you arrested
in most places," Jimbo said.

"Glad you like it, Jimbo," Candice blushed.

"There you go using red again. With that outfit, I'm the one that
should be blushing," Jimbo said.

"Shall we go? Your bags will be safe here," Mae said.

"Yes, where's your wraps? You'll freeze like that," Jimbo said.

"No need. I think you'll find us tougher than you think," Candice said.

"Fine by me. All the more excuse to keep you warm," Jimbo said.

"You're quite welcome to do that. But these outfits are warmer than
they look," Candice said.

"I don't see how. They look as thin as gossamer," Scott said.

"Trust me. We'll be fine," Mae said. Mae set the alarm and they hailed
a passing cab. Scott volunteered to ride up front.

"You're becoming too trusting, Scotty. To leave me in the back with
these two lovely creatures," Jimbo said.

"I intend to be keeping an eye on you. Watch his hands, ladies. He's
quick," Scott said. It was a short ride to the restaurant. Candice
rested her fingers lightly on Jimbo's leg. He was *very* aware of them,
and the two warm bodies snuggled to either side of him. He was thinking
of Chinese Elm's by the time they arrived. Candice noticed. The
restaurant was indeed dim and cozy. With pillows on the floor around
low tables. Shoes were left in bins by the door.

The owner greeted Mae by name and began to congratulate her. She shot
him a look of warning and he cut it off, sensing her mood. He directed
them to a private room in the back. The women sank gracefully down to
rest on two pillows. The men less gracefully. Only then did they
discover just how dangerous the floor sitting outfits were. The Second
Skin outfits hugged the women's charms like a paint job.

"How about some *Babba Ganush* to start with? And a bottle of Grey
Riesling, Wente 79 or 80 if you've got it," Mae ordered.

"Excellent. I think I have a bottle or two in my private stock, but
I'll gladly sacrifice them for you," replied the owner.

"Thank you, you are too kind to me," Mae said.

"That would be impossible. You deserve it. You've brought me much
business," replied the owner, excusing himself.

"Come here often, do you?" Scott chuckled.

"A time or two. It's my current favorite. The food is excellent and
quite reasonable," Mae replied.

"A winning combination. Atmosphere is nice too.... especially the
view," Scott said, blushing a bit, but holding Mae's eyes. Mae found
herself blushing. Thankful for the dim light to cover it. She couldn't
remember the last time she had done it. The meal was indeed excellent.
The men being good sports about eating with their fingers. Mae informed
them that it was considered uncouth to get the food above the second
knuckle. The wine was just as excellent. They drank two bottles.

The men found their eyes returning repeatedly to the *view *as they
talked. Jimbo kept them amused with his stories gathered flying around
the earth. Candice was charmed to her toes. Mae was just as enthralled
with Scott. As the evening progressed the conversations turned one on
one between the couples. Candice feeding Jimbo with her fingers, him
licking at them as she withdrew. They were well fed and pleasantly
tipsy by the end of the meal. Jimbo tried to grab the check when it
arrived, but Mae put her credit card on the tray at her insistence.

"My invitation, my treat," she said. She was emphatic about it. Scott
and Jimbo were pleasantly puzzled. They were well prepared to lay their
life's savings out for these women. But they wouldn't let them spend a
penny. A short cab ride to Girradelli Square brought them to the Buena
Vista for Irish Coffee. Standing ten deep as they drank the delicious
concoctions where they were originated. Jimbo managed to pay the tab
there, as he had to muscle to the front to get their order in. Scott
ran interference for him. They made a good team. Later they took a
stroll down the wharf. The men were a bit chilled, but the women seemed
not to notice the cool humid air.

"You are indeed made of sterner stuff than I expected. I was hoping to
keep you warm, but you don't seem to notice the chill," Jimbo said to
Candice.

"I cheated," she said, snuggling to his side, "here. Feel." She took
his fingers and slid them into the cuff of her bodysuit. Jimbo was
surprised by the warmth he felt.

"Well I'll be. What is that stuff?" Jimbo asked, enjoying the feel of
the warmth and the skin of her forearm.

"A thermal fabric. The fabric stores heat as fiber twist. When it gets
cold it untwists and gives up heat. It also cools when it's too hot,"
Candice giggled. Jimbo used the arm as a tool to pull them into an
embrace. He kissed her tenderly next to the floating fishing boats. The
soft chime of buoys ringing in the distance with the rolling of the
bay. Candice was grateful that he chose that spot, rather then farther
down next to the crab pots. Much more pleasant. Scott and Mae were
sharing their own embrace a bit farther down the pier. Mae quivered a
bit in his arms. He was a great kisser. He was pleasantly surprised
that she was too.

"Damn," Mae said when he finally released her.

"What?" Scott asked in alarm.

"I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I don't take men home
with me.... And I want to... very much," she said, dropping her eyes.
Scott lifted her chin and looked into her dark eyes.

"No need to hurry. We've got at least two days. We need not do anything
that feels uncomfortable," he said.

"That's the problem. It feels very comfortable. Perhaps too
comfortable," she said.

"Then we have a problem, 'cause I feel just as comfortable. I'm not
about to fight it. You're too lovely for that," Scott said.

"You won't think me cheap?" Mae asked.

"Not hardly. I saw that check back there at the restaurant. Reasonable
indeed," Scott chuckled.

"You know what I mean," Mae said, frustrated.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to joke about it. No, I won't think you
cheap. I think you are wonderful," he said.

"If I regret this, so be it. I want you," Mae said, pulling him back to
her lips.

"I don't want you to get the wrong impression about me, darling. I may
travel all over the world to exciting cities, but most the time I have
to fly the next morning and I spend most my nights alone in lonely
hotels," Jimbo said to Candice.

"You don't have to convince me, Jimbo. I can tell you're sincere. We're
two of a kind, you and I. I've only had two men in my life. The first
was my husband," Candice said, snuggling to him.

"And who was the second... a bad question, I withdraw it," Jimbo said.

"No, it's okay. I don't mind as I'm not a bit ashamed of it. He was the
man who taught me what love was. It was our friend who's now on his
honeymoon," Candice replied.

"I'm very sorry about that. He sounds like a fine gentleman," Jimbo
said.

"I'm not. Cindy's a wonderful woman. She had squatters rights anyway.
And yes, he is indeed a fine gentleman. The first *real* gentleman I
ever met. One of the very few I ever met," Candice said.

"I wish I was in that category," Jimbo said.

"You are, Jimbo," she replied.

"I'm not much of a gentleman. A gentleman would be able to hide the
desire I feel for you. I'm not so sure I can," Jimbo said softly.

"Oh, I don't think you'd be very successful hiding that. I accept it as
an honest response. Don't worry. I feel the same way," she said.

"You don't think ill of me?" Jimbo asked.

"No, you won't think poorly of me?" Candice asked, fearful.

"Not a chance on earth. I think you're wonderful!" Jimbo said.

"Good, 'cause I think you are too," Candice said, pulling him back to
her. After a time they continued their stroll down the wharf. Finally
the women took pity on the chilled men and flagged a cab. This time
Jimbo climbed in front. Candice wouldn't hear of it and sat on his lap.
It was a short trip back to the Townhouse. Once inside, Mae turned to
Candice.

She gave her a quick kiss and said, "See you in the morning." Candice
smiled at her and squoze her hand. Then led a passive, happy Jimbo to
the other side of the Townhouse.

"Another drink?" Mae asked Scott.

"No, I'm floating as it is," he said. Mae smiled and took his hand. She
led him into her bedroom. Neither man would ever forget that night. It
was etched indelibly in their psyches.

* * *

Cindy lay between Heather and John, blissfully spent. She didn't
understand why it felt different, but it did. Earlier that night both
had pleased her multiple times, as she had both of them. For some
reason they all just *clicked* together. Normally she wouldn't have
questioned it, but tonight, she did.

She lay there feeling the two of them beside her, both warm and caring.
Both her lovers. What she felt, was *whole*. She felt complete. She
needed nothing, she wanted nothing, except to continue to feel their
bodies close to hers. She kind of wanted to talk, but they were both
out cold. John, partially from jet lag. Heather most likely from all
the endorphins cursing through her body. Cindy shared the same dosage,
but for some reason she felt hyper. She slipped out of bed and found a
light robe.

Knowing what was to follow, she waited a moment until John and Heather
rolled together and snuggled. She smiled to herself over the sight, and
half at her powers of perception. She made her way to the spacious
kitchen and brewed a cup of tea. Then she snagged her cellular and
called Sally's. Nobody answered. She tried the West coast and found
Mae's phone off. She tried the Silo and got Judy.

"Hi, hope I didn't disturb you," Cindy said.

"No, I was just getting a cup of tea. The triplets... Amy and Alice
rather, are out. I was kind of feeling restless," Judy said.

"Yeah, John and Heather are both out too. I was feeling restless
myself. I just built myself a cup of tea. I felt like talking but most
our little tribe seem to be incommunicado," Cindy said.

"Well I'm up darling, what's on your mind?" Judy asked.

"Oh, nothing in particular.... Nothing major anyway," Cindy said.

"Come on darling, spit it out. Minor or major makes no difference when
you want to talk," Judy chuckled.

"Yeah.... I kind of hate to disturb you and spend so much on the call,"
Cindy said.

"You're a rich woman, you can afford it. I've got my feet up and a nice
cup of tea by my side. So talk to me," Judy prompted.

"Okay... Actually I was just wondering why it felt different to make
love with John now that we're married," Cindy said.

"Don't know. Different how?"

"Oh... Orgasms more satisfying. A deeper feeling of affection, a
stronger desire to please... yet.. more relaxed, somehow," Cindy said.

"Well, I don't have much to compare it to, as you know. But I can tell
you that sex felt different to me after our three days together," Judy
said.

"Different how?" Cindy asked, putting her feet up and sipping her tea.

"Well, it was like my focus shifted. Before my focus was on myself.
What I felt. What I wanted. What I experienced. Afterwards my focus was
on pleasing the other person... because I *loved* them. What I
experienced became second priority. I guess my focus shifted from
internal to external, you could say," Judy said.

"Yeah, I understand what you're saying... exactly. But with me it was
kind of the opposite. I became more aware of what *I* was feeling.
Before I was mainly concerned with pleasing the other person. That was
my main priority. I guess it still is, but I became more aware of what
they were doing to me. I felt things more strongly. Like I just
started... *emotionally reacting*. Before I was *intellectually
acting*. Am I making any sense?" Cindy asked.

"More than you know. I think we're heading to the same place from two
different directions. Before I was all emotionally reacting without
hardly a thought. Oh, I tried to please the other person, but that was
just part of the experience I was feeling. I didn't put any conscious
thought into it. I would do something because it seemed like it might
be the right thing to do. Not so much because I knew it would elicit a
desired reaction," Judy said.

"So, same target, different paths. I'd be most happy to meet you in the
middle," Cindy chuckled.

"Isn't that where we want to be? To put both our bodies and our souls
into what we do? I don't mean soul in a religious context, rather I use
it as a collective term for all the emotional feelings," Judy said.

"Yes! That's exactly what I'm feeling!" Cindy gasped.

"Slow down love, I don't follow exactly what you're saying," Judy said.
Cindy collected her thoughts, her mind now racing.

"When we made love tonight. I was *there*. I wasn't thinking about what
I should be doing, I wasn't just reacting to what someone else was
doing to me. I was *there*. Body *and* soul. What I did was inherently
correct. What I felt was inherently correct. Not because somebody else
thought it should be. Not because anybody told me to do or feel those
things. I did and felt them because I wanted to! That's what felt
different about making love with John our first night after the
wedding. I knew he was mine. I wanted to please him, so I did. I wanted
him to please me, so I *really* felt what he did. That's what's been
bugging me. That I didn't know what the difference was.... now I
*know*... Thank you," Cindy said.

"You are most welcome, my love.... Do you know the Hindu term;
*Namastea*?" Judy asked.

"I don't think so. No, I'm quite sure I don't," Cindy said.

"It's quite a lovely thing. What it means... and get this... *When you
are in that special place inside of you, and I am in that special place
inside of me, then we are in the same place*," Judy said.

"Oh... that's absolutely lovely! *Namastea!* I love it," Cindy said.

"Think you can sleep now?" Judy asked.

"Yes, I think so," Cindy said.

"Well then...Namastea. Sweet dreams, my dear love," Judy said.

"Namastea. I love you," Cindy said, and hung up the phone. Judy looked
at the phone a moment and then smiled to herself. She found that she
felt like she could sleep too. Cindy made her way back to the bedroom,
repeating the word to herself and thinking about the definition. She
found John and Heather momentarily apart. She slipped in between them
and they seemed to each snuggle to her side.

'Namastea,' she thought to herself. A short while later she drifted
off.

* * *

Candice awoke early, as usual. Surprisingly, the extra time spent
active the night before had tired her out enough to shift her body
clock back to the West coast. She was waking at almost the same time
she normally would; around a quarter to six. She felt the warmth of
Jimbo's body next to her. She smiled and snuggled to it for a while,
just feeling him breathing. Eventually her body drove her to slip out
to the bathroom. While there, she brushed her teeth. She slipped back
into the bed and snuggled to his side once more. Leaning her head
against his shoulder. He stirred and his arm hugged her to him.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" she asked.

"Ah, like a babe in his mother's arms. And you?" he asked.

"The same," she said, kissing his clavicle.

"Don't remember when it felt so good to wake up," Jimbo said.

"Then you don't think poorly of me?" Candice asked, concerned. He
lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. Candice's heart skipped a
beat.

"Just let me slip out and scrub this fuzz from my choppers and I'll be
happy to show you how *un-poorly* I think of you," he said, kissing her
forehead. She hugged him for a moment and then reluctantly released
him. She lay back looking at the ceiling and the gray dawn filtering
through the window.

Outside, even in the city, the birds were singing their morning
melodies. There was a distant growing rumble that was the sound of a
mighty city coming to life. Out in the harbor horns sounded as the last
of the fishing boats made their way out of the bay into the open ocean.
Jimbo seemed to catch a look at himself suddenly while he was brushing
his teeth. He looked hard at the image before him. He was in good
physical shape. Naturally handsome in a rugged sort of way. But this
morning there was something else. A spark of life shined in his eyes
where he normally only saw loneliness.

"Jimbo, you should be feeling this way every morning. And if you don't,
then you're a damn fool," he said to himself. He finished brushing, and
rinsed. Wiping his mouth on a towel. He eyed himself once more before
heading back into the bedroom. He stopped dead in his tracks at the
sight before him. A stunningly beautiful woman lay nude on the bed, her
head turned to the window and was illuminated by the soft morning
light. Her body was smooth and muscular. Her breasts medium and
perfectly shaped. Her hair lay in a splay on the pillow under her head.
She was smiling an angelic smile as she listened to the birds. That was
it; She looked like an angel to Jimbo. She looked up at him and smiled.
Her breath catching in her throat over the handsome statue of a man
standing there considering her.

"What?" Candice asked, a flicker of concern on her face.

"Fear not 'darling, I was just considering how lovely you are," Jimbo
said.

"You don't look so bad yourself," Candice said, her smile returning.
The sight drew Jimbo back into the bed. She moved into his arms and
their lips met. Their passion grew like a fire with dry kindling added
to it. Sometime later they lay together, spent and blissfully happy.

"I'm thinking that it's a woman of great mystery that you are," Jimbo
said, playing his fingers in her tresses.

"How's that?" Candice asked.

"A country girl through and through with the skill of the greatest
courtesan on the planet," he replied. Candice smiled at him.

"You seem to have picked up a trick or two yourself," she said,
snuggling to him.

"I was just inspired by your great beauty," Jimbo said.

"I'm not that pretty, and you know it," she said.

"Then my eyes must be broken, cause you're a beauty to me. A finer
woman I have seldom seen and never held," Jimbo said. Candice blushed
and kissed him softly. "There you go again, using up the color red,"
Jimbo teased.

"I don't know why. I thought I was over that. You make me feel like a
school girl," she sighed.

"If there had been a girl like you in my school, I would have been an
'A' student, instead of the class clown," Jimbo said. "The enigma to me
is that you can still blush knowing what you do of the art of love."

"I had a good teacher," Candice said.

"Your husband?" Jimbo asked.

"God no, he was an ignorant lout. No, my teacher was John.. the man
who's on his honeymoon now," Candice said.

"Then I grieve for your loss of him. He must be a fine gentleman
indeed," Jimbo said.

"That he certainly is. But I'm thrilled to death that he married Cindy.
He couldn't have married a finer or more loving woman," Candice said.

"You seem very calm about it," Jimbo said.

"I am. I love them both dearly," Candice said.

"Do you think I could ever fill his shoes? That you could ever come to
feel that way about me?" Jimbo asked. Candice looked at him a moment
and her eyes began to tear up.

"I think I already do, Jimbo," she said.

"I'm feeling the same way about you... I never believed those stories
about love at first sight before... but I fear that you've stolen my
heart," Jimbo said.

"Jimbo, there's so much about me that you don't know," she said.

"There's nothing about you that could possibly sway my heart. Are you
the marrying kind?" he asked. Candice suddenly sobbed against him. He
held her to him, concerned. This wasn't the reaction he's expected at
all. "Hey, there. Why the tears?" he asked, kissing her face. She
pulled away from him and sat up. She scootched back against the
headboard looking out the window, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Jimbo's heart was torn by the sight. "I didn't mean to upset you,
darling. I guess I'm not much of a prize," he said. Candice moaned a
bit.

"Jimbo you're the most desirable man I ever met. Any woman on the
planet would be proud to have you as her man. But there are some things
about me that I must tell you," she said, taking a deep breath.

"Then tell me," Jimbo said, taking her hand. He brought it to his lips
and kissed it softly.

"You may not feel the same way about me," she said, tears rolling down
her cheeks.

"I doubt that very much... but I can see that you're concerned. The
only way to know is to tell me," he said, gently.

"I'm scared," she said, hanging her head.

"Don't be. Jimbo's here. He just might be a more understanding man than
you give him credit for. Everybody's got a past. Myself included. So
take a deep breath and tell me all about it," he said, pulling her to
him.

"It's kind of a long story," she said.

"We've got time, love. Just start at the beginning," he said, leaning
against the headboard with her snuggled and quivering in his arms.

"Alright. I married early... I was just sixteen..." she began. She told
Jimbo of her life on the farm with Nick, his cruelty to herself and the
triplets. How they would take comfort in each others arms. Then about
their escape into the blizzard, their mishap with the rock and their
life threatening peril. Then of the sound and light of a guardian angel
coming out of the swirling hell of the blizzard. How John had warmed
their bodies with his own while he waited for more help to arrive. Two
more lights and two more angels. A quick trip to the warm shelter of a
castle hidden in the sand.

She told him of their first days at the silo. She stalled a bit and
then told him of her encounter with Sheila in the solarium. Then of her
times with each of the other women and finally of her time with John.
She left nothing out. She covered what her and the triplet's life
became like living at the silo. How John had bartered for their
freedom. She told him of the story that she had finally extracted from
Cindy about John's showdown with Nick, how he had risked his life for
them more than once. Then about their meeting around the table in the
kitchen when they had all become a family.

Jimbo listened without comment. Inside he was seething with hatred for
Nick, admiration for John and compassion for Candice and the girls.
Candice continued her story. She told of the Second Skin machine and
her scanning. She told him of her growing change of attitude as she
came to love each and every person at the silo more and more. Then of
her trip to San Francisco with Sheila and Alice. She even told him of
her experience when the triplets shared their Gestalt. Finally she told
him of her encounter with Mae. She told him everything. Leaving nothing
out. She bared her soul to him.

Lastly she related the story of the Russian surveillance. And since it
was now public knowledge, of their ruse and John's escapades on the
road. She finished with his gun battle at the airport and their
subsequent visit to the White House.

"And that's it. That's the story of my life up to the moment when I
stepped onto your plane. I'll understand if you want to leave now," she
concluded.

"And why would I be doing that? While I've got the woman of my dreams
in my very arms," Jimbo said. Candice looked up at him in pain and
surprise.

"You don't think poorly of me?" she asked.

"What on earth for? Because you told me that you're a fine strong
hearted woman who's served her country and loved ones with devotion and
honor? I'm so proud of you I could bust," Jimbo said.

"But what about Mae and I, and the other women?" she asked.

"What about it? I think it's incredibly sexy," he said.

"But... Jimbo... I'm trying to tell you that I want to keep seeing
them... all of them," she said.

"I can certainly understand that. You love them. I would expect that
you'd want to continue to love them," he said.

"And you still want me?" she asked.

"More than ever. You're the most remarkable woman I ever met. I'd be
the biggest fool on the planet to let you get away. I want you for my
wife, if you'll have me," Jimbo said.

"Oh Jimbo!.... YES! YES! I want you! More than anything!" she said,
hugging him for all she was worth. She trembled in his arms as he held
her tightly.

"You're just what this old country boy has been dreaming of all his
life. I'm not about to let you get away. I love you," he said.

"I love you too," Candice said, sobbing against him.

"Then let's have no more tears," Jimbo said, kissing at her cheeks. His
mouth found hers and they kissed passionately. "Scotty was right. The
mighty Jimbo has fallen," he said.

"Sometimes you talk too much," Candice said, pulling his lips back to
hers.

On the other side of the Townhouse a similar scene was being played.
Scott was just as taken with Mae. Mae just as taken with Scott. He
caressed her bronze skin tenderly as she talked.

"Time for honesty," she said.

"Yes... how long have you and Candice been lovers?" he asked. Mae
looked at him in surprise. Scott smiled at her. "I could see the love
in your eyes when you would look to each other while we were out. I had
an inkling from the first minutes when I talked to you on the plane.
When you kissed her good night last night I knew it was so. You care
for each other, really care," he said.

"And how do you feel about that?" she asked.

"Oh, just fine with me. I admire your taste in women. I'm a little
surprised you seem to like me too," he said.

"What's surprising about that? You're an adorable hunk of a man. You
are handsome, cultured, a true gentleman, a marvelous lover, you are
well traveled and live an exciting life. No surprise there," she said.

"You left out brilliant and fairly well to do ...and modest, of
course," he chuckled.

"The brilliant part I suspected. The modest part I never would have
guessed. The well to do part doesn't concern me one way or the other,"
she said.

"Is your fashion business so good? Even with Second Skin knocking
salons out of business left and right?" he asked.

"Darling, steel yourself," Mae said.

"There's more?" he asked.

"Oh, much. One, I *own* Second Skin's first franchise. I not only know,
but am the lover of all the owners, the inventor of the machine and
most of the management of the company. The CEO was my lover years
before Second Skin ever started. I love each and every one of them more
than I do the air that I breathe. I could never give that up. As much
of a hunk as you are and as much as I've come to care for you, I still
intend to keep seeing all of them. Still interested?" Mae asked.

"Yup," Scott said.

"My bisexuality doesn't bother you?" she asked.

"Nope," he said.

"A man of few words. Anything else you could say to clarify your
position?" Mae asked.

"Sure. I love you. Will you marry me?" he said. Mae looked at him in
shock.

"You mean it?" she asked. He nodded.

"I mean it too. When I say I intend to continue to see all of them, I
mean all of them, the men included. That's John and then there's Kevin,
Theresa's husband and Bill, Andrea's husband. Could you live with
that?" she asked.

"Three men, huh. Well, I guess if I could handle it with one, then
three's the same thing. Yes, I can live with that. Because I know if
you want to make love with them, then they are worth loving," Scott
said.

"And what about Jimbo? I fully intend to stay involved with Candice.
She's my most treasured relationship. From what I saw of her and Jimbo
last night, I expect that he's going to become a part of her life... I
know she feels the same way about all of us. So I would expect Jimbo
would become a part of mine too... if he can handle it himself, that
is," Mae said.

"That wouldn't bother me. Would it bother you if I became involved with
any of them? From what you've told me, of their natures, I'm likely
to," Scott said.

"That wouldn't bother me at all either," Mae said.

"So it's settled then, you'll marry me?" he asked. Mae smiled and moved
into his arms. She kissed him passionately.

"Yes," she said, melting back into another kiss.

"What's the chance of you teaching me that recipe for those biscuits
you were talking about?" Jimbo asked, moving a sweaty lock of hair from
Candice's forehead.

"You bet. Why don't we shower together and then I'll whip up a batch,"
she said. The biscuits were just coming out of the oven when Mae and
Scott joined Candice and Jimbo in the kitchen. Each man wore a long
kimono robe. Looking almost comical in the floral prints.

"Love your robe, Jimbo," Scott teased.

"Seems to match yours, Scotty my boy. Well, you were right. The mighty
Jimbo has fallen. This lovely lady here has consented to be my new co-
pilot... forever," Jimbo said.

"Then it's going to get mighty crowded in the cockpit. 'Cause this one
here has consented to be mine," Scott grinned.

"You too?" Candice asked Mae. Mae nodded and they moved together and
hugged each other. They pulled back and turned to face their men.

"I guess it's time for the acid test. It's one thing to say that
something won't bother you, it's another thing entirely to see it," Mae
said.

"Test away," Scott said. Jimbo inclined his head. The women turned to
gaze into each others eyes and slowly moved into a long deep kiss.

"Scotty my boy, I fear the Taj Mahal would pale in comparison to the
lovely sight my eyes are witnessing," Jimbo said.

"I've seen the Taj, it's got nothing on this," Scott chuckled.

"May I congratulate you on the best landing you've ever done," Jimbo
said, offering his hand to Scott. Scott took it and shook it firmly.
The men grinned at each other.

"And my congratulations to you, Skipper," Scott said. Candice and Mae
finally pulled back and observed their men.

"Well they pass the first test. No time like the present for phase
two," Mae said, moving towards Jimbo. Candice grinned and moved to
Scott. The men didn't fight it at all when the women moved into their
arms. The kisses were long and more than a little friendly.

"Mmm... can I borrow your man for a bit?" Mae asked when she finally
pulled back.

"After breakfast, if I can borrow yours," Candice replied, shakily.

"Scotty, I think we've discovered the best ground crew on the planet.
What say we keep them?" Jimbo chuckled.

"No objections here... My.. you two feel almost the same size," Scott
said, hugging Candice's lithe body.

"Well, you two can compare differences after we eat," Mae said, finally
pulling herself shakily away, stealing another kiss in the process. The
men sat at the table with each other's fiancées in their lap, feeding
them in the glow of the late morning sun shinning through the window.

"Ah, it's a rough life we endure, Scotty. A rough life indeed," Jimbo
said, caressing Mae's inner thigh.

"Don't know where we find the strength to endure," Scott chuckled,
doing the same to Candice.

"You two should get along great with John. Your sense of humor is just
as bad.... and as charming," Mae said.

"Yes, I'm quite looking forward to meeting this heroic figure you two
are so enthralled with. He must be some man," Jimbo said.

"Heroic?" Scott asked.

"A few things I didn't mention... let's see. Too much trouble to dig up
old newspapers.. I know. I'll bet the San Francisco examiner has a Web
site," Mae said. She kissed Jimbo on the forehead and slipped off his
lap and over to her computer. She fired it up and logged onto the
internet. After a short search, she found the Web address she was
looking for and called up the news clippings from the past week. Scott
came to join her and she gave him the chair, slipping back onto his lap
as he read.

After a time he said, "Jimbo, it appears that our two lovelies here
have a bit of Mata Hari in them."

"So I heard. I told you they were women of mystery," Jimbo replied,
"Can I see your medal?" he asked Candice. She smiled at him and slipped
into her room. She came back carrying a velvet case. Mae slipped into
her room and came back with her own. Handing it to Scott.

"Isn't that a pretty bauble," Jimbo said, admiring the medal.

"And well deserved from what I'm reading here," Scott said, looking
between the screen and Mae's medal.

"We didn't do that much. Nothing heroic about letting a few guys follow
you around town. Candice and I are quite used to that anyway," Mae
chuckled.

"Don't go belittling yourself. It was a great service you did for your
country. I'm proud of both of you. Makes me feel proud to be an
American," Jimbo said. Mae and Candice looked at each other. They moved
together and kissed. Then Mae whispered in Candice's ear. Candice
giggled and nodded. They kissed again and separated. Moving to their
respective targets.

"If we're going to test this, let's really test it," Candice said,
sinking to her knees before Scott. Mae did the same before Jimbo.
Before either man could protest they found their robes pulled aside and
warm lips descending on them.

"A rough life indeed," Jimbo moaned. Scott just moaned.

Later the women led both men passively into Mae's bedroom. They didn't
come out again till late evening.

Chapter 91

Judy hadn't told Cindy that they had company at the silo. When the
helicopter came in for a landing there was an OD green Hum-vee parked
by the silo. An armed soldier came out at the sound of the helicopter
setting down. At first Judy and the other two were concerned. They had
the pilot wait while Judy went to check it out. The man produced his ID
for her.

"Mr. Howdy thought it was best that the Silo be guarded while you folks
were away," the soldier explained.

"Thank you. I was a little concerned. I didn't expect anybody to be
here," Judy said.

"Looks like you've got quite a load. Let me help you carry that stuff
in," he offered.

"Thanks. That would be nice," Judy said. She thanked the pilot of the
helicopter and he joined in helping the women cart their packages into
the silo. He was awed by the luxury that met him inside.

"I had no idea," the pilot said.

"That's the idea," Judy chuckled.

"I think it was a fine thing you folks did for your country," the pilot
said, before climbing into the helicopter.

"Thank you. We didn't do all that much. Just let people follow us
around. Now John and Kevin, they were the real heroes," she said.

"I think you all did a great thing, but I look forward to shaking their
hands when they come back from their honeymoons," the pilot said.

"Thank you. And thanks for a nice flight in," Judy said.

"You're quite welcome for that. It's seldom I get passengers as lovely
as you three.... Just when I get a call to come here," he chuckled.

"Thank you. Have a safe flight back," Judy told him. The pilot began
his pre-flight check. He fired up the turbine and the rotor began to
spin up. Suddenly there was an odd grinding noise and the pilot swore
and shut down the engine. The rotor slowly came to a stop again.

"Trouble?" Judy asked, returning to the pad.

"Yeah, looks like I lost a bearing on my rotor pitch control. I'd
better have a look at it," he said, climbing out. He climbed up on top
of the helicopter and examined the central rotor. He moved some arms as
he bent his head to examine the area. Finally he climbed down. He
climbed back into the cockpit and put on his headset, trying to call
in. He got a hold of his base and talked to his mechanic. Finally he
climbed back down and turned to Judy.

"They have to fly me out a part to fix it. But they won't be able to
get one until tomorrow now. Looks like I'm stuck here. I'm sorry about
that. Do you mind if I sleep in the chopper tonight?" he asked.

"No need to do that. We've got plenty of unused beds inside. You're
most welcome to come inside," Judy said.

"Thank you, but I wouldn't want to impose," said the pilot.

"No imposition at all. We can use the company," Judy said.

"You can keep me company, if you have a bedroll. I'm set up in the
first room when you go in. My relief will be here around midnight,"
said the solder.

"You both shall have a soft bed and a good meal. Don't be silly," Judy
said, leading them inside.

"Thanks. I could use a good meal. Mr. Howdy didn't want to be an
imposition on your privacy, so I've been on field rations for a week,"
said the soldier.

"That we can fix. You'll find Amy and Alice to be excellent cooks,"
Judy said, leading them to the kitchen.

"This is mighty nice of you, Ma'am," said the pilot.

"It's Miss. My name is Judy," she said.

"Yes, I know. I saw you on TV. Nice to meet you Judy, I'm Steve," said
the pilot.

"Jim, yes nice to meet you, Judy," the soldier said. Judy found the
younger women in the kitchen already working on dinner. They had
already changed into some terry shorts and tube tops that had become
the standard uniform of the Silo when dressed at all. Judy was grateful
that the matched pair was dressed at all.

"Two more guests for dinner, ladies. This is Steve, our pilot and Jim,
our protector," Judy said. "Steve had a little trouble with his
helicopter so he'll be spending the night with us."

"Nice to meet you," the two triplets said in unison.

"I'm Amy, this is Alice," Amy said. The men shook hands all around with
the women. Judy could tell that there was an immediate attraction
between the men and the matched pair. She excused herself to go change,
taking a long hot shower in the process. Returned similarly clad to the
twin pair. She wasn't a bit surprised to find them sitting on the men's
laps.

"Dinner's almost ready," Alice said, looking up at her.

"I see that you two didn't waste any time making our guests feel
welcome," Judy smirked.

"They're real nice men," Amy said.

"Let me guess. They just came up and sat on your laps and said 'Hi',"
Judy chuckled.

"How'd you know?" asked Steve.

"I just know my girls," Judy said, pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Your girls?" Jim asked in alarm.

"Relax, a term of endearment," Judy chuckled, sliding into a chair.

"I'll bet it's nice to be home again," Jim said.

"Yes, it does feel very nice. Although I must admit the White House
wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Judy chuckled.

"Yes, the girls were telling us all about it," Jim said. Judy looked to
the girls and relaxed a bit from what she saw, they wouldn't knowingly
reveal anything they shouldn't, but they were *very* trusting.

"I'm glad they've been keeping you amused. What's for dinner?" she
asked.

"A big salad and baked chicken breasts. We've got tomatoes coming out
of our ears in the hydroponics room," Amy said.

"Yes, after a week I can imagine. We can slice them up and dry them
tomorrow," Judy said.

"This is some setup you have here," Steve said.

"Yes, not mine. It belongs to John. He did most the work himself. Cindy
and Theresa helped quite a bit. I just stay here sometimes," Judy said.

"We helped too," Alice beamed.

"Yes, you did several floors, if I recall," Judy said.

"It must be wonderful living here like this. I quite enjoyed the stars
at night. Kind of like back home," Jim said.

"Where's that?" Judy asked.

"He's from Tennessee," Alice said.

"How long have you been in the Army, Jim?" Judy asked.

"Six years. I'm just on the last of my tour. I wouldn't have missed it
for the world, but I'm ready to get out now," Jim said.

"Six years, and still got to be a Ranger?" Judy asked.

"Yes Ma'am.. I mean Judy. Kind of surprised you recognized the patch,"
Jim said.

"I may not know that much about men, but that patch is respected all
over the world," Judy said, smiling.

"Yes ma..... I mean Judy. Kind of feels awkward. I'm so used to calling
women Ma'am back home," Jim said.

"I don't mind so much. It just kind of makes me feel a bit old," Judy
said.

"You're not old. You're barely thirty if that," Steve said.

"That's old compared to these two," Judy said.

"Oh, you're not old... John's much older than you, and he's not old. He
just thinks he is," Amy said.

"Thank you, Amy. Maybe I just *think* I am too," Judy said.

"I think the breasts are done," Alice said. The two men sort of
snickered at each other. Judy kind of rolled her eyes. Why were men so
damn predictable?

* * *

Back East, Sheila finished her walk-through of the guest house with
Sally and Jean trailing behind Catarina and Bianca. Shannon was at her
side.

"It's just perfect. I wish there were some men at the Silo. I could get
started setting the machines up if we could get them shipped," Sheila
said.

"Why not give Judy a call? She's pretty resourceful. I'll bet her and
the other triplets could get them up to the pad. We do have the winch
motor, you know. In fact they are already in the maintenance room. They
just need to be jig poled up to the pad. Or maybe the chopper could
lift them right out of the maintenance room," Sally suggested.

"Maybe it's worth a try. I'd hate to see them get hurt though. Out
there all alone by themselves. John would never forgive me," Sheila
said.

"You're a phony," Shannon giggled.

"Why do you say that?" Sheila asked.

"We're talking about three grown women here. Not kids. I think they can
handle it just fine. If not, then they will be bright enough to realize
it. All that woman's independence thing you've been fighting all your
life and you act like this. That's why I say you're a phony. I think
you've bought the male sexes line of crap," Shannon teased. This was
enough to get Sheila to pull out her cellular phone, she grinned at
Shannon as she hit the speed dial to the Silo. They were just finishing
up dinner when the phone rang. Judy answered it.

"Judy? This is Sheila. Listen, I hate to ask, but would you take a look
at the crates up in the maintenance room? We sure could use them here,
now. I hate to have to wait until we get some men back to the Silo. If
you could figure a way to get them up on the pad so the helicopter
could pick them up, or find out from them if they can lift right out of
the maintenance room, it would be a big help. Don't go getting
yourselves hurt though. If you can't figure a safe way to do it, don't
try. Alright?"

"Hold on. I have just the right man for the job right here," Judy said.

"Man?" Sheila asked into a silent line, as Judy was already in motion.

"Come on Steve, time to earn your keep. I need an opinion from you,"
Judy said.

"Anything. Glad to help. What do you need?" Steve asked.

"Follow me. Amy why don't you talk to Sheila and find out if she needs
anything else. Alice, entertain our other guest... better yet, you'd
better come along too, Jim. We might need you," Judy said. She led them
up to the maintenance floor and showed Steve the crates. "We need to
get these shipped to New York as soon as possible. Can you hook on them
down here, or do they need to be lifted to the pad?" Judy asked.

"Down here?" Steve asked puzzled. Judy grinned and flipped the control
on the roof. It rolled back, despite the weight of the large helicopter
on it. Steve and Jim were in awe. But it made sense. It was a silo
after all, Steve thought. He looked at the crates. John and Kevin had
built them strong, with integral lift rings. He looked up at the pad
above. Gauging the opening and the crates.

"Normally, I could hook on to them down here, if the wind was calm. The
trouble is that I'd need someone to hook up, you could do that, that's
not hard, but I don't have a portable radio so you could direct me. It
would be a bitch getting lined up without one," Steve said. Alice had
tagged along.

"John used to talk to Kevin in his helicopter on his snowmobile helmet
radio," she suggested.

"That was a military helicopter. It might have a different radio," Judy
said.

"Could you get that radio? Maybe I can tune it," Steve asked. Alice
left and returned with the helmet and radio a short time later. Steve
looked at the radio. "Sure, I can tune this. If Jim could direct me and
you could hook up then we could lift right out of here, tomorrow, as
soon as the part arrives. In fact they can bring in a portable radio
with them and a big enough machine that we can take several at once,"
Steve said.

"So if the wind's calm then, you can do it. What if it's not?" Judy
asked. Steve looked over at the winch motor and the jig pole mount that
John had fashioned.

"We can still do it. We'll just jig pole them to the surface. That
would be a lot safer anyway," he said.

"Well why don't we do that tonight, then tomorrow we can ship them for
sure. Would you two mind? I don't really know how to run that thing,"
Judy said.

"Be glad to. What's in the crates?" Steve asked.

"Scanners for Second Skin. We're setting up another salon back east.
Everyday they are here is a day when they could be making money for us.
I'm sure you'd be well compensated for your efforts," Judy said.

"No problem there, glad to do it. It ensures us the shipping contract,"
Steve chuckled.

"Don't you get all our shipping?" Judy asked.

"I think John divides it up between us and the other service. I don't
mind that. He gives us both more service than we used to see," Steve
said.

"Well, thank you anyway. You're a life saver. I wouldn't have a clue
how to run that thing," Judy said, heading back towards the kitchen.
Amy was talking to Sheila when she got back to the kitchen. She handed
Judy the phone when she reached for it.

"Sheila? Can do. We can have them on their way to you by tomorrow
sometime," she said.

"Great. Safely?" Sheila asked.

"Yup. Two strapping men here to help," Judy said.

"Amy didn't tell me much. Just how the hell did you find two men so
quick? We just left you a few hours ago," Sheila asked.

"Steve -our helicopter pilot- had a breakdown when he went to leave.
He's stuck here for the night. Jim's a soldier that Bill assigned to
guard the Silo while we were away," Judy said.

"Are they cute?" Sheila asked.

"As a button. The girls have already staked claims," Judy said.

"They may share. They always were generous with their loving," Sheila
chuckled.

"I don't think I'm up to that yet. I was just warming up to the idea of
Kevin and Bill. I'm not ready for a novice flight yet," Judy said.

"Well... keep an open mind. And have fun," Sheila said.

"So I ship to Second Skin in New York?" Judy asked.

"No, ship them right to Shannon's place. The address is on John's
computer in the Com room. Ship them air freight to La Guardia, and then
arrange a truck shipment from there to her estate. Make certain that
you tell them that you need them loaded and unloaded. Those union
truckers back here won't do shit if it isn't on the work order. Ship
them priority. The price is worth it. We can make up the cost in an
hour once they're running," Sheila said.

"Will do. If I can I'll get them moving tonight," Judy said.

"That would be great. If not, tomorrow is fine. I just couldn't see us
losing two weeks while John and Bill are on their honeymoon," Sheila
said.

"Do you think that Bill will be coming back here?" Judy asked.

"Oh, there is that. He may get sidetracked with this homeless thing. I
think I know your concern," Sheila chuckled.

"Yes, I was thinking that I'd like to try him first. He's well used to
multiple company with the triplets," Judy chuckled.

"Well, I'd better get off or it will cost us another hour's production
to pay for this call. I'm on my cellular," Sheila said.

"Okay, have fun back there. I'll get these going as fast as possible. I
love you all," Judy said.

"I ... and *we* love you too. Bye," Sheila said. Judy hung up the
phone. Amy was standing by.

"What do you mean we staked a claim? We wouldn't leave you out," she
said, pulling Judy into her arms.

"No, love. You two go ahead. I'm not quite up to unknown men yet," Judy
said, hugging and then kissing the young woman. "Well, if you change
your mind. Then just join us. Okay?" Amy asked, kissing her again.

"Okay, thanks," Judy said. When they got back to the maintenance room,
Steve and Jim already had the Jig pole mounted and rigged. Steve was
studying the controls John had interfaced with the winch.

"Nice set up he has here. Real good gearing and control. Custom job,
John's work?" Steve asked.

"I wouldn't know. Probably. What can I do?" Judy asked.

"Enjoy the show. Maybe you could go topside with Jim. He may need a
hand pulling the crate onto the pad and moving them aside so we can
lift another one," Steve said. He fired up the winch and played out
enough cable to hook up to a crate. The integral rings made it easier.
Jim hooked up the cable to the crate and then headed topside with Judy
in his wake.

Steve worked the wireless controls and slowly lifted the heavy crate,
guiding it with his hands. Jim had hooked a small guide rope that he
tossed up onto the pad. He showed his face at the edge and took up
slack as the crate raised. When it was high enough, he used the rope to
pull it towards the pad. Judy pulling too as Steve slowly played out
cable again.

They repeated the operation six times. The girls went topside and
helped slide the heavy crates aside to make room for the others.
Finally they were done. Jim came down and with the girls' help they
dismounted and lay the heavy jig pole back down. Then Steve closed the
roof.

"I can't thank you enough," Judy said, kissing both Steve and Jim on
the cheek, "I just wish that there was some way to get them shipped
tonight."

"It's important?" Steve asked.

"Yes, whatever it cost would be worth it. We could make up the extra
shipping costs in an hour of operation once they get set up. They're
just burning money sitting there," she replied.

"I have an idea. Can I use your phone?" Steve asked.

"Certainly," Judy said, leading them back to the kitchen. They all
stopped off to wash their hands. The cable was greasy. Steve looked in
his wallet for a number, then dialed it.

"Charley, you old horse thief. This is Steve.... Oh, pretty good.
Listen, have you still got that big Sikorski sky crane in the
neighborhood? You do? Great. How'd you like a quick easy haul? Oh, six
crates about five hundred a piece. We'd like to get them on a plane
tonight, but my unit's down. ... Ring bearing on the main pitch... I
know you did, you were right. Anyway, how fast can you lift? Two hours?
What's her name? Your *wife*? That's not like you. Just tell her it's
business. Alright, if your dinner's that important. Where... let's see,
call my dispatch for exact long-lat. When you get in the neighborhood,
give my cellular a call and I'll turn on the lights. Don't go setting
down on my baby. You'd squash her like a bug. Yeah, thanks, Charley.
Oh, you can bill through my service, I trust these folks to make good
on it. Great, see you then. See ya," Steve said.

"Okay, he's going to lift in about an hour. It will take him about
another to get here so he'll be here in about two. He's big enough to
handle them all at once. I got to warn you that this will set you back
about three grand," Steve told Judy.

"Outstanding!" Judy said, launching herself at him and hugging him
tightly.

"Easy, darling. What about the money?" Steve chuckled.

"We can make that up in less than an hour," Judy said, just inches from
his face. She suddenly realized how intimate it had become and slowly
untangled herself. "I'm sorry, I was just excited," she said.

"No need to apologize to me. I'll have to think of more ways to get you
excited... Make it up in an hour huh? No wonder you're in such a hurry
to get these things going," Steve said, grinning.

"Now all I have to do is arrange air freight and trucking on the other
end," Judy said.

"Where they going?" Steve asked.

"Long Island, New York," Judy said.

"Through La Guardia? They could end up in Timbuktu if you shipped
through Kennedy," Steve asked.

"Yeah, Sheila said to ship through La Guardia," Judy said.

"Your best bet is Travis Air Freight, they have a regular ten-thirty
flight into La Guardia," Steve said.

"Ten-thirty. Could we make that on time?" Judy asked. Steve looked at
his watch and winced a bit. Then took out his wallet again and
consulted his phone list. He picked up the phone.

"Ben Travis please, Steve Collier calling," he said, "Then get him at
home. Yes, I'll wait....... Ben? Steve Collier here. Could you hold
your ten-thirty to La Guardia for six crates.... About like coffins...
Five hundred a piece.... Charley will be flying them inbound in about
two hours.. figure three to get to you. You will, great... Listen,
could you have your man arrange for truck transport on the other end?
This is hot cargo and they don't need the hassle of lost weigh bills
those union guys are famous for.... Yeah and they need load and unload
too... You'll make the call yourself? Great. How's the wife... *again?*
I would have thought she'd take the scissors to your tubes by now....
Well congratulations... yeah, I know. I did that once, remember?. ....
Okay, I'll call you back with the exact address.. out on Long Island
somewhere... Second Skin... I'll see what I can do... Okay, thanks. See
ya," Steve said, breaking the connection.

