Page 17 of Meaner Than Evil

As I follow him through the halls, I hope they were able to rest and will take the update well.

Douglas stops just outside the kitchen and waves me in. When I step through, I’m surprised. Bette is dressed to kill in a pale blue jacket and skirt, and Banks is wearing a dark navy suit vest and slacks. His suit coat is lying over the back of one of the ten chairs at the table where they are having coffee.

Despite the bags under her eyes, Bette’s makeup is spot on, and she stands when I enter. “Good morning, Jack. Is there any news?” Her voice is shaky.

“Yes, ma’am. Logan was taken to a house in the Hampton’s.”

“Oh, thank god! She’s still in the States.”

“The rest of my team is en route and will arrive in two hours. We are going to set up closer to the house. I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information on the mission.”

Banks asks, “Are they going to ….”

“Auction her?”

He nods.

“Yes, sir, but don’t worry. I’m going to buy her.”

“Whatever money you need, you have.”

I smile. “It’s all crypto-currency. We’ll just create an account.”

He nods.

“But I will need an expensive suit if you can hook me up with a tailor.”

Bette answers. “Of course. I’ll call and have Duane come out to take your measurements. When will you need it?”

“The auction is tonight at midnight.”

“Oh my!” Bette’s hand goes to her heart. Banks reassures her, “That’s good news, dear.”

She reaches for her cell phone and dials.

Banks looks at me, then steps close enough to speak without Bette hearing, turns his back to her, and cuts his eyes at me, and asks, “Right?”

I look at the coffee cup he’s holding, lower my voice, and answer. “Yes, sir. It’s good news in that she won’t be there long.”

He nods, reassured, then asks in a normal tone, “Would you like a cup of coffee, Jack?”

“Yes, please.”

He walks to the counter to pour my cup as Bette wraps up her conversation. He asks, “How do you like it?’

I smile. “Black, of course.”

He smiles at my humor, “Of course.” Then he brings my cup to me.

Bette announces as I take it and thank him. “Duane says he can meet you at his shop, and he will personally outfit you. He guarantees you’ll be dressed to kill by ten tonight.”

I smirk. “Suit or no suit, ma’am. Rest assured, I’m going to be dressed to kill tonight.”

Her eyes search mine, and I see her belief, then the strength it gives her.

* * *

An hour later, I’m doing something I never thought I would do. I’m standing stripped down to my briefs on a pedestal with my arms held straight out to my side, shoulder high, as a strange man puts his hands all over me.

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