"All set. He'll have trucks waiting when they set down. They should be
able to load up and arrive in Long Island by around four A.M. Eastern.
They'll unload the crates on that end for you," Steve said.

"You are a miracle worker," Judy said, kissing him on the cheek and
hugging him again.

"I'm just trying to figure what else I could do to get you excited
again," Steve chuckled. Judy looked at him again. She realized that she
was in his arms once more.

"I seem to be making a habit of this.... Maybe there's a reason," she
said.

"I was hoping..." Steve said.

"Let's find out," Judy said, lifting her head to his. He bent and
softly kissed her. She found herself quivering a bit in the middle of
it. She deepened the kiss herself. After a time she finally pulled
back. "Yup, there's a reason," she said, softly.

"I think so too... Uh, I guess we'd better get your crates labeled and
get that address for the shipping... then maybe we can pursue it once
we get your cargo on the way," Steve said.

"Yes... I think I'd like that. What do we need for the labels?" Judy
asked, still in his arms.

"I find a roll of duct tape and a magic marker or a Sharpie works
best... and the address of course," Steve said.

"I think we have all those.... I guess we'd better get started...." she
said, making no move to leave his arms.

"Yes... we should..." he said, pulling her back to him. Eventually they
got the crates labeled and the address forwarded to Travis Air Freight.
A short time later Steve's cellular rang with Charley inbound. Judy
showed him how to manually turn on the lights on the pad. Steve used
the radio in his chopper to direct the line over the load, then had
Judy direct him on station while he took a second cable off the lift
cable and looped it several times around the crates and then through
the lift rings. He reconnected the cable and then took the mike himself
to direct the lifting to avoid any damage to his own helicopter or -
more importantly- Judy.

"Okay, that's good. You're on your own. Travis Air is holding their
ten-thirty to La Guardia for you, so make haste... Yes, she's easily as
pretty as she sounds... Prettier... Yeah, same to ya. Thanks Charley, I
owe you big time for this. Yes, yes, send it to my office... thanks
bud, Good Flying," Steve finished.

"As pretty as I sound, am I?" Judy chuckled.

"Easily.. Prettier, You have a lovely voice. Usually women who sound
that nice look like blimps in person," Steve said. Judy chuckled.

"Thanks..... Now where were we?" she asked, moving against him. The sun
was now down and the stars above were in their full glory as they
kissed in the red glow of the pad lights. Sometime later they found the
twins with Jim in the massive hot tub. Judy didn't think a thing about
it as she stripped off her clothes and climbed in. Steve shrugged and
did the same. Poor Jim looked like a basket case already. Judy didn't
know if he had a chance to last the night.

"Changed your mind, huh?" Amy chuckled from Jim's lap. Alice was
snuggled to his side.

"Kind of. I kept finding myself in his arms.. we finally discovered
there was a reason," Judy said, leading Steve by the hand to a built in
chair and then moving onto his lap.

"Who am I to complain? I was ready to sleep in the back of my
helicopter," Steve chuckled.

"You certain you're interested in me?" Judy asked, softly.

"*Quite* certain, darling," Steve said, kissing her softly.

"Then there's something I think you should know about me before this
goes any further," Judy said.

"What's that?" he asked. Judy turned to the girls.

"Come here please, Alice," she said, beckoning her with her arms. Alice
stood and moved toward her.

"Boy, are *you* in for a surprise," Jim giggled.

"Hush! This is *serious*," Amy said. She insured his silence by
covering his lips with her own. Alice reached Judy and she took her
into her arms and kissed her deeply, not too far away from Steve's
shocked expression. She could feel his reaction underneath her.

"Thank you dear, now you can go back and join your sister, so Steve and
I can have a little talk," Judy said, squeezing Alice's cute buns
before releasing her.

"Let me know if I can be of any further assistance," Alice chuckled as
she moved away. Judy turned to Steve.

"Well, I know what your body thinks of it... how about your mind? Still
interested?" she asked. Steve looked at her and nodded. "There's
something else," she said.

"What's that?" he asked, ready for just about anything after what he'd
just seen.

"Just that until two weeks ago I had never been with a man before.
*Ever*.. Now I've only been with one. That was John," Judy said.

"I'll be as gentle as a lamb with you, I promise... John, the John now
on his honeymoon?" he asked.

"Yes, and you need not worry about being so gentle. John is an
*excellent* teacher," Judy said, chuckling at her memories.

"Yes, I can see that. I was just wondering about him being on his
honeymoon after being with you," Steve said.

"Well, you see, we all love *each other* around here. Not the guys...
But I don't think that would bother me. But basically there are now
thirteen... no, make it *fourteen* women who are flat assed in love
with John *and* each other. Two of them have now married other men, but
they understand that the women expect to continue their relationships
with each of us. In fact most the women -except me- have bedded the
other two guys. I expect to in the future. We are one big happy
*family*. We wouldn't want anything or anybody to change that. So if
you can't handle that then maybe we'd better not get any more
involved," Judy said. Steve thought about things for a bit.

"No, I'm still interested. It's you that I'm interested in. Not the
others. But I don't mind that you feel that way. It just seems kind of
odd that I should become exposed to this sort of thing.... You see, a
few years ago my wife left me -divorced me- I didn't know why until I
found out she was living with another woman. It made me think long and
hard about things. Fact is that I wouldn't have minded her seeing the
other woman if she'd just stayed married to me. I even told her that
later, but she didn't seem to be much interested in me anymore.

"Anyway... I went out and *tested* myself. I spent lots of time hanging
around places known to cater to lesbians. Most weren't the slightest
bit interested in me, but I did manage to convince one couple to come
home with me. I found that I actually enjoyed it very much... not just
what they did to me, but what they did to each other. I found it
incredibly sexy.

"They weren't much interested in a long term relationship. I wasn't
much interested in a short term one, so we parted company. But ever
since then I've had the desire with me. It's stayed. That's why I find
it kind of ironic. When I found myself becoming interested in you, I
had no clue that you had those inclinations. Now that I know you do,
I'm thrilled to death," he said, pulling her into a passionate kiss.
Judy lifted her head and smiled at him, then turned to the other side
of the pool.

"Amy, do you think you could spare your sister for a night? Jim looks
like he's almost done for anyway. I think I could use that assistance
you offered, Alice," Judy said.

"Sure, no problem," Amy said. She caught Alice and kissed her tenderly
before patting her rump in Judy's direction. "Have a good time, Sis,"
she said. Alice was halfway across the pool when suddenly her and Amy
kind of smiled and shuddered.

"Are you girls *still* feeling each others orgasms?" Judy asked,
chuckling. Alice kind of smiled and nodded, moving to their side.

"No kidding? You can feel each other's orgasms?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, sometimes. If we forget to shut off," Alice said.

"So how's Bill doing?" Judy asked, pulling Alice onto her lap while
still on Steve's.

"Oh, he's keeping up his end of things," Alice chuckled.

"Where are they?" Steve asked.

"Camp David," Judy answered, her lips descending on Alice's. Steve was
going to be excited about the concept of telepathy over such a distance
when he was suddenly distracted by the sight before his eyes. His
questions vaporized as Alice turned her head and kissed him deeply,
Judy's hands exploring her young, firm body. When they broke out in a
sweat, they used the cool plunge. Judy and Alice helping Amy with an
overdone Jim. The cool water helped revive him enough that some of his
enthusiasm returned. Amy drug him off to her room to use it up.

Judy guided a *very* happy and noticeably excited Steve to her bedroom
with Alice hanging on his other side. He wasn't the slightest bit
disappointed. Neither was Judy. Alice *always* seemed to enjoy herself.
Judy enjoyed herself so much that it sort of bothered her. She wasn't
prepared for the feelings she was experiencing. That's when she left a
blissfully sleeping Steve and Alice and made her way to the kitchen.
She had just brewed a cup of tea when Cindy called.

After the phone call she found that she was less bothered herself by
what she was feeling. She eagerly slipped back into bed with the
sleeping couple. Her motion stirred Steve awake and he pulled her into
his arms. Their lovemaking was slow and passionate. Alice hardly seemed
to notice as she slept blissfully at her side. Occasionally she would
shudder a bit and smile in her sleep. Either Bill was doing *very*
well, or Jim had found his second wind.

Shannon and Sheila were baffled and then shocked when the buzzer on
Shannon's gate sounded. At first she thought it was kids playing a
prank, but over the intercom they determined that it was a delivery
from the Silo. Shannon directed them where to go and triggered the
electric gate mechanism. Then her and Sheila pulled on some clothes and
found some slippers.

"What's going on?" a groggy Sally asked them as they passed down the
hallway.

"Judy's a flipping miracle worker. The crates are here," Sheila said.

"You're kidding? It's not eight hours since you talked to her, that's
impossible," Sally said, waking up.

"Maybe they entered a time-warp tomorrow afternoon and came back to
now, but put on some clothes and come see for yourself," Shannon said,
heading for he guest house. Jean stirred and found Sally dressing.

"What's up?" she asked.

"Sheila says the crates are here," Sally replied.

"Huh? I thought... it's not possible," Jean said, looking at the clock
and sitting up. Sally sat on the bed to pull on her shoes, instead she
turned and kissed Jean and caressed her bare breasts.

"That's what I thought. Let's go find out. If not I can think of
something else worth doing at this hour," Sally chuckled, circling
Jean's nipples with her fingertips.

"You always *were* a morning person. Alright, let's go see," Jean said,
getting up. A few minutes later they found that it was indeed true. Not
only that, but the men were cheerfully unloading them and putting them
exactly where Sheila was directing them to. There were four strong men,
even so they had to carry over a hundred pounds apiece on each crate.
They didn't bat an eye when Sheila directed them up a flight of stairs
for two of the crates. They refused the assistance of the women.
Perhaps it was the sight of four lovely women so early in the morning
that gave them the strength they needed to muscle the crates up the
stairs and into a large bedroom.

Sheila had them open the crates while she inspected the machines. They
were all in good shape. So were the computer monitors and such, which
were probably the most fragile. The men opened all the crates for them
and positioned the heavy machines exactly where they wanted them. They
seemed downright cheerful about it.

"You seem awful cheerful for this time of the morning," Shannon
commented.

"Not often we get to meet an academy award winning actress and three
intriguing heroines, stunning beauties every one of you," one of the
men replied.

"Hell, we'd be happy to do it if you were ugly. You done this country a
great service. It's the least we can do," said another.

"Well, let me get my purse, so I can tip you properly," Sheila said.

"No, Ma'am. We don't want anything. That wouldn't *feel* right," said
one. The men all nodded.

"Well, you've done us a great service here. We'd like to thank you some
way," Shannon said.

"What you done for this country is all the thanks we need," said one.

"Maybe, but you won't leave here un-rewarded," Shannon said. She
stepped up to one and kissed him full on the lips. Sheila, Sally and
Jean took their cue and moved to the others. Then they rotated. They
didn't stop until each had kissed each of the startled men.

"God, my wife finds out I'm dead meat... but I wouldn't have missed
that for the world. You've made my week for me, Ma'am," said one,
humbly. Catarina and Bianca came in on the tail end of it. Sheila
explained to them and each man got kissed twice more before they got
out the door.

"Best damn tip I ever got. Academy award winning actress.. who woulda
believed it," said one.

"Nobody back on the docks, that's for sure," said another. The truck
pulled out and Shannon closed the gate. Sheila and the girls set about
setting up the machines. Shannon woke her staff and ordered breakfast
sent to the guest house for all. Afterwards it was just late enough for
her to start calling. By nine o-clock they had their first customers.
Shannon stayed on the phone and by the end of the day they were booked
through the end of the week. The rest would follow suit once word got
out. About two in the afternoon, Sheila took a break from the endless
parade of stunning nude actresses and relaxed with a glass of wine
while she called the Silo. She got Amy on the phone.

"Hi dumpling, this is Sheila, let me talk to Judy," she asked.

"Oh, she's not up yet. She had a pretty late night, according to
Alice," Amy giggled.

"Well see if you can rouse her anyway, she managed to get us up at
*four* this morning, I want to know how," Sheila said.

"Okay, I've got to wake them anyway, the man's here to fix Steve's
helicopter. Hang on," Amy said. After a time a slightly groggy Judy
came onto the phone.

"Just one question; How?" Sheila asked.

"How what?" Judy asked.

"How the hell did you get six, five-hundred pound crates across the
country, in less than eight hours after I talked to you?" Sheila asked.

"Oh... I tapped into something called the old-boy network. Steve's been
explaining it to me. It's how this country really runs. He got a part
for his helicopter from Atlanta overnight too," Judy said.

"And how was the *old-boy?*" Sheila giggled.

"Not so old, and certainly no boy.. and absolutely wonderful," Judy
said.

"Sound's serious," Sheila said.

"Could be. The mere sight of women kissing turns him into a raging
bull," Judy chuckled.

"What's he like?" Sheila asked.

"A genuine hunk of a man. Bright, witty, educated, successful and a
tender wonderful lover," Judy mused.

"With all that, still want me around?" Sheila asked.

"That's the *silliest* damn question you ever asked. You *know* I love
you," Judy said.

"Yes, love. And you know I love you. I'm thrilled for you," Sheila
said.

"Hell, *I'm* thrilled for me," Judy said.

"Hope you remembered to wear your galoshes," Sheila said.

"No need. Clipped tubes like John," Judy said.

"You trust he's clean too?" Sheila asked, concerned.

"Yup, checked recently. Clean bill of health," Judy said.

"Still not positive, but good as a girl can usually get," Sheila said.

"Oh, fairly positive. He hasn't been too active for a while. Had
himself checked because he had a little tęte-ŕ-tęte with some women he
was a little worried about, about a year ago," Judy said.

"Good enough... You sure you know what you're doing?" Sheila asked.

"No, but it feels right enough. I'm as sure as I've ever been... but
you've known me to change my mind about things before," Judy chuckled.

"Yeah, when you change your mind you do it in a *big* way... Well, kiss
the girls for me. I love you all," Sheila said.

"I will...by the way, that shipping is going to set you back about four
or five grand. Total," Judy said.

"Peanuts and well worth it. We'll clear sixty-five in profit today.
With Shannon's cut that still makes forty grand free and clear. Not a
bad day at all," Sheila said.

"No shit. Well, you take care. I think I'm gonna go find an *old-boy*
and *thank* him again," Judy said.

"Okay, have fun... Oh, how did the girls' Soldier boy turn out?" Sheila
asked.

"Oh, okay, Amy was quite taken with him, but I don't think he's up to
our crowd," Judy said.

"Out of shape?" Sheila asked.

"Not hardly, an Army Ranger. But perhaps not up to the triplets'
stamina," Judy chuckled.

"Well. Time will tell, huh?" Sheila said.

"Yeah," Judy said.

"Well, see you, lover. I'll save a special kiss for you," Sheila said.

"As I will for you. Bye, love," Judy said. Sheila was barely off the
phone when it rang again, she answered it as Shannon was tied up with
Bianca's afternoon treatment.

"Hi darling, didn't expect you to answer," Mae's voice said.

"Hi love, how's work?" Sheila asked.

"Don't have a clue. Was running smooth when I last checked in, but I
haven't been near the place," Mae said.

"Really, that's surprising. Not like you at all. Think there are too
many reporters around?" Sheila asked.

"Hadn't thought about it much," Mae giggled.

"All right, love. I know you *too* well, I know you're busting to tell
me something. What is it?" Sheila asked.

"Oh... not much. Got engaged this morning..... Candice did too," Mae
giggled.

"*WHAT?*" Sheila gasped. Mae chuckled.

"I got engaged this morning, Candice did too," she repeated.

"To each other?" Sheila asked.

"Well, no. Not specifically, but that was understood," Mae said.

"Listen, darling. I left you yesterday afternoon, the only men in sight
were the flight stewards, they weren't your type. Now could you explain
a little better what the hell you are saying?" Sheila asked.

"The flight stewards weren't, but the co-pilot was," Mae said.

"O-kay, I never saw him. But that sort of explains one. What about
Candice?" Sheila asked.

"The pilot," Mae giggled.

"Candice fell for the pilot?" Sheila asked.

"Like several tons of bricks. A real charming country boy. A fighter
jockey from the Vietnam war. Swept her off her feet in seconds flat. I
think I took hours myself... okay, it was several minutes at least,"
Mae giggled.

"And they *both* asked you two to marry them this morning, and you both
accepted?" Sheila asked.

"My, you're quick.. Yup," Mae said.

"And you're serious?" Sheila asked.

"Never been more serious in my life," Mae said.

"Well... congratulations... I guess," Sheila said.

"You don't sound too enthusiastic," Mae said.

"I'm still in a state of utter shock. I leave three of my lovers
yesterday afternoon and within the last ten minutes I learn that
they've fallen madly in love with charming men," Sheila said.

"Three?" Mae asked.

"Judy and her chopper pilot. Head over heels. The jury's still out over
Amy and her soldier boy," Sheila said.

"You're kidding?" Mae asked.

"Nope. Sounded as serious as you do," Sheila said.

"I've got to call her," Mae said.

"I'd wait a bit, you'd be likely to catch her *mid-flagranto* if you
called now," Sheila said.

"Well, I guess stranger things have happened," Mae said.

"Yeah, I only got to believe six impossible things before breakfast,
but nine before lunch," Sheila said.

"What were the six?" Mae asked.

"Crates. I called Judy last night and asked if it was possible for them
to ship us the three machines for here before John returned to the
Silo. Less than eight hours later they were on the doorstep here,"
Sheila said.

"You're kidding? That's phenomenal!" Mae said.

"Seems to be the day for it. Well, take care, love. I can't wait to
meet these mystery men, all of them," Sheila said.

"Yeah, I'll try to hold mine back for a while, he's been talking about
a quick trip to Reno. But after Cindy's, Theresa's and Andrea's
wedding, I'm holding out for more," Mae chuckled.

"Okay love. See you when we get back. Kiss Candice for me," Sheila
said.

"My pleasure. Kiss the girls there for me and her. I love you, bye,"
Mae said.

"I love you too. Bye," Sheila said, hanging up the phone. Sally stepped
out of the guest house and stretched and inhaled deeply. "Careful,
there's something in the air," Sheila mused.

"What?" Sally asked.

"I don't have a clue, but in the past twenty-four hours three of our
lovelies have met men and fallen madly in love. The jury's still out on
a fourth," Sheila said.

"Who?" Sally asked.

"Candice and Mae are flat engaged. Judy's head over heels and close on
their tails. Amy's the iffy one," Sheila said.

"How the hell did that happen, we only left them yesterday?" Sally
asked.

"Three pilots and a soldier that Bill had guarding the Silo..
respectively," Sheila said.

"There was only two pilots on the plane, I saw the back of their heads
when I boarded," Sally said.

"That's Candice and Mae. They are flat engaged. Judy's was the chopper
pilot who flew them to the Silo. He had a breakdown and had to spend
the night. Apparently he spent it with Judy and she's all ga-ga over
him today," Sheila said.

"We almost lost Jean too. She's still talking about one of those
delivery men from this morning," Sally mused.

"Well, I personally am going to avoid all contact with men until I'm
certain that the plague has passed," Sheila said, heading inside. She
walked in the door and almost ran into a stunning nude actress that she
had been frothing over for years. "Oh, excuse me," Sheila said.

"That's okay, you didn't see me. You're Sheila, right?" said the
actress.

"Yes... I've admired your films for years," Sheila said, enthralled.

"Thank you. I've been wanting to meet you since I saw you on
television," she said, making serious eye contact with Sheila.

"Thank you.. Nice to meet you. Really. Ah, listen, I'm a little tired
right now, we've been up since four setting this up. Perhaps we'll meet
again sometime," Sheila said.

"Count on it," said the actress, holding Sheila's hand in both of hers.
Sheila felt herself sinking into the actress's gaze. It scared the hell
out of her and she pulled away and excused herself. She made her way
shakily into the main house and into her room, closing the door behind
her. She lay on the bed and tried not to breathe too deeply. The
actress spotted Shannon as she was dressing again.

"I thought you said Sheila was interested in me?" she commented.

"I'd be very surprised if she wasn't," Shannon replied.

"Well, she sure didn't seem like it," replied the actress.

"That's not like her at all... but we have been up a long time,"
Shannon said.

"Maybe so.. that's the excuse she used," said the actress.

"Excuse?" Shannon asked.

"That's what it seemed like to me," replied the actress.

"I'll see what I can find out," Shannon said, excusing herself. She
found Sally out on the deck. Relaxing in a chair. "Know what's up with
Sheila?" Shannon asked her.

"Possibly. Why, what did she do?" Sally asked.

"I've been trying to line her up with a particular actress she's been
frothing at the mouth over for years, apparently she blew it off,"
Shannon said.

"I think she's in shock. She just found out that Mae and Candice got
engaged this morning and Judy's going steady. Also, Amy's got a hot
prospect," Sally replied.

"How is that possible? We just left them yesterday about this time,"
Shannon asked.

"To quote Sheila: '*Three pilots and a soldier Bill assigned to guard
the Silo while we were away, respectively*," Sally said.

"Three pilots?" Shannon asked.

"The copter pilot to the Silo. Judy's new beaux," Sally said.

"I can see why Sheila would be rattled by that news. A month ago Judy
was a *devout* lesbian. Mae was a strong supporter. If not for John I
didn't think that either of them would have had anything to do with
men," Shannon said.

"Well, apparently all of them are big beau-hunks and utterly charming,"
Sally said.

"They'd have to be," Shannon said.

"Anyway, Sheila said she thought there was some kind of plague in the
air and that she was going to avoid men and try not to breath too
deeply until it was known safe. I think she's taking a nap," Sally
said.

"Thanks.. How are you holding up?" Shannon asked.

"I'm okay. Catarina's a fast learner. She's running one machine. Jean's
running a second. Bianca offered to spell me on the third, but it's in
the midst of casting anyway. I just came out to get a breath of air. We
need to add some ventilation I think. Maybe some vacuum tubes right on
the casting tables. I noticed you have a built in vacuum system, think
it would take full time operation?" Sally asked.

"If not then it could be adapted to. That's a good idea. I'll contact
my maintenance man," Shannon said.

"That Bianca's a real trouper. I think she's doing much better," Sally
commented.

"Yeah, so do I. I think she does it for enjoyment as much as for her
addiction now," Shannon chuckled.

"Can't fault her for that!" Sally giggled.

"Yeah, I can't either. I guess I'll go give Jean a break. She's a
trouper too, but I'm sure she could use a break," Shannon said.

"That's very kind of you. May I thank you with a kiss?" Sally asked.

"You most certainly may," Shannon said, moving to collect her reward.

"You know, you really don't need to be doing this. The offer of the
location was generous enough without you doing the work too," Sally
said, once she released Shannon.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world. I'm having a ball," Shannon said.

"Okay.. but if it stops being fun, feel free to duck out," Sally said.

"Maybe I will later. Maybe go join Sheila for a nap," Shannon said.

"Do it, if you feel like it. We can handle things," Sally said.

"Thanks, well. See you this evening," Shannon said, slipping away. A
short time later Jean stepped out onto the deck. She spotted Sally and
moved to her side. Sally kissed her and then told her all the news from
the West.

"Most unusual," Jean commented, moving a lock of hair from Sally's
forehead.

"Yes, I thought so. Perhaps John's marriage just made them more open to
things," Sally mused, "I was a bit worried about you, over those
delivery men."

"Oh, I wasn't really interested in them. I think I was just missing the
feel of John and I was a bit vulnerable. I kind of got turned on when
we kissed them," Jean said.

"Yes.. I miss him too. I don't think I'll ever get over him," Sally
said.

"Why would you try? I mean... he's asked each of us to marry him. If we
actually get a chance, I intend to take him up on it," Jean said.

"I probably will too. It's just that.... I kind of long for a less
global relationship," Sally said.

"Like waking up next to the same person every morning?" Jean teased.

"You fill that role quite nicely. If I didn't enjoy the feeling of a
man inside me, I'd be quite content living alone with you for the rest
of my life," Sally said, softly.

"Yes, I quite agree. On both counts. Seems kind of selfish of us,
desiring a man all to ourselves," Jean said.

"Oh, maybe not so selfish. Most the world lives that way. I think the
thing that separates us, is that we are willing to give up that sole
proprietorship in exchange for sharing time with an exemplary man.
We're not willing to settle for less," Sally said.

"I think there's more to it. Theresa and Andrea could have that sole
proprietorship, but they choose to remain involved with the rest of us.
I think it's the feeling of *family* that we all share. None of us have
strong family ties elsewhere, if we have family at all. These people
are *our* family," Jean said.

"You may be right about that. I certainly feel no desire to contact my
parents now. Not that they gave me so raw a deal, not at all like
Theresa and Cindy, but we just don't have much in common anymore. I
think they just stay together out of habit. They'd miss each other as
sparring partners," Sally said.

"Yeah, myself I don't have the option. You know my folks have both
passed away. I have a brother in Jersey, but he's all wrapped up in his
wife and three kids. A barbecue in the suburbs with a few drinking
buddies is the high point of his life," Jean said.

"Nothing wrong with that, unless it becomes the context of your whole
life," Sally said.

"It is, with him. He's in hog heaven," Jean said.

"I can see why you're not closer. Well, guess I'd better go spell
Catarina. Don't forget to thank Shannon. She's being a real dear
today," Sally said.

"Every day, near as I've been able to tell. We wouldn't have any of
this business if it wasn't for her. Stunning women, every one of them.
I'm so damn horny I could bust," Jean said.

"Perils of the job. I'll be happy to cure that once we shut down for
the day. Maybe we can administer Bianca's next treatment," Sally said.

"She's already got two dates for the night," Jean chuckled.

"I heard you turn down that many yourself," Sally said, standing.

"As I did you," Jean said.

"Well... perhaps later. So many on the first day just made me feel like
a cheap date," Sally said, bending back to collect a kiss.

"Just like when I used to get offers as a waitress," Jean chuckled.

"Yeah, see you in a bit," Sally said, excusing herself. She stepped in
and found Catarina doing her best to deal with an attractive, but
belligerent patron. Probably one of the administrators wives that
Shannon had to schedule to *grease the machinery*.

"I'll take over if you'd like to take a break, Catarina. Now, what
seems to be the problem, Ma'am?" Sally said smoothly. Catarina looked
eternally grateful as she slipped away.

"As I was trying to tell that bubble headed foreigner, I want a
particular piece of art on my outfit. She kept saying she couldn't do
it," the woman said.

"That *bubble headed foreigner*, as you refer to her, was awarded the
*Legion of Merit* award by the President just over a week ago, for
exemplary services rendered to this country. This is her *first* day
training in this position. But she was correct in her assertion. We
can't put a specific piece of artwork on an outfit because of the
copyright laws. If you can produce legal proof of copyright ownership,
a valid release of copyright or evidence of royalties paid to the
copyright owner for the *specific* purpose of producing an outfit, then
we will be happy to oblige you. However, there are a great many pieces
of famous artwork which are considered to be in the public domain now.
I would be most happy to show them to you," Sally said, keeping her
temper and smiling.

"Well, I expected better service than this for what you're charging,"
said the woman.

"We are charging that particular rate, because of accelerated bookings.
If you dealt with our normal salons you couldn't get an appointment for
six months. But that has nothing to do with the fact that we must
operate within the laws and regulations of a particular jurisdiction.
The copyright laws are federal laws, and in most cases are covered by
international treaty. So there are few places on earth that you could
go to legally obtain what you are asking for. We certainly cannot
provide it if we wish to continue in operation. Which we do. If you
wish you could commission a custom piece of artwork and return at a
later time with it. Otherwise, may I show you what we *can* do for
you?" Sally said.

"Well, I guess while I'm here... What have you got?" the woman asked.

"In these catalogs we have a listing of all the artwork that we have on
file. There is a print of each work with a reference number. If you
would care to select one then I can call it into the computer and show
you how it would look," Sally said, offering the woman a thick catalog.

"Wouldn't it be quicker to view them on the computer?" asked the woman.

"No, Ma'am. You can view eight works on one page at a glance. It takes
several seconds to call in each image on the computer, *after* the
proper CD is inserted," Sally explained.

"I would have thought that you would have better computers," said the
woman.

"Ma'am. These are the fastest computer workstations available that we
know of. If you know of a faster one then we would be *very* interested
in knowing about them," Sally said, smoothly. Finding no edge for a
fight, the woman consoled herself looking through the catalog. Sally
glanced at the order sheet. The piece of artwork that the woman wanted
would have looked absolutely dreadful on her.

Sally knew of another work within the same style and period that would
work out very well, she consulted her own catalog and pulled up the
image. She mapped it over the image and turned to the woman.

"Ma'am, I've selected a work that I think would suit you very well,
what do you think of this?" she asked. The woman looked up, prepared to
do battle and was instantly entranced by the image on the screen.

"Oh, that's *just* what I wanted!" exclaimed the woman.

"Yes, Ma'am. Would you like to view it from other angles? It's best to
know how it looks from any direction. A particular image may look great
from one direction and downright embarrassing from another," Sally
said, turning the image.

Catarina met Jean out on the deck and chose a chair beside her. She
rubbed her eyes.

"God, that woman would not listen to me. She acted like her husband's
position as a minor local dignitary entitled her to ignore the law,"
she said.

"Yeah, kind of like when I'd get an adamant customer at the diner.
They'd demand roast beef when we were out of it. Like their desires
should automatically produce what they wanted," Jean chuckled.

"I am not so sure that I am up to working with the public," Catarina
said.

"You'll do fine. Actually, you will find that -for the most part- the
public is very easy to work with. The problems arise when you have to
deal with a person who *thinks* they are important, whether they are or
not. In fact, the ones who actually *are* important are easy to work
with too, because they usually got to be important by understanding how
things work," Jean chuckled.

"And you learned such great wisdom working at a diner?" Catarina asked.

"A place of amazing diversity," Jean chuckled.

"Perhaps that is where I should start," Catarina said.

"No, that is *not* the best place to learn. Watch Sally. She's very
good with the customers. Observe how she deals with them, how she tries
to turn bad things into opportunities to make the customer happy. See,
all the customer wants, is to be happy. Sometimes you have to show them
what happy is. Just keep in mind that the whole point is to satisfy the
customer's needs. That's why they come to us. Do whatever you can to
make them happy. If you can't do one thing because of legal restraints,
explain that to them, *briefly*, then offer them an alternative.
Arguing over what you can't do doesn't solve a thing. If they are
insistent, explain to them that we must operate within the constraints
of the law and that they are welcome to pursue their desires anywhere
they please, but that we will not violate the law. If they aren't happy
with that answer, so be it. We have enough customers who are willing to
be reasonable about their requests," Jean explained.

"Thank you, I will observe and learn," Catarina said, squeezing Jean's
hand.

"You'll do fine. Well, I'd better go relieve Shannon. I don't want to
take advantage of her generosity," Jean said, sliding off the seat. She
paused to kiss Catarina on the cheek. Catarina smiled at her and pulled
her back into a brief warm kiss. Jean smiled at her and slipped away.
Shannon found Sheila in her bedroom.

"May I come in?" she asked.

"Of course. Anytime," Sheila said, warmly.

"I was thinking that perhaps you needed a little stress relief,"
Shannon said, moving to her side.

"Perhaps I could use some. I don't know... I just got a little scared.
Several people that I know and love suddenly getting involved with
others.... And then there was this stunning nude woman who was giving
me signals that were pulling me in that direction... It scared me just
a bit," Sheila said.

"Yes, she was quite puzzled over your reaction. I guess we all get
scared from time to time. *You* scare *me* a bit," Shannon said.

"Why's that? I wouldn't have thought that I could scare a fly away,"
Sheila said.

"I think that you are a more dynamic woman than you give yourself
credit for. You are stunningly beautiful, you are smart and charming
and you make me melt in my shoes by your very touch. That's scary,"
Shannon said, softly caressing Sheila's cheek.

"I wouldn't have thought an actress of your standing would suffer from
insecurity," Sheila said.

"Fame doesn't eliminate insecurities. In some cases it amplifies them.
Sometimes you get a whole new set of insecurities; Will I retain my
looks long enough to make an adequate pension? What if the public takes
a dislike to the roles I've been typecast into? What if the public
takes a dislike to a particular trait of a character I've played and
attributes that trait to myself? I was lucky. I just happened to get a
part in a movie that was a big success. That led to other roles in
movies that became successful. Eventually my name became synonymous
with successful movies, not because they were necessarily better or my
acting was superior, but just because it was *perceived* that way by
those who made and attended them. Now I'm well off enough that it
doesn't matter. This Second Skin venture will help insure that
considerably, if today is any indicator," Shannon said.

"We're more than pleased by the joint venture. You brought in all that
business with your contacts. It's only right that you should be well
rewarded. I think you'll clear twenty thousand for the day," Sheila
said.

"You're kidding!" Shannon gasped.

"Not a bit," Sheila chuckled.

"Twenty thousand a day!?" Shannon asked.

"Yup, and if you can keep the same flow rate up, every day. We'll milk
it for as long as it lasts. Oh, we should take Sundays off, I guess.
Mainly to give the women a rest," Sheila chuckled.

"So you're talking a hundred and twenty thousand dollars a week?"
Shannon asked.

"Roughly. It may settle back to a hundred or so," Sheila said.

"Good god...... You know. I find making money like this incredibly
sexy," Shannon said, laying next to Sheila.

"No doubt, with the parade of stunning nudes that have passed through
today. I found myself literally salivating several times. They seem to
be a lot more comfortable about it than I thought they would be,"
Sheila said, opening her arms to Shannon.

"Perhaps that's from all the times they've had to spend hours nude, in
front of a full crew doing retakes, to get a scene right," Shannon
said, working the fasteners on Sheila's outfit. Sheila's fingers were
busy themselves. The conversation lapsed and was replaced by very
pleasing non-verbal communication. Later, as they softly stroked each
other's bodies, they slipped into a well deserved nap.

"I wonder how the others are getting along?" Cindy asked, lounging nude
around Heather's pool, watching her lithe nude sliding through the
water as she swam laps.

"Probably swimming laps in Shannon's pool or relaxing wherever they
are," John said from a nearby chaise, his eyes closed to the sun
glistening off his nude body.

"Yeah, I imagine Mae and Candice are the busiest of them. She wanted to
get back to work in the worst way," Cindy mused. The phone rang and
Heather stuck her head up.

"Would you be a dear and catch that for me, Cindy?" she asked.

"Glad to," Cindy said, picking up the cordless phone. "Hello."

"Cindy? I'm not disturbing you am I?" Sally's voice asked.

"No, we're just laying out by the pool. Heather's swimming laps. What's
up?" Cindy asked.

"I just wondered if you had heard from Mae or the silo?" Sally asked.

"Not a word. I suspect they didn't want to disturb us either. But
mankind does not live on love alone," Cindy chuckled.

"Yeah, I'm just taking a short break. I thought I'd better give you the
news if you hadn't heard," Sally said.

"A break from what? Laying out by Shannon's pool? And what news are you
talking about?" Cindy asked.

"One: a break from making you an even richer lady. Sheila called Judy
at the Silo last night and somehow Judy got all three machines shipped
and here in eight hours. We had our first customer here at nine o-clock
this morning and we will probably net forty grand today, our cut.
Second: The news is that Mae and Candice both got engaged this morning,
apparently to the pilots of the plane we were flying on. Also, Judy is
love struck over the helicopter pilot that flew her and the girls into
the Silo. Apparently he had a mechanical problem when he went to leave
and had to spend the night. Seemingly with Judy, cause she's all ga-ga
over him today. Lastly, Bill assigned a soldier to guard the Silo while
we were away. Amy was quite taken with him but not quite as serious as
the others," Sally finished breathlessly. Cindy sat with her mouth
gaping like a fish out of water, not knowing which question to ask
first.

"Are you still there?" Sally asked.

"Yes, I just don't know which question to ask first," Cindy said.

"Well, I don't know any further information about the women and their
new loves, so ask any you have about the business," Sally giggled.

"Okay.. How the hell did Judy get the crates shipped across the country
in eight hours?" Cindy asked.

"Haven't a clue. Something called the *old-boy network*, whatever that
is," Sally replied.

"Okay, how are Catarina and Bianca doing?" Cindy asked.

"They're doing well. Catarina's learning the perils of dealing with the
public. We had a snooty bitch that was the wife of some minor dignitary
who was insisting that we put a particular copyrighted image on her
outfit. I stepped in and handled that one. Otherwise she's doing very
well. Bianca is doing great. She seems to be doing much better as far
as her addiction is doing. Shannon and I think she's keeping the level
of treatment up because she enjoys it as much as she needs it. That's
fine. We won't even try to start weaning her for two more weeks at
least," Sally said.

"And you say we'll clear forty thousand today?" Cindy asked.

"Our cut. Shannon gets a third of profit and the shipping set you back
about five grand. It was worth it. They both are. We wouldn't have this
much business at a new location near this quick. I expect we'll do
sixty-five net for the day, maybe up to seventy before we collapse. I'm
the horniest woman on the planet right now. You wouldn't *believe* the
parade of stunning nude actresses that I've witnessed today. I think
Sheila and Shannon are off raping each other as we speak. Sheila was a
bit shook about the news from out West," Sally concluded.

"Well, keep up the good work. You've got me all hot just talking about
it. I'll call and find out the specifics myself about the girls. I
expect that you will cure your affliction at the first possible
opportunity. I like to keep my employees happy. Love ya," Cindy said.

"I love you too. Kiss that hunk of a man and that adorable woman for
me. Bye," Sally said.

"I will, right now. Kiss them all for me. Bye," Cindy said. Cindy let
the phone dangle in her hand for a moment while she watched Heather
swim by, then set it down and moved to John's side. Leaning to kiss
him.

"Mmm... what was that for?" he asked, his hands sliding up over her
breasts.

"That was from Sally. This one's from me," she said, descending once
more. Heather climbed out of the pool and grabbed a towel, drying
herself as she walked over by them. Cindy held out her arm and Heather
moved to her. Cindy taking the towel and drying her off. Heather
smiling down at her as Cindy held her arm draped around her waist. She
daubed the drops off her and then turned her around and completed the
back.

"Thanks," Heather said, turning once more. Cindy pulled her down into a
warm kiss.

"That was from Sally, this one's from me," Cindy said, repeating the
gesture.

"Mmmm, I'm torn over who the better kisser is," Heather chuckled. "Who
was on the phone... oh, Sally I guess." She sat on an adjoining chaise
and lay back. Cindy admiring her perfect body. "So what's up? How are
they doing?" Heather asked.

"Well, John made about three thousand dollars today from our newest
location alone. We'll net about sixty-five to seventy for the day in
the new salon on Shannon's estate. She gets about twenty thousand of
that. Somehow Judy managed to ship six five-hundred pound crates all
the way across the country in eight hours using something called the
*old-boy* network," Cindy said. John chuckled. "You know what that is?"
Cindy asked.

"Yes, dear," he said, "That's where somebody who has been in a
particular business for years gets on the phone with others he knows
who have been in the same business for years. They all know exactly how
the system works and how to make it run like greased lightning," he
chuckled.

"Apparently. I never heard of such a record time for shipping before,"
Cindy said.

"They probably could have done it in half the time if they'd really
been trying," John said.

"So, any other news?" Heather asked.

"Yes.. Apparently since we left them yesterday afternoon, Mae and
Candice got engaged to the pilots who were flying us and Judy's close
with the chopper pilot who dropped her and the two triplets off at the
Silo. Oh, and Amy's quite taken with a soldier that Bill left guarding
the Silo while we were away, but not as seriously as the rest," Cindy
said.

"When the cat's away... Wonder how Alice escaped unscathed?" John
mused.

"You don't seem surprised or concerned," Heather said.

"Nope. I could even tell you which pilot got which and what Judy's
connection to the old-boy network was," John chuckled.

"Okay, which pilot got which?" Cindy asked, smugly.

"Candice is enthralled with a big old country boy named Jimbo. I think
the other one's name was Scott. He'd get along well with Mae. Judy's
new beaux is named Steve. I've flown with him lots before. He's a good
guy and Judy's connection for the lightning fast shipment. I haven't
got a clue about Amy's new beaux," John said.

"Is he always so perceptive?" Heather asked.

"Always. He figured out that Theresa and I were making love in a shack
at the end of the road by the way the phone rang once," Cindy chuckled.

"He was correct?" Heather asked.

"Dead on," Cindy replied, tracing her fingers across his chest.

"Why were you making love in a shack?" Heather asked, amused.

"'Cause they were pissed off at me. I have the whole Silo wired for
audio and visual recording. It was wired that way when I bought it. I
just started using it. A fact which I *neglected* to inform Cindy and
Theresa of. This bright girl here figured it out by the sound of a VCR
starting up. I suspect that she told Theresa about it and then Theresa
balked at making love in the Silo. Cindy -being her resourceful self-
carted her down the road to a shack I had built to hold a vehicle by
the main road, so we would have transportation in the winter. The
reason they went there, was because it was heated," John said.

"Sometimes it's like living with Sherlock Holmes," Cindy chuckled.

"Last time you said that, it was 'Like living with *fucking* Sherlock
Holmes'," John chuckled.

"Well, I was a bit pissed off at the time," Cindy said, kissing him on
the cheek.

"You have the whole Silo wired? You record everything?" Heather asked.

"Yes, the tapes have never been watched though," John said.

"Not exactly correct. While you were in mid-debauch with Judy I played
one for Catarina, Bianca and Shannon. The one with our conversation
about the Russians on it. When we figured out they were watching us and
your plan for the ruse," Cindy said.

"Why'd you do that?" John asked.

"Because I had sworn that I would not tell anybody the information. The
tape was recorded before any of us took that oath. A little legal
loophole that Bill wasn't thrilled about, but didn't interfere with,"
Cindy said.

"Oh, makes sense," John said.

"So how long have you been doing this recording?" Heather asked.

"Since the night Cindy first arrived...... That's kind of what started
it all. She represented a threat to my relationship with Theresa. When
I started snooping and saw them making love that first night, I kind of
flipped out. That's when I started recording everything. I don't know
what I intended to do with the tapes, but it turned into a habit. I
just kept it up out of inertia. Now there's over two years history on
them. I was intending to give them to Cindy and Theresa for after when
I was gone. I guess that the tapes have just about outlived their
usefulness. I'll have to stop it all when the President and First Lady
come to visit," John said.

"The *President* is coming to stay with you?" Heather gasped.

"Aw, now you've gone and spoiled my surprise," Cindy moped.

"Sorry, love. I didn't know it was a secret," John said. Heather's eyes
suddenly got real big.

"MW.... Muriel Wilson," she said, softly.

"Shhhhh. That's not for public information," Cindy said.

"No, of course not.... In the White House? *You didn't?*" Heather
gasped.

"No, we didn't. The invitation was made from both directions. Clearly
made. But there was no impropriety on the First couple's part while we
were there," Cindy said.

"If you don't count getting Frenched and receiving a beaver shot from
the First Lady," John chuckled.

"Just the *rumor* of that would be enough to ruin him politically,"
Heather said.

"True, but the news media won't be learning it from us," John said.

"Nor me," Heather said.

"We know that. That's why we're here. That same sort of rumor could
ruin *your* career. You know about being discrete," John said.

"Yes, the only reason I said anything to you, was that you put the
monogram from my panties last night together with John saying the First
couple were going to visit us. Otherwise you wouldn't have known a
thing unless you became *personally* involved in it," Cindy said.

"Yes, I trust you two implicitly," Heather said.

"Good. We trust you too. Not that there's the same degree of danger for
us as for you," Cindy said.

"No... Anyway, back to the tapes. Is the quality good?" Heather asked.

"Not bad, not network quality for sure, but pretty good," John said.

"The one we watched was clear enough," Cindy chuckled.

"Do you have any idea how much they are worth?" Heather asked.

"Nothing, except esoterically to the people on them," John said.

"You'd be wrong about that. From what I understand, pretty much the
whole story of the Russian spy incident is recorded on them. That's a
movie people would love to make," Heather said.

"Way too much editing would be required. There is way too much
intensely private information on those tapes for me to ever allow an
outsider to view them. And I personally am not interested in spending
several years editing out those things. Which is what it would take,"
John said.

"Yeah, I can see that. I wish there was a way," Heather said.

"What about your logs, John? Don't they list what's on each tape?"
Cindy asked.

"Only what room at what time on what tape," John said.

"You have logs!" Heather gasped.

"Yes, I had to track things somehow. I just had the computer log which
camera was recording on what machine at what time. That's the only way
I could have tracked it," John said.

"So couldn't you use a computer to select a particular room and have it
move the tapes to that section and dupe off just that one part?" Cindy
asked.

"Sure, it could be done. It would still have to be watched closely.
There's not a place in the Silo that wouldn't contain some pretty racy
footage at one time or another," John said.

"But you could eliminate a lot. Like bathrooms or bedrooms," Cindy
said.

"Mostly. One of the problems, is that I started using split screen.
Putting more than one view on a tape at a time," John said.

"Yeah, there was some pretty racy footage of Theresa with Amy and
Andrea right next to our conversation about the Russian's. I made it a
little better by panning the sound balance over to only one channel,
but Theresa and the other two almost glowed in the dark from the
footage that was shown while Shannon and the others were watching our
part," Cindy said.

"Do you have pictures of the Silo, I mean of how it was when you first
bought it and how construction progressed?" Heather asked.

"Some, not many. I'm kind of sorry about that part. The kitchen, guest
room, pool and all the floors were in by the time I started recording,"
John said.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, I'll gladly pay ten million
dollars for the screen play," Heather said.

"You're kidding?" John said.

"Not a bit. I'd make ten times that at least," she said.

"Well, I'll give it some thought. You just want the screenplay? Who
said what, at what time and what room they were in and such? You don't
need actual images?" John asked.

"Some, just to know how to set up a scene. Character positions and
such. That makes it so much easier to shoot," Heather said.

"I'll think about it," John said.

"Do that. Well... I'm feeling a bit amorous... would either or both of
you care to join me for a little loving? Since you *are* on your
honeymoon?" Heather asked.

"I don't know, what do you think, John? Have we any room in our busy
schedule for this gorgeous creature?" Cindy chuckled.

"I think we could fit her in... Say in about the time it takes us to
walk into the house? Or would you like to make love right here?" John
asked.

"Here would be fine.... except I'm a bit skittish about the outdoors
since Cindy told me about the spy satellites. I was thinking of that
huge water bed I had custom built for your visit," Heather said,
drawing her fingers over Cindy's body.

"Is that where that came from? I was wondering where you found one that
big," Cindy chuckled, standing and taking Heather's hand to help her
up.

"The water bed it is...Work, work, work... it's a tough life," John
said, getting up.

"You don't *have* to come along. I'm certain that Heather and I can
amuse ourselves without you," Cindy said.

"Whichever you would prefer," John said, stalling.

"Don't go getting silly on me. Come on. You know very well what I
prefer," Cindy said.

"And I," Heather said, reaching her hand out to John.

"Your wish is my command," John said, as the two women helped him up.
They walked arm in arm up to the house. Their hands got a head start on
things. It was a good thing they chose inside; a short time later a
news helicopter flew over the estate in search of candid photographs.

"Sometimes I wish we could shoot them down," Heather moaned, not
entirely from the sound of the intrusion.

"I fear we are the cause of that," Cindy said, breathlessly.

"Mmph," John said.

Chapter 92

It was late evening by the time Cindy made her calls to the Silo and
the West coast. She got Judy on the phone first. Steve was still there.
Even so she managed to extract most the story from her. Later she
managed to get Candice on the phone. Once filled in on the details she
wished all the women well and sent her and John's love. Once off the
phone she filled John and Heather in on the details.

"You were right... as usual," Cindy told John, referring to who got
whom.

"Don't you ever get tired of him being correct?" Heather asked.

"No, actually. I'm quite proud of my man's powers of perception... I
think that's what makes him such a good lover," Cindy giggled.

"No argument there. The best I've ever known. You both are," Heather
said, kissing Cindy on the neck.

Bill was reading a book when Andrea came and plunked down in his lap.

"Hi," she said.

"Hello, love," he said.

"I'm bored," she said.

"I'm sorry. There's much to do around here. Watch TV, or read a book or
play on the computer," Bill offered.

"We could make love again," Andrea giggled.

"We could, if you'd like. But there is more to life than making love,
even on a honeymoon," Bill said.

"Sorry you married me?" Andrea asked.

"Not a bit. You sorry you married me?" Bill asked.

"Nope, I'm just bored," Andrea said. Bill sighed and set down his book.

"Come on, let's go take a walk," he said.

"Why?" Andrea asked.

"That's a silly question for a country girl. For the experience. To
listen to the birds and watch the squirrels and see the sunlight
filtering through the trees," he said.

"It's getting dark," Andrea said.

"Then to see the stars," Bill said.

"I guess," Andrea said.

"What else would you like to do?" Bill asked.

"I don't know, I'm bored," Andrea said.

"You said that already," Bill said.

"I know... so let's do something," Andrea said.

"What?" Bill asked, again.

"I don't know!" Andrea said, angrily. Bill sighed heavily.

"Look, Andrea. I love you dearly. And I know you miss your sisters and
having people around you. But if we're going to be married for the rest
of our lives then I think we need to get something straight," Bill
said.

 "What's that?" she asked.

"Number one, when you get bored, that's *you* who got bored. It's not
my fault that you are bored. It's not my responsibility to make you
unbored. It's not my job to keep you *entertained*. I don't ever get
bored. I know how to entertain myself. That's what I was doing when you
came up and sat on my lap and told me how bored you were. I was reading
a book. Now you don't have to read a book, you don't have to watch TV,
you don't have to play on the computer, and you don't have to go for a
walk with me. Those were just my suggestions to you for you to become
unbored.

"Having made them, my job is done. You need to decide what *you* want
to do. Now I think the main problem -besides missing your sisters - is
that you just got so used to having so many people around you twenty-
four hours a day. Actually I am quite enjoying the solitude. Compared
to what I've been through in the past month, this is heaven," Bill
said. Andrea leaned against his shoulder and thought about what he had
said.

"I'm sorry... you're right. I do miss my sisters... and it's not your
fault that I'm bored," Andrea said.

"So what would *you* like to do about it?" Bill asked.

"My first choice would be making love... My second would be that walk
you talked about," she said.

"Tell you what. You reverse the order and we'll do both, okay?" Bill
asked.

"Deal," Andrea said. They grabbed light Second Skin jackets and headed
down the path. There was still plenty of light to see the wild life
that abounded with the protection of the closed environment. A short
way down the path they encountered Theresa and Kevin walking slowly arm
in arm.

"Isn't it gorgeous!" Theresa exclaimed.

"Yes, I think so," Bill chuckled.

"You're not bored?" Andrea asked.

"Good heavens no. I'm having a great time. We made love about five
times today, then we read for a while. Kevin suggested that we take a
walk together. We've been out for almost an hour now. We were just
starting back to cook dinner together," Theresa replied.

"I guess I'm just not used to being alone," Andrea said.

"But you're not alone. You've got a charming, interesting man with you.
Your new husband. Talk to him. Find out where he went to school and who
the first girl he kissed was. Ask him about how he got to where he is
in his job. He's your husband. Find out who he is," Theresa said.

"Talk. That never occurred to me," Andrea said.

"Well, he's your husband. I'd think you'd want to know him," Theresa
giggled. "Well, see ya. I think we're going to go start on dinner so we
can get to bed... if you know what I mean."

"Yes, I think so," Andrea said. Theresa kissed them both and Andrea
kissed Kevin before they parted. They walked on.

"So, where *did* you go to school?" Andrea asked. Once they got to
talking, Bill and Andrea's relationship got stronger daily. It was
Andrea who suggested they go out for a walk, earlier the next evening.
They met Theresa an Kevin on the trail again. This time Andrea was more
enthusiastic.

"I want to thank you, Theresa," she said.

"For what?"

"For reminding me that I was a married woman and didn't yet know who I
was married to," Andrea said.

"No great revelation there. I'm just beginning to know Kevin, and we
talk all the time," Theresa said.

"Well, thank you anyway," Andrea said, pulling her into a warm kiss.

"You are quite welcome," Theresa said.

"Will you come over for dinner tomorrow night?" Andrea invited.

"I'd like that. Maybe we can play some cards or monopoly afterwards,"
Theresa giggled.

"That would be fun. See you then," Andrea said, kissing her and Kevin
once more.

"You're becoming very domestic," Kevin remarked when they got down the
path.

"Not hardly. I'm just letting Andrea know what she's in for. Most the
world lives like that. If they end up living around Washington D.C.
that's exactly what she has to look forward to for a social life,"
Theresa said.

"You sure it's wise to spoil her illusion?" Kevin asked.

"Yes. Because it will be a much harder fall later if she doesn't learn
it now," Theresa said, "You saw them last night. Bill was trying to
enjoy himself and she was downright miserable. It was making it hard
for Bill to smile. Now at least they're talking."

"So, dear heart. Cards again tonight?" Kevin teased.

"Yeah, strip gin," Theresa said.

"How's the scoring work?" Kevin asked.

"One article of clothing per point. If you run out of articles you get
to deduct from the other person," Theresa said.

"So basically one hand," Kevin chuckled.

"Yup," Theresa replied, mischievously. The dinner went well. Andrea
pulled out all the stops and dug deep into the well equipped kitchen.
She found a nice roast in the freezer and thawed it earlier in the day.
She sliced carrots and potatoes in with an onion and let it simmer
until tender. It was great. Afterwards they sat around and talked a
bit. Andrea asked about a card game.

"Actually, I was sort of teasing you, Andrea. I was letting you know
what your social life might be like if you folks had to live by
Washington D.C.," Theresa said.

"Bill explained that to me. So if that's what I'm going to have to live
with, then I'd better learn, hadn't I?" Andrea asked.

"If you really want to. Hearts or Gin?" Theresa asked.

"I don't know either," Andrea answered.

"Then we'll teach you both," Theresa said.

"Careful, she's a demon at gin," Kevin mused. Theresa smiled at him.
Several hours later Andrea was into it. She was genuinely disappointed
when Kevin and Theresa thanked them for a wonderful evening and said
their good-nights. Afterwards Bill pulled Andrea into his lap.

"So, little wife of mine. How do you think you'll be able to handle the
social life around D.C.?" Bill asked.

"Bring them on! I'm ready for them," Andrea chuckled.

"Well, it may not be as bad as all that, but it might. I think that's
what Theresa was trying to tell you. That the important thing is that
we have each other. No matter where we go or live. You can be happy at
the North pole all by yourself, or miserable at the most glamorous
party on earth, surrounded by the cream of the social world. The
difference is attitude," Bill said.

"At this point, I think I'd prefer the North pole with you," Andrea
said.

"You sure?" he asked.

"Certain... at least I am now," she said.

"Race you to bed," Bill said.

"I'd rather you carried me," Andrea said, kissing him softly. Bill
stood during the kiss and carried her into the bedroom.

Chapter 93

The men complained that they needed to do some shopping, as they needed
to buy some slacks. A change of shirt, socks and shorts wasn't
sufficient for the environment they suddenly found themselves in.

"About time you learned what we do," Mae said. She drug them down to
her salon. "I need some time on one of the machines," she told an
attendant.

"Not much problem on the scanners, but the spinners are booked solid,"
she said.

"We'll make time for this. My fiancé needs clothes," Mae said.

"Fiancé?" asked the attendant, shocked to her core.

"Yup. Candice's too," Mae replied.

"Stranger things have happened, but not in my lifetime," replied the
attendant.

"So can you fit us in?" Mae asked.

"Yeah, take number three. She's late. I'll just tell her we thought she
wouldn't show. After you get your designs done, we'll just stick them
into the task stack at the bottom. A few hours won't matter much to
these folks," said the attendant.

"Okay guys, step into my parlor...." Mae said, guiding them to the
scanning room. It didn't take too long for the scanning with the new
equipment. When the men complained Candice told them about the
prototype. They shut up. They next moved to Mae's office and designed
the clothes for them. As they would be flying, Mae called in Theresa's
uniform designs she'd done for Kevin and adapted them to the flight
uniforms. She also specified thermal weave on each item. Next she
designed them shirts and underwear. Her and Candice had a ball with
that. Jimbo insisted on something that he could wear to a plane crash
without starting bad rumors about his past.

Candice relented, but made some very racy ones anyway. The socks they
would buy, but in fact the thermal weave worked excellent for them. Mae
just didn't want to tie the machines up too long. She transferred her
order to the task stack over her LAN with priority instructions.

"Now what?" Scott asked.

"Now we go to lunch. Your things should be ready for dinner," Mae said,
looking at the task stack. The weavers would be busy all night. Her
staff had realized what she hadn't. That you could scan people and then
be scanning another while one staffer designed outfits for the first.
The orders got put on a task stack. When they were done, the customer
just came in and picked them up. There was no fitting involved, but her
staff went through the formality anyway. It didn't take too long to
convince the customers that they fit. Mae picked up the phone and
called Shannon's. She got Sheila on the line and told her of her
staff's innovations.

"I figure we can keep three spinners busy for each scanner. If we run
the spinners all night we can almost offer overnight service. That will
help immensely with our work load. In fact, almost triple our
throughput," Mae explained.

"No kidding. The problem is getting more spinners with John and Kevin
out," Sheila said.

"Well, how about getting a head start on them? Do you know the
suppliers? Order the parts in so that they will be at the Silo when
John gets back," Mae suggested.

"I have a better idea. You're just up the road from Silicon Valley. Why
don't you look around for a company that can assemble them for us. We
have the designs. John's broken the assembly down pretty good. We have
the suppliers ship to the assembler and he turns out machines as we
need them," Sheila suggested.

"Can do. Uh.. in a few days? ..Please," Mae asked.

"Okay," Sheila chuckled. "Who am I to thwart true love.... it is still
true love, isn't it?"

"Truer every day," Mae said.

"Okay, but first chance you get. Maybe you could make some phone calls
to start things?" Sheila asked.

"You got it. That I can do. In fact I'll draft a staff member to start
a pre-select on the manufactures in the area so all I have to do is
check out the finalists," Mae said.

"Good idea. I'll get the suppliers geared up for at least another
spinner for each salon. Better yet, two. We can afford them," Sheila
said.

"I'm certain that they'd pay for themselves," Mae said.

"Okay.. gotta go. Love you both. Wear your galoshes," Sheila said.

"You know we both went on the pill last month," Mae chuckled.

"Yeah, I forgot. See you," Sheila said.

"Kiss the girls for me. Love you too. Bye," Mae said, breaking the
connection.

"So that's what you do for a living. Figure out ways to spend money,"
Scott chuckled.

"That particular expenditure might just triple our volume. Double it at
least," Mae said.

"You're joking," Scott said.

"Not a bit," Mae said.

"You'll find she jokes very little where work is concerned," Candice
chuckled.

"And how much do you get per outfit?" Scott asked.

"Between seven-hundred and fifteen thousand. Depending on the
complexity of the outfit. Accessories are much cheaper though. A set of
custom stockings to go with a thousand dollar outfit only cost a
hundred dollars. It all depends on how much set up is required for an
outfit. It's no problem to do a set of gloves when you're already doing
a body suit. If you want custom panty hose, then the body suit has to
come off or be pulled out of the way before you can make the panty
hose. Then there's dresses. Some have to have stitching done to connect
a broad skirt to a body suit foundation. That stuff really costs. To do
wedding dresses like Cindy's, Theresa's and Andrea's would cost you
fifteen thousand," Mae said.

"Quite the tycoon you've hitched your wagon to, Scotty my boy," Jimbo
commented.

"Oh, I think you'll find that Candice holds her own in that respect.
She basically runs things for me. If you guys weren't here I'd have her
buried to her eyebrows in things that need to be done," Mae said.

"So who's doing them in the mean time?" Jimbo asked.

"My staff, on some of them. The others are put on hold," Mae said.

"We didn't mean to be pulling you away from important work," Jimbo
said.

"Jimbo, it's not every day that a woman gets engaged. Everybody's
entitled to a vacation," Mae said.

"Well... I don't like keeping you from making money. If you're going to
support me in a manner in which I wish to become accustomed," Jimbo
teased.

"I'm sure that as a pilot for the government you do quite well. Better
than an airline pilot I should hope," Mae said.

"Ah, just barely. Uncle Sugar's a tight old goat," Jimbo mused.

"Well, when Sheila finally realizes that they need a corporate jet,
then I know where the pilots will come from," Mae chuckled.

"I've got two years to go for my pension," Jimbo said.

"We'd cover that," Mae said simply.

"You don't know what you're saying. I get seventy percent of my wages
for the rest of my life," Jimbo said.

"And you said Uncle Sugar was tight.... I suspect that we'd still cover
it. But it may be that long before Sheila realizes that we need a
corporate jet. We'd probably start small, a Gulf Stream or Lear Fan.
But the first time Sheila can't get where she needs to go and loses a
million dollars because of it, then things will happen fast. And I know
for a fact that you're a good pilot. I'm not as naive as I look. I know
what that landing took the other night. I saw where we ended up. I felt
how much you had to fight your little darling to keep her straight.
Good pilots aren't easy to find. When we need one your name will be on
the list, both of you," Mae said.

"Ah, by then darling it would be nepotism. A clear conflict of
interest," Jimbo said.

"Nope, you'd be in a different position from me and Candice entirely.
Neither of us would be directing your actions, or you directing ours.
You'd be working for Cindy and Theresa, as owners, under direction of
Sheila, as CEO," Mae said.

"Who am I to turn down a good offer when I hear one?" Jimbo said.

"The offer isn't made yet... but I think it's a safe bet. Don't quit
your day job yet," Mae chuckled. "Now, how about that lunch?" Mae made
the error of taking them to the restaurant where she had first taken
Candice and Alice when Sheila had made the Second Skin offer to her.
About halfway through lunch they had their pictures snapped. By evening
they were all over the national press. Mae took pity on a reporter she
knew would treat her fairly. She told him of her and Candice's
engagements. This accompanied the photos. When asked if there was any
connection with the fact they had caught the bouquets, Mae replied that
it hadn't occurred to her. Sheila read the article that evening.

"I'm not normally a superstitious person, but remind me never to catch
a bouquet," she mentioned to Sally.

"Not even to catch John?" Sally asked.

"Where's the nearest wedding?" Sheila chuckled.

"You really have to go?" Judy asked, Steve.

"Got a business to run, darling. Don't worry. You'll be seeing enough
of me," he said.

"I doubt that. I don't think I *could* see enough of you," she said.

"Well, you could always *marry me*," Steve said. Judy looked at him
startled.

"Are you asking?" she said.

"Yes," he said.

"Okay," she replied, "Assuming you pass muster with the family, of
course. I don't think that's a problem. You've already won Amy's and
Alice's hearts... and mine." Steven pulled her into his arms and kissed
her deeply.

"I guess that my business can wait a bit longer," he said.

"Oh, no. If you're going to support a wife you're going to *need* that
money," Judy teased.

"Actually, I don't have a flight scheduled till morning," he said.

"Then we can consummate our engagement, but you'll be leaving early,"
Judy chuckled.

"Already a nag," Steven said, kissing her again. He actually did make
his morning flight, well fed on the twin's biscuits. They all turned
out to see him off. He was floating as high as his helicopter as he
flew back. Cindy read the article about Mae and Candice the next
morning.

"Handsome fellows," she commented.

"I'll say," Heather said, reading over her shoulder. One of the
luxuries at Camp David was a selection of morning papers. Kevin stepped
out of his cabin and picked them up. He glanced at the article.

"Oh, my," he said, carrying the stack into the cabin.

"Oh my what?" Theresa asked. Kevin dropped the stack before her. "*Oh
my god*!" Theresa gasped, "I've got to call them!"

"Later, it's four in the morning out there," Kevin chuckled.

"Oh, yeah," she said, reading the article.

"My god, they must have gotten engaged the morning after we left them,"
she said.

"It would seem so. They were the pilots I saw boarding their plane at
the base," Kevin mused. Andrea's reactions were much the same. Bill was
just as philosophical.

"Aren't you excited for them?" Andrea asked.

"Oh, not really excited. More interested in the men. Two more guys I'll
be sharing my wife with if the family holds true to form," Bill
chuckled.

"At the same time you'll be sharing their wives," Andrea chuckled.

"There is that," Bill mused, "I wonder how many more will be involved
in this? If each of you women find other guys that would make ....
what? Twenty eight of us?"

"Twenty-six," Andrea said.

"I was thinking about Cindy's flame in Minnesota. From the way she
talked I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her," Bill said.

"Would you mind?" Andrea asked.

"No, I came to that realization a long time ago. Before I asked you to
marry me," he said.

"Had enough biscuits?" Andrea asked.

"Yes, I'm stuffed," he said.

"There's more here, care to go work up an appetite to make room for
them?" she demurred.

"I think that would be a swell idea. I'd better get my fill before the
demands for your time go up," Bill chuckled.

"Oh, think I'll be that popular?" Andrea asked, opening her robe and
sliding onto his lap.

"I have no doubt," Bill said, caressing a breast as he bent to kiss
her. Later in the day Sheila called Judy at the Silo.

"Ready to go to work yet?" she asked.

"Sure... he's gone for now. We consummated our engagement last night,"
Judy said.

"*I'll be dipped in a bucket of shit!* I never thought I'd hear those
words come out of your mouth!" Sheila said.

"My, you're eloquent today," Judy chuckled.

"I'm just shocked to the core. I told Sally to remind me never to catch
a bouquet," Sheila said.

"One out of three isn't bad odds," Judy said.

"Haven't you talked to Mae lately?" Sheila asked.

"No, not since we got off the plane," Judy said.

"Well, darling. Gird your lovely loins for this one; try three out of
three!" Sheila said.

"Huh?" Judy asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Don't you read the papers? ..of course not. No delivery to the Silo.
Candice and Mae both got engaged the morning after our flight. To our
pilots," Sheila told her.

"*Oh my god!*..... They must have worked fast between Salt Lake and San
Francisco. I didn't see any sign of them before we got off the plane,"
Judy said.

"Well, you'd better give her a call... later. I've got some things I'd
like you to do," Sheila said.

"Sure.. oh, yeah, work. What do you need?" Judy asked, grabbing a note
pad and pen.

"I need you to call all the suppliers for our machines. I need parts
for two more spinners for each salon we've got open. Better schedule
for two more each for each of the ones we've got *scheduled* to open
also. Then get on the line to our personnel agency. I need at least one
more operator for each salon, better make it two. But one for swing and
one for graveyard. They don't need to operate the scanners, just baby-
sit the spinners. We're going twenty-four hours a day on production.
Mae brought it to my attention that her staff had figured out that one
scanner could keep three spinners busy. So what we'll do is scan a
customer and design their clothes separately. So we need another
computer work station for each scanner in service. You getting this?"
Sheila asked.

"Yes, but hold on, let me grab my laptop," Judy said. It was close by.
She opened it and called in a notepad. "Okay, continue," Judy said.

"Okay... Mae's doing research on a manufacturer to assemble the
scanners down in Silicon Valley. Get with her to co-ordinate where to
ship components. Get with our Realtor and tell them to search out
candidate properties in Dallas, Atlanta, L.A... make that Beverly
Hills, Seattle, Denver and Miami. Also a second location in Beverly
Hills and San Francisco for another accelerated high end salon in each
location. Anything you can think of?" Sheila asked.

"Yes, several things. One, this is going to cost a shit-load of money,
and two if you really think we're ready to ramp up like this, then we
should include Kansas City, Omaha, Phoenix, Salt Lake, Las Vegas,
Sacramento, San Diego, Honolulu, and Reno. I think we should have the
personnel agency start gathering candidates for each new location. Also
I think that you should establish Mae on the West coast and Sally on
the East coast as training locations. Maybe set up a second salon in
each location for training," Judy said.

"I knew there was a reason I hired you. Tell you what. Find a map. Any
population center over a million people that we aren't in yet, get it
started to get us there. Standard salon to start with, with contingency
plans to ramp it up to twenty-four hour production once business
warrants in each location," Sheila said.

"You really think we're ready for this big a ramp up?" Judy asked,
"This could blow up in our faces and leave us penniless if the public
takes a sudden disliking to us."

"That's the chance we'll have to take. Now is the time. We rolled
seventy thousand in one day at Shannon's place. We could have done a
hundred if we'd been using Mae's methods. That's one location. That's
too damn much money to be missing out on," Sheila said.

"Bill Gates, move over, Sheila, Cindy and Theresa are moving in," Judy
chuckled.

"I'd really like to get him into one of our salons. He still dresses
like a nerd," Sheila said.

"Speaking of which, when do you want to start up our men's salons?"
Judy asked.

"Not for a while yet. Let's stick where the money is. When that starts
to slow up, then we'll do something different. Oh, yeah. See if you can
locate another supplier for our chemicals. Especially the stuff we use
for the thermal outfits. We're selling more and more of them all the
time. See if you can locate several suppliers and talk bulk rates.
Maybe get a bidding war going. Look at our usage by salon on
pigmentation and work out a flow rate for each color. Extrapolate that
to the new locations in your estimates. Follow the growth patterns of
our established salons. Work out an average growth pattern and don't
forget to factor in financial conditions in each location," Sheila
said.

"My god. Cindy and Theresa sure picked the right person for your job,"
Judy chuckled.

"John chose me.. actually his lawyers. But he made the selection. I
have no doubt that he had other candidates. They just weren't as
pretty," Sheila chuckled.

"Or as modest," Judy chuckled.

"Well love, that should keep you busy for a while. Congratulations on
the new beaux. I'm still shocked. See if you can get this done before I
lose you on honeymoon. I love you. Bye," Sheila said.

"I love you too, kiss the girls for me," Judy said.

"I will, now I get to call Cindy and tell her I just spent all her
money," Sheila chuckled.

"Good luck. Bye," Judy said, hanging up. She completed her notes,
adding her hand written to the list and then added comments on each
one. She broke the list down into tasks and prioritized it. Then she
headed for the Com room. She was elbow deep in printouts when the twins
found her a few hours later.

"What's all this?" Amy asked.

"Sheila called. Seems we're making our move into the big time," Judy
said.

"Care for a swim?" Alice asked.

"I'd love one, but I've got *way* to much to do," Judy said.

"Can we help?" Amy asked. Judy looked up at her.

"You really want to?" she asked.

"Yes, of course. We want to pull our weight too," Alice said.

"Okay, sure. I doubt you have much accounting experience, but here.
Fire up those two computers. I'll show you what to call in and what to
do with the information. Keep in mind that you have to be accurate. A
slipped decimal point could cost us millions down the road," Judy said.

"Okay... Millions? Really?" Alice asked.

"Yes love, don't worry. You'll do fine," Judy said. She directed the
girls transferring data from each store onto a spread sheet. She showed
them how to import figures, which saved them manually entering the
figures and reduced the chance of errors. They got the hang of it
pretty fast and helped Judy out considerably.

She checked the resultant figures for consistency and only when she
felt secure that the numbers were correct did she factor them into her
calculations. Next she had them run the supply lists for each location
to run an average for the pigmentations and other chemicals. A slipped
decimal point almost got by.

"Ouch. That's exactly what I was talking about earlier. That would have
cost us a hundred thousand dollars and left us with a mountain of yucky
green pigment," Judy said.

"I'm sorry," Alice said, visibly upset.

"I am too. Don't worry love. We caught it. You've been a great help.
 From here on out I can handle it anyway. You've saved me several days
worth of work. Why don't you two take a break," Judy said.

"Not unless you do. It's almost midnight. We haven't even eaten dinner
yet. Sheila doesn't expect you to work all night and I know it. Let us
make you some dinner and then you can get a start on it again early in
the morning. We'll wake you up," Amy said.

"My god, you're right. My eyeballs do feel like onions. Yes, tomorrow
it is," Judy said, shutting down for the night. She rolled her neck and
rubbed it.

"Tell you what, why don't you go climb in the hot tub? Amy can keep you
company. I'll make us a snack and bring it down," Alice volunteered.
Judy pulled her into her arms and kissed her tenderly.

"Thanks, love. That would be great," Judy told her.

"Amy, don't let her fall asleep until she's eaten," Alice called back,
after she slipped out of Judy's arms.

"I think I can think of ways to keep her awake," Amy mused. It turned
out tougher than Amy thought. After ten minutes in the hot tub Judy was
turning to mush. Amy pulled her out and into the cool plunge. A few
minutes later Alice brought down a tray of roast beef sandwiches with
some chips and soda's.

"Thanks, dear heart," Judy said, groggily, despite the chill water. Amy
helped her out to a patio table that John had added. They sat around on
resin chairs as they ate the meal. "You girls really were a great
help," Judy said.

"We like to help. I'm sorry about the mistake," Alice said.

"That's really okay. I should have seen it myself. We were all just too
tired," Judy said.

"Do you think that we could learn accounting?" Alice asked.

"I don't see why not. Does it really interest you?" Judy asked.

"Some. Business interests us. We don't get to do much lately. Not since
that fashion show," Amy said.

"That is an oversight that I'm sure we can remedy. You girls are
valuable to us all. As friends as well as lovers. I guess we all just
get caught up in our own little worlds and we forget. Especially with
all the hubbub with John and those spies. You enjoyed modeling, didn't
you?" Judy asked.

"Yeah, it was okay, what little we got to do," Alice said.

"Well, we'll be opening a bunch of new salons. How about I schedule you
to go out and open each new location? You'd probably meet with local
celebrities and news media. You'd be modeling new outfits and flying to
a new location almost every few days," Judy suggested.

"That sounds like fun, but... do you really need us?" Alice asked.

"In those figures tonight was all the evidence you need of that. If you
look at the growth rate of each salon compared to the advertising done
then you would see a direct correlation of over a thousand to one ratio
of return to investment. I think it would help the business a lot. So
the answer is yes, we need you," Judy said.

"Then we'll do it," Amy said. Alice nodded. They were through with
their meal. Judy was nodding off. The twins helped her to her feet and
put her to bed. Then they snuggled to her. She was asleep moments
later. Alice motioned to Amy and they slipped away.

"You think they really need us or that she's just being nice?" Alice
asked.

"I remember those figures. She was telling the truth about the
advertising," Amy said.

"Okay.. then we do it, but I want to go to school too. I want to be
able to read those figures like she does and make sense of them," Alice
said.

"I do too. I think we might end up kind of alone. I think that Andrea
is going to end up living with Bill on the East coast. We don't have a
husband yet. We'd better prepare ourselves in case we need to support
ourselves," Amy said.

"I think you're right. Well, we'd better get back to bed.. wanna make
love?" Alice asked.

"Sure, but we gotta get up to get Judy up. There's something big going
on in the company. I've never seen Judy working so hard. She was tense
as a badger when she first got into the hot tub," Amy said.

"Okay, just once then. Double or single?" Alice asked, pulling Amy by
the hand to their bedroom.

"Why not both? We'll get up in plenty of time, we always do," Amy
chuckled. They pulled off each other's clothes and fell together nude
on the bed, an instant later they were locked in a deep kiss.

Andrea stirred in her sleep next to her husband. She realized why and
snuggled to him, smiling to herself as her sisters pleased each other
several times. Then she slipped blissfully back to sleep snuggled to
Bill's side.

"Breakfast is ready," Amy said, softly kissing Judy's cheek.

"Mmm. Thank you," Judy said, not opening her eyes.

"Come on. Here's a cup of coffee. You said you needed to get up," Amy
said, swinging the tray around and placing a mug of coffee on it. Judy
opened her eyes and groaned a bit.

"Okay, I'm awake," she said, sitting up. She reached out and Amy guided
her hand to the coffee.

"Careful, it's hot," she said.

"Okay, what time is it?" Judy asked, carefully taking a sip of coffee.

"Almost seven," Amy said.

"Mmm... That's about right, I guess," she said, taking another sip and
then putting the mug down, she slipped out to the bathroom. She was
gone for a while. When Amy heard the shower start she carried the mug
into the bathroom. Judy was just about to step in. Amy handed her the
cup and Judy smiled and took another sip before she set it down and
stepped into the shower. Amy slipped out of her clothes and joined her.

"I'm quite alright. You don't need to do this," Judy said, kissing the
younger woman on the cheek.

"I want to, unless you don't want company," Amy said.

"No, Love. You're quite welcome to shower with me anytime," Judy said,
pulling her to her. Amy soaped her body for her and then used her own
like a scrub brush, sliding against her and squirming. Judy used her
finger on her teeth and rinsed on the shower head before she turned her
head to find Amy's lips.

Amy kept it mostly business as she washed Judy's whole body. Then she
washed her hair for her. The shampoo seeming slicker as it coated
Judy's breasts; a natural invitation to squirm together more. Judy
returned the favor and then they rinsed. Stepping out, they toweled
each other dry. Judy moved to brush her teeth as Amy finished toweling
her hair. It had grown quite a bit longer since her arrival at the
Silo.

She let Judy have precedence with the blow dryer. But then Judy pulled
her against her and dried her hair for her, treating it with anti-
tangle spray and brushing it out as she worked. Amy did the back of
Judy's hair as she sipped the last of her coffee.

"Quite a pleasant way to wake up. Not a devastating orgasm, just enough
loving to get the blood boiling," Judy mused.

"You are quite welcome to whichever you'd like... anytime you'd like.
But I figured you'd want a clear head this morning," Amy said,
finishing up with Judy's hair.

"Thank you. Where's Alice, cooking?" Judy asked.

"No, breakfast is all ready. She's going over the figures she input
last night," Amy said.

"Maybe I'd better check on her first," Judy said, finding some shorts
and a tube top.

"Nope. She said not to let you near the office till you had some food
in you. She's alright, honest. We wouldn't spoil your work," Amy said,
pulling her shorts and tube top back on.

"Wouldn't you rather put on clean clothes?" Judy asked.

"Clean this morning, so was I. Alice and I showered together before we
dressed. We do every morning. I just did that for you," Amy said. Judy
pulled her into her arms and kissed her tenderly.

"Thank you, that was nice of you," Judy said.

"My pleasure. I enjoyed it myself. I always enjoyed rubbing up against
you. I'm gonna miss you something fierce when you get married," Amy
said, hugging Judy.

"I don't think I'll be going far, and you'll be seeing lots of me. I'll
probably be traveling with you to the salon openings, so we can keep
each other company every night if you wish," Judy said, leading Amy
toward the kitchen.

"I wish," Amy chuckled. After a large tasty breakfast they joined Alice
in the office.

"I found some more errors. I got to wondering how I made that one
'cause I was importing the data like you showed me. These figures were
in the wrong place. Look, if you add this up then it don't work. But if
you shift this whole column then it all fits. There's a whole bunch
like that," Alice said.

"My god, you're right. I would have never spotted that. I wonder why
that happened," Judy said.

"I pulled the form that the girls use to make their reports. You have
to skip this section and go down to this. They probably just went along
copying figures and not paying attention to the skip. This whole group
of figures ends up in the wrong column," Alice said.

"Yes, I can see that. We'll have to change the form. Put this other
section off by itself. You just saved us several million dollars and
got yourself another job," Judy said, hugging Alice and kissing her
warmly. Alice beamed brightly.

"Me too?" Amy asked.

"You too, love. You are both going to be my assistants from now on,"
Judy said, pulling Amy into a kiss.

"Wow, assistant to the assistant to the CEO. That puts us third from
the top!" Alice said.

"Yes, it does. And with that discovery, you deserve it. I'll talk to
Sheila about getting you a bonus for finding that," Judy said, turning
to the figures.

"Oh, that's not necessary. I just got bothered that I made a mistake
and tried to find out why," Alice said.

"Which is exactly what makes you perfect for the job and deserving of a
bonus," Judy said, lifting the phone. She dialed Sheila's cellular.

"Hello," Sheila answered.

"Good morning. Have you got a monthly inventory report sheet handy? And
a general monthly sheet?" Judy asked.

"Yeah, just a sec," Sheila said. A minute later she was back, "What
about them?"

"Put them side by side and scan down to the pigmentation section. Think
about moving figures from one to the other," Judy said.

"Yeah.... Oh my, that could be a problem. Yes, I see it. That explains
some of the odd material orders we've had. I'll bet that we've got
excess pigmentation stored at a lot of salons. Good eye," Sheila said.

"Not mine, Alice's. I just hired the two of them as my assistants. They
were helping me last night and I got on Alice's case because I thought
she made an error. She was importing the data to the spread sheet, so
she couldn't have. It bugged her and this morning she went back over
all the salons and found that. I figure that's about two million over
the past year and deserving of a fat bonus," Judy said.

"I'll say, approved. Both things. Give her a three percent bonus on the
total saved. I hadn't thought about it but I'll bet they were feeling
kind of left out anyway. We haven't utilized them since the New York
show. I hadn't thought about you needing any help either, but I'll bet
your work load is huge by now. Yes, hire them. If Alice found that,
then she's just the kind of help we want on our staff. Now the trick is
figuring out where our overages are," Sheila said.

"Just a sec," Judy said, "Alice, did you keep a record of which salons
had the error?" Alice held up a carefully hand printed sheet of paper.
Judy smiled and kissed her cheek. "Done, Alice tracked her work. I can
go back and trace just exactly where the overages are. I'll redesign
the form and have a memo out to all the salons before the next
monthly," Judy said into the phone.

"Great. Good work. Give her a big kiss for me. Anything else, how's
that list I gave you yesterday going? I hope you didn't stay up all
night working on it like you're prone to do?" Sheila asked. Judy
chuckled.

"No, the girls dragged me into the hot tub about midnight and then put
me to bed. With their help last night I made good progress on building
a growth profile. We'll have to go back and correct it now that Alice
found that error, but that's nothing. I got the orders for the scanner
components placed. I'll get on the phone today to our Realtor and
personnel agency and start looking into chemical suppliers," she said.

"Great. Okay, I gotta go. We're busy as hell here," Sheila said.

"Okay, take a break every now and then yourself," Judy said.

"Yeah, I'm scheduled for Bianca's next treatment in about an hour. Bye
love," Sheila said.

"Bye, darling," Judy said, breaking the connection.

"Well, darlings. You are both officially hired. And you get a fat bonus
to start off with. How do you want to divide it?" Judy asked Alice.

"Oh, it was Alice that found it. I didn't see it," Amy said.

"Nonsense. You helped me figure it out this morning. You should get
half," Alice said.

"It was mostly you. I don't want any," Amy said.

"Tell you what. How about a third to Amy and two thirds to you, Alice?"
Judy asked.

"That sounds fair," Alice said.

"But she found it!" Amy protested.

"Hush up, I love you," Alice said.

"Okay it's settled, About twenty thousand to Amy and forty to Alice,"
Judy said, making a notation in her laptop.

"Forty thousand dollars! Are you joking?" Alice exclaimed.

"Nope, Sheila said to give you three percent of the savings. It will
work out a bit less than that, but roughly three percent of two million
dollars is sixty-thousand. Two thirds of that is forty, one third is
twenty," Judy said.

"Gosh, this work stuff is cool," Amy mused. Judy chuckled.

"Okay, what I'd like you each to do, is to go over each of the salons
that had the error and figure out the difference in the numbers between
before and after the error. Can you do that?" Judy asked.

"Sure, I figured you'd want that. That's why I wrote them down," Alice
said.

"Good. Now if you can do that I can get a bunch of other things done.
Great to be working with you," Judy said.

"How much do we get for being your assistants?" Amy asked.

"Mmm... let's see.. I think that twenty-five thousand a year to start
is about right, with a raise to thirty when you come up to speed,
probably in six to nine months. Maybe sooner the way you're going,"
Judy said.

"Wow, we'll be rich women. We can go to school too," Alice exclaimed.

"Not rich, but comfortable. Talk to John and Cindy about how to invest
it when they get back," Judy said.

"Yeah, that makes sense," Amy said.

"As far as school is concerned, I want you to take some accounting
classes. We'll pay for them. I'd like to see you get your CPA's. Okay,
let's go to work," Judy said.

"What's a CPA?" Alice asked.

"Someone who looks for problems like you found this morning, but gets
paid a whole bunch more," Judy chuckled, turning to her task list.

* * *

"This is the most comfortable uniform I ever had on," Jimbo mused.

"Mine too," Scott added.

"Our pleasure, nothing but the best for our men," Candice giggled.

"Just remember, gentle wash, drip dry, if you must use the dryer, then
low heat. Don't dry clean them," Mae said.

"That will save me a bundle right there. Wish I had two of them, I'm
gonna hate wearing that other one while this dries," Jimbo said.

"It should dry overnight, but I'll slip another outfit for each of you
into the task stack. You deserve them. I wouldn't have noticed how much
we could save if I hadn't been making them for you. That's going to
make us millions," Mae said.

"Wish we didn't have to go," Jimbo said.

"I wish you didn't too. But we all have work to do," Candice said.

"Well, you know that we'll be back. I'll ask to get assigned to Pacific
sector so that I can live here. Could we stop at a Liquor Barn on the
way to the airport?" Jimbo asked.

"Sure, but you've got that bottle I gave you." Mae said.

"Ah, that one's mine. Besides, I want to get a case for that guy,"
Jimbo said.

"Jimbo! That's almost a thousand dollars!" Candice gasped.

"Are you telling me that you're not worth that?" Jimbo asked. Candice
beamed at him and pulled him into a kiss. The man at the airport was
overwhelmed, but Jimbo wouldn't take no for an answer. The man read the
papers so he understood why. There was a tearful farewell between the
men and their brides to be. Then Jimbo and Scott inspected their craft.
It sported a new set of tires and four new engines. The inspection had
shown bearing wear on the other three. The delay was well justified.
They also had new brakes all around and a new hydraulic pump and three
new hoses that had shown wear. The airplane was also shiny clean. Jimbo
carried a sack with him as he boarded. He handed it to the steward.

"My lunch, roast beef. They should be thawed just about lunch time. If
you could just add some lettuce and mayonnaise?" Jimbo asked.

"We just got restocked. I've got some fresh," replied the steward.

"I want those. You can make me up some fresh to take when we land back
East," Jimbo said.

"I understand. Congratulations on your engagement," chuckled the
steward.

"Thank you. We'll be taking off in about ten minutes," Jimbo said.

"Maybe, we've got a senior senator and his staff to haul back with us.
I haven't seen any sign of them yet," said the steward.

"Then make me a cup of coffee and one of those fresh sandwiches if you
would. Back to the grind," Jimbo said. It was forty-five minutes later
that they lifted off. Mae and Candice waited and watched the plane take
off, feeling their hearts go with it.

* * *

"Come on, darling. We've got work to do," Mae said to Candice, taking
her arm.

"Feels good having four new power plants," Scott said.

"Yeah, keep your eye on those gauges. I don't trust new overhauls, too
easy to leave out an O-ring," Jimbo said. Scott nodded and complied.
One engine showed abnormally high oil flow. An inspection when they
landed revealed a missing O-ring.

"Noted and logged, skipper," Scott commented. The next little while
passed like lightning. As the trip in was at the government's request,
they scheduled to fly the Silo residents back. The couples from Camp
David boarded the plane and then it made its way to New York to pick up
Sheila. A hop to Minneapolis and John and Cindy joined the flight with
Heather. During the flight to Salt Lake Jimbo and Scott each came back
separately and got aquatinted with the Silo crowd. Jimbo warmly shook
John's hand as he sized him up. John was doing the same.

"Pleased to meet you, Jimbo. Welcome to the family," John said.

"Thank you. It's an honor, Sir," Jimbo said.

"You may change your mind about that," John chuckled. The other men
shook Jimbo's and hand but the women all welcomed him more warmly. He
was very surprised when more than one tongue found it's way between his
lips. Scott got similar treatment. Steve met them with a large
helicopter in Salt Lake. The women made him feel very welcome too.
Unfortunately, Jimbo and Scott had to fly on. The women's farewells
were as warm as their welcome.

"Looks like I'm gonna need a bigger helicopter if I'm going to serve
you folks. I had to borrow this one," Steve mused to John on the flight
to the Silo.

"Don't spend your money just yet. It's not too often so many of us
travel at the same time," John said.

"Thanks. That just saved me a bundle," Steve said. At the Silo the
women poured out to greet them. Judy leapt into Steve's arms when he
got out.

"Whoa, darling. So you missed me?" he chuckled.

"Like air," Judy said, melting into a kiss.

"Yeah, now I believe it," Sheila smirked from the side. Judy opened her
arm to her and Sheila moved into a warm embrace. They kissed deeply
just inches from Steve's face. Cindy and Theresa noting his reaction
carefully from the sidelines.

"Yup, he'll fit in nicely with the family," Cindy chuckled, over the
bulge that showed in Steve's pants.

"I do believe you're right," Theresa said. Amy and Alice were all over
Andrea and Bill. The greetings continued as the crowd worked their way
inside with their luggage. Judy had helped Amy and Alice prepare lunch
for the crowd. They sat around the table talking. Judy sat in Steve's
lap until he had to leave. After seeing him off, along with the other
women, she slipped onto John's lap.

"Seems you found a replacement while I was gone," John mused.

"I have you to thank for that. If it hadn't been for your outstanding
indoctrination, I wouldn't have been open to it. And he's not a
replacement, he's an addition to my life," Judy said, pulling him into
a warm kiss.

"Ah.. it's good to be home," John mused, when she let up. After lunch
Sheila called a meeting between the Second Skin hierarchy to explain
the changes she'd ordered. Judy quoted figures for them, consulting her
notes. Amy and Alice took notes off to the side.

"You realize that this could blow up in our faces if the public takes a
disliking to us?" Cindy said.

"Yup. That's the gamble, of course. But I think the time is right. We
did almost half a million at Shannon's in the first week, and it's
booked solid for the next month and a half," Sheila explained.

"What about capital? Will we have enough, or will we have to borrow?"
Cindy asked.

"That's the good part. Our business is so good right now that we can
finance the whole expansion internally and still have working capital,"
Sheila said.

"Okay, in for a penny, in for a pound. Let's do it. Assuming you
concur, Theresa?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, of course. I trust Sheila's and your judgment. Besides, I've got
a decorated officer to support me if we belly up," she chuckled.

"Then it's settled. Now about my pay cut. We were supposed to
renegotiate a long time ago," Sheila said.

"What are you getting now?" Cindy asked.

"Five percent of gross. That's way too much," Sheila said.

"Nope. Sounds right to me. Why don't you stay right where you are?"
Cindy said.

"Oh god, Cindy. That's millions of dollars we're talking about!" Sheila
said.

"I know. You're well worth it. Theresa and I would be nowhere near
where we are if it wasn't for you," Cindy said.

"But you two just put all you've got on the line," Sheila said.

"That's our choice," Cindy said.

"Nope. I won't take it," Sheila said.

"Yes, you will. I insist," Cindy said, evenly.

"Tell you what I will accept then. Throttle my wages back to the one
percent that we previously agreed upon, I'll take the rest in stock. If
you're going to put your cute asses and assets on the line on my
recommendation, then I'm going to too," Sheila said.

"That's agreeable. Judy, how much are you paying Amy and Alice?" Cindy
asked.

"I started them at twenty-five, but I think that they should be moved
up to thirty. They've proved invaluable to me since I put them on,"
Judy said.

"Do it. And I want one percent stock transferred to everybody that's
been in this from the start," Cindy said.

"God, that's millions of dollars," Judy gasped.

"Not if this expansion bombs. Then it will be so much wallpaper. If it
takes off like I think it will, then we can well afford it. Do you
concur, Theresa?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, of course. They deserve it, all of them. They've been working
their asses off. I think we should do something for our salon managers
too," Theresa said.

"I agree. I don't want to do stock with them though, we could lose
control if we give too much of that away. Judy, figure a one percent
bonus on sales per individual salon to be divided between the staffs on
a sliding scale. See that the managers get half of it and split the
rest between the employees. And half again for Mae's group for their
innovations. Do you concur, Sheila?" Cindy asked.

"No, and I'll tell you why. One, it's way too generous, even for you.
Second, it would put a crimp in our cash flow, it wouldn't leave us
enough head room to deal with things like a sudden increase in chemical
prices. I figured the expansion pretty close looking at the figures. I
think the bonus should be based upon net, not gross, which retains the
incentive for the salons to be cost conscious and efficient. Also I
think it should be given to those who have been with us for a year, as
a one time bonus. If and when the new salons do well, then we can
reconsider making it a standing policy. Also: yours and Theresa's worth
is now based solely on stock value or net worth. I think that you
should take a salary at least equal to mine. Right now you couldn't buy
anything without selling some of your stock. You've been working your
butt's off too right along with the rest of us," Sheila said.

"But isn't that actually more than I said? If that would hurt us,
wouldn't what you suggest hurt us even more?" Cindy asked.

"No, because I want my salary based on net, not gross. I said an equal
salary to my own. Also, because the bonuses are based on net, it deals
with overhead shifts automatically. And it spreads the outflow over a
period of time based upon when employees started with us. That also
retains the incentive for our employees to remain loyal to us," Sheila
said.

"Alright... if you insist. Do you concur, Theresa?" Cindy asked.

"Sure," she said.

"Okay, done. So, any other new business?" Cindy asked.

"No, not much anyway. Candice and Mae have located us a manufacture to
assemble the spinners and scanners. We go twenty-four hour production
on the existing salons while retaining the current scanning schedule or
stepping it up even. The new salons go twenty-four hour when each
warrants it. All we need is your okay to start things rolling," Sheila
said.

"Go," said Cindy.

"Looks like we're going to be busy little beavers the next little
while, we've got seventeen cities to look at real estate in to start
with. Oh, I specified lease with option to buy," Sheila said.

"Sounds like a lot of work. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get away
for a while, with the President coming in and then our trip to Europe
with Catarina and Bianca," Cindy said.

"I was hoping that would be a business trip, with you scoping locations
for salons. I think that Judy and the girls and I can handle the real
estate visits. I'd like to draft Mae to do the West coast and Sally to
check out the Eastern locations. Judy and I will take the heartland,"
Sheila said.

"With the exception that the triplets all need to be here for the
presidential visit. I think you and Judy should too as well as Mae and
Sally. Use the time for strategy meetings and to work out training
protocol," Cindy said.

"Okay, no argument there. But I might get a jump on things and visit
some locations before the President comes in," Sheila said.

"Okay, that's good. Any more business?" Cindy asked. Shakes of heads
around the table. "Good, let's go to work," Cindy said.

"The President's coming here?" Alice asked, in awe.

"Yes dear, and he specifically wants to see you three," Cindy said.
Judy and Sheila got on the phones and started things rolling. Within
the week, components were arriving at the assembly plant. Within days
completed units were heading out to the salons. Judy got onto the phone
to Steve who hooked her up to Travis freight. This sped up the process
considerably. Within a week and a half several of the salons went to
twenty-four hour production. This increased throughput considerably.
They were well on their way to the half-billion mark that Sheila has
set as their goal. It would come and go like a blink of an eye as they
passed it on their way up.

The secret service arrived two days before the President and did their
best to stick their noses into every nook and cranny of the Silo. John
tolerated it for a day. When they began talking about taking over the
new Com room as a command center with full access to the video system,
John put his foot down.

"Nope. I know for a fact that the President wants you restricted to the
first floor. The video system is getting locked out. You can watch me
solder hard shorts on every line and then put your seal on the panel.
Then you can set up in the old Com room on the first floor," John said.
They started to argue. "Take it up with your boss," John told them.
"Now you've checked the Silo from top to bottom. You know it's clean,
so clear out."

"But there are weapons in the arsenal!" said the agent in charge of the
detail.

"You can alarm it from the inside. Then put your seal on the outside.
I'll put my Python in there too. Then you can search the Silo one last
time from bottom to top, but after that you're restricted to the first
floor unless the alarm goes off," John said. The agent in charge
grudgingly agreed. John walked away. When he found an agent taking food
samples from the freezers and hydroponics tanks, he blew up again.

"We are going to be eating the exact same food as they are. They will
have their choice of plates. You can make this option clear to them. We
won't be poisoning them without poisoning ourselves," John said.

"Just doing my job, sir," protested the agent.

"No, you're over-doing your job. The President is coming here because
he trusts us. I realize it's your job to be paranoid, but if you don't
get out of my pantry right now I will get him on the phone in about
three minutes!" John said. The agent retreated, taking the samples he
already had with him. John sighed.

Candice and Mae flew in from the West and Sally, Jean and Shannon flew
in from the East. Catarina and Bianca were left running the salon on
Shannon's estate with several lovely guests in residence seeing to
Bianca's treatments. Sheila, Judy and the triplets flew in just before
the President arrived. Steve landed off to the side on a newly paved
section of the compound. The place looked much more hospitable, with
several large trees transplanted off the side of the compound and a new
dirt berm surrounding the compound like the one around the housing
project, just far enough out that it didn't obscure the view of the
mountains. The berm was green and spotted with transplanted foliage. An
automatic sprinkler system kicked on whenever ground sensors detected
too dry of conditions for the foliage. The estate was beginning to
resemble the millionaire's retreat that it was.

Air Force One set down at Hill Field to avoid reporters. A large
executive helicopter that was flown in the day before awaited the
President and First Lady. Jimbo and Scott were given the honor of back-
up crew on the 747. The flight time would be logged on their record. It
had been the First Lady's idea that they be given some time with their
brides to be. They accompanied the First couple in the executive
helicopter.

"I tell you Scotty my boy, I never expected to be riding with the
boss," Jimbo commented on the flight to the Silo.

"Yes, quite a star we hitched our wagons to. Who 'woulda 'thunk it."
Scott said.

"That's what we get for losing our senses and getting engaged," Jimbo
chuckled.

"Would you rather you weren't?" Muriel Wilson asked, coming to sit by
them.

"Oh no, Ma'am. I love Candice with all my being," Jimbo said.

"Well good. Because I think quite highly of them two. I would take it
*personal* if anyone hurt them," the First Lady said.

"We would take it quite personal ourselves. No need to worry about us,"
Scott said.

"Good. When the time comes, how would you feel about a White House
wedding?" Muriel asked.

"Really, Ma'am? We would be quite honored by that," Jimbo said.

"Yes really. I've decided that these folks are going to be our friends,
our *good* friends. I know that they can well afford any wedding that
they'd wish, but I'd like to do whatever I can for them while I'm in a
position to," Muriel said.

"Uh, excuse me Ma'am, but I'm not sure you realize exactly what you're
saying," Jimbo said.

"Jimbo, I'm not blind, and I'm not stupid either. I well know exactly
what I'm getting into, so does the President. I assume you are
referring to certain *inclinations*?" the First Lady asked.

"Yes, Ma'am," Jimbo said, startled.

"I'm well aware of them. I think I was before you two were. We know
what we're doing. I trust you will be discrete about this?" she asked.

"Oh yes, Ma'am. Both of us," Scott replied.

"Good. I'm glad we had this little chat. See you in the hot tub,"
Muriel said, returning to the President's side. Jimbo and Scott just
looked at each other speechless. Neither could think of a thing to say.
The secret service were thick as flies around the compound. A bunch of
them patrolled the dirt berm keeping a watchful eye outward while
numerous others patrolled within. John had given them access to the
road and personnel sensors. They would be well aware of it if anyone
approached the Silo within three miles cross country or thirty miles by
road. A helicopter gun ship patrolled the perimeter of the outer fenced
property.

Troops patrolled the whole fence line in OD green Humvee's. All in all
it was one of safest locations the President had ever visited. If you
didn't count that it had once been targeted for a nuclear missile by
several nations and may still be on more than one list. Several gun
ships came in first and scanned the area, holding station while the
executive helicopter set down on the Silo roof.

John stepped up and welcomed the President and First lady with Cindy at
his side. The others waited a respectful distance back. Candice and Mae
were flabbergasted when Jimbo and Scott stepped off the helicopter.
They ran to jump into their men's arms, much to the discomfort of the
secret service who had their guns half out by the time they realized
that their target wasn't the President.

Jimbo caught Candice on the fly and spun her around, settling into a
massive kiss before her feet hit the ground again. Mae's approach was
slightly more reserved, but not much. She lip locked Scott for a long
time. The President and First Lady chuckled along with John and Cindy.
John ushered them all indoors.

The only other non-crew person to step out of the helicopter, was the
officer carrying the *football*. The helicopter pilots stepped out
last. They looked over at Steve's helicopter in question. Steve
separated himself from the crowd after he'd been introduced to and
congratulated by the President and hugged by the First Lady. With Judy
at his side he showed the executive pilots his baby. They *acted*
impressed.

The President stopped inside and directed the officer carrying the
*football* and the Secret Service not to descend below the first floor
unless there was a national emergency. Everybody protested, but the
President was adamant. He walked with John to the elevator. Cindy and
the First Lady accompanied them in the first trip. The others either
took the stairs or waited for the elevator to return. John first
directed them to the kitchen.

"What a lovely, functional kitchen," the First Lady commented.

"Thank you, Ma'am," Cindy replied.

"Oh no, none of that. I'm Muriel for the duration of our visit," Muriel
said.

"And I don't want to hear *Mr. President* once while I'm here. As far
as anybody is concerned, it's Tom and Muriel for four days," Tom said.

"You got it Tom, better repeat that for the others when they get here.
Scotch?" John asked.

"A bit early for that. A beer would be nice if you have one. I so
seldom get to drink it," Tom said.

"Beck's light or Dark, Corona or Bud Light?" John asked.

"Beck's light. Now that nobody's looking," Tom replied.

"Muriel? What for you?" John asked.

"A glass of white wine if you have it," she replied.

"Certainly, ah good, the others are here. Amy, would you please run
down to the wine cellar and snag a bottle of Mirasou Mendicino County
Chablis for Muriel?" John asked.

"I'll get it, she hasn't been hugged yet. What year?" Cindy
volunteered.

"'82, I think that's the only year of the Mendicino County we have,"
John said. The others filed in as Cindy went out.

"I just told John that I don't want to hear *Mr. President* once while
I'm here. We are Tom and Muriel, and that's all," Tom said.

"Does that mean that we can hug you?" Amy asked.

"Yes Amy, and kiss him too. Right after me," Muriel said, taking Amy
into her arms. Steve, Scott and Jimbo exchanged surprised glances, as
the kiss wasn't just a friendly one.

"We're hoping that we get to spend the first night with you three,"
Muriel said.

"Fine by us.... Muriel," Amy said, shakily as she moved to Tom. Alice
moved into Muriel's arms followed by Andrea. Theresa and the rest
formed a line behind her. When the women were through, Muriel made a
point of making the rounds between the men. By that time Jimbo wasn't
surprised when it wasn't just a friendly kiss.

"Please, sit down, make yourself at home," John said, placing a frosted
mug and the beer before a place at the table.

"That's your spot and I know it," Tom said, sitting in the next one
over.

"Jimbo, Scott, Steve, help yourself to the bar. The rest of you are
home so you know the rules," John directed, carrying his beer to the
table. Cindy returned and opened the wine, pouring Muriel and herself a
glass. Theresa got a wine cooler. Sheila and Mae selected the wine. The
triplets chose coolers. John was drinking his beer from the bottle. Tom
looked envious.

"Do I have to use a glass? I so seldom get to drink out of the bottle,"
he chuckled.

"You can do as you'd like, but peel the foil from around the top. It
makes the beer taste metallic," John replied. Muriel accepted the glass
from Cindy and then pulled her into her lap. She kissed her sincerely.
Cindy returned the kiss just as sincerely. Jimbo sat down with a beer,
a little hard..

"This is a lot to digest all at once. I never thought I'd be kissing
the First Lady," he mused.

"You didn't. You kissed Muriel Wilson, private citizen. The First Lady
would be shocked and totally denies the accusation," Muriel said.

"Yes, Ma'am," Jimbo said.

"No, it's Muriel. I mean that," Muriel said.

"Okay Muriel, if you say so," Jimbo said.

"I do. Speaking of which, have you told your fiancées yet?" Muriel
asked.

"No.. Muriel. Haven't had time," Jimbo replied, awkwardly.

"Candice, Mae, Judy, I would be honored if you would let us host a
White House wedding when you decide a date to get hitched. Just let me
know when you'd like to do it. Give me a little time as those things
take some planning," Muriel said.

"Oh thank you!" said Candice, launching herself at Muriel. Cindy
slipped out of the way just in time. She bent and welcomed Tom to her
house while Candice was lip locking Muriel. Mae and Judy were next in
line, Candice settled in Jimbo's lap.

"Yup, quite the star I've hitched my wagon to," Jimbo mused, bending to
kiss Candice. Cindy settled in Tom's lap and Sheila took the
opportunity to sit on John's.

"So, what first, Tom?" John asked.

"Actually, I'm quite enjoying this. I haven't felt this relaxed in
years," Tom said, kissing Cindy on the cheek.

"Tell you what. After lunch I'll give you and Muriel the tour. Jimbo
and Scott haven't seen the place either. After that you are on your
own. Do or go anywhere you'd like. I think that you'll find many
options to keep yourselves amused," John said.

"Sounds wonderful," Tom said. Cindy kissed him on the cheek and then
moved to Heather.

"You were included when John said the rest of you were home. Help
yourself to the bar," she said, kissing her softly.

"You certainly live up to your promises of an entertaining time,"
Heather said, pulling Cindy back into a longer kiss. Amy, Alice and
Andrea set about making lunch. Candice kissed Jimbo and joined them.
Lunch was simple but good. Breast of turkey sandwiches with alfalfa
sprouts and Roast beef with lettuce and tomato, accompanied with lots
of Campbell's Low-fat Cream of Mushroom soup.

"I promised the secret service that you'd have first pick of the food,
so we couldn't poison you," John told Tom and Muriel.

"That's silly," Tom said, offering the plate to John first. John chose
one at random and Tom made a point of choosing last. The lunch was
casual and relaxed. Muriel asked about Second Skin and Sheila explained
their expansion plans.

"Wish there was some way that I could own a piece of it," Muriel mused.

"I know, there's no way we could legally do that, but you're very
welcome to join us after Tom's terms are up. We can always use good
managers," Sheila said.

"*If* we get re-elected," Muriel mused.

"We might just spoil that for you, you know," Cindy said.

"If that's the case, then so be it. Muriel and I talked about that. If
the press turns on you folks, I'll back you up any way that I can," Tom
said.

"My god, you mean that, Tom?" John asked.

"Yes. Muriel reminded me what it meant to be the President, and in no
uncertain terms. You folks represent exactly the kind of citizens that
this nation should be very proud of. That's what I believe, that's what
I'm going to say," Tom said.

"Well, lets just hope that if it happens, that it's *after* the
election then," John said.

"I'll drink to that!" said Tom, raising his bottle of beer. The others
around the table toasted and clinked glasses and bottles. All drank to
the toast.

"So how do you like your uniform, now that you've gotten used to it?"
Candice asked Jimbo.

"I'll tell you darling, it's the most comfortable uniform I ever wore.
I don't feel like a wet dishrag after an eight hour flight anymore. I
love how it regulates temperature. I feel comfortable enough and it
 looks good enough that I can go out to dinner on the other end without
changing. The other pilots are all jealous as hell," Jimbo said.

"I thought they looked very good on you two. Are those of Second Skin
manufacture?" Muriel asked.

"Yes, Muriel. Candice and Mae drug us into their salon in San Francisco
and made them for us," Jimbo replied.

"Could you do the same for our pilots on Air Force One?" asked the
President.

"Sure, just let us know which salon you want to use. We'll arrange it
ahead of time so they can get in and out quick. In fact, with the new
system they only have to go in for the scanning. Anybody can come pick
them up the next day," Sheila said.

"I'd like to make them standard issue for the entire government pilot's
list," Tom said.

"Just a minute, Tom. I think we're getting into conflict of interest
here. Sheila offered Muriel a manager's job for after your terms of
office. A contract that size would be of benefit to Second Skin.
Instead, why don't you let me contribute the uniforms myself? Better
than a campaign contribution which might come back on you," John said.

"That's mighty nice of you John, but I don't think that's a problem.
Jimbo, you guys have a pilots union. Just make the suggestion through
your union. I'll see that it's approved," Tom said.

"I'm sorry, Tom. But that would definitely be conflict of interest.
See, I'm engaged to Candice, a Second Skin officer," Jimbo said.

"Damnit. I hate all this lawyer shit. All I want to do is get
comfortable uniforms for my pilots," Tom said.

"Tell you what. We'll donate the first uniform to all the pilots. After
that they can vote on whether or not they want to adopt them as
standard issue. That removes conflict of interest all around," Sheila
said.

"That will work, that's a great idea," Tom said.

"That's why we hired her," Cindy beamed from Heather's lap.

"Yes, I can guarantee that will work. Once the other pilots try one of
these on they won't go back to the old ones for anything," Jimbo said.

"Now that that's settled, how about that tour, John? I can't wait to
see this *Castle in the Sand* that you've built," Tom said. Tom and
Muriel were more than a little impressed with the Silo. Jimbo and Scott
were virtually speechless. After the tour Candice led Jimbo off to her
room and Mae led Scott to hers, Judy led Steve to hers.

"You're on your own, Tom. Whatever you'd like to do is fine by me. Make
yourselves at home and pick a corner... I suspect that you'll need all
the room you can get tonight with the triplets, so count on the master
bedroom as home base," John said.

"I don't want to put you out of your bed," Tom said.

"You won't be. Around here that's variable. I spend my nights in one of
the women's rooms as often as I do here. Whoever has the largest party
gets the big bed, but for tomorrow night we've been saving a little
surprise for you. If you'll just come this way," John said. He guided
them up to the guest room above the family room. In it was a replica of
the four poster from the Lincoln bedroom in the White House.

"Complete with creaks. Cindy and I tested it real hard," John said.

"Thank you. That's a lovely gesture," Muriel said, kissing him in
thanks.

"So what are you going to do now, John?" Tom asked.

"Well, it's the start of football season. I was going to sit back with
a beer and watch a football game," John said.

"That sounds absolutely delightful, may I join you?" Tom asked.

"Certainly. Come on," John said.

"Who's playing?" Tom asked.

"The Bear's and the Lions," John answered.

"I've got five on the Lions," Tom said.

"You're on," John said. Muriel caught her husband and kissed him
deeply.

"Have a good time, dear," she said.

"You too, love. I love you," he said.

"And I love you, now scoot," she said. The men left and Muriel caught
Cindy's hand. Cindy held back as John and Tom headed down the stairs.

"A question, Muriel?" Cindy asked. Muriel sat back on the bed, still
holding Cindy's hand.

"Before you left he White House there were certain invitations made.
Were they sincere?" Muriel asked. Cindy smiled at her and pulled off
her top. She let Muriel remove the rest.

"Care for more company?" Cindy asked, unbuttoning Muriel's blouse.

"No, not for my first time," Muriel said.

"I'm honored," Cindy said.

"Not too much, I hope," Muriel said, pulling her down into a kiss as
her hands found Cindy's firm breasts. Somehow one each of the triplets
found their way into Candice's, Mae's and Judy's bedrooms. Sheila and
Heather snuck off together with Shannon. Sally and Jean came by the
family room with a big bowl of popcorn.

"Who's ahead?" asked Sally, settling back against John.

"The Lions," Tom beamed, helping himself to the popcorn. Jean was more
reluctant, but Sally pulled her down onto the cushion in front of Tom.
She quivered a bit as she lay back against Tom.

"Easy, darling. No need to be so worried. I don't bite," Tom said,
sipping his beer.

"I'll bet he's a great nibbler though," Sally chuckled.

"You two here to watch football, or gab?" John teased.

"Football," Sally said. Nods all around.

"Okay then," John said, turning up the sound a bit. After a time Jean
got into the game and forgot about the fact that she was leaning back
against the President. When his beer ran out she dutifully snagged him
another and a round for the rest. She settled back into her previous
spot and Tom kissed her in thanks. After that she relaxed a bit more.
It felt natural when a hand softly caressed her body. John couldn't
help but caress Sally's. But the groping took second place to the game.
The Bear's won it with a last minute field goal. Tom fished in his
pocket for a five dollar bill.

"I'd be honored if you'd sign that, Tom," John said.

"Sure," Tom said. He signed it: "*To my friend John Stevens, Thomas J.
Wilson, Bear's by one!*"

"Thanks, something for the office wall," John said.

"You're quite welcome," Tom said. John whispered something in Sally's
ear and she giggled and nodded.

"Have fun, we're gonna go take a little nap," John said.

"Sure," Tom said. John and Sally slipped out.

"Perhaps you'd care to take a little nap too, Tom?" Jean asked.

"Yes, that would be nice. Where?" he asked.

"My bedroom? Or another?" she asked.

"Yours please," he said. She smiled and led him away. Nobody was
watching TV when Cindy passed through a short time later wearing a
light robe. She turned it off and then continued on her errand,
returning a short time later with her toy. She ascended the stairs back
up to Muriel. A short time after that, a serious amount of moaning
could have been heard drifting down the stairs, if anybody had been
there to hear it.

A couple of hours later Cindy and Muriel found Tom and Jean in the hot
tub. Muriel came up and kissed them both, then settled back into
Cindy's lap. A short time later Candice, Jimbo and Amy came in. Jimbo
seemed hesitant, but Candice and Amy dropped their robes without
thought and climbed in. Jimbo felt a bit self conscious but did the
same. Amy settled in his lap after kissing Tom and Jean. Mae, Scott and
Alice came in, followed by Steve, Judy and Andrea. They all dropped
their robes and climbed in.

"Has anybody seen my husband?" Andrea asked.

"I think he's with Theresa. Kevin got shanghaied by Sheila, Shannon and
Heather," Judy said. Just then Bill and Theresa made their way in
followed by the rest. They all dropped their robes and moved into the
hot tub.

"I can see why you made the tub so large, John," Tom said, as John
settled in, with Heather on his lap.

"Yeah, the last one got a little crowded when Candice and the triplets
arrived," John said.

"Did you really rescue them from a blizzard?" Muriel asked.

"He sure did," Alice said, launching into the story.

"I'm much obliged to you for saving my darling," Jimbo told John, at
the conclusion of the story. Hearing it from another source just
confirmed what Candice had told him.

"Quite welcome, Jimbo. They've been reward enough for me. Way more than
enough," John said. Alice moved to him and kissed him anyway. Various
folk started to cycle into the cool plunge and to the chaises.

"Our turn to cook, Theresa," Cindy said.

"Coming, love," she said, sliding off Kevin's lap after kissing him.

"I'll help," Jean said, kissing Tom and then slipping out.

"Me too," Sheila said, sliding off Shannon's lap.

"I think I'll take a swim before dinner," John said.

"I'll join you. You know I'm a water baby," Heather said. Tom and
Muriel lay in a double chaise after the cold plunge. He kissed her
softly.

"Great idea you had coming here," he told her.

"One of my better ones," she said, returning his kiss.

"So you had a good time?" he asked.

"Yes, very nice, and you?" she asked.

"Yes, very nice as well. I love you," he said.

"And I love you too," she said, pulling him back into a kiss.

"Mind if we join you?" Candice asked, pulling Jimbo to an adjoining
chaise.

"Not at all. We're the guests. You're at home. I quite envy you for
that," Muriel said.

"Oh, I think you folks are becoming family fast enough," Candice said.

"You know, that's just what it feels like. A big happy family," Tom
said.

"That's because it is," Candice chuckled, snuggling to Jimbo's side.

"I'm slowly learning that," Jimbo said.

"The only difference between us and a real family, is that we're free
to make love to each other," Candice said.

"I quite understand Jimbo's reticence. That's not easy to get used to,"
Tom said.

"I told you I'd see you in the hot tub, Jimbo," Muriel giggled.

"That you did, Muriel, that you did," Jimbo said. Shannon and Andrea
joined them on the chaises.

"How long did it take for you to feel like family, Shannon?" Muriel
asked.

"Oh, I was sort of brought into it slowly. First there was Sally and
Jean and John at my estate. John spent the first night with me alone.
Then Sally and Jean joined us the second night. By the time I got here,
I just felt like part of the family. But even that was a little
overwhelming at first. They were fairly understanding about it. They
each took me off one at a time and made love with me. By the time they
were through I'd hardly notice if six or eight people were making love
in the same room. Not that that happens very often," Shannon replied.
Andrea came and sat cross legged on the bottom of Tom's and Muriel's
chaise.

"Hi," she said, simply.

"Hello, which one are you, no let me guess... Andrea?" Muriel asked.

"Yup," she said.

"Careful, that's how they started with me," Shannon giggled. Neither
Tom nor Muriel could take their eyes off the enchanting view before
them.

"So, we get to spend the first night with you?" Andrea asked.

"Yes, if you want to. We'd be delighted," Muriel said.

"Okay, yeah, I'd like that too," Andrea said. Bill kind of rolled his
eyes from the cold plunge. Alice came over and stood by them. First she
bent and kissed Candice and Jimbo, which put her shapely behind in
front of Tom's face. His eyes got a shade big. Muriel's view was even
better. The young woman then turned to Tom and asked, "Can you swim?"

"Not bad," Tom replied.

"Good, then you can teach me some," she said, taking his hand.

"I think I'm going swimming, love," Tom said, kissing Muriel.

"Have a nice time, dear. Maybe, we'll join you later," Muriel said,
taking Andrea's hand.

"I think that I'll take a swim myself," Jimbo said.

"Coming, love," Candice said, stopping to kiss Andrea and Muriel.
Andrea moved up on the chaise and snuggled to Muriel's side. Bill and
Sally came over and moved onto the adjoining chaise.

"Kind of different, huh?" Sally asked.

"Yes, very different. How do you feel about it, Bill? Do you mind your
wife spending the night with us?" Muriel asked.

"Not at all. I kind of figured that out before we left the White
House," Bill said.

"You didn't quite answer my question, how do you *feel* about it?"
Muriel asked.

"Muriel, I had to ask myself that question the first night I came here.
When I found that the triplets made love with each other. They spent
that night with me and it was one of the most enjoyable nights of my
life. John told me before hand that their inclinations extended to each
other. He said that they'd had little enough honest love in their life,
and that he didn't want to spoil it for them. I came to realize what he
was talking about later that night. It was the most natural honest love
I ever encountered. The taboo against same sex incest is just a carry
over from thousands of years of social pressure.

"The taboo against incest had a solid foundation in that it made
deformed children. But the global taboo against all forms of it has no
such solid foundation where there is no possibility of offspring. In
reality the most damage that could be done from it, is the social
stigma that has been placed upon it. Okay, that took care of them
making love with each other, as far as I was concerned. From there it
was an easy extension for me when they made love with one of the other
Silo residents. Everybody loved each other. *Really* loved each other.
I knew that up front before I ever got involved with any of them.

"Now I *understand*. I *really* love all of them. I understand each of
their attractions to each other. Every person here contributes their
unique personality, their talents and charm to the whole family. I'm
thrilled to death to be a part of that. So in answer to your question.
I don't mind it at all. I admire her taste in women and men. You are
quite an attractive woman yourself. Besides that, it's what *she*
wants. It's part of her, part of *all* that I love. She wouldn't be the
same person without the affection she gives to and receives from other
people. So it would be silly of me not to want her to do that, because
that would be trying to make her into something other than what I love.
Besides, I think I have my date for the night," he said, drawing his
fingers over Sally's breasts. She giggled and nodded.

"Kind of cute, isn't he?" Andrea said, letting her fingers trace over
Muriel's breasts.

"Yes, he's adorable," Muriel said, responding to the young woman's
touch.

"Nicely put, Bill, may I join you too?" Shannon asked.

"Yes, that would be very nice," he said.

"Shall we join the others in the pool, or would you like to get a head
start on the evening?" Sally asked Muriel.

"What I would like very much, would be if I could kiss every one of
you," Muriel said.

"Oh, we can do that," Andrea said, becoming the first. Sally and
Shannon came next, Muriel standing to embrace and caress them. When
Bill moved into her arms she trembled a bit. Andrea moved herself
against her backside and rubbed up against her. Sally and Shannon
smiled at each other and slipped off to the pool Andrea's hands softly
cupped Muriel's breasts from behind as Bill kissed her. Muriel's hands
found Bill's manhood and softly touched it. When he pulled back Muriel
looked around, they were alone. Even so, Bill led her to one of the
bedrooms. Andrea snagged their robes and followed behind.

Sally and Shannon joined the crowd at the pool It actually was fairly
crowded. They dove in and each swam several laps then climbed out and
toweled off. Tom was sitting alone on one of the chaises. Alice was
frolicking in the pool.

"She wore me out. She's a much better swimmer than I. Where's Muriel?"
he asked.

"Getting a lesson in family. Would you like one?" Sally asked,
extending her hand to him.

"Yes, I think I'd like that. You'll save enough of me for the triplets
later?" he asked, being led by Sally and Shannon.

"Oh, we make no such promise. But I think you'll find that they are
more persuasive than you think," Shannon said. Jimbo watched from the
pool, a strange expression on his face.

"I was thinking of the curious occurrence of the dog in the night,"
John said.

"But the dog did nothing in the night," Scott said, setting him up.

"My point exactly," John finished. Jimbo looked at the two of them.

"He's a human being, Jimbo. We all are. The only difference between us
and others is that we're not afraid to share our love with more than
one person," John said.

"Yes, I'm slowly learning. I understand that well enough for myself. I
just didn't expect it in... others," Jimbo said.

"Does it bother you that I've been with your woman?" John asked.

"No, of course not," Jimbo replied.

"Does it bother you that I may be again?" John asked.

"No, I don't think so," Jimbo said, less sure.

"Good, because it doesn't bother me that you've been with one or
several of *my* women," John said.

"Point taken," Jimbo said.

"Is it? Because there isn't any jealousy around here, Jimbo. That's the
one thing that could tear this all apart. There isn't any room for it
because we're all too busy being in love. You see, jealousy is rooted
in insecurity. And you have no need of that. I know that Candice loves
you with all her heart," John said.

"He speaks true, Jimbo. I do love you with all my heart. But we was all
*his* women first. We all love him and each other. Much as I love you I
never want to give this up. I owe these folks my life, but more than
that. I *want* to love them. I didn't know what happiness was before I
came here. I discovered the other half when I met you. I don't want to
give up either now that I'm whole," Candice said.

"You don't need to worry, there'll be no trouble from me," Jimbo said.

"It's more than that Jimbo. You see, I like you. I know that Candice
loves you. I want her happiness as much as you do. I want her to have
you. I want you to be a part of this family. I'm just trying to explain
to you what that entails. The other part of that is that we don't judge
each others actions. We can't. For one thing we're all guilty of most
things that others would be inclined to judge us for. But I don't feel
the least bit guilty. I give my love freely where I feel it. I don't
try to tell those who I love who they can or can't love. Because that
isn't love, it's control. And we don't control anybody around here, but
ourselves. Do you understand what I'm saying?" John asked.

"Yes, I think so," Jimbo said.

"I hope so," John said.

"I understand you," Heather said, swimming up and crawling onto his
lap.

"Do you now? What would your mother think?" John asked, chuckling.

"She'd be absolutely scandalized," Heather said, melting into a kiss.

"I understand too," Alice said, swimming up to Jimbo and climbing into
his lap. She pulled Jimbo into a deep kiss. Halfway through it he
realized that this was one of *John's* women that he was kissing.
Candice by his side was another. When Alice lifted her head Candice
moved in and kissed both of them alternately. He looked over and Amy
was kissing Scott and Mae. Not too long before she'd been with him and
Candice in her bed. Then he understood better.

"I'm thinking that you are a wise man, John Stevens. And I will be
quite honored to be part of your family," Jimbo said.

"I don't know about how wise I am, but you are quite welcome here,
Jimbo," John said.

"Thank you. And thank you for sharing your women with me," Jimbo said.

"That's the easy part. You see, they aren't mine like property. They're
mine in my heart. I want what each of them wants to make them happy. If
you are part of that, then that's just fine with me," John said.

"Then I thank you for your understanding," Jimbo said.

"You are quite welcome, Jimbo. Quite welcome," John replied.

"You guys talk too much sometimes," Heather said, pulling John into
another kiss.

"If they didn't, we'd have nothing to tease them about," Mae chuckled.
Heather was persistent enough that John got an erection. She shifted
position to take advantage of it. Mae and Amy had Scott in readiness.
Mae guided Amy over his hips. Kissing him from the side. Jimbo didn't
have a chance, especially when Alice practiced her diving lessons.
Candice finally guided her former co-wife over her new man, joyful at
their union. There was very little talking for some time. After Heather
cried out and fell back into the water, Mae swam over to support and
caress her back to consciousness. Candice crawled up onto John's lap
and whispered in his ear. He nodded and touched the spot the triplets
had taught him. A short time later Candice impaled herself.

Jimbo passed the test with flying colors. What could he have done
otherwise, with John's woman riding his hips. Afterwards they all sort
of floated about, relaxing and cooling off again. A short time later
Cindy announced dinner over the intercom.

"One more thing is that we dress for dinner around here. How much
clothing is optional at the other meals, but always at least a robe.
It's not that we mind the sight of unclothed bodies when we eat, but
it's too big a distraction and the meals last too long," John chuckled.
Tom and Muriel were likewise informed of the clothing rules.

"Where *are* our clothes?" Muriel asked.

"You're booked for the master bedroom tonight, so probably in there,"
Andrea answered.

"Thanks... and thank you, both of you," Muriel said.

"You are quite welcome, Muriel," Bill said.

"Yes, it was nice," Andrea said.

"Nice... well maybe you can teach me about *great* later," Muriel said.

"Don't be silly. This isn't a contest! It's the sharing of pleasure. It
takes time to learn that. I'd be more than happy to show you anything I
know, anytime. I think you'll find any number of willing teachers
around here," Andrea said.

"Yes, I'd like to learn. Thank you, Andrea," Muriel said.

"You are quite welcome, now you'd better go dress for dinner," Andrea
said. Tom also found his way to the master bedroom. He was just
starting to dress when Muriel walked in.

"Hello, love. Have a nice time?" he asked.

"Yes.. And You?" she asked, moving to his side.

"Quite nice. I'm beginning to feel like one of the family," Tom said,
pulling her to him. He kissed her softly and she quivered a bit in his
arms. Despite all the loving she'd experienced during the day, she
found herself being more attracted to him than she ever had. She kissed
him back, hard.

"My, what brought *that* on?" he asked.

"I just suddenly realized how much I love you," she said.

"I'm quite in love with you as well. Odd, that we should each realize
how much after we've been with others," he said.

"I'm not so sure it is odd. I think I've learned more about love -both
physically and mentally- today then I ever understood before. And I
think that we've just scratched the surface," she said.

"Well, we'd better dress. If it was anybody else I'd leave them wait
while we proved it to each other. With these folks I'm content to wait
for later," Tom said, kissing her once more and releasing her. She
selected a sexy evening gown. One that she couldn't wear to most balls.
She pulled it over a foundation of soft and sexy underwear.

"I ought to take you out more often, you look stunning," he said, love
in his eyes.

"You don't look so bad yourself, in that tuxedo. I just wish that my
hair wasn't so tangled," she said.

"Knock, knock," a voice said from outside the door.

"Yes, please, come in," Muriel said.

"I thought you might need a hand with your hair," Sally said, stepping
in.

"Hello Sally," Tom said warmly.

"Hello, Tom," she said in return.

"You are a lifesaver," Muriel said.

"We shall see. Let's go into the bathroom and see what we can do,"
Sally said.

"I'll just step out," Tom said.

"No please stay. I want to walk in on your arm," Muriel said.

"Okay. Glad to," Tom said. Sally led her into the bathroom and seated
her before a mirror. She pulled out some hair brushes and a bottle of
anti-tangle.

"Baby conditioner?" Muriel asked, examining the bottle.

"Best stuff I've found. Almost too good, it robs a bit of body," Sally
said.

"Only from your *hair*, I can see," Muriel said, looking at Sally's
body in the mirror.

"You are such a *flirt!*... I love it. Yours is quite lovely too,"
Sally chuckled, spraying Muriel's hair and then working a brush through
it.

"Do you really think so?" Muriel asked, comparing hers visually to
Sally's.

"Yes, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. That guy out there does
too," Sally said.

"He told you that?" Muriel asked, surprised.

"Oh, not in words. In the way he looks at you... and calls your name at
*certain* moments," Sally chuckled.

"You're kidding." Muriel said.

"Nope. Shannon is my witness," Sally said, working the hair with the
brush.

"I wouldn't have thought he would have had a thought about me while
with you two stunning women," Muriel said, sadly.

"Oh, don't put yourself down. You're prettier than you know. If there's
one thing that I've learned, it's that each of us is stunning at
certain moments to somebody. A simple smile from John can make me feel
like the queen of Sheba. A misread look can make me feel like the
ugliest scag on the planet. That man out there loves you. Maybe more
than you realize. If a man tells you, you look nice, then you look
okay. If he tells you, you look stunning, he really means it," Sally
said.

"You heard that?" Muriel asked.

"Heard what?" Sally said, concentrating on her hair.

"When he said I look stunning just before you knocked?" Muriel said.

"No, but it doesn't surprise me a bit that he said it, you do," Sally
said.

"So do you," Muriel said.

"Thank you. Now hold still," Sally said, tossing hair left over right.

"So how was he?" Muriel asked.

"Don't you know?" Sally chuckled.

"Yes, I know how he is with me," Muriel said.

"Well, it's not a question I really consider. I enjoyed myself, he did
too. Does that bother you?" Sally asked.

"No, once it would have. Not now," Muriel said.

"Well, why there is a difference between those times is a question for
you to answer yourself. I wouldn't have been with him unless I thought
it was okay with you. I took your actions with Bill and Andrea as a
fair indicator of that. Also your actions with myself. You see, I don't
make a differentiation between making love to a man or a woman. It may
in fact feel differently and the mechanics might be different. But
ethically it's the same thing. As such there is no difference between
you making love to a man or woman and Tom making love to me," Sally
said, finishing Muriel's hair.

"That's the best I can do on short notice," Sally said, stepping back
and bending a mirror behind to give her a view..

"It's lovely. I've never been able to do a French braid like that,"
Muriel said, looking at herself in the mirrors. She stood and pulled
Sally into her arms. "You are lovely and wise. Perhaps we can get
together, tomorrow?" Muriel said.

"Yes, I'd like that," Sally said, moving to kiss her. Muriel deepened
the kiss and held it. Finally she disengaged herself.

"Thank you, and you're right, I am a flirt. But I get so little chance
to practice," Muriel said.

"I can understand that. Well, there's a man out there who loves you and
you look like a million bucks. Why don't you go let him spend some of
that?" Sally chuckled.

"Thanks, for everything," Muriel said, squeezing her hand.

"That's what friends are for," Sally said. Muriel smiled and nodded and
moved out to see her man. Tom stood as she entered and a smile came to
his face.

"You look stupendous," he said. Muriel beamed and kissed him. Then they
headed off to dinner. Sally saved time by climbing on one of the inside
elevators. It pushed aside trap doors as it ascended. Sometimes it was
fun. She surfaced into a startled group of nubile nude women just
dressing in the triplet's common area. Sally chuckled and continued her
ride.

"We should put a bell around her neck," Amy giggled.

"She's no more of a prankster than Alice," Andrea said.

"Sorry, ladies," Sally called back down.

"We don't mind, you just startled us," Amy called after her. Sally
arrived in the kitchen ahead of Tom and Muriel. Most everybody else was
there except the triplets. Jimbo about choked on his drink when the
floor beside the sofa suddenly lifted up and parted and Sally came into
view.

"Easy darling, it's just an elevator," Candice chuckled.

"I was standing there not three minutes ago," Jimbo said.

"Yes, and if you'd been standing there just now, it would have gently
pushed you aside. You were in no danger of falling. John's a good
engineer," Candice said.

"Yes, I can see that," Jimbo said, looking at the small cage next to
him. Tom and Muriel stepped into the kitchen.

"What a handsome couple," Cindy said, looking up from the stove.

"You look gorgeous, Muriel," Theresa said.

"Thank you, all due to Sally's handiwork. She was right behind us, I
fear we lost her somewhere," Muriel said.

"I only take credit for the hair. The rest is all her doing," Sally
said from the bar.

"Just how did you beat us up here? Sprint up the stairs?" Tom asked,
startled.

"She took the dumb waiter," Jimbo said.

"No, that's over there. See, you can program it to stop on any floor,"
Candice said.

"I took one of the small elevators. We actually have four -small ones-,
but John's now converted one into the dumb waiter," Sally said.

"They came with the Silo, I just adapted them and made them a little
safer. You both look very nice. My compliments on that gown Muriel, you
look ravishing in it," John said.

"I think he looks quite handsome too," Alice said, entering with the
other triplets.

"My my, where have you been hiding those outfits?" Sheila asked.

"Like them?" Amy said twirling around, "Judy helped us with them last
week."

"Yes, very alluring," John said.

"What a good word. Yes, quite alluring, all of you," Tom said.

"Why don't you all be seated," Cindy said. John had done some
calculations the previous week and performed surgery upon the massive
trestle table. It was now three feet longer. Additional chairs had been
added to fill the gap. Enough that everybody could comfortably sit
around it, there was quite a crowd. Candice and Jimbo, Mae and Scott,
Judy and Steve, Theresa and Kevin, Bill and Andrea, Amy and Alice,
Cindy and Heather, Sally and Jean, Sheila and Shannon, Tom and Muriel
and John.

The table looked lovely. There were fresh wild flowers in a vase in the
middle. Low enough to see over. The china was some that John had
spotted in San Francisco. Kind of a frosted pastel glass. The table
cloth was simple white linen. Each place held an embroidered place mat
from India. The silverware was real silver and sparkled. There were
earthenware wine coolers on each end of the table, the wine open and
breathing.. Cindy and Theresa set salads in front of each person before
John and Kevin seated them.

"You certainly set a lovely table," Muriel mused.

"Thank you. Jean and Sheila set it," Cindy said.

"Tuna casserole again?" John teased.

"The thing he hates most on the planet," Cindy said, "We have; fresh
vegetable salad with Bulgar wheat, followed by Gazpacho, Judy's recipe.
For the main course, we have Parmesan stuffed skinless chicken breasts
with wild rice and baby carrots. And no John, I didn't stuff them with
tuna."

"Please, dig in," John said.

"Ain't he eloquent," Cindy chuckled, rolling her eyes.

"This salad is great!" Tom said.

"Nothing fancy, got the recipe off the Bulgur wheat box. We just
happened to have the fresh vegetables in our hydroponics garden," Cindy
said.

"It's terrific. I'll have to ask the chef about it when we get back
home," Muriel said.

"Looking around this table, I don't ever recall seeing so many
devastatingly low necklines," John chuckled.

"We wanted to look nice for you," Cindy said, beaming.

"That you certainly do. You ought to come by more often, Tom. I usually
get T-shirts or tube tops for dinner," John said.

"Really? How long do they cook them?" Tom asked. John guffawed. There
was polite titter around the rest of the table.

"Don't let it bug you, Tom. I thought it was funny. They don't like my
sense of humor either, and what I think is funny, *really is*," John
said.

"Yeah, what was that one; *How dost I cast dispersions upon your
character*?" Cindy chuckled.

"I remember that one, that was the morning after Sally sent him back
from New York looking like a zombie," Theresa said.

"Why did he look like a zombie?" Muriel asked. John winced and waited.

"He made love to her thirty times in thirty-four hours," Theresa said
simply. Several people at the table stopped eating and looked up
startled.

"By my soul, he did," Sally said.

"I saw her a few days later, she still looked badly dazed," Jean said.

"I didn't think that was possible," Muriel said, looking to John
curiously.

"He broke that record with Judy. *Averaged* once an hour for three
days. Recovered for a day and a half and still managed to fulfill my
wishes in the Lincoln Bedroom," Cindy chuckled.

"I wasn't the only one there for all of that. Sally still holds the
record for exclusivity," Judy said.

"I'm not so sure this is proper dinner conversation," John said.

"Oh, I think it's fascinating. Maybe I should have given you a medal
for prowess, if we had one. It sounds like you were a good candidate
for a purple heart of your own," Tom chuckled.

"May I ask what prompted you to this level of performance?" Muriel
asked. John looked to both Sally and Judy, they both nodded their
assent.

"They were both virgins. I wanted their first time to be memorable,"
John said.

"It certainly was all of that," Sally said. Judy nodded vigorously, as
she had a mouthful of salad. Steve looked at her in chagrin,
remembering how he said he'd be gentle with her.

"You've never done this sort of thing with the others though?" Muriel
asked.

"I've offered Cindy several times, but she's turned me down flat," John
said.

"He put in quite a respectable showing when they were staying with me,
but nothing like that," Heather said.

"He made love to fourteen of us one day," Alice added.

"There weren't fourteen of us then, that was fourteen times among eight
of us," Theresa said.

"That was about four days after he got back from New York," Amy said.

"Yes, well, we don't need to go into the details of that," John said,
heading off any conversation that really wasn't fit for the dinner
table.

"So beside Sally's and Judy's records, what's the most times he's made
love to any of you others?" Muriel asked.

"I guess that would be the fifteen times in one night split between
Sheila and I," Cindy mused.

"You called me a beast," John said.

"Not me, all I could say was '*Uh...'* It was Sheila who called you a
beast," Cindy chuckled.

"I remember that, you kept saying he was possessed," Bill said.

"I think he was," Sheila said, "At least he acted like it. The worst
part was that it hardly fazed him. Poor Cindy and I were zombies. He
came down and talked to you folks like he'd just had a week's rest."

"You are indeed quite a remarkable man, John," Jimbo said, raising his
glass.

"Hear, hear," Tom said, raising his and clinking Jimbo's. This led to
everybody clinking glasses and drinking to John. Cindy sat back in awe.

"I do believe he's blushing," she said, "I've never seen that before."

"Sure you have, that allergic reaction he gets to vinegar," Theresa
chuckled.

"Speaking of which, I forgot round two," Cindy said, jumping to her
feet. Theresa and Sheila helped her clear the salad plates and serve
the Gazpacho.

"What's Gazpacho?" Alice asked.

"A delightful cold vegetable soup," Sheila said.

"*Cold* soup?" Amy asked.

"You'll love it," Judy told her. Indeed, it was wonderful. It went very
fast and snubbed much of the conversation, much to John's relief. This
time Cindy noticed when it was time to change the courses. John got up
and helped her with the serving platters. The parmesan stuffed chicken
breasts were exceptional. The wild rice and carrots cooked to
perfection.

"You're turning into a very good cook. Want a job?" John asked Cindy.

"Got one," Cindy replied.

"Wanna get married then?" he asked.

"We did," Cindy replied.

"Oh... I've run out of offers," John said.

"*That* I doubt," Cindy chuckled.

"So what's next for you, John?" Tom asked.

"Oh, I've got a trip to Europe next week with Cindy, Catarina and
Bianca. After that, who knows. I just bought a little spot outside of
Salt Lake not far from a reservoir with horribly bad fishing. If Bill
ever gets another week or two off I'd like him to teach me fly fishing
and I need to find a director for my homeless program. That might take
a while," John replied.

"You wouldn't consider public service?" Tom asked.

"Not a chance on earth," John replied.

"Speaking of Catarina and Bianca, where are they?" Muriel asked.

"Well, one, someone had to run the salon at Shannon's place. We didn't
have anybody else available, and second, I didn't think the secret
service would allow you much privacy with a confessed foreign agent on
premise," John replied.

"There is that. But Catarina's alright, so is Bianca," Tom said.

"I believe that to be the case myself, but convincing the rest of the
government might be a different thing entirely," John said.

"In all honesty, we wanted them to complete their training before they
left for Europe. With Catarina's language skills, she's a natural for
the position of European director for our salons there when we go
international," Sheila explained.

"How's Bianca doing?" Muriel asked.

"Quite well, actually. Sally and I think that she indulges in her
treatments as much from enjoyment now as from her addiction," Shannon
chuckled.

"I was kind of looking forward to being part of her cure," Muriel
giggled.

"Why Muriel Wilson, what a scandalous thing to say. Dessert?" Cindy
said.

"Ooh, what have you got?" Muriel asked.

"*Pure* decadence; Chocolate mousse in white chocolate ravioli topped
with a white chocolate Frangelico sauce and topped with shaved hazel
nuts," Cindy said.

"You might have to twist my arm a fraction of an inch.. Okay," Muriel
said.

"Tom?" Cindy asked.

"Too rich for me," he said.

"Okay, show of hands for the rest of you for desert," Cindy said. Most
hands went up.

"I'll help," Jean volunteered.

"Me too," Muriel said, standing.

"You are a guest," Cindy said.

"Please?" Muriel asked.

"Sure, why not," Cindy said. Muriel moved along one side collecting
dishes and carting them over to the counter, Jean along the other doing
the same. Cindy dished out the desserts and passed them around.
"Coffee?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, I'll get it, love," John said, standing.

"How many?" Cindy asked. Most the men and a couple of the women raised
their hands.

"No coffee, Tom?" John asked.

"Not this late in the day," he replied.

"You should try this. Decaffeinated French roast," John chuckled.

"In that case, sure," Tom said. When the coffee and desserts were
passed around, most the women seemed in ecstasy. The men were slightly
more reserved in their reactions. John alternated small bites with
coffee. It really was rich.

"I've died and gone to heaven," Judy said.

"Where did you get this recipe?" Sheila asked.

"Saw it on a cooking show one day," Cindy replied, quite enjoying her
handiwork.

"I must have the recipe for our chef," Muriel said.

"Simple really. I'm certain that he can make chocolate mousse. Just
soften and roll out the white chocolate and place it in ravioli forms.
Fill it with mousse and top, seal and trim. The sauce is just the
trimmings melted with Frangelico Liqueur added. Use a double broiler so
you don't singe the chocolate. Refrigerate the ravioli's while you make
the sauce. I guess they were in the fridge longer than that, as I made
them yesterday," Cindy said.

"Tastiest dessert I ever had," Jimbo said.

"You said I was," Candice chuckled.

"That you are, my darling," Jimbo said.

"Care for a cognac and a look at the stars, Tom? Maybe a cigar?" John
asked, after the deserts were consumed.

"Cognac sounds nice. I'd love a cigar, they won't let me smoke them in
the White House anymore," Tom said.

"Well, they won't let me smoke them around here except in the solarium.
And it's my place," John chuckled.

"Stinky old things," Theresa shivered. Jimbo bit his tongue. John
poured two snifters of cognac and handed one to Tom.

"I'm sorry, how sexist of me. Muriel, would you like a cognac and or a
cigar?" John asked.

"No, thank you, John. I feel perfectly content," Muriel replied. Cindy
looked longingly at John, Sheila caught it.

"You go ahead, Cindy. We'll be happy to clean up," she said.

"You sure?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, you've done quite enough preparing that lovely meal," Sheila
said.

"Yes, it was quite lovely. Excellent in fact," Muriel said.

"I concur," Tom said.

"Ditto," Amy said, "I even liked the cold soup." There were many thanks
and appreciative remarks from the rest of the table.

"Best Tuna Casserole I ever ate," John said, offering his arm to Cindy.

"One of these days I'm going to make you a tuna casserole," Cindy said,
taking his arm. John shivered. "Will you join us, Muriel?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, that sounds nice," Muriel said.

"Mind if I tag along?" Heather asked, "I'm quite intrigued over this
solarium of yours."

"No, not at all. Anybody else? I figured the rest of you as residents
who could fend for themselves," John said. The others declined. They
rode the elevator to the top floor. A secret service agent was
immediately present.

"Relax. Just going to look at the stars in the solarium," said Tom.

"Are you alright, Mr. President?" asked the agent, looking at the
cognac.

"Yes, now disappear," said the President.

"Yes, Mr. President," said the agent and disappeared, talking into his
lapel.

"*Hacker on first base. Back away from opening and watch out for
rolling roof*." *Hacker* was the secret service name for the President.
Referring to his not so good golf game, rather than any connection to
computers. John stepped into the solarium and switched on the red
lights. Then he tripped the control to roll back the roof. The large
helicopter presented no problem to the winches. The weight was all
vertical. Once the inertia of the thirty ton roof was overcome, the
addition of a five ton helicopter was nothing. Cindy handed an afghan
to Muriel and Heather, donning one herself. Their low cut dresses left
their shoulders bare. Inducing a chill from the autumn air. The women
thanked her.

John dug out a box of cigars and offered one to Tom and then cut the
end for him with a cutter he kept in the box. The box was actually a
small humidor. Plain stick matches were kept close by as the best way
to light a cigar. John gave several to Tom along with a small flat
stone for striking on. Muriel settled onto a double chaise and Tom sat
by her, but lower on the end. Laying his hand affectionately on her
leg. She smiled at her husband. John offered a cigar to the women, but
they declined.

"I may have a puff or two on yours," Heather said. John trimmed and lit
his cigar, tripping a small exhaust fan off to the side. It hummed
quietly. Cindy and Heather settled into a triple wide chaise that John
had built. John sat at their feet like Tom did with Muriel.

"This is an excellent cigar," said Tom.

"Yes, I lucked out on those. A friend went to Mexico years ago. I asked
him to get me a box of cigars. He came back with a box full of Cubans.
Havana Clubs they're called," John said. Tom puffed on it
affectionately.

"May I?" Heather asked John. He handed her his cigar and she tried a
puff or two.

"No loving for you two until you brush your teeth again," Cindy
chuckled quietly.

"Just part of loving a man," Muriel mused, rubbing her husband's back
affectionately. Tom leaned back into her touch and gazed up through the
transparent roof. The autumn desert sky was glorious.

"The sky is gorgeous," Tom said.

"Yes, people tend to forget that in the cities. That was one of the
selling points for me," John said.

"You've done a marvelous job on the place. I wouldn't mind owning one
myself. A little retreat away from the city," Tom said.

"I'm afraid I lucked out in that regard. I may have the only trouble
free Silo in existence. There's some real problems sinking a hole a
hundred-seventy-five feet into the earth. The biggest is the water
table. Which in this case is down a hundred-fifty feet. That means that
the bottom twenty-five feet is actually *under* water. The concrete
must be incredible and they must have sealed the outside as well. I'm
real lucky that it doesn't leak. But a single earthquake could crack
it, and I would lose the bottom two floors. I'm real lucky I didn't
crack it myself when I started heating it. I saw a report on *Sixty-
Minutes* about some other people who were trying to make a home out of
another silo. They had to pump constantly. If the water table was
higher here, the hydraulic pressure would probably cause seepage
anyway. Basically I lucked out," John said.

"I would say that it was a safe assertion to say that you were a very
lucky guy. Winning the lottery, meeting all these stunning women," Tom
said.

"I wouldn't have thought so five years ago. I wasn't poverty struck,
but I certainly wasn't well to do either. My social life was non-
existent," John said.

"You think that the turn in your social life came as a result of the
money?" Muriel asked.

"I have little doubt of that. If nothing else it gave me options.
Options to do things. Like the scanner. Also helping Sally. I wouldn't
have been in a position to do that -or even have been there- if I
hadn't won the lottery. I also wouldn't have been in a position to help
Theresa and Cindy, nor do I think they would have had their initial
attraction to me. Not that Theresa and Cindy were gold diggers. They're
not. At least they never were with me. They hardly ever asked for
anything, really. They just wanted a safe haven," John said.

"Oh, it didn't *hurt* that you had fourteen-million dollars. I might
not have been attracted to you otherwise. I remember when I first
arrived, I just thought of you as old. Not that you were, but as young
as I was, twenty-five would have seemed old. But I think the fact that
you had money made me look a little closer. Then I was done for," Cindy
said, caressing John's back.

"I think the isolation had a great deal to do with that as well. I was
the only game in town. I'm not so sure that you would have fallen for
me given a few options," John chuckled.

"Maybe not, but I have. And the money certainly isn't a factor in that
now. I have much more than you, now," Cindy giggled.

"So do I, and I've quite fallen for you as well," Heather said.

"Yes, but what about when I get too old to satisfy you?" John asked.

"Your satisfying us isn't totally connected to that thing between your
legs. That's just a bonus. We satisfy each other quite well without
one," Cindy said.

"Yes, I must say that I've never known a more loving group of people in
my whole life," Muriel mused. A slow moving dot passed among the star
field. Cindy pointed it out.

"I wonder if that's our friends from Russia," she giggled. Tom looked
up at it and flashed it the bird. A curious secret service agent chose
that moment to stick his head over the edge of the roof. He found
himself facing his commander and chief flipping him the bird. He
hastily retreated. Everybody in the solarium broke out in side
splitting laughter.

"That's right! I remember you telling me that you and John were looking
at the stars when you figured out that the Russians were watching you,"
Heather said, suddenly.

"That was quite a fancy piece of reasoning," said Tom, admiringly.

"Oh, I don't recall it being that tough, and it certainly wasn't all
me. Cindy and I played off each other's speculations. Both Sally and
Sheila had highly suspicious stalkers. They didn't *act* like stalkers
at all. They were being *watched*! Connected with the fact that I lived
in a location that was undoubtedly being watched at one time, it wasn't
hard to realize it might still have been. Then I thought about how the
work I'd done here would look from a spy satellite. I undoubtedly
scared the pants off them when I used an arc welder while I was hanging
floors. It would have triggered a launch warning," John said.

"Didn't Catarina say it had?" Cindy reminded him.

"Yeah, I forgot about that," John said.

"Perhaps you *are* getting old," Cindy giggled.

"Age had nothing to do with that. There have been so many events
happening in my life that it tends to merge into a blur," John said.

"Well, I still think it was a marvelous piece of reasoning," Tom said.

"Thank you, Tom. Nice of you to say so," John said. The ash on Tom's
cigar had grown long, John retrieved an ash tray for him and himself.
Then he walked over to his telescope and panned it around to find
Jupiter.

"A lovely sight of four of Jupiter's moons," he said, offering the
eyepiece to anyone. Both Tom and Muriel came and looked through the
eyepiece. They were suitably impressed.

"Can you see Saturn with this?" Muriel asked, looking at the moons.

"Yes, but it's not very impressive. The rings are edge on. It just
looks like a fuzzy elongated dot," John said. He used a small red
penlight and consulted an ephemeris. Checking on several items. "Too
early for the Orion Nebula. That's my favorite. How about the ring
nebula? That's quite impressive," John asked.

"Certainly. Anything," Muriel said.

"Anybody else for Jupiter's moons first?" John asked Cindy and Heather.

"I've seen them often enough. I'm content to relax here," Cindy said.

"I'd like to see them," Heather said, standing. She looked through the
eye piece and was quite surprised. "Yes, four small dots, obviously
moons," she said.

"Either that or my lens is dirty again," John chuckled.

"Dust would be dark," Heather said, absently, continuing to look.
Afterward John swung the telescope around to the coordinates of the
Ring Nebula. He searched in the eyepiece and got the image centered.
Giving Muriel the first look.

"OH! That's lovely!" she gasped.

"Yes, it is quite," John mused. Muriel pulled from the eyepiece and Tom
moved in. Muriel spun and hugged John. Then she leaned to kiss him.
John returned the kiss, but kept it reserved. Even so Muriel found
herself quivering a bit. There was a strange power about John. The fact
that he held an attraction for so many women not the least of it.
Muriel turned to her husband when he pulled back from the telescope and
pulled him into a soft and tender kiss. She quivered even more. John
moved back to sit down by Cindy's feet.

"Hey you. Can I have a kiss?" she asked.

"I haven't brushed my teeth yet," he teased.

"You won't have any if you don't get over here," she giggled. John
leaned to her and she kissed him tenderly. She forgot all about the
taste of tobacco in a few seconds. Searching his mouth with her tongue.
The kiss ended softly, their lips just barely touching. "Thank you,"
Cindy said.

"Most welcome. Have we met?" John said. She held up her ring finger.

"Oh, you're married? More's the pity. Such a lovely woman too," John
said.

"This is incredible!" Heather exclaimed from the eyepiece. Four people
hardly heard her, as they were gazing into their lover's eyes. Tom and
Muriel made their way back to the chaise. Muriel sat back against the
raised back and pulled Tom sitting against her. Then she handed him his
cigar. Seeing this Cindy did the same with John. Heather continued to
gaze into the eyepiece, a heavenly body herself. She was bent low and
her cleavage was quite pronounced. Cindy noticed it and giggled.

"What?" John queried.

"Oh, just admiring another heavenly body," Cindy said. The others
followed her eyes and chuckled. Heather looked up and could have
blushed a bit, if the red light would have revealed it.

"What?" she asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"We were just admiring your heavenly body. My adorable little minx.
Won't you join us?" Cindy invited. Heather smiled radiantly and moved
to sit by Cindy's side.

"She is quite adorable. Could we get one of them?" Muriel asked.

"Not until I'm out of office," Tom mused.

"Yes, or now. That would put you out of office," Muriel giggled.

"You want me out of office?" Tom asked.

"Oh, not really. Just sometimes the lack of privacy and the way we have
to act bugs me. I've quite enjoyed the freedom we've had here today,"
Muriel said.

"Yes, it's been one of the most enjoyable days we've spent in a long,
long time. And it's not just the loving, although that was quite nice.
It was the freedom to be Tom and Muriel again," Tom said.

"Yes, despite the other loving I think that we've grown closer today.
Or maybe that has a bit to do with it. Everybody likes to know that
they're still attractive to others. But there's noting like the sight
of another with your mate to make you realize how much you care for
them," Muriel mused.

"Well, you folks are quite welcome. You're welcome to come anytime that
you can. I realize that will probably be quite seldom with your
position, Tom. But you are quite welcome here. Think of that as a
standing invitation," John said.

"Yes. I quite enjoy the company of both of you," Cindy said.

"Thank you. That's very kind of you. I realize what a hassle it can be
with the secret service and all. We'd love to come again sometime if we
can. But logistics might make that tough," Tom said.

"Well, you're welcome to come spend a month or a night. Whenever you
can. You don't have to show up together either. If your schedules
allows one of you to come, but not the other, feel free. But I must
warn you that after the first time, it's self serve. You have to line
up at the feeding trough with the rest of us," John said.

"Oh, you! He doesn't mean that," Cindy said, slugging him softly.

"No, actually that's the way we'd like it. We don't want special
treatment. In fact what we most crave is *normal* treatment. Like
tonight Cindy, when you let me help clear the dishes. I felt like one
of the family. That meant a lot to me. I quite appreciate what you
offer, John. Thank you," Muriel said.

"You *are* one of the family, Muriel. You both are," Cindy said. Muriel
got a bit misty eyed. Tom kissed her on the cheek and squoze her hand.

"Thank you. That means a lot," Muriel said. John took a last puff on
the cigar and let it lay in the ashtray to die out. Then took a last
swig of the cognac out of the snifter and shivered a bit. Sucking his
breath in through a constricted "O" shape as the liqueur warmed his
insides. His hands reached down and felt a warm soft thigh.

"Ah, The finer things in life," he mused, "Life is good." For a time
they just lay back looking at the stars and enjoying each other's
company. Finally John stood and offered his hands to Cindy and Heather.
"Shall we join the others?" he asked. They all stood. John collected
the snifters and made certain that the ashtrays were placed safely. He
didn't empty them. He tripped the control to roll the roof closed. They
made their way back past the secret service and back down to the
kitchen.

The agent spoke into his lapel, "*Hacker back into the pit*." After
they left a secret service agent entered the solarium. He took samples
of the cigar ash and the clippings from the ends, then exited again.
They would be tested for traces of drugs along with the food samples
they had obtained before John chased them out. Cindy collected the
afghans from the women and set them aside.

"Some coffee, something to drink?" John asked, Tom and Muriel.

"No, nothing thanks. We've been pampered and well fed. I feel more
content than I have in years," Muriel replied. Alice came up and
wiggled between them.

"Hi," she said.

"Hello.... Alice is it?" Muriel asked, putting her arm around her.

"Boy they get names quick. Nobody's ever figured out our names this
fast," Alice said.

"Well we may not always get them right. I was just lucky.... I guess
you want to go to bed, huh?" Muriel asked.

"Not really... Well, sorta. I just wanted to tell you that you can
anytime you'd like. If we get sleepy, we'll just go down and climb in.
You folks can climb in anytime. Just nudge us when you're ready," Alice
said.

"Oh, we wouldn't want to wake you up," Muriel said.

"Oh.. Why not? Sleep's just sleep. Making love with someone special is
*way* more important than that. I can sleep when I'm old," Alice said.

"Actually, I think it's time we turned in anyway," Tom said, grinning.

"Yes, we'll come down with you," Muriel said, smiling at her husband.

"Thank you folks, for a wonderful day and a lovely dinner," Tom said.

"Yes, it was wonderful. And the dinner was great. Good night to you
all," Muriel said.

"You'll find that it's not that easy getting to bed at night around
here," Cindy said, stepping up and pulling Tom into a hug. He hugged
her back and she kissed him warmly saying goodnight. Muriel moved to
John and the rounds began. They didn't get out the kitchen door until
they'd been kissed by all in Muriel's and the triplets case, and kissed
by all the women in Tom's case. Going down the elevator, they had a
triplet between them and one on each arm.

"This seems to work out well," Tom mused about the configuration.

"Makes it hard to go through doors," Amy mused. John took off his coat
and loosened his bow tie. He hated all ties anyway. He poured a cup of
coffee and sat down on the sofa in the kitchen, leaning back against
Cindy. He kicked off his shoes and took a sip of coffee.

"Where are we sleeping?" he asked, rubbing his eyes a bit.

"I think we're in the Lincoln bed. Heather would quite like to join
us," Cindy said, kissing his cheek and caressing his chest.

"I have no objection to that. Is that okay with the others? I think
I've been neglecting some of the others," John said.

"Sally and Shannon are with Bill, acting proxy for Andrea. Candice is
with Jimbo, Judy with Steve, Mae and Jean with Scott, the triplets with
Tom and Muriel and Heather with us. That leaves Sheila, whom I believe
is still deciding between Candice and Judy. I think Judy's going to win
that one, but she's quite taken with Jimbo. We all are a bit," Cindy
said.

"How did it all get so complicated?" John asked.

"Oh, don't feed me that crap. A few minutes ago you were musing about
the good life," Cindy chuckled. John kissed her cheek and then turned
back.

"It is good. I was just wondering how it got complicated," he said.

"It was all that charm of yours. I seriously doubt that Theresa and I
could have attracted all these people. But I break it down into groups
and it makes it easier to understand. First Theresa and I, Then Sheila.
Mae and Judy sort of came with her, Steve with Judy, Scott with Mae.
Then you rescued Candice and the triplets. Bill for the triplets and
Jimbo for Candice. Then you met Sally. Jean and Shannon came with her.
Heather also, as a friend of Shannon's. Then you went and became a
hero, enter Catarina and Bianca and Tom and Muriel. That brings us up
to date. Oh, I forgot Kevin with Theresa -by way of Bill- and Me with
you," Cindy finished.

"That last part particularly interests me. What say we go make the bed
creak," John said.

"Sweet talker. I'll snag Heather, you start on the goodnights," Cindy
said. John grabbed his shoes and jacket and made his way around wishing
everyone goodnight. Cindy and Heather followed behind kissing
everybody. On a whim John kissed Jimbo on the cheek. Jimbo stiffened
and his eyes got real big and scared.

"It was a joke, Jimbo. I'd *know* by now," John chuckled. The others
laughed. Finally Jimbo busted out himself. John shook his hand and
Cindy and Heather kissed him good night. Then they headed out arm in
arm. When they entered the bedroom, Cindy got a wild look in her eyes.
She stripped off Heather's clothes without prelude. She literally
ripped her own off and climbed onto the bed pulling Heather with her.
She leaned back against the headboard, holding Heather before her,
squeezing her large breasts and teasing John. She pulled Heather around
into a passionate kiss as John pulled off his clothes.

"I want to watch you enter this gorgeous creature, then I want to lick
it!" Cindy said.

"What was that about no loving till we had brushed our teeth?" John
chuckled.

"You keep asking to lose them," Cindy said, returning to her kiss.
There was obviously no trepidation on her tasting tobacco. As John was
already erect, there was no difficulty in fulfilling her request. He
licked Heather several times to make entry easier and then inserted
himself. Heather moaning softly and kissing Cindy harder.

Cindy pulled back and watched her man stroking inside the gorgeous
blonde actress. She played with her breasts and kissed her on the neck.
The motion driving Heather's tail bone up against Cindy's erect
clitoris. Between their combined assault, it didn't take long to work
Heather into a frenzied orgasm. She barely stopped shaking before John
withdrew and Cindy crawled out from beneath her. John stood on his
knees as Cindy sucked him into her warm mouth.

Heather recovered enough that she moved between Cindy's shapely thighs
and licked upwards. Cindy moaning in response and sucking John down her
throat. After she had thoroughly cleaned him he moved around behind
her. Cindy dipped her head between Heather's thighs and dove in as John
entered her from behind. Cindy began to orgasm at once from the double
assault upon her nether regions. Heather soon followed her again, both
from Cindy's actions and the view above her of John stroking into her
tight vagina.

John kept stroking. He leaned over and cupped Cindy's breasts, playing
his fingers around her nipples. Cindy cried out suddenly and lunged
forward, pulling John out of her. She spun around and sucked him into
her mouth again, sucking her juices from him. Then she descended into a
deep kiss with Heather. She began to grind her hips into Heather's.
John moved around again behind Cindy. When she got this way he knew of
only one way to satisfy her. He positioned himself against her
backside.

Cindy began to lengthen her strokes, grinding downwards against
Heather's vulva with her own and then upwards, back into John. Pushing
him farther into her with each stroke. John lowered himself upon her so
that it drove deeper while Cindy still maintained contact with the
stunning blonde beneath her. Cindy's breath became a frenzied gasp. She
was kissing Heather and playing with her breasts. Her own riding over
the large set beneath her.

John was now seated fully inside Cindy. He lay his weight atop her,
driving her hips downward forcing them to grind harder into Heather's.
Heather began to convulse, which triggered another wave of convulsion
from Cindy. John waited. Cindy's hip movements became frenzied and
sporadic. She was going wild from the stimulus she felt. Any direction
she moved her hips brought a new pleasurable sensation. When John as
moving freely inside her, he began to stroke himself, timing her hip
movements with his own. each time she lifted up, he stroked downwards.

Tears began to roll down Cindy's cheeks. She became like a wild animal
bucking between them. John controlled things so she didn't hurt
herself. When she cried out and her hips began bucking violently, John
pushed then down harder into Heather. Heather's response was instant as
her hips began to buck upwards violently to match Cindy's spasming
response.

John began to stroke in earnest. Taking long slow strokes. Almost
leaving her before he thrust downwards all the way. Each time bringing
his full weight down on Cindy, causing her to grind into Heather. Then
he picked up the pace, driving down hard. Each collision of her
backside against his hips causing a second collision between the women.
When he heard a guttural cry building in both women's lungs he let
himself go. Stroking for all he was worth. The tingle in the base of
his neck signaling the start of his own orgasm. He stroked another two
dozen furious stokes downwards. As the cry escaped their lips, so did
the one from John. He spurted his warm inert seed into Cindy's backside
as their cry ended.

Cindy's hips continued to spasm between them. Goose bumps ran in random
sheets over her body. Her breath a gasping inwards cry. Her sweat
mingling with the gorgeous blonde woman beneath her. Tears from her
eyes dripping onto the angelic face. John slowly withdrew and Cindy
winced and moaned. Her body spasmed once more and became motionless
except for the labored breathing. John rolled off to the side and Cindy
moved half atop him. They all passed out in this position.

John felt a warmth on his member. He lifted his head to find Cindy
tenderly wiping him with a wash cloth. He had responded to the action
in his sleep and he was fully erect. Cindy finished up and cast the
cloth aside. She moved over him and kissed him tenderly. Guiding him
inside her. John held her to him, feeling her breasts rub against his
chest. Their strokes were slow and easy, their eyes locked together.
Their orgasm when it came was mutual and gentle. Cindy descended to
softly kiss him.

"I shall love you forever," she said, and lay her head upon his
shoulder. John pulled the covers over them and they slept that way, him
still inside her.

Muriel crawled over a sleeping body and snuggled to her husband's side.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too. Seems an odd comment after what you just witnessed me
doing," Tom said.

"You were magnificent," Muriel chuckled.

"Not up to John's standards, I fear," Tom mused.

"Oh pooh. As Andrea said to me earlier; '*Don't be silly. This isn't a
contest! It's the sharing of pleasure. It takes time to learn *that*,"
Muriel quoted.

"Very philosophical. I should know by now," Tom said.

"Darling, you know as well as I that we are but babes in the woods
compared to these people. We've both experimented with each other and a
few other people in our whole life. These people have spent the past
several years perfecting the act of pleasing another to a fine art.
With open, free communication between each other about what does and
doesn't work. These lovely young women sleeping peacefully around us
aren't even twenty yet and they know more about lovemaking than I ever
dreamed existed. God, I never had so many orgasms in my life. And I
paid very careful attention to what they did to you too. Every time you
thought you were done for, they managed to convince you otherwise. They
knew just exactly how to make you last longer too. Even when they were
helping with me.

"They managed to give me six orgasms while keeping you on the edge and
going. No, we never had the opportunity to know what these folks do. We
could learn a lot from them if we don't let our egos and our pride get
in the way," she said.

"I take it that you want to," Tom said.

"Yes, don't you?" she asked.

"Yes, of course. But I don't want to lose you in the process," Tom
said, pulling her close.

"That's not going to happen, *ever!*. I think that's another very
valuable lesson we can learn from them. These people *care* very deeply
for each other, much more deeply than any of the so called happy
couples that we've ever known. *Including ourselves*. I want to learn
that. I want to love you *that* deeply. I want you to love me that
deeply. And it's clear that monogamy has nothing to do with that depth
of feeling that they share.

"Right now I love you as deeply as I know how. I know you feel the same
about me. If we don't learn that further depth of feeling, fine. I love
you enough right now that I will always be with you. But I think we
have the opportunity to feel so much more, and I want to try," Muriel
said, tears flowing down her cheeks. Tom kissed at them tenderly.
Something he had never done before. He realized exactly what Muriel was
talking about.

"Okay. I want to know that too," he said, pulling her mouth into a
gentle kiss. Despite all the loving they had experienced during the day
and that night, Tom began to respond. He pulled her over him and guided
her onto him. Then he held her close as they slowly moved to the
deepest orgasm of their married life. Their eyes open and locked to
each other's. Later they caressed each other to sleep.

"You seem distracted, Jimbo," Candice said, snuggled atop him.

"Oh, just a whole lot to digest in a single day," he replied, gently
caressing her soft skin with his fingertips.

"Not a single day, Mae and I tried to give you a sample of what you
were in for that first morning," Candice said.

"Yes you did. And I enjoyed every second of it. But it hardly prepared
me for what I witnessed today," Jimbo said.

"You're thinking about Tom and Muriel, aren't you?" Candice said.

"Yes, I was thinking about the President and the First Lady," Jimbo
said.

"Well, there's half your problem. They may be the President and First
Lady, Jimbo. But first and always, they are Tom and Muriel. The office
didn't take that away. They are just people like you and I. They feel
things like you and I. They take a crap in the morning, just like you
and I. The office didn't change that a bit. I like them very much. They
are nice people," Candice said.

"A President shouldn't act like that," Jimbo said.

"Why not? What did he do that was wrong? Or better yet, what did he do
that was any different than what *you* did today? Do you feel wrong
about what you did?" Candice asked.

"No, I don't. I did nothing wrong. I made love to the woman I love. I
shared my love with another that she loves. I watched her share her
love with one she loves. But Tom's different," Jimbo said.

"How so? Didn't he make love to the woman he loves? Didn't he share his
love with others? Didn't Muriel share her love with others? It's *not*
any different. The only thing that's different, is what that could do
to him outside here. Away from the family. Those are the people who are
different. They are the ones who want to tell us how we should act.
They are the ones who would tell me that I couldn't make love to you
until we are married, when I love you now. They are the ones who would
tell me I could *never* make love to Amy or Alice or Andrea or any
other woman. I don't buy that crap, and I thought you didn't either. I
thought you enjoyed the sight of two women making love. -at least your
body does, 'cause you get harder than a rock whenever you see it.-. But
my whole point is that Tom and Muriel are *human beings*. They need
love and affection just like you and I. They enjoy pleasure, just like
us.

"If anybody needed worry about what they did today, it was them. It was
what it could do to them as a couple, based upon those rules from
outside. But I didn't see that. What I saw was a couple who loved each
other enough that they weren't afraid to share their love with other
people.

"Can't you see the incredible trust they have in us? How hard it must
be for them? If a single one of us were to blab about what went on
here, it would be the end of Tom's career. The end of their public
life. The press would crucify them. What they *need* from us in return
for that trust, is the freedom to be just Tom and Muriel. They need
that desperately. Didn't you see it in their eyes?

"Tonight when Muriel asked to help clear the dishes. She was *pleading*
with Cindy to let her. To let her be *just* Muriel again, not the First
Lady. That's what both of them want from us, and I think they deserve
it," Candice finished.

"Guess I never looked at it that way before... I guess you're right. It
just takes some getting used to," Jimbo said.

"I know. It took me some getting used to, also. I remember catching
myself when Theresa was making a mannequin of Alice. She put a heater
inside of it in case John should want to be reminded what she felt
like. I caught myself thinking that was sick. When I had in fact
mounted his own mannequin and enjoyed myself quite allot. Theresa
reminded me of that fact. And told me that the only time John had ever
mounted one of the mannequins, was at her request.

"She also told me that they don't judge each other's actions around
here. She meant it. They accept you for what you are. They will accept
you Jimbo, for what you are. As they accepted me for what I was. In the
process I got to be a whole lot more than I used to be. I used to be
ignorant and a backward bigot. Not over the color of ones skin -but I
guess I was a little of that too- but over how people lived their
lives. If they didn't live their lives the way I did mine, then they
were somehow lesser people than I was. But the fact was that my life
was shit. A living hell that I was willing to risk a blizzard to escape
from. Then I met these people. They saved me from that blizzard and
that life. Eventually they saved me from that attitude. I'm a much
happier person. I know joy. I feel love and I feel loved. And it's all
because of John and the rest of them. And now you," Candice finished.

"You've convinced me, darling. I'd be grateful if you'd help me along
in my learning," Jimbo said.

"Well, let's work on joy first," Candice said, bending to kiss him as
her hand reached downwards.

"Do you think John was a little tough on Jimbo today in the pool?"
Scott asked. Mae was snuggled to his side. Jean was sleeping very
peacefully on his other side.

"No. I think he was a little easy. And not because I think badly of
Jimbo, you know I don't. John's got an awful lot he needs to protect.
It's easy to forget how much he has to lose. Or how much Tom has to
lose. Fact is that we were *all* his women before you and Jimbo
arrived. In fact Sheila was *my* woman before *he* arrived. But instead
of losing her, I gained him, and a whole lot more. Candice for one. You
for another. Because I wouldn't have been on that plane if it hadn't
been for him.

"I caught that look in Jimbo's eyes. He was disgusted with the fact
that Tom was going off with Sally and Shannon. But Tom's no different
from Jimbo or yourself or John or Bill or Kevin. He's a man. He just
happens to be in a very visible public office. That doesn't mean that
he's not entitled to feel like a man. In fact it *should* entitle him
to feel *more* of one. At the same time Muriel was off with Bill and
Andrea. That's not a justification, he doesn't need one as far as I'm
concerned.

"See, I don't see any difference between making love to a woman or a
man. It's the same thing. It's sharing pleasure between two people.
That's all that Tom and Muriel were doing. Sharing pleasure with other
people. I think they deserve that. They probably get little enough of
that in their lives.

"The other thing that they deserve, is the freedom just to be Tom and
Muriel, not the President and First lady. No matter what the press
thinks about it or the moral majority, which is neither moral nor the
majority. All John was telling Jimbo were the facts of life as we live
them in this family, 'cause that's what we are. *A family*. We support
and see to each others need. We share equally our successes and our
failures. We cry on each others shoulders and offer our shoulders to
cry upon. We love each other unconditionally. In the process we've all
prospered from it.

"If Jimbo wants Candice to go off and live separately as man and wife,
that's one thing. But Candice would not be the same person he loves if
he did that. If on the other hand he wants to join with her and the
family, then he needs to understand what that means. *Exactly* what
that means. He not only has to *accept* that, but he has to *want*
that. Because he has to give himself back into that. That's the way it
works, it's the *only* way it works.

"I'm explaining all this because I want you to understand that. I
*need* you to understand all that. Because you're one of the few things
I've ever really wanted to have in my life. But if I had to choose
between you and the family, I'd have to choose the family. That's no
reflection upon you. I've known and loved many of these people years
before I ever met you. It would hurt me dearly to have to make that
choice. I don't want to have to," Mae said, tears running from her
eyes.

"You don't need to. Myself, I'm all for the family. For one thing I
love you enough to realize you wouldn't be the same without the family
either. Just as Candice wouldn't. As none of you would be. You are more
than the sum of your parts. I love you just exactly as you are. Not
that I'm trying to limit you to that either. Everybody changes with
time. But the direction of your changes please me greatly. From what I
understand, you would not have been open to a relationship with me
before you encountered the family," Scott said.

"Oh, I still saw men. But I treated and thought of them more as *toys*.
It wasn't until I was around John and saw the respect and love that the
others had for him that I learned *that* respect and love myself," Mae
said.

"Well, I for one am glad you did. Because I would have little tolerance
for a woman who treated me like a toy. I don't treat women that way, I
never have.... well, maybe a few," he chuckled.

"You big phony. I love you," Mae said.

"I love you too. Now where were we?" Scott said.

"Playing with each other," Mae said, giggling.

Steve lay with Judy on one side and Sheila on the other. He had just
experienced the most incredible lovemaking session of his life. He was
floating blissfully on the edge of sleep. His mind wandered about,
thinking how much his life had changed in such a short period of time.
A few years previously he had been a broken man. His wife's rejection
of him had shaken him to his core. He neglected his business, even his
personal appearance. He drank a lot. Due to the cause of his divorce,
he found himself drawn to bars that catered to lesbians. For a long
time all he could do was observe and wonder. Then two of them had taken
pity on him. -Or he had been the last open option of the night when
they were in the mood to *cross the street*. He didn't question that
too closely-. He enjoyed himself immensely. Something snapped back
inside him. The two women could have cared less. He did.

He cleaned himself and his life up. He paid more attention to his
business and his hard work was rewarded by relative prosperity. In
truth the Stevens account had gone a long way to help that. He'd talked
to the owner of the other helicopter service that Stevens used. He'd
told him a story of a large happy adopted family. Steve had listened,
wondering at the man's naiveté. He didn't know what was going on out at
the Silo, but he had a fair hunch it wasn't the story he'd heard. In
fact it didn't matter to him. Everyone he met from the Silo was
cheerful and seemingly very happy. Including the younger members.

John was always friendly and courteous to him. He also seemed to
understand logistics fairly well. Steve never had to worry about having
to deal with dangerous weather conditions or absurd requests to fly up
narrow canyons. Whatever was going on out at the Silo, nobody was being
hurt by it. He minded his own business and did his best to service the
account as well as he could. When he had flown the two younger women
and Judy into the Silo, he had been strangely attracted to Judy from
the first moment he'd met her.

It wasn't any natural charm that had kicked in. He'd wasn't really
trying to hustle Judy, just make a good impression that he could work
on in the future. When the twin girls came and sat on his and Jim's
lap, his latent desire had kicked in and distracted him. But his eyes
kept drifting back to Judy. When she had first kissed him on the cheek,
his heart lurched. When she had hugged him, something else stirred.
When she had really kissed him, his destiny was set.

He had no idea that she had leanings in the direction that so excited
him. It didn't matter, she excited him sufficiently all on her own.
Then in the hot tub he had gotten the shock of his life. His response
was instant and honest. He felt he'd died and gone to heaven. Judy
gently stirred next to him.

"You awake?" she asked softly. He nodded and pulled her to him. She
came into his arms and warmly kissed him. Sheila's presence next to
them was not a factor in what followed, except to remind him that his
dreams had come true.

Longtime habit woke Tom Wilson early. He seldom had the opportunity to
sleep in anyway. In fact he may have awakened as much from the fact
that someone wasn't knocking on his door as from his longtime early
habits. Muriel was snuggled lovingly to his side. Also a somewhat
unusual but not unheard of condition. They were alone in the bed. Tom
pondered this. Had he offended or disappointed them in some manner? He
decided the answer was probably no. Even if he had that wouldn't have
accounted for the triplet's absence, they just weren't that way.

In fact he hardly noticed their absence. Muriel felt as good as she
ever had, even in her earlier days when he had met her in college. Tom
had been a rookie congressman at the time, speaking at the college. She
had been quite taken by him. He was quite excited by her. Her body
young and tight, but sporting ample assets. After a torrid week of
loving -during which time he discovered that she had a brain- he had
asked her to marry him. She accepted on the condition that she finish
college. He didn't mind too much, it was only another year. They
carried on a long distance relationship that was much enhanced by his
usage of free long distance phone calls. He talked to her almost every
night for half an hour. They talked of life and love and their
grandiose plans for the future. How they were going to shape America
together.

When she graduated, Tom sat brimming with pride in the audience. Also
in the audience were her parents. Muriel introduced him to her folks.
Her mother a staunch Catholic. Her father resigned to his life. After
their third child, he had secretly slipped out and had a vasectomy. He
never told his wife, covering his recovery with a business trip. He was
sufficiently horny on his return that she felt secure that he'd been
faithful to her. Their sex life wasn't such that she would ever have
noticed the small scar on his scrotum.

Muriel's mother had grilled Tom mercilessly before Muriel had stepped
in and saved him. She announced their long term engagement, the term
being up. A very serious row with her mother had ensued. The upshot of
which was that Tom and Muriel eloped and then she traveled back to
Washington D.C. with him as his wife. They had a nice medium sized
house in Silver Springs, Maryland. They had no children. Visits to the
doctors had discovered that this was due to a combination of both of
them. He had a very low sperm count, her internal workings proved to be
a fairly non-conducive environment for fertilization. They were given
the option of in vitro fertilization or adoption. They talked about it
and decided against it. Political life wasn't a very wholesome
atmosphere for raising children anyway. Over the years they had tested
their condition fairly thoroughly. They enjoyed unprotected sex
regularly with no resultant offspring.

Muriel had stayed with him through thick and thin. She had supported
him and stood by his side. Working diligently on his campaigns. Smiling
for hours by his side or behind him on podiums while he was giving
speeches. When he would become tense from a bill he was working on, or
from an election that he seemed to be losing, she was there, doing her
best to make him un-tense. After he made Senator, their life changed a
bit. He got to see less and less of her as his schedule became more
hectic. Certain lobbyists arranged to keep him happy and in their
pocket. Muriel didn't seem to notice when the nights got later and his
hunger less when he was there. An older Senator had taken him aside and
explained the repercussions of his behavior, both ethically, and
politically (The two *not* actually having much connection.)

The turning point for Tom had been an important vote on a delicate
issue. The lobbyists reminded Tom of his behavior, threatening him with
exposure. Tom had asked himself what he believed in. He consulted with
the older Senator and told him of the lobbyist threats.

"*Vote your conscience, Tom. The threat is empty. If the lobbyists ever
used that kind of information or let it slip out, then they'd never
find another ear in the Washington. Even if they did, you still have to
live with *yourself*," the Senator told him.

Tom voted his conscience. He also quit accepting favors. He began
spending more time with Muriel and their marriage had grown stronger.
Tom didn't think that Muriel had known. He felt no compulsion to
confess. He let it lay. Muriel had loyally stayed with him all the way
to the White House. Doing civic duties that she actually had no
interest in just because of the image it would present of them to the
public when the election came. She was with him the night of the
election. They had celebrated later by making love twice, then once
again in the morning.

Tom thought the improprieties of his past were buried there. Until
Muriel's statement in connection with the Silo group. He didn't mind
that, he had just been surprised that she had known and had stayed with
him. He felt a great wave of affection for the woman laying snuggled to
him. She stirred and he pulled her close and softly kissed her good
morning.

"And a lovely good morning to you too, sir," she said, snuggling to his
neck and kissing it softly.

"Sleep well?" he asked.

"Mmm.. like a baby," she said, "Where's our company?"

"I don't know. They were gone when I awoke," he said.

"How long ago was that?" she asked.

"Oh, ten minutes or so. I was just enjoying the feel of you snuggled to
my side," Tom said.

"Mmm... that's nice," she said, kissing his cheek. Along one wall, a
small elevator descended and stopped. On it were several trays
containing coffee, Champagne orange juice (which looked like regular
orange juice) and several plates of food. They were just about to get
up when the triplets appeared through the door and headed for the
dumbwaiter.

"Good Morning. Sleep well?" Alice asked, bending to kiss them each on
the cheek.

"Yes, very well. And you? I didn't feel you slip out," Tom said.

"Very well indeed. We always get up and make breakfast. Sit up," Amy
said. They sat up and moved back against the headboard. Alice and Amy
swung the folding trays up and locked. Andrea loaded each up with food,
coffee and Orange juice. Then they swung the trays in where Tom and
Muriel could reach them.

"Breakfast in bed? We didn't want special treatment. You don't have to
do this," Muriel said.

"Not because of who you are. It's a long tradition now for anybody's
first morning here. Tomorrow you can join the rest of us for
breakfast," Andrea said.

"In that case. Thank you very much. Fresh biscuits!" Tom said.

"Yeah. We always make them. Everybody loves them. I hope you like your
eggs over easy," Alice said.

"Perfect," Muriel said.

"A feast. Not approved by the Surgeon General. I love it," Tom said.

"Oh, not as bad as you'd think. That's Turkey Sausage and Lean
Breakfast strips. You can work it off later in the gym if you'd like,"
Amy said.

"Mmmm. What's this?" Muriel asked, taking a sip from a glass.

"Champagne Orange Juice, I think they're called Mimosas," Andrea said.

"It's wonderful!" Tom said, after he tried it. Although the triplets
were dressed, Tom and Muriel felt no discomfort over the fact that they
were nude. Muriel's breasts hung invitingly before her. "Excuse me a
moment," Tom said, slipping out to the bathroom. After he returned
Muriel made a trip of her own. On her return she pulled each of the
triplets into a warm kiss good morning.

"Thank you for breakfast and a wonderful night last night," Muriel told
them, hugging all three simultaneously.

"Our pleasure. We enjoyed ourselves very much," Alice said.

"I hope so. I fear I wasn't up to what you're used to," Tom said.

"You did very well. Very well indeed. You made love four times and I
have a pretty good idea that you did it four more times yesterday. So
you did great," Amy said.

"You *know* I made love four times yesterday. I'm sure," Tom giggled.

"Not at all. What you did with the others was between you and them. We
don't usually talk about such things between one another," Andrea said.

"Even with your husband?" Muriel asked.

"No, I'm sure he's pretty sure that both of you made love with me last
night. But he wouldn't ask and I wouldn't tell. Not that it would
matter. I know he doesn't mind. Just like I don't mind that he was with
Sally and Shannon last night. I'm just glad he had company. I like to
keep him happy," Andrea said.

"You have a very understanding relationship," Muriel said.

"We both knew that's the way it would be long before we ever got
married. We both took for granted that both Amy and Alice would be
sharing our bed. The others too," Andrea said.

"I was quite looking forward to the view of your lovely bodies this
morning. But I will always have the memory of last night," Muriel
mused. The triplets were sitting on the foot of the bed. They looked at
each other and grinned. They stepped off the bed and stripped off their
tube tops and shorts and then climbed back and sat cross legged on the
foot again, facing the startled couple.

"How's that?" Amy asked.

"Lovely," Tom said.

"Yes, quite lovely. You seem very open about your bodies," Muriel said.

"We didn't used to be, when we was married to Nick. We tried to keep
covered up so he wouldn't want more. But since we've been here, it's
different. People here like looking at bodies. And not just to make
love to, although I wouldn't call what Nick did making love," Amy said.

"I noticed in the hot tub that all the women and even some of the men
are either trimmed or shaved totally. Doesn't that itch?" Tom asked.

"A little, at first. That's why we just trim the front. You get used to
keeping the rest shaved. We do each other. The first little while it's
also exciting as hell. The first time you feel skin to skin contact
there," Alice said.

"I'll bet. I wouldn't mind trying that myself," Muriel said.

"We'd be happy to show you how. You have to be careful you don't nick
yourself. *That* hurts," Amy said.

"I just may take you up on that. You wouldn't mind, would you, dear?"
Muriel asked Tom.

"Not a bit. It sounds very sexy. I might even agree to a trim myself,"
Tom said, kissing his wife on the cheek.

"Ah.. I noticed last night that all three of you have some kind of
white marking between your legs. If you don't mind my asking, is that
some sort of birthmark?" Muriel asked. All three sort of dropped their
eyes.

"No, we don't mind too much. That's where Nick put his mark on us when
we was younger. He tattooed us using a needle and ink. After John got
our freedom for us, we wanted it off. We didn't feel comfortable with a
strange doctor looking at us there, so John read up in some medical
books and used a laser to remove it. He said it would leave a white
mark, but it's better than what it was," Andrea said.

"This Nick sounds like a real asshole. How old were you when he did
that?" Tom said.

"Yeah, that pretty much describes him. We was not quite thirteen. We
just got our first periods," Alice said.

"You know that's not proper discussion during a meal," Amy chided.

"That's okay. I don't mind," Tom said, "Thirteen... or almost? He was
an asshole. How did you happen to get married so young?"

"He traded a tractor for us. We was orphans. Our Ma died when we was
born. Our Pa lit out a little while later, we never knew him. We was
just passed around from family to family. I guess we was more trouble
than we was worth. We got to be pretty wild. We was living with an old
couple and I guess we was too much for them. That's when Nick traded
the tractor for us," Andrea said.

"That's horrible! Trading humans like cattle!" Muriel gasped.

"Not the first time that's happened. Especially out in the country.
People used to trade for brides all the time," Amy said.

"You say that John got your freedom for you... After he rescued you
from the blizzard, I guess. How did he do that?" Tom asked.

"He traded a snowmobile, a sports car, a truck and a new tractor for
us. Nick tried to back out of the deal and John put a gun up his nose.
John says that he doesn't own us, that no human should ever own
another. But he's always going to own our hearts," Alice said.

"I can understand that. John's a very special man. You say he put a gun
up Nick's nose?" Muriel said.

"So we hear. We wasn't there, Cindy was. But I understand that when he
went back the next day to drop off the snowmobile, that Nick was drunk
and moved to shoot John with his rifle. Cindy said that John had his
pistol out and pointing between Nick's eyes before Nick could blink.
Then he shot a hole between the tangs of a horse shoe out on the barn,
about thirty yards away, just to show Nick what he could do," Amy
answered.

"That's quite a remarkable story," Muriel said, "I can see why you love
John so much."

"Oh, we would anyway. He was the first man we enjoyed sex with. We kind
of feel like he made us women for real. He wasn't like Nick at all. He
was tender and loving. We didn't have a clue that we *could* actually
enjoy sex until we was here," Alice said.

"I notice that your speech has changed. You sound more like country
girls," Tom said.

"That happens for some reason when we talk about the old days. We
didn't have much learning. We couldn't read or write when we first came
here. John insisted that we get good educations. Everybody has been
good about that. Sheila started off giving us reading lessons right
away. Everybody's helped us. We passed our GED's last year. More
coffee?" Andrea asked.

"Yes, please. Thank you, Andrea," Muriel said. Andrea filled their cups
and then returned to her alluring position at the end of the bed.

"I wish we had more citizens like John and the others here. I was
shocked when I saw the statistics on illiteracy," Tom said, finishing
up his last bite of biscuit. Muriel daubed her mouth with a napkin and
then placed it on her plate. Taking her coffee, she snuggled to Tom's
side, enjoying the view at their feet.

"Had enough? There's more biscuits," Alice asked.

"No, thank you. I'm quite full. It was marvelous," Muriel said.

"How about you, Tom?" Amy asked.

"No, thank you. I'm quite stuffed myself. Best breakfast I've had in
years," Tom replied. Amy and Alice moved to cart their plates back to
the dumb waiter and fold down the trays. Tom and Muriel retained their
coffee mugs. The young women then climbed onto the bed next to them and
Andrea scooched up between them.

"We know you had plenty of loving last night and yesterday, but we'd be
happy to shower with you," Alice said.

"That's very kind of you to offer. But I haven't really used the
bathroom yet," Tom said, blushing a bit.

"So go do that now. We'll be happy to keep Muriel company. John made
the fan in there just noisy enough to give you some privacy," Andrea
said.

"Thank you. I think I'll take you up on your offer," Tom said. He
kissed Muriel deeply. She returned the kiss warmly.

"That's nice. You sure are a loving couple. You seem to fit together
very well," Andrea said.

"We weren't always so loving. I think we've grown much closer since
we've met you folks," Muriel said, kissing Tom once more.

"Yes and I *quite* like that fact. Have fun. I love you," Tom said,
stealing another kiss before he slipped out, taking his coffee mug with
him. Two of the triplets moved in to snuggle to Muriel's side. The
other crawled up and snuggled against her breasts.

"I'm quite pleased with that fact myself, and I could get quite used to
this sort of treatment," Muriel said, caressing Andrea's shoulder.

"You have a good husband. Not like our first one at all. He's more like
John. You're lucky," Andrea said.

"You have a good husband yourself. I guess that you others are a little
jealous of that," Muriel said.

"Not at all. She's quite generous in sharing him. Besides, I'm working
on my own. We still need to find one for Alice though... I mean,
besides John," Amy said.

"Besides John?" Muriel asked, confused.

"Yes, John said he'd marry all of us. Something called a line
marriage," Amy answered.

"Oh, I didn't know that. I guess it fits with the family's life style.
Who's this one you're working on, Amy?" Muriel asked.

"His name is Jim. He's in the Army. Bill had him assigned to guard the
Silo while we were at your house. I met him when I got back, but he got
reassigned. We write letters by E-mail," Amy said.

"Really. I guess that's the modern way. I know what a long distance
relationship can be like. Tom and I went together for a year before we
were married. We used to talk on the phone every night. So what does..
Jim do in the Army?" Muriel asked.

"He's a Ranger. But he's about to get out. He wants to go to college,"
Amy said.

"A Ranger. My, that's some catch. I'll bet he's quite a man," Muriel
said.

"He's pretty good. He needs some lessons in stamina though," Amy said.
Muriel busted out laughing. "What?" Amy asked.

"Oh, just the idea that an Army Ranger would need lessons in stamina. I
suspected you women were taking it easy on us last night," Muriel
chuckled.

"We didn't want to embarrass Tom. He did pretty good, but it takes time
to learn things. We know that. We didn't know ourselves at one time.
We've built up what we can do over time. There's no shame in what
either of you did. You were both pretty good," Amy said.

"Well, I want to be great. If you'll teach me?" Muriel asked.

"No time like the present," Andrea said, setting Muriel's coffee mug
aside. She kissed her deeply and then began to move down as the other
two moved in from the sides. When Tom returned, he found his wife in
the throes of her third orgasm. He sat down on the end of the bed to
watch, but Amy grabbed his hand and drug him up and gave him a lesson
in how to please his wife. Tom was eager to learn. He learned a lot in
the next little while. More than he'd ever guessed could be done.
Afterwards he practiced on the triplets while Muriel slipped out to
deal with her bathroom needs. Then they all showered together.

"John said you should dress comfortably," Alice said, selecting clothes
for them out of the wardrobe while the others toweled them dry and did
Muriel's hair. Muriel got packaged in some silver spandex shorts and a
tube top. She looked -and felt- terrific. Tom got dressed in a sweat
shirt and some shorts. Terry topped slippers completed their wardrobe.

"When you're up to it, we can scan you both for some real clothes," Amy
said.

"That's right. I remember from the tour that you have a scanner here,"
Tom said.

"Yeah, the prototype. It's a lot more fun than the new machines.
Sometimes we scan each other just for fun. It makes you really horny,"
Alice giggled.

"I can see why you say when we're up to it," Muriel said, still a
little dazed.

"Oh, you folks are doing great, for only your second day here," Andrea
said.

"Shall we join the others?" Amy asked.

"Yes, I'm quite sure they wonder where we are," Tom said.

"Oh, I think they understand. John said to let you sleep as long as you
wanted, but you were up pretty early anyway, compared to some. We tend
to keep pretty late nights around here. Some folks don't get up till
afternoon sometimes," Alice said. They headed upstairs. Indeed, some
were just entering the kitchen for breakfast. Others still hadn't made
an appearance.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" John asked, kissing Muriel good morning.

"Yes, quite well indeed," Muriel replied.

"Surprisingly well," Tom said, receiving a warm kiss from Cindy.

"Not too surprising I'll bet. I know them three better than that,"
Cindy chuckled. Tom blushed a bit and nodded, grinning.

"I'm glad you had a nice time," Cindy said, stealing another kiss. She
then moved to Muriel and treated her the same. Andrea moved onto Bill's
lap and kissed him good morning. Sally and Shannon kissed Tom on the
way out.

"We're just going for a morning workout, care to join us, Muriel?"
Sally asked.

"Yes, that sounds nice. -If I can still walk-," Muriel said. She kissed
her husband warmly before she slipped out.

"I guess I'd better go get my morning briefing. I'll bet they're
chewing nails topside," Tom said. "Mind if I use the solarium as a
temporary office?"

"*Mi casa, Tu casa*. My home is your home," John said, "Don't let them
spoil a good night's rest."

"I won't," Tom said, taking his leave. He snagged another cup of coffee
and rode the elevator up. The secret service was a little surprised by
his attire. He ignored them as he flagged his national security advisor
who had been waiting for him. He settled back on a chaise with his
coffee while he listened to the events of the world over the past day
and night. The burden of the Presidency descended once more on his
shoulders.

The world had been incredibly kind to him overnight. There were some
minor squabbles in Latin America, as usual. A minor uprising in Sri
Lanka over religious differences, a flood in China and an earthquake in
Azerbaijan. He ordered aid sent to both the latter and an eye kept on
the previous. Overtures of a new friendship had been made from the
Russians in the wake of the espionage fiasco that the Silo residents
had facilitated. He ordered SecState to fly over and meet with them to
see how serious they were. He signed some minor legislation, vetoed one
poorly written bill and was free a mere two hours after he went
topside. He was tense as a rock when he descended once again. He
carried his coffee cup with him, much to the amusement of the secret
service who couldn't fathom a President bussing his own dishes. He sat
down at the table and rubbed his eyes a bit.

Candice and Jimbo were there along with Mae, Judy and their men and
Sheila. Candice came around and rubbed Tom's shoulders.

"You're as tense as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking
chairs," Candice said, rubbing the kinks out of his shoulders. Tom
moaned slightly and chuckled.

"Part of the job, I fear," Tom said, wearily. Jimbo was studying him,
realizing the truth of Candice's words from the night before.

"Perhaps a good hot tub would be best for him, love," Jimbo said.
Candice smiled broadly at her man.

"Yes, I think you're right. It's the hot tub for you, Tom," Candice
said, pulling him to his feet.

"I think I'll join you," Mae said.

"You go ahead. Steve and I are having a nice chat about flying," Scott
said.

"I never realized what it must be like to hold that office. The change
in him between earlier and just now," Jimbo said, after they left.

"It must be hell," Scott said.

"I'm sorry I was begrudging of him a little recreation yesterday,"
Jimbo said.

"It took us all a little time to get used to things here, Jimbo,"
Sheila said.

"Thank you. I'm learning... slowly," Jimbo said, hanging his eyes.

"I think you could use a little recreation yourself. Care to join me?"
Sheila offered. Jimbo looked up at her and then around the table. Steve
and Scott weren't paying the slightest attention to him, or seeming not
to. Judy smiled at him and jerked her head towards Sheila in
encouragement.

"Yes, I'd like that," Jimbo said. Sheila led him off for a lesson in
family. Judy kissed Steve deeply and followed behind.

Sally walked on the treadmill listening to the grunts behind her. She
was grinning to herself. She'd used the view of someone on the
treadmill many times to inspire her to further feats of strength and a
few more repetitions on the weight machines. She had quite a sweat
going for herself. Muriel was spellbound at the sight before her.
Sally's shapely backside striding purposefully nowhere. The thin
spandex shorts hugged her buns like a second skin. In fact they were
spun to her exact measurements. Muriel pushed again at the weight
machine. Sally decided to give her a break.

"That's plenty. You don't want to make yourself too stiff," she said,
stopping the treadmill and stepping off. Muriel pushed for one more
lift on the machine and then lay back panting. Sally came up and
lovingly daubed the sweat from her forehead and face.

"I guess I was inspired," Muriel said, breathlessly. Sally chuckled.

"That's why I stopped. You've had enough. I've used that sight many
times myself as inspiration. I find it quite flattering that you were
inspired so," Sally said. Muriel blushed a bit.

"You have one of the loveliest backsides on the planet. The front side
is most appealing as well," Muriel said.

"Thank you. You are quite appealing yourself. Both from the front and
back. Shannon and I were quite enjoying the view while you were on the
treadmill," Sally giggled.

"I have nothing to compare with you two," Muriel said.

"I don't think she realizes just how lovely she is," Shannon said.

"No, I don't think she does. I think we should shower and show her,"
Sally said, kissing a drop of perspiration from Muriel's forehead.

"I think you are both just being kind," Muriel said.

"She really doesn't have a clue! To hell with the shower," Sally said,
lifting her top off. She moved over Muriel on the weight machine and
lifted her top over her breasts. Then lay to merge her own with them.

"Oh, I'm all sweaty," Muriel protested.

"This is good clean sweat, not unwashed body sweat. It's sexy," Sally
said, bending to kiss Muriel deeply. Muriel found she didn't have a
shred of resistance in her. Her arms moved first around Sally's neck
and then her hands found her lovely breasts. Shannon stripped off her
outfit and then came and tugged both their shorts off. She spread
several large towels out on a large mat and guided the pair to them.
Then joined in herself. Indeed Muriel found the sweat wasn't the
slightest distraction. In fact it added a bit of spice to her
enjoyment. She tried applying some of the lessons she had learned from
the triplets and Cindy. She was amply rewarded. Later she lay caressing
the stunning redheads breasts. She leaned over and softly licked a
nipple. It responded to her attention and she found herself pleased
over the response.

"You are either a very fast learner, or a born natural," Sally said.

"I fear I am neither, but I'm most eager to learn," Muriel said.

"What do you think, Shannon? Ready for phase two lessons?" Sally said,
pulling Muriel up against her body.

"Yes. I think she's quite ready. Start in the shower?" Shannon
responded, caressing Muriel's backside.

"Yes, I think so," Sally said, kissing Muriel deeply.

"I'm your willing pupil," Muriel said. Sally and Shannon helped her up
and guided her into the shower. There they washed her body lovingly
with their own and gave her a *cat bath* too. Not missing a spot.
Muriel was wobbly as they guided her to a bedroom, caressing her as
they walked.

There were several wide shelves under the water in the hot tub that
John had designed with the express purpose of holding two people, one
in front of the other. Candice sat behind Tom and rested him back
against her breasts while she rubbed his shoulders. Judy massaged his
legs, arms and chest. Rubbing her own ample assets up against him. The
bubbling water buffeted the tenseness from his body.

"Wish I could take you two and this tub back with me, you've got me
feeling quite human again," Tom said, his eyes closed.

"I'll say," Judy giggled, running her hands over his erection.

"That part I find quite amazing. I've made love eight times in the past
twenty-four hours," Tom mused.

"Awe, poor baby, is that all?" Judy chuckled, moving to straddle his
lap.

"I fear I'm not up to your normal standards around here," Tom mused,
groaning a bit as Judy impaled herself.

"I was teasing. Eight times is quite admirable for a novice," Judy
said, moaning a bit herself. She moved slowly. She was tight enough
that it helped keep the water from rinsing away her natural lubricants.
Even so it was a hindrance.

"I know I'm a novice. But I'm learning," Tom said. Judy kissed Candice
deeply over Tom's shoulder before responding.

"That's what we're here to cure," she said, guiding him out of the
water and over to a chaise. Candice followed along. They lay him down
and toweled him off. Candice keeping him in readiness with her warm
mouth. Judy rubbed baby oil on him and then on herself. Candice helping
her with the latter while maintaining her focus on Tom. When both were
well oiled, Judy moved over him again. After impaling herself once
more, she rubbed her body all over him while Candice rubbed oil on her
back and her own front. Then she used her body to rub Judy's back as
she moved between them.

They carefully guided Tom to the edge again and again. Not letting him
slip over. Tom caressed their slick bodies with his hands as they
moved. After a time Judy sat up and guided Candice around over Tom's
head. He applied the lessons he had learned that morning to pleasing
Candice. Again and again they brought him to the edge, holding him
there mercilessly. In the process each woman experienced several deep
orgasms. Then they changed places.

They moved together rubbing their slick breasts over each other's as
they kissed and bounced above Tom. After they had experienced several
more orgasms apiece, Judy moved aside and let Candice and him move
freely, moving behind Candice and cupping her breasts as she bounced
away on his hips. She brought him to the edge once more and held him
there awhile. Then she let him slip back just a bit before heading into
the home stretch. Judy letting Candice have the honor as she had
started on the pill the month before. Judy still concerned about
pregnancy herself.

Their orgasm was deep and mutually satisfying. Candice laying forward
atop him and rubbing her breasts on his chest as they both cooled down.
Afterwards the women guided Tom to the large communal shower and used
their bodies to wash the oil from his body. Tom got another erection,
but they left him unmolested... almost. Each taking a last turn sucking
him into their warm mouths. They left it at that. The women each kissed
him deeply after toweling him and themselves off.

"I trust you are feeling less tense?" Candice chuckled.

"Much. Thank you, both of you," Tom said. The triplets announced lunch
over the intercom. Candice and Judy went off in search of different
outfits, as they had led Tom into the water before disrobing. Tom
encountered Muriel in the elevator. He swept her into his arms and
kissed her passionately.

"My, such passion... I can taste why," Muriel giggled.

"As can I," Tom said, descending for a second taste. Afterwards he
hugged her tightly to him. She found herself hugging back just as hard.
"I love you," he said softly in her ear.

"And I love you, dear. I wish we had been able to feel this way years
ago," Muriel said, quivering in his arms.

"I'm just glad we're learning it now," Tom said, kissing her tenderly
again. The kiss was as soft and tender as either had known. It grew in
depth and then ended softly once more.

"I'm quite pleased with that myself," Muriel said, hugging herself to
him. They walked into the kitchen arm in arm, smiling broadly.

"My, there's a happy couple," Theresa mused.

"How was your morning?" Cindy asked.

"Outstanding," both replied, together. They broke into laughter with
the rest of the crowd. They seated for lunch.

"The triplets thought something different for lunch might be nice. They
have an invention called *Taco Salad* and some wonderful enchiladas,"
John said.

"Sounds great," Tom said, "We both love Mexican food."

"Well, with so many tastes around here, we usually make it mild and
then let everybody spice to their own tolerance levels. Beware that
green sauce," Cindy chuckled.

"Care for a Zantac first?" John asked.

"Thanks, yes," Tom said. John handed an unopened package to Tom, who
tore it open and selected one without concern. John ate one himself and
passed the package around the table.

"Corona or soda?" John asked.

"Corona sounds nice," Tom said.

"I also have an excellent beer from Mazatlan called Pacifico if you're
feeling adventurous," John said.

"It really is good," Sheila said, "One of those for me, please."

"Yes, me too, please," Cindy said.

"Yes, I'll try one," Tom said.

"Me too, please," Muriel said. John loaded up with a six pack of each
and set them on the table, opening those orders already placed and a
Pacifico for himself.

"Who's for coolers?" Theresa asked. The triplets raised their hands.
"Sodas?" she asked.

"Pepsi", "Diet Coke," "Diet Dr. Pepper," came in response.

"Anything else?" Theresa asked.

"Is there any of that wine left?" Mae asked.

"Um... some Beringer White Zin," Theresa replied.

"That'll do fine, I'll come over, you've got load enough," Mae replied.
Theresa carted a four pack of coolers to the table along with the
sodas.

"Two please, if there's enough, Mae," Judy said, coming in on the tail
end of things.

"Sure, what to drink, Candice?" Mae asked.

"Is there enough wine for three? If not I'll have a beer," Candice
replied.

"Just, yes," Mae said, pouring two more glasses and twisting the bottle
like she was wringing it out. Tom and Muriel chuckled over the gesture.
The others had seen it before, except Jimbo, who laughed.

"This is such a wonderful family. Just like Thanksgivings when I was a
girl. I'm having a marvelous time," Muriel said.

"We're quite enjoying your company too, Muriel. Both of you," Cindy
said. The triplets carried plates two at a time to the table, with two
enchilada's and a pile of Taco Salad on each.

"Oh, my. That's a lot," Muriel said.

"Eat what you like. We feed John the scraps," Alice joked.

"Did you leave any in my bowl?" John asked.

"No, maybe next meal you'll get lucky," Amy said, placing a plate
before him and scratching behind his ear..

"Thank you, love. If the Zantac's got a good enough head start, please
pass the green stuff," John said. Muriel realized she was closest and
beamed happily as she passed the hot sauce. Jimbo caught it and smiled.
Then smiled broadly at Candice sitting next to him. She squoze his hand
and kissed his cheek.

"This is great," Tom said, trying the Taco salad.

"Thanks. Easy to make too; just dice up some lettuce and tomatoes, add
shredded cheese, ground beef, Nacho Cheese chips and toss with thousand
island dressing," Amy said.

"I'm not sure the chefs know how to cook ground beef, and I'm sure they
never heard of Nacho cheese chips, but I'm sure they'll learn when I
tell them Tom and I like it. I seldom hear that kind of response from
him," Muriel chuckled.

"So what's on for this afternoon, John?" Tom asked.

"Well, I think the Second Skin ladies have a powwow scheduled. I was
going to go over the housing project plans with Bill. You're welcome to
sit in on either. Or I think there's another game on today if you'd
like. Oh Steve, could I commission your helicopter for later? I've
given Andrea and Bill a piece of land out by the mountains as a wedding
present. Kevin and Theresa too, for that matter, but Andrea and Bill
haven't picked theirs yet. You and Judy, Jimbo and Candice and Mae and
Scott need to pick out a spot too. After the Second Skin meeting?" John
asked.

"Sure. Be glad to. No need to commission it to give me a piece of
land," Steve said.

"No, we've cost you quite enough time. You'd be hauling paying loads if
it wasn't for us. Better take it as I know Judy has expensive tastes,"
John chuckled.

"I wouldn't mind trying my hand on a stick again. Just to make sure I
haven't lost it," Kevin said.

"That's right. I forgot you were a chopper pilot. Sure. I don't mind.
I'm sure you're okay as a pilot," Steve said.

"Excellent. Over six thousand hours non-fixed wing. I made the error of
telling him to scare the ants once. I think it was a toss up between
the ants and myself who was more scared," Bill said.

"Hell, I could use a good pilot like you right now," Steve said.

"Unfortunately, Uncle Sugar hold my ticket for a while," Kevin said.

"I'd take the job if I was you, seeing as how project SFB is officially
over with. You're due to be mustered out. With full retirement, of
course," Bill said.

"What's SFB stand for?" Muriel asked.

"Shit For Brains," Tom chuckled.

"A term I stole from Sheila. She applied it to a comely lass that
served us the night I met her," John said.

"Is that where you got that from?" Sheila asked, "I remember that quite
clearly. Yes, she was lovely, and *brainless*," she giggled.

"I thought it applied quite nicely to the folks who were stupid enough
to be watching *us*," John chuckled.

"Well, as a result of that, the Russians are making overtures for a new
level of friendship. SecState should be landing there in a few hours,"
Tom said.

"That's nice. I hope it turns out well," John said.

"I think it will. They could use a bunch of help over there. They're
having a hard time of things. No infrastructure for commerce. They
don't have the shipping facilities to support free trade," Tom said.

"You ought to link them up with the old-boy network. Judy got six five-
hundred pound crates shipped across the county to Shannon's estate in
eight hours. I was floored," Sheila said.

"Old-boy network?" Tom asked.

"Why don't you explain it, Steve? As I'm certain that you linked Judy
into it," John said.

"It was nothing really. I knew Charley Shields had a Sikorski Sky crane
in the area setting new ski lift towers at one of the resorts outside
Salt Lake City. I got him on the phone for the pickup. Then I got Ben
Travis of Travis Air freight on the phone and had him hold his ten-
thirty flight to La Guardia. I knew he'd know the best trucking company
to deal with back east, so I asked him to arrange for shipping and
unload on the other end," Steve said.

"Yes, they were marvelous. They put the crates right where we wanted
them and unpacked them for us. Then positioned the machines where we
wanted them," Shannon said.

"And that's how America really runs, Tom. Steve got a part for his
helicopter from Atlanta overnight on that same night. I have no doubt
that every day, in a thousand different professions, that men who have
been in the business for years pick up a phone and call somebody else
they know have been in the business for years and get things done
quickly. Every time that things need to be done in a hurry," John said.

"Yes, I can see that. How did you get your part overnight from
Atlanta?" Tom asked.

"I just told my Mechanic I needed it. He got on the phone and called
around till he found one. He found one with a friend of his in Atlanta.
He had him put it on a flight to Salt Lake City. It was a commercial
flight. He gave the Pilot a bottle of scotch to carry the part on board
as carry on. The pilot actually collected another bottle of scotch from
us when he dropped it off to my mechanic," Steve said. Candice and Mae
giggled, looking at Jimbo.

"I think Scotch may well fuel our economy," Jimbo mused.

"Tell me Steve, could you put together a list of names of people you
know in the shipping business? Good companies. People you know can get
things done," Tom asked.

"Sure, glad to. Ben Travis would be high on that list. So would Charley
Shields. Why, may I ask?" Steve asked.

"Because I want to put together a business commission. Not stuffy
industry analysts who haven't gotten their hands dirty in years, but
people who actually know how to get things done. I want to help the
Russians with their problem. Because the more stable we can make their
economy, the more stable and secure the world will be," Tom said.

"That's a good idea. May I suggest something?" John asked.

"Certainly," Tom replied.

"That you include the lumber, steel, copper, aluminum, oil, plastics,
chemical, construction, pipe fitting, utilities, electronics, heavy
equipment and banking industries," John said.

"Go for their whole infrastructure? What about automotive?" Tom asked.

"No, I don't think so. That industry is heavily unionized and stagnant.
You won't find many innovations there. But you might take a look at up
and coming retailers. Stay away from the old stagnant ones," John said.

"Why don't you tell me your thoughts on the matter? Just say what just
went through your mind," Tom invited.

"Okay... Well, their whole problem is that they don't have a clue how
to deal with capitalism. They're paying off their workers in aircraft
parts and toasters. One; they need a total overhaul of the banking
system. Establish it from the ground up. Start with a central bank
backed by real value, such as precious metals. Then establish branches
to support each industrial area. Then work on suppliers of raw
materials, the shipping to get them to manufacturers, the manufacturing
industries, the shipping to get them to their distributors, and the end
users. The end users is one of the harder parts, but a solid banking
industry that people have faith in will help that a lot.

"In the meantime, the manufacturers sell their goods on the
international market. This brings money into the country. The *real*
banking industry also attracts outside investment. Currently they have
no rate of exchange. That's a good start. But don't do it based upon
the current money. Nobody has any faith in that. Let the new banking
system issue its own currency. You can establish sliding rates of
exchange between that and the old system, but limit the size of the
transactions so the new bank doesn't get stuck with a bunch of
worthless capital.

"Essentially you're starting a parallel economic system. As the country
begins to recover, the new industries are based upon the new economic
system. You can refer to some distant discontinuance of the old system,
but keep it distant, refer to it in terms of decades, plural. If you
set a solid date there would be a run on the banks the would spoil the
whole system. When you establish the banking system, don't bring in
economists. They haven't got a clue. Bring in real banking and
securities people and international bankers. Talk to the people from
the commodity's market too.

"As their economy begins to prosper, their local demand for their own
product will grow. That's where the retailers come in. I suspect that
there's a real hunger for good commodities there now, but it won't work
based upon their current banking system," John said.

"What about food?" Tom asked.

"Get suggestions from people in the business here. Deal with the
farmers co-ops, the food warehouse distributors and the large grocery
chains. Better yet, the associated food companies. They have
independently owned markets that they supply as part of their
association. There again you're back to your shipping companies.

"One of the problems is going to be their shortage of skilled truckers
and such. For that I recommend their military. They have quite a number
of skilled heavy equipment operators. That's probably also a good
source for the heavy construction industries. But don't just draft them
for their current government pay. Base their pay on the new banking
system and judge their performance just like we do ours. Either they do
the job right, or they're back into the military or at least out of a
job. In order to make the new banking system an attractive alternative,
put a retail outlet next to each bank branch. Stock it with real goods
and only accept new bank currency. Once people get the idea that there
are real goods available only for the new bank currency, they'll go out
of their way to get onto the new system, e.g. get a job with the new
industries," John said.

"You sound like you've given this a lot of thought," Tom said,
finishing his enchiladas.

"Some. I've sort of been thinking about it since *peristroika*. Or
however you say that. At one time I would have loved to go there and
help with their electronics industry. I was once connected with a used
test equipment outfit that used to ship them a lot of Silicon valley
surplus.

"Funny, I talked to a guy from Argentina once in the San Francisco
airport while I was connected with them. When I told him what I did, he
asked me about buying all manner of equipment. Turned out he was some
sort of minister in charge of procurement. I told him we would be happy
to supply him with whatever he needed as long as it was on the state
department list of approved exports. I never heard back from him. What
he wanted was the stuff not on the list," John said.

"Any number of people would have taken the bait. You probably could
have made a large amount of money," Tom said.

"Not and lived with myself. I figured the world situation was unstable
enough without contributing to it. There's usually one area that
requires that level of technology, that's defense electronics. At least
that's the biggest area. But I think it's silly to restrict technology
that is freely available from other countries. For example that old
oscilloscope I have down on my bench. It was made in nineteen-sixty-
four. But it's fast enough that I still couldn't sell it out of the
country. But you can buy an equivalent piece of equipment from the
French, the Germans or the Japanese. That only hurts our economy while
not helping to restrict the technology at all," John said.

"I'd sure like to have you as an advisor. Would you consider a spot on
the commission I want to put together?" Tom asked.

"Only in an advisory capacity. Not as a seat on the commission," John
said.

"No way I can draft you?" Tom asked.

"I'm *5-A*. I've done my time," John chuckled. Tom sighed and took a
last sip of his beer.

"Really is quite a good beer," he commented.

"Yeah, I discovered it when I went down to see the Total eclipse back
in '91," John said.

"I'll bet that was fun," Muriel said.

"It was. I wouldn't recommend Mazatlan in July to anybody, it was a
hundred degrees and the humidity was just a few points lower. But I
wouldn't have missed it for the world. I knew about the eclipse years
before, and I wanted to be in La Paz. But somehow the time flew by and
next thing I knew it was a month away. They were all booked up. I was
talking to an old astronomer friend and he had a deal where we caught a
train out of Nogales and traveled by rail down the coast to Mazatlan.
It was only two-hundred bucks, which included two nights' accommodation
in Mazatlan. I said to sign me up.

"We rode in his motor home down to Tucson and left it at the house of a
friend of his, who joined us with his wife. We all took a greyhound
down to Nogales. I guess there was about a dozen of us. The train was
about five hours late pulling out of Nogales. I smoked at the time. I
spent most my time out in the vestibule. Mostly because inside the car
was horrid. They had been nice enough to steam clean the cars in
Nogales. All that humidity just added to the heat. The windows wouldn't
open. The air conditioners didn't work. The bathrooms were hardly more
than an elbow pipe hanging under the cars. There was no water in them.
You could buy beer or sodas cheap enough from the conductors. I think
they ran it as a side business.

"Several times during the night, the train slowed to dead crawl. The
next day I found out why. I happened to be out in the vestibule during
one of the slowdowns. I looked out the window and found the train going
over a washout. About six to eight feet of track, unsupported with no
ties between them. It would have been easy to derail the train at any
one of them. I'll give them this, though. They seemed to know where
every one of them were.

"The conductors would go around with trash bags gathering empty cans
and Styrofoam containers from the lunch they served. Then they would
walk to the vestibule and dump them out the window. The whole rail line
was one long garbage dump all the way to Mazatlan. The room was okay.
Better than I expected. They wouldn't take our Telescopes or camera's
into the hotel safe, too big. So I ended up stuffing mine under my bed.
I don't think anybody lost anything from theft. I didn't mind the
lizards on the wall after I turned the bathroom light on the first
night. They were there to eat... La cooka rocha.... Which is more than
need be said about that.

"Bartering for everything was fun. I bought a silver necklace that got
to be less silver colored every time I took a shower. I also bought a
tourist hat and a Pacifico Tank top. I needed it in that heat. The
eclipse itself was incredible. It got dark enough the outside lights at
the hotel kicked on. That burned a few folks. But it was incredible.
There was a three-hundred-sixty degree sunset. Everywhere you looked
was red sky. I mis-loaded the camera I had on the telescope, so the
only picture I have of the actual eclipse was one I snapped with a 50mm
lens when I was heading for the shore to take a picture of the sunset
out over the bay.

"The meals were pretty good, all in all. I didn't get sick at all. We
found a little place for breakfast run by an American girl who was
living there. They also served incredible fruit drinks. I tempted fate
with those. For dinner we took her recommendations. I wasn't in much of
a mood for far traveling. Two days stuck on the train with my shoes on
and no place to put my feet up had caused my ankles to swell up giant
sized.

"Anyway, there were several small places nearby where you could get a
giant prawn dinner for about ten or twelve bucks. I think the nicest
place in town only charged fifteen. The shrimp were huge. After the
eclipse we went by this one hotel where one of the couples was staying.
It was a high rise. Each room had a narrow balcony with no handrail.
The only rail was a cement ledge about a foot tall. They were on the
fifteenth floor. It would have been *very* easy to fall. I took quite a
few photos of fishing boats out in the bay from the balcony using my
telescope. Those turned out great. I took a look at the beaches, but
there was so much garbage and crap along the shore that I had no desire
to go in.

"Anyway, after the eclipse Mazatlan thinned out quick. We caught a
Volkswagen taxi back to the train station. I remember there were
soldiers at the station carrying M-16's. It reminded me of when we were
on the way into Nogales. I said to everybody in the travel agent's van
that our civil rights had just *vaporized* as we crossed the border.

"The train ride back was mostly without incident. Except the bathrooms
got backed up. Just outside of Nogales they stopped the train and
Federales surrounded it. Mexican DEA agents got on board and looked for
drugs. I remember them feeling up my friend's girlfriend. I don't know
why they chose her. There was this hippie jerk on the train making
comments about the *Gestapo*. I remember thinking how stupid he was,
looking over at this agent that had a *cocked* 9mm automatic pistol in
the back of his pants. These folks were serious! I was afraid that he'd
blow his own ass off and the guys outside would open up on the train.

"Funny, after the raid this jeep pulled up and all the Federales put
their guns in it and then rode away on bicycles. I was glad when we got
back to the border. We took a cab to the crossing. There was a sign
that said to state your name and place of birth and what you had to
declare. I remember walking in and proudly stating USA as my place of
birth. The agent didn't even ask to look at my ID, but asked to look in
the big duffel bag I had my telescope in. I had two tank tops, my hat
and my pseudo silver necklace to declare. We were passed through and
had lunch at a McDonalds where I spent the last of my Pesos.

"Once we were on the greyhound going out of town, people were standing
in the aisles. The border patrol stopped it just short of the city
limit and pulled a dozen or so folks off. This one agent asked me where
I was from. I told him Utah. I guess I drawled right, 'cause he moved
on. Once back in Tucson, we picked up the motor home and headed back.
This put us in Phoenix the next afternoon when it was a hundred and
eight degrees. I was glad I wasn't driving. I just lay in the back and
sweated.

"We made a stop in Flagstaff and got a private tour of the Kitt Peak
observatory, as one of the people with us had landed a job there. That
was kind of fun. Anyway, we drove on back up to Salt Lake City, with
Glen Canyon Dam being the only other notable item. That's my whole
trip. I didn't mean to run on like that," John said.

"No, not at all. I found the whole thing fascinating," Muriel said.

"Yes. Quite so. Hard to believe that such conditions exist just south
of our border," Tom said.

"I thought about that. My friend was talking about the abject poverty
that he saw. I told him that I saw *object* poverty instead. Meaning
objectively, not material objects. Of the kids I saw, none were
malnourished, although I'm sure there were some, but that's true in
America. What I saw mostly was people hustling to make a living any way
they could. I mean, in the towns along the train, people would line up
when the train pulled in and sell their goods to the passengers on the
train. There were little food stands set up at every stop selling tacos
and stuff. You'd look over at a shabby old building with a cantina
sign, and there would be a satellite dish along side it. An old Desoto
wagon became a large private taxicab. But in Mazatlan itself, they were
almost all Volkswagen *Things*.

"It was an educational trip. I remember thinking that I could
revolutionize their whole rail system with a handful of PC's. They were
taking tickets by hand. Their seating charts didn't match the tickets
at all. I got separated from my friends and put in a separate car on
the way back. All because they had double booked my seat and the guy
they put in it wore a suit and I didn't. I figured he was paying his
own price," John mused.

"I find the whole story quite entertaining. I never heard it before.
It's quite interesting hearing tales from your *poorer days*," Cindy
said.

"Seconds? There's plenty more," Alice asked. Jimbo took seconds, so did
John -mainly to encourage others to do so- and Steve.

"I might have a bit more of that Taco Salad, if I may," Tom said.

"Certainly," beamed Alice. "Told you it was good, Cindy."

"Yes, Alice. It's delightful. I'll have a bit more of it myself," Cindy
said. John smiled at her, thinking how she became a bit more maternal
towards the younger women almost daily.

"So. Any other interesting things you did or saw? From your *poorer
days*?" Muriel asked, smirking a bit.

"Oh, a couple. I was in a few places few other people get to see. Once
a long time ago I did a stint as a broadcasting engineer at a top 40
radio station. One day the Sr. engineer and I were wondering about the
local power plant. We called up and told them who we were and asked if
they gave tours. They told us to come on down. Instead of the public
tour, we had a personally guided tour from their public relations
director. He gave us the standard tour and then we asked about the
control room. He got permission and we found ourselves in the main grid
room for the whole Western states. The grid was laid out on a giant
wall display that wrapped around the room. Three guys sat at computer
terminals controlling the whole thing. They were a little nervous that
we were there. They were controlling about fifteen *billion* watts of
electricity from those three terminals. I was quite impressed by that.

"Another time I was working in Silicon Valley. A friend of mine from
Salt Lake called me and told me that the astronomical society had
booked time on the big telescope at Lick observatory. It took them two
years to get an appointment. They had a last minute cancellation. He
asked me if I wanted to go up and look through the big telescope *that
night*. I said the same answer I have for every silly question like
that; *sure*.

"It was awesome. That's where I first saw that ring nebula that I
showed you last night. My little scope does nothing for it, believe me.
Up there the eyepiece I was looking in had an aperture of an inch and a
half in diameter. Then we looked at the Trapezium in the Orion Nebula,
which was outstanding. I can barely image a large fuzzy dot in mine.

"But the thing that blew my socks off, was a globular cluster. A
billion razor sharp points of light on a jet black background in the
eyepiece. It was the most incredible thing I ever saw. The operator
gave us a private tour of the installation. It's quite incredible. He
told us of how an airplane out of Moffit Field had hit the building in
bad weather during W.W.II. He said you could still smell the aircraft
fuel in the dirt beneath the building if you dug a bit.

"Other than that, not many places. Oh, a few transmitting facilities in
several states that the public isn't allowed into. But they aren't very
interesting unless you're into technology," John said.

"It sounds like you've led a very diverse and satisfying life," Tom
said.

"It's certainly been diverse," John chuckled. "As for satisfying, not
that much until I won that lottery and then met the girls."

"Girls?" Muriel asked.

"Sorry, now women. I was referring to Theresa and Cindy," John said.

"How old were they when you met?" Muriel asked.

"Theresa was just a month shy of sixteen. Cindy, when she came, was
just sixteen," John said, squeezing Cindy's hand and smiling at
Theresa.

"Well they've certainly grown into remarkable young women," Muriel
said.

"Yes they have. I'm quite proud of both of them. In fact I'm very proud
of all of them. Not a bad heart in the bunch," John said, a bit misty
eyed.

"Starting with your own," Muriel said.

"Oh, I don't know how true that is. I've had my moments. But I've tried
to do what I thought was best for them. Thank god they didn't listen to
me sometimes," John said.

"Yes, well. I suspect this is getting mushier than John feels
comfortable with. Us ladies have some planning to do, so if you will
excuse us," Cindy said.

"Certainly, love. Thank you," John said, squeezing her hand before
releasing it.

"Yes, certainly. Thank you for a very tasty and entertaining lunch,"
Tom said.

"Muriel, Heather and Shannon have volunteered to hold your hand while
Andrea runs the scanner if you'd like to get a start on your wardrobe,"
Cindy said.

"Yes, that sounds... interesting," Muriel said.

"Oh, don't let them scare you. It's funner than they make it sound,"
Cindy giggled. There were knowing nods and giggles from the women
around the table.

"Yes, to my knowledge Sheila's the only one who actually orgasmed while
being scanned," Theresa said.

"I'm not so sure that's encouraging, Theresa," Cindy giggled. She bent
and kissed John deeply then turned and did the same to Muriel and Tom.
Others came by and did the same. Amy and Alice started clearing the
dishes. Nobody said a word when Muriel jumped up and helped. A quick
scrape and rinse then into the dishwasher. Amy and Alice each pulled
Muriel into an embrace and thanked her with a kiss.

All the Second Skin women headed off to their powwow, for which Cindy
had chosen the recreation room. Amy and Alice among them as Judy's
assistants. John and Bill headed off to review the housing project
plans. Tom tagged along. As quite a few women were taking the elevator,
John chose the stairs. They ended up in his office not far down the
hall from the women. Several new items were displayed on John's office
wall. One, his Medal of Freedom, the other, the five dollar bill from
Tom. Tom chuckled.

"Scotch?" John asked. Bill nodded.

"I shouldn't, but a short one," Tom said. John poured three scotches
and added a couple of cubes of ice to each from a small refrigerator.
He handed them out as Bill spread the plans out on John's large oak
desk. He'd added some matching oak filing cabinets and built a large
oak credenza for behind him. A short wing between them held a state of
the art computer. Along the credenza were a flat bed scanner and a
laser printer. John sat in his chair behind his desk and motioned the
others to chairs as he studied the blueprint.

"How's the sewage treatment and recycle plant coming? Did we get in
under the wire on that?" John asked.

Bill looked a bit uncomfortable, but replied simply, "It's covered."

"Perhaps I don't want to be here," Tom mused.

"Nobody here but us chickens. We'll keep it non-specific enough that
you can feign ignorance in good conscience if anybody should ask," John
said, not looking up. Tom smiled.

"So basically, the utilities are in place and the global landscaping is
done. The entire perimeter of the property is fenced and the streets
are in. All that's lacking is the buildings themselves?" John asked.

"Basically yes, some curb and gutter to finish, but the storm sewer is
in place to keep the streets drained. The foundation for the large
common building -the civic center- is in place. Also the landscaping
for the parks and playground. The park's been planted and the
irrigation system is in place," Bill replied.

"So I have a complete community without any buildings," John said,
sitting back and taking a sip of scotch.

"Yup. That's the picture," Bill said.

"Good. Any suggestions?" John asked.

"Not really. I don't know what you have in mind for housing. You were
talking pretty bleak in reference to the city units," Bill said.

"I think it's needed there. But I'd like this a little better. Not
another *projects* fiasco like they had in Chicago. Make them too bleak
and people won't take care of them. I expect these folks to be here
long enough for job training. I'd like them to have some housing they
want to return to in the evening," John said.

"What sort of job training do you have in mind?" Tom asked.

"Well, I'd like to offer associate of science level of computer and
electronics. But I may consider other options. In computers, I think I
want to concentrate on network and LAN management and repair, rather
than data entry. I need to talk to some local universities about
accreditation. I might even convince them to supply some instructors,
if I can convince them that these are motivated people who want to
change their lives. The other area, is employees for Second Skin. Cindy
said she'd be happy to hire some people for that, but we're going to
have to be highly selective about that. The first employee that draws
her fingers uninvited over a bare ass is going to draw a law suit and
drive away a lot of business," John said.

"I can see that. How are you handling that now?" Tom asked.

"One, rigorous pre-screening. Then driving the idea into their heads
that it's a termination offense, first time. Most of Cindy's employees
have been pretty good about that, as they're making a fair amount of
money. I understand they had to let one woman go for making lewd
remarks to customers though. Cindy personally contacted every person
that employee had waited on and informed them of her termination and
apologized. She also threw in a free outfit," John said.

"You say Cindy's employees, I thought Theresa was listed as half
owner?" Tom said.

"Oh, Theresa's always taken a fairly passive role. Cindy likes what
she's doing. At this point neither of them needs to do it for the
money. That's what we hired Sheila for. We weren't wrong about that. I
think this new expansion is going to put them past the half billion a
year mark. Not bad at all for two years from their first salon," John
said.

"No, not bad at all," Tom said, "So how much of that do you get?"

"Five percent. I wanted three, but they wouldn't hear of it," John
said.

"So if they meet that half billion mark, then you get roughly twenty-
five million a year in royalties on the patent?" Tom asked.

"Yeah, roughly," John said.

"I remember when you said you'd have the money to do this housing
project. I was dubious. You'll have that and then some, per year," Bill
chuckled.

"Yeah, that was our first meeting. I guess I probably came off pretty
egotistical," John chuckled.

"A bit. But you convinced me. Nothing wrong with ego if you can back it
up. You did that, with *style*," Bill chuckled.

"I admit you sounded a bit crazy to me when Bill came to me with the
plan. But it was a relatively small investment for such a big potential
return. And as Bill said, you came through with style," Tom said.

"I'm not so sure about the style part. But overall I'm pleased with how
things turned out. I get my housing project. We got Bianca safely away
and put a nasty mother-fucker in jail, hopefully for a long time. I
care less about the other agents. Without someone like Sergei directing
them, they're just loose wheels without an engine," John said.

"Why John, I never heard you use such language," Bill chuckled, looking
at Tom.

"Doesn't mean I don't know it. In some cases only certain terms fit.
That's one of them. I didn't think I would be offending anyone calling
a spade a spade," John said.

"Not me, I well know those terms myself. I think most adults and
probably *every* adolescent knows them too. But I have noticed a
surprising lack of them in the general speech patterns of... the family
here," Tom said.

"I honestly believe a saying I heard from one of my co-workers -a
friend- in California; That '*profanity is the illiterate person's
means of being emphatic*'. I purposefully never use it around the
triplets. They were open minds when they arrived. I think an open mind
is like a sponge. It sucks up everything around it. If you expose kids
to profanity, they will use it. Not that the triplets are kids. But
they were barely beyond when they arrived," John said.

"I appreciate that, and I thank you for that concerning my wife. It's
hard for me to believe that she was illiterate when she arrived here.
Sometimes she can be quite eloquent now," Bill said.

"Yes, you've done a marvelous job educating them. -And not just their
book learning-. That's a good saying about profanity... and it makes
sense. I never thought of it in that manner before," Tom said.

"I try to remain philosophic about words. Words have the meanings we
assign to them. If you believe a word to be offensive, it will be,
every time you hear it. If you take a term, say; grunt-knucker -which I
just made up- and use it in a certain context it will be interpreted as
obscene. e.g. You dirty grunt-knucker. In another context it would have
no such interpretation. e.g. Hand me that grunt-knucker.

"At one time I looked into the origins of the word *fuck*, thinking it
had derived from 'For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge', but that turned out
not to be the case. According to Webster's it was related to the Dutch
word *fokken*, which meant 'to breed (cattle)', or from Middle Dutch;
to push, thrust or copulate, or possibly to the Swedish word *fock*,
meaning penis. It was first noted in print around the 1680's, but my
point is that it's lost most connections to its origins or taken on
different meanings. You couldn't say; *What the penis do you want from
me?* It wouldn't make sense. Nor could you say; *What the copulate do
you want from me?* That wouldn't make sense either. You could say; *Do
you want to copulate?* So it has retained some connection in that
usage, but I think it's taken on entirely new meanings as it's used in
normal street vernacular," John said.

"My, an etymologist as well. Quite a Renaissance man," Tom mused.

"I'm certainly no *Erasmus*. But I do like to keep myself well
rounded," John chuckled, "Anyway, back to the housing project, the
treatment plant is fully completed? or just ... covered?"

"Virtually completed. They're were just finishing up the last of the
machinery installation. You still need to add activating agents and
personnel. The recycle side is fairly automated. You feed random
garbage in one end and get aluminum, steel, glass, plastic and raw
paper out the other end. The organics cycle into the sewage treatment
side. There was a question on the best way to handle the plastics. The
Japanese have a new technique that uses high heat to break them down
and turn them into fuel oil -a concept that I found amusing- but it's
still in its infancy, too many nasty byproducts. Seems when they tried
this before they ended up with a fuel that was too caustic.

"Some bright boy got the idea of throwing in a bucket of lime, which
took care of that. But it's still too new. I want to know how many two
headed kids show up in the neighborhood before I'd go for it. Instead
we used a combination of optics, stretch and shatter characteristics to
separate the different types. The nice part of that, is that you can
help streamline the separation by logging any products you carry in the
*company store* into the recycle system. Each product will have unique
optical characteristics. By pre-scanning the product the computers just
look for known signatures and separate accordingly. The rest goes
through the more exotic testing route," Bill said.

"How do you separate the metals?" John asked.

"Several ways. Variable reluctance to magnetic flux, for one. If it's
conductive, it's probably metal, if it's magnetic, it's probably
ferrous based, most likely steel. You might end up with some new
ceramic magnets that are both magnetic and conductive in with your
steel, but I don't see that as a factor. Only so many people are going
to be throwing exotic headphones away in a given year. The majority of
the process starts by running a magnetic belt over the incoming
garbage. Anything steel is attracted to it and is carried off to the
side.

"Then comes the variable reluctance detectors, pulsing a magnetic field
though the garbage. They had some trouble initially with that. It would
read wet chicken bones as a metal because of the electrical conductive
properties of the marrow inside. It's inductive. But they learned it
had a unique signature so they were able to scan for it and ignore it.
The hardest part is separating the paper from the organics. If it's
hard and doesn't match the optical characteristics of plastic, then
it's maybe glass. There again we use optics. Glass is fairly easy to
spot," Bill said.

"Funny about the chicken bones," John chuckled.

"Yeah, thought you'd get a kick out of that," Bill said.

"So tell me -if I want to know- how long would it take this plant to
pay for itself?" Tom asked.

"Way too long. Well beyond the life of the machinery. But that wasn't
the point. It was a research prototype. The lessons learned building it
will be spread from one end of this country to the other. They'll be
applied where it *does* matter, like where you have to deal with the
garbage of a whole city. That was the point," Bill answered.

"I can see that. Lord knows we need to deal with our garbage and we're
not doing a very good job of it," Tom said.

"Mainly it eliminated a garbage dump here. There was a real problem, in
that the water supply was local ground water," Bill said.

"Speaking of which, are my wells capable of flowing that much water?"
John asked.

"Funny time to ask, no! But the two *new* ones will. We drilled down
three hundred feet and then set off a shape charge to bust the strata,"
Bill said.

"Damn good thing you didn't crack my concrete in the process," John
said.

"I think you'll find your concrete tougher than you take it for," Bill
chuckled.

"I have a *very* good idea how tough it is. I drilled every mounting
point for every bolt holding every girder on every floor. I also
enlarged every opening on every floor and drilled a bunch of holes into
the ventilation shafts. I'll wager they will find a goodly amount of
the stuff in my lungs when they autopsy me, should I die mysteriously.
But it's still concrete and it will still crack. The crack doesn't have
to be a linear path for water seepage," John said.

"Actually, these wells will probably eliminate that problem. They will
lower the water table surrounding the Silo, then it won't matter if it
cracks. Your current wells are two-hundred thirty foot, according to
original construction records. That means that the water table would
have to drop over eighty feet to make them ineffective for your use
here, but then you could just tap into the other system. However, if it
drops twenty-five feet, then the Silo is clear of it," Bill said.

"You are forgiven," John said.

"Thanks, I didn't feel guilty," Bill chuckled.

"Well, I guess we've just about covered things then. You've done a
marvelous job, Bill. I'll be sorry to lose you back to Uncle Sugar,"
John said.

"I'm quite pleased to be gaining him for the homeless program," Tom
said.

"You should be. Pardon me for telling you how to feel," John said,
reigning himself in.

"Not at all. I quite understand his value. He *did* work for me when
this all started, you know," Tom chuckled.

"Yes, I know. But I'm not so certain that chasing spooks was his
strongest attribute, although he was very good at that," John said.

"So what do you consider his strongest attribute?" Tom asked.

"His administrative skills. Much as he likes to bitch about that stuff.
He can walk into a given task and see intuitively what needs to be
done, plan how to do it and then direct the actions to get it done,"
John said.

"As long as the task doesn't involve women. There I'm lost," Bill said.

"Spoken like a married man," John chuckled.

"My point exactly. Theresa probably saved my marriage at Camp David.
Andrea got bored, I mean *seriously* bored. I didn't have a clue how to
deal with it. I mean you can only make love so many times in one day -
at least *I* can only do it so many times in one day. The more things I
tried to suggest to entertain her, the more she got pissed off at me
that she was bored. I finally got her to agree to take a walk. We met
Kevin and Theresa on the trail and Theresa simply said; *talk to him.
He's your husband, find out who he is.* Once we got to talking, things
smoothed right out. She even learned to play Hearts and Gin, and
*liked* it," Bill said.

"You didn't talk before?" John asked.

"Not like this. We talked about things in general, I guess, but nothing
serious," Bill said.

"And now you do?" John asked.

"Yup. In depth. Once she got started it was Annie bar the doors," Bill
chuckled.

"So I guess we're basically done here then," John said.

"What now?" Tom asked.

"Well, I'd like to go view the project, but I don't think the secret
service would like it," John said.

"They'll probably shit sideways, but I want to see it too. If you don't
mind too much, it's a good photo-op too, no, scratch that. I'm not
about to put on a suit and tie till I have to," Tom chuckled.

"I doubt they'd let us take Cindy's land cruiser. I guess it's
helicopter," John said.

"We'll take the land cruiser, they can deploy by helicopter if they
feel the urge. Which they undoubtedly will," Tom chuckled.

"Great, I get to show you Cindy's toy. I had it done for myself, but I
promised one each to her and Theresa for getting their GED's...
speaking of which, I guess I owe one to each of the triplets. Hadn't
thought of that," John said.

"I guess I get to show Andrea how to drive. I'm not looking forward to
that," Bill said, rolling his eyes.

"Probably won't be as bad as you think. They were used to tractors and
stuff from the farm. They should deal with a clutch very well," John
said. They headed down the hall to the recreation room. John stepped in
and asked Cindy if he could borrow her cruiser.

"Of course. Where you going?" she asked.

"Out to look at my little community and check out the sewage treatment
plant.. Care to come?" John asked.

"Naw, definitely sounds like a *guy thing* if I ever heard of one,"
Cindy said, chuckling.

"Where's your keys?" John asked.

"On the rack in the kitchen, where they belong," Cindy chuckled.

"Thanks love, we won't be too long," John said, kissing her cheek.

"You're welcome, have fun. Now where was I? *I guess that covers the
training curriculum. Sally, do you feel comfortable with Moore running
the New York Salon or do you think Jean should stay and ride herd...*?"
Cindy said, turning back to the women. John led Bill and Tom up to the
surface. The secret service alert and waiting when the elevator opened.
John wondered if they watched every movement of the elevator. Of course
they would.

"Pete," Tom said to a secret service agent.

"Yes, Mr. President?" Pete responded before Tom could utter another
word.

"We're going to take a little ride out to John's housing project. You
can ride along with us to put your mind at ease. You can send a squad
ahead to check things out, but it's just open space surrounded by miles
of guarded terrain. The only building is the sewage treatment and
recycle facility, which we will be viewing, so you can check that out
before we get there. I don't want agents crawling all over us while
we're out there," Tom finished.

"Yes, Mr. President. We'll be taking the helicopter?" Pete asked.

"No, we'll be riding in the land cruiser outside here," Tom replied.

"Do you think that's a good idea, Mr. President? It hasn't been checked
out yet," Pete said.

"Lighten up, Pete. I'm having a marvelous relaxing time here. If John
wanted to harm me, then there's much better ways of doing it than
blowing up a vehicle he's riding in," Tom chuckled.

"Yes, Mr. President," Pete said, dejected.

"You can run one of those dogs you've got around it once if you hurry,"
Tom said.

"Thank you, Mr. President," Pete said, talking into his lapel. John led
the way out, much to Pete's discomfort. It was a brisk autumn day. John
backed up and snagged them some Second Skin wind breakers off the coat
rack. Handing one to Tom and Bill. Pete would have to fend for himself.
They walked across the compound and John opened up the storage shack.
He busied himself disconnecting the trickle charger and removing the
dipstick heater while the secret service ran a dog around the vehicle.
Not so much as a *whiff*.

"Would you like to take the wheel, Mr. President? I suspect you don't
get much chance to drive. Especially a vehicle as nice as this," John
asked.

"I'd love to. But you call me Mr. President again while I'm here, and
I'll kick you," Tom chuckled.

"Okay, Tom. Just keeping protocol while we were around others," John
said.

"They work for me -although sometimes it seems the other way- you're my
friend. That applies to you as well while we're here, Bill," Tom said.

"Thanks, Tom," Bill replied. Pete looked uncomfortable.

"There's no room for your Military Liaison, Mr. President," Pete
commented.

"If he must come along, put him in the helicopter with your people. He
can get to me soon enough it he needs," Tom said.

"Yes, Mr. President," Pete said, talking into his lapel again.

"Why do you do that? I know your microphone's in your ear piece like
everybody else's," Tom asked.

"Habit, Mr. President. I've been doing this a while," Pete chuckled,
loosening up a bit.

"Yeah, and knowing you, as a diversion in case we all get kidnapped.
Maybe they'd take your coat and leave your ear piece," Tom chuckled.

"Not a bad idea, Mr. President," Pete said seriously.

"If I suddenly see everybody talking in their lapels, then you'll be
chasing copy machine counterfeiters for the rest of your career," Tom
said.

"Yes, Mr. President," Pete moped. They climbed into the land cruiser
and Tom fired it up. The dual mufflers making a pleasing tone. He
carefully backed out of the shack and then turned towards the gate. The
officer with the *football* ran out and jumped into a helicopter and it
lifted and tipped away, preceding them. John tripped the gate opener as
they approached it. It didn't work.

"I'm sorry, Mr. President. We disabled it," Pete said from the back.

"Why?" Tom asked.

"So we could control any entry, Mr. President," Pete said.

"Well, get it open," Tom said, annoyed.

"Yes, Mr. President." Pete said, talking into his lapel again. Two
agents ran out and unchained the gate and pushed it open. Tom proceeded
through. He gained speed slowly, going through the gears. The Chevy
small block responding to his commands.

"Only thing I don't like about the fuel injection, is the stall in idle
back. I guess they put that in for emission control. A lot of pollution
used to get created when the throttle would slam back between shifts.
Now it idles back slowly. But the result is jerky shifting to those of
us who learned back in the old days and mostly shift subconsciously
now," John commented.

"Thanks, I thought I'd lost my touch," Tom chuckled.

"Took me long enough to figure it out. I thought there was a problem. I
still get jerky shifts myself sometimes. I found it helps if you train
yourself to only lift your accelerator foot up half way," John said.

"Thanks. Other than that, it's really quite a nice vehicle," Tom mused.

"Open it up if you'd like," John said. Tom grinned and put his foot
down. The small block responded and the cruiser sailed up the road. He
took the crest of the small knoll doing seventy. Then backed off a bit
and settled into a very safe sixty-five.

"Right there's the spot where we found Candice and the triplets," John
said.

"How'd you know they were out here?" Tom asked.

"Same way the agents back at the Silo know exactly where we are; road
sensors. There was suddenly a hunk of metal on my road. If they'd hit a
rock off to the side, I would have never known they were here," John
replied.

"So you went out into a blizzard to check out a road sensor reading?"
Tom asked.

"If it had been just one, I might have blown it off, attributing it to
a short caused by the storm. But the adjacent sensors read a little
high too, by just the right amount for it to be a real reading," John
said.

"Excuse me, Sir. But how did you know that? If I may ask? Isn't each
sensor just a trip?" Pete asked.

"I'm an instrumentation specialist. Measurement was my specialty.
Specifically the interaction between instrumentation systems. You can
limit each sensor to just a trip, but that discards a large portion of
the information it's capable of supplying. A trip is a threshold that
you can set when so much of a certain type of information is exceeded.
I looked at the actual linear information using an impedance bridge,"
John replied.

"Which you just happened to have?" Tom asked.

"Yes, a very handy piece of equipment," John said.

"It sounds to me that those women are very lucky to be alive. Had they
not ended up at the location they did, and had it not been someone with
your expertise, understanding, equipment and compassion, then they
would have probably been icicles you discovered in the spring thaw.
Yes, very lucky indeed," Tom mused.

"Kind of makes you want to believe in destiny, doesn't it?" John mused.

"You don't?" Tom asked.

"Not really. I believe in cause and effect. I just realize that in a
very complex system -which the earth and people certainly qualify as-
that statistical improbabilities will arise. In fact must arise by
definition. Somebody has to be involved in them. It was just random
chance that it was me and them. It could just as easily been somebody
else in either case, or not happened at all," John said.

"Well, I for one am grateful that that particular set of conditions
existed at that time. I wouldn't have a wife otherwise," Bill said.

"Yes, I'm also quite pleased about it. The triplets and Candice are
good people," John said.

"I quite agree with that," Tom mused.

"The turn is just up here, Tom," John said, trying to distract him from
further comment while the secret service agent was present. Tom glanced
at him and smiled. In fact the turn was a bit farther. They passed the
distance in silence, then Tom slowed and turned onto the offshoot. A
dirt berm similar to the one surrounding the Silo compound but much
bigger around surrounded the project. The road wound around through the
gap. Inside it was a web of roadways that spoked off a central area.
The area had been terra formed to give it variety and planted with
trees, shrubs and grasses. The roadway led outwards from the other
side, a dirt berm obscuring the sewage and recycle plant. A helicopter
rested atop the berm, its rotor still spinning.

A park surrounded the area, another wrapping itself around a central
civics area. In between, the area was formed like the imprint of two
large concentric donuts. A ring of green in between. The parks had been
seeded with boulders and small hillocks to give them character.

"Nice job, Bill," Tom said, driving slowly through the community.

"Yes, a very nice job," John said.

"Thank you, I had fun," Bill chuckled.

"Fun huh?" Tom chuckled.

"Yeah, I did. See the whole point was to make it look like a massive
housing project to a satellite. It also had to be convincing like a
place that you could attract research scientists to live and work at.
That accounts for the landscaping, layout and greenery. The other thing
was I saw a golden opportunity to road test some new technologies. Any
real bio-research community would have to be pretty much self
sufficient. You couldn't keep a community secret while hauling out
truckloads of garbage or calling in trucks to pump out septic tanks or
fill heating fuel tanks. So I put my heart into designing and building
just such a community.

"The reason that the sewage and recycle facility is completed before
the housing, is because that's the way it would have to be for real.
You'd have to have that in place first before anybody came to live
here. The same holds true for all the utilities and plumbing. We could
have saved a bit on the ruse by laying mock utilities, but not much.
And why not make it a real usable community to serve the homeless.
First off, that was the agreement with John, that we build a real
community. In all truth I expected to complete it. I didn't expect
things to come to a head as fast as they did. I'm a little sad that
they did, because I want to see that this is completed. I believe in
this project," Bill said.

"Well, I can guarantee that it will be completed. Assuming of course
that the Second Skin expansion doesn't blow up in our faces and leave
me with my lottery winnings. I don't think they would be sufficient to
build a whole community very fast. But even if that happens, I intend
to go on. I'll build one house at a time if I have to," John said.

"That's very noble of you, John. But if that happened I think I could
convince congress to fund the project. I believe in it too," Tom said.

"Thank you. Shall we look at this wonder plant?" John asked.

"Sure, how do I get there?" Tom asked.

"Just follow the road around and out the other side," Bill said. Tom
followed his directions and after a few winding turns through the dirt
berms, came upon a large attractive building that sort of blended into
the landscape. Off to one side, a swampy area sat. Now just mud, water
and sparse vegetation, but stretching for quite a distance back towards
the silo.

"Why the swamp?" Tom asked.

"That's not swamp, that's a wetland. It serves the duel purpose of
being the final stage in the sewage treatment process and making an
attractive environment for waterfowl and such. Once the plant starts
pumping nutrients into that area, it will grow like gang busters. When
the water reaches the other end it will be as pure or purer than the
water coming out of the ground and will in fact go back into the ground
to replenish the aquifer," Bill explained.

"How are you maintaining it now? Why doesn't it just drain straight
back into the ground?" John asked.

"One, the whole area was scooped out and lined with a fine grained
clay. Once it's wet it would swell and seal the channel to counteract
that very action. The other, is pumping. The system automatically
maintains a certain level of water in the wetlands. Because the clay is
so efficient a seal, not much is needed to keep it up. It costs you
about ten dollars a day in power to maintain the wetlands. That won't
change much as the community fills up, as the water will just take a
different route but the volume will remain fairly constant. Actually,
right now it's much less than that. The clay trough has a bowl shape to
it to maintain a minimum level in the wetlands. As cool as it is it
costs you about a dollar a day to maintain that minimum. In full summer
that will go up due to evaporation though. In either case, that's a
minimal price to maintain a wetland environment," Bill said.

"Excellent. That will attract migratory birds along the Canadian
flyway," John said.

"It already has attracted some. Not many because it's not a rich
ecosystem yet. It needs the nutrients from the sewage plant to feed it.
We seeded it with some nutrients to get it started, but we didn't want
to import too much alien flora and bio-organisms into the area. That's
usually a bad idea. Just take a look at *Kudzu*. It was initially
imported for highway foliage but it's eating the South. Nothing to
control it. We felt it was better to let the system develop on its own.
What seeding we did was from wet areas from around here. Which I might
add are sparse enough. We couldn't do much without hurting them. We
just took seeding material," Bill explained.

"Again, excellent," John said, as Tom pulled up to the facility.
Several secret service agents were milling around, trying to look busy.
In fact they had already swept the entire facility for bombs,
terrorists and hidden traps. There was an area for a garbage truck to
back into and dump its load. There was a pile of full trash sacks
sitting in the hopper.

"What's that?" John asked, pointing to the garbage.

"To test the system. Real garbage snagged from a sanitary land fill
outside of town. I thought you might like to see the system in action,"
Bill said.

"What about the sacks?" John asked.

"Not a problem," Bill said.

"Let's see the inside," John said. Bill led them on a tour of the
plant.

* * *

Muriel lay panting and on the sofa in the scanning room, her hair moist
with perspiration. Around her lay three other women in similar
conditions.

"You weren't kidding about that machine. I trust that the production
units are nowhere near as stimulating," she said.

"No, nowhere near as stimulating. A little bit though. It still has the
rough resolving wheels, but the fine scan has been converted to
ultrasonic imaging. A pity, but they couldn't have their customers
raping each other in their lobbies," Andrea mused.

"Yes, I can see that. I can't wait to get Tom onto that scanner,"
Muriel chuckled.

"Unfortunately, it doesn't have quite the same effect upon men.
Different erogenous zones I guess. And not much call for the *advanced*
scan that you wanted," Andrea said.

"Yes, I can see that. Not without Gay men around," Muriel said.

"Bill still got pretty excited, but there were a bunch of us around
him. I think part of that was the bondage part. We teased him pretty
badly. I understand from Cindy and Theresa that John got fairly excited
too. But all in all it's not the same thing for men," Andrea said.

"I'll say this, you certainly are learning fast," Heather moaned.

"I've had excellent teachers," Muriel replied, softly running her
fingertips over the stunning actresses body.

"Hard to believe that you were new to loving women when you came here,"
Shannon commented.

"Not completely new to it. Tom doesn't know, but I had some experience
back in college. Nothing like this though. We were just experimenting,"
Muriel said.

"A roommate?" Shannon asked.

"Yes, a couple of them. I still talk to one of them from time to time,
we're still sorta friends. The other got killed in a car crash in her
senior year," Muriel said, sadly.

"I'm sorry. That's a shame," Heather said.

"Yes, but that's life. We lose friends. She was living a little too
wildly. She got drunk and decided she could drive. She wrapped her car
around a power pole. Luckily she only killed herself," Muriel said.

"Yes, John's lectured us on drunk driving. He says that if he'd been
just the slightest bit tipsy that he would have killed Theresa instead
of just bumping her into a ditch," Andrea said.

"John hit Theresa with a car?" Muriel asked.

"Yes, kind of a romantic story. I think she should tell it to you,"
Shannon said.

"I'd love to hear it," Muriel replied.

"Well, I'll get the casting started," Andrea said.

"That will take a while. If you're sufficiently recovered, you're
welcome to join Heather and I in the shower. Then we can come back and
make you some clothes," Shannon said.

"That sounds nice," Muriel said, sitting up.

"Why don't you get that started, Andrea, then come join us," Shannon
said.

"What about Heather's mannequin?" Andrea asked.

"We can cast hers up anytime. We only have Muriel for a short visit. So
we can leave her cast right in the spinner and get a start on her
outfits," Shannon said.

"What cast style? I would assume the headless camouflaged variety?"
Andrea asked.

"Up to you, Muriel," Shannon said.

"I don't understand," Muriel replied.

"Well, you see how real we can make them from that row of stunning
bodies hanging over there. You'll even find one of me there. But in our
salons, we usually cast up a headless mannequin which has sharp
geometric patterns on it that makes it useless for photography. That
way no compromising *pictures* of celebrities show up in the tabloids.
Which style would you like us to make?" Shannon asked. She looked over
at the row of mannequins.

"I see one of every family member there, except Heather. I would be
honored to reside among them," Muriel replied.

"Ditto," Heather replied.

"Okay, full casts, or just exterior?" Andrea asked.

"Full casts?" Muriel asked.

"Complete with the internal scans you wanted made. In fact on most we
put a little heater inside to make it feel more real should one of the
men take a fancy to indulge himself. Usually not, as the real thing is
around," Andrea answered.

"Oh, I see. Yes, full cast please," Muriel said.

"Very trusting of you, Muriel," Shannon commented.

"Isn't that what this is all about?" Muriel asked.

"Yes. That's true," Shannon replied.

"A full cast of me as well. I know Cindy would want one around,"
Heather chuckled.

"I wouldn't mind having a full cast of you around myself. I get to see
you so seldom," Shannon chuckled.

"Take a copy of the disks back with you," Heather said, pulling her
into a kiss.

"Yes, you can take a copy of mine too," Muriel offered.

"I thank you both for your trust, but I don't think that's a good idea.
I'm not always around. I have a staff that I trust, but not *that*
much. There are such things as burglaries too. I think that we should
restrict the copies of both of you to the ones here. I know that they
will be safe," Shannon said.

"Okay, anymore questions?" Cindy asked. There were none. "In that case,
we are adjourned. Looks like were all going to be busy little beavers
for a the next little while," Cindy said.

"Except those going to Europe," Sally giggled.

"No, I'm going to be scoping out locations and such where we can open
salons there. I expect a mountain of paperwork for each location,"
Cindy replied.

"Just kidding, love. Sheila told me you were going to be doing that.
I'm still a bit envious though," Sally said.

"Well then I'll keep you in mind when we open our London salon," Cindy
said.

"That's nice. Paris would be nicer," Sally giggled.

"It would be, but you don't speak French," Cindy chuckled.

"I do, a bit," Jean said.

"I think we need more than just a bit to operate a salon there, but I
see no reason why we couldn't all spend a little time in each
location," Cindy said.

"I'm up for it. *Je t'aime, mon petite*," Mae said.

"Meaning?" Cindy asked.

"Meaning: *I love you and you are my friend, my little one*," Mae
replied.

"You are fluent in French?" Cindy asked.

"*Oui*. Fairly so," Mae replied.

"I'll keep that in mind," Cindy said.

"Wonder how Muriel's and Heather's scanning went?" Sheila mused.

"Undoubtedly like all of ours did. That's one reason why I wanted both
Shannon and Heather there. The other reason was to make Andrea feel
useful. I think she was feeling a bit left out," Cindy said.

"Speaking of which, I think we should put her in charge of the D.C.
salon when we get it open. I think she's ready. It will give her
something to do while Bill's involved during the day," Sheila said.

"Good idea. Not actually in D.C. though, is it?" Cindy asked.

"Heaven's no. One, that would cost too much, two... I wouldn't feel
safe about that. DC's a rough place at night. No, the locations we're
looking at are over in Silver Springs, Maryland. Where all the high end
folks reside," Sheila said.

"Good," said Cindy.

"Wonder how the guy's are getting along?" Candice pondered.

"They were watching football when I passed through to get those notes.
John and the others aren't back yet," Judy replied.

"I have no idea what could be so fascinating about a sewage treatment
and recycle plant," Theresa said.

"Obviously a guy thing," Cindy chuckled.

* * *

Bill switched on the mechanism and the bags started their trek into the
plant. First they were shredded by wire whips, which also separated the
garbage wide along the conveyor belt. Fans blew scraps of paper off to
the side and along another path. The conveyor passed under another
belt, where the steel cans were picked out magnetically. John and Tom
watched the process in fascination. Even Pete the secret service agent
found himself interested. It didn't take very long to reduce the bags
of garbage to piles of recyclable goods in bins. Along the way all was
washed and partially reduced in size. The remaining organics got finely
ground and entered the sewage treatment side. The men viewed the
results. Everything was where it belonged.

"Outstanding!" Tom remarked.

"Yes, excellent. But I think we should leave now," John said, breathing
shallowly.

"Yes, a bit aromatic, I guess. I forgot to turn on the fans. I expected
much worse; those bags have been sitting there for a month. This is as
bad as I expect it to get," Bill said.

"What about keeping the smell away from the community?" John asked.

"Those dirt berms we drove through. We did a study of the prevailing
winds in the area first. Those berms oppose wind flow from the facility
into the community when it blows from this direction. When it blows
from the other, it will actually pull air from the community into this
direction," Bill said.

"That's a neat trick," Tom said.

"Yes, and one we can apply elsewhere. Shall we go?" Bill asked.

"Yes, a good idea," John said. Bill hit the fans on the way out. "You
going to leave them run?" John asked.

"No, they'll kick off automatically in a little while. I figured that
this plant would run at minimal capacity, even when the community is
full. As such there are a lot of automatics. In fact this side can be
set into motion by the arrival of a truck outside dumping a load. As
you can see one operator could easily run the whole thing, and all he
needs do it keep an eye on things. I was thinking that you could
contract recycling services to the surrounding communities for a while.
They truck in their garbage and then haul out recyclable goods. In the
process you get the organics to start feeding your wetlands. There's a
road that runs around so they don't have to truck through the
community," Bill said.

"Good idea. What's the capacity of this plant?" John asked.

"A fair sized community. It would probably support almost fifty
thousand people running full capacity. The nice part is that it's
easily scaled upwards for larger communities. From what we learned
making this, I figure that you could build one large enough to support
a community of half a million for not much more," Bill said.

"How much was this?" Tom asked.

"A sum of money," Bill said, cryptically. Tom nodded.

"Why don't you take the wheel, John. I bet you don't get to drive much
either. From what I understand, you enjoy it too," Tom said.

"Thanks. If I remember how," John said, climbing into the driver's
seat. Bill and Pete climbed in the back, Tom into the shotgun seat. On
the way back he surveyed the landscape. "Nice place for a golf course,"
he commented.

"We don't have quite *that* much water. And I didn't think that the
government would look too favorably towards financing that. However,
there is a section of land off to the side of the wetlands that could
be planted with lawn and would make a nice little course. Drainage
would flow back into the system," Bill chuckled.

"What about landscaping?" John asked.

"*Surprisingly* similar to a golf course, right now it's set up as a
recreational camping area for the community with bike trails. But
someone *could* seed a portion of it for a nice little course," Bill
said.

"I'll have to keep your hidden talents in mind once I get you back to
Washington," Tom chuckled. They arrived back at the compound, shadowed
by the secret service helicopter, and mostly unnoticed, several gun
ships. John caught sight of one in his side mirror.

"Listen, Pete. A bunch of the silo residents are going to be taking a
helicopter ride out by the mountains to look at some property. You
might notify your people. I'd rather they didn't get shot down," John
said.

"I'd like one of our agents to go along," Pete said.

"That, you *won't* be doing. I see no need for it," Tom said.

"Mr. President. They could pick up weapons from a secret cache," Pete
said.

"Lighten up, Pete. These folks are my friends and *I* trust them
implicitly. They might carry a small picnic basket with them that you
can take a look at when they return, *if* you're nice about it," Tom
said.

"I must protest, Mr. President," Pete said.

"Protest all you want. But I won't have these people harassed. That
means no surveillance on them while they're out too," Tom said.

"Yes, Mr. President," Pete said moodily.

"Pete, they're likely to be wearing Second Skin clothing that it would
be *very* difficult concealing any weapons in and not walk funny. I'll
see to it that they let you examine the picnic basket when they return.
Bill's going to be with them anyway. I'm certain that he will vouch for
their behavior," John said.

"Unquestionably," Bill said.

"Yes Sir, thank you Sirs. I'm just trying to do my job," Pete said.

"Well get used to it, 'cause I might be coming back here several times
a year. I'm quite enjoying myself. So is Muriel," Tom said.

"Yes, Mr. President," the agent said. The trip out to the foothills was
a very pleasant outing for those who went along. The other two triplets
tagged along for the ride to help Andrea pick out her piece of
property. This left John, Cindy, Sheila, Shannon, Sally, Jean, Heather,
Tom and Muriel behind. Shannon, Sally and Jean volunteered to make
dinner. Cindy tagged Heather and they slipped off with Tom. Sheila and
John slipped off with Muriel.

"You really are a very talented man," Muriel said, her body glistening
beside him.

"Isn't he, though? I'm quite in love with the fellow," Sheila mused,
her condition not unlike Muriel's.

"I can quite imagine. I understand why all of you are. I'm quite taken
with him myself," Muriel said.

"Yes. We're all quite taken with you and Tom too. I think that you will
find that John can be quite addictive," Sheila said, kissing John's
cheek.

"Awe shucks, it twern't 'nothin," John said.

"The most incredible sexual experience of my life and you say it
*twern't nothing*? I can't even imagine what it was like for Sally and
Judy," Muriel chuckled.

"I did have some very talented help, you know," John said, softly
caressing Muriel as he leaned to kiss Sheila.

"Yes, I thank both of you. I'm grateful to all of you here. Tom and I
have never been closer," Muriel said.

"Glad to be of service. A swim before dinner?" John asked, slipping
from between them and opening the trap door.

"I wouldn't miss the chance to use that," Muriel said, kissing Sheila
before following him.

"Coming, as soon as I can move again," Sheila giggled. John pulled her
by the feet off the bed. She laughed and moved into his arms. Her
giggles faded away as he kissed her softly. Muriel looked on from the
side, but the couple pulled her into their embrace. John guided them to
the trap and they dropped together into the pool. A short time later
Tom, Cindy and Heather joined them in the pool. Tom and Muriel moved
together and hugged each other fiercely. Cindy moved to John and kissed
him tenderly.

"Warms the heart, doesn't it?" Cindy remarked.

"Yes, quite. Have a nice time?" John asked, pulling her onto his lap in
a floating chair.

"Yes, quite nice. He's learning very well," Cindy said, snuggling to
his chest.

"I love you," John said. It took Cindy by surprise. Tears formed in her
eyes as she lifted her head to his lips.

"I will love you forever," she replied. The next two days went like
lightning. Tom and Muriel got much better aquatinted with everybody
they had missed so far. Even Jimbo changed his whole attitude about
things. He and Candice slipped off with Muriel the next afternoon.
Jimbo did his very best to please her. Tom and Muriel's night in the
Lincoln bed was one of the most intimate of their married life. They
spent it alone, together. Trying out the talents they had learned on
each other. They fell in love with each other all over again. But it
was more than that. Now they shared a depth of feeling neither had ever
known before.

When it was time for them to leave, the farewells were tearful. Tom
felt much more relaxed than he had in years on the return trip. Muriel
carried along a complete new wardrobe, a large portion of it bullet
proof. Tom had several new suits that he would come to cherish in the
years to come, also several bullet proof body suits, lighter and much
more comfortable than a standard vest.

The flight back found Jimbo and Scott silently reflecting on the turn
in their lives. Muriel had made a point of saying farewell to each of
them properly before they left the silo. When they arrived back East,
Muriel hugged each of them and whispered; "See you in the hot tub,"
into their ears, then shook their hands.

There were more tearful farewells at the silo after the secret service
departed. The silo residents leaving for the far corners of the country
on various business. Amy and Alice hugged and kissed Andrea tearfully
before her and Bill departed for D.C. The two triplets themselves
departed with Judy. Mae and Candice left for the West coast, Sally,
Jean, Shannon and Heather for the East. Heather going to spend some
time with Shannon at her estate. All that remained at the silo were
John, Cindy, Theresa and Kevin.

They had an intimate dinner between them on the one evening that they
had together. The silo seemed almost deserted. Later Cindy spent the
night with Kevin while John had a session with Theresa in the Lincoln
bedroom, as it would henceforth be called. The next day they departed
for New York where they picked up Catarina and Bianca. They all boarded
a flight for Austria.

Chapter 94

While Catarina and Bianca retained their Austrian citizenship, they
traveled on a special class U.S. Diplomatic passport as a result of
their political asylum. This insured their unhastled reentry into the
United States on their return. John and Cindy traveled under normal
U.S. passports. Cindy's showing a slight shift from her actual date of
birth.

When they landed they were greeted by the Vice-Chancellor and the U.S.
Ambassador. They accepted the hospitality of each for one night
respectively. The Austrian government desiring to monopolize their time
as Catarina and Bianca had become celebrities in their absence. Their
faces had become were well known to the slightly over eight million
residents of the small country. John and Cindy had become just as well
known.

After a night in a castle -which Cindy adored, and dared not tell Sally
about- and a night in the Ambassador's mansion, they managed to obtain
their freedom. Traveling by train to the largely tourist community of
Innsbruck in the state of Tyrol. On the train, total strangers walked
up to them and thanked John for saving Catarina's life. Both Catarina
and Bianca acting as interpreters, as John's high school German was
woefully inadequate. Most of the strangers would shift to broken
English when they learned of John's illiteracy of their language. A
fact that made John feel deficient. He did his best to answer them back
in their own language. This yielded many amusing moments for both the
strangers and Catarina and Bianca. Catarina took pity on him and began
tutoring him in German.

The ride to Innsbruck didn't take very long, as the whole country was
slightly smaller than the state of Maine. The longest part of the
journey was due to the mountainous terrain. Once in Innsbruck, Catarina
and Bianca came alive, acting as tourist guides for John and Cindy.
They took them to many lovely places. Cindy felt like they were still
on their honeymoon. John greatly encouraged this feeling, as he was
attentive and affectionate. They checked into the nicest hotel in town.
John putting both the adjoining rooms on his credit card.

After another stroll around town, during which John purchased a
magnifying glass, a jewelers loupe and some hand tools, Catarina led
them to the warehouse where her things were stored. They spent half an
hour or so, unstacking and unpacking boxes until Catarina discovered
the box containing the Cuckoo Clock her father had given her. They
repacked and restacked the rest of the items and then returned to the
hotel with the clock. John spread out a newspaper on an old coffee
table to protect the finish. He sat on the floor and began examining
the clock.

"This must be hundreds of years old," he commented to Catarina.

"Yes, when I had it appraised, that is what they told me, but they
could not give me an exact date," she replied.

"Well, I have no doubt that it's from at least the eighteenth century,
possibly the seventeenth. I don't know the history of Cuckoo Clocks, so
I couldn't really say. But it's definitely old," John said.

"So that is it's value?" Catarina asked. "It was only appraised for
seven hundred dollars, American."

"Oh, only partially. Do you mind if I take the back off?" John asked.

"No. But please be careful. It is one of my few memento's from my
parents," Catarina replied.

"I shall be as gentle as I can," John replied. Catarina nodded. John
carefully examined the back. There were small wooden pins that held it
in place. Using the tools he purchased, he carefully removed them one
at a time, placing them in a small dish. Once all were removed, he
carefully removed the back, revealing the intricate mechanism. John
examined the back with the magnifying glass and then set it aside,
turning his interest to the inside. He carefully lay it face down on
the paper. Using a penlight he continued his investigation.

"This looks like Russian or Cyrillic. Catarina, do you know these
characters?" John asked, using a small screwdriver as a pointer.
Catarina took the magnifier and examined the area he indicated. John
held a penlight to illuminate the area.

"It appears to be a date, some initials and many numbers. Then one
word," she said.

"What is the date?" John asked.

"Nineteen-fifteen. Perhaps it is not as old as we thought," she mused.

"Maybe. And the initials?" John asked.

"G... E....R," she replied.

"G.E.R?" John said, sitting back, pondering. Slowly a grin spread on
his face.

"You know who this refers to?" Catarina asked.

"Possibly. I think, it refers to: *Gregory Efimovitch Rasputin*. The
date and type of letters would seem to partially confirm that. Also
Sergei's extreme interest," John said.

"Rasputin? The mystic who hung around the Romanoffs?" Catarina asked.
John grinned and nodded.

"What could his possible interest be in a Cuckoo Clock?" Cindy asked.

"Not in the clock itself, in what's in it," John said.

"And what is that?" Cindy asked.

"I'm not certain... yet," John replied. He got a note pad and had
Catarina transcribe the entire inscription. In order it read: *1915 GER
197791-791197*. John took the magnifier and the penlight and continued
his inspection of the interior of the clock. Once, taking the Jeweler's
loupe and examining some small scratches on a gear. Then he carefully
replaced the back and reinserted the wooden pins. He then placed the
clock back in its packing box and replaced the lid. He took the paper
with the inscription on it and put it in his pocket.

"Shall we go have some lunch, before we go see how rich you are?" John
asked.

"Rich?" Catarina asked.

"Yes, if it's what I think it is," John replied, "*Quite* rich."

"What do you think it is?" Cindy asked, dying with curiosity.

"Please allow me a little *Mysticism*," John chuckled, cryptically.

"Okay, play your game," Cindy said. She knew he was up to something.
Something big. She knew him too well. John had Catarina direct them to
the best restaurant in town. There -with Catarina's assistance- he
ordered them an outstanding gourmet meal, adding a *very* expensive
bottle of Champagne.

"Are you going to tell us what this is about?" Cindy chided.

"Nope. Not till after lunch," John replied.

"Let him have his fun. I am content to enjoy your company while I have
it," Catarina said. John toasted her and Bianca with the champagne.
They drank to their good fortune. When the check arrived, John hardly
noticed it, except to add a worthy gratuity for the excellent meal. He
put the whole thing on one of his platinum credit cards.

"And now what?" Cindy asked, once they were outside.

"Now, I would like Catarina and Bianca to direct me to the bank where
their father worked," John said. The women both winced a bit.

"It is important?" Catarina asked.

"I believe so. Yes, very important," John replied.

"We have not set foot in the bank since our parents died," Catarina
said, sadly.

"I know this must be painful for you. But I believe it will be well
worth it," John said, taking her hand.

"Yes. I can see you are serious. Perhaps it is time to face our past
once more," she said, bravely. She guided them to a very old building
in an older part of town. Her and Bianca seemed to be lost in memories
when they entered. With Catarina's assistance, John requested to see
the manager. After a time they were directed into a large office. A
very stoic man in a very conservative suit sat behind a large desk.

"Do you speak English, Sir?" John asked.

"A little. Not very well," the man replied.

"This is Catarina and Bianca Rothschild, whom you may have knowledge
of. Their father used to work for this establishment," John said.

"Yes, I knew him well. A very fine and devoted employee. His death was
a most tragic event. I remember you as little girls. You have my
deepest condolences over your parents death. And you, Sir?" asked the
man.

"I am a friend of theirs. My name is John Stevens, this is my wife
Cindy," John said.

"Very nice to meet you both. My name is Franz Klestil. How may I be of
service to you?" he asked.

"I believe, Sir, that we have the necessary information to access a
very old numbered account," John said.

"I see. May I ask how this information was obtained?" Mr. Klestil
asked.

"It was written inside of an antique," John replied.

"And how was this antique obtained?" the manager asked.

"Is that important?" John asked.

"Perhaps. Mr. Rothschild *was* an employee of this bank," he explained.

"I was told my father purchased the.....antique on a trip to Hungary,
before I was born. Some thirty-five years ago," Catarina replied.

"If the item was legally purchased, which I do not doubt, and could be
authenticated in some manner, then the claim will probably be valid. If
the rest of the information is correct," said the manager.

"As it happens, I do have the receipt. I did not understand why my
father should retain such an item for such a long period of time. But I
did not dispose of it. I have it in storage with his papers," Catarina
replied.

"If you would like to designate an independent scientific laboratory
which could verify the authenticity of the old writing, then I am sure
we would agree to have it analyzed," John added, looking to Catarina.
She nodded.

"If she could produce the receipt of purchase, and the writing could be
observed, then I see no problem. Let us first determine if there is the
need for this. The account may be nonexistent or barren," said the
manager.

"What do you need to know?" John asked.

"On the older numbered accounts, certain safeguards were established.
To protect the identity of the depositor and the account itself from
intrusion. The account therefore had four references. First an account
number, second; a date of deposit -or last deposit-, third; a
verification number and lastly three initials -not necessarily those of
the depositor-. If you have the first, then we may determine the rest,"
said the manager.

John consulted the paper and said, "197791" The manager stood and moved
to an old safe. He opened it and pulled out a file drawer containing
index cards. He thumbed through the cards and found one. He returned to
his desk, and spoke something in German into his intercom. A short time
later three men entered, carrying small metal file trays, with locking
tops. They sat down at an adjacent table and the manager handed the
first the index card. The man unlocked his file and thumbed down to the
number. He looked up and asked something in German.

"He's asking for a confirmation number," Catarina replied.

"791197," John replied. The manager translated. The man wrote a number
on a slip of paper and passed it to the second man. He unlocked his
file and thumbed through it till he located the reference the first had
given him. He looked up and asked something in German.

"The date?" Catarina asked.

"1915," John replied. The manager looked a bit disturbed, but
translated. Catarina nodded over his translation. The man wrote a
reference on a slip of paper and handed it to the third man. He
unlocked his box and thumbed through his file. He looked up and asked a
question in German.

"The initials?" Catarina replied.

"GER... in English," John replied. The manager translated. The third
man looked disturbed.

"Originally they were written in Russian, Whatever the Russian
equivalent is," John said. The manager spoke to the third man, relaying
the information. The third man nodded and wrote down a reference
number. He handed it to the manager and the manager spoke softly into
his intercom. The men sat back and waited.

"It would appear that it is a valid account, and that the access
information is correct. I have called for the file," said the manager.
Catarina and Bianca looked to John, hopefully. Cindy beamed at him. A
man entered the room and walked to the third man, He handed him a large
envelope, yellow with age. The third man examined the markings and
compared it with his reference. He nodded, turned the envelope over and
examined the seal. He showed the seal to the other two men and they
both nodded. The third man then moved and handed the envelope to the
manager. Then the three men stood and left, having locked their boxes
once more. The last man to enter remained. The manager broke the seal
on the envelope under the observation of the last man. He removed some
documents and began to read. He sat back quite suddenly. He passed the
paper to the other man, who read it. He shakily reached for a chair and
sat down.

"I fear, that we shall have to verify the authenticity of the receipt
and have the inscription examined, as there is a considerable amount of
money involved. Also, I am afraid that the account must be handled by
our parent company in Vienna," said the manager, shakily.

"May I ask the particulars of the account?" John asked. The manager
consulted the document and then pulled out a Hewlett Packard-12C
finical calculator. He punched in some figures, he was even more shaky
by the answers. He did some conversions then looked up.

"It appears, that between 1910 and 1915 that approximately *twenty-
million* dollars American was deposited in gold to the account," he
began. Catarina and Bianca both gasped. Catarina jumped up and threw
her arms around John and hugged him. John remained stoic.

"At what rate of interest was it deposited?" he asked.

"Three percent," replied the manager. John broke out in a giant grin.

"How does it feel to be a *Billionairess?*" he asked, Catarina.

"*Billionairess?* I thought he said Twenty-*Million?*" Catarina said.

"Interest. Mr. Klestil, why don't you tell her what the total of your
calculations came to?" John said, grinning.

"Figuring simple interest, over 1.7 billion American dollars. It will
be much more than that once the compound interest is computed," Mr.
Klestil said. Catarina sat down hard. Both Bianca's and Cindy's mouths
hung wide open. John chuckled. For the rest of the afternoon, there was
a constant stream of officials and dignitaries through the office. The
local police were called in and accompanied a *very* shaky Catarina
back to the hotel where she retrieved the Cuckoo Clock. This was
returned to the bank and a team of scientific experts were called in,
under the watchful eye of the local equivalent of a banking
commissioner and Attorney General.

John directed the scientific experts to where the information was
written. They very carefully removed the back of the clock and examined
the writing. A scanner of some sort was brought in and the area
subjected to Positron emissions. The writing was verified to have come
from the period in question.

The police then accompanied the party back to Catarina's storage area.
The police watched carefully as box after box was removed and examined.
Finally Catarina found the correct box. Her hands were shaking more
than just a little as she sorted through the box. Suddenly she stopped.
She sat down on the floor and pulled the receipt out of the box,
breaking into tears. John gently removed the receipt from her fingers
and handed it to the officer in charge. Then he sat down by Catarina
and pulled her to him. She sobbed against him for a long time.

The receipt was subjected to a battery of tests by the scientific
experts. The approximate date supported the stated facts. A phone call
was made and the receipt was faxed to Hungary. The shop was still in
existence, but now run by descendants of the original owner. They faxed
back verification that the handwriting was indeed that of their father.

Duplicates of the documentation were collected by the bank
commissioner, a representative of the home office and the attorney
general, along with the identification information from Catarina and
Bianca's passports. The money belonged to Catarina and Bianca.

Chapter 95

Catarina quivered in John's arms. She hadn't stopped shaking all day.
Bianca was in no better condition. Cindy was being a trouper, but was
more than a little shaken herself.

"How did you know?" Cindy asked, Bianca snuggled to her side.

"Sergei had a very profound interest in both Catarina and Bianca. As
much as he abused them, he was protecting them for some reason. The
evidence pointed to Catarina's father having the key to a very old
fortune," John replied.

"Where did the money come from to start with?" Catarina asked, still
dazed.

"The Romanoffs. Rasputin was a mystic who ingratiated himself with
Alexandria, the wife of Nicolas II, the czar of Russia in the early
part of this century. He probably stashed away gifts given to him -or
extorted by him- from her. He probably put the money away as his little
nest egg," John said.

"Why didn't he take it back out?" Cindy asked.

"Because he was killed in 1916. The Clock was probably among his
possessions. When the czar fell in 1917, and then was shot in 1918, the
clock became part of the possessions of the royal household that got
distributed among the people. Somehow it found its way to Hungary, and
Catarina's father purchased it in the 1960's. I think he took the back
off of it. Funny, probably nobody else but him would have recognized
what the information inside represented," John said.

"You recognized it," Catarina said.

"No, I already suspected it was there. If I had bought the clock
myself, and stumbled upon the information, then I probably would have
taken it for a date of manufacture, or repair. It is quite common for a
clock repairman to inscribe his initials and a date onto a mechanism
that he has worked on. The other numbers I would have mistaken for an
oddly coincidental serial number, or an identifier for a parts
assembly," John said.

"Oddly coincidental?" Cindy asked.

"197791-791197, the last three digits of the first number are a mirror
of the first three. The second number is turned inside out from the
middle. Both the numbers are symmetrical. Just the sort of mumbo jumbo
a mystic like old Rasputin would go for. Numerology was big back in
those days," John said.

"But what do they mean, in numerology?" Cindy asked.

"I don't have a clue about that. Maybe his mother's birthday or some
such tripe. Maybe the number of whiskers on his chin or the number of
fleas in it. Who knows," John chuckled.

"Well, I guess that we've lost a European director," Cindy chuckled.
Catarina looked at her.

"No. Unless you do not want me," she said. Cindy looked flabbergasted.

"You can do anything you want to now. You are rich beyond *anybody's*
wildest dreams!" Cindy said.

"Since I can do anything I wish to, then I wish to do something that I
enjoy. From the time my parents died, I have known no happiness until I
first encountered you people. You brought me and my sister back to
life. You saved us from a life of misery. You have given us great joy.
I would be the biggest fool on earth to turn my back upon that joy
because of money," Catarina said, tears flowing from her eyes.

"That goes for me as well," Bianca said. "Were it not for the love of
your *family*, I would be still be in the throes of drug addiction. If
I were alive at all. I owe you my life and I owe you my love for as
long as I live."

"Neither of you *owes* us anything. Love is not like money. It cannot
be owed. It must be freely given or it loses all the value it
possesses," John said.

"Then since I am a free woman to do as I choose, I choose to give you
my love," Catarina said.

"Ditto," Bianca said, chuckling.

"Bianca, how are you feeling? Is it not time for another treatment?"
Catarina asked, mischievously.

"No........ I am cured. I need no further treatments. Now........ it is
time...... for *love*," she replied, turning to kiss Cindy. Catarina
had tears in her eyes as she turned to do the same to John.

"So tell me about this *Rasputin* guy," Cindy said, much later as she
lay nestled between Bianca and John. Catarina lay sleeping peacefully
on John's other side. Bianca was also sleeping very peacefully. Their
session had been one of the most passionate that any of them had ever
experienced. Seemingly every trick any of them had ever learned had
come into play.

Cindy lay half atop John, her breasts split between his chest and side.
His hand traced idly across her shoulder and back. Cindy was star
struck in love. Her head tilted upwards to observe his face. The touch
of his fingers raising goose bumps on her skin wherever they touched.

"Oh, he was kind of an interesting character. He was born in the
1870's. He lived most of his life in the little village where he was
born. He had no formal education of any type. When he was in his early
thirties, he began traveling around the country as a monk. But he had
an interesting line of bullshit that you wouldn't have expected from
most monks. He purported that one had to sin in order to be forgiven.
As such he traveled around *saving* people by inducing them into all
manner of debauchery. Sometimes in mass by instigating large orgies.

"He had a magnetic personality and was able to weave an air of
mysticism about himself. Somehow he caught the eye of the Czarina. She
brought him into the royal court as an adviser. His presence there
probably contributed greatly to the demise of the Romanoffs, but in
truth, Nicolas himself -the Czar- was never very fond of the guy. He
only tolerated him because of his wife. He turned a blind eye to such
things as the gifts that the Czarina was giving him. He must have
realized something was going on from the sheer volume of the stuff.
Twenty million dollars was a whole shit-load of money back then. It's
still a lot now, but back then that much would have put you up amongst
the Rockefellers. But the Romanov's *owned* Russia, so it's not out of
the question that monetarily they could easily survive the outlay. Just
goes to show how much influence Rasputin really had over the Czarina.

"Not that you could get anybody to admit it, but I strongly suspect
that the orgies continued after old *Raspy* got to court. This probably
pissed the peasants off to no end, 'cause the royalty were having more
fun than them. Rasputin certainly wasn't well liked by everyone. The
manner of his death can attest to that. He was poisoned, shot and then
thrown into a frozen lake. I think it was the Grand Duke Dmitri
Pavlovitch who shot him. At least it was at one of his parties. He was
probably pissed off that Rasputin wasn't dying from the poison they fed
him. He certainly didn't die easily. An autopsy performed on his body
discovered water in his lungs. He died of drowning," John said.

"So basically, he was a con man and a letch?" Cindy asked.

"Yup. In a nutshell," John chuckled.

"Well, darling. You've done it again," Cindy said.

"What? What have I done?" John asked, easily.

"You've made somebody else's dreams come true. You've taken a tragic
situation and turned it into a good thing," Cindy said, kissing his
cheek. She lay her head on his chest, idly playing her fingers through
his sparse chest hair.

"I was just having fun solving a puzzle," John replied.

"Yes, I know. But now what?" she asked.

"I don't understand," John said.

"The problem now, is that you're going to have one hell of a time
topping this," Cindy chuckled. John busted out laughing. He pulled
Cindy atop him and kissed her hard. The sound and their motion stirred
the sleeping women beside them and they were off again into wonderland.

John made inquiries for Catarina and Bianca and obtained the name of
the best, most trustworthy financial law firm in Austria. The women
retained the firm and they began negotiations with the bank for
collection of the account. The reason there were any negotiations, was
because the banking commission was not happy with the fact that the
bank wanted to retain the original three percent interest rate
throughout the entire period of deposit. This by itself would have
resulted in an amount of over two-point-three billion dollars. The
banking commission wanted the bank to pay the equivalent of Austria's
prime interest rate over the duration of the deposit. The lawyers
negotiated around this mark. They negotiated quite well, as John had
insisted that their fee be based upon a percentage of the amount of
increase over the three percent rate. If they didn't get more, they
didn't get a dime. They got seven percent of the gross increase above
that value. Seventy million dollars for each billion obtained.

The lawyers finally got the bank to agree to half a percentage point
behind the prime rate. This still netted the sisters well over eight
billion dollars *after* the lawyers took their fees. Then came the tax
negotiation. (The true reason government had been so enthusiastic over
the sisters obtaining a *fair* interest percentage ) Once again John
insisted that the lawyers fees be based upon a percentage of the
savings, above 50% of the gross. For each woman this worked out to a
little over a billion a piece in taxes. An extremely favorable rate for
a socialistic country. The bottom line for each woman was just over
three billion dollars.

Three *billion* dollars tax free was *way* more than any person could
conceivably spend in a lifetime. Even if one were to make a concerted
effort to squander the fortune. Catarina and Bianca had no such
desires. Once the money was free and clear, her largest single purchase
was to buy back her dress salon... along with the rest of the block. In
fact, the sisters were at a total loss to know what to do with their
money.

At Catarina's request, John made a suggestion. Because the funds had
originally come from Russia, as a measure of good will to the people of
Russia, each woman pledged two billion dollars a piece as the
foundation for a new banking system. This was backed up by matching
funds from the United States, the European Economic Community, The OAS
and to most everybody's surprise, the Japanese. This gave the new
banking system a relatively solid foundation of ten billion dollars.
Not enough to replace the current finical system, but a nice healthy
shot in the arm for the Russian economy. In fact the funds were on
loan. Perhaps at a reduced interest rate, but fairly secure.

In reality, this side stepped the legal question of ownership of the
funds. The Russians could have tied the funds up for years in legal
battles, arguing that they had come from the Romanov's holdings and
therefore belonged rightfully to the people of Russia. The legal
battles may well have squandered the fortune in attorney's fees and
resulted in Catarina and Bianca not getting a thing, or worse yet,
being liable for taxes in Austria over funds they didn't receive. John
pointed all this out to the sisters, so they were quite happy to make
the magnanimous gesture.

Next John suggested that the sisters invest in prime Real estate in the
hearts of London, Paris, Rome, New York and the Monterey Peninsula.
Catarina purchased herself a castle on *Seventeen Mile Drive*, just off
the Pebble Beach Golf course. They had minor holdings in Barbados and
Maui. Next John suggested that they purchase certain valuable works of
art. These became the wards of the most reputable art gallery's around
the world, but on semi-permanent loan, with full ownership retained.
Two-hundred million dollars got spread around the financial markets of
the world. Invested in commodities, stocks, bonds and T-bills. This
left each woman with a paltry hundred million dollars apiece for
spending cash. This resided in high interest accounts in banks spread
over three continents. Not even a world wide depression could have hurt
the sisters after their investments were dispersed. Certainly no single
event could even slightly faze them. In fact as a result of their
investments, within a year their net worth almost doubled.

Bianca made a point of testing herself. She went without sex for a
whole week. She got a little grumpy, but suffered no ill effects from
her addiction. She was indeed fully cured. Afterwards she celebrated
her freedom in an extended session with John, Cindy and Catarina.
Catarina threw herself into the role of European director of Second
Skin Inc. Bianca chose to return to New York and act as manager for the
salon at Shannon's estate. But quite often she was traveling in Europe
assisting her sister in negotiations with governments for establishing
Second Skin salons in the multitudinous nations of Europe.

Mae made inroads in the other direction. Establishing salons in Tokyo,
Singapore, Bangkok, Penang (Malaya), Hong Kong and Rangoon. Judy worked
south. Having a workable Spanish vocabulary. She established salons in
Mexico City, Panama City, Caracas, Bogota, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro,
Buenos Aires, Santiago and Lima.

As part of the Russian new economy, Catarina traveled to Moscow as an
honored guest of the government, to establish a Second Skin salon
there. She was very reticent to return to the country. John and Cindy
accompanied her along with Sheila. In a gesture of good will the
Russian President led them to a hill overlooking Sergie's estate.
Catarina watched with tears flowing from her eyes as bulldozers leveled
the buildings and erased all traces of the landscaping. Afterwards they
began terraforming the area into a new housing community based upon
plans of the community on John's estate. Catarina had declined the
offer of the property for the Second Skin salon, instead making the
suggestion for the housing community.

John's community became a model for welfare reform world wide. Selected
motivated family's and individuals stayed for up to a year and a half
while they attended classes at the University extension. On weekends
the family's biked and camped in the park along the wetlands, or played
golf on the small challenging golf course. Kevin and Theresa built a
very nice house along the foothills not far from the silo. For
immediate neighbors they had Judy and Steve, Candice and Jimbo, Bill
and Andrea and Mae and Scott. After a few years Amy and Jim joined
them. All had White House Weddings.

Tom Wilson was re-elected by a landslide. Because of his actions
concerning both the nation's internal problems, and his foreign affairs
relationships. Russia had become a grateful friend. Trade goods flowed
freely in both directions. Benefiting both economy's. The innovations
pioneered at the housing project waste and recycle facility came into
usage first nationwide, and then world wide. Establishing many new
wetland areas around the globe while dealing with the mountains of
recyclable materials that had previously been squandered into land
fills. Indeed, several plants were established on the edge of existing
land fills and began recycling raw materials back into usage.

Nation wide, the Second Skin empire shot past the half billion mark
like a speeding bullet. It began to level off somewhere over the
billion and a half mark. With salons in operation in all fifty states.
Many with multiple salons. They began to branch out into Men's wear and
the middle class market. World wide, they became established in every
major capitol of the free world.

Theresa, Cindy and Sheila began to quietly buy up newspaper and network
stock. By the time anybody noticed, it was too late. They had control
over a large portion of the news media. Few reporters were inclined to
write scandalous articles about their bosses. Over time they instigated
reports over the ethics of polygamy, polyandry and other forms of
marriage. The Family members contributed heavily to court tests of
existing laws. Within five years time legal reforms were being drafted.
Local governments everywhere in the country began scrambling to deal
with the ramifications of unusual relationships. Insurance companies
had to develop whole new strategies for dealing with dependant
coverage.

The *moral majority* found itself *out financed* in legal battles over
the new laws. Without the backing of the national press, their concerns
fell on dead ears. Eventually even the most conservative states
witnessed major legal reforms over plural marriages and same sex
relationships. Surprisingly, this resulted in a lessening of the crimes
of prostitution, incest and rape. The divorce rate also saw a decline,
but the marriage rate increased.

Largely because of a well run government program, the homeless problem
reversed itself, showing a steady decline. The long term welfare
families found themselves in the uncomfortable positions of having to
go to work to support themselves. Government day care helped free the
parents of large families for work.

All the problems of a nation did not go away. But many were greatly
reduced to manageable levels. There was still the problem of dealing
with the people who could not support themselves. The physically
handicapped and the mentally ill. Second Skin established research
facilities that worked on artificial prosthetics. Combining robotics
technology with computer advances and new plastics technology. They
made custom prosthetics for handicapped people at no charge. John and
Kevin worked on developing a Second Skin arm that could produce a
realistic handshake.

Kevin also prospered as a helicopter pilot for Steve. With all the
commerce that sprung up around the research park that grew on the silo
estate, the helicopter business was good. Even with all the new
construction that took place on the estate, John had no difficulty
maintaining the 50% of natural habitat that he had agreed to when the
land was deeded to him. Indeed, many species of animals saw a comeback
within the boundaries of the silo estate. Mainly because they were
protected from hunting and overgrazing so prevalent elsewhere.

It was after the wave of legal reforms concerning plural marriages that
the silo residents gathered together in a large party at the foothills
of the silo estate. In a ceremony presided over by the Attorney General
of their state and attended by Tom and Muriel Wilson, many high ranking
members of the House and Senate and a surprising number of movie
celebrities, John Stevens repeated his vows to fifteen women. Theresa,
Cindy, Sheila, Candice, Alice, Amy, Andrea, Catarina, Bianca, Sally,
Jean, Shannon, Mae, Judy, and Heather all tearfully and proudly stood
at his side and then kissed him deeply. This was followed by repeat
ceremonies for Bill, Kevin, Scott, Jimbo and Steve. This then was
followed by individual ceremonies between the women.

It took virtually the entire afternoon and into the evening. The
attorney general was hoarse and exhausted by the end of the ordeal.
Even considering the extended duration of the ceremonies, their was no
lack of interest in the guests as each member of the family was married
to each other one. With the exception that the men did not repeat vows
between each other. At the conclusion, each man had fifteen wives. Each
woman had six husbands and fourteen wives.

Afterwards, the party began. There was Champagne, shrimp and lobster
for everybody. There was roast beef -much to Jimbo's delight- smoked
salmon and bass, kalimari, prime rib, roast chicken, roast pork, roast
turkey, baked potatoes, fried tomatoes, parmesan dipped zucchini,
eggplant, yams, sweet potato pie, Taco Salad -at Alice's suggestion-
potato salad, green salad, fruit salad, macaroni seafood salad and
bulgar wheat & tomato salad - at Muriel's suggestion. There was fresh
baked biscuits, sour dough bread, corn bread, whole wheat bread, multi-
grain bread, thyme bread, Rye bread, several varieties of bagels,
unleavened bread and pumpernickel bread. There were six varieties of
coffee, every variety of beer that was palatable, wine from Europe,
California, Southern Utah and Idaho, every soft drink available, every
designer water and black and green tea. Beside this was the best
stocked bar on the planet with a computerized database of every known
mixed drink and a staff that was large enough and well paid enough they
didn't mind making the most exotic requests.

The wedding party lasted for a solid week. During which time the grooms
and all the brides slipped off and consummated the marriage. John did
them all proud the first night. The other men took a bit longer, but
completed the task with style. Each of the women slipped off and
consummated their marriage to each of the other brides as well.

During the party, John slipped off with each of the brides a second
time and informed them of a little secret that instigated a second
session with all of them. Even if all of them didn't accept the offer.
When John had gotten his vasectomy years before, he had first made
several deposits into a jar beforehand.. It had been shipped to a
special laboratory in California in a Dewar's flask of body temperature
saline. There, it had been carefully separated and preserved in liquid
nitrogen ever since. Any of the brides who wished to could be
inseminated with John's seed.


Chapter 96

At Cindy's request, John went in for an operation to attempt to reverse
his vasectomy. It was suggested to the brides that anybody who didn't
desire to get pregnant, should probably have their tubes tied. Sheila
chose this option because of her age, Judy chose it for reasons of
personal preference. Because of Steve's vasectomy she chose not to have
any children. Mae chose this option as well, also because of age. As
did Jean.

Cindy, Theresa, Alice, Amy, Sally, Candice and Heather made the choice
to have themselves inseminated. Surprisingly all the procedures were
successful. This was followed by the natural conception of Andrea by
Bill. It was an interesting time at the silo with eight pregnant women
around. The women all swelled to seemingly gigantic proportions, even
the triplets. John's seed producing unusually large children.

John and the rest of the men and women made the expectant mothers all
feel that they were still attractive, making love to them up to the
minute that the doctors denied them further intercourse, and then
anything that would induce abdominal contractions. Even so emotions
were on the ragged edge by the time the ninth month rolled around.

Due to their small body dimensions -which got considerably bigger on
the top- and the concealed fact of multiple conceptions, the triplets
were first to deliver by Caesarian Section. Alice being the first. John
was in an utter state of shock when he learned of his twin daughters;
named Amy and Andrea. Amy came next and presented him with three sons;
named Scott, Jim and Steve. Bill started to get very nervous, but
Andrea presented him with a large healthy baby girl; named Alice.

Theresa was the first to contract natural labor pains. She presented
John with a son; named Kevin. She was followed in quick succession by
Heather, Candice and Sally, who each presented him with daughters;
named Cindy, Mae and Theresa respectively. Cindy came last, two weeks
overdue. The doctors about to put their foot down about her multiple
conception that she had hidden from John. She chose to deliver
naturally, much to her doctor's dismay and over John's very verbal and
repeated protests. She presented John with both a daughter and a son.
It almost cost her, her life. It did cost her the chance for future
children.

Through each child birth, John patiently held the women's hands as they
alternately shifted between vows of eternal love and calling him a *low
down dirty son of a bitch!* In the end all returned to their vows of
eternal love. John spent two days sitting by Cindy's bedside holding
her hand until the doctors were well satisfied that she would pull
through. He didn't want to leave then, but Sheila dragged him away
promising that she would not be unattended by her family. She held him
tenderly in her arms at a nearby hotel as he passed out from
exhaustion. Continuing to hold him and gently caress him as he slept.
Indeed, the vigil at the hospital was taken up by Catarina, Bianca and
Shannon in shifts.

John was back in twelve hours, having slept for eleven of them. Sheila
wouldn't let him return until he ate some breakfast. He was there when
Cindy regained consciousness. She suddenly squeezed his hand and opened
her eyes to look at him.

"Hey you.. Have we met?" she asked groggily. John smiled at her and
held up his ring finger, now adorned with a single gold band adorned
with fifteen emeralds. "Oh, you're married. Such a pity as you're such
a handsome gentleman," she said.

"To you. First, remember? The White House and the Lincoln Bedroom? Our
vows were read by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?" John said.

"Oh, yeah. That really happened? I thought it was a dream," Cindy said,
trying to smile.

"Every day since I met you has been like that for me......... Why did
you have to go and pull that fool stunt? I could have lost you," John
asked, tears rolling down his cheeks. Cindy slipped her hand out of his
and caught one on her finger, moving it to her lips. She smiled at him
and held his hand again.

"I wanted to know what it was like to give birth to your children," she
said.

"Well you almost killed yourself doing it... The doctors say you ...
can't have any more," John said, tears rolling down his cheeks. Cindy
smiled at him.

"That's okay, two was enough," she said, trying to chuckle. She winced
a bit and the doctor stepped in.

"Okay, that's enough excitement for now. She'll be fine, but she needs
to sleep," he said.

"Guess I've got to go. You get better. I love you," John said.

"..and I will love you forever. Can I have a kiss?" Cindy asked.
Despite the tubes leading from her nose, John bent and softly kissed
her lips. She slipped her tongue between their lips and then withdrew
it. John kissed her forehead and then withdrew. She was smiling at him.
Cindy was back asleep before he left he room. He didn't go far. Down
the hall to see his multiple children and other brides. The last just
getting out, the rest cycling in one at a time. At their request, the
other mothers were alternating breast feeding Cindy's children with
their own. Sometimes two at a time.

"Have you decided what to name these two darling children?" Theresa
asked, one on each of her enlarged breasts.

"I want to let Cindy choose," John replied, kissing her softly and then
each of his children on the forehead.

"Well, It's a good thing I'm producing lots of milk. Cause they sure
are hungry little darlings. You need to teach the boy the difference
between nibbling and biting though. I know *you* know the difference,"
she chuckled.

"Hard to believe I'm the father of eleven babies and godfather to
another, all within three weeks," John said.

"Well, if you didn't make such good little swimmers and pick on
innocent triplets it would have been fewer. Besides, I know for a fact
that you deserve around a thousand if you compare the normal man's sex
life with the number of children he has," Theresa chuckled.

"There is that. I'm just a little bit disappointed that none of you
conceived naturally.... from me I mean," John said.

"Yeah, but I don't mind. You've been in me often enough that I could
easily imagine how it would feel. Dandy little idea you had leaving a
sample in that bottle. No wonder it took you so long when you had your
tubes clipped. I'm amazed that you had any left for the bottle, as
active as we were then," Theresa chuckled.

"I might not have had any if it hadn't been the start of your period,"
John said, remembering.

"Considering that you probably whacked off twice in the doctor's
office, you did incredibly well later on," Theresa said.

"You were inspiring. Even in the doctor's office I was thinking of that
hot little body of yours," John said, kissing her softly again.

"Were you now? Well, it's not so little anymore," she said, looking
down at her enlarged breasts.

"And you've never looked sexier," John said.

"You can save your fibs for the triplets. I've heard your pirate story.
But I'm content. These things won't always be so humungous. The doctors
say I will get my shape back soon enough. Mostly due to your penchant
for fitness and that pool you and I built," Theresa chuckled.

"Think what you will, I think you're sexy at this moment. I'm looking
forward to a taste of that stuff myself. I'm certain that Kevin is
too," John said.

"Which one?" Theresa giggled.

"Looks to me like you handle two at once just fine," John chuckled.
Theresa chuckled and then turned back to him.

"Well, I know you have other visits to make. See you back at the silo,"
she said.

"I love you," he said.

"..and I love you. Now scoot," she said, puckering up. John accepted
the kiss, which was warm and full. Halfway through Theresa yelped a
bit. "Alright. Your father was just sampling. No need to get jealous,"
she said to the boy. That night John held each of his other children
and talked to them. For some reason they seemed to find his voice
soothing. Each was out like a light. He was almost there himself when
Amy slipped in and retrieved little Jimmy. Sheila led him to bed and
snuggled to his side. The next day Cindy was showing noticeable
improvement when John walked in. She was considerably less pale. She
was arguing with the nurse over what she could have for breakfast.

"Leave the poor girl be. Doctor says yuck food for two more days or
you'll pop your stitches. I would have thought that you'd still be full
from the wedding though," John chuckled.

"Which one?" Cindy asked, reaching for him.

"The last one. The food was okay at the first, but lacking in
quantity," John said, taking her hands and leaning to kiss her. She
balked a bit.

"They won't let me brush my teeth either," she said, glaring at the
nurse.

"So, first wife and dearest heart of mine, have you thought about what
to name our children besides *hey you, one* and *two*?" John asked.

"Yes, actually. But I'm not so sure you'll like it," Cindy said,
squeezing his hand.

"At this point I'm ready for anything. What? Poindexter and Cleopatra?"
John teased.

"No, I was thinking of Tom and Muriel," Cindy said, "But I quite like
Poindexter and Cleopatra," she chuckled.

"Tom and Muriel? I like that. We can call them Poindexter and Cleopatra
as nick names," John said.

"Not disappointed about not naming the boy John?" she asked.

"No, not when it would break up such a nice set of names. I suspect
that one of ... I mean, that I don't think the others ..." he stalled.

"Darling. I meant it when I said that two were enough for me. It
doesn't bother me at all that I can't have any more children. I never
expected to be able to have these two. I'm just thrilled to death about
them," Cindy said, squeezing his hand.

"I didn't know if you would remember that I said that. You almost were
*thrilled to death*," John said, getting misty eyed.

"Oh, don't go getting maudlin on me. I made it. I'm not going anywhere.
You're going to have to forcibly throw me out to keep me away. I told
you that once before," Cindy said.

"Alright. What I was going to say, is that I don't think the others are
through having kids yet. One of them may hang my moniker on some
unsuspecting baby yet," John said.

"Yeah, that's why I thought it would be okay to name them Tom and
Muriel. Have you seen them?" Cindy asked.

"Not since the wedding," John answered.

"Not the President and First Lady, silly! I was talking about our
children," Cindy chuckled.

"Yes, they're lovely. At least the girl. She looks like her Ma. I'm
afraid the boy is going to look like his old man," John said.

"Much worse than that could have happened. He could have ended up
resembling my father. Oh, good. Food!" Cindy said, as the nurse brought
in a tray. She set it down and Cindy looked at it. Cream of wheat with
skim milk, dry toast and filtered orange juice. "Yuck. I'd kill for a
Monte Cristo or a bagel with sun dried tomato cream cheese," she said.

"Be nice to the girl. She's only delivering the stuff," John said,
observing the nurse.

"Kind of cute, really. Want me to see if I can line you up?" Cindy
chuckled.

"No dear, my heart's stretched about as far as it can go. I have to
leave some headroom for the kids," John said.

"And two others. Well, one anyway. I'll take care of the other," Cindy
said.

"What, dear heart, are you talking about?" John asked. Cindy waited
till the nurse left, watching her cute backside retreat.

"Tom and Muriel. I think they would very much like to join us when
Tom's term is up," she said.

"I have no objection to that. We can probably use the baby sitters.
Speaking of which, have *you* seen our children?" John asked.

"Yes, love. *I* think they are *both* adorable. They let me see them
for a bit before Andrea and Candice came in to feed them. Little Tom's
getting exposed to so many nipples he'll probably turn out just like
his father," Cindy chuckled.

"Muriel's getting exposed to the same variety. She may well turn out
like her mother," John said.

"Not for the same reason she won't. I have no objection to her leaning
in that direction, but if she does so, it will be from a *natural*
inclination. She won't ever have to tolerate the shit I had to put up
with," Cindy said, sadly.

"I didn't think of that. I'm sorry," John said.

"No need. For one, I know that I won't ever have to worry about that
from you. If for no other reason than mommy dearest and her co-wives
are going to be keeping you well distracted when little Muriel come of
age. But I know I wouldn't have to worry about that anyway. She'd have
to rape you in your sleep to get you involved in that," Cindy chuckled.

"That has happened before you know...." John said, but then more
seriously, "I don't know what makes people do that sort of thing. Abuse
their children I mean."

"I couldn't say. My father never got around to explaining it before I
got the hell out. You and Theresa took me away from that and I have no
desire to go ask him now," Cindy said.

"I can understand that. I'm putting together a class on ethics for the
extension. Would you like to contribute?" John asked.

"Yes, dear heart. Anything that could help even one child avoid that
kind of hell I'd be glad to do what I can for," Cindy said.

"Hard to believe that I'm the father of eleven and the godfather of
another," John said, wearily. "Theresa attributed it to good swimmers
and the triplets. I don't understand you having two, though. Twins
don't run in my family."

"I didn't know they ran in mine. Maybe I'll do some genealogy when I
get out of here and find out where they came from," Cindy said.

"That's a good idea. In fact I'd like to do full genealogy searches for
everybody. So the kids can know exactly what their heritage is. It
might tend to get blurred with as large as our family is," John said.

"They won't be too pleased with my side of the family," Cindy said.

"I think they will be quite pleased. One bad generation doesn't spoil
things for all succeeding ones. Just take a look at you. Any child
should be proud to have you as a mother. You're smart and compassionate
and lovely. Even if your parents were a null, you got that from
somewhere," John said.

"You know darling, if I wouldn't pop a dozen stitches, I'd drag you
right into this bed with me. I'm horny as hell anyway. But as soon as
the doctor says it's cool, I want my own marathon with you," Cindy
said, pulling him to her so she could kiss his cheek.

"Deal," John said, kissing her cheek tenderly. The doctor came in.

"Okay, you two are way too hungry to be around each other any longer
today. Mr. Stevens, I know you have several other wives to go home to.
Mrs. Stevens, you are just going to have to be patient. I should have
made them stitches out of stainless steel thread," he said, chuckling.

"Patience hell, I'm gonna kill something," Cindy teased.

"That might be yourself if you got any bright ideas about dragging him
into bed with you," he said, lifting the bandage on her abdomen where
they had to go in to stop the hemorrhaging. "This is looking a bit
better. But you haven't touched your breakfast," he said.

"Yuck food. I'd kill for a bagel or a Monte Cristo," Cindy said.

"Tell you what. You eat the yuck stuff today and I'll see about a bagel
tomorrow. Maybe the Monte Cristo the next day. Okay?" he said.

"Deal," Cindy said, taking a spoonful of Cream of Wheat.

"And the other part of the bargain. You reign in your desires and be a
good girl for three weeks and then I'll allow you a mild orgasm. ONE A
DAY. If you live with that, then we'll have you back to those Spanish
spurs in a month and a half," said the doctor.

"Three weeks? I'll die! And a month and a half before I'm up to speed?"
Cindy complained.

"My dear Mrs. Stevens. It may well be news to you that you wouldn't
die. There are many, many women out there who have never experienced an
orgasm, *ever*. You are one of the lucky ones, but the fact is that you
deserve what you got. You refused a Caesarian which would have had you
back in the saddle in two weeks. So don't give me any more lip. You
still here? I told you to scoot," the doctor said, turning to John.

"Just leaving," John said, chuckling as he stood. He kissed Cindy on
the cheek, squoze her hand and departed.

"Tell you what. I'll be good if you let me brush my teeth. Then at
least I can get kissed properly," Cindy said.

"Deal, if you let the nurse chaperone you. I don't trust you," said the
doctor.

"I haven't minded being watched for a long, long time," Cindy chuckled,
forcing herself to take another teaspoon of cereal. Between visits to
the hospital, John was busy either holding babies or making
modifications to the silo to make it safer for children. He installed
locks on all the trap doors and even an electric catch on the trap down
into the pool with a closing mechanism that would swing it shut after
somebody used it.

The time passed quickly. They let Cindy feed her children after four
days, mostly so that she wouldn't dry up. Even so a nurse had to watch
the process and help hold them. Cindy stayed hungry. Not for food. She
got her bagel - without the cream cheese- and eventually her Monte
Cristo. The nurses got used to her suggestive remarks. Some were
actually scandalized by them, others actually found them flattering.
None however took her up on them.

By the end of three weeks she was ready to climb the walls. The doctor
reluctantly turned her loose. Admonishing her to take it easy. She
thought herself ready for the Spanish spurs, but John followed the
doctor's suggestions to the letter. As gently as he knew how he prodded
her over the edge of her first orgasm. Cindy felt like a chainsaw had
been taken to her gut. A quick trip in Steve's helicopter with Kevin at
the controls found her back at the hospital being examined. The doctor
pronounced her okay, if less enthusiastic about pushing the limits he
had placed on her.

After that she faithfully followed his recommended regime of light
exercise, a short swim floating on her back and lots of bed rest every
day. The next time John dared give her an orgasm, it was just minorly
uncomfortable. She continued the regime and within another two weeks
she was back to enjoying them. Two weeks later her doctor gave her
permission to try gentle intercourse. She was well ready.

In the meantime the others were well back up to speed. If anything,
they were hungrier than ever. After being informed of the names, Tom
and Muriel had come to visit the children. Muriel had stayed on for two
weeks, helping out. She really got to feel like one of the family when
she volunteered and was granted the freedom to do a load of diapers.
The others chuckled over this, but didn't tease her about it.

Muriel was happy to supply Sally with her first orgasm after her return
from the hospital. Followed by Heather. Amy and Alice supplied each
other their first. The rest were dealt with by their respective
husbands. John was trying to cover all bases while still being
attentive to Cindy. He was one night behind Muriel on the two women.
And a couple behind the two triplets. Bill and the others more than
took up the slack. Although they too were busy being fathers, besides
their day jobs, all of which took them away. Some for several days at a
time.

Poor Sheila and Judy were left to run the Second Skin empire on their
own. Except that Bianca took over many of the tasks. Mae and Catarina
handled the foreign business. Shannon was quite happy to jump in an
lend a hand most of the time, but in fact she spent a great deal of her
time at the silo helping Muriel spell-off the new mothers.

Cindy arranged for them to watch her children for a night and John
found himself booked into the Lincoln bedroom. She was nervous as a new
virgin bride. John was as gentle and caring as he had ever been. She
felt some discomfort physically, but not enough to curb her desire. Her
first orgasm from intercourse left her exhausted and happy, but a bit
concerned.

"I'm sorry I'm not as tight, love," she said, snuggled to John's side.

"I beg your pardon?" he said.

"I'm sorry I'm not as tight as I used to be," she said. John laughed.
"What?" she asked.

"It's funny you should say that. That doctor of yours got a little
enthusiastic in his stitching. You're tighter than you ever were. I was
afraid I was going to rip you again," John chuckled.

"So you still enjoy making love to me?" she asked. John sobered
quickly.

"Darling. I have never enjoyed it more. I have never loved you more
than I do at this moment. I am the happiest man on the planet," he
said, solemnly. Tears sprung from Cindy's eyes suddenly. She wept
against him and hugged him like she was trying to pull herself inside
of him.

"So we can do it again?" she managed after she was still again.

"Yes, love. Our favorite way. I want to look into your eyes," John
said, pulling her atop him. Their orgasm when it came was profound.
Cindy shuddered atop him as she gazed into his eyes and felt his seed
enter her. She lay atop him and hugged him as he gently caressed her
body. No longer the teenager that he had once known. A fully grown and
mature woman. His wife.

"I will love you forever," she said.

"As I will love you forever," he replied.

Chapter 97

The next interval of time seemed to pass like wild fire for the silo
residents. The children grew like bean sprouts. It seemed that the
proud parents hardly blinked before the kids were running around on
their search and destroy missions.

John did his best to keep up with all of them. Each night he would make
the rounds and read a bit to them. Whether or not they understood, they
seemed to find his voice soothing. It never failed to put them out
cold. John tried to spread himself fairly between the women who didn't
have other husbands, or who's husbands were away on extended business
like Candice and Andrea.

In the meantime the mothers spelled each other off. Spending nights
together and sharing mothering duties during the day so one could slip
off for a swim or sauna. The treadmill got he least use, with all the
running they did to keep up with the children. Tom's term in office
ended. He and Muriel moved to the silo full time. The secret service
had an easy task of patrolling the outside of the silo. They weren't
allowed inside. John had a house built for them just outside the
original silo compound. Tom gave John a little bit of a break in the
fathering business. Surprisingly, he was very good at it. Muriel became
*Aunt Mur *to all the children. Tom reluctantly became *Uncle Tom*.

The children seemed to sort out and keep order between all the
interpersonal relationships. John was first *Daddy* and later *Dad* to
those children he had fathered. Little Mae seemed not the slightest
confused as she called John; *Papa John* and Jimbo; *Daddy Jim*. The
rest were *Uncle* or *Aunt* whatever. The only part that seemed at all
confusing, was that the children were all brothers and sisters, yet had
different mothers.

John began to wear down. He was now over fifty. Bill turned the
government homeless program over to his assistant -as the new
administration wasn't all that fond of him anyway- and took over John's
homeless program. Which was much easier on his married life as it was
just down the road and virtually ran itself. His presence at the silo
helped lighten John's load a bit. But John still showed signs of
wearing down. Cindy suggested that he take a break.

On a whim, he decided to complete his driving tour of the country. This
gave each of the mothers a break too, as the other wives would take
turns watching their children or child while they would join John on
the road for two weeks at a time. Even the Second Skin hierarchy began
to take breaks with him, as they were showing signs of running down.
John suggested to Cindy, Theresa and Sheila that they think about
selling off the business to the individual salons. The idea was well
received. All three now had more money socked away than they could ever
begin to think about spending. In fact, everybody was ready to take a
break.

Catarina and Bianca desired to spend more time around the children and
with John. So did Mae. As a means of supplying a local get away, John
supplied everybody with their own parcel of land by the mountains.
Meanwhile he continued his travels on the road, flying in every other
weekend so the children wouldn't forget him.

Catarina and Bianca spent a month with him on the road. A couple of
weeks later they discovered that John's vasectomy reversal hadn't been
entirely a failure. Rather than tell John about it right away, Alice,
Heather and Sally booked time with him in quick succession for two week
intervals. Candice, Theresa and Andrea all conceived from their other
husbands.

When John discovered he had additional children on the way, he was back
at the doctor's office in no time flat getting his tubes cut again.
Again he left a sample in a jar, a large one. But he was unsure of the
reason. He certainly didn't want to have any more children. Later,
Jimbo, Scott, Kevin and Bill followed his example. Steve already had
one. Tom went along just in case. A zero count being a more reliable
form of birth control than a low one.

Catarina had a boy; named John. Bianca had a girl; named Sheila.
Heather had a girl; named Judy. Sally had a girl; named Shannon. Alice
had a boy; named Bill. Candice, Theresa and Andrea all had girls. Which
was pure luck, but which filled out the roster with; Jean, Heather,
Catarina and Bianca as Andrea delivered twins, C-section again, the
others naturally.

John spent another five nights in the hospital holding hands and
another three anxiously waiting. He fathered five more children of his
own, and became godfather to another four. Making a total of twenty-one
children at the silo. The houses by the mountains helped this problem
considerably as they got older.

Somehow, the driving trip across the country never got completed. He
still worked at it though. A couple of years later he was driving down
the road when he happened to pull into the same gas station /
convenience market where he had purchased his lottery ticket. He set
the nozzle to fill his tank. Cindy was in the back, taking a nap.
Stretching, he thought he would restock his soda supply in his well
stocked motor home. The Maserati hooked to the back had a full tank of
gas already. He didn't need the bathroom as there was a fully
functional one in the motor home. Once the nozzle clicked full on his
tank, he made his way into the market. To his great surprise, the same
woman was behind the counter, now somewhat older.

"Didn't expect to find you here," John joked, stocking up on soda cans.
The woman looked at him carefully. Recognition seemed to dawn on her
face.

"You're the guy I sold that fourteen million dollar lottery ticket to!"
she gasped.

"That be me," chuckled John, setting his purchases down. The woman rang
them and the gas up and this time supplied him with a sack for the
sodas. John flipped out his platinum credit card.

"Don't see one of them very often," she mused.

"It's handy," John said. The woman ran his card and John signed the
ticket.

He was about to leave when the woman said, "Gosh, fourteen million
bucks, you'd think you'd give me a tip." John stopped and looked at
her.

"Alright. The last time I was here, you wouldn't give me the time of
day. So here's my tip; Next time a stranger walks in, don't be so damn
snooty," John said, and walked out. The woman watched him go, her mouth
open and speechless. John climbed into the motor home and Cindy came
out to join him. She put her arms around him and gave him a big kiss.
John was chuckling to himself.

"What?" Cindy asked.

"Oh, nothing. It just occurred to me that I have kids we haven't taken
fishing yet. What say we go home?" he asked.

"Fine by me. Anyplace is fine as long as I'm with you," Cindy replied.

"There's a rest stop down the road apiece, how about a little loving
first?" he asked. Cindy smiled radiantly at him. She pulled him into a
gentle kiss.

"I will love you forever," she said.


The